There was a method to long-distance communication. The Kingdom of Lazaro made sure to gatekeep it for theirs only. The mechanism was simple enough, and the thing itself was revolutionary. For war and otherwise. The kingdom would soon find out, they were not the only ones to possess such a revolutionary invention.
The message carrier arrived two hours after the occurrence in the Green Sea.
-Kap. Cortez-
To my homeland, to the people of Lazaro. I am deeply sorry to have failed all of you. As of this moment, the Sampaguita is taking in a large amount of water and is soon to sink. Half of my men have already died, drowned, or otherwise succumbed to the tremendous injury incurred.
The enemy is a fleet of 'Castle Ships' from the West. The ship we had saw was a small looking one, about the same as our cutters. But the shots, the cannon fire we were attacked with and was therefore the cause of our sinking... Was somewhere far away in the horizon, where only the man at the top of the tallest mast could see.
The accuracy, the firepower, was able to sink our ship. And we didn't even get to see it. The West hold a tremendous power we cannot afford to overlook. The simple fact that our position can be known means that the small 'castle ship' was able to tell the bigger one of our location, or that they utilize another invention.
I am ashamed to say this. But, dear people. A war with the West... Is stupid.
The Sampaguita and Marilliano have been sunk and the Lazaro people are anxious. The castle ships were never a cause for concern, that existed only patrolling the Hesian republic of the Northern portion of the Green Sea.
After the sinking of the Marilliano (they speculated) would have resulted in the immediate act of the West to investigate. Or maybe the Marilliano had sunk of theirs (what the Lazaro navy suspected).
Whatever it was, they couldn't afford a war with such powerful naval force, as proven in the letter. King Jose Rizal offered the same sentiment. But what next? The admirals suspected that the Western navy should be moving towards Lazaro now. And could be outside their doorstep at any given time, and maybe, like the Sampaguita's case. They wouldn't be able to see it also.
"I would love to strike negotiation with them myself," Jose Rizal said. "War is not the answer in any reason. Words shall equal in it's destructive and equally powerful sway. Please have the Mariella sail forward to what we assume to be Hesia. Sail with a white flag, and dump all cannons aboard. We haven't a need for them. Light up every single lantern aboard that ship, and let Mariella assume her role as diplomat. We, the diplomatic board and I, shall board tommorow. Thank you, gentlemen."
The meeting ended soon enough and the navy was quick upon the uptake.
[October 10 - Somewhere in the Green Sea]
The fleet stationed itself somewhere in the middle of the Green sea. They had also already scouted the kingdom of Lazaro via the destroyers. They weren't seen, and that is good and well. The Hesians also reported their own findings of the area (from the scouting force the fifth of October).
"Lazaro relies too much upon the Green Sea," said a Hesian report. "By attacking (through shore bombardment) we can effectively destabilize their entire economy in one day."
A recent report later in the evening yesterday; "Lazaro warships spotted patrolling near merchant lines. Easily defeatable. Permission to fire is wanted."
Jack refused and later Hierd said the same. But movement was needed. Somehow there needed to be action. But how? What needed to be done? It felt like something 'had' to happen. But nothing was. Jack's waiting for the Lazaro navy to mobilize amounted to nothing, it was just a lot of waiting and not a lot of doing.
"The Betelion admiral wants to go south and explore," said an officer, "for 'national benefit' he says."
"But Betelion won't get anything, not unless they want to set up a colony in the middle continent." Said the middle-aged midshipman. "I wonder what's going to happen in the coming hours. Let's just wait for Big Man to act on our regard. Besides, I like peace. I like doing nothing."
The so-called Big Man was scouting inside the bridge. Richelieu's officers used the down time to explore the interior of the ship and examine the differences of other ships of Germany.
Adm. Jack was receiving radio calls left and right from the HQ and from other ships in the fleet. But right now, the most objective right was to remain still under futher development.
Under an order, he's had five destroyers explore the fifty to eighty round radius around the fleet. It took till night. But the HS Dante I radioed something intriguing.
( * )
[ 8:04 PM - Somewhere in the Green Sea ]
"If the Westerners indeed are so advanced in their technology, we should first strike a economic deal! Trading is great. We can leverage our own technology to strike something, anything." The Minister of Trade was rather incessant with striking trade.
But Jose Rizal held a different idea.
It was similar to his life back on Earth. The West had always gained the boost. Gained the big technological leap that the East hadn't. Rizal would be shocked, but he won't try to initiate such things to quickly.
What needed to be done was to apologize. To give right compensation. Offer condolence. And be as giving as possible. The West needed to see (in Rizal's eyes) that Lazaro can be an outlet in, after the generations that the West and Middle continent were separated
The Mariella was steadfast. She was faster without all the weaponry aboard, even her captain, an experienced naval commander. Out poured a generous amount of comments to his wonderful ship.
As instructed, the lights were all on, she flew a white flag, and made herself a big target to anyone who wanted a fight. But of course, the Mariella wasn't looking to do such a thing.
The gun decks were refitted to house the various ministers and diplomatic personnel. Rizal had the captain's quarters for himself. And at current, staring out the window pain and into a moonlit sea. He wondered to himself silently.
"What will befall of Lazaro in the coming days?"
---
[ 8:36 - Somewhere in the Green Sea ]
"it's faint but I sure can see something in the distance." The kapitan put his telescope out, his other officers doing the same. "See that? It's appearing out of the horizon, all blackened but good thing it's a clear night."
"Kapitan, should we take them as the Westerners?"
"We should," he retracted his telescope. "Pull the wings, reef the sails, and take direct course."
"Yes, sir!" The officer went away.
"Light up a lantern and signal something. Blinks and do-es will do. I'm not sure they'd understand the Middle Continent's morse." The kapitan blabbered.
Bringing up a large lantern up into the top-most mast. The man flashed numerous signals. Mostly just the blinks and do-es. And it sure caught the attention of the black silhouette.
The kapitan quietly observed the black silhouette. His eyes trained like a hawk upon this supposed castle ship. "It's not big. So maybe it's one of this smaller castle ships that Cortez spotted."
"Even still, it should be quite dangerous. We don't have guns even. Only muskets aboard." The quartermaster this time, said.
With a shrug, "whatever will be, will be."
The silhouette lit up!
Jolting, he swiftly opened his telescope and trained it to the horizon.
"As suspected!" It was Jose Rizal! A welcome shock.
"Ah, sir!" The Kapitan was most shocked, dropping his telescope and handing it to Rizal.
"It is a steam boat."
"A steam boat, sir?" The shared the same question, the word was extremely foreign to them. "What is a steamboat, sir?"
"A steamboat is one powered by steam and purely mechanical energy." Rizal looked upon the telescope. "I've tried numerous times to draft and create a steam boat, but such a thing is not aligned to my educational background. And therefore I struggled very much so. But to see a steamboat... It is a welcome nostalgia."
The crew stayed silent as Rizal watched.
"They acknowledge our presence and we should be in the clear. However I shall try speaking to them."
"If that is what you wish, sir."
Rizal gave the telescope back and trotted down the wheel deck. The ship, with fully unfurled wings had now fallen into the sea water. Rolled a bit but after a while it correctly assumed it's right balance.
The Small Castle Ship was making it's way at an ungodly fast pace. The crew watching the quickly approaching ship was astonished by just how fast it was making their way to them. At first discovery it seemed too far away, it'd take atleast thirty minutes to get to them. Who could've thought it took only ten minutes to get to their side.
The crew, the ministers, everyone aboard. Was in pure shock at what they were seeing. There were no sails, there were no wings, there was only one chimney spewing smoke, weird gun looking things supported on the decks, and lights that were too bright to be candles on lanterns.
Then a voice erupted from this cone, "An die Menschen auf diesem Schiff: Nennen Sie Ihren Grund, oder ergeben Sie sich uns, weil Sie unsere Gewässer durchquert haben!"
Jose Rizal cried a tear. German!? Rizal screamed internally. They are speaking German aren't they!? This is amazing! Could it be...
Clearing his throat, "please get me the voice magician!"
"Yes, sir!" The officer came back with said voice magician, recently awoken it seemed. "Here sir."
The man, staff in hand, recited an incantation of a tongue that Rizal did not know what of. A magical circle, bright and full of numbers and sigils that was intelligible for anyone but magicians formed. "Please speak now, sir."
"Thank you," Rizal prepared his German, it had certainly been a while since he's used it after all. "Good Evening, gentle men of the West! We are from Lazaro. I am it's king! We wish to come in peace and negotiate something for the betterment of our futures!"
There was a pause in the Western side.
---
"He speaks German, sir."
"I didn't need you to say," Cpt. Ginshaw said with a sneer. "It seems that things will be easy now." -the sailor chuckled in his own stupidity- "Please contact the grand fleet. We've brought home a great gift."
---
October 10
They speak German! The Westerners speak German! My friend Lenin would truly love this discovery. For years we've tried to search for more of our Earthern brethren. For people who use such ironships, bold yet distinct German. And I should add that they were very calm.
I shall be meeting their leader in days time. I do hope it is someone I know this time.
- Jose Rizal
The HS Dante I quietly escorted the Mariella towards some unknown direction. They were going somewhere East so it shouldn't be Hesian mainland (said the captain). So he guessed they were going to Loreal Island.
"That ship is revolutionary." Said the Trade Minister. "I do not understand a single lick of it. How does it move? How can it move without sails and wings? I sense no magic from it so it should be purely mechanical! How..."
"'How,' is not exactly the right word to use in this scenario." The diplomat said.
"What word should we use then?" The minister turned to face the diplomat, curious.
"Who. Sir. We need to know who had built such a ship."
A yell came from the top of the mast! "Huge ships directly ahead of us! It's a fleet! A fleet!"
The crew scrambled to the top of the deck, the ministers and diplomats had done such the same. Rizal watched in awe upon his front row seat at the forecastle. "By all that is imagined through human minds. Never would I have thought that such a thing would be thought of, created, and used."
"Sir..." Rizal's people gathered around him, a sense of unease as they neared the castle ships, kilometer by kilometer. All knew that there was no chance of fighting the West. It shouldn't have even crossed their mind. But blaming the past and past actions... That's a fool's way to live. They are all simply relieved that things wouldn't be going down the war path.
Nearer.
Nearer.
Taking off their caps. Looking intensely and silently. The brave saluted and waved. The curious merely stared.
The Mariella and her complement were staring down the iron castle ships. Their large hulls, those large guns, those hundreds upon hundreds of intricate details unknown to even the educated Rizal.
The Mariella could not compare to the sizes of those giant battleships. She was a blade of grass next to a forest of tall pine trees.
"Later I would be graced that those huge barrels with their housing upon bow and stern were called 'turrets'. They, large and powerful, can shoot so many kilometers away. Longer than even what a person sees over the horizon.
"They use electricity and steam combined. Generators I have no clue how such could work. Their various 'smaller guns' were too big to even comprehend. Their biggest of battleships were the size of New York's skyscrapers turned horizontally. And their smallest were bigger than even some of our biggest.
"What I have encountered... What Lazaro has encountered... Is a developed West. A powerful West. And a soon destructive West." Jose Rizal wrote so earnestly upon his notebook upon landing in the southern region of Hesia, Dante.
( * )
[ October 11 ]
The news of the Lazaro diplomats, the buzz of Lottidentian Diplomat, and the whole campaign as a whole was adding a whole level of convolution to the greater picture.
Germany had been talking with minor countries in the Middle continent. Who even the countries of the middle continent don't take as their own for they live within the border of the Great Division.
But, as the Germanic newspapers say: Germany Breaks the Continental Barrier!
Just yesterday, Galleheu made his remarks towards the White Manor. Among a sea of opaque and government-loving citizens, a singular man shouts at the symbol of Germanic Power. Guards had seized him before he could make more commotion.
It was only great that Alrife had heard him out. And now, Galleheu was going back to Lottidenty. Aboard the Landship. He was escorted by a platoon of Venit Ille black soldiers, at the helm of a certain Lt. Vedal.
"It's easier to use the Lee Enfield in the cold rather than the standard guns we use." Said Vedal to Galleheu. "We learned that the hard way when we stationed in Cresent town."
They were housed upon the 22nd car, the Venit Ille Black's own personal barracks. Except the guards, they had the whole car to themselves. No matter how rugged and claustrophobic it had felt. "I was told... I was told that you were some of the best in the army..." Galleheu nervously questioned. "Is that true?"
"It depends on the day." Vedal smiled. "About eight months ago I wouldn't have been commanding this platoon. The chancellor commanded this platoon. It evolved really, from a squad to this. We're called the: 'Right Hand Men' of the chancellor. But if you think about it, we're just like any other soldier."
"Can I also ask..." Even more nervously said, "who is the one in command of the Land Ship?"
It took an awful while for Vedal to remember, but it finally popped up in his head after remembering a little tune that bounces in the Land Ship's walls. "Lieu. Gen. Ways. Fachus!"
Galleheu gulped.
"I heard you escaped from them. But you shouldn't fear a thing, you have the word of the MP. And that's better than anything you'll get really."
Galleheu remained silent. The windows of the car were small slits, enough for tiny bits of sunlight to come through. If you wanted the whole experience of the train ride, you'd have to go to the naval gun on the roof. But that was too much of a hassle.
Peering through one of the many window slits, he saw a glimpse of a torn down flag from a bullet-hailed flag pole. "Where are we currently?" He questioned, looking at Vedal.
"Northern Gresh. I'm guessing its still as battle-ridden as the day we left this place. Thankfully there's been some efforts. But that's just that. Efforts."
( * )
Newly appointed ambassador of the Hesia to Lazaro, a certain Mr. Alozzo (pronounced with an Italian tongue). And current 'Mayor' of Port Geo, an unmistakable Mr. Kalegrene (pronounced with a Spanish tongue).
Together couped with Jose Rizal in the large meeting room of the Mayoral House of Mr. Kalagrene. The obvious spectators were key figures of Rizal's country, too numerous and peculiarly named for a German tongue to mention.
In the German side was Adm. Jack, Hesianic Adm. Adams (whose flagship was the HS Hesia), and Betelionic Adm. Locks, and others of the managerial side of the Germanic Alliance.
"Due to certain events," Alozzo started. "We cannot board you to Unchean yet, your highness."
"You may state me as doctor." Rizal said in fluent German, surprising most of the board.
"Well then..." Alozzo chuckled softly, "Dr. Rizal. The German Empire is currently under an urgent happenstance in the Northern country of Lottidenty. A nation the Germanic Alliance is currently at-war with.
"The chancellor is willing to talk with you, doctor. However not at this time. And this is under no ill factor to your presence."
"I understand."
"Tomorrow, at dawn's break, we will board a steamship headed to Unchean. If it should suffice, please prepare yourself. I have heard of countless stories from first class passengers from Northern Lands fainting at the sight of Unchean."
Rizal's curiosity piqued. "I will make sure to wear my thickest clothes." He smiled. "Now, to business, sir Alozzo. I need to know the stance of the Germanic alliance towards Lazaro. I apologize, deeply, for the unfortunate sinking of your warships.
"In due time, we will supply the navies involved with reparations of the damage, and will pay condolence to those affected."
Mr. Kalegrene smiled, "there is no need Dr. Rizal to do such thing. What we need from you (as an apology) is not money. What we need from you is permission. If all goes well, we wish to use your nation as a stronghold. In our efforts to communicate with the rest of the civilized middle continent."
"They mean to use my nation as a stepping stone to their success." Rizal thought, "I must know first of their agenda before accepting something as major as this."
"What will you do within the Middle continent?"
"We aim too cooperate with the nations of the Middle continent," Mr. Alozzo answered this time. "and hopefully spread our technology to the betterment of man while also seeking out technology ourselves. The reason is your country, Dr. Rizal. Your country has raised our curiosity in what you use. It is different from ours.
"And we would love to use this as a means to learn from what we have yet to learn."
"It is obvious than in the future, this alliance of theirs will want to commit something to their own 'greater good.' Perhaps it should start with the invasion of one country to another. The 'German Empire...' Such a name invokes the want to expand.
"If they wish to expand East-ward, using Lazaro as a means to attack from a flank... It will severely weaken the Middle continent. To imagine a continent being separated by a military force... It's 'unimaginable' really, but if these countries, who are doubtless more powerful than they seem to convey to us, if they exist... Then maybe the unimagined can be done."
"It will take some time to think about something as massive a plan aas that." Rizal said with a diplomatic smile. "I do hope though, that we may exchange our culture and love for technology and education to further our relationship as two countries striving for wisdom."
"I would never have put those words in such a way, but you stole them from my heart Dr. Jose Rizal." Mr. Alozzo's grin stretched to his ears. He offered an empty hand, and Rizal shook it without hesitation. "I thank you Dr. Rizal for your presence, we shall meet again in Unchean."
( * )
"The Lottidentians are awfully weak." Reported one of the scouts along the Southern Lorent border. "At this rate, they won't be able to survive Auferstehen. Let alone reach Auferstehen without dying from starvation."
It's been what? One month? It started at September 11, now its October 11. Many Germanic forces were taking this inaction lightly. And many great strides in training was done. Some good men got promoted. Some bad men went to jail. Some well off men started doing office managerial work for the statistics of up-keeping a large military. And some worse off men stayed holed up in Cresent Town with a red nose at all hours of twenty four.
The Land Ship would be arriving in an hour.
The machinery clanked and throttled as steam entered, released, and generated back again. The cogs revolved and revolved, belts moved this way, that way, and maybe even over the other way. The train chugga-chugga-ed at a moderate sixty four kilometers per hour, and the naval guns upon the roof were trained Lottidenty-ward.
"I hear that we're finally going to invade Lottidenty the day after tommorow." The guardsman said. "We're finally ending the conflict, I'm gonna apply for an MP contract. Think I'm more of an investigator than a soldier... Ya know?"
"Aye that!" The other guardsmen, more girthier than the other one. "I'm thinkin' Navy after this. I hear their pay's better than the rails. Just more gruesome work, such is anything involving the sea."
"No don't," the Guardsmen pleaded comedically. "Navy's a bitch I hear from my friend. I'm thinkin' of the Air Force. Their tests are strict, but you can try and try and try. And you get to fly by good damn!"
"That's true, that's true. Maybe I should go for that. I'll think my options of course."
"Yes, sir." The guardsmen resumed his duty keeping watch of the roof and lands. From the man's position: the engine upon the front of the train was blasting an exorbitant amount of mountainous steam.
And to his back, a forever-encompassing expanse of long steel train cars, a thousand guns, and a hundred big naval guns. The thought that those very guns would be alight and active in the days to ensue... The guardsman could barely hold his excitement.
Meanwhile, Lt. Vedal was busying himself with the (oh-such) trivial matters of his soldier's needs. The Land Ship was a great fortress. Had everything. Everything but a toilet. And (by-goodness) if he hadn't controlled them, they would have shat off the roof of the plain.
( * )
October 12
According to the Germans, their chancellor is a certain Hierd Die Grace. Although, they say his full name has become... Taboo? Without a doubt, the name rings no bells upon my ages of education. Hierd Die Grace? Hierd is not a common first name (I understand that to be the case). And 'Die Grace...' Uniquely German, "The Grace?" Is this even a name? Or may it be that it is a pseudonym? Such a name is too unconventional to 'be' a name.
However, it does not matter. If it is the case and that their chancellor is from Earth... It will not matter in the slightest. My friend Lenin is from the future, and I've no doubt that their chancellor should also be from the future. I wonder what has befallen of my name after Lenin's time...
- Jose Rizal
Mr. Alozzo was affirming that the SMS Titanic was to be for the delegation only (it is to the case as the Titanic served as the newest [in relativity] and luxurious ship of the Germanic Line). It's proven to be of some difficulty as the Titanic was currently delivering passengers to and fro the Ferris Sea Line.
And to add to the difficulty. The captain of the SMS Titanic, a certain Cpt. Sparro Leek. Advocated to finishing his job before doing such a thing.
"Dr. Jose Rizal." Mr. Kalegrene put a cup of Jasmine tea close to him. "I find that you, sir, are interested upon the situations of the Germanic Alliance."
"Yes, that is true."
They were isolated in the Port Geo Mayoral house's living room. It was large, yet small enough not to cause an echo. Alozzo was going to come back, but for the time being, they were to themselves.
"First off..." Kalegrene gave off a stern impression. "Germany is a powerful force. Hesia failed when they attacked us. Their powerful Navy and Army was the case. Then the Northern Alliance... Kerfeliz and Lottidenty. Kerfeliz failed when the Germans executed the most brutal amphibious invasion, with the most brutal naval bombardment in history."
"How does Germany hold up?"
"Meaning?"
"What I mean is that... What about their education, their quality of life?"
"Ah..." Kalegrene chuckled, "Port Geo is just the appetizer. This place is already amazing. Serves as the gateway for the Eastern world to the Western. Just one city away from here and you'll see just how primitive Hesia still is in comparison.
"Germany's skyscrapers... Their infrastructure... They're on another level. They've also implemented a rather robust education system. The UG they call it. It's the only University in all of Latesia. What I percieve you call us as the Western Continent."
"That you are correct on," Rizal sipped the tea, a great flavor. "What is this university?"
"A university... This is a great opportunity... I have instated numerous academic institutions upon my homeland, I would love to contribute to their country's educational ventures."
"Firstly, to get into the university, there's a lot of preliminary schools, teaches the fundamentals before you can enter. Then there's this exam. Took it, good thing I passed. Just a single point off and I would've failed. Lucky me." He chuckled, Rizal followed.
"There's many courses that one can pick, mostly it's about the technical ones. Drafting, Architecture, Engineering. Those are the three main ones. The sub ones that they also teach is Practical Mathematics, Fine Arts, and Business. There's many more I believe, but those are the main ones I can come up at the top of my head."
"Thank you, Mr. Kalegrene."
"No problem."
"The academy grounds is in Unchean. If you wish to, we can visit the grounds. It would a very esteemed and grand visit. A historical and monumental one for Germany and all of Latessia."