I. A Message [audio]

[ningwofuren]

[ Ever since that brief meeting within the courtyard, several questions plagued Cao Cao's mind. He had hoped to find the information on his own with the Initiative's help, but they weren't very...helpful in his opinion. Besides the whole notion of them using sorcery to unravel the United Earth's influences through a series of smaller skirmishes, Cao Cao wasn't certain as of how this war could possibly be won. From what little he's managed to understand, the enemy outnumbers them greatly and there's great dissent amongst the transports here.

Still trying to understand his role in all this, the King of Wei decided to act. He never used such a device before. These "tablets" as they call them were nearly two-thousand years ahead of his time. Though with some luck and minor concentration, he managed to operate one. He was still far from proficient with this odd device, but at least he got it work.

Now staring into the blank screen of the tablet, Cao Cao speaks. ]

Just how many generals sit amongst us? How many soldiers and how many strategists? If this is a war, then shouldn't we treat it as such?

[ He paused momentarily in hopes of hearing an answer, but nothing was said. So he continued. ]

I've won wars before but nothing resembling this kind of scale. Gathering the information necessary about my foes was never so daunting as this. Virtually nothing is known about the United Earth or their method of combat. I'm aware that they hold the most influence in this realm, but how so?

[ Mengde wondered if their were other factions out there who hoped to rebel against their federation. He wouldn't be surprised if there were, but they assist them? Surely this war doesn't fall upon the shoulders of a wayward few.

That would be suicide. ]

In truth, I see no victory in sight but I refuse to die a martyr's death.

Comments

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[of_the_lake]

Then, delude yourself to this land. It would seem you have little choice, otherwise. [Lancelot answered if only because he was listening to a man who clearly was serious about the topic.

Otherwise, he would have gone back to brushing his beautiful horse's mane and resumed the life of a dullard.]

[ningwofuren]

[ While he was indeed still dressed in his armor and silks, Mengde forsook the traditional pibian or crown for a more modest look. His hair was dark and unevenly cut but was smoothed back down his shoulders. The elaborate golden spaulders he wore were off along with his gauntlets allowing more his royal blue robe to be seen.

Cao Cao wasn't quite aware that the video function was on, but he was surprised to be looking at the face of another. ]

I refuse. [ He sternly replied. ] My ambitions lie elsewhere. This war isn't mine to fight but if need be; I will fight.

Though, I refuse to die for them.

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[icy_heavens]

[For all intents and purposes, it appears that there's a small but serious child on the screen. He's not looking at it, though; he's going over some papers.]

They've held this influence for quite a few centuries. Some of it is, I'm sure, that it's all their people have ever known. But there is also the use of mind-altering substances on their part.

And in this place, you may find death less permanent than you think.

[ningwofuren]

[ A look of surprise colored his gaze once spotted the child. The boy upon the screen had hair as white as untouched snow and rather somber look upon his youthful face. While the boy certainly didn't look too different from other children his age, Mengde could already tell there's nothing "average" about this child. ]

Centuries?

[ A slight smirk settled upon his lips. ]

Dynasties rise and fall, surely they are no different. Hence the reason behind the Initiative's challenge.

[ He paused. ]

What do you mean? Death itself is the end of Life. It's as permanent as the sky.

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[deadlybanker]

This is not a conventional war, it may be won with unconventional tactics. Were you here for the bombing? I do not know what good a standing army could do against a force like that.

Did you try to speak to those of the Hold to find out more about this world?

[ningwofuren]

[ Mengde gave a slow nod when this strangely dressed man spoke. While his attire was somewhat questionable, Cao Cao was honestly didn't focus much on it. His worries lied on what the man just confessed. ]

My efforts have gone in vain to understand this realm, but I have yet to surrender.

[ He sighed somewhat. ]

It is said that the United Earth possesses a military unlike any other. Tell me of what you've witnessed.

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[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara wouldn't usually be so open about her skills, her experience, but it makes little difference here. People know she's exceptional in some way, as they all are, simply by virtue of being drafted. There's no sense hiding it here, when all of them are meant to be comrades in arms.

So when she speaks, it's with the cool, calculated tone of Oracle, the quiet authority of a seasoned general.]

I'm guided my fair share of soldiers, and the scales have been high before, but this is beyond my scope. I'm used to knowing more about my enemies and battlefields. [knowing, in fact, everything there is to know]

I don't think we would have been drafted at all if this were a completely lost cause, but I think the Initative might be putting faith before sense. [That, at least, she's accustomed to.] We need more numbers, more organisation, and more intel.

[A wry, grim smile.] Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we have time for that.

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[ningwofuren]

[ A look of intrigue settled within his gaze once a "woman" answers him. He hadn't expected any woman here to play an active role in the war, but he'll welcome any assistance he could get. Though, it still somewhat baffled him that the Initiative would send women to war so carelessly. Of course, his eldest son, Cao Pi often charged into battle with Lady Zhen Ji by his side, but that was different. The woman who spoke to him now seemed as seasoned as any general under his banner. ]

Faith before sense typically leads to an early grave. [ His thoughts strayed to Zhang Jue and the Yellow Turbans. Those fools lacked sense when they dared to challenge the empire without a decent size force or strategy. They blindly put their faith in their leader, who in turn put all his faith in the heavens above. ]

It's of utmost importance that we make time to learn our enemies before engaging them blindly in battle again. This will lessen the decrease in our numbers if we can carefully plan our next strike.

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[maddeninghatter]

[ Yet another query about the nature of this place and this war. He has heard so many in the months that he has been here. But this one somehow feels different. ]

I would suggest that the first thing you strive to understand is the true scale of this conflict. I confess, I have difficulty comprehending what is meant by numbers such as "billions."

[ Perhaps it's the tug of nostalgia that makes him wish to speak plainly. ]

But that is the magnitude of casualties so far. This may alter what you choose to accept as "victory" and what sacrifices you deem acceptable.

[ningwofuren]

[ Another young voice?

It would seem that many young people have been drafted for this war. This a good thing. The younger the body and mind, the better the strength of their army. However, this also put them at a grievous disadvantage since Cao Cao was convinced there was a shortage of seasoned warriors here. ]

Agreed. [ He replied after a moment of thought. ] I confess now that the sheer scope of this war has left me feeling humbled. However, I will not rest until I've understand our enemies.

Victory is often plagued with sacrifice, but we must tread carefully.

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[legal_eagle]

[Lightly, with a cheeful smile:]

Hi. Sonya Karimov. You sound like quite the eager beaver.

[ningwofuren]

[ The King of Wei greeted Sonya with a slight smirk. ]

Perhaps, but I refuse to stand by idly when there's a war to be won.

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[obliterating]

We have plenty of soldiers, but not too many to direct us. We do what we can.

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[ningwofuren]

[ A surprised hum came from him once text magically appeared upon the screen of his tablet. He never used the text function before, but luckily he could write in Mandarin and have it translate almost instantly in English. ]

Then perhaps it's time to mend that. If we want this war win, then there must be a census formed amongst us and leaders appointed.

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[spiderwife]

wow so serious!
i heard we were here for a party

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[ningwofuren]

If you find bloodshed more pleasing than wine, then perhaps it is.

[ Ancient warlord sarcasm is go! ]

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[interspace]

[ Here's another woman to comment on Cao Cao's srs business. She sounds hardly out of her twenties, though she does speak with enough authority to say she has experience in fighting... or at least a head on her shoulders. ]

I'd say you have plenty of soldiers. The issue here is, as you must know, organization and proper mobilization. So far, all I've heard is that Initiative is pretty ramshackle despite the scope of their plans to take down a world superpower.

As for how they're most influential... It sounds like United Earth is the wealthiest in the world right now. Supplies, weaponry, technology, medicine, population. They've got all that's left. I've been poking at the reading material, and all I can say is that facing them head on would be nothing short of a suicide mission.

[ningwofuren]

[ A woman's obligation is to her husband and children, isn't it? That's what Cao Cao believes and that's also what most of China, at that time period, believed as well. Hence the reason behind Mengde's confusion right now. There's too many women prancing around here like soldiers. He's not very certain if he approves of this but he's not suicidal/stupid/idiotic/dumbeager to perish for his thoughts on gender roles. ]

Thus the reason behind the Initiative's objective to ruin the Federation by tampering with the past.

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[goinbust]

"I ain't no general or nothing. Fought along side a bunch of them but I'm Jim Raynor, leader of the merc troop, Reynor's Raiders. Near as I can tell asset wise, we got a couple of soldiers and a lot of high powered wackos vs. a planetary army that ain't got no problem clonin troops."

[ningwofuren]

[ Peers into the tablet somewhat when the shadowy image of a man appears. Slowly growing more confident with this strange device, Cao Cao had to admit he was actually growing a tad fond of this tablet. Never did he expect such an outpour of inquisitive minds to speak with him today.

It pleased Mengde greatly. ]

Greetings, Jim Raynor.

[ Inclined his head in respect. ]

I am the King of Wei, Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty and the Captain of the Imperial Calvary.

I am Cao Cao style Mengde. While it's true that I've won battles before in China, I have never faced a foe as powerful as the United Earth until now. This will either be my greatest triumph or my greatest failure.

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[worldswillburn]

Got more than enough soldiers, just a matter of getting them all to follow the same orders without complaining.

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[ningwofuren]

[ Yet another woman appears upon his screen. It would seem that the hardiest soldiers in this realm are all female. This honestly surprises him a bit. ]

Is there some sort of discord amongst them?

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[sacrificar]

They are limited, by both the enemy and those that need their help the most.

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[ningwofuren]

Indeed.

[ Despite women usually not partaking in warfare, it would seem that all those speaking about the war are in fact women. This still surprises him, but Cao Cao doesn't have the luxury of hand picking his allies. ]

However, there must be a way to rectify this. I have spoken to many individuals willing to lend their aid.

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[inafadingcrown]

[The woman on the screen certainly isn't how one would typically picture a general- and she certainly wouldn't describe herself as one. But she is a strategist and she is experienced with war; her confident posture and the authority in her voice say as much.]

It is a war, but it is a war unlike any I have ever seen. The methods are strange, yes, and I am sure others will speak of that to you. But it seems to me the Initiative has failed even in assembling a proper force.

We are no army.

Individually, we have many fine warriors, strategists, and generals. But we do not train together. We have no commonalities, aside from our circumstances. There is no structure, no discipline. [Battles are a free-for-all.]

[ningwofuren]

[ For a brief moment, Cao Cao was utterly entranced by the ethereal beauty of this woman upon the screen. She looked less like a woman and more like a goddess with flowing blond curls that seemed to dance effortless around her. Her words were gentle without seeming soft, and she stood with great confidence much like a warrior. It was puzzling and yet oddly attractive at the same time.

Were all the women of this realm soldiers of some kind? So far he seemed to think so judging by how many women chosen to announce themselves as soldiers. ]

If there's no army to be had, then we must make one. We cannot hope to win against the United Earth with just blind faith alone.

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[sharpe]

That's a pretty big speech. [ Yorkshire-accented English is go, though how that translate to Chinese no one is quite sure. ]

I don't know 'bout the numbers 'round here, but I ain't ever seen a general of any sort. I'm a soldier, so that's one fer yer numbers.

[ Pause. And he leans back, drawing his long Baker rifle from behind his back and leaning it against his shoulder. ]

I won't say this is a war. We're sent fer missions or some sort like that, but there's only one battle, and we got massacred fer that one. [ A bitter quirk of his lips. ] Though we get brought back all the same.

[ningwofuren]

[ The strange accent honestly caught Cao Cao by some surprise. The level of diversity here in Exsilium varied greatly from the world he's accustomed. This certainly piqued his interest but now isn't the time to be awestruck. ]

No generals at all? [ Mengde shook his head in disbelief. ] What are the Initiative thinking? They're blindly drafting men and women for a war they know they cannot win as they are. You would think they would seek those capable enough to do battle, not just peasants.

[ Now trying his best to suspend his disbelief, Cao Cao paused momentarily once he noticed the strange weapon leaning against the man's shoulder. ]

Ah, yes. I've heard of what transpired in that battle against the federation's forces. It didn't go as smoothly as the Initiative would have liked.

[ That's an understatement. ]

[oldsoldiersneverdie]

Not all who fight wars attain rank - but I've lead armies, in situations not too different than these. There's always hope.

[ningwofuren]

Agreed. However, I seek anyone who has prior history in warfare and you seem to have what I'm seeking.