Gaijin Fiction

[Andre]

Turn 11

Duncan MacLeod stepped onto the shores of Mori. His troops are preparing for the battle ahead. He is led to the command tent where his Generals Luigi Cadorna and Segundo Cabo are bickering over how exactly to attack the Dragon army in the north.

“Mi Lord MacLeod, can you please explain to this damn Vodacce upstart that his tactics won’t work as well as they did in Nodai,” Segundo boasts off.

Luigi smiles, “Yes, my Lord, he is right, his tactics in Shiba were far better than mine,” looks at Segunda now, “how many of them did you kill before you fled like the Castille Cane that you are.”

Duncan looks at both of them, “And you wonder why I am going to be involved in the upcoming battle myself? I have word from Andre that the troops we were hoping for will be available for us. We will be splitting our troops to plunge into the north. Luigi, you will lead the attack into Shiba, my navy should be able to give some support with the few troops we have been able to shuttle here. Our fastest ships are unfortunately our smallest, so we will have no major reinforcements anytime soon, but what troops we are getting should be able to sustain us.”

Duncan turns to Segunda, “You are still the leader of ground forces old man, but be warned, continued failures will not be tolerated. I need you to lead a small force into Naka. We are not quite at war with the Unicorn yet, but I can’t see them staying neutral for long. From what I’ve heard they’re still sore over that witch we returned to the Phoenix. So we must strike at their territory here, as it lies in our path anyway. However, the battle in Shiba is far more important, and I must request you relinquish your battle horn to Luigi, as we will be needing it more than you. I have pilfered some additional troops from Andre’s forces to allow you an extra edge for your battle, and I feel you will not need the horn.”

Duncan smiles at Luigi, “although your victory in Nodai was impressive, had we marched northward with our entire army we would have been able to hold Shiba. With the Dragon advances, we are not able to negotiate the exchange of Nodai for Goimo which was our plan. From what Andre tells me, the Dragon lack any intelligent negotiating skills anyway, as he is getting mixed messages from whomever he talks to. It seems one of their generals was trying to negotiate without his Lords’ permission. I know if either of you tried that, I’d have your heads for it. Apparently they are more interested in taking the lives of their Generals that lose a single battle, than the ones that try to usurp their authority.”

Duncan smiles, “Luigi, I do have a bit of good news for you and I though. Apparently, Andre has been informed that he has been poisoned in one of his recent diplomatic missions of late. He’s not quite sure who to blame yet, but he has narrowed it down to two. This may mean we are rid of his arrogant nature. Since we do need a good speaking voice, a friend of ours may be needed to come here after all. I have my fastest ship waiting on the news to send. Luckily, like Andre, it will only have to get there, and he will be able to arrive much quicker back. The only down side, is that I may lose a close friend because of it. But this is warfare.”

Duncan chuckles, “and speaking of warfare, things are about to heat up a bit. This bitter cold won’t last much longer for us. I predict a mighty heat wave this month in the north. They won’t know what’s happening.”

An aide comes into the tent and states, “It is time my lord.” Duncan nods and says, “It is time, Luigi, I shall see you in Shiba, I must return to my ships to lead the naval assault personally. Only the Lion can screw up our attack. Segunda, I expect Naka in friendly hands.” Duncan heads out back to his ship.

Segunda looks sternly at Luigi, “You have your youth and your parlor ticks, but it will not be long you have neither. You will fall out of favor without a doubt.”

Luigi smiles back, “Yes, you are correct, but will you live to see it?” Luigi walks over to Segunda, “but in the mean time, I believe this will be coming to me,” he takes the war horn from Segunda and leaves. Luigi is heard shouting, “Where are my witches, we must ready for battle!”
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My name is Andre Lefebvre de La Boulaye. How may I be of service?

[Andre]

Turn 12

Duncan, Luigi and Segunda are now in a tent in Shiba. Duncan starts, “Our goals for last month were kept. We gained Shiba back, and we aided the Phoenix in regaining Naka. I am sad to see that there were no enemy troops in either to walk over. We will continue the march northward. If we can gain control of the northern pass, we can cut this down to one front. Our preliminary scouts tell us that some troops are still in Goimo, but if they are conceding the north to us in order for their southern army to roll over the lands we let them to.”

Segunda says, “Then that is the battle I shall prepare our troops for.”

Duncan replies, “You are partially correct, that is the battle we shall help Luigi plan for. He will be leading the forces. You and I will be there for support however. Chandalar should be joining us as well, but I have not seen him or Andre as of late.” He then raises his voice, “Corporal!” A soldier comes in and asks, “Yes, my Lord?” “Find out where our Ambassador and his large friend are for me, on the double. We require their presence.” The soldier salutes and leaves.

Segunda, “I was under the impression that if I led our troops to success in Naka I’d be leading the next battle. Is this not to happen?”

Duncan, “Luigi is learning their ways quicker than you General Cabo. Cadorna will lead, and you shall be second in command if things go awry. They have this love for duels in the midst of battle. Their battles are different from the ones you are used to at home. We will fight their way for now. And Luigi is better than you in that regard.”

Luigi smirks at Segunda at that statement. The corporal returns. “Lord, Andre has sent word that they are caught up in something that will prevent Chandalar from being available for this combat. He has also requested the Navy to be moved.” The soldier hands a note to Duncan.

Duncan sighs, “Very well, move the fleet as ordered, he must have some information we are not privy to yet. Luigi, you will have to wait to see Chandalar in action. He truly is a great piece of art in battle. Segunda, General Cadorna will be keeping your horn for a while longer as well. Luigi, prepare the men, we march at dawn.” Luigi heads out and starts to call for the Colonels.

Duncan stares at Segunda, “You knew what my preferences were before you were volunteered to aide us. If you have any questions about how I want things done, I suggest you learn more about their ways, particularly their use of Seppuku.” Duncan heads out leaving Segunda to his disgust.
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My name is Andre Lefebvre de La Boulaye. How may I be of service?

[Jer]

Hey, if you want to commit seppuku by all means feel free!!

All in all, another interesting story.

Jer
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This is not a fish! I was promised a FISH! - Jer

[Andre]

Turn 13

A very wet Luigi Cadorna walked into Duncan MacLeod’s tent in Goimo to brief him on events. “Mi Lord, both Yama and Rekai have been released. Our explorers have been studying the map and comparing it to the local areas, and believe they have found, an interesting cave. It is my belief it is what you are looking for,” smiles as he gives the report. His tone gets a more serious tone as he continues, “Our troops will be ready for the natives if they do not live up to their end of the bargain. What do you think Chandalar’s chances are?”

Duncan replies, “I am not sure. From what I know, the duel he is walking into is not a duel he is familiar with. I know he has a few things up his sleeves, but they be taken poorly. He won’t die without a fight, but the fight might cost us the truce. Are the preparations being taken care of to ensure us a bit of security here?”

Luigi answers, “Yes, I have Cabo preparing the defenses here, our friends are readying Mori, and I am leading a small contingent South as well. Oh, did you have any luck in that other matter?”

Duncan replies coolly, “no, I think it might not be a dead end.”

Luigi chuckles, “I may have the problem solved for you.”

Duncan raises an eyebrow, “Oh?”

Luigi says, “We’ll see how it turns out.”

Duncan states, “You may be getting as bad as Andre you know.”

“I can think of worse people to be compared to,” Luigi replies.

Duncan chuckles at the thought, “I trust you’ll be able to handle it then? There is no room for failure here.”

“Unlike Cabo, I haven’t failed you yet, nor do I plan to start,” Luigi states. “I will not be needing this in my next assignment, you and Cabo may however,” he places the war horn on the table, salutes and leaves.

A short while alter Segundo Cabo walks into the tent. “This rain is unbearable. We have gotten the troops ready in case anything comes through the pass. I doubt they could find their way through in this muck though.” He notices the horn laying on the table. "The fleet is returning as well."

“Yes Segundo, you get your toy back, at least for a short while. Luigi will get it back if there’s an invasion into Mori however. Keep your guard up. I shouldn’t want us too disturbed here.” Segundo nods, salutes and leaves.
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My name is Andre Lefebvre de La Boulaye. How may I be of service?

[Dr. Spank]

Are you just milking this for XP? I don't think I've written this many all game… at least that I've signed. : )

[Andre]

Turn 14

Duncan MacLeod entered into Segundo Cabo’s command building. “Lord MacLeod, I am pleased to report the Dragon seem to be content with the peace agreement. Goimo is in no immediate danger, while you, search.”

Duncan nods, “Any word from Luigi or Andre?”

Segundo relies, “No, it is something that both of them share, a lack of reporting to me.”

Duncan chuckles, “Anything else I should be made aware of?”

Segundo states, “The Phoenix will be taking Isawa back, and I am committing half our fleet and our Buccaneers to joining them. That will leave our ground defense solid again. Our belief is the infidel is hiding either there, or below the Southern Mountains. Oh, and the Mantis have contacted us for help. Due to our prior relations, I sent the other half of the fleet Southward. It will take a few months, but they should arrive before all is lost.”

Duncan, “Very well, you seem to have things in hand.”

Segundo, “We shouldn’t have any troubles for a little while anyway.”

A lieutenant pops in, “General Segundo, oh, my Lord MacLeod, we have reports Mori is under attack.”

Duncan, “Why am I not surprised.”

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Andre spent much of the month using the extent of his powers to return to the mother land. He knew he’d have little time to find a reasonable replacement for Chandalar. The problem wasn’t finding someone as talented or as large, but as loyal. He could count on Chandalar to put his life above his own. The problem would be however, that with the dueling system in place being so different than it was at home, the fighting style that the Montaigne have developed would cause more problems than it would solve. The problem was, there was no one who could compete with the style.

“Lord Lefebvre de La Boulaye,” a messenger came up to Andre, “it is good to see you again. Any word on the front?”

Andre smiles, “All in good time, what news do you have for me child?”

“With the recent Ussuran cooperation, they have released a prisoner. One that you may want to talk to.”

Andre nods, “Take me to him now child.”

The messenger chuckles, “I cannot do that Lord, but I can take you to her.”

Andre’s eyebrow raises, “You don’t mean after all this time they’re released her?”

The messenger nods and smiles.

“Well now, that definitely changes things, let us go with all haste, where is she?”

The messenger tells the location and Andre waves his hand and steps into the rip in space with the aide.
_________________
My name is Andre Lefebvre de La Boulaye. How may I be of service?

[Andre]

Turn 15

Andre Lefebvre walks into the command tent to find Duncan MacLeod and Segundo Cabo discussing the counterstrike against the Unicorn forces in
Mori.

“Lord, we cannot commit so few to the attack, if they are numerous as our reports have it, we will be committing far to few of our troops to take it. As much as I don’t care for him, even Cadorna can’t handle the odds with those troop allotments,” Segundo states.

Duncan chuckles, “That’s good, because he’s not going to lead the force. You are, my friend. Luigi is still busy, and I need enough of our forces in Goimo in case this is more than it seems. We have yet to hear what the Phoenix will be doing, so you may be getting much needed reinforcements.”

Andre joins the conversation, “What has happened in my absence my Lord?”

“Our truce with the locals apparently hasn’t applied to all of them. A sizable force of Unicorn, aided by a second Clan perhaps, have taken Mori. And the solution seems to be sending me on a suicide mission,” Segundo angrily states.

Duncan scoffs at Segundo, “And how did your mission go Andre?”

Andre chuckles, “It went much better than I can imagine. I was not able to find a swordsman who I thought would perform as dutifully as I had. Besides with the way they duel here, I don’t think a full replacement is in order. I also feel confident enough that I’m not going to tread many places I feel endangered in. I did bring someone back with me though,” Andre snaps his fingers and a cloaked figure walks in. The figure pulls back the hood as Andre continues, “My Lord, let me introduce you to Ravenna Cadorna. I believe you know her husband.” Andre smiles greatly as both Segundo’s and Duncan’s jaws seem to drop.

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A few days later, Andre returns to Duncan’s side, and calls for the Generals to attend.

“Lord MacLeod, the Phoenix are willing to aide in our foray into Mori, and we have the Regent’s backing, however, the Unicorn seem to not be leaving. Given the size of the force that invaded, the current force will be insufficient to retake it.”

Segundo charms in, “And if my information is correct, we believe the Dragon may be planning an attack as well.”

Andre boldly states, “your information Cabo? The Dragon have assured me that they will abide by the peace treaty and will not forsake it. Their Honor is all the assurance I need.”

Segundo smugly chimes in, “Yes, I do not think they will attack us, but remember, Naka also borders Mori. I believe that they are aiming for Naka to recapture the Phoenix homeland. Our army cannot hold back both forces without aide.”

Andre states, “The Phoenix will be adding their Military to our strike. By the way my Lord, where is Cadorna?”

Duncan smiles, “Reuniting with his wife I’d imagine. If it’s a battle they want, fine. Organize a large enough force to take Mori back. Recall the ships, we’ll need their support. Cabo, your Horn is going back to Cadorna, he will lead us into battle. You, myself and his wife shall be at his side. Andre, I have another task for you……”
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My name is Andre Lefebvre de La Boulaye. How may I be of service?