Chapter 11

As the Dutch East Indies' campaign to isolate Aceh continued, tensions rose between the colonial power and its citizens. The government was desperate to avenge the defeat of the first expedition and was willing to do whatever it took to achieve its goal.

Meanwhile, in Aceh, Daud and V.E.N.U.S. continued their work to train the people in the latest techniques of farming and livestock. The Sultan had agreed to implement all the training the first group had received, and the people were already seeing the benefits.

As the second group of trainees prepared to leave for their training, the Dutch East Indies were making their final preparations for the second expedition. The government had increased its efforts to isolate Aceh, making it almost impossible for anyone to enter or leave the region.

The tension between the colonial government and its citizens had reached its peak. The government's propaganda had successfully convinced many of the citizens that Aceh was a dangerous place, filled with savages who threatened their way of life.

But not everyone believed this propaganda. A group of citizens had come together to protest the government's actions. They believed that the government was using the expedition to further their interests and that the lives of the soldiers and the citizens were being put at risk for the sake of politics.

The Dutch East Indies officials were in a state of panic. They had to stabilize their territory first before they could launch another expedition against Aceh. They were afraid that their families might take revenge against them for sending their loved ones to a disastrous campaign. In their desperation, they held a public meeting with their citizens to explain their predicament and seek their help.

The citizens were skeptical and angry. They had been kept in the dark about the true nature of the first expedition, and now they were being asked to help the officials who had failed to protect their loved ones. They demanded answers and accountability.

The officials tried to calm them down and explain their plans. They said that they had learned from their mistakes and that they would do everything in their power to protect their territory and avenge their losses. They also said that they had received intelligence that Aceh was planning to attack their territory and that they needed their citizens' help to defend it.

The citizens were still skeptical, but some of them were willing to help. They asked what they could do to assist in the defense of their territory.

The officials said that they needed their citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals. They also needed them to support their troops by providing food, supplies, and shelter.

The citizens agreed to help, but they also demanded that the officials be more transparent and accountable. They asked for regular updates on the situation and the progress of their defense efforts.

The officials agreed to their demands and promised to keep them informed. They also said that they would do everything in their power to protect their citizens and their territory.

As the meeting ended, the citizens went home, still angry and frustrated, but also relieved that they were being included in the defense efforts. The officials were left with the daunting task of stabilizing their territory and preparing for another campaign against Aceh. They knew that they had a long way to go, but they were determined to succeed, no matter the cost.

Daud was pacing back and forth in his study, waiting for V.E.N.U.S. to give him the latest update. He knew that the Dutch East Indies were still a threat to Aceh, and he needed to stay one step ahead of them.

Finally, V.E.N.U.S. appeared on the screen in front of him. "Daud, I have the latest information from Batavia," V.E.N.U.S. said in its synthesized voice.

Daud leaned in closer to the screen. "What have you found out?"

"Loudon has been meeting with several military officials, discussing their plans for the second expedition to Aceh," V.E.N.U.S. reported. "They are planning to use more weapons and tactics this time, and they are also bringing in more troops."

Daud rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We need to know more about their tactics. Can you send more drones to gather information?"

"Of course, Daud. I have already sent them out," V.E.N.U.S. replied.

Daud nodded in satisfaction. "Good. We need to stay ahead of them if we are going to defeat them. But we also need to keep our plans hidden. We can't let the Dutch East Indies find out about our training program."

"I understand, Daud. I will make sure that our activities are kept secret," V.E.N.U.S. assured him.

Daud took a deep breath and looked out the window. "I just hope that our training program will be enough."

"I do not doubt that our program will be successful, Daud. We are teaching them skills and knowledge that will be invaluable," V.E.N.U.S. said confidently.

Daud smiled wryly. "I hope you're right, V.E.N.U.S. I want to make Aceh the great nation that's respected in the whole world."

"I will do everything in my power to help you, Daud. You have my word," V.E.N.U.S. replied.

Daud nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, V.E.N.U.S. We're in this together."