Chapter 60: The Winds of Velarus
Jack's Perspective
The Falcon-Class Skyrider hummed quietly as it descended toward the flat expanse of the Eastern Plains, its sleek frame cutting through the air with precision. Jack sat in the command seat, surrounded by a holographic display projecting the area's topography. Behind him stood Elora, now leading the Imperium's aerial corps, and Liora Kesrin, overseeing the Skyrider's integration into the Imperium's military forces.
"Commander," Elora said, pointing to the projection, "we're approaching the Velarus border. Reconnaissance drones have detected their fortifications. Wind magic is their primary line of defense—our drones recorded mages summoning storms and strong gusts near their strongholds."
Jack's gaze didn't waver from the map. "And their ground forces?"
"Lightly armored, but highly mobile," Elora replied. "Archers and skirmishers make up the majority of their troops, supported by elemental mages."
Jack's voice was calm but decisive. "Deploy additional drones to monitor their movements. We'll test their defenses before making contact."
Kingdom of Velarus
In the Velarion Keep, King Andric Velar stood in his war chamber, surrounded by advisors. The room was filled with maps, reports, and tension.
"They've entered our airspace," Lady Kaelis said, her tone sharp. "Their machines are hovering just beyond our range, testing our patience."
King Andric's expression was grim. "Do not provoke them. We've seen what they're capable of. If we attack recklessly, it will be the end of us."
A younger advisor spoke up, his voice trembling. "But, Your Majesty, if we allow them to advance unchecked, they'll take the Eastern Plains and subjugate us."
Kaelis slammed her fist on the table. "Enough. If we're going to negotiate, we need leverage. Our mages are preparing a defensive storm to block their machines. Let's see how they handle nature itself."
Andric nodded. "Begin preparations, but do not attack unless provoked. If their leader is willing to talk, we'll listen."
The Imperium's First Encounter
As the Skyrider hovered near Velarus's border, powerful winds began to buffet the vehicle. The mana rotors adjusted rapidly, stabilizing the craft against the sudden turbulence.
"Looks like they're giving us a warning," Elora muttered, glancing at Jack.
"Eve," Jack said, "analyze the storm's intensity. Can we breach it?"
Eve's holographic form appeared on the display. "The storm is localized and sustained by multiple mages. Breaching it is possible, but it will strain the Skyrider's mana core."
Jack tapped his fingers on the armrest, considering his options. "We're not here to fight them—yet. Send out a drone with a diplomatic message. Let's see if they're willing to talk."
Elora raised an eyebrow. "You're trusting them to respond?"
Jack smirked faintly. "Trust has nothing to do with it. They'll respond because they have no other choice."
Velarus's Response
In the heart of the storm, the drone broke through, its sleek frame shimmering with mana shields. It hovered just outside the gates of Velarion Keep, projecting a holographic image of Jack.
"This is Commander Jack of the Celestial Imperium," the image declared, his voice cold and authoritative. "I request an audience with your king. My purpose here is simple: cooperation or compliance. Choose wisely."
The guards and mages watched the drone warily, their hands on their weapons. Inside the keep, King Andric and his advisors listened to the message.
Kaelis scowled. "Cooperation or compliance? He doesn't leave much room for negotiation."
Andric sighed. "But he's willing to talk. That alone is more than we expected. Let him in."
The Meeting
The Falcon-Class Skyrider landed just outside the gates of Velarion Keep, its mana rotors winding down with a faint hum. Jack stepped out, flanked by Elora and two Imperium officers, their black and silver armor gleaming under the sun. The Velarus guards tensed, their bows drawn but not aimed.
Jack's cold gaze swept over the assembled soldiers as he approached the keep. Inside, King Andric awaited him in the throne room, his expression calm but guarded.
"Commander Jack," Andric said, his voice steady. "You've come far for this meeting. Speak your purpose."
Jack's tone was direct. "Your kingdom stands in the path of progress. The Imperium is expanding, and we will claim the Eastern Plains. But I have no interest in unnecessary bloodshed. Join the Imperium, and you will prosper. Resist, and you will fall."
The room fell silent, the weight of Jack's words pressing down on everyone present. Lady Kaelis stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "You expect us to bow to you? To abandon our sovereignty for your machines?"
Jack turned his gaze to her, his expression unreadable. "I expect you to survive. Sovereignty means nothing to the dead. Your wind magic won't stop us, and your arrows won't pierce our armor. The only question is how many lives you're willing to waste proving that."
Andric raised a hand, silencing Kaelis before she could respond. "And what would Velarus gain from this alliance?"
Jack's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Technology. Infrastructure. Security. Your people will have access to advancements that will make your magic obsolete. Your kingdom will thrive as part of the Imperium."
The Decision
After hours of tense discussion, Andric dismissed the council to deliberate in private with Kaelis and his most trusted advisors.
"He's offering the future," Andric said, his tone heavy with thought. "But at what cost?"
Kaelis shook her head. "It's a future where we're nothing more than cogs in his machine. His technology may be powerful, but it lacks a soul."
"And yet, without it, we may not survive," Andric countered. "The demons are spreading, and we've seen what his machines can do against them."
After a long silence, Andric sighed. "We'll agree to his terms. For now."
Jack's Victory
Back in the Skyrider, Jack received Andric's response. The Kingdom of Velarus would join the Imperium as an autonomous province, providing resources and manpower in exchange for technological advancements and protection.
"Elora," Jack said, "deploy engineers to begin integrating Velarus's infrastructure into the Imperium. And send a message to Andric: compliance comes with expectations."
As the Skyrider ascended into the sky, Jack allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. Another piece of the puzzle had fallen into place. The Eastern Plains were his, and the world was beginning to see the inevitability of the Celestial Imperium.
End of Chapter 60
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