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Bonn wasn't having what one might call a 'good year'. The "Bombperial Shock" as it came to be known, led to the destruction and razing of nearly every piece of Bombperial digital infrastructure. With the Anchovynes having a backdoor into every piece of Bombperial technology that was more advanced than tubes, direct wires, and cogs, the Bombpire had to quickly regress into an analogue state. That wasn't the worst of it. Resetting technology could be manageable, but it was everything else that came after it. The A.P.F. split apart following Bonn's decision to crown himself Emperor of the Imperium- leading to a three-way toss-up in the ocean between the A.P.F. and the still-loyal A.R.I.F. (Anchovyne Restoration of Imperial Fortitude).

And of course following the lack of finding the Empress Camila after several months, and continued blame on the Bombpire for her disappearance, enough of the Domain was swayed by Golden Dynasty propaganda to throw thier support behind a union between the Domain and House Ellison-Gates-Gelsinger. Heck the Dynasty seems to be acting much more aggressive as of recently- likely sensing an opportune time to strike with the Bombperial Shock, the recovering of Bombperial resources from the War of the Plains and the involvement in the Imperium. Along with other potential issues such as Bonn's "Shit-List" a strictly private list of every Bombperial official or celebrity he hated and wished to give a good 'smacking and sacking' having been leaked into Anchovyne databases.

It became a lot clearer why Bonn began to break down. The Bombpire was vast and full of oddities- but they could usually be dealt with easily and swiftly. Now the Bombpire was even slower, more inefficient, and now with the threat of potential civil war on top of handling two on the Bombperors plate- one can see even the most untouchable men can fall ill.

Especially today, Bonn sat at his office desk, twitchy like a speed-freak in the Big Apple's Down-Downtown. Mitt, Greens, and Adams were around the office. Keeping distance from Bonn but still within "I don't think you're a raving banshee" distance. Bonn had gathered them in his office at the end of every month in case he "flew off". As it turned out, blowing up ones office wasn't something you prepare for until after you blow it up.

"Message for the Bombperor! Courtesy of Bombperial Admiral-" Bonn waved the messenger in. He'd heard the same title 19 times before, and at the rate Ahab was going, he wouldn't hear his name or his rank in about 19 weeks as opposed to 19 months. The small messenger scuttled in, a literal tail between his legs- of course Ahab always used the rat-people for thier light feet and talent for sneaking- they were the perfect scum for messengers. The rat-man approached the office desk, just barely able to see over the top, delivered a message and quickly scurried out of the room as Bonn opened it. He'd sack Ahab sooner than 19 weeks if he kept using 'scrolls' as his primary method of communicating.

Mitt, Greens, and Adams moved closer to the desk, ready to pounce on Bonn in case he flipped his shit as Bonn read through the report sent by Ahab. Bonn scanned it all, his eyes had glazed the report in seconds; reading through the war's doings, ships sunk, fish harpooned, loot taken. Bonn finally got to the part of the scroll he cared about. The search report. Bonn scrolled through it, his eyes glued to the paper.

"Search of the oceanic quadrants 45C to 52R has resulted in no further progress on locating Empress."

Bonn looked at the results. Nothing. Nothing for 20 straight months in a row.

Nothing at all.

Bonn's wick began to flare as he stared at the results. His three friends looked ready to hit him unconscious- as was protocol. And unexpectedly the wick went up in smoke and they all looked confused as Bonn looked about the same as he did before. Glazed eyes, an unchanging grimaced look. Bonn didn't look defeated, angry, or any other emotion besides "disappointed". Now, Bonn always said he was disappointed in people. Bonn always said the things around him disappointed him. But Bonn never looked disappointed, he was vitriolic, bashful, crude, and stand-offish. Bonn however looked thoroughly beaten as he dropped the scroll off the desk and onto the floor.

"Bonn?" "You alright man?" "That's the calmest he's been in months. . ."

Bonn simmered as as he began to process the news. The one-sided conversation his friends were having as he melted away into his mind became a blur. Nothing- not a trace of the one person Ahab was specifically tasked with re-acquiring from the Imperium. The ocean was vast sure, but its not like he was combing it by himself. He had a navy, some loyalist fish-mongers, top-of-the-line Bombperial radar equipment, and a general hunch where she could've been. But nothing. Bonn slowly simmered from disappointment to defeat and finally back to a default emotion- rage.

Rage after 20-odd months of nothing. Rage at the Imperium. Rage at the Bombpire itself.
"I have given that rusty piece of shit nearly a year and a half! A YEAR AND A HALF I HAVE ASKED HIM TO DO THREE THINGS. AND TWO OF THEM HE DOES FOR HIS OWN SELFISH AMUSEMENT ON THE DAILY! YET HE HAS FAILED ME AT EVERY TURN!" Bonn yelled as he slammed his fist on the table. "I have given the Navy everything it wants and more! I have let it fester along the back of the Bombpire as it steals and loots the whole ocean of its worth! AND YET IT CANNOT FIND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I ASK FOR IT. BUT THAT RUSTED PILE OF SHIT HAS BEEN ABLE TO SCROUNGE UP WORTHLESS PLATES AND CUTLERY!" Bonn slammed his fist again on the table.

". . ." "Bonn what in the Fuse are you talking about?" ". . ."

"I am talking about these crypto-traitors who ruin this empire. It is why I don't trust anyone beyond you three. Because almost every politician, general, admiral, and filthy kutzpah in the Bombpire that sucks the life and efficiency from MY EMPIRE!" Bonn slammed his fists down on his desk. The wood began to splinter as Bonn smashed it. What was off-putting was that Bonn's wick didn't ignite, it still remained smoking and unlit. "I HAVE GIVEN AHAB TWENTY FUSE-GRANTED MONTHS. I HAVE GIVEN THE RATS NEST THAT IS THE NAVY A FREE HAND. And what do I get? I get a fractured ally in the east, I get shot in the foot with our trade, and the Empress of the nation is gone, and now the Domain is riding my ass because of it."

Bonn sat down, fuming, Greens and Adams still trying to keep thier distance from the deteriorating Bonn, Mitt slowly tried to approach.

"My best allies are a bunch of fusing amateur neurosurgeons who try and pass off lobotomites as zombies. My next most useful allies are literal skeleton worshippers and even dumber fish-mongers. I have conquered half of Northumer with nothing but myself and you three and I am being slowed down by these bumbling morons and sulfur-deficient screwballs at every turn! Ahab- that rusted pile of barnacles! He is just the ugliest most rotten cherry on top of the Bombpires woes! And I will have had it! The Bombpire has failed me for the last fusing time!"

Bonn finally simmered down and sat back in his seat, the fuse atop his head finally stopped smoking and going limp to his side. Bonn gestured for the three to leave.

"Leave. Now."

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-=Burn and Rebuild the Swamp=-
The Bombpire has a lot of muck and gunk in it that needs to be cleared out. Of course there also needs to be some swamp. If the people find out the Bombpire is a lot 'trimmer' than it is, they'll make stupid demands or throw blame our way because we have all the shots and could thus fire that one brutal or stupid governor for 'moral reasons'. Like any fleshbag, the skeleton needs some meat to shield it. Of course that buffer of idiots is no good if they start gnawing away at the bone too, the Bombpire needs a big fixer-upper pronto.
(Two choices per category. We're gonna need every bit of potential to work.)

-Burning It Down-
Just as it can be destroyed. . .
Best Fire Most the List- Thankfully there is a physical copy of the list. We'll have to work hard and work fast to fire or transfer the underlings around the Bombpire. These goons can't be all killed but we can certainly remove them from power and any position of authority and curtail any potential civil disturbances from eager power-trippers or overzealous idiots.
(We'll go through a 'small' purge of leadership and upper management. Very few people have to die, but we'll make sure nobody can fight back by firing old officials and hiring newer if less-experienced ones in thier place.)

Lowering Expectations- Instead of disposing most of these goons, we can lower our expectations and allow the Bombpire to run at a lower efficiency for a while. Letting more money slip by, troops run slightly degraded, some shady sites not filtered. Hopefully letting more slip through more corruption and sleaze slip through oughta keep the shit-lings under control.
(Corruption will soar through the Bombpire for the next few years. We need to make sure these politicians are kept just like the people- happy, stupid, and unaware of our future plans. It's just instead of sports and beer, its hookers and blow.)

Better Call Smile- Mr. Smile- unofficial chief Bombperial propagandist is a rather loosely loyal ally of the government but a useful rat. Giving him some extra money and extra leeway space within the government would allow him and his web of little cronies to remain comfortably within Bombperial control. With the backing of the Smile media empire and all its shell corporations, the Bombpire could afford to lose a few ministers and comfortably replace them with a bright smile.
(Mr. Smiles Happy Home Media Enterprises (or Smile Group) will be made into a semi-official part of the Bombperial power structure. Existing under more supervision and censorship, but getting some extra privileges and benefits in the process as well- maybe even knock a few competing channels off the block.)

Try and Keep Clean- Why should we dirty our hands when we can get a few idiots on the outside to do it for us. Sending out a few agents and plainclothes to 'help direct' groups like the Gaddies or other anti-Bombperial groups to target select Bombperial ministers and politicians that cause us some trouble would help keep the other officials in line and fearful of outside threats and properly dependent on the Bombpire's security.
(Rioters will assassinate and kill several Bombperial low-ranks, causing panic within the rest of the government. We send in Greens to deal with these little rioters, clean 'em up, and tell the rest they'll be safe under my umbrella. I'm always looking out for my personnel. Always looking.)

-Rebuilding the Muck-
. . .so too can it be rebuilt.
Use the Sumerian- While we've taken apart and studied the remains of Gilgamech for some while we've not yet used its parts. While proposed to merge with G.R.I.D. to make an advanced radar. Though thanks to being unplugged and in a hundred or so pieces, Gilgamech hasn't been hacked by Anchovyne cyber-criminals and could be the basis for a new Bombperial digital empire.
(Gilgamech's operating system will become the base of a new and improved Bombperial computer network. Based and kept primarily in Fort Knocks, this will be a lot more secure than keeping the codes and backdoors within Palace grounds- try it now fish-mongers! Of course said operating system will still take a while to implement.)

Roll With the Company- Disgusting as they are- the Hudson Mercenary Company (or just the Hudds) is useful for thier mercenaries and access to northern non-Anchovyne facing ports. Mercenaries we can use to help support and supplant traditional garrisons and mercenaries we can use to combat any potential private armies assembled by other low-lifes and gangs within urban settlements.
(The Hudson Mercenary Company will be employed by the Bombpire. As well as the troops and employees they have will now be under contract to serve the Bombpire- the territory they also control will be under Bombperial sovereignty. This will cause friction within the Bombpire given the Hudds negative reputation regarding local indigenous peoples and animal rights abuses.)

Major Duarchies- Having every major position follow the Bombperor is a smart choice. Just as I have my Empress, so too shall every Head Admiral, Head General, so on and so on be a dual position should allow for a few positives- mainly the art of educating protégé, allowing further skilled men and women to rise to the top, and keeping a check on a sole individuals power so they don't get funny ideas.
(Bombperial politicians will be doubled, however everyones power halved. And with an extra set of eyes on them, they'll think twice about revolting or going against my wishes. And in some cases, it'll be useful to have two people in charge, allowing more flexible strategies and tactics, or potentially allowing more resources to be pooled for various plans, pushes, and proposals.)

Court of the Elite- A court system for the ranks and annals of the government should be established. The elite- especially the professionals and officials of the Bombperial government should be held accountable, personally accountable by me. It might be time-consuming, but it'd be worth it to scare anyone daring to try anything funny into coming into confirmation with one such as I. Plus to the plebes it shall appear as though Bonn is a just and fair ruler. A big plus.
(The Supreme Court of the Bombperial Government will exist with personally handpicked judges and some of the best and heartless lawyers. This court shall exist solely to indict and serve punishments, fines, or other cruel and unusual sentences to Bombperial government employees. This will include everything from teachers to Zone governors.)

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"Bonn?" "You alright?"

"No."

Bonn straightened himself in his chair. "I'm not 'alright', I rarely am if ever contempt, but I can keep a leveled-head. I have to run this damn pile of messy and disgusting screaming fiefdoms by myself sometimes, I swear to the Great Bomb it's amazing how I don't lose it half the time. People are incompetent, sure. People are stupid, fine. But how are so many people lousy UNTRUSTWORTHY SLOBS WHO CANT SEEM TO FUFILL SIMPLE ORDERS!" Bonn struck his fist onto his terminal. "I should've expected this when I asked for an empire to be made of the low-lives and the scum of the world. To allow better control and fear from the people. To be ruthless and respected. And all I got was the wallowing scum who steal from everyone- including me!"

Bonn left his chair and started pacing around the room, rambling to himself- ignoring his friends as he at first incoherently rambled to himself, phrases and words made out sure- but the underlying whole was gibberish. The trio of bombs watched as Bonn seemed to ramble and pace himself out from defeat and rage and into a more 'disappointed' angle, his tone shifted, his hunch lessening as he paced back and forth. Finally it was the last bits of a self-conversation they heard that they decided to jump in. "There is only so much dumb bullshit one can stand. And I've reached my limit on dumb bullshit. It's time this Bombpire takes a hard turn and its time I put my foot down. I'm the fusing Bombperor and its time we started taking a heavier hand in the affairs of this nation-building stuff. It's clear I can't trust even the most skilled and closest goons I have to run this pile of junk."

"Are we 'goons' Bonn?" "Hey, yeah, what about us 'goons'?" "Yeah!"

Bonn replied instantly; "Not you, you're friends. And I don't use that term lightly. Your competent and loyal- even if you all have your own 'bits' that I'm not fond of. Mitt's too damn timid for his own good." "Sorry." "Greens- you are way too damn loud and compulsive." "Cram it." "And Adams my guy, you really could tone down the patrician shtick." "To degrade myself? Never!" "Point being. you are 'pals', 'friends', reliable and smart, regardless of the flaws you got. Ahab and all the others are goons. And its time I stop letting my empire be run by those goons and be trampled over by these goons. Today I've realized something in talking to myself gentlemen."

"Today will be the day I remake the Bombpire into something glorious, into something greater than a near-anarchic collection of warlords. Today will be the day I make the Bombpire truly mine. No more in name only, no more heavy-handed symbolism. This Bombpire will be made by my hands."

Bonn turned to face his friends. "And it can be remade with your help in your image too, old pals." Bonn said, holding out his hands.

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-=Play Deguello He Roared!=-
The Domain has always pissed me off. Slow to accept Bombperial suzerainty, and slower still to accede to fair and just demands. Still, saving it from the cronies of Sackarmento would allow us more favors within the Domain than idly sitting by or Fuse-forbid, allowing the Golden Dynasty to walk all over the territory we plan on taking over in the inevitable future.
(3 options to clear the score. Go for it nimrods.)

Protect Our Property First!- Those corporations and the resources they extract are Bombperial property. It'd make logical sense to protect our property before the Domains. Besides, helping out the Bombperial businesses would grant us some nice leeway and extra leverage over said corporations as well as future financial and corporate endeavors at home.
(Bombperial corporations will be put ahead of the other affairs in the Domain of Death. This will give us some extra favors with local corporations like Whetstone Oil and Bombers Rock and Stone Company. This will significantly harm relations with the Domain however- seeing us as dirty selfish cowards.)
or
'Liberate' the 'Hook'- The 'Hook', a peninsula that borders the Abominable Temple Wastes to the east and is loosely connected to the Domain has fallen victim to Dynasty propaganda and is rebelling. By sending some marines and the Bombperial Guard to retake and restore proper order to the provinces, we could allow for greater focus on the larger problem faced by the Domain.
(Bombperial forces will take a slightly more 'direct' occupation of the Hook and its two provinces. Of course such actions will leave the core of the Domain exposed, however having control of the Hook will allow us to not be distracted in the future and further cement control over other areas of the Domain.)
or
Lights Out- Majority of the rebellious 'Reformed Domain' forces are coming from provinces facing the 'Lighthouse Archipelago', the southernmost points of the Golden Dynasty. Striking hard at the still fresh and mostly militia-based formations should provide us a quick end to this civil war. Though such a strike would be costly on our end. Weapons, volunteers, officers, and making the Domain's own military more competent than it should be may prove double-edged.
(Bombperial officers will be sent to the Domain to help turn the forces they do have into a more mobile and deep-cutting set of units, allowing them to get the first strike against 'Reformed Domain' forces.)

They're Friendlier Dead- A large part of the Domain's leadership has joined the 'Reformed Domain', feeling 'cheated' and 'robbed' by the Bombpire. What's left is goons and idiot loyalists who hope to game the system. Best to do our part- shoot the enemy, hang the traitor, and rid the Domain of its more 'expendable' leadership. Crippling it from the top should allow us to easily run the Domain without its interference.
(Simple as. Those who defected get punished for treason. Those who stayed get punished for letting that treason occur.)
or
Say "Uncle!"- Twisting the remaining loyalist Domain officials who aren't total suckups or brainless gobs into doing what we want could allow us some of that same 'buffer' here in the Domain. Rolling from one foreign occupation to another would make anyone testy. Allowing the façade of the independent Domain to continue would mean the people of the Domain can rest easy.
(The Domain will fall under more subtle Bombperial control. Coming into easier swing of Bombperial cartels and being more open to Bombperial peacekeepers.)
or
Don't Disappoint the Living- The Domain can have its cake and eat it. Its clear the Domain views the Bombpire as an opportunistic vulture at best, and an overbearing despot not even waiting for the body to drop dead. Besides, with Camila still probably missing- its best not to piss off the Domain and our Empress. No matter how insignificant these plebes are, I'd rather not pull out my fuse now!
(The Domain will keep its current autonomy as well as receive some 'fixxer-upper' money. If the people are pissed at us now, no need to piss 'em off further.)

Keep the Glass House- The fragile government of the Domain is on one hand- a curse because we have to step in to help in from time to time. But its also a a blessing in disguise. Being able to piece back together a broken vase with your own custom pieces? Oh fuse yes. Obviously we can't replace *all* of the Domain's parts, but we can replace the more vulnerable and valuable parts.
(The Domain will keep its current government- that being a nearly pure theocratic system underneath the rule 'Lord Speaker of the Dead'. Let's be grateful for now the dead can't talk.)
or
Reddest Rose of the Bombpire- We shall declare Empress Camila to be in charge of the Domain, a regency-in-waiting until she can be found dead. While mostly ceremonial, this shall allow the Domain to feel the Bombpire cares for not just them, but the Speaker of the Dead herself. The 'Regency of the Domain' shall supersede the traditional Domain government structure. Said regent will obviously be chosen by yours truly.
(This will establish the "Regency of the Two Realms", in theory it'd be under Empress Camila's rule, becoming a theocratic kingdom as opposed to a purely theocratic structure. Should Camila or another surrogate Empress be found it shall become the "Kingdom of the Two Realms".)
or
All Mine to Fix!- House Sulfur will declare itself the true suzerain of the Domain of Death, no longer bound by simple marriage, the Domain, the Khanate, the Imperium- all MINE. Under my proper governance I can make of these inefficient states into a well-oiled machine. The backwards theocrats holding back progress in the Domain will crumble at the soles of my shoes!
(Another kingdom to conquer. Another kingdom to fix. The Domain will become the "Imperial Realm of Meshtika", named after the old world empire that used to exist in its place. Meshtika shall be under me- Bonn B. Bombley's personal control and will begin ridding it of its more egregious theocratic elements.)

'O-[]-()-{X}-'O-[]-()-{X}-'O-[]-()-{X}

"So boys? Mind helping me build the Bombpire again?"

"Bonn are you? Are you alright?" Bonn snapped back immediately; "I'm feelin' alright actually. It's weird. I should be raving mad, I should be angry, I should logically be any number of emotions but what I am right now. You know that feeling where you're so angry you're just? Not?" Bonn shrugged, "That's what I am right now. Stable-angry."

Greens, Mitt, and Adams looked at one another, worried that Bonn had lost a few strands of his wick somewhere. Bonn meanwhile looked about as rational as he did a solid few months before. His eyes no longer the same twitchy unstable mess they were before. His hands stopped shaking and his fingers quit tapping even in the air. Either Bonn had finally properly snapped or he'd manage to overflow the stress and anxiety back to good ol' regular Bonn, either way it was unnerving to see such quick emotional change from the previously one-track Bonn.

It was a shock to everyone that Mitt stepped up first to shake Bonn's hand.

"He- he l-looks alright to me."

Said handshake reminded Mitt actually of the first time he met Bonn. Calm, sophisticated. Bonn had his head screwed on then, Bonn had his head screwed on now. Where Bonn was some anxiety and stress-driven emotional wreck that seemed to be teetering on collapse the last few months- here seemed an almost impossible view of the same Bonn he met so long ago.

"Well boys? You in?"

Greens moved forward as well and shook Bonn's hand. Greens was rarely unnerved by anything. But Bonn's sudden mood swing continued to put Greens on edge. But at the moment? Greens felt the same thing as Mitt did. The same Bonn from before the last few months of a rabid and unfused Bonn. Collected and on his A-game. Greens wasn't a psychologist, but this wasn't 'normal'.

Adams finally joined in, mumbling something about 'peer pressure' before joining Bonn in his handshake. Still confused and still worried about his friend.

"Right then boys. Let's rebuild our empire."

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-=Settling for Silver, and Stealing Gold=-
The Khanate, the Domain, and now up along the Adventists eastern border, the Dynasty is trying and succeeding its best in pissing me off. Wherever I look I hear talk of the Dynasty, shiny, bright and gold! Its 'liberal ideas' stand proudly and tall! I want to personally order an airstrike on Sackarmento just to shut up those smug gold-toothed rats, but unfortunately we need to play 'nice'.
(One choice per category The Golden rats need to be taken down a while.)

-Plan Bison Bronze-
What's rightfully mine is also what's rightfully yours.
Bring War to Peace River- The tribe just north of the former Khanate is known as the 'Peace River People', a pitiful people, no wonder they folded to the rabid Khan so soon. Likely understrength and weak from years of Khanate subjugation, invading them would allow us access to more northern corridors to the Western Ocean- and as a consequence- encircling and trapping the Bisonweavers. A small contingent should be able to move into Peace River along with a few tribal auxiliaries.
(The Bombpire shall invade and set up a puppet kingdom along the Peace River. There is a high chance that the Bisonweavers will also attempt to block our attempts west and expand north into the mostly unorganized mountain territories just north of it- blocking even more passageways to the Western Ocean if not starting a second war on the Plains with the Dynasty directly backing up the Bisonweavers.)

Whip Up the Buffalonic Plague- There are quite a few buffalo-exclusive diseases, the most notable being the 'Buffalonic Plague'- a mutated strain of the 'Bubonic Plague'- an old world virus. Perhaps injecting several hundred buffalo with a more powerful version of the Buffalonic Plague and releasing them into the Bisonweavers tribe would cripple them- allowing a swift and tactical victory.
(A small herd of buffalo will be infected with an amped up version of the Plague and sent west into the Bisonweavers. However there is a very risky possibility that the buffalo across the Plains may be infected in due time as well, it should however first cripple and decimate the Bisonweavers, and if we can remove Dynastic influence in that window, whatever happens to the Plains is a benefit.)

Allow the Tribes to Battle- The tribes we have conquered seem to have a long martial history- being some of the most dedicated servants of the Khanate and fierce warriors during the Greatest Clobberin'. One way they kept fighting spirit up was with regular skirmishes between one another. Perhaps allowing this tradition to continue would keep the pesky Bisonweavers busy and slowly wear them down.
(The tribes shall be allowed to skirmish amongst themselves and thier neighbors. This will apply to all tribes north of Founders Mountain we conquer, this will also in practice allow for potential successors to the unified Khanate of Buffalo Bill.)

-Plan Sacrament Silver-
Join me here or join me in Hell holy men.
Materials for Spiritualists- The Adventists preach a simple life and a humble life in order to prepare themselves for the '3rd Advent', they claim such spartan lifestyles will allow them to join their ancestors in the heavens. Of course this is also due to circumstance in reality- the mountains are poor in industry, living in similar squalor as tribesmen to the north do or gangers in inner Rust Cities.
(Industries and corporations will begin to purchase land and build factories in Adventist lands. We'll be able to corrode thier faith and spirituality with cheap and stupendous amounts of products. Let's see how well you can resist taking the easy road when it smells like chocolate and spices.)

Allow Them Their Temples- For years we've barred the Adventists from building and converting spaces for temples within the Bombpire. However with a fairly large community in the Domain preaching and making a syncretic faith, and the tolerance of the Rust Cults and the Domain's religious practices to allow an alliance- what is but one more set of holy men to the Bombpire?
(The Adventists will be allowed to settle and build within Bombperial territory. Thus allowing us to easily infiltrate thier church structure once they're established within Bombperial territory. A slow burn it is, but a burn all the same.)

The Nuclear Option- Adams has been able to build up and amass a small army his own in the Kingdom of Trinity. And with extensive intelligence throughout the mountains, while such a war may not be easy or cost-effective, conquering is the simpler and often overlooked solution to many of the worlds problems. Ride forth yon knight of the nuclear, ride forth and give these savages true hellfire.
(Adams. Go fucking nuts.)

-Plan Golden God-
Gold may not rust or corrode but it can still break.

Sabotage Lithium Trade- While some lithium is produced and mined within the Dynasty's borders- it isn't enough to supply the ever-growing and ever-hungry demand for the element in the Dynasty. A lot of it is shipped in from overseas or across the Ash Wastes. Sending some of Ahab's more useless ships to go raid Dynastic trade and offering bounties within the Wastes should allow us to harm the Dynasty from afar.
(A thousand Bombperial credits for every ounce of lithium you destroy or rob! And a thousand more for every Dynasty citizen who gets killed or taken hostage! The Dynasty will be crippled over time as we engage in a 'lithium war'.)

A Scandalous Scandal!- The people of the Dynasty are such odd ones, caring about social media scandals and trends. Hooked forever into screens and consumed by the digital infrastructure they've built up over (supposedly) hundreds of years. If we create scandals for Dynastic officials- maybe even some of the royalty- we'd throw the Dynasty into jeopardy. Who cares about foreign expansion when someone's foot is a new shade of blue?
(Bombperial celebrities and agents will get chummy with Dynastic celebrities and elites, either catching them in seemingly ghastly situations or embarrassing fuck-ups. Now here's 15 embarrassing upskirt shots of Princess Luna G. Ellison-Gates-Gelsinger. Number 4 you won't believe!)

The Ashes Beckon- The Ash Wastes are home to feral and nomadic things- barely resembling sapients and more akin to rabid animals. And just like a rabid animal- you throw a fresh bloody cut of meat and they'll go for it. Same with the Wasters- throwing tales of treasure to the tribes of the Ash Wastes is a two-for-one deal! Weakening Ash Wasters and weakening the Dynasty!
(The Ash Wasters will be under the beck and call of the Bombpire for a few years, allowing us to raid the Dynasty's southern frontiers and potentially other snotty countries and groups like the Longhorns or some of the more persnickety Adventists.)

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"Now then boys. Lets start with the first order of business- firing that shit-rudder Adams-"

"Uh, sir?"

Bonn snapped around at the little rat-man messenger- clearly not all of the rage and disappointment he felt was gone, just enough to let him not break down. But if this little shit had something to say that wouldn't make his day, Bonn was sure Ahab wouldn't notice him gone anyway.

"W h a t ?"

"It's a message from a fleet doing patrols around the Keychain Islands. They found somethin-"

"Tell me what it damn well is without the kutzpah before I use you for a cannon-shot."

"Yes sir! The fleet! The fleet found a-uh- they found Camila sir."

Bonn snapped back around at his trio of friends. "Good news for Ahab boys. He won't be fired today. Rat-man messenger?"

"Yes boss?"

"Don't tell Ahab anything you heard today, and tell that rusty pile of bolts to deliver Camila to the Palace immediately! We need to fix a lot of shit!"

"Aye!" The little rat-man scurried back into the Palace.

"Now then! Let's get to business."

'O-[]-()-{X}-'O-[]-()-{X}-'O-[]-()-{X}

Sorry for the delays. I do hope you enjoy Bonn going mad.
And I do hope you enjoy "Chapter 10.5" as well.
Voting ends August 2nd.
Usual rules apply and Hail to the Bombperor!

Description

Bonn wasn't having what one might call a 'good year'. The "Bombperial Shock" as it came to be known, led to the destruction and razing of nearly every piece of Bombperial digital infrastructure. With the Anchovynes having a backdoor into every piece of Bombperial technology that was more advanced than tubes, direct wires, and cogs, the Bombpire had to quickly regress into an analogue state. That wasn't the worst of it. Resetting technology could be manageable, but it was everything else that came after it. The A.P.F. split apart following Bonn's decision to crown himself Emperor of the Imperium- leading to a three-way toss-up in the ocean between the A.P.F. and the still-loyal A.R.I.F. (Anchovyne Restoration of Imperial Fortitude).

And of course following the lack of finding the Empress Camila after several months, and continued blame on the Bombpire for her disappearance, enough of the Domain was swayed by Golden Dynasty propaganda to throw thier support behind a union between the Domain and House Ellison-Gates-Gelsinger. Heck the Dynasty seems to be acting much more aggressive as of recently- likely sensing an opportune time to strike with the Bombperial Shock, the recovering of Bombperial resources from the War of the Plains and the involvement in the Imperium. Along with other potential issues such as Bonn's "Shit-List" a strictly private list of every Bombperial official or celebrity he hated and wished to give a good 'smacking and sacking' having been leaked into Anchovyne databases.

It became a lot clearer why Bonn began to break down. The Bombpire was vast and full of oddities- but they could usually be dealt with easily and swiftly. Now the Bombpire was even slower, more inefficient, and now with the threat of potential civil war on top of handling two on the Bombperors plate- one can see even the most untouchable men can fall ill.

Especially today, Bonn sat at his office desk, twitchy like a speed-freak in the Big Apple's Down-Downtown. Mitt, Greens, and Adams were around the office. Keeping distance from Bonn but still within "I don't think you're a raving banshee" distance. Bonn had gathered them in his office at the end of every month in case he "flew off". As it turned out, blowing up ones office wasn't something you prepare for until after you blow it up.

"Message for the Bombperor! Courtesy of Bombperial Admiral-" Bonn waved the messenger in. He'd heard the same title 19 times before, and at the rate Ahab was going, he wouldn't hear his name or his rank in about 19 weeks as opposed to 19 months. The small messenger scuttled in, a literal tail between his legs- of course Ahab always used the rat-people for thier light feet and talent for sneaking- they were the perfect scum for messengers. The rat-man approached the office desk, just barely able to see over the top, delivered a message and quickly scurried out of the room as Bonn opened it. He'd sack Ahab sooner than 19 weeks if he kept using 'scrolls' as his primary method of communicating.

Mitt, Greens, and Adams moved closer to the desk, ready to pounce on Bonn in case he flipped his shit as Bonn read through the report sent by Ahab. Bonn scanned it all, his eyes had glazed the report in seconds; reading through the war's doings, ships sunk, fish harpooned, loot taken. Bonn finally got to the part of the scroll he cared about. The search report. Bonn scrolled through it, his eyes glued to the paper.

"Search of the oceanic quadrants 45C to 52R has resulted in no further progress on locating Empress."

Bonn looked at the results. Nothing. Nothing for 20 straight months in a row.

Nothing at all.

Bonn's wick began to flare as he stared at the results. His three friends looked ready to hit him unconscious- as was protocol. And unexpectedly the wick went up in smoke and they all looked confused as Bonn looked about the same as he did before. Glazed eyes, an unchanging grimaced look. Bonn didn't look defeated, angry, or any other emotion besides "disappointed". Now, Bonn always said he was disappointed in people. Bonn always said the things around him disappointed him. But Bonn never looked disappointed, he was vitriolic, bashful, crude, and stand-offish. Bonn however looked thoroughly beaten as he dropped the scroll off the desk and onto the floor.

"Bonn?" "You alright man?" "That's the calmest he's been in months. . ."

Bonn simmered as as he began to process the news. The one-sided conversation his friends were having as he melted away into his mind became a blur. Nothing- not a trace of the one person Ahab was specifically tasked with re-acquiring from the Imperium. The ocean was vast sure, but its not like he was combing it by himself. He had a navy, some loyalist fish-mongers, top-of-the-line Bombperial radar equipment, and a general hunch where she could've been. But nothing. Bonn slowly simmered from disappointment to defeat and finally back to a default emotion- rage.

Rage after 20-odd months of nothing. Rage at the Imperium. Rage at the Bombpire itself.
"I have given that rusty piece of shit nearly a year and a half! A YEAR AND A HALF I HAVE ASKED HIM TO DO THREE THINGS. AND TWO OF THEM HE DOES FOR HIS OWN SELFISH AMUSEMENT ON THE DAILY! YET HE HAS FAILED ME AT EVERY TURN!" Bonn yelled as he slammed his fist on the table. "I have given the Navy everything it wants and more! I have let it fester along the back of the Bombpire as it steals and loots the whole ocean of its worth! AND YET IT CANNOT FIND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I ASK FOR IT. BUT THAT RUSTED PILE OF SHIT HAS BEEN ABLE TO SCROUNGE UP WORTHLESS PLATES AND CUTLERY!" Bonn slammed his fist again on the table.

". . ." "Bonn what in the Fuse are you talking about?" ". . ."

"I am talking about these crypto-traitors who ruin this empire. It is why I don't trust anyone beyond you three. Because almost every politician, general, admiral, and filthy kutzpah in the Bombpire that sucks the life and efficiency from MY EMPIRE!" Bonn slammed his fists down on his desk. The wood began to splinter as Bonn smashed it. What was off-putting was that Bonn's wick didn't ignite, it still remained smoking and unlit. "I HAVE GIVEN AHAB TWENTY FUSE-GRANTED MONTHS. I HAVE GIVEN THE RATS NEST THAT IS THE NAVY A FREE HAND. And what do I get? I get a fractured ally in the east, I get shot in the foot with our trade, and the Empress of the nation is gone, and now the Domain is riding my ass because of it."

Bonn sat down, fuming, Greens and Adams still trying to keep thier distance from the deteriorating Bonn, Mitt slowly tried to approach.

"My best allies are a bunch of fusing amateur neurosurgeons who try and pass off lobotomites as zombies. My next most useful allies are literal skeleton worshippers and even dumber fish-mongers. I have conquered half of Northumer with nothing but myself and you three and I am being slowed down by these bumbling morons and sulfur-deficient screwballs at every turn! Ahab- that rusted pile of barnacles! He is just the ugliest most rotten cherry on top of the Bombpires woes! And I will have had it! The Bombpire has failed me for the last fusing time!"

Bonn finally simmered down and sat back in his seat, the fuse atop his head finally stopped smoking and going limp to his side. Bonn gestured for the three to leave.

"Leave. Now."

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-=Burn and Rebuild the Swamp=-
The Bombpire has a lot of muck and gunk in it that needs to be cleared out. Of course there also needs to be some swamp. If the people find out the Bombpire is a lot 'trimmer' than it is, they'll make stupid demands or throw blame our way because we have all the shots and could thus fire that one brutal or stupid governor for 'moral reasons'. Like any fleshbag, the skeleton needs some meat to shield it. Of course that buffer of idiots is no good if they start gnawing away at the bone too, the Bombpire needs a big fixer-upper pronto.
(Two choices per category. We're gonna need every bit of potential to work.)

-Burning It Down-
Just as it can be destroyed. . .
Best Fire Most the List- Thankfully there is a physical copy of the list. We'll have to work hard and work fast to fire or transfer the underlings around the Bombpire. These goons can't be all killed but we can certainly remove them from power and any position of authority and curtail any potential civil disturbances from eager power-trippers or overzealous idiots.
(We'll go through a 'small' purge of leadership and upper management. Very few people have to die, but we'll make sure nobody can fight back by firing old officials and hiring newer if less-experienced ones in thier place.)

Lowering Expectations- Instead of disposing most of these goons, we can lower our expectations and allow the Bombpire to run at a lower efficiency for a while. Letting more money slip by, troops run slightly degraded, some shady sites not filtered. Hopefully letting more slip through more corruption and sleaze slip through oughta keep the shit-lings under control.
(Corruption will soar through the Bombpire for the next few years. We need to make sure these politicians are kept just like the people- happy, stupid, and unaware of our future plans. It's just instead of sports and beer, its hookers and blow.)

Better Call Smile- Mr. Smile- unofficial chief Bombperial propagandist is a rather loosely loyal ally of the government but a useful rat. Giving him some extra money and extra leeway space within the government would allow him and his web of little cronies to remain comfortably within Bombperial control. With the backing of the Smile media empire and all its shell corporations, the Bombpire could afford to lose a few ministers and comfortably replace them with a bright smile.
(Mr. Smiles Happy Home Media Enterprises (or Smile Group) will be made into a semi-official part of the Bombperial power structure. Existing under more supervision and censorship, but getting some extra privileges and benefits in the process as well- maybe even knock a few competing channels off the block.)

Try and Keep Clean- Why should we dirty our hands when we can get a few idiots on the outside to do it for us. Sending out a few agents and plainclothes to 'help direct' groups like the Gaddies or other anti-Bombperial groups to target select Bombperial ministers and politicians that cause us some trouble would help keep the other officials in line and fearful of outside threats and properly dependent on the Bombpire's security.
(Rioters will assassinate and kill several Bombperial low-ranks, causing panic within the rest of the government. We send in Greens to deal with these little rioters, clean 'em up, and tell the rest they'll be safe under my umbrella. I'm always looking out for my personnel. Always looking.)

-Rebuilding the Muck-
. . .so too can it be rebuilt.
Use the Sumerian- While we've taken apart and studied the remains of Gilgamech for some while we've not yet used its parts. While proposed to merge with G.R.I.D. to make an advanced radar. Though thanks to being unplugged and in a hundred or so pieces, Gilgamech hasn't been hacked by Anchovyne cyber-criminals and could be the basis for a new Bombperial digital empire.
(Gilgamech's operating system will become the base of a new and improved Bombperial computer network. Based and kept primarily in Fort Knocks, this will be a lot more secure than keeping the codes and backdoors within Palace grounds- try it now fish-mongers! Of course said operating system will still take a while to implement.)

Roll With the Company- Disgusting as they are- the Hudson Mercenary Company (or just the Hudds) is useful for thier mercenaries and access to northern non-Anchovyne facing ports. Mercenaries we can use to help support and supplant traditional garrisons and mercenaries we can use to combat any potential private armies assembled by other low-lifes and gangs within urban settlements.
(The Hudson Mercenary Company will be employed by the Bombpire. As well as the troops and employees they have will now be under contract to serve the Bombpire- the territory they also control will be under Bombperial sovereignty. This will cause friction within the Bombpire given the Hudds negative reputation regarding local indigenous peoples and animal rights abuses.)

Major Duarchies- Having every major position follow the Bombperor is a smart choice. Just as I have my Empress, so too shall every Head Admiral, Head General, so on and so on be a dual position should allow for a few positives- mainly the art of educating protégé, allowing further skilled men and women to rise to the top, and keeping a check on a sole individuals power so they don't get funny ideas.
(Bombperial politicians will be doubled, however everyones power halved. And with an extra set of eyes on them, they'll think twice about revolting or going against my wishes. And in some cases, it'll be useful to have two people in charge, allowing more flexible strategies and tactics, or potentially allowing more resources to be pooled for various plans, pushes, and proposals.)

Court of the Elite- A court system for the ranks and annals of the government should be established. The elite- especially the professionals and officials of the Bombperial government should be held accountable, personally accountable by me. It might be time-consuming, but it'd be worth it to scare anyone daring to try anything funny into coming into confirmation with one such as I. Plus to the plebes it shall appear as though Bonn is a just and fair ruler. A big plus.
(The Supreme Court of the Bombperial Government will exist with personally handpicked judges and some of the best and heartless lawyers. This court shall exist solely to indict and serve punishments, fines, or other cruel and unusual sentences to Bombperial government employees. This will include everything from teachers to Zone governors.)

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"Bonn?" "You alright?"

"No."

Bonn straightened himself in his chair. "I'm not 'alright', I rarely am if ever contempt, but I can keep a leveled-head. I have to run this damn pile of messy and disgusting screaming fiefdoms by myself sometimes, I swear to the Great Bomb it's amazing how I don't lose it half the time. People are incompetent, sure. People are stupid, fine. But how are so many people lousy UNTRUSTWORTHY SLOBS WHO CANT SEEM TO FUFILL SIMPLE ORDERS!" Bonn struck his fist onto his terminal. "I should've expected this when I asked for an empire to be made of the low-lives and the scum of the world. To allow better control and fear from the people. To be ruthless and respected. And all I got was the wallowing scum who steal from everyone- including me!"

Bonn left his chair and started pacing around the room, rambling to himself- ignoring his friends as he at first incoherently rambled to himself, phrases and words made out sure- but the underlying whole was gibberish. The trio of bombs watched as Bonn seemed to ramble and pace himself out from defeat and rage and into a more 'disappointed' angle, his tone shifted, his hunch lessening as he paced back and forth. Finally it was the last bits of a self-conversation they heard that they decided to jump in. "There is only so much dumb bullshit one can stand. And I've reached my limit on dumb bullshit. It's time this Bombpire takes a hard turn and its time I put my foot down. I'm the fusing Bombperor and its time we started taking a heavier hand in the affairs of this nation-building stuff. It's clear I can't trust even the most skilled and closest goons I have to run this pile of junk."

"Are we 'goons' Bonn?" "Hey, yeah, what about us 'goons'?" "Yeah!"

Bonn replied instantly; "Not you, you're friends. And I don't use that term lightly. Your competent and loyal- even if you all have your own 'bits' that I'm not fond of. Mitt's too damn timid for his own good." "Sorry." "Greens- you are way too damn loud and compulsive." "Cram it." "And Adams my guy, you really could tone down the patrician shtick." "To degrade myself? Never!" "Point being. you are 'pals', 'friends', reliable and smart, regardless of the flaws you got. Ahab and all the others are goons. And its time I stop letting my empire be run by those goons and be trampled over by these goons. Today I've realized something in talking to myself gentlemen."

"Today will be the day I remake the Bombpire into something glorious, into something greater than a near-anarchic collection of warlords. Today will be the day I make the Bombpire truly mine. No more in name only, no more heavy-handed symbolism. This Bombpire will be made by my hands."

Bonn turned to face his friends. "And it can be remade with your help in your image too, old pals." Bonn said, holding out his hands.

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-=Play Deguello He Roared!=-
The Domain has always pissed me off. Slow to accept Bombperial suzerainty, and slower still to accede to fair and just demands. Still, saving it from the cronies of Sackarmento would allow us more favors within the Domain than idly sitting by or Fuse-forbid, allowing the Golden Dynasty to walk all over the territory we plan on taking over in the inevitable future.
(3 options to clear the score. Go for it nimrods.)

Protect Our Property First!- Those corporations and the resources they extract are Bombperial property. It'd make logical sense to protect our property before the Domains. Besides, helping out the Bombperial businesses would grant us some nice leeway and extra leverage over said corporations as well as future financial and corporate endeavors at home.
(Bombperial corporations will be put ahead of the other affairs in the Domain of Death. This will give us some extra favors with local corporations like Whetstone Oil and Bombers Rock and Stone Company. This will significantly harm relations with the Domain however- seeing us as dirty selfish cowards.)
or
'Liberate' the 'Hook'- The 'Hook', a peninsula that borders the Abominable Temple Wastes to the east and is loosely connected to the Domain has fallen victim to Dynasty propaganda and is rebelling. By sending some marines and the Bombperial Guard to retake and restore proper order to the provinces, we could allow for greater focus on the larger problem faced by the Domain.
(Bombperial forces will take a slightly more 'direct' occupation of the Hook and its two provinces. Of course such actions will leave the core of the Domain exposed, however having control of the Hook will allow us to not be distracted in the future and further cement control over other areas of the Domain.)
or
Lights Out- Majority of the rebellious 'Reformed Domain' forces are coming from provinces facing the 'Lighthouse Archipelago', the southernmost points of the Golden Dynasty. Striking hard at the still fresh and mostly militia-based formations should provide us a quick end to this civil war. Though such a strike would be costly on our end. Weapons, volunteers, officers, and making the Domain's own military more competent than it should be may prove double-edged.
(Bombperial officers will be sent to the Domain to help turn the forces they do have into a more mobile and deep-cutting set of units, allowing them to get the first strike against 'Reformed Domain' forces.)

They're Friendlier Dead- A large part of the Domain's leadership has joined the 'Reformed Domain', feeling 'cheated' and 'robbed' by the Bombpire. What's left is goons and idiot loyalists who hope to game the system. Best to do our part- shoot the enemy, hang the traitor, and rid the Domain of its more 'expendable' leadership. Crippling it from the top should allow us to easily run the Domain without its interference.
(Simple as. Those who defected get punished for treason. Those who stayed get punished for letting that treason occur.)
or
Say "Uncle!"- Twisting the remaining loyalist Domain officials who aren't total suckups or brainless gobs into doing what we want could allow us some of that same 'buffer' here in the Domain. Rolling from one foreign occupation to another would make anyone testy. Allowing the façade of the independent Domain to continue would mean the people of the Domain can rest easy.
(The Domain will fall under more subtle Bombperial control. Coming into easier swing of Bombperial cartels and being more open to Bombperial peacekeepers.)
or
Don't Disappoint the Living- The Domain can have its cake and eat it. Its clear the Domain views the Bombpire as an opportunistic vulture at best, and an overbearing despot not even waiting for the body to drop dead. Besides, with Camila still probably missing- its best not to piss off the Domain and our Empress. No matter how insignificant these plebes are, I'd rather not pull out my fuse now!
(The Domain will keep its current autonomy as well as receive some 'fixxer-upper' money. If the people are pissed at us now, no need to piss 'em off further.)

Keep the Glass House- The fragile government of the Domain is on one hand- a curse because we have to step in to help in from time to time. But its also a a blessing in disguise. Being able to piece back together a broken vase with your own custom pieces? Oh fuse yes. Obviously we can't replace *all* of the Domain's parts, but we can replace the more vulnerable and valuable parts.
(The Domain will keep its current government- that being a nearly pure theocratic system underneath the rule 'Lord Speaker of the Dead'. Let's be grateful for now the dead can't talk.)
or
Reddest Rose of the Bombpire- We shall declare Empress Camila to be in charge of the Domain, a regency-in-waiting until she can be found dead. While mostly ceremonial, this shall allow the Domain to feel the Bombpire cares for not just them, but the Speaker of the Dead herself. The 'Regency of the Domain' shall supersede the traditional Domain government structure. Said regent will obviously be chosen by yours truly.
(This will establish the "Regency of the Two Realms", in theory it'd be under Empress Camila's rule, becoming a theocratic kingdom as opposed to a purely theocratic structure. Should Camila or another surrogate Empress be found it shall become the "Kingdom of the Two Realms".)
or
All Mine to Fix!- House Sulfur will declare itself the true suzerain of the Domain of Death, no longer bound by simple marriage, the Domain, the Khanate, the Imperium- all MINE. Under my proper governance I can make of these inefficient states into a well-oiled machine. The backwards theocrats holding back progress in the Domain will crumble at the soles of my shoes!
(Another kingdom to conquer. Another kingdom to fix. The Domain will become the "Imperial Realm of Meshtika", named after the old world empire that used to exist in its place. Meshtika shall be under me- Bonn B. Bombley's personal control and will begin ridding it of its more egregious theocratic elements.)

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"So boys? Mind helping me build the Bombpire again?"

"Bonn are you? Are you alright?" Bonn snapped back immediately; "I'm feelin' alright actually. It's weird. I should be raving mad, I should be angry, I should logically be any number of emotions but what I am right now. You know that feeling where you're so angry you're just? Not?" Bonn shrugged, "That's what I am right now. Stable-angry."

Greens, Mitt, and Adams looked at one another, worried that Bonn had lost a few strands of his wick somewhere. Bonn meanwhile looked about as rational as he did a solid few months before. His eyes no longer the same twitchy unstable mess they were before. His hands stopped shaking and his fingers quit tapping even in the air. Either Bonn had finally properly snapped or he'd manage to overflow the stress and anxiety back to good ol' regular Bonn, either way it was unnerving to see such quick emotional change from the previously one-track Bonn.

It was a shock to everyone that Mitt stepped up first to shake Bonn's hand.

"He- he l-looks alright to me."

Said handshake reminded Mitt actually of the first time he met Bonn. Calm, sophisticated. Bonn had his head screwed on then, Bonn had his head screwed on now. Where Bonn was some anxiety and stress-driven emotional wreck that seemed to be teetering on collapse the last few months- here seemed an almost impossible view of the same Bonn he met so long ago.

"Well boys? You in?"

Greens moved forward as well and shook Bonn's hand. Greens was rarely unnerved by anything. But Bonn's sudden mood swing continued to put Greens on edge. But at the moment? Greens felt the same thing as Mitt did. The same Bonn from before the last few months of a rabid and unfused Bonn. Collected and on his A-game. Greens wasn't a psychologist, but this wasn't 'normal'.

Adams finally joined in, mumbling something about 'peer pressure' before joining Bonn in his handshake. Still confused and still worried about his friend.

"Right then boys. Let's rebuild our empire."

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-=Settling for Silver, and Stealing Gold=-
The Khanate, the Domain, and now up along the Adventists eastern border, the Dynasty is trying and succeeding its best in pissing me off. Wherever I look I hear talk of the Dynasty, shiny, bright and gold! Its 'liberal ideas' stand proudly and tall! I want to personally order an airstrike on Sackarmento just to shut up those smug gold-toothed rats, but unfortunately we need to play 'nice'.
(One choice per category The Golden rats need to be taken down a while.)

-Plan Bison Bronze-
What's rightfully mine is also what's rightfully yours.
Bring War to Peace River- The tribe just north of the former Khanate is known as the 'Peace River People', a pitiful people, no wonder they folded to the rabid Khan so soon. Likely understrength and weak from years of Khanate subjugation, invading them would allow us access to more northern corridors to the Western Ocean- and as a consequence- encircling and trapping the Bisonweavers. A small contingent should be able to move into Peace River along with a few tribal auxiliaries.
(The Bombpire shall invade and set up a puppet kingdom along the Peace River. There is a high chance that the Bisonweavers will also attempt to block our attempts west and expand north into the mostly unorganized mountain territories just north of it- blocking even more passageways to the Western Ocean if not starting a second war on the Plains with the Dynasty directly backing up the Bisonweavers.)

Whip Up the Buffalonic Plague- There are quite a few buffalo-exclusive diseases, the most notable being the 'Buffalonic Plague'- a mutated strain of the 'Bubonic Plague'- an old world virus. Perhaps injecting several hundred buffalo with a more powerful version of the Buffalonic Plague and releasing them into the Bisonweavers tribe would cripple them- allowing a swift and tactical victory.
(A small herd of buffalo will be infected with an amped up version of the Plague and sent west into the Bisonweavers. However there is a very risky possibility that the buffalo across the Plains may be infected in due time as well, it should however first cripple and decimate the Bisonweavers, and if we can remove Dynastic influence in that window, whatever happens to the Plains is a benefit.)

Allow the Tribes to Battle- The tribes we have conquered seem to have a long martial history- being some of the most dedicated servants of the Khanate and fierce warriors during the Greatest Clobberin'. One way they kept fighting spirit up was with regular skirmishes between one another. Perhaps allowing this tradition to continue would keep the pesky Bisonweavers busy and slowly wear them down.
(The tribes shall be allowed to skirmish amongst themselves and thier neighbors. This will apply to all tribes north of Founders Mountain we conquer, this will also in practice allow for potential successors to the unified Khanate of Buffalo Bill.)

-Plan Sacrament Silver-
Join me here or join me in Hell holy men.
Materials for Spiritualists- The Adventists preach a simple life and a humble life in order to prepare themselves for the '3rd Advent', they claim such spartan lifestyles will allow them to join their ancestors in the heavens. Of course this is also due to circumstance in reality- the mountains are poor in industry, living in similar squalor as tribesmen to the north do or gangers in inner Rust Cities.
(Industries and corporations will begin to purchase land and build factories in Adventist lands. We'll be able to corrode thier faith and spirituality with cheap and stupendous amounts of products. Let's see how well you can resist taking the easy road when it smells like chocolate and spices.)

Allow Them Their Temples- For years we've barred the Adventists from building and converting spaces for temples within the Bombpire. However with a fairly large community in the Domain preaching and making a syncretic faith, and the tolerance of the Rust Cults and the Domain's religious practices to allow an alliance- what is but one more set of holy men to the Bombpire?
(The Adventists will be allowed to settle and build within Bombperial territory. Thus allowing us to easily infiltrate thier church structure once they're established within Bombperial territory. A slow burn it is, but a burn all the same.)

The Nuclear Option- Adams has been able to build up and amass a small army his own in the Kingdom of Trinity. And with extensive intelligence throughout the mountains, while such a war may not be easy or cost-effective, conquering is the simpler and often overlooked solution to many of the worlds problems. Ride forth yon knight of the nuclear, ride forth and give these savages true hellfire.
(Adams. Go fucking nuts.)

-Plan Golden God-
Gold may not rust or corrode but it can still break.

Sabotage Lithium Trade- While some lithium is produced and mined within the Dynasty's borders- it isn't enough to supply the ever-growing and ever-hungry demand for the element in the Dynasty. A lot of it is shipped in from overseas or across the Ash Wastes. Sending some of Ahab's more useless ships to go raid Dynastic trade and offering bounties within the Wastes should allow us to harm the Dynasty from afar.
(A thousand Bombperial credits for every ounce of lithium you destroy or rob! And a thousand more for every Dynasty citizen who gets killed or taken hostage! The Dynasty will be crippled over time as we engage in a 'lithium war'.)

A Scandalous Scandal!- The people of the Dynasty are such odd ones, caring about social media scandals and trends. Hooked forever into screens and consumed by the digital infrastructure they've built up over (supposedly) hundreds of years. If we create scandals for Dynastic officials- maybe even some of the royalty- we'd throw the Dynasty into jeopardy. Who cares about foreign expansion when someone's foot is a new shade of blue?
(Bombperial celebrities and agents will get chummy with Dynastic celebrities and elites, either catching them in seemingly ghastly situations or embarrassing fuck-ups. Now here's 15 embarrassing upskirt shots of Princess Luna G. Ellison-Gates-Gelsinger. Number 4 you won't believe!)

The Ashes Beckon- The Ash Wastes are home to feral and nomadic things- barely resembling sapients and more akin to rabid animals. And just like a rabid animal- you throw a fresh bloody cut of meat and they'll go for it. Same with the Wasters- throwing tales of treasure to the tribes of the Ash Wastes is a two-for-one deal! Weakening Ash Wasters and weakening the Dynasty!
(The Ash Wasters will be under the beck and call of the Bombpire for a few years, allowing us to raid the Dynasty's southern frontiers and potentially other snotty countries and groups like the Longhorns or some of the more persnickety Adventists.)

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"Now then boys. Lets start with the first order of business- firing that shit-rudder Adams-"

"Uh, sir?"

Bonn snapped around at the little rat-man messenger- clearly not all of the rage and disappointment he felt was gone, just enough to let him not break down. But if this little shit had something to say that wouldn't make his day, Bonn was sure Ahab wouldn't notice him gone anyway.

"W h a t ?"

"It's a message from a fleet doing patrols around the Keychain Islands. They found somethin-"

"Tell me what it damn well is without the kutzpah before I use you for a cannon-shot."

"Yes sir! The fleet! The fleet found a-uh- they found Camila sir."

Bonn snapped back around at his trio of friends. "Good news for Ahab boys. He won't be fired today. Rat-man messenger?"

"Yes boss?"

"Don't tell Ahab anything you heard today, and tell that rusty pile of bolts to deliver Camila to the Palace immediately! We need to fix a lot of shit!"

"Aye!" The little rat-man scurried back into the Palace.

"Now then! Let's get to business."

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Sorry for the delays. I do hope you enjoy Bonn going mad.
And I do hope you enjoy "Chapter 10.5" as well.
Voting ends August 2nd.
Usual rules apply and Hail to the Bombperor!