Chapter 62 Siege of Iolani Palace

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaii ---

The days of March 23rd passed quietly, with Senior Eunuch Sundar diligently attending to his duties in the Island nation from the confines of his house. His tasks involved sorting crucial documents assigned by his master and communicating with Wilcox himself. Today, Senior Eunuch Sundar was notably occupied, engrossed in devising a plan for tomorrow night's strategic assault on key areas currently under the control of the Dole government.

Meanwhile, Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh, along with Master Sergeants Arjun Mathur and Ravi Singh, was deeply engaged in their individual preparations to assist Wilcox and his team against the forces of the Dole government. In contrast to Wilcox's men, who were still immersed in rigorous training and refining their tactics, these three officers were occupied with organizing their weaponry. Amid their tasks, they found moments to jest with each other about the situation of their trainees.

The assignment to this diminutive island nation went against the wishes of the three officers, particularly upon learning about its previous monarch's intention to arrange a marriage between Princess Kaʻiulani and a Japanese Prince. Despite their profound respect for Lord Rohan Harish, their captain, the trio felt a surge of indignation on his behalf, believing he deserved better than being considered merely a second choice for a princess.

Their initial encounter with Princess Kaʻiulani was less than ideal; they criticized her and the locals of the island for their notably darker complexion and appearance compared to the Butuanon people. They even used the term 'pugot,' which, in the Butuanon language, connotes a curly dark monster or goblin.

(a/n: The term 'pugot/pugut' originally stems from the Ilocano language and is considered inappropriate or derogatory by many, especially among the Aeta community of northern Luzon.)

Their criticisms angered Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar, prompting him to reprimand the three and seek forgiveness from the princess. Despite the trio's attempts to reason, they were instantly silenced by Senior Eunuch himself. Following this event, the three gradually began to witness the positive side of Princess Kaʻiulani and her people. After about a month, their opinions changed, although occasionally, they still felt discomfort when interacting with common folk.

However, despite the looming battle ahead, Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh and the other two remained calm and composed in their reactions and mannerisms, a stark contrast to the behavior exhibited by the recruits. Their composure and confidence stemmed from what they had been carrying with them since their arrival in this nation for the past few months.

This burden took the form of a long, slightly wide black case that had remained sealed since their arrival. According to them, the case held something they were proud of and confident in using. They had divulged its existence only to Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar, not due to mistrust, but as per instructions from their superior, the Minister of Defence, Ali Ahmadi bin Haji.

The following day, preparations were complete. Senior Eunuch Sundar received a reply from Vice Admiral Marquess Alexander Tuburan, confirming his request. The confirmation of a Butuanon Imperial Navy ship patrolling between the Midway Islands and Hawaii brought a smile to Senior Eunuch Sundar's face, making his plan more feasible with the presence of an empire battleship.

Meanwhile, Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh, Master Sergeants Arjun Mathur, and Ravi Singh prepared in a distinct manner, akin to a crusade. Alongside their chosen weapons, they proceeded to a simple temple beside Senior Eunuch Sundar's residence. The temple, constructed of concrete yet rich in Butuanon cultural design, housed a small altar at its core, adorned with the Aylashanism cross. Surrounding it were flowers and incense sticks emitting a delightful fragrance.

At a distance of one meter from the altar stood four prayer lecterns. Three of them chose to kneel and pray, seeking blessings and protection as they prepared for battle. Inside the small temple, they spent over an hour solely in prayer before emerging. Observing their calm and enthusiastic demeanor upon leaving, the temple servants later recounted the stark contrast between them and Wilcox along with his men.

Senior Eunuch Sundar, Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh, Master Sergeants Arjun Mathur, and Ravi Singh completed their preparations. Armed and ready for the impending ship arrival at Butuan, they readied themselves after their prayers, fully geared for their planned attack.

Meanwhile, Wilcox and Samuel Nowlein were engrossed in last-minute preparations before nightfall. Finalizing locations and confirming informants, their activities mainly revolved around minor adjustments. Having already moved ammunition and manpower past midnight to avoid detection, Wilcox and Nowlein focused on minor details during the day.

Key members of the House of Kalākaua, including the former queen, Princess Kaʻiulani, and Dowager Queen Kapiʻolani, were transported to Senior Eunuch Sundar's seaside residence, away from the bustling capital. Strictly guarded by soldiers, their safety and that of Senior Eunuch Sundar were prioritized.

Meanwhile, unaware of the impending events, the general population carried on with their daily lives. Children played outdoors, markets bustled with shoppers preparing for dinner, and police patrolled the streets, oblivious to the imminent turn of events. Even the gossipers failed to anticipate the unfolding night.

Under the cover of night and as agreed upon by Wilcox and Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar, the operation commenced. Through the capital's deserted streets, now shrouded in darkness, they made their move. Where once bustling streets lay silent, the moon cast an eerie calmness.

Only the Iolani Palace was illuminated, housing the president of the Republic of Hawaii and his family. Previously teeming with guards, the palace grounds now echoed an unsettling silence. Near the main entrance stood soldiers in the Hawaiian royal army uniforms, a mix of nerves and pride evident in their gaze directed towards the palace.

Among them stood a man in his early 30s, not resembling a native Hawaiian nor a Westerner but of Asian descent. He meticulously wiped blood from his knife attached to his gun, surrounded by six lifeless bodies of palace guards. Killed silently by throat-slitting, their wounds still oozed fresh blood despite the passage of a few seconds.

The man in question is Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh, currently leading a group of 300 soldiers from native Hawaiian descent, alongside Robert William Wilcox. Their mission is to capture the Iolani Palace and secure it from Dole's forces. Presently, he and his 150 soldiers are positioned a few meters away from the entrance, while Robert William Wilcox is stationed on the opposite side of the palace. Alongside the second lieutenant is a rather large briefcase that no one is permitted to touch except for the second lieutenant himself.

Tonight marks the planned coup against the Dole government, aimed at preventing the formal inclusion of the state into the United States and restoring monarchy in the nation. Wilcox and his team are also assigned to attack the residences of Dole government's cabinet members, while others are tasked with assaulting the capital's military bases to prevent enemy access.

The strategy is to overthrow the entire government overnight with minimal casualties on their side.

Their entry into the palace grounds proceeded smoothly, thanks to a traitor planted inside the palace posing as a guard. Lieutenant Lot Lane, acting as the mole's associate, facilitated Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh and Robert William Wilcox's group's entrance without much trouble.

The bodies lying before Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh's party were those of the palace guards who spotted them. Unfortunately for them, luck wasn't on their side, swiftly meeting their end at the hands of Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh, who swiftly incapacitated them by slicing through their necks, and Lieutenant Lot Lane, who dealt with some by strangulation.

The Republic of Hawaii made an error in acquitting him and others involved in Wilcox's insurgency in 1895. It was merely a formality, as allegiance lies not in words but in one's heart, as the saying goes.

"Captain," Lieutenant Lot Lane interjected, catching Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh's attention as he cleaned his gun once again.

"I am no captain, Lieutenant. I am a mere Second Lieutenant in the Imperial Army of Butuan. My rank and abilities aren't yet sufficient to warrant the title of captain," replied Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh, pausing briefly before turning his gaze from his gun to Lieutenant Lane. "What is it, then, Lieutenant?"

"We've secured the area. All bodies have been concealed from the palace's view. Some who surrendered are now prisoners, while those who resisted were eliminated on the spot."

"Alright. Ready our men. In a minute, we'll be storming the palace. Our objective: secure the palace and take President Dole and Marshal Hitchcock as hostages. This directive comes directly from Senior Eunuch Sundar himself," Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh responded calmly.

Returning to his comrades to relay the command, the soldier was interrupted by a deafening shout that seized everyone's attention, followed by a massive explosion.

"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!!!" a voice screamed as an individual dashed from behind the palace.

*BOOM!*

A bomb detonated at the rear of the palace, obliterating two rooms occupied by workers who are now deceased. The explosion alerted guards inside the palace, prompting them to mobilize their forces. Most were converging toward the palace's rear.

"GRAB YOUR WEAPONS! CHARGE THE PALACE! TAKE DOWN THE SOLDIERS WEARING THE REPUBLIC'S INSIGNIA! FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII! FOR THE MONARCHY!" Samuel Nowlein yelled, observing Dole government soldiers pouring out of the burning entrance at the back of the palace.

*POW!*

*POW!*

*POW!*

Bullets continuously erupted from Samuel Nowlein's position as his forces surged forward, exchanging fire with the incoming soldiers of the Republic of Hawaii, armed with their musket rifles and guns. The air resonated with a cacophony of anger, confusion, and frightened screams, transforming the once tranquil compound into a blood-stained battleground.

In rapid succession, soldiers from both camps fell, akin to leaves dropping from a dying tree. While some on Nowlein's side succumbed to fear and chose to flee, those who remained persisted, unwilling to relinquish their last opportunity for resistance.

*BOOM!*

Explosions once again rocked the battleground, but this time, they erupted within Nowlein's camp. His contingent of 150 soldiers was swiftly reduced to a mere hundred, with gunfire intensifying significantly compared to moments before.

"SURROUND THE ENEMIES! CAPTURE THOSE WHO WILL SURRENDER AND SLAUGHTER THOSE WHO WILL RESIST! WE SHALL PROTECT THE PALACE AND THE PRESIDENT FROM THESE BARBARIANS!" Marshal Hitchcock, brandishing his own firearm, bellowed commands as he emerged from the palace's rear entrance. "NOWLEIN! I KNOW YOU WERE IN THERE! I WILL MAKE SURE TO KILL YOU THIS TIME!"

With Marshal Hitchcock's arrival, the morale of the republic's soldiers surged. They pressed forward in a more coordinated manner, simultaneously engaging the enemy forces. Nowlein and his men sought refuge among trees and rocks, seeking cover from the barrage of bullets.

The republic's soldiers believed victory was imminent as the bodies of rebel fighters continued to fall, disregarding their own casualties. However, they overlooked a crucial detail: the possibility of Nowlein's faction having an ally within the compound.

*POW!*

Gunfire erupted from both the left and right sides of the palace, taking aim directly at the soldiers of the republic. Marshal Hitchcock realized they were being surrounded by Nowlein's men on three fronts, putting him and his soldiers at a disadvantage.

This sudden turn of events prompted Marshal Hitchcock and his troops to retreat slightly while returning fire toward their left, right, and front. Their maneuver made it more challenging for Nowlein's forces to target the republic's soldiers. Amid their retreat, Marshal Hitchcock caught a glimpse of a towering figure firing at them. His height alone confirmed the identity of the shooter: Lieutenant Lane.

This revelation helped Marshal Hitchcock grasp the situation unfolding before them. It was the former insurrection leaders launching an attack on the republic once again. Marshal Hitchcock had a strong intuition about their motives. He hurriedly dashed back inside the palace, making his way toward the president's office, cursing their ill-fated circumstances along the way.

Under normal circumstances, the president used the government building situated just behind the palace as his office, while his private residence lay a few kilometers away. However, in recent days, President Sanford Dole had chosen to conduct all his official duties inside the Iolani Palace to save time, as per his preference. Ordinarily, this arrangement wasn't an issue. But given the events of the current night, working in the government building and resting at his private residence would have been a wiser choice.

"Secure the area surrounding the president's room. NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE AREA!" commanded Marshal Hitchcock to his men as he approached the vicinity of President Dole's room.

While the soldier relayed the command, Marshal Hitchcock proceeded to enter the president's office without knocking, only to be confronted with a distressing scene: President Dole, looking miserable and sweating profusely, was bound to his chair. A masked individual held a Beaumont–Adams revolver pointed at the president's head. The masked man's mask covered only his eyes and nose, leaving his mouth visible. He appeared to be in his 30s, standing at 5'7, giving him an advantage in height over the natives. Clearly a foreigner, Marshal Hitchcock deduced, specifically Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh.

"WH!!--"

"If I, were you, I won't make a sound, Marshal." Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh stated while pointing his revolver gun to the president's head and smiling devilishly towards Marshal Hitchcock while his other hand is making a gesture of keeping quiet and pointing at the location beside Marshal Hitchcock, whom is now standing at the now close door.

This alone has made Marshal Hitchcock keep his mouth shuts, afraid of having the president killed. But also gave him a time to scan his surroundings. Realizing that they were not the only people in the room.

*Click-Click*

The sound of a revolver being aimed at his head made Marshal Hitchcock take a glance at the person beside him, only to see a masked individual making a hush gesture with his hand.

"Why don't you take a seat first, Marshal Hitchcock, and relax? Let's enjoy the music while we discuss something else," Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh suggested, smiling as he gestured towards a chair, coaxing Marshal Hitchcock to sit down while settling into one himself.

Positioning himself between President Dole's working table and Marshal Hitchcock's chair, Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh lowered his firearm. Simultaneously, his companion aimed a revolver at the heads of President Dole and Marshal Hitchcock. A hint of nervousness crept onto their faces as the guns were trained on them.

Despite their evident unease, Marshal Hitchcock remained confident that their predicament would be short-lived. The absence of their usual activity and the unusual silence in the office would surely alert the soldiers outside that something was amiss. They would swiftly move to secure the room from these intruders. This thought not only reassured Marshal Hitchcock but also comforted President Dole, who had placed his trust in his steadfast marshal.

"Nobody's coming to help you here," Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh said, a smirk playing on his lips as he gestured toward the door. Moments later, a series of gunshots echoed from outside, followed by anguished cries that mingled with the sound of gunfire.

Disbelief and hopelessness etched themselves onto the faces of the two hostages. Neither had anticipated finding themselves in this dire situation. Their last glimmer of hope rested with the stationed United States Navy soldiers in the country. Yet, while awaiting their potential saviors, Marshal Hitchcock couldn't shake the pressing need to understand why this was happening.

"Who are you people? What's your motive? And how did you manage to breach our security?" Marshal Hitchcock's gaze flickered between Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh and the armed man standing before him and the president.

"Hehehe… my identity isn't that special for both of you to know, but this man is someone both of you are familiar with," replied Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh, jestingly pointing his gun towards the masked figure. "Am I right, Former Marshal Wilson?"

The lieutenant's words immediately drew the full attention of Marshal Hitchcock and President Dole to the masked individual, who had just removed his facial covering. It revealed a familiar face, the very face that he and the president had schemed to remove from his office just to adopt it as his own.

"Former Marshal?! YOU—YOU—TRAITOR!" President Dole screamed in anger as he stood up, only to be restrained by two revolvers pointed at him.

"Tsk. Despite holding the position of president in a republic and being an educated individual, your character still reflects that of mud. No wonder your mother decided to leave this world after only a few days of seeing you," the seated man taunted, smiling mockingly at President Dole, who now trembled with rage.

"Y-you," President Dole stammered, but he was powerless, restrained by the menacing barrels of two revolvers. Even Marshal Hitchcock, unable to free himself, could offer no assistance. The man gestured for President Dole to take his seat.

"In response to your queries, our actions are for the betterment of this country. The ideology governing this republic, influenced by foreign powers through you, is not the optimal choice for our nation. It would be preferable if native citizens or individuals like us, who have demonstrated deep love for our country, were in charge. However, you and your cohorts sought to exploit this land and the ignorance of its people, extending your influence and power by deceiving them.

The term 'traitor' applies not to me, but to both of you and those who support and applaud your actions. Shame should weigh heavy on your conscience for what you have perpetrated. You've even begun preparations to engage with that detestable entity, the United States. Shame on all of you," Former Marshal Wilson proclaimed, his finger almost squeezing the trigger aimed at both of them.

"We are doing this solely for the betterment of our country," responded President Dole.

"Betterment? HA?! FOR THE BETTERMENT?! Have you even seen the state of things outside? My people suffer because of those Americans who've exploited our lands and our people! How is that betterment?" Former Marshal Wilson exploded in anger in response to President Dole's words.

"Sacrifices were necessary for the prosperity of the land. That is the rule," President Dole stated coldly, causing Former Marshal Wilson to break down.

"And may your lives be enough of a sacrifice to end this," Former Marshal Wilson said, about to pull the triggers of the two revolvers. However, his action was halted by the calming voice of Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh.

"Calm down, Former Marshal. Their deaths will only further escalate this coup," Second Lieutenant Nguyễn Hải Anh said before pushing Marshal Hitchcock against the wall and handing a paper to President Dole. "Sign this, Mr. President, and you shall live. Refuse, and darkness will be your end."

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