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

[video]

[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.

[legal_eagle]

[And she grins a little broader.]

So tell me about these wars you've won.

[ningwofuren]

Have I piqued your interest? [ An amused chuckle escaped him. He figured that someone would ask sooner than later about his past victories. ] When the sorcerer Zhang Jiao began preaching the Way of Peace, he laid siege to the cities surrounding the capital of Luoyang.

I fought many battles against the Yellow Turbans over a course of four years. Every battle rightfully won on the behalf of His Highness the Imperial Emperor. 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.

[legal_eagle]

[She listens to all of that, head cocked slightly to the side, an ambiguous smile on her lips. After a moment:]

I have to ask - I don't know the structure of your country. You've got both emperors and kings?

[ningwofuren]

[ He gave a nod. ]

The Mandate of Heaven has weakened since the age of the great Shǐ Huángdì, and the Empire he established has become as brittle as the Great Wall itself. All of China has fallen into great discord even when I attempt to mend its seams.

[ A deep scowl appeared upon his face as he thought of all the battles he's missing against the rebel insurgence back home. He can only hope that the makeshift alliance made by warlords and kings alike will hold until he returns. ]

Our Emperor is unfit to rule but my loyalty is that of the Han.

[legal_eagle]

That doesn't sound like loyal talk, though.