A/N:
navyfield90: Calmly now mate, that was rather uncalled for. I appreciate the support, but let's keep the reviews and banter polite. As for logistics, more research needs to be done, but each country will have their own way, mostly aerial delivery as South Sudan is landlocked.
Hellisonfire345: ...we shall see…
dovah-keen01: I am planning on mixing in different countries' equipment that line up with the time of Rome; different civilizations were in the area as well. Chinese influence is just the first to come, with Italica the only one with a slight influence as only a small amount of contact with the Chinese was made by the Romans. Just to make things more interesting.
Dave (Guest): I'm not sure yet, to be honest, I'm not too into mainstream or other animes so I got no references to add for a full on otaku Itami. I might make him a gamer shut-in with For Honor references, then again, I might just make him a badass. Who knows, gimme some advice. Also, I'm going to name Guests from now on. I mean come on guys, do you not have emails or something. So you're Dave...or Bob, maybe Trisa. Meh, I'll figure it out.
Bob (Guest): The Philippines being in Liberia, which is across the continent from South Sudan, still doesn't mean they would be deployed. The point is that they weren't stationed in the country. They may join in during a second or third wave through the gate.
Thanks for the support and reviews, let's keep our conversations on-topic and civil, and let's go.
Chapter 7: Global Situation
An emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly was called to order two days after the evacuation. Extreme outcry echoed through the building in New York, as 57 countries had troops stationed in the country and another 13 with a police force working in POC sites and cities. Russia and China lead the groups, demanding justice from the South Sudanese government for firing on the helicopters. The Russian Federation was calling for blood as 6 Russian nationals were crewing the aircraft with another 4 Russian soldiers protecting the 2 helicopters dying from direct South Sudanese gunfire. The People's Republic of China, to everyone's surprise, condemned the SPLA for firing on children and pregnant women. The Mi-17 was loaded to the brim with medical supplies, hospital personnel, and their charges, mainly the women who could not obtain a ride on land vehicles.
The Mi-26, on the other hand, was filled to maximum weight with war orphans, children separated from their families by the civil war, finished off by the government forces. The civil war that had started when the president of the country kicked his vice president out of his administration, the sacked man who brought his tribal troops to attempt a coup d'etat, beginning a war just after the country's independence.
The United States of America, seeing for once that the world was pointed in a direction that everyone wanted to follow, further condemned the South Sudanese government for years of corruption and mistreatment of its peoples, with an abundant amount of war crimes to slap onto the poor ambassador.
The Republic of India led another group of countries like Japan, Korea and Mongolia, all who had lost soldiers, police officers, and UN personnel protecting the civilians at the POC site, demanding that the African country take accountability for this horrendous event. This faction however, was mostly ignored by the ambassador.
The African man, under orders of his government, nervously argued that the transports were heavily armed and were unmarked. This was angrily dismissed by all, as pictures of the wrecks could still be seen with it's UN markings. The female French ambassador actually threw her pen at the man before she was restrained, the woman had lost her fiance, who was a doctor on board the Mi-17, his burnt body parts being the only thing recovered.
The South Sudanese were quickly pushed out of the picture, as the larger countries used the dead to form a UN Resolution. Resolution 2319 was passed with only South Sudan, Sudan, and a handful of usually denying countries giving a negative reaction. Conditions were confirmed quickly without the opinion of the native country.
A 5 kilometre direct combat zone formed a perimeter around the town of Rubkona and POC Unity. This would be formed mostly from troops sent from African Union member states and Russian soldiers rushed in from Syria. American troops would also be rushed in from Syria to observe these countries to ensure conditions of the resolution are not broken as well as to provide intelligence. The US further pledged a carrier group to support the perimeter with air support.
Another 10 kilometres of an exclusion zone would be formed around the direct combat zone in a square area, to be guarded by an international force. Civilians would be allowed to pass into, through, and exit this area, but no weapons would be allowed in the area. Checkpoints would be created to search every person entering. SPLA and tribal forces in the area would be disarmed and evicted from the zone. Any advances or approaches by any force not aligned with the international mission would be engaged.
A counter-invasion force would be assembled at a later date to push the enemy combatants back.
African Union forces poured into the country, mostly from Egypt and Ethiopia, while an entire Motor Rifle Brigade of the Russian Ground Forces was flown into the country. Upon forming the cordon, the Russians immediately captured 1,521 enemy combatants who surrendered themselves without bloodshed, liberating 945 civilians, 15 of which could not survive injuries sustained during captivity. Another 92 were in critical condition, but were predicted to live due to the better treatment by the surrendered forces. Curiously the enemy force gave up willingly, and with the help of translators, cooperated to the fullest extent. Enemy positions, numbers, technology, and species were all given without reluctance to the shocked UN investigators, the only request being an audience with the leader of this world.
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Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza, across from the UN Headquarters, New York, New York, United States of America
Day 3 after surrender
Count Colt Formal was nervous. He was pacing around the luxurious room while his nephew, Lesnar Formal, watched. The man thought back through his long life, trying to remember the times he was this nervous. Colt's first born daughter would probably be just less than now, with his proclamation of anti-slavery to the Sadaerans following closely. Oh how he wished to be with his three daughters right now instead of facing the 193 nations that the Empire had trodden onto. The Count angrily slammed his fist into the wall beside him when he thought of the Empire, startling Lesnar.
{If it weren't for that bastard Molt, I wouldn't be in this situation. I would be with my daughters, enjoying life. I would be with Myui, playing in the garden or reading stories to her.}
The thoughts of his youngest daughter calmed him almost immediately, confusing his nephew, who only saw a random outburst before it deflated almost with a pop.
The young man spoke up to reassure him," Uncle, I'm sure you were correct about your assumptions. You needn't worry about the inquiry, we already threw our bout with the otherworlders, this is the only path now," he said gently.
" They have treated our men well with housing and 3 meals a day. Even the demi-humans weren't discriminated against and received enough food when they asked for it. I'm confident that with our cooperation and situation we can be optimistic."
Colt nodded in agreement. It was true that the otherworlders are different from any other nation of Falmart. Kinder, with the treatment of his men, the equal treatment of humans and demi-humans, the room they were provided, all proved this. The bed was neat and clean, extremely soft to the touch, a room where water to wash came from a metal tool stuck in the wall, and the view out the large window that stretched from the floor to ceiling. The view was magnificent, and frightening. He saw the building he would be speaking in below him, the rectangle with many flags in front of it. Further out he saw a massive river with glittering, steel bridges reaching out to connect another piece of land, ships and boats easily slipping under them as they were taller than the largest 3 mast sailing ships in the Imperial Navy. The other side and his side of the river was filled to the brim with constructs that clawed at the sky, each one easily reaching the flying altitude of wyverns. Just how powerful is this world if only one nation had all this power. From time to time, massive steel eagles could be seen soaring over the city, flying to locations unknown with a large number of people.
A knock at the door broke his train of thought.
" Count Formal, it's time," a muffled female spoke in her native tongue through the door. A beep shrieked from the handle and the door clicked open.
A female with brown hair and a more golden complexion walked in, pushing the door gently to its fullest extent. That was another thing this world had. Different human races and equal gender treatment.
In Falmart, it was the Sadera Empire, various city states, and the vassal states, everyone had the same complexion. In the otherworld, almost every nation had their own facial structure and complexion. It was as if humans were from different species, and yet they are able to work together. Even females could do every job a male could. He was slightly surprised that females served alongside their male counterparts, the Imperial princess did have her Rose Order, but females were fulfilling high political positions as well. These, like the Imperial Senate, were only taken by males back in Falmart. This female, Mrs. Risa Itami, was his translator.
The men had only their red accented officers' lamellar armour when they were captured, which had been cleaned extremely thoroughly by the hotel staff, by the request of UN officials. Both men stood up and clutched their helmets to their side before following her through the door, passing the two guards outside the door. The armed men fell into line behind them as they continued down the corridor. Another two soldiers sandwiched the steel box contraption that brought them up to this floor. They entered the box, with the uniformed man and woman also joining them. He was told that each guard came from a different nation, easily figuring that out as one man had the same complexion as Risa, but with black hair. The other was much darker, almost black, with a more prominent lip. Each was armed with a different black weapon. The other two at the elevator both had a pale complexion, but each came from different nations, had different weapons, and different patterned clothing. The only thing that was similar was the blue helmet with a white circular symbol. He had asked what that symbol was, and was taught that the white circle with shapes represented the world and the wreath around it, peace.
More armed soldiers waited for them when they exited the contraption. Walking into the sunshine, he took in the mass traffic of self moving carts. Each cart was the same size as a caravan wagon, with some 2 or 3 times larger, Colt could only imagine the economic success of this nation.
The red capes on the men's backs billowed as they crossed the completely smooth and wide paved road, attracting the attention of men and women toting flashing handheld boxes and pointing shoulder-mounted contraptions on the other side, who quickly surrounded them. Screamed at by the media, the two from a less advanced time recoiled from the mob of people, fearing that this was the populace of the world angered by the actions of the Imperial Army. The soldiers instantly and bodily pushed through the horde, allowing the procession to enter the building.
Once away from the doors, silence of the building echoed at the men. As Risa led on, only the soldiers' boots could be heard, the clomping amplified into the two men's ears. The Formals could only see these as the executioner, marching up to their chopping blocks. The hallway was split in half by another group of men in strange black and white suits who undignifiedly frisked down the nobles for weapons, before replacing the armed soldiers and escorted the men and their translator through a pair of doors and into an expansive amphithere filled with people. A quiet murmur could be heard as they entered, pushing like a wave, filling the room with noise. The trio continued on, being led to the stage and into the limelight.
Risa directed the Count to the podium and Lesnar to a seat behind him, before standing to the left of Colt and passing them both an earpiece.
" This will allow you to understand the questions," Risa spoke gently, motioning how to put it on correctly before sliding her own on.
With confused faces, the Formals put in the pieces just as a dark skinned man, sitting at a higher podium started talking.
"We shall continue the discussion of the Special Region and the invading force. At the stand now is Count Colt Formal of the Citystate of Italica, who had surrendered to Russian Armed Forces the day the direct combat zone was created."
Colt did not understand a single word uttered by the man, of course.
{By the Gods, what did he say? Should I-}
A man's voice filled his head, repeating the previous message, to the shock of the two men. The Count had shuddered slightly, unable to control his reaction completely with a voice that seemed like it was telepathically transmitted into his head. He quickly realized that this was what Risa said earlier about how he would understand the questions. Glancing behind him, he saw that his reaction was extremely mild. Lesnar, the poor boy, was scared out of his mind. He had wrenched the earpiece out and thrown it to the ground, physically recoiled in his seat away from the harmless wiring. Glaring at his nephew, he motioned with his eyes for the boy to put them back on. Lesnar, to his credit, gingerly picked up the advanced piece of technology, and replaced it back to his ear. The entire scene was seen by many in the room, earning the blushing younger man chuckles from the audience.
A hand is raised from one of the many desks that lined the room.
" The representative from Canada is recognized by the Chair."
The man stood up from his seat, " Count Formal, could you describe your city state."
It took a couple seconds for the translation to be repeated through the earpiece.
The Count, rather proudly, began describing his hometown, " Italica has been under my family's care for hundreds of years, I am merely the one currently in charge of the lands. The city's main source of income is agriculture, followed by trade. The city is situated at the main crossroads west of the Clivus Cinnae mountain range; we control the main road connecting the Saderan Empire's western territories."
He takes a breath, before continuing in a bitter tone, " Because of this, the Empire had forced our family into vassalage 284 years ago by threatening force. We have been serving them, sending products and taxes to feed their war machine."
Another man raised his hand, raised above a flag of black, yellow, and red.
" The representative from Belgium is recognized by the Chair."
" Count Formal, could you describe this Empire and why they would attack South Sudan? As well as why you are here with them?" the man questioned, curiosity was heard in his words, yet… anger could be seen in his eyes.
The whole assembly leaned forward, waiting for Colt's reply.
The Count was confused as to why he had the whole undivided attention as well as the anger of these people, until the voices in his head started translating. A bead of cold sweat traveled down his face.
{Damn what do I say? Hopefully, they will forgive my intrusion on their land. I already gave so much information on the Saderans, this is the only way.}
Initial panic ebbed away as determination filled him.
" The Empire is led by the Emperor Molt Sol Augustus, the man who commanded the subjugation and slavery of anything beyond the gate. They-"
He was about to continue, but the outrage in the crowd stopped him. The voices did not translate any words, not that he needed it.
{ Are they that angry just from the thought of being intruded on?! Oh Gods, Italica is in trouble.}
Panic gripped his heart. He glanced over to Lesnar, who was also wide-eyed at the amount of commotion. Risa had told them that this world had 195 nations who all worked together in this building. With the technology the two had seen, each nation easily equaled the Empire. They had angered the griffon by stepping onto it's mountain, and now they saw that the griffon was not alone. It was a swarm.
" Calm down, calm down. Ladies and gentlemen, let us continue the discussion," the man on the higher podium's voice was magnified, being heard by everyone. The commotion died down.
Just as the Belgian was going to repeat his question, Colt beat him to it.
" May I ask what I said to anger you?"
" Well, our world has almost completely eradicated slavery and does not condone such behavior."
The two Formal's jaws dropped. So many nations, so many people and they were able to eradicate slavery?! And the man said it so matter-of-factly.
" T-the Saderan Empire is built upon slavery of other races as well as its own. It has the largest armies, as well as 21 vassal states and demi-human conscripts battalions. W-we are considered as one of these vassal states and were forced to provide two battalions to f-fight. B-but I made sure my men did not fight on the frontlines and kept them to help with supplies." He stuttered, frantically thinking of ways to excuse his city from the rage of the otherworlders. A slight pain was felt in his chest, but he ignored it.
A female stood up from her seat, a striped white, blue and flag adorned on her desk.
" Then why were your men so well equipped when they were captured? They wore heavy armour and had new weapons," she spoke straightforwardly, surprising with no emotion as if she was asking about his clothing.
" I-I wanted to e-ensure that my men came out alive. I have n-no trained army except for my own guard. I w-was forced to conscript men and demi-humans to fill the Empire's demand for soldiers," panic and pain gripped his chest hard, as he continued. He pressed his right hand to his chest, trying to push the pain away.
" Please, my city did nothing wrong, spare them. If you must, enact your revenge on me, but spare my people. I implore you, please. Spa-" his voice caught. The pain in his chest magnified, causing him to stumble back. The pressure had increased to the point as if someone slammed his chest with a warhammer.
" Count Formal, are you alright?" incomprehensible words could be heard by him, but he could not see who said them. The pain was blinding, black spots filled his vision, as he fell back. The spots appeared here and there, as he looked up at the lights in the ceiling after hitting the ground.
"UNCLE?!," this voice was from his right, clutching his arm. He was pulled up into the sitting position, still clutching his chest in pain.
" Uncle, what's wrong, Uncle?!"
{That must be Lesnar. I must be dying. Ahhh, at least I am dying at an old age. Poor boy, he must ensure Italica does not receive the ire of the otherworlders.}
Cries of help were called out, before the doors burst open. UN soldiers crashed through the door, expecting a fight. What they got was an armoured eldery man, leaning against a younger man, clutching his chest. Only one soldier reacted, an Asian woman ran to the podium with a pack in hand.
She was none other than Mari Kurokawa. Rushing to the Count's side, she turned to Risa.
"Translate! Where do you feel pain? Is it like someone is sitting on you?"
Risa repeated, surprising Colt with the rather corresponding pain in his chest. He nodded.
Mari tore the pack apart, before pulling a bottle filled with white pills. Pouring one into her hand, she held them out to him.
" Chew and swallow."
Risa quickly translated. Colt, understanding that they were attempting to help him, reached out and grasped the pill. Lesnar helped him raise his hand up to his mouth, before dropping the pebble into his mouth and chewed. The pain continued as the woman retrieved a canteen of water and helped him drink. But after minutes the pain ebbed off, decreasing to controllable levels. Kurokawa continued to check his vitals, ensuring his health did not worsen.
Finally able to see clearly and breathe comfortably, he looked around. Everyone looked worried, even the different nations looked sympathetic. He was touched, back in Falmart, only the family would care if one were to die or feel pain. Yet in this world, these people were sympathetic. The woman helped him up before giving commands to others.
Colt Formal was brought out of the building, through the mob of excited reporters, and carted away in a flashing, screeching ambulance with Lesnar at his side.
The UN Assembly continued after the excitement, discussing the counterattack to push the legions back through the "Geographical Abnomal Terrestrial Entrance" or GATE for short.
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Bit long of a chapter this time, hope you enjoy it.
Please, keep giving suggestions and advice, correct me if I am wrong, and thanks for supporting me.
