The History of the World V . . . .

[deity]

...

[deity]

OK, I'll get rid of them.

[KunojiLym]

The Republic of Russia

Pictures speak louder than words. Let this satellite image taken by the SVG speak for itself.

Anastasia Romanov
Prime Minister of the Republic of Russia

Edit: The picture is dated 1714 AD.

[OzzyKP]

EIGTHTEENTH SESSION 1714 AD

India(Gandhi) - OzzyKP
America(Washington) - CyberShy
Germany(Bismark) - Trev
China(Qin Shi Huang) - Frank Johnson
Russia(Catherine) - KunojiLym
Spain(Isabella) - TheCapo
England(Elizabeth) - Deity
Inca(Huayna Capac) - Nolan/Condor


Session 18 Number of Cities (since session 17):

England - 14
China - 14
Spain - 12
Germany - 11
Inca - 11
Russia - 11
India - 11
America - 10

[OzzyKP]

And the always entertaining powergraph:

[Robert]

From: George W. Bush, President of the United States of America
To: All nations of Terra
Subject: The bombing of Lahore

Dear leaders of Terra,

We have reached a new low-point in our diplomatic relations. The responsible nation for the Lahore bombing has still not been found. Nations are pointing at each other without having a clue. We have no evidence. There's no evidence for the responsibility of England, nor is there evidence against the responsibility of England.

The multiple pictures of english spies don't prove anything. Though it does surprise me that England is suddenly revealing that it has located many spies in foreign territory. A very very disturbing situation. The only reason I can give for this absurd open attitude in which England admits war-alike actions against multiple nations is that England really didn't do the Lahore bombing and tries everything to show it's innocence. Eventhough this doesn't show Englands innocence, it does show the panic in England for being made responsible for something as terrific as the bombing on a peacefull project from the RASA.

That leaves us with the question who IS responsible. Germany and America are not capable of training spies yet. The Inca's, the Spanish nor the Russians have any reason to bomb the RASA construction place. That leaves England and China.

We didn't hear much from China on this topic, I suggest that we don't continue our research with a tunnel vision on England. I therefor request the United Nations to do serious research after the possible Chinese responsibility for the Lahore bombing.

The United States of America will support any action that'll be taken against the responsible nation.

On another topic, I am very concerned that Germany still did not recognize the American state of France and did not publicly declare that it doesn't claim the French cities. I request the members of the United Nations to publicly speak their thoughts regarding this topic.

The evil deeds of Nazi Germany didn't happen long ago and we didn't see a stable new regime after the removal of Kimler. I hope that the Lahore bombing will not distract the world from the problems in Germany. I hope that the United Nations of Terra will not let the Americans and the French sort this problem out once again.

Greetings,

George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
President of America, New America and France

[The Capo]

United Nations Directive



United Nations of Terra

TO: Prime Minister Harold Wilson of England
FROM: Secretary General Javier Solana
CC: India, Russia, Spain, Inca, America, China, and Germany.

Mr. Wilson,

We appreciate the fact that you have just now come forward with the "true" location of your spy network. However, this is where that appreciation ends.

We have seen at least three, possibly four cases of the English govenment knowingly, and willingly providing the United Nations with false information, even after my own directive offered proof of this even more false information or doctored files were given. It is in the interest of Terra that war does not ensue, and it is up to you to prevent it from occuring. The fact of the matter is that your diplomats have disrespected the United Nations, they have obviously offered the UN with evidence that was clearly doctored, and on top of these facts the English have placed a garrison along the Incan-Russian border, what were those troops preparing for?

There is more evidence here, even after all of this debate and discussion, than there was in the case made against Russia regarding the bombings in China. We have given you your ultimatum, and you have yet to explain why you have given us false information.

I urge you, again, in the name of peace to accept the conditions of the original proposal.

Time is of the essence...

Javier Solana
Secretary General of the UN

[deity]

Re: United Nations Directive

Originally posted by The Capo


United Nations of Terra

TO: Prime Minister Harold Wilson of England
FROM: Secretary General Javier Solana
CC: India, Russia, Spain, Inca, America, China, and Germany.

Mr. Wilson,

We appreciate the fact that you have just now come forward with the "true" location of your spy network. However, this is where that appreciation ends.

We have seen at least three, possibly four cases of the English govenment knowingly, and willingly providing the United Nations with false information, even after my own directive offered proof of this even more false information or doctored files were given. It is in the interest of Terra that war does not ensue, and it is up to you to prevent it from occuring. The fact of the matter is that your diplomats have disrespected the United Nations, they have obviously offered the UN with evidence that was clearly doctored, and on top of these facts the English have placed a garrison along the Incan-Russian border, what were those troops preparing for?

There is more evidence here, even after all of this debate and discussion, than there was in the case made against Russia regarding the bombings in China. We have given you your ultimatum, and you have yet to explain why you have given us false information.

I urge you, again, in the name of peace to accept the conditions of the original proposal.

Time is of the essence...

Javier Solana
Secretary General of the UN

To: Javier Solana
Secretary General of the UN

From: Harold Wilson, PM of England

All I can say is that no documents were doctored and we did not do the Lahore bombing; nor ANY act of espionage or sabotage EVER.

An unfair ultimatum has been placed on England. We genuinely wished for a peaceful start to mankinds next great endeavour, where all nations must work together to achieve any tangible success in outer space.

It saddens me that the UN and the nations of Terra (if in fact you do have that mandate) have jumped to the conclusion that it is England who is at fault. This is based on the assumption that because we have our own space program, that is lagging India's, we would desire to obstruct it. Nothing could be further from the truth. We wish for successful India and Chinese space missions and look forward to sharing in the results and subsequent international co-operation.

We are now the target of a nuclear threat and I hear nothing about this? America has published some interesting information and thoughts lately and I urge you to follow up their suggestions.

Without admitting any guilt whatsoever and in the interests of international peace England will offer to postpone its' space program until the confusion over who is to blame is sorted out absolutely. All English cities producing space parts will immediately change it's production orders and NOT resume our space prgram until the UN sanctions it.

We believe that the lives of millions is far more important than an ill-informed war over a space race. All wars are pointless of course.

As another gesture of goodwill we will return all spies to our cities regardless of the admissions of other nations. However, we would like to see the UN achieve a full disclosure of all nations spy locations/statistics. Please?

As another gesture of goodwill the return of troops from the Inca border will be carried out immediately. We are sorry this looked intimidating to some nations; although we do not understand the difference between a massive city buildup and a thin line of potential defence like ours. All the same they will return home.

We offer all of the above in good faith and seek the protection of the UN in the event of any attacks on England.

Yours sincerely,

Harold Wilson, PM

[deity]

Originally posted by KunojiLym

The Republic of Russia

Pictures speak louder than words. Let this satellite image taken by the SVG speak for itself.

Anastasia Romanov
Prime Minister of the Republic of Russia

Edit: The picture is dated 1714 AD.

Sorry, but I do not understand this photo?

In the current year and before England ends its year the spy locations are EXACTLY as per the published reports 1-7. Does not the colour coding in our photos prove this? What else can England provide to re-assure our Russian neighbours?

[The Capo]

United Nations of Terra

TO: American President George W. Bush
FROM: Secretary General Javier Solana

The proof offered against England is quite astounding Mr. President, and while I understand that it could have been China, Inca, or Spain the evidence towards any one of those nations' complicity is quite slim. In the case of Spain I would offer that the relative power of their military, their economy, and the simple fact that it wouldn't benefit them are good cases against their involvement. The Chinese are a nation that has felt the pain of these type of attacks, and quite honestly there is little evidence pointing to them either. Finally we come upon the Inca, who like Spain have little in the way of capabilities towards making such an attack (as far as money, defense, and motive go).

I am not trying to say there is no way any of the three mentioned nations could have been behind the attack, but here is what I am saying about the English and their allies...

1) England and India are direct competitors in the space race; seemingly the motive behind this attack.

2) English forces had amassed along the border prior to the bombing in Lahore, if this troops movement was part of what the English described as a response to the bombing in Lahore why did it occur prior to said bombing?

As for the build up on the Incan border I fail to see the difference between having a massive buldup in Novgorad, as you have OR a thinly spread line like we have? It is meerly a tactical early warning line to slow down any surprise attacks assuming convential weaponry is used. We do not expect war but remain vigilant with our space program. We have seen the devastation in Lahore and other places where jeolous nations have obviously practiced sabotage. What would you have us do?

Doesn't make too much sense does it?

3) The English not only violated a UN directive by supplying false pictures, they clearly doctored data they provided to the UN, yet they feign transparency. Giving out false information is not transparency, it is misinformation and a clear sign of some sort of guilt.

4) The English further claim that they have yet to lose a spy, first of all there is no evidence that the spy in question is lost or dead, secondly they seem to be getting spies from an ally. According to Russian intelligence the Inca were trying to get rid of a spy. How many other nations on Terra would be willing to give England a spy? Probably not many, and the one that is the most likely candidate to do so is their allies the Inca. Which is a possible total of 8 spies for the English. Does it not seem a bit strange that they are merely one spy short of 8?

While I understand your concern over jumping to conclusions, I assure you that we have not done that. I have spoken personally to numerous leaders, and have attempted on at least two occasions to contact the English (via IM) and received no response. They took their opportunity to come clean for granted, and now they must pay the price for their crimes and for their lies. We urge the Americans to help in convincing the English to accept the UN Resolution to this conflict lest more blood be shed!

Thank you Mr. Bush,

Javier Solana
Secretary General of the UN

[The Capo]

Spain In the 1700s

Jose Maria Aznar Wins in 1718

Incumbant Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar has secured his seat as Prime Minister following the victory of the People's Alliance over the Socialists and Juan Luis Zapatero. The Prime Minister claimed that a golden age of Spain would dawn soon, citing his construction of the Three Gorges Dam as evidence that his Rightist government was working to improve Spain's future through peaceful technology. Aznar also pointed out that the new Pope, John Paul I, was also a Spaniard and promised a return to Spanish traditional values, with an eye towards progressive science and development. Things weren't as bright and sunny in the world, however; the conflict surrounding the Lahore bombing reached a fevered pitch when India and Secretary General Javier Solana called for an ultimatum against the English for their supposed role in the bombings. The English denied the claim, however seemingly provided the UN with conflicting documents showing the location of a much larger English spy network than previously admitted. Aznar's government recieved criticism that not enough was done about the situation from a Spanish perspective, but Aznar responded that "Spain will let the United Nations do their job, and we will support any directives they provide that we deem just, but for now we can not speculate on the fairness of future decisions and while I respect Sr. Solana, he has no official ties with Spain other than his birth certificate." With Terra plummeting towards war the 1700s would prove to be a pivotal period in world events.,,

The Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam was built in 1691 for the purposes of vaulting Spain's lagging economy into a new era. Spain was sorely lacking in industry, jobs, and energy policies under the ultra-ideological Falange regime, and under Aznar great strides were made in production capabilities. His government established state-run factories in nearly every city in Spain, and those that don't have them yet are comissioned to build them. The crowning achievement of Aznar's energy policy was the Three Gorges Dam spans the Ebro River at Spain's capital of Madrid. Construction began in the mid-1600s following Aznar's appointment to Prime Minister. It is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Structural work was finished on May 20, 1691, nine months ahead of schedule. However, several generators still had to be installed; the dam became fully operational in 1698. As with many dams, there is controversy over the costs and benefits of this project. Proponents point to the economic benefits from flood control and hydroelectric power. Opposition is mainly due to concerns about the future of over the effect of the dam on the environment.

Spain Split Over Response to Lahore

While the world debated the validity of the UN ultimatum against England, many within Spain had pretty staunch positions ranging from complete isolation to battle-cries for the government to finally respond to terrorist bombings that had been plaguing Terra for decades. "How long will we leave the UN divided and impotent" said Liberal activist and Deputy Adolfo Suarez Gonzalez "China was bombed, the UN barely did anything, then there were bombings in America, again nothing happened and the Americans invaded Germany, how we've got the same thing all over again, what we need now is a multi-national force to police this situation." Others are a bit more uneasy to give the UN that much influence; "Who is going to control it?" asked the Prime Minister in a speech to the University of Barcelona "We can't give an entity like the UN the same sovreignty a nation and legitimate goverment has. In this case the UN clearly has yet to prove beyond a doubt that the English are responsible, the fact that the Indians believe enough evidence has been provided, the fact that Solana thinks enough evidence has been provided is laughable." However the Spanish Representative to the UN, and Aznar's opponent in the 1718 elections disagrees; "Look, we can't give the UN an entire mandate to decide what will happen to England without a discussion, and we can't just ignore the UN and leave it up to India and her allies to resolve either. If there are questions about England's guilt they should be answered, if there are questions about the investigation they should be answered. But time is of the essence and if a resolution is not agreed to soon I fear for the worse..."

[The Capo]

Madras, India...

Javier Solana was under a severe amount of stress following the Lahore incident, and the ultimatum given to England. What was he to do though? He had little to no other evidence than the circumstantial evidence compiled against England, even he realized that it wasn't perfect, but the battle cry from India desired an ultimatum from the UN otherwise it would lead to a conflict. Some within the UN had called for a Security Council Meeting, one of these men was Juan Luis Zapatero Spain's representative who wanted a collaborative response to the English ultimatum. Solana realized that this may mark yet another failure as Secretary General, the first being a failed resolution calling for "freedom of religion" all around Terra. This resolution failed as religious powerhouses such as India, Russia, and America wished to continue to adhere to a state religion. In many ways Solana needed the Lahore bombing to be solved in order to save his place in history. "Thank you Mr. Ho, your remarks are duly noted" the Secretary General said, shifting the papers before him, it was obvious he had not slept enough over the past few days "I believe we have a speech from Mr. Zapatero of Spain."


The General assembly clapped as Juan Luis Zapatero approached the stage. He too had begun his own personal investigation using Spanish intelligence, but information was scant. He was a little hesitant to implicate England directly. He turned around and smiled at the crowd "Thank you, thank you..."

Representatives of Terra, distinguished colleagues; we stand upon the brink of global catastrophe. We've seen the murder of innocent workers by clandestine assailants who, to this day, remain unkown, and hidden. We've seen a nation threaten another with nuclear weapons, we've even seen what could very well be blatant lies to the United Nations itself. The English have been accused by this body, by Secretary Solana, of not only responsibility for the bombing at Lahore, but also of lying to the UN, of providing false documents and doctored photos. We've heard outcries of border militarization, of threats to respond in kind. Our world is truly on the brink of a global catastrophe, and it is our jobs to make sure this does not occur. We have a small window of time to fix these problems, and the best way to do so is for a collaborative effort to discover the truths behind the reports, and letters, and threats. I urge each nation on Terra to send special representatives to a meeting of the Security Council as soon as possible; we must establish a sense of normalcy to this looming threat of war. It is important to do this, because this war threatens to span two continents, to span four countries, and murder thousands. This war threatens to become a nuclear war; something we've been wise to avoid thus far into our history. I hope that sanity comes to this body, and we can put this sad time in our history behind us. Thank you.

The Kremlin, Barcelona...


"No, there is no way we can announce something like that right now. We don't know what is going to happen, and I understand they have made efforts to send troops, but the UN hasn't asked us yet." said the Prime Minister, he had spent the past ten hours in the same room discussing the recent reports from the UN, and what Spain would do about it. "I understand there are people who doubt our willingness to get involved, and those people should doubt our willingness to get involved."

"With all due respect sir." General Ruiz began "What the people think is not important, what the Indians and English will do is."

"If it weren't for the damn Chinese meddling in this we wouldn't have this issue, have you sent a letter to Ho yet?" the Prime Minister asked Carlos Velasquez, his foreign advisor.

"Not yet sir, we've been busy handling Zapatero's trip to Madras, by the way are we going to send a different envoy to his Security Council meeting?" Velasquez asked.

"We probably should, if we didn't we'd look foolish right?" the Prime Minister replied "I told him not to say anything without my direct orders."

"That doesn't fix our situation, we should have our units upgraded and mobilized!" the General said, interrupting the train of thought.

"I understand that General, but we've got factories to build, some of our cities don't even have proper plumbing!" the Prime Minister said.

"I know but our country is not prepared for a war of this magnitude, and it could easily spill into our borders especially considering the Chinese may send troops to the region. The response would be horrific if somebody launched a nuclear missile, I am not asking for us to mobilize a full attack force, I am simply asking that we take some precautions."

"Alright, there isn't much I can promise you Antonio, but I will do my best to make sure this doesn't come to Spain's doorstep. Zapatero is a peace-nik, he'll make sure to keep us out of this, and try his best to fix this. I can't believe I'm relying on a Socialist!"

[OzzyKP]

TO: Harold Wilson, Prime Minister of England
CC: All nations and the UN
FROM: President Jawaharlal Nehru

The only evidence we have on hand overwhelmingly points to England, on that basis alone India would feel justified and well within our rights to invade England and exact punishment for this crime. And while we have not entirely ruled out that option, your recent attempts at conciliation have done a great deal to bring our two nations back from the brink.

That being said, India accepts the terms presented by England to suspend spaceship construction pending the UN investigation and recall all English spies without further punishment or retaliation. However as England has proven itself to be deceitful during the UN investigation into the Lahore bombing, India will pursue a policy of "trust but verify".

As tracking spies has proven to be too difficult, India demands that MI5 be terminated until such time as the world can be assured England was not responsible for the Lahore bombing. All 7 current spy teams must be disbanded, and proof must be sent to the international community (OOC - disband spy units and post a new statistics sheet showing your number of spies at 0 in the thread during the session) for verification.

A multinational UN supervised monitoring force will be sent to Illinois to ensure no further spy production for the moment.

In addition, as half the English spy force is Incan born and funded, we shall impose the same requirement on the Inca. Neither nation will be permitted spies until the UN investigation concludes.

No further punishment will be necessary.

I hope you understand that these stipulations are for the protection of all of us. If future attacks occur and there are English spies out in the field, there will be no restraining our armed forces from seeking justice. If however England had no part in the Lahore bombing as you claim, and a future spy attack occurs, then we will be certain England is not to blame and seek justice elsewhere.

So to reiterate, these demands must be met, and ultimately will benefit us both. If England was behind the attack, as we suspect, then disbanding your spy network will give us security from future attacks. If England was not behind the attack, as you claim, then disbanding your spy network will tell us that future attacks will most likely come from China, the only other suspect for this crime. If that is the case, our reaction will be swift.

- President Jawaharlal Nehru

[OzzyKP]

OOC - Capo also suggested that England gift its spies to another power, I suggest India, instead of disbanding and taking a screen shot. I'd be ok with that too, but it is up to you, Deity.

[KunojiLym]

The Bund, St. Petersburg



Joseph Brodsky gazed across the waters that lapped against the famous waterfront. Behind him, a sea of people bustled about their business, against the backdrop of the magnificent Hermitage. In the distance, the Colossus and the Flame of Russia could be seen, bordering both sides of the Bund.

That was not what the poet was looking at. In the distance, he could just barely make out a fleet of battleships and destroyers; part of the Baltic Fleet, and a sobering reminder of the razor's edge that the world was now teethering on.

Brodsky sighed, and turned his gaze upwards. "What are you thinking, Annie? Do you really want to go the way of your ancestors?"

---

The Chichen Itza, Novgorod



Anna Akhmatova leaned against the battlements of the old fort, gazing quietly across the cityscape of Novgorod. In the distance, one could clearly see Incan and English troops dotted across the countryside. That was a uncomfortable reminder that, for all the bustle of cultural activity in the city, Novgorod was essentially a military town. It had always been a military town, the poet reflected, ever since the First Great War.

From here, Anna could see the new Medzhybizh fort and barracks, and the bustle of the troops within it. She could also see the imposing Hindu mandir, if she went to the other side of the Chichen Itza. Sri Ramakhrisna, it was called. A faint smile passed Anna's face as the name crossed her mind.

Even so long after death, even when Hinduism had long lost its dominance in Russia, the name of Nicholas, her famous ancestor, still echoed in his homeland, and abroad.

What would he think if he were to see the Russia of today? A Russia that has long since passed her prime, a Russia that has been raped by the people who ruled her, time and again, a Russia that is only now finding her feet again in the vastly different world of the 18th century? A Russia that, despite Nicholas's lamentations, has been thrown into war and conflict time and again, and is poised to do that yet again?

"What a tragic nation we are," the poet mumbled softly to herself. She pushed herself away from the battlements, and walked away. It was time to write again.

---

The Church of the Nativity, Yaroslavl'



Pope John Paul I leafed through his copy of the Petersburg Post, a slight frown on his face. He looked up as someone knocked on the door.

"Open locks, whoever knocks."

"Your sense of humor is as bad as ever, your Holiness," Cardinal Edward Johnson chided, as he pushed the door open. "Ah, I see you have gotten the latest news."

"Yes indeed." The Pope tossed the paper onto his desk. "It looks like a war will be averted, after all. Thank God for that. I can only hope that this is the last we hear of it."

"Isn't it a bit early to jump to conclusions, your Holiness?"

For answer, John Paul tapped his fingers lightly on the document that lay before him.

"It is about time that the Holy See takes a public stand. In the interest of peace, India's latest proposal seems the most sensible. We should have enough moral authority to push this through."