Episode 2: Declaration of War

[Silent Knight]

IMPERIAL SILVER KNIGHTS HQ

The recent events that have unfolded in WC has questioned the very existence of the Silver Knights itself. With three out of their best five brawlers now rebeling against them, Carson finds it very difficult to keep up with the situation. In order to discuss the current situation, Carson called an emergency meeting of the Silver Knights leadership and the remaining Golden Division members who are still loyal to the Marshal. For the common brawlers this was a crucial meeting where chances are high a war might be declared and security beefed up.

((This is the official meeting of the Silver Knights. Only the members of Silver Knights are allowed to participate. Participants can take random turns posting here.)

[Silent Knight]

For the past two days, Hawk_Skull couldn't sleep properly. The recent events happening in WC and the creation of a so called Elite Revolutionary Guards to rebel against a powerful Silver Knights have taken a heavy toll on the Marshal's most trusted person. It is of no surprise that Carson had called this emergency meeting in such dire situation. Also, this would be the first time the meeting of the Imperial Silver Knights would have three members less. What's worse is that these three brawlers control about half of the territory governed by the Silver Knights. Being Carson's right hand and the most trusted person in the for the Marshal, Hawk got a feeling that Carson might declare a state of war in WC.

Sighing, Hawk entered the Silver Knights headquarters and took the elevator to the top most floor. Times were not good and it certainly didn't seem to get any better. Upon reaching the top floor he headed left towards a large conference room.

[Sophia Siren]

Sophia had already arrived at the conference room, she was obviously nervous. Poseidon was trying to calm her down. She was tense from seeing all of what had happened. Seeing Hawk there calmed her down slightly. "What is going on Hawk? This is terrible?" She said to him.

[Blaze Hayes]

Blaze soon appeared in her usual clothes with her hood up and prirad and Priroar on either side of her shoulders still protective of her since the events that had happened at the arena."Yes I would like to know also.The events at the arena weren't normal"She said confused thinking back to the events as she got to her place in the conference room and put her hood down.

[Carson Michaels]

The room was in a buzz as the members of the Silver Knights chattered about possible war. Tensions were high both out in the world and in the war room, and Carson knew every second was crucial to stomping this out once and for all. He swung open the double oak doors, the normally taxing act of moving them being much easier with the sheer rage boiling inside of him. The room went silent as he moved towards the chair at the head of the table, Hawk would be sitting to his right, but he hadn't arrived in the room yet. Carson was wearing khaki slacks and a white button-down shirt with a red tie and a navy blazer with his college fraternity's pin on it. His brown belt matched his brown shoes, and he had a golden BrawlX on his left wrist. Unbuttoning his jacket, Carson sat down, a scowl on his face. He looked around the room and noticed that one of the newer members, Blaze, wasn't in proper attire.

"Blaze," he said, condescendingly, "Tell me, where did you go to school? Because I want to pull their funding IMMEDIATELY for not teaching you to read! The email said business casual, and you're here in a hoodie! A FREAKING HOODIE!"

Tritonus popped out of Carson's blazer's side pocket. Carson!" he scolded, "I know that you are tired, angry, and stressed, but this girl didn't do anything to deserve that!"

Carson sighed. Tritonus was right. "Sorry, Blaze," he said with a smile, "If you were in my position, you'd be doing the same thing. Please relax and I'll buy you a sandwich later from the cart downstairs." Carson looked around the room again. "Where's Hawk?" he inquired.

[Blaze Hayes]

"I don't know where he is he was was here when Sophia came in but now I don't know" blaze said answering his question before adding"And no need to do that for me,I'm sorry for not coming in the correct clothes with the events that have happened I haven't been thinking straight. After all I don't know why he would attack me like that?I know shouted but innocent people were at stake from that pillar"she finished not wanting to think about how many peoples lives could of been at stake, before placing both prirad and Priroar down on the table near her.

[Silent Knight]

Sighing a little, Hawk opened the big doors of the Conference Room. He was glad enough to see Sophie, Carson's Admiral already arrived. Sophie's expression didn't show any encouragement nor was Hawk expecting any of that from anyone who would be present today. Also present in the room was Blaze, a Golden Division member who still remained loyal to Carson. "Sophia, it seems to me that some of our friends are trying to test our strength. And yes, the Arena. I am afraid its destroyed." He looked at Blaze and said, "Blaze, you are the number one brawler of ours. I need you to promise me that you will be loyal to us. If you too betray us, Silver Knights are done for."


Soon his backupod began to buzz. Slowly, he moved out of the room without others noticing. After a few minutes, he rushed inside the room again, but this time he was panting heavily. He found Carson standing in the centre. "Guys, its bad news. A group of brawlers, probably loyal to the ERG have taken dozens of bakugans from a remote area in Basra Hills." Taking a deep breath, Hawk looked at all the faces sitting in the room. "Carson, I know you want to declare war, but that would mean thousands of life being lost. I suggest we negotiate so we can have a compromise. I feel it would be much better than having bloodshed."

[Sophia Siren]

Sophie Checked her gauntlet to see that Basra hills had indeed been compromised. "People are being hurt." She said fighting back tears. "I don't think we can reason with them. Henry said that he would 'break the Silver Knights'. Even though I don't like it, we may have to fight so that the people can be safe…" Sophia said in a very depressed tone. She stood up from her chair. "Carson, I'll lead a group of Knights to Basra Hills if You'll permit it."

[Silent Knight]

Hawk eyed Sophia carefully. It was about 10 minutes ago that his backupod buzzed and now the gauntlets were getting updated. Hawk again checked his backupod. "Basra Hills have been compromised but it has not yet fallen from our hands." Hearing that Sophia was ready to even lead an army to Basra Hills took back Hawk a little. Even though Sophia was higher than Hawk by protocol, the General had always remained at the right hand of the Marshal. So he said, his voice a little deep, " Safety of our brawlers cannot be guaranteed in war. What we need to do is to try and bring back our lost comrades." Hoping Carson would believe him, he sat down right next to the Marshal.

[Thomas Silver]

A few seconds later someone knocked on the door. Doors opened and it appeared to be Alex with his left arm in bandages. He then saluted with his right hand since left one was completely immobile. Alex came in wearing his official uniform since meeting was formal.
Uniform for his type of rank was quite troublesome, but sometimes comfortable. Everyone in Golden Division had their specific titles for their skill and specific uniforms come for specific titles. Alex's title was Commander or Winter, so his uniform was a coat; quite troublesome when it's the middle of summer. He sat down on his spot and spoke to Carson: "My apologies for my current appearance, sir. Battle with our former knight didn't go as planned"
Then he pulled two Bakugan toys and Scorpio and put them on the table, so they can move freely. "May I ask about our plans against this rebellion?"

[Carson Michaels]

Carson saluted Alex back before falling back into the conversation.

"War," Carson began, trailing off, turning around with his hands cupped behind his back, "War is the last thing anyone wants, but these defectors won't listen to reason. It's obvious we've tried that."

Carson turned back around, "Sophia, take five of our brawlers to counter the assault on Basra Hill. If it gets too dangerous, pull back. I don't want the deaths of our brawlers to be made on a stupid mistake. Take Blaze with you, she should be of some use."

Carson turned his attention to Hawk, "I know you don't want war, and neither do I, but there isn't much of a choice right now. They are attacking us, so we must defend ourselves. We will only strike back when there is a real moment of opportunity. We need a long term plan, and I have just the one. Focus all of our forces on the defense of the territories we have left."

"Alex," Carson said, turning his head to his comrade. "Gather your troops and begin making supply runs to our territories. Have they are ready for anything. Make sure that inter-territorial trade is limited. The less shipments the better."

Carson turned back to face the rest of the war room. "The plan for now is to starve them out. They will run out of goods and services they relied on and received from the other territories. Do not make any preemptive or planned strikes unless I give the go-ahead. If they attack you, fight back as much as needed. We need to conserve our men and resources." Carson outstretched his arms, "Any questions?"

[Thomas Silver]

Carson briefly explained everyone what to do. Alex knew his plans were almost flawless considering his experience at battle both in brawl and generally in war.
Still, Henry's behavior made a great impact on Alex, so he needed more information from Carson.
"Sir, I have a question." Alex said as he gazed in the table.
"You see, Henry Pride, our Ace of Royal Command betrayed us. And he was in top ranks of our team. So, we never know who else among us might be a traitor who yet hadn't revealed himself.
How are we supposed to trust anyone among Silver Knights?"
Alex made a brief pause before asking the main question he was intending to ask Carson. "If there are more traitors among us, sir. If we discover any more traitors. What are we going to do with them?"

[Silent Knight]

The General didn't look happy with how the meeting was going. It seemed everyone was in favour attacking the ERG without any reconciliation. "Sophia need not go. I have an idea." Taking a deep breath, Hawk looked at Carson and continued, "Instead of Sophia going to Basra, let Blaze and his forces go. Since he controls Basra Hills he would be knowing the place well. If he needs more support we will send Sophia or even I will go there. But now, let Blaze go." Hawk's eyes now went towards everyone sitting in the hall. "Carson, I say we not shed any more blood. If you want I will go and talk to Henry." When he told the name of Henry, Hawk looked at Alex whose expression was clearly shown on his face. "Alex, there is no question of what we do to traitors. All traitors will be punished."

[Dylan Tryster]

"I agree with Hawk," Dylan said as he barged through the door. He headed straight to the table and continued. "Anyone who rebels against us must face the consequences." Dylan is the scientist of the Silver Knights who is in charge of experiments, creations and science-related tasks. He was obviously angry when he entered the room. "Alex," he said, turning his sight towards Alex's direction, "You brought your pain upon yourself. You never should have engaged in physical combat knowing that it can never be the answer."

Dylan then reached out to his pocket and brought out two bakugan marbles. "I'm guessing you've resolved to war, Carson. So, as I have pledged my allegiance to you, I'm offering these Killer Dragonoids to help in the battle." He said while pushing the marbles to Carson. "I'm also creating a secret weapon to aid in future battles but if there's no war, I'll save these Dragonoids for later. However, if there is war, I'd like to take part in the fun."

[Carson Michaels]

Carson sighed. War was unavoidable. He knew he had to act more forceful. Putting on the most powerful persona he could, he began to speak again.

"Okay, as of now, we are in a state of war," Carson announced loudly, with confidence, "If anyone is to betray us, and this includes ANYONE in this room, they will be detained and thrown into prison." Carson turned to Sophia, "Sophia, run supply runs in place of Alex."

Carson walked over to the map on the wall and pulled out a dry erase marker. "Blaze, you and your forces go to Basra. Do what you can there. Hawk, you go with them, too," Carson circled three spots on the map, all near port cities, "I want these three cities secured and blocked off. Henry will most likely be at the capital city, here," Carson pointed to the center port city, "Hawk, you have the permission to go there and try to talk some sense into him. Take a lot of troops with you."

Carson put the cap on the marker and replaced it before walking back to the table and grabbing the Dragonoids and throwing one to Hawk. "Use this only if you absolutely need to," Carson commanded before turning his attention back to the rest of the assembly.

"The biggest issue here is that we need to make sure everyone still with us is safe. Alex, I'll leave you in charge of fortifying our defenses. Do not fail us. Dylan, I need you to make sure that people are properly prepared for any assaults."

Carson sat back down in his plush, leather armchair before intertwining his fingers together. "If there aren't any questions, then I will declare this meeting adjourned."