Post

Bitter Summer - Part II

Sima Shang, Karakez, November 5th, NL 15

Collab with the generous Karakez and loyal Kalquen

As the sun rose slowly over the horizon of the central port of the Karakez province, hundreds of men transported heavy wooden boxes of cargo onto the outstretching KSS Kepiting. As hundreds more surrounded the large ship, waving the flags Hoydland, Karakez, and Kalquen alike, a collection of black and white dogs with long fur coats were carried through the crowd. They would be stored in a spacious corridor initially meant for cargo. After all, they were pivotal to this mission. At the helm of the preparations sat Madra Soelon, esteemed leader of the Hoyd Research Division. He was an unlikely leader, with his scrawny frame and thin, easily breakable glasses allowing him to direct clearly. His excitement was immeasurable, but he refused to show it on the outside. He eagerly awaited those that he intended to meet with before departing, although it pained him to do so. After all, these were mere politics that wouldn't matter when he was finally out at sea…

Through the crowd of workers and spectators, a group of men walked, brown eyes and hair, the emblems of the Kalquenan flag emblazoned on their lapels. At the group's front walked the leader of the Kalquenan Expedition Team, Bai Guo, a stocky man with arms as thick as branches, his deep brown eyes focused almost entirely fixated onto the ship. He turned to his men, ushering them each to hurridly bring their supplies of cured meats and other provisions onto the ship. There was no time like the present. As his men worked, Guo began walking up the gangplank towards the deck, ready to meet his new compatriot. This was to be a voyage to bring brothers together, and he could not have been more excited.

A smooth, obsidian automobile glided into view, its polished surface shining like a dark jewel beneath the sunlight. This magnificent vehicle was guarded by a procession of stately horsecars, each one serving as the elite guards to the highest authority of the state, Gi'an Stitos, Master-Principal of Karakez. The moment the automobile came to a halt, the guards dismounted from their carriages in line, forming an unwavering line, their swords raised in a salute that cut through the air. As Gi'an emerged from the vehicle, he strode through the "arch" of his loyal men with a dignity, a living embodiment of the formidable power he wielded within the very heart of Karakez. Accompanying him were two of his most trusted aides. One was the Chief of the Ships' caretaker, a man whose knowledge of the ships exceeded most of the people in nation, the other, his right-hand confidant in the realms of science and technology, whose brilliant mind had contributed many of Karakez's greatest advancements. Their names were Huran Skrawz and Laiman Ruspa respectively. Together, they moved with purpose, each step carried the weight of authority and the promise of innovation.

As Gi'an approached the gathered gentlemen, a flicker of warmth ignited in his steely gaze. "Greetings, gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth, imbued with a charm that could sway even the most hardened of hearts. "I must apologize for keeping you in wait. It seems I have unwittingly neglected my duties as a host, and for that, I am truly sorry. You see, I found myself halted by pressing matters that demanded my immediate attention before I could grace this gathering with my presence." He extended his hand, a gesture both formal and inviting, "For those who may not yet know me, I am Gi'an Stitos, the Master-Principal of Karakez. And now, if you would be so kind, I would be honored to learn the esteemed identities of my respected guests."

Soelon extended his hand to the Master-Principal, beaming with excitment. "No need to apologize, Mr. Stitos. It's a pleasure just to be here. Thank you again for allowing our small expedition to rent your ship. I assure you, it will be worth it. I'm glad that you see the vision of our quest to the south." He adjusted his glasses before meeting eyes with Guo. "And I couldn't be more thrilled to see you, Mr. Guo! I hope your men are ready, this will be a journey to remember..."

"Ha! Ready as always, my friend! The road ahead of us is a long one, but we'll tackle it as brothers, Mr. Soelon!" boomed Guo, his voice deeply reverberating through his massive chest. "And you as well, brother! Ha!" continued Guo, sticking out a massive hand towards Stitos. His deep brown eyes twinkled his bush beard pickling upwards to follow his wide grin.

"Thank you for your understanding," Gi'an began, his voice filled with the weight of unspoken gratitude. "It is no small honor for us to host this extraordinary journey you are about to embark upon. We hold our breath in agreement, hoping for discoveries that will shock the world." As he spoke, Gi'an turned toward Guo, the mountain of a man whose massive hand engulfed his own in a hearty shake. At fifty, Gi'an's body bore the marks of age more prominently than the younger gentlemen surrounding him, yet there was a spark in his eyes that belied his weary frame. "And it is a pleasure to see you, Mr. Guo." His gaze drifted to the crowd of men bustling around them, their movements full with purpose and determination. "I trust that preparations have reached their final stages? With so many dedicated souls gathered here, I can hardly imagine otherwise. The KSS Kepiting awaits, our noble ship is a steadfast vessel ready to carry you into the vast unknown." Gi'an’s voice swelled with a sense of pride as he continued, "I shall ensure you are accompanied by a protective vassal ship that will guard your passage till the end of sea of Tanil."

Soelon grinned at Gi'an's explanation, before adjusting his suit once again. His outward appearance had always been of the utmost importance, especially considering all those influential figures he's met recently. His rise to power was an unprecedented one among Hoyd society. A timid scientist couped up in his lab all day turned spearheaded leader of the neo-scientific revolution beginning in Hoydland and beyond. Frankly, it was an underdog story. Nonetheless, the newfound fame and pressure of these recent developments had changed him as a man. He had to keep a professional look to him. Not only was it an effect of the Hoyd political culture, but as an effort to fit in with them all as well. Was it unfortunate? Of course. But it's what must be done now that he's in this position. Everything he's fighting for rests on his shoulders, after all. Soon after adjusting himself, he continued. "If I may, Mr. Stitos, Karakez is a beautiful province. It took my breath away as I first entered Sima Shang, honestly. Between the natural landscape and the bustling port culture your people have established, it reminded me of my home. I'm so glad that our expedition is able to begin here. And I'm sure Mr. Guo feels the same. Hoydland expresses it's gratitude to Karakez, and although it's not my place, I can only hope that it's the beginning of a flourishing partnership between our homes."

"Damn right! Our states are brothers, through and through, resting giants of the south!" boomed Guo, his raspy rumbling voice reverberating across the deck. "This ship, this crew, this cause, I could have no nobler a voyage! I hope the Kalquenan contributions of provisions, fuel, and tools are enough to hold up our own end!" Guo turned to one of his Kalquenan sailors, reaching into the crate he held and pulling out a packaged can of rice and pork. He tossed it, up and down, watching as the sailor continued down into the ship to load the provisions.

“Indeed, the contributions from the Kalquenans' provisions, fuel, and tools are undeniably substantial,” Gi'an voice echoed through the gathering. He took a moment, gathering his thoughts, before his voice filled the air around him. “I believe I have alluded to this in written correspondence before,” he began, his tone imbued with passionate. “Yet I feel like to state it again, to seek clarity from the leaders of the expedition.” He paused, a fleeting cough escaping him. “What, I would like to know, is what can we hope to gain from this audacious venture?”

Soelon blinked for a moment, pondering the question. He knew the answer, so why couldn't he just respond? Maybe it was because it was a more complicated topic than he had originally thought. Readjusting his glasses, he nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Mr. Stitos! Well, for starters, raising the flags of Hoydland, Kalquen, and Karakez on the South Pole would no doubt prove ourselves on the international stage! Now I'm no geography expert, but to my knowledge, no other power has achieved such an accomplishment!" He paused to meet his eyes, before continuing.

"Now, I understand that this isn't enough. After all, this voyage is in the name of science, not politics! And to this I say that the powers of the world simply don't see us, the provinces of the Celestial Empire, as 'advanced societies'." Pausing once again, Soelon swung around, his eyes darting in all directions as he chuckled confusedly. "Well, look around! If this isn't an advanced society, I don't really know what is! Mr. Stitos, it is time for us to show that we are pioneers in the world of science. By raising our flags at the South Pole, we will be able to study an unimaginable amount of anomalies and wonders that we can't even comprehend here in the Celestial Empire! By documenting our studies, moreover, our findings will be taught in schools across the Empire for generations to come. If that isn't a noble gain for this venture, I don't know what is..." He looked over at Guo, flashing him a hopeful smirk before turning his back to them momentarily to check on the preparations. The men were nearly done loading the ship. It wouldn't be too long now that they'd be waiting on the three of them.

"A noble gain indeed, my friend! Ha! We'll truly put our nations on the world stage!" boomed Guo, placing a massive hand on Madra's shoulder. He couldn't wait to be in that long expanse of water, happy and free, marching southbound for fame and glory. He was ready. Bai Guo, he thought. A name for the history books!

“Indeed,” Gi'an mused, his brow furrowing slightly as he stroked his chin, “I cannot recall ever hearing of nations achieving such heights... though perhaps this knowledge has simply eluded us.” His expression shifted, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he added, “Yet, this matter lies far from the topic of politics. We are the Sunderlands, bound together as a brotherhood in the southern lands.” He chuckled softly as he listened to Soelon’s words. “Truly, Karakez stands out as a remarkable state,” he acknowledged, his smile broadening with a sense of pride. A thoughtful look crossed his face as he read the implications of their discussion. Ah, these insights will surely find their way into the records of education, benefiting the children of our empire, He looked back towards the guests, “Indeed, every new discovery paves the way for a brighter future,” he declared. Gi'an straightened his back. He inhaled deeply, centering himself before continuing, “Is there anything else you require for the expedition that I might have overlooked?”

Almost immediately, Soelon shook his head in confidence. "No, I believe we have everything rightfully prepared for the expedition. Thank you for your offer, though, Mr. Stitos..." He looked behind him once again, focusing on his ship with the morning seas gently crashing against the wooden structure they stand on in the backdrop. He held back a yawn using his fist, before turning back to his compatriots, itching to get sailing.

Guo chuckled, looking up to the sun above, then back towards his men, not retreating into the quarters below. "Well, friends, we're burning daylight! I'll make my final preparations and return to my quarters! Doesn't seem like we should wait any longer!" boomed Guo, patting both men on the shoulder with his massive hands. He then lumbered off, towards the stairs into the galley, chuckling as he went.

"Then, it is settled." Gi'an clasped his hands together in a formal fist-and-palm gesture, his eyes glinting. "I bid you all farewell and pray that safety accompanies each of you on this remarkable journey you now embark upon. So long, scientists," he declared with a steady voice. With a final nod, he turned on his heel, his robe swirling as he moved with purpose toward his waiting automobile. His men followed in disciplined silence, the hum of the automobile soon to fill the air as they prepared to leave, marking the end of their brief farewell and the beginning of a new, uncertain path for those he had sent forth.