(Yeah, just gonna post what I have at the moment. Gonna be in segments, but here is what is currently happening in Vystorg.)
Narrator
Three days has pass since the announcement of the coming of both the Tiger and the Deer by Slava. BdrLine and his group are now in a rush to place final preparations to sabotage the Yeshan army hidden within the merchant vessels. Suspicions rise as well inside the Guildhall as Slava is now keeping eyes on both the young Captain and supposedly appointed Oxen ambassador. Having sent spies out to follow their every movement.
Day 18
Vystorg
Zankief's Warehouse
Underneath the main floor of the warehouse, huddled and encircling a table, BdrLine, Alex, Zankief and some of his trusted men look at a map of the docks that are housing hidden Yeshan invasion force.
Pointing to the White Lotus Trading Ships, BdrLine addresses to those in the room, "Alright, as we know from my sister, my mother's ships are housed with at least one tank company and the rest with infantry. Not taking account of her Pyramidions, we got thirteen total combat ships. 5 being Galleons, 4 Junkers, and the last 4 being Pyras as well."
"So how can we tell which ones are their? We don't want to accidentally destroy her ships." asked one of Zankief's men.
"Before we left yesterday, Ny told me that she will fly blue flags to differentiate her ships. The rest are flying the color of the Tiger, red."
"Ok we know our targets, so Bdr, what about the army. I know they are trained die for their cause, I hardly doubt you want Yeshan blood to be spilled," Zankief points out.
"I don't really want anymore blood, we all seen too much," the rooms nods in agreement, "Try to take them out but getting to the transports and use knockout gas, but if worst comes, sabotage and damage the ships as may as you can."
"We can do that, my men and I can easily get access to that area."
Suddenly the door to the room burst open with Archer stumbling in. The group looks on in curiosity to the young red head.
"Archer, What's the rush? You could have called in via radio you know." Zankief says to him.
Panting and hunched over to catch his breath, Archer stands up with a hand on the doorknob for stability and address the room, " Sorry I busted my radio when I tried to call it in, but they're here. The Yeshan officials, I just saw their Galleon and escort ships just land in the docks where the rest of the Yeshan Fleet is at."
"Oh Flak.... Ok looks like we have to be quick about it now. I'll go and get changed, Alex get Richard, we are going to the guildhall. If anything goes south at least I got you two on the inside."
Giving a quick nod, Alex quickly leaves out the door. Following behind him Zankief is giving out orders to his men to get explosives and other weapons ready with BdrLine in tow heading towards his room.
Within the hour BdrLine, Alex, and Richard arrives to the hall, BdrLine entering through the front while the duo goes through the servant entrance. As the three wait in the calm hall, things are hectic back at the warehouse. Directing the chaos are both Althea and Zankief, while the rest of Alex's crew, Charles, and Courage help support others with their effort. Soon two trucks are loaded, one driven by Zankief, and head towards the Yeshan docks.
Left back at the warehouse is a decent amount of men all equipped for combat if the time comes. Staged on board the Starlight Althea and the ex Anvalan Defenders ready their own weapons. Althea with her dual pistols plus BdrLine's rifle, while Charles and Courage still have their weapons when they were still part of Anvala's Defender Force. On their own craft the Skyrunner, which they moved inside the warehouse, Reagan and the others sit by idle watching the mobilisation.
Slava's Guildhall
Waiting patiently in the main boardroom, BdrLine is scratches his neck that is hidden under his collar. An hour has pass and other Guildmasters start entering the room. A few looks at the young Yeshan before going about their own conversations with one another.
Flak, looks like majority of the head masters are here for this meeting. This is almost perfect for a take over. Get majority of the leadership and take them out. He thinks to himself as he scans the room.
On the floor serving drinks, Alex and Richard also takes note of the highly valued members. Going to the kitchen to get refills, the two converse on the situation.
"Way too many officials here, how are we to cover them all." asks Richard.
"We do the best that we can, for the most part we can assume its just the Tiger, the Deer, and Azn's sister that will be coming. If they bring too much security to a peace/trade conference, it may tip people off."
"Since the Captain is on our side, we can subdue them quickly. This could just work."
"HEY WHERE ARE THE DRINKS!! WE GOT ALOT OF IMPORTANT GUESTS HERE AND THEY ARE DYING OF THIRST. SO GET OUT THERE." Yelled the head chef from behind a counter as he eyes Richard and Alex.
"Yes, boss right away," chimed the two as they grab another set of drink filled trays.
Another fifteen minutes has pass, and the door to the room opens once more with a group of people in tow. In front is Slava deep in a conversation with the Tiger. Behind the two is the Deer and Ny-Lee. The entire room ends their current conversations as Slava gestures for everyone to be seated.
Heading to the front of the long business table, Slava addresses to the many guildmasters, "Welcome my fellow Guildsmen, today marks a great day for our faction. For the first time in annums the great Yeshan Empire and the bountiful Mercantile Guild come together to open talks for trade that can help benefit all of us. I would like to introduce first the Deer, Councilman Fu. Next, the young aspiring Captain of the Ox, Captain Zhao. Then the brilliant tactician the Tiger, High Admiral Fang."
As each name was called, the respective person took a step forward and bowed to the audience in front of them. A subtle smirk forms on the mouth of Tiger as he rise back up knowing the plan that is ahead of him. Standing tall, he straightens his uniform and stands in a knowing matter, wondering a little why Slava implied that there is another person when there is only three. His posture drops slightly as he continues.
"And finally an unexpected arrival. We all thought that the Ox would not make it to this important meeting, but he has sent a representative. Welcome Ambassador Zhao, son to the Ox and brother of our Captain here. Before we start the negotiations, I assume most of you would be hungry. So I taken the liberty to have lunch served."
Coming from behind the three, BdrLine stands next to his sister and bows to the Guildsmen. The Tiger and Deer turn their heads between the unexpected arrival and Ny-Lee. As Slava request for everyone to be seated, a fury is brewing inside the Tiger as his carefully thought out plan has hit a major speed bump.
Docks, Yeshan Fleet
As the negotiations takes place across the city, Zankief arrive to the docks entrance with his trucks. Giving the guard at the gate an ID, the man looks over it several times, going back between Zankief and the card.
Giving back the card he gaffs at him, "Finally you guys showed up, you know how long those damn Yeshans are asking for maintenance. Getting annoying. Go on through"
Taking back the card, Zankief tips his hat and both the trucks drive in. Finding a nice seclude spot to the the vehicles, Zankief and the rest of his team jumps out and unloads the explosives and gas. Placing them into trolleys taken from the trucks, they cover the materials.
"Ok, we all know the plan, disable the combat airship, the transports, and knock out as many infantry we can. Hopefully we can knock them out so that the military can secure them before any fighting takes place. Remember the ships that are flying red are the targets, the Midions with blue are friendly. Got it?"
Nods from each of his men signifies that they all understand and sets off to proceed with the plan. But following through with the plan seems harder then it seems. As each group of men approach the different individual ships, Yeshan sentries patrol much of the surrounding area making it difficult in setting the charges without getting caught.
As his men struggle to bypass the security, Zankief spots the two Pyramidions marked with blue flags. As he nears one, One of the crew members spots him. Going over to the bow she yells to him.
"Hey you! Stop and state your business. This is an official Yeshan vessel. Unless you are part of the maintenance crew, move along"
Hold his hands over his chest and stopping short of the Pyramidion, he answers back, "Are you second in command of the Captain Zhao?"
Growing suspicious, Syá draws her pistol, cocks and aims it at Zankief.
"And who is asking?"
Hearing the verbal confrontation and the sound of a pistol being drawn, both ships crews gather around trying to get a view.
Unnerved by the weapon, Zankief states, "I'm just a friend between your Captain the older Zhao. I assume that she has talked to you about us trying to help."
"So you are Zankief," she says as she lowers the pistol, "Yes she told us about your group. What are you doing here anyway? There are a bunch of soldiers here. Isn't there a plan to stop them? I mean the Tiger is here for Gods sakes."
"My men and I are trying the sabotage the transports, but the patrols around them are a bit difficult to plant the explosives and gas."
"Gas? What gas?
"Knockout gas, Azn wanted as little loss of life possible."
"Gonna be hard, Tiger put up those patrols. Plus he kept us on a tight schedule. Soon those ships are going to move out towards the guildhall where everyone is present."
"When?"
Looking down at her watch, Syá widens her eyes in surprise. "Flak, it's almost one, got thirty minutes."
"I don't think that will be enough. Well there goes minimum casualties."
"If you have too, do what you must. Both of our crews have came to that decision as well if we are to stop this."
"Well then, time to make some noise...what the? They are moving!"
As Zankief has stated, majority of the fleet are now rising above their berthings and turning towards the city. On the radio of the Lightning a communication is being broadcast saying all Yeshan ships are to make way over to Slava's Guildhall for the surprise.
"Nononono, this is way too early," yells Syá as she over hears it.
Jumping on board, Zankief radios all his men on the ground to head back to the warehouse and to tell the others to get the ships ready and to move up.
Moving towards the young officer he says, "We need to go and follow them now. This maybe our only chance. Who has the other ship?"
"The Captain's crew, they can handle it on their own. But what about you?"
"Just let me hitch a ride and use your radio. I need to coordinate with those still at my warehouse."
Giving Zankief a nod, Syá goes over to the helm and orders for both ships to rise and follow the fleet. On the radio, Zankief dials in for his warehouse.
Slava's Guildhall
As lunch has been served, and all the remaining plates removed, Slava addresses the hall.
"Now that we have our fill, let's begin with the negotiations, first the Tiger who has generously help open this talks."
Standing from his seat, Fang bows and approaches the front of the table. The four who knows of his treacherous plot eyes him to death as he is about to give his opening terms.
"Thank you Master Slava, but it is about time that both the Guild and the Empire come to some agreement. Trade between our two factions is a stepping stone to start and end the forward hostilities."
"I almost find it ironic that the face of the military is asking for a start for peace with trade. And the one who should speak who has the experience
should be Councilman Fu, and to negotiate on the Faction's behave is the young ambassador," a Guildsman interrupts the Admiral.
"That may be so, but we are all here to help come to that," answered Fu, "Plus to help come to terms, even Liu Zhao has offered goods from her company to spark that. We are sending them here as we speak to show all of you."
The Guildsmen murmur among themselves with the news. Knowing Liu owns the biggest trading company on the western side of the Dunes, trade competition between her has been rough for them. While they all seek profit from their companies, Liu's humanitarian aid to small, unfortunate cities places her on good terms with them. They are willing to pay her back trough trade for stabilising their town. Trade between the Guild's companies and here's would increase their profit by margins once inside Yeshan borders.
The same man who interrupted earlier, Fyodor, speaks, "Very well, when will they arrive."
"Soon, they will be over the plaza. One will land so that everyone can the goods that we all offer." replies Fu.
"Excellent, now that we have some agreement. How about you young ambassador, how does your father, and more so the Emperor feel about this?" asks Slava to BdrLine.
Traitorous, backstabbing, a disgrace to all that is good. That no good, two faced son-of-a
"They are pleased to hear about this proposition. They agreed that the benefits will greatly raise both of our Factions. My sister would even agree."
"Why yes, before I departed, my father told me to try to reach an understanding."
As further discussions continue, roar of engines can be heard outside as heads turn towards the window. As promised, the trade vessels are en route to the guildhall. Accompanying them are the escorts ships that were part of the original fleet.
"Ahh, perfect. Now would everyone follow me to the plaza, we can see the gifts from the Empire." says Slava as he stands from his seat. As he heads towards the door, a smirk forms on his lips fully knowing what is to come. Sharing a similar express is both Fu and Fang.
As the rest of the room exits, BdrLine faces Alex and Richard to and eyes them to follow the group. He then turns to his sister with a face full of wonder as to why the ships are still operational.
In a whisper, "What's with the face?"
"Zankief and his men should have damaged those ships from taking off. Something must have happened." BdrLine whispered back.
Giving a mental face palm Ny-Lee explains the situation, "Flak, when the Tiger and Deer landed, they placed extra patrols around the area as they suspected something were to happen. He even limited myself and my crews from leaving our ships. Azn, he has our family and the Emperor and his wife hostage if I don't comply. I don't know what will happen now since they both know you are here."
"What? Flak, we need to take them out soon if not now. Alex and Richard are here, plus with you and me, we can take them."
"But how about the ships?"
"Captain, Ambassador, would you care to come?" ,a guild master ask.
"Apologise, we are just catching up a little bit. We will be out soon." replied Ny-Lee
Nodding the man leaves the two along.
"Come on, Fang and Fu are already suspicious of us already.
Following the last guild master, the siblings walk through the maze of corridors that leads to the plaza. Out in the sunlight the group shields their face as the trading ships hover in the air. One of them then proceeds to land from a signal given from the Admiral. As the ship touchdown, BdrLine notices both Alex and Richard hidden in the back near the doorway leading out, donning holsters and pistols.
Standing in front of the gangplank of the transport, Slava, Fu and Fang faces the rest of the Guildmasters. Stepping forward, Slava addresses them.
"Gentlemen, now it is time to see what the Empire has offered. Behind this door lies the goods that will start a new future. A future where the Empire will rise and I will be the sole leader of the Guild."
Shock comes over all the guildmasters at such a statement. Fyodor steps up to speak.
"What! This is an outrage, Slava what you are stating is traitorous to the Guild!"
"Quiet you. You have been a torn in my side ever since I came into power. You have too much influence on the others on how to run this faction, too conservative. You don't know that spoils that we can have if we just go out and take it by force. You should have seen the expeditions that I fund into that desert hellhole called Arashi. The profits that came from it, is glorious and the destruction to came with it was magnificent."
"But with you and many others in the picture, you all would deem this unnecessary. With all of you out of the picture, anything will be free game, especially with resources from the Empire. And now, say farewell Fyodor."
Reaching underneath his robes, Slava produces a pistol and aims at Fyodor. Before pulling the trigger, a shot echos through the plaza as everyone ducks from the sound. Feeling his chest, Fyodor with wide eyes looks up to Slava as he holds a bloody hand, pistol a few feet from him.
Coming up to the front, Alex and Richard has their weapons drawn with smoke coming from Alex's pistol.
"Nice shot," replies BdrLine as he strips his suit down to only his vest. Rolling up his sleeves he reveals his hidden blades that he has kept with him.
"I would have aimed at his head instead, but hey beggars can't be choosers," says Ny-Lee as she draws her own pistol and aims at the three.
"So Admiral, why don't you call off this little escapade and we can all go back to the Empire where we can hold both you and the Councilman on trial for treason and conspiracy against both the Emperor and Yesha." states Bdr as he extends the blades and the others aim their weapons.
They are taken aback as he casually smiles.
"Oh if only it were that simple. As you see I don't see myself with that Yesha anymore. That government was weak, never want to take things by force. The senate, the emperor, even your father, weak, simple-minded people. I don't abide by those laws, and I don't take orders from children. Guards now!"
From one of the transports still in the air, shots ring out as the bullets target the group. Scattering, several guildmasters are hit by the onslaught as the rest head for cover inside the guildhall. Before retreating back inside, the three fire a few rounds at Fang and those around him, but where reflected away as it hits the gangplank that starts to descend. Fully extended, tanks roll out into the plaza and onto the streets. From the air the Pyramidions, Junkers, and three Galleons start to fire upon the city. The remaining two Galleons instead and aims at the guildhall. As for the rest of the transports, splitting off to different parts of the city, ropes are thrown over board and imperial soldiers slide down into the streets.
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