Libertatis Imperium (Gate)
- Thread starter charclone
- Start date
It is weird - but also good,fun yo watch and safe for kids.
Spoiler - good,but NATO could use it to get everything from Saderan without fight - agree,or we made Richard&Tara King&Queen of Alnus and all bunnies.
Considering what Pina is thinking,her report to dad could say just that - Richard could become bunny King.
And she would be not lying.
Why NATO could not use that to their advantage?
Or,to be precise,both sides advantage.NATO would save money if there would be peace,but Saderans would save their lifes and existence of their state.
Only reasons why USA simply not invaded them are cost and fear of another Iraq.
charclone
Well-known member
Alnus is sacred ground to Sadera. It would be comparable to the Crusaders during the Crusades giving up Jerusalem in exchange for peace. Not a great example, I know, since the Crusaders still were able to actually fight, something Sadera can't do, but its going to be a huge point of contention.
In order for Tara to be Queen of the Warrior Bunnies, she would need to get the support of most of the surviving tribes/clans, and be pure-blooded, not to mention the king would also need to be a male warrior bunny, so that the heirs would be pure as well. Note, the male doesn't need to be pure, and as long as the parents were warrior bunnies, they don't care if your grandparents were not pure.
Part of the reason there are coup jokes, because that is pretty much the only way Tara would rule the Warrior Bunnies, is through ignoring the pre-established rules regarding succession, and it would turn Alnus into a new Iraq anyway, as Warrior Bunnies opposed her rule.
NATO isn't stupid, and its more than cost and fear of another Iraq that is making them negotiate. There is also home politics, Falmart unknowns like magic and the dragons, the gods, etc. 'If you know yourself, but not your enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat.'
Indeed.After meeting Rory,they would be wary about what gods could do.
Chapter 28
charclone
Well-known member
Pina was, on one hand, annoyed that she would not be able to observe Richard's knighting ceremony. Besides the political aspects, she was curious as to the differences between the knights of Richard's people, and the knights of Sadera.
On the other hand, Richard had made a mistake. He would be completely uninvolved with any of the negotiations, and from what she had observed, he was not flush with political allies. If he had political enemies, she had also seen no evidence of them, but she hardly expected to seem them as part of the counter invasion.
A week after Richard left Italica, Pina set out for Alnus. Her Order of the Knights of the Red Rose with her. The Yellow and Blue Roses would remain in Italica, as a show of support to the new Countess, as well as to hunt down any bandits in the area. She would collect them on her way back to Sadera.
After a few days of travel, though NATO controlled lands, they had arrived at Alnus.
The travel had shown Pina several things. The first that NATO was very effective at destroying bandits, and policing roads. Another was that they were very swift and mobile, with their horseless carriage machines. The third was that they relied on long lines of supplies. Some strange machine that rode metal lines carried a vast train of massive carts, and even vehicles, to NATO bases. The speed and consistency of the machines suggested a great deal of supplies being moved. Something that thoroughly debunked the theory that they were willing to negotiate due to a supply issue.
They were stockpiling supplies at their 'FOBs'. To Pina and her knights, it appeared that they either intended to use the negotiations as a ruse, or didn't expect the Empire to abide by them. Pina couldn't honestly fault them if the latter was their logic, as Zorzal had certainly tarnished the Empire's word, especially since NATO were sheltering a potential claimant to the Warrior Bunny Kingdom throne.
The fortress that had been established on Alnus was shocking in its simplicity. Strange barricades filled with dirt, small stone walls, bundles of strange wire, all working in strange conjunction with the otherworlder's weapons and soldiers to protect their foothold on Falmart.
Despite its simplicity, it displayed capabilities that left Pina's knights slack jawed.
Pina had heard the noise before, but seeing the strange flying thing take off from a strangely paved road was a new experience.
Pina fought with her mount as it reared back in surprise from the unexpected and loud noise as the machine roared down the runway, and into the air. Her knights likewise found themselves struggling with their startled mounts.
The soldiers guarding a checkpoint chuckled at the sight.
Eventually, she and her knights were able to get the horses under control and were waved through the checkpoint. The welcoming party they found was smaller than what Pina had expected, only two dozen people mostly in the dress of NATO soldiers, like the ones that had been at Italica, though there was also an unexpectedly familiar face.
"Welcome, your highness!" King Duran, the wolf of Elbe greeted her. "I see your father has not lost his sanity or wisdom!"
"Thank you, your majesty." Pina took in King Duran's appearance. She had only seen him as a vassal visiting his liege before, dressed in the Saderan fashion. Here, he dressed in the style of his homeland. A tunic and jacket looked strange to Pina's eyes, used as she was to seeing him dressed in a toga. They were dyed elaborately, making her feel underdressed, even in her polished armour. Strikingly, however, was the prosthetic arm and leg. The leg was fashioned from strange materials and bore little resemblance to a human leg, probably fashioned by the otherworlders. The arm however was a simple thing, of wood and iron.
Duran followed her gaze.
"A wound from when we assisted the legions your father sent to our border, against NATO." He grinned. "The prosthetic was suggested by a scholar, I believe you met him, a Sir Richard. It is based on the arm of a knight from his world, by the name of Götz von Berlichingen, I even got a quote from him inscribed on it."
He shifted the arm, to show the silver writing on the forearm, in a tongue Pina couldn't read. It covered only his forearm, and she could see flesh beneath parts of it, so he had only lost his hand. A small mercy at least. King Duran had always been kind to her, even teaching her a few Elban sword techniques.
"I might be a prisoner here, but I would be remis in my duties if I didn't at least offer to assist you. I will be acting as a translator, your highness." King Duran informed her. He turned and said something to a man dressed in a strange dark coat, with a rounded hat. Decorations covered the left breast; several were clearly accolades of some sort. The man said something in response. "Your highness, allow me to introduce the commander of the NATO forces, General Samuel Jameson, of the United States Army."
Pina gave a slight bow in greeting to the general.
"Your majesty… might I have a moment to ask you a few things about this NATO?" She said as she rose. "There are a few things that are… unclear to me, that I feel must be clarified before we negotiate."
Duran's grin only grew.
"Of course, your highness." He turned and said something to the General, who chuckled, and gave a reply. "He said it would be poor form to not let you rest after a long journey. Housing has been prepared. Since you have some questions, I will show them to you. Your knights will be barracked nearby."
On the other hand, Richard had made a mistake. He would be completely uninvolved with any of the negotiations, and from what she had observed, he was not flush with political allies. If he had political enemies, she had also seen no evidence of them, but she hardly expected to seem them as part of the counter invasion.
A week after Richard left Italica, Pina set out for Alnus. Her Order of the Knights of the Red Rose with her. The Yellow and Blue Roses would remain in Italica, as a show of support to the new Countess, as well as to hunt down any bandits in the area. She would collect them on her way back to Sadera.
After a few days of travel, though NATO controlled lands, they had arrived at Alnus.
The travel had shown Pina several things. The first that NATO was very effective at destroying bandits, and policing roads. Another was that they were very swift and mobile, with their horseless carriage machines. The third was that they relied on long lines of supplies. Some strange machine that rode metal lines carried a vast train of massive carts, and even vehicles, to NATO bases. The speed and consistency of the machines suggested a great deal of supplies being moved. Something that thoroughly debunked the theory that they were willing to negotiate due to a supply issue.
They were stockpiling supplies at their 'FOBs'. To Pina and her knights, it appeared that they either intended to use the negotiations as a ruse, or didn't expect the Empire to abide by them. Pina couldn't honestly fault them if the latter was their logic, as Zorzal had certainly tarnished the Empire's word, especially since NATO were sheltering a potential claimant to the Warrior Bunny Kingdom throne.
The fortress that had been established on Alnus was shocking in its simplicity. Strange barricades filled with dirt, small stone walls, bundles of strange wire, all working in strange conjunction with the otherworlder's weapons and soldiers to protect their foothold on Falmart.
Despite its simplicity, it displayed capabilities that left Pina's knights slack jawed.
Pina had heard the noise before, but seeing the strange flying thing take off from a strangely paved road was a new experience.
Pina fought with her mount as it reared back in surprise from the unexpected and loud noise as the machine roared down the runway, and into the air. Her knights likewise found themselves struggling with their startled mounts.
The soldiers guarding a checkpoint chuckled at the sight.
Eventually, she and her knights were able to get the horses under control and were waved through the checkpoint. The welcoming party they found was smaller than what Pina had expected, only two dozen people mostly in the dress of NATO soldiers, like the ones that had been at Italica, though there was also an unexpectedly familiar face.
"Welcome, your highness!" King Duran, the wolf of Elbe greeted her. "I see your father has not lost his sanity or wisdom!"
"Thank you, your majesty." Pina took in King Duran's appearance. She had only seen him as a vassal visiting his liege before, dressed in the Saderan fashion. Here, he dressed in the style of his homeland. A tunic and jacket looked strange to Pina's eyes, used as she was to seeing him dressed in a toga. They were dyed elaborately, making her feel underdressed, even in her polished armour. Strikingly, however, was the prosthetic arm and leg. The leg was fashioned from strange materials and bore little resemblance to a human leg, probably fashioned by the otherworlders. The arm however was a simple thing, of wood and iron.
Duran followed her gaze.
"A wound from when we assisted the legions your father sent to our border, against NATO." He grinned. "The prosthetic was suggested by a scholar, I believe you met him, a Sir Richard. It is based on the arm of a knight from his world, by the name of Götz von Berlichingen, I even got a quote from him inscribed on it."
He shifted the arm, to show the silver writing on the forearm, in a tongue Pina couldn't read. It covered only his forearm, and she could see flesh beneath parts of it, so he had only lost his hand. A small mercy at least. King Duran had always been kind to her, even teaching her a few Elban sword techniques.
"I might be a prisoner here, but I would be remis in my duties if I didn't at least offer to assist you. I will be acting as a translator, your highness." King Duran informed her. He turned and said something to a man dressed in a strange dark coat, with a rounded hat. Decorations covered the left breast; several were clearly accolades of some sort. The man said something in response. "Your highness, allow me to introduce the commander of the NATO forces, General Samuel Jameson, of the United States Army."
Pina gave a slight bow in greeting to the general.
"Your majesty… might I have a moment to ask you a few things about this NATO?" She said as she rose. "There are a few things that are… unclear to me, that I feel must be clarified before we negotiate."
Duran's grin only grew.
"Of course, your highness." He turned and said something to the General, who chuckled, and gave a reply. "He said it would be poor form to not let you rest after a long journey. Housing has been prepared. Since you have some questions, I will show them to you. Your knights will be barracked nearby."
Bear Ribs
Well-known member
Aha, instead Warrior Bunnies will no doubt form a "Democratic People's Republic" and elect Richard El Presidente for Life.
I would do that.Only to made Richard suffer,and Pina mad.
Back to chapter - i bet,that one of question would be "what part of NATO is ruled by Richard"
And,i also bet,that she would not belive that he do not have power.
Chapter 29
charclone
Well-known member
It was much smaller than Pina expected. Hardly a palace, but then, it was in a military camp. For being what it was, the building given to her was remarkably luxurious. Running water, lights that were bright and could be controlled by a switch of some sort, even beds that were rival for her own in the Jade Palace.
"Small, but quite nice, aren't they?" King Duran commented from a stuffed seat as Pina walked downstairs, having divested her armour in her new room. "They say most of it is powered by 'electricity', some sort of bottled lightning. I am just glad that these domiciles don't leak and are quite warm at night."
He leaned forwards on the 'couch', motioning Pina towards another stuffed seat.
"Now, what did you want to ask me?"
Pina glanced at Hamilton, shoot her a glare as she saw her aide reach towards the 'light switch'. She then sighed and collected her thoughts.
"What is NATO? And how do the 'Americans', 'Canadians', 'Polish', and others fit in?" She asked plainly.
Duran laughed.
"I know of Americans and Canadians, and a group called the British, but not of these… Polish. As for how they fit into NATO… well, you remember how some barbarian peoples will unite their armies?"
"Yes. But why call it NATO? Is that the name of the nation that formed from such a unity?"
Duran snorted at Pina question.
"I don't know how it started, but no. It's a united army, and a defensive alliance, composed of a large number of nations, with the rule that an attack on one is an attack on all." His grin grew savage. "Your father charged straight into the dragon's nest."
He leaned back.
"As for the rest… well, the Americans seem to have the largest army, while the Canadians are from the nation the Gate appeared in. Sir Richard is one of them. They used to be part of the British Empire, who has been sending troops recently. Apparently, the Americans also used to be part of it, until they rebelled. It's now treated as a joke amongst some of the troops I asked, being so far in the past."
Pina's hands curled into fists.
"How large are these… kingdoms?"
"Canada is large, but mostly wilderness. On the rest, I don't know." Duran shrugged. "I suspect you will have better luck finding that out soon."
He pulled papers and some form of writing utensils, setting them on the low table between them.
"Here, you will probably need to start learning their language."
"You got everything packed?" Richard asked Tara as he saw her approach where he waited.
"Yes." She nodded. "So, what are we waiting on?"
"A car to take us to the airport, according to the CAF officer that gave me the tickets and schedule." Richard blinked. "That a new outfit?"
Tara grinned.
Gone were her normal mix of Warrior Bunny clothing, mixed with Terran outfits given by the military when they helped the other refugees.
Replacing her fur skirt was a pair of jeans, topped by a familiar shirt.
"You found another one of those Star Wars shirts?" Richard frowned. "Wait, isn't that my sweater?"
Tara's grin grew larger.
"Maaaaybe. I heard it was common for lovers to share these."
Richard opened his mouth. Closed it. Tilted his head to the side in thought, then he shrugged.
"Eh, you'll probably want it, considering Canada even in late summer is colder than here."
Tara gave him an exaggerated pout.
She started to say something more, when a car horn drowned out her words. It stopped in front of them, and the driver window rolled down.
"So, lovebirds. Off to see the king?" Corporal David grinned at them from the car. "Hop in! Best to show up an hour early for flights."
"These are much comfier than the 'Hummers'." Tara noted, after storing her luggage in the trunk and sitting next to Richard in the rear seats. "How common are these vehicles?"
Richard grinned.
"Hey, corporal! You planned for the traffic; I assume?"
"What do you think kid? Its Toronto. I'd be deep in shit if I didn't."
"Traffic?" Tara gave Richard a confused look at the unfamiliar word.
The Corporal slowly accelerated, driving towards the Gate and Earth.
Ignoring Tara's question for the moment, Richard watched as first Alnus town moved past, then the road between the base and the town, and then the checkpoints. He raised an eyebrow as they drove past a group of Pina's knights, unloading supply wagons into their temporary barracks.
"Huh, Pina must be here already."
"Oh. Traffic." She winced as the horns blared. She glanced around the car, seeing nothing but an immense, slow moving deluge of vehicles. Noisy and fowl smelling vehicles. Tara had seen streets similarly congested, but that was in the middle of a city, during a battle between armies. Here, it was simply people travelling. In her mind, she was sure that there were more vehicles here than people in the Saderan Capital.
"Yup. Traffic." Richard laughed, and, noting the slow pace of the traffic, settled in to take a nap.
Tara blinked at him, then, deciding that it was probably a better idea than wating for the congestion of vehicles to move any faster, she leaned against him, to join him in sleep.
Its not like she could see anything but concrete buildings, which she had seen before, the raised roads, or more vehicles.
"Small, but quite nice, aren't they?" King Duran commented from a stuffed seat as Pina walked downstairs, having divested her armour in her new room. "They say most of it is powered by 'electricity', some sort of bottled lightning. I am just glad that these domiciles don't leak and are quite warm at night."
He leaned forwards on the 'couch', motioning Pina towards another stuffed seat.
"Now, what did you want to ask me?"
Pina glanced at Hamilton, shoot her a glare as she saw her aide reach towards the 'light switch'. She then sighed and collected her thoughts.
"What is NATO? And how do the 'Americans', 'Canadians', 'Polish', and others fit in?" She asked plainly.
Duran laughed.
"I know of Americans and Canadians, and a group called the British, but not of these… Polish. As for how they fit into NATO… well, you remember how some barbarian peoples will unite their armies?"
"Yes. But why call it NATO? Is that the name of the nation that formed from such a unity?"
Duran snorted at Pina question.
"I don't know how it started, but no. It's a united army, and a defensive alliance, composed of a large number of nations, with the rule that an attack on one is an attack on all." His grin grew savage. "Your father charged straight into the dragon's nest."
He leaned back.
"As for the rest… well, the Americans seem to have the largest army, while the Canadians are from the nation the Gate appeared in. Sir Richard is one of them. They used to be part of the British Empire, who has been sending troops recently. Apparently, the Americans also used to be part of it, until they rebelled. It's now treated as a joke amongst some of the troops I asked, being so far in the past."
Pina's hands curled into fists.
"How large are these… kingdoms?"
"Canada is large, but mostly wilderness. On the rest, I don't know." Duran shrugged. "I suspect you will have better luck finding that out soon."
He pulled papers and some form of writing utensils, setting them on the low table between them.
"Here, you will probably need to start learning their language."
"You got everything packed?" Richard asked Tara as he saw her approach where he waited.
"Yes." She nodded. "So, what are we waiting on?"
"A car to take us to the airport, according to the CAF officer that gave me the tickets and schedule." Richard blinked. "That a new outfit?"
Tara grinned.
Gone were her normal mix of Warrior Bunny clothing, mixed with Terran outfits given by the military when they helped the other refugees.
Replacing her fur skirt was a pair of jeans, topped by a familiar shirt.
"You found another one of those Star Wars shirts?" Richard frowned. "Wait, isn't that my sweater?"
Tara's grin grew larger.
"Maaaaybe. I heard it was common for lovers to share these."
Richard opened his mouth. Closed it. Tilted his head to the side in thought, then he shrugged.
"Eh, you'll probably want it, considering Canada even in late summer is colder than here."
Tara gave him an exaggerated pout.
She started to say something more, when a car horn drowned out her words. It stopped in front of them, and the driver window rolled down.
"So, lovebirds. Off to see the king?" Corporal David grinned at them from the car. "Hop in! Best to show up an hour early for flights."
"These are much comfier than the 'Hummers'." Tara noted, after storing her luggage in the trunk and sitting next to Richard in the rear seats. "How common are these vehicles?"
Richard grinned.
"Hey, corporal! You planned for the traffic; I assume?"
"What do you think kid? Its Toronto. I'd be deep in shit if I didn't."
"Traffic?" Tara gave Richard a confused look at the unfamiliar word.
The Corporal slowly accelerated, driving towards the Gate and Earth.
Ignoring Tara's question for the moment, Richard watched as first Alnus town moved past, then the road between the base and the town, and then the checkpoints. He raised an eyebrow as they drove past a group of Pina's knights, unloading supply wagons into their temporary barracks.
"Huh, Pina must be here already."
"Oh. Traffic." She winced as the horns blared. She glanced around the car, seeing nothing but an immense, slow moving deluge of vehicles. Noisy and fowl smelling vehicles. Tara had seen streets similarly congested, but that was in the middle of a city, during a battle between armies. Here, it was simply people travelling. In her mind, she was sure that there were more vehicles here than people in the Saderan Capital.
"Yup. Traffic." Richard laughed, and, noting the slow pace of the traffic, settled in to take a nap.
Tara blinked at him, then, deciding that it was probably a better idea than wating for the congestion of vehicles to move any faster, she leaned against him, to join him in sleep.
Its not like she could see anything but concrete buildings, which she had seen before, the raised roads, or more vehicles.
Chapter 30
charclone
Well-known member
"I can authorise a temporary ceasefire, your highness, but further negotiations would require meetings with high levels of the NATO governments and officials." The 'American' general said, with King Duran acting as translator. "The Canadian government has approved a meeting and tour of part of the country, though the details are still being debated."
"I see." Pina said. "Still, I am glad your people are willing to negotiate."
"We're more surprised that your people are only trying to negotiate now." The general, a Samuel Jameson, explained. "From what we know, the Roman Empire, which your people seem to be related to, was more likely to establish trading posts first in frontier regions, to gather information, rather than outright attack blindly."
Pina winced.
"Internal disagreements." Was all she said. Internally, she cursed her half-brothers. Zorzal had pressed for the military invasion, something her other half-brother Diabo, protested. In the end, the result was Zorzal would 'graciously permit others the honour of carrying out the duty' with his backing, while they both financed it, as well as more than a few prominent members of the senate. The infighting had turned it from a potential exploratory mission, to a race to see which faction would be more successful and reap greater political rewards.
With the unexpected outcome, Saderan politics had become unpredictable, as families lost power and prestige, while those that had invested nothing rose. It was part of her father's reasoning for sending her in the first place.
"Hmm." The general hummed at her non-answer. "Well, in any case, for the sake of the negotiations, I believe a basic breakdown of Earth would be warranted."
He reached behind his desk, pulling out a folded map.
It was unlike any map Pina had seen. Where most Saderan maps had Sadera at the centre, much like how other kingdoms placed themselves at their map's centres, this one seemed to have its centre in the ocean, and being strangely warped and rounded. It took Pina a moment to realize, with no small amount of dread, that it was a complete map of 'Earth'.
"This part here is Canada, the Gate being about here. The States are just to the south." The general pointed out on the map. "The relevant political entities to NATO are Canada, the US, Britain, sorry, the UK, located here, Germany here in Europe, Ireland here, next to the UK…"
Pina felt a pit of dread settle in her stomach as more and more, remarkably large, nations were pointed out on the map as being part of NATO. Part of her wondered about the areas not part of NATO, but she set it aside to be looked into later.
"Pardon me, but…" She frowned, noting the apparent small size of Britain. "As I understand it, Sir Richard is being awarded a medal from Britain? And his nation was once part of that Empire?"
"Richard? Yeah. Probably in the air, around here." The general circled part of the massive ocean between two continents. Pina quietly hoped that he would be swallowed by it. "The British… well if I remember a comment from the kid, their overseas territories are still so large the sun doesn't set on their holdings. But yeah, they used to rule here, Australia, here, South Africa, New Zealand, India… it was a massive colonial empire, largest Empire in human history. Empire is disbanded, replaced by the Commonwealth of Nations and NATO."
The general coughed.
"Anyway, getting off topic. Most NATO nations are quite happy to see the conflict end, so long as justice is served. How will need to be determined on negotiations." He explained. "Now, your Empire operates on a gold economy, yes?"
"That's correct, though most coins are bronze and silver. The senate is unwilling to surrender land, but we have a great deal of natural wealth, and trade with other nations." Pina explained. "We are also unwilling to surrender any of our people as tribute."
"That's fine. I wanted to ask about the gold because of the prisoners we took. We are willing to release a number as a gesture of goodwill, mostly peasant levies and low ranked soldiers, to keep banditry from growing, and keep your people from starving."
Pina saw through the tactic. An empire lacking in leaders, but having plenty of manpower would be more tempted to ransom the officers using taxes raised from labour. Not to mention it would win them support with the lower classes. Unfortunately, she didn't have many tools with which to counter.
"May I instead suggest several higher-ranking people? Ideally, family members of senators." It would put them in her debt, and she could leverage that to keep the senate from trying to restart the war. If they had seen the same thing she had at Italica, well, she doubter any of the prisoners would be willing to support a renewed war.
"Well, what about a mix of both?"
Pina settled in to negotiate.
"I see." Pina said. "Still, I am glad your people are willing to negotiate."
"We're more surprised that your people are only trying to negotiate now." The general, a Samuel Jameson, explained. "From what we know, the Roman Empire, which your people seem to be related to, was more likely to establish trading posts first in frontier regions, to gather information, rather than outright attack blindly."
Pina winced.
"Internal disagreements." Was all she said. Internally, she cursed her half-brothers. Zorzal had pressed for the military invasion, something her other half-brother Diabo, protested. In the end, the result was Zorzal would 'graciously permit others the honour of carrying out the duty' with his backing, while they both financed it, as well as more than a few prominent members of the senate. The infighting had turned it from a potential exploratory mission, to a race to see which faction would be more successful and reap greater political rewards.
With the unexpected outcome, Saderan politics had become unpredictable, as families lost power and prestige, while those that had invested nothing rose. It was part of her father's reasoning for sending her in the first place.
"Hmm." The general hummed at her non-answer. "Well, in any case, for the sake of the negotiations, I believe a basic breakdown of Earth would be warranted."
He reached behind his desk, pulling out a folded map.
It was unlike any map Pina had seen. Where most Saderan maps had Sadera at the centre, much like how other kingdoms placed themselves at their map's centres, this one seemed to have its centre in the ocean, and being strangely warped and rounded. It took Pina a moment to realize, with no small amount of dread, that it was a complete map of 'Earth'.
"This part here is Canada, the Gate being about here. The States are just to the south." The general pointed out on the map. "The relevant political entities to NATO are Canada, the US, Britain, sorry, the UK, located here, Germany here in Europe, Ireland here, next to the UK…"
Pina felt a pit of dread settle in her stomach as more and more, remarkably large, nations were pointed out on the map as being part of NATO. Part of her wondered about the areas not part of NATO, but she set it aside to be looked into later.
"Pardon me, but…" She frowned, noting the apparent small size of Britain. "As I understand it, Sir Richard is being awarded a medal from Britain? And his nation was once part of that Empire?"
"Richard? Yeah. Probably in the air, around here." The general circled part of the massive ocean between two continents. Pina quietly hoped that he would be swallowed by it. "The British… well if I remember a comment from the kid, their overseas territories are still so large the sun doesn't set on their holdings. But yeah, they used to rule here, Australia, here, South Africa, New Zealand, India… it was a massive colonial empire, largest Empire in human history. Empire is disbanded, replaced by the Commonwealth of Nations and NATO."
The general coughed.
"Anyway, getting off topic. Most NATO nations are quite happy to see the conflict end, so long as justice is served. How will need to be determined on negotiations." He explained. "Now, your Empire operates on a gold economy, yes?"
"That's correct, though most coins are bronze and silver. The senate is unwilling to surrender land, but we have a great deal of natural wealth, and trade with other nations." Pina explained. "We are also unwilling to surrender any of our people as tribute."
"That's fine. I wanted to ask about the gold because of the prisoners we took. We are willing to release a number as a gesture of goodwill, mostly peasant levies and low ranked soldiers, to keep banditry from growing, and keep your people from starving."
Pina saw through the tactic. An empire lacking in leaders, but having plenty of manpower would be more tempted to ransom the officers using taxes raised from labour. Not to mention it would win them support with the lower classes. Unfortunately, she didn't have many tools with which to counter.
"May I instead suggest several higher-ranking people? Ideally, family members of senators." It would put them in her debt, and she could leverage that to keep the senate from trying to restart the war. If they had seen the same thing she had at Italica, well, she doubter any of the prisoners would be willing to support a renewed war.
"Well, what about a mix of both?"
Pina settled in to negotiate.
Chapter 31
charclone
Well-known member
Tara appreciated earplugs. They were uncomfortable, awkward with her rabbit ears, and could not be easily reused (how was there that much earwax in anyone's ears?) but they made the rumble of the engines bearable.
"So, in short, we are hurtling through the air… propelled by explosions?" She stared at Richard in the seat next to her with a look of horror.
"No, no." Richard shook his head with a laugh. "That would be a rocket. Like how a dragon pushes air down with its wings and angles them to push against the air to move forwards, the aircraft uses the expanding air from the engines to push itself forwards, and the shape of its wings to push the air downwards beneath the wing, and the air pushes upwards against it, pushing the craft up."
Tara blinked at the explanation.
"But it still uses explosions to ignite the air?"
"No, it burns the jet fuel, as an intense fire, rather than an explosion." Richard shook his head. "Guns and rockets use controlled explosions."
"Well… that isn't really any more comforting." Tara sighed. She looked around the 'first class' cabin. "Is it normally this empty?"
"First class? I have no idea." Richard glanced around. Out of the twenty seats, only another three were occupied. "I know airlines usually like to fill seats as best they can, partly because of the cost of fuel. But this is a little odd. Air travel picked up a lot since a flue went around a couple of years ago, but I guess it hasn't gotten completely back up."
"Flu? Oh, right, the medics were immunizing refugees as they arrived still." She hummed. "Must be less stressful, knowing you can immunize people against plagues and the like."
Richard opened his mouth. Paused. And then closed it, deciding to change the subject.
"So, are there any significant cultural ties to your people's style of fighting?"
"With what?" Tara looked at him. "Our blades? Not really. I think some clans have their own styles they don't teach anyone else, but outside of that, no. The Royal Guard had some rules about who was allowed to be taught how we fought, but those were abolished a while ago after we realized it was… ill-suited for fighting Saderan Legionaries.
She grinned.
"Are you asking me to teach you?"
Richard nodded.
"I'd also like to try my hand at forging one of your people's blades. It's been a while since I have worked any metal, and I want to stay in practice." He blinked in surprise when she grabbed his hand. "Is there some significance to that?"
"Old legends, stories, about couples doing things like that. We don't turn away others that come to us, because of our mating practices, which also means we would bring in other people's style of fighting." She explained. "I'll tell you some of the stories once we land. But, yes, as a result of us taking in others, we learned new things. The first smith was an elf, for example, and he taught our ancestors how to work metal."
"Hmm." Richard hummed. "Well, I think we have a day after we land to get ready for the ceremony, so we should have the time… though, I bet the eggheads back at Alnus will get annoyed with us if we don't record the stories for them."
Tara blinked.
"Do… we have anything to record it on? Or are you going to write them down?"
"Laptop has a microphone, and I have recording software." Richard answered with a shrug. He yawned. "It's getting late. It's an overnight flight, and we are getting there early in the morning, so I am getting some sleep."
"That's a good idea." Tara answered as she yawned in mimicry of Richard's. The seats were comfy and could be adjusted, a fact that Tara took advantage of as she leaned back in it.
Richard noted, as he laid back in his seat, that she wasn't letting go of his hand.
As he slowly drifted off to sleep, Richard went through the expected schedule. He would be receiving the medal at a ceremony two days after landing, giving them time to rest, and prepare. Tara would need some formal clothing, and he needed to make sure his suit hadn't been ruined in his luggage.
After that, they had a week before the return flight open to them. Richard wasn't sure what to do there. Maybe a tour of London? He mentally shrugged. They had time to plan, and he was happy to spend some time with Tara regardless.
Then, once they had returned… he planned on seeing a few things in Canada before heading back to the Gate. He hadn't spoken to his mother in some time, since he had been released from the hospital after escaping, and introducing Tara to her seemed like a good idea.
"So, in short, we are hurtling through the air… propelled by explosions?" She stared at Richard in the seat next to her with a look of horror.
"No, no." Richard shook his head with a laugh. "That would be a rocket. Like how a dragon pushes air down with its wings and angles them to push against the air to move forwards, the aircraft uses the expanding air from the engines to push itself forwards, and the shape of its wings to push the air downwards beneath the wing, and the air pushes upwards against it, pushing the craft up."
Tara blinked at the explanation.
"But it still uses explosions to ignite the air?"
"No, it burns the jet fuel, as an intense fire, rather than an explosion." Richard shook his head. "Guns and rockets use controlled explosions."
"Well… that isn't really any more comforting." Tara sighed. She looked around the 'first class' cabin. "Is it normally this empty?"
"First class? I have no idea." Richard glanced around. Out of the twenty seats, only another three were occupied. "I know airlines usually like to fill seats as best they can, partly because of the cost of fuel. But this is a little odd. Air travel picked up a lot since a flue went around a couple of years ago, but I guess it hasn't gotten completely back up."
"Flu? Oh, right, the medics were immunizing refugees as they arrived still." She hummed. "Must be less stressful, knowing you can immunize people against plagues and the like."
Richard opened his mouth. Paused. And then closed it, deciding to change the subject.
"So, are there any significant cultural ties to your people's style of fighting?"
"With what?" Tara looked at him. "Our blades? Not really. I think some clans have their own styles they don't teach anyone else, but outside of that, no. The Royal Guard had some rules about who was allowed to be taught how we fought, but those were abolished a while ago after we realized it was… ill-suited for fighting Saderan Legionaries.
She grinned.
"Are you asking me to teach you?"
Richard nodded.
"I'd also like to try my hand at forging one of your people's blades. It's been a while since I have worked any metal, and I want to stay in practice." He blinked in surprise when she grabbed his hand. "Is there some significance to that?"
"Old legends, stories, about couples doing things like that. We don't turn away others that come to us, because of our mating practices, which also means we would bring in other people's style of fighting." She explained. "I'll tell you some of the stories once we land. But, yes, as a result of us taking in others, we learned new things. The first smith was an elf, for example, and he taught our ancestors how to work metal."
"Hmm." Richard hummed. "Well, I think we have a day after we land to get ready for the ceremony, so we should have the time… though, I bet the eggheads back at Alnus will get annoyed with us if we don't record the stories for them."
Tara blinked.
"Do… we have anything to record it on? Or are you going to write them down?"
"Laptop has a microphone, and I have recording software." Richard answered with a shrug. He yawned. "It's getting late. It's an overnight flight, and we are getting there early in the morning, so I am getting some sleep."
"That's a good idea." Tara answered as she yawned in mimicry of Richard's. The seats were comfy and could be adjusted, a fact that Tara took advantage of as she leaned back in it.
Richard noted, as he laid back in his seat, that she wasn't letting go of his hand.
As he slowly drifted off to sleep, Richard went through the expected schedule. He would be receiving the medal at a ceremony two days after landing, giving them time to rest, and prepare. Tara would need some formal clothing, and he needed to make sure his suit hadn't been ruined in his luggage.
After that, they had a week before the return flight open to them. Richard wasn't sure what to do there. Maybe a tour of London? He mentally shrugged. They had time to plan, and he was happy to spend some time with Tara regardless.
Then, once they had returned… he planned on seeing a few things in Canada before heading back to the Gate. He hadn't spoken to his mother in some time, since he had been released from the hospital after escaping, and introducing Tara to her seemed like a good idea.
Chapter 32
charclone
Well-known member
The ruler of the elven city state had welcomed them, when their ragged band of refugees appeared. He ordered the gates opened, and food prepared, while he held audience with the leaders of the survivors.
The woman, now demigod, was slightly embarrassed by how people were treating her. If rumours were to be believed, she had driven the attackers away single handily, slew their champion, took their weapon as her own, and was elevated to demigodhood in recognition for her deeds.
The ruler was surprised to learn that it was far from the truth, but had been polite about it.
"We will of course render aid to our brothers and sisters from the forests." He said, once the audience was over. "But I am alarmed, honoured one, that the Huntress-Queen chose you over her people."
"She… believes her people have grown lazy, and believes that my actions against them will force them react." She admitted. "I… fear what she will ask of me."
"My uncle was a brave warrior, and when he was chosen by the god of order, he admitted to my father much the same. My uncle was a free spirited person, but perhaps that is on purpose, that people so different from the gods are chosen, to make them grow, and adapt… but my uncle instead has grown… darker in his moods, for all that they remain jovial." The aged elf sighed.
The woman was surprised at seeing such an old elf, that his hair turned grey. She dimly recalled her own grandmother, who likewise had grey hair. It made her wonder just how old this elf was, and how much longer it would be until his uncle would ascend to godhood.
"Would you assist me in protecting my city?" He asked her. "I understand you have a ward. She would be cared for and educated. I believe she has a natural inclination to magic. She would be taught to harness that talent."
"She is my friend, not my ward. Her mother yet lives, though she was wounded. We grew up together, though I grew up much faster." The demigod explained, suddenly quite cautious wither her words, and conscious of who she was speaking with. "But I would appreciate her being looked after."
"Then it shall be done." He waved his hand. "But… now the question is how shall it be done? I have many warriors, but they are scattered. Whenever we try to amass to catch the raiders, they scatter."
The demigod froze, as she heard a whisper.
"I… I would suggest going after their villages. They strike at ours, but are not your rangers just as skilled woodsmen?" She paused to pick her lips. "An eye for an eye is the law, is it not?"
"It is…. It is indeed. Yes, this will do. For now. I shall have a warrior instruct you in our style of fighting, so you are familiar with it. At least your lifespan is no longer an issue." He laughed. "But… I believe there is more than must be done. I shall write some letter to a friend of mine, and we shall make more plans once I have a response."
With that, he dismissed her.
She found herself wandering the city, the spear she had won still in her hand.
It was far larger than any place she had been to before. It was massive, houses built off each other, and tucked tight, with winding streets, surrounded by a massive wall.
There were so many different people as well. Not just elves, though they were the majority, but also strange beast men, some with the heads of wolves. Others covered in scales, and horned heads.
Whispers followed her as she wandered the city.
People gasped at the sight of a demigod, and at one that looked as strange as her.
People looked at her equally with fear and admiration, for the rumours that had spread.
People looked at her with hope. She had won against the long-eared foe that was taking the lives of their friends, and neighbours. She was a symbol.
She eventually found her way to where her friend and mother were being housed.
"Your back!" She barely felt the impact as she was hugged around the waist, a head buried in her stomach. "Mom is out, trading for food."
She kneeled to look at her friend in the eyes.
"I met with the king. He is going to help…" She paused. "How would you like to be a mage?"
"Are you going to be fighting again?"
"Probably."
"Then… I want to be with you." The young elf frowned. "But… if I was a mage, I could help you more…"
"Well, it will be a while until I need to fight again, but until then, you will have time to study. If you do well enough, and your mother agrees, then I might take you with me."
The young elf's eyes glittered as she grinned and nodded.
'I doubt her mother would permit it, and besides, I doubt she will be skilled enough by then.' The demigod thought.
The woman, now demigod, was slightly embarrassed by how people were treating her. If rumours were to be believed, she had driven the attackers away single handily, slew their champion, took their weapon as her own, and was elevated to demigodhood in recognition for her deeds.
The ruler was surprised to learn that it was far from the truth, but had been polite about it.
"We will of course render aid to our brothers and sisters from the forests." He said, once the audience was over. "But I am alarmed, honoured one, that the Huntress-Queen chose you over her people."
"She… believes her people have grown lazy, and believes that my actions against them will force them react." She admitted. "I… fear what she will ask of me."
"My uncle was a brave warrior, and when he was chosen by the god of order, he admitted to my father much the same. My uncle was a free spirited person, but perhaps that is on purpose, that people so different from the gods are chosen, to make them grow, and adapt… but my uncle instead has grown… darker in his moods, for all that they remain jovial." The aged elf sighed.
The woman was surprised at seeing such an old elf, that his hair turned grey. She dimly recalled her own grandmother, who likewise had grey hair. It made her wonder just how old this elf was, and how much longer it would be until his uncle would ascend to godhood.
"Would you assist me in protecting my city?" He asked her. "I understand you have a ward. She would be cared for and educated. I believe she has a natural inclination to magic. She would be taught to harness that talent."
"She is my friend, not my ward. Her mother yet lives, though she was wounded. We grew up together, though I grew up much faster." The demigod explained, suddenly quite cautious wither her words, and conscious of who she was speaking with. "But I would appreciate her being looked after."
"Then it shall be done." He waved his hand. "But… now the question is how shall it be done? I have many warriors, but they are scattered. Whenever we try to amass to catch the raiders, they scatter."
The demigod froze, as she heard a whisper.
"I… I would suggest going after their villages. They strike at ours, but are not your rangers just as skilled woodsmen?" She paused to pick her lips. "An eye for an eye is the law, is it not?"
"It is…. It is indeed. Yes, this will do. For now. I shall have a warrior instruct you in our style of fighting, so you are familiar with it. At least your lifespan is no longer an issue." He laughed. "But… I believe there is more than must be done. I shall write some letter to a friend of mine, and we shall make more plans once I have a response."
With that, he dismissed her.
She found herself wandering the city, the spear she had won still in her hand.
It was far larger than any place she had been to before. It was massive, houses built off each other, and tucked tight, with winding streets, surrounded by a massive wall.
There were so many different people as well. Not just elves, though they were the majority, but also strange beast men, some with the heads of wolves. Others covered in scales, and horned heads.
Whispers followed her as she wandered the city.
People gasped at the sight of a demigod, and at one that looked as strange as her.
People looked at her equally with fear and admiration, for the rumours that had spread.
People looked at her with hope. She had won against the long-eared foe that was taking the lives of their friends, and neighbours. She was a symbol.
She eventually found her way to where her friend and mother were being housed.
"Your back!" She barely felt the impact as she was hugged around the waist, a head buried in her stomach. "Mom is out, trading for food."
She kneeled to look at her friend in the eyes.
"I met with the king. He is going to help…" She paused. "How would you like to be a mage?"
"Are you going to be fighting again?"
"Probably."
"Then… I want to be with you." The young elf frowned. "But… if I was a mage, I could help you more…"
"Well, it will be a while until I need to fight again, but until then, you will have time to study. If you do well enough, and your mother agrees, then I might take you with me."
The young elf's eyes glittered as she grinned and nodded.
'I doubt her mother would permit it, and besides, I doubt she will be skilled enough by then.' The demigod thought.
Chapter 33
charclone
Well-known member
"Thank you, for agreeing to assist me." Pina greeted. "You said you had information for me?"
Lelei, apprentice to the archmage Cato, nodded, as she was shown in. She placed a bundle of papers on the 'coffee' table.
"You are offering to pay me, and NATO has had less need for my translation skills recently." She explained. "In addition, the scholars of NATO are focused on other matters, and so they are not paying me for my magic."
Pina blinked.
"It is highly improper not to refer to her highness with the proper respect."
She sighed. Bozes had arrived earlier that day, with a small honour guard, carrying messages.
"I am not an imperial citizen, nor am I hired as a retainer." Lelei explained, her face impassive, unflinching in the face of Bozes' tirade. "I am of the Rurudo nomads, who are independent, and I am applying to become a US citizen."
Pina blinked as Bozes stared in bewilderment.
"When you say US citizen, do you mean citizenship of their capitol, or major city?" The Saderan princess asked.
"No. They define citizens as members of their entire nation. This is the case for nearly all the nations of the other world. In fact, it is part of their laws regarding international travel." Lelei explained, her face never betraying any emotion.
"How… many citizens does the 'US' have?" Pina asked, dread creeping into her tone. Such a level of organisation seemed implausible, but if they had succeeded, then either their spy networks were very good, or the bureaucracy was so ironclad, the Empire would have a very difficult time using any.
"At present, the US has a population of approximately three hundred, thirty million." Bozes gave a laugh of disbelief, while Pina felt her jaw drop. "They constitute the largest population of NATO, which totals nine hundred, fifty million."
Pina found herself sitting down. She didn't remember sitting down.
Bozes started calling for Hamilton, who was better with numbers.
Pina struggled to understand. The Empire could barely match the US' population, if one included all the vassals, colonies, and the various barbarian tribes around the colonies, and if the person counting used the highest estimates. Theoretically.
She knew the number was probably inflated, but she had hired Lelei because of her teacher's recommendation, and because as a mage, Lelei was also a scholar. If the numbers were inflated, then Pina doubted they were inflated by more than a couple million, and was probably due to Lelei's own miscalculations.
If the US alone could match the Empire… Pina shook her head. There were other ways to match a stronger foe. The US likely had enemies, even within NATO. No alliance was perfect. But that was a thought for the future, for now, Pina needed to understand things that could benefit the negotiations, and how much danger the Empire was in.
"How large is the military? And where is most of it deployed?"
"I don't know for sure. I know NATO has a total of five million troops, between all nations, but I do not know where they are deployed, or what reserve forces they had. You asked me for general population information, and that is what I have provided." The blue haired girl tonelessly explained. "I have included economic information, and a general overview of what they use to trade, such as vehicles and money, as well as the estimated value that passes between the US and Canada."
Pina frowned and began thumbing through the files. She flinched, reading several economic numbers. She was not gifted in the areas of trade, but she understood how hard it could be to maintain an estate, or several, let alone a nation with armies and fleets.
"Hamilton… are these numbers correct?" She handed one set off to her aide.
"My lady, this… this has to be faked!" Bozes shouted. "A population so large… where would they put all the people? How would they feed them?"
"We will operate on the assumption the information Lelei was accessing is at least partially accurate. We do not have any other option." Pina stated firmly. "I have no doubt NATO has altered information, given they provided it to her, but they couldn't risk altering it too much, or it would be obvious when we visit."
"They did not provide the information." Lelei corrected. "I accessed the Internet."
Pina blinked.
"What?"
"It is a method of communication, like their radios, that lets 'computers', devices used for a number of tasks, including administration and accounting, communicate and share information between them and archives where information is stored." Lelei shrugged. "One of the scholars gifted me a 'laptop', a form of portable computer, and I was given access to the civilian internet, which connects to their internet on the other side of the gate. It is worldwide, and I have access to many libraries and archives, such as one called Wikipedia, and a 'search engine', a tool for sifting through these archives, called 'Google'."
Pina blinked.
"They really let you have access to something so… powerful?" She froze. "Wait, how common are computers with internet access?"
"Very. From what I understand almost every household has at least one computer, most have several devices comparable to computers."
There was a thump as Bozes failed to catch Hamilton, who fainted.
"Who the hell let the blue haired mage have a computer, let alone internet access!?" The Intelligence officer in charge of the team monitoring Princess Pina's entourage screamed at his people. "I want to know a week ago!"
Lelei, apprentice to the archmage Cato, nodded, as she was shown in. She placed a bundle of papers on the 'coffee' table.
"You are offering to pay me, and NATO has had less need for my translation skills recently." She explained. "In addition, the scholars of NATO are focused on other matters, and so they are not paying me for my magic."
Pina blinked.
"It is highly improper not to refer to her highness with the proper respect."
She sighed. Bozes had arrived earlier that day, with a small honour guard, carrying messages.
"I am not an imperial citizen, nor am I hired as a retainer." Lelei explained, her face impassive, unflinching in the face of Bozes' tirade. "I am of the Rurudo nomads, who are independent, and I am applying to become a US citizen."
Pina blinked as Bozes stared in bewilderment.
"When you say US citizen, do you mean citizenship of their capitol, or major city?" The Saderan princess asked.
"No. They define citizens as members of their entire nation. This is the case for nearly all the nations of the other world. In fact, it is part of their laws regarding international travel." Lelei explained, her face never betraying any emotion.
"How… many citizens does the 'US' have?" Pina asked, dread creeping into her tone. Such a level of organisation seemed implausible, but if they had succeeded, then either their spy networks were very good, or the bureaucracy was so ironclad, the Empire would have a very difficult time using any.
"At present, the US has a population of approximately three hundred, thirty million." Bozes gave a laugh of disbelief, while Pina felt her jaw drop. "They constitute the largest population of NATO, which totals nine hundred, fifty million."
Pina found herself sitting down. She didn't remember sitting down.
Bozes started calling for Hamilton, who was better with numbers.
Pina struggled to understand. The Empire could barely match the US' population, if one included all the vassals, colonies, and the various barbarian tribes around the colonies, and if the person counting used the highest estimates. Theoretically.
She knew the number was probably inflated, but she had hired Lelei because of her teacher's recommendation, and because as a mage, Lelei was also a scholar. If the numbers were inflated, then Pina doubted they were inflated by more than a couple million, and was probably due to Lelei's own miscalculations.
If the US alone could match the Empire… Pina shook her head. There were other ways to match a stronger foe. The US likely had enemies, even within NATO. No alliance was perfect. But that was a thought for the future, for now, Pina needed to understand things that could benefit the negotiations, and how much danger the Empire was in.
"How large is the military? And where is most of it deployed?"
"I don't know for sure. I know NATO has a total of five million troops, between all nations, but I do not know where they are deployed, or what reserve forces they had. You asked me for general population information, and that is what I have provided." The blue haired girl tonelessly explained. "I have included economic information, and a general overview of what they use to trade, such as vehicles and money, as well as the estimated value that passes between the US and Canada."
Pina frowned and began thumbing through the files. She flinched, reading several economic numbers. She was not gifted in the areas of trade, but she understood how hard it could be to maintain an estate, or several, let alone a nation with armies and fleets.
"Hamilton… are these numbers correct?" She handed one set off to her aide.
"My lady, this… this has to be faked!" Bozes shouted. "A population so large… where would they put all the people? How would they feed them?"
"We will operate on the assumption the information Lelei was accessing is at least partially accurate. We do not have any other option." Pina stated firmly. "I have no doubt NATO has altered information, given they provided it to her, but they couldn't risk altering it too much, or it would be obvious when we visit."
"They did not provide the information." Lelei corrected. "I accessed the Internet."
Pina blinked.
"What?"
"It is a method of communication, like their radios, that lets 'computers', devices used for a number of tasks, including administration and accounting, communicate and share information between them and archives where information is stored." Lelei shrugged. "One of the scholars gifted me a 'laptop', a form of portable computer, and I was given access to the civilian internet, which connects to their internet on the other side of the gate. It is worldwide, and I have access to many libraries and archives, such as one called Wikipedia, and a 'search engine', a tool for sifting through these archives, called 'Google'."
Pina blinked.
"They really let you have access to something so… powerful?" She froze. "Wait, how common are computers with internet access?"
"Very. From what I understand almost every household has at least one computer, most have several devices comparable to computers."
There was a thump as Bozes failed to catch Hamilton, who fainted.
"Who the hell let the blue haired mage have a computer, let alone internet access!?" The Intelligence officer in charge of the team monitoring Princess Pina's entourage screamed at his people. "I want to know a week ago!"
Joyousmadman
Well-known member
LOL. Yeah, that last but sounds about right on both sides. The scale and interconnection of the modern world is basically magic. So much so that basic internet access provides tons of what would formerly be sensitive strategic information. Not that it would be at all practical to keep such from them for long.
Chapter 34
charclone
Well-known member
They had been assigned one room.
There was probably a Lt. back at Alnus, that had set it all up, and thought themselves funny or clever, especially since the small budget Richard had been given for the trip included enough room for another hotel room, 'in case of emergency'.
Tara had shut down the idea of using that room in the budget, and had pointed out that her culture had no taboos about people sharing beds when needed. Richard had regreted admitting to being touched starved the first night in London.
"So, that was… unique." Tara said, as they returned from the award ceremony.
Richard hummed, and inspected the medal in his hand. The white stripe noted it as of the civilian division. What left Richard dumbstruck was the rank. He had expected to be awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire, the lowest rank. Instead, he was awarded the rank of Knight Commander. Unlike the lower ranks, Knight Commander, along with the higher rank of Knight Grand Cross, conferred upon its recipient a knighthood.
Richard dreaded when the people in Alnus learned that he was now officially a knight. It had been at first a misconception, then an annoying injoke among the Long Patrol. Now it was apparently official.
"Richard?" Tara said.
He started.
"Sorry, lost in thought." He apologised, returning the award to its box. "You were saying?"
"I asked you what the King said to you, it seemed to make you… exasperated?"
"Oh. Uh, so… in English… well, British myth, there was a king and a magic sword. Long story short, the king was mortally wounded, and his sword thrown back into the lake it came from, though the king didn't die. There was a prophecy that King Arthur would return, as he was taken to a place called Avalon to be healed." Richard explained, sitting on the bed. "His Majesty just joked that he would like it if I informed King Arthur to warn His Majesty ahead of his return, so he has enough time to pack his bags, should I find King Arthur in Falmart."
Tara laughed.
"It wasn't that funny." Richard groused. "I'm worried I might stumble across a magic sword and some idiot will try and proclaim me King of England. It wouldn't work, but as Einstein said, 'There are only two things that are infinite: Human stupidity, and the universe, and I'm not sure about the latter.'"
Tara sat next to him, continuing to laugh for several moments. Finally, she caught her breath. Breathing heavily, she leaned against him.
"Its… its just, hoo…" She exhaled, to keep herself from breaking into laughter again. "My people have a similar myth, with our first queen, that she would return one day to lead us out of our darkest time. My spear, and the spears of the Royal Guard, are styled after her famed weapon."
Richard snorted.
"Okay, yeah, the similarity is funny." He chuckled and leaned against Tara. "So, want to watch a movie? We have Wi-Fi, and I made sure to bring a bunch more movies, including Star Wars."
"Hmm… I'm still curious about Zulu." Tara said. "But Star Wars is apparently a major thing here…"
"Or we could watch some of the movies made of Shakespeare's plays." Richard suggested. "This is England, and he was an English playwright. His plays are still performed to this day, and he had an influence on media long after he died."
"You are just uncomfortable with watching Zulu, aren't you?" Tara accused, teasingly.
"Yeah, kinda. Bunch of protestors I saw on our way to the ceremony, they were making a number of comparisons to the Colonial era." Richard admitted.
"Better NATO than the Saderan Empire." Tara stated, shrugging. "Besides, if NATO doesn't take power there, other people will try."
I know, I know, it's just…" Richard sighed. "The movie is good and treats both sides with respect. But…"
"I want to watch it, but it doesn't have to be today." Tara explained. "I also want to watch it with you, so I don't mind waiting. Now, which Shakespeare play do you suggest?"
Richard blinked, then snorted.
"I'm not in the mood for Romeo and Juliet, though there was a good modern interpretation of it, but maybe Macbeth?" Richard said. "A tale of treachery, treason, murder, with a touch of comedy, a tale of tragedy of political ambition."
"Well…" Tara hummed. "Okay. Sure."
Neither of them moved.
"Maybe the version with Patrick Stewart?" Richard suggested.
"Well, one of us will need to move to put it on. At least the hotel has a TV."
Both stayed still.
"Or we could just stay here, and rest."
Richard snorted and got up to put the movie on. Tara gave him a look.
They sent the rest of the day watching movies. Richard pushing his few worries to the side, while Tara made herself relax, her own worries about her people's future lurking in the back of her mind, waiting.
There was probably a Lt. back at Alnus, that had set it all up, and thought themselves funny or clever, especially since the small budget Richard had been given for the trip included enough room for another hotel room, 'in case of emergency'.
Tara had shut down the idea of using that room in the budget, and had pointed out that her culture had no taboos about people sharing beds when needed. Richard had regreted admitting to being touched starved the first night in London.
"So, that was… unique." Tara said, as they returned from the award ceremony.
Richard hummed, and inspected the medal in his hand. The white stripe noted it as of the civilian division. What left Richard dumbstruck was the rank. He had expected to be awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire, the lowest rank. Instead, he was awarded the rank of Knight Commander. Unlike the lower ranks, Knight Commander, along with the higher rank of Knight Grand Cross, conferred upon its recipient a knighthood.
Richard dreaded when the people in Alnus learned that he was now officially a knight. It had been at first a misconception, then an annoying injoke among the Long Patrol. Now it was apparently official.
"Richard?" Tara said.
He started.
"Sorry, lost in thought." He apologised, returning the award to its box. "You were saying?"
"I asked you what the King said to you, it seemed to make you… exasperated?"
"Oh. Uh, so… in English… well, British myth, there was a king and a magic sword. Long story short, the king was mortally wounded, and his sword thrown back into the lake it came from, though the king didn't die. There was a prophecy that King Arthur would return, as he was taken to a place called Avalon to be healed." Richard explained, sitting on the bed. "His Majesty just joked that he would like it if I informed King Arthur to warn His Majesty ahead of his return, so he has enough time to pack his bags, should I find King Arthur in Falmart."
Tara laughed.
"It wasn't that funny." Richard groused. "I'm worried I might stumble across a magic sword and some idiot will try and proclaim me King of England. It wouldn't work, but as Einstein said, 'There are only two things that are infinite: Human stupidity, and the universe, and I'm not sure about the latter.'"
Tara sat next to him, continuing to laugh for several moments. Finally, she caught her breath. Breathing heavily, she leaned against him.
"Its… its just, hoo…" She exhaled, to keep herself from breaking into laughter again. "My people have a similar myth, with our first queen, that she would return one day to lead us out of our darkest time. My spear, and the spears of the Royal Guard, are styled after her famed weapon."
Richard snorted.
"Okay, yeah, the similarity is funny." He chuckled and leaned against Tara. "So, want to watch a movie? We have Wi-Fi, and I made sure to bring a bunch more movies, including Star Wars."
"Hmm… I'm still curious about Zulu." Tara said. "But Star Wars is apparently a major thing here…"
"Or we could watch some of the movies made of Shakespeare's plays." Richard suggested. "This is England, and he was an English playwright. His plays are still performed to this day, and he had an influence on media long after he died."
"You are just uncomfortable with watching Zulu, aren't you?" Tara accused, teasingly.
"Yeah, kinda. Bunch of protestors I saw on our way to the ceremony, they were making a number of comparisons to the Colonial era." Richard admitted.
"Better NATO than the Saderan Empire." Tara stated, shrugging. "Besides, if NATO doesn't take power there, other people will try."
I know, I know, it's just…" Richard sighed. "The movie is good and treats both sides with respect. But…"
"I want to watch it, but it doesn't have to be today." Tara explained. "I also want to watch it with you, so I don't mind waiting. Now, which Shakespeare play do you suggest?"
Richard blinked, then snorted.
"I'm not in the mood for Romeo and Juliet, though there was a good modern interpretation of it, but maybe Macbeth?" Richard said. "A tale of treachery, treason, murder, with a touch of comedy, a tale of tragedy of political ambition."
"Well…" Tara hummed. "Okay. Sure."
Neither of them moved.
"Maybe the version with Patrick Stewart?" Richard suggested.
"Well, one of us will need to move to put it on. At least the hotel has a TV."
Both stayed still.
"Or we could just stay here, and rest."
Richard snorted and got up to put the movie on. Tara gave him a look.
They sent the rest of the day watching movies. Richard pushing his few worries to the side, while Tara made herself relax, her own worries about her people's future lurking in the back of her mind, waiting.