Gate: And So The United Republic Fought
The URGF was deployed to the Special Region. There Lt. Itami Youji, Commander of the 3rd Recon Team, met the Elf Tuka, Apostle Rory Mercury, and the Mage Lelei. After being attacked by members of the believed to be destroyed Nazi Party, Itami and the gang seek shelter with the Republic's…eccentric leader.
At first Itami was afraid the Wanderer would be annoyed at them seeking shelter in his home but it was quite the opposite. The Wanderer seemed glad to have the company. He gave them a tour of his palace and answered all questions people anyone had.
"These are the guest rooms. I'm guessing you guys have had a very long day and would like some rest. Be sure to get up early because in the morning I'm making waffles." Said the Wanderer
As everyone went to their respective rooms the Wanderer placed a hand on Itami's shoulder stopping him. "Not you Itami." He said "I need to speak with you in private."
Itami followed the Wanderer to an out of the way room. The room had many comfortable looking armchairs and sofas. In one corner was an entertainment center with a flatscreen TV and several game consoles. In another was an expensive looking personal computer. One of the walls were covered with bookshelves containing books, movies, video games, and the odd manga the other had maps of the United Republic, Earth, and (to Itami's surprise) the Empire. To a geek like Itami this room was unbelievable…
"Sir, how did you get all of this…?" Itami asked amazed
"I bought it. How else?" The Wanderer said
At Itami's raised eyebrow the Wanderer said "I know what you're thinking. Not with Republic funds. Back when this nation was still just a tribe I'd take a small bit of treasure we'd recover from defeated barbarians and put it in safe keeping. Dozens of defeated tribes really caused it to add up. When the first banks were set up I deposited it all. Centuries of interest added to the many investments I made have turned me into a very, very wealthy man."
"How wealthy?" asked Itami
The Wanderer laughed "I think its somewhere in the hundred billions. My investments keep it stable so I can afford donating large sums to charity and buying as Caesar puts it 'childish and frivolous things'. Says the man that has no less than 30 portraits of himself…"
The Wanderer sat down in an armchair and pointed to one across from him. Itami sat in the offered chair.
"You are probably wondering why I called you here Lieutenant Youji." Said the Wanderer
"Uhh… yes sir."
"Well it's because I need your blood." The Wanderer said casually.
"M..my blood?!" Itami sputtered.
"Why of course! How else do you think I lived for so long? Your blood and flesh is sure to keep me going for a few more decades."
Itami was about to panic until he saw the Wanderer fighting back a laugh, "That wasn't funny sir." Itami said annoyed.
"Oh come on. Even I am entitled to some fun once in a while. I did have you going though. I just can't keep a straight face."
"So what did you want to see me about, sir?" asked Itami
"You should know. Weren't you supposed to give me something?"
After a few moments of thinking Itami said "Oh! The letter." He said.
Reaching into his jacket he pulled out Countess Myui's letter to the Wanderer she gave him back in Italica. He'd completely forgotten about it. Itami handed the Wanderer the letter who placed it in his pocket.
"Thank you though that isn't what I called you in here for." Said the Wanderer "You are being promoted to a Captain."
Itami was shocked. What had he done to warrant a promotion? Now he would have even less time to himself. "I'm sorry sir but I don't believe I am ready for this kind of position."
"Oh no you don't." chuckled the Wanderer "You aren't getting out of this that easily. Itami you would be a Colonel by now if you'd actually apply yourself. More rank does mean you'll have more responsibility but there are perks."
"Do I still get time off here in the Republic?" asked Itami hopefully.
"Sorry Itami. But for the foreseeable future you will not be allowed back here in the Republic. You'll have to take your time off in the Special Region."
Seeing the frown on Itami's face the Wanderer said "Hey why the long face? I said your position has some perks and you'll see the first of many when you get back to Alnus. You're probably wondering why I'm doing this."
The Wanderer stood up walking over to the map of the Empire on the wall. "An emergency session of the UN has been called. After the referendum on whether or not the law outlawing whaling should be repealed takes place Caesar is most likely going to propose a bill giving the other powers access to the Special Region."
"So in short we are soon going to have company and competition in the Special Region." Itami summed up.
"A lot sooner than you think. A UN meeting can be moved up in time if a majority of the delegates votes in favor. This was never done before seeing as we like to have time between each meeting. It's a very old law back when the UN was the League of Nations. I'm certain the others are going to do it moving the next UN meeting from 6 to 2 years from now. That means we have two years to solidify our hold."
"Just how are we going to do that, sir?" asked Itami
"If it comes down to it we can conquer the Empire fairly easily but I'll be damned before I let this Republic go down that path. We conquer them like we did this world. With our culture. The first settlers will be sent through the Gate next month. The city of Alnus will show everyone in this world how well those under our banner live and if I'm correct we'll have many wanting citizenship."
"But sir how will we end the war with the Empire?" asked Itami
"The same way we ended the Second World War. We scare the hell out of them. All of our most advanced weapons are going to be sent to the Special Region. We will give the Empire a show of force and make them believe fighting us is a lost cause. That's Plan A at least."
"What's Plan B?"
"Plan B is that we use Princess Pina to end this war. She has seen what we can do and will no doubt attempt peace between us and the Empire. If it's possible we're going to try and get someone willing to make peace on the throne. Pina if possible. You'll get your orders when you're back in the Special Region."
"What about the Nazis sir?" asked Itami
"We just had a pleasant conversation. No need to ruin it by talking about…them. Besides after today they won't try anything for a while." The Wanderer then began walking towards the door. "I don't know about you but I'm beat. You guys have to go back through the Gate tomorrow morning so it's best you get some rest."
The Wanderer returned to his room satisfied with his conversation with Itami. Itami had the skill to do or be anything he wanted, but the man lacked drive. In normal circumstances the Wanderer would allow him to choose his own destiny but these were trying times. Men like Itami only came once every generation. Itami will do great things even if he had to be dragged kicking and screaming. Hopefully the care package he prepped will be enough to convince Itami this is a good thing…
The Wanderer sat at his desk and pulled out the letter and a letter opener. Time to see what this was all about. The Wanderer took a moment to admire Myui's handwriting. Gone were the days where everyone had to write everything by hand. Because of that most people's handwriting was absolutely atrocious. Thankfully he had no trouble reading it since he took lessons on the Special Region language. He already knew German, Latin, Russian, and a bunch of other languages. What was one more? Without wasting anymore time the he began to read.
Dear Wanderer
I humbly thank you and your soldiers for defending Italica in her darkest hour. We lacked the capability to effectively defend ourselves with many of our soldiers and former count dying at Alnus so we owe you our gratitude. I must ask that you help protect us from another enemy, The Empire. The Falmartian Empire has long had Italica under its thumb. They force us to pay tribute to them and fight in their wars. The worst of it is how they treat Italica's nonhuman citizens.
The former count was a progressive man who allowed those of any species to live in Italica at the same status as humans. The Empire doesn't see it that way. Imperial slavers and sometimes soldiers regularly raid humanoid villages for slaves especially those containing survivors from the now defunct Warrior Bunny Kingdom. So please help my kingdom and my people.
Countess Myui Formal
The Wanderer finished reading with his opinion of Myui having grown. He won't lie. His initial assumption of her was a little girl thrust into a position she wasn't ready for and is way out of her league. He must remember that she must have be taught from birth on how to lead in case she ever had to lead herself so she wasn't a pushover. Granted he instantly saw through her attempt to use the death of Italica's soldiers at Alnus in her favor. She had much to learn but he was willing to teach her.
Guess it's time to plan a state visit to the Special Region. He shake hands with the troops, give a speech or two, and also negotiate an end to hostilities between the Empire and the United Republic while securing Italica's independence. He send one of his ambassadors to prep everything. Ambassador Stevens should do. He had served as one of the Republic's UN delegates last session and he is now currently the Republic's city-state envoy. He can take a short leave. Someone else can hand the city-states their check for a while…
True to his word the Wanderer made breakfast when morning came along. He was a very good cook which wasn't too surprising since he had plenty of time to learn. All of the Special Region inhabitants were surprised to learn the Wanderer prepared his own meals. They expected the leader of such a powerful nation to have a literal army of servants. The Wanderer replied with "I'm a man not a child. I can take care of myself."
This was no surprise to the Republicans and Hanoians who grew up on stories of the Wanderer and his humbleness. To see it for themselves was very inspiring.
After eating breakfast they were loaded up inside a Vertibird and flown back to the Gate. The URGF was taking no chances with ground transport with rumors of Nazis in Republic City. As soon as it landed they were ushered through the Gate. Risa would be staying behind however. She was going be put into protective custody in fear of the Nazis targeting her.
Once they were back in Alnus Base everyone went their separate ways. Pina and Bozes were going to be taken back to Italica where they can make their own way back to the capital. Rory, Tuka, and Lelei went to regale the other refugees with tales of the world beyond the Gate. Akira and Shino went off to their bunks while Itami went to his. Thankfully the General has already been told what happened so he doesn't have to write a report.
Once Itami got back to his room he found a package their waiting for him on his bed. 'It must be the one the Wanderer was talking about.' He thought. He just didn't think it would arrive so quickly. It was a large cardboard box with a set of clothing on top of it. Itami instantly recognize the clothing having worn it in training.
He picked up the set of Ranger Combat Armor inspecting it. It was brand new and he could see 'Captain Itami Youji' inscribed on it. On the helmet was a note from the Wanderer. It read "I thought it was only proper for a Ranger to wear the Ranger Armor. When the first set of lasers arrive next week you got first dibs along with anyone you authorize. As for what's in the box remember what I said. PERKS!"
Opening the box Itami could feel tears begin to well up in his eyes. Inside was all of his collected manga, anime, video games, along with a TV and his game console. That wasn't all. There were also new issues of all his favorite manga. There was one item that stood out. There was a DVD copy of the complete first season of the Mei Com Anime signed by the manga author and the lead voice actress. It said 'Happy to hear you're a fan! Good Luck Itami!'
Clutching it close Itami yelled out for all to hear "We have the best president!"
The Frozen Continent
"General we gotten word from our agents in the Republic. The attempt to abduct those from inside the Gate has failed."
"That is unfortunate."
"Shall I punish them Herr General?"
"That is not necessary. They have served the Reich well though do have your Gestapo watch them. They have experienced the taint of the outside world. We must make sure they have not been corrupted by its wiles."
"Ja, Herr General."
"We shall bide our time for now. The world now knows of our existence and will be hunting for us. We must lay low and gather strength. By the time they rally to stop us our noos will have already tightened around their necks."
And So the United Republic Fought