The Creation: Nova Pliska

[Agent Knockout 216]

Genesaris had caught the attention of another person, who had seen opportunities for setting up a place for future operations to be conducted. And so, Khan travelled around for days, and for weeks, searching for a suitable place to make a fortified, defensible location that could serve as a hub to expand to other regions, and obtain vital resources to drive innovation, and production. 

He had found that place in a fairly unique location. The place itself was a plain, and what was beneath it had access to the sea, but the main base was planned to be at fairly high altitudes, with the local forces brought by Khan also controlling the low-ground leading to the heights, and also to the sea, thus having it almost feel like home. That meant the place was both easy to build on, and the elevation made defense easier. It was indeed a place to secure a hub for more ambitions. Also, it had a lot of nature, and while there were plans to eventually remove some of it, Khan largely felt like leaving considerable portions of it around would be more beneficial than not.

And so, a few days after it's discovery, Khan, alongside two of his trusted allies, and a few thousand people, arrived. A surprise was the fact that the majority of these men were not military personnel, but rather engineers, construction crew, architects, and arms designers. At the starting point, these people would be far more useful than tanks, planes or rocket launchers. Thus, they, with the resources they had already brought on trucks for construction, began building housing for these construction, for the army, for the researches and for the designers. Additionally, Khan also began building his own small compound in the very center that would be very tall, for the purposes of overseeing the entire project, not just the housing. It would also be where he would reside.  

So, after a while, the progress on the housing was steady, and new apartment blocks were being built from their foundations into functional living spaces regularly. The Gateway was also completed, letting the newly built town finally establish a reliable line of supply with the homeland, bringing in additional resources. Now, it was time to convene with the ''managers'' of this entire endeavor, and Khan called them to his overseeing tower. There, they were to decide what to do next. 

'So, Sakano, and KS. I have called you two here. The first step towards building a proper home has been going smoothly, so far. That said, we still have work to do, and I want to assign you two some tasks. Sakano, you will be managing the Guard of this base, and will watch out for any intruders. You know who we mean, right? 

As for KS, I want you to manage and overview the Gate that is constantly bringing us a supply of material, food, water, energy and other goodies. Make sure that only things that are supposed to be getting in actually get in, like what I mentioned, and also more manpower.

Lastly, I have devised a general idea for how this whole base will be built. First, we will start by gradually finishing our housing. Second, we will construct Civilian Factories and Civilian Infrastructure to assist the manufacturing of both Consumer Products, and also to enhance our construction capabilites on all other projects. Third, we will begin bringing in more, and heavier military equipment to fortify the compound. Thus, we will also be building Garages, Hangars, Control Towers, Military Depots, Radars, Airfields, Roads, Launch Sites, and Early Warning Systems, as well as more general Military infrastructure.  Additionally, we will support this lengthy step by adding Military Factories to begin producing war machines and material locally, though the actual production will be fairly limited for now, as we have not yet done more expansion to justify the commitment to more industry. Finally, we will build some Dockyards on the low-ground and begin locally producing a navy of our own to protect the coastline. Perhaps we can initially build some Destroyers, or other light ships, before moving on and building an Aircraft Carrier or two once we have enough planes to place. Not to forget, we will also build Research Centers and Synthetic Fuel and Materiel Factories to further boost production. 

While I cannot say what the future will hold for this base, these 5 steps will ensure we have the basics for steady upgrades, and perhaps make this small base into a town, or perhaps a city, that can support itself and give us income to do other projects with. What do you think, guys? -Khan asked the two.

@Sakano @Sobrima The N00b

(OOC Note: This thread does not have a dedicated script, and it has...well...general guidelines in that place. Also, this is somewhat..open? As long as nothing too ridiculous happens, it's kind of open.)

Spoiler

 

  

Spoiler

 

 

Edited July 1, 2020 by Agent Knockout

[Zigzag 540]

Word traveled of the newcomers setting up some new city in the land of Genesaris. Phillip decided it was worth taking a look, so he sent Eric with some others to scout so they can confirm the rumors. 

Five in all made up the party, armed with shortbows and light armor, their steeds were quick and just as lightly armored. In the distance they came, catching sight of the mass of travelers as they were beginning construction. Keeping a healthy distance, Eric took out a spyglass, catching sight of the settlers and noting what was there. 

"They don't appear to be armed. Mostly builders, and they're beginning to erect themselves a city." With the sun behind them, they decided to break away and make camp, hoping to catalog their progress and send word back to Phillip. This could be an opportunity for something grand, so long as they played their cards right. 

[Agent Knockout 216]

Now, even with them keeping a healthy distance, recent events were not helping them conceal their position. Khan had heard rumours of his own regarding Addison's presence in the bay, and ever suspicious of her motivations, Khan had told his men to be watching the area imminently around the settlement. And so, Khan was, soon enough, alerted to the scouting party's presence. Even though the man telling him that was unsure of who they were, or how many were present, Khan quickly dismissed all claims of them working for Addison, and so, with an uncharacteristic calmness, simply opted to let them in...perhaps they were here for more than just to spy or visit. Perhaps that was Khan's way into expanding the city into something greater...

And so, Khan, who had barely alerted anyone he was going to go out, went out, and went to greet the party.

'Hello, and welcome to Nova Pliska! (New Pliska) I see you all have noticed the construction effort currently going to build a successful settlement! I am inclined to believe you have not come here with evil intent, am I right? If this is true, then please, do come in! You have nothing to fear from us if you are here to explore and find out more, for we are some of the friendliest people, provided visitors like making friends!'

@Zigzag

 

[Zigzag 540]

At first, Eric was uncertain of the invitation, but the man sounded sincere, so he accepted. 

"We didn't mean for any offense." Eric said. "Our curiosity got the better of us. My name is Eric Hulmar, and we are part of the Shields of Valor." 

They followed the man, packing up their things and mounting their horses to traverse the distance a little easier.

[Agent Knockout 216]

As Khan walked them back into the settlement itself, he remarked: 

'It is perfectly okay to be curious. We accept most visitors here, and you are welcome. As for me, I am Khan Asparuh, from the Asparuhovgrad Federation, or simply...the Federation, a separate entity. Nova Pliska, in effect, is the introduction of the  Federation into what you know as Genesaris, and bringing expertise along the way, in building, politics, and military affairs. We also have noble values: Guaranteeing freedom of access and independence to those who deserve it. We also seek to boost the region's productivity, and give rise to new industries, and allow for new opportunities. We also eventually hope to expand Nova Pliska to other parts of Genesaris, and perhaps one day, establish it as a satellite nation with the ideology, political connection, and values of the homeland. It would also not be directly under my management, but rather, a government formed from people in either this whole world, Genesaris, and perhaps, this very region.'

As Khan finished explaining, he also said:

'With that said, there is valid reason for cooperation. Am I right, Mr. Hulmar?'

As Khan turned for the reply, he looked at the construction effort, and it was going alright. Houses were finished, and roads, airfields, power plants, factories for civilian and construction goods, as well as all the other basics, accessories and luxuries associated with Consumer Goods, and Infrastructure, were being built at a steady and, increasingly exponential pace, as more factories were being built and joined the construction processes by allowing easier handling, production, refinement and storage of materials of all kinds, whatever one would imagine or associate.

@Zigzag

                        

[Agent Knockout 216]

As the airbase and garages were completed, Khan had gained some limited knowledge of others' presence. Unwilling to let himself be at their mercy, he decided to use his new completed assets for....military purposes. He would bring his own Mikoyan, as well as several other squadrons and their pilots, as well as a squadron of helicopters and two transport aircraft, one of which was a Super Spartan,  now that he had the place to store their fuel, spare parts and weapons. This also meant Khan would now actively scout the area of the bay for any suspicious activities, and use these airfields as defense because ground installations had not been fully completed yet, and they still needed some time to fortify. 

However, there was nothing to worry about, at least he saw it that way. As long as the might of the Federation Air Force held the skies, they would be safe. So, it was time to perform their first flight proper, but on Genesari soil. 

First, there was the obligatory maintenance. All electronics were checked for malfunctions and false alarms, the hulls were also inspected for dents and cracks, as well as leaks. The engines were given test runs to make sure they would not fail mid-flight, certainly dooming the soul that had no fault in that. The weapons were also inspected, to make sure they were linked properly, and would also have the 100% reliability wished by both their manufacturers, and their operators. Ejection mechanisms were tested, and the cockpits themselves were subject to a wave of check-ups to make they were sealed when they needed to be sealed: while flying...they did not want any issues there, as if the cockpit got unsealed, the poor soul would die thanks to gravitational forces and sheer pressure thanks to the speed at which jet fighters fly. They would get flung out of the plane and die even before hitting the ground thanks to extreme pressure and lack of consciousness.

Then, the moment came. As a trio of planes began lining up on the runway, and the observers on their stations watched, they got a call from one of the pilots, from their radio on-board, starting a conversation as such:

'Hello, hello? This is MiG-29 pilot, identification number: 1! And we are in position!'

'We see, squadron leader. Good luck in your first flight on this continent. Takeoff when you are ready.'

'Sure. *turns off the radio, before turning it on again, but on a different channel* Pilots, are you ready for takeoff?'

'Duo #14 ready for takeoff!' 'Duo #31 is also ready for the takeoff!'

'Alright, you know what to do now. Line up and take to the skies, preferably one after the other! See you flying in the skies! *turns off radio again*'

'See you flying in the skies! *also turn off radio*'

Spoiler

And just like that, the trio took to the skies, and began flying the length of the bay's coast, and enjoying the view they got flying at a fair height. Indeed, Genesaris was a beautiful place, comparable to the great green mountains of the homeland, and Khan would be willing to admit it. Of course, they had their weapons installed and their partial VR (AR) helmets mounted, and constantly monitored, for this flight was not just for scenic view, but was also a patrol, with Khan's plane in the center, and with vivid painting and the statement 'Asparuhovgrad Federation ВВС' (Военновъздушни Сили, Air Force)

And then, they stumbled upon a settlement in the distance, and that surprised them. They thought that outside of their settlement, there were few others, and none in the bay, but here was a settlement, right in their region! Flying 3km up, Khan and his pilots, curious of this place, decided to fly and look down with their aircraft-mounted cameras as they did so, and let the Location and Positioning display have partial Auto-Pilot function while they did so.  They saw the construction, and they saw ships of various sizes. 

'Interesting, they have some sort of navy here. What do you think, sir Asparuh?'

'Sounds like something Howard would build if he was the designer....to be real, I doubt he is here. One can only trust rumours so much, and they do not even mention him! They barely mention Addison to begin with. I don't think we have anything to worry about. It is probably another foreigner's navy...it would be foolish to strike it if it was indeed the Admiral's, let alone any other person who just...has a navy and got bombed because we decided to make an assumption; an educated guess. Let's just continue our flight over them and proceed to land in our new base.'

'Right then.....let's just do what we do normally.'

And so, for a small while, they continued flying over this place that they did not know, and was New Acheron, and had their weapons ready, but did not intend to use them.

@Phoebe @Jack Howard

OOC color codes: Red is Khan flying his personal plane (by himself, no co-pilot), Blue is the control station personnel, Green and Orange are the other two aircraft, whose pilots are in groups of two.

'

Edited June 3, 2020 by Agent Knockout

[Agent Knockout 216]

After this flight, Khan had monitored progress on the constructions. It was alright...it was never as fast as he had hoped, but they had no slowdowns and everything went according to plan. As the first military factories were being completed within the next week and the garrison forces finally received all of their equipment, Khan had some ideas. Rather than stay confined to their current land, they should push out to the nearby lands and use them to extend the capability of the Federation's power beyond just self-defense, and actually have the infrastructure necessary for regional intervention. 

And so, within the next few days, Khan had pushed out to the nearby native communities, arriving in with the first Trucks and BMPs built, and a small well-armed and well-trained force that, thanks to the new military expansions, was equipped with more than just the basics, and could now call themselves soldiers of the Federation. Quickly establishing control, Khan had to decide what to do next with these natives. At a secret meeting, Khan had decided his course of action.

Unlike what others would do, and sympathize with these native peoples to the point where he would seek their cooperation for his own affairs in the region, Khan had done things differently, and this time, it would be no exception. They had recorded the effectiveness of subjugation done by their bitter rival at 404, and Khan had decided to use some of these subjugation techniques post-404, alongside adding more suppression and equalization to these tactics to make them even more brutal, and effective.

So, these natives had options: They could either resettle, or stay and accept their new rule. Additionally, the new garrisons actively suppressed attempts for regional independence, because to Khan, the independence of these people who he had just taken over was not a priority, and would not be granted. Khan would rather have them subjugated, compliant, and with their identity preserved, than break away....or rather, he would do that and reshape their identity into something that would fit a bit more with the values of their new overlords, including the beliefs and ideologies Khan had. It was something he had done in 404, something he had suffered, and now the natives would have their turn at being assimilated. 

And so, Khan quickly began exercising the basics of assimilating another culture into their own: He began setting up a multitde of smaller projects, such as beginning to construct more housing, schools, and other luxuries of the modern world these natives had not seen. He had also began planning education initiatives and programmes, as well as setting up radio towers from the main part of the Pliska settlement to allow them to watch stuff. On the surface, that seemed like a great way to make an occupation pleasant, and these comforts would even be enforced by law!

In reality, it only helped Khan keep them compliant, subjugated, and suppressed, as well as gradually, and subversively, assimilated. The new houses were meant to replace the old ones, and everything on them was not written in any native language, but rather, in the Cyrillic that Khan loves so much, and the language the people would learn through the new education system, which had placed an emphasis on learning the language, values, and identity of the Federation, and if not outright adopt them, at least merge them with their own. The radio towers would broadcast only in Cyrillic, and the road signs for the upcoming roads would be in the alphabet too. These new institutions would perhaps be enough to grow the next generation of these natives as people that see themselves as a part of the Federation, and break away from their old identity, something that would be solidified when the current generation died off naturally too, burying any activity of this current identity they have with them, and relegating it to the history books, where the authority would want to see it end up in. 

 

Edited June 9, 2020 by Agent Knockout

[amenities 3775]

Whenever it gets loud enough, the ruckus wakes Valucre's demons.

Perhaps it was luck that drew the Dead to Khan's rising forces before any dogooder governments. Perhaps it was a dangerous tightrope of success they shared. Cain wondered what the means of fate were that brought them together for a while, but eventually determined the risk worth weathering. Word came through the mental link that Shikai and Reginald were to meet with Cain on the coast of Yh'mi. Beside them there sat a sleek silver arrow of an airship, a platform extending from the sand up into a spacious two-person cockpit.

"He's amassing something out there." said the Ginger God, stirring something boiling black with a giant bone in a giant upside-down skull. Acrid smog rose into the sky and blotted out the sun, sending signals for miles around in Lagrimosa. For a time he seemed too focused on the act of stirring the thick sludge, his eyes full of distant, reminiscent rigor.

"I can't tell if he'll be another Feurerkonig or someone we can join causes with." He looked up with a grin on his smudged face. "So I thought we'd send the most charismatic guy we got, and our highest General."

When the Worm and the Zombie General took off southward in their ship, they would see two huge Tyrannosaurus Rex creatures breaking the northern horizon.

24-hours before the Dead agents came to Khan, his base would receive an outside communication from the well-known and generally liked Catalyst Corporation.

"We wish to meet with you! We will send two representatives in 24 hours."

So it was that Khan would know to expect the men, but not necessarily their motives. This was probably the best

@Djinn&Juice @danzilla3

[Agent Knockout 216]

Receiving the outside communications, Khan's reply was quite simple:

'Alright, if that is the case, then I am ready for a meeting whenever you are.' 

And so, Khan began preparing his headquarters and Nova Pliska itself for an emergency meeting, seeing his time come for a move.

[Djinn&Juice 1481]

The modern world had passed Reginald by in ways that his aloof mind could never completely grasp. The was just simply so much that existed now what with the instant communication and traveling long distances in half the time! It simply boggled his mind, but so too did he see the opportunity to manipulate between the binding cracks of such societies. Shikai filling in the many blanks still present as they stood before Cain. Reginald adorned in a disguise he had cooked overnight; His transmutation making most magitech sensory devices wash over him without a second glance. Twas easy to do when your your body comprised of a thousand and two plum worms; molding them with transmutation into a fascimile that might as well have been true to form. An elf of blonde quaffed hair adorned in frills of purple and blue, puffy sleeves and pants embroidered with a spectrum of eye searing bright spectra. A collection of masks worn around his waist like a belt The coasts beautiful to watch as he looked from the cresting of ocean waters toward his boss draped in deep thought. A quirk of his head draping gold locks against Shikai' shoulder as he watched curiously as Cain stirred, bashfully waving his hand as he was complimented

"It sounds like expansion potential to me! What A dapper idea! Shikai, won't it be exciting? Who knows what it could be? I'd sense if it was a mass in magical nature...OH it could absolutely be pumpkins! Here's hoping!" Reginald looking over the craft they were provided with curiosity, giving it a firm thump with a finger. "How frightening and marvelous!"

When the two arrived in their sleek ride with Shikai suffering a great deal many of questions he simply didn't know as Reginald was obviously ecstatic. The two exiting their craft; One stuck out far more than the other as Reginald introduced himself to their escorts "Tarracota Taymire! Please, call me Terry!" 

Spoiler

 

[danzilla3 5018]

"New friends? I love making new friends!"

Indeed, it was a desire to have friends that had led Shikai to learn how to raise the dead. Of course, the local authorities in his hometown had been too closed-minded to understand, and had killed his newly reanimated friends. Then he had overreacted, butchered the entire police department and gone on the run with a cadre of corpses to keep him company. But now he had no shortage of friends of both the living and dead variety; and he was always eager to make more!

Shikai grinned at his companion, "I'll drive!"

Despite his enthusiasm, The General had only cursory knowledge of how to pilot such a craft, and as a result, the ride was a bumpy one. Eventually they made it to the meeting point, and he greeted their contact with Reginald.

"My name is Shikai, General of The Dead. Pleased to meet you!"

[Agent Knockout 216]

Khan, finally aware of the arrival of the two representatives, felt a slight feeling of excitement. 

'Hello there, General Shikai. I am Commander Khan Asparuh, of the Asparuhovgrad Federation, and welcome to Nova Pliska! A place where anything is tolerated, provided that we do not consider the local tribal natives as 'tolerated'. Anyway, enjoy your stay, and be assured that this area is very secure, and that the meeting will be uninterrupted; and if it is, I will make sure the person that interrupted it does not get to live for much longer.'

Of course, while he talked, it was impossible to disregard the quality housing, and the factories nearby. The airfields were in the back area, but the houses and the factories were closer to the coast, and to the meeting site. It was quite the view, indeed the mastery of construction was impressive, and each building was given care and attention. 

Also, nothing was flying at the time, and that was a strange thing for sure, given how the commander was a pilot ace. 

@danzilla3 @Djinn&Juice

[Djinn&Juice 1481]

Terry gave a courteous bow before Khan and stood alongside Shikai with an eager energy about him, given the bouncing of his heels. "Tribal locals have such outdated tattoos if you ask me; Your meeting with us in such a short amount of time is very commendable, won't you be surprised! We come from a quaint multicultural and multinational elaboration of just rather quaint fellows!" Terry spoke, his elven features bright and cheery as he looked around at the vast military presence The Commander wielded. An apt title indeed! His hand plucking a mask from his peculiar belt with several more of these white porcelain creations on them, all with strange expressions. He held up A mask with a toothy grin and squinted eyes as he marveled at the airfields and massive piped buildings. "We are always on the lookout for marvels such as Nova Pliska and your very nation as potential deals and opportunities such as these make The Dead wake with excitement!" He said with a delightful chuckle and clipped the mask back on his belt "Our general here knows best the military prowess we desire!" He chimed, waving a hand to Shikai and smiling at him with a profound and positive thumbs up

[danzilla3 5018]

"Oh yeah, The Dead are always in the market for an ally with a powerful army!"

The Zombie scratched his chin, "Although come to think of it, I'm probably worth at least one army. The boss is worth at least two armies easy. We actually have quite a few heavy hitters now that I think about it..."

It suddenly dawned on him that he was not being very diplomatic, and he immediately offered a sheepish smile.

"Not that any of that makes your military any less impressive! But I have to ask... what are you guys hoping to accomplish here? And how would you like The Dead to help you achieve your goals?"

 

[Agent Knockout 216]

Carefully listening to what General Shikai had to say, Khan said this:

'Well, in the end, it is to establish a foothold in the region, and perhaps rejoin with some of my old buddies to see if they have any goals of their own.. I mean, that, and obviously revenue. As for how the Dead can help achieve the goals....'

Taking a deep, deep breath, he continued:

'Currently, we are in the process of building military infrastructure and facilities, as well as research laboratories, however our progress has not gone according to plan, and we have received invaluable intelligence of rival settlements in the area building up their own militaries. On it's own, that is no danger, but considering that we have had little time to improve 'The Gate'. As Khan said that word, he looked back to that weird, and somewhat big portal. This means we cannot rapidly respond to an attack with the full force that the overall federation has, and have to rely on the small garrison force here for the most part. So... this is where the Dead comes in. By using the Dead's resources and protection, we can finish the construction significantly faster, and begin the production of every model available to the Federation, and even begin the research on new models that might end up being invaluable to our effort.'

Khan had exhausted himself from all of the talking, and stopped for a very brief moment.

'We should probably discuss further in the Assembly building, as well as answer any other questions there.'

@danzilla3 @Djinn&Juice