Jaaguzannama: Pax Apollonia
| Jaaguzannama: Pax Apollonia | |
| |
| Original title | Jaaguzannama |
| Language | Common Tongue |
| Author(s) | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
| Genre | Historical narratives |
| Location(s) | Çakaristan |
| (main) characters | Jaaguzan |
| Timeframe | 1716 - 1720 AN |
Jaaguzannama: Pax Apollonia is the fourth part in the story series Jaaguzannama. It is a sequel to Jaaguzannama: Imperium Intermarium.
A time to keep silence
"Are you out of your mind!" roared Jaaguzan. The Muqaddam of the submarine that ran aground on Leng had returned to Agra. He was expecting a glorious welcome because he had expanded the empire. For the first time in decades, the Alsalam family, previously known as Vinandy, again ruled a piece of Benacia. But the reception by the Shahanshah was completely different from what he had expected. Dejected, he stood in the grand throne room of the Red Fortress. Bowing his head, he looked at the marble floor. A few steps higher, on a throne sat the Shahanshah, who stood up in anger.
"How dare you!", continued Jaaguzan, "yes, you have protected your crew, your vessel and its secrets. But claiming land, you should not have done that." The Muqaddam fell to his knees and said, "Oh your majesty, forgive me! Forgive me!" Jaaguzan looked away and gestured for the man to leave.
Moments later, the Grand Vizier stood before the Shahanshah's desk. "Your Majesty, the diplomats have consulted well with the diplomats of the Benacian Union. We need not worry about any conflict." Jaaguzan nodded, "Good, good". After a moment's thought, "Perhaps we should have an arrangement where a land claim can only be initiated by me." The Grand Vizier nodded in agreement.
•••
Zahra was sitting with a baby at her breast. Astir was visiting, who said, "Congratulations on the birth of your son." "Thank you, we are very pleased with his birth," Zahra replied. She continued by saying, "But Hakim is very touched by the war. He is absent-minded, distracted." Astir was silent. After a while, Zahra asked Astir, "You are close to Atiya. Can't you, through Atiya, bring about a truce, talk of peace, well... whatever it takes to stop this."
Astir did not really want to answer. Zahra was interrupted by the fact that the baby had drunk enough. The ladies of the court helped burp the boy, decorate Zahra and so on. This was the opportunity for Astir to leave. Zahra got angry at Astir's silent departure. Angry, she walked to the balcony. The cool afternoon breeze cooled Zahra down.
•••
"Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Shahanshah, I would like to inform the Congress that the State of Emergency has been declared due to the state of war with Sanpantul" spoke the Grand Vizier. A few members protested, but by far most positively. "Order, order," said the Speaker, "thank you, Mr Grand Vizier, we are recording this announcement in the proceedings". Some members stood up, to be given the floor. The Speaker gave the floor to Anand Nehru. Anand Nehru said, "Thank you, Mr Speaker, it is in accordance with the Constitution for the Shahanshah to declare a state of emergency. Given the situation, we also understand that. Only I myself have difficulty with unlimited powers." There was some protest from the audience, but it fell silent before the Speaker could intervene. "Mr Speaker, I would like to move a motion that the powers of the Shahanshah be limited to what is necessary for the war."
The motion was received, and after other MPs spoke, the motion was put to a vote. "Hear, hear!", spoke the Speaker, "motion limiting the powers of our Shahanshah in the state of emergency is defeated".
A time to strike
"Commander, very nice to see you" "Your Grace, the honour is all mine," said the Commander. "Speak, tell what is going on," said Hrithik. "Your Grace, forgive me. You call me 'Commander', my military title is Muqaddam." The Chief replied and spoke for Hrithik: "By the shashor you are so called. But you are not service of that Arboric substitute. You are in the service of the Sultan". The Commander nodded.
Hrithik gestured for the Commander to continue narrating, "In the coming days, the Shaha... er shashor will travel to Maulikpur. He has had a palace built there. Now that this palace has been completed, the shashor will come and open the palace. Here I have the programme." The Commander took out a paper and handed it to the Chief. The latter read it and handed it to Hrithik. "Good, with this information we can proceed. Return to your post, and await instructions". "Yes, Your Grace," the Commander replied with a bow.
•••
"My Shahbanu, didn't you want to go to Maulikpur?" asked Leylah Khatun. "No way, I could not take Daniyal with me", replied Zahra. "My Shahbanu, forgive me, but the baby is strong enough to travel", responded Leylah Khatun. Zahra sighed and said, "You are right, my answer was for Hakim. Now I could still make some arrangements here. Before the next elections, several parties will unite and then United Green's position can finally be broken." After a sip of tea, Zahra continued, "The only thing that worries me is that Hakim has taken Ceyda Khatun with him." "My Shahbanu, the Shahanshah has been with her before. Currently, the palace is filled with children, including those of concubines. The constitution dictates that only sons from legitimate marriages can succeed to the throne." "Yes, I know that," Zahra responded mildly irritated, "It is idea that your husband, your husband, is intimate with another woman that is embarrassing. Even if it is a concubine, even if it does not threaten my position and that of my children". "Forgive me," pleaded Leylah Khatun. "It's all right," Zahra replied.
•••
"Your majesty, may I invite you to cut this ribbon," Shivaji Bhonsale spoke. Jaaguzan took the golden scissors in his hand and with an elegant wave, he cut the ribbon. Those present started applauding. From the architect, the Shahanshah, the prince and other selected guests were given a tour. Among them was Aishwarya Çakar, who feasted her eyes on the splendour. After all, she had advised Jaaguzan to have a palace built in this part of the country so that he could be more near his people. This part of the country is the most populated.
After dinner, the guests were led to the garden. Night had fallen and lights of the garden were dimmed a little. A fireworks show began to welcome the Shahanshah to his new palace. Beautifully, the sky was lit up by the fireworks.
Through a drone, Hrithik had a view of the garden of the Cenfae Mahal. The drone was supposed to mark the target of the missile that was to be fired. Through an insider, security had been partially disabled, which meant the drone detection and anti-aircraft defences present were not functioning. "There's the shashor," said the lieutenant enthusiastically. The chief admonished the lieutenant, but Hrithik gestured that it did not matter. On the screen, he saw Jaaguzan, who was watching the fireworks. He saw him gesturing to someone nearby. "Fire!", Hrithik ordered. The missile was fired. But then he saw who Jaaguzan was gesturing to. His sister, Aishwarya, appeared in view. Jaaguzan spoke in her ear, due to the noise of the fireworks. Hrithik shouted, "Abort! Abort!".
A time of secrets
Slowly, he woke up. He saw that the bed next to him was empty. He looked around the room and saw a woman getting dressed. He asked, "Are you leaving?" The woman was startled, as she hoped to leave quietly. "Your majesty, I don't know how to say this...", the woman hesitated. He got up and got out of bed. The woman started crying. "This is a mistake. We should not have done this" the woman continued. "Didn't you want this?" asked Jaaguzan. "Yes, but... still, we shouldn't have done this. I am not your concubine and I never want to become one" replied Aishwarya. "It's all right," Jaaguzan replied reassuringly. "Now, were you trying to get away unseen?" he asked. "I am sorry," she replied. Jaaguzan responded, "You are right, we should not have done this. But if you leave through that door, you will be seen. This palace also has secret corridors, then you can leave unseen". He walked to the bed, bent down and pressed a button on the back of one of bed legs. Then the bed folded up and the floor under the bed slumped down. A staircase appeared and light flickered on. Aishwarya looked surprised and grabbed her things. She walked over to Jaaguzan and they looked at each other. "Thank you," she said, but did not know what else to say. "Take care of yourself, should you need anything, I would be happy to hear from you," Jaaguzan said. For a moment they both thought. "Go now, then it won't be further uncomfortable," Jaaguzan said. She nodded and descended the stairs.
•••
"Gustavus, finally!", Parvati said as she hugged him. "Filips has found out that Yusuf is not his. From time to time, he lets it be known unflinchingly that he knows this. No matter what I say or do, he persists" Parvati told her. Gustavus replied, "Yes, he is right of course, but more importantly he does not leak this". "But I hardly have a life! We are sleeping separately now and he has already called me a slut and whore once" complained Parvati. Gustavus thought for a moment. "Ideally, I would like to live with you, together with our son. But as long as Filips is still married to you, this is not possible" he said. "Divorce is not possible, the shame is too great. Not only for me, but also for my family. Besides, Filips has to agree and he is not going to do that" she replied. Both remained silent.
A few days later, Gustavus had a meeting with a servant from Filips' court. In an obscure corner of a café, they sat talking. The servant did not know who he had in front of him, as Gustavus was dressed unrecognisably. Gustavus said, "I know you have debts. The burden of your generational debt is heavy and you are not going to be able to repay it. The interest burden is preventing you from sending your children to college. Unless your debt is repaid all at once." The servant nodded, wondering how Gustavus knew all this. "If you do one thing for me, I will redeem your debt" Gustavus continued. The servant looked up and asked, "What should I do for you?" Gustavus looked around, bowed towards the clerk. He said, placing a bottle of liquid on the table, "Put this in your prince's drink. But only your prince." The servant grew nervous, "Rest assured, it won't work immediately" Gustavus decided. The servant nodded, took the bottle and hid it in his clothes.
•••
"Your majesty, in the tail end of my career, I must unfortunately report something disturbing to you. The remains of a rocket have been found not far from here. It seems that this missile was fired on the night of the opening, but waved off. The security did not register this missile, exactly during the fireworks show, the system was down. We have arrested a security guard who had disabled the security. He will be taken to court soon" Ayush Bajpeyi said. "Thank you for your briefing. You had presented your last briefing to me differently, I suspect. The new Nawab ka Mahal will take over from you. We wish you a well-deserved retirement," Jaaguzan replied. "It was my honour," Ayush replied. He bowed and left the room.
His deputy was waiting in the front hall. Ayush addressed him, "Good luck and serve your Shahanshah well" The man nodded and walked into the Shahanshah's office. "Your majesty," he spoke with a bowed head. "Mete Agha, your predecessor has left a file. It is up to you to sort this matter out. I want to know who fired this missile and what the motive is." "Yes, your majesty" replied Mete Agha.
A time of decisions
"Your majesty, Sanpo spies have been found photographing at the naval base in Svatantratadurg. We have also intercepted all kinds of messages, which contain all kinds of military information. In short, the Sanpo community in Apollonian Çakaristan is actively cooperating in the war against us" reported Mutasim al-Baccus, Mahaan Mansabdar (general of the Çakari armed forces). Jaaguzan nodded thoughtfully.
After a while of silence, Jaaguzan asked, "What can we do? If we want to mount a successful counterattack, we should not have spies." "Majesty, it may not be a popular measure, but we can pre-emptively intern all Sanpo" said the Vizier al-'Amala (interior minister). The others in the room began to murmur. The grand vizier ordered silence. "Majesty, forgive us. This proposal had not been discussed, the other viziers and myself were caught off guard by this," Dervish Çelebi said.
Jaaguzan raised his hand, after which he said, "Draw up a firman (imperial decree), then I will sign it. It is not a nice measure, but the situation does not allow us to do nothing."
•••
"Ceyda Khatun, I understood from Ana al-Zamard that you have something to report. You have been along to Maulikpur. Did you spend a night there with the Shahanshah?" asked Zahra. "Yes, my Shahbanu. I spent a night with the Shahanshah, only the day before I was supposed to join the Shahanshah. Only at that time, I was informed that the Shahanshah was not available. I understood from the aghas that someone was at the Shahanshah. The next morning, I wanted to join the Shahanshah. When I was admitted no one was there except the Shahanshah himself. According to the aghas, no one had left."
Zahra pondered and finally said, "Thank you for this message". She did not know what was going on, but thought it was strange. Ana, who was also present, said, "My Shahbanu, Ceyda Khatun has something more to report." Zahra awoke from her thoughts said, "Speak". "My Shahbanu, I am expecting" replied Ceyda Khatun. "Congratulations, may the great Craitgod bless you," responded Zahra. "Amen," replied Zahra.
•••
She woke up not recognising where she was. The ceiling was not of her room, the sheets not of her bed. "Your highness, you are awake. I will call your mother" said a voice unknown to her. Not much later, her mother entered. "Oh, my daughter, praised be the great Craitgod." "Where am I?" she asked. "In hospital, my daughter," replied her mother. "What happened?", asked Aishwarya. "The court ladies found you unconscious in the bathroom. You have been unconscious for more than a day now," Jodha replied and asked, "What do you remember?" Aishwarya remembered again and wanted to stand up in panick. Her mother stopped her and tried to calm her down. "If you are shocked or I know. Yes, I know. Whose is it?" said Jodha. Aishwarya started crying and said, "Oh, it's a mistake. This should not have happened. Oh, I am so sorry..." She cried and panicked.
Jodha calmed her down and said, "Of course I can get angry, but that doesn't change the matter much. You are my daughter and will always support you. This is obviously not good, but we have to deal with the matter as it is. Whose is it?" "Oh mother, I don't know what to say. Thank you for not being angry. I am terribly sorry" Aishwarya responded. "Whose is it?", persisted Jodha. "Mother..., I don't actually dare say that. It is better that you don't ask again" replied Aishwarya. Jodha wanted to respond, but did not.
Moments later, Jodha asked in a whisper, "Do you want to keep it?" Aishwarya replied, "Do I have a choice?" "Well yes," said Jodha. "No, mother. I have chosen to have intercourse, then this is a consequence. I have been careless, this is the risk. What is growing inside me now, I am not going to punish that for my shameful act," Aishwarya responded.
A time to marry
"So, the deal is clear?", Jodha asked. Sitting opposite her were a man and woman. "It is highly unusual to make such an agreement," replied the man. The woman caught him off guard and said, "But we are very honoured that you have chosen our son for your daughter. Do you really not know who the child belongs to?" Jodha got nervous and replied, "She refuses to tell me, so I don't know."
In an adjacent room, Aishwarya and Bharmal sat uncomfortably sipping their tea. Finally, Aishwarya said, "Next door, our marriage is being decided. Don't expect me to sleep with you on our wedding night." Bharmal almost choked on the tea and after some coughing, he replied, "With all due respect, this agreement is made to cover what you have done. I will not force you, only it is not your position to make demands. We will make this marriage work for the public, I will recognise your child as if it were mine." Aishwarya sighed, knowing she was in a stalemate. All she could say was, "Because of me, you are the next prince of Poorajangal, surely that is sufficient change?"
•••
Quietly he walked along the walls of the Red Fortress. A cooling evening breeze descended over the city. In the distance, he saw the illuminated Akbar Mahal, Atos sinking behind the horizon. He let on and got a view over one of the courtyards. There he will a woman frolicking, she was laughing with joy. A man came up behind her, who caught up to her. The woman willingly allowed herself to be caught in his arms. The laughter of two lovebirds turned into an intense kiss. He recognised the woman and the man. They were Astir and Dervish. He made sure he was not seen by them and walked to his room.
Zahra was waiting on the balcony. She stood up when Jaaguzan arrived and took a bow. He said, "What do you know about Astir and Dervish?" Zahra was surprised at the question, but before she could answer, Jaaguzan continued, "I did not see them in the garden and they were... intimate". Zahra responded and said, "There is a rumour that they have a secret relationship." "Oh yes?" asked Jaaguzan. "My husband, the palace walls have ears." Jaaguzan pondered and nodded.
A few days later, Jaaguzan summoned Dervish and Astir to join him. When they stood before him, they showed no sign of their relationship. "Your majesty, what is the reason for your request?" asked Dervish. "Good that you ask," said Jaaguzan nonchalantly, "I have a gift for both of you". He handed each a black box. Astir and Dervish each opened the box. Inside each box was a gold ring. Each ring had a name engraved on it. Each other's name. They looked at each other and puzzled at Jaaguzan. "Well, if you are marriage partners, then wedding rings belong. But before you put them on, I want to witness than your wedding vows." After a little hesitation, they pronounced the marriage vow to each other. They put the ring on each other. Then they waited for Jaaguzan's reaction. He said, "Let this be the last secret you have for me. At least, a secret you deliberately keep from me. Is that clear?" The married couples nodded in agreement. "Well, you may now kiss the bride," Jaaguzan said to Dervish.
A time to remember
"Your majesty, there is a growing group in Congress that wishes the state of emergency to be limited. Particularly on the political left, that call is strongest. Especially the concern that elections would not take place. That means the session of the Majlis al-Nuwaab expires in 1717 and also a third of the Majlis al-Shuyukh," Dervish Çelebi spoke. Jaaguzan nodded and replied, "In times of war, it is not convenient if I am not in full control." "Your word is true, but your focus on war is also clouded by day-to-day governance of the rest of your empire" responded Dervish. Jaaguzan nodded in agreement and asked, "You had another matter you wanted to tire me with this evening?"
"Yes, your majesty. You know that so-called generational loans are a hateful political issue. Before you limit the emergency, perhaps you could decide to abolish generation loans." "That seems like an excellent idea, Dervish. I spoke to Karel Kyle the other day and he advised me to do this. This would make me very popular among the Adarani" "It is a shame that politicians have not been able to do this." "Was this not an election promise of yours?", asked Jaaguzan. "Your majesty, that is true" replied Dervish. Jaaguzan smiled and said, "That I fulfil your promise". Dervish bowed his head.
"Dervish, proclaim these firmans: The state of emergency will be limited, elections to Congress will go ahead. Only the election of grand vizier will be suspended. When the current term expires, I will appoint a grand vizier. And finally, generational loans will be banned with immediate effect. All current loans, for which the debtors have already paid the sum in interest, will be terminated. The remaining loans will be settled by Me."
•••
The TV presenter looked straight into the camera and said, "This year, Çakaristan celebrates its 30th anniversary. But because of the war, most celebrations have been cancelled. No fireworks show, no military parade. His majesty, the Shahanshah, is offering you a concert. Therefore, we switch to the Great Hall of the concert hall". It could be seen that the Shahanshah entered the hall on the balcony specially reserved for him. Those present stood out of respect and a hand gesture to the conductor opened the concert. The Shahanshah and everyone else present too sat down. The lights dimmed and the concert began:
A time of recap
"Gustavus!", Parvati called out. Gustavus came running towards her, but admonished her for silence. When he was close to her, he said, "Be quiet". He wanted to say more, but Parvati interrupted him, "I thought you would settle it with, you know who. He is on my skin. That man is driving me crazy." "Calm down," Gustavus said, "a quick end just makes it suspicious. This way it seems most natural and a doctor will not investigate further". Parvati hugged him and sobbed. "Our love will overcome this," Gustavus reassured her.
•••
"It is nice to step out of the shadow of caves and into a palace once again," said Hrithik. "Certainly, your grace," replied Bayram Qoyunlu, "But we must be careful because the shashor is not winged." "Yes, yes, I know Müşir," Hrithik replied, looking over the desert plain. "One day we look over Agra, one day we rule over more than rocks and sand."
•••
"He is a fine boy," said Jaaguzan, looking through the mesh. "Thank you, your majesty," Aishwarya replied. "My own husband does not know who Prithviraj's father is." "Good, let's keep it that way," Jaaguzan countered. Aishwarya hesitated through disappointment, finally saying, "The boy thinks Bharmal is his father. Bharmal plays soccer with him every afternoon." Jaaguzan sighed and looked at the ground. A moment later, he raised his head and looked at Aishwarya and said, "We have to keep this secret, not for us, but for Prithviraj. His life, his well-being." Aishwarya nodded in agreement, but hesitated in her heart.
•••
"Is it true?", Hiroto asked. "What should be true?", Atiya responded. "That they call you the Red Queen," replied Hiroto. "Rumours shouldn't be believed," said Atiya. "Now if that was the only thing, Aitya, I would have thought of your beautiful red hair. But there is more" continued Hiroto. Aitya sighed and put her glass down on the table. "Hiroto, what else is there then? What are you acting weird? All afternoon." Hiroto slammed on the table and roared, "You know very well!" He stood up and walked menacingly towards Atiya. "You, yes you, have conspired to use my Empire, to use my people for your rebellion against your brother." "How do you come up with something so ridiculous?" defended Atiya. Hiroto grabbed her by her arm. "Now you are going to listen to me very carefully, you are going to call your brother and beg for an immediate peace. This war, which you have caused, it has to stop now!"
"My brother will not settle for immediate peace. And if not, so will his army men. Those will want unconditional surrender" responded Atiya. "Even if you had to go into exile to Leng" roared Hiroto. "My dear," began Atiya. "Ah, do stop. If you love me so much, why haven't you opened your legs to me since the birth of the twins?" growled Hiroto, walking away in contempt.
A time of change
As they lay resting, they chatted about all sorts of things. Suddenly Jaaguzan said, "Oh Zahra, what will I do without you? You pleased my heart, yet I notice that there is something that keeps bothering you. What is it, my wife?" Zahra straightened up and thought for a moment. "My husband, when we got married I accepted that I must share you. That there would be other women, ... well, intimate with you. As the palace gardens fill with children's laughter, my heart aches. Yes, those children themselves are a blessing, but so is the result that you were allowed to be intimate with other women. My husband, please grant me the peace that you are only for me. For children, for sons, no more. You have many. Please, do not be angry at this request."
Jaaguzan looked away and thought. After a few moments, he looked at Zahra and saw her questioning eyes. He saw that all this time she had been able to hide the sadness of having to share him, but now. Now she had expressed this hiddenness of her heart. He felt her sadness in his heart. How many nights did she lie crying while he was intimate with a concubine. He wanted to ask her, but felt he must first agree to her request.
He stood up, took her hand and placed it on his heart. He looked at her and said, "For as long as my heart beats, as long as I will be faithful to you from now on. No other woman, no concubine, will be intimate with me. Only with you, my wife." Zahra became emotional and a tear escaped from her eye. Even though Jaaguzan had released her hand, she kept her hand on her husband's heart. Jaaguzan saw his wife's emotions and healed her. She laid her head on his chest. She heard his heart beating.
•••
In a short time, Filips felt worse and worse. He woke up from severe stabbing in his abdomen. After a cup of tea, it seemed to improve, but after a while the pain returned. Trying to walk to his desk, he fell to his knees. Coughing and crawling, he climbed onto his chair. For a moment, he tried to catch his breath. A cry of pain alerted the palace staff, immediately guards came storming in. They wanted to move Sardar from the chair back to the bed, but Filips protested. "No, I want to write down my last order!" The guards began to help him do so.
Taking a fountain pen, Filips began to write shakily. "I, Filips des Vinandy-Windsor, Sardar of Leyl, do not recognise Yusuf, son of Parvati Bhonsale, as my lawful successor. I hereby appoint Amritpal Wasli as my lawful successor to the Crown of Leyl." Smudges and smudges on the paper were caused by Filips' coughing, shivering and twitching in pain. Parvati entered the room and ran to her husband. Filips shouted, "Away you go, you witch!" After a coughing fit, Filips ordered a guard: "Wax, drop wax on the paper". The guard did so, while Filips slid his signet ring off his finger to press into the wax. But he dropped the ring coughing and cringing in pain.
Filips could no longer bring himself to stay in his chair. The guard wanted to grab signet ring from the ground, but had to hold his Sardar. Parvati shot to the rescue, but it was too late. Filips fell forward on the desk, spitting blood and dripping at the last command too. Suddenly it became silent, Filips was dead. After a few moments, the guard said, "May the Sardar rest in peace". Parvati replied, "Amen". Filips' body was placed on a stretcher. The guard picked up the last order and said to Parvati, "Your Highness, let us grant the Sardar's last wish". Parvati ignited in anger and roared, "How did you come up with this idea! The crown is for my son, not that northerner!" The guard hesitated to reply. "Give it here," Parvati roared, "see, the order is invalid. The seal of the Sardar is not on it."
A time of sands
"Ah, Dervish, come in," said Jaaguzan as Dervish saluted. "How is my sister?", asked Jaaguzan. "Very well, my Shahanshah," replied Dervish. "May the great Craitgod bless you with children," spoke Jaaguzan. "Amen," Dervish responded with a bowed head. After a few moments, Jaaguzan asked, "What can I do for you?" Dervish replied, "My Shahanshah, on the Florian border in Tartaristan there are several reports of illegal activities. I have had this investigated, which has revealed that there are mostly smuggling activities. We have been in contact with Northcliff, they are also struggling with this illegality. Above all, it makes me suspect that Floria has no control over Mesoun."
Jaaguzan listened and chimed in, "Isn't it true that we already have trouble controlling our borders as it is?" "That's right, your majesty," Dervish replied. "There has been an analysis on which borders are the weakest, that is, where the most illegality can be found. Our border with Lac Glacei is well under control. This is because the commander over the Eastern Military District pays special attention to controlling our external borders. In addition to the land border, so does the sea border. Our border with Shireroth is well controlled, but that is mainly because of the Khelaq Mountains, which form a natural barrier. Our border with Hurmu is difficult to control, but cooperation with the Hurmu Government is good. Our border with Floria in the south is easy to control, partly because of good relations with the government. In the southwest, the natural barrier in the form of the Monalan Mountains, but the border in the Thul Marusthal is the weakest."
Jaaguzan nodded in agreement and asked, "What do you propose to address this problem?" "Your majesty," Dervish began, "the establishment of a special military unit dedicated to border surveillance, combined with police duties to attack illegality." "Can't the military district, the Thul Military District in this case, be instructed to take up this task?" asked Jaaguzan. "The commander of the Thul Military District has indicated that he does not want to engage in civilian duties. He has his hands full with the rebels," replied Dervish. "Ah yes, would Hrithik indeed still be alive?", Jaaguzan responded. After a few moments of silence, Jaaguzan said, "Establish a border guard especially for this area. Should this prove successful, we can set up such a border guard for each border area".
•••
In Maulikpur, the diplomats from Sanpantul arrived. They were taken to Cenfae Mahal, where the Çakari delegation awaited them. The Sanpo were told the demands: the unconditional surrender and termination of Sanpantul as an unincorporated territory. An ambitious Sanpo diplomat still tried to negotiate. But there was no longer any point. The demands were harsh and immutable. The already drafted text of the agreement, the Cenfae Accord was read out. This contained the reduction of the army to a defence army, restitution of the Beneluccas and Sri Pashana, the return of prisoners of war, the return of the Sanpo from the Çakari internment camps and reparations. The establishment of the Kipei War Crimes Tribunal seeking to convict the Spider Leadership for crimes against peace. This excludes the Emperor and Empress.
Diplomats were surprised, though, by the provisions on Sanpantul's future. No longer as an unincorporated territory, but incorporated into the Empire as a princely state. The emperor is allowed to stay on, but his role becomes purely ceremonial. West Sandwich is added to Sanpantul.
A time of transformation
A delegation of dignitaries stood in front of the Collective Security Association building. With military precision, the organisation's flag was taken down. Moments later, the Çakari flag was raised. "Your Excellency," spoke an official to the Grand Vizier, "what is this building going to be used for?". Dervish replied, "The Vazarat al-Harb now resides on the premises of the Çakari Armed Forces in Khadar. This is an undesirable situation, as the ministry is the administrative body to control the armed forces. As long as the ministry shares the address with the armed forces, that controlling task is a wash."
Together with Vizier al-Harb, the Grand Vizier walked inside. A stone was bricked into the entrance hall, on which was written that the building was originally meant for the Collective Security Association. In the Vizier's office, the men took a seat in the seating area. Dervish said, "The Shahanshah is happy that the war in the Skerry Isles is over. Only His Majesty is not satisfied with the armed forces. The cost is high, the result not satisfactory." The Vizier grew nervous and replied, "May the Shahanshah rule forever. His Majesty has decided in his wisdom not to deploy the nuclear weapons. Had he done so, the Sanpo would have been defeated much sooner." Dervish waved off the suggestion though and stood up. He walked to the window and stared out. "This argument holds no water, especially in the face of the Shahanshah." He turned and looked at the Vizier. "Take care of this move, the budget and do your job. Guard this ministry, don't invent new things. This government will be replaced soon".
•••
A man knelt at Zahra's feet as she sat on a throne. "My Shahbanu, the parties have united under one tent," he said. Another man responded, "Still this tent does not form a fist against the conservatives. A tent is not a political party." The second man wanted to say more, but Zahra had raised her hand. The man bowed his head. Then Zahra began to speak: "Time is on our side, we don't have to achieve our goals right away." The first man began to speak: "My Shahbanu, is not your wish to achieve our goals soon?" Zahra smiled and said, "It may be your youthful ambitions, but if we achieve our goals quickly, they can also be thwarted quickly. Step by step, we will work our way and use the time to close ranks."
"My husband has to appoint a new Grand Vizier. Dervish will not remain Grand Vizier forever. In light of the end of the Sanpo War, Dervish will be replaced. The question is whether we can influence who is appointed," Zahra spoke. The young man replied, "My Shahbanu, you are closest to the Shahanshah, more than anyone else. Will he not appoint the one you propose?" Zahra stood up abruptly: "When our course wants to be known, I should. My husband is under the impression that politics does not interest me. That should remain so, otherwise everything will become known. The first domino dropping the rest". The young man fell on his face.
An older man said, "Maybe we should allude to a person who is not a member of our side. Maybe someone we can control but don't know about our movement." "Learn from this advice," Zahra said towards the young man, "this is how you play Shatranj Al-Kabir (Great chess) in the real world. Make a move in unexpected corner". The young man replied and said, "The advice is right and wise. Please forgive my youthful thoughtlessness". "Stand up", said Zahra, "learn and you will go far".
