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.

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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.

[inafadingcrown]

It is quite a task you set before yourself.

[Not one she's attempted or is likely to, in all honesty. A strategist she may be, but she's no warrior and that's what it would take. Besides, she has thrown herself wholeheartedly into her work as a healer- she prefers to protect life rather than take it, when given the option. Still, she's kept her eye on the various attempts that have been made- not for a full out army, but for a defense force, granted, though to her mind defense should be the greatest priority.]

Though not impossible, I think. I know of others who have shown similar interests.

[ningwofuren]

Who are they?

[ The King of Wei asked with some urgency in his tone. Judging by the low morale here within the Hold, the faster they united under one goal, the better they're chances will be against the Federation. This was all Mengde cared about at this point. As he said earlier, he refuses to die a martyr's death. ]

I'll need many in order to win this war.

[inafadingcrown]

It is often considered polite to give ones own name before demanding those of others. [Said mildly. It doesn't really bother her, but you know- knowing who you are giving your friends names to is a good thing.]

[ningwofuren]

...Heh.

[ This was the third time someone told him that today. ]

It's often that a king has his inquiries met first, but I shall humor you. I am King Cao Cao of Wei.

[inafadingcrown]

And you are not the only person of such high status among the transports. You would do well to remember it. [Just a bit of friendly advice.]

I am the Lady Galadriel of Lothlórien and I would advise you to speak with the Lady Elissa Cousland. The others I knew who involved themselves in such matters have since left, alas.

[ningwofuren]

[ He cocked his brow upward at her warning.

Considering all of the cutthroats and vagabonds he has met thus far, Cao Cao almost doubted he would meet another king. Too many of the people here seemed like nothing more than gutless fools. ]

They've left? [ His gaze narrowed somewhat. ] How could they have simply left? The Initiative made it rather clear that we cannot leave until we win their war.

[inafadingcrown]

[Well excuse you, look at who you are talking to, bro.]

You are not far wrong; we cannot leave by choice, but, from time to time, transports have been known to leave our midst. It is generally assumed... or perhaps hoped, that they are returned to their homes.

[ningwofuren]

Or perhaps they were killed.

[ A frown etched itself upon his face as he thought more about this topic. ]

All the more reason for us to win this war and be done of Exsilium.

[inafadingcrown]

[She frowns also. Her granddaughter is among those who have left, you know.]

I think not; they do, on occasion, return to this place- some with memories of it and some without. But I cannot argue that it would be best to be done with this place.