Convention's Advent
Northeastern Xeoxia. Early morning.
One of the largest train stations in the country. Over 700 people waited for the train to open its gates, which was already taking some time. There were several hundred people inside, also wondering what was happening.
“Excuse me.” - “I'm passing by.” -- “You first.” - “Oh, thank you.” - “Did something happen? I thought there was a delay.” - “I know, right? So scary, what if it's a sudden war? Nobody knows who the hell will be next these days.” - “I wonder if we will ever be in danger? I hope not, but I'd fight for my country, you know?” - “Mhm.”
The gates opened. Hundreds went in and searched for a good spot or took whatever they could find. They were orderly and very much used to it. There was also a lot to chat about. Just yesterday, the majority of south Moonblue announced their unification under Lýmoca.
Today, however, the world kept moving. With the recent Radical Wars hitting the east, many feared for their jobs, including in Lýmoca. There were quick countermeasures, thanks to the OML, but it was still a difficult period for the big companies around the globe.
If it was like so for them, one could only imagine the situation with their employees and second-in-commands. Only recently have things become livelihood in response to the wars in the south at Dawn. Zyckevele was both complicated and fortuitous in comparison.
While the south and north became the reason everything in Zyckevele lost productivity and efficiency, they were so large that countermeasures there were simple. Use the railways, trains, and open more routes for trailers moving merchandise from the safe zones to everywhere.
But for northern Dawn? Merula kept everything steady, but its airlines flow plummeted since Orxa and Pexa invaded Zyckevele. Even Marcoplix and most of Vevuesta were afflicted, which made many of the peoples there turn to KAA, because it only made it impossible for airplanes to come or go from every angle. All in all, there was discontent wherever one looked.
It was slightly more tame in Xeoxia and Iztos, but southwestern Dawn had practically received a ban on air travel. Only through sea was it possible. What’s more, despite the countries’ urgency to bring their people out of the warring countries, neither side approved a stalemate.
KAA simply couldn’t. They were slowly forced to retreat, a hundred meters per week or 10 days at best. It was also orderly. The KAA soldiers would resist without moving an inch before sounding the retreat. It went to the point that Gexi, Kunkek, and Wondurs’ coalition became used to it and waited for it to happen and try to force KAA further back.
Naturally, they failed. KAA always moved when they were confident, putting a complete, ample stop to the enemy’s attempts to grab more than they could. One might think the coalition would learn and proceed with caution, but they kept trying to have the upper hand over KAA.
To all this, the EPA Commonwealth was making a killing, with the number of stops from airplanes and ships giving them the opportunity they never had. Either because their advertisement was never good or never went far away due to ANS’s overly controlled media.
Regardless, there was something to talk about as well, not only discontent, to make time. That is how the passengers spent about 15 minutes even after everyone entered before noticing they weren’t moving. The voice communicating them also didn’t sound. There was only silence.
At last, just when the people began to mutter, some standing up, wanting to find the personnel to question, a voice spoke to the entire train. From the front to its rear end, “Esteemed passengers of North Mechanic River, please keep your calm and keep an open mind.”
The people were taken aback. This alone made them worried. The voice continued, “It has been found that an explosive has been placed in the train. Please, do not step out of the train, for you will be detained, if not shot. This is to avoid having the culprits flee. Form a line and walk forward until the foremost carriage, where you’ll find a staircase leading to a safe underground.”
When the people were just about to bolt outside, pulling their family if they had one no matter the cost, the voice surprisingly calmed them. But they were still hellishly afraid. However, the people looked at one another. They spoke in their little tongue before moving altogether.
In a ginormous act of solidarity, the passengers orderly moved. The foremost carriage quickly emptied, with the following stepping aside to let those behind them walk to safety first.
There were guards and personnel guiding everyone between the carriages and in between, gesturing to the front like statues. When they were looked at, they nodded. Some offered encouraging words, short but efficient.
Like this, over 40 minutes later, the train was emptied. No one was there anymore, with the personnel themselves following after the passenger. The only ones not to move were the driver and engineers, which remained there, sweating as well.
A few minutes later, with silence engulfing the station, and no people visible whatsoever, some blurry figures sneaked into the train. They were too fast to be easily noticed unless one watched closely and knew what to look for.
A minute later, the train began moving. Below, those who were still on the stairs leading down heard the noise above. Wondering if something wrong happened and there had to be a sacrifice, they kept silent and their patience to tell the others what they heard and thought.
… 20 minutes later, when the next train was coming, this one larger and bulkier, with able to bring a couple of hundreds of regular-sized vehicles with the same amount of passengers than the previous train. Fox brought his massive convoy towards the station.
He was waiting his turn as 30% of the train was being filled. Most of it would be filled by his convoy, which is why he was bothered by the CEO who came here himself just after a day knowing someone would make such shipment. The morning lights were already present, showering the beautiful trees and smooth streets ahead.
… boooom… From afar, several tens of kilometers, a small sound came from the front. It wasn’t much at first, although some wondered if war had arrived. Such panic was to be expected, with how fast bombers could be.
But then, something in the horizon, right above the trees, seemed to ‘float’ into the air before smoothly falling back down. Mere seconds later, an enormous tower of fire shot into the sky. It continued expanding and expanding until it formed an enormous mushroom, much like heavy missiles of nowadays technology.
“Oh… my dearest heavens!” The CEO looked at the sky and became scared like never before in his life. The mushroom was so enormous that it illuminated the people’s faces looking at it a little. Fox looked at it and slightly twitched his left eyebrow upwards.
‘It’s a bit more showy than expected.’ Fox silently praised Zyckevele’s deceiving ways. That was indeed a monstrously enormous expansive wave, but it wasn’t equally destroying. The train must have turned into parts shooting at an amazing speed everywhere, but at least half should remain, while the rest must have turned into loose particles.
If it was an actual heavyweight missile, it would have easily shaken the ground and branches of all trees for a second. Although it also depended on the type of missile’s contents. Mixes and conditions were all part of technology, after all.
“Hey, what was that?” Fox asked the CEO. This time, the man didn’t even look at his mask and just walked forth, aimless.
Fox waited for 2 hours before news and proposals came from the CEO, who became sweaty and all too terrified. News of Zyckevele blasting a train spread around the g love, leaving Dawn speechless. Most of the world, too, were clueless to why Zyckevele acted like this. There was hope but also fear that Zyckevele might be spreading their Radical Wars to Dawn…
Hope it wouldn’t be the case, and fear because it looked just like it. After destroying half Orcesta and beginning to move into the peninsula that is Fresna in the north, and once again beginning a face-off against Orxa and Pexa. The euphoria of battle might have gotten into them.
While all of that happened, a large convoy decisively moved from the train station to out of the coastal city, unwilling to wait any longer. Like them, a few others also did the same. They would have to make a stop to Iztos first, or else, the mountain ranges would cost them 5 days more.
When this happened, Marcoplix showed up to rebuke Zyckevele for their unnecessary violence, and that negotiations should have been the first option. Mentioning the violation of the HLS brought the situation to a worse stance, seeding fear in the Meruleans, Iztos, and Xeoxians.
After Marcoplix, Vevuesta and Queorian slightly critiqued Zyckevele, further rebuking KAA for being allies with such a reckless nation and demanding answers from KAA.
However, Iztos offered their condolences, while Merula was strangely silent. Additionally, their following congress conferences streamed live felt like they were hiding something. It wasn’t concrete, but it felt that way. Whatever it was, Merula was keeping it to themselves.
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On the other hand, and most importantly, Xeoxia’s response to this ‘attack’ was… mild and negative. President Anna came out to clarify Xeoxia wouldn’t take action because of this, and that they were willing to initiate HLS procedures before something worse occurred between their supercontinents.
Having seen some images from the streets, then hearing their president’s response, the Xeoxians felt dispirited. Not only were they afraid now, their mindsets were now low. Their president decisively weakened any thoughts they had.
So many families were lost there, if not family members, but so many. The companies who had their employees moving and working for them were also affected. Together, they raged on as soon as the president made her stance clear.
This was a huge backlash. Families and companies from small to big all came to the presidential doors to demand and insult. But it was something Xeoxia’s government had prepared for.
Meanwhile, news of the convention in SFC further arrived. It would be held in 2 weeks, giving enough time for the guests to accommodate themselves and get ready for this historical event.
It could prove enough to be a distraction, but it wasn’t distracting enough, especially with images of Zyckevele’s hypersonic bombing Orcesta’s occupied territory with missiles before circulating out of nowhere.
At least, what was more important from the SFC’s convention was that presidents were invited from all around the world, except a few… Like this, days continued to pass. The Radical Wars continued, but the situation slowly seemed to ease down, even in Xeoxia.
. . .
4 days later. Iztos. In the center of Iztos, between the long mountain ranges protecting them. Morning, in a cloudy day.
Fox’s convoy had finally arrived to the center and capital city of Iztos. This was a bit of a historical city, having resisted so many and countless generations until the Veil Kingdom spread to the south into Twilight and fell it after numerous tries.
The only reason the Veil Kingdom didn’t immortalize their capital where Iztos now exists was because they were almost a dynasty that had lived in Twilight’s second heart in the south.
Looking around it, Fox could see the AO history behind some monuments, even some modernized buildings. It was eye-opening to see such views in this city were normal. It wasn’t as big as Proteros, but it was marvelous and magical.
Fox stopped touring after a bit. Over a hundred agents walked a distance behind him, appearing not only like normal people, but Iztos themselves. They blended so well that Fox smirked each time he saw one of Iztos’s hoog agents fail to recognize whom they were checking.
“Let’s go to the meeting,” Fox looked back and said. Nala, who slurped from a straw with large sunglasses looked at him and slightly nodded without emotion. Esmeralda accommodated her cap and smiled her little eyes to Fox, but she still complained. “Can’t we go to a few more fashion stores? I still haven’t checked Iztos’s baby clothing!”
Nala rolled her eyes before grabbing Esmeralda by the nape, pulling her from walking into another store, and directly to where Fox was heading now. Fox wore a cape, a mask hiding his mouth and nose, and fashion googles stuck to his skin from every angle.
As far as the world was concerned, Heavensbane was in northern Zyckevele. After giving a look back and clicking her tongue with the back of her teeth, warning the agents, Nala and Esmeralda directly followed Fox.
About 15 minutes later, Fox entered an alley, which was narrow but vastly tall. It seemed like it would lead to a simple square where apartments shared a tight little space together. But once he stepped out of the alleyway, Fox was met with a spacious area.
It had large trees, with broad bushes, and blackened gray tree trunks and branches. The ground was made of a similar color, with the shape of small, thin bricks well embedded and integrated. Additionally, there were a few people in the center, rapidly noticing him and his wives behind him.
Fox walked to the old man wearing a white suit, not too fashionable but easily recognizable from its handicraft. Beside the old man were some special agents, but not all belonged to the old man. There were others who seemed to hide someone from Fox’s view.
Fox casually walked to them after Nala and Esmeralda caught up to him. Shoulder to shoulder, they stopped before the most important man in Iztos and his agents. Fox rested his body, seeming relaxed as he nodded in a greeting. “Hi. I met with your kids before.”
“… Apologies about that,” president Adem rested his hands before his body. His eyelids were slightly lowered, “But since your… play at Xeoxia, I must ensure there isn’t any ‘fun’ entering my country.”
“Ah. She told you?” Fox asked without changing or trembling his current emotions but very inquisitive. He was deadpan about it but still sounded so surprised… The president was about to nod, when he noticed Fox’s… sarcasm?
The president didn’t know how to proceed. It was obvious ‘little Anna’ had good communication with Iztos, but… sigh.
“I assume you really thought upon my words, and Lýmoca’s effectiveness.” Fox said, placing his polycoria eyes in the other special agents’ direction. President Adem nudged his chin upwards and down, “What is that effectiveness?”
“Status.” Fox turned his head back to the old man and said. Footsteps sounded behind the other special agents. A female voice also sounded behind them until the owner showed, “Does that have anything to do with your sudden movements towards Marcoplix?”
“I never said we were moving there.” Fox casually spoke back. The Merulean president was there. She had golden, creamy rosy skin. She was a shortie, and of course, she was attractive, even if not beautiful. She also had long, smooth chestnut hair.
“It was a guess,” the Merulean president shrugged a little. Fox nodded a bit. He scarcely gestured, almost as if to extend his hand and shake hers, but ending in a waving motion. “I value you coming here to let us speak with you. We should get to it.”
“… This is my first time seeing you in person. It’s a nice first impression,” the president turned to Esmeralda as the latter had her covers taken off her face. Esmeralda smiled and blinked twice before nodding gracefully, “President Valenie. My father always liked Merula.”
“I expected more sophistication from the little gem,” Valenie curled her lips and commented. Esmeralda slightly smirked, when the Iztos president voiced and bowed his head a bit, “Miss Esmeralda Heartez, an honor to meet you. Welcome to my little city.”
“It is very beautiful, and I want to come here a lot after these ugly things happen by.” Esmeralda smiled brightly. President Adem smiled and lowered his face in a gesture, touched by her words. President Valenie lowly nodded to herself before staring at Fox.
Fox moved his head ever so little to the side before asking Valenie, “What does Merula seek?”
“Hmm,” the president lightly exclaimed and pressed her lips. “Lýmoca entering my country would be too awkward. Military vehicles would be appreciated. Any price is fine. I’m sure whatever money we establish would be a ripoff in a decade. But I also wonder if Piya Sanctum District would help my country?”
“Mn,” Fox slightly nodded strongly. She was direct, thus gaining favorable points from Fox. He said, “PSD can offer help with a few thousand agents at most, and this to aid Merula, Iztos, and Xeoxia in case a war breaks out— together, or if you want to join one.”
“If you want them to work to their heart’s contents, you must have ‘the others’ baited to break the HLS. Any measure would do, we’ll respond in kind, but better.” Fox stated.
“And in exchange, I let you surprise Marcoplix. But, what makes you think your little trick will grant you entry to their country?” President Valenie questioned. Without saying a word, Fox put his right hand in his pants pocket, slightly scaring the other 2 groups of special agents.
He motioned to Valenie to wait and dialed a number. Within seconds, the call was picked up, with the other end’s voice loud and clear, “Mr. Adamcik? Is that you? Hello?”
“Mhm, me. I was said I am to call you if I were to be interested in entering Marcoplix?” Fox said in the universal language before speaking in Xeoxia’s small tongue. He was fluent, crazily fluent. Merula and Iztos’s presidents were impressed, jumping their eyebrows a bit.
“Ah, yes! You are leading the convoy traveling to the west, yes?” The other end said. Fox nodded, looking at the presidents with eased polycoria eyes. “Listen, I am currently in Iztos. I had to make a stop here before wasting more time. Do you know I had to move from northern Zyckevele to the southeastern shores because I didn’t have enough clearance?”
“Ey, so what can you offer me?” Fox looked at the phone and worded, sounding incredulous. The other side amply responded 3 seconds later, “You see, the president here has made direct announcements, hah, almost decrees, all to aid those affected in Xeoxia, you know?”
“You can come here. We are offering extra benefits that Vevuesta doesn’t even think about in these times. It is our deepest condolences to the affected during the bombing, eh?” The other end went around a bit. Fox slightly rolled his eyes before going along.
“Is there a place for me in that… or what? I have a lot of fuel and people to maintain all the way to your butt.” As soon as Fox said those words, the other side chuckled, “Heh heh! Just as well. How long will you take? We’ll get you checked up fast and smooth into Marcoplix.”
“5-6 days, depending on my stay in Iztos.” Fox looked at his WID and everything, becoming the desperate Xeoxian salesman. The other end sounded glad next, “Really? Tell you what, with both of us benefitting, Marcoplix is temporarily allowing companies to fund external companies until you arrive here. One or two over here have preference over whatever you sell, though.”
“That rhymes with deal.” Fox commented, leaving everyone around him speechless. The other side crackled a bit, “Alright. We know your company’s information, we’ll send you the contract. We’re very eager to see you arrive safely, Mr. Adamcik. My name is Bogdan.”
“You sure are. I’ll see you there,” Fox let the other end hang up before storing the phone. President Valenie didn’t react until Fox looked at her for a few extra seconds. She cleared her throat, “Ahem. All we have to discuss now is if you even have the certainty of achieving your goals in the east. It’s your first time and you might not be acclimatized yet.”
“PSD feel rather comfortable around Dawn. You have no reason to worry about us in this case.” Fox placed his hands before his pelvis, imitating president Adem. President Valenie further stated, “So you are confident that Zyckevele won’t falter? Orxa and Pexa might not have enough technology, only lent units, but they’ve carried resentment and hatred as of late. That is a most powerful weapon to lead a civilian culture into the borders of another.”
“Besides,” president Valenie hurriedly added before Fox could react. “The north isn’t so easy to deduct. The anti-Zyckevele coalition should've had fallen after those striking bombardments by now. Zyckevele’s forces aren’t invincible.”
“No one’s are.” Fox replied, serious and concentrated. President Adem fell sternly silent, but Valenie became slightly taken aback. Fox added, stepping forth a few times, “Lýmoca isn’t fighting, so I don’t know nor care if it takes Zyckevele more sacrifices, but they will win their wars. It is others that meddling in that would complicate that. More lately than not, someone seems to have figured another way to war.”
“Forming armies from other countries without these knowing. It’s cheaper than you think. And Lýmoca simply grew to hate them. Against these, we won’t see them rise again. Never.” Fox stood 3 steps before the president, looking down at her face, which kept staring back up at him with however strength she could muster.
…