Triesenberg wants to establish communication with Valoria. Alexander's eyes scanned the words again, and a slow, humorless smile crept across his face. Of course they do.
Ever since Valoria had intervened in the conflict between Zambesi and Matalebe, Alexander had anticipated this moment. He knew that Triesenberg wouldn't sit quietly and let another superpower rise without reaching out. But this wasn't just any nation—it was the very empire that had discarded him like refuse.
They had banished him, exiled him for being the Emperor's bastard, casting him aside to protect the purity of the royal bloodline. To them, he was an inconvenience, a mistake. But now, things had changed. He was no longer the outcast prince; he was the Supreme Ruler of Valoria, a nation capable of challenging their might.
Revenge. The thought simmered in his mind, sharp and bitter. He had waited for years to repay them for the humiliation, for the pain of being thrown away like he was nothing. And now, they were coming to him, seeking dialogue, perhaps even respect.
He leaned back in his chair, the note still in his hand, his eyes narrowing as the possibilities swirled in his mind.
"They come to us now, Julieanne," he said, his voice low, the satisfaction barely concealed. "The empire that once scorned me."
Julieanne stood silently by his side, waiting for his command, ever attentive to his moods.
"What shall I do with them, Your Excellency?" she asked softly.
Alexander tapped his fingers on the desk, considering his options. This was more than a simple diplomatic request. It was an opportunity.
Alexander's fingers stopped tapping, and his eyes darkened as he thought through the implications. "Grant them passage," he said slowly, as if savoring the words. "But not without conditions."
Julieanne tilted her head slightly, awaiting further instructions. She knew Alexander well enough to understand that this moment meant more to him than a mere diplomatic gesture. His past with Triesenberg was steeped in betrayal, and this would be a calculated move.
"They want to talk, fine. Let them enter Valorian airspace. But make sure they understand they are under my terms," he continued, his voice cold and deliberate. "I want to see who they send and how desperate they are."
Julieanne nodded, quickly scribbling down his orders on a notepad. "Shall I inform the Air Defense Command to escort them to one of our airbases?"
Alexander nodded. "Yes, and prepare a transport for me. I will personally oversee their arrival."
The two Triesenberg fighters descended toward Air Base Falcon, escorted by the Valorian interceptors that flanked them on either side. The massive airbase loomed ahead, its wide runways and hangars stark against the barren landscape.
Even from the air, the scale of Valoria's military presence was evident—rows of aircraft parked in neat lines, armed personnel strategically positioned, and security forces preparing for the foreign arrivals.
"Alpha-One, prepare for landing," Nico's voice came through the radio, calm and controlled. "You will follow my lead. Do not deviate from the flight path."
Hans responded quickly. "Understood, Valorian Lead. Following your lead."
The Triesenberg planes adjusted their speed and followed Nico's descent as they approached the airstrip. The closer they got, the more imposing the base became. Dieter glanced at the ground below, taking in the sight of Valorian troops readying for their arrival.
As they descended to the runway, the Valorian interceptors pulled back, allowing the Triesenberg planes to touch down first. The smooth landing brought a brief sense of relief to Hans and Dieter, but they knew the real challenge was just beginning.
"Welcome to Valoria," Nico said, as the Triesenberg aircraft came to a halt on the tarmac. "Ground crews will guide you to the hangar. Follow the directions, and remain in your cockpits until instructed otherwise."
"Copy that," Hans replied, glancing at Dieter once more. The feeling of walking into the unknown weighed heavily on them both.
The Valorian ground crews swiftly moved into position as the Triesenberg aircraft came to a full stop on the tarmac. Hans and Dieter sat in silence for a moment, watching the orderly precision of the Valorian soldiers below. It was clear that Valoria was not taking any chances with their foreign guests.
"Looks like we're about to meet them face to face," Dieter muttered, his eyes scanning the figures below.
"Stay calm," Hans replied, unbuckling his harness. "We stick to the plan. They made the first move by letting us land. That's a good sign."
A Valorian officer approached, motioning for the pilots to disembark. Hans exchanged a quick glance with Dieter before opening the canopy of his fighter and stepping out. The cool Valorian air hit him, bringing with it the unmistakable scent of oil and fuel from the nearby hangars. He descended the ladder and set foot on the ground.
Dieter followed suit, his expression guarded as they were escorted toward a hangar where several Valorian officers awaited their arrival.
Upon reaching the entrance of the hangar, the Valorian officer who had met them at the tarmac spoke.
"A representative will see you in a moment, please wait here."