[b][center][h3][color=seagreen]The Republic of Deltora
1907[/color][/h3][/center][/b][hr]
[center][B]The Precipice[/b][/center]
[b][i]The Peoples Palace
March 4th, 6:05 AM [/i][/b]

As a similar scene played out within the Palace of Sovereigns in Anvegad. Prime Minister Geiger set down the scrap of paper so called the Ultimatum upon his desk as he stood before the assembly of Generals, Admirals and ministers, some bedraggled at being risen at such an early hour of the morn following the Imperial Restoration's ultimatum. To note a few, among them stood Secretary of State for War, Marshal Alfred Daucourt and Admiral of the fleet, Rodolphe Vigouroux still beaming at the success of his Battlecruiser on its trial runs.   

[b]"This ultimatum stands as an insult to us all. They claim the existence of a Greater Anvegad which would see our borders and our allies diminished in the name of false history, written by some Survaekom scrooge no doubt last week! We should give no quarter to these warmongers, for if we do, we will have played as much a part as the Zellonians and Athonians in allowing their tyranny to spread."[/b] Stated General Leroux, whom had quickly been transported from his command in Serranthia to attend, even at his station he had insisted on receiving the latest changes in foreign affairs. Needless to say, it was well known that the neutrality of said nations angered him greatly, while the Deltorans, Kalpians and Soroyans would bleed for their independence they would stand back and criticize. Despite the Athonians pledge to support the Sociatatem, they had gone back on their word. Many a Deltoran shared a similar sentiment on the betrayal of the Athonians and the reclusive nature of the Zellonians. 

[b]"Morals are all well and good, but we must face reason. The Imperial Restoration stands before us with forces much larger than our own. I have not to remind anyone, that it is us, on our land which will see the heaviest fighting of this war for we make up two fronts with the foe. It will be the Deltorans who will pay the highest price to preserve this freedom. This is not me condoning the war, but if we are to achieve victory it will be done so on the defensive, where we can bleed these cretins more so than they us. We should settle in for a long war, and begin preparations now."[/b] Spoke aloud Marshal Alfred Daucourt. [b]"Railways should be closed down to the public. Reserving their use only for the transportation of supplies, military personnel and equipment while our industry is to be turned towards the war effort. I expect an excess of buttons, boots, uniforms and rifles for our armed forces."[/b]   

The Prime Minister found himself nodding at the words of both men. 
[b]"This ultimatum, is something we can not accept. The Imperial Restoration will have their war... See that we are as prepared as we will ever be, gentlemen. You have 60 days and my full consent for everything you have said, Alfred."[/b] The planning for war, would be better left to those trained and experienced in such matters, while he would look to matters of politics and diplomacy. 

[hr]
[b][center]Evemont Harbor[/center][/b]

[b][i]Bridge of the TPS Cyclone 
March 7th[/i][/b]

Admiral Chaveau looked out upon the harbor of Evemont from the conning tower of the Battlecruiser Cyclone. Several grey ships of the Deltoran Navy sat upon the waves, columns of smoke rising from their funnels as the mobilization of both the army and navy begun. Coal stores were being filled, as several deckhands labored to bring the black ore aboard in preparation for long days at sea to keep the 31 boilers running. While others brought large shells aboard to join the growing line of shells set already upon the deck, eventually to be taken below to arm the several gun turrets on the Battlecruiser. All across the ports and harbors along the Deltoran coast, a similar scene could be seen as the grey ships once more prepared for war.