Sorry for the long wait guys, life has been a little hectic at the moment but now back to writing. Anyways hope you enjoy this next instalment :)
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Counting every crack, hole and hanging piece of flaking paint strip was all Zao did other than lay down and collect his thoughts as he remained an imprisoned guest of the Hong Empire. So far he counted three cracks, six holes which of one he found suspiciously may of been created by a bullet and two bits of dried paint hanging off the ceiling. He'd never been in a cell before, knowing it to be a room within prisons for individuals who committed crimes but he'd hoped there was at least some reading material to starve off the boredom.
There wasn't any means to tell the time for how long he was incarcerated within this bland and tight spaced environment. However his best estimate would be around a day at least. Zao managed to get some sleep despite the snoring that echoed from the cell further down from another inmate and earlier had received a tray of substance in the shape of bread, brown rice and a clouded stained glass of water. He thanked the soldier who delivered it but didn't get a response in return. Whether it was because of his physical state, the uniform he still wore or was ordered not to speak to him, or perhaps a combination of all Zao wasn't for certain but had to be one of the speculative questions.
He remembered all the information Zhu and Mei had told him in regards to the Hong imperials. The old ways of his homeland continued to run its course even in this new chapter of human history, amongst the ruins of nuclear war and civilisations implosion. He recalled only being an officer cadet when the PLA conquered Taiwan, one of many territories and countries that faced the boot of the People's Republic quest for resources to out compete the Western capitalists. Taiwan was boasted as a true unification of all Chinese lands and people. But from his only visit to the island on a supply run, Zao could see the inhabitants didn't appear pleased at being 'reunified' with their mainland brethren.
The hostility from these Hong soldiers was obviously something their ancestors had passed down, keeping the resentment and anger of the pre nuclear armageddon days alive. Zao knew the PLA most likely delivered harsh crackdowns on the populace like it had done on many other places they invaded, to root out dissidents and break their spirit to eventually assimilate them into China's Communist ideology. Only difference now was Taiwan, or whatever they called it now, sound as if it was thriving under a new name, a new flag and new way of life never offered to his own people, whereas the nation he grew up and served fell to chaos and disorder.
He wondered too why he had chosen Shanghai to return to, a city that had been occupied by the capitalist invader. Then he remembered it was the logical choice instead of returning to his home city of Nanjing, yet another city to have fallen to the Americans. The possibility of Nanjing sharing Shanghai's crumbled ruined fate was undoubtedly high but the chances of it having been under the capitalists control gave the Captain hope it hadn't faced much nuclear attrition. Painful memories began to swamp into his mind of those he left behind on his final voyage for the Navy.
"Captain Zao?" Turning his head to the barred doors the full armoured figure of Han stood on the other side.
"Lieutenant. How may I be of service?" Zao quizzed the young Hong officer standing up from the bed and stretched out his old, irradiated skinned arms.
"General Hanwen wishes to speak with you."
"Ah," Was all he said, knowing it was the only reason why anyone would want his presence right now. "Then it is best not leave your superior waiting."
Nothing was said as the Hong officer nodded over to someone out of sight then followed with the door sliding open. "This way sir."
Leaving his cell Zao went in the direction Lieutenant Han's outstretched arm then followed another soldier waiting by the entrance of the prison area. Two more Hong soldiers were waiting outside standing to attention by the desk with the same NCO from before who typed away at his terminal.
"Will that be all Lieutenant?" The man asked looking up and stopped typing.
"Yes, return to your work Sergeant."
"Yes sir." With that Zao fell in step with his escort, leaving the man to carry on with his assigned tasks.
The activity around the old airport turned military hub was just as vibrant and busy as yesterday, with less faces interested in himself to his personal satisfaction at not appearing like a circus attraction. The stares they did receive still held him in disregard. Their mouths twisted into a disgusted sneer then turned back to their current duties, no longer wasting another second to acknowledge his presence. The atmosphere around the base was unmistakable in remaining in favour of detesting his being here.
Passing the same corridors and rooms he saw yesterday Zao knew this time around he was going to be facing a far less savoury character than the Hong ambassador. It was clear as soon as this General Hanwen opened his mouth he had embedded hatred for his kind, whether it be because of his PLA naval uniform, his physical state or both. This encounter was going to be an unpleasant one but he had little choice other than face it head on.
"In here, Captain." Han said nodded over to a room taking a few steps ahead of himself and the soldier escort.
Zao stopped with the Hong troops as the Lieutenant opened the battered wooden door, revealing a simplistic empty room containing a small, metallic table with one chair on one side and two more on the other. The submarine Captain couldn't imagine a more basic and uninviting premises for a room intent on the bombardment of questions for his up coming interrogation. Walking into the room that lacked any kind of decoration other than the similar faded, peeling white painted walls his cell possessed, Zao scrutinised the surroundings of this tight spaced enclosure. He spotted in the top corner of the room a security camera that was split in two. Whatever trauma the old piece of technology suffered still showed it's fatal mark.
"General Hanwen will be making his way here momentarily, Captain."
"Very well." Zao replied still scanning his eyes around the worn interior of the run down room. Expecting that to be it from the Hong officer, Zao was a little surprised to find him still standing in the doorway with an expression of uncertainty "Is there something else Lieutenant?"
"No sir. However," He said then gave a quick backward glance over his shoulder as if hoping nobody was behind him "You must understand that Hanwen is a war hero and revered all across the Empire. But I must warn you he does possess quite the temper on him. I suggest telling him the whole truth of your purpose in The Shang, otherwise you'll face his wrath."
"I see. I thank you for the heads up Lieutenant. I'll do my best not cause the good General aggravation and be as honest as I can be. I have nothing to hide."
"That's a relief to hear Captain. Good luck with General Hanwen." Han stood to attention that twisted on his heel and walked out the room like a true professional soldier showing respect to a superior. Zao felt some gratitude the junior officer showed respect to that of his rank, regardless of belonging to opposing militaries.
The door closing behind the Hong officer, Zao let out a sigh and took a seat on the side that possessed only the one chair. A creak coming from the chair's legs was all that could be heard in the silent room as Zao released a sigh through his disfigured nose, not overly eager for this 'conversation' with the Hong head of command. Left to his thoughts he reminisced over the last time he had to face the fierce lashing of a superior after a fight broke out during a graduation party from the PLA National Defence University.
Tension were high between a group of PLA Army graduates and a few Naval ones he was apart of. A grin tugged on the corner of his mouth as he remembered particularly after having one or maybe two more drinks than allowed the tension boiled over into a challenge involving their fists. Glasses were smashed and a couple tables may of had their stark white sheets torn off and bloodied from the ensuring battle of the branches. Military police rushed in and arrested many, including himself and the Army officer he thrown over the bar.
Zao recalled being one of the unfortunate ones to of had the University president General Puxuan questioning him over the clash, along with the Army graduate. Of course in a sense of camaraderie both said it was a simple misunderstanding but Puxuan wasn't having it. After a receiving the lecture of turning their aggression to the capitalists and never to embarrass the university again or face severe 'repercussions', Zao and the Army graduate were released and went their separate ways.
Those were the days he was a young and impulsive, eager to serve the People's Republic in their struggle against the greedy capitalist West and their puppets that he was lead to believe wanted China's destruction. As time went on and he went up through the ranks serving on different ships until he was given command of the Yangtze his installed hatred of the West softened, knowing not every capitalist was evil. Voicing such thoughts aloud back then would've been met with harsh penalties so his true beliefs he kept to himself.
Time was starting to as he felt stretch longer and longer as he remained seated in this borderline claustrophobic room. Zao started to believe if this was all part of General Hanwen's idea of interrogation. He wouldn't but it past a being who has it in for Communists. Taking his cap off Zao ran a hand over his rough skinned, bald head then stared at his Navy cap insignia, of the service he served for over 20 years that now fell into the obscurity of history.
The golden outline surrounding the red star was still there with only a few specs of the colouring missing, mostly on the gold skull resting beneath the star. The once standard dark military green and brown dye of the cap was just like the rest of his uniform, paling due to age and lack of a proper wash for over two centuries. His once proud uniform was just a few nostalgic relics he couldn't bring himself to cast away, clinging to the old submariner of a past he couldn't just let go of yet.
It reminded him of what he once was; a Captain of a great vessel with a well skilled, loyal and close knit crew. Whilst the clothes on his back and the Yangtze still remained a part of him, his crew were sadly not.
Before his mind dwelled on the dead once again the sound of chatter came from the other side of the door broke him out of it.
"Yes sir." He heard Han's voice comply then the door opened up revealing three figures walking in.
Zao out of respect stood up to the people entering in but a gruff voice quickly put an end to the gesture.
"Don't get up." The stern voice of the General commanded.
Zao did as he was told then looked up again at the new arrivals. As expected he came face to face with General Hanwen, finding no difference in appearance from the first time they met. Zao had met Generals and Admirals before, whether it be for inspection of his vessel, military parades for the Chairman to show the world the might of all the branches the People's Liberation Army or the passing down of orders and all wore the typical high up attire with the stars or whatever the insignia on their shoulders to represent their ranks.
However, Hanwen appeared to be breaking the original look of a high General and more in line of that of a soldier, with black and red armour covering his arms, chest and the full length of his arms and legs. The breast plate looked to be quite thick and had the hexagon shaped patterns running across it and smaller ones decorated the other parts protecting his arms and presumably his legs too. Beneath his 'battle suit' as he best described it Zao could make out grey and dark green military fatigues exposed to the more lightly armoured areas, with three gold stars on each shoulder attached to the metallic protection. Just like the soldiers his armour resembled closely to that of ancient Chinese warriors, only built better with quality materials.
With him was another soldier who appeared more like the rest that occupied the airport. Taking a step against the wall, the solider was equipped with a Type 93 assault rifle as he stoically stood to attention overseeing the proceedings. The last was a Zhuli servant bot floating beside the table, focusing all four of its eyes on his person.
"So, Captain Zao." Hanwen addressed him with some emphasis placed on his rank as if he didn't quite believe he held such a thing. "I presume you have a first name?"
"I do."
"Well then perhaps you would enlighten us on who you are, Captain?" The Hong General motioned his hand forward for him to answer the question.
"I am Ren Zao, Captain of the Yangtze 31, 1st East Sea Fleet and formerly of the People's Liberation Army Navy." Zao gave his full name and status, choosing to opt for full disclosure of his being both from taking Han's advice and the fact his government was a very distant memory lost to history.
"Formerly?"
"It is from my understanding the PLA was wiped out once nuclear war commenced."
"Indeed. The blemish, tyrannical oppressors that were the People's Liberation Army are no more." Hanwen said taking some pleasure at the acknowledgement of their demise "Only those who think they're the successors remain and they won't be for long. I receive weekly status reports on their grip weakened on all fronts. It's only a matter of time before your Old China decadent ideology is eliminated for good."
Zao knew what the General was trying to do and it was a trick far older than him. Gauging a reaction that would end up with him wanting to jump over the table and a strike out in anger to prove he was a threat and untrustworthy. Maybe in his younger years as a inexperienced, naive Lieutenant he would've sent a fist right into the man's jaw but maturity and an unnaturally long years of service taught him to keep his composure and stay calm through the petulant insults.
"Perhaps so." Was all he answered with, spotting the slight annoyance in the Hong commanding officer for the modest response instead of an angered.
"I've read what you told the Ambassador. To say the story is far fetch is an understatement." Hanwen said disbelieving his life story for the past two hundred plus years.
"It is the truth General." Zao stated honestly.
"Why don't we just cut through the bullshit, Captain. I have no time for stories of being trapped in foreign waters and somehow and unlikely to have travelled the oceans from the other side of this irradiated world to return home, like some lost child. Instead you're going to tell me of your true purpose being here, in The Shang." He leant forward giving him a stern glare, which along with the scar running down his left eye gave a menacing look that would've jilted any frightened prisoner into spilling any information they had.
"You have already answered your question, General. I came back to offer any help I can to rebuild China." Zao answered again, not giving into the intimidating stare and confused by the accusation.
"How long do you think your weakly thought out lie is going to hold, Commie?. Who really sent you?. The People's Remnant?, The Red Serpents?, or one of those delusional fools who claim to still be taking orders from Chairman Cheng himself?" At the mention of the old war leader who brought China into war with the US and much of the rest of world, Zao's eyes widened a little in surprise with the prospect of the Chairman to have survived the nuclear holocaust.
He knew the chances were slim, if not highly unlikely Cheng would still be breathing.
"I am ignorant of who those people are and Chairman Cheng is dead. I do not follow orders that no longer serve any purpose. I came back to help my people." He once again told of his reasons for returning but a snort and the sound of chair legs scraping across the floor as Hanwen stood up, sneering at him once more.
"We're going down this tiresome road again are we?." He said glaring down at him "Your kind are all the same. Lies and trickery. You are nothing more than an old world relic like those Americans held up in their Bravo Point fortress. When will you understand the people of this land, who you helped destroy, no longer want anything more to do with you Communist filth!"
For a second Zao was taken back by the venom Hanwen had laced his words in. The hatred was unmistakable in his voice and his eyes had a glint of anger came from more than being taught who was the enemy. Despite keeping calm and collective he couldn't help feeling his ire start to rise.
"My loyalty is and always has been to China, General. I am happy to help those who wish to help make her great again and protect her people."
"How noble of you." Hanwen mocked him. "Yet, that didn't stop you launching those world killing weapons that resulted in Old China reduced to a nuclear wasteland."
"I followed my orders as any subordinate does from the chain of command. As I am sure you do too from your superiors back in the Hong Empire?." Zao question was met with a pair of fists slamming down on the table which startled him, the Hong soldier and the Zhuli bot a little.
"My orders and that of Imperial Command don't involve wiping out billions of lives!"
"General, if I may?. Perhaps it is best to refrain from outburst that could raise eyebrows over the recording of this meeting?" The Zhuli robot suggested in it's slight fearfully sounding amplified voice, twisting two of it's eyes in the General direction.
"Fine." Hanwen straightened up but hadn't lost the angered edge to his stare."The vessel you docked in Fangwei's Harbour. Is it armed?"
Sensing where this change of subject was already heading Zao stifled a sigh and once again answered truthfully. "The Yangtze possess only conventional torpedoes and countermeasures to fend off against anti submarine weapons. No ballistic missiles remain within her launch tubes."
"I wish I can say I'm assured, Captain. Perhaps those fears will be put to rest if I have a team personally search your boat over. It is of course in Hong territory and considered a possible grave threat to our forces and civilians here." Zao for the first time during this 'talk' felt anger rise within him at the prospect of these people crawling around his sub.
"The Yangtze's reactor is not fully stable and still suffers radiation leaks. You'll be putting them in danger." He reasoned, knowing this wasn't the case but hoped it stave him off from boarding her.
"The reactor, or the missiles you still have aboard?"
"Did you not just hear me, General?. She has no nuclear weapons left!."
"Let's get this straight, Commie. I can have that boat stripped of everything valuable and have the rest sold for scrap metal. For you to bring one of those machines back here after all the pain, suffering and death it helped descend is a slap in the face to all those out there who've had to live with the post nuclear world infested with disorder and chaos. I should have that boat destroyed and you facing a firing squad out of principle!."
"General!" A new voice entered the heated exchange. Looking toward the doorway Zao found Ambassador Yang standing there with an infuriated look on his face along with a few troops and Mei behind him, as if they were trying to bar him from entering. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"It is of no concern to you, Ambassador. This is a military matter which falls well within my jurisdiction." Hanwen stated keeping his eyes on him, rather than face the Ambassador.
"Captain Zao is our guest. He is not prisoner of war for you to gain information from enemies he has no knowledge of."
"So you are happy for a communist servicemen from our great enemy to sail a vessel capable of carrying a nuclear payload right into the middle of our territory, and for him to freely roam around our base?." The General said swinging around to face Yang.
"I believe this man has no ill intent toward us, yet you're bullish behaviour only paints us in a bad light." Yang countered which received a snort of disgust in return.
"Is that all you care for?. You are willing to put the lives of thousands at risk just to preserve an image?!"
"I put no one's life in danger, General. For I received an update from a team of researchers going over the submarine now." Zao at this moment looked at the Ambassador in a mix of shock and a small dose of fury for allowing people aboard the Yangtze without his permission. "The Captain is correct. There are no nuclear missiles on board the vessel."
Hanwen then turned back to him with his face twisted in aggravation from the Ambassador's intrusion and report, having shamed him in front of the Hong soldiers.
"It appears you were telling the truth, Captain. However, I still doubt the rest you told me is true." He said with reluctance to concede he was wrong over the nuke allegation.
"General I believe Captain Zao has taken enough of your time. Maybe it is best for him to leave your company?" Zao picked up in Yang's tone he was ordering Hanwen to do so, rather than asking.
"Very well. But mark my words Ambassador, letting this communist walk around our walls will be a great threat to the stability we have brought to this region." The General pointed at this Hong diplomat, warning over a threat Zao knew held no valid credibility.
"Enough General. Lieutenant?" Yang called out for the junior officer who appeared mere seconds later. "Escort Zao back and keep them until further notice."
Zao saw the look of conflict on Han's face as he looked at the Ambassador then to his superior.
"Do as the Ambassador orders Lieutenant." Hanwen nodded then stepped aside.
Taking that as his cue Zao stood up and passed the watchful glare of the Hong General, returning the same mutual level of distrust in his eyes toward the man. He then walked by Yang who gave him a grin and allowed him to be brought away by Han and a couple of Hong troops from the fuming pair, who'd be bickering as soon as he as out of sight.
No longer in the corridor the soon to be feuding party still resided in he released a pent of breath through his nose, glad to be out of sight from Hanwen.
"It sounded like you had quite the tongue lashing in there, Captain." Han said walking beside him.
"It was to be expected." He answered him.
"The General is a good leader. You'll find no man in this army who would not follow him into the gates of hell. But, he does have from what I've heard before and witnessed first hand now, a sharp temperament." The Lieutenant admitted, sounding concerned at saying aloud his commanding officer's flaw.
"As much as it pains me a little to say it, I do understand his position. He is looking out for the safety of your people, even if it fell into a cycle of verbal abuse."
"I must confess it does please me your ship does not contain nuclear missiles."
"Submarine, Lieutenant." Zao corrected him.
"What is the difference?. It floats on water."
Chuckling at the Hong officer's simplistic idea how naval vessels worked, Zao decided to explain the difference his sub was compared to the seafaring craft they must've salvaged and used to reach the Chinese mainland. "The difference is the Yangtze belongs to a type of sea vessel that can submerge and travel under water. Unlike ships she can traverse through the ocean depths undetected and has the capabilities to sink other boats and warships without having to surface."
"Ancestors, your submarine sounds like a deadly war machine." Han said with amazement.
"She can be." Zao said with some level of pride.
"If the Empire had such machines in its army, no one could ever dare threaten Chongsheng." The young officer said with optimism.
"Perhaps so. Though I have a feeling a fully functional submarine is a rare thing to see these days."
"Your Yangtze is in our harbour." Zao slowed his pace and a frown formed on his face from Han's implication. "Is there something wrong, Captain?"
"With respect Lieutenant, the Yangtze does not belong to the Hong Empire. She will fly no flag neither I or she serves."
"I meant no offence sir. I just got a little carried away." He explained looking at him with a sheepish expression for his overexcitement.
"I know." Zao sighed then picked up the pace again. "You must understand, I have served, lived and kept the Yangtze functioning for over two centuries. She is home, not only to me but to the men and women who once served aboard her through the war which brought both China and the rest of the world to it's knees. What would you do if someone tried stealing your home and the last pieces of your family, Lieutenant?"
"I get your point. If I was in your situation I would be of the same mindset and keep anyone from stealing something I held so dear to my heart." Han said with his eyes lit with a determination that his own eyes once held all those years ago.
"Lieutenant?" A soldier walked over to Han as they walked into a terminal packed with Hong personnel going about their business.
Taking a look around as his escort lead was preoccupied with the soldier with whatever needed his attention, he found nothing different from before when he had first entered into the Hong's military base. No one paid him any heed, instead going about their duties as he eyed around his surroundings. From before he found the walls littered with Hong material and the old equipment either re purposed or replaced with technology that worked for military purposes. On one wall Zao found something both a surprise and of interest that stood out from all the rest of posters and other wall decorations.
Walking over to wall in question he scanned his eyes over an untouched and impressively intact map of Shanghai encased behind a glass frame. There was a few cracks around the corners and scratches but it did little to block out the map highlighting the old city. A city that was to set an example to the rest of the country before it was invaded and occupied by the Americans, before it become a bloodbath battle between the PLA and Capitalist forces for control of the city and before the bombs fell and ended the world as he knew it.
He had a feeling much of what Shanghai boasted no longer stood or fell to decay, taken over whatever was left by the natives.
"I see you have spotted the only clean map of the old city." He heard Han's voice come up beside him. "All others that were found so far were covered in markers that pointed out all enemy positions and checkpoints for American troops and supply bases."
"Is there much left of Shanghai before the war?" Zao inquired over the city's current state.
"Not as I imagine when you last saw it." He explained with some sympathy. "We control mostly everything on this side of the Huangpu river. The other side is a different story however."
"How so?"
"At this time we are at war with two factions that vying for control of The Shang." Han said then explained further. "We have only been here for a year, but the two rivalling nations if you can call them that have been here for longer. Our biggest rival are the Emerald Horde, who are lead by a man calls himself Cao and styles himself as someone from China's ancient history. They control an area that we've been told stretches from the ruins of Jiading to the large settlement of Jingshen within the former Putuo area. Their fighting style favours human wave attacks, to swarm over their enemy like a pride of pontianaks. However, the way the civilians they treat under their rule is...well let's say it's best we liberate them as swiftly as we can."
"I see." Zao caught his meaning.
"Over here," Han pointed to another area of the map on the opposite side of this 'Emerald Horde' territory. "In the what used to be the Xianghua Qiao resident district to the area now known as the Dragon's Nest is ruled by The Fire Dragons. They are lead by warlords who are twin brother and sister, by the name of Fa Wei and Fa Xia. They are less of a concern but they have been expanding further into The Shang with Imperial and Horde forces fighting further north."
"An interesting name they give themselves."
"It is because they prefer fire based weapons." Zao heard the unsteadiness in his voice, implying those who go up against them didn't have an easy time.
"So Shanghai remains war torn, only with new players." He said aloud, thinking over how nothing in this new world truly hadn't changed.
"It is unfortunate but without us, the people of The Shang would be ruled by an evil tyrant either way."
"What of the Americans Hanwen mentioned?" Zao asked having remembered the charming General had brought them up.
"They are held up in their fortress they call Bravo Point, which is here." Han pointed to the place that highlighted 'Shanghai Museum'. "An impressive structure which they added some advanced defence systems the Hong have never seen before. They are lead by a man called Cartwright, their General and leader. We have a truce with the Americans and from what I hear Ambassador Yang is trying to form an alliance with them, but Hanwen says we don't need their support."
"Hardly surprising. He didn't come across as someone who had time for the old world." The old Captain sarcastically commented.
"One place that is considered neutral ground is Tianting. I used to be a place with flourishing gardens from what I learned from the old books but is now run by a syndicate calling themselves the Blood Locust."
"Blood Locust?"
"They are more or less gangsters but welcome everyone into their town, Imperial, Horde and Dragon alike. They have casinos, entertainment re creation centres and uh...pleasure houses." Han told him with some embarrassment at the last part.
"Hmm. Have you taken a trip to this place?" Zao asked with a small grin.
"Twice, for down time. Only for a few drinks and to see the scenery, nothing more." The junior officer assured him, seemingly looking as if he was suppressing a blush.
"I believe you Lieutenant."
"Perhaps it is time to move on." Han suggested.
Zao knew he meant bringing him back to his cell but with the bellowing he got from General Hanwen and the information of the current state of affairs of Shanghai, he thought it best to retire from the excitement for the time being.
"Of course Lieutenant. You have given me a lot to dwell on."
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