Art of Warfare (AOW): 2

[Iamgoofball]

The three remaining jets did various strafing runs on enemy armor, hoping to even the battle. They fired a barrage of missiles at the tanks.

Spoiler:

6. I may have to use a different roller...

The three remaining jets managed to take down all the Anti-Air tanks in one go.

[Sav]

Spoiler:

Yay. Is it okay if i give Matt some time to make an attack? I don't want him finding out that i have fought him without him making a move.

[Iamgoofball]

Spoiler:

Yay. Is it okay if i give Matt some time to make an attack? I don't want him finding out that i have fought him without him making a move.

Spoiler:

Sure.

[Sav]

Spoiler:

Okay

[Iamgoofball]

Just then, three Relf-Marked fighter jets zoomed in, spotting the three remaining jets.

Spoiler:

I rolled a 4.

The three jets shot down 1 of Drascia's jets, and damaged one.

[Sav]

The pilot of the damaged jet steered it into the enemies forces, killing himself and hopefully the enemy. The last remaining jet turned around, and engaged the newly arrived jets. It sent a barrage of missiles at one. The tank on the ground attempted to destroy more of the enemy armor, sending a shell at one.
------------------------
"Well, i am glad that you have come for a peace treaty. As you know, i am at war with Zorya. What is your opinion on this?" Tim asked Alion, pouring himself a glass of wine.

[POMC S117]

"Well, as you are an ally, I'm against it." Said Alion.

[Sav]

"Against the war, or Zorya?" Tim asked.

[POMC S117]

"The war. And Zorya's involvement. And yours. So many lives will be lost over something that could be diplomatically resolved."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"Attention Drascian forces." Came the voice of General Isaac Gerald from his jet. "Retreat now and cover your losses, or else face total destruction from Zoryan fleets. As I speak, reinforcements are coming in from Danica."

[King Acunasti]

The next morning, the city of Swithelm seemed to be exploding with political excitement. The Hessian National News was broadcasted throughout the entire nation. Famed HNN reporter Michael Harper stood before the Swithelm Square (the very heart of the city and most famous site in Hessia) where a gigantic crowd of over 850,000 civilians had gathered for Queen Aurore's speech. The sun shined brightly that day, illuminating the beautiful city. The crowd's cheers were so loud that it was almost difficult to hear Harper's voice on the television.

"Good morning, people of Hessia! Michael Harper here at Swithelm Square where a sea of almost one-million people have gathered for Queen Aurore's speech! Last night at exactly 2:00 AM, Premier Aiya Aariak and our beloved Queen Aurore Royauté each officially signed the Hesse-Tavïki Pact, successfully forging an economic and defensive military alliance between the Kingdom and Hessia and Tavïk! The success of both nations' economy is expected to be risen to whole new levels! And in these dark times of war, the people of Hessia and Tavïk can now breathe a little easier with the reasurrance of their new ally's military aid in times of defensive war! As we know, Zorya and Drascia have recently engaged themselves in a violent conflict which has already caused many casualties! With many world leaders feeling increased amounts of pressure and stress, we cannot foresee what awaits us in the future! But let us turn our attention to our honorable queen, Aurore Royauté!"

Each of the cameras switched their focus onto the podium before the central fountain region of Swithelm Square. The area was surrounded by secret service agents. Snipers had been stationed in every nearby building, as well as the rooftops of several skyscrapers. Police cars were everywhere, and Royal Military Police troops had been stationed at every outlet of the Square.

Aurore appeared at the podium wearing a stunning outfit and an elegant hairstyle. The uncontrollable cheers of the people exploded into the skies. After several moments of cheering, Aurore tapped in finger on the microphone. Everyone fell completely silent. "My people," she said with firmness and authority (yet with a hint of love and respect). "I graciously thank you for your warm welcome." The volume of her voice suddenly increased, mulitplying her tone of power and passion. "This nation has existed since the year 508! That is over fifteen-hundred years! Throughout history, we have both gained and lost territory! We have been both the hunter and the prey! We have both suffered loss and caused it! Yet we have survived! The Kingdom of Hessia has known peace and prosperity for many decades! However, some others wish to change this! We...are...prepared! Even at this very moment, our defensive forces are set to repel any form of attack from potential enemies! But we do not crave war! And we do not wish to involve ourselves with foreign conflicts! Our brothers, the people of Zorya and the people of Drascia, have gone to war with one another! We shed tears for those lost in the violence! But we remain neutral! Hessia must focus on greater threats, such as the hostile rulers of Relf! We as a nation love the people of Relf! Some of you have family, friends, lovers, or ancestors hailing from that region! However...tensions continue to build between the Relfan government and the Hesse-Darestim Coalition! We hope dearly that with the aid of our newest ally, the good nation of Tavïk, we will be able to maintain peace between Relf and all other powers! But if we are not successful...if war erupts...WE REMAIN PREPARED!"

The cheers exploded into the skies once more.

"WE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN PREPARED! BE STRONG! BE BRAVE! BE VALIANT! And above all...SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! SUPPORT OUR NATION! SUPPORT OUR CAUSE! I love you, people of Hessia! And I always will!"

As the Queen of Hessia departed from the Square, national celebration began. The speech went perfectly.

__________

As promised, a regiment of Hessian Army and Hessian Air Force troops arrived in Tavïk to establish a hold in the nation.

[Sav]

"Well, that is true. What do you have in mind?"
------------------------
None of the men retreated. They continued to fight. One of the soldiers pulled out a Javelin, and fired at a tank.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Zoryan jets flew out over the soldiers and dropped bombs as they passed. At least twenty were dropped on the foot soldiers.

Spoiler:

Dice!

[POMC S117]

"Well, from what I have heard. Talks with Zorya have turned sour. And that e-mail that you send us is alarming. We are afraid that this will not end without our blood being spilt. I expect the Emperor to make a speech tomorrow, declaring war or at least threatening to." Sighed Alion, draining his glass.

[Sav]

"Well, remember, the forces of Drascia will always be ready to help defend you. That it the reason that Zorya and i are at war." Tim explained.

[POMC S117]

Emperor Eliwer was driven through the city on a long, white limousine. It slowly coasted on the road and eventually stopped in Enaline Garden. The Garden was alive with people, all turned out in their best clothes to hear the Emperor deliver a speech. There was a large blue dais and on it was a microphone. A choir announced his entry. He marched over to the microphone.

"Dear citizens of Enaline, my sons and daughters, my blood and body, I am afraid that I have terrible news." Despite this opening, the crowd remained happy. "Drascia, our ally, is in an unfortunate war with Zorya. As you know, a few days ago, a diplomat from Zorya entered our country. I attempted to stop the war, however, I received an encrypted message from Drascia. Now, I will not tell you the contents of the message, but it was very alarming. I was forced to join the war. Keep vigilant, keep strong, and keep being prod citizens of Enaline!"

[Sav]

"I apologize for bringing you into this petty war." Tim said to Alion.

[POMC S117]

"No, you should not be sorry. The message was too traitorous to go unnoticed. We had to protect ourselves."

[Sav]

"Alright then." Tim said simply.

[POMC S117]

"I will return to my plane." Alion left the building and whistled for his slodiers. They marched across the paved runway and into the plane. Two jets zoomed through the air and the plane took off. They were escorted back to Enaline where they landed outside the capital.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Zorya State Media Channel Breaking News!

An enlarged picture of Emperor Eliwer flashed across the screens of the TVs of Zorya. Above his face, captions read: Emperor Eliwer Declares war on Zorya!

Below his head, in big, boldfaced letters, there was a single word.

HYPOCRITE?

A woman appeared shortly after the title faded. She had soft white skin and a wrinkled face. She appeared to be around 60. The woman had long black hair and wore an elegant a silver dress. She was sitting behind a desk that had large letters that read ZSMC.

"Hello, people of Zorya. I am Dolores Montgomery with the SMC. The Emperor of Enaline has recently declared war on Zorya." A screen flashed to Eliwer's recent speech.

"Drascia, our ally, is in an unfortunate war with Zorya." Emperor Eliwer said on the tape.

"The Emperor claims that they went to Zorya over an honor-bound code of chivalry; but is Eliwer being a hypocrite? Diplomatic records show that Enaline only allied with Drascia in the past few days. Days, my fellow Zoryans. The people of SMC, the people of Zorya, ask the Emperor: Did you go to war to help Drascia, or did you go to war over false pretenses to serve only yourself?"

Spoiler:

Good propaganda is good propaganda.

[POMC S117]

Spoiler:

Okay! How will I answer you? Hmmm... I will invite Zoryan media to my lands!

[Sav]

"They are being fatally misled." Tim mumbled to himself, watching the recording of the speech made. He stood up, and walked to the main hall. "What? Adam is dead?" He said, hearing the unfortunate news. He knew he would need a replacement, but wasn't sure who.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Zoryan State Media Channel Breaking News!

Dolores Montgomery appeared on screen again. A caption flashed below her.

Drascia working with the hostile country of Relf?

"Grim news, my fellow Zoryans." Dolores said sadly. "It appears that our enemies have sank to lower lows than expected. The once honored foe of Zorya, Drascia, has made an alliance with the evil and hostile country of Relf. To ally oneself with Relf really does show just how despicable you must be."

Dolores's face was replaced with a scene of the Zoryan border battle. Seth Howe was standing in front of the screen a explosions echoed behind him. "Hello!" Seth shouted over howling winds and gunfire. "I am Seth Howe with SMC! As you can see, Drascia is launching a weak attack on Zorya." The camera zoomed to the soldiers firing at Zoryan jets.

"And, if you'll follow me over here!" Seth turned and revealed the incoming Relfan forces. "Obviously, it appears that Relf is aiding Drascia." The screen cut to black and Dolores appeared, back in the SMC HQ.

"Zorya may be the only good force left in the world. Can we really expect an honest fight when Drascia sinks to such lows? Acquiring aid from the hypocritical Enaline, and now the despicable Relf... not only does it show the moral lows of Drascia, but it shows how desperate the country is for aid. Obviously, they are substantially weaker than Zorya."

[Eltee]

The Taviki government released a brief statement denouncing the Dracian and Enaline war of aggression against Zorya. It announced total and immediate economic sanctions against both nations. It also expressed solidarity with the Zoryans.