Future Shock (Initial Project)

Vol. 3 Chapter 6 - Diplomacy

"Before we start into diplomacy, it may be best to introduce ourselves? Our meeting was quite unexpected." The prince spoke, breaking the silence.

"Indeed dear brother, Since we have arrived here with no appointment, we will introduce ourselves first." Lynette then continued, before she spoke up.

"It is nice to meet you again, Director." She winked, her expression gave off the message that everything should be entirely formal, I faintly nodded.

"These are my escorts and envoys, This is Duchess Klaes, and Count Ekraun, this is my brother, the Prince, and this is my personal practitioner. I humbly apologize for arriving like this so suddenly." She continued

"You Appearance is surprising to be sure, but a welcome one, I don't mind." I said

"I'am the Director of this Organization simply known as 'The Directorate', This is my aide Kara Anderson, the Head of Defence, and this is Gabriel Morrow, the Head of Foreign Affairs. I have taken to note that you are here for diplomatic purposes, Don't mind if I ask, but why have you chosen to establish relations with us?" I continued, I managed to notice Elizabet expressing a bit of surprise at my stern but ultimately calm and open tone, which was not exactly present during our first meeting.

"Let me explain Director" she said before she proceeded to explain their predicament. So far, they have been severely weakened by all the attacks by the Empire, and while the insurgents were successfully rectified by her command, she hasn't been able to stop the advance of these... Steam-powered Tanks. They were running out of options, before Lynette decided to choose to create an alliance with us, to either assist them with weapons, or assist them in defending the regions.

"I see... The empire is quite Powerful indeed, They have actually managed to attack a company of mine whilst on patrol off-Guard, the Force was about 10,000 strong, while the company was approximately 200 individuals, they killed 11 personnel, and injured more, but then I allowed the issuing of 'opposition termination', which made the company go into the offensive against those forces. Thy managed to repel the army, eliminating most of the forces, leaving about 800 deserters, and giving us 200 Prisoners of War-."

"You killed Thousands of them, with just a force of 200!?" The young Duchess exclaimed in surprise, which only caused Lynette to hit the top of her head with a chop of her hand, making her recoil back into her seat, clutching her head."

"Duchess, please, that is rude."

"Not exactly a force of 200, there were two Security Enforcement Platoons, so that will make it about a force of 260."

"But how is that even possible!?" The practitioner said, he slowly leaned forward from his spot, slamming his hands on the table.

"I'm sorry, but we can't exactly reveal the details of how we operate. Forgive me."

"It's fine... Both me and Elizabet know your capabilities." Upon Lynette saying that, the prince turned his attention towards Elizabeth who sighed, and began to explain.

"The Battle of Albatros, Wasn't won by our power, it was won by theirs, despite being outnumbered their...-" Elizabeth turned towards me, she is likely going to refer to our vehicles or firearms... I said we won't tell them how we operate them, that 'controversially' doesn't mean about what are equipment are and their performance. And it may also serve as a reminder of what force we have, I simply nodded.

"-Thunder staves err... Muskets, as I have come to recognize it. They work similarly to the empire's own, but they are horrifyingly Faster as if there is no need to reload. The Battle was won by them, and I expected the worst in their conditions, but... They were strangely in our favour, they simply wanted their existence to be kept a secret, and the Count was successful in keeping it that way. Until now..."