Chapter 14

Daud knew that with the looming threat of the second Dutch expedition, it was crucial to train a group of soldiers and commanders who were well-versed in military science. He sat down with V.E.N.U.S. to discuss the specifics of the training program.

"So, V.E.N.U.S., we need to train our soldiers and commanders in military science. We need to make sure they are prepared for any battle that might come our way," Daud said, looking intently at the A.I.

"Of course, Daud. I have already begun developing the curriculum for the fifth group of trainees," V.E.N.U.S. replied.

"That's great. What specific areas will the training focus on?" Daud asked.

"Well, we will cover a variety of topics, including tactics, strategy, weapons, and fortifications. We will also focus on leadership and communication skills," V.E.N.U.S. said.

"Excellent. And how long will the training take?" Daud inquired.

"This training will not be completed until after the second expedition is over. It will take around six months, and we will train not only scholars but also blacksmiths and woodworkers who will be responsible for making and repairing weapons and fortifications," V.E.N.U.S. explained.

"That's a long time. But we need to make sure we are fully prepared for whatever comes our way," Daud said, nodding in agreement.

"Indeed. And in addition to the scholars, I suggest we also gather the cleverest commanders and soldiers in the kingdom," V.E.N.U.S. suggested.

"Agreed. Send a letter to the Sultan about it. He must gather the best of the best," Daud said, his mind already racing with ideas on how to best utilize their newly trained soldiers and commanders.

As they continued to discuss the specifics of the training program, Daud felt a sense of relief that they were taking the necessary steps to prepare for the second expedition. He knew that this time, they would be ready to face whatever came their way.

The Sultan and his advisors were gathered in the meeting room, poring over the letter that had just arrived from the mysterious organization. The letter spoke of the Dutch East Indies' plan to launch a second expedition against Aceh, and their continued efforts to isolate the region. The news was not unexpected, but it was troubling nonetheless.

As they discussed the contents of the letter, the Sultan was struck by a particular request from the organization. They had asked the Sultan to gather his best commanders and soldiers to be trained in military science and to take part in the training alongside the fifth group of scholars, blacksmiths, and woodworkers.

The Sultan turned to his advisors, "What do you think of this request? Do we have anyone who could be considered our best commanders and soldiers?"

One advisor spoke up, "We have some capable commanders and soldiers, Your Highness. But the question is, do we have the resources to train them in military science? And should we trust this mysterious organization?"

The room fell silent as they considered the implications of the letter. Finally, the Sultan spoke, "I understand your concerns. But we must do everything we can to prepare ourselves for the second expedition. And if this organization is willing to help us, then we should take advantage of their offer."

He turned to one of his trusted advisors, "I want you to gather our best commanders and soldiers. We will send them to join the fifth group and learn everything they can about military science."

The advisor nodded and left the room to carry out his orders. The Sultan and his remaining advisors continued to discuss the situation, weighing their options and deciding on the best course of action.

As the preparations for the training continued, the tension in Aceh continued to mount. The second expedition was looming, and everyone knew that the fate of the region was at stake. But with the help of the mysterious organization and the dedication of the scholars, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and soldiers, they were determined to emerge victorious.

The Dutch East Indies had been preparing for this second expedition for months, hoping to avenge their defeat in the first expedition. They were well aware of the dangers of traveling to Aceh, but they believed that with their superior technology and weaponry, they could defeat the Acehnese forces.

Jan van Swieten, the commander of the expedition, was a seasoned veteran who had served in the Dutch East Indies for over 40 years. He had led many expeditions against local kingdoms and had a reputation for being ruthless in battle. His experience and knowledge were invaluable to the Dutch East Indies, and they had brought him out of retirement specifically for this expedition.

As the troops were being assembled and prepared for departure, there was a sense of nervousness among them. They knew that they were heading into unknown territory, and the Acehnese forces were known for their ferocity in battle. Many of the soldiers had heard stories of the previous expedition's defeat and were worried that they too would suffer the same fate.

However, the Dutch East Indies officers tried to reassure their troops, telling them that they had learned from their mistakes in the first expedition and were better prepared this time around. They reminded them of the technological superiority they had over the Acehnese forces and assured them that victory was within their grasp.

In mid-January 1874 few months longer than the original timeline, the troops were gathered in Batavia to receive their final instructions from Jan van Swieten.

Jan van Swieten stood in front of the assembled troops, his back straight and his voice firm. He wore a crisp uniform with a row of medals on his chest. The troops stood at attention, listening intently to his words.

"Soldiers, we are about to embark on a great mission," Jan began. "Our goal is to bring the Sultanate of Aceh to its knees and show them that the Dutch East Indies will not tolerate their defiance. We have been preparing for this moment for months, and I have every confidence in your abilities to carry out this mission with honor and bravery."

The troops murmured their agreement, nodding their heads in unison.

"Now, I won't lie to you," Jan continued. "This will not be an easy mission. Aceh is a tough enemy, and they have proven that they are not to be taken lightly. But we have the advantage of superior technology and tactics, and with that advantage, we will emerge victorious."

One of the soldiers raised his hand. "But sir, what about the reports that the Acehnese are training scholars with some kind of mysterious organization? We don't know what kind of weapons or tactics they might be using."

Jan's expression hardened. "I have heard those reports as well. But let me tell you something, soldiers. No matter what kind of tricks the Acehnese might have up their sleeves, they will never match the strength and determination of the Dutch East Indies. We are the greatest military power in this region, and we will not be defeated by a group of scholars."

Another soldier spoke up. "But sir, what about the isolation campaign? Won't other countries interfere?"

Jan smiled grimly. "Let them try. We have prepared for this possibility, and we have made sure that no country will be able to interfere in our mission. We are going into this with a clear advantage, and we will emerge victorious."

The troops murmured their agreement once more, their faces set with determination.

"Remember, soldiers," Jan said, his voice rising. "You are fighting for the honor of the Dutch East Indies. You are fighting for your families, your homes, and your way of life. You must be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. And you must be willing to fight with every ounce of strength and courage that you possess. Do you understand?"

The troops shouted in unison, "Yes, sir!"

"Good," Jan said, his eyes scanning the assembled soldiers. "Then let us go forth and show the Acehnese what it means to face the might of the Dutch East Indies!"

The troops listened to his words with a mixture of fear and determination. They knew that the expedition would be a difficult one, but they also knew that they could not let down their country and their fellow soldiers. They resolved to do whatever it took to achieve victory and bring glory to the Dutch East Indies.

Finally, the day of departure arrived, and the troops were loaded onto ships bound for Aceh. As they sailed out of Batavia harbor, the soldiers looked out at the horizon, wondering what lay ahead for them. They knew that the Acehnese forces would be waiting for them and that they would have to fight with everything they had to emerge victorious.