Before ebbor, because busy-busy today ._.
(also nghhh...that is awesome news, Glowcat. Exactly....how I feel >_>)
"I did not think it possible, friend Militaris. I thought you were making a joke--sublime as the many ones you tell during supper."
King Pax was the Civic leader, appointed by the senate and in the morning of the year of 1900, he was holding the latest edition of the Skyward Post in the general senate meeting.
"A Senate-General, killed in combat. The Talmurian warcry sounds from the north, speak of blood and vengeance. Our defensive army headed by Senator-Marshall Beresford incurred great losses in his defense and had to retreat the remnants of the army into guerilla warfare, given the force which broke the fortress of our major metropolis.
"I do not understand, my friend. Your men, and lieutenants spoke of peace. They looked to the alliance as a new day. It would go into the records as a significant push for humanity! Did you not think that a warring race could come to terms with peace? Today, thousands of people will wake up and feel the gloom of war, and worry. We all know the reputation of the Talmurs--it has even become a popularized saying! 'You punch a man, watch for his knee.' They will show no mercy in their...vengeful conquest."
Militaris looked around. The structure of the Senate-Plaza was to house the greatest thinkers and philosophers of the nation, of whom many had sent letters to the Skyward Post for details regarding the matter. Given that none had returned, or provided crucial information, an emergency meeting was called.
"Fifty-thousand strong. A campaign army."
"And fifty-thousand on foreign soil! The people are aghast, Militaris. This is not the principles we stand by! Many do not have the exact details, and were not notified beforehand of this maneuver. It was a low-blow, in my book."
Pax took a deep breath and relaxed his stance, massaging his forehead with a wrinkled palm.
"However, I do note your motives are not wholly malevolent. Messages from the front tell of the humane treatment of the PoW's, as well as the citizens of southwestern Talmuria. We are all gathered here on that one notion: Why did you do it?"
"In defense of the people."
The Senate was silent.
"A leader must look out for his or her people, just as a government is made for the benefit of the populace. I checked the military records, and jumped on presumption. There would be required no alliance, if there on the horizon was no note of danger. In my control is the national intelligence agency, and from as far as we could've seen--there were armies amassing on the border. Far from the nation's coast. A newly constructed Military Base was made in the east. I doubt the Talmurs know of our reputation as a peaceful nation, so I wondered why the movement of the military across all our borders."
Militaris shook his hands and looked to the side. He was uneasy.
"Yes, it was not even a year. And yes, that means no trips to the white beaches of the north. Of all the people involved, I feel the most remorse. Yea, it may not be evident in my face or expression now, but that's the aftereffect of recovering from it. But the papers were covered with our information, if a bit askew in details. If not a preemptive strike, then when? Await until the Talmurs come and attack--or a southern nation come through and take advantage? We cannot only reinforce our borders--and I never planned to eradicate and assimilate the Talmurians. They may keep their country, but after the threat is removed."
"...It is understandable, yes. Considering this information you've presented. However, did you take in mind that the Talmurs may have just moved their people, in preparation for the alliance? The senate would also like to mention the proceedings as of now: we cannot turn back given the assault."
Militaris nodded.
"I've considered that. But in truth, I was also afraid for our people. There are many things I may have missed, and many more which new minds could see that I may have glossed over. If they attack our capital, I shall lead the defense or die trying. That is the price I will pay for my act, no matter how it was seen. I am held responsible for the farmer's land lost due to the attack, as to the many who have died in the assaults and defenses to come. That is the weight of my position, and I shall bear it as thus. But back to matters, I hearken all eyes to see the political map.
"In order to support an army, a clear line of logistics should accommodate their path. The land between the Talmurians and the rest of the continent is far too great. Hence why I took note of their harbors. None were capable of fielding an army at sea, at that time, though great fishing ships they are capable of. I have ordered our researchers to dismantle and conceptualize weaponry, not for their use as a weapon, but to understand and predict what would become of the military future."
"Peace, Militaris. We have not come to persecute you. The rest of the country also feels the woes given our media representatives. We only ask what you have in mind: though our reputation to the world is very hurt by your act, regardless of intent--it is the result the world sees, before they begin asking the great 'why' that drives society. I just hope that you thought full well of the consequences. For each Senator before you, multiply their number a thousand fold, and then the enormity of the horrors of war can be taken by the tip."
"...I require insight, then. The world will see my orders as an affront to war. Caduceus, old friend, what do you think of the situation? Is demilitarization a viable path?"
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Topic: Era of Diesel - Game Thread - Shadow of Khans [Turn 13] (Read 19225 times)