NationStates Jolt Archive

Desius nodded,

"Well....im sure Agrippa will enlighten us eventully..."

The commander then looked at Angermanland on the chart,

"I have heard they are of the savage type..dangerous kind they are.."

Commander Sato advised "if people believed everything they heard they would still think the world was flat.

its true that we have no idea whats that far south apart from Aust but our fleet will surely find out for sure and they will be ready for whatever they face"

###

Meanwhile in Edo, Hitomi was translating for the Shogun while he was meeting with a barbarian.

From what she could figure out this tall, bearded sailor was from a far away land and he was accused of being a pirate.

Shogun Miromuta listened carefully to the mans answers. His name was Pilot-Major William Adams which couldn't be pronounced in Kirisuban so he got Anjin instead for a name.

the barbarian is escorted to a room under guard while the Shogun considers his options and what to do with this barbarian.

Desius agreed,

"Your right..some time we will get our chance at the enemy aswell"

The Ostian troops for the five galleys Ostia would assist the homeland defence effort were being prepared for duty. The crews and soldiers left the fort with their breifing and headed to their posts.

Commander Sato made his farewells and confirmed that a fleet of 10 Kirisuban galleys would be joining the force ready for the next days tide.

He rides back to the Defence force headquarters near Hakodate and the priest returns to Hakodate's port where he has a meeting with one of the Jesuits senior priests, the matter being the Anjin-san..

Ostian troops boarded the ships and prepared to set off when they were asked to. Desius watched from the ramparts of the fortress, when Aust was taken down he would probably be in command of the Kurisubo forces with all other leaders across the world.

early the next morning Comamnder Sato arrives to see the last of the Kirisuban galleys arriving.

all of them bore the colours of the Hokkaido defence forces, the red sun a on a green field.

The Kirisuban flag was also flying, a red sun on a black field.

He would be going with them and he boarded the Tsubaki along with an interpreter from the Bakafu.

Like all interpreters she was a female samurai and Lady Genjiko Buntaro was no exception. she was in her mid twenties and would have the adjacent cabin to him along with her maid.

the last few stores needed to be loaded on for the 5 day coastal trip so he was content to wait for another while.

another Commander had been left in charge until Sato's return but he really doubted that anything would happen.

OOC: Not entirely sure where to post this, but this is where I had the build up to it so...

IC: The vessels arrived at the conflicted island. Scouting around and finding no opposition, parties were landed to explore into the depths of the island, make contact with any indigenous people.
Meanwhile the main body began throwing up fortifications according to the instructions of their pioneers. Earthwork ramparts, they began as fairly basic, but with this many men working would soon be a state of the art star fort.
Others worked on temporary shelters and mooring points.
From unpromising beginnings, this would soon be a minor naval base. A few years later, probably a major trading port.

the joint Ostian and Kirisuban fleet sailed east and down the east coast of Honshu island picking up and dropping off galleys as they went.

After a week of unusually good weather for the time of year, Commander Sato invited Commander Dessius to the Tsubaki his comand galley for tea and another planning session.

they had passed Nagasaki and Nansei province was only a days sailing away. A courier ship had passed a letter to him and the contents of this would certainly change their mission.

ooc: sorry about the delay. i kinda forgot about this plot line

Commander Desius accepted the invitation to board "Tsubaki" where he sat in the command room drinking tea,

"Wonderful ship you have commander" he commented looking around the room

When the dispatch was received Desius was interested due to Commander Sato's reaction,

"What is it..?" he asked watching his allie..

Commader Sato opens the letter up and translates for Desius.

through the interpreter Lady Genjiko he said "Terror Incognito has changed sides and are now our allies. Therefore our mission has changed. We'll be heading north east instead and be stationed at Wakasa bay on Honshu island. it'll add a few more days sailing onto our trip but it leave us close to Kyoto, the home of the Emperor.

I assume we're to keep an eye on the western approaches but I'll be getting new orders when we arrive there"

Desius jumped up,

"Outstanding commander! that is wonderful news!"

Desius grinned,

"i hope to receive news of aust soon, how far away do you think the fleet is?"

Commander sato thinks and says "the fleet should be nearing Terrors waters or in them by now.

Reports from them have been scant but some letters are coming back"

###

in Edo castle

Hitomi read the letter from Maximus and crys tears of joy. At least she knew he was still alive. sending his will was sensible given the circumstances and she planned to light candles for him in Edo cathederal when she got off duty.

Little Saruji crawls over to his mother and makes more noises and Hitomi nurses him the infant falling asleep in her arms.

Desius grinned and replyed,

"Any day now..it will begin.."


____________________________
At sea:Approaching Terror waters:


Maximus sat in his cabin and started to write the following letter to Hitomi who he thought about all day and even in his dreams. His entire estate and all he owned would belong to Hitomi, even his villia in ostia,

The letter read:

"My dearest
We are very close to aust now. I would expect you have received my last letter to you and did not wish to frighten you with my last testiment but now i am sure you will never encounter any problems in the future having my crest and signature placed on the documents.

I am well and our spirits are high, we cannot wait to land on the shores of aust and battle our way to it's capital where the alliances flags shall be seen everywhere to repersent our victorys and occupation of the lands. I pray to the gods you and your son are in perfect health, it means more to me than my own good health. Do not worry about me my love i will be fine and will continue to write these letters, your father is also well but i am sure you know that.

Be sure to take care of yourself in my absence,

Much love
Maximus

Hitomi writes a letter back to Maximus (in latin) while her son sleeps.

My dearest Maximus,

I don't know how long this will take to reach you or what will be in the way of this. A mere storm or two cannot stop our love.

Saruji and myself are both well. My son is crawling, trying to talk and is teething. he's doing so much in a short time. I hope over time you can think of him as you're own son and when you return he can have a little brother or sister to look after.

You are always in my thoughts my love as is my father. I've prayed in Edo Cathederal that you will both return victorious and alive.

However since we both know what war is like I will continue to light candles and incense for you and my father. the gods and the Almighty God should notice them.

with all my love,

Hitomi

the letter is sealed with her chop and given to her maid to send out with the next correspondance for the invasion fleet.

###

Commander Sato says to Desius "we'll be able to stop for a short time in Okinawa before we set sail again. We'll have to resupply so we might as well have a few hours shore leave for our crews"

Desius was over joyed,

"Then i have some time to visit local pubs!" he laughed loudly...

"Pubs" Commander Sato thinks and then asks his interpreter who comes up with 'taverns'.

"You mean taverns and sake houses Desius san" he says "every port in Kirisubo has many sake houses and tea houses where sailors can relax in.

some are rougher than others although and i'm sure theres enough 13th rank tea houses that the men could afford to go to"

Desius laughed,

"Yes of course, good ol' sake"

Desius continued,

"Ahh, in ostia there is many taverens filled with pirates and such..very rough places to try and have a good time"

"i'll make sure your men enjoy themselves" Sato replies "the madams will probally think its the day of the Emperors birthday when our fleet arrives"

He chuckles at the joke

Desius joined him in laughter,

"Ahh we will still have the comforts of home while our commrades fight ferice battles to the south..."

He regained a strait face...

Sato speaks to lady Genjiko and she bows going out to talk to the ships pilot about the ships course.

"once the Lady Genjiko gets back we'll know how long we have to wait for some home comforts" he says

Desius sat down and rested his arms on a table,

"Alright, sounds good"

Genjiko returns and speaks to Commander Sato in Kirisuban and then tells Desius in latin "Desius san, the pilot says we'll reach Okinawa by tomorrow afternoon. That will give your men till dawn to enjoy themselves"

Desius smiled and replyed to the woman,

"That'd be great"

The ships sail on through the night while the rowers sleep.

the next morning on the Tsubaki the pilot can see the coast of Okinawa in the distance and tells commander Sato. It looked like they would be on time if the wind kept up and may even be early.

"faster" commander Sato orders and signal flags are flown so the order is passed to the joint fleet.

Desius woke up with the sun shining in his eyes through a window. He got out of bed and prepared himself for the day, he went up on deck to see the day was bright and not a cloud in the sky,

"Wonderful morning commander Sato!" he exclaimed

Desius held his helmet in his left hand then placed it down on a barrel, he was glad he was the highest ranking officer left in Kurisubo because that ment he did not have to wear that dammed thing on his head all day. It was strict orders that all ostian soldiers and officers must look their best at all times..professional..

the samurai rowers on the Tsubaki were keeping the galley going at 4 knots and with the wind helping they were able to hold it.

"If the rowers keep this up we'll be there by noon" Sato tells Desius.

Desius aknowlaged,

"Ok, great a little bit of rest and relaxation..."

Desius rested his elbows on the railings of the ship looking out over the sea....

while he had the Ostian officer on board Commander Sato decided to find about about rams.

"Desius san, do you think it would be possible to fit rams to our galleys like the ones your ships have?"

Desius turned and replyed looking at Kuriuban ships all around them,

"Why yes..i don't see why not Sato..i can have the plans brought fourth from the Ostian command galley "Rommulus" "

He looked at the Kurisuban ships gliding through the water,

"I think it would be a rather neat addition.."

"we don't have any ship to ship weapons except for fire arrows and we deal with enemy vessels by boarding them" Sato replies.

"any advantage we could get is welcome"

Desius grinned,

"Then we will fit your vessels with rams, we are in need of bronze..there are 2 possible ways to install the rams..ither under water or above..it's entirely up to you"

"I'll be able to answer that question when we look at the plans and are able to look under a hull" Commander Sato replies

Desius replyed,

"Alright, it shall be done immeaditly"

The spray from the ocean shot up in the air as the waves crashed against the ship.

when the plans arrive the two men look at them, Lady Genjiko translating the latin writing for Commander Sato.

"Bronze may be hard to get but we will have iron available to make a test ram. Every village and port has blacksmiths and metal workers"

Desius listened and replyed,

"Thats great, i will have my men help any way we can"

Desius examined the bow of the ship looking down to the water line,

"It's looks possible..."

Tea and rice are served as more time passes and they arrive in port on time.

As the kirisuban and Ostian sailors disembark, Commander sato sends a samurai to tell the local daimyo whats going on.

"the local samurai chief will sort out your mens shore leave and we can get some sake" he says

Desius was glad to be on dry land once again. When commander Sato told him about the sake he brightend up,

"I do enjoy sake" he replyed placing his helmet on....

"lets go" Commander Sato says as he leads the Ostian commander down the gang plank onto a large wharf.

He leads him to tea house and into a large room where a geisha is playing a samisen.

A pretty maid goes over to the commander and he orders in Kirisuban. She returns a few minutes later with 3 flasks of sake on a tray and pours it for the two men.

"we aim to make life simple Desius san and why do something for yourself when a maid can do it for you?"

The commander laughed loudly,

"Ahh yes my friend, some day if you ever come to ostia you will see we are VERY much alike"

He nodded to the maid then looked back at Sato,

"And such beautiful maids they are...the sight of a pretty face makes what ever they bring so much better.."

"we have so many pretty flowers in Kirisubo" Sato continues in latin and drinks his cup asking for a refill.

he sits cross legged on a mat and places the empty cup on the low table beside them as the maid keeps refilling their cups.

Desius smiled and spoke to Sato,

"Do you ever think you will venture to ostia my friend?"

"i'll go to Ostia there if i'm ordered Desius san. As a samurai you never know where you'll be stationed next. If your Lord gets reassigned you go there as well. We owe loyalty to him and ultimately to the Shogun and the Emperor.

everyone in Kirisubo has to obey someone higher up than themselves and the Emperor answers to the gods.

I'm sure your army has an equally strong chain of command"

desius spoke,

"Yes Sato, our soldiers are very loyal to our leaders...in some cases the men would rather die for their general than their emperor...the ostian general gains the trust and love of his men like a father, they obey him and would do anything to gain his favor"

*Pause*

"I am loyal to Regulus and would die for him in any given situation, he fights on the feild with us...bleeds with us..feeds us...pays us...cares for us like we are his own sons....i heard he had a son but he died at birth.."

Desius sat there thinking for a moment,

"Maybe thats the reason he is such a father figure..? he has alot of power..thousands of men would jump at his command"

Sato san smiles and drinks more sake, the maid opening and heating another flask using a candle and a stand.

with the soothing music playing in the background more samurai arrive from the ships. They now look more like warriors now they're got their best kimonos on rather than the ones they wear while they're rowing.

More maids tend to the warriors requests and the room looks like it'll fill up soon.

"Your General Regulus now has thousands of sons to look after. I've known few Daimyo's like him and Lord General Nakamura is one of them"

Desius sipped some of his sake then continued,

"The emperor trusted him with this mission because he knew it would be done right, General Nakumura is a great man...i see it in him.."

Desius listens to the soothing music and relax's calmly awaiting his commrades reply....

A ostian soldier enters the room,

"Commander Desius sir, sorry to interrupt..."

Desius opens his eyes and replys,

"Yes?"

The soldier stands at attention and replys,

"There is rumor ostia has went on an expansion mission to the west...we fight on 2 fronts"

desius looked pleased,

"It's about time Cedric has been delt with.."

Commander Sato lets the two Ostians talk while he relaxes listening to the music.

Still he has one ear on the converstaion. western expansion and a person named Cedric.

He would have to ask about this.

When Desius had finished he turned back to Sato,

"Sorry about that...it seems Ostia has expanded with the goal to crush a rebel leader..."

"not a problem Desius san" Commander Sato replies "bringing a rebel to heel is always a good thing.

Whats the story about this rebel?"

Desius responded,

"Well it began a long time ago...a ferice warrior arose from the untammed lands of gaul, he combated the ostian military for years now..causing havoc and raiding our farms and crossing our borders, that will all be over soon...we have no idea what drives him to do the things he does..it's like he has an inner fire..with a will stonger than our own.."

*Pause*

"He fights...not for freedom..but for a revenge...? the women of ostia are crazy about him..the tails they hear how he is a hero..a god...storys of passion...it's quite the legend.."

"He has faught us sence he was old enough to hold a sword and lead an army...he is a young man..but very dangerous and smart.."

Commander Sato replies "I hope your legions crush him. If we were in your sandals we would do the same and publicly execute him so the common folk that no one individual can disturb the harmony of the nation"

the 2nd flask is ready and the samurai accepts a refil from the maid.

Desius sighed,

"Yes...if and when he is captured his life will not be very long, he will be sent to the colloseaum...where he will probably have to reinact every battle he has ever faced us in...against other high class gladiators i would imagine.."

Desius signals to be refilled....

the maid gives Desius a little smile and refils his cup. The scent of her perfume seems to be all round them and commander Sato knows whats on her mind..

Desius smiled,

"My dear..your fragrance reminds me of the fine purfumes of home...it's a very pleasent smell that could charm the gods..."

He knew she didn't understand a word but he watched her reation closley...

Commander Sato suggests quietly to Desius "she likes you and since you are a warrior, an officer and her superior you could seek the clouds and rain with her. After all it is a tea house and you are here to relax.

Don't worry about me. We'll be in each other hair for a while to come but you only have a few hours with the maid"

Desius looked suprized,

"This tea house is like the ones where we first established our outpost in Kurisubo?"

He grinned then looked at the maid and gave her a nod...

Commander Sato nods and says "Desius san go and enjoy yourself even if you can't understand what she's saying"

he speaks quietly in Kirisuban to the maid asking her name and telling her to take very good care of Desius.

The maid leaves the flask of sake on the table and her smile sends an unmistakable signal.

"Aki will look after you for a while and she will take very good care of you" he adds

Desius smiles and lookes at the maid,

"Why thank you commrade, im sure this will boost my morale..."

Desius stood up and went to leave with the maid, the soldier who delivered the messgae sat down in desius's seat and removed his helmet,

"Sir, how are you.." he picks up his commanders cup and took a sip from it...

"this is the most relaxed i've been for ages" Sato san replies "make yourself comfortable my fellow warrior. I don't think we've been introduced before"

The soldier grinned,

"Well sir, im not one of those who 'matter' as it stands...i am Marcus Barka, 22nd cavelry unit"

He bowed slightly to the commander....

Commander Sato refils the soldiers cup and says "I started off as a mounted samurai before General Nakamura got me on his general staff. I love horses.

So Marcus san how are you finding my homeland so far?"

Marcus grinned,

"It is a very comfortable place,peaceful...quiet...a man who is about to retire's dream"

He continued,

"Ostia is loud day and night, soldiers always marching around...people who don't agree with the goverment protesting..war..."

"Horses are my life, i own an arabian pure bred...purchased from egypt from my father as a gift.."

"maybe you could run a stud farm here once you retire for good" Sato san replies "if you had stallions of quality the daimyos would be tripping over themselves to send their mares to you"

He drinks more sake and another pretty maid approaches.

He says in kirisuban to her "a massage will do" and she works on his shoulders releasing the built up tension.

Marcus smiled and looked around the room,

"Yes..i can say..thats whats on my mind, i like your house..very comfortable...i may settle here when we crush our enemys.."

Commander Sato smiled and says "why not settle down here? you could bring your wife and family over if the gods have blessed you that way and if you settled near the Ostian base in Hokkaido you'd always have custom from everyone"

Marcus looked pleased and relaxed,

"Yes..it's making more and more sence.."

He closed his eyes enjoying the massage...

eventually the shoreleave ends and they have to board their ships again as they sail to their next stop, Wakasa bay on the west coast on Honshu.

The ostian war galleys were prepared to set sail to their next objective where the enemy would be expected.

ooc:

with thrashia stopping the invasion for now some things will have to be pulled back and recalled as well.

the Emperor is still dead although but the joint fleet will be travelling round on patrol duties as planned.

it also gives me a chance to send out some ambassadors and to practice diplomacy as planned with the Han

here we go again :)

OOC: good, shall we continue?

A letter was sent to Hitomi from Maximus in Aust...

My Dearest,

I have arrived in Aust and we have had our very first victory. We captured a city and the enemy was forced to surrender due to our overwhelming strenth and use of tactics. I am well and miss you more than ever, im sorry it took me so long to write but i have been doing my duty as an officer.

It will not be long before you are back in my arms, they long for you, i often have dreams of what our lives will be like when i come back to you. I must return to my post now, please write me back

Much Love

Maximus

P.S Please tell me everything that is going on, i must know it all..

the letter arrives by fast ship and Hitomi replies quickly the letter returning on the tide.

My darling Maximus,

I miss you so much while you are gone. Life in Edo is getting back to normal and the business of government is getting back to normal.

The Empress is now the regent with the Emperors sudden death. use of poison is suspected and Princess Genjiko has been named as the heir until Prince Saruji comes of age. Also while the Daimyos were at Kyoto for the state funeral Shogun Katsushiro died of natutral causes, a general being chosen as the new leader in an emergency session of parliment.

By now the news of the son of heaven going onwards would have reached the Kirisuban troops. they will not be disheartened by this bad news, only more determined to secure victory.

On personal matters Saruji is doing well, now begining to talk and crawl.

send my love to my father for me as well. i count the days until you return home and our wedding day.

Hitomi

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The sun was setting on the horizon over the ocean as several Ostian galleys cut through the water towards Kirisubo, the port city of Osaka came into veiw. Maximus Arulius stood near the bow of the ship dressed in gold coloured Roman(Ostian) armor with a long yellow cape trimmed in gold aswell fluttering in the breeze, under his arm he held a gold coloured helmet with yellow feathers comming from it's top,

"Sir, we will be landinding soon.."

Maximus turned around to face his aid,

"Thank you Cerious"

The soldier saluted then left. Maximus was finally returning to his bride to be, Hitomi, daughter of the noble General Nakamura. So many nights he had dreamed of this day, so many times when almost all hope was lost, times when death looked him in the face the thought of her kept him alive...

My dear, i am comming back to you..finally..

He watched the land mass get closer and closer....

General Nakamura Toshiro, the victorious Kirisuban General (and now wanting to retire from active combat) was also on the galley.

most of the Kirisuban fleet had stopped at Nagasaki and ports in the Nansei islands since Han China was still a concern.

with the Empress now acting as regent until either Prince Saruji or Princess Genjiko came of age he was returning to a different empire.

the old General also walked up to the prow of the ship and said in latin "once we land we can send word to Hitomi. She was in Edo last I heard"

Maximus turned to the General and bowed, once he rose he replyed with a grin,

"There were times during the war when i thought i would never see this place again, the thought of somthing better kept me alive...Hitomi.."

He paused,

"General, i.."

Maximus straightened up, with strong confidence he said,

"I would like to take your daughter as my wife, she has a special place in my heart i didn't know existed..i have been a soldier all my life, when i met her sir i discovered the true meaning of love..."

"I am of a noble family, i have served my Emperor with loyalty for many years...my service record in the army is outstanding, i am a good man General..i have honor , pride, i know of such things as loyalty and respect.."

He waited for a reply...

"Maximus san you proved that on the battlefield time and time again and my daughter left me a letter before we set sail.

She wants the same thing and how can I deny my only child a request like that. she knows her own mind and she picked well.

When we get to Edo i'll make the arrangements and then I want to retire if the acting Shogun lets me" he replies.

Maximus nodded,

"I am a different man on the battlefield general but many of my good traits follow me off it aswell...i will do everything in my power to be the best i can to her, she is very special"

"I thank you for your compliments General, i too will retire from service if my Emperor agrees that it should be that way..i don't see why he would refuse my request..as you have said, many times i have proved myself in the service of Ostia..now i should be rewarded, i have never asked anything before.."

Maximus placed his hands on the side of the ship leaning,

"It's time i am granted my own life, life without orders, life without killing...happyness.."

as the men talked the ships entered Osaka port, the white castle overlooking everything and an everpresent landmark and reminder to everyone who was in charge. The samurai class.

"we're both long serving warriors and as a samurai i swore to to my lord at 16 years of age 'your enemies are my enemies and total obedience'.

thats why I need to get permission from the Shogun to retire. only he can allow it otherwise i'll be breaking my vows. he could also order me to commit sepuku or become a monk but i'll find out soon enough whats in store for me.

we are so alike and we have the same basic code. i hope you get your wish just as i hope the shogun grants mine"

Hitomi was still in Edo castle translating for the acting Shogun General Tanegashima Ichiro.

it was known that he didn't want the job permanently and he had a specifc general in mind and the Empress agreed with his choice.

the name off the General had been hushed up for now and this level of intriege was unusual even by Kirisuban standards.

As she nursed her son she pondered these things and the news from Osaka.

her father and her fiance were returning from a victorous campaign and she wanted to see them both.

She arranged for one of her samurai to send a message to a contact in Osaka confirming that she was in Edo castle and all she had to do was wait until the tides and the overland journey was complete..

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