Greetings Comrades in Japan

Great World War

April 22, 1948 G.V.C.
HMS Ragre Taltastar

The light reflected beautifully off both the bay's waters and the city of Cartaplas, enhancing its fairytale-like charm. It created a warm and pleasant atmosphere among the Valkasan crew, and the bridge of the fleet's pride was no exception.

Unfortunately, not everyone shared in the mood. Captain Flynn, visibly nervous and short of breath, glanced around while tapping his foot on the steel floor.

He knew exactly why. He knew that in a few minutes, nothing would remain of this idyllic atmosphere. He knew that it spelled nothing good for the Empire.

His confidence and boldness had vanished. Yesterday's information had completely turned his outlook on T-Day upside down. If he had any illusions left, yesterday's conversation with Oudwin had wiped them away entirely.

He was afraid, not because his life was at great risk—like any patriot of Gra Valkas, he was ready to give his life for the future. No, he feared that it would all be for nothing. That they were about to stir a hornet's nest so fiercely that Gra Valkas would pay a terrible price—a price it shouldn't have to pay, at least not without gaining something in return.

Now he found himself agreeing with the peace faction, ironically! And he couldn't stand those people, still despised them for their lack of reason and naivety.

What kind of idea was it to disarm, to seek trade opportunities and cultural exchange with humans and the rest of that multiracial, fantastical rabble, when all they show is utter contempt for anything that doesn't fit into their magical little minds? Especially when Gra Valkas alone is stronger than all of them—well, almost all of them.

Japan.

Those guys are dangerous. They can see everything from orbit—the entire bloody planet. God only knows what kind of military and naval power they have in reserve. Just look at what they've sent here! One ship, and it's as big as a damn heavy cruiser, yet they call it a "destroyer."

Truly, this one move says more about the Japanese and their confidence that no one can challenge them than entire fleets of those damned savages. Everyone else is posturing, trying their hardest, primping themselves like teenage boys courting a beautiful and popular girl, and here comes a Japanese guy, slightly chubby with fat cheeks, no muscles glistening like a dog's jewels, no unnecessary cosmetic frills, and calmly makes his move on her.

And, lo and behold, she chooses him.

They really should have focused more on diplomacy. Maybe if they'd realized the existence of such a power earlier, instead of arrogantly attacking the entire world, they could've gained support or, even better, directed the world's attention toward the Japanese, letting them destroy each other, and then taken over the world at low cost—lining their pockets with the profits from selling everything to both sides.

Unfortunately, they had been a little too sure of themselves. But there was one upside: Japan was really far away. He doubted the Japanese had any technological solution to that.

Captain Flynn's thoughts were interrupted by the radar operator's voice. "Captain, radar has detected contacts to the west!"

Flynn lifted his head. It has begun, he thought, and suddenly, all his fear dissipated like smoke in the wind. The die had been cast, and now the consequences must be faced.

With a nod, he instructed the young lieutenant manning the radio to confirm the contact. The junior officer eagerly got to work, radiating an energy that spread to those around him. Well, almost everyone. Flynn's face remained cold, but behind the mask, he felt sorrow. The young man and many others like him throughout the Armed Forces had no idea what truly awaited them.