Saturday, January 6th, 1900, Etremetoryy
Time and exact location undisclosed“Welcome, please, sit.” Azhis gestured towards a plush chair arrayed before a small table loaded down with confections, fruits, cheeses, and other hors d'oeuvres of various kinds, stemming both from the Empire and from the Realm. The chair was a rich dark wood, with warm red cushions affixed to it and angled in such a way as to let its occupant recline slightly, whilst retaining some air of dignity and attentiveness.
She pulled aside some drapes from the thin windows of her private study, letting rare shafts of sunlight stream into the simple but comfortable space. Bookshelves stretched to the ceiling, bowing under the weight of the heavy tomes arrayed upon them, and in the corner a large desk sat piled high with papers and other materials - prominent against even those was the heavy revolver lying in plain view atop them all, partially disassembled and with cleaning rags and other accoutrements lying by it.
“I understand we have many things to discuss, but first, how are you fairing, Majesty?” She asked, her voice eerily tranquil, almost airy but with a leaden weight behind it that carried no notes of frivolity. “I understand the situation with our more Western compatriots has been... strained.” Sitting alongside him, she took a small candy and popped it into her mouth. After a moment, she commented idly, almost as if this were a mere meeting of friends, “Fazhe made these, the boy has promise as a cook, even if he’s no tactician.”
The Emperor of Volnath, Rurn, chuckled idly. “An army marches on it’s stomach Supreme Commander. Even if Fazhe can’t keep your Realm safe with his rifle, he may yet keep its defenders full and happy. Which is just as important when you’re a soldier. Provided things haven’t changed in the forty some odd years since I’ve been in the service.” He reclined slightly back in his chair, smiling lightly.
“If you mean how I fair politically, things are tense. The Aquarians have drastically increased their military in the last few years, and my agents inform me that they’re chomping more and more at the bit as time goes by. The Princes are attempting to arm themselves, while at the same time bickering among themselves and snubbing some of their more military talented generals. One of whom is visiting ambassador Tauran, to discuss more about the trade route. The Technocracy is supplying them in an attempt to help them modernise, I suppose. The Technocracy in general is getting worryingly powerful. There are some border problems going on in the Confederate States. The Sacred Kingdom is, as always, making complaints about my subjects returning back to Imperial controlled lands. The Reich has been quiet, which in itself is mildly worrying. They’re never this quiet.”
He shifted in his seat, wincing. “Personally, I’m just old. A strange thing to you, I know, but we mere mortals do age and get sore. But enough about political problems and the unbeknownst to you problems of age. How do you fair, Commander?”
Azhis smiled, a wan, thin, tired smile. “We age as well, Rurn. Some of us faster than others. I can feel the passing of years much like any other, but their mark on me has yet to be felt. Perhaps one day I too will see wrinkles begin, but for now I will take what I can get.” Another candy sat in her fingers, and she bit into it, savoring the sweet candied fruit. “Yes… the boy is a good cook, if nothing else. And loyal - a trait none too common these days. A loyal cook is more crucial than many realize - how many kings have died choking on wine poisoned in the vicinity of an inattentive chef?” She sighed, “One of my books would probably tell me all I needed, but this chair is rather comfortable. Far better to discuss the world doing its best to tear itself asunder despite our best efforts when comfortably ensconced upon a soft leather cushion.”
She looked out the window, taking in the vast cityscape that stretched before them - the capital city of the nation, home to no fewer than twenty million inhabitants, almost all of whom left without modern infrastructure and amenities. All to feed the overly complex and expensive tastes of the ruling elite who wasted the days with art and poetry while the world sped on ahead of them.
“I fair as well as could be expected with Aquarian on my doorstep sharpening its saber.” Azhis looked to the emperor, “Come what may, should they set out on the warpath they will find the lands of the Reich are their only route to your own, at least over land. As always - Etresna is ready to lay waste to them should they attempt a crossing. The Technocracy…” She trailed off, sighing, “The Technocracy is a grave concern to both our nations. And one that bears further discussion. But I digress.”
Offering another candy to the emperor, she sat up straighter, looking him in the eye, “Did you have anything in mind beyond the obvious to discuss today, Rurn?” A quick movement of her head towards her left indicated a large stack of papers, books, and other miscellaneous documents - the seal of the Realm’s navy prominent upon the topmost of them. She looked at him, trying to discern what else the man might have visited her for today. It was unusual for simple military purchases to be decided in person behind closed doors such as this, and she burned with curiosity as to his motives.
“Ever busy as usual, I see.” He accepted the candy with a smile, popping into his mouth quickly. “The main reason I came here personally is the offer of defensive establishments in both our nations. You and I both know that the Legionaries, no matter how successful they have been, aren’t as good as your regular infantry. They won’t be for many years now, years I suspect we don’t have. I’d like to request that you station a couple regiments in the Imperial mainland, for quick response defensive purposes.”
“In return, I’ll have an airfield and Imperial Dragons stationed here in the Realm, likely around that rather large desert opening in your mountain chain, and send more Imperial ships patrolling your coast. It’ll be mostly armed and armoured merchants, I’m afraid, but that will gradually change as we build more military ships.” He leaned forward in his seats. “Any objections, Azhis dear?”
“Speaking of ships, actually.” Azhis interjected, “We do have the matter of the purchase of some more proper warships for the fleet, until our naval facilities are brought up to par, but that can wait. I can spare you two regiments from the fifth division - about five thousand in total. Be cautious in their use, unless you begin to adopt our level of basic training, I doubt the average Imperial infantryman will ever truly match - the difference in training is simply too great.” As an afterthought, she added, “Though I’m afraid we’ll need to keep their artillery here. We’re still precious low in supply of those. Our fleet, aside from the few Reich vessels we’ve purchased, is also armed merchant vessels, so I doubt further additions of such would be overly beneficial. Rather, I’d prefer to see more shipments of machine guns and artillery to our standing units. We have excellent rifles and sidearms - but if that was all it took…”
Azhis trailed off, nodding to a small picture on the far side of the wall, depicting a crude photograph of corpse strewn fields in the previous war in which Etresna had fought alongside the Empire. “Those were merely gatlings and other crude automatic weapons - should another such conflict erupt, the casualties would be horrendous. I would like to propose, in addition to your own suggestions, cooperation between our various field commanders to develop more innovative strategies than human wave assaults.” She grimaced, “Your empire may have the manpower to sustain such tactics, but we cannot. Panarre has informed me that her attempts to communicate with some of your own commanders have been… frustrating.” Smiling more warmly now, Azhis rested a hand on his shoulder, “We shall make it through this too, my friend.”
“I only plan to use them in concert with my Dragon’s Claws to slow Aquarian march through the Reich should they declare war. You may be on frosty terms with the Reich, but if they march through the Reich I’ll have to send Imperial Legions to stop them. I’ll pull the fifth division back after my legions get in position. While the guardians aren’t as deadly as your infantry, they are good at holding a position come hell or highwater.”
He waved a hand. “I don’t lack for artillery. That can be covered more than well enough, as can more artillery and machine guns being sent here. Though, be warned, we still haven’t figured out how to get a more manageable version for the rest of us yet. The Minotaurs are quite happy lugging around
Dragon’s Breath and other variations of machine gun around, the rest of us aren’t a strong. You’ll have to make do with the heavy turrets.”
He idly glanced at the photo. “I’d like other plans than ‘throw men at them till we get there’. Collaboration sounds lovely.” He gave a small mischievous grin. “That offer I made to scare some of your problems and frustrations with fake assassination attempts is still on the table.” He turned and pulled some papers from his pocket. “If that is still considered ‘extreme’, my engineers have sent me forward some designs they managed to get from the Technocracy. If these don’t convince them, nothing will.” He handed them over to her, grabbing another piece of candy.
“Never fear.” Azhis smiled again, a grim one now, and her eyes glinted with a dangerous edge. “Your offer of assistance is truly, truly, deeply appreciated. But I have things well under control.” After a moment, she spoke again, “Expect a coded telegram in a week or so, I think the political situation here will have changed somewhat by then. The reformist faction is gaining considerable headway, and well over half the council has come to their senses and devoted their efforts, and resources, to fruitful endeavors instead of yet
more paintings. The others… well, we have the Raijan’s ear, and the way things are progressing, they will be forced to accept that the world is no longer in the steam age, or they will be cast aside as the outdated fossils they are.” If one listened closely, a dark undertone of satisfaction was evident in her voice, her contempt for the fools in the ivory towers no great secret to anybody who knew her.
“That being said, I will never refuse designs we can implement in the factories. They are still undergoing retooling and modernization, but I predict we should be able to begin production of a downsized variant of Imperial automatic weaponry within a few months at most. The designs are mostly finalized, from what I have heard. There is the concern of ammunition, however. My engineers are designing the weapon around the .276, whereas your nation uses a considerably wider bore cartridge. This is something we still need to address - we would have to supply ammunition for our troops to be stationed in your territories, which creates a logistical nightmare at best.” She paused for a moment, taking another candy and chewing on it slowly, “Speaking of engineers, how have ours been doing in your labs? Have they been as fruitful as we hoped?”
He grinned at her. “You love solving logistical nightmares. I’m sure you’ll have a solution months before they set foot in Imperial lands.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “If my memory serves me, they’re doing excellent. After we got them to stop focusing on their traditional studies, they started making leaps and bounds. I suspect even the Technocracy would accept them at this rate. They’re a great help to the technological advances of the Empire, and will be a great help when they come back home.” He thought for a moment. “I suppose the good news about the Aquarians mobilizing is that their only ally is the Sacred Kingdom. If war breaks out, most of the world would be on our side.”
“Most of the world is the Reich, at this point.” Azhis reminded him, raising an eyebrow, “And we all know the state of their land forces. Practically nonexistent. Were a straight land battle all it took, I would have dare to say the Realm’s military could defeat them. A combined Aquarian and Sacred Kingdom offensive could potentially incur serious damage upon our own forces - should they begin to supply the Princely state, we could well find ourselves in a multiple front war. You have many troops - but they have far less territory to manage than you do. I can assure you, any Aquarian offensive over land would end in a trail of blood for them, but we cannot be everywhere at once should you require time to mobilize.”
She took another candy, eyeing it for a moment, before turning to Rurn once more, “At least our engineers are reaching their full potential. If nothing else, the people of this realm are brilliant scholars. There was a time when we lead even the Technocracy in innovation - I should like to see such status return. How goes progress with infrastructural overhaul, by the way? Your engineers here were a little… difficult, at times.”
Rurn shrugged.“I was referring to the nations of the world, rather than actual world. Bloody though any war may be, if it’s two against five it will be short. And that’s always good for wars. As for the Princely States joining the Sacred Kingdom or the Aquarians, Tauran is going to gently suggest that joining them would be met with the abrupt withdrawal of Imperial support for their economy and air force. He’s also going to suggest to this snubbed general of theirs that he has a friend in the Empire. Worse case scenario, we’ll start supporting him to unite the Princely states under his rule.”
Rurn sighed ruefully. “They think they know best don’t they? I imagine it didn’t help that they requested to tear down several artisan architectural masterpieces, to increase the space and production of the Realm. They figured it out eventually, though I imagine death threats were made.” He smirked softly. “Speaking of death threats, thank you for not killing my spy. He was a good one, and those are rare to find these days.”
“I extend the same thanks to you in turn.” Azhis smiled, reclining in the chair, “I’m not sure what pushed her to be so foolish and brazen like that, but I thank you for returning her. Your man tried to jump out of a window to escape, and so we cannot move him back to the empire while his legs heal, but rest assured once he has recovered I will send him on his way with a box of chocolates and a stern warning.” She sat in silence for a moment, savoring the flavor of the candied lemon in her hand, “That’d be a sight to see, the Princely States run by someone more competent with the economy.”
“She is young, and the young are filled with confidence. Though I must admit, attempting to seduce one of my bodyguards was driving headlong into foolishness.” The Emperor chuckled quietly, then raised an eyebrow. “A sight to see, but ideally a sight that favors us. It would do no good to have a supporter of this ‘Grand Human Alliance,” He said the words with only mild contempt, gesturing vaguely in the direction of the Sacred Kingdom. “on either side of us. Much better to have a malleable States that are crippled economically, than an enemy States that are not.” He tapped his fingers on his chin.
“Though, I must admit, if we were able to direct their energies at the Technocracy, we’d be able to weaken several enemies with one stone. The Sacred Kingdom would support them, which would draw in the Aquarians. They’d eventually tire themselves out and we’d be relatively untouched. Of course, that is if everything goes smoothly, and in national politics nothing ever does. Best to keep the States as they are, until absolutely necessary.”
“A wise strategy. I find playing a game where your success is dependent wholly upon everything proceeding to one’s own expectation of how others behave is doomed to failure. Any sapient being is difficult to predict, even more so when it is unstable nobles at the head of titanic armies of multiple millions of men.” She grinned, remembering the missive, “If I remember though, she did get farther than expected with him before his companion returned from investigating her distraction in the hallway. Perhaps you should supply your guards with some distractions in their off time to keep their minds focused whilst they guard your study?” Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “Regardless, we cannot control the other nations - but we certainly can fortify our own. Ideally without knocking down millenia old architectural masterpieces. You do have some very zealous engineers.”
“Such is the way with all games we play. We merely roll the dice and hope it works.” He raised and eyebrow, grinning himself. “Oh really? In his report he mentioned being ‘As solid as a dragon’s scales’ against her advances. I think I’ll start looking into safe off time distractions. Wouldn’t do if they were poisoned while trying to distract themselves.”
“I seem to recall, the scales on the underbelly of a dragon are far from the steel hardness of the ones on the rest of the creature.” Azhis teased him, “Perhaps he simply neglected which dragon scales he was as hard as. Maybe baby dragon scales? It would certainly match what I heard in the report I received more.”
“Oh I’m certain at least one part of him was as hard as dragon scales. Now the question is, which of them is merely trying to save face? Or are they both exaggerating so they aren’t as embarrassed?” He sighed wistfully. “Ah, to be young and worried about pride again.”
He snagged another piece of candy, continuing. “Speaking of pride.” He reached down and brought a letter out. In a mock formal voice he announced, “You and your finest engineers are invited to the first World’s Fair. This is an age of technological wonders and more fancy words that basically boil down to: Etresna’s finest engineers are invited to a gathering where the nations of the world show off the prettiest and greatest wonders they have. Everyone’s invited. Even the Sacred Kingdom. It’s a good chance to size each other up, and maybe get some more designs.”
Azhis raised an eyebrow, sitting up straight in her chair once more and deflty pulling the letter from the hand of the emperor, quickly scanning its contents before looking back up to him. “Well now, an interesting proposition. I have not seen all of the inventions our engineers in your labs have been up to, aside from the lighter machine guns as mentioned, but we have made some fascinating things in the field of architecture. As we have for the past fifty hellish years.” She sighed, “Please tell me my people have at least something of note beyond the art and architecture produced by the current airheaded elite?”
“Militarily? Not much. Lighter machine guns, some more refined version of Sacred Kingdom armor, and some more streamlined bomber plane ideas. Medically we’ve made leaps and bounds. THough some of their examples are harder to flashily show off at a fair such as this. But I imagine that this might be a good thing. After all, if you act like the Technocracy surely is and start showing off your the leaps and bounds you’ve made, it’ll make people stop underestimating you. They’ll start taking notice, rather than being surprised when the time is right. And believe me, we all want to be the surpriser, rather than the surprisee.” He smiled. “It’ll be fun for whoever you send. Might even get a few more spies into other nations if you get lucky.”
“Very true - I didn’t specifically mean weapons technology, but if that is all there is thus far, I am content to leave that as a surprise for the next adversary we end up facing.” She sat back in her chair, thinking for a few moments, “I believe I may have someone who would do well in this fair of yours. Two people, to be precise - a brother and sister who have reputedly made some astonishing breakthroughs in anesthetics and other medicines. From what I have heard, they are on the verge of developing a non-addictive painkiller for use in our hospitals, though it will be a few years yet before it is fully complete, it should be a perfectly normal addition to this fair of yours - after all, medicine is one of the few areas we have managed to keep up with the rest of the world on.” She grinned, “And that way, we leave the best surprises for those best suited for them. Like with yourself - or did I mistake the nature of the cargo I saw your people unloading at the dock?”
“Nope. They’re machine guns like you think. Nasty surprises for anyone trying to do invade your poor underdeveloped country.” He teased gently. “Fortunately for you and your underdeveloped country, you sit upon a lot of raw materials that would be greatly beneficial to the international railway mentioned in your letter, which several nations including the Empire are greatly interested in seeing built. Will the Realm send ambassadors to represent its interests in a week’s time?”
“Aye, we do sit on raw materials, if nothing else.” Azhis allowed herself a small smile, “All the gods above know how these mountains hold so many resources, but I for one won’t look a gift horse in the mouth. You will have those ambassadors at the conference. Extending construction through the mountains might be difficult, there are precious few passes that are wide enough to fit rails through - but there’s certainly nothing in the way of making an attempt at it. Rail access would certainly aid our modernization program greatly.” She raised an eyebrow, “Us underdeveloped savages are good at building things, after all.”
Rurn waved an airy hand. “Yes, the Empire has uplifted you poor savages into masterful builders. Without us, who knows how long you would’ve been stuck up here in the mountains, banging rocks.” He nodded sagely. “Yes, yes.”
“Not too much longer, I would think. Your guards seem distracted enough by the lovely ladies of the Realm that I think they would’ve happily handed over some toys for a little alone time.” Azhis teased him lightly, “Perhaps I should hire some prostitutes and send them along with my regiments so your guards have something better to focus on the next time a spy comes along?”
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. I think poor Gur won’t look at a woman on duty for several years now, and he’s been warning the rest of them. That won’t work for the next few years at least. Better luck after that.” Rurn snorted. “Poor boy blushes like a maiden whenever I so much as bring it up around him. It’s a grand time.” He glanced at the window, sighing. “As much as I’d like to sit here and chat like we didn’t have governments to run, I have other things to do to hopefully ensure that we don’t go plunging headlong into massive war. Your turn next time we have to meet up, if I remember correctly?”
“Yes, I believe so. Unless your guards insist on visiting the city again for the wonderful nightlife. And buxom tavern ladies.” Azhis grinned, reclining in her chair as she sipped idly at a small cup of tea. “Though, I do believe we also have a dinner meeting scheduled with financial advisors? Shall I see you afterwards, as usual, or is time pressing throughout the day?” She looked down, raising an eyebrow at the still almost full platter of sweets and refreshments, “May as well call your guards in and offer them some of these. I certainly won’t be able to finish them.”
“You most likely will, though at this point I think you’re just trying to give me a heartattack.” He raised an eyebrow at the plate. “You’ll have to convince Gur to take the piece, the rest aren’t so embarrassed and stiff necked. I’m beginning to think they like coming here. You feed them sweets and they can relax a little.” He chuckled slightly. “Stay here too long and their reputations as cold killers dedicated to protecting me at all costs might suffer a blow.”
Azhis raised an eyebrow, “Perhaps I should wink at him and wiggle my eyebrows? He seems vulnerable to that sort of thing.” She stood, stretching, and slowly walked over to her desk, rummaging around in one of its drawers for a moment before returning with an oaken flask, clearly marked as holding a fine brandy. Its mark showed it coming from the wealthy vineyards in the western foothills, and she poured two small glasses of it for herself and Rurn, raising the drink and downing it. “To further cooperation.” Offering the bottle to him, freshly corked once more, she continued. “Please, keep it for yourself or gift it to your men. A token of our hospitality - assuming Gur hasn’t already drunk his fill of wine and women in the taverns by now.”
Rurn eyed her form appreciatively as she walked about, bringing him a drink. “To further peace.” He replied, downing his own drink, chuckling again. “Ah, poor lad. I expect by the end of this trip here he’ll never live it down. Have you told your soldiers yet? I think he needs at least some break from the unending teasing he gets from his own.” He picked up the plate of candied sweets and the brandy. “You’ll be their favorite for a week now you know.” He called, heading towards the door. “There’ll be lots to see who gets to go here next.”
Azhis let out a small laugh, “Well of course. Our ladies make alluring and attractive spies, and we give out free candy and brandy to visiting friends!” She grinned, “Something tells me I may have to send you home with a barrel of vintage and some photographs so your men stay happy, won’t I?” She nudged him gently, “Go on then, I’ll see you later tonight. Adafarry is expecting all this paperwork for the minutiae of the naval transaction and artillery shipments to be finished by the end of the day.”
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