Shakal
17-02-2009, 07:45
It had been several months since the great regional war. The entire bond of Shakal society had been destroyed. Grand Admiral Samantha Conner's was dead. The Empress was dead. Only Derrick lived, if you could call what he did living. Each day passed representing a new level of hatred and contempt for the world. Even though the Empire and persevered through all odds and prevailed in the Great Regional War its spirit was dead. The royal family that had control of the Empire for some 2000 years was exterminated. The pride of the Empire had always been its unbeatable determination personified in those of the Royal line. Now that none of true blood remained the Empire seemed hollow. Though the average citizen went about the day happier than a season ago when the economy had crumbled and people scrounged for food with baskets of money, those that formed the base of Shakal society, the military, and the politicians knew that the military rule of the Reichsmarschall could only last so long. Everyone also knew the love he had for the former Empress, and that he could not betray it by marrying another, even if it meant the collapse of the Shakal Empire as all knew it.
Derrick stood quietly looking out over the Inner Sea from the balcony of the Imperial Palace. The sun was blazing bright in the sky and the birds were singing as the cloudless blue sky remained welcoming to all those that cared to look. Off to the immediate left of his view was the Shakal Grand Fleet station. The massive form of the three new Thor Class Super carriers dwarfed even the impressive bulk of there 450m long predecessors the Titan Class. The sun gleamed off the impressive shiny hulls with a hint of regained glory that the Reichsmarschall longed for. He continued to scan the view taking in the calm of the scene. He knew that his reign put in place after the death of the Empress by the hands of the New Julii would not last much longer. The Empire was a monarchy, it always had been. The people would accept him as there leader because of his marriage to the Empress four years previous but they would not accept his not being an Emperor for to long. If something was not done it would be a great disaster. But that is not what bothered the Reichsmarschall. What bothered the ruler of some five billion citizens the sacrifice he was forced to endure for the greater victory. He had lost the woman he loved, and his best friend to the fires of war. His young heart was already smashed, he had nothing left to live for. Or so he had believed in the first weeks of his life without a wife and best friend. Now he knew his sacrifice included more than this, it was one almost more painful than the loss itself, he had to move on, forget about those he loved, and rally the nation to greatness again. Without those he loved. Derrick stood looking over the sea watching the seemingly slow moving merchant vessels head in and out of the West Bay the effect was somehow calming and relaxing to him. The gentle breeze blew moving his black leather trench coat slightly.
It was time for action. He had managed to save the economy from utter ruin after the victory by approving various commercial bills and other such political tomfoolery. Raising the GDP Per Capita back to the mid twenty thousand range from the previous level of fifteen thousand it had been immediately following the Shakal victory, and subsequent gain, of several billion non-Shakal citizens. The occupied provinces were being policed in a generous but somewhat dangerous way, and taxes had been cut some thirty percent. The Shakal military was supreme in the former region, now simply the realm of the Shakal. Long term Shakal goals were achieved, the nation had won the game of existence. Now it was forced to look beyond the borders of the region yet again, after a minor hiatus to deal with regional issues. The Reichsmarschall remained standing long into the afternoon. It was not until the sun began to set in the west that he finally turned about and headed inside to complete his daily routine.
A knock on his chamber door did not surprise him. He remained quiet. One would think that the head of the entire nation could enjoy half a days peace, but it was not to be. The knock rang again. Derrick lifted his gaze and strode over to the door opening it. Beneath his powerful gaze stood the form of who was quite likely the only person left on Earth he considered his friend and even equal.
“Heil Reichsmarschall.” Erich Von Manstein said with his typical half artificial voice resonating with stunning force in the previously quiet room.
“Heil Grossefeldmarschall.” Derrick replied. “Come in, have a seat.” He added gesturing towards a leather bound chair in front of his large mahogany desk. “Care for a drink?”
“No sir. I have come with disappointing information. As it is crime in the occupied provinces is rampant.” Manstein began as Derrick poured himself a glass of rum. “Last night three people, all Shakal immigrants to the provinces, were killed by the locals. The Polizei are saying it was suicide.”
“They are obviously lying then.” Derrick said with an acquired nod from the Grossefeldmarschall. “I still maintain that having locals as the majority of the occupational police is the best policy. I also know you do not believe the same. We have had the argument many times, and my decision stands.”
“Of this I am aware. However, this is only a small piece of the puzzle. As you know the people with not accept you as ruler forever without a marriage and coronation.” Manstein said. “I understand how difficult this may be for you Derrick.” He continued using his first name to assist his point. “You know I am the only one that can.”
Derrick did not doubt that Manstein could understand his plight. He alone, of all the citizens of the Empire could. For Manstein was born deformed, and once he reached adolescence was forced to wear a cruel looking bi metal suit to keep him alive. No woman had ever pursued him out of fear, nor had he ever pursued one, instead falling in love with the Empire.
“You must marry soon Derrick.” Manstein said pleadingly. “Otherwise the Empire -”
“I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EMPIRE!” Derrick screamed. “I HAVE GIVEN MORE THAN ANYONE TO SAVE IT! EVEN YOU MASNTEIN, EVEN YOUR FATHER COULD NOT HAVE DONE WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR OUR BELOVED COUNTRY!” He breathed heavy and glared at the last friend he had. “What would you have me do? Pick a common street whore and call her my wife?” It was Manstein that spoke now.
“If that is what it would take to save the Empire then it should be done!” He explained passionately. “Your have no right to destroy everything we have created.” He continued. “Everything your WIFE created, simply because you are weak.” Derrick remained quiet. If anyone but Manstein had spoken to him in such a way they would be falling the 2000 feet to the bottom of the Imperial Palace. “I implore you.” Manstein stood. “Do it for Samantha, and Kristina. Do not do it for me, the people, the Empire. Do it for them. Do not let everything you three spent years building collapse around you. Make sure there legacy remains standing.” Manstein had always been a clever speaker, and Derrick smirked.
“I know.” Derrick said sitting in his chair again. “But who could you suggest? No foreigners obviously.”
“Given.” Manstein replied. “If I had a daughter or sister they would be yours. You know I do everything for the good of the Empire.” He continued. “Perhaps the Minister Of Security?”
“No. She will not due.” Derrick said.
“May I inquire as to why?” Manstein asked genuinely curious.
“Not my type.” Derrick said back cracking his first smile in three months.
“I forgot. How about one of the Byford sisters then? All are capable in there offices and well respected.” Manstein said.
“I do not want to deprive the teenage boys of the Empire there dream of marrying one of those beauties.” Derrick said. “I was leaning more to the side of a military daughter, with a strong enough sense of nationalism to understand that the marriage is not necessarily out of love, which it cannot be, but one of necessity, much like my first, but she must know I will not be able to grow to love her the same way as I was before.” As soon as Derrick finished speaking movement from Manstein that on any other would be considered a chuckle caught his eye. “You expected this didn't you?” Derrick said letting out a sigh. “Very well. Bring them in.”
“Rein!” Manstein yelled the single word. The poor women must have been waiting in the hallway for the entire duration of the conversation. Ten women walked in. Each dressed in there military dress uniform. Once all entered Manstein looked with his emotionless black glass eyes at Derrick.
“You four may leave.” Derrick said pointing out for immediately. They saluted and left without a word. Derrick remained seated. He knew who each of the remaining six were, this is why he did not need to speak with any of them. “Erica, tell your father that he is an excellent addition to the strength of the Empire and I command him for offering his only daughter to be my wife.” She saluted and left.
“I didn't mean you were to choose one now.” Manstein said only moderately shocked. “It was meant to be an emphasis...”
“Heather, Felicity, tell your mothers again how courageous there fathers were during the campaign in which they both perished.” Both saluted and left. Only three remained. “I must do this now, otherwise I shall not have the stomach for it.” Derrick replied to Manstein. It was a well known fact in the Empire that Derrick was fearless on the battlefield, even stupid some may say, charging machine gun nests while carrying a Shakal flag under the fire from an air strike, but anything not involving the military made him sweat and grow so nervous his stomach hurt. When questioned about this his reply was always the same. 'The worst that can happen in war is death, but at a dinner I could embarrass myself by dropping some food on my otherwise immaculate uniform.' “Kelly. You are to be sent to the New Julii as a Major Thursday. Prepare yourself.” She saluted and left. Unexpectedly a voice other than his one rang out.
“Sir, may I go? I have other tasks that need to be done.” The girl said. Although she spoke with a deep respect her voice betrayed her honest dislike at being present.
“That one.” Derrick said pointing to her. The other left the room with a salute. “You served during the both the Hamily and Kalmurstan campaigns did you not?” He asked knowing she did.
“Yes sir.” She replied.
“1st Rifle, Red Platoon, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, II Regiment, 7th Panscrier Division?” Derrick asked. The girl seemed shocked by his uncanny accuracy of her assignment.
“Yes.” She replied in shock. Derrick looked at her, or rather into her, with his eyes. He smirked.
“I remember you. All those fights with the reporters that were attached to your platoon.” Derrick began. “Two charges of assault, if I remember correctly.” He continued. “You received fifteen lashes for the accident did you not?”
“Yes sir.” The girl, and thats all she was, barely twenty herself. Remained stunned as to how he knew so much about her career. “With respect sir, did my father ask you to watch me?”
“Yes. It was one of his last wishes. He was the best pilot I had ever seen. He gave his life to save millions of Shakal citizens. He is among the greatest hero's of the Empire, and to think, I get to marry his daughter.” With that the conversation was over. “Prepare the reception Manstein.”
“I am no woman!” Manstein said. “I may now be a matchmaker, but I am no wedding planner.” He continued. “I shall inform the nation.”
“Inform the world. The Empire will be healed soon, very soon.” Derrick finished.
Letters were sent out. Papers printed, television networks interuppted broadcasting and radio sations spread the word. The Empire would be whole again.
OOC:This is my return. Any person of note can attend the reception, show interest or none. The message is that I will now be more active again.
Derrick stood quietly looking out over the Inner Sea from the balcony of the Imperial Palace. The sun was blazing bright in the sky and the birds were singing as the cloudless blue sky remained welcoming to all those that cared to look. Off to the immediate left of his view was the Shakal Grand Fleet station. The massive form of the three new Thor Class Super carriers dwarfed even the impressive bulk of there 450m long predecessors the Titan Class. The sun gleamed off the impressive shiny hulls with a hint of regained glory that the Reichsmarschall longed for. He continued to scan the view taking in the calm of the scene. He knew that his reign put in place after the death of the Empress by the hands of the New Julii would not last much longer. The Empire was a monarchy, it always had been. The people would accept him as there leader because of his marriage to the Empress four years previous but they would not accept his not being an Emperor for to long. If something was not done it would be a great disaster. But that is not what bothered the Reichsmarschall. What bothered the ruler of some five billion citizens the sacrifice he was forced to endure for the greater victory. He had lost the woman he loved, and his best friend to the fires of war. His young heart was already smashed, he had nothing left to live for. Or so he had believed in the first weeks of his life without a wife and best friend. Now he knew his sacrifice included more than this, it was one almost more painful than the loss itself, he had to move on, forget about those he loved, and rally the nation to greatness again. Without those he loved. Derrick stood looking over the sea watching the seemingly slow moving merchant vessels head in and out of the West Bay the effect was somehow calming and relaxing to him. The gentle breeze blew moving his black leather trench coat slightly.
It was time for action. He had managed to save the economy from utter ruin after the victory by approving various commercial bills and other such political tomfoolery. Raising the GDP Per Capita back to the mid twenty thousand range from the previous level of fifteen thousand it had been immediately following the Shakal victory, and subsequent gain, of several billion non-Shakal citizens. The occupied provinces were being policed in a generous but somewhat dangerous way, and taxes had been cut some thirty percent. The Shakal military was supreme in the former region, now simply the realm of the Shakal. Long term Shakal goals were achieved, the nation had won the game of existence. Now it was forced to look beyond the borders of the region yet again, after a minor hiatus to deal with regional issues. The Reichsmarschall remained standing long into the afternoon. It was not until the sun began to set in the west that he finally turned about and headed inside to complete his daily routine.
A knock on his chamber door did not surprise him. He remained quiet. One would think that the head of the entire nation could enjoy half a days peace, but it was not to be. The knock rang again. Derrick lifted his gaze and strode over to the door opening it. Beneath his powerful gaze stood the form of who was quite likely the only person left on Earth he considered his friend and even equal.
“Heil Reichsmarschall.” Erich Von Manstein said with his typical half artificial voice resonating with stunning force in the previously quiet room.
“Heil Grossefeldmarschall.” Derrick replied. “Come in, have a seat.” He added gesturing towards a leather bound chair in front of his large mahogany desk. “Care for a drink?”
“No sir. I have come with disappointing information. As it is crime in the occupied provinces is rampant.” Manstein began as Derrick poured himself a glass of rum. “Last night three people, all Shakal immigrants to the provinces, were killed by the locals. The Polizei are saying it was suicide.”
“They are obviously lying then.” Derrick said with an acquired nod from the Grossefeldmarschall. “I still maintain that having locals as the majority of the occupational police is the best policy. I also know you do not believe the same. We have had the argument many times, and my decision stands.”
“Of this I am aware. However, this is only a small piece of the puzzle. As you know the people with not accept you as ruler forever without a marriage and coronation.” Manstein said. “I understand how difficult this may be for you Derrick.” He continued using his first name to assist his point. “You know I am the only one that can.”
Derrick did not doubt that Manstein could understand his plight. He alone, of all the citizens of the Empire could. For Manstein was born deformed, and once he reached adolescence was forced to wear a cruel looking bi metal suit to keep him alive. No woman had ever pursued him out of fear, nor had he ever pursued one, instead falling in love with the Empire.
“You must marry soon Derrick.” Manstein said pleadingly. “Otherwise the Empire -”
“I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EMPIRE!” Derrick screamed. “I HAVE GIVEN MORE THAN ANYONE TO SAVE IT! EVEN YOU MASNTEIN, EVEN YOUR FATHER COULD NOT HAVE DONE WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR OUR BELOVED COUNTRY!” He breathed heavy and glared at the last friend he had. “What would you have me do? Pick a common street whore and call her my wife?” It was Manstein that spoke now.
“If that is what it would take to save the Empire then it should be done!” He explained passionately. “Your have no right to destroy everything we have created.” He continued. “Everything your WIFE created, simply because you are weak.” Derrick remained quiet. If anyone but Manstein had spoken to him in such a way they would be falling the 2000 feet to the bottom of the Imperial Palace. “I implore you.” Manstein stood. “Do it for Samantha, and Kristina. Do not do it for me, the people, the Empire. Do it for them. Do not let everything you three spent years building collapse around you. Make sure there legacy remains standing.” Manstein had always been a clever speaker, and Derrick smirked.
“I know.” Derrick said sitting in his chair again. “But who could you suggest? No foreigners obviously.”
“Given.” Manstein replied. “If I had a daughter or sister they would be yours. You know I do everything for the good of the Empire.” He continued. “Perhaps the Minister Of Security?”
“No. She will not due.” Derrick said.
“May I inquire as to why?” Manstein asked genuinely curious.
“Not my type.” Derrick said back cracking his first smile in three months.
“I forgot. How about one of the Byford sisters then? All are capable in there offices and well respected.” Manstein said.
“I do not want to deprive the teenage boys of the Empire there dream of marrying one of those beauties.” Derrick said. “I was leaning more to the side of a military daughter, with a strong enough sense of nationalism to understand that the marriage is not necessarily out of love, which it cannot be, but one of necessity, much like my first, but she must know I will not be able to grow to love her the same way as I was before.” As soon as Derrick finished speaking movement from Manstein that on any other would be considered a chuckle caught his eye. “You expected this didn't you?” Derrick said letting out a sigh. “Very well. Bring them in.”
“Rein!” Manstein yelled the single word. The poor women must have been waiting in the hallway for the entire duration of the conversation. Ten women walked in. Each dressed in there military dress uniform. Once all entered Manstein looked with his emotionless black glass eyes at Derrick.
“You four may leave.” Derrick said pointing out for immediately. They saluted and left without a word. Derrick remained seated. He knew who each of the remaining six were, this is why he did not need to speak with any of them. “Erica, tell your father that he is an excellent addition to the strength of the Empire and I command him for offering his only daughter to be my wife.” She saluted and left.
“I didn't mean you were to choose one now.” Manstein said only moderately shocked. “It was meant to be an emphasis...”
“Heather, Felicity, tell your mothers again how courageous there fathers were during the campaign in which they both perished.” Both saluted and left. Only three remained. “I must do this now, otherwise I shall not have the stomach for it.” Derrick replied to Manstein. It was a well known fact in the Empire that Derrick was fearless on the battlefield, even stupid some may say, charging machine gun nests while carrying a Shakal flag under the fire from an air strike, but anything not involving the military made him sweat and grow so nervous his stomach hurt. When questioned about this his reply was always the same. 'The worst that can happen in war is death, but at a dinner I could embarrass myself by dropping some food on my otherwise immaculate uniform.' “Kelly. You are to be sent to the New Julii as a Major Thursday. Prepare yourself.” She saluted and left. Unexpectedly a voice other than his one rang out.
“Sir, may I go? I have other tasks that need to be done.” The girl said. Although she spoke with a deep respect her voice betrayed her honest dislike at being present.
“That one.” Derrick said pointing to her. The other left the room with a salute. “You served during the both the Hamily and Kalmurstan campaigns did you not?” He asked knowing she did.
“Yes sir.” She replied.
“1st Rifle, Red Platoon, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, II Regiment, 7th Panscrier Division?” Derrick asked. The girl seemed shocked by his uncanny accuracy of her assignment.
“Yes.” She replied in shock. Derrick looked at her, or rather into her, with his eyes. He smirked.
“I remember you. All those fights with the reporters that were attached to your platoon.” Derrick began. “Two charges of assault, if I remember correctly.” He continued. “You received fifteen lashes for the accident did you not?”
“Yes sir.” The girl, and thats all she was, barely twenty herself. Remained stunned as to how he knew so much about her career. “With respect sir, did my father ask you to watch me?”
“Yes. It was one of his last wishes. He was the best pilot I had ever seen. He gave his life to save millions of Shakal citizens. He is among the greatest hero's of the Empire, and to think, I get to marry his daughter.” With that the conversation was over. “Prepare the reception Manstein.”
“I am no woman!” Manstein said. “I may now be a matchmaker, but I am no wedding planner.” He continued. “I shall inform the nation.”
“Inform the world. The Empire will be healed soon, very soon.” Derrick finished.
Letters were sent out. Papers printed, television networks interuppted broadcasting and radio sations spread the word. The Empire would be whole again.
OOC:This is my return. Any person of note can attend the reception, show interest or none. The message is that I will now be more active again.