Muur Chronicles

CHAPTER 7

EPISODE ONE:

Outside the basin of the Eugrit River situated at a small town called Taral in the District of Palir, some Nolnadians gathered and were having fun in the dimming rays of a setting sun when something washed up just along the reeds. It was the amulet which Agumi spit out after killing Bromari during his very short escape. Linagu had decided to send them the amulet attached with the Muur symbol of peace, which was a mockery and a warning at the same time.

The object was picked up by a child who was showing it to his peers when an adult sighted it, recognized what it is and took it away from them. He rushed immediately to a nearby Nolnadian District Police Post situated in Taral and reported the object. From there, it went all the way up until Izemoru got the information. Though disheartened that another Nolnad has paid the ultimate price for the glory of his policies, he saw the situation as a win. He was happy that despite the shortcomings, his plan is taking shape. It was previously unheard of that anyone breached the Muurs entry points until he came to power. However, he realized that his secret is no longer a secret and that he needs to make his play sooner rather than later or risk losing it all, his kingdom inclusive. But, he was happy nonetheless, because to know the enemy is half the victory. Over the years, he has devised his plans and perfected most of his strategies while awaiting an opportune time to strike.

   At the time he was drawing up his battle plans, he always had it in mind that he is trying to match up with an enemy that has the might to wipe them off, but it never deterred him. He knew that the Muurs are at a point in history where keeping the peace is like religion to them more than destruction and would avoid war at all cost. Therefore, Izemoru evolved beyond deterministic battle plans in favor of resilient strategies that could adapt to real-time situations as they occurred.

He correctly realized that the enormous size of the Muurs control in both universal navigation, resources, magic,  the Amarandubi, their military and political power over a lot of colonies and planets made it impossible that they could be penetrated without being notified. They are not the Muurs for saying sake, and are not the most feared race in the Universe for nothing after all; it was general knowledge.

What Izemoru did plan out though was for a single assault on the singular most important thing they actually needed, the Unerg. This was why he figured out quite early that for a single leader to control every detail of Nolnad's forces and tactics was a wrong approach. He knew that his strategy executioners, mid-level generals, main strategists, the military, logistics providers, agents and every other volunteer would have to be trusted to act independently in service of any overall mission. He noted that his intentions, the main purpose of the war they preach was what mattered most instead of disseminating detailed tactical plans all the time. He believed it deprived them of improvisation skills, which will be very important as they are going in almost blindly despite what Zanak said or didn't say. Therefore, as their intelligent reports, on field observations, even suicide attempts and breaches on the Muur gained momentum, he provided generals directives that stated his overall intent.

The generals, his main strategists and war chiefs have constantly been devising strategies and reporting same back to him along with approval ratings and on field assessment with regards to implementation. Working alongside Zanak and in secret with Varodi, he was able to train his personal warriors who were learned in some powerful magical ways of the Muur if Zanak is to be believed.

   After thinking hard about the recent incident involving Bromari, Izemoru summoned all his top military men, strategists, economic advisers, generals and his top agents. Due to the urgency of the summons, they all arrived almost as soon as they were summoned later in the evening at his battle headquarters located in Karrine, a heavily guarded city in District of Bloreu, the capital of Nolnad and seat of power. Why he chose the place to site his battle headquarters, no-one knew but the nearness to seaports and the hideous nature provided by the gigantic mountains might be among the reasons.

The headquarters and the surrounding buildings connected to it cover a massive 7000 hectares of land if you don't count the camouflaged entrance to the headquarters.

 The entrance is designed to appear as a series of buildings that was destroyed by fire with burnt vehicles added into the depiction to make it more real to an onlooker. However, once you get past the deception, what lies ahead is a long beautifully designed road flanked by huge mountains on both sides of the walk. At the end of this road is a giant seemingly unbreakable door that grants access to only recognized persons through eye identification.

However, it is one of many entrances to the secret sanctuary. At the far Eastern corner from the lower mountainous region, there is an underground bridge which linked up an access road from under sea. The bridge is constructed with Aramn, the best steel byproduct in Nolnad, giving it a v-shaped outlook not visible from the surface above. This is the most preferred entrance for most. The other main entrance is reserved for Izemoru and a few select officials and personnel. It is a short distance portal unlike the river entrance and is constructed near the biggest twin structures in the whole location. Both structures sports massive square-shaped buildings that looks like a cathedral from aerial view. At the portal from the buildings end, there is a tall sized iron gateway separately standing amidst a hall filled with different kinds of newly designed Nolnadian weapons, machine's, other highly advanced machine systems and technologies. At the centre of this iron gateway is a double shaped eye figure with a cross-linked section designed in it. Transparent glass beams fixed directly from up the top surface which served as the rooftop inside that particular room. Once someone is coming through the portal, every other light in the room goes off except the glassy beam holder's fixed directly on top.

Along the shelves on the walls are many prototype weapons and produced ones perfectly arranged within segments and compartments. A lot of scientist's, engineers and other personnel occupied with one thing or the other are the only constant in this place, attending to their various functions as if time was behind them all of the time. At the other twin structure which is linked with a transparent glass bridge, is an emergency situation room, the central control and an administrative arm that controls and coordinates every activity in the place, specially handpicked by Izemoru himself. They helped ensure that everything went according to schedule and in line with his vision.

East of the twin towers, about two kilometres from the second largest structure in the place, is the Asurga. It is mainly an energy supply line, a limited energy supply accumulated from years of buying alternative power source from Dro-bidders. The Asurga is a useful source of energy nonetheless, though very much costly and environmentally unfriendly than the supply from the Unerg.

At the Northern far end of the twin towers is the House of Refuge. It was built mainly to help their people escape in case the mission fails and the Muurians retaliate; a gateway to make sure the ones who survive help keep the Nolnadian blood line going.

When everyone arrived, they all went straight to the emergency situation room for the all important brief before the final meeting where the last details will be cross-checked, and all intelligent reports fully analyzed.

"What is our level of preparedness at the moment?" Izemoru asked as soon as everyone was settled.

"We are at least ninety percent ready!" A top official answered him.

"What’s the hiccup then?" He probed.

"The Daspo Marigal is not yet at the required level for a perfect engagement!" said the official. The NolMop is the official Spaceship of the Nolnadian government and boasts of impressive features. However, the Daspo Marigal is an upgraded version of it, designed specifically for the one time assault they have been planning for years. One of the most impressive features of the new upgraded Spaceship is its ability to maintain the size of the previous version while concealing its own size which is three times the size of the NolMop. The final stages are being delayed because they needed some elements capable of making the hideous part's fully undetectable when they enter the Muurian airspace for the duration of the assault. They knew it will get discovered by the Muurs in the long run, but which time will probably be too late if everything goes smoothly.

"How long till its ready?" Izemoru questioned.

"Not long now, just a couple of things to fix up and upgrade. If we can get Niobium in huge supply that will do the business" The engineer replied.

"Alright then, we will make sure you have everything you need to complete your work." Izemoru replied him.

"We will do our best!" He replied and left with three others, who are his colleagues, to continue their work.

"Where are we with the rest of the plan?" Izemoru asked to no one in particular, looking around the room. Another official stood up, and in his hand is an electronic gadget that had screen and touch functions. He flipped through it, got what he was looking for and projected it to the big screen in the room for all to see. His name is Kamo Ndilak, Izemoru's right hand man, his Chief strategist and Head of Nolnadian Security.

  On the big display screen he projected were various entry points into the Muurian planet, Uriag, which they have been utilizing in the past to carry out secret field mission's with the help of Zanak. Almost every strategist and tactician in the room has been led to believe that that's how they will launch their attack totally.

"We all know this map." Another official said. Everyone gave affirmative approval in reply, and then he continued.

"This has been our focal point of operations since the beginning, why bring it up again on the big screen for us to see?"  Another official asked.

"Because it was an indirect way to create awareness" Izemoru replied immediately, signaling Kamo to go on with the vital information he was about to share.

"I'm sorry to let you all know that you have been misled, and it was intentional!" Kamo said afterwards.

"Kamo, I have known you since we were children, you don't speak in riddles. What happened today?" Ebri, a military chief asked from his corner of the room, an indirect way of telling him to go straight to the point.

"This... this is all for the preparation and not the actual assault plan." Izemoru said, taking over from Kamo while pointing at the screen.

"My leadership method has always been whatever best suits the situation that is not against the interest, peace and security of our people." He added, looking at them while they nod in agreement.

"You all don't really think the Muurians will be stupid enough to leave these places porous even after numerous failed infiltrations from us, do you?" He asked though not expecting an answer from anyone.

"We have always been exposed from day one, and that is our main advantage."

"But..." Ebri wanted to say something but was abruptly interrupted by Izemoru who continued with his speech.

"It was one of the first things i learnt from our Muurian prisoner. You can hate the Muurs, and there is enough to go around heavily for everyone in thick bites, but this people have a strong bond that not even banishment or exile changes that!" He stated and continued.

"I want to assure you that all this while, all we have been doing is alert them to our plans, the peripherals anyway."

"But..." Ebri wanted to interject again and was neglected the second time by him.

"You will have your time to echo whatever it is that you can't seem to want to let out Ebri, though I'm sure there won't be need for it after I'm done.

"We have gone pass hypothesis, theories and tests...and observations. The time, the awaited moment is now upon us and which is why it's time everyone knew the actual plan and how we proceed from now onwards." Everyone readjusted their seats and paid keen attention to him.

"The Nolniana has always been the key, and I'm not talking about the old one. I'm talking about the Daspo Marigal, Nolniana II."

The look on the faces of the officials except Kamo was one of inquisition, expecting him to explain further.

"Professor Bij and his team were able to solve one of the nagging issues of the newly designed IPT."

"Interplanetary Portal Travel?" someone said out loud.

"Yes... Not at 100%, but the timeline is achievable before the final assault itself!"

"Of what use is the technology if it's the Muurians we will be using it on? They have the asportation links alongside ultrasonic highly advanced radar mapping systems in almost everywhere you can think of." Natin, the Head of Field Operations asked in total disbelief.

"It is the key because they will not be suspecting it. When the Daspo Marigal is finished, its size is going to be triple the size of the NolMop. Ikea and his crew are almost now certain of completing and fixing a key element, a complex algorithm that will shield it from radar and sonar systems, making it impossible to detect it's actual size, at least till we pull off the plan." Izemoru replied.

"Inside Muurian airspace? What are you talking about?" Ebri queried, surprised at the new plan.

"We are going in properly of course. We were invited to the Dare Runs!" Izemoru replied. "That's how we are getting in!" He concluded.

"This is ridiculous, sorry to say your highness!" Another top official said dismissively.

"Do you have any better idea?" Kamo asked him and he remained quiet.

"If there is something our king has lived up to, it's his plans. Let us not forget how things used to be before he came and united us all under a common cause. I know there are disturbances here and there, and there is doubt definitely and some people can't wait to go back to anarchy. However, we should never forget that he has never failed to deliver anything he promised. Never! So, for one last time, i indulge all of us to have faith and trust that he knows what he is doing. I trust him with my life and i am proud of all we have achieved together. We must trust in his plans, especially now more than ever." Kamo ended, and Izemoru took over immediately.

"That was really wonderful Kamo, thank you. Listen everyone; I can see all your faces. I can see and feel the doubts and fear, and it is expected. We all know who we are taking the fight to, and if you are not scared one bit, then you should not even be here. But, trust me when I say it is the right thing to do, and the best way to execute the plan which we all have labored for all this while." He said.

"Before I ask any further questions, what's the plan? Or is it something you will spring up on us at the D-day?" Ebri questioned.

"No, this is it, the full brief." Kamo answered and then changed the screen view to show a detailed graphical plan outlaying how the attack is going to happen and how they will end. This is to help each unit prepare thoroughly in advance before the final meeting.

"So, if I understood correctly from the graphical analysis on the screen, you are saying we are going to enter into Muurland officially through a state visit, the Daspo Marigal will conceal its size that contains necessary equipment's and gears alongside some Special units, and that the IPT will be deployed through the ship once on Muurian soil?" Ebri asked.

"Yes!"

"I still have my doubts!" He said afterwards.

"As is expected" Kamo answered.

"Now, we are avoiding sensitive weapons and equipment's as they may be easy to detect. However, Ikea has assured that we will have a window of about two hours tops before everything takes a dive for the worst."

"Too short! This is uncharted territory!" Natin reminded him.

"I know which is why we are working with one hour only." Izemoru said. There was murmur as to the adequacy and execution of the plan within the expected time given, especially as it is in the most secure place in the universe.

"Listen!" Izemoru commanded.

"I didn't become what I am today by being afraid of taking risks. Every risk I have taken, I have done so for my people with my life on the line just like everyone else. I'm not afraid to die. I am a warrior and a soldier before I was king of Nolnad. Most of you here are my personal friends even before all these. However, there is something most of you are not understanding, why this task must be done, and must be done now or there won't be no tomorrow! Go ahead, tell them!" Izemoru said, ordering the Minister for Energy to tell them the energy situation.

The Minister for Energy and Power Resources has been in the meeting all this while but was distantly placed from Izemoru that he was barely visible. He rarely initiated conversations with anyone all through the discussion.

"The truth is we have been living on borrowed times all these while. We barely have enough energy as it is to last us a year. It's the simple truth.  This place alone drains so much power because of all we are building here. How we even managed to get this far, I really don't know. In case you all don't know, the Muurs stopped supplying us with the Unerg years ago when we started to raise questions as to the ragi agreements which they cheated us on. We all know they Asurga is just a temporary fix." He finished.

"I am doing this for our children, for my children. This peace that we all suffered to forge together, that's what I am fighting for to last. That's what each and every one of you have been fighting for too and which you all helped me to sustain. We cannot back down now, and i want you for the last time to trust me. However, I cannot have discord or doubts at this point. That said, we are not authoritarian and I am not a tyrant so anyone who feels this is it for them, and cannot continue is free to leave. You will join up with the people who will not participate in this battle in our alternative plan at the house of refuge and with my full blessings." Izemoru stated and then started staring into space as they all sat in their seats, thinking hard about the choice placed before them.

"Can I ask a question?" Ebri said after a few seconds.

"Go on." Izemoru said.

"What is the alternative plan? Because, I clearly didn't hear you say anything about it previously." He asked.

"Project Nol: Survival. The details are still classified and will be made known on the day we launch our attack." Izemoru answered.

"I may seem like a very inquisitive person, and i am a very inquisitive person." Ebri said afterwards, making everyone to cackle and giggle with mild laughter.

"I appreciate your honesty." The king replied.

"But, I am not in any way doubting your plans. They have led us this far, to this very moment where we have a very big surprise advantage against our enemies. But, my area of concern is the Unerg, our target prize. This is something even the Muurians barely know nothing about its actual whereabouts despite the open location of the Odena. We all know the reason why. I don't know how well all my reports were reviewed but even Natin and Elumiane seated here can testify to the fact that we cannot access the Unerg, unless we somehow make the Queen give it up. We know there is a second person that has access to it but we don't know who. Wouldn't it be..." He didn't finish before Izemoru cut in.

"I love that you are very much concerned about the impossibility of gaining access to the Unerg. But, I want you to concentrate and execute the part that will be assigned to you and leave the rest."

"When is the expected day of attack?" Ebri asked with a repressed respite in his voice.

"As soon as Ikea and his team finalize their parts, we will make the final preparation and we will gather here again for the final evaluation before our assault." Izemoru answered him.

"In the meantime, everything shared here including all information spoken here must remain a secret. None of the district governors were invited here for obvious reasons and I would like for it to remain that way." He finished.

"So what's next?" Another highly-placed official asked him. She is in charge of liaison among all the different agencies, departments and military.

"You will liaise with Kamo closely now more than ever and make sure that everyone is kept on track and fully aware of everything." he replied her.

The chief of police who is in charge of the Nolnadian police raised issues about the lingering security issues and how old days are rearing its head again, suggesting that gangs are rising up again in clusters and handfuls across the kingdom.

"You have a sworn duty to our people, chief. I cannot teach you how to do your job; you are more qualified than me." He said, making everyone to laugh casually.

"However, whatever you need to maintain the peace, you just need to mention. This..." Izemoru said, referring to the reason they were all gathered there in the first place. "This is my main objective right now. I put you in charge because you are the best suited for the job. So, do what you think is best at all times with regards to your complaint." He stated.

"Thank you my king."

"You're doing a very wonderful job by the way. You're doing a great job, a very great job." Izemoru said to him afterwards as a vote of confidence on his efforts, which is a wonderful commendation coming from the king himself. The Chief smiled to this.

       It wasn't long before the meeting finished and everyone left and went back to their work and different assignments depending on who was doing what. Izemoru went back through the portal he came from alongside Kamo and Ebri towards the evening as both had unfinished business at the main headquarters. Izemoru retired to his official quarters where he resides with his wife and three children, two girls and a boy; located not far from the capital building. One of the most beautiful things about the building and its environment is the perfect sunset shade that illuminates from the horizon and radiates scenery that will make the aurora aureoles full of envy.

"How did it go?" Samori, his wife asked as soon as she saw him come into their living room while also welcoming him in the process.

"You know, the usual." He replied.

"You always say that when you don't want to talk about your day. Tell me what else happened apart from the usual?" She asked as she tried to help him remove his clothing, a thick green fabric of some sort fabricated and designed from their finest wool called camir. This always distinguished him from everyone else especially as it was specially designed for him and imbued with protective elements.

"No need, I will soon be going back to the office." He casually told his wife as a way of telling her not to bother with removing the clothing.

"You just came back!"

"You need to rest." She added afterwards calmly and lovingly stroking his chin.

"I will rest only when we have the Unerg." He said.

"Then you must eat first before going anywhere else." The wife demanded.

"As you please"

"Very well, come."

She led him to the smaller rotua hall, which is more like a banquet hall except it is small in comparison to the usual banquet halls.

"What of the children?" He asked.

"Trying to make their father proud. Kurin says she has a big surprise for you." He smiled. Samori called on one of the caretakers of their home to go and fetch their daughter as she was around somewhere in the palace.

"What really happened?" The wife asked again.

"Well, I cannot say I don't really deserve it." He replied.

"Deserve what?"

"The people are losing their trust in me Mori, its the truth."

"Not from where I'm sitting, no that's not true."

"You can say this because you were not there. People I rebuilt this whole Kingdom with were looking at me as if I didn't know what I was doing anymore the moment I let them in on how we are going to launch our plan."

"Even Ebri was questioning the strategy."

"Ebri may have his flaws but he is a good military man and always has your back no matter what happened today. Don't forget that." Samori assured him.

"I know, and that's why it's more of a concern to me." He said as he chumps down a bunch of sumptuously prepared wild boar meat.

"Is that what's getting you all worked up?"

"No, we are almost at it Mori. We are almost at the point of being a universal force as well as a story to be told among the survivors of our failed final attempt to reclaim our right. This is when things usually turn bad if care is not taken."

"I didn't marry a man who is afraid to take risks. Everyone in our land knows what is at stake and have made their peace with it. This is no time to lose hope; this is not the time at all." Samori encouraged him. He raised his head and looked at her for a while, smile written all over his face with an expression full of gratitude. "Thank you." He simply uttered afterwards. As soon as he finished eating, he told the wife that he has to get back to the affairs of the Kingdom.

"The Kingdom can wait. I want you to rest, tomorrow is another day. You barely rest, remember you're not a machine.

"No kingdom business at home!" She added, smiling as she sat across from him in the rotua.

"Your counsel is very much received and appreciated your Highness." he replied her, and finished chowing down on the rest of the food while they discussed about their children, and about the fate of Nolnad and the increasing crime rate in the land.

"Talking about uprisings, Demir has been complaining and yearning to prove himself. It wouldn't be bad to allow him deal with it." She said.

"Deal with it? I hope you don't mean killing our people." He joked.

"What else is left? The peace talks are not working and Zoria is too mild mannered and soft on them." she said, referring to the policing style employed by Zoria, the chief and Head of the entire Nolnadian police force.

"Zoria is doing a wonderful job Mori. Give the man a break." He chided.

"Not enough!"

"What do you want me to do? Besides I have told him to always call on me if he needs anything the District Governors could not provide."

"Give Demir something worthwhile to engage in. If he is going to be your successor, this period is the best times to allow him learn some things, some lessons even. Something, defeat or victory alike. You have protected him long enough, and he is getting restless especially as you froze him out of the war council for the Muurian assault."

"I didn't freeze him out. His time will come, but, he has to be alive first. Every risk i have taken is all so that he wouldn't have to, to protect them and every other child in Nolnad. The adults will handle this, so let him be a teen for now...adult life and leadership is forever."

"You should do well to tell him that yourself." She told him as they left the rotua to their bedroom for the night but not after spending quality time with his children. "You know, there is a story I have not told anyone before." He said to her in their bed.

"I'm pretty sure you have told me most anyway. Let's hope I don't have to pretend not to have heard this one so that I can enjoy you tell it over again,

Especially how you go over the details" She said smiling.

"No, not this one..."

"Okay, go on; let's hear it, this special one you have preserved till today."