EPISODE 180: AGE’S DAWN 2
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
The establishment of the Bellum Branch differed significantly from that of the Overseer Branch, which had been overseen by Livia Abara. To create a unified national military, three head generals—nominated by the Great Houses—had been selected to guide its formation. Their task extended beyond simply organizing ground troops; they were also charged with building the foundation for Edryan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“A Great Edryan Army… Navy… and… Air-force…? What exactly is the purpose of splitting the army into multiple branches,” Alex Indrian stated, a hard gaze on the documents before him. The large man rubbed right above his bushy eyebrows as the beginnings of a migraine made itself known.
Temi Drrow chuckled, her wild curls bouncing with every gesture. She never seemed able to keep her hands still, constantly gesturing at the map spread between the three of them. “Obviously, it’s to limit the power any one of us might hold. Look at us,” she laughed, gesturing toward her fellow council members. “We don’t share the same political beliefs and have no strong ties to each other. His Highness Lawruthian is a master at playing people against one another.”
“Oh, shut it, Temi,” Ja’jarrah Jarrah muttered, folding his slender arms and glaring at her with his dark green eyes. “It’s going to be insufferable working alongside you.”
The two men and one woman were the respected leaders of their Great Houses. Currently, they resided in a spacious hall in the War Throne Palace, with plenty of personnel waiting for their commands. Alex Indrian gazed out the windows at the cloudy, grey sky above. It was going to be a long fall.
“Hush, Ja’Jarrah, you can’t still be upset over that one incident. I had no knowledge that the merchant vessel was under your purview. It was an accident, and the Drrow house compensated you double your losses.”
Ja’Jarrah sneered, his thin, dark lips turning to a thin line. “You’re a pirate, Temi—Goddess knows how you’ve managed to keep your house among the greats—oh wait, stealing resources that don’t belong to you,” he mocked.
Alex sighed, rubbing his forehead more intently. Scratch that, it was going to be a long year . "Let’s focus on the eight departments we need to establish," he said, turning his attention to the large map spread between them. "And we still need to decide when and where we’re consolidating these forces."
The three of them gazed at the map and the potential areas for establishing the center of military control. Documents lay next to each of them, detailing the eight branches that would serve all militaries of Great Edryan. The eight departments to be established were the Department of National Defense , the Department of Military Intelligence , the Department of Logistics , the Department of National Security , the Department of Foreign Military Affairs , the Department of Recruitment and Training , the Department of Special Operations , and the Department of Veterans Affairs .
The importance of the Bellum Branch was to consolidate all of Great Edryan’s military forces and assets under one unified command. To that end, three figures were selected for their expertise, ability, and knowledge in their respective fields. Each of them brought a specialization that gave them a distinct edge over the others. Alex, Temi, and Ja’jarrah held different but complementary objectives in establishing Bellum Central Control. The BCC would be the backbone of Edryan’s military, ensuring that both foreign and domestic needs were met efficiently.
“How about we each establish two of the departments and convene to finish the last together?” Alex Indrian suggested, rubbing his strawberry-blonde beard, which looked as wild as a lion’s mane.
“Impossible,” Ja’jarrah immediately shot back. “I wouldn’t trust Temi’s work as far as I could throw her.”
Temi feigned outrage, placing a hand over her heart. “Ja’jarrah, I understand your… limitations in handling,” she ran her hands down her thick hourglass figure with a playful smirk, “all of this. But there’s no need to keep slandering me.”
Irritation flashed across Ja’jarrah’s face, and he opened his mouth to retort, but Alex cut him off. “Enough. Please . The Overseer Branch is already off to a great start under Livia Abara’s guidance—who, might I add, has no bloodline connection to a Great House. I will not allow your,” he paused, searching for the right word, “… petty conflicts to jeopardize our reputations. You don’t like each other— fine . You don’t trust one another— fine . But we need to establish these initial departments and place our trusted men in key positions. And do not forget—nearly every Great House wants the same thing. As we speak, thousands of our personal armies are marching toward Edrya. We need at least an outline—a skeleton crew to start organizing them into the right armies and have the divisions serve their needs.”
“Hmph,” Ja’jarrah sighed. “You’re right. As long as you save high-ranking positions for my people in your departments, I’ll do the same.”
Alex turned to Temi, waiting for her response. The wild, curly-haired woman smirked. “Then, as the pirates say, we have an accord .”
As the leaders of the Great Houses worked, nearly all of Edryan’s military might converged on the capital—enough was left to protect her borders and seas. Each Great House commanded several diverse armies, with their core forces ranging in strength from level one hundred fifty to nearly two hundred. At a minimum, twenty to twenty-five thousand soldiers of this caliber would dissolve their promises to the Great Houses and swear allegiance to the newly formed national army. Yet, these men didn’t make up the majority of the incoming forces, only the ones with the most power. Hundreds of nobles donated the required number of troops to this new national army. The new trains and roads of Edryan remained packed as the color faded, and the final ending drew near.
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The capital, the City of Heroes, which already boasted a population of nearly four million, swelled further as nobles, warriors, mages, and entrepreneurs gathered for the Imperius Grand Summit. With the change in government and the establishment of new branches, another three million trickled into the city over the coming months. Although a bit more crowded than usual, the city handled the population increase well. The newly renovated capital was designed to handle a far more significant number of people.
Alex Indrian took charge of the Department of National Defense and the Department of Logistics. Unlike the Department of National Security, which focused on internal threats, the DND was responsible for the overall defense strategy and military operations, ensuring the readiness and efficiency of the national military. A seasoned general, Alex had lived through several periods of Edryan turmoil and was well-acquainted with the complexities of leading its forces. His main focus was to unify and properly organize the vast military might of Great Edryan under a single, cohesive command.
His second focus, the Department of Logistics, was the keystone of the new branch. Alex refused to allow his two partners to oversee its establishment, fearing they would turn it biased toward their interests. The DL would be crucial in managing the supply chains and resources necessary for military operations. It would also serve as the primary link with the Overseer Branch, responsible for securing steel for weapons and armor, foodstuffs, grain, and other essential supplies.
General Ja’jarrah took charge of the Department of National Security and the Department of Foreign Military Affairs. The DNS focused on internal threats—uprisings, rebellions, and terrorist activities—tasked with ensuring that such dangers did not compromise the stability and integrity of Great Edryan. Ja’jarrah, a conservative man with a firm belief in maintaining order, infused this department with his cautious outlook, ensuring it would act swiftly and decisively in times of crisis—taking all inquiries of threat seriously.
The Department of Foreign Military Affairs, meanwhile, was key in managing military diplomacy, forging foreign alliances, and overseeing international military operations, including peacekeeping missions. Ja’jarrah’s keen eye recognized the potential of this branch to become one of the most vital in processing conquered territories and handling the diplomatic complexities of the new world the [Chosen of Madris] aimed to build. This was an installment not necessarily vital for right now, but for the future Great Edryan would come to face.
While the boys played with their toys, Admiral Temi Drrow fixed her attention on the Department of Recruitment and Training and the Department of Special Operations. She was certain that outside of the final two departments, these would prove the most vital. Recruitment, after all, faced competition not only from external forces but from within—competing against the Great Houses, private forces owned by tiered citizens, and more. Lady Drrow knew this new force had to become the most attractive option, and she followed Prince Lawruthian’s guide to near perfection—though she couldn't resist adding her touch.
Her primary focus, however, was the DSO. The Department of Special Operations held the responsibility of crafting elite soldiers and orchestrating missions that required precision, expertise, and high-stake risks. Temi rubbed her hands together, excitement coursing through her as her curls writhed like Medusa’s snakes. This force would be a powerhouse of elite operatives, tasked with the darkest aspects of warfare—assassinations, sabotage, terrorism, and other… unsavory endeavors. The kind of work Temi thrived in. Her giggle echoed through the halls she temporarily set herself up in.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months as they organized the new departments and managed the large influx of troops. The three of them convened once more to finalize the establishment of the last two departments.
“The Department of Military Intelligence needs a strong foundation. We should ask for the Queen’s Lashes to join this force,” Ja’jarrah argued.
“Ja’jarrah, sweetie ,” Temi replied sweetly like she was speaking to a young child, her sarcasm evident. “Don’t think this position allows us to bite off more than we can chew. While I agree it would be ideal to have established agents we can rely on, I, for one, will not request the Queen to relinquish her Lashes to us.”
Alex responded, his eyes flickering to the large veins of anger that appeared on Ja’jarrah’s forehead. “I agree with Ja’jarrah, but only partially. We all have spy networks, but nothing is as extensive as the Queen’s Lashes. How do you think she won every decisive battle against her siblings and those who rebelled? Her agents are everywhere,” Alex gave a pointed stare at Temi Drrow who’d been arguing against this point their last few sessions.
Temi winked, neither denying nor accepting Alex’s implication. “That may be doable. However, it’s best to invite the leader of her Lashes and see if she’s agreeable.”
“Agreed,” Ja’jarrah replied, his tone notably calmer. “The Department of Military Intelligence will be responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence, both internally and externally, with a primary focus on external threats and governments. The Lashes would significantly expedite this department in various ways.” He waved his hand, redirecting their attention to the final document. “Now, let’s shift our focus to the Veterans Affairs department as we await Mariam’s arrival.”
“This department truly embodies His Highness Lawruthian’s vision for Edryan,” Temi remarked. “It focuses on the welfare, benefits, and rehabilitation of retired or injured military personnel, ensuring their care and support. While we implicitly do this for our men, elevating it to this level is a significant step forward.”
“Free education at top institutions for their children is essential. We may need to establish more schools to meet this demand,” Temi added.
“Not only that, but there are death benefits for those who pass in the service of Edryan. The child or spouse would receive years’ worth of pay, depending on their tier and importance to Great Edryan,” Ja’jarrah continued.
“Not much needs to change from these outlining documents,” Alex commented. “However, a few of these benefits should be lessened in certain areas and increased in others…”
The decision played out long into the night. Snow fell as the season transitioned to the Final Ending. A message from the Overseer Branch arrived, and all three generals gave their stamp of approval for the joint construction of rail systems to unite all the major cities and areas of Great Edryan—a few private systems would be built specifically for military use. A few days later, Mariam met with the three; her schedule was just as hectic as theirs.
“Oh, you wish to have a few members of the Queen’s Lashes join this Department of Military Intelligence…” Mariam mused, placing a finger on her chin in contemplation. “That could be arranged. I think we should further incorporate a clear system of information sharing—the Queen’s Lashes will soon transition into the Central Imperius Authority, after all.”
“Perhaps we can incorporate shared training every season between these forces and others to create a sense of unification among them all,” Temi suggested, her black curls tied up in a ponytail.
“That can be arranged, but it must be confirmed with the Monarchy Branch first,” Mariam stated before quickly departing.
The three leaders were left alone, each silent and lost in thought. The Bellum Branch was established under their purview, and the joint training of several armies was slowly underway. Many generals fell under their command—each temporary for now until they were officially instated by the proper authorities. New assets were needed: military bases to train each branch’s troops, armories, and docks. Things the generals already held plans for but hadn’t implemented quite yet.
“What do you think?” Alex broke the silence in the quiet room they occupied.
“Of…?” Temi prompted.
“Of it all. Of where Edryan—Great Edryan—is headed.”
“I think only time will tell. Let us see,” Ja’jarrah harrumphed. “But I haven’t felt this excited in decades. Unfortunately, we won’t enjoy it for long.”
“I believe it is… what’s the word?” Temi searched her memory for the new term introduced by the outlined documents sent by Prince Lawruthian. “Ah, a modernization we will only help establish. It is our children who will be the future of this society. And you, Alex Indrian… what do you think?”
Alex gazed outside at the busy construction of a new central military headquarters. Similar to the Overseer Branch, the Bellum was constructing a central headquarters in the capital, Edrya.
“I find it refreshing. It is unheard of, but promising in its fairness to all people—all Citizens of Edryan.”
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