Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 14 - Revision history

Aorii at 22:51, 8 April 2022

2022-04-08T22:51:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:51, 8 April 2022
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	"I feel like a week of my life has just wasted away."		"I feel like a week of my life has just wasted away."

	It wasn't the first time Pascal had expressed his displeasure ~~over~~ the past week over a lack of purpose. While Weichsel's cavalry forces were taking turns launching raids into the Skagen Peninsula, the bulk of its infantry and officers remained in Nordkreuz, with little else to occupy their time other than training. This left Pascal with very few responsibilities, especially compared to his fiancée.		It wasn't the first time Pascal had expressed his displeasure in the past week over a lack of purpose. While Weichsel's cavalry forces were taking turns launching raids into the Skagen Peninsula, the bulk of its infantry and officers remained in Nordkreuz, with little else to occupy their time other than training. This left Pascal with very few responsibilities, especially compared to his fiancée.

	Princess Sylviane had been busy negotiating a new trade deal with King Leopold that sought to attract Weichsen investment to the mines of Rhin-Lotharingie. After all, while Weichsel has a significant metallurgy industry known for the quality of its steel, it also has a shortage of iron ore which it had traditionally imported from the Holy Imperium. However, since the War of Imperium Succession ten years ago when Weichsel annexed several of the Imperium's northern provinces, Weichsel's economic ties with the Imperials had come under periodic embargos.		Princess Sylviane had been busy negotiating a new trade deal with King Leopold that sought to attract Weichsen investment to the mines of Rhin-Lotharingie. After all, while Weichsel has a significant metallurgy industry known for the quality of its steel, it also has a shortage of iron ore which it had traditionally imported from the Holy Imperium. However, since the War of Imperium Succession ten years ago when Weichsel annexed several of the Imperium's northern provinces, Weichsel's economic ties with the Imperials had come under periodic embargos.
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully in Hyperion, Weichsel wouldn't acquire selective amnesia four decades later and start blaming Lotharins on standard practices that both sides agreed upon -- like the politicization of 'forced technology transfers' back on Earth.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

	...That likely contributed to Pascal's mood, as it only further highlighted his own lack of recent accomplishments.		...That likely contributed to Pascal's mood, as it only further highlighted his own lack of recent accomplishments.

Aorii at 19:46, 2 April 2022

2022-04-02T19:46:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:46, 2 April 2022
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. ~~The only problem -- at least back~~ on ~~Earth~~ -- ~~was that they would be accused~~ of 'forced technology transfers' ~~four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia, even though the ventures were freely agreed upon and it was how commercially-applicable technology spreads~~.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully in Hyperion, Weichsel wouldn't acquire selective amnesia four decades later and start blaming Lotharins on standard practices that both sides agreed upon -- like the politicization of 'forced technology transfers' back on Earth.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

Aorii at 17:52, 1 April 2022

2022-04-01T17:52:45Z

Aorii at 11:57, 7 July 2021

2021-07-07T11:57:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:57, 7 July 2021
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	''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.		''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.

	Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions --based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system-- consisted of three companies of 150 men each, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.		Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions --based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system-- consisted of three companies of 150 men each plus battalion command, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.

	Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade --based on the Imperium's legion-- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.		Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade --based on the Imperium's legion-- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.

Aorii at 23:00, 5 June 2021

2021-06-05T23:00:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:00, 5 June 2021
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	If anything, Kaede had been mocked as being too unambitious back on Earth. ''Herbivore men'', as the Japanese liked to say -- a term Kaede found particularly distasteful as it dredged up memories of ''his'' ex-girlfriend and their unpleasant breakup.		If anything, Kaede had been mocked as being too unambitious back on Earth. ''Herbivore men'', as the Japanese liked to say -- a term Kaede found particularly distasteful as it dredged up memories of ''his'' ex-girlfriend and their unpleasant breakup.

	"But at any rate," Kaede rushed to bury the distasteful thoughts that she hated to be reminded of. "I haven't even lived in this world for two full months yet. That is far too short a time to develop a mature view of how I envision its future. The last thing I want to be is one of those people who demand change without even taking the time to properly grasp the reasons behind the current status quo. After all," she declared proudly, "I'm a strong proponent that only those who live within a society have any right to make decisions for that society."		"But at any rate," Kaede rushed to bury the distasteful thoughts that she hated to be reminded of. "I haven't even lived in this world for two full months yet. That is far too short a time to develop a mature view of how I envision its future. The last thing I want to be is one of those people who demand change without even taking the time to properly grasp the reasons behind the current status quo. After all," she declared proudly, "I'm a strong proponent that only those who live within a society have any right to make decisions for that society..."

	Another moment of nostalgia struck Kaede as she remembered how her father succinctly put it: "''all those meddling foreigners who claim to speak for 'the Russian people' need to shut their hypocrite traps.''"

	At that moment, Kaede's keen, familiar-enhanced ears heard a commotion outside the door. It sounded as though every officer who frequented the building was now marching down the hall in their leather boots towards the map room.		At that moment, Kaede's keen, familiar-enhanced ears heard a commotion outside the door. It sounded as though every officer who frequented the building was now marching down the hall in their leather boots towards the map room.

Aorii at 12:57, 30 May 2021

2021-05-30T12:57:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:57, 30 May 2021
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. ~~Hopefully this time the Lotharins wouldn't~~ be ~~blamed for~~ 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia~~. After all~~, it ~~took both sides' agreement to establish a joint venture, hence the name~~.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. The only problem --at least back on Earth-- was that they would be accused of 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia, even though the ventures were freely agreed upon and it was how commercially-applicable technology spreads.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

Aorii at 03:26, 16 April 2021

2021-04-16T03:26:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:26, 16 April 2021
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully ~~Weichsel, unlike America,~~ wouldn't ~~turn about face~~ four decades later with ~~a case of~~ selective amnesia ~~and claim that they'd been "forced into technology transfers"~~. After all, ~~technological dominance was upheld by prioritizing one~~'~~s own research and innovation~~, ~~not through~~ the ~~impractical means of trying to stop commercially-applicable technology from spreading~~.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully this time the Lotharins wouldn't be blamed for 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia. After all, it took both sides' agreement to establish a joint venture, hence the name.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.
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	....		...

Aorii at 18:22, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T18:22:11Z

Aorii at 18:20, 20 March 2021

2021-03-20T18:20:11Z

Show changes

Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2021-03-20T18:19:41Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 1 April 2022
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. The only problem --at least back on Earth-- was that they would be accused of 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia, even though the ventures were freely agreed upon and it was how commercially-applicable technology spreads.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. The only problem -- at least back on Earth -- was that they would be accused of 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia, even though the ventures were freely agreed upon and it was how commercially-applicable technology spreads.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.
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	"An expedition group of 6,000 from Västergötland has already arrived and is landing as we speak." Pascal noted. "I doubt there is more to come as that country had taken heavy casualties back during their autumn raiding campaign. Meanwhile Skagen's own forces would not have departed from Nordkapp if they had more troops to disembark. Yes, I maintain my opinion that their numbers are not enough to assault Nordkreuz. But if the Northmen recognize this fact, then they ought to respond to His Majesty and begin peace talks! Their current stance of neither fighting nor negotiating is just wasting our time!"		"An expedition group of 6,000 from Västergötland has already arrived and is landing as we speak." Pascal noted. "I doubt there is more to come as that country had taken heavy casualties back during their autumn raiding campaign. Meanwhile Skagen's own forces would not have departed from Nordkapp if they had more troops to disembark. Yes, I maintain my opinion that their numbers are not enough to assault Nordkreuz. But if the Northmen recognize this fact, then they ought to respond to His Majesty and begin peace talks! Their current stance of neither fighting nor negotiating is just wasting our time!"

	Kaede made a wry, sympathetic smile as she considered her master's frustration. Pascal wasn't much of a negotiator so he was of no use to Sylviane in the trade talks. What he wanted to see above all else was for Weichsel's army to begin its march into Rhin-Lotharingie, to honor the defensive alliance that he himself stood at the center of. However, until the northern threat was resolved --be it through battle or diplomacy-- Weichsel's forces were going nowhere. And as a result he was stuck here in Nordkreuz playing armchair general.		Kaede made a wry, sympathetic smile as she considered her master's frustration. Pascal wasn't much of a negotiator so he was of no use to Sylviane in the trade talks. What he wanted to see above all else was for Weichsel's army to begin its march into Rhin-Lotharingie, to honor the defensive alliance that he himself stood at the center of. However, until the northern threat was resolved -- be it through battle or diplomacy -- Weichsel's forces were going nowhere. And as a result he was stuck here in Nordkreuz playing armchair general.

	With a deep sigh, Pascal forced himself to turn away from the windows. His turquoise eyes fell upon Kaede and for a brief moment, curiosity overpowered irritation in his gaze.		With a deep sigh, Pascal forced himself to turn away from the windows. His turquoise eyes fell upon Kaede and for a brief moment, curiosity overpowered irritation in his gaze.
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	''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.		''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.

	Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions --based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system-- consisted of three companies of 150 men each plus battalion command, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.		Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions -- based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system -- consisted of three companies of 150 men each plus battalion command, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.

	Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade --based on the Imperium's legion-- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.		Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade -- based on the Imperium's legion -- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.

	"That's not exactly fair," Chief-of-Staff General Wiktor von Falkenhausen interjected. "Brykalski followed his orders to the letter. There is clearly something else at play here."		"That's not exactly fair," Chief-of-Staff General Wiktor von Falkenhausen interjected. "Brykalski followed his orders to the letter. There is clearly something else at play here."
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	The dhampir general then looked towards Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen, who clutched the full transcript of the ''Farspeak'' message received by a signal officer earlier.		The dhampir general then looked towards Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen, who clutched the full transcript of the ''Farspeak'' message received by a signal officer earlier.

	"According to his second-in-command's report, Colonel Brykalski attacked the invasion fleet's vanguard, hoping to light enough ships on fire to spread confusion and disrupt their landing," Hans began to explain as his eyes darted back and forth across the sheet of paper. "However, the low cloud cover and snow --the very same that hid their own approach-- also concealed enemy air forces until it was too late to avoid engagement. Over a hundred drake-riders descended into their formation just as the ''North Wind'' Phantoms climbed out of their attack run, forcing them into a chaotic melee. Command of the ground cavalry then fractured after repeated strafing attacks by the drakes' breath weapons, which allowed Västergötland ground troops to close the distance and entangle our cavalry in close-quarters combat..."		"According to his second-in-command's report, Colonel Brykalski attacked the invasion fleet's vanguard, hoping to light enough ships on fire to spread confusion and disrupt their landing," Hans began to explain as his eyes darted back and forth across the sheet of paper. "However, the low cloud cover and snow -- the very same that hid their own approach -- also concealed enemy air forces until it was too late to avoid engagement. Over a hundred drake-riders descended into their formation just as the ''North Wind'' Phantoms climbed out of their attack run, forcing them into a chaotic melee. Command of the ground cavalry then fractured after repeated strafing attacks by the drakes' breath weapons, which allowed Västergötland ground troops to close the distance and entangle our cavalry in close-quarters combat..."

	"''A hundred drakes,''" the elderly Manteuffel remarked dubiously. "Västergötland couldn't scratch together two dozen drakes in its entirety, and our spies report but a handful with the Skagen army before they set out from Nordkapp. Where did ''a hundred drakes'' come from?"		"''A hundred drakes,''" the elderly Manteuffel remarked dubiously. "Västergötland couldn't scratch together two dozen drakes in its entirety, and our spies report but a handful with the Skagen army before they set out from Nordkapp. Where did ''a hundred drakes'' come from?"
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	"Yes, Sir." Hans and Hannes spoke in unison again. The beautiful and androgynous spymaster then gestured for the balding intelligence officer to go ahead, probably since Hans was the first to make the deduction and it was only fair that he claimed the credit.		"Yes, Sir." Hans and Hannes spoke in unison again. The beautiful and androgynous spymaster then gestured for the balding intelligence officer to go ahead, probably since Hans was the first to make the deduction and it was only fair that he claimed the credit.

	"Four decades ago, Asgeirr Vintersvend --the bastard half-brother of Jarl Eyvindur Sigmundsen of Kattegen-- wrote a book titled ''Massive Strike''," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans explained. "In it, he espoused for the concentration of airborne striking power by pooling together aerial assets, including both drakes and skywhales, which may be swiftly deployed for overwhelming air offensives that can quickly decide a war."		"Four decades ago, Asgeirr Vintersvend -- the bastard half-brother of Jarl Eyvindur Sigmundsen of Kattegen -- wrote a book titled ''Massive Strike''," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans explained. "In it, he espoused for the concentration of airborne striking power by pooling together aerial assets, including both drakes and skywhales, which may be swiftly deployed for overwhelming air offensives that can quickly decide a war."

	''This sounds remarkably familiar...'' Kaede couldn't help reflect.		''This sounds remarkably familiar...'' Kaede couldn't help reflect.
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	General Neithard, on the other hand, looked far more dispassionate. He turned his attention towards Pascal as though merely observing a formality.		General Neithard, on the other hand, looked far more dispassionate. He turned his attention towards Pascal as though merely observing a formality.

	"Sire, we know, that the enemy knows, that our cavalry --and particularly our Phantoms-- are scattered within Skagen conducting deep raids. We also know that Admiral Winter deliberately circumvented around the Skagen Peninsula, to strike directly at Nordkreuz from the North Sea. Asgeirr Vintersvend has successfully delayed our ability to detect his skywhales until the last possible moment. He likely did so hoping it would take us time to regroup our air cavalry, which creates a window of opportunity that he can exploit."		"Sire, we know, that the enemy knows, that our cavalry, and particularly our Phantoms, are scattered within Skagen conducting deep raids. We also know that Admiral Winter deliberately circumvented around the Skagen Peninsula, to strike directly at Nordkreuz from the North Sea. Asgeirr Vintersvend has successfully delayed our ability to detect his skywhales until the last possible moment. He likely did so hoping it would take us time to regroup our air cavalry, which creates a window of opportunity that he can exploit."

	"You're saying that Admiral Winter will likely launch an immediate air strike on Nordkreuz?" The King inquired. "If that is the case, should we not order the ''Phantom Gale'' to remain within the city?"		"You're saying that Admiral Winter will likely launch an immediate air strike on Nordkreuz?" The King inquired. "If that is the case, should we not order the ''Phantom Gale'' to remain within the city?"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:22, 10 April 2021
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	The problem was that after centuries of being exploited by the Imperials, the Lotharins were also wary of foreign economic interests. Therefore, Lotharin law specified that ''all land'' within the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie must be held by Lotharin owners. This caused negotiations to stall for the longest time until Kaede made a suggestion to the Princess:		The problem was that after centuries of being exploited by the Imperials, the Lotharins were also wary of foreign economic interests. Therefore, Lotharin law specified that ''all land'' within the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie must be held by Lotharin owners. This caused negotiations to stall for the longest time until Kaede made a suggestion to the Princess:

	"Why not create new, joint venture ~~companies~~ with shared ownership? If a ~~company~~ has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin ~~company~~ and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a ~~business~~ dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully Weichsel, unlike America, wouldn't turn about face four decades later with a case of selective amnesia and claim that they'd been "forced into technology transfers". After all, technological dominance was upheld by prioritizing one's own research and innovation, not through the impractical means of trying to stop commercially-applicable technology from spreading.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully Weichsel, unlike America, wouldn't turn about face four decades later with a case of selective amnesia and claim that they'd been "forced into technology transfers". After all, technological dominance was upheld by prioritizing one's own research and innovation, not through the impractical means of trying to stop commercially-applicable technology from spreading.
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	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

	~~--Which~~ likely contributed to Pascal's mood, as it only further highlighted his own lack of recent accomplishments.		...That likely contributed to Pascal's mood, as it only further highlighted his own lack of recent accomplishments.

	"What are the Northmen doing?" Pascal complained as he looked out the window again in-between his back and forth pacing. "Skagen's army left the port city of Nordkapp a week ago, yet they ''still'' have not made it to the border. It is like they are seeking battle yet deliberately drag their feet along the way. We know from past experience their army is capable of more than twice the speed they are marching at, especially on snow."		"What are the Northmen doing?" Pascal complained as he looked out the window again in-between his back and forth pacing. "Skagen's army left the port city of Nordkapp a week ago, yet they ''still'' have not made it to the border. It is like they are seeking battle yet deliberately drag their feet along the way. We know from past experience their army is capable of more than twice the speed they are marching at, especially on snow."
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	"Well, you did say that their army of 30,000 alone had no chance of victory," Kaede interjected. "Maybe they are waiting for more reinforcements to arrive by sea?"		"Well, you did say that their army of 30,000 alone had no chance of victory," Kaede interjected. "Maybe they are waiting for more reinforcements to arrive by sea?"

	"An expedition group of 6,000 from Västergötland has already arrived ~~at our coast~~ and is landing as we speak." Pascal noted. "I doubt there is more to come as that country had taken heavy casualties back during their autumn raiding campaign. Meanwhile Skagen's own forces would not have departed from Nordkapp if they had more troops to disembark. Yes, I maintain my opinion that their numbers are not enough to assault Nordkreuz. But if the Northmen recognize this fact, then they ought to respond to His Majesty and begin peace talks! Their current stance of neither fighting nor negotiating is just wasting our time!"		"An expedition group of 6,000 from Västergötland has already arrived and is landing as we speak." Pascal noted. "I doubt there is more to come as that country had taken heavy casualties back during their autumn raiding campaign. Meanwhile Skagen's own forces would not have departed from Nordkapp if they had more troops to disembark. Yes, I maintain my opinion that their numbers are not enough to assault Nordkreuz. But if the Northmen recognize this fact, then they ought to respond to His Majesty and begin peace talks! Their current stance of neither fighting nor negotiating is just wasting our time!"

	Kaede made a wry, sympathetic smile as she considered her master's frustration. Pascal wasn't much of a negotiator so he was of no use to Sylviane in the trade talks. What he wanted to see above all else was for Weichsel's army to begin its march into Rhin-Lotharingie, to honor the defensive alliance that he himself stood at the center of. However, until the northern threat was resolved --be it through battle or diplomacy-- Weichsel's forces were going nowhere. And as a result he was stuck here in Nordkreuz playing armchair general.		Kaede made a wry, sympathetic smile as she considered her master's frustration. Pascal wasn't much of a negotiator so he was of no use to Sylviane in the trade talks. What he wanted to see above all else was for Weichsel's army to begin its march into Rhin-Lotharingie, to honor the defensive alliance that he himself stood at the center of. However, until the northern threat was resolved --be it through battle or diplomacy-- Weichsel's forces were going nowhere. And as a result he was stuck here in Nordkreuz playing armchair general.
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	"I've never considered myself a mover and shaker of the world, certainly not where I come from," Kaede shrugged. "All I've ever wanted was to educate others on the importance of history and learning from the past, to take a more nuanced view of the present and look past the black-and-white narratives that dominate my society back on Earth."		"I've never considered myself a mover and shaker of the world, certainly not where I come from," Kaede shrugged. "All I've ever wanted was to educate others on the importance of history and learning from the past, to take a more nuanced view of the present and look past the black-and-white narratives that dominate my society back on Earth."

	"Considering your father was a professor and you were surrounded by students, that is only natural," Pascal pointed out. "But it is also no longer the case. You now walk among the corridors of power, being close to leaders of national importance. Surely you ~~can~~ have greater ambitions than to simply 'teach history'?"		"Considering your father was a professor and you were surrounded by students, that is only natural," Pascal pointed out. "But it is also no longer the case. You now walk among the corridors of power, being close to leaders of national importance. Surely you have greater ambitions than to simply 'teach history'?"

	"'Ambition' is really not my thing," Kaede frowned as her lips twisted into a faint scowl.		"'Ambition' is really not my thing," Kaede frowned as her lips twisted into a faint scowl.
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	"Finally," Pascal remarked as he immediately strode towards the door. His expression had changed to a grin so eager it bordered on wolfishness.		"Finally," Pascal remarked as he immediately strode towards the door. His expression had changed to a grin so eager it bordered on wolfishness.

	However his overenthusiasm made ~~her~~ feel uneasy as she frowned slightly.		However his overenthusiasm made Kaede feel uneasy as she frowned slightly.

	''I know you're eager for recognition, Pascal,'' the familiar thought. ''But you should never be in a rush to see battle, or you'll regret it.''		''I know you're eager for recognition, Pascal,'' the familiar thought. ''But you should never be in a rush to see battle, or you'll regret it.''
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	"What was Colonel Brykalski thinking!?" Kaede heard General Neithard von Manteuffel's deep growl resounded through the room like rumbling thunderclouds. "His orders were to impede and harass the Västergötlanders' landing operations, not to decisively engage an entire brigade with only three battalions of cavalry and a single company of Phantoms!"		"What was Colonel Brykalski thinking!?" Kaede heard General Neithard von Manteuffel's deep growl resounded through the room like rumbling thunderclouds. "His orders were to impede and harass the Västergötlanders' upriver landing operations, not to decisively engage an entire brigade with only three battalions of cavalry and a single company of Phantoms!"

	There was no sign of the general's stony poker face as he stared at the map table where a cavalry figure bearing a tattered flag of Weichsel represented the recently shattered force.		There was no sign of the general's stony poker face as he stared at the map table where a cavalry figure bearing a tattered flag of Weichsel represented the recently shattered force.
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	''But Weichsel doesn't have the nigh-infinite production of the United States did back then.'' Kaede thought. ''Nor could Isoroku Yamamoto call down a Kamikaze -- the 'Divine Wind' to literally blow in the Skagen admiral's favor.''		''But Weichsel doesn't have the nigh-infinite production of the United States did back then.'' Kaede thought. ''Nor could Isoroku Yamamoto call down a Kamikaze -- the 'Divine Wind' to literally blow in the Skagen admiral's favor.''

	"Considering how his skywhales skirted around the Skagen ~~Peninsular~~ where our spies might have detected it." Lieutenant-Colonel Hans went on. "And how they launched their drakes from far offshore to prevent us from detecting them through the 'Eye of the Dragon' until after our first defeat, I think it is safe to surmise that a quick, ''strategic'' victory is exactly what Admiral Winter seeks. Which means that his target is--"		"Considering how his skywhales skirted around the Skagen Peninsula where our spies might have detected it." Lieutenant-Colonel Hans went on. "And how they launched their drakes from far offshore to prevent us from detecting them through the 'Eye of the Dragon' until after our first defeat, I think it is safe to surmise that a quick, ''strategic'' victory is exactly what Admiral Winter seeks. Which means that his target is..."

	"Nordkreuz," General Neithard finished for him with a single word enveloped in deathly cold.		"Nordkreuz," General Neithard finished for him with a single word enveloped in deathly cold.
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	"Assemble your men, Dietrich. We ride north after nightfall, and we will not stop until we are ready to have whalemeat for dinner."		"Assemble your men, Dietrich. We ride north after nightfall, and we will not stop until we are ready to have whalemeat for dinner."

	Kaede heard that the youthful-looking, fifty-seven years old dhampir was one of General Neithard's most able ~~and loyal~~ protégés. Standing lean and tall, Dietrich von Falkenrath had sepia brown hair and a short-trimmed walrus mustache that might have been fashionable during World War I. His expressions were almost always neutral. But unlike his mentor, there was a constant, brooding intensity within his eyes, accentuated by two blood-red crosses that contrasted sharply with his emerald-green gaze.		Kaede heard that the youthful-looking, fifty-seven years old dhampir was one of General Neithard's most able protégés. Standing lean and tall, Dietrich von Falkenrath had sepia brown hair and a short-trimmed walrus mustache that might have been fashionable during World War I. His expressions were almost always neutral. But unlike his mentor, there was a constant, brooding intensity within his eyes, accentuated by two blood-red crosses that contrasted sharply with his emerald-green gaze.

	''Talk about minority overrepresentation,'' Kaede reflected as she realized that there were not one or two, but ''three'' dhampirs within the room: chief-of-staff General Wiktor von Falkenhausen, ~~knight phantom~~ Colonel Dietrich von Falkenrath, and Black Eagles ~~commander~~ Colonel Hannes von Falkenberg.		''Talk about minority overrepresentation,'' Kaede reflected as she realized that there were not one or two, but ''three'' dhampirs within the room: chief-of-staff General Wiktor von Falkenhausen, Knight Phantom Colonel Dietrich von Falkenrath, and Black Eagles Colonel Hannes von Falkenberg.

	"Yes Sir!" Colonel Dietrich and several officers saluted with snapping boots. They then gave the King a nod of courtesy before marching out.		"Yes Sir!" Colonel Dietrich and several officers saluted with snapping boots. They then gave the King a nod of courtesy before marching out.
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	Kaede watched as General Neithard, in a rare, uncharacteristic moment, looked uncertain. It was as though the elderly Manteuffel felt conflicted, between whether to accept the Princess' help as military necessity, or to politely reject her since he wasn't actually in favor of the Weichsel-Lotharin alliance.		Kaede watched as General Neithard, in a rare, uncharacteristic moment, looked uncertain. It was as though the elderly Manteuffel felt conflicted, between whether to accept the Princess' help as military necessity, or to politely reject her since he wasn't actually in favor of the Weichsel-Lotharin alliance.

	However before Neithard could respond this time, the King made the decision for him.		However before Neithard could respond this time, the King made the decision for him. Leopold strode up to the Princess, took her hands into his own, and shook it with appreciation.

	Leopold strode up to the Princess, took her hands into his own, and shook it with appreciation.

	"The inspiring courage of the Oriflamme Paladins is ''legendary'' across Hyperion," the King declared. "The knights and soldiers of Weichsel will be proud to follow the Crown Princess of our dearest allies into battle. Isn't that right, Neithard?"		"The inspiring courage of the Oriflamme Paladins is ''legendary'' across Hyperion," the King declared. "The knights and soldiers of Weichsel will be proud to follow the Crown Princess of our dearest allies into battle. Isn't that right, Neithard?"
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	"Your Majesty, General, I think I have a better idea for an attack plan."		"Your Majesty, General, I think I have a better idea for an attack plan."

	Despite being a mere ~~Captain~~, Pascal's words instantly seized the attention of every high-ranking officer in the room. The King did not hesitate for even a split-second before he gestured with an open palm: "let's hear it then."		Despite being a mere captain, Pascal's words instantly seized the attention of every high-ranking officer in the room. The King did not hesitate for even a split-second before he gestured with an open palm: "let's hear it then."

	General Neithard, on the other hand, looked far more dispassionate. He turned his attention towards Pascal as though merely observing a formality.		General Neithard, on the other hand, looked far more dispassionate. He turned his attention towards Pascal as though merely observing a formality.