We will not stand for this, King Gregorys voice rang from the radio. We will. Not. Stand. Xinjiang has murdered its own people in cold blood, and then declared a war in response to a peaceful dispute, in spite of our decision not to place an embargo upon them. Hawaii is shocked and appalled by this unprovoked assault.
Damn straight, Jeanmarie Hedeen growled. The other flag officers of the Second Fleet nodded and gestured their agreement. The Second Fleet was on the western frontier, after all closer than any other Hawaiian element to the Xinjiangi regime.
We havent had a lot of contact, per se, but more than anyone else. Iwo Jima is a fair ways away from Xinjiang, and theyre landlocked, but we see their trading planes buzz by, and their helicopters occasionally visit.
In fact, a Xinjiangi helicopter had been landed at Iwo Jima, offering samples of trade goods, when the war had been declared, but Jeanmarie didnt know much about what had happened to it beyond that it was confiscated and the crew imprisoned.
I fear for the Hawaiian minorities in Xinjiang, Commander Dylan Caffie of the cruiser HMS Honolulu murmured. There arent many of them, but Im sure that Mr. Christos Xinjiang will begin reprisals against them for the war he has declared. His regime is a totalitarian dictatorship weve already seen that much.
Im disappointed there was no effort for negotiation from either side, Lieutenant Commander Jasper Kofahl of the submarine HMS Lydia Liliuokalani. He leaned back in his chair. I wont deny Mr. Christos Xinjiang is a despot, but we didnt exactly negotiate with his regime either. This war is unnecessary.
True, Commodore Elton Eliassen acknowledged. But, in the end, we have to serve the interests of the King.
I know, Kofahl nodded. And I will, to the best of my ability.
And thats all that matters, Caffie agreed wryly.
The captains of the task force were aboard the Niihau for a briefing on the developing state of the war. They were, however, listening to the Kings speech to Parliament before beginning, drinking hot chocolate and coffee. The rolls and pastries had been thoroughly enjoyed already, and the cooks were making another batch.
And furthermore, I declare that all trade between the nation of Xinjiang and any other global nation is fair game for Hawaiian forces, King Gregory rumbled. Any trade plane, ship, or vehicle bearing the insignia of Xianjiang is a fair, lawful target by the rule of war.
Wonderful, Caffie sighed. Now, were privateers.
Shush, Eliassen ordered.
Thus, I declare to Parliament that an alliance of every particular does now exist between the Kingdom of Hawaii, the 501st Legion, and the Sovereign State of India.
Thats just brilliant, isnt it? Kofahl shook his head. Global war, here we come.
Oh, stop overreacting, Jeanmarie warned. Its not as bad as all that. Allies are a major boon to us in many ways!
But I must declare, in the strongest possible terms, that this is not a war about imperialism or territorial gain. This is a war in self-defense, and in defense of the people of Xinjiang. To that end, I promise Hawaii will take not a single acre of Xinjiangi land upon our victory. Not a single Hawaiian soldier will set foot in Xinjiang, even! This war will be decided with not a single Hawaiian bullet fired in anger.
That should be fun to watch, Eliassen murmured.
I would have trusted King Albert to pull this off, Commander Chery Bohol of the HMS Holoikauaua confided. But Gregorys new . . . untested. Sure, he took Pihemanu from the Midwaylanders, but Im not sure he can pull off what hes just announced. Itll be dicey.
Hell do it, Jeanmarie said confidently. I was there at Pihemanu. That man is smart. I dont know how hes going to pull this off, but he will.