August 1, 2019

Eana, Eanif Imperium

Shining in golden splendor, Eana came into view as Ambassador Perry’s carriage entered the city’s outer limits. He sat with Major Donnager and Kelmithus while the rest of Alpha Team rode behind them in a separate carriage. Along the cobblestone road, numerous trade caravans lined up, waiting to be inspected and admitted into the Eanish capital. Perry looked out his carriage, sighing as the line inched forward ever so slightly.

“How do the people here travel between cities with lines like this?” he complained.

“It is usually quick. I guess this is just one of those days,” the driver replied. “Say again, what business are you here for?”

“Diplomatic,” Perry replied. “I represent the country from beyond the Grenden Portal.”

The driver looked back. “Oh? I’ve heard of that portal, but I always thought it to be a fairy tale or something of the sort. Why, I only recently started to believe it when some of my merchant buddies came back to me showing off some new wrist watches he bought down there in the Sonaran Federation.”

Perry rubbed his watch’s links. “Oh, we’re most definitely real. What can you tell me about Eana?”

“Well, the city’s never been better. Sure could thank them Beastia folk and the spoils of war. Hell, we’re itchin’ to get even more goodies after we take the Nobian Empire and the Sonaran Federation.”

“You’re going to war again?” Henry asked.

“It ain’t official, but it’s the talk among many of the soldiers. Hell, they just got done fightin’ and both sides have got their armies pretty much wiped out. Would be a waste not to take advantage of this situation.”

Ambassador Perry hid his discomfort. “So,” he said, tugging on his collar, “what does that mean for us Otherworlders?”

“Hmm,” the driver thought aloud. “I’d reckon you portal fellows should be fine. Emperor Evalion ain’t fond of taking big risks, so he’ll probably leave you folks alone, but if you really want to be safe, His Excellency has generous tendencies. Before going to war, he always gives the option to surrender peacefully and even offers those who surrender a chance at Imperial citizenship. Not a bad deal eh?”

Perry nodded. “Yeah, I guess so.”

A bell ahead rang. “Oh,” the driver said. “Looks like it’s our turn.” He pulled out several documents, which an inspector came and reviewed.

After receiving approval from the inspector, the carriages made their way through the crowded, magically lit streets. The architecture was heavily reminiscent of Victorian-era European architecture, as if chronologically connected with the nation’s Napoleonic-era weaponry. Compared to Eddling, Eana truly demonstrated the wealth of the Imperium. As they made their way toward a state-provided guest house, they saw magical illusions flutter about, acting like holographic signs and advertisements. They saw a group of mages casting magic on a building’s wall, immediately cleaning it and rendering it indistinguishable from a sparkling new product. They also saw shining towers, magically enchanted to increase their reflectivity. To say that these towers glimmered like diamonds under the sun’s light would be an understatement; it surprised the American visitors how the citizens didn’t get blinded by the perpetual disco lights decorating the buildings. The towers bore great resemblance to the spires in the Sonaran Federation, but the Eanish towers were built much higher, thanks to improved magical capability in the field of material enchantment.

The carriages stopped within the bureaucratic district outside of the Imperial Domain, distinctly separated from the circularly-arranged commercial and residential districts of the city. The American guest house was situated next to the Mekkanese and Divinian offices. The Mekkanese offices employed traditional Greco-Roman architecture, to the Americans’ surprise. The Divinian offices, bordering the grand gate that separated the Imperial Domain from the bureaucratic district, looked much more alien in design. The structure was decorated with intricate, artful protrusions and statues that were impossible to engineer using modern building materials, but were likely possible with the inclusion of magic. The color scheme gravitated toward white and gold, conveying an atmosphere of opulence. Above the building, a slowly spinning symbol floated above, representing the insignia of the Divinian Empire: two swords forming an elongated chevron, with an emission of light where the sword tips met.

The meeting with the Eanish representatives is scheduled for tomorrow, so Perry surmised that this might be a good time to get further acquainted with the Divinians. He and Alpha Team unpacked their luggage in the guest house. Perry looked outside as a Divinian car drove along the paved road. It looked nearly identical to Earth-made cars, except for the glowing hood. Perry also noticed the condition of the road; unlike the cobblestone roads leading up to this district, this area had paved roads, allowing for greater vehicle maneuverability. He wondered if the Eanif Imperium had cars.

——

Divinian Empire

“Your Divinity,” an attendant knelt before the silhouette of a man sitting upon a brightly lit throne, “we receive news from our spies in Mekkan.”

“Speak,” Divine Emperor Elysian Divinia commanded, his voice echoing throughout his throne room. The concavity of the room’s interior architecture seemingly amplified the emperor’s voice, making it appear as if he was talking from all locations at once, like an omnipresent being.

The attendant kept his head bowed. “Two weeks ago, one of our operatives identified several new products in high-end Mekkanese department stores. Of these products, several watches exceeding the quality of Mekkanese timepieces, and even our own, were inspected. We questioned the origin of the products, and we were told that it came from beyond the Grenden Portal. Taking interest in the sophistication of the watches, Overseer Vanarum authorized further investigation. From his spies’ activities, we discovered that the watches came from several companies operating from the United States of America, the same Otherworldly force that managed to defeat the Nobian Empire in mere weeks, and also eliminated a Hydra without suffering any casualties.”

Emperor Divinia clasped his hands together and leaned forward, creating an imposing shadow onto the attendant. “Hmm… So, yet another technologically advanced nation appearing through a portal? This Eternal Reich, and now this United States of America…”

“Yes, Your Holiness. Overseer Vanarum has also discovered several trade deals and technological exchanges between the Mekkanese and these… Americans. It seems that Mekkan sees American technology as much more advanced than their own; Vanarum thinks this may pose a problem in our rivalry, and he has sent several operatives to gather information from Mekkanese reverse-engineering projects.”

“So, it seems High Priest Ashtan was reasonably justified in his failure… Very well, have Overseer Tirell reinstate Ashtan’s position.”

“I shall do so at once, my lord.” The attendant kept his head bowed, remaining still.

“And… convey my orders to Tirell: investigate the Grenden Portal in greater detail and establish relations with these Americans. If Vanarum thinks they are so advanced, they might prove useful in the coming battles against the Axon Empire. You may leave now.”

“Thank you for gracing me with your presence, my lord!” The attendant retreated to carry out the emperor’s will.

——

After unpacking, Perry walked to the Divinian embassy, accompanied by Kelmithus and Henry. Kelmithus in particular was excited to see the Divinians; due to the vast distances separating the Divinian continent from the others and the level of technological development outside of the Divinian Empire and Mekkan, most people have only heard fantastical tales of the superpowers’ exploits. Aside from stories and a quick observation of a Divinian officer during the initial battle at the Grenden Plains, Kelmithus knew nothing of their kind. To him, the beautiful architecture of the embassy granted merit to the legends of Divinians having insurmountable magical technology.

The steps leading up to the front door seemed like they were made of marble, although with a faint glow. Henry noticed this and commented, “Say, these Divinians sure do love their glow, huh?”

Perry answered as they continued walking up, “I would suppose it’s part of their namesake, being ‘Divine’ and such. The color scheme certainly radiates holiness, but we shall see if their people live up to that name.”

“If I may add,” Kelmithus interjected, “many stories of the Divinians speak of pure-hearted heroes in their lands.”

“Well, I don’t think that very much adds up with the talks of warfare between the Mekkanese and Divinians a few decades back,” Perry lowered his voice as a Divinian official walked past. “They seem human just like the rest of us; I doubt they’re anything like saints.”

Perry pushed open the door and entered the embassy, which seemed to be made entirely of that same marble material. He was greeted by a beautiful lady who wore a glowing dress. “Hello there, I’m Aloeva, I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.”

“We’re new here,” Perry explained, “I represent the nation from beyond the Grenden Portal, the United States of America.”

“Oh,” she giggled. “I thought those were just rumors! Well, wait here just one bit.” She left and went towards one of the offices.

A few minutes later, she returned with a more serious look. “I apologize for my behavior earlier. Please, come this way.” She led the group to a more extravagant looking office space, decorated with golden columns and floating orbs. “Please, have a seat here and someone will be with you shortly.”

“Thanks, Aloeva.”

After the receptionist lady left, Perry took some time to look around the room. Paintings of various heroic stories adorned the walls, depicting victories against ancient evils. Many of them depicted a man clad in sophisticated, white armor fending off demons and other foes, likely propaganda for their emperor.

Out of curiosity, Kelmithus approached a glowing orb, recoiling as he leaned forward to smell it. “Oh!” He coughed.

“What happened?” Henry asked.

“This seems to be a very strong scent releaser. A lot like the air fresheners you Americans love to put everywhere.”

“Interesting,” Perry said. He was about to ask how a magic air freshener worked, but someone entered the room. Perry looked up at the elegantly dressed man, who almost seemed like a priest of sorts.

The flashy man introduced himself, “Greetings, Otherworlders. I am Overseer Tirell; I manage all Divinian affairs in the Eanif Imperium.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Perry responded, offering his hand. “I am Ambassador John Perry, representing the United States of America, the country beyond the Grenden Portal.”

“Oh?” Tirell shook Perry’s hand. “I’ve heard many tales of your people. I heard you managed to defeat a Hydra without suffering any casualties?”

“Indeed we have,” Perry replied. He followed Tirell, who gestured for them to sit down by his desk.

“So you have… now, what is the purpose for this visit?”

“We would like to establish relations with the Divinian Empire.” Perry got straight to the point.

“Interesting. I assume you’re in Eana for a different reason, though.”

“Yes, we initially came here to establish relations with the Eanif Imperium, but our meeting is tomorrow.”

“And so you decided to drop by our embassy in hopes of starting a relationship.”

Perry nodded. “That’s right.”

“So tell me, why should the Divinian Empire seek a relationship with a country it knows almost nothing about? We are quite busy with other affairs, you know.”

Perry pulled his laptop out of his briefcase, readying a demonstration. “Please give me a moment,” he said to Tirell, who was eyeing the American device curiously. “I will be showing you a video about American lifestyle and culture, along with our achievements.”

Tirell nodded and waited patiently.

While Perry initiated his PowerPoint demonstration, he thought about Tirell’s words, analyzing them. If the Divinians thought of the Americans as beneath them, then why did their highest ranking official bring them in for a sudden meeting? Considering this fact and the attitude of the receptionist earlier, Perry surmised that the Divinians must be testing him in some way, trying to gauge the technological level of the United States, perhaps? He thought back to the discussions he had with the Mekkanese delegation. They hadn’t said much about the Divinian Empire, aside from basic descriptions and a short history.

The laptop loaded, and Perry returned his attention to it. He turned it around so that Overseer Tirell could view it, and hit the spacebar.

Perry analyzed Tirell’s reactions, but overall the man was exceptional in maintaining a neutral expression. The presentation began with an introduction to Earth, and the general properties of the planet and its biosphere. Then, the presentation discussed the history of humanity on Earth for a short period, highlighting the most important periods of technological advancement, starting from the agricultural revolution. Tirell nodded slightly at this, recognizing the importance of this information. Then, the video moved on to the history of the United States; how it was founded upon principles of liberty.

Tirell raised an eyebrow at this. Revolutions and rebellions were nothing new to him, but a revolution birthing a republic, and a successful one at that, caught his attention. He subtly lowered his left eyebrow back to its original position as the video continued.

The industrial revolution in the United States was of particular interest to Tirell, as it provided similar context for Mekkan’s own industrial revolution, several decades back. He leaned forward slightly, analyzing the information and doing his best to memorize it for future reference. Then, he reached the section discussing the world wars. Clips of tanks and bombing formations slightly unnerved him, as the onslaught of mechanized forces reminded him of the war against Mekkan nearly 50 years ago. He paid close attention to the details of the monoplanes shown in the video, as they were similar to current Mekkanese planes.

“If seeing these clips is too much, just let me know and I can fast forward a bit,” Perry offered.

Tirell looked up. “No thank you, that will not be necessary.” As he responded, he thought about the implications of being able to manipulate video to such an extent that fast forwarding is possible. Certainly, this device was nothing like the magically operated computers back home, nor like the analog machines of Mekkan.

The clips of war continued, showing the combat in the European Theater before transitioning toward the Pacific Theater, which heavily focused on naval combat and island-hopping. Several maps with arrows helped provide context for the overall strategy, with arrows jutting out of Hawaii and moving toward Imperial Japan’s sphere of influence. Tirell made a mental note of the implied logistical capabilities of the Americans during this time period; the Mekkanese of today would likely employ similar strategies.

Finally, the section on the world wars ended; no information about nuclear weapons was divulged. The post-war period was summarized quickly, pointing to an economic blossoming and quick technological advancement. Information about the civil rights movement was also cut out, as it represented a division within the United States that could be exploited. In contrast, the video demonstrated the unity of Americans, emphasizing this solidarity during the section about the Space Race.

It was then that Tirell broke. His facade of neutrality and his carefully maintained poker face crumbled. It was ridiculous enough that these Americans and these Soviets were able to reach the upper atmosphere, but he calmed himself by reasoning that it could be possible on Earth due to its much smaller size. However, what truly dismantled his worldview was the fact that the Americans managed to send people to the moon.

“One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” the astronaut in the video said.

At this point, Tirell’s jaw nearly dropped to the floor, as if he was some sort of cartoon character. He quickly composed himself, realizing his error. The rest of the video did not display any more jaw-dropping moments, but Tirell assumed that this was due to the importance of maintaining secrecy. Thus, he did not inquire and only remained silent until the video ended, showing clips of American cities sourced from tourism advertisements.

Towering cities, sprawling roads, and airports filled with large passenger planes came into view, the clips rolling one after another. He saw beautiful beaches, serendipitous sights of natural wonders, and vacationers happily sipping wine and laughing. The sheer amount of cars shown in the various clips gave the impression that Americans as a whole must be quite wealthy; cars in the Divinian Empire and Mekkan were reserved for the upper-middle classes and higher. The gadgets people seemed to be obsessed with also demonstrated a level of technological sophistication; Tirell clearly identified the same devices being used as a camera and as a communicator. The video then ended with a swell of patriotic music and drone panning of the White House.

“Well, that’s it.” Ambassador Perry turned the laptop back toward himself and closed it. “What do you think, Overseer Tirell?”

“Ah, Ambassador Perry… I must say that was quite the demonstration. I even asked myself how much of this was faked or edited, but even then, the technology required to fake or edit such a work is tremendous. All I can say is… you’ve proven yourself worthy for a relationship with the Divinian Empire. Please schedule an appointment with Aloeva once you’re done with your talks with the Imperium, and we can discuss our future friendship together.”