3rd Chapter
In the dimly lit room at Putrajaya, the weight of a clandestine decision hung heavy in the air. The Chief of Defense Force, his gaze unwavering, reported, "Tuanku, we have secured the Gate at the Special Region. What should we do now?"
A thoughtful silence enveloped the room before the Chief Secretary of the Government, a figure of authority, offered a strategic suggestion, "I propose that we extend our influence into the Special Region, tapping into its resources. Let us bolster the Gate with additional soldiers, fortifying it against any potential threats."
A concerned murmur filled the room as the Chief of Defense Force interjected, "Our manpower is already stretched thin. We've deployed all available forces through the Gate. The remainder is crucial to safeguard our homeland."
Undeterred, the Chief Secretary countered, "I understand the constraints, which is why we must dispatch the RELA, a force of 30,000 armed Malaysian Volunteer Corps (RELA), through the Gate. It's imperative to reinforce and secure our foothold."
The Representative of the Social Advisory Committee raised a cautionary point, "Sending such a large contingent may raise public suspicions. The existence of the Gate remains a well-guarded secret, and global speculation about similar phenomena, like in Russia, adds to the complexity."
The Chief of Police voiced concern about the potential repercussions, "If the Russians are in the Special Region, and if our involvement is exposed, we risk geopolitical tensions. We must tread cautiously."
However, the Representative of the Economic Advisory Committee saw an opportunity, stating, "Perhaps exposure isn't wholly negative. We maintain a monopoly on the Gate, akin to Japan and Russia. It's a unique advantage."
The Chief of Police, ever pragmatic, reminded them, "Our nation lacks the sheer might of Russia or Japan. The FPDA was formed for a reason. Establishing a presence in the Special Region is essential for our strategic interests."
After deliberation, YPDA, the authoritative figurehead, declared, "We shall dispatch 30,000 armed RELA through the Gate to support the Royal Expeditionary Regiment. Covertly supplement them with troops from the Malaysian Armed Forces. The transfer will occur under the cover of night. Their primary task is to fortify the Gate's defense. When the time is ripe, we'll reveal the existence of the Gate to the world."
A unified chorus of "Yes Tuanku" echoed through the room as the Malaysian Government Council (MKM) prepared to execute their clandestine plan.
Some might be confused by this since the Malaysian Government Council (MKM) isn't really a thing, so let me explain.
1 week after the appearance of the Gate. The people that lived in Kampung Ulu Kenaboi were attacked and kidnapped by the Empire's soldiers. However the Malaysian government was able to send the first rapid force to attack them back.
Malaysian government send 600 of Pasukan Gerakan Khas (Special Operations Command), 10th PARA BDE, 500 Armed Malaysian Police (PDRM), 5000 armed RELA as well as air support from SU-30MKM
The forces are split into two. The first force consisted of 600 PGK and 10th PARA PDE. They are tasked to pushed the enemy back through the Gate
Meanwhile the second force which consisted of 500 Armed PDRM and 5000 armed RELA were tasked to surround the area to make sure the enemy forces couldn't get out from the area.
With this they are able to push the enemy back to the Gate. But unfortunately the enemy still managed to kidnap most of the residents that lived there.
The government tells the public that these were caused by domestic terrorists. The public then criticized the government for not noticing the threat early. It also didn't help that some politicians were corrupt. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) and NGOs try to expose them but they have no proof of that so they couldn't do anything.
But then Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (YPDA) gave a speech about how he was disappointed in the politicians because they only care about getting voted. YPDA then commanded that he was giving power to reform the government and giving him more control over the nation.
Some politicians criticized YPDA for trying to gain power, but the public no longer trusts any politicians.
With this the people give full support to YPDA decisions, even PDRM and MAF support him. With this YPDA ordered the formation of the Malaysian Government Council (MKM).
He decided to reform the existing Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) (National Security Council), into Majlis Kerajaan Malaysia (MKM) (Malaysian Government Council)
YPDA also decide to create Jawatankuasa Penasihat Sosial (Social Advisory Committee) and Jawatankuasa Penasihat Ekonomi (Economic Advisory Committee)
Jawatankuasa Penasihat Sosial (Social Advisory Committee) is going to work like the current parlemen but the power it held have been reduced to merely giving "the people's wants"
While the Jawatankuasa Penasihat Ekonomi (Economic Advisory Committee) is chosen by the CEO of the state-own companies in each state in Malaysia and all of them have to have and high education in economics, they are responsible for the country economics and giving "the people's needs"
MKM is going to make up of YPDA, Wakil Jawatankuasa Penasihat Ekonomi (Economic Advisory Committee's Representative), Wakil Jawatankuasa Penasihat Sosial (Social Advisory Committee's Representative), Ketua Setiausaha Negara (Chief Secretary of the Government), Panglima Angkatan Tentera (Chief of Defense Force) and Ketua Polis Negara (Inspector-General of Police)
MKM give full power to the YPDA to govern the nation but he still need to follow the constitution and take any advice from the other MKM's members to help him
Because of this political instability is quickly eliminated as there is only one single order with people supporting all of his orders.
Back in the present, atop Dengkis Hill in the Special Region, Commander Iskandar, recently promoted to lead the 1st Royal Expeditionary Regiment, reported to Major General Isa.
"Major General, every prisoner has been secured, and the wounded have been treated," Iskandar informed with military precision.
"Good job, Commander Iskandar. The prisoners will be interrogated by the Malaysian Special Branch (MSB). For now, continue patrolling around the hill for potential threats," Major General Isa instructed.
"Yes, sir," Iskandar acknowledged, stepping out of the temporary headquarters to regroup with his squad.
Iskandar then gets out from the camp that acts as a temporary headquarters. He then met up with his squad.
"Hey guys, Major General give us orders to petrol around the hill, make sure to give notice to the rest of the regiment." Said Iskandar
"Ok wait." Amir then turned on a radio and said, "All squad, Major General ordered us to petrol around the hill. If there any potential threats, make sure to tell the rest of the regiment"
"Roger that." Said someone from the radio.
"Let's get going," Iskandar directed, and the squad embarked on a thorough patrol, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.
During their hours-long patrol, a conversation sparked among the squad members.
"Have you guys heard? The Council (MKM) is sending 30,000 armed RELA to reinforce the base on this hill," Farid shared.
"Really? Is it a good idea? They don't train as hard as us. I'm not sure if they're capable," Amir expressed concern.
"You don't need to work hard just to defend against 'roman' attackers. We can always crush them with artillery," Hafiz suggested confidently.
"Never underestimate them; they have dragons and mages. There's much we still don't understand," Iskandar cautioned.
"Commander is right. Where did you even hear that news from?" Amir inquired.
"I heard it from the supplies transporter that arrived after we took this hill," Farid revealed.
"Regardless, it's always good to have an extra hand," Farhan chimed in.
As the routine continued for a week, the squad faced the challenge of a language barrier. A stroke of luck presented itself when they discovered one of the prisoners was a mage proficient in inter-languages magic. Over the next weeks, they worked diligently to translate the captured language and store it in their computers.
The moon hung low over the city of Tenebris, casting shadows on its cobblestone streets. Aiman bin Rahmat, a seasoned agent of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organization (MEIO), moved stealthily through the dimly lit alleys, his mission clear—to steal a map of the world and gather crucial intelligence about the mysterious Special Region.
As he approached the city, the architectural remnants whispered tales of a bygone era, evoking a Roman vibe that sent shivers down Aiman's spine. Amidst the grandeur, a massive army station stood near the city's imposing walls—a remnant of the forces that had retreated from Dengkis Hill.
After hours of silent reconnaissance, Aiman traversed the city, committing every street to memory. The intel could prove invaluable for a future attack. As he moved through the shadows, he witnessed a man stumble under the weight of a load of wheat.
Quickly, Aiman rushed to aid the fallen figure. "Sir, are you okay?" he asked, extending a helping hand.
The man, struggling to regain his composure, replied, "It's okay, I'm fine."
"Here let's have a sit, I don't even think you have the energy to even stand up. So here let me help you sit." Aiman insisted on helping him to a nearby chair.
"Thank you. You're not from around here, are you?" the man observed, gratitude in his eyes.
Aiman was surprised, because he have learned how to speak fluently, so no way his cover was blown that easily. He then asked the man, "How do you know?"
"Well, you bothered yourself just to help me." the man explained.
"Isn't that what we're supposed to do? I don't really sweat from it anyway." Aiman chuckled.
The man, now seated, revealed the harsh reality of life in Tenebris. "It doesn't matter how small your help is. People here won't even bother, even if someone like me is being beaten. Not even the soldiers do anything about it."
Aiman, intrigued, probed further, "Is it because you're poor and a farmer?"
The man sighed, "Partly, but mainly because people like me are different from the majority of the Empire. You see, we believe that the supposed 'God and Goddess' are nothing but charlatans."
Aiman was quite stunned at first, after all this is the first infiltration mission to be conducted, so there are still a lot of things that are unknown.
Aiman, taken aback, asked, "May I inquire about these God and Goddess beliefs? I used to live in a small hut, and my parents never spoke much about the outside world."
Smiling, the man responded, "I see. Then, how about I tell you the history of the world—or at least the history I know. It's a long story, so let's continue this conversation in my house."
Aiman nodded in agreement. "Thank you. Before we go, may I know your name?"
With a warm smile, the man replied, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Lucas Gabriel. And what about you?"
"I'm Adrian Nathan," Aiman said, masking his identity with a carefully chosen alias.
"Now, let's continue our discussion in a more comfortable setting," Lucas suggested, leading the way through the streets of Tenebris.