“To my friend, Praetor Bacchus Henness. I have news from within the Republic. Your victory in making contact with the Altaerrie and clashes with the Unity have spread like wildfire. Stories sprang across the lands before the Legate announcement.

  This revelation could not have come at a more perfect time. After your Legion left, toward Nevali, the Unity launched an assault against Alcatris. Their Gaellon laid siege to the city. As you know, losing that city, our depth defense strategy will crack, preventing us from moving forces around quickly. Our troops and populis learning of new allies that could possibly be equal to our greatest threat has been… calming.

  I do wish you had been there when the Legate made the announcement. It would have honored your name with such accomplishments, but this is war. It has been too long since seeing the plebes celebrate outside of a holiday. Even those became depressing. I must admit, we at the War Room mumbled that the fate of Alagore appeared in the rocky backdrop of Nevali. Mother’s guidance can be strange at times.

  To business at hand, your proposal for the Imperium to deploy additional Legions to your theater has sparked much debate, especially after Alcatris. Most are afraid to go on the offensive, fearing that it would expose other cracks in our defenses. In the end, it is my decision, and I agree to assign the XX Ferrum Avitum Legion, as long as these Americans maintain control of the Hastsano Gap.

  There is one bit of concern from the Senate. Your endorsement of this Princess, Assiaya? And acknowledging an American as their Duke. Daru'uie was a long-time puppet state of ours, and many are not keen on conceding territory, especially with how important the region has become. Even in your report predicted the fallout of such a move, and I see your points. It is a sad state to admit the Imperium has no means to enforce any claims in the region anymore.

  Still, the Balan family name holds favor within the Senate. It will be a hard reality for them to accept abandoning that lasting and loyal House. You are the Praetor and the one engaging with these Altaerrie, the Legate and I will defer to your arguments.

  Axios” - Stadius Fabius, Remistu of Imperium strategic Praefectura, Nervia Glevensium

  June 1st, 2069 (Military Calendar)

  Virc’Veria, Velunara Protectorate

  Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

  *****

  Ryder walked along the cracked street. There was a bright mood in the air, not because of the bright blue sky or midday sun gazing at Virc’Veria. No, it was from the celebration across the city.

  After three hard days of brutal fighting, Allied forces from many nations were cheering with each other for finally taking the City-State. The local bar tenders are passing pints of beer to their liberators. The bar girls danced along the street alongside soldiers and townsfolk, some playing musical instruments. Some were staging with photo-ops over the wreckage and captured banners. Even some of the American and Hispana vehicles were covered with celebration, annoying some of the officers.

  Virc’Veria was one of the few remaining human-dominated City-States of Nevali that remained after the fall of the Balan House. Being located at a critical crossroads and being friendly toward the Princess's throne, they were the natural next target. However, it had taken the Americans nearly a month to break the city's walls. While on the offensive, the enemy didn’t give USAM forces a moment to breathe. Attacking from all sides to break the siege, and multiple times their lines nearly broke. But they held, and now those who fought celebrated in their victory.

  “It is good to see everyone in good spirits,” King commented.

  Among the celebration, the Captain saw the rest of Comanche enjoying their hard-fought victory. The senior NCO Barrett was congratulating some Velunara soldiers whom he had been training on their first major battle. Gonzales, Forest, and Higgins were taking group photographs with many of their allies and townsfolk, while Ford showed off various mini-drone technologies to children. The Twins were each playing their musical instruments, adding to the celebratory mood, while Natilite danced along to the fine tune with many of the other showgirls.

  Fraeya was surprised to have the most fun among the Comanche. The Elf Girl couldn’t stop bouncing between different groups, enjoying the attention. She first did magic tricks for some of the children before switching to telling stories about her time on Earth. The more stories she told, the larger the crowds. Ford had to stop what he was doing to assist her, as it became apparent that she wasn’t used to this much attention, since the elf was typically on the outside of society. Now, she was considered a hero.

  As he watched the Valkyrie dance, he was impressed by the skill of utilizing her wings. It was almost as if she barely touched the ground when spinning. When she stopped, the crowd clapped in celebration.

  That was when he noticed a young, beautiful Lat girl in a raggy red blouse approaching, passing quarter pints of honey wine to soldiers as a band played behind her. When she spotted them, the woman offered, saying, gratias tibi ago, liberator.

  The Captain thanked the girl before she left to serve others. “Maybe a little too good but well deserved.”

  As the two continued their walk, they shook hands. Ryder found himself being approached more often than he was accustomed to. All of them thanked the Duke of Velunara Protectorate for their liberation. To bring Tekali back into their lives. One of the townsfolk brought his family; he owned one of the many merchant shops. After a lengthy gratitude, the man brought over his teenage daughter in an attempt to offer her to their new ruler. Still, the Captain respectfully declined, showing his former wife's wedding ring.

  After the merchant family left, Rommel King couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Maybe I should be a noble,” King saw Ryder give him an evil glare. “I see you are holding out for better offerings. Good thing cameras are not here.”

  “Okay, okay, enough.”

  “Okay, body scout,” King commented before taking a sip of his wine. “You know, you cannot hold onto the past. Carol is gone, and she would want you to move on.”

  “I do not think she would have approved of a bride offering half my age.”

  “You know my meaning.”

  Ryder looked at his wife’s diamond ring, seeing the shine from the sunlight reflection. “I do…, I just… don’t know if I am ready.”

  “You know I mean no offense; you adopted an alien girl who turned out to be a Princess. You are fine being the first American noble and being hated by everyone on two worlds while sponsored by both the military and White House as a PR plot to win these people's hearts and minds. On top of that, you own multiple individuals as property in your Game of Thrones. And let us not forget, a Vampire Lord who has a beef with you.”

  “Your point?”

  “That is, you are willing to do all of that for the greater good, and yet, you're still scared of going out on a date with a woman.”

  “All of that is safer, jackass.”

  Joking aside, the point hit hard, forcing the American Duke to glance at Natilite as she danced again. From what he understood, before becoming a Templar and slave, she was a dancer among her Valkyrie village—a Leikv?lva – a woman who danced to their Goddess. For a warrior woman, she was surprisingly amazing. Her steps were perfectly placed. That was when he heard his friend commenting on him staring.

  “We all have seen it,” King said. “You two have gotten close. Midnight story time on the Palace rooftops. Your little debates. How she wishes to impress you.”

  “It would be unprofessional,” Ryder responded. “Among a long list of many other things. We're allies, and my daughter comes first.”

  “Coward.”

  Ryder glanced at his friend with a smirk. “Since we are on the subject. As a freed man from marriage, how about you? We all know about that neko Sylvara Madian who wishes to bear your child. What was her name? Ayaka-Brevia. She is cute.”

  King stares at his Comanche leader with dagger eyes before glancing away. “Point taken.”

  “Some King you are.” The two chuckled among each other before the Captain heard over the radio that the VIPs were arriving. The two left the crowds and headed down the street. This was when they noticed their Wood Elf mage rushing over.

  “Where are you going?” Fraeya asked.

  “To the landing zone,” Ryder replied. “Her majesty is arriving.”

  “Her! Can I come?”

  The two Americans looked at each other, debating the proposal. King mentioned that her appearance might pose a security concern, while Ryder said his daughter might be too busy for a visit. The Elf Girl's ears dropped before Natilite appeared.

  “Stop being mean, you two. Fraeya, they are joking. Assiaya would love seeing you.”

  “How did you know?” King asked.

  “I have worked with soldiers for decades,” Natilite replied. “I understand the humor at times.”

  “You right…,” Ryder said. “Both of you can come with. The Puuku is landing down the street.”

  The Elf Girl jumped with joy at being included in Altaerrie's business, while King commented, "Of course." The Captain agreed with the Templar. They ventured off, heading deeper into the city, only seeing more celebration. When they reached a marketplace, they saw soldiers clear a section of the main road to allow a VC-57 Puuku to land. A heavy transport with thrusters on each side, in addition to the traditional rotors, is adjusting, allowing it to land safely.

  With the skies around the City-State now secured, air transport was the quickest from Salva compared to the two-day drive – assuming you’re not being fired at. However, there was another reason why the Brass was flying in. Psychological. That tide had changed, and most importantly, to make an impression, which wasn’t as hard as hundreds of townsfolk gathering at the Altaerrie wonder.

  Ryder stood there, the thruster-based VTOL blew the dust of battle past him. When it landed, he watched the rear ramp lower. Multiple senior officers emerged from the back: General Kelvin Sherman, the Supreme Commander of the war; Major General Taylor Websterr, leader of the 4th Infantry Division; Bacchus Henness; and Colonel William Hackett of the Minutemen. There were others from the UNSC Joint Command, British command Major General Piers Thornton, and Japanese command Obi Hiroshi.

  The others were part of the Velunara government, such as the Brevia Temple, Temptress Finnea, Noble Folen Elstina, and other nobles from Salva and Vagahm. However, the one everyone was expecting was the Princess herself, Assiaya Ryder.

  Fraeya was the first to burst from the crowd after seeing the allied leadership, but singularly focusing on the Princess. She rushed over to hug the Princess. “Welcome! I hope the flight went well.”

  The duel-eyed girl was squeezed tightly, fully embraced, but was still struggling to breathe. “Hi Fraeya! It was cold, but we were happy for it to end.”

  Natilite leaned into Ryder’s ear, whispering, “There she goes saying we again.”

  He also caught that minor detail. It wasn’t the only time he or the others noticed how she spoke—saying "we" instead of "I," as most people would. In this context, his daughter could have meant everyone on board the helicopter, which made logical sense; however, given their past experiences, he wasn’t convinced. “Let it be for now.”

  “We are going to have to inquire into this matter sooner or later.”

  “You tried that already in the baths. When she is ready or when the time comes, the truth will come out. She has had a hard childhood, and I want her to trust me. Pressing now could harm what we have built.”

  “You are such a daddy.”

  The response choked Ryder, quickly glancing toward the Valkyrie. He saw a smirk, but a hint of discomfort in her mannerisms as if she wasn’t certain of her actions. “Daddy?”

  “I learned many things during my short time on Earth,” Natilite said, but her face turned slightly red. She winked and left to join Assiaya and Fraeya, kneeling to meet the Princess level. Besides her enthusiastic energy, her mannerisms were calm and warm, motherly.

  The three girls then stepped aside to speak with the growing crowds. They are celebrating their new leader, with some thrilled to be ruled over by a human again. Others were awed by seeing the three together, and others inquired how a slave became royalty again.

  “They are a handful,” Hackett said as he approached. “Aren’t they.”

  “Under penalty of death,” Ryder responded. “No comment, sir.”

  “Smart man,” Hackett responded, taking the Captain’s hand in friendship.

  “Nice place, Duke,” Sherman said. “I was hoping that you cleaned before guests arrived, though.”

  “And miss out on the drinking?” Ryder held a pint cup of wheat beer, causing the others to chuckle.

  “I see you helped yourself,” Hackett said.

  “So, with everyone else,” Henness commented.

  “It is better than our forces gaining their guns at each other,” Sherman said. “Still, don’t let things get out of hand.”

  “Yes, sir,” Ryder said. When he saw his daughter approaching, he knelt to receive a hug.

  “Welcome to Virc’Veria, kid,” King said.

  “It is lovely to see you,” Natilite said. “I do feel bad for your dress, though.”

  The Princess looked at the Templar with confusion, then looked at her royal dress, which had become dirty from hugging her father. “That is okay. The smell is worse.” She then plugged her nose jokingly, pointing at her father.

  Ryder didn’t realize or notice that he was still fresh from battle. He then took his dirty finger and wiped her nose, creating a dirty spot, to her annoyance. But he would join with the laughter.

  “Matt,” Hackett said. “We have a job to do. Let’s go.”

  The American Duke took the Princess's hand, and they walked down the street heading toward the city palace to make a victory speech. Following behind them were the senior officers and allied nobles. The journey was slow, as the crowds continued to show their pleasure at their liberation. Statues, flags, and anything that resembles the Katra were being toppled.

  “It is a welcome sight to see your city warriors expressing support,” Henness said.

  “Why would they not?” Assiaya asked.

  “I mean no disrespect,” Henness replied. “The transitions between House can always be problematic. Especially under these circumstances.”

  “The Duke has embraced us as his people,” Finnea stated. “And the people can see it.”

  “Are the people willing to be ruled by an outsider?” Henness asked. “Once the gladius is dried?”

  “We are two different faiths,” Ryder responded. “But we are one people. That is the arrangement that Temptress Finnea and I agreed to. Abrahamic and Teklai can coexist within the context of Spiritual Evolution as Natilite lectured me out.”

  “Father and Mother coming together,” Assiaya commented. “To bring love and peace.”

  “Praetor,” Natilite said. “I have seen firsthand. Trust and loyalty have been earned past one’s title, the day we all met. I felt Mother's presence.”

  “I do see the Praetor point,” Folen said. “One from a disgraceful House and another from another land, alien to us. And yet, we achieved perfect harmony.”

  “Sacrificing shared blood with common transcends all barriers,” Hackett said. “Would you not agree, Praetor?”

  “Agreed,” Henness said. “Hopefully, this new alliance foundation is based on such beliefs.”

  He suddenly felt his daughter tugging on his arm. That was when he noticed soldiers, mostly civilians but backed by Legionaries and a few from his Legion, pulling civilians and Militia from the houses and onto their knees. Some were being beaten while others were stripped of their humiliation and punishment.

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  This was expected, as they were supporters of the enemy, but he was surprised it was this quickly. “Excuse me,” he said.

  The Captain approached the crowd, aside Assiaya, King, and Natilite. They all noticed their presence but didn’t hesitate to continue with their discipline. The soldiers from Hispana and their newly created Velunara Protectorate stood at attention.

  Most of the civilians taking part in this action were of the Lat variety of humans. Ryder cleared his throat and spoke Latin, the best he could. This caught their attention and surprised them, as they didn’t expect someone from Altaerrie speaking their tongue.

  A man emerged from the crowd with a rusted short sword in hand. “I am, Ortriss, bread baker of this city. Why do you protect traitors?”

  Ryder stared at the townsfolk who were loyal to the enemy. They were mixed races ranging from nekos, kitsune, and elves, but this one was a nagal. No Lats, which made sense as they were seen as the enemy race of the Unity and Aristocracy.

  “I understand your frustration,” Ryder said. “I, too, would wish revenge after such oppression.”

  “Then why stop us?” Ortriss asked. “This man was part of the city Militia. He rounded up those who maintained Mother's blessing. Dozens of plebes we all knew disappeared because of this man.”

  Others expressed their frustration regarding the others. Others gained status over others. Some assisted the Katra priestess in gathering those who had not embraced enlightenment. Others sleeping with the occupiers were abusing their power or discriminating because they were in power.

  Ryder calmed his nerves but felt the chilling sweat run down his back. He understood the power keg that could spawn after this. “Mother's heart is red with warmth, not dark with chill. Let those who enforce justice over seeking it for oneself, so as not to corrupt the heart.”

  Assiaya glanced at her father with proud eyes. Natilite was the one who commented first, “You have been reading from the Omaleth. Third Guidance in the Second Resonance. Mother would be proud.”

  “Not an easy book to read,” Ryder said. “If any crimes have been committed, justice will be served, but we will do it the proper way. Not the Katra way.”

  The last statement seemed to break through the civilians’ hatred. The beard maker dropped the rusty sword before walking away in anger. The others quickly followed suit, not to join in the festivals but to grieve at home. Peace was restored, but for how long?

  “Not every victory can be joyful,” King said.

  “Sadly,” Natilite said. “Mother agrees with Rommel. I do admit, though, I was surprised you knew one of our Guidance’s.”

  “I have been practicing. If I am going to be an evil dictator, I should know the part.”

  The Velunara soldiers gathered the prisoners and took them to a nearby platoon of American soldiers to wait for the Military Police to take care of the prisoners. When they rejoined the senior officers, the Praetor was the first to comment.

  “I am impressed, Duke. You handled that situation well. Do you intend to follow through with this tribune?”

  “Thank you, Praetor, and yes. If we don’t, people will take the law into their own hands.”

  “I have to deal with such manners before,” Natilite said, placing a hand on the sword and glancing away shamedly. “When lower or even higher nobles refuse to address plebes' grievances, they go wild if not faith is restored.” She then looked to the Comanche Captain. “You have good grace with the liberated, but that will vanish if progress isn’t meant.”

  “The point crossed my mind,” Finnea commented. “Some of them were followers of the Katra. The Katra is clear about those who do not embrace enlightenment. What do with those who refuse to rejoin Mother's warmth?”

  “I cannot speak for the Altaerrie,” Henness stated. “We vanish them from the public eye when possible before execution as traitors.”

  Assiaya asked, eyes wide. “That sounds like Kallem!”

  “No apologies for such action,” Henness responded. “We are at war, not only against soldiers but ideas. The rot must be purged from the flesh before infection.”

  “I do not want to purge people,” Assiaya said. “I saw my former master allow the Unity Temptress to hold public executions. I watched those who loved Mother be murdered in their name. I don’t want that.”

  “A sight we all have seen,” Hennes said before looking at the Valkyrie. “Is that correct, Templar?”

  Natilite suddenly looked uncomfortable, glancing away.

  “I see your point, Praetor,” Sherman said. “My country has struggled with protecting one’s rights from those who wish to use our freedoms against us. Those ideas must be stopped, or we have already lost the war. However, the Princess and Duke are correct. We cannot allow mob justice.”

  “A military tribune?” Hackett said. “I think that could work. It would also be a sign of legitimacy throughout the region.”

  “I do not want to be left out,” Assiaya said.

  “I remember your speech at the summit, Princess,” Sherman said. “We have done this before, so logistics shouldn’t be a problem. We will be setting up a local judicial system under your government control, Princess, but overseen by mine. Do you agree?”

  “Yes, General,” Assiaya replied.

  “Duke?”

  Ryder was hesitant, not expecting to have to respond after his daughter. The duel-eyed girl was technically the Head of State of Velunara, but everyone knew who was in charge because of her age. He thought for a moment, watching the celebrations. “I agree, of course, but what laws will they enforce? We will need to create our own principles to guide us. Otherwise, we will end up like the Jacobins.”

  “Who are the Jacobins?” Natilite asked. The Colonel then responded by stating it was a French Utopian ideology from the early nineteenth century and was famous for slicing heads off people through the guillotine.

  “Good perspective, Duke,” Hackett said. “It is not about creating a State to administer; the people we annex will have to believe in it.”

  “Otherwise,” Assiaya commented. “It will be like my former father.”

  The Praetor leaned away as one of his Centurions whispered something. This caught everyone's attention, and they wondered what was so important that it warranted an interruption.

  “Is everything alright?” Hackett asked.

  “The moment is more glorious,” Henness stated. “My Valkyrie scouts captured the Lords of this city.”

  “That is excellent news,” Sherman said. “Order them to bring them to the Palace for a proper transfer of power.”

  “Then we must depart,” Hackett said. “Matt, Assiaya, Natilite, Fraeya, you all should lead. We need to set a good example.”

  “Why me?” Fraeya asked. “I am not of noble blood or a general.”

  “Because you are the one who activated the Bridge,” Ryder said. “You are an important part of my team.”

  “And part of the family,” Assiaya said. They would then see the joy fill the Elf Girl's eyes, before the group departed for the city Palace.

  With the conversation on how to proceed concluded, the group made its way through the crowds. The Princess waved at everyone but glanced at the Templar while holding her father’s hand. “Was it true?” The question got the Templar's attention. “You executed lots of people?”

  “Yes,” Natilite stated, but the sound of confidence struggled to emerge from her voice. “The duties of a Templar can sometimes be dark.”

  Ryder can see the concern on Natilite and the disappointment in Assiaya's blue and gold eyes. He understood why, as His daughter stated, she had only seen good people be murdered. For his Templar friend, in the same spirit of duty, to save her civilization.

  “Assiaya. When facing someone who wishes your death, you cannot compromise, negotiate, or give ground. Someone outright rejects everything you believe in, either for power or control, or because it's popular within their community. While it is regrettable, you must defend your people.”

  Once the Captain finished speaking, he saw a thank you look coming from the Templar—a gesture of respect for two warriors respecting one another.

  “Then how are you not a tyrant?” Assiaya asked.

  This question caught Ryder off guard, as he didn’t know how to respond. After a moment of silence, his mentor intervened.

  “You should know the answer,” Hackett said. “To answer the question, you tried everything else before the sword. The point Matt and Natilite are making is that those who are in rebellion because they outright oppose your existence are different from those seeking food and representation. Always remember that difference and apply punishment accordingly.”

  “Enough debating for now,” Sherman said. “Princess, Duke, it is time for you both to make a speech.”

  This was the part that Ryder was hesitant about, but as Duke, he understood this was part of his responsibilities. This was about sending a message that the tides have turned.

  They reached the Palace and took their positions in front of the growing crowds. On the cold, partly destroyed concrete stone floor were the three formal lords of Virc’Veria forced to kneel by multiple Hispana Valkyries warriors, alongside a few Velunara soldiers, to honor the Princess's new state. One was a Vampire noble, Kallem, who pointed to this city. The other was Niplass, a J’avais from Toriffa. The other surprised the Captain, as it was Rakzia Neko from this city. While the feline race was common, it was rare to see one elevated to such a degree.

  Behind them all were American and Velunara soldiers lowering the Unity of Cordinlane and Verliance Aristocracy banners, displaying a powerful end toward their rule over the city. They would then raise two new flags, the two countries' flags, both hands stitched from the Salva women's hands.

  “The Nobles of Virc’Veria,” Ryder said. “Formally I should say.”

  The J’avais attempted to stand but were struck down by their handlers. “We shall never kneel to the likes of you.”

  “You already have,” Natilite said. “But there is a chance. Princess.”

  Assiaya took a deep breath before taking a step forward. “I am Assiaya, Princess of the Velunara Protectorate. This is my Father, Duke Mathew Ryder. This is Templar Natilite, who led our freedom from the Katra, and Miss Fraeya, who summoned the Altaerrie. We come not above you, but with an offer.”

  Rakzia was the one who responded first, spitting at the duel-eyed girl's feet. “A slave shall not lecture me.” He then grunted after being punished by his handler, as a sign of respect. Natilite quickly placed her hand on her sword handle, in preparation to cut anyone down who threatened the Princess.

  “Disrespect?” Rakzia yelled. “The Templar kind fly above us, seeing us as vermin. All humans are alike. You see us as inferior, to be used for your own meaning.”

  “You support the Katra?” Assiaya asked, surprised by the statement.

  “Enlightenment offers us station,” Rakzia angrily stated. “No longer in the dirt.”

  Ryder saw that his daughter was about to argue, most likely wanting to bring up Tekali's motherly love. However, he could see that, unlike the other two nobles, this one didn’t represent power but wanted a place in the world.

  He knelt to the feline level, staring quickly into its yellow eyes. The stare and silence baffled the noble as it glanced around in confusion. “No taxation without representation. Do you understand what that means?”

  The Neko only had a confused look while staring at the Duke. The answer was obviously no.

  “I thought so.” He then nodded, slightly glancing away. “I get it. The Katra promises an equitable future for all who follow it. If I were in your position, I might consider it as my only option to get out of the dirt. But that is a false path.”

  “Do not listen to this filth,” Niplass yelled. “These invaders will only bring ruin if we walk away from the path.”

  Ryder would see the conflict within the Neko's eyes and didn’t give the feline a chance to respond. “The Jav is correct. I am not from here, and my daughter was a slave to a bloodsucker. That makes this offer I am about to give you different. Assiaya.”

  The Princess took a deep breath, mumbling her words as if she were rehearsing her proposal. Her arms were trembling slightly, but her father took her hand, which gave her confidence. “I was a slave to the Vampire Lord, yes, so I was a lesser like many other subjects. I wish to build a nation where we can all live freely. So, what happened to me does not happen to you. All of us under Mother’s love.”

  “Her point,” Ryder said. “We cannot offer you equity of station as we both know how the real-world works. But what we can offer you is liberty. The right to pursue your own path. Not as a Neko, J’avais, or Vampire, but as a Velunara citizen. A place in our new country. We might have a throne, but we are citizens of the same people.”

  At first, the neko and j’avais looked baffled by the response, but the vampire remained silent – showing his species reputation for discipline. The human reaction changed to something predictable, shouting hateful sluts against the Saipan-type. The feline, though, remained silent, as if he was not expecting how this encounter would go.

  Ryder stood, turning to the other noble prisoners. “The offer applies to you two.”

  The J’avais spat against the Captain's boot, to which the vampire glanced over, “Show some respect.” The Vampire noble then looked toward the Duke, saying, “I respect your offer, but I am loyal to the House of Verliance.”

  “Alright.” Ryder watched as the guards took the three nobles away; two flags were raised. One being the Velunara, while the other being the United States, making Virc’Veria officially part of the Protectorate.

  He then took his daughter's hand before the two looked out at the crowds.

  June 1st, 2069 (Military Calendar)

  Iriskia, Velunara Protectorate

  Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

  *****

  Hearing the loud banging of the gavel, Captain Evelyn rubbed her nose in frustration.

  She sat with legs crossed on the cushion at the head of the table, watching Xilnan finishing its presentation to the conference of village elders. As the Velunara Princess wished to modernize her controlled region to assist in the war effort, the House of Ryder’s economic arm and the religious branch of this new Protectorate, Temple of Brevia, have pushed for this Integration Communications Project.

  As the Yalate Motuia economic advisor explained in her speech, the goal was to link the major urban zones with the villages, not just allowing for instant communication but mainly for market reasons. Each town would have a terminal connected to the Internet, allowing it to buy or sell food instantly before transporting it to a market center.

  During regular times, this would be seen as an obvious project to increase efficiency; however, being a Protectorate of the United States and how new this Salva network of alliances was, there was no way the Velunara government would afford to fund such a project, meaning they had to get Czar Holloway's approval, and he wasn’t impressed at first. While the project had merits, the issue was that they were at war, and all resources should be allocated to the military first.

  Xilnan refused to be quiet and continued to push, stating that this would be critical to lessen the resource shortages Salva and the Army were facing, such as food and metals. Luxury for the plebes would be considered a secondary benefit, with significant economic benefits for the region once the war was over. Once approved by the Salva Council and Brevia, they ran into an unexpected obstacle: the village elders themselves. And that was Evelyn's job, smoothing over this confusion.

  “Let me explain it again,” Xilnan said. “What these terminals do is interconnect with each other.

  “You all know what mail is,” Evelyn said. “It is like that, but instant. You look at a scene, see what the other town wants to buy or sell, and you go from there.”

  “I still do not know for what purpose?” San-Dwi said. “I already signed a contract with the Princess for our fish stuff to market.”

  “We all have similar contracts,” Roaton responded. “My statement is regarding cost. I freed most slaves as ordered. I cannot afford to pay them all the wages or indenture them for simple work. Now I have dozens of males without work roaming my streets.”

  “My village has suffered similar consequences,” another elder stated. “How do we support these war demands while reducing labor? We were promised profit in exchange for freedom.”

  “May I state a point?” Isrika said. “The key is to connect trade with our villages to the urban areas.”

  “Easy for you to propose,” Roaton said. “The Princess gave you a city. We were not granted such luxury.”

  Evelyn stood from her seat, pointing to the map showing all allied towns and cities within USAM/Velunara territory. “Let me put it simply. The current system is too inefficient to support the Army's needs. We need to know what you are offering: a purchase instantly, or our troops and city folk will starve. But the reason why this benefits you is that a trader from Vagahm can see Roaton village or even Mendarium and purchase instantly.”

  The Yalate that was sitting next to her quickly took over, showing the interconnection highway between these locations. “Besides taking your product to the nearest city and asking mother for a blessing on the price, you ship what you have to the customer. Either through cart or Maglev.”

  “She is correct,” Evelyn said. “The Princess promised to dissolve your slave labor for either a motuia or paid contract for an increase in profits to compensate, and that will happen. This is phase one. We have products and methods on Earth… Altaerrie can increase your yields by as much as fifteen to fifty percent, depending on the crop. Trust me, there are a lot of mouths to feed.”

  “Let me restate,” Xilnan said. “This is not limited to foodstuffs. This also includes textile crafting, all forms of manufacturing, and duplicating codex and literature; all are welcome. If you can make it, you can sell it.”

  “I must ask,” Isrika said. “When you say slavery, you are not including those who committed crimes?”

  “As of now,” Evelyn responded. “Convicted criminals are exempt from the abolishment law. Speak with the Guilds for details, but we will keep an eye out for abuse.”

  As the Elder’s delegation continued to argue on the subject with intense disagreement, the Civil Affairs Team or CAT Captain could but feel like she was bashing her head against the wall as they got nowhere.

  “I fail to understand why you are annoyed,” Xilnan said.

  Captain Evelyn rubbed her head, struggling with how to explain the Internet to a world that had never heard of it. Yes, there were computers, but they were so primitive that the concept of interconnectedness hadn’t been developed, if it was even possible with magitech. Thanks to handheld devices such as cellphones and satellites, it had never dawned on her how to explain what it meant to be online. It felt like teaching someone how to breathe for the first time.

  She glanced at the Yalate sitting next to her, Xilnan, the Head Economic Advisor for the House of Ryder. Given to him by Vagahm to establish a proper government and, more likely, to sweeten any potential trade deals.

  The issue for Evelyn was that the situation was unorthodox. During her time as a CAT for Civil Affairs, she worked with dozens of tribes and villages. Even in the modern world, much of the Earth still operates in this manner. Most were patriarchal in nature, but being a woman, it never bothered her, as she understood how the world worked. Understand that the detail had allowed her to reduce any cultural barriers when negotiating and building alliances.

  This time, though, she faced a situation that she wasn’t prepared for. While she quickly respected the Yalate's professionalism and position, it was the fact that the woman was a motuia, an Alagore volunteer indentured servant. The Captain had seen slavery many times throughout the world, seeing the expansion of it throughout the Third World with the collapse of the old-globalized order to a region-based Great Powers one. What bothered her was that her people were allowing it. An American Duke owns individuals with White House and Military support. She understood the winning hearts and minds element, but it never sat well with her.

  “Is there something wrong?” Xilnan asked, looking concerned at the Captain’s gaze.

  “No, sorry. I am still getting used to how things are done here.”

  “You mean my position?”

  “How did you know?”

  “I have seen my Master deal with these subjects multiple times, to his distress. I stress to you, Captain, I and others who choose this path are not oppressed.”

  “I get why, and I listened to the cultural video before coming to your world. It is just not our way. It goes against everything we have worked for.”

  Xilnan quickly expressed the same frustration as the American woman displayed. “I have had this debate many times.”

  “I get it. Just tell me this. Are you happy?”

  Xilnan's eyes glowed. Her feathers perk with excitement. “I am a motuia to a powerful House, one that is growing. My station will only elevate with Altaerrie's knowledge mixed with ours. It will be an honor to serve their House during this glorious time.”

  “At least you are happy with it,” Evelyn said. “I can accept it. I was just surprised he would go along with this stunt.”

  “And that is why I respect my Master,” Xilnan said. “I can see very few of your people who have sacrificed so much to honor my people. And I understand the moral dilemma your people face with some aspects of our culture. I saw your people's violent First Speech. That would be considered dishonor here.”

  Evelyn stared at the colorful, feathered, bird-like humanoid Yalate, surprised to learn that the woman had gone to Earth. What was more, their new alien allies' first introduction to the United States was a frightened citizenry waging a multi-month rioting campaign. Americans champion the right of ordinary people to question their leaders and institutions, and yet that was what they saw. For people who value order, the American concept of freedom must seem childish at first glance.

  “I guess we didn’t give a good first impression,” Evelyn commented.

  “That is okay. Master expressed that burning homes and murdering others do not count. Besides, I was more focused on how you buy goods. Through a simple screen, you can make purchases across all your continents. Amazing.”

  The American officer couldn’t help but chuckle. Right then, Evelyn realized why Xilnan was pushing so hard on this proposal. The woman recognized the benefits her people could gain and wanted to implement them.

  She looked back at the debating elders, still baffled by this interaction. “Can I ask you this, Xilnan? Was this way the Elders were so easily willing to offer their sons to the Velunara Legion?”

  “I engage in merchanting,” Xilnan said. “But, do you people not conscript?”

  “We do,” Evelyn said. “My people only came out of one almost a decade ago. Something I expect will quickly return. It is more than that; families do not send their sons into war. Names are drawn from a poll of our population.”

  “I see. You might wish to speak to Master, the Minutemen Colonel, and Council, as they were the ones who declared this conscription. It is about honor and loyalty to their new rulers. I thought it was generous that the ruling gave leeway for the family to pick, or find a substitute if needed.”

  Evelyn quickly grasped the reasoning behind the draft order, but was surprised that Colonel Hackett was assisting with it. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. He had been deeply involved in Salve and now Velunara politics. While she wasn’t an expert on this world yet, her time on Earth dealing with villages had taught her that their loyalty could be tricky.

  The United States has a history of struggle with this type of politics, as it is typically the opposite of a nation-state. Fractured cultures, languages, and deep family bonds against outsiders. The West generally broke free of this cycle centuries ago, where people's loyalty grew from their tribes to their flag.

  She guessed that was what Ryder and Hackett were attempting to do. If they can draw the males from their clans, hopefully, it would break down those walls and integrate them into a wider nation.

  “Nothing is simple on Alagore, isn’t it?”

  “Not at all.”

  The two women giggled, finally able to agree on something. That was when the two decided to resume the presentation.