The American In Another World
Chapter 36: The PE002 Plan
Arlington, Virginia
President Lee took a deep breath as he walked through the halls of the Pentagon. With the United States currently in a state of war with the Parpaldian Empire, many contingency plans were brought to the forefront of its priorities. After long anticipating conflict with the arrogant and antagonistic 'superpowers', Lee has ordered the Department of Defense to come up with a strategy in case of war. Now that the war has arrived, one strategy has become famous: the blitzkrieg.
The reason behind this came from the successful defeat of the Kingdom of Louria and the subsequent rumors that spread. By harnessing the technological superiority of the United States, they could demoralize the enemy drastically, potentially turning the Parpaldian population against their own government. However, Lee wanted to avoid ground combat as much as possible, as urban warfare could cause significant casualties, both to American troops and local civilians.
Some personnel flowed through the passageways as information circulated in the Pentagon. Although most of the Defense Department staff took this war seriously, there was little tension due to the relatively non-threatening level of power of the Parpaldian Empire. At worst, it could be a thorn in the United States side, but certainly not as bad as Afghanistan or any other minor conflict in recent decades. At most, the Parpaldian Empire could turn into a subservient vassal state.
As Lee walked into the Current Actions Center, he admired a number of screens and other sophisticated instruments that adorned the walls. He continued to observe the vast pool of activity as he continued downstairs, eventually joining his military leaders and advisers in a remote meeting room. The occupants of the room consisted of various chiefs of staff, along with some of the highest officials in their respective branches. There were also several foreign and domestic policy advisers, there to help guide every strategy of a potential media disaster. No one in the room wanted a crisis that could potentially damage Lee's presidency, or any career.
Respecting their supreme commander, everyone operates with astonishing synchronicity and rigidity — proofs of their training and experience.
"Quiet, please" replied Lee.
As soon as everyone sat in their seats, Lee spoke. "alright. Robert, what do you have?”
The burly defense minister cleared his throat before speaking. "Master President," he stood up, clasping his hands behind his back. “After reviewing the intelligence gathered by DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), we chose to proceed with the designated plan PE-002.”
As he spoke, the large screen displayed the details of the above-mentioned plan. A map of the continent of Philades appeared, with black dots marking major cities and red dots indicating military targets. Some of these points are more prominent, with a large red dot appearing to the north of the capital city of Esthirant Parpaldian. Other smaller targets were scattered along the coastline, including a naval base at Esthirant, a base in Duro, the capital, and an unknown mysterious place that lies on an island between Le Brias and Esthirant.
“The Parpaldian Empire has most of their forces concentrated in three locations: the northern end of the Duro river, the southern end of the Duro — river or basically next to the city of Duro itself, and finally there is a base located in the north. of Esthirant.”
The on-screen map zoomed into the region around Esthirant, highlighting the enemy fleet and Esthirant Base. Satellite images depict the layout and topography of the region in perfect detail.
“Passive surveillance along with data collected from operators in the field suggests that this base north of Esthirant is most likely made up of the most elite Parpaldian units. We have been able to identify a new strain of Bioform Alpha, better known as wyvern. Compared to the wyverns employed by the other Philadean states we have come into contact with, the Parpaldian Empire mainly used a slightly stronger version: the wyvern ruler. According to the new intelligence, they have upgraded their weaponry and are now producing what we designate as wyvern rulers, as evidenced by this aerial photograph. So far, the threat of this world proved to be nothing compared to what we face in the country. However, we remain cautious and therefore, Conplan PE-002 calls for the immediate destruction of this base.”
The screen image disappears, allowing visibility of the map in the background once again. The map was then enlarged and zipped towards the Altaras Kingdom.
“Thanks to Ambassador Anders' efforts, we were able to secure the Muan airfield in the Kingdom of Altaras, which we are currently able to and are currently modifying. After the modification is completed in a week, we will bomb this targeted base.”
The map highlighted many places within the Parpaldian Empire.
“At the same time, we will launch an attack against the Parpaldian Navy, with the Seventh Fleet stationed to separate and eliminate the Esthirant and Duro fleets simultaneously. The Third Fleet will maintain the security of our allies and our coast, covering the eastern part of the Parpaldian Empire and stretching towards the Kingdom of Riem.”
A simulation of the movement of the fleet accompanies Robert's description, with blue ships moving in and around the Parpaldian coastline. In contrast, enemy ships marked in red consolidated within the harbor.
“However, in the meantime, we will investigate this anomaly: an island located between Le Brias and Esthirant. Satellite images reveal nothing but thick clouds and fog over this particular island, which leaves our meteorologists puzzled. Radar scanning has however detected a large number of contacts; we believe that the enemy is trying to assemble a fleet here, most likely to counterattack. Carrier Strike Group 5 has been sent to investigate.”
President Lee pondered the information. “Hmm... So how quickly do you think we can end this conflict and control Parpaldian?”
Robert replied, “If the Parpaldians become demoralized enough by the direct destruction of their most powerful force and the most well-defended base, then I anticipate a quick surrender. Conversely, if their leadership proves stubborn, then we may see a prolonged conflict involving guerrilla warfare
"So so. Then I guess we should expect Director Kaios to make a decision and develop a plan.
——
Kaios Plantation
Inside the house of the Third Director of Foreign Affairs, Kaios was desperately pacing back and forth while waiting for a response from the Americans. After using his handheld radio to send messages, he was not sure if he had been heard, or even if he had used the device correctly. Thinking that he had to send another message if the previous message was somehow lost, he grabbed the device again. The crunching instrument came alive as he placed his hand on it, making him a little surprised.
A rough voice filtered through the crackling radio, “Kaios Director, we received your message. We'll be there soon.”
Kaios gave herself a brief respite from the tension and anxiety over her actions. He let himself feel relieved that the Americans finally responded, but he also felt nervous. What if his superior finds out about his treasonous act?
In his mind, he justified them, assuring himself that what he was doing did not involve treason. Instead, he was trying to save the Parpaldian Empire from his own arrogance. He knew that this conflict consisted of a very unbalanced fight, but had no way of preventing an escalation. Only one option comes to mind: a coup. Unless he could somehow convince the Emperor and his inner circle that the war against the United States was futile, he had to seize the throne and end the war himself.
The mental images of the leaders of the Parpaldian Empire flared up as he analyzed each of them. He could have tried to convince Emperor Ludius of his mistake, but the chances of his success were very poor and failure might have had him reprimanded, and executed at worst. This option is thus out of the question, Kaios reasoned. The risks involved with this effort are too high.
He moved on to the next interesting person. Remille seems to be more worried about the United States, having lost its intensity and dramatic arrogance. In the last meeting, he was much more reserved, and even reacted negatively whenever American power was mentioned. The involvement of the fleet off the coast of Fenn must have changed his analysis of the situation - to such an extent that he lost his tenacity to conquer the barbarians. With the help of other prominent people, he could potentially convince her of the futility of the war against America.
Supreme Commander Arde and Chief Matal, with their military mindsets, are potentially easy targets for recruitment. Matal in particular took American threats very seriously, even to the point of making the early warning system — something that the powerful Parpaldian Empire had never done during its existence. However, this may be a reflection of his loyalty rather than anything Kaios could utilize. The guerrilla warfare proposition was something dirty. If these military leaders were pushed far enough to consider such cowardly tactics, then it would surely prove their unwavering loyalty to Ludius and his kingdom. However, Kaios knew that they knew that defeat was inevitable. Was the suggestion of guerrilla warfare then a bargaining chip, to help cushion America in a long painful war?
If this is the case, then a peace treaty is most likely to be reached. Perhaps some sort of settlement, given the American reluctance to civilian casualties and their attitude during the Lourian war. So far, the Americans have not lost a single soul in the — enemy battle at least in Elysia. How far are they willing to go to see it all? It doesn't seem too far away, Kaios concluded. After all, Americans have just moved into this world, if all the evidence is true. Because of this transfer, they seemed unable to support a full-scale war against a country as large and rich as the Parpaldian Kingdom.
However, he saw no indication that this line of reasoning was correct. In fact, all signs indicate the opposite. The strength of their weapons as demonstrated against Louria and other targets such as the pirate fleet of Remille reflects wealth. Each shot of their magic cannon might be worth thousands of pasos, and this did not include the magical targeting fees they used to bewitch their weapons. He could not even begin to imagine what their guided light arrows would cost, considering that even the Mirishial Holy Kingdom did not possess such a weapon. Before his mind turned into a violent storm, an officer approached him with news.
"Master Kaios," said his butler. "There's a guest at the door."
“Thank you, Alfan. Please make sure that my office is neat.”
“Of course, Mr. Kaios,” said he was polite while going to do his job.
Pausing for a moment to strengthen himself, he took a deep breath before heading down to open the door. He put his hand on the cold handle and turned it around. Outside, a best-dressed man from the Ethirant noble style greeted him. The only thing that distinguished him from the other nobles was the accessory on his face, which covered his eyes with dark-colored lenses. "Director Kaios," he said with a smile, taking off his sunglasses. “It's nice to finally meet you.”
“And you too, Director Klein.”