Gate: And So the United Republic Fought
Special Region
Alnus Base, Alnus Territory
General Harris' Office
Harris looked at the person sitting in the chair across from his desk. He was dressed in a blue & white three piece suit. The colors of the Republic. Beside him in another chair was a female synthetic, the first synthetic in fact. She had pure white skin and soft glowing yellow eyes. Gray synthetic hair was tied in a tight bun. She wore a casual business suit and he noticed the unmistakable bulge of a holster under her coat.
Having not just the immortal president of his nation but also his adopted daughter the first artificial intelligence in his office left him at a loss for words. He won't lie and say he wasn't intimidated. Despite having been in the military all his adult life and participating in numerous military campaigns this was insignificant when compared to the man in front of him.
A man that not only led armies but fought in battle as well. A man that has killed with everything from swords to bows to a stick with a rock tied to it! A man old enough to have shagged everyone one of his grandmothers on his family tree and beyond. A man who with a single word could decide his career. So yes. He was just a bit intimidated.
"So General" said the Wanderer "How have things been going?"
"Quite well. While our main force has not advanced farther than Alnus we've conducted thorough scouting of the region. Covert Ranger teams have been hitting imperial slaving operations as per your orders."
"And how have those been going?" the Wanderer asked a smile forming
It was Lieutenant Yeager who answered that from his usual place beside the General. "Sir, I can say with the utmost confidence that there isn't a slaver within 40 miles of Alnus."
"And the slaves?" the Wanderer asked
"Those that wanted to go back home were taken there and those that didn't have settled in Alnus City while being sworn to secrecy."
"Good." said the Wanderer with a smile "Best the Empire not know we're freeing their slaves. It could motivate them to do something."
That was a sentiment both Yeager and Harris shared. After the defeat of both the Imperial and Allied armies the Empire had been giving the region around Alnus a wide berth while it rebuilt its forces. Everyone from Imperial troops to the local tax collector avoided the area around Alnus like the plague. If the Empire got word they'd been destroying the slave trade it might be enough motivation to send another army. They planned on milking this lull in hostilities for everything it was worth.
"And how has Ranger Youji been doing?" the Wanderer asked a glint in his eye.
"I don't know what you said to him but Itami has become almost the model Ranger." said Harris "He doesn't complain at all anymore and actually puts in effort instead of doing the bare minimum. Despite that I don't know if he'll be thrilled to learn he'll be your escort for the duration of your stay."
"Oh don't worry he already knows and I've already convinced him…" said the Wanderer with a wolfish grin
"Itami how have you been?" he said shaking his hand.
"Oh nothing much sir. Just the usual Ranger things." Itami replied almost with a grimace.
"Good, good. Do that armor justice. Oh I just wanted to let you know that I like you and your team to be my escorts."
"I don't know if I would be a good choice, sir." said Itami slowly no doubt choosing his words carefully. "There are Rangers much more elite than me. Also don't you typically have the Ranger General escorting you?"
"Oh he is. I just felt that it would be good to have those familiar with the territory with us. Oh yes and before I forget." he said interrupting Itami before he could get a word out. "I have something for you."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. He watched in anticipation as Itami opened it. He pulled out all the stops for this one. Ever since he spoke with Itami he had been slowly but surely acquiring resources to mold him into the ideal Ranger.
After a few letters Itami Youji was known by many makers of anime & manga as a heroic fan who couldn't enjoy his favorite hobby due to working so hard defending the core values of the Republic. He typically used his presidential persuasion powers for good but he could be downright evil when he wanted.
"This… this…" sputtered Itami as he read the letter inside eyes wide.
Good. He was afraid it wouldn't be enough. It wasn't nothing too major he didn't want to use up his best cards after all. It was just the author of Mei Com saying how humbled he was to have the Hero of the West District as a fan and that he'd send a special copy of the next issue which he was dedicating in Itami's honor. Itami couldn't refuse lest he end up a pariah in the fan community. He was a good guy. Honest.
"Sir!" said Itami with steel in his voice which immediately faltered into almost a whimper. "This isn't fair…"
"We have Itami's full cooperation, General. I assure you." said the Wanderer
Yeager raised an eyebrow. "I want to know how you did it but I fear the answer I'm going to get."
"Don't worry. It's much less impressive than my father is making it out to be." Gladys snarked
"I'm sure. So sir what is the itinerary for your visit?" ask Harris
"Didn't you receive it?" asked the Wanderer confused. Harris should have received a copy at least a week in advance to make the necessary preparations.
Harris steepled his fingers leaning forward. "I received the official itinerary. What I want to know is what you're actually planning."
Gladys looked over at her father with a small grin. "He seems to have you all figured out, Dad." she said
The Wanderer smiled. "Well General officially I'll be shaking hands with the troops, inspecting Alnus City, visiting the locals in the refugee town, head over to Italica to finalize our relationship, and give a speech or two."
"And unofficially?" asked the General expecting more complications.
"Unofficially I take a quick trip over to Sadera for a little party Pina has planned for their Senate and if possible speak to her father and get him to call off this damn war."
Harris sighed and buried his face in his hands. "Sir are you aware of what could end up going wrong?"
"I'm immortal so it isn't like I can be assassinated." said the Wanderer
"I was leaning more towards you being captured."
"As if anyone could end up capturing me! I've been brushing up on my swordsmanship in my spare time. While I haven't traded blows in a few centuries I'm confident I can hold my own."
Harris sighed again. "There is no way I can convince you to reconsider this foolish endeavor?"
"General if my senior generals, the Ranger General, the Commander of XCOM, and Gladys couldn't convince me what argument do you have that can?" said the Wanderer smirking
"Permission to speak freely, sir?"
"It's a free country. Go ahead."
"I really hate you…"
This only made the Wanderer grin even more. "You aren't the first in charge of my safety to say so and you most certainly won't be the last."
Special Region
Alnus Base, Alnus Territory
Base Chapel
"Now this is a surprise." thought Chaplain Major Fox.
Then again this was a land of surprises. A medieval fantasy land filled with magic, elves, and dragons. A land where the 21st military might of the United Republic was at war against a roman style medieval fantasy empire.
What surprised him now however was the young-looking woman that, if it was to be believed, was a demigod who served a war god and would become a goddess herself in a few decades.
She had shown up not too long ago. It was a Thursday so the base' chapel was empty. He wasn't too busy. He was just putting the final touches on his Sunday sermon which was to be about tolerance and charity. A good message for the troops especially in a land like this. Ms. Mercury didn't say anything for quite some time merely content with watching him work. After what seemed like ages, she finally asked him the question that surprised him so.
"Could you tell me about your god?"
This wasn't the first time he was asked this since his deployment here. Every few days he'd have a local come in and ask a few questions. He would then answer to the best of his ability. Sometimes he'd see them on Sunday sometimes he wouldn't. Orders from both the military high command and the Reverend Council at the Sistine Chapel was to only focus on those that show interest and to not go seeking new converts.
Though neither the Brass or the Council released an official statement on the matter it was rumored that it had to with the Special Region's own deities. Everyone was nervous at the prospect of getting on the bad side of a literal god. While their presence & military operations were largely ignored large scale religious conversion most likely would not.
"What is it that you'd like to know specifically?" he replied carefully
Rory was silent for what felt like an eternity in the tense atmosphere but in reality was only a few moments. "What exactly is the history of your faith?" she asked while staring at the cross hanging over the altar.
"The history of Protestantism is a long one, Ms Mercury."
"I have time." she said simply
"Well the Church has it roots tracing back thousands of years ago during the early years of the Republic. Back then everyone worshipped the Earth itself as a goddess and created shrines to her from precious metals. That all changed with the arrival of a man named Jesus Christ."
"Who was he?" she asked
"Know one knows" he chuckled "Much like the Wanderer he just showed up one day. Some sects say he was God in physical form, others think he was God's mortal son, others think he was just a simple prophet given the ability to perform miracles by God."
"Miracles?"
"Healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, feeding thousands with only a few scraps, turning water into wine, and even raising the dead just to name a few."
The apostle went silent again leaving him to wait patiently. After a couple minutes of silence she finally spoke again. "You mentioned other sects. Is your church not unified?"
"Yes and no… There is a Reverend Council which is made up of all the pastors of the country's greatest cathedrals. The Council is mostly the religion's public face and a united platform through which to petition the government. It has no political power whatsoever. Not only that but each pastor is free to preach whatever they choose in their own churches though there are risks."
"Which are?"
"Churches that stray from the Reverend Council's grace are typically excommunicated. Excommunicated churches are no longer considered part of the Protestant religion and therefore lose any & all benefits being a protestant church entails."
"Benefits which I'm guessing are difficult to live without." said Ms Mercury with a knowing smile.
"Religious institutions are free from taxation in the Republic and excommunicated churches now either have to pay them which is no small amount or get accepted by another religion which is easier said than done."
"Why is that? Wouldn't they be happy to have more followers?"
"The religions on our world are very similar. Almost scarily so. If your views don't match up with one religion it's doubtful the others would be as accepting. They could start their own religion but you'd be just as likely to be proclaimed God yourself."
Upon seeing Ms Mercury's raised eyebrow he went into detail. "Starting a new religion is difficult in the Republic and near impossible almost everywhere else like Rome where the church is state sanctioned. To even be considered you have to have a large follower base and a clear definable faith."
"And what if they did? Would they still be denied?" she asked
"The law is quite clear on the matter. They would be allowed to practice their faith and are free from taxation."
Ms Mercury hummed for a moment before moving towards the exit. "Thank you for answering my questions. Good day." Then she left without another word.
He was taken off guard by her abrupt departure he simply shrugged and returned to work. He had much stranger questions asked to him by locals.
"Questions!?" said the cynical part of his mind "That was far beyond mere curious questioning. That was an interrogation."
He paid his cynicism no mind despite knowing that it was right. Ms Mercury wasn't here just to learn more about the church. No. She was sizing up the competition. He idly wondered if he should mention this in his report to the Reverend Council. That was when he felt a slight breeze on his face.
Looking up he could see one of the windows on the roof were open. They were supposed to be closed. Simply opening them required him to get a step ladder and a long stick so he would remember if he opened it early. Perhaps a strong breeze forced it open? Well it was getting rather stuffy in here so he decided to leave it open until the evening. Hopefully he wouldn't have any more demigod visitors.
AN: One of the hardest and also most fun parts is trying to create a realistic depiction of Civilization 5 game mechanics and events. Trying to create a coherent religious history and doctrine out of a few abstract game features was a real challenge. In-game your civilization borders on religious fundamentalism doggedly spreading your faith and purging heretics. While it might make sense in a gameplay sense it doesn't from a realistic one.
So I decided to present the Republic's Protestant Church as an organization that has a religious monopoly despite having no government power. Since all other religions are Abrahamic ones also the population finds little reason to convert to religions that are pretty much the same. Republic laws on starting a religion are also so tight (due to both church & government design) that it is nearly impossible to start a new church. Religions like Scientology would be impossible to found in the Republic and in other nations its just as bad if not worse especially in Rome where Catholicism is State-sponsered.
Giselle glided down from the roof of this small church. She should be glad that she caught her Sister heading towards this place otherwise she'd never have found it. The elf, Yao, while eager to serve was naive and lacked a certain cunning. Her skill in extracting information was apprentice level at best with her tendency to get directly to the point without any attempt to disguise her actions. It would be hard work to mold the elf into someone useful but hopefully it would pay off.
As she began to make her way back to the house in which she lived when she sensed a familiar presence. Her grip on her scythe barely tightened before her she heard her sister's snarky tone. "You're becoming complacent, Giselle. I could have separated your head from your shoulders before you even lifted that farming tool of yours."
"I've seen how long it takes you to swing that thing you call a halberd!" She spat back "My 'farming tool' could easily slice you in two!"
"I'd like to see you try but it's best we don't fight here. This is a neutral area after all."
This calmed her temper somewhat. After the proclamation by the Republican's God the rest of the Pantheon reluctantly agreed that Alnus should become a Neutral Zone of sorts. Where gods, their apostles, and followers could meet on even ground. There had been attempts to create such a place before but all quickly fell apart due to infighting. With the Republican God serving as a neutral third party and enforcer it seemed to be holding. The apostles of other gods were already making their way here. The Apostle of Ral arrived not to long ago. She was apparently here to learn more about the world beyond the Gate from their libraries and speak to a follower of Ral who had become an influential person here.
"What do you want sister?" she huffed
"Oh I just wanted to know why you were eavesdropping exactly." Rory replied with that damn grin of hers
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh don't play dumb. Despite the peacefulness of this place unlike you I haven't grown complacent. I noticed you when you started following me to the chapel. What's wrong Giselle? To afraid of asking questions yourself?"
The nerve of her! "I am afraid of nothing!"
"Then what's this I hear of you never leaving your home and rely on that elf of yours to get information? Oh Giselle don't tell me you're afraid of the Republicans!"
"I am afraid of nothing! I-I'm just cautious. They're weapons are powerful and-"
"You're scared that you might get killed." said Rory waving her off "As an apostle I understand, sister. We've been the most powerful warriors in Falmart for so long anything that would dispute that would seem frightening."
"So you're scared of them too?" she replied smugly. Rory the Reaper, afraid!
"Sister, I'll be honest with you. You are young so you are excused for your lack of knowledge. The arrival of the Republicans is not the first upheaval. When the Empire first formed they still held on to the gods of their old world and so made war against us apostles. You never had to face down thousands of soldiers. You never had been cut so many times you were reduced to wearing rags by the end of the bloodshed. You never had to chop down entire columns of men earning yourself the title of 'Reaper'. You never had to watch as your fellow apostles were dismembered with their body parts buried dozens of miles apart but still being aware enough to scream. You never had to see such a thing and I'm not so petty as to wish you had no matter how much you might learn from it."
Rory then walked over and, much to her surprise, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"We apostles survived that and we'll survive this. In the time I spent with them I've concluded the Republicans are no major threat. I've met their leader and he doesn't strike me as the conquering type. The only thing we have to fear is their knowledge. You are afraid of what the Republicans would do with their weapons. I'm afraid what someone with lesser morals might do with them. Do you think the Empire would be as merciful if they had such weapons?"
No. They wouldn't. The Empire had tried many times to conquer her tribe but had failed due to the blessing of Hardy and the volcanic region where they made their home. She then imagined Imperial soldiers wiping out their warrior parties with 'guns' or using 'jets' to swat them from the sky which they had previously dominated.
"So shouldn't we all be working together to expel them from ourworld to keep their knowledge out of the wrong hands!?" She said. Her mistress had suggested such an action.
"You saying that like the Republicans would go quietly." Rory scolded "Emroy is a God of War, remember? I have a feeling about this sort of thing [*]. While they might not seem like much every Republican is a trained warrior who wouldn't hesitate to kill an enemy. Many of them give off the stench of killers. They don't go making enemies but if provoked they will fight back."
She huffed. "So we just have to make due?"
Rory laughed "You say that like it's a bad thing! Making due and improvising is half the fun of being an apostle! You have been getting complacent!"
With a final laugh Rory left. While it would be easier to just ignore everything she told her she knew she couldn't do that. While they faced off against one another more often than not her fellow apostle wouldn't steer her wrong. That and she also had an influential supporter…
"She's right you know" said her mistress "I was eventually going to address the issue myself but Rory beat me to it. From now on you are to no longer rely on the elf for information. Go get it yourself. That's an order."
She sighed. "Yes mistress."
"Good. The leader of these Republicans has arrived today no doubt to inspect his conquests. Go and… size him up."
[*]- As the Apostle of Emroy Rory can sense a person's 'inner warrior'. Not just your ability to kill but the reason why you do it. This is the reason why she was drawn to Itami. While he puts on the act of serving only to enjoy his hobby in his heart he honestly wants to serve his country and defend the innocent. Which when coupled with his Ranger training makes him demigod catnip. His instructors actually got through to him.
"You have no idea how long its been since I had a proper mead!" I said with a large wooden mug my hand.
"Oh? You don't have mead in your country?" asked Delilah who was delighted to be serving someone so important as the Wanderer in her tavern.
"It's mostly been replaced by different styles of beer." he explained taking another sip. "No one in the Republic can make decent mead anymore."
"I can see why." said Ranger General Baker who currently had his helmet off showing his scarred grizzled face. "This stuff tastes a little light to me."
"Jack, Russian Comrade-grade spirits would taste light to you." he pointed out.
"That's because the russkies wouldn't know good booze if they were drowning in it." Baker spat taking out a small flask and pouring its contents into his mug.
"Is that the moonshine you got me to drink that one time." He asked grimacing "I'm immortal but I have never been closer to death than I was after drinking that unholy concoction of yours."
"As if a little battery acid ever killed anyone.." Baker said taking a hearty sip "...quickly."
"So what are you going to do here?" Asked Delilah
"Nothing much. I might swing by Italica and maybe hash out an alliance with the Countess."
"What kind of alliance?" she asked trying (and failing) to feign disinterest.
"The Republic will protect Italica in exchange for the right to build a base in its territory along with an embassy. Nothing to complicated. I'll leave trading agreements to the ambassadors."
He purposefully left unsaid that Italica would basically serve as a buffer state between the Empire and Republic captured territory he had no intention of returning. What people didn't know wouldn't hurt them.
"Father, shouldn't we be headed for Italica now?" Asked Gladys "The Secretaries already raised hell over you coming here. What do you think they'll say if they found out you spent a majority of your state visit drinking."
I sighed. "When you're right you're right." I placed a couple of Republican dollar bills on the counter. "You can exchange those right?"
Deliah smiled while placing the bills in her bosom. "Don't worry. I get these often enough."
"Well then thank you for the drinks. I'll try to swing by before I have to go back to Republic City."
As they left Baker leaned towards me and asked, "Sir, what's the exchange rate between the local currency and dollars?"
"If I remember correctly it's about 10 silver denarii for every dollar. Until a proper peace & exchange rate can be hashed out this is what we're using."
"And every 100 silver denarii is equal to 1 gold which is equal to 10 dollars?"
"Congratulations, General." deadpanned Gladys "You can do simple math."
Ignoring her, Baker continued. "And from my briefing gold denarii is typically out of the reach of regular civilians with most likely never seeing more than a couple in their entire lives."
"Correct you are General." I said beginning to smile "Any more questions?"
"Just one. How long until she realizes you gave her 200 bucks or 2000 gold denarii?"
Just then a high pitch squeal coming from behind them drifted down the street.
"I'm guessing now." said Gladys with one of her rare smiles
"Hey it doesn't matter which world I'm on I am always a good tipper." I say proudly
"This is why we can't go to restaurants anymore." sighs Gladys
Baker places his helmet which he had been carrying back on his head. A sharp hiss was heard as he sealed it. Flipping a switch on the side the eyes lit up into a bright burning red.
"We got a vertibird waiting at the air base." said Baker "Let's go."
"Squad, Attention!" barked Itami as the Wanderer stepped off the Vertibird which landed in the courtyard of Formal Keep.
All of Recon Team 3 stood at attention giving salutes so crisp you could almost hear the air crack. The various maids of House Formal all respectfully bowed in unison. A demigod, elf, and mage watched the proceedings with interest. With one being a Ranger and the other two labeled as 'civilian contractors' they were allowed to tag along with RT3 wherever they went.
"Sir, Presidential Security Detail Assembled!" said Itami saluting
"At ease, Captain." said Baker waving him off "I don't carry much for procedure and ceremony as long as the job gets done."
"Oh… uh yes sir."
"So…" I said stepping forward "Who is the magnificent ruler of this beautiful city I've heard so much about."
The one I was talking about smiled and said "Both I and Italica are grateful to have you here."
"Please let us continue this inside. We have much to discuss."
The terms I laid out were purposefully generous. All apart of my master plan. Gladys said I was just trying to create a second Hanoi. The city-state had been a Republic ally for so long that in the realm of politics they were inseparable. You couldn't do anything involving Hanoi without taking the Republic's response into account. I remembered how some barbarian caravels started raiding Hanoi's coast he responded by ordering the air force to bomb their camps and the URGF to mop up. I had to make the message clear; an attack on a Republic ally would be dealt with swifty.
I laid out the terms. In exchange for allowing us to construct a base in Italica's territory we would protect it. An attack on Italica would be considered an attack on the Republic. A standard gold 'donation' to Italica's treasury, open border agreement, and a free trade agreement were also on the table. His generosity caught many off guard. Jaws hit the floor and he swears the Head Maid Kaine shed a tear. Most adorable of all was Myui who had a look of childlike wonder. I no doubt removed many burdens from her shoulder. Burdens that even a grown man would have trouble shouldering let alone a little girl. I'm happy I could make it easier for her.
A lavish feast soon followed. There were many medieval dishes that while sometimes lacking taste made him very nostalgic and some fantasy counterparts he was eager to try. His compatriots were all handling in different ways. Itami and his team ate normally no doubt having become used to the local cuisine. Gladys despite trying to hide it was visibly excited at trying new food. She savored every bite she took. Baker on the other hand wasn't too interested in food instead asking for the strongest alcohol they had. When it was given to him he took a single sip and sighed before pulling out his flask again.
Tomorrow he'd have to depart for the capital for not only a party Pina put together with the Empire's Senators in attendance and before he'd return he would try to have a secret meeting with the Emperor. Until then he would eat, drink, and be merry.
Omake: Kevin's Date
Persia smiled as a familiar URGF soldier approached her. Human males being attracted to her was nothing new. The old Count immediately came to mind being the reason why Demi-humans were welcome in Italican lands and if the few times she went into the city, she was the target of many lecherous looks.
Kevin was different however. Others viewed her either with lust or contempt but while Kevin did look at her with some attraction he actually liked her for her. He was happy, eager even, to hear her stories about her village and family and told her stories of his own home in return. While she didn't understand everything he talked about it was interesting nevertheless.
Mistress Kaine while kind was a stern taskmaster. She had few breaks and much to her shame she was reluctant to spend them all with Kevin. He didn't seem to mind and actually took the time to help her with her duties. In the hours before their leader arrived he offered to help her with the laundry.
She remembered the words of her grandmother "Any man that will help with the housework must not be allowed to slip through your claws."
Those were words of wisdom she planned on heeding. Kevin walked up to her looking very nervous about something. She merely waited patiently until he worked up the courage to say whatever it was he wanted to tell her. Eventually he managed to spit out a hurried sentence, "Persia, would you go on a date with me!?"
"A date?" she asked not knowing what the English term meant.
"Well a date is when two… friends… who like each other go out. Sometimes for dinner or… something." he said trying to look everywhere but her.
She very nearly squealed out loud. He was courting her! Kevin certainly was different from other humans if he was actually attempting to court her. This was definitely worth using one of her breaks for.
"I can take a break later tonight. It won't be long though." she explained
"Nonsense." said Mistress Kaine appearing through the doorway and picking up a basket of freshly dried sheets. "You've been working extra hard lately. Take the night off."
"T-Thank you, Mistress." she stammered startled by the generosity.
Mistress Kaine merely nodded and gave a discreet wink unseen by Kevin. She smiled. Perhaps Kevin could be the one.
AN: Jeez that took longer than I thought. At this rate, it'll take years to get to the sequel. Hopefully it looks good to you guys.