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;

[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. ]

[sharpe]

I'd think they see themselves as Generals. [ Snorrrrrrts. ] Though they're doing a piss-poor job of it.

[ Pause, and he shifts the rifle slightly away, pulling out a metal box. Tobacco paper, loose tobacco, and he's rolling it up while still talking. ]

Better not put it that way. It's the destruction of a whole world; something like six million people. [ His eyes flicker upwards, face hidden behind the paper as he licks the edge before sealing the cigarette. ]

You think peasants can't fight?

[ningwofuren]

Is that so?

[ Now leaning his chin against his hand, Cao Cao watched in silence as the soldier preoccupied himself with his tobacco. ]

All the furthermore reason for us to win this war, yes? [ He asked with a wry smirk. ]

Peasants can fight well enough for the sake of their beliefs. However, our enemy outmatches us greatly in both manpower and weaponry. Blind faith alone won't win this war. We need strategy, skill, and swiftness.

BILLION NOT MILLION I CAN TYPE

[sharpe]

[ He dislikes him already, yay. ]

Those are big words. [ Dryly as he lights up the cigarette. Deliberate rudeness? Definitely. ] Big promises too.

Yer sure you can deliver on those, aye?

I knew what you meant!

[ningwofuren]

[ The feeling is mutual, but at least Mengde isn't rude about it.. ]

As I stated before, I refuse to perish here upon foreign soil. Therefore, every promise I make, I intend to keep.

[ In Cao Cao's mind, there's nothing that can stop him. Not the Federation, the Yellow Turbans, or even the heavens themselves. He truly plans to persevere no matter what. ]

\o/!!!!

[sharpe]

[ Sharpe is only rude to Generals and people higher ranking than he is that he wants to piss off. In the army, they can't have him flogged anymore, and if they want to demote him they would have to go through Wellesley. Here, there's nothing anyone can do to him that'd matter.

(He just beats the shit out of the bastards he outranks. Good thing about being a Major.)

He snorts at that. ]

Might be a good idea ta start listenin' proper if you don't want ta die.

[ningwofuren]

[ A strained chuckle left Mengde as he almost glared at the man upon the screen. He's used to people treating him with respect out of either fear or admiration.

Not like..this. ]

I do believe I've listened well enough to the concerns of others.

[sharpe]

[ Have some smoke on the screen. ]

Then maybe yer memory's defective. I just told you no one dies here. 'Cause the bastards've learned how ta bring people back from the dead.

[ningwofuren]

[ His gaze darkens a little. Cao Cao's clearly getting annoyed with this man. ]

Death might not be permanent here but I will not cheapen the value of my life.

[sharpe]

I've heard that plenty, and I still don't know why it'd be so.

[ningwofuren]

Is it truly so peculiar that no one is "eager" to die?

[sharpe]

It ain't peculiar except if yer a soldier. [ Beat. ] And if you know if you die, you'll just come back. Then it's just down ta fighting without having ta be scared, and that makes any soldier worth his salt fight better.

[ Epic shrug. ]

[ningwofuren]

That is very true in regards of a soldier.

[ Which he isn't. He's a king with ambitions that he won't forsake or chance by being the Initiative's meat shield. ]

Though, I would rather win my battles than die trying.

[sharpe]

You don't even have ta be winning ta die trying. [ Amused. ]

[ningwofuren]

[ A groan. ] Fair enough.