Ferocity of The Waves

[Rhava]

Madame Secretary Ponagar stepped out of her office, taking a deep breath of fresh air. That moment quickly passed as the scent of fuel and gas entered her nose. She loved the city of Hai Bọt Biển. The fresh ocean breeze, and sound of the sea grass in the wind, and the beautiful mountains looming over the city. She did not like the reason she was here. 

"Madame Secretary, the senator is right outside." Ponagar slid open the balcony door and entered the office, which has ceiling high windows, and pale white walls, with one desk in the middle. 

"So what are you waiting for, let him in" the Madame Secretary exclaimed. The aid quickly rushed to the door, to welcome the young representative to the room. His name was Ametung Hidayat, and he was the representative from the state of Sambal Bokur present in the senate. 

"Tôtl'rí Naam Ponagar. Tôtl Mầy Tôtl?" asked the representative, as they both sat down.

"Spare me the pleasantries. Let’s skip the bull and get on to your point. What do you want this time" the madame secretary said as she sat down. "And while we're at it, aid, get me some tea. I'm not getting any younger." The aid ran out of the room to fetch hot jasmine tea from down the hallway. 

"If you insist. I'd like to ask for permission to go to Yeosan." Ponagar sighed, and slid her chair closer to the death, releasing a noise as the chair inched closer.

"You know I cannot keep doing this, while I am sympathetic to all ethnic groups in Rhava, there just isn't a lot I can do while still helping you from office. It's only a matter of time before the head of state snitches on me to the council." The aid reentered the office, spilling some tea. "Oh, so now you are in a hurry. I am one of the most goddamn powerful people in the country, show some urgency. Leave us." The aid bowed, and ran out the door again, this time for his job. "Now why do you need to leave Rhava." This time, it was Ametung's time to sigh. 

"The government has one of our lead scientist. We know they are using her for something, we just don't know what." Ametung frowned.  

"You know as well as I that we can't send a Rhavanese citizen to Yeosan, much less a helpless one." 

"Hey!" Ametung exclaimed, slightly offended." 

"Perhaps I can find someone though, hmm." Ponagar opened her laptop, and scanned her email. The representative slid closer, and Pongar slammed the laptop closed. "Did I say you could look at my stuff, no. Get out of my sight." The representative shuffled out of the room leaving Ponagar alone in her office. She once again went to her balcony, and stood there for a while. Change was in the air, she could sense it.

Edited August 13, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

The sound of quick steps rang down the hallway. A shadow ran by the sea blue walls inlaid with gold naga decorated with fake paintings, a faint echo of Mandura's past. Reya stopped at a tray with three jade rings. That looks good, I'll take it she thought sliding the rings onto her fingers, the preceded to enter the next rooms. The rooms were dotted with lights from down below of the bustling Yangkorn market at the center of Mandura city. The next rooms had statues of Nian dynasty in Rhava, the statues stripped of the materials past all recognition, another faint echo of the two Alharun nation's histories. This room had a higher ceiling, with a glass dome stained with green and dark brown colors from soot that had started clinging to it after decades of not being cleaned. The palms rustled outside the transparent dome, waving in the wind and scratching the surface of the buildings. In this hallway there was only one painting. The painting was surrounded by a dirt covered seal of plexiglass. around the exhibit was a moat of clear water dotted with lily pads and lotus flowers. Reya slid off her mud soaked sandals as she entered the room, glancing over at the mural. She walked towards the exhibit and knelt next to the water. She cupped the cold water in her hands and trickled the water on her face and hair, and raised her palms in reverence. Then from her bag, she took out some incense and lit it, as well as leaving fresh mangoes and longan. She then jumped over the moat landing soundlessly, and wiped off the dirt revealing a picture of Nayasarri, Reya's great great grandmother, and symbol of rebellion in the eastern Alharun isles. It was common for the people of Mandura to come here and pray to the painting, and though foreigners thought this was weird, it was a symbol of reverence to Nayasarri from the people. As quickly as she came, she leaped back over the moat and slid on her sandals. There it was. Her target. At the back of the next room, lay a sapphire, the size of a monkeys head. The room was colored blue and there was a windowed dome at the top. A gold naga  crisscrossed the room, each scale a separate chunk of gold dug up right there on Mandura. She took out a small pouch from her bag, and opened it to reveal pale chalk dust. She blew the dust into the room, revealing almost unseeable ropes, that if tripped would set off every alarm. She slowly walked through the room, jumping over and sliding under the transparent tope, as grainy chalk sprinkled down onto the floor of the room. She arrived at the end of the room, and walked over to the glass, and took off the entire box, lodging it in her armpit. Reya briddled with annoyance. It was a fake, a ball of thick blue material. A shadow moved above her. She glanced up to see a shadow holding her sapphire. The figure spotted her, and saluted her, the figure then jumped off the side of the building. The thunder rumbled shaking the entire building. Reya chuckled.

"If its a chase you want, then I wont loose" Reya voiced. She launched her grappling hook into the sky shattering the dome and clinging on to the rim, she let the glass box fall triggering the alarm. She smirked as the guards came into the room to see her calling guard painted into the ground, a monkey baring its teeth, and as the guards looked up she waved and then leaped off the dome following the figure. 

Edited August 13, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

"Yaz, order at table 12!" 

The Cas Bar was bustling, with unique smells and tastes of the Thaboul province. Zaatar lingered in the air, as Hashim ran around the kitchen juggling tubs of labne, and half cut parsley for the tabouleh. The mushederah was burning, and the raw kibbeh was attracting flies. 

"Here's your order Tata Fatimah" said Yasmine as she bustled to table 12 handing them grape leaves and cubes of a pink pickle that was too sour for most foreigners. 

"Thank you habibti" thanked the elderly woman as she dug in to her usual. Yaz ran into the kitchen barely missing Hashim as he ran around like a headless chicken. 

"Woof, we could really use some extra help. Even for a day." 

"Order for table 3. Yes I agree, but you know every 'good Rhavanese citizen' would never want to work at a dirty Tonmai establishment" Hashim muttered rolling his eyes as he handed Yasmine the kibbeh, drenched in oil. 

"Our time will come brother!" Yasmine sprinted off back into the Cas Bar. 

~ A Few Hours Later ~ 

Hashim sat at a table, with a Rhavanese iced coffee in the center. Papers cluttered the floor, as he tried to sort out the mess of tax returns. As most pages went with the new laws passed by the acting president, there was an extra 2% from Thale, and an extra 5% from Tonmai. 'The way you earn your rights in a socialist utopia like Rhava'. 

"Big brother, go to bed, you know those just anger you more." Yasmine stood on the edge of her door, staring knowingly as her brothers hunched back. "

"Just go away Yaz, I'm not in the mood. Our parents are in Rhavapura, trying to get money. And we have little to no money to even afford this building, not to mention food and water. And we owe some bad people, some bad money" Yasmine sauntered over to her brother, and pushed him out of the chair.  

"Don't talk at me like I'm a child!" she yelled, glaring at him. Hashim sighed.

"I'm sorry, sometimes I forget how much you've grown up" said Hashim. Yaz smiled, and sat down, moving Hashim out of the seat.

"Let me do the forms, go for a walk, maybe the pub." She winked at him knowingly. A knock on the door suddenly shattered the moment. The knock grew louder, until clouds of dust flew into the air. The white plaster walls shook, and they both stood there, tensed up, and ready to run. Yaz grabbed a knife, and Hashim slowly got up and grabbed a knife as well. 

"We know you're in there, give us the debt and this will all be over quickly" yelled a gruff voice. Yasmine looked at her brother with wide eyes, the mafia she mouthed, while they both backed away from the door. If your not coming out, then we're coming in. They both increased their pace to the window. The door came down with a crash, sending up clouds of dust. Yaz threw the knife, and hear a sick squelching sound of sinew and flesh as it hit the target. 

"Go!" They both ran out of the window as yells of pain echoed through the apartment, and the sounds of steps as they were chased. They slid down the tiled roof, into the bustling street below. They made their way across the street, and then sprinted down the road. Hashim frantically waved his hand into the road, trying to call a taxi. Sounds of screams erupted from the street, as two burly figures jumped down from the two story window of the Cas Bar. A yellow taxi pulled up, and they opened the door and jumped in, slamming the doors behind them. 

"Anywhere but here" Yaz said as they pulled onto the roads of Al-Cedaan, and then onto the seaway leaving all they ever knew.

 

Edited August 16, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

She spotted the figure ahead of her about three buildings and she sprinted after. She quickly gained ground, the figure looked back. 

"Stop!" she shouted, then uttered a swear as she stumbled on the loosely tiled roofs. The figure waved and then jumped into the bustling streets. Reya leaped after the figure, shoving people out of her way. The figure grabbed fruits and tossed them back at running through the crowds. Reya narrowly missed a huge durian flying at her, which proceeded to his someone who fell into the icy depths of the canal, to resurface sputtering. "Sorry!" Reya shouted chasing after the figure. The figure then jumped into the canals filled with boats filled with people buying all sorts of products. Reya continued on the edge of the canals. They both entered into the Sam Đung floating market district of Mandura city. Reya jumped onto an empty boat, and grabbed the motor launching the boat into the center of the canal. The figure jumped onto a boat then pushed the person off and sped into the harbor. Both boats sped after each other entering open water. The figure then stopped to Reya's surprise. "Hey!" Reya shouted, "I think you have something of mine." 

The figure took off his hood, revealing darker skin, and a Rhavanese complexion. He removed his cloak to revealing a enamel pin of a Jade dog, clutching a fan in it's teeth. The foreign minster's symbol. He was an aid of the Ponagar. 

"We have been watching you for a while, I think you have what it takes to join our team." The boats touched and the aid climbed onto Reya's boat, clutching the gem. "I'm Jesse, part of the Rhavanese Restoration act, and I think that your talents could be put at a better use, then petty burglaries." Reya laughed,

"Why would I ever help you." She grabbed for the sapphire, but Jesse lifted it out of her reach. Reya growled.  

"Because you could be doing good for a change, bringing unity to Rhava and bringing Mandura onto the wurld stage."

Reya chuckled.  "I don't think anyone wants to see a unified Rhava here. What happens when Rhava is united, Mandura will lose sovereignty, but more importantly, I'll lose a job. If Mandura is handled then there will be less crime opportunities for me. Now give me my gem and I'll let you go." Jesse not even a little surprised handed her the gem. 

"Well Reya, I see where you are coming from, and I won't force you to do something you don't want to do. Here's my card, contact me if you want change your mind." Jesse turned around and climbed into her boat. "By the way, the jet leaves at 10pm, there is also a hefty reward" He winked, and the turned on the motor into the distance towards the Rhavanese border.  

The words caught up to Reya, "Wait! How much!" She tried to wave at the already small spec on the horizon. "Hello!?" She grabbed the gem and headed for her jet muttering about how annoying that aid was.

[Rhava]

Cockroaches scuttled across the beer stained rug, as RNN played on the television detailing another defeat for the resistance. Yasmine, perched at the door, ready to strike if needed while Hashim made a bowl of yogurt and cucumbers, and heated up some pita. A bureau towered over the kitchen shadowing over everything, leaking dust from all compartments, making it harder to breathe. The room was incredibly small, as Hashim made his way to the table, where he set down the food. He beckoned Yaz, where she leaped down, pulled out a chair and dug into the food. They both sat in silence, their eyes acknowledging their predicament. About three days ago, they crossed the provincial border into Cạm Rãng province, and got a room at an inn a couple towns out of Cao Khoát. It became increasingly hard for them to go anywhere being half Tonmai Rhavan (lighter skinned), they were seen as helpers of the TTMR. Yaz sat there thinking to herself, and decided to stretch out her legs which were searing in agony from sitting like that. Not her one of her best ideas. She got up and left, Hashim not even looking up. She sighed. She walked onto the street, enjoying the warm breeze, as leaves rustled above her, and windchimes made of bone echoed down the streets. She sighed again, swallowing the fresh air. The street in question was on the promenade, looking out onto Cao Khoát. The lights of the city reflected beautifly like a mosaic of lights on the river. Suddenly, a loud crash and explosion startled Yasmine back to reality. A magnificent red firework flashed into the sky, more following it. Cheers from the other side of the river made it over to Yaz, as her eyes widened in awe. She laughed as more and more exploded into the sky, in all different noises. And then it was done, only the smoke and tiny flickers were left in the pitch black night sky. As she turned around, a figure at the end of the road stared her down, not moving an inch. Yaz unsheathed her knife, and crouched into fighting position. 

"What do you want" her voice strongly rolling down the street. 

"You have guts kid, and I think we need that on our team." The figure took off their hood to reveal the face of Chantrea Ponagar, the minister of Rhava. "Could you put away that damn blade, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to offer you a job." Yaz slowly rose, not putting away her blade. 

"Why should I except said job" she questioned, tightening her gript. 

"Your a hard cookie to crumble, but I've seen harder." The madame secretary threw a package of San, and Yaz gasped on how much it was; 日20,000. "The rest will come after, it'll be enough to pay off your certain...debts." She then looked at the light shining out of the motel room, as Hashim stared out the window directly at her. "So, are you going to let me in, I'm f*cking burning out here."

Edited August 16, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

Bora Bora Island, North-Western Rhava 

"No sir, I'm sorry. If you don't have the identification, you are going to have to leave."

"Please Tang, my family and I have been here for weeks." Tâm Nguyễn was at a crossroads, he could either help smuggle this family into the country and be at the mercy of the Vĩnh Cửu acts. Or he could politely refuse them, he was sure they could easily get into the FASR.  "I'm really sorry sir, but we just can't let you in. The territory of Đảo Thận (Shendao) is on the list, and without proper identification there is nothing else I can do for you. "Next!"

As the man sulked away, Tâm felt a pinch in his stomach. He glanced down at his cheat sheet, granted to him on his first day, 'Good Law Abiding Rhavanese Citizens Follow Their Benevolent Government.' After another few devastating stories, that made Tâm want to puke, on how horrible he was being. He headed home through Guanling Port, passing all the orphan families, from places like Thannam, and Azania.  He picked up his speed not even wanting to look at these events, for he must be loyal to his country. 

Rhava is benevolent, Rhava is merciful, Rhava is true. The class yelled this at their teacher as the teacher smiled, gazing at her pupils. 

"Tâm, what is the number one rule of Rhava!" She pointed at Tâm who was merely mumbling the chant, while gazing at the birds playing outside the classroom. He snapped out of his daze, trying to remember what she asked. 

"The Rhavanese government always puts the people first!" 

He bumped into a large figure who turned around angrily. "WATCH IT BUB." he swung with a huge fist at Tâm who got hit right on. He staggered back, banging his head on the hard stained concrete of the inn behind him. The figure noticed the elephant carrying the sun patch on Tâm's clothing. "WAIT, YOU'RE A SERVANT OF THE PARTY! YOU TRAPPED MY FAMILY IN SUVERINA." He took out a knife, and slashed at Tâm who dodged slowly, and got slashed across the waste. He clutched his hips, searing in pain as warm syrup like liquid trickled down is leg. As the figure raised the knife for the final strike, a red splotch appeared on his chest as looked down surprised, and then he collapsed to the floor. A warm hand reached out to Tâm who quickly grabbed it, and winced in pain as the wound seared in pain. 

"Lets get that fixed up shall we. And after that, why don't we change Rhava for the good" said a female voice, an aid of Ponagar. 

Edited August 15, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

"Welcome Mr. Ping, the general is waiting." A helicopter landed on a pad, illuminated by a structure jutting out of a mountain, 20 kilometers away from the Yeosanese border. Rain poured down, as the head of the council Pen Ping stepped out. Decked out in all black, and wearing black shades, he walked with 3 aids tailing him into the bright hallway of the fortress. "As you can see, the general has been working tirelessly for the plan to come into fruition." Pen nodded as the continued to walk. They entered into a glass tube overlooking a huge device. "The device is almost fully operational." Pen smiled, sliding off his glasses to look down on the device the size of a school bus. Wires pierced the outer metal shell, going into a huge monitor, which a group of strategists were studying. 

"Bring me" he drawled in a thick Rhavapuran accent, "General Lai." The aid bowed, and rushed down the corridor, the footsteps slowly fading into the distance. Eventually clacking sounded from the end of the hallway. A stunning woman strutted into the hallway, dressed in an ao dai, a gorgeous accompaniment to the head council members fancy suit. Her black hair trailed down her back in a thick braid, dyed red at the end. Mara Lai, commander of the national army. 

"Champagne?" she asked offering him a glass held in her hand. 

"No thank you mistress Lai." 

She smiled. "More for me then." She downed both of them quickly, and handed them off to an aid. "Its beautiful isn't it" she gestured at the device. Pen nodded. "13,000 lbs of titanium armor to protect it. Almost indestructible." They both smiled. 

"When will it be fully operational" the council head asked. 

"By the end of the weak sir, the...scientist. She has been most stubborn, it took a little...convincing if you know what I mean to help." 

"Good. The resistance will be destroyed by the end of the weak. And then nothing will stand between us and our goal." 

Edited August 17, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

"Here's the sitch." 

Reya, Yasmine, Hashim, and Tâm sat around a wide table, in the resistance base of Goran island with Chantrea Ponagar and Lieutenant Hien. 

"So let me get this straight, you want us to parachute into Bugjjognamu forest, infiltrate a government owned base, rescue a head scientist of who cares blah blah, and destroy anything that could be a danger." Reya questioned annoyedly. "Oh Po, this is gonna cost extra." 

The Lieutenant spoke up, "I know this asking a lot from all of you, but this is something only you can accomplish, this can change the future of all of our lives." 

"How are we getting out, is there some sort of exit plan?" Hashim questioned, staring pensively at the diagram laid out on the table. 

"Yes, after the mission is completed, you will all escape through the air ducts to the peak of the mountain, where you will be extracted by one of the pilots that go you there" answered Ponagar. "And yes, you will all get payed extensively for this and the service you will provide to the country." Reya smiled at this, nodding her agreement. "You all have traits that we heavily need. Reya, you have a keen sense of survival, which will be crucial for getting in. Yasmine, you are handy with the blade, and show no mercy to those that hurt you our your family. An excellent weapon against those who get in our way. Hashim, a memory as sharp as steel, not to mention a pinch of realism that always snaps us back to reality. And Tâm, a heart that will anchor us all back to what our goal is. A better Rhava. Some People in there, do not agree with what they're doing. I'm sure you agree with this." They all nodded. 

"Rest, we leave at sundown" the lieutenant said, as they all walked away to their quarters.

[Rhava]

The large propellers were the only noise in the silent starless sky, as the crew left Rhavanese airspace. Hashim caught himself gazing at Tâm as Tâm watched tree after tree pass under them. He was surprisingly good looking, a slight build under his blue uniform with a white dragon patch, the sign of the resistance. After only a day he had become interested. Maybe it was love, or maybe it was just the insanity he was participating in a mission like this. Tâm gazed away and noticed Hashim's stare, and blushed. Hashim turned to look up at the front of the plane, a light warmth to his face. 

"You like him, don't you" whispered Reya, slightly snickering. Hashim blushed a deep red. 

"Shut up" he playfully pushed her away, as Yas covered her mouth from laughing. Even Tâm smiled, if not only for a second. A loud voice shattered this sweet moment on the intercom. 

"We are about to reach the Bugjjognamu forest, strap on your parachutes, as we begin to straighten out" yelled Hien on the loud speaker. They all quickly got up, and grabbed 4 bags, filled with their only means of getting to the fortress . They all strapped on their bags, as the back of the plane opened, showering them in bright moonlight, over a cloud filled sky. "Jump in Săn, Gấu, Mọt!" They all jumped into the cold lifeless sky, as wind circled around them. All of them twirled through the night sky, piercing threw could over as the mountain came into view. In the distance if you squinted far enough, you could barely see Haeju city, in Yeosan. The dove even faster, birds passing them. They each simultaneously released there parachutes, drifting down to the helipad. They all dropped their bags behind them, and sprinted for the door. As they entered, a guard noticed them, and charged them with a gun drawn. Bullets whistled by them as they each drew their Arnis. Tâm was the first to reach the guard, and jumped striking him straight in the temple. He lay on the ground, groaning. 

"Finish him!" Yaz yelled, as Tâm glanced down at the guard already regaining consciousness. Tâm gulped, slowly drawing a pistol, and holding it to the guards head. He clenched the trigger, sweat going down his face. He suddenly dropped the gun. 

"I can't." The alarms sounded on, sounding like air raid sirens. A shot echoed down the hallways, as Yaz gazed coldy at the lifeless body. Hashim gasped, as Tâm held his hand to his mouth in surprise. Even Reya looked away in disgust. Laughing sounded back. A woman walked towards them, sword drawn. 

"Do you think" she laughed. "You can take us out, if you can't even kill someone...as expensable as this." She cackled evilly. Mara Lai, slashed her sword, the guard's head rolling away. 

"Tâm, Hashim, go!" Reya yelled. "We'll hold her off. Yas nodded, as the both settled into fighting stance. Hashim turned to Tâm. 

"According to out intel, this is the way to the holding cells." They both sprinted off, Mara looking at them with uninterested. She then looked at her prey. 

"I though you might be tough girls, but you shouldn't mess with a lioness." Yas and Reya charged, as Mara cackled and swung her blade. 

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The picked up speed, entering a circular room, with monitors detailing each cells containment. Thankfully, only was filled, as the opened that one, they gazed at each other. Hashim and Tâm looked away blushing. A scientist with dark skin, exited the cell, adjusting her glasses, her hair tied in a bun. She spoke with a thick Tagalonese accent, definitely from one of the island states. "Who are you?" 

Tâm spoke up; "We are with the resistance, we are here to free you." Hashim nodded rushing over to support her, as she merely collapsed from exhaustion. "We must hurry, our friends are stalling." She gazed up with a strong gaze. 

"I will not leave. I have put millions of people in danger, I must fix my wrongs. Follow me." Pushing off Hashim, she made her way down the hallway. The two boys glanced at each other, and then followed after her. 

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Reya slashed forward, as Yas parried a strike from Mara, a sickening sound came, from the snapping of one of Yas arnis. With the other Arnis she disarmed Lai. They both were a mere 5 feet away from each other. Yas punched at Mara, as she dodged and kicked her in the groin. Yas yelped in pain. Reya slashed again with her arnis, both breaking on impact with Mara's armor. She sneered, at Reya as she punched her straight into the stomach, Reya losing air. They both backed up, lowering into horse stances. Mara relaxed, noticing their exhaustion. "As much as I'd like to continue play with you little girls, I have places to be." She leaped over them somersaulting in mid hair and sprinting to the helipad. They both sighed, collapsing the floor from tiredness. Reya slowly got up. 

"We need to help the others." She picked up Yas, who held her hand to her face, revealing a black eye. 

"Don't worry, I got this." Yas slowly got up, and they both started running in the direction that the boys had gone, slightly limping. 

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The scientist and the two boys reached a wide room, with a large hole gaping out of the wall. "No, no, no!" The scientist collapsed in tears, as she looked at the place where the monitors had been. 

"What is it?" They both sat down next to her, trying to comfort the scientist as much as they could. 

"They made me do it." She sobbed, her shoulders shuddering. 

"Made you do what?" they asked, already fearing the answer. 

"I built a weapon, a powerful weapon." She continued to wail. 

"...What kind of weapon." They both pale faced glanced at the scientist as sniffed, wiping tears from her face. 

"The kind to level cities, islands even."  

They both looked at each other fear stricken. "Goran island!" Hashim dialed Ponagar's number, nervously waiting for her to answer. 

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A jet passed over town after town, houses dotting the ground below as the went over ocean. Goran island, a major island off the coast of Rhava, home to millions. And the resistance base. Mara hung up a call, and walked to the front of the plane, with officers circling monitors, eriely looking similar to the base. "We have the go ahead." 

"Are you sure mistress? There are innocent people down there." The all looked up at her, sweat drenching their faces.

"Collateral damage." She didn't even flinch. "Officer, I said drop it. I will not repeat myself." 

The officer stood up, I will not be a part of this. You and the head council member. You don't care about this country at all. To think I've been working for people the likes of-" A shot rang through the plane, smoke leaking from Mara Lai's pistol. 

"Does anyone else have a conscious?" She yelled. They all shook their heads, stricken with fear. "Then what are you waiting for. Drop it." A small orb dropped from the bottom of the plane, followed with millions more, each dropping from a titanium container in the plane. In seconds it hit the resistance stronghold, obliterating all life in it. As people gazed from the cities surrounding it, a bright light exploded across the island, a circular cloud coming off the island, visible from the mainland, sending tidal waves in all directions. And when the dust cleared, only the remains of a once beautiful island remained. A scar on the land.

Edited August 18, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

4 hours before the bomb drop

The madame secretaries phone rang, as she arrived at the resistance compound a couple miles out of Goran island. The palm trees danced in the wind, backdropped by the sparkling adlantic under the night sky. 

"Who the f*ck is calling me at this hour" she thought to herself as she picked up. "Hello?! Who is this." 

"Madame Secretary!" 

"Hashim?" She swore realizing something was up. "What is it. I expect the mission went smoothly." 

"Madame secretary? This is doctor Janai Kazembe, lead scientist for the RUA. You need to evacuate the island as quickly as possible!" 

"Why is this doctor...Kazembe?" She became more and more fearful by the second as the caller paused. The wind seemed to pick up, putting Ponagar on edge, as the voice sounded through the speaker again. 

"I built something for them. They took me because I was in Ceris, during the crisis. I was part of a small Rhavanese group, studying the island. I saw the bombs with my own eyes. And I saw what they did to Liechnenfax with my own two eyes. And they made me build...a more compact version. Tiny orbs filled with fuel, munitions, fertilizer even. Thousands of them. And one big one, to light the match. It could level the entire island, and they will blame it on you." She sighed, they weren't out of the dark yet. 

"Thank you doctor, I will make sure that today isn't a day where millions die from a shit ton of fertilizer." There was a slight chuckle, though it didn't do much to lighten the mood. She turned to her aid as she hung up. "Get me on a line with Vu Pham." After a couple minutes, you could hear Vu's voice on the other line, drawling with tiredness. 

"Chantrea? Why are you calling me at this godforsaken hour." 

"Vu, listen. A Ceris level bomb is going to blow this island to a GODDAMN CRISP! AND YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SLEEP!" She yelled into the speaker. "I need you to f*cking get off your ass, and evacuate all essential personnel and the island residents to the fleet, and get them as f*cking far away from this island as you can!" she rasped. 

"We don't have enough boats for everyone. But I will do my best, the woman and children first." Ponagar sighed, not everyone was going to live today, but she was going to make sure not everyone died. 

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half an hour after the bomb drop

The boat was eerily quiet, as the citizens of Goran watched their homes and the loved ones they left behind smolder into a crisp. Children cries, and wails of families echoed off the murky waters as they drifted away from the only country they had ever known. As the three ships continued to drift off into the sea, sirens shattered the silence. From behind, an armada of Rhavanese ships came into a view, turrets in view, waiting to fire once they got closer. They would reach the fleet by the hour. Their only hope was to rendezvous with the rest of the resistance, outside Rhavanese waters. Each problem they faced, was like wave after wave crashing against the shoreline, their ferocity growing before storm.

Edited August 18, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

Ponagar gazed into the now foggy horizon, looking for signs of the resistance. It was almost impossible to see 10 feet in front of her. She sighed, and turned around to glance at the fleet. She was on lead ship of the fleet, surrounded by a frigate and a destroyer, each quickly turned into evacuation ships. She had recently found out that the council had removed the senate and president from office, and had declared her dead. She laughed at this notion, they tried so hard to erase her. 

"Madame, something has come up on the radar, I think you should see this." She glanced back the man speaking to her, pointing at a monitor. "It says that the rendezvous fleet, should be right in front of us." Ponagar rushed to the window, only to find something that was truly horrific. Shipwreck after shipwreck, the resistance fleet operating in international waters had been destroyed. They all gasped, as civilians all looked in horror at their only hope sinking to the bottom of the sea. "Even more bad news, we are running out of fuel." She swore in outrage, realizing their dire situation. Three ships, in the middle of the Adlantic, being chased to the edge of the wurld by an unstoppable armada. 

"The Seylosians, the Gallambrians, is anyone on this f*cking planet able to help us!" 

"No madame, they are all tied up in the Anglian crisis of Europa, or simply don't care." 

"How far are we from Tagalo, or Tikongkhett. Any Rhavanese ocean territories?!" They shook their heads. Ponagar sighed in outrage, they were in the middle of f*cking no where. They had no fuel. Their crew of misfits were somewhere near Yeosan possibly being hunted down. And she could do goddamn nothing! 

The comms turned on, with a male voice sounding though it. "This is Lieutenant Chau, in charge of the S.S. Dango, we are on low levels of fuel. We are requesting immediate docking so we may evacuate all personnel." The crew all shook their heads at Ponagar, it was too risky. 

"I'm sorry S.S. Dango, there is no wa-" 

"This is Chantrea Ponagar, we will take your people." 

"But Mada-" 

"That is not a question commander!" The S.S. Dango began circling back, to where it almost was touching Ponagar's ship. In 10 minutes the ship had emptied out, with only the lieutenant remaining. "Lieutenant Chau, please change ships." 

"That's a negative madame secretary. A captain goes down with his ship." 

"That preposterous Chau, get over here no-" The comms shut off. The Dango undocked, and began heading straight towards the Rhavanese fleet. She realized what he was doing, "He's going to give us a fighting chance." The Dango now meters away angled towards angled towards the lead ship of the armada, when it abruptly slowed. "NO!" 

A barrage of fire lit the sky as the Dango took the hit, slowly sinking into the ocean, smoke leaking from every where, the ship in flames. Screams and cries erupted from the upper deck, as the civilians were once again filled with agony, and hopelessness. And once again the resistance fleet drifted into the unknown. 

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"Admiral Collins. 12 Rhavanese ships have exited Rhavanese waters. They head right towards us, at highspeeds." Admiral Collins was incharge of the S.S. Chimera in the Anglian Whanganui fleet, currently protecting Anglian shipments to the new wurld, though protecting was a loose term. He stared at the open waters to where he assumed Rhava lay. From what he heard, Rhava was a backwater country in equatorial Alharu, and one of the only obstacles between Anglia and Shendao. "It seems like most of Rhava's military has been detailed to this one fleet, whatever they are doing, it must be important." 

"Prepare to fire." 

"But sir?! This would be an act of war against the Rhavanese. And what will we tell Naval Command?" 

"You heard from Captain Morce, they prevented a key victory against the Ryderians. Plus, by eliminating these tiny pests, we not only clear the way for Anglian-Shendao negotiations, but also a full scale invasion of Rhava with little to know opposition. You've heard the news, Rhava is wounded. Besides, we will do away with it swiftly like the other fleet. News will never reach the mainland." 

"Sir, they have come close enough for us to fire, are you sure about this." Collins thought to himself, he'd always wanted to best that bastard Morce. This victory, could be the key. 

"Fire."

(End of Part 1)

To Be Continued...

Edited August 24, 2021 by Rhava (see edit history)

[Rhava]

"Madame, four Anglian warships are firing on us." The RUA fleet smoked in the middle of the Coral Sea, 700 kilometers off the coast of Rhava. Alarms sounded, as the lights flickered on and off, the ships withstanding bombardments from both sides. The floor shook, with papers and pens scattering in every direction, with the crew of the S.S. Haikilong shouting orders into walkie talkies. The torpedoes struck the ship, sending Ponagar swearing and falling to the ground, blood dripping from her nose. To their surprise not only did the attack hit them, but also the ships behind them. It seemed the Anglians had no idea of the situation. "Madame secretary, what are we going to do. We are a couple hits from fully being blown to pieces, and the lower decks are already taking on water. We are sitting ducks." Chantrea sighed, it was looking like their loss was inevitable. Snap out of it Chantrea, think she thought. 

“Get me a line with the Rhavanese fleet.” It was a gambit, one they had to take. The crew nodded, signaling an open line. "General Nguyễn of the Rhavanese fleet, there is something you must know about Goran." Time passed, as more and more impacts shook the ships, as the Anglian bombardment continued. Ponagar tried to convince Nguyễn that he was on the wrong side to no avail. Screams erupted from the lower deck as another impact shook the ship. "General Nguyễn, empress Lin Chi once said; I have a duty to my people. A duty to this city. And a duty to these lands. If, you guarantee the people's safety, and the joint attack on Anglian forces to defend these fleets, I will turn myself in." The crew immediately shouted their disgust towards this notion, but Ponagar shushed them. 

"That deal sounds, acceptable." The 3 Rhavanese fleet ships docked with the S.S Haikilong, as people jumped ship, heading into the less damaged national fleet ships. Rhavanese and RUA ships fired on Anglian boats, as the fleet not prepared for this unity. Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps it was mercy, but the Anglian fleet retreated back into the fog. The crew let out a collective breath. Ponagar now turned to the crew, gazing as soldiers made their way onto the ship to probably arrest her. 

"Let's talk about how we are going to free Rhava, shall we?" The crew grimly smiled, as soldier shouts erupted from down the hall. She took a chip from her pockets, running towards the crew. "You must get this to my agents in Bugjjognamu forest. They will know what to do." Rhavanese soldiers dressed in red and yellow ran into the room with guns drawn. And like that they took Ponagar, leaving the crew with one choice, save the resistance. 

[Rhava]

20 days on the run, that was how long it had been. Under a month ago the Rhavanese government was taken over by the power hungry Chairman Pen Ping, imprisoning all government officials. Pinning an attack on the resistance when he had ordered the drop. The jailing of resistance leader, Madame Chantrea Ponagar. 2 days ago, the border closed, all international personnel  removed from the now locked down country.  And the last agents of the resistance; Janai, Hashim, Yasmine, Reya, and Tam were somewhere in the Cam Dong province, a region infamously guarded by the military. 

The crew walked through the long yellow grasses of the inner savannas of Rhava, elephants calling to their children in the background. Yellow mountains topped with puffed trees, like the hair of the hills loomed in the distance, with trees sparsely spaced in between. 3 days ago they had been contacted by Kilong's crew. They had been instructed to meet in the Cam Dong province. Now they walked through this yellow expanse of Rhava. 

"Rumor has it that Mueng people come out of nowhere and take all your belongings and attach your heads to the tusks of an elephant" said Reya shattering the silence. 

"Don't be silly, that was only a story made my crazy Rhavanese to scare people out of not coming out here" replied Yasmine. 

"Hey! I'm Rhavanese, you know" shouted Tam. They all laughed, putting their spirits at ease. As they waded through the leg long grass, they heard shouting in the distance. The crew picked up their pace, wanting to rendezvous with the last of the resistance quickly. 

"Lieutenant Hien!" The tall women turned around her hair a mess, with scrapes and bruises all over her body. 

"Thousand-eyed Buddha, if it isn't the Mandurae mercenary herself and her band of misfits." Reya and Hien bumped chests and laughed, as the others looked on dumbstruck. 

"So...why are we here lieutenant?" Hashim asked wiping the confused look off his face. She turned around to face him and said smiling; 

"Who else is going to break out Ponagar of jail!"