Tides Of Protomis CXXXI

Turning Cogs Of History

The blue waters of the southern pacific were not as calm as one would expect. What most would think to be a normal day, was something else entirely. A combined force of ships from the Yamato Kingdom, North American Federation, Tokcheok, and the Cui Federation respectively, all stood united in their various formations, the very reason for such being the one which tore apart those getting too close. A large creature, which outsized any of the ships sent to destroy it. Crimson tentacles lashed out, reducing anything in its path to scrap metal. In the Cui Federation’s Zheng Class carrier, the bridge was a textbook example of chaos, officers running to-and-fro, attempting to assess the situation, and the damages they’d received.

“The Shanghai, and The Chongqing have been destroyed! Cut down the middle with that thing’s tentacles!” An officer shouted.

“Two cruisers, that quickly?! And what of the other nation’s fleets?”

“The same situation, At this rate, we risk being wiped out!” The admiral of the Cui fleet sat above the others, a hand on his chin, trying to figure out something. What was said by his subordinate was not wrong. What could they do? The idea of a Fulde warhead came to mind. But that's not to not oly be brought here, but they’d have to gain approval from those in the central government, and what were the chances of that happening? Eventually, the Admiral was surprised by a split sounding from beside his head. He was being hailed.

He tapped the holograph as it came into being, coming face to face with Admiral Yeom Ji, a red-haired woman who was at the head of one of many PMC’s, which kept order in control in Tokcheok… Or rather, tried to, given what they’d heard of the situation in that country. Right below her, was Chiba Seiji of Yamato, who had become famous for his participation in the Kaemerge war, helping to win a battle during which the chain of command was destroyed, forcing him to be thrust into the position, and one Mike Johnson, of the North American Federation, who himself, built his legacy during the Third World War. With the meeting established, Mike was the first to speak.

“I’m guessing we all see the issue…”

“But of course, what is the solution? That is what we must figure out.” Chiba responded. That was a question there wasn’t an answer for, not just yet… That was until, Yeom snapped.

“If we concentrate SP beam fire on a single spot, we may be able to get a large enough bomb to destroy it from the inside out… But we don’t know of this creature’s intelligence, it seems animalistic, but looks can be deceiving. We need to do this slowly, so as to not raise suspicions.” Nods of agreement came, and soon enough, the cameras went down, and maneuvers began, the fleet’s larger ships began to move behind the creature, as launched HAUS loomed above with anti-fortification missiles loaded into their launchers.

Adjustments for firing made, Comms buzzing with various calculations made by targeting computers. It took some time, but firing eventually began, Streams of crimson light streaked from the turrets strewn across the ships’ surface. Melting the spot to which they attacked like butter. And the creature began to round on them, but before it could take action, A salvo of launched missiles was sent toward the hole, and subsequently exploded within. The creature began to twitch, its tentacles writhed, as the color began to drain from its body… And DEMED began to occur.

It seemed their efforts were not wasted, the creature had been felled. The surviving forces let out a resounding cheer. They’d lost their comrades for sure, but in the end, victory belonged to them…But could this gleeful mood be shared by everybody? To the heads of the WTO, who stood gathered in Yamato’s Imperial Palace, it clearly wasn’t the case given the pensive expressions from those there. One of the first ones to speak, was Premier Okoye.

“These demons, they are an issue… The Yatahari incident was a drain of resources upon our pacific fleets. Not to mention that creature who appeared near lake Chad, and made its way into our borders. Something tells me that Kanem-Bornu, and the Wolof will be emboldened by the damages we’ve taken, and attempt to act upon their alliances.”

“While we would normally be able to handle such a thing, we certainly wouldn’t be able to do so easily with the apparent addition of unaccounted for factors.” Emperor Shin added. Unaccounted for factors were a problem indeed, but those factors were not only demonic, or even, due to a foreign state.

Rebuilding efforts, especially in Honshu, where the miles-long scar created by the Demonic General Zeta, were still underway, were nowhere near finished. But there was surely an effort to make sure it was done as efficiently as possible. For that reason, Yoshida Toshiaki, the one assigned to the rebuilding of Fuyama prefecture. The man sat within his office, which was rather Spartan, clean and organized. It was clear that his son had mostly taken after him, from his appearance. Thin wire-frame glasses on his face, and a head of black hair, in neatly organized strands, reaching down to his shoulder. He typed away quickly at his terminal, swiping the holographic screen, opening, and closing documents in what looked to be mere milliseconds.

“Filling that newly formed cavern alone is going to cost Millions of Credits…. It would seem that staying within the budget we set won’t be possible, not without sacrificing future safety.” It wasn’t exactly an uncommon situation, this one. But he was never one to emphasize budget over effectiveness. Though he prepared to go back to his work, he found a surprising visitor strolling into his office. Her body itself was draped in a white Kimono, the silk, luxurious fabric, decorated with reliefs of violets. Long crimson hair, put into a ponytail, reached the small of her back. With two bright emeralds in her eyes, the woman’s manner of dress, and appearance told the man who she was.

“Ouchi Kazue… Head of Ouchi Electronics… What made you visit us today?” He questioned. The woman began to stroll over to his desk, taking a seat in front of him.

“Well, I've heard of the problems happening here on earthside, so I decided to come down from Alviss, and get a read on the situation, and offer my services… I understand you’re having some issues with your budget?” She questioned. The man’s eyes narrowed at this, suspicion becoming more evident.

“What are you aiming at, Ouchi Kazue?” He questioned, this much was only answered by the woman closing her eyes as she leaned on her hand, a bright smile making it onto her face. Though he didn’t say it outright, he thought for sure, that smile was fake, a tactic to try to gain some agreement, and one to which he wouldn't fall for.

“It is common knowledge that the Ouchi used to be a noble clan, one that had their titles revoked, due to their participation in the Numatetsu war, with those clans who wished to betray the Chrysanthemum throne, at that… If you wish to curry favor with us officials and the citizens by trying to rebuild, then don’t think for a second that will work…” As most who knew him would expect, clear, and to the point. Regardless, the woman only stood up, and bowed slightly,

“If you want to refuse our help, then that’s alright. Enjoy the rest of your day…” With no more words, she began exiting the office, her sandal-clad feet clanking on the tile floor below. Over time, the smile on her face gradually began to fall. As she looked over her shoulder.

“Sharp, That one… We can consider that one a Failure… There’s always the idea of getting him replaced with someone more personable, even if by… Different methods. But knowing him, he’ll likely have this reported, and somebody in place to protect him. The others will have to hear of this.”

Gythros

The invasion of Sanaib by the Gythros Empire had been put on a permanent hold since the Kaemerge war had begun. There was no treaty signed, only an armistice. Lines of fortifications, anti-ship batteries, underground hangars, and anything else needed for a defensive, or offensive battle. It went without saying that whoever made their move first, they would face a stiff resistance from the other. While the appearance of demons on both sides certainly made this status quo break just a bit, over time, it’d gone back to normal. While Sanaib had rebuilding to do, the Empire faced other issues. As factions within both states made moves to try to bring the other to fall without using any of their forces, things as they were now. Though that did not mean there weren’t those who did not push against such acts on both sides of the border. One of whom happened to be in the Capital of Gythros, The ancient city of Athens. Nicada Castle, House Tou Galanos’ home.

A masterwork of architecture, constructed with marble pillars, plastered stone walls, ornate stained glass windows. At the time of its construction, it was the largest palace on the planet, and even now, still was at least on the list. While on the outside, the chirping birds and butterflies moving in the gardens would give the impression of a peaceful day, the truth was, it was far from it…

“You can’t be serious! You want to continue the war regardless?!” If one walked by the throne room, the echoing of a feminine voice reverberating through the hallowed halls, would likely reach their ears. The source of which was one Iris Galanos. Looking from afar, was the Basillius himself. In other words, her father. Yet, it seemed that, despite her pleas, he simply stayed silent. The same could be said for the high members of the government, standing on either side of the room, those there for the meeting she apparently intruded in.

“It’s a fool's errand, we already have demons to handle, and what do we even gain from attacking a buffer state, one meant to keep us from engaging with those others!” Iris shouted once more. The man leaned back into his seat, beginning to stroke his beard as he spoke once more.

“This is the best course of action for our nation… And you Forget, this is not simply my choice, but a mandate from the gods themse-”

“Don’t try to bring them into this, this was your choice, and yours alone! And I will have no part in It. And regardless of what you say, Alarick will not help you, that much, I am sure of!” Having said her piece, the woman turned on her heel, and began stomping out… This was certainly what she’d began to view her father as, Callous, Impulsive, finding reasons to wage war, and for what? But either way, there was only so much she and her brothers could do.

.

On the other side of the planet, a different issue had taken root. Across the world’s news networks, internet forums, the same message had been plastered everywhere. “Rey Juancho De Ceron, Deceased…” Everywhere Valerie looked, there seemed to be a bitter reminder of what happened that day. Both one of her trusted guards, who was like an uncle to her, as well as her father. With the absence of her mother, who herself died in childbirth, she now stood as the last member of the main royal line. But the fact remained that, even with her age, somebody would have to ascend to take the mantle. But even as the fanfare of trumpets blared in her ears, and cheers erupted from the crowd around Valerie, the ceremony of her crowning was by no means a happy occasion. An ornate purple dress draped over her body, and her long hair tied behind her head.

She herself was joined by the one who was her betrothed, Maeda… Who served to comfort her simply by the placing of his hand on her shoulder. The two watched the crowd of members of high society, and civilians alike, from above a large flight of stairs.

“Things have changed a lot… To think that we hated each other just last year… I… Your father truly helped with that, a lot. Perhaps surviving that attack did as well.”

She nodded.

“Indeed, but we can not dwell upon that forever. There is a country that must be ruled. I will miss them… Dearly…” A hum of agreement came from Maeda, and the two looked upon the stage, beginning to step forward.

Madzivamwe - Lake Ukerewe

In the midst of demonic attacks, and wars going on, there was certainly a want for some sort of normalancy… One certainly couldn’t get that in the cities with the constant attempts at recruiting one into the army, or the discussions of the war up north. It was for that reason that a boat drifted through the waters, a simple fishing trip, but a much needed one.

“The world’s still changing, and it's changing quickly, Eh… From World War 3, to those Kaemerge freaks, and now Demons…”

“That it is…”