Major Initial Acceptance

  In Endesa. A meeting took place, consisting of Lymoca, Cors, Endesa, and Carnge. The President of Lymoca flew over there first to meet with Richard P., Endesa's president. President Richard was a brown man with short hair, black eyes, and of regular height. Soon after, Cors's and Carnge's presidents arrived.

  Carnge’s president was a tall, black man, gone bald and with big eyes. He was president Carl F. Those 2 were this term’s presidents, which were just as cooperative, if not much more than the nations’ previous administration.

  The Cors president, Bernando P. whom Luis has already spoken to, arrived in due time for their meeting. There was a warm welcome from president Richard’s part to all the other presidents. He was extra familiar to president Carl, while being quite respectful of President Luis Heartez.

  President Richard was polite with president Bernando, whose encounter was the first time they met personally. Everyone was seen in the cameras, photos and live, with each other before their meeting began, in which they discussed for close to 3 hours before the Cors president departed.

  While Cors was a great big brother to the entire south, it wasn’t their babysitter, and much less a close ally of Lymoca, like Endesa and Carnge have been since day 0 of their foundation.

  “… President, it’s been some time since the new types of trees have been discovered. Scientists and their patrons are offering even up to a few billion to convince Melenon and Argopolas to let them investigate. Have you thought of something about this matter?” President Richard spoke after their primary discussion points were over.

  President Carl nodded, chipping in. “Those 2 were already the target of ANS’s sphere of influence before, let alone now. I think we should prepare. You know what they did to Terka.”

  “As a matter of fact…” Luis grabbed a cup from the table in the middle before looking at both presidents at his sides. “I do have something thought out.”

  The presidents lifted their eyebrows and intertwined their fingers, intent on listening. Luis didn’t delay, spreading his arms to his slightly spread thighs, “I know there should be some new types of trees found in your territory. Don’t worry, I’ve taken precautions, this room is safe, and so are you with me. Unless you don’t trust me, in which case, I can leave.”

  The presidents heard and knew well what he meant. Luis wasn’t warning or threatening them, but silently asking them their position with him, or in this matter, instead. Seeing them exchange a glance and nod a few times together, Luis returned the nod.

  “I have decided to change its name to Lypro. It’s no longer Preut’s uniqueness, although the type of tree in it, now in Lymoca, remains unique even among the new types of trees.” Luis finished his cup and left it at the table. “Have you thought of what I offered you last time?”

  “I thought we would decide after New Sanctum. The Pyot and Meztle Islands aren’t even here,” president Richard shook his head, commenting. President Carl joined, “Unless… they already made it ‘obvious’ to you, President Luis Heartez?”

  “Look, gentlemen,” Luis sat up and patted his shoulders in a casual manner, and a bit. “It’s not that I want to pressure you, or treat you like pets, but they have made their stance clear. It’s not me who they feared into getting closer to Lymoca, but ANS’s movements and recent actions.”

  “I won’t try to deceive you. That’s the last thing I ever need to do, found or not.” Luis looked at them, his eyes sharp. “You know my talks have been getting… a little ‘crazier’ lately. It’s not something new. When I was still a genuine puppet, I was shut down. Now, I speak my mind up.”

  “I don’t want to disappear any of you, that’s- hahahaha, just absurd.” Luis shook his head, semi closing his eyes to look down at the floor with his hands together, before lifting his eyes to them. “I want Moonblue, the real supercontinent, to be united like never before— after all its countless historic records of fragmentation.”

  “You mean… through… talks?” President Carl asked, feeling… reasonably in disbelief. Luis looked at him and nodded a few times. He offered some more words, “I don’t intent to make all of this happen from today to next year. It’s something I’m planning on the long run.”

  “Like ‘A Great Motherland’?” President Richard curled the right corner of his mouth into a smirk and worded. Both Luis and Carl looked at him, before Luis blinked and sincerely spoke in a soft voice, “That is part of the notion, yes.”

  “That… is crazier than what we’ve talked about, yes.” Richard chuckled, a bit more to process than from hearing something funny. Carl sat straight, sweating and shaking his head before cocking it at the end, “This makes my head a little lighter.”

  “Let me tell you, I am taking advantage of ANS’s unusual activity of using proxies. Melenon and Argopolas are already in a tough situation, and you know what happened with Terka. It was already deep in, how do you think Cerka and Torka currently are?”

  “…” - “…” The presidents thought for a bit, mulling over such issues. Lymoca following up and fully igniting a war was surprising and shocking to all, but the one to be feared was still ANS…

  “How do you say this would work?” President Carl suddenly said, with Richard looking at him with a pondering frown on his forehead. Luis looked at both before focusing on Carl, “I will tell you once we get to know what we all want. That’s only fair. The Islands already know my projects, and their territories are cooperating with my hoog. I believe Lymoca can welcome new Lys in 7-8 years, and in a much better situation than it could ever be compared to Terka.”

  “You would protect us from ANS?” Richard solemnly asked. Luis looked at both their faces before relentlessly nodding, proactively answering them. “I believe ANS would never attack you, at least in our generation. But should that happen, since you are too close to me, I won’t just let wars unfold near Lymoca and Terka.”

  “I will do everything I know can be used to stop it, and call favors from the east. You will be protected.” Luis affirmed. Carl added with a slight frown, genuine and even worried, “And who protects you?”

  Luis was taken aback. His eyes fully open, and his mouth hung and relaxed, but he sorted a smile out with comfort. “Whatever issues the south and Lymoca might have with ANS from time to time, we are vital to one another. Besides, don’t we all have people up there?”

  “Like they could populate that insane territory,” Luis smirked, with the 2 presidents following suit. He added, “Let’s not even mention Zyckevele, just KAA alone humiliates the Leafless’ efficiency, don’t they?”

  “That’s right, hmhm.” - “That cannot be denied. Dawn countries are so large but so divided, too.”

  The presidents nodded, finding common ground in the subject again. Luis pressed his lips together and sighed a little before continuing, “Cors is doing hard work for the south, too. Even if they show too little, they are trying and prepared. We will help lighten that up. Lymoca is being cleansed from the inside that we can afford to give the deserved attention to our neighbors.”

  “When Terka can have their own head of state, a good President will be in Lymoca to manage and guide them. Right now, it’s just commodities to not elevate any tension between Lymoca’s wish to integrate Terka and their possible desire to become independent, like Preut once did.”

  “Mn.” - “Right…” The presidents nodded, understanding. The matter of Preut’s independence into a Nation State was always too brusque and from nowhere. Many know Preut was already rich then, but it wasn’t to the point it could make a livelihood for tens of millions.

  “About that,” Carl spoke again. Luis looked at him, awaiting. Carl went, “You’re not letting Terka have their government form by the new Lys yet? Why, really?”

  “They will have to wait another term after mine for that. By then, Lesly will be in charge, and there’s no better person to do it than her. She’s much sharper than I am, inexorable and hardworking. She will be much better at that than me. I’m undeserving.”

  Luis looked down, dishonored by his own past actions. “I only brought war to the south, the suffering it never deserved. I’m ill-suited to try bringing peace to the south and its troubles… of participating in the making of ‘A Great Motherland’.”

  He looked up at them, who exchanged a glance. The mood lightened up, with their faces easing, too. Luis saw success in them. Carl then spoke, “What about Terka now? How is that Fox doing? I imagine you’re contented with his work, hahaha.”

  “Hmf, indeed.” Luis cocked his head a bit and blew from his nostrils. He looked at them and spoke after sighing, “I guess I shouldn’t let the heavy work befall him for too long.”

  “So, your protection and your hoog’s cooperation… How do you want to begin?” President Richard softly articulated in a low volume. Luis looked at him, then at Carl, before smiling. He went President mode on, leaving behind his shame, and started.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “It’s obvious I want our nations to cooperate a little, and more so as time goes. My hoog shall meet with yours so they can acclimatize to come under its wing. They will receive training and learn the Lymocan hoog’s ways to evolve as secret organizations. As for your people, this is more concerning and dangerous. We should start by sharing common social programs…”

  The talks had just begun, with the presidents of Carnge and Endesa engrossed from the get-go. Luis was exalted, but he didn’t let it show. This was his last ride, and he was bound to make it count like never before. He wanted to help give birth to the best Lymocan President!

  ***

  Terka’s capital, palace. Year 1,027, 1st month, 1st week and day. At 12:03 AM.

  “Happy New Sanctum!” - “Happy New Sanctum, haha!” - “Mmwwah! Sanctum kisses!” - “Elega…” - “Happy New Sanctum, my fellow Secretaries and lower members, cheers!”

  There was an ongoing party in the lower, larger main hall of the palace. Hundreds of people mingled, including every community leader around Terka, with their cameras showing everything.

  It seemed unnecessary, but it was necessary. This let the new Lys observe and know how the Lys treated them. In the celebration party, the community leaders weren’t ignored nor forced with too much attention on them. More so, there wasn’t a moment where they were overpraised or spoken to with others’ condolences.

  In short, they were having a good time, and it transmitted to all of Terka. They had nothing to worry, only the future ahead of them. Those nights without electricity and running low on water, days of war, seemed distant an eye more with every passing day.

  For that, Fox’s cleansing operation was mostly complete, with PSD agents in Terka only required to find the rest and arrest them before deciding if to kill or bring to Lymoca. As for the helpers, Miguel and his criminal group, they were now in safe houses in Terka, guarded by PSD.

  Furthermore, the Senior Minister was here, in Terka, celebrating with everyone else. He was shown a few times at best, with the rest being from the distance by the community leaders’ cameras, and blurry.

  Such an important figure in Lymoca celebrated the New Sanctum in Terka, something the new Lys themselves were doubtful if caring about ever again, or at least this time. But a few days since the Terka Lypros were found, all days were spent for the New Sanctum celebrations.

  While there were some Lymocan music bands throughout, there were no official ceremonies or events, letting the people decide their theme and way of celebrating. While Lymoca was all murky green and showing holograms in the sky of the Silverplated Eagle, Terka was a humble bubble of darkness with countless little lights everywhere. The atmosphere was as lively.

  Of course, Fox spent his time ignoring everyone and focusing on… his women. Esmeralda made it easier to transition from a regular couple to a three-way lifestyle by holding Nala’s waist and talking her countless trash datum from all over the main hall.

  Every now and then, Fox closed his face to their ears, whispering a few nothings and just chatting a bit. They were just perfect to pass time in places like these, distracting him whenever other thoughts and impulses enveloped him. But his surroundings were at least free of any still faces or eyes looking directly at him.

  The first day of the year was spent as successfully as it could get nowadays in Terka. The rest of the world seemed a bit more vivacious this year, but more expectant, too.

  … After the New Sanctum celebrations, the world seemed positive and eager for the future again. It may be an exaggeration, but it felt like the Fourth Sanctum Order had restarted all over again, and the vision for development wrapped Resilient once more.

  In Terka, as the Lypro trees were found everywhere, a 100 square kilometers area was guaranteed for the protection and spread of these Lypro trees. They were situated all over, giving the National Guard, still being built in Terka, a most important task for the territory.

  This could very well become Terka’s sole #1 income after a decade. Should there be any corruption or evil hands reaching to it, it would be disastrous. Thus, the Terka Lypros weren’t gathered in one single place, but equally distributed all over the territory.

  This was much different than in Preut, where the rich residential districts controlled everything. It was evenly spread across Terka. As for things such as ‘giving’ some individuals the ability to rise with those areas and separate at a later date; if conflict was to occur, it was bound to happen no matter the reasoning or motives behind it. It didn’t matter what was then, in ultramodern cases.

  Furthermore, with at least half of Terka fully repaired and brought to a state it didn’t even have in the past. The military had begun constructing their military industries, air force bases, naval bases, and headquarters for the ground forces.

  With this, the bases of intelligence were built as well, more so with the urgent matter of keeping the safety of the Lypros. Similarly, using these Lypros as the focal point, as it is with the National Guard for now, the Ly military in Terka began recruiting.

  They would be trained in Terka during the first few months before being sent to Lymoca, where the military bases would train them to become Lymocan soldiers; all Lys!

  This was too slow still, but it was working, and it was doing better now. More such purposes were needed, but Lymoca wasn’t any short of these, especially with the talks of ‘foreign hands’, so much it etched into the chests of most southerners. Terka wasn’t exempted.

  Furthermore, in Terka, 80% of the cities became bustling, with more planned around the northern shores and the center. Before, the ‘new’ old capital state of Terka was mostly alone, with a large area of prairies distancing it from the rest of the states. Now, everything was changing.

  … In the 12th day of the 1st month, Fox gave Terka shocking news. He wanted to ask them now if they were contented with Lymoca’s work with them, on their land. This wasn’t a mere poll, but an official question to all new Lys. Did they want to stand beside Lymoca?

  They would still have the promised 3-year period where they could decide once and for all if they wanted to remain in Lymoca’s ‘hands’ or become independent again. What did the people have to say to that? If there was a way to demonstrate their gratitude and sentiment, it was then.

  Today, the 16th, Fox stood on a stage, facing the packed streets of the capital, far from the plaza, where a couple hundred thousand filled any gap. In the faraway streets, more and more people could be seen packing them, becoming stagnant with the safety measures maintaining order.

  There were easily 3 million people in the capital, who have gone out of their houses, their jobs, and even from other cities and states in Terka. All to come here. Fox was a little taken aback, feeling like there should be Luis somewhere, but it was him they wanted to hear.

  The feeling was weird, and it was, for the first time in Fox’s life, a surreal sensation he couldn’t drive away immediately.

  Stepping towards the microphone, as he didn’t like to have a podium covering his body from the front, Fox faced everyone, who quieted down in their own volition. He cleared his throat a bit before looking back at his women. Nala looked at him, her eyes encouraging him subtly, and proud of course. Esmeralda waved at him, smiling mirthfully and proud.

  Fox smirked a bit, hiding it quickly before facing the crowd again and speaking. His voice surprised him still. It really wasn’t Luis’s, but his. It was just past 8 AM, with these many people coming to just listen a person talk… Fox felt it was utterly ridiculous.

  “Just a few hours ago, I saw the result of the proposition I put forth.” Fox was brief, not wanting to ‘talk’ to them through a speech. “The results were 94% of you, those who at least voted, who were 70% of Terka’s population, decided you wanted to stay with Lymoca. For that, I’m thankful.”

  CHEEEERS!

  “But that doesn’t mean it is defined,” Fox rapidly calmed the loud noises. “Keep in mind you will have the opportunity to send your next Senior Minister off if you don’t like them after 3 years. Remind this to whoever and however many comes here as the next SM. Never forget this is your land.”

  “On the other hand… I do hope that if the percentage falls in 3 years, it is because there were too many young people who became of age. As a person who went through a much longer war with far more casualties any of you can imagine… That you are able to walk through your land without a weapon and still be safe means I must have done good. For that, I’m gladdened.”

  Fox suddenly stepped to the side and bowed a little, staying in that pose for several seconds before returning to the microphone to say something before turning around and walking away. “Thank you.”

  CLAAAAAAMOOOR~! The people reacted at once, making noise and shouting at his back. “Don’t gooo!” - “What if the others are wrong? We trust you, Senior Minister!” - “Thank you for Terka!” - “Come back one day! At least one day!” - “Safe travels! Waaah!”

  “…” Fox continued walking to the back of the stage, walked off the stage by Nala and Esmeralda, with the latter holding his right arm, hugging it to her chest. Fox’s face was slightly overshadowed, hearing the words from the crowd and their commotion.

  They were just screaming, not making a ruckus, and thanking him. Fox wouldn’t deny that. The ongoing happenings in Terka before the war were nefarious, below functionality. That would make anyone wonder how were they still a country, and the answer was simple: foreign ‘funds’.

  Fox didn’t stop for anything, entering a car, before being driven to the airport before taking off with only Nala’s team going away with him. The lower cabinet and Andrea and Carlos remained behind, with the sweet girl, now a young woman, waving him goodbye with a bright smile.

  It was her turn to be strong, as she would be away from home for a long time, helping those in need here in Terka. Be it prisoners to be disciplined or returning war refugees.

  In the airplane, this time joined by Esmeralda and Nala, with the seats around theirs empty, and the others distancing themselves from them, Fox had the book on his lap. He could read the ‘title’ of the book, with seemingly no author exposing themselves, at least on the front page.

  It read ‘Ptlyente Records’.

  Fox frowned, looking down at the book, which he didn’t dare touch without employing all his focus to be gentle. After breaking countless similar objects, and this one being complete, he would really fall ill from stupidity if he breaks it.

  Nevertheless, Fox felt a sense of wanting to know about this thing more. So far, the word ‘Ptlyente’ meant nothing in any little tongue or the universal language… ‘universal’ language.

  Even then, the desire to see through this thing unearthed the inexplicable in Fox. Esmeralda, who was on his right, looked at his left arm slowly moving before commenting, placing her palms on his thigh. “Why do you caress it so much with your hands? Didn’t you say you don’t want to break it?”

  “Hm, can’t help it.” Fox jolted his neck upwards, still looking down with narrowed polycoria eyes at the thing with a grin. Esmeralda tilted her head, with Nala darting her cold and indifferent ones towards Fox and the book, a little interested.

  “Maybe Victor can help me. He has a large collection of books…” Fox spoke out loud. Nala grabbed his left hand and brought it to her lap, sitting cross-legged with it between her legs before looking through the window. Esmeralda smiled thinly on his right, while Fox relaxed at last.

  “That might work. You know, since you’re at it, why don’t you start looking for everyone else you knew in Preut? Also, the Forzt family might just be wanting to meet you. Don’t you think it’s time?” Said Esmeralda, poking at his heart and brain funnily. Her profound black eyes looking from her upper corners, determined and firm.

  “…” Fox fell into thought. It was true, why not now? It was careless to keep delaying things. Especially if he wanted to go through them himself.

  …