Ablaze Ch.3: Diplomacy
Now to Coritia where an offer between nations is being considered that will change history.
I couldn't think of an especially creative title for this chapter, so I left it unnamed gave it an uncreative one.
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June 2, Y874 - Coritia - Razna Tarai Palace - Dusk
"First day."
"Yes."
The soft click-clacking of two pairs of shoes, one heavy and the other almost feather-light, resonates through the otherwise noiseless marble hallway of the dimming Razna Tarai.
"Excited, aren't you?"
The jackal's emotions are given away by his fluffy tail wagging furiously.
"Yes, father."
"Don't be anxious, you're just spectating, remember that."
In the desert heat, the jackal is not only panting from the temperature, but also his anxiety which he is unsuccessfully trying suppress.
"Yes, father, I will only do that, father."
Kyush is incredibly proud of his son. Kalir's interests were apparent since he was young. The jackal grew up with a passion for history, military strategy, and politics, much to his father's delight. Kyush himself is the leader of the 1st Elite Corps, made of Coritia's best soldiers and equipment. Being a high-ranking officer, the older jackal is also part of the government in the form of the Military Council since military and politics go are intertwined in Coritia. Even better news to him is that Kalir decided-_with his consent!-_to continue studying all the before mentioned subjects, all of which are perfect for someone to take his place. If Kyush can secure a position for Kalir as an officer, life would be marvelous.
And this is the first step.
Of course, there is a difference Kyush knows between idealist knowledge from education and the dirty, real world. Fortunately for the jackal, his son will only see the Military Council, at least for today. There, the furs are orderly, and problems rarely occur. But no matter what, Kalir is only spectating. His ability has already been strained in convincing the Council to allow his son, not even in military service yet, to merely observe the meeting today. Kyush cannot afford any mistakes from this, especially with his son's entire future at stake, and his own reputation.
Kyush turns his muzzle to face his son.
"Kalir, listen to me. I don't care what your opinions are, but you do not fully understand, nor grasp the situation. You will only spectate, and nothing else. Do you understand?"
Kalir, who had already gone over this many times in his head, becomes somewhat annoyed upon hearing this. Of course he'll do just that, his father had told him many times in the past, too! It's fundamental knowledge by now!
"Father, I understand," he responds, frustration in his voice.
Kyush halts abruptly, and turns to face the younger jackal, eyes filled with scorn. Kalir realizes what he has done. In Coritian society, the younger generations are considered lesser than their parents, especially the in case of the father. Merely talking back is looked down upon. He lowers his muzzle is shame, ears flat against his head. Failure...
"This is reality you are in, not that propaganda idealist bullshit politics that the education system feeds you. If you are infuriated, disheartened, or anything else, you cannot show or express that, never mind saying or doing anything! You will ruin your future and my own reputation! This is step one on the ladder to success in this poverty-ridden strip of sand, and if you throw it away along with mine, I won't help you any further! Keep your muzzle shut during the meeting!"
"Y-yes, father," Kalir says quickly, rattled from the outburst.
"Reality," his father mutters, "Simple, really."
The two regain their composure, and continue through the halls of the Tarai, past a few ceremonial guards here and there. The Tarai, formally known as Razna Tarai, is a large palace inside of Coritia's capital, Mudan. White, gleaming marble mixed with beautiful Tuscan-colored stone to create the Razna Tarai's stunning exterior structure. The light yellow-orange rock is specific to the Central Territories, giving a nationalistic element to the palace. Kalir has been the Tarai previously, but never where they are now, deep inside the palace walls
They arrive at a large, lavishly decorated pair of doors. The name of the room, Conference Room 4, has been engraved onto a silver plate on the doors. Flanking it are two guards, who salute upon the appearance of the military commander and his son. After returning the salute, the guards check identification materials, especially for Kalir since the guards do not recognize him, and open the grand doors.
Being the son of one of high ranking military in Coritia doesn't mean Kalir ever had the privilege of entering the Tarai this far in. The jackal, despite his powerful father, has only stayed in the public areas of the building. Kalir had once thought the Palace was extravagant, but that was just from the superficial features and long before he entered these parts of the Tarai. The conference room, although only a general-purpose meeting room, is filled with meticulously created objects of all types. A large rectangular table made of polished wood is placed in the center of the room, inlaid with precious metals. Intricate artworks are even carved into it. Numerous chairs line its sides, all with plush padding. The walls are all have colorful pictures and scenes painted onto them, and large Coritian flags are hanging from the walls. About twenty officers from various branches of the military populate the room, joking with one another, conversing about recent events and news.
"Kyush, you arrived just in time! How convenient, right?" a fennec fox says, standing up from his seat. They too talk for a few moments before a coyote, sitting at the head of the table, holds up a paw silencing all conversations. He must be the head of the Military Council, Kalir observes.
"Glad you have joined us, Kyush. Who is the guest, I assume your son?"
"Yes, he is my son, Kalir. He will be spectating the meeting today."
"As planned. Very well, have a seat. The Military Council is now in session."
Kyush seats himself at one of the numerous empty chairs, as does Kalir sits, who sits next to him. Kalir recalls the Committee Heads from his education. Coritia is ruled by an oligarchy, the ruling body being a group called the Elite Council, or EC. Those who are part of the EC are also the leaders of the various lower councils in the field they specialize in. At the lower councils, such as the Military Council Kalir is currently at, they are known as Heads.
"As all of you, and everyone in the world knows," the Council Head says, "Contrael is at war. The NSU is using a new type of warfare against the AON they call the "Lightning Battle Plan". According to the last update, they are already halfway to Bloven. Now, all the NSU vehicles require gas, which is something Contrael lacks.
"As all of you also know," the head continues, "Coritia does not have self-sustainable oil sources inside its borders. Neighboring Panagova and Libisica, however, have large oil sources. For a long time, we have been planning on flexing our military arm on the two oil-rich nations. With the AON, and most importantly Trunicia, occupied with the situation in the Contrael Theatre, now is the perfect time to strike. We understand that usually, launching this operation is considered risky. However, the NSU has recently gained interest in the Central Territories. Kargona and Arcania will both accept Coritia into the NSU assuming we comply with their terms. Their terms, simplified, are as follows: they will support us militarily, and in return we export oil to them.
"Now the details: if we agree to the terms they will immediately accept us into the NSU will full diplomatic relations, and we will sell refined fuel to Contrael. When the command is given, we, along with Kargona and Arcania, will launch an offensive on Panagova and Libisica. All of the newly-acquired territory will be annexed by us.
"The NSU has already agreed on twelve divisions, a combination of heavy and medium elements, which are guaranteed to be committed towards our united campaign. The Elite Council will convene tonight for an emergency meeting on this proposal. Should anything be brought up? Anything require attention?
Kyush is the first to raise his paw. The Council Head points towards Kyush, permitting him to speak.
"Sir, I understand the importance of this opportunity, but with I suggest we avoid it. Recently the MACTIS, Modular Advanced Computerized Tank Improvement System, was incorporated in the Elite Troops. Not all units are fully adjusted to using the new system, and the tactical potential of the upgrades have not been fully tested. Further drills and tests need to be conducted to grasp the full capabilities of the MACTIS. This is just one of the many technologies we have recently secured for our armed forces. None of them have been thoroughly researched or studied to fully understand how they can improve combat efficiency, or how to even properly use them in the modern battlefield. We are going to war against Panagova! They have imported technologically superior equipment from Trunicia. We should utilize our recently procured technology to enhance our military capabilities."
"Noted," the coyote responds curtly, "And you?" he asks a red fox.
"The only concern I have is the PAF. We are not as strong in the air as Panagova is. As long as the NSU will help us by committing pilots and aircraft along with ground forces, I have no objection to their proposal."
"Understood."
The Head points to another jackal
"Same as previously mentioned, but I want the NSU to commit ships or subs of some type to help defend the coastline in case Trunicia intervenes. Our navy is not strong enough to defend from the AON either. As long as they commit naval forces, I too have no objection."
"Naval commitment, what about you?"
"I want to know how the NSU will supply us. They have no direct route to us across land. Transporting everything by sea seems a bit...demanding."
Almost everyone, except Kalir of course, voices their opinions, requests, objections, or anything they had to say. It somewhat reminded Kalir of a highly open society with liberal laws and regulations, but there are several crucial differences that should be remembered. The typical citizen has no representation Coritian politics, and no one in this room is a typical citizen. Military and government are almost synonymous in Coritia. The furs in here can express their thoughts only because they are military leaders. But if he chooses to, the Head can ignore whatever the officers say. In the end the Elite Council has the final say on decisions. It all depends on if he wants to. Perhaps it's for the better that Coritia ended up being under the rule by an autocratic government.
Perhaps.
Slowly the discussion comes to an end. The overall attitude about the offer seems to be positive, but there is a general consensus that Coritia's armed forces will lack sufficient military support. There are also economic requests, such as the prices on the oil being sold, and trade agreements on goods Coritia lacks. The meeting ends and everyone prepares to leave. Kyush chats to some of the other officers, and even Kalir does too. Eventually the two, father and son, leave together. Kalir could tell that his father isn't content with the current situation.
"Father, what is the matter?" the jackal asks quietly so the furs nearby won't hear. His father sighs in response.
"I wasn't expecting the emergency meeting to be about this," Kyush mutters, "I'm not afraid of war, but we have to understand how to use our new equipment to our advantage, not bog us down trying to figure out they work." He sighs again. "We have a chance to change from the human wave to maneuver warfare. Now we will lose it. The Elite Council won't back away from this offer."
Secretly, Kyush doesn't like the idea of fighting Panagova and Libisica. Before, the Elite Council held back the decision, unsure if their military strength is sufficient. Kyush used to, and still does, feel the same. However, now the Council seems almost eager to accept the terms and mobilize their forces. Of course, Panagova and Libisica aren't the main obstacles; it's their diplomatic ties with Trunicia. Although not officially, those two Central Territories nations are the main suppliers of different raw materials to Trunicia. Their economic ties mean that Trunicia, one of the most powerful countries in the world, will come to their aid, militarily, if they are attacked. Besides, Trunicia has not yet been ravaged by war. They can still fight back, and hard. It's not war that scares Kyush, but the war with Trunicia. Meanwhile, Kalir ponders for a moment and realizes something.
"Father, Kargona might be able to train our soldiers on how to use the new equipment. They can also teach us their tactics."
Kyush thinks about this briefly.
"That...that could work. It's only theoretical knowledge, but I guess it's better than nothing. I am going to ask the head if something can be arranged."
It isn't much, but it's the least Kyush can do to try and facilitate their forces for their upcoming addition to the war. Kalir's father runs back to the conference room, just a short distance away, and finds the Council Head about to leave. Kalir follows his father, but walks slowly instead. The steady tapping from his shoes against the marble floor slowly fades as the jackal walks down the silent hallway of the Razna Tarai.
(.....)
On June 11, Year 874, the countries of Central Contrael are on the brink of collapse. The only resistance left is from loyal troops hiding in the mountains. Events on the Eastern Front are progressing well for the NSU. Coralian forces are retreating in disarray, putting up little resistance. Kargan tanks roll steadily towards Bloven, currently over halfway there. Meanwhile, Agrium's capitol is already at stake.
June 11, while Contrael burns and crumbles, another place on the opposite side of the world succumbs to the war. Parosana exploits the chaos of Contrael to launch a surprise attack on Corysia.
It doesn't matter to me if you voice your opinion or point out a grammer/spelling mistake. Any kind of feedback is appreciated!