Despite his title of Emperor, he had rarely come to his property of the north of the city. Or at least, not since he had given it away to his daughter when she created her order of knights. He would come once or twice a year to inspect the troops, helping them pretend that they were more than a group of retired veterans and girls of noble families playing soldiers.
But as with most things, it all changed radically when the French arrived. The paved road he knew so well from his own childhood was now leading toward foreign soil and the Jade Palace had become the embassy of an otherworldly nation he had tried to invade for his own gain.
As the carriage rolled below the trees, he was scared. Scared not only for his own life, but also scarred for the lives of his relatives and their positions of powers. He might have been surrounded by the elite of his guard, all dressed in the most prestigious of armors, but it was all meaningless to those that could enter and leave his own palace without difficulty.
« Father, are you well ? »
As Crown Prince, it was Zorzal's duty to accompany his father to all the important ceremony that he would lead himself as emperor when his time would come. It was the reason of his presence in the finely decorated cart. And in such close proximity, it was only natural for a son to notice something was quite not right with his father.
« I am fine, my son. I am uneasy, that is all. This is a situation that does not have any precedent in our known history and it is difficult to say if the path we are walking on will lead to our survival or our doom. »
Zorzal nodded. Molt knew his son had his own strong opinions on the matter, but it was a good thing he was willing to come along. Hopefully, this would lead to peaceful cooperation with him on the throne. But in politics, there was no such thing as hope. He had to take all the decisions in his power to reach a stable situation.
« What exactly is in this treaty, Father ? At first, I thought that it was a peace treaty, but I keep hearing that this is not the case. »
« The negotiators said that the French government insisted to put on parchment an agreement to stop all fighting for now to allow for more thorough negotiations in the right conditions. In reality, conflict could start again, but it would be an extremely dangerous situation for us. It will also officially declare the Jade Palace as the embassy of the French Republic in Sadera, along with all the rules that filled their definition of embassies. »
« And then what happens next ? »
« We negotiate that they will not destroy our empire. »
His last words threw a heavy silence on the interior of the carriage. Both were deep in their thoughts, planning their own moves in the future. They could not hear the noises from the outside, a mix of armors rattling, horseshoes striking the pavement and wood cracking under the stress.
It was after those long, silent minutes that they finally crossed the gates of the property. And for a very short moment, he could see the guards standing by as the carriage passed by. Along with the old veteran knights with their hands on their chests, there was one man covered in grey. But there was no real wey for him to describe this soldier as he disappeared from his field of vision. The only thing Molt could clearly notice was how he was standing, his body straight and his hand risen up to his side of his head.
« They are standing within our walls... » sighed Zorzal that was visibly angered about the mere sight of this man.
It was understandable. Even if he did not have to have any bandage any longer, the remnants of his injuries sustained that night remained clearly visible. Molt did not reply to his son to not anger him more before appearing in front of diplomats.
When they reached the front plaza, both could see the small crowd that had been formally invited to the event. Even at a quick glance, it was clear that it was mainly made of high rank aristocrats, nobles and other people that mattered in the Saderan political game. At this moment, it felt as if he was no longer the emperor of a mighty empire. He was just a fighter thrown into the arena to fight with the lions.
When the carriage finally stopped, the window was facing the large stairs of the entry of the palace. In a strange way, he was relieved to see that there were not any foreign flags waving on top of the building yet, even if it was just a matter of time. A group of three was waiting the wagon which stopped near them. One of them only had to extend her arm to grasp the handle and open the door.
« Father. » simply said Pina as she kneeled down. Following the protocol, he did not reply even if he had so much to tell her. He wanted to say that she did not had to do this, that he would take care of things from now on, but it was his duty as Emperor to appear as cold and distant from petty family issues.
The second figure was easily recognizable, even if he had traded his togas for one of the more formal suits of the other world. He bowed down to show his respect, but the situation was not as it would seem. Usually, it was the one submitting to the other that would bow, but his empire was not in any position of power in those negotiations.
« Your Highness. »
« Sir Costi. »
The diplomat moved his arm slightly to indicate the third member of the group. From his looks, it was clear this was a man of experience. What he was wearing was hard to describe, his shirt and bottoms covered by the now famous green and brown pattern the Emperor had kept hearing about. On his chest were dangling a large set of medals while his rank was represented by a set of stars sitting on his small strange cap.
« This is General LaPointe, the officer in charge of all NATO troops currently deployed for Opération Marteau de Justice. »
The General did not say anything. Instead, he raised his hand next to the top of his head in a salute similar to what Molt had seen earlier. It was strange to see as all soldiers, even those from foreign armies, would have bowed to him in more normal circumstances. One of the many acts of defiance he knew he was going to see in the future.
« It is always a pleasure to meet those that take the decisions within powerful armed forces. »
No reply came from him. Instead, it was Costi that spoke.
« Your Highness, please follow me. »
Molt complied and started to follow the diplomat and the General towards the palace. Zorzal and Pina were close behind, silent. Only the gods knew what they would tell each other if they were allowed to speak. They were all lead up the main stairs towards the first floor, knights in shiny armor on both sides of their path. This continued all the way to the main reception room were many more were waiting for them.
Next to the entrance were standing all the members of the Senate that had negotiated this first accord, as well as all those that were to join this group for the more in-depth peace negotiations and the highest-ranking officers of the Rose Order. In the center of the room was a table with two empty chairs on one of the sides, as if waiting for them. Behind it were banners representing both nations, with on one side the purple wyvern of the Saderan Empire and on the other the blue, white and red of the French Republic. There was also a blue banner with a circle of stars. And on the other side of the room, standing at attention, was a group of a dozen soldiers, their weapons hanging from their slings.
Looking at them, Molt was even more uneasy. It was probably just him, but it felt as if those were the exact same one that had come to his palace and did so much damage. But there was nothing he could say. He just had to sit down and sign the deal and go back to his palace.
As he made his way to his seat, he was hearing some strange clicking noise. It seemed that it came from another soldier, holding a strange device in his hands, but once again there was no way for him to figure out.
He sat down on his designated chair and, in front of him, was the fateful parchment. It was not parchment per say, as its matter was different to the touch and its shape was precisely cut in a perfect rectangle. And while the text he could himself read had been written by hand by a scribe, the same text in the language had obviously not followed the same treatment. Each letter was sharply defined, exactly similar to all the letters of the same kind.
What he had to do now was to take the quill, and sign.
By the signing of the following document, the Empire of Sadera and the Republic of France both agree on applying the following measures wherever they might be applicable on both sides of the Alnus Gate.
1. All combat operations currently in progress by the armed forces of the two parties must be stopped at once to ensure a peaceful context for upcoming negotiations.
2. The Jade Palace and its entire Estate is declared as the Temporary Embassy of France in Sadera for the length of peace negotiations. Sir Jules Costi is appointed as Temporary Ambassador of France in Sadera.
3. As per Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the premises of the Temporary Embassy shall be inviolable and all property and personnel of the Temporary Embassy shall be immune from search, requisition, attachment or execution. This include packages, letters, couriers and similar as per Article 27.
4. As per Article 26 of the Convention, diplomatic personnel shall have complete freedom of movement within the territory of the Empire of Sadera by air, sea and land.
5. As per Articles 23, 28, 34, 36 and 37 of the Convention, all activities and personnel of the Temporary Embassy shall be exempt from dues and taxes.
6. As per Article 31 of the Convention, all personnel of the Temporary Embassy shall enjoy immunity from criminal jurisdiction.
7. The Republic of France shall liberate, within thirty days of the signature of present agreement, a group of prisoners of war currently held in captivity by its forces.
8. The Republic of France signs the present agreement on behalf of the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. Thus, all the articles of the present agreement apply to all nations member of the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union, including their military and diplomatic personnel.
9. The present agreement shall be referred as the Franco-Saderan Cease-Fire Agreement in all future official documents.
Signed on the second of March, Twenty-seventeen,
Special Diplomat Jules Costi
Signed on the tenth day of the month of Emra of the Imperial year six hundred eighty-eight,
Emperor Molt Sol Augustus
When the pen and quills finally stopped dancing on the papers, the two exchanged the prints between each other to ensure that both copies had two signatures. And with that done, both men stood up.
« Your Highness, this is the beginning of a process that will lead to gains for all. » said the newly appointed Ambassador, extending his hand towards Molt.
With a small amount of doubt, the Emperor copied the movement with his own hand. He was unsure of the true meaning behind the gesture but had been told many times in preparation of this event that it was essential.
« The fate of our nations lies now in the hand of diplomats. I hope you understand what is at stakes for everyone. »
« I do, Your Highness. Very much so. But now, you might have a few words to say to your people waiting outside. »
As he said those words, Costi slightly lifted his free hand to point towards the opened door that lead to the main balcony. It was a position overlooking where all the crowd had been gathered and perfect for a speech.
« Indeed I have. This is a historic moment after all. »
« Well then, I shall be behind you. »
The moment he stepped in view of those waiting down below, a large roar rose back to greet him. He stopped in front of a strange stand that had been put there, holding a small sphere covered in a metallic grill. He turned his head towards the diplomat to understand what it was, but the only answer he got was a whisper telling him to speak anyway without paying attention. So, that is what he did.
« Today, he started, we start our way down a new path. There has already too many that have had their blood spilled in a moment where we should all look to unite ourselves. Collaboration and unity are a must when two worlds with so many differences come into contact. Instead, we have all risen up in arms to try to dominate the other, and we have paid the price. This agreement is the first step toward peace and prosperity for Sadera. »
Through this metal ball, his voice somehow became much louder than it was. It was a strange feeling, of course, but it was making his voice, and thus himself, more powerful. The crowd responded by cheers, even though it was clearly visible that some of those that were invited were not very much happy with the situation.
Then, it was Costi that stepped in front of the device to say a few words.
« People of Sadera, you can stand assured that the Republic of France will act in the interest of all and that peace is our most important objective. »
The reaction was calmer, but it was still enough to convey that most people agreed with the message conveyed by the Ambassador.
They both stayed alone on the balcony for a long minute, trying to appear close to the onlookers, up until a finely dressed servant of the Imperial Palace approached the two, carrying two cups on a silver plate.
« You have brought wine ? I was not aware of the change in protocol. »
« All celebrations need to have wine, Ambassador. Consider it a first present from me to you. It is one of the finest drinks in the Imperial cellar. »
« I see. »
The Emperor reached for the two cups and handed one of them to Costi. Obviously, as he was the Emperor, he kept the most finely decorated one to himself. Then, turning back towards the crowd, he raised the golden container.
« To peace ! »
As the crowd cheered once more, he brought the cup to his lips and started to drink. The red liquid flowing down his mouth was living up to its reputation of being the finest of all beverages, only to be served the most important of events. With his cup empty, he returned to Costi who had not touched his own drink.
« Ambassador, are you not going to drink in celeb… »
But something made him stop.
« Your Highness ? »
There was a feeling of something tightening in his chest, coming closer to his heart at every passing moment. It was harder to breathe, sweat was slowly starting to roll down his face and his legs collapsed under him.
The last thing he could remember was seeing people coming from inside the room, rushing to help. But at this point it felt like it was already over.
And then, as Pina tried to reach for him, everything faded to black.
« Father ! Father ! Do you hear me ? »
As much Pina tried to say something, it was useless. Her father was lying unconscious in her arms, his fine clothing drenched in sweat and wine.
« We need a doctor, quick ! »
Ambassador Costi, the only other person nearby, could not really do anything to help himself but to call someone who could deal with the situation. And they were lucky enough to have an experienced combat medic in the room next door.
As the medic of the recon team and her officer approached, Zorzal extended his arms to block their path as they passed close to him.
« Do not come closer to the holy figure of the Emperor. You are not worthy of touching him ! »
« Zorzal, we do not have time. The sergeant is a doctor. Let them come. Do you want to see your father die ? »
At first, the Crown Prince did not flinch, but slowly the Lieutenant reached for the pistol grip of his rifle. He could not fire the gun, as the magazine loaded was actually empty, and had no intention to, but it served as enough of a reminder of previous events that Zorzal quickly backed off. At the same time, the rest of the squad started to form a perimeter to prevent the spectators from getting in the way. As for the few members of the imperial guard that were there, they could only stand there as a consequence of the order of the Princess.
« Hold me this, will you ? » launched Daniella as she took the sling of her rifle off from around her neck and handing the weapon over to her Lieutenant.
Kneeling down next to the lifeless body of the Emperor, she immediately reached for his neck to to a first diagnosis. She could feel that all the looks turned towards her, putting her under a strange kind of pressure. She was trained for dealing with combat wounds while under enemy fire, not as a paramedic for the most important person of a country.
And while she focused on her patient, Anthony was keeping watch, giving orders and communicating with all the members of the command chain. Up until he saw Zorzal trying to grab the cup.
« Don't touch this, Sir. It might still be poisoned. »
But the Crown Prince ignored him, bringing the golden recipient up to his nose to smell the few drops that still remained inside. The Lieutenant simply shook his head as now was not the time to add another layer of stress to the situation. There were, for him, more important things to attend to.
« Shit ! I don't have a pulse or a heartbeat ! It's a heart attack ! »
Without waiting for an order, she immediately pressed her two hands against his chest and started pumping in a very precise rhythm.
« Pierre ! The defibrillator ! Quick ! »
The young Private immediately started to run off towards the storage area of supplies, and she returned to the compressions all the while keeping count in her head. For an outside onlooker such as the Princess, the procedure was not making sense. It was globally recognized that the first grip that Hardy takes on your life is by holding your heart so tight it stops. For her, there was no point in this, but she knew that they had pulled out the impossible countless times.
Then, the medic suddenly stopped. With one of her hands, she grabbed the nose of the Emperor, and with the other she took a hold of his chin. Holding his face this way allowed her to open the mouth wide open. It was at this moment that Pina really started to be confused, on top of being scared and stressed. Those probably explained her reaction when she saw the Staff Sergeant stick her mouth to the Emperor's.
« By all the Gods, what are you doing ? »
Daniella did not reply before she had blown all the air of her lungs into the lifeless body.
« I am trying to save his life, for Christ sake ! Where is my defibrillator ? »
She knew she should not start to be frustrated, that she had to stay calm to do her job. But she also knew that CPR had a low survival rate and that this guy going into the grave would have big consequences for everyone.
The young private quickly came back rushing, carrying in his hands what looked like a very large and heavy briefcase at first glance. But with the screen, hanging cables and paddles stuck to its sides, it was obvious that it was far from being a simple device. Daniella immediately started to press and twist some of the buttons before pulling the paddles away from the box.
« Cut his clothes off ! I need to have his chest exposed. »
Without question, Pierre grabbed the fancy cloth and strongly ripped it off to, again, the shock of the onlookers. But the soldiers did not care about those watching as Daniella put the shiny metallic surfaces on the exposed skin of the Emperor. And as expected, a flatline appeared on the black and white monitor.
« Merde merde merde ! »
« One shock ! Two hundred ! »
The request was quickly followed by the private inputting the desired parameters thanks to the various buttons on the device. As a high pitched noise started to fill the air, the Lieutenant put his hand on the shoulder of the Princess that was still kneeling next to her father.
« You must back off, Your Highness. For your safety. »
She wanted to protest, to stay close to him. But she just could not. She did not have the emotional strength to go against anyone. So, not without some difficulty, she stood up and stepped away. What she could not do, however, was get here eyes off him.
And then, the noise stopped.
« Clear ! »
The sudden impulse of electrical current forced all the muscle of his torso to contract, making the lifeless body jump a few millimeters off the ground. In a strange reflex, Pina covered her mouth to prevent a scream from getting out. Those movements were unnatural, something one could have witnessed only through the work of powerful necromancers. And behind her, all those that were watching from behind the safety perimeter felt similarly.
« Nothing on the screen ! »
« Shit ! Two fifty ! Clear ! »
There was another shock, another movement of the body and another terrified reaction. The more she watched the soldiers, the more she realized that they were using their last option. If this failed, there was no turning back.
But it was at this moment that Pierre started to shout.
« There is a pulse ! There is a pulse ! »
The line on the small monitor slowly started to shift away from the dead flat line to form simple wave patterns that then turned into spikes. From their looks of relief, it was not hard for Pina to understand that they had succeeded. She felt as if her legs would fail her again, but she somehow managed to stay standing, covering tears.
But Daniella, while relieved like all others, was not celebrating yet.
« Heart is beating, but he's still unconscious. We're going to have to evacuate him to a hospital. »
« Thunderhead, Recon Three. VIP is breathing but not responding. Requesting MEDEVAC. Over. »
« Copy. We are sending a helicopter your way. ETA four minutes. »
As the Lieutenant put his radio back down, he noticed the Princess looking at him.
« What... What does this means ? »
« It means that we are bringing your father to our best doctors. He is going to be fine. »
« Thank all the Gods... » she sighed in relief. She was so relieved, in fact, that she did not hear the French officer mumbling under his breath in his own language.
« We're still fucked... Just not by as much. »
Zorzal steps echoed loudly as he stepped through his reception hall. He was expecting a large number of people to come and fill up this room, and everything needed to be perfect. He needed all the Senators to be welcomed in the most luxurious way to start his regency in a good way. And to achieve this, all his servants were hard at work under the guidance of his newly appointed lead cook.
He had interacted with him several times already, and his first impression were more than positive. Not only was his cooking delicious, but there was also something in the way he acted and spoke that the Prince liked. The brown skinned man was here to cook first, not to boast about his position like all the opportunists that had worked in this palace before.
« Your Highness. »
From behind him, he did not hear the light footsteps of Tyuule. She had proven to be an extremely wise advisor ever since he had decided to let her out of her cell, and she was approaching to carry a message.
« It better be an important matter. I am currently too busy to answer to another of those party invitations. »
« This is not it, Your Highness. We have received more information about the health of the Emperor. »
The Prince turned around to face her almost immediately. Of course, as Crown Prince, he was not denying a bit of help from help to stand on the throne, but it was still his father that they were talking about.
« What do they say ? »
« The Ambassador says that the best doctors of their hospital in Alnus are keeping a close watch on him. He also said that the condition of the Emperor is stable and that the risk of death is extremely minimal. »
« Well this is very good to hear. But I imagine there is not much him or I can do about the situation. »
In a strange reaction for an advisor, Tyuule shook her head to indicate that she clearly did not agree with the Prince's hopeful tone.
« I recommend carefulness, Your Highness. There is no guarantee that they are doing legitimate efforts to ensure his well being, or that they are not keeping him as hostage in their fort. »
Zorzal remained silent for a short moment, nodding his head as he reflected on her words. Even with the cease fire in effect, the two nations were still at war, albeit without any fighting. It was not a stretch to imagine that they would keep such an important asset as a safety.
« But what can we do about it ? It is not like we can go to Alnus and bring him back. »
« That is true, but I would recommend planning your actions carefully because of this cowardice. »
« I see… Very well, then. Send a polite reply to the Embassy to thank them, and then go and give those same advice to all those that will take part in the negotiations. We must be vigilant, but not give our strategy out just yet. »
Tyuule bowed down.
« Very well, Your Highness. This shall be done as early as possible. »
Quickly, she turned around on her heels and walked out from the room with fast and silent steps, leaving the Prince alone with the preparations of his reception.
« Be careful with the candles near the tapestries ! I will personally punish anyone that breaks even the smallest of objects in this room. »
None of the servants or slaves dared reply to him. Instead, they just lowered their heads to focus even more on their tasks. None wanted to be the one that slipped.
Only one did not seem to be bothered with such threats. Doré was applying what looked like cream on various small pieces of bread that had already been laid out on one of the banquet table. This, of course, attracted the attention of Zorzal, but for the good reasons. The cook had a form of confidence constantly floating around him that the Prince could only appreciate. Not backing down when facing threats was a sign of strength, and he had the outmost respect for those with strength.
« Is everything going as you wish, Cook ? » he asked as he approached, carefully inspecting the rest of the plates that had already been put down on the table.
« Very much so, replied Doré after bowing down in salute. The first batch of treats as already been set up and the meats are currently being cooked slowly. The only thing I am unsure of is whether the alchemists will ensure the wine is safe in time or not. »
Very much like the signing ceremony, such an event without wine would have been unheard off. However, with what had happened to the Emperor, everyone had to be very careful about everything, especially when it came to drinks. The number of guards in and around the reserves of the various imperial palaces doubled and any transfer of food from one place to the other was made with tight escorts to ensure that no opportunist could poison anything. And as an extra layer of safety, the most elite of all the alchemists of the capital had been ordered to inspect ingredients before preparation of meals. But despite all of that, Doré seemed like he had no trouble preparing everything.
« I see… Well they better get to work quickly or they will not see a single one of the coins they were promised. I hope you understand that everything must be perfect. »
Doré nodded.
« I understand, Your Hihgness. But if I dare, can I ask you a question ? »
Zorzal was clearly not expecting this coming from his cook. Sure, the Prince appreciated that he was not simply staying behind the ovens for the sake of prestige, but here he was clearly stepping out of line. However, this did not made him mad. And kicking him out would also mean not being able to eat all those tasty meals. So, in a strange turn of events, he replied.
« Well… Huh… Go ahead if that is what you wish. »
« Do you feel nervous before those kind of events ? »
« I… Why are you asking this ? »
« Knowing the mindset of those that you serve is a vital step to ensuring the highest quality of the meal you put in their plates. During my life, I have gone through many difficult events with important conquences that made me feel immensly nervous. This is a similar event for you, Your Highness. So, to ensure the highest standard of cooking for you, I must ask if you are nervous as well ? »
Zorzal had put himself in a corner without really knowing it.
« It is just that I was not expecting this to come this soon. Seeing the Emperor in good health really made us forgot that he could leave us at anytime. Now it is my turn to sit in that throne and I am sure of my capabilities to govern, but I am still uneasy. »
« But, with all due respect Your Highness, you speak as if the Emperor had already been lowered in the grave. Is he not being healed as we speak ? »
« It is true, but we would be hiding ourselves from reality if we pretend that he will return to us with the capacity to lead this empire. Poison is not something that allows one to live without problems. »
« I understand, Your Highness. I pray for him to return here as fast as those doctor will allow, as I have yet to prepare him a meal. »
That final statement was delivered in the most serious of ways, but it did not prevent Zorzal from laughing with a wide open mouth.
« I would love to have your optimism, Doré. But I imagine that being too optimistic would not have good consequences as ruler. »
This sudden reaction obviously attracted the attention of all the servents working in the room. But none turned their head for too long in fear of punishment.
« I appreciate your comment, Your Highness. »
« Well then. Prove it by making the best possible for all my guests. »
« Of course, Your Highness. »
The cook bowed as the Prince turned away and left, probably going to oversee other important details of the upcoming ceremony. And while he returned to his own work, Doré kept the same thought in his head, a thought he would later have to transmit to someone else.
Prince getting friendlier. Says he's uneasy. Doubting sincerity of Emperor treatment. Might become hostile.
« A message for the Countess of Italica. »
It was the end of the day when the expected finally happened. A horse rider coming from the north had arrived to the gates of the city to deliver important information to the young ruler. But even if she already knew the information, it was important to keep official channels of communication open.
« Good. Leave it here and make the French officers come here, I wish to share the information with them. »
« Very well. »
The man put down the scroll of paper, sealed with the Imperial emblem, and left the room to seek those that she had demanded. In an effort to efficiently coordinate reconstruction effort and training of both armies, officers from FORSO were inside her home at almost all times to allow for better communication with Alnus Hill. Over time, she had started to understand the difference between the various nations. Now, she could even distinguish a German from a British officer quite easily based solely on the patterns on their uniforms, something even her own advisors still had trouble to do.
The hardened wax easily snapped in half, even under the light strenght of her children hand. As expected, the parchment itself was of the highest quality, a subtle but important show of strength and wealth. Her eyes started to quickly slide down the message, reading only the most important words to get a first idea of the meaning. However, she stopped when the door opened and the liaison officers entered her office. They all saluted according to a protocol she knew well now, and she quickly explained the situation before opening the scroll again to read it again, this time out loud.
« To the respectable Countess of Italica. I, Zorzal El Caesar, Crown Prince of the Saderan Empire, wish to inform you that the Imperial Senate used its emergency powers to give to my person the position of regent after an attack on the life of the Emperor left him unable to rule. As you are most likely aware, the current political situation of this time is a complex one, and difficult is the task of those in power. You can rest assured that in this position, I will do everything in my power to allow for the Emperor to return to his throne without issue and ensure the power and prestige of the Empire against all those that wish to destroy it from both the inside and the outside. I thus ask of you, with the upmost respect, to assist me in this task by making sure to limit the strength and influence of people and groups with hostile intentions towards both our realms. May the lights of the gods shine on you up to the end of times. »
The audience had listened silently to the message, carefully analyzing the meaning of each word.
« Looks like he does not like us very much. »
This first comment, coming from a British officer, made some of the other officers smile. But they all quickly returned to more serious faces due to the seriousness of the matter.
« At least, he did not start insulting us directly in this message. Maybe the is ready to make some concessions for the negotiations. »
« The Prince has no choice but to accept the negotiations, as the signature of his father is already present on the parchments of the treaty. »
The Countess might just have been a young girl, but she was already well versed in the meaning of treaties and the importance of signing them. After all, it was one such promise that had sent her father to die on the slopes of the Holy Hill of Alnus. Even if those were just patterns of dry ink sitting at the bottom of pages of parchment, they had the power over the life or death of people.
« But he is also obviously refering to us with the quotes about the enemies that want to destroy them. He is not friendly either. »
The Countess nodded, but she had something else on her mind.
« What intrigues me is the mention of enemies inside Sadera. I do not really know who he is talking about, but I hope that it is not about us. Even if we are independent, they still have enough influence and power that many Emperors thought we were their vassals. »
« Maybe it is just those that are lobbying for peace within the Imperial Senate ? If the Prince manages to convince enough people that they are domestic enemies of the Empire, he could drive them away from negotiations. Or worse..."
« Worse? »
« Accuse them of treason. And if he follows the handbook of authoritarian leaders, they will either rot in prison or be executed. Or even both. Especially if he wants to ensure his own position as leader and replace his father. »
This threw a wave of silence into the room. It was not necessary for anyone to ask how likely it was, as every knew that it was going to happen at one moment or another.
« So what now, then ? »
An American captain broke the silence with his question after some very long seconds.
« I would recommend bringing this information to your leaders, commented the Countess. A simple misstep could have terrible consequences for everyone, and I do not wish to see my city besieged again. »
TV news set, one host
On today's headlines, most of the largest avenues in Paris haved been closed down since this morning and will remain this way for most of the week. In movements never seen since the initial days since the start of Opération Marteau de Justice, exceptional convoys carrying heavy duty equipment have started crossing the Gate towards the area of operation. According to a spokeperson of the Ministry of Defence, the payloads are made of the various parts of transport aircrafts from the air forces of both France and the United States.
Cuts to Ministry press conference footage, spokeperson talking in front of a stand
« The current plan include the disassembly, transport and reassembly of two additonal C-160 Transalls and one C-130 Hercule of the 3/61 Transport Squadron Poitou and two C-130 Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron of the US Air Force. The deployment of those plane is a response to the growing need for fast, long range transport of cargo in areas where traditional ground supply convoys cannot go. They will also take part in training and experiments to allow the development of the best tactics in an environment without any of the modern utilities on which we base our aerial capabilities. »
Cuts back to host
While a limited numbers of vehicules, mainly those of local residents and businesses, where authorized to use restricted streets during down time between convoys, the majority will have to find different solutions to go around the closings. This decision has proved unpopular with parisians and several protests are already underway in some nearby streets. Meanwhile, some members of the Parlimentary Commission on Defence have expressed their concern about the move.
Cuts to corridor of National Assembly, opposition deputy being interviewed
« This move did not go through our commission in any way, shape or form. We keep going through reports and interviewing officers that just keep on going about how negotiations have started and how greatly they are handling the situation, and then they send even more equipment behind our back. There is also the fact that as of now, there is only a single runway in the Special Region, making this decision even more suspicious. »
Cuts back to host.
According to internal sources, various paratrooper units have been ordered to get ready for a deployment in the Special Region. However, it has yet to be confirmed what would be the goal of such a deployment. As a reminder, this comes after a cease fire between France and Sadera was formally signed a week ago, allowing for the start of proper negotiations on a peace treaty.
Moving on to the upcoming presidential election. New polls suggest a three way fight for the presidency as François Hollande tries to get the approbation of the voters for a…
Hello and thanks for reading the thirty-third chapter chapter of Gate : Opération Marteau de Justice.
I am happy because we are finally reaching the part I have been wanting to make for what feels years now. It is the moment I am going to feature most of the original ideas I had for this story. Also I did not expect when starting this that I would go on to learn how a defibrillator actually works.
I am also looking for artists to make art related to this story. If you are an artist and would like to contribute to this story, then please send me a private message with a link to a gallery or social media account where I can some of your work. I perfectly know that recognition and exposure don't pay the bills, so I'm also taking commission prices into account. I will not reply to people trying contacting me without anything to back up their claims. I know I'm asking the Internet to behave, but I trust you.
Anyway, thank you all for reading, and I'll see you in the next chapter.