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Chapter 12 Part 3

=Sith=

291 AC
Astapor

Early in the morning, Viserys quickly inspected his army's logistical preparations. His army's logistics corps was in its infancy, slowly taking shape as people studied in the brand-new military academy he had established a few months ago.

After consulting with Maester Marwyn, scholars, the Unsullied, and Ser Lonmouth, the Sith Lord had to settle for what was within easy reach instead of what he would have deemed acceptable before ending up in this world. He was painfully aware that logistical difficulties could be the death of armies and potentially losing wars, no matter how good you were at winning battles. The Mid-Rim Campaign he fought on behalf of Wihuf Tarkin and company when the military and political situation within the Republic deteriorated catastrophically was a grating example.

Back then, he found himself cut off from the Core. He led Republic naval units ordered to hold key worlds or disperse and interdict Confederate logistics, backed by system defense elements from loyalists in the Mid-Rim, instead of abandoning the region and attempting to fight his way to Core. The CIS didn't expect such a counter-attack, believing that all Republic units in the area needed more numbers, strength, and supplies for an effective offensive campaign. Only captured supplies allowed the campaign to succeed, which was possible in the first place because the enemy didn't expect it. When the Confederacy rallied its surviving forces in the region and counter-attacked, they nearly won. Arguably, they should have won because during the last decisive battles at Eriadu and Naboo, the Republic forces were running out of fuel and ammo. Only the fear and surrender of the CIS organic commanders leading the counter-offensive saved the day. Otherwise, the best outcome he would have been able to achieve was mutual destruction.

An intelligent enemy wouldn't face him head-on but instead, avoid a decisive battle, sacrifice forces they can afford to lose, and go for Viserys' logistics and key targets he couldn't personally protect. The good news in that regard was that people still had no proper idea of what they were facing. However, Viserys wouldn't rely on the enemy making mistakes if he could help it.

While he had no cavalry worth the name save for a few mounted scouts, virtually all horses and donkeys in the city and nearby small settlements were now under his control. They had a singular purpose—to act as draft animals to facilitate the movement of water, food, medical supplies, and all other odds and ends that an army needed on the move. The same was true for building materials and tools to establish forts as safe havens for logistics and trade.

Wooden barrels with water, crates with hard-tack, dried meat, fish, and fruit – it was not a great fare, but the best Viserys could come with for the time being. He thought of canned food, and there were ongoing experiments to get it done, but he lacked the glass-making industry to see it through. Clay jars might be an answer – that was one of the many projects Marwyn was toying with. Either way, such a breakthrough wouldn't be ready, much less available in sufficient numbers for this war.

Frankly, supplying a few thousand Unsullied all the way to Yunkai, backed by up to twenty thousand garrison troops, would stretch Viserys' logistical capacity to its limit. A few more months would have seen more people graduate from the military academy, more "engineers" undergo basic training, and more.

Unsurprisingly, the enemy wasn't willing to cooperate on that point, so Viserys had to go to Yunkai and impress to its rulers how displeased he was.

The good news was that there were no obvious corruption issues or gross incompetence – the scores of carts meant to supply the army were available and in good condition. The food was decently preserved, and no one had stolen it to sell it and line up their pockets. The same was true about all the draft animals. It helped that the great majority of people actually doing the work were liberated slaves who were aware that their freedom and lives might very well depend on the military being able to do its job… and the people who actually ran the logistics were under close and regular scrutiny.

Nevertheless, Viserys spent hours ensuring his impressions and previous inspections didn't give him a false sense of security before heading back to the Targaryen pyramid to meet with the council. By now, rumors of the war were spreading, making the atmosphere across Astapor tense. All the liberated slaves who made up most of the population had no illusions about what losing the war would mean. At the same time, everyone who saw Viserys pass through the streets had their spirits surge. Tales of his exploits during the Ironborn attack had spread like wildfire, enhancing his reputation among those who he liberated even further.

On the other hand, the Advisory Council was less reassured by his arrival than the common citizens. After all, these people had a better idea about what kind of forces were gathering to deal with Astapor in general and the Targaryens in particular.

"You are aware of our predicament," Viserys stated the obvious when he entered the meeting chamber.

Three tables were placed in a П shape, with the Targaryens standing in the center with the representatives of the Military Sphere. The other groups sat to the side, with the Administrative and Economy Sphere being closest to the Targaryens and the Religious and Civilian representatives sitting at the far end of the tables. The setup was a clear reminder of who held the hard military power and thus controlled Astapor.

The Sith Lord sat between Dany and Ser Lonmouth, who, as the Lord Commander of the Royal Guard, was now part of the Military Sphere representatives. The other addition was Kraghes mo Grazdan after his ascension as the Lord Commander of the City Guard. His father, Grazdan zo Uquq, took his son's position in the Economy Sphere, a message that Viserys was more than willing to reward competence and loyalty. It was that worthy who addressed Viserys first.

"We are at war, my Prince. One we can't afford to lose," Grazdan pointed out. "I am talking about us here in particular and everyone you liberated. We've consented to work with you instead of choosing exile. By implication, we are likely to be seen as accepting your queer ideas about ending slavery," the old man elaborated. "I see no other reason for the attack on our trade ships and navy. The other Slaver Cities have decided that we are setting an example that can't be allowed to stand instead of ignoring us like we hoped."

A ripple of unease and reluctant acceptance went through the other advisers.

"Stories about the military training our citizens are undergoing have undoubtedly spread and made people uneasy," Kraghes added, backing his father's words. "While it is essential for our continued security under your rule, Prince Viserys," the Lord Commander continued, "It was bound to cause ripples. It has been a very long time since Astapor needed anything more than the Unsullied as a military force and longer still since it employed such. My compatriots and I might be glad for the changes you brought us, but they're bound to scare others."

"Our only meaningful export was slaves," Belio Iranyl interjected.

He was also part of the Economic Sphere, owning his position in part due to his fame as the Master Sith who made the Prince and Princess their Valyrian Steel weapons. That, combined with his high standing in the Smithing Guild and a small personal connection with the rulers of Astapor, practically guaranteed him a position on the Advisory Council.

"However, no envoy or merchant visiting us after you took over, my Prince, could have missed the industry expansion, as you call it. While we were self-sufficient for most common goods, we could soon export them in increasing quantities and quality. What we need to import won't really change that much. If anything, our need for raw materials is steadily increasing. However, soon we could sell goods at competitive prices threatening profits," Grazdan smiled thinly. "I was looking forward to finding new trade opportunities late next year."

The other Guild members in the Economic Sphere murmured their agreement.

Viserys had to admit that this was a side-effect of his plans for industrial expansion, which he overlooked due to being focused on the coming wars. He was nevertheless expanding other supporting industries as well, foreseeing the need to supply an expanded realm. If people took him at his word that he didn't want war in Essos, then what he was doing would be seen as a threat to profits, even if it was only a means to support restoration in Westeros.

"What precisely drove our enemies to choose war doesn't matter now. We are at war," Viserys declared. "It is now clear that my hopes to avoid further conflict in Essos were for naught. Take heart, I have no intention of abandoning you or Astapor," those words had everyone look at the Sith with hope and wariness. "I've made no secret that my ultimate goal lies in Westeros. I thirst for vengeance over what traitors did to my House. We have a single family member left; he has been exiled to the Wall for decades if he is still alive. However, none of that matters right now. Westeros will have to wait for as long as needed," Viserys stood up and spread his hands. "If the Slaver Cities want war, we will give them war. If Free Astapor is too much for them to accept, I will shove freedom down their throats and liberate all the salves they rely upon!"

That statement had more than a few people freeze in shock. Some were elated at the prospect. Others, not so much, feeling foreboding about their Prince's intentions.

"I was content to build up Astapor until it could stand on its own while preparing for eventual restoration in Westeros. That is no longer possible. Tolos. Yunkai. Meereen made certain of it!" Viserys spat as if the names alone felt offensive, slipping through his lips. "Our path is clear now. Astapor can only be safe if we are in control of Slaver's Bay and slavery no longer threatens our free people. This war will end with us in control of Yunkai and Meereen. If the other slaver cities in the region don't get the hint? We must fight another war against Tolos, Mantarys, and whoever is foolish enough to support them."

Now, everyone except Dany or the Military Sphere advisors was staring numbly at Viserys, beginning to comprehend the scope of his plans and ambitions.

"I didn't seek this war. I didn't start it, but we will be the ones who finish it!" Viserys declared grandly. "Doing so will require changes. Taking Yunkai and Meereen will greatly increase our realm. Properly administering it, not to mention bringing those cities and the territory they control into the fold, will require radical changes. The Administrative Sphere will be most impacted, closely followed by the Economic," Viserys smiled. "To go forward, the Principality of Astapor will have to evolve and transform. We are in this for the long haul. For the next few decades, the future of House Targaryen will be here, in Essos," Viserys looked at his sister, who was staring eagerly at him, hanging on his every word.

Dany regretted that it would be much longer before they could go to Westeros and take back their home. However, she was eager to meet the challenges laying ahead.

"We will build a Second Freehold, free of slavery. We will bring freedom through power to the whole of Slaver's Bay and perhaps beyond," the Sith promised.

"Freedom Through Power!" The Unsullied chanted. They all stood up and saluted, repeating the slogan, soon followed by Ser Lonmouth.

Dany surged to her feet and repeated the chant while the Force eagerly swirled around her, fed by her emotions. The other former slaves on the Advisory Council did the same, reminding the other advisors what kind of train ride they had signed up for.

=Sith=

Part 4

=Sith=

291 AC
Astapor

In a bard's song or a holo-drama, Viserys would have given a rousing speech before his assembled army and assorted hangers-on, then ridden in the sunset, leading his conquering host towards victory. Such a narrative made for a better story and good propaganda. However, unless talking about constantly prepared quick-reaction forces backed up by a strong logistics arm, the truth was quite different.

The Unsullied could gather fast and march with all the gear and supplies they could carry. The same wasn't true for the twenty thousand assorted garrison troops Viserys needed, at the very least, to hold Yunkai, much less his fledgling logistics corps, despite months of preparation.

People had to assemble and form into proper units. Their officers and green non-commissioned officers, well, spear leaders, going by still prevalent local customs, had to ensure everyone was actually present and healthy enough to march and fight at Yunkai if necessary. Quartermasters had to issue everyone gear, and logistics officers had the unenviable task of deciding whether the army would have more than enough food, water, and medicine for the march and the battle at its end.

Other logistics people had it easier—they had a rough idea of how long we could march in a day. Viserys' people had been stockpiling the necessary materials to build said forts and a series of signal and observation towers between them to ensure speedy communication and offer awareness of raiding forces. That by itself was no small task, involving hundreds of people, craftsmen, and warehouses full of material and equipment.

Preparing an army for a march involved countless significant issues and minor hiccups that had to be dealt with. Frankly, Viserys didn't have many people experienced with such things to use as sounding boards. That was doubly true for experienced people who had to actually plan the march of armies instead of being part of it, like Ser Richard and most members of the Royal Guard.

Instead of marching in a few days, it took close to two weeks after issuing orders to prepare to leave before the most glaring issues were solved. Viserys was reasonably sure he wouldn't simply be leading his army to die on the road over a logistics fuck-up. That at least gave him more time to prepare Astapor for his absence, inspect the troops, and ensure most of them got a final bout of high-intense training.

The Unsullied, in particular, spent each evening on top of their usual training regiment at the city gates, training to take a city in a way that would be a clear suicide without a powerful Force Adept doing the heavy lifting. Viserys had considered simply using the Force to smash Yunkai and Meereen's gates or a section of the walls, then storm the place from there. Doing so would mean he would have to rebuild the damaged area properly before daring to move away from the place with the bulk of his elite forces.

Instead, especially when Yunkai was concerned, the Sith had a more audacious idea that might not work if the enemy knew what he was up to. Wildfire was nasty stuff, and he wouldn't put it past people to make a trap for him with it when they knew what he was capable of.

Viserys surveyed his assembled Unsullied, looking at them in amusement. Ever since he demonstrated what he could do, they watched him with different eyes, even though the expression on most of their faces didn't change. Nevertheless, while they were ready to follow him into death, he could tell the Unsullied didn't believe his plan would work even in training, though he said nothing. That was an irksome and dangerous point. Viserys spent months trying to hammer out of his shock troops' officers at the very least, and there was a glimmer of hope there.

Unsullied centuries formed up around the Sith, covering him and themselves in a slowly moving shield "tortoise." That by itself ensured they didn't need to worry about regular missile weapons – nothing short of artillery or wildfire could really threaten them. Viserys could handle the latter without worrying about all the arrows an enemy could shoot at them from the walls. A Spear of Unsullied marched in close formation around the Sith within the tortoise, each of them carrying a long knotted rope with a three-pronged hook attached at the end.

The best archers available in Astapor were on the wall above the gates, shooting arrows with dull tips at the approaching soldiers, which pinged uselessly off the shields. Proper arrows would make them look like pincushions but shouldn't be a threat. Once they came close to the wall, the front of the formation opened up, and Viserys exploded forward, moving faster than any human had a right to. He was a blur that the eyes could hardly track when he jumped at the fortification. He hit a spot high up on it before somehow vaulting from the vertical surface to land above the ramparts. The defenders stationed there had no chance, even if Viserys was going easy on them. After all, there was no point in breaking his troops in training. He spent a moment securing a section of the wall with his magic before unbinding a couple of climbing ropes from his torso. He secured their hooks to the wall and threw the ropes over it. That way, the Unsullied carrying more climbing ropes could rapidly scale up the wall and provide more ways for other Unsullied to follow up.

Meanwhile, all Viserys had to do was focus the defender's attention on him while the first group of his shock troops could climb up. At that point, with a Spear holding a section of the wall, Viserys would go into the gatehouse, kill everyone inside, and open the gates. At the same time, more Unsullied climbed up and began sweeping the fortifications of enemy troops.

=Sith=

Two weeks to the day – it took that long for the army to march, and their Prince wasn't exactly thrilled. Still, he couldn't be too angry, for he was one of the primary reasons for the delay due to his obsession with logistics.

"This is the best-prepared army in the world since the Doom or perhaps the fall of the Ghiscari Empire!" Maester Marwyn gushed at the logistics train assembled to follow the first section of the army.

He was going with them in his new role as a Healer-General of Viserys military. The Prince contemplated giving the job to one of the Green Graces but dismissed the idea. He knew the truth about Marwyn – as long as he kept showing more magic and supporting it in general, the Maester would be his man through and through. Putting him in a position to witness history in the making so he could write about it cemented the man's allegiance. In contrast, Viserys would need to subvert properly a Green Grace put in the same position, and he simply lacked the time for it. After all, you didn't keep one of your principal healers loyal through threats – doing so would be utter idiocy.

Marwyn was among the relatively few army members on horses—most such animals were stuck as draft beasts due to the need to move countless carts with supplies of all kinds. He would be leaving a bit later, joining the healers marching or ridding the carts with medicine and medical tools.

"It better be after all the time and effort we spent making it so," the Sith muttered, smiling and waving at the crowds.

Viserys and Daenerys were at the head of the army, mounted with the Royal Guard and a small group of mounted scouts they had.

Tens of thousands gathered to see the host leave, lining up the streets and roofs. The liberated slaves were cheering the army and praying for a victory because their very lives depended on it. A block of thousand Unsullied marched first, following the Prince and Princess. Thousands of garrison troops followed them in a motley assortment of armor. Still, each had a spear, shield, short sword, and a couple of throwing javelins. Then the logistics train followed, flanked by unsullied and more garrison troops in case the enemy decided to be cute and tried to raid the army. After weeks of preparation to march, Viserys wasn't taking chances, much less assuming that their arrival at Yunkai would be a surprise. The rest of the occupation troops and Unsullied followed up as rear-guard.

"I can feel the energy in the air," Dany muttered, looking around wide-eyed at the crowds surrounding them and cheering on.

"When you have the knowledge and experience, you can harness such energy," Viserys told his sister. "For now, just enjoy the flow of emotions. Remember, you are sticking with me for the duration of the march."

Dany nodded without protest. While angry at her show of weakness during the attack, she was at least intellectually aware that she was still only twelve and far more dangerous than she had any right to be. Only training, experience, and, more importantly, time could make her more capable.