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

[ningwofuren]

That would be rather idiotic of them, wouldn't it? I simply pray that the Initiative possess more sense than that.

[ If not, the next following mission was bound to be an outright disaster. ]

Agreed. We need to find those willing to fight first before we wage this war. This is why we must speak to the people and see who will come to our aid.

[interspace]

Already counting me among your ranks? And we haven't even introduced ourselves yet, you cad. Sure, I'll fight. My name is Misha Hunt and I am already more than eager to get this done so I can get the hell out of Dodge.

[ningwofuren]

[ He blinked his eyes a few times in surprise. It's not often that someone talks to him in such a casual tone. Especially not a woman. ] ...My apologies.

[ The warlord humbly replied with a slight chuckle. All this talk about warfare and the United Earth left him eager to act. Usually his manners were better than this. ]

I did not mean to assume, but you seemed somewhat eager to assist.

[ He took a moment to clear his throat before continuing. ]

I am King Cao Cao of Wei, Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, and Captain of the Imperial Calvary. It would seem that you and I share a similar sentiment in regards to the war.

[interspace]

[ Get used to it, Cao Cao. Misha's even being nice and not teasing him for his obviously overly-formal bearing. ]

You assumed right, but there's also a saying where I'm from: assuming makes an ass out of "u" and me. I don't know if that will translate right, but the point is that it's always good to double-check.

It's my pleasure, Cao Cao. Would you prefer I use a title or are we all on the same playing field here? Seeing as we share sentiments and all.

[ningwofuren]

[ Siiiigh! He will in due time. ]

...I shall commit that to memory. [ It would seem that the translator did well to translate the meaning of that idiom to him. Thank goodness he has this tablet or else he wouldn't understand a single word she said. ]

We can go without titles because they're pointless here.

[interspace]

As they certainly are. But some people get tetchy about that anyway, so you never know. Glad to see you've got common sense on top of your military sense.

Suggestions for where to go from here?

[ningwofuren]

[ Mendge inclined his head and smirked. Misha is a very unusual woman but so far, he likes that. ]

The goal will be to strengthen our numbers while we await to hear word from the Initiative. However, I hope to find as much information as possible regarding our foes.

We cannot hope to win this war blindly.

[interspace]

So, recruitment. That shouldn't be too hard, though I doubt numbers will ever get very large.

Problem being getting that information when we're on an island of exiles.