3 months after the start of the expedition, Year 8 of the SuaChie Calendar.
The salty air of North Sea City filled my lungs, a mix of sea breeze and the crowd's anticipation. The port was a true hive of activity. We all awaited the arrival of the brave heroes.
The ships that had sailed on an impossible mission had already been sighted by the fishing boats from the islands of the Federal Region of the Islands of the Rising Sun.
"Young Chuta, the port is ready. The people are eager to welcome our valiant explorers," said the city leader with great solemnity. He is a man with a sun-weathered face, and besides being the city leader, he is one of the members of the 'Shadows'.
I nodded, my eyes scanning the vast horizon.
The wait was an exercise in patience, even for me. An escort of city regiment soldiers maintained order, while my assistants and a group of priests stood respectfully behind me.
"The success of this expedition will be a testament to the ingenuity of the Suaza Kingdom," I commented, my voice serene. "And to the faith of our own people."
A warm hand slid into mine. It was Umza, her eyes gleaming with an emotion she couldn't contain.
"Chuta! Are they close now? Oh, I'm so excited! Sogeking will tell us wonderful stories, won't he? And they'll bring completely new things!" Her enthusiasm was a whirlwind, refreshing and a little overwhelming.
On her other side, Turey remained in complete silence, her posture elegant, her eyes fixed on the same point on the horizon as mine. Her calm was a clear contrast to Umza's vivacity. I observed her sometimes, noticing the depth in her gaze, a stillness that harbored her own thoughts.
"She must surely be thinking about the animals they found on this expedition," I thought with irony, recalling how my house had transformed into a mini zoo since her arrival.
"We'll have to wait and see, Umza," I replied with a smile. "But I'm sure they will bring news of utmost importance."
My gaze returned to the sea.
The confirmation of my calculations, of my plans, was about to materialize. A subtle satisfaction spread through my chest.
Suddenly, a shout tore through the murmur of the crowd. "They're visible! Five ships! There they are!"
The port erupted in a loud clamor.
People ran towards the docks, their faces illuminated. The sound of drums and flutes filled the air, announcing an improvised carnival.
The majestic ships, with their sails inflated, approached, silhouetted against the late afternoon sun.
They were the King of Shooters and other vessels of the same style, ships that had defied the unknown. Four ships had remained at the new port, on the western coast of what I knew was Africa, establishing our first settlement in an unexplored territory.
When the ships docked, the excitement became truly palpable.
The ramp descended with a rumble, and the sailors, exhausted but triumphant, stepped onto solid ground. I searched for Sogeking among them. I saw him, his face weathered by wind and sun, his eyes shining with a mix of exhaustion and immense pride.
I approached him, my voice formal but laden with genuine recognition. "Sogeking. You have returned. You have achieved a milestone that will be remembered in the history of our Kingdom."
Sogeking, the man who once trembled at the edge of a boat, now stood before me, his shoulders broad. He bowed, but I could perceive the deep emotion in his eyes.
"Young Chuta. It has been a… challenging journey. But the King of Shooters, my crew, and the rest of the expedition's vessels have delivered. We have found territory beyond the East Ocean."
His voice, though deep, trembled slightly. It was evident how much my words meant to him.
I greeted the other captains and expedition leaders, congratulating them one by one. The crowd chanted their names, throwing flowers and offerings. It was a triumph for everyone, but especially for those who had defied immensity.
Days later, in Central City.
The atmosphere in the Meeting Hall of the Government House was very different from that of the port. Here, solemnity was the prevailing norm.
I stood before everyone on the central stage, my gaze sweeping over the faces of those present. Bishops, in their spotless robes; the main high commands of the Navy and the Army, with their gleaming insignia; the Ministers of the Kingdom, with their serious, yet expectant expressions; and the Directors of the key Departments, ready to absorb every word.
"General Nygua, General Umzye," I began, addressing the leaders of the Navy. "Captain Sogeking. Please present your reports."
Nygua, the General of the Northeast Zone Navy, stood up first. His voice, deep and clear, described the northern route, the favorable currents, and the minor challenges. Then, Umzye, along with the Colonel of the Western Region, detailed what had been found. They spoke of the coast, the resources, and the people they observed from afar.
Finally, it was Sogeking's turn. He stood up, his posture firm.
"Young Chuta, Generals, Ministers. My expedition, the direct route to the east, was… a true test. We encountered windless sections that stopped us for days, and storms that threatened to destroy us. But my crew and I managed to overcome them. We have reached the western coast of the new land, and we have established the first outpost, as ordered."
He presented a map, a detailed scroll with lines drawn by his first officer, outlining the tortuous route.
He detailed the challenges of navigation in that area, the imperative need to zigzag to find currents, the brutality of unexpected storms. The room listened in silence, some with awe, others with a deeper understanding of the magnitude of the achievement.
"We have discovered a vast land, with abundant resources and a favorable climate. The seeds we carried are already in the ground, and the provisional port, along with the initial buildings, is standing," he concluded, his voice filled with contained pride.
I nodded my head, my gaze sweeping over everyone present.
"Excellent. Captains, Generals, to all those who participated in these expeditions, my most sincere gratitude and congratulations. You have overcome immense challenges and have opened a new chapter in the history of our Kingdom."
I paused, allowing my words to sink in deeply.
"For your bravery and success, you will be granted the highest decorations. Your names will be remembered in the 'Chronicles of Heroes' of the Kingdom."
A wave of murmurs of satisfaction swept through the room. My mind, however, was already on the next steps. Information was power, and this discovery was a treasure.
I approached the large map in the hall, a wooden pointer in my hand, and indicated the vast blue expanse of the East Ocean.
"As you are already aware, the northern route has proven efficient for our expeditions. However, to sustain a permanent presence in this new land, we require more. We need options."
I slid the pointer southward, along the eastern coast of our continent.
"One of these options is the Southern Route… While the journey turned out to be longer than that of the Northern Route, this was due to the vessels having to travel far south to find favorable currents… But that can change."
I took a brief pause to observe everyone's faces.
"We have already established several coastal settlements in this area. My proposal is to use them as way stations. This would allow us an equally viable southern route, reducing the supply load on our ships and enabling faster departures. Logistics efficiency is key for an expansion of this magnitude."
I reflected on the complex calculations and supply networks this implied; every detail, every resource, had to be optimized to the maximum.
"Finally, the graduates of the Simte Academy will be able to act," I thought.
I opened the floor for discussion.
"Ministers, Generals, Bishops, Directors. Do you have opinions? Suggestions on how to proceed with this new plan?"
The Minister of External Relations was the first to speak.
"Young Chuta, from our Ministry, we suggest that the approach to local populations, if any, be with extreme caution and diplomacy. We must send delegations with gifts and messages of peace, emphasizing cultural exchange. Hostility will only generate resistance," said the minister, underlining points I had stressed in previous meetings.
A Bishop, in his immaculate robe, added: "Son of Heaven, our priests could accompany these delegations. Not to impose, but to share the greatness of the gods and learn from theirs."
General Nygua, of the Navy, intervened with his deep voice.
"Young Chuta, and to ensure the protection of our compatriots in that new settlement, and those who will be established in the future, we suggest that the number of vessels departing monthly from the kingdom be increased. We cannot leave those who venture into the unknown unprotected."
The Minister of the People nodded fervently. "And from our Ministry, Young Chuta, we fully support the idea of increasing the flow of volunteers and inhabitants. We require hands to build, to cultivate. The prosperity of these new settlements will depend on a robust and well-organized population."
I listened carefully to each intervention, evaluating the feasibility and wisdom of their proposals. It was gratifying to see how my leaders had internalized the kingdom's philosophy; they considered not only expansion, but also security, diplomacy, and the well-being of the people. Their ideas not only complemented my plan but also strengthened it.
I nodded, my gaze encompassing the entire room.
"Excellent contributions. Each of you has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."
I resumed speaking with a serene authority; the time for deliberation was over; it was time for action.
"Therefore, these are the first directives for the kingdom's actions in the coming years, directly related to the discovery of these expeditions."
I directed my gaze towards the Minister of the People.
"Your Ministry will be responsible for the selection, organization, and dispatch of volunteers and inhabitants for the new settlements. Ensure they are individuals willing to build and adapt. You will also be responsible for the planning and supervision of basic infrastructure: housing, internal roads, everything necessary for these settlements to prosper."
Subsequently, I addressed the Minister of Commerce and the Directors of the Department of Economy and the Suaza Bank.
"You will establish secure trade routes with the new territories. Develop exchange systems that benefit both parties and manage the natural resources that have been reported to us. Economic prosperity will constitute the foundation of our presence."
My gaze settled on the Generals of the Navy and the Army.
"The Ministry of Security will assign permanent escort fleets for our fixed routes. Plan and begin the construction of defenses in the new ports and settlements. The 'Roars of the Volcano' subdivision must accelerate its training for the protection of these routes and territories. Security is paramount."
I turned to the Director of the Innovation Department.
"Your department will continue the research and development of new maritime technologies, to further improve the journey. And investigate agricultural solutions adapted to the new climates and soils. Innovation is our advantage."
Finally, I directed my gaze to the Director of the Department of External Relations and the Bishops.
"You will prepare the diplomatic and cultural delegations. Establish clear protocols of respect and non-aggression. Our objective is knowledge and cooperation, not mere imposition."
Everyone nodded in response. Many seemed pleased by the fact that their opinions were taken into consideration.
I felt the immense weight of the responsibility of these decisions, but also the excitement of seeing my vision take shape on a truly continental scale.
.
----
.
[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta receives the expedition that left for the East. Also, the first important meeting for the future of the kingdom begins.
As I told you before, meetings, orders, and progress reports will be given in a similar way. And so you don't get confused about the characters' names, they will always be referred to by their title.
Unnecessary Fact of the Day: In 1506, construction began on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a monumental architectural project that would symbolize the power and wealth of the Papacy. Should Chuta do something similar?
----
Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis from Visions of Future Saga.
You can find them on my profile.]