Kenshi I Sands of Hate - a Slave Rebellion I EP 33 I The Dominion! (UWE Mod) 

Hey Chris! That should be doable :) And i like the idea!

The map was spread out on the desk. A bit awkwardly since Hiroaki’s office had been designed as a civil administration era more than a war-room, and he’d had to clear the desk of the many, many papers he had had and been studying. Because of course he had. But in the end, it still presented a clear picture of the overall shape of the content, the land that was known. And a small string of islands to the East, that drew his eyes. “… I think you’re right sir.” Hiroaki looked from the maps to the documents that Sin had brought him, seized from Heft. They helped give him some insight, however most importantly was the Daimyo’s own words, which alone might not be enough, but with everything else? It matched up perfectly. “Larger transport ships going to that area wouldn’t be easily spotted from our positions, and could potentially avoid the coast entirely. And if they have an outpost there, then they could certainly deploy from it rapidly enough to maintain supply lines and reasonably direct their forces.” He nodded with a grimace, before looking back up to Sin, who stood watching the map himself, calmly, with both Mirusaki and General Nibol present as well. The General’s arms were crossed, and gaze fixated on the map, while Mirusaki seemed to stand easier, silently. Joseph was absent from this meeting, which seemed odd to Hiroaki, less so for whatever other duties he might have, as there were a number of leaders who weren’t here, but he and Joseph often worked closely together. At the same time, Joseph was easily one of the busiest people in The Sands. Between architectural plans for Zuri’s Refuge, hunting down the Nexus, designing battle plans as Sin’s commander, and defending Hidden Sands, the man was exceptionally busy. His position as Commander was surely a taxing one. Speaking of military hierarchy, the general of the group growled, looking down at the map. “Skulking cowards. How long have they remained hidden there?” He asked, gruff question prompting a sigh and shake of the head from Hiroaki. “No way to tell unfortunately, not without more of their own records. Tengu went to great lengths to keep his trade deals with The Dominion a secret from the rest of the nobility. Or the extent of it at least. But that area was officially designated as ‘The Islands of None’ by the United Cities about six years ago, at least. I’d need access to geographic records to be sure, but it was declared off-limits due to danger and lacking in both valuable resources and long-term colonization value. It could be that even then, that was where The Dominion were creating their trading post. Or, perhaps military base. Or even colony.” Hiroaki muttered, grimace now well and truly pronounced. Sin nodded thoughtfully, own frown pronounced by the crease in his eyes, behind his mask. “This is a problem. Their soldiers are extremely well trained. Extremely well-armed. They are better than anyone we have faced before. The assault on Heft, was a difficult one…” Sin spoke, fists tightening. “Anvil was killed.” He finished. And Hiroaki blinked at that, shocked. He didn’t know Anvil well, at all, but the Sands were an elite fighting force, and it had been a long time since their ‘main’ group had been completely unable to save their members. Sin shook his head, before continuing. “I have plans. I already know how best to leverage our alliances for this fight. But this will be difficult, we will need every advantage.” He stated bluntly, before Mirusaki, for the first time in a long time, spoke, his voice quiet and calm. “What do the documents tell us?” He asked, to which Hiroaki recentered himself and sighed, looking back down to them. “Not much, they weren’t kind enough to put their overall troop numbers here. Interestingly, they lack the flowery prose of Empire Nobles or the subversive accounting of merchants. It’s more minimalist, more focused and direct. I’d dare say more military, though with an almost religious reverence to this ‘Shogun’ of theirs.” Hiroaki said, nodding again, this time more firmly. “It’s certain that their Shogun is the leader here. He has a very active, direct role in managing his Daimyos. And there appears to be a hierarchy, with the Daimyo Gado and Daimyo Hatamotos acting beneath the ‘Daimyos’ proper. Unlike the Empire nobles, these Daimyo appear to have a kind of ingrained loyalty, or far more a focus on it. But, at the end of the day, it’s this Shogun who’s giving orders. He’s the one in charge. And he’s on the continent, his report responses are much too quick for him to be doing this from overseas.” Stated Hiroaki, looking back up to the assorted military leaders. “He’s probably exactly where we think he is, where that Daimyo said. Here.” Hiroaki stated, pointing to Islands of None, what apparently The Dominion called, Toi Shima. There was a brief quiet… before it was broken by General Nibol, speaking in a voice far more quiet than usual. “My shekling… do you think she could be there?” Hiroaki blinked, looking back up to the General. Things were silent as he stared right into Hiroak’s eyes. He took a deep breath, braced himself, and met his General’s gaze with the gravity such a question mustered. “No. With what I’ve seen, my best guess, is that if she lives? She’s either in the still active southern portions of the Empire, The Hook or The Bonefields, or has been shipped overseas. If she was sent to Toi Shima, with how long ago that most likely was, I do not imagine they would have delayed her being sent to their mainland for sale.” He stated. Blunt, and painful. But as truthful as he could be. The General took a deep breath in himself, then focused on the map again, nodding. A kind of resignation on his features. Sin spoke next. “This Dominion… we will make them pay, for the suffering they have brought here. We will drive them from our lands and shatter their ambitions. Then, we will finally have freedom.” He spoke, his voice soft, but with a promised fury that had seen two mighty nations crumble before it. Hiroaki felt a chill go up his spine, even as he smiled. “I am most glad to hear it…” He stated, calmly handing the documents back to Sin, knowing that they would most likely be shared with the rest of the battle council and Joseph. Sin took them with a nod, before speaking once again. “Thank you Hiroaki. Now there is one thing more I would trouble you with before I depart.” He spoke, and Hiroaki gave a slight nod of interest. “Would you give me a tour of Zuri’s Refuge? The construction continues I know, however even still, a great deal of progress has been made. I would like to see it closer.” He stated, and Hiroaki smiled full in return. “With greatest pleasure sir.” He stated plainly, before walking around the desk, to show his ruler the haven they had helped make together. Them, Joseph, and so many others. The Dominion wouldn’t threaten this. No one would. They’d make sure of it.

And again smiles, your story is beautifuly writen as ever. And alot i can take into my story! Thank you

@@patostrophia2948 (Ah, thank you kindly! Very glad to hear it, and you are most welcome!)

Awesome story Joseph! Ohhhh seems like i finaly know where the Nexus is! :D Ofc you can have their Chest Plate :) and a weapon if i get one!

@@TobelPlays the man, the myth, the Legend! Hey Mate! How are you?

@patostrophia2948 doing well. Waiting each day for Kenshi 2. Keep on with your videos , hope you're enjoying it 😀

Good to hear man! Does that mean we might get a Comeback from Tobel? 🤘 Ahhh yes , Kenshi has become part of my Life at this Point lol. Cant wait for Kenshi 2!

@patostrophia2948 that's the dream, just never enough time and mental clarity for me. Trying to get to a place where I can make videos at night, probably hire an editor just to get it rolling