September 15th
Italica
The Pro-Peace Nobles, the Countess, maids, and the citizens of Italica stood in awe as they witnessed the immense power and destructive capabilities of the modern weapons.
The Marines carrying out the demonstration had a certain air of confidence and professionalism about them, as if they were showcasing the pinnacle of military technology.
Amidst the display, Lord Cicero's hands trembled slightly as he fired the M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun.
He had just witnessed the bullets effortlessly penetrate the formidable Imperial armor, and the realization of the immense power contained within these weapons left him both amazed and terrified.
Setting the M2 Browning down on a stack of sandbags, he couldn't help but stare at it, contemplating the sheer force behind those .50 caliber bullets.
The rapid bursts of bullets from the machine guns tore through pots and shields, reducing them to mere shreds and discarded remnants.
The fellow Falmartians stood in astonishment and fear, their eyes wide with shock at the ease with which the machine gun wreaked havoc upon the objects before them.
The sheer firepower sent shivers down their spines.
Tate watched on as he held an M16A4 in his hands and began explaining the rifle.
"Point fifty caliber machine gun, one of the biggest bullets that can easily separate a limb from it's body, used by many nations in our world. It's easy to use." He couldn't help but share a tidbit of information, saying.
"Fun fact, actually. Our government allows any of our citizens to even carry these kinds of weapons for personal use." A chuckle escaped his lips, reflecting the somewhat unusual nature of such permissive gun laws as he checked the magazine of the M16A4.
The revelation left the Falmartians stunned.
Dussie, voiced his concern.
"Your government allows commoners to wield such dangerous weapons? Wouldn't that cause chaos for the nation?"
The idea of granting the populace access to firearms seemed incomprehensible and potentially disastrous to him.
Tate responded, offering a nuanced explanation.
"Yes and no. While it is true that there can be incidents on what we call, 'mass shootings' if these weapons fall into the hands of mentally unstable individuals, our government only permits responsible citizens to own firearms. There are strict laws and regulations in place to ensure their proper usage and prevent misuse." He recognized the controversial nature of the topic and hinted that it warranted a more detailed discussion in the future.
As the conversation unfolded, Secretary of State Patrick Jim and Ambassador Ellie Katie approached the group.
Jim, overhearing their discussion, interjected,
"It's a controversial topic indeed, worthy of further explanation." The group turned around to see the two officials, who had been observing the demonstration from a distance.
Ambassador Katie added to the astonishment of the Falmartians, stating,
"As for every 100 Americans, there are approximately over 120 guns." Her revelation emphasized the prevalence of firearms in American society, leaving the Falmartians even more shocked at the sheer number of weapons than people.
Just as the crowd was still trying to digest this information, the ground began to rumble.
They turned their heads to the right and beheld the imposing figure of a T-90M Main Battle Tank approaching Italica.
The tank's massive 2A46 125mm smoothbore cannon was trained on several Imperial armor units in the distance.
The anticipation built up, and Jim warned the crowd.
"You might wanna cover your ears for this."
Following his lead, they covered their ears in preparation.
With a thunderous boom, the tank unleashed its power.
Obliterating the group of Imperial armor in the distance.
The explosive force and the deafening sound sent shockwaves through the spectators.
The nobles, who had always considered themselves secure within their heavy armor, now looked stunned and terrified in the face of such overwhelming firepower.
Tate took the opportunity to showcase the tank's mobility.
He gestured for it to move forward, directing its tracks towards an uneven path that would pose a challenge for any horse to traverse.
However, much to everyone's amazement, the tank effortlessly maneuvered through the obstacles, its tracks leaving no trace of damage.
The Falmartians watched in disbelief as this behemoth of metal conquered the treacherous terrain without breaking a sweat.
As the tank continued its advance, its cannon swiftly turned towards another group of Imperial armor.
Without hesitation, it fired.
Reducing the enemy units to nothing more than scattered fragments and billowing smoke.
Tate stretched his hand forward dramatically, underscoring the tank's dominance on the ground.
"And that's the ground," Tate proclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and respect.
"Now let's move on to the air."
The Falmartians, still recovering from the spectacle of the tank's power, were brought back to reality as the whirling sound of rotors filled the air.
Looking up, they beheld an AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopter gracefully hovering in the distance.
Its menacing presence was undeniable.
The helicopter aimed its M197 tree-barreled rotary cannon at another group of Imperial armor and dead wyvern corpses, unleashing a barrage of firepower that turned them into mere specks of smoking metal and dragon scales.
The spectacle continued as the Viper unleashed two AGM-144 Hellfire missiles, reducing the remaining Imperial armor to ashes.
The Falmartians stood in stunned silence, their minds struggling to comprehend the raw power and efficiency of these modern weapons.
The weapons demonstration had left an indelible mark on their consciousness, forever altering their perception of warfare and technology.
As they contemplated the consequences of such devastating capabilities, they couldn't help but wonder about the implications for their own world and the delicate balance of power in the continent of Falmart.
"And... how far can those shoot?" Dussie asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and fear.
"Using the measurements here... about 600 leagues and above," Tate explained calmly, causing a collective gasp from the Nobles and the Falmartians who were present.
The revelation left the Countess, the citizens of Italica, and the maids absolutely astounded.
They couldn't believe their eyes.
This flying metal beast, the AH-1Z Viper, had single-handedly saved their city from the clutches of bandits.
Now, they were witnessing its true power.
Meanwhile, the nobles were filled with an overwhelming sense of terror.
They had just witnessed the Viper tear through Imperial armor and wyvern corpses with unimaginable ease.
Such a formidable weapon would strike fear into the hearts of any enemy that dared to face it.
"So far..." one Noble exclaimed, his voice trembling with fear.
"Not even magic could reach that far," another noble added, his face pale with terror.
Cicero, who had been observing the conversation, spoke up, his voice shaky with trepidation.
"The entire battlefield would be easily within reach of those weapons."
Dussie, still feeling a mix of fear and fascination, approached Tate, eager to learn more.
He mustered the courage to ask another question.
"Just one more question... those weapons you call 'guns,' how many people do you have at your disposal?" she inquired, her voice slightly wavering.
"Well, about one per person, but it also depends on their role, every Marine is always a rifleman, no matter what," Tate replied, his tone steady and patient as he provided an explanation to the senator.
The Nobles, already overwhelmed by the Viper's capabilities, were once again struck with terror.
If they continued to fight against the United States and its allies, they would undoubtedly face annihilation in the blink of an eye.
Dussie and Cicero turned away from the Secretary of State Patrick Jim and Ambassador Ellie Katie, their minds racing with the gravity of the situation.
"Lord Dussie..." Cicero whispered.
"I know," he murmured before walking towards them.
"Sir Jum and Madame Katie," Dussie addressed the U.S. representatives, coming to a stop in front of them.
He looked them straight in the eyes, his voice steady but filled with urgency.
"What does your nation truly seek from the Empire?"
"Well, Lord Dussie, it's simple really..." Jim began, glancing at Katie, who nodded in agreement.
"Our nation seeks..."
"The unconditional surrender of your Empire," Jim declared, his words hanging heavily in the air, casting a shadow over the room.
"Surrender..." The nobles muttered, their voices filled with resignation and defeat.
"Surrender after victory has the sweetest taste for the victorious, but it can have the most bitter taste for the defeated," Dussie said, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and determination.
Jim nodded in agreement.
"Indeed. Surrender has different consequences for the winner and the loser. In the past, the empire has only ever known the peace that comes from victory..."
"But we must accept this new type of peace. Or our country will be ravaged," Dussie explained, her eyes reflecting the weight of the situation.
Dussie turned to the Secretary of State, his voice laced with hope.
"Sir Jim, what are America's terms for our surrender?"
Jim took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.
"Well..." Katie interjected, clearing her throat to gain everyone's attention.
"First, the Empire must admit its guilt for starting the war and punish those in charge," Katie began, her voice firm and unwavering.
"Second, the Empire shall pay reparations worth 500 million suwani, or grant mining concessions of equal value," she continued, her words causing a stir among the nobles.
"Third, the Empire shall cede the land the coalition has claimed to the US and its allies," Katie explained, her voice resolute.
"Fourth, the Empire shall sign a surrender deal with the US and its allies." she concluded, the weight of her words sinking in.
As the demands were laid out before them, Cicero and Dussie stood dumbfounded, sweat dropping from their brows.
The nobles, unable to contain their shock and disbelief, erupted in a cacophony of voices.
"500 MILLION SUWANI?!" one noble shouted, his face flushed with indignation at the staggering amount.
"OUTRAGEOUS! ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD WOULD NEVER AMOUNT TO THAT!" another noble exclaimed, his voice filled with outrage.
The nobles continued to ramble and argue, their astonishment at the demands apparent.
In the midst of the chaos, a noble even fainted upon hearing such an audacious demand.
Countess Myui, accompanied by a contingent of US Marines, approached the American Ambassador with a slightly trembling voice.
"Uhh, Madame Katie, isn't that also considered a death sentence?" she asked, her concern evident.
Katie paused for a moment, considering the gravity of the situation.
"Is it really that much? We just translated the American dollar to your gold coins, and besides, the amount is not even close to our nation's budget," she explained, shocking all the Falmartians present.
"500 million Suwani isn't even close to their annual budget?!" Dussie exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
"I didn't know the United States of America was this powerful. I suspected they had a formidable military, but an economy that large..." Cicero trailed off, his astonishment surpassing even Dussie's.
As the nobles continued to bicker and debate the terms of surrender, the citizens of Italica stood witness to the scene, their amazement growing with each passing moment.
The United States of America had not only showcased its military might, but also revealed the vastness of its economy.
This realization brought them a renewed sense of gratitude and admiration for the Americans, who were not only protecting them from the Empire but also possessed the means to rebuild and secure their future.
—
Fort Alnus
Medical Center
Camila Jim, the Secretary of State's little sister, continued her walk through the hallways of the Medical Center of Fort Alnus.
As she made her way, she couldn't help but notice the lingering gazes from the Marines and patients who recognized her as the recently abducted but rescued sibling of a high-ranking official.
In the midst of her stroll, Camila's attention was drawn to a young woman struggling near a vending machine.
The woman, using crutches, was reaching for her drink but finding it challenging to do so.
Camila approached her and kindly retrieved the drink on her behalf.
"Here you go, ma'am," Camila said, extending the drink to the woman.
"Thank yo-" the woman began to reply before suddenly realizing who was standing in front of her.
"Miss Jim?!" she exclaimed, clearly taken aback.
Camila chuckled softly and nodded.
"That's me," she confirmed, offering a warm smile.
"O-oh my god, I-I didn't know," the woman stuttered, clearly surprised.
"I thought you were sent back to DC," she added.
"Well, I was supposed to, but I'm still recovering," Camila replied, explaining her current situation.
Curiosity getting the better of her.
"What's your name?" Camila asked.
"Helen... Helen Bakes," the woman introduced herself.
"From my understanding, you were also an abductee, am I correct?" Camila inquired, empathizing with Helen's experience.
"Yes, I was going to college when the attack happened. I was dragged away by the Imperial soldiers and sent to the other world. I don't know what happened to everyone else there..." Helen responded, her voice shaking as memories of the attack on Washington, DC resurfaced.
Camila offered a reassuring smile.
"It's okay. We'll see how things play out. In the meantime, you should rest, young lady," she advised, wanting to ease Helen's anxiety.
As the two engaged in conversation, a television mounted on the wall caught their attention, broadcasting the BBC News.
"Rising world tensions are at an all-time high as President Jamison of the United States has released a statement regarding US Military buildups in the South China Sea. The US Navy 7th Fleet continues to monitor the waters near the coast of Taiwan following the Chinese military's missile launches near its territorial waters. Meanwhile, in the Chinese regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, Muslim freedom fighters are engaged in ongoing conflict against the oppressive communist regime, leading to increasing chaos and anarchy for the CCP," the news reporter announced, highlighting the global state of affairs.
"Hmmm, wonder what's happening." Camila said as she observed the TV.
(A/N: School's over, I should be happy... but I'm not...)