Chapter 48 The Iron Beasts of the Deep
James stood on the deck of the BNS Hope, the Imperial Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, gazing out at the endless expanse of ocean. The salty sea air filled his lungs as he watched the sun rise over the horizon.
He had recently returned from the Britannia Kingdom. Because of Alberto's sudden order, James had been forced to hand over his duties to Diplomat Joseph.
He was given a new mission. They found an island a few days ago. Taku Island—
James's mission was to establish diplomatic ties with the Taku, bringing them under the empire's influence. It would not be an easy task, but James was confident in his abilities, and he was determined to succeed.
As he turned to re-enter the ship's interior, James's thoughts strayed to the Taku. What would they be like? Would they be receptive to the empire's overtures, or would they resist? James's mind was already racing with strategies and tactics, as he prepared to face the challenges ahead.
James walked into the control room, his eyes scanning the displays and data streams that lined the walls. BNS Hope's captain Rovin looked up from his console, his expression serious and concerned.
"Ah, Minister James, Welcome, we're approaching Taku Island. We'll be entering their territorial waters within the hour."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Hmm... That's good."
"Ah, Also Minister James, from what we've gathered, the Taku people are a force to be reckoned with. Physically imposing, fierce warriors... We've had reports of them using primitive but effective tactics, like ambushes and guerrilla warfare. And, of course, there's the... other issue."
James walked over to the display, his eyes narrowing as he examined the screen. "You mean cannibalism?"
The Captain nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, Minister. We've heard troubling reports of the Taku people's ritualistic practices, including the consumption of enemies as part of their traditions. It's a... delicate situation, to say the least."
James's expression tightened, his mind racing. 'That's... concerning,' he muttered. "Do you think they'd be open to a peaceful resolution?"
The Captain shrugged, leaning against the console, his eyes locked on James's. "Hard to say, Just... be careful, okay? We don't want to risk anyone's safety."
James nodded, walking over to a nearby chair and sitting down. "You are right," he said. "That's why I was bringing a small delegation to meet with their leader. What do you think?"
The Captain walked over to the chair and sat down across from James, his expression serious. "That's a good idea, Minister," he said. " The Emperor is very serious about this relationship. He wants this mission to succeed at any cost."
James nodded, "I know that's why I selected our best diplomats and cultural experts for this mission," he said. "They have experience in tribal society that makes them the best for this job."
The captain nodded, impressed, but still looking concerned. "Well, I hope they succeed."
James smiled, standing up. "I have faith in them, Captain. I'll go brief the team and get everything ready. So, I am saying goodbye now."
"Of course, Minister James "
★★★
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The BNS Hope, a behemoth of a ship, sliced through the calm waters of the Taku sea territory, its massive hull and towering superstructure an imposing sight to behold. The ship's flight deck, stretching over 1,100 feet in length, was a bustling hub of activity, with sleek, fighter jets and helicopters parked in neat rows.
As the BNS Hope entered Taku waters, it was accompanied by its escort battleship, the BNS Bismarck, a formidable warship with enough firepower to take on an entire fleet, and also, Five Destroyers
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The Taku war canoes were adorned with colourful feathers and intricate carvings. The Taku warriors, clad in loincloths and feathered headdresses, brandished spears and obsidian-tipped clubs, their faces painted
Taku's POV
As the BNS Hope and its escort vessels entered the Taku sea territory, the warriors in the war canoes gazed up at the massive ships in awe and terror. The Taku people had never seen anything like these behemoths before. The battleships loomed over them, their steel body glinting in the sunlight like the scales of giant sea serpents.
The warriors' initial bravado and determination to defend their territory began to falter as they took in the sheer size and firepower of the ships. They had heard stories of the "Iron beasts" that roamed the oceans, but they had never thought they would see them up close.
One of the Taku warriors, a young man named Kanaq, let out a terrified cry as he gazed up at the BNS Bismarck. "Kai'kai!" he shouted, pointing a shaking finger at the battleship. "The monster of the deep has come to devour us!"
The other warriors began to murmur and whisper among themselves, their eyes fixed on the ships. They had never seen anything so massive and intimidating before. The colourful feathers and intricate carvings on their war canoes seemed pitifully inadequate against the might of these iron beasts.
Their leader, the fierce and proud Taku Warrior, Qkua, stood tall on the prow of the lead war canoe, his eyes blazing with a mix of fear and defiance. He raised his arms to the sky and let out a mighty roar as if to summon the gods themselves to aid his people.
But even Qkua's bravery was beginning to waver. He had never seen anything like these before, and he knew that his people were no match for them. He glanced around at his warriors, seeing the fear and uncertainty in their eyes.
For a moment, the Taku warriors froze, their spears and clubs seeming futile against the steel leviathans. The thought of defending their land felt insignificant. They forgot about everything except the monsters that loomed over them, Battleships guns and cannons glinting in the sunlight like the teeth of a predator.
And then, as one, they turned and paddled away from the ships, their war canoes disappeared into the safety of the nearby islands. Behind them, the iron giants loomed ominously, their presence an unanswered challenge
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