Southern Visit
A/N: It has been a couple months since I released a chapter, and I'm actually cringing to reading my previous chapters. It's like reading the hellhole I've dug for myself with this story. I've decided to switch to 3rd person. It feels better to explain the story this way and for the reader to easily follow.
———
Earth —
My heart feels broken. Full of emotions that I cannot comprehend. Regret? Sadness? Delight?
I look down, trying to cover my sorrow from the others around me. My eyes are tearing up just a bit. I hold in my tears as much as possible.
Sniffing, nature, and the shuffling of clothing are the only things that I can hear.
The sounds of the bugle... what just happened? I feel distraught.
———
UNIFIED STATES HIGH COMMAND REPORT —
05 AUG 984
After further treaty discussions, the high command of the Unified States Military, Mayor Lysander of Linton, delegates from the Southern government, and the Crown of Northern Skoaria have concluded for the second time.
1. The Unified States shall:
a. Formally recognize:
Northern Skoaria.
Southern Skoaria.
b. Support military operations within Skoaria to extirpate Scanosian activities.
c. Not have access to Skoarian crystallite technology.
c1. Former Skoarian technologies within the Unified States are excluded from the limitation.
2. Establishment of Unified States' embassies between nations:
Jiedledo, Northern Skoaria.
Orient, Southern Skoaria.
a. Establishment of Southern Skoarian and Northern Skoarian embassy in Linton, Unified States.
3. Northern Skoaria and Southern Skoaria shall:
a. Formally recognize the Unified States government.
b. Cede administration of the 200 KM wide territory between Plosem Peaks and the Grand Forest to the Unified States.
c. Not dispute territorial claims within the Unified States' territory after the handover.
d. Not request any technology from the Unified States unless agreed upon by the Unified States government.
4. The countries in this agreement shall be in a defensive treaty.
a. Any intervention from the Greyad Empire shall force the defensive treaty into action.
b. Every member in the treaty is to defend each other.
01
———
The Unified States —
In the heart of Linton, the bustling construction vehicles and the rapidly changing environment make the town soar in development and its high development of technology. What once was a bustling marketplace is now a fully-fledged shopping plaza with convenience stores, food carts, and the occasional military vehicles driving on the newly-paved asphalt roads through the new, sleek, vibrant houses with its glass windows and modern architecture.
With the Chinooks and Black Hawks flying logistics in and out of Linton, Satomi hopped on a Black Hawk that's about to depart.
Even as Satomi was a percipient professional woman, she mused in astonishment, "The progress in Linton..." she stared down at the changing town in the afternoon skies.
"This is surely an accomplishment, ma'am." a male voice speaks off the headset.
Satomi is astonished that the Mayor of Linton was in the same helicopter as her. Lysander looked indifferent to the other four green soldiers in uniforms as he tightened his helmet strap.
What is he doing here?
Lysander was also surprised that Satomi was also on the same helicopter as him. He starts the conversation again.
"Unified States does have a ton of resources at their hands. A single man can overwhelm superpowers in Oyerat."
Although Lysander knows the immense military might of the Unified States, he doesn't know the full extent of it. His conflicts with the Greyad Empire, and the Skoarian civil war, make him realize how weak his town is and Oyerat.
Hearing the same things again, "Yeah... it's powerful." she replied. It puts off an impolite tone.
"The Linton Accords has given us way more power than we should've gotten." she sighs, "Almost feels like it's intentional."
Upon hearing her thoughts, "But... we got more area!"
As Lysander spoke, he realized that he was the one oblivious to the treaty. Satomi knew what these Skoarians had planned and played right into their schemes.
"That confirms my suspicions then..." Lysander solemnly gazes at the flourishing green hills and trees.
"Hey, hey! Are we supposed to hear this?" the soldiers in blue armbands announced to the comms. They were trying to think of other things asides from listening to the conversation between the two.
"Ah." Satomi wasn't sure what to tell her men. "It's not confidential or anything. It's just our opinions," as the soldiers are feeling quite bored.
"Alright, ma'am, just making sure!" some of them laughed as it's something different in their usual routine throughout the day.
As the Black Hawk lands at Joint Base Central, the two of them were in the meeting room with other high-ranking members of the Unified States military.
The meeting consisted of usual briefings on the current political situation surrounding the Unified States, with no knowledge of what's beyond Skoaria itself aside from satellite data. Major General Fernando Rodriquez isn't keen on the idea of doing more than what they're supposed to, especially when Commander Sayuri is still in a coma.
Satomi is disappointed when Southern Skoaria has voted to appoint Count Craith as the ambassador. She regrets talking more to the gilded man back at Linton. Although, she felt great that Duke Charleston has chosen by the crown of Northern Skoaria to represent their interests.
The meeting had been going on for a while, as the officers finally agreed on something, ending the session.
"Well, ma'am, you're now the ambassador to both Northern and Southern Skoaria." Rodriquez is puzzled by the request that Satomi has made. In normal circumstances, there would be a single ambassador to a country. However, the acting commander says that she will be filling both positions.
*That blonde girl is most likely up to something.*
———
Southern Skoarian Airspace —
The next day in the morning skies, the 19th Fighter Squadron of F-22 Raptors escorted 227th's 2nd Battalions' Black Hawks and Satomi on their journey to the Southern Skoarian capital city of Orient to coincide with the top leaders of Southern Skoaria.
At a Southern Skoarian embassy nearby Linton, Count Craith has contacted the governing body of Southern Skoaria with crystallites, informing the arrival of a diplomatic official. Just those two words.
During the trip to Orient, the Black Hawks came across the dragons of the Southern Skoarian Airforce. Satomi would believe what she's seeing is the only airforce of Southern Skoaria. It's her first time seeing one so close to the helicopters. The dragons have these fierce eyes, scales with various colors of red, and hearing the distinct flutter of their enormous wings. It's more than likely affecting the helicopters of the group.
Pilots of the dragons wear some antique aviation gear similar to World War 1 on a leather saddle. The closest pilots signal the group to a direction by pointing and following the dragons. They, too, were in awe of the Black Hawks with their propellers and elaborate design and the F-22 Raptors.
The vast ranges of hills soon reveal the large city of the Orient. The enormous city is visibly distinct with its clean villas, run-down shacks, and the number of civilians traveling around the crowded cobblestone streets within the alleyways and the main roads. The marketplace is somehow similar to the one in Linton. This time, it's on a bigger scale than Linton.
The F-22 Raptors and the dragons flew past the Black Hawks, with the F-22's signaling their end of the mission.
The loud booms of the F-22 Raptors and the Black Hawks have trembled throughout the city, and some residents in medieval apparel went to the landing zone of Bravo Five in awe of what they saw.
The clattering chainmail armor of the approaching Southern Skoarians is drowned out by the loud vibrating blades of the Black Hawks.
After the grand arrival of the Unified States, the representative of Southern Skoaria with blue and white swordsmen are assembled into a line formation, holding the blue flag with a small, white diagonal line across it.
Ryder observed the green men in blue armbands disembarking the black dragons. He sees one who's standing out a lot as she is way shorter than the tall soldiers. The petite nature of the blonde girl is highly unusual for Duke Ryder to comprehend. It's like something out of this world.
*Who is she?*
Satomi steps forth of her men and says to Ryder, "I'd assume that you're the one guiding us?"
The simple, soft tone of her voice baffles anyone who hasn't heard her voice before. Looks like a child but is adult-like.
"Ah... yes. I'm Senator Ryder. We've been informed of your appearance. Pleased to have thou here."
The man spoke with deep, articulate English, similar to a middle-aged man in statesmanship. The appearance of a robed Ryder with short gray hair manifests the feeling in an already ancient world, despite Satomi being in a feudal world.
"Thank you."
Satomi then smiles and bows at Senator Ryder, which confuses him; yet again.
I've heard of them having the capabilities of a superpower from Count Craith, but what kind of dragons do they even possess?
"Ahem."
He coughs, trying to move the subject.
"If you may, follow me."
The Black Hawk helicopter soon flew away, with onlookers in awe of the flying birds.
Inside the tall, wide city walls are the grand city of Orient. Horse-driven carriages are starting to disperse from the streets of the Orient as the afternoon is setting in. The tall rock and wood structures with gray roofing tiles with stone as the base of the houses lined the streets and alleyways of the city. Wooden doors and windows are a common sight to see on the walls of the homes. The roads are packed with pedestrians going through their daily lives.
The putrid smell of burning fires, mud, horse excrement, and sweat makes this city a living hell for people not used to it.
Ryder is saying how thankful they are for having Satomi and her men here, the political situation with Northern Skoaria, and a few minor problems within Southern Skoaria. All of the things are flying right over Satomi's head as she ignores all of it. Although, people are staring right at her group as if it happened once in their lives.
As the walk continued towards the city center, passing the inner walls, the developing quality of the buildings and simply everything started to be noticeable. Satomi recognizes this and will ask Senator Ryder later about it.
———
Orient, Southern Skoaria —
After a while, Ryder stopped to look at an empty area surrounded by government buildings out of white stone and villas with red roof tiles.
"We respected your request to make your proposed embassy site to be an empty plot of land."
Was it a deliberate request? Do they dislike the architectural prowess of our buildings?
"We appreciate it."
Satomi smiles at Ryder. Ryder realizes that she's probably doing it on purpose; or not. He couldn't tell at all.
"It's an honor, Sa... to... me."
Ryder hesitated to say something back but attempted to pronounce an extrinsic name. Unfortunately, he didn't have the tongue knacks for it. Satomi did get a chuckle from hearing others fail at speaking her name.
He looked at the swaying grass in the empty area again. Then, continued his walk and babbled of boring politics to Satomi.
"As of the edicts of the senate, armed soldiers and weapons cannot enter the senate building. It's strictly forbidden."
Ryder speaks nonchalantly to her because it's a rule every senator should know. He realized that she genuinely listened to everything he said, even though none of the other senators could attend to his. The senators just moved on to another topic.
"Alright."
She happened to be surprised by that rule and handed over her HK416C to Captain Mason Baker, showing Ryder that she possessed no weapons to be brought to the senate building. However, Satomi kept a SIG Sauer M17 in her holster, hidden by the green camouflage pants.
Ryder's and Satomi's men are stationed outside of the senate entrance. Captain Mason Baker ordered her men to secure the perimeter of the senate-house.
The loud footsteps on the granite floor ringed throughout the capacious senate building. In there are dozens of senators in different colored robes. Representing the various parties of Southern Skoaria. Senators sit on the wide seats both on the left and right sides of the senate building. At the very end are three seats on a raised marble base, which isn't occupied yet.
Murmurs spread among the senators, both young and old, talking about the arrival of the delegates from the Unified States. The green uniforms, recognizable blue armbands, and the blonde girl at the center of the building.
"All raise from the stands!"
The two men in robes with grey coloring appear from the back entrance of the building, finally sitting on the more luxurious chairs. The other senators sat down with them.
"The floor is now yours... Satomi."
This time, Ryder said her name right after getting taught a lot by Satomi. He walked forth and sat down on the 3rd shortest chair on the marble base.
The senator in the middle of the tallest chair spoke, "What brings you here to the great capital city of South Skoaria? The loud soaring dragons certainly announced your arrival."
His voice sounds more weighty and more seasoned, fitting for the head of the senators. His body is quite toned for a middle-aged person.
Satomi looks at the two other men and Ryder, wondering what they have in store for the Unified States. Will they have embarrassment? Ignorance? Obtain a mutual relationship between the two states?
"We're here to seek the further development of our bilateral relationship."
Starting off slowly and safely, she decided to use that.
"Premier Ryder, did you introduce us to the delegation?"
The man in the middle spoke to Ryder, assuming that he'd done it already.
"No, Minister Nicolaus."
"I'm Minister Nicolaus Dives of South Skoaria. On my right is Premier Eulalius Cruscellio."
Nicolaus spoke with an exquisite voice that the names were comprehensible the first time a person heard them. Eulalius Cruscellio looks young for someone in the world of politics.
"Satomi."
Nicolaus stroked his chin in ascertaining the few questions to inquire Satomi.
After a brief questioning by Minister Nicolaus, Satomi became exhausted after responding to such questions. She managed to make sufficient reasonable statements to the questions presented by Nicolaus. Indeterminate questions.
"Truly impressive."
He leans back after processing what Satomi just said.
"Cast your votes."
As Minister Nicolaus announces to the senate building, it echos.
"Aye!" one senator shouted.
It too echos in the building.
"Aye... aye!"
A few more followed the first.
Then, the whole room stirs in Aye's around. Senators are now clapping for Satomi. Not one nay was shouted.
The minister held up his hand to quiet down the commotion.
"The Senate is in favor of the Unified States' delegation, Satomi."
"Thank you."
Satomi bowed down gracefully to the senators and to the three at the front. A youthful girl, but with a sly complexity inside.
———
Orient, Southern Skoaria —
After the delegation led by Satomi herself, it signaled success within the Southern Skoarian Senate.
Satomi and her men visited many notable areas within the Orient, with Premier Orient. The Grand Library of Orient, parade grounds, the busy marketplaces, and the great eateries within the city.
"Ma'am, we should return back to Linton."
Captain Mason Baker whispers with a tone of solicitude to Satomi's ear. The group is walking back towards their embassy.
"Ah... we could go back later..."
She spoke faintly.
"Is our hospitality not up to your standards?"
Premier Ryder was concerned when he saw one of her men whispering something into her ear.
"No, it's quite exceptional."
She beams once anew with a slight bow towards the Premier.
"For the Greyad Empire!"
Diffusion of light emits behind the group, brighter than the sun itself.
"Ma'am! Get down!"
"Greyad's Magicians!" An onlooker shouts.
A flurry of vividly colored beams of lights zoomed straight past the group, hitting the buildings behind them. A bright explosion erupts from the buildings affecting the nearby civilians by it. Panic soon follows as outcries and shrieks resound all over the area. People are running around, bumping into each other and trying to get to safety as fast as possible.
The swordsmen guarding the Premier hurriedly escorted Tyrus to a safe area, leaving the delegation behind. A firefight ensues as the green soldiers fire upon the group of magicians in conventional clothing. They have attempted to cast their spells using crystallites but break as they're shot before it would be successful.
"Take positions! Move to the LZ!"
Mason picked up Satomi and placed her on his shoulders like a rice bag.
The team is ordered to run straight to the main gate of the Orient.
Rackets of gunfire ring throughout the city. Once was an alive, bustling city, are now filled with anxiety over the attack within the walls. The safety of the barricades against foreign invaders is now jeopardized. Smoke rises from the disturbance, leaving behind turmoil within the area of the Orient.
The Black Hawk helicopters fly overhead, evading the shots of light and flames from the ground. The door gunners provide air support to Satomi's group with their 50 caliber GAU-19/B machine guns, obliterating anything in its path. The senators that are in recess saw the commotion outside. They recognize Unified States' dark dragons, spitting many light rays to the ground in seconds with a frightening sound.
When the delegation reached the landing zone, more magicians appeared from the surrounding forests. The group is under fire and is taking cover in the tall grass, trying to shoot back at colored beams heading from the forest.
With the amount of firepower, the magicians overwhelmed the Black Hawks, forbidding them to land.
"Joint One, this is Bravo Five Actual, break, break, PRIORITY - Contact - in vicinity GRID 981492, requesting air support, OVER."
"Bravo Five Actual, this is Joint One, COPY Contact - in vicinity GRID 981492, requesting air support, OVER."
"Joint One, this is Bravo Five Actual, NOTHING FOLLOWS, OUT."
Mason Baker shouted over the communications. Satomi is on the ground, shooting anyone she sees with her HK416C.
A big grueling fight between the Greyad magicians and Satomi's men came to an end when the F-22 Raptors soared over the forests, bombarding everything in its route. The explosions engulfed the forests, leaving burning foliage. The woods now stopped emitting beams outside. The pilots, seeing an opportunity, landed quickly to extract the delegation.
"Haha... that was a close one."
Mason panted, exhausted from the stress and the sprinting from the Orient.
"Next time, please don't carry me around like that."
Satomi smiles at Mason, saying it earnestly.
"Sorry, ma'am."
The dragons from the Orient have announced their arrival with their roars to clean up the remaining few magicians still alive from the intense bombings. The magicians on the dragons are exchanging emissions of light emerging from the forests and within the city.
———
Linton —
"Ma'am, you need to read this."
Mason handed over Satomi a full document explaining their condolences to the Unified States' delegation. It's a generic condolence letter from the Southern Skoarian embassy in Linton. The autopsy report stated that the magicians are confirmed to be from the Greyad Empire. This doesn't please Satomi, although she doesn't care at all.
"Is there anything else you need, ma'am?"
"That's all... thank you." She smiled.
Mason exited her office and walked to his daily routine of paperwork and checking on his subordinates.
Satomi looked at her wall. It's filled with brown boards of information and a satellite map of Skoaria.
*Time for the Northerners...*