United States of America. Washington D.C. The White House.
It's been nearly two weeks now since the conflict arose between the U.S and peninsular forces and the Tillerian forces from the Tolerian and Tasermain Kingdom. Luckily, the U.S has made great progress so far in the war. As of right now, U.S forces have progressed beyond the Tolerian and Tasermain border to conclude the aggression and war. However, it is expected that it will take another week or two before that can happen.
As news of this has spread to the main media outlets in the U.S, a more pressing issue has presented itself in front of the President of the United States.
Right now, the President is sitting in the oval office in his brown chair. He is currently going through a report which was provided earlier by the CIA and other relevant intelligence agencies who helped. This also included some help from the Kingdom of Astra’s information brokers. This is because of the fact that the CIA does not have any personnel that can speak the local language within the Tillerian Empire. As long as they had the funds to do so, getting information was possible. However, even after all of the searching and efforts, the President must still make a difficult decision right now.
“So you’re saying that there is a 70 percent chance that there are Americans within the Tolerian capital as of this moment?” The President speaks while staring at the director of the CIA in the eyes.
He clears his voice before speaking. “Considering how reliable the information was, these are the odds of American citizens being held in the Tolerian Capital. Other locations include the castles and manors belonging to the close advisers of the King. Of course, these reports and accounts from brokers are varying and not totally reliable. However, there is a consensus that there is a high probability that Americans are indeed in the Tolerian Kingdom. Discovered airplane wreckages and survivors from surrounding villages have confirmed that. Rather, the Americans who were taken away will be difficult to track down.” The CIA director has clearly been having trouble sleeping from the bags under his eyes.
Next to the CIA director is the chairman of the chief of staff. A critical key person who is leading the military operations as of right now. “Mr. President, if there are Americans within the Tolerian Kingdom, we should send in Seal Team six to get them out as quickly as possible. From a military and political perspective, they may use them as hostages if we are not careful.”
The President nods in agreement. However, he has some doubts. “There are certainly risks with this operation, no?”
The chairman nods in agreement. “Yes, certainly. If we were to send Seal Team Six out, they would be miles behind enemy lines. With no support, they would certainly face problems if they cannot get out of there immediately. Furthermore, with our navy and air force encountering a Wyvern detachment to engage southern forces in the Kingdom of Flenning, they might have air defense systems. Or at least, ways of countering our black hawk helicopters. And with magic, it adds more uncertainty to the operation. Waiting for the marines to advance would still take days at the earliest. The choice is up to you Mr. President.”
The President leans back into his chair as he comes to his decision. He could very well save American lives. However, he could very well get everyone killed in this situation if something goes wrong. Whether its a success or failure, his Presidency could rise or fall in public approval. He makes his decision and relays it to the Chairman. “Get Seal Team Six ready to get our citizens home.”
Yes, Mr. President.
SEAL Team Six, or the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU, was originally created in light of the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. This special group is tasked with missions which includes counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, special reconnaissance, and short-duration strikes against high-value targets. Now, SEAL Team Six has been assigned a new task.
***
Tolerian Kingdom. The King’s Palace.
It's currently the dead of night in the capital city of the Tolerian Kingdom. Since lighting is still quite expensive due to the cost of fuel and candles, the city is blacked out. Even the palace is dark out, with only a few places that are lit with torches throughout the Palace for guards. This presents the perfect situation for the operation tonight.
Right now, there are two modified Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks advancing towards the Palace. In addition to this team, other teams have been deployed to search another two manors in the city. Their number one mission is to rescue any Americans being held captive in the three designated buildings. The building targets and layouts have been thought out by the CIA’s Special Activities Center, a secretive center that helped SEAL Team six kill Osama Bin Laden. However, their mission isn’t to kill but to rescue and extract.
This team is filled with two dozen trained SEALs from DEVGRU’s Red Squadron. SEALs from the Blue and Gold squadron are participating in the other two teams.
Right now, their helicopters are nearing the target landing area, which is in a large and flat parade grounds near the Royal Palace. The Black Hawks landed and the SEAL’s Red squadron began to move towards the Palace. Immediately, the team darted towards the Palace in the dead of night with their night vision gear.
The Palace has a simple layout with very little defenses other than guards being posted. That being said, there should be around a hundred guards and personnel that are guarding the King’s Palace. However, the SEAL team will make quick work of whoever they encounter on the way to the suspected place where Americans are being held.
As the team reached the doors, they quickly prepared to breach the wooden doors. They quickly put explosives and blew them open. The team moved into the 1st floor of the palace. To reach the lower basement and holding cells, the team split down two hallways that led down towards the basement. Soon, running footsteps and some shouting could be heard from a distance. It seems some of the guards have noticed the commotion. One of the teams ran into some guardsmen that were near the basement entrance. The team made quick work and shot them down.
The split teams both made their way into the basement with cells and various other devices. Some sleeping guardsmen were drowsily awoken but failed to do anything before they were mercilessly shot down quickly on opposite ends of the basement.
As both teams made it down into the cell area underneath the palace, the thought of not finding anyone went through their heads. Then suddenly. “Hello?”
A weak sound could be heard from a nearby cell.
By this point, a couple of men guarded the entrance to the basement while the rest proceeded to explore the basement filled with unkempt cells. Soon, one of the men found the source.
She, along with another female and male were locked in this one cell.
“Are you the missing U.S Citizens?” The soldier asked firmly.
“Oh my god.” The person who spoke started breaking down in tears. Under her breath, she mumbled over and over “Thank god, Thank god.”
The SEAL soldier called for someone to find the keys. Eventually, one of them comes running. The three were released from the cell. The SEAL soldier asked the woman crying if there is anyone else.
“There is one other person.” She hesitated. “He...he was taken to another room down here. He hasn’t come back for days now…”
“Alright, we'll find him. Anyways, stick with these guys, we will help you get back home.”
“Thank you.” The other Asian lady bowed repeatedly while the guy limped away with another SEAL operative.
“Commander, we found him, but he’s barely alive. We need to get him some help ASAP.”
“Get some of our guys to help him. We're leaving right now.”
The SEAL team moved quickly as one through one of the entrances to the basement. As they made their way through the hall, numerous footsteps could be heard while torches were lit within the Palace. Most of them have prioritized protecting the upper Palace while some have come to secure the 1st floor of the Palace.
Once the SEAL Team saw them, they opened fire. The guards nearby could only see the flashes of light and the sudden death of their fellow guardsmen, so they ran.
The team continued through towards the parade grounds door and proceeded to move towards the Back Hawks which are currently waiting. All while this is happening, the dead bodies of some guardsmen were on the floor of the parade grounds, lifeless.
While some of the men helped load the American Citizens into the helicopter, a couple of guys guarded their rears for approaching guardsmen. Soon after, the helicopters were loaded, and they began to take off from the parade grounds.
All in all, the operation would later be recorded to be done in a record 20 minutes.
***
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The next day. The King’s Throne Room.
After the commotion that night, the King demanded to know what the hell happened. And after looking at the unusual wounds and the speed of the enemy, the captain of the guards still doesn’t know who attacked the palace at such a late time at night. Now, the King sits on his throne with his advisers, trying to assess the situation. The Captain of the guards is also here.
“You're telling me we still have no idea who the attackers were from last night? Furthermore, our prisoners are missing?” The King sits there with a crinkled face. The guard clears his throat.
“It's likely that the intruders from last night were the ones who took the prisoners. Some of our guards have reported that they were assisting them out from the Palace.”
“So they took the prisoners huh?” He looked towards one of his advisers. He is currently wiping a sheen of sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
“Your majesty, if that's the case, then it's likely that the forces from last night were from the Americans….” He bowed deeply. He knew the King had been driven to a breakpoint.
Suddenly, a messenger came running into the throne room, still tired and sweaty, he came bearing urgent news from duchies near the border.
“Your majesty, this humble messenger has urgent news from the eastern duchies. American forces have broken into the hinterlands of the Tolerian Kingdom. It's expected that they will continue until they reach this capital in a couple of days!” He shivered a bit after reading the message out loud. He has heard the rumors of the Kingdom being in dire straits. He could only imagine just how the King is feeling right now.
“Thank you, leave us.”
“Yes, your majesty.” He bows and leaves quickly.
The throne room becomes quiet. The King slowly slumps into his throne. He rubbed his head for a bit. His advisers didn’t dare say a word. They knew as well as he did, that if they have passed the eastern duchies near the border, the inner baronies and counties won’t stand a chance. The Eastern duchies were the bulk of the military in the Kingdom after all.
The King speaks in a solemn tone. It seems he has had enough.
“Send a messenger to the American forces for a surrender.”
“Your majesty?” One of his advisers reconfirmed what he tried to say.
“Send a messenger saying that we will surrender. Find out how to do so. Just go and figure it out. I am retiring to my chambers…”
The King got up and moved through the back entrance of the throne room which had a pair of guards guarding it and went through the door.
The advisers sighed in relief as the king left the room.
***
One week later.
The United States has won the conflict. It's only been three weeks since it has initially started, however, now the U.S has occupied the Tolerian Capital and Tasermain Capital within each respective Kingdom.
The operation and scale of this war is by far, one of the largest ever seen in U.S history. The sheer amount of land that had to be covered and secured would have made it troubling for any other nation of this world. However, the U.S did this in just three weeks. Furthermore, their casualties are very low for an operation of this size. This mostly has to do with the inferior troops and methods used for fighting in this world.
Now, with the unconditional surrender by the King earlier this week, U.S soldiers could occupy most areas of the Tolerian Kingdom. The Tasermain Kingdom was also the same. It seemed that for even the most foolish, they know when to give up a lost cause. Now, the U.S has full control over these two Kingdoms. However, this is not without news of their victory spreading both domestically at home and abroad.
***
United States. District of Columbia. The White House Oval Office.
The President prepares to announce the overall victory over the war against the two Kingdoms. This broadcast would be televised and uploaded so that all Americans could watch. Now, the nation listens to a rare announcement by the President of the United States. He prepares himself as he will be talking to a large audience, just like on the first day of the world transfer. However, this time, the announcement is not filled with bad news,
“Today, I can give a report to the American people that as of yesterday, the Tolerian and Tasermain Kingdoms have agreed to an unconditional surrender from this country. Ever since that day of the world transfer, many of us had to make changes and sacrifices. Many lost their jobs and livelihoods. There are those who lost parents, loved ones, friends, and relatives. And yet, our country has survived the initial panic of the world transfer.
However, in our attempt to bridge and forge relationships with Kingdoms in the Pacific, neighboring forces have attacked our allies. To respond to this call, we have mobilized our forces in a call of aid from our allies. It's been three weeks since the U.S has deployed our forces in the peninsular region. And now, the U.S shall work even harder, to secure this country’s, and others freedoms from tyranny and oppression.
Stay safe everyone. And may God Bless America.
***
In the Human realm, or the Manrea continent, numerous Kingdoms, duchies, Empires, are now taking in the news that American forces have essentially taken control over the Tolerian and Tasermain Kingdoms. The first to learn of this news is the Emperor himself.
As a messenger reads out the contents of his message, the Emperor’s throne room goes deathly quiet. The news of American control over the two Kingdoms was almost initially false. The idea of taking over a kingdom in a mere three weeks is almost unheard of. Especially in the Manrea continent. However, they must believe it, for they will be ignorant of the situation. No person knew this more than the currently sitting emperor on the throne.
“So it's the Americans again then.” He falls into contemplation. He still didn’t know the full capacity of the U.S, but now he was sure of it. He starts to relay his commands to his council.
“Rally our forces together. We must push against the impending threat.”
“The Americans your majesty?”
“No, we must reinforce our western borders, for a coalition of smaller countries would see this as a chance for invasion.” Unlike the Tolerian and Tasermain Kingdoms, they were not under our direct control, nor really of high interest to the Emperor. In fact, his worries were mostly destroyed, along with the end of the war. However, the two Kingdoms did contribute a large portion of the Empire's forces. Furthermore, the recent war pulled many mercenaries from other regions of the Empire. Now, action needs to be taken to protect the Empire from other Kingdoms, as they would see this as an opportunity to invade.
The Councilmen agreed and prepared to rally their forces.
***
News of the U.S victory soon would spread far and wide within the Manrea continent. Nations all around the Borthern Sea have heard the news already. Intelligence brokers had more work than at any period in time. In one particular meeting place, brokers were selling their information to clients and other brokers. In one particular table, a good amount of brokers were meeting to exchange information.
“Have you heard about the American victory in the eastern regions of the Tillerian Empire? I hear that a good chunk of the Tillerian Empire’s forces has collapsed.”
“Yes, I bring more intelligence. It appears that the United States of America, as they call themselves, has taken control over the two Kingdoms. Now American forces have occupied the entirety of the two Kingdoms.”
Soon, these brokers would spread this information all across the Manrea continent. And soon, all would know the Tillerian Empire’s current position and the fact that an unknown country has now changed the balance of power in the continent. This has not happened for many decades. And the last time an imbalance occurred, a total war has broken out.
Now, topics and discussion in the merchant and aristocratic spheres all over the continent mention the state of the Tillerian Empire and the United States of America. And the possibility of a new power coming into play in the continent.
***
Malacan Empire
In another throne room sat the Emperor of the vast empire. The empire has a long history that spans hundreds of years, even before the greater empires of the past within the Manrea continent. Right now, there is still tension with their neighboring empire, the Macana Empire. Pressure from the Tillerian Empire to the south has also made their geopolitical situation precarious. However, new intelligence has presented an opportunity to the Emperor. The Emperor looked quite young for his positions, no more than 40 years of age, with his still black hair, but tired eyes visible.
“You mean to say that the United States has taken control over the Tasermain and Tolerian Kingdoms within the Empire?” He looks towards the messenger.
“Yes, your majesty. The American forces can be seen occupying all major cities within the two Kingdoms. Their odd apparel and weapons make them obvious to spot. Along with their weird artifacts that can fire and move at the same time.”
The emperor thinks about what he just said. “I want more information on the Tillerian Empire’s next moves. Also, see if there are other Kingdoms forming a coalition to fight the Tillerian’s. Furthermore, we need more information on the Americans. Send me the diplomats who attended the fall festival around a month ago. They were the only ones who have ever met any of their diplomats.”
“Yes, your majesty.”
***
Onleng Empire.
In the study area of the Empress, an intelligence broker has met her regarding some important intelligence that was picked up in the information networks that have formed in the Manrea continent. The broker wore inconspicuous clothing which hid his identity. However, in the presence of the Empress, he put down his hood to reveal his aged face. The empress, with her dark black hair and somewhat tanned skin wore light clothing as it was still rather hot and humid in the Onleng capital.
“So we must be wary of the United States of America then?”
“I am just stating what I have heard of your majesty, but the Tolerian and Tasermain Kingdoms were the first to attack the Peninsular Kingdoms of Flenning, Vaskov, and Kleft. Those Kingdoms just so happen to have a treaty of some sort with the United States at the time. Furthermore, the United States has not attacked any of the other vassals in the Tillerian Empire, so it's likely out of defense.”
“Defense is moving one’s troops until the border. The fact that they entered the two Kingdoms for control indicates at least that they are not afraid of using their military power. So I am just being cautious.”
Then, the broker took out a piece of parchment. The empress accepted it and took a look. Her facial expression changed immediately. She calls over a guard.
“Send this to the Chief of defense immediately. We need to mobilize our forces to the southern and western borders immediately.”
The guard bows and immediately runs to deliver the message.
She asks the broker more.“How bad is it in the Quenlari Kingdom?”
The Quenlari Kingdom is the only neighboring country that the Onleng Empire has to deal with. They have been close allies for many years now. However…
The broker continues. “My informants from the Quenlari have indicated that attacks from their southern border from the Despur lands have dwindled their manpower considerably this month. Furthermore, the nearby savages to their Northwestern borders have made it particularly more difficult. I believe they may ask for assistance soon.”
The empress sighs for a moment before handing the broker a couple of gold coins. He quickly leaves.
She speaks softly to herself. “It seems the era of relative peace is now something of the past.”