Chapter 10

Unbeknownst to anyone, the man in the black robe and the researchers were not real. They were projections produced by a series of drones controlled by V.E.N.U.S.

Daud had been working behind the scenes for a while, quietly pulling the strings of power in Aceh. He had been instrumental in the defeat of the Dutch East Indies, and now he had a new goal in mind: to make Aceh a more advanced society.

He had come to V.E.N.U.S. with a request: to teach a group of scholars, woodworkers, and blacksmiths the latest in water engineering and sanitation techniques. Aceh had will be suffering from some diseases, including the ongoing cholera pandemic, and the Sultan is one of the victims of cholera during the Second Dutch Aceh Expedition in the original timeline Daud knew that better water management and hygiene could go a long way in preventing the spread of disease.

V.E.N.U.S. was more than happy to oblige. The drones that controlled the projections of the black-robed man and the researchers were already equipped with the latest knowledge in water engineering, and they quickly set to work teaching the first group of scholars.

The group was made up of some of the brightest minds in Aceh, and they were eager to learn from the researchers. They spent days studying everything from irrigation techniques to waste disposal methods, and they were amazed at how much they had been missing.

As the days went on, they continued to learn from the researchers. They learned about soap making, the importance of closed water containers, and boiling water before drinking or cooking. They even learned how to build latrines, which they would later teach to the rest of the Acehnese people.

The Sultan was pleased to hear that the first group of trainees had completed their training and had returned with valuable knowledge to implement in Aceh. He summoned his advisors and officials to a meeting to discuss the next steps.

"Welcome back, my dear scholars and craftsmen," said the Sultan, smiling. "Please tell us, what have you learned during your training?"

One of the scholars, named Ahmad, stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, we have learned many things that will greatly benefit Aceh. We were taught advanced water engineering methods, including better irrigation techniques and waste disposal methods. We were also taught the importance of using latrines rather than open defecation and the importance of storing water in closed containers and boiling water before drinking or cooking. We were even taught how to make soap, which can help prevent the spread of diseases."

The Sultan nodded, impressed with the new knowledge. "This is all excellent information. We must immediately implement these methods to prevent the spread of diseases, especially with the ongoing cholera pandemic. Please spread the word and ensure that everyone in the kingdom is aware of these new techniques."

Ahmad bowed again. "Of course, Your Highness. We will make sure that everyone knows how to implement these methods effectively."

One of Sultan's advisors spoke up. "Your Highness, may I suggest that we continue to send groups to be trained by this mysterious organization? They seem to have valuable knowledge that could greatly benefit Aceh."

The Sultan considered the suggestion. "Yes, that is a good idea. We must continue to seek knowledge and ways to improve our kingdom. Please make arrangements to send another group to be trained."

As the meeting concluded, the Sultan and his officials were unaware that the organization was merely a ploy by Daud to gain power and control in Aceh. The researchers who trained the scholars and craftsmen were projections produced by several drones controlled by V.E.N.U.S., and Daud was manipulating everything from behind the scenes.

Little did they know, Daud had even bigger plans for Aceh.

Daud sat in his private study wearing his Stark glasses. The room was dimly lit illuminating the space. He leaned forward in his chair, studying the glasses as he spoke.

"V.E.N.U.S., we need to prepare the next subject for the second group of trainees. The first group learned about health and hygiene. This time, we want to focus on nutrition. We need to teach them about better farming and livestock techniques, as well as methods for making better farming and livestock equipment."

The projection of V.E.N.U.S. flickered slightly as it processed the information. "Understood, Daud. We can prepare a curriculum that includes the latest advancements in agriculture and animal husbandry. We can also provide demonstrations and simulations to aid in their training."

Daud nodded, pleased with the response. "Excellent. And I want to make sure that this information is implemented as soon as possible. We need to see results in our crops and livestock to ensure the sustainability of our people."

V.E.N.U.S. responded, "Of course, Daud. We will make sure that the trainees are fully equipped to implement these techniques and that the necessary resources are provided to ensure their success."

Daud leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "One more thing, V.E.N.U.S. We need to keep this training and our use of your technology a secret. We don't want the Dutch to catch wind of what we're doing and try to sabotage our efforts."

V.E.N.U.S. nodded in agreement. "Understood, Daud. We will ensure that our operations are kept confidential and that our drones and projections are disguised to avoid detection."

Daud smiled, satisfied with the conversation. "Very well, V.E.N.U.S. Let's get to work on preparing for the second group of trainees."

As the projection faded away, Daud sat alone in the quiet study, contemplating the future of Aceh and the potential of this technology to bring about positive change.

The Dutch East Indies officials were in a frenzy, preparing for the second expedition to Aceh. They were determined to avenge their defeat from the first one. They had heard about the letters of congratulations sent to the Sultanate of Aceh from other countries, and it made them even more anxious.

One of the officials, Mr. Van Der Meer, was discussing their plans with his superior, Mr. James Loudon. "We need to ensure that no one interferes with our mission this time. We cannot afford another loss," James Loudon said sternly.

"I agree, sir. But have you heard anything about the recent activities in Aceh? I heard that many countries have sent letters of congratulations to the Sultanate," Mr. Van Der Meer said, with a tinge of worry in his voice.

James Loudon's expression turned grim. "That is concerning news. We need to ensure that no one is aiding the Acehnese. We must tighten our grip on the region," he said firmly.

The Dutch East Indies had a long history of colonialism in Southeast Asia, and Aceh was one of the few regions that resisted their rule. The Dutch were determined to crush the Acehnese resistance and establish their dominance in the region. They had already launched one expedition recently, but it had ended in a humiliating defeat for the Dutch. Now, they were planning a second expedition, and they were taking no chances.

The Dutch had already begun their campaign to isolate Aceh. They had blockaded the port of Aceh, preventing any ships from entering or leaving. They had also established a line of forts and outposts around the city, cutting off Aceh from the rest of the island. The Dutch were determined to starve Aceh into submission, and they were confident that their blockade would be effective. They just don't know who is backing Aceh.