Inside the ASEAN Secretariat, it had been a month since the incident in Grameus occurred. The news of a medieval city withstanding a nuclear strike with an unknown powerful sci-fi like shielding and futuristic weapon, resembling a gigantic railgun that are capable of firing Mach 20, 8 tons of rod from a 1,500 mm barrel according to rescued stranded personnel there, had thrown the government into a frenzy. From the back to the front seats, everyone, including the Chairman of the Country's Transition Government of the Federal Republic of Southeast Asian Nations, was having trouble running in and out of the building. They were reinforcing the destroyed airbase on Topa by deploying several air defense systems and sending icebreakers to make the sea there accessible for ships to bring back the troops and aircraft out of the area. They were preparing for a possible attack from unknown enemies that had yet to materialize.
"Chairman, are you really going to ignore the suggestion of implementing a preemptive first strike policy on the unknown underground facilities in the so-called Kingdom of Esperanto? We already have ballistic missile transport erector launchers in position, as well as two squadrons of Strike Eagles armed with JDAMs on standby." The Minister of Defense asked in a low tone. He and a few other ministers were asking for some time to decide what to do about these abnormally advanced facilities that were unearthed after the Annonrial Empire's attack. Some were suggesting taking over the facilities militarily and negotiating, but the general consensus was that if they could not be brought under the ASEAN or at least made friendly, all threat factors must be destroyed.
After a moment of silence, the Chairman sighed heavily before responding.
"Preemptive first strike policy should be a last resort, and we cannot simply attack without proper intelligence and understanding of the situation," firmly replied the Chairman. "We don't even know who our enemies are, let alone the full extent of their capabilities. We must gather more information before taking any action. Negotiations are still ongoing, and if necessary, we will take military action."
The Ministry of Defense and other officials nodded in agreement, recognizing the importance of intelligence gathering before making any decisions. However, some officials are dissatisfied and were still advocating for a military takeover of the Esperanto kingdom's facilities. There's also the issue of large chunk of territories on south of Esperanto being chartered by ASEAN, and likely be put in negotiation on how to deal with it.
"We cannot invade another sovereign nation without provocation," added Chairman Ahmad in response to their dissatisfaction. "We will continue to pursue diplomatic channels and see if we can negotiate access to those facilities for research or establish a cooperation agreement. For now, leave them alone. How is the identification of the unknown attackers coming along?"
Then, Chairman Ahmad asked about the identity of the attackers who launched a standoff missile saturation strike on the airbase, resulting in over 150 casualties with 86 fatalities on the ASEAN side. In response, ASEAN's airborne unit virtually annihilated the attackers in a matter of minutes using their fleet of F-16 and F-15 in mostly BVR engagement that made the battle as if a massacre.
Ministry of Defense Secretary Jude Hartono stood up and approached the microphone. "Chairman, I can answer that question. As you may be aware, our primary suspect for the airbase attack was Milishials. However, upon further examination of the dead pilots of the enemy aircraft, we discovered that all of them had wings on their backs, which is not a feature of the dominant elf-based civilization of Milishial. This makes them appear innocent, but it's not completely ruled out, as there is a sizable minority in their country that consists of winged individuals. Therefore, Milishials are not completely off the hook yet. Our second suspect, after this discovery, is another modern civilization in the southern world," Jude paused before uttering the name, "the Annonrial Empire."
"Thank you," Ahmad smiled on Jude before sighing internally on two suspected civilization that might turned hostile to his country. "To think we'll lose more troops after the end of the war in Philades and just before our opening of borders to foreigners of new world, makes everything a mess. Anyway, how our countrymen thinking of the situation and the incident?."
One tall, skinny man in executive attire stood up and approached the mic to respond. It was Anuwat Chaiyasit, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Communication.
"Chairman, there haven't been any major developments in our country since we reestablished internet connectivity about nine months after our transfer here. The only noteworthy groups are unsatisfied foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals backed by their military units and large presence of naval militia and coast guard force in the South China Sea who were stranded with us in another world. There are also business conglomerates and rebels or low criminal elements. There's been little to no change as we've already been subjected to more than two years of isolation due to the pandemic. It became a synonym of our daily lifestyle to be in lockdown. Furthermore, with the freezing of prices and flow of cheap products from Qua-Toyne, the price crashed down and became affordable before normalization six months later after putting tariffs on Qua-Toynian products.
The most pressing matter is due to our gag order. Social media is in an upswing, and many are blaming the Milishial for the attack. They suspect that the Milishial are the culprits, and are talking about cutting off diplomatic channels, imposing sanctions, or conversing in radical words of even declaring war as a response to this supposed provocative attack on us."
Due to the action of the first diplomatic corps of Milishials having battleships and cruisers during a simple diplomatic talk, some were insulted because their actions seemed provocative and exhibited extreme imperialist stance and unethical gunboat diplomacy. Soon, the situation was diffused, but the second incident made the people of Southeast Asia wary of the Milishials. When Gaius nuked a certain Pandoran city, ASEAN portrayed Gaius as not being a bloodthirsty warmonger because he allowed everyone in the city a time frame to evacuate and gave an ultimatum to hand over the supposed traitors, which was not complied with by the Pandoran government. Furthermore, he brazenly brought his Armada of more than 100 ships to the coast of ASEAN without prior warning, leading the majority of social media users to think it was a deliberate act of provocation. As a result, Milishial was painted as hostile to Southeast Asia. Lastly, information about their weapons supplied to Parpaldia was omitted to avoid further damaging the reputation of the Milishials in the country.
The radicalism of Southeast Asians in social media is evident as they are teaming up to lambast Milishial as imperialist. Also, many criticize the aesthetic taste of Milishial, as they see their ships as futuristic with a twisted sense of weapon emplacement, leading some to refer to them as "paper tigers."
"It seems that Milishial has become the scapegoat for the situation," replied the Chairman. "It's unfortunate that the social media has become a platform for radicalism and blame-shifting. It only worsening the situation, we must stop it as the country cannot afford to let false information fuel tensions and lead to rash decisions."
He turned to the undersecretary of Ministry of Communication, "Anuwat, can you suggest any measures to control the spread of misinformation on social media?"
Anuwat replied, "We can work with the major social media platforms HQ and offices in SEA to flag and remove false information and encourage users to fact-check before sharing. Additionally, we can promote official government channels for accurate information and encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity, like trolling or fake news propaganda for content."
"Good to hear," Ahmad said, as increasing tension with Milishial would only add fuel to the fire. They had only recently come out of the war in Philades with few casualties, which was a virtual miracle considering the scale of the war they participated in. The amount of bombs, spare parts, missiles, ammunition, and fuel expended during the war was enormous, leading to a prioritization of funds in the next fiscal year just to regain the prewar inventory of ASEAN. However, the attack in Topa and the emergence of multiple powerful factions led to a reshaping of foreign policies and an extensive revision of ASEAN's intended arms expansion.
"I believe everyone has already heard about the amount of national budget we intend to pour into defense next year." Some nodded, while others who didn't know remained silent.
Last year, the country's combined 6% of GDP defense expenditure was at an all-time high due to war with parpaldia , and next year's allocated fund was approximately 11.4% due to an influx of new requests and revisions of arms expansion. Instead of maintaining multiple models of aircraft and several incompatible ship classes, ASEAN intended to replace them with unified classes and types for ease of logistics and maintenance in a 15-year period.
The budget also included the development of NBC capabilities and delivery systems for ASEAN, which were well accepted by everyone. Although each member-state knew imposed that these capabilities would only be used as a last resort and if someone used it first against ASEAN territories, with a limited number of agreed actual warheads or WMD volume to be put on service.
"Ministry of Defense, for the sake of formality and transparency, please convey all of the major projects you propose," Ahmad said. Everyone's eyes turned to the Ministry of Defense. "Yes, for the navy, we are currently negotiating with PT PAL to produce two CVL(X) designs with a capacity of 25,000 tons. Additionally, we have placed orders for 54 FFG(X) ships modeled after the Sigma design or Formidable class, a large increase from the original 26 units. We have also requested multiple orders throughout the shipbuilding yards in Southeast Asia, and with technical support from each other, we plan to build approximately 140 corvettes and OPVs in Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Malaysian shipyards. Unfortunately, all of the available Indonesian and Thai shipyards are presently full of orders to build large class warships.
We plan to build 48 submarines, with 36 modeled after the Chang Bogo-class/Nagapasa-class submarines and 12 modeled after Kilo-class submarines. Unlike the rest of the surface combatant fleet, the currently active submarines won't be decommissioned immediately; instead, they will be replaced one by one, excluding the incoming 48 submarines in service. We also plan to build 16 LDP and Large Transport Ships on multiple docks that are currently available.
For the air force, we are using the prototype Boramae 4.5th generation as a template for our next generation fighters that been transferred to Indonesia just a month before the transfer for their participation for the development of boramae with South Koreans. These will be included in our Hi-Lo tactics of expensive 4.5/5th gen supplemented by 4th Gen fighters such as reproduced less expensive F-16 and F-15, and the candidate carrier-borne Su-27 variants that are currently being considered for suitability test in our CVL(X). However, we cannot provide specific numbers at the moment as our country has yet to reproduce American and Russian engines, let alone the entire airframe. We hope to have the first flying prototype of the reproduction version of these aircraft within 5 years, with modifications to meet our criteria, if not outright copies, for simplicity purposes.
As for the ground forces, we have demobilized 100,000 troops to be transferred to the newly organized territorial army or border guards on our overseas territories. Half of them will be deployed to police Philades for de-escalation and stabilization of the continent. Our priority for the next decade will be to allocate a bare minimum budget for maintenance, resupply, and other necessities, as our focus is on building up the navy and air force."
"Thank you for the comprehensive report," Ahmad said to the representative from the Ministry of Defense. "It seems like there are some ambitious plans in the works. Can you provide us with a breakdown of the budget allocation for each of these projects?" he asked.
The representative nodded and took out a folder from his briefcase. "Certainly, sir," he replied. "The budget allocation for the navy projects is approximately 60% of the total defense budget, with 25% allocated for the airforce projects and 15% for the army projects. We have also factored in the costs of research and development for new technologies and systems."
Ahmad nodded in agreement. "That seems reasonable," he said. "I assume that you have taken into account the potential impact of these projects on our national economy and the availability of skilled labor to support these initiatives?"
"Yes, sir," the representative replied. "We have conducted feasibility studies and have identified suitable partners and suppliers in the region. We are also working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure that we have the necessary resources and expertise to carry out these projects efficiently."
"Great to hear," Ahmad responded. "So, how are the preparations for opening our borders to New Worlders coming along?"
The representative from the Ministry of Defense replied, "We have already deployed military, police, and customs officials, along with Muish experts, to field our Mana Sensor technology. This technology is designed to detect magic-based explosives and prevent future magical terrorism. Additionally, we have developed a Mana Induced De-amplification Device which can neutralize chanting abilities, as long as they are not from an external source or already chanted before the device's activation."
As for the preparation for the ASEAN mainland opening to New World natives. In addition to these measures, they have created extensive protocols and procedures to follow. They plan to limit tourists with a North Korean-style of tourism management to reduce the chances of magical terrorism, while still having more lax restrictions compared to North Korea.
"Finally, our people can return to a sense of normalcy after almost four years of lockdown and lifestyle changes due to the pandemic and transfer before the end of this year. Keep up the good work, everyone," said Ahmad as the meeting came to a close.
Gra Valkan Imperial Senate, Ragna
December 17, 1640
A few months after the rapprochement between Muish and Gra Valkans, and the demilitarization of the borders between Mu and the Leiforian District, as well as the demobilization of forces that led to eventual de-escalation of the conflict, the Imperial Senate was silent. Hundreds of senators and aristocratic nobility looked at the central podium, where the Emperor, Gra Lux, was seated and reading a book. No one dared to speak after the completion of the negotiations between Mu and Empire. The once powerful country, peerless in the world, now had a sense of defeat as they found themselves forced to negotiate on equal footing with a country they perceived as inferior.
Gra Lux stood tall, his eyes fixed on the hundreds of senators and aristocratic nobility before him. As he reached for the microphone, the room fell silent. "Today is a day of great embarrassment for our country," he began, his voice steady and unwavering. "It is inconceivable that we find ourselves on equal footing with those we once perceived as inferior."
The Emperor's expression remained stoic as he continued, "But let us not be disheartened. We have a new reality to face, and for our people, it is for the better. We may have lost our former territories, but we still have vast swaths of land to call our own. It may be painful, but as your Emperor, I will shoulder the burden of this shame."
Gra Lux's words were powerful, and his message clear. "We must learn to coexist in peace," he declared. "Violence and conflict will not solve our problems. This is a new world, and the new Gra Valkas Empire shall rise in prominence on the strength of our economy, tenacity, and proud people. Let us embrace this new reality with courage and determination, and together, we will build a brighter future for all."
As he finished speaking, the room erupted in applause, and the Emperor returned to his seat.
However, in the midst of applause, someone was walking towards the podium and soon everyone saw their identity. It was a familiar figure, tall and younger version of the Emperor, the crown prince Gra Cabal, who had multiple guards by his side. "I beg to differ, father," he said without the formality of addressing Gra Lux as emperor, causing Gra Lux's brows to twitch with irritation at his son's rudeness.
"What is the meaning of this?" Imperial Guard General Siegfried shouted. As a member of imperial family, and nephew of the emperor and cousin to Gra Cabal, he was the sole person who could reprimand a member of the imperial family.
"Siegfried, are you letting these barbarians who killed your father get off scot-free?" Gra Cabal said brazenly.
"As the general of the imperial guard, I must set aside my personal grudges and fulfill my duty to the imperial family," replied Siegfried.
"It's a pity you're the same as my father, short-sighted," Gra Cabal said, gazing at the seats of senators and aristocratic nobility. "Is this what you want? Peace? Peace won't bring you fame and power! We can't rebuild our great empire if we stagnate due to this worthless peace agreement! You're just giving Mu time to rearm and prepare for a greater war! We must strike now while the iron is hot! And before that, I must be the emperor to carry out these actions."
At that moment, hundreds of armed soldiers rushed into the imperial senate, locking their pistols and submachine guns on everyone and disarming the imperial guards led by Siegfried.
"What is the meaning of this, Cabal!" Gra Lux demanded.
"A coup d'état, father. You're too incompetent. Your age has gotten to you, and you're greedily clinging to the throne. I am turning 50 this year, and yet you haven't died or abdicated the throne. Therefore, I shall take the throne by force," Gra Cabal declared. He faced everyone, and several cameras that were feeding live to the entire capital of the Gra Valkas Empire.
The grand hall of the imperial senate was in chaos as the armed soldiers took control, and Prince Gra Cabal stood triumphantly on the podium, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination and pure national pride.
"Behold, my fellow Gra Valkans!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the hall. "The time has come for our empire to rise once again, to show the world the might of our people and the strength of our nation! We sat idly by for too long, content with the scraps of land and power that were left to us after the transfer. But no more! Today, we take back what is rightfully ours! AS RULERS OF THE WORLD!"
The cheers and applause from the soldiers and some of the aristocrats drowned out the murmurs of fear and confusion from the rest of the crowd.
"No longer will we bow to the whims of those who would seek to diminish us, who would deny us our rightful place in this world! We are Gra Valkans, the greatest empire that this world will ever known, and we will not rest until every nation, every race, every nonhuman creature, bows down before us!"
He lifted his arms high in the air, his eyes shining with an intense passion and fervor.
"I, Gra Cabal, crown prince and soon-to-be Emperor of Gra Valkas, swear upon my life and upon the honor of our great empire, that we will conquer all who stand in our way! We will expand our territories beyond anything that we have ever known, and we will show the world the true meaning of power and dominance! And when our enemies see us coming, they will tremble with fear and know that they have met their match!"
The soldiers and some of the aristocrats cheered even louder, their excitement and passion matching that of the new prince and soon-to-be emperor.
"We will build an empire that will stand the test of time, an empire that will be the envy of all other nations, an empire that will be feared and respected by all who dare to oppose us! This world will bow down before our great nation! Long live the Gra Valkas empire!"
He raised his fist in the air, and the soldiers responded with a thunderous cry of "Long live the Gra Valkas empire!" that shook the very foundations of the hall.
Gra Cabal left the podium with a smile and turned to face Gra Lux. "You're out of your mind," he sneered. "Don't call yourself Emperor if you're nothing but an incompetent coward."
He walked away, leaving Gra Lux and Siegs to be escorted out of the room. "Have them under house arrest. Don't dare lay a finger on them," he commanded his subordinates. Despite his brash and impulsive behavior, he was not brutal towards his own family. Even before the transfer, when he had planned to oust his father by coup d'etat, which was only delayed because of the transfer, he was not ruthless towards his family.
"However, Your Highness, what about the opposition?" his subordinate asked carefully, eyeing Cabal.
"Round them up and arrest them. If they resist, purge them," he replied coldly. "Have the Imperial Army mobilize. All those who defy my orders shall pay with their lives. Prepare for war."
Soon, the much-awaited war that both sides had anticipated was drawing close, since the first and second border wars between Mu and the Gra Valkas Empire. In a war of a scale, no one ever imagine, had just become inevitable.
?????
In a dimly lit room, a man sat on a large king-sized bed, half-naked, while a woman tended to him. Before him, a man knelt in front of him.
"We have already discovered one of them," the kneeling man said.
"Where?" the man on the bed asked in a low tone.
"Leifor," the kneeling man replied in one word. The man on the bed raised his chin and the woman left the room.
"Have our forces mobilize. We must capture it," he said nonchalantly.
"Are you sure?" the kneeling man asked, his voice filled with doubt.
"We have been preparing for this for the last century. This is what we have been preparing for," he said as he stood up. "Today is the day that Annonrial won't be named as barbarians, but as overlords of new world." He smiled and opened the window, revealing a city that looked like it was out of a sci-fi civilization. "Today, we shall make our grand entrance to this world."
"I shall prepare the 17th fleet to subjugate the entire second civilization, my liege," the man said as he bowed, not waiting for a response. "My great light-winged emperor Zaratosthra." Then, he muttered before leaving the room.
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I really wanted to make a build up before the eventual events leading to Gra cabal led coup, coz it's too abrupt, but whatever the case, and for Annonrial, I don't want to say something about them.
I'd say, I made the situation too erratically confusing asf.