The Great War of Rhodesia

35. Airship

Bad news came from the military side. Two days after checking the results of the Ration in the Reservoir Village, which meant that less than a month before the training of the soldiers was completed was scheduled, Nata again held a meeting to conduct an evaluation and determine the next plan.

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"So after we do the final exam, the warrior who can absorb at least seven-tenths of the training that has been given it turns out not to be in line with the amount you expected, Mr. Nata." Helen opened the meeting in one of the meeting rooms in the North Garrison. "Now we only have 30 people who are able to take all the training" he added.

The meeting was only attended by military people, and also Lucia.

"As it turned out. So only half of that is targeted." It was seen Nata nodding a small stare as if piercing through the table before him. He was thinking something.

"What in this way, means your plan needs to be changed, Nat?" ask Lucia who looks worried.

"Thirty will not be even if divided by twelve. So we're going to divide it into ten, "say Nata later instead of answering Lucia's question.

"That means we only have 3 groups? Is that enough?" asked Lucia again a little doubt Nata's plan.

"Enough, Your Honor. But we'll also change the plan a little. And rewinded our attack schedule for some time" Nata said in response.

"Have you prepared the plan, Mr Nata?" Caspian asked from across the table right in front of Nata to sit down.

"It has. I've made a backup plan in case something like this happens." Nata answered. "Then we will immediately start training the soldiers in groups of ten. And we'll add to their training time in two months. Because now there are other skills that they have to master," he said then give orders.

"Okay, Mr. Nata. I'll do it soon." Helen who was in charge of training the new soldier replied firmly.

"And Miss Helen, make sure they're in a comfortable group. I mean round them up with people they know or are already familiar with. So that group cooperation can run better," said Nata again added.

"good. I understand."

"Oh, and also, please arrange my meeting with Miss Versica again, Mr. Caspian. I need his help" this time to Caspian, Pinta Nata.

"Okay, Mr. Nata. I'll call him soon." Caspian answered quickly.

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And five days later the training of new soldiers in small groups began. In this training, they also began to be taught other skills outside of how to fight and how to use Medicines. Those skills include the use of Radio, basic knowledge of electronic equipment, and how to drive several types of vehicles.

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After two weeks, the Airship assembly was completed. However, several attempts were made to adjust the pressure and amount of hydrogen required for the balloon to lift the weight of the ship, before the official flight.

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Finally ten days later the first Air Ship flight event of the kingdom of Rhodesia was held. The event will also be used to officially announce plans for an offensive to retake the southern region from the hands of Tyrion and Vistralle.

And therefore, the day before, an announcement was made to invite citizens who have the time and opportunity to attend to witness the flight in person on the edge of the Great Gorge.

The discussion about the Airship has actually begun to be discussed among the public since the balloon train that attracted attention some time ago. And this makes the residents enthusiastic to see directly so higher.

The event was held at the Shipyard at the base of the Great Gorge. But the people present seemed to be standing in groups along the Great Gorge barrier to the steam train bridge. And because of the size of the ship is quite large, especially the balloon part, making the residents can still see it even from a distance so far.

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The airship, which is seen floating above the river with a rope moored on the small dock, does not have a sail pole in the middle of the upper deck like those on sailing ships in general.

But there are two wooden sticks complete with a screen attached to the left and right side of the hull. And right behind each of these screens, mounted propellers with a size large enough as usual mounted on a windmill.

While the top of the ship there is a dull brown balloon, shaped like a combination of 3 oval objects that are deliberately tied into one, with a size that is almost six times the size of the body of the ship. And it looked tied with a quarry made of woven wood fiber and metal rope.

The balloon was able to lift a load equivalent to 200 people outside the weight of its own ship.

A large rectangular tank was placed under the balloon before the upper frame of the bridge.

And despite having a bridge, the steering wheel of the ship was outside, on the upper deck right in front of the glass window of the bridge.

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And for now, the ship does not have any weaponry. It only works as a means of transportation.

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The rope was then removed when those who wanted to take the first flight had all boarded.

They had a total of twenty-five people. Which are; Aksa, Nata, Lucia, Rafa, Luque, Lily, Val, Jean, Couran, Orland, Cornelius, Amithy, Papera, Matyas, Haldin, Anna, Nikolai, Alexander, Eden, Caspian, etc, and the rest are the Queen's guard soldiers.

However, the twenty-five men were not among the mechanics and crew who were in charge of guarding and controlling the ship. The total means there were about 45 people on the first flight.

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Meanwhile Lucia is already seen standing at the end of the bow of the ship with the Microphone in hand, ready to open the event.

Lucia's speech will be forwarded to all Speakers in each region. So that residents who cannot attend the event in person can still hear the words of their Leader.

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Disturbing Denging rang out from every Speaker before then being overtaken by Lucia's voice.

"Listen, my brother. This Airship is proof that the gods are still with us. They still give us their blessing.

"It is with this blessing that we will take back the southern territories that have been taken from us. It is with this blessing that we will begin to reshape the peace that once was.

"And on this day, you will all bear witness to the revival of the triumph of Rhapsodia once again!"

Everyone cheered at Lucia's words. And along with that, the Airship began to float leaving the surface of the river. Which made the residents who were on the edge of the Great Gorge cheer even louder.

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The airship deliberately flew not too high, so that the residents could still see it.

Some people, both children and adults, seemed to run after the Airship while waving and shouting.

Lucia was seen replying to the wave of their hands from the end of the bow.

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The ship is moving east. But because they do not fly high enough, they will not pass Mount Sekai. The Airship would only pass over the Eastern Village, then turn towards the north.

It appeared that the residents of the Eastern Village had gathered in front of the Speaker pole waiting for the Airship to appear. And just like what the residents of the Great Ravine had done earlier, they seemed to exclaim and wave happily.

Similarly as it passed over the Northern City. The residents who saw the Airship seemed to wave and exclaim, while running around following.

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From the Northern City they headed west. Passing through the Garrison, Reservoir Village, and Ranch is also Selene's Asylum.

And the same thing was done by both soldiers and residents who were in these areas, when they saw ships with giant balloons passing over their heads.

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Then because it does not want its existence known to outsiders, the Airship turned south before reaching the West Bank wall. And immediately returned to the Great Gorge Shipyard without passing through the Southern City. For fear that the airlift will be seen by people from behind the South Gate.

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This day will be celebrated as the birthday of the Gandabunda Air Fleet. The mainstay forces of the kingdom of Rhapsodia, who were instrumental in the conquest of half of the Elder lands.

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