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Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: "Shadows of Deception: A Nation's Tragic Odyssey"

"Shadows of Deception: A Nation's Tragic Odyssey"

"How China conducts its affairs surpasses the methods of other nations. While the United States may boast superior technology in its Air Force by a whole generation compared to China, China's cunning and strategic prowess outstrip the United States by two generations. China has effectively manipulated the entire world, controlling the global economy, media, and information networks. Approximately 78% of the world's mobile phones are made in China, making them vulnerable to hacking by Chinese hackers. With their pervasive control over information, China has no need for traditional espionage; they can monitor all actions and movements of the United States effortlessly, knowing every operation the U.S. plans. Shino also plans to leverage China's cost-effective strategies.

Shino intends to indoctrinate the entirety of Southeast Asia, convincing them that the sea between Vietnam and the Philippines is part of the Maharlikan Sea, which he dubs the Maharlikan Central Sea. He plans to codify this in textbooks and historical records to preempt any future claims by China. He even asserts that Taiwan was once a lost island of Maharlikan.

The United States Congress couldn't be happier, as escalating tensions in the Pacific present an opportunity for them to surpass Britain and become the world's leading powerhouse. A conflict between Maharlikan and Europe would serve as a strategic opening for the United States."

The United States, situated in strategically advantageous locations, could deploy troops effectively across the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions. While hesitant to directly confront Britain, they saw an opportunity in a potential conflict where Britain would suffer heavier losses. In war, the sharpness of one's blade, wealth, or proficiency with a gun holds little significance; victory hinges solely on the distinction between the living and the dead.

As 1905 drew to a close, Russia and the Japanese Empire forged a truce, setting the stage for diplomatic negotiations between the two nations.

With the dawn of 1906, France, Great Britain, and the Netherlands began bolstering their naval fleets in the Indian Ocean, harboring intentions of penetrating the Pacific.

However, the waters were not unguarded. Maharlikan battleships, submarines, and aircraft maintained a vigilant patrol in the region, poised to intercept any European reinforcements.

Meanwhile, Maharlikan forces fortified their support networks in Southeast Asia, preparing for potential conflicts on multiple fronts.

In the serene skies above Myanmar, a helicopter sliced through the air, its rumbling blades casting a fleeting shadow over the landscape below. As the aircraft passed, a flurry of paper cascaded from its belly, fluttering down like delicate autumn leaves. Intrigued by this unexpected aerial spectacle, the people below gathered up the scattered sheets, their eyes widening in astonishment as they read the words inscribed upon them in their native tongue.

"We call for Freedom for South East Asia, Maharlikan will support its brothers and sisters in freeing the South East Asia. Believe in us and we will change the world together - In lords will."

The message spread like wildfire, igniting a fervent blaze of hope and determination across the nations of South East Asia. For too long, they had languished under the oppressive yoke of tyranny and injustice, their aspirations for liberty stifled by the iron grip of authoritarian rule. But now, a beacon of hope had emerged, promising a brighter future forged through unity and resistance.

Though change would not come overnight, the mere existence of this message served as a catalyst for transformation, inspiring ordinary citizens to rise up and demand their rights with a newfound sense of purpose. From the bustling streets of Manila to the remote villages of Vietnam, the call for freedom echoed like a clarion call, stirring hearts and minds to action.

In the corridors of power, whispers of dissent grew into a resounding chorus of defiance, as leaders and revolutionaries alike rallied behind the banner of Maharlikan support. With each passing day, the flames of resistance burned ever brighter, fueled by the unwavering belief that a better future was within reach.

And so, amidst the swirling currents of change, the people of South East Asia stood united, their spirits unbroken and their resolve unwavering. For though the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges and obstacles, they knew that together, they possessed the power to shape their own destiny and carve out a future built upon the foundations of freedom and justice.

The whole South East Asia nations was boiling, a change will not happen overnight but a barrel of oil needed only a spark to light the whole. A spark of light had lighted the darkness that shrouded the South East Asia for many years.

In the heart of Maharlikan's military headquarters, amidst the hushed whispers of anticipation, two distinguished officers awaited their appointments with a mixture of pride and apprehension.

General Antonio Luna stood tall and resolute, his steely gaze fixed upon the horizon as he prepared to assume the mantle of Navy Admiral. With a distinguished career marked by valor and strategic brilliance, he was more than ready to lead Maharlikan's naval forces to victory on the high seas.

Beside him, General Gregorio del Pilar, known to his comrades as "Goyo," exuded a quiet confidence befitting his new role as Air Force Sun. As a seasoned pilot with a keen eye for tactics, he relished the opportunity to take command of Maharlikan's aerial defenses and ensure the skies remained free from foreign intrusion.

As the appointments were officially announced, a ripple of excitement spread through the ranks, mingling with the solemnity of the occasion. With General Luna at the helm of the navy and General Goyo leading the air force, Maharlikan's military stood poised to defend its sovereignty and protect its interests against any threat, foreign or domestic.

Under the watchful gaze of Supremo Shino Franz, the supreme commander of Maharlikan's armed forces, the newly appointed leaders took their places within the military hierarchy. With the Navy Admiral, Air Force Sun, and Maharlikan Army Diamond reporting directly to the Supremo, a unified command structure was established to ensure seamless coordination and maximum efficiency in all military operations.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden glow over the sprawling expanse of Maharlikan's territory, General Luna and General Goyo exchanged a nod of mutual respect. Together, they would lead Maharlikan's armed forces with unwavering dedication and unyielding resolve, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead in defense of their nation and its people.

As the clock struck 8:00 PM in the town of Carmen, Cebu, twelve figures gathered inside a secluded room, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. These were the esteemed members of the organization once known as the Shadows of Revolution, now rebranded as the Guardians of Maharlikan.

Each held sway in crucial sectors like medicine, information, the military, and agriculture, their expertise vital in shaping the nation's future.

"Miss Butterfly, what updates do we have on Europe's movements?" inquired Navy Admiral Luna, his gaze fixed on a woman known by the enigmatic moniker "Miss Butterfly."

"France is gearing up for conflict. They've been stockpiling military resources and provisions for the past month, likely planning to expand into the Pacific within the next month," she relayed with a tone of concern.

"Are we considering war?" Luna pressed further, his brows furrowing in thought.

"A direct confrontation would jeopardize our progress. Our focus should remain on improving our people's lives and ensuring stability," Josephine, head of the Department of Industry, interjected wisely.

Shino, not as the Supremo but as a trusted member, proposed an alternative. "I suggest a proxy war with Europe. We've secured a deal with Modi, offering guns and ammunition in exchange for 40% of their gold. Additionally, we'll provide intelligence for successful raids on British and French supply caches."

The room fell silent as Shino's plan sank in. The Guardians listened intently, weighing the risks and benefits of such a strategy. With Sun Goyo overseeing air dominance and Navy Admiral Luna training new soldiers, their forces were prepared for the challenges ahead.

In the flickering candlelight, amidst whispered discussions and contemplative expressions, the Guardians of Maharlikan plotted their course. War loomed on the horizon, but with careful planning and strategic alliances, they were determined to secure their nation's interests without sacrificing the hard-won progress of their people.

High above, Sky Goyo stood on the tarmac, surveying the sleek lines of the newly acquired aircraft and helicopters bestowed upon him by the Military Resources Department. Among them gleamed thirty state-of-the-art F-35s, christened as the Ph-35. These cutting-edge machines represented the pinnacle of aerial technology, a testament to Maharlikan's commitment to maintaining air superiority.

The decision to produce only a hundred Ph-35s had been a strategic one, driven by the substantial costs associated with their upkeep. Yet, this financial hurdle was effortlessly surmounted by Maharlikan's bountiful oil reserves, nestled deep within the heart of Cebu, in the barangay of Corte within the municipality of Carmen.

Unbeknownst to many, this seemingly unassuming locale held a secret of monumental significance. It was one of Shino's clandestine triumphs, a result of his astute foresight and cunning maneuvering. Through shrewd investments, he had acquired ownership of the surrounding mountains, establishing a sprawling mansion atop their verdant slopes. But hidden beneath the serene surface lay a lucrative enterprise – the covert extraction and sale of oil to Germany, a venture that lined Maharlikan's coffers with untold wealth.

As Sky Goyo gazed upon the Ph-35s, he couldn't help but marvel at the intricate dance of power and deception orchestrated by Shino. Behind the facade of prosperity and progress lay a web of intrigue and clandestine dealings, each thread meticulously woven to ensure Maharlikan's ascendancy on the world stage.

In the twilight hours, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Sky Goyo's thoughts turned to the challenges ahead. With the Ph-35s poised to soar into the skies, Maharlikan stood ready to defend its sovereignty and secure its rightful place among the nations of the world.

In the sprawling estate of the Franz family, nestled amidst the verdant hills of Cebu, lay the estimated 3 trillion barrel oil reserves of Corte. Owned by none other than Shino Franz himself, these reserves were but one facet of his vast and diverse empire. Across the archipelago, in the bustling city of Tacloban, lay another prized possession – gold and silver reserves, carefully guarded and meticulously managed under Shino's watchful eye. And in the quaint town of Borbon, nestled along the picturesque coastline, stood a wine refinery, a testament to Shino's entrepreneurial spirit and his keen eye for opportunity.

But beyond the surface wealth and opulence lay a deeper ambition – a desire to nationalize the natural resources of the country, to harness their potential for the greater good of Maharlikan. Shino understood that control over these resources was key to the nation's strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Yet, he also harbored reservations, mindful of the pitfalls that awaited future leaders who might succumb to the temptations of absolute power.

As he walked the halls of his ancestral home, Shino pondered the delicate balance between ambition and restraint. He knew that while nationalization might yield short-term gains, it could also sow the seeds of corruption and inequity, undermining the very foundation of Maharlikan society. And so, with a heavy heart and a wary eye towards the future, he chose to tread cautiously, mindful of the lessons of history and the responsibilities that came with wielding power.

For Shino Franz, the path to greatness was not paved with riches and conquest, but with wisdom and humility. And as he gazed out over the sprawling landscape of his homeland, he vowed to chart a course that would ensure prosperity and stability for generations to come.

In the tumultuous landscape of post-World War II Philippines, the nation stood poised on the brink of greatness, its economy flourishing and its military prowess unmatched. Yet, as the 1970s dawned, the tides of change swept across the archipelago, plunging it into a maelstrom of political intrigue and unrest.

At the heart of this storm were two rival political dynasties – the Akainus and the Cosmars – vying for supremacy in the race to the presidency. Amidst the chaos, truth became a casualty, and alliances were forged in the shadows of deception.

Akainu, desperate to secure his grip on power, sought aid from a distant White country, unwittingly opening the floodgates to a torrent of chaos and bloodshed. With dollars flowing freely, rebellion spread like wildfire, fueled by misinformation and manipulation.

Meanwhile, evidence of Cosmar's alleged plot to invade Sabah provided Akainu with a potent weapon on the international stage, rallying support from unlikely allies and further destabilizing the fragile political landscape.

As militants and corrupt forces sowed seeds of discord across the nation, innocent civilians bore the brunt of the violence, their lives torn asunder by forces beyond their control. In the eyes of the world, Philippines became a pawn in a larger game, its people mere pawns in a grand scheme of political machinations.

In the shadows of political intrigue and foreign manipulation, Philippines stood at the mercy of powers beyond its control. As Cosmar's ambitious agenda drew condemnation from White country, Malaysia, and Western nations, Akainu seized the opportunity to forge alliances and sow seeds of chaos.

Beneath the veneer of stability, corruption festered, and militants lurked in the shadows, their loyalty bought with promises of power and wealth. With dollars flowing freely from White country coffers, chaos erupted across the nation, igniting a firestorm of fear and uncertainty.

The aftermath of the political machinations left scars deeper than those of the American Occupation, casting a shadow over the future of the country.

In the corridors of power, Akainu basked in the glow of his perceived triumph, oblivious to the suffering inflicted upon his own people. Across the seas, White country rejoiced in the downfall of its former ally, while Malaysia seized the opportunity to assert its dominance over Sabah.

Only, the people of the nation suffered. A yearning for peace and justice burned bright. It mattered not who started the scheme or what drove their actions; all that mattered was an end to the turmoil that had engulfed their lives. Someone who could end this chaos and unrest will be treated a hero, it doesn't matter what the cause or who begin this scheme. What people at that time want is to end this chaos.

No one cares about martial law, what people cares at that time is someone intruding their home and do things that threaten their security and interest. This is one of the biggest humiliation that the country suffered, not because of being defeated in external war but because it was exploited by the White country scheme.

Protests erupted, drawing in innocents affected by the turmoil. These demonstrations painted a portrait of unity, strength, and resilience to outsiders, portraying the collective struggle for rights and freedom. Yet, for future generations, it stood as a testament to the failure of two political factions to reconcile, resulting in the ruination of a nation once on the brink of progress. Philippines became a laughingstock, overshadowed by its more prosperous neighbors.

President Cosmar was acutely aware that his days in power were numbered, each one ticking away with relentless certainty. The weight of responsibility bore heavily upon him; the fate of the nation hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of chaos. As the protests swelled and the cries of the people grew louder, he held within his grasp the authority to quell dissent with an iron fist. Yet, in a moment of hesitation—or perhaps clarity—he refrained from unleashing the full force of his power.

Ironically, this indecision only fueled the flames of unrest, plunging the nation deeper into turmoil and economic despair. Investors shied away from a country engulfed in civil strife, further exacerbating the already dire situation. Despite his autocratic tendencies, President Cosmar harbored a sliver of patriotism deep within his heart. In a surprising turn of events, he chose to relinquish his grip on power, opting for a peaceful transition rather than a bloody confrontation.

Had he been a tyrant devoid of reason, the streets would have run red with the blood of innocent civilians. But Cosmar's final act, though fraught with imperfection, spared the nation from descending into utter chaos. As the dust settled and the echoes of revolution faded, the bitter realization of a tragic chapter in the nation's history hung heavy in the air—a stark reminder of the fragility of power and the enduring resilience of the people.

What a tragic history of my motherland.

This novel doesn't intend to offend those highly individual, states and institutions. This is purely fantasy, and historical-fiction.

EDSA Revolution- 1986

Barangay - a small territorial and administrative district, a village.

Military structure:

Supremo > Sun, Navy Admiral, Diamond

Sun > Moon> Sky> Stars

Navy Admiral > Vice-Admiral > Captain

Diamond > Gold > Silver