Chapter 19

The news of the mysterious organization's proposal to release the prisoners of war spreads quickly through the palace in Aceh. The Sultan and his advisors are gathered in a private room, discussing their response to the proposal.

"Well, this is certainly a bold proposal," says one of the advisors. "If we can get the Dutch to agree to these conditions, it would give us control over some of the most lucrative trade routes in Southeast Asia."

"Indeed," agrees another. "But we must be careful not to overplay our hand. The Dutch are not going to take kindly to these demands."

"I agree," says the Sultan, nodding thoughtfully. "But we cannot simply release these prisoners without getting something in return. This is a delicate balance we must strike."

"Perhaps we could offer them something else in exchange for their withdrawal from Sumatra and Riau Lingga," suggests another advisor. "We could offer to open up new trade routes with them or provide them with some other concession."

"But would that be enough to satisfy them?" asks the Sultan. "We must be prepared for the possibility that they may not agree to our terms."

"Then we must be prepared for war," says another advisor, his voice firm. "We have proven ourselves capable of defeating them in battle, and we must be prepared to do so again if necessary."

The room falls silent as the Sultan and his advisors weigh their options. They all know that the stakes are high and that the outcome of this decision could shape the future of their kingdom for generations to come.

In the end, the Sultan decides to send a letter to the Dutch East Indies, agreeing to the terms proposed by the mysterious organization. He knows that this is a risky move, but he also believes that it is the best chance they have to secure their future and assert their dominance in the region.

As they wait for a response from the Dutch, tensions run high in the palace. Everyone knows that the situation could erupt into violence at any moment, but they all remain steadfast in their resolve. They are committed to securing their place in the world and ensuring that their kingdom thrives for generations to come.

As the representatives of the Dutch East Indies arrived at the port of Kotaraja, they were met with a delegation from the palace, headed by the Sultan himself. The Dutch officials looked around nervously, taking in the sight of the heavily armed guards stationed at the port.

"Welcome to Kotaraja, representatives of the Dutch East Indies," said the Sultan, his tone polite but cool. "I trust your journey was comfortable?"

The Dutch officials exchanged uneasy glances before one of them stepped forward. "Yes, thank you, Your Highness. We are here to discuss the conditions for the release of our prisoners of war, and to check on their condition."

The Sultan nodded. "Of course. We have been taking good care of them, as befits prisoners of war."

The two sides sat down at a nearby table, and the Dutch officials began to outline their proposal. They offered Aceh autonomy under their supervision, as a condition for the release of their prisoners of war.

The Sultan listened patiently, but his expression grew increasingly stern. "I'm sorry, but Aceh's sovereignty is inviolable. We cannot accept being a vassal state. The Dutch should have recognized Aceh's sovereignty based on the 1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty."

The Dutch officials tried to argue their case, but the Sultan was immovable. Out of emotion, he suddenly declared war on the Dutch East Indies directly during the negotiations.

"You leave us no choice," he said, his voice rising. "We have been patient for too long. It is time to take matters into our own hands."

The Dutch officials were taken aback by the sudden turn of events. They exchanged uneasy glances before one of them spoke up. "Your Highness, we implore you to reconsider. War is a costly and destructive enterprise. Surely there must be a way to resolve our differences peacefully?"

The Sultan shook his head. "I'm sorry, but we cannot allow the Dutch to continue to violate our sovereignty. We have no choice but to defend ourselves."

The Dutch officials knew they were not going to get anywhere with the Sultan. They made their excuses and left, promising to report back to their government.

As they sailed away from Kotaraja, the Dutch officials discussed the implications of Sultan's declaration of war. They knew that the Dutch East Indies were not in a strong position, having already expended plenty of resources in the war with Aceh. They also knew that if Sultan's proposal for the transfer of power over Sumatra and Riau Lingga was accepted, it would give Aceh control over the trade routes in Southeast Asia.

"This is a difficult situation," said one of the Dutch officials. "We must report back to our government immediately. They need to know what has happened here."

The others nodded in agreement, knowing that they had a lot of work ahead of them. They would have to carefully consider their next steps, knowing that the fate of the Dutch East Indies hung in the balance.

As Daud sat in his chamber, Venus, his A.I. assistant, appeared in the holographic form before him. "Master Daud, the negotiations have concluded," she said.

Daud leaned forward in his seat. "What were the results?"

"The Dutch East Indies government representatives have arrived at the port of Kotaraja to discuss the conditions for the release of prisoners of war and to check on their condition," Venus began. "They have offered Aceh autonomy on condition of supervision as a condition for the release of their prisoners of war."

Daud's brow furrowed. "Supervision? What kind of supervision?"

"The Dutch would have oversight over Aceh's affairs," Venus replied. "This is not acceptable to the Sultan. He believes Aceh's sovereignty is inviolable."

Daud nodded. "Of course. And what was the Dutch response?"

"Before they could respond, the Sultan declared war on the Dutch East Indies directly during the negotiations," Venus said.

Daud sighed. "This was not what I had hoped for. But it seems we have little choice now."

Suddenly, Venus perked up. "Master Daud, I have an idea."

Daud raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"We can take a more proactive approach," Venus suggested. "We can stop all ships entering from the Aceh sea, especially Dutch ships. We can confiscate all weapons entering the Southeast Asia region and confiscate all luggage on Dutch ships."

Daud leaned back in his seat, considering Venus's proposal. "That could work. It would put pressure on the Dutch to negotiate on our terms."

"Our mysterious organization will always help Aceh," Venus added.

Daud nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yes, it will."

He stood up from his chair and walked over to a nearby window, gazing out at the city of Banda Aceh below. "We will need to prepare for war," he said. "But with our help, we will emerge victorious."

Venus nodded. "I will begin implementing your plan immediately, Master Daud."

Daud turned back to her. "Thank you, Venus. You have been a great asset to me."

"Of course, Master Daud," Venus replied. "I will always be here to assist you."