The General of the Boxers besieging the International Legation Quarter glanced over his shoulder, looking at his brothers who were staring at him in anticipation. There are plenty of variables to consider here, should he give in to the demand of the Ruthenians, then the respect for his authority would plummet. The men behind him are hungry for revenge, fueled by their long grievances towards the foreigners.
Letting them go when they have the chance to exact revenge is unforgivable and may resort to mutiny should he allow that to happen. However, the Ruthenian threat to them is something that can never be ignored. They knew the capabilities of the Ruthenian Empire which drove the Empire who had defeated them in the war out of the Choson Peninsula using their technologically-advanced weapons, aircraft, warships, and tanks. Just earlier, an aircraft belonging to the Ruthenian Empire wiped out all their artillery, making the situation unfavorable for them.
After weighing the pros and cons, the General spoke up.
"I'll give you six hours, Ruthenian," the General declared. "If that time passes and there are still people inside the International Legation Quarter, then it's your problem. We won't stop at nothing."
Makarov scoffed upon hearing his ridiculous term. "Six hours? There are over a thousand people residing in the International Legation Quarter, six hours won't cut it. How about this, you give us one day hmm? It's enough time for everyone to evacuate the Legation Quarter."
"No, when I said six hours, it is six hours. It is non-negotiable. You must know that we can stop this negotiation right now and pick up where we left off."
Makarov laughed mockingly, "Seriously? You speak as if you have power over the situation. Have you forgotten the aircraft that is watching us right now? Do I have to remind you? Diplomacy between people or states happens if and only if both sides have power. Do you want me to demonstrate that power?"
"Ruthenian, you have been threatening me and looking down on me ever since we started this negotiation. Your strong facade will not last long once we continue the attack."
"General, I think it's best that you swallow your pride and think for yourself and your men for once," Makarov said sternly as he loomed over him, asserting dominance. "We don't care about your people, to us you're just statistics, that if reduced, will not affect us. I asked you earlier if you are prepared to die for your country. And based on your answers right now I think you are willing for it. But blindness, ego, and pride will lead you to death and you can prevent that by agreeing to our terms. 24 hours of ceasefire. Once everyone has packed out, you can continue your movement. Heck, you can even topple your emperor from power if you want and we wouldn't even care."
"I have made my terms clear, Ruthenian. Six hours of ceasefire. If you don't want it then we can resume our fight."
Makarov ran a hand over his face and sighed exasperatedly. This man is stubborn. He began thinking of a way to make him comply with his terms. He just thought of one.
Makarov activated his radio and contacted someone. "Alpha to Phantom zero one, request immediate flyover on our position."
"Roger Alpha, be there in fifteen seconds."
Seconds later, a shrilling noise from above screeched through the air. The General glanced up and saw a squadron of aircraft responsible for neutralizing his artillery flying above at a low altitude. As soon as the aircraft flew just above them, an air pressure trailing behind them produced a gust enough to make their clothes violently flutter. The dust on the ground rose up, covering the entire front of the International Legation Quarter in a dusty fog.
It was a provocative action ordered by Makarov, yet no one opened fire as everyone felt tense, especially when the sound of the engines alone terrified the Boxers' infantry.
"What do you think you're doing?" The General fumed, his nose flaring up.
"You have one last chance General, accept our terms so we can part ways. We are being generous to you here and you'll never get the same deal from the ten great powers. What is it going to be? My term or your terms, know that if you answer this question, there's no going back. We will annihilate all of you here using that aircraft again and you're not going to like how this will end."
The two exchanged stares, no one was blinking or flinching. It was a battle of wills and they both knew it. One false move and they would be at each other's throat. Makarov had the advantage as he already have snipers aiming at the sniper that is haunting the military guards since the engagement, the General didn't, but he wasn't stupid either.
He is also playing a simulation in his mind on how he is going to take down the two Boxers standing behind the general and getting back to the International Legation Quarter alive.
Five seconds later, the General made his decision.
"Six hours of ceasefire, Ruthenian. I will not change it."
Makarov sighed pitifully. The General just signed his death certificate.
"I don't like that answer, General but I'm going to respect it. At least let us safely return to the International Legation Quarter to inform the government about the decision you made."
The general gave Makarov a prompting nod. With that, Makarov turned and walked over to the gate. He grabbed his radio.
"If someone fires a shot at me, blow the General's head."
"You got it boss," one of his men cocked the bolt of his M24 sniper rifle.
Fortunately, he returned to the International Legation Quarter, unharmed. He went back to the Britannian Legation where all the ambassadors are located.
"So, what did the Boxers say?" Mikhail asked.
"The Boxers offered us six hours of ceasefire and safe evacuation of the people. I refused, thinking strategically that six hours isn't enough to get all the civilians out of here. I countered him with a twenty-four hours of ceasefire because I'm confident in the ability of the Ruthenian military that they can extract you all within a day. However, the Boxers insisted that we should comply with their terms even after showing our power in the sky."
"Are you saying that the fight is going to continue?" Claude asked.
"Yes but don't worry, once I get the word back to the Central Command, the Ruthenia Empire will have justification to use military force to ensure the safety of the Ruthenians in the Legation, of course, it extends to all of you."
"Then do it immediately," Myers urged.
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