Chapter 49 - Competition

       

       People gathered around the table kept voicing their ideas...

       

       We need a way to deliver the information fast..  And organize our spy network..

       

       We need entertainment buildings...

       

       About the spy network... its not a bad idea at all... we need eyes on the environment, keep an eye on everything we could.. I'll form 

       a few reconnaisance team to check back here weekly.. In fact, they should be able to send their letters via couriers...

       

       Then, we can also send the orders back.. like some cable network.. The more efficient our spy network, the more effective our

       army's tactical moves..

       

       Alright, thank you for all your suggestions, survivor said, council is disolved for today..

       

       ....

       

       Two armies were clashing... The survivor were sketching the situation flying above the battlefield. He had hoped and expected or rather

       planned that native tribes would simply.. not unite, but the moment they set the foundation on the land, they all gathered in an army..

       

       In a way, it was simpler... but much more dangerous of course.. The battle was joined in massive front line across the plains.. The natives

       didn't lack numbers at all.. 

       

       Survivor observed that, the various siege machines were just only now being put into range..  A few minutes... The armies were huge still,

       the back lines, reserved they went on for quite a distance from the front line.. 

       

       The rail wing, were set in position, he gived the signal from the sky.... 

       

       Fire.....

       

       The flying stones and ballistas, and napalm had landed on dense native ranks causing devastation... That was good, survivor thought, it

       was a huge effort to carry all these over here across the land.. Finally they were put to some use...

      

       Fire...at will..

      

       The ranged weapons have rained on the ranks of the other army, th dead were piiling up, so long that there was enough ammunition.. The

       serfs quickly reloaded the weapons, and fired them, then repeat..

       

       ....

       

       The outcome was decided... The union army won a decisive victory.. The northern lands would be anyone's for taking for a few years at least..

       The wounded were being transferred to tents.. The construction were going on with almost ceaseless speed now..peopel were very motivated,

       as a result of the victory

       

       The was quite a banquet afterwards at night..  The ladies made quite a few impressions on the men.. The food were plenty..

       

       This is going to be much easier than i thought.... Survivor said.. A few simple tricks of war, were enough to flatten the army.. of deserters

       and the natives... In fact the other side simply didn't have any organization.. they died, stupidly, one could say..

       

       Next weeks would be spent with managing communications between the main cities of the sect, and sending emissaries for tributary negotiations

       with the tribes.. They also recovered quite a large amount of haul from the battle, including the prisoners of war..

       

       There were significant interest now, towards northern campaign, back at home and lands beyond.. So the flow of human and resources would

       no doubt be available, from the cities.

       

       He was considered a celebrity by now.. Despite his original position in the sect.. which was so shaky, as an indentured ex enemy..

       

       ...

       

       Alright, let's hear it, a few high ranking sect officials and mechanical Larchen were in attendance, they were sitting around a table,

       looking eagerly at the survivor.

       

       Another official said... You've created much stirring at home, with your recent campaigns... It appears the only front in the grand war that

       has any good news is the northern one these days... Care to tell me how you created this "miracle" ? He added mockingly..

       

       No need to create drama here, another on added. Our army is old, this one isn't.. can't you see ? They have contributed to war effort

       and you are berating them... He scolded...

       

       The official looked awkward.. ehm i meant no offense, i still wanna hear it though..  How did this front turned from a crisis to a success

       at the hand of an uknown shady leader.. 

      

       Ah, the survivor comes from another planet.. Larchen added, same as mine, elder.. In fact he was a leader on the side of the insurgents..

       you could say... Let me pour you some drinks, and we can discuss all the matters as needed...

       

       ...

       

       So, basically, you are now safe, in your castle town.. You've concentrated power, and set up your base of operations.. 

       

       They probably thought the horror would do its job.. on the leaders, and army would be easy pickings...

       

       So, what's next..  ?

       

       We don't wanna dive blindly into forest, its probably.. the worse thing we can do, after winning a huge victory..

       

       Ah, caution, i like it Larchen said, you were indeed right man for the job..  Ehm, were is the elder, did he die in battle ?

       

       No, we had some insane situation, he went to resolve it.. Survivor quickly summarized the events with the dimensional horror...  for

       the officials..

       

       That is, indeed very concerning.. Will you be able to get this artifact in time ?

       

       Elder is very resourceful, Larchen added.. 

       

       Well, we are in winter now, it gives you quite an abundant opportunity, and excuse to strengthen your situation here...

       

       I agree Larchen said.. I'll let you, resume your command here.. although the circumstances call for a more bureocratic type...if the

       elders agree..

       

       No problem, Larchen, its your operation...There were few concerns back at the sect but you can keep going for now..

       

       What concerns.. ?

       

       Our leadership rank is in the middle of a.. shuffle right now, you may not have the same support you had before...

       

       The leader will be changed ?

       

       In fact, it already did, news will be made public soon...

       

       Ah so we have fallen out of favor ?

       

       Not at all, you've gained it with your victory.. You just hve to keep it up.. Chase your rank..

       

       The sect authorized me to provide you comprehensive access to its deeper resources...  In return we expect success in this front,

       the more critical it is the better..

       

       Ah, excellent Larchen said.. But it creates lots of anxiety for me as well... Let's leave the survivor to his rest for now, and talk more

       at length elders.. We've quite a few matters to discuss..

       

       Larchen's group exchanged pleasantries on the way out...

       

       So how is the war really going, Larchen asked..

       

       It all depends on the wheel of karma, an official said, our struggle is too grand... its fronts too numerous...

       

       So, what we do here scarcely matters.. right ?

       

       Correct.. its just a piece on the board.. But it's wrong to say it scarcely matters... If you were to get the access to northern sea..

       You would be completing our war effort in this region..  All the forces would be shifted.. Trade would pick up, boosting the overall

       effort.. IT would be perfect Larchen.. While there were some discourse after the leadership change, that is why you are stil being

       rewarded heavily..

       

       It would be a poetic end.. but i'm not just ready to get involved here... I want to solidfy our position back in the city, significantly, hunt

       the spies, set the resource production.. Trade with home, without it, i doubt we could advance here.

       

       You are that pessimistic...

       

       Of course, the ones who win at first usually lose later... Situation might not be as hopeful as you think..

       

       Its good that you are cautious at least..

       

       There is poverty in the city.. We need to get the resources flowing... War has taken its toll, elder..

       

       So it is, in everywhere else.. But not all are so quite lucky.. So don't be too cautious to test your resolve, it could help us immensely..

       and you... You can be a little more aggressive since the sect is providing you a large resource base...

       

       He should not act in haste, he's right, another official chimed in.. So what are your plans.. Larchen ?

       

       To make a gathering of heroes.. meet and compete..