After an unknown time of political and military tensions as well with the unfruitful Cornerian intervention to the Splerai'ian monarchy, Splero Kerano - Splerai'ia's incumbent emperor, dared Fox Mccloud and his anthropomorphic entourage to a challenge for superiority in an all-out war.
After the military incident that resulted to the death of a pilot manning a Splerai'ian OV-10A Bronco, Emperor Splero seeks an in-depth investigation and soon, the sole survivor was being interrogated throughout the days and nights with enough information that led to the incident.
One moment, a military funeral procession was done at Mount Splera - Splerai'ia's highest mountain. The procession was for the Splerai'ian pilot that died in the fatal collision with Fox Mccloud 72 days earlier. A maple wooden coffin was being carried by Splerai'ian royalists and when they finally reached to the cemetery within the mountain, the coffin was wrapped with the flag of the monarchy and then placed into the designated grave. A line of royalists armed with old Hanyang 88s fired volley after volley of ceremonial shots of respect while Emperor Splero and his other closer advisers and friends mourned over the lost of their very pilot that served for mere years.
...
Knowing that the family and loved ones of the dead pilot pressured the monarchy's morale, Emperor Splero was in a state of animosity with the Cornerians. Thanks to the investigations that was conducted after the incident, he finally realized about the presence of the anthropomorphics near Splerai'ia and every time he tried to think about it, his pressuring stress worsens. The fatal incident sends a bad reception to the world and because of that, the Splerai'ian monarchy loses some significant prestige both political and military. Some nations even sneered on Emperor Splero's military 'recklessness'. As he sat down on his throne, he took a look on a snapshot of a similar Arwing of the Cornerian Military. With rage on his mind, he crumbled it and threw it to the waste bin in a grenade-throwing manner.
"When will this nagging pressure could end?!" - Splero remarked -
His thoughts was disturbed when someone knocks his door.
"Whaji Davay." - Splero responded -
Mikano - Splero's Aide, appeared and approaches to the Emperor.
"Sire, I have something to report." - Mikano reminded -
"What is it?" - Splero asked -
Mikano then gave him a photograph of Fox, Krystal and Falco.
"This is the main figures of the Cornerian Military, Your Majesty. The red fox in that picture is the one that collided with our plane earlier this week." - Mikano explained -
The picture gave Splero a fine chance to settle down. In fact, his eyes was focused on Krystal's pose.
"Hmm. This blue vixen right here. She's seems to be hot." - Splero remarked with a grin -
"Uhh...Yeah. About that, anyway." - Mikano replied -
"Hmm?" - Splero noticed -
"That vixen in the picture there was already taken by someone." - Mikano reminded -
"Who?" - Splero asked -
"With the red fox." - Mikano replied -
Splero didn't respond to his reply. Mikano clears his throat.
"Anyhow. Aside from that, we have an opportunity to negotiate with them as well." - Mikano added -
"Is that so?" - Splero realized -
Mikano nodded. Splero sighed.
"Fine. Let's continue on our ways for the recovery then, Mikano." - Splero remarked -
Mikano gave him a quick bow before he left the room. Splero continued to gaze on the picture. The look of Krystal in the picture sends Splero in a sexual fantasy and the emperor was now drooling on the look of her face, hips and the Cerinian markings on her arms and legs.
"I wish that you will be my consort soon." - Splero remarked -
The Emperor then snickered.
...
A few hours later, Fox, Krystal and Falco finally arrived at Splerai'ia for the first time. Under Splerai'ian guard, the trio was being escorted to Splero's castle.
"Hope our negotiation will soften the tensions up, Sir." - Fox remarked -
"Of course. Our Emperor was being pressured by it for a few days straight." - Mikano replied -
"Guess the hopes then?" - Falco asked -
"I presume." - Mikano answered -
He then opened the doors that led to Splero's throne. The rooms was filled with Splerai'ian officers and advisers. The anthropomorphic trio approached to the designated spot that was placed with pillows. Since the trio wasn't used to the Splerai'ian customs, Fox slowly kicked away the pillow in front of him. He looked up and Emperor Splero gazes on. Fox then gave him just a small nod.
"You are well, Fox Mccloud?" - Splero asked -
"I'm well like you were, Your Majesty." - Fox replied -
"Splerai'ia is pleased to received you." - Splero said -
"This is a great honor to meet you, Your Highness." - Fox answered -
"We have informed by the similar tensions of the Cornerian government. The Splerai'ian advisers will be dealing this but loss of the monarchy's prestige due to the incident will not be going to be loosen from the hook. The Splerai have lost the valuable respect of America, the valuable respect of Japan and so also the respect of the Chinese, British and North Koreans. In all, 30 to 40 percent of our prestige were being lost by political backing. Wonder me up if you something else to say about these." - Splero stated -
"We really regret about these losses, Your Imperial Majesty. In respond to this, Corneria will dealing these as well." - Fox reassured -
"Splerai'ia is just a de facto monarchy. The kingdom is trying it's best to get itself respected by the nations but now, we're all being sneered at." - Splero added up, tone rising up from the initial stress -
"If the nation is a de facto monarchy, there is a good solution. The solution might be long but it will work in the end. Imperialism and colonization were not the only steps to be followed for this monarchy's attempt to be recognized with the world. Cooperation would be a considerate factor for the imperial recognition that might end up with some successful outcomes." - Fox reassured him again -
"If not, what will be very outcomes of it? Speak up." - Splero asked -
His question slightly sends chills to Falco's spine. Still, Fox continued on.
"If not, thevery kingdom or empire in the subject will not going to be recognized to the full extent of the world's society. Also, if that happens, the other nations might mock it's government or even disowns it's very leaders to oblivion." - Fox answered -
His words make Splero facepalm himself. Falco nudges Fox.
"Ow. That hurts." - Fox sneered -
"What are you thinking, Fox? You shouldn't soften him up like that." - Falco whispered -
"I though soft negotiations go out well, Falco." - Fox whispered back -
"Fox and Falco." - Splero called -
Both of them looked at Splero.
"Can both of you look out in the field, please? There is something I wanted for you both to see." - Splero requested -
Mikano guided Fox and Falco to the field outside while Krystal just stood there idly. Splero gazes on her before directing the gaze to the others. When Fox and Falco came outside, both of them were surprised to see a group of blindfolded Splerai'ian prisoners standing in the blood splattered wall right in front of the royalists armed with Hanyang 88s. A musician plays a drum roll and when it ends with a final drum beat, the royalists executed the prisoners cold blood. Fox and Falco could only recoil from the sight and Mikano escorted them back to the throne room.
"I hope your government would like to know that Splerai'ian justice will be strict and swiftly. The ones you both saw were the ones who broke the lese majeste law this morning." - Splero said -
"When lies the guilt? To the one who wields the gun? or the one who gives the command?" - Fox asked -
"You know who gave the command?" - Splero counter asked -
"With your Majesty's permission, I would like to present you an eyewitness to the incident." - Fox offered -
Splero nodded.
"By all means, Fox Mccloud." - Mikano said -
Krystal then fixed her beret and gave Splero a simple bow.
"The name is Krystal, Your Highness. I'm the eyewitness to the incident that happened not very long ago." - Krystal introduced -
"I see. Continue on, Miss." - Splero urges her -
"I could still remember of what happened at the time of the incident. After we made a in-depth investigation of our own, we finally concluded of the real one who is at fault." - Krystal added -
"If that so, who is at fault in the incident?" - Splero asked her decisively -
"It was the one who collided my partner." - Krystal answered -
Splero was shaken.
"You mean our pilots, Miss?" - Splero asked -
Krystal nodded. Splero was now feeling more tense than ever.
"That claim is extremely void. It's impossible. My forces were being trained for years under my strict imperial control. They have turned themselves as honored individuals and here, you say that our forces were at fault all in all?" - Splero replied in a stressed tone -
"That's not we meant, Your Majesty. We are not infringing the superiority of your imperial forces." - Fox calmed -
His reassurance now adds up to headache. He raised his palms.
"Is that so, then so be it." - Splero replied -
He fixed the gloves that was loosen.
"To prove your very superiority of your team or your government that you served with. I will now issue this very decree. From now on, The imperial constitutional monarchy of Splerai'ia will be challenging with all Cornerian and pro-Cornerian forces, allies or superpowers in an all-out war on the land, waters and skies of Splerai'ia. The first challenge in the war will be started in 24 hours and no other considerations will be taken if the sides will be locked in the very war itself." - Splero ordered -
"You must be joking." - Fox whispered -
"The challenge will take place in set-piece battles with everything prepared for combat. Military use of children for the war efforts were also encouraged. Any deserters, mutineers and cowards in the army, navy or air force shall be called a traitor for the homeland and shall be executed at will." - Splero continued -
"I can't stand this fucking emperor, Fox. He's so naive and full of himself." - Falco whispered -
"Don't worry. Once we started our challenge with him, we'll show him and his forces that we are more formidable than his very monarchy." - Fox whispered back -
"Furthermore, If the monarchy prevailed in the challenge, the leaders and it's government must be recognized by political and military means in a forcible attempt or not. If the monarchy lose, the Emperor will think up a fate so that the nation will be passed to the victor in a rightful manner instead." - Splero added -
Fox, Falco and Krystal were surprised to hear that last few words of his decree.
"Are you serious, Your Majesty? You're making a fool of yourself." - Krystal said -
"Yeah. She's right. In fact, we're advanced to anything we faced. That's all." - Fox added -
Splero scoffs.
"Not until you guys met my forces in the battlefield out there. THAT's a serious consideration." - Splero silenced -
The trio back down.
"Mikano, the order was now written and given. Please take these trio back to their own escorts." - Splero ordered -
"Yes, Sire." - Mikano replied -
"No thanks, Your Majesty." - Fox interrupted -
Splero gazed him.
"It would be better for us to depart, instead." - Fox said -
Splero nodded.
"So be it then." - Splero remarked -
He waved his arm and the trio departs from the imperial den. Mikano approaches him.
"Sire?" - Mikano called -
Splero sighed.
"Mikano, I know this is quite ridiculous but we have no choice. We must fight with them to show them the Splerai'ian Way." - Splero said -
"I understand, Sire." - Mikano replied -
"Go now. I shall see you in the field tonight." - Splero dismisses him -
Mikano left the throne room.