Chp. 25: Perception and Reality
November 3, 2049
Bedruga, Sotoa
Gummadi walked down the street slowly, taking in the destruction solemnly. An ambulance sat on the side of the road, and two paramedics were helping an injured man into the back. The entire street was still covered with a layer of dust and debris. The upper part of the Soacomm TV Tower laid atop several buildings, their roofs crushed by the weight. The lower half was tilted, looking like it was ready to follow any second. He stopped at the courtyard in front of the local Soacomm headquarters and let out a heavy sigh. A Captain with the local garrison, and a liaison to the city's emergency services, explained the damage and what had happened.
"The building was not hit directly, but was damaged by shrapnel and the shockwave that followed. Around 70 people were injured, a number severely." He explained through his dust mask.
"How many were killed?" Gummadi replied.
"So far, we've confirmed that twelve people in a meeting room were killed by flying glass. The facilities at the base of the tower were hit and partly collapsed. Six technicians were inside the building, but we won't have an exact number until the structure is deemed stable and rubble is removed. "
"How soon?"
"I'm told it will take two days."
Construction workers and firemen were going in and out, carrying debris towards a growing pile. A line of dump trucks sat on the curb, fed by an excavator scooping up from that pile. Gummadi looked the building up and down a few times and felt his blood boiling. He walked up some steps to a fountain so he could see the structure in full. He looked at the firefighters and nodded, repeating words of gratitude for each that walked past. As he turned around, the head of his bodyguard unit was walking up to him.
"Prime Minister, it would be safest if you moved away from the building a bit more. We, and the people, would not want you to get hurt." He insisted. Gummadi tensed, then eased up.
"Yes, yes…Captain, where is the nearest collection point for the injured?" He replied, raising his voice to address his guide.
"Two blocks away, sir! One of the municipal hospitals."
That's where Gummadi decided to make his address. Many of the people here had come from the DDRA complex and the surrounding buildings. Gummadi had been prepared to see anything, but the overwhelmed hospital still made him shake in anger. He closed his eyes and drew in a breath before he looked at the Captain and his head bodyguard again.
"Let's return to the Soacomm building; I don't want to bother the people here while I make my statements." He commanded.
News crews and independent journalists who'd been chomping at the bit to record his speech were allowed to meet him there. Even then, he went across the street to a parking lot to speak, but still had the building behind him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I will not be taking questions on this matter, but I do have some words to share. With the Osean and Lenish governments, and with the government of Chakari. The scenes I have witnessed today are nothing short of enraging. Nothing but Osea and Lenshire's desire to ravage Sotoa under the pretense of defending Chakari. All while arming Chakari with weapons to strike at us; weapons like the ones used against Bedruga. They talk about peace, co-existence, and yet they take steps to usurp that. The events that have occurred here today have forced me to reconsider any peace initiatives they may propose. Sotoa will not sign its own death certificate, and it will not allow the Lenish to have such influence on this nation again. Sotoa will not falter in the face of this aggression." He said in a level tone. He held up a hand to dismiss any questions, despite his warning.
"Again, I cannot take questions today. I can only hope that they see the best way to stop this war is to cease their interference in this region. Once again, I implore President Chandani to expel foreign influence such as this. The survival of his nation and his people are guaranteed if he seeks cooperation with his neighbors. We did not wish for it to come to this, but the national security and sovereignty of Sotoa are paramount. For the people of Bedruga, justice must be done. Thank you all for your time, and once more I apologize that I cannot answer any questions on this matter."...
"Bedruga is a terrible tragedy, reminiscent of the Dresdene Massacre in 2010. Erusea is willing to open diplomatic talks with Chakari and its allies in order to resolve the situation. However, there must be a mutual understanding that Osea, Lenshire and other nations must not direct Chakari as a weapon against its northern neighbor. Incidents such as this one must never happen again."
"What about this talk from Osea and its allies about how Erusea is simplifying trying to isolate and conquer nations like Chakari, your highness?"
"It stems from a long history of hatred towards the Erusean people. We have long been seen as some kind of wild animal. The Erusean people are peaceful, and the examples pointed to in order to suggest otherwise are taken out of context. Erusea has often been driven to wage war to protect itself…"
"Okay, I've heard enough. Someone change the channel; it can be reality TV for all I care." McBride growled.
"Damn bitch." The woman added. Everyone but Admiral O'Neil looked surprised.
"Couldn't have said it better, ma'am." He agreed.
"Alright alright I let a bad word slip. Stop gawking, boys and girls." She snorted.
She sat up straight and looked at the rest of the Crisis Team. Now that the constant posturing of their enemy wasn't playing she could focus on what really mattered.
"Okay Admiral, where do we stand militarily?" She asked, to which O'Neil grimaced.
He stood up and pulled out a remote control while a map was projected on a nearby wall.
"As of yesterday, the western two axis of attack have linked up and are set to move on the city of Rahtan. The advance by Sotoan forces into Chakari's eastern region has been far slower, thanks to the stiff resistance by local forces, the 8th Mountain Division and Lenishire's 2 Para. There have been several reverses related to this particular spot, where the Chakaris have a garrison at this old mountain fortress. To the west, the 101st Airborne Division has conducted a series of delaying actions, working with Chakari heavy forces to entrap forward elements of the invasion force. They intend to keep this up while we assemble a five-division force south of the capital. Finally, two brigades of the 2nd Marine Division have been fighting along the coast to help Chakari units escape and regroup. They intend to fall back towards Port Jubilee, where the 12th Infantry Division is assembling."
"What's your assessment of the Chakaris' military up to this point?"
"I have confidence in them, ma'am. I saw the same thing with the Shimojis in 2024; the fact that they're defending their home has flushed out those not committed to the cause. They're outnumbered and outgunned in many cases…but they haven't collapsed. Not yet, and we intend to keep it that way."
"How long will it take to assemble the three-division force near Kinglane?"
"Another week, given they're heavy divisions. It consists of the Lenish 30th Infantry Division, Lenish 2nd Armored Division, Osean 3rd Cavalry Division, 12th Infantry Division, and the 34th Infantry Division. More than 7,000 vehicles and aircraft, and nearly 150,000 servicemembers. That's just our contribution, too."
"Compared to how many Erusean and Sotoan units?"
"Right now they've committed nine of the twelve divisions they have in the area. Six of those are heavy ones: four Sotoan and two Erusean. While the Eruseans and Sotoans have made gains on the ground, they haven't been able to secure air superiority. Nor have they been able to prevent naval units in the area from operating. Conversely, we're still stuck hanging around the coast keeping them at bay. Airspace on the frontlines remains contested, and despite our victories they can strike deeper inland against us. It's costing them, but it's also costing us."
"So their naval forces still have the capabilities needed for an amphibious assault."
"Yes ma'am. Right now, as you can see, they're regrouping here off the coast to the north. Most of their casualties to this point have been surface combatants, but the Invictus has spent many of her aircraft and needs time to replenish. The loss of the Khodra means that the Farbanti has a lot on its plate. They've so far failed to curb the air operations of our boats."
"What do the Joint Chiefs recommend?"
"Right now our current course of action is the best, until we can get more forces in the area. Eventually, we intend to push our naval forces northwards to close with and destroy the Erusean and Sotoan fleets. About the same time we have a proper counterattack on the ground organized. We also advise that our aircraft keep pursuing attacks on Sotoan infrastructure when possible, specifically telecommunications. Frustrate their PR efforts, force people to look elsewhere for what's happening. In the long term, it erodes public support. Those B-1s and B-21s are flying round the clock. We also have some of their satellite control stations in mind, and we have a proposal to attack the satellites directly as well. That would be a bit trickier, though."
Meynard nodded in agreement and let a comment slip.
"The problem is you can't fully drown her and the others out. There will always be admirers. Hell, to this day there are still those who say Rald didn't go far enough with seven nukes."
McBride's eyes remained focused on O'Neil.
"Please expand on that if you would, Admiral."
"It would be an extension of ballistic missile defense, ma'am. Erusea currently has two of its six satellites committed to the war, operating alongside the four Sotoa has in total. Of these, most are electronic recon types so we can defeat them through electronic warfare. Still, they're able to fight back and still allow our enemies to collect a lot of data with impunity. Any attack would happen from a position that would ensure the debris would either burn up or fall into the ocean. The mission would be carried out by cruisers equipped with specially-modified missiles. Besides the threat of escalation, it's a very tricky affair. Basset would need plenty of heads up to help relay coordinates to the selected ships."
"I'll keep that in mind."
He had little more to add other than losses were "acceptable" and their supply chain was holding up. Charney was next.
"If I may piggyback off the Admiral, Madame President, there's also promising signs that Belka, Emeria and Ustio will join the war. I spoke with the Belkan ambassador last evening. He says Erusea's expansion won't stop in east Verusa." Charney spoke up.
"What Gummadi said about peace initiatives I assume any ideas we have are dead in the water for now?"
"Sadly yes, ma'am. Right now Gummadi and Nikula want war, plain and simple. My efforts are largely focused on rallying other nations to turn opinion against our enemies. Whatever good it may do; Erusea openly shirks world opinion."
"What's the count looking like since last time?"
"Verusa is, of course, remaining neutral. Varcia, Bhareti, Shamlak, Zedarevstan, and Leasath are doing the same but only so they can justify not acting against their shared friend. In fact, Varcia announced talks about an Erusean base like New Rovennti."
That would be a discussion for another time, McBride decided. She looked at Meynard and turned to the information side of the war.
"I'm curious, Mister Meynard; you mentioned the Erusean royals have someone who supported Rald as their advisor? Is he a significant member of the government?"
"Only in an ideological sense. He fancies himself Wilhelm Lenhardt, but he was born Randal James Linford in Sharon, Osea on May 4th, 1992. Renounced his Osean citizenship in 2022 and he's been on our radar since 2036."
McBride's jaw dropped at that.
"He didn't defect to them with anything, did he?"
"I can assure you, Madame President, that he was never employed by the Osean government in any capacity. He was an author, making money by spouting his admiration of monarchies and "traditionalist" societies. How exactly he got the King's attention remains a mystery, but he's neither a politician or a tactician. We watch him because he's close to the king. He's a cheerleader of sorts, which ties into Erusean PR and the country's overall morale."
"What's the current level of support in Erusea?"
"Still very high, as they see it as a crusade against those who've tried to destroy them and their culture. We've been running a counteroffensive using both cyberwarfare and challenging Erusea and Sotoa's casus belli. Poisoning the well, so to speak. We've also targeted some parts of Sotoa's industries and financial institutions. Erusea is proving a much tougher nut to crack, but we did manage to put two TV stations offline for six hours on the first day of the war.
"Have they launched any such attacks against us?"
"Yes, plenty. So far, none have gotten through. Their main efforts are appealing to the fans I mentioned earlier. Appealing to those who believe Osea has strayed from what it should be as a society. It sows division in our country and endangers our efforts to help Chakari."
"What about Chakari? They've been galvanized by the invasion, yes, but what about relations between our forces and the people there?" She sighed.
"I personally called my counterpart in their government. He assured me that world recognition and assistance in their defense has done a number to help. We're working around the clock with both the military and the State Department to keep their citizens assured that we're there to help repel the invasion." Meynard said in a low, almost consoling voice.
"Are ambassador Crenshaw and President Chandani still going to make a statement soon?"
Charney nodded.
"Yes ma'am. It should be on in about…fifteen minutes."...
Arhaan Chandani was a young-looking man, even at the age of 42. Chakari's third president, formerly a detective and member of parliament, had found himself suddenly cast into the international spotlight. His natural reaction seemed to have worked, painting him as this humble leader trying hard to keep connected with his people. He walked onto the stage inside the Ministry of Defense's press room with Ambassador Kim Crenshaw to a polite round of applause.. His tired expression was expected, and his short head of jet-black hair was hastily tamed so as not to give him too ragged an appearance. He held up a hand and smiled slightly.
"Thank you, now if we may please proceed. I only have time for a few questions, and I would like to make my statement quickly so I can take those. First, ambassador Crenshaw has a short message on behalf of the Osean government." He asked. The woman next to him nodded in gratitude.
"Thank you, President Chandani. On behalf of the Osean government, I wish to say that we reiterate our support for Chakari and its people. We hope that our forces deployed to help can bring a sense of security similar to that of the country's own armed forces. I ask that all Chakarian citizens help us to remember that and help foster good relations. It is our goal that our ally be free to determine its future." She said, speaking just slow enough to be understood. After another round of applause, Chandani cleared his throat.
"Thank you for your support, Ambassador. All of Chakari thanks its international allies for their recognition and backing. I have been accepting calls from many foreign leaders whose kind words deserve their own speeches. I continue to condemn and reject the condescending behavior of Sotoa and Erusea. Earlier today, Prime Minister Gummadi called on his people to rally. He spoke of lofty ideals, all while insulting us. He stoked the fires of nationalism with a persecution complex he shares with his ally Nikula. He enrages the people he leads and gives them an enemy to unite against. He shows them images of war and destruction so they see it how he sees it."
There was an unexpected pause, where his eyes lowered towards his notes, then he looked at one of the cameras.
"These are images I confront every day. The people who elected me to this position see these images every day. Except they are not in Bedruga; they're just outside their windows. Sometimes even closer than that."
He let that sink in, and also let himself recover from recounteing such images, before he moved towards a less grisly tract.
"People of Sotoa, we bear you no ill will. We are not your enemy, nor do we wish to be. Our countries share many things, culturally and historically. Yet, we are being pitted against one-another. Pitted by those who exploit the healthy distrust inherent in democracy. Who weaponize hysteria and thrive on hatred. Sotoa preaches reunification and brotherhood to us, but Chakari has long become its own state. Chakari belongs to no one but her people, and that is something our allies understand. They wish to help us work to maintain that in the face of a neighbor who is little more than a bully. A bully who turns to the very system it sought so hard to break away from. A system run by a man who uses his own daughter to soften the image of military aggression. A father using his child in such a way is something I hope stirs disgust across the world."
The man looked pained by the words he had to say, but he wasn't done.
"We ask that the people of both Erusea and Sotoa see these schemes for what they are, and that they question why this invasion was necessary. I ask this for the sake of my people, a wonderful people with a rich history. To those on the frontlines, I confess that I will never be able to properly convey my gratitude. Day after day, I'm repeatedly reminded of the odds we face. At the same time, I am awed at how openly our forces defy those odds. I'm equally humbled by the sheer military might Osea and Lenshire are capable of. All this makes the walk through this dark time feel a little easier. My beloved people, we must always remember that we walk through this darkness together. We must not stray from each other, lest we get lost in it."
More applause, even from Crenshaw. Chandani tried for a few minutes to calm them down so he could answer the frenzy of questions brewing. At least, the ones he had time for; he had a meeting with his chief of staff and the defense minister soon…
"That arrogant mongrel!"
The King's roar was enough that even Svetlana and Marko winced. Lenhardt's expression remained sour over the words used by the Chakarian president.
"Frightening how uneducated the man is." He snorted.
"That doesn't matter. Some nobody thinks he can freely insult me, my country and my kin while I have his people at my mercy?"
Nikula sat back in his seat and glowered, trying to get his temper under control. Lenhardt turned off the screen until Nikula insisted it stay on. The man was muted, however, which was fine by the Erusean king. Admiral Ilves waited until the man was ready for him to continue, then brought up the digital map.
"Pardon the interruption, Admiral." He apologized.
"There is actually little left to cover, Your Highness. The offensive towards Rahtan and the capture of Port Jubilee are the center of our current operations. By our estimates, we should overwhelm the former city's defenders three to four days after the offensive is launched. As soon as the Osean fleet screening the coast is removed, we can cut off enemy forces retreating towards the port."
"I read your recommendations on modifying air attacks against the harbor and they're partly approved. There will be plenty of time after we seize those facilities to repair them for our needs."
"Understood, Your Highness."
"Good, and make sure that this offensive reminds President Chandani of his, and his country's, situation."