History of the World XI - 11 o'clock, one hour before doomsday! [Story Thread]

[Toni]

And so it ended! The Dutch and the Americans have sighed peace. Both nations have agreed to put their differences aside and work together to build a better future for their people. The newly appointed Dutch foreign minister met with its American counterpart for further discussions. Technological knowledge was gifted to demonstrate the Dutch openness and thus a u-turn of foreign policies has begun. The Americans were invited to share their religious teachings to the Dutch lands. As we speak the first Islamic missionary has arrived and is greeted by the local religious Dutch representative. In addition to this, the Americans have offered a very lucrative deal – which is to be decided upon very soon. A request was send to the Americans asking for some extra time, so that we can carefully think about it.

Also Dutch factories have started again to build goods for the populace. Thanks to increased foreign direct investments from Ethiopia and Byzantine the great city of Sofia has started the construction of a great project. Sofia has become the pride of our country – with its booming local economy; the city has lured many people from the country side to look for a job there. A Great Scientist has been hired to inspect the city and recommend future developments.

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Democracy comes to Ethiopia.



King Seke I took the Official Tour of the near completed structure, & he confessed his wonderment and awe to all the gathered Engineers, Architects, Merchants & Scientists who had made this grand feat possible. This massive Statue of the All-Mother-made of the best gold, gems, iron & copper the nation could acquire-would stand as an enduring symbol of the Greatness of his small nation. Its unveiling would also be the perfect opportunity for marking the single biggest change in Ethiopian Governance in over 600 years.

Seke shook hands with the Chief Engineer of the project-Gustav Eiffel-for, though he only came in relatively late to the project (having arrived from the newly created nation of France to seek employment), his ideas & energy greatly inspired the other engineers & builders employed on the project-allowing it to be finished well ahead of schedule. "Mr Eiffel", said Seke as he pumped the Engineer's hand, "you cannot yet begin to understand how much this project will mean to the future of our nation. Know that you are welcome within our borders whenever you wish, as will all your Fellow Countrymen. I only hope your remuneration is equal to what you have done for us".

After leaving the Official Tour, Seke returned to his Palace in Aksum to try & finish off the other "Great Work" his nation was trying to complete. The document before him had already undergone a dozen re-writes, & even now he wasn't sure it would pass with Representative Council approval.

Once he was relatively happy with the alterations, Seke took the finished bill to the Ethiopian Representative Council for their approval. He argued the case with the Representatives well into the night, but slight changes were still required before the bill was accepted. Still, it was with great pride that, come the following morning, he had a fully approved bill to sign into law.

Two days later, Seke I took the Royal Coach from Aksum to Gondar, relishing in the journey through the wonderful countryside in this kind of luxury. When he arrived in Gondar, he still found his breath taken away by the massive edifice-which lay beneath miles of canvass-which now stood at the Major Crossroads which effectively connected Ethiopia with the majority of The Known World.

A large crowd of commoners from across the Country had gathered for the unveiling, & a large group of local and foreign dignitaries had also gathered for this momentous occasion (though the Dutch places stood notoriously empty in light of the still lingering "Atlanta Incident"). With much pomp & ceremony, King Seke cut the cord which caused the canvass to fall away all at once, revealing the divine image of the All-Mother, shining like a beacon beneath the morning sun. The gold & gems of her diadem & the gold-inlay of the toga shone for miles in all directions from the entire 95 metres of the statue.

Whilst the entire crowd gasped in awe at this mighty representation of Ethiopia's faith, King Seke I took it upon himself to read the words which were inscribed upon the plaque that lay within the statue:

'Not like the brazen giant of Dutch fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sunset gates shall stand
A mighty goddess with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name: All-Mother of
Ethiopia & Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"'

"With these words," said King Seke "this statue shall stand forth as a beacon to all displaced peoples from across the world-no matter their nationality, no matter their religious beliefs. For we are all one beneath the beneficent smile of the All-Mother."

"Furthermore, this statue shall stand as an eternal tribute to the noble virtues of freedom & fairness throughout the world." Here, the king paused for dramatic effect. "It is with this in mind that I bring with me today a bill which will-within the next month-dissolve the monarchy & make my role as king obsolete." There was some muttering from the crowd & some discontentment, but King Seke silenced the crowd with a motion of his hands.

"This has been done" said the King, continuing on "for I intend to stand as the first Democratically Elected President of the new Republic of Ethiopia I have brought into being with this bill."

"Furthermore," said the King, barely pausing for breath "this bill will greatly expand the number & power of the Representative Council, as well as making membership to the council open to all citizens, regardless of their current station. In addition, the bill extends voting privileges to all current & future Ethiopians-regardless of Country of Origin-above the age of 16." Massive cheering now erupted from the gathered crowd.

"Lastly," said the King-silencing the crowd once more "this bill will outlaw the possession, sale or use of any kind of slaves or bonded servants/serfs. It will also make illegal the Caste System which this nation once strongly upheld. Under the law, any person may seek proper qualification for whatever role they seek to play within Ethiopian Society, regardless of the status of their families."

The crowd erupted into massive applause & cheering once more, & this time would not be silenced. In the coming week, the soon to be ex-King was better than his word. Within days, all the final trappings of Monarchy had been cast aside & the old Representative Council dissolved. Over a thousand people from across the nation registered for the Right to Represent their local areas, & millions of people Registered for their Right to Vote. Needless to say, Mabombo Seke was elected President unopposed, & went on to serve 2 4-year terms as President before retiring to his Country Estate (one of the few conditions to passing the bill was that the Aristocracy could retain their land holdings).

His Presidency, & the democratically elected governments which served during his terms in office, ushered in what was long known as the New Golden Age of Ethiopia. Trade & Productivity flourished, & thousands of foreign nationals-especially those fleeing the troubles in America & The Netherlands-flocked to this young Democracy, boosting the specialist labour pool of all the major towns & cities.

Also, whether it was by Divine Providence or purely luck, the Military government of The Netherlands fell soon after the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Seeing an opening, Ethiopia quickly moved to officially recognise the new Civilian Government of The Netherlands. After that, Ethiop, Byzantine & Portuguese diplomats engaged in frantic shuttle diplomacy to get the warring parties of America & The Netherlands around the negotiating table. Within a matter of weeks, these diplomatic efforts yielded dividends-with a peace treaty being signed between the two parties.

After a difficult succession of decades, the Nation of Ethiopia finally felt like it could breath a sigh of relief. The problem was, how long would this current period of peace & co-operation last?

[deity]

"Here it is Joao"

The new democracy was gradually bringing with it much egalitarianism. Joao was the commander in chief of the armed forces and now elected leader of Portugal.

He was wary of world peace and sought a special report. He flicked through the several hundred pages and returned to the exectuve summary.

---

"Special intelligence report # 17.

Possible enemies.

Romans - close ally and confident of the Dutch. Nation with a friendly manner but imperialistic aims. Used as a pawn in the war on America and Islam. Risk: significant armed forces with older technology. Strong navy in Portuguese strategic areas of interest.

Inca - close ally and confident of the Dutch. Self reliant and out for themselves with no altruistic aims. Professional negotiators skilled at avoiding questions and commitments. Not a pawn but happy to allow an alliance of other nations to support Inca dominance as the victor on this planet. Clever at playing all sides off against each other. The Inca's idea to deprive the Dutch of Oil is now only seen as a Portuguese strategy - clever. Risk: low risk to Portugal and friendly despite allegances elsewhere. Major risk in selling technologies to Russia as shown by the recent sale of the RailRoad. Treasury estimates 2000-3000 gold may have been paid. Portugal to seek a similar deal.

Byzantine - close ally and confident of the Dutch. Refused virtually all trade negotiations with Portugal for eternity. Suspected of supplying Dutch armies with mercenaries and other help. Risk: no direct threat but must be seen as one with Dutch.

Native Indians - close ally and confident of the Dutch when they are at home. Erratic regime that is currently an isolationist. Risk: minimal. French colony is close to the Portuguese West Indies but non-threatening.

Russia - close ally and confident of the Dutch. A treacherous and dangerous nation that says one thing and does another. Can only assume their complete loyalty to the Dutch in a naive way. Constant reference to how good the Dutch have been to them. Believed to have recently acquired the Assembly Line technology from the Dutch despite promising to trade for our own Assembly Line. Warned Portugal to militarise if it knows whats good for it. Possible warning of major world war. Risk: high security threat to Portugal. Posturing to attack Coimbra for eons.

Dutch - see themselves as the king maker. Key proponent of Inca victory. Skilled at building alliance through friendly help to many nations. Only nation to inflict serious war. Maintaing higher than expected GDP through extended use of the Colossus (it is believed) Risk: high risk. Currently building the Pentagon. Suspect the Dutch to be on war footing beneath a veneer of poltics and diplomacy. This is consistent with Russian intelligence.

Ethiopia - close ally and confident of the Dutch but much more altruistic and moral than the other dutch allies. Peaceful nation that detests war and isn't afraid to speak out. Provided desperately neded assistance to the Portuguse. Historical family ties in the old aristocracy support friendly exchanges. Risk: difficult to speculate. Uncertain as to whether its' territories would be used for other enemies to attack Portugal. If Ethiopia allows access to Portugal's southern border the risk to the Portuguese is huge - Byzantine, Dutch and Ethiopian forces combinbed with Russia spells disaster.

Germany - for years a reclusive nation with no contact. A long lost friendly ally sorely missed in copoerative tech trading. Risk: high risk with huge army on Portugal's border.

Allies.

Only fully friendly nation to Portugal is America. Technological and miltary cooperation blended with a strong Islamic cultural bachground cement this solid and unshakeable alliance. A defensive pact should be considered. Risk: virtually no risk. One issue needs to be clarified however - that is the Dutch claim of some unknown proposal in Sofia.

The erratic regime in England is often of assistance to Portugal. They seem focussed on sacking barbarian outposts and are not in the political mainstream. Only nation to have a defensive pact with Portugal. Common religions of Christianity and Islam Risk: minimal but vigilance is required.

---

"Hmmm... this is looking quite grim"

The report slipped on to the floor... under statement of the year springs to mind.

[Robert]

The signing of the Cease Fire with the Dutch

After many years of war, the loss and recapturing of many American cities. The destruction and rebuilding of Atlanta, the American invasion of the Dutch main land and the capturing of an overseas Dutch colony, Ali decided that the days of war were hurting the American people and the American economy.

A cease fire was signed with the Dutch.
Ali knew that the American people weren't going to love this cease fire. Many of them were still looking for blood. Dutch blood.

Many American citizen protested in the streets of the American cities.
Ali knew about their protest, and somewhere deep within his heart, he agreed with the protesters.
But there are days to make war, and days to end wars. Continueing fighting for the decades to come would not be in the interest of the American people.

The Great Prophet has left us, a new era has started.
We will spread Islam through words and not by the sword, Ali decided.

But he would keep an eye on the Dutch.
One wrong move of them, those treacherous mill-people, and the cease fire would be ended.

The days that the Dutch could be trusted did not arrive yet. A thin cease fire.
Ali hoped that it would be a first step into a long new era for the American people. An era of peace. An era of Islam. Not because people were forced to follow Allah, but because they want to follow Allah.

[arvcran]

The Incas ancient and ongoing quest: addendum to Seeking to be better than I am

As Inca can now see far like the eagle in the sky we can now be in awe of the Dutch who are masters of production harnessing the sea and coastlines. This is truly an accomplishment that the Inca are perplexed with not being able to achieve.

How then can we match or produce more than the Dutch without this ability? We must find some way ...

Our Civil advisors are compelling the senate to consider adopting Universal Sufferage in order to expedite production. But the Inca have always been foremost in providing the happiest people they can.

To the Dutch again the Inca look, for they are great in numbers. Look at their Capital a mamoth metropolos indeed exceeding the population of the Incas greatest citites.

So many great people are coming from the Americas ... why have Inca not been able to match this? It is becoming clear to the Incan kognos that one can only reach ones potential - but what is the Incan Potential ... ah there is the RUB.

Requesting Universal Being ... we continue to be and aspire to be Better than ... I am ... but for who I am


The ability to know ones potential is directly reliant on being able to compare with others ... as compassion dictates the necessity, as does gregariousness ... it *is* imperitive to protect those unlike us so we can compare them to us ... does this logic compell the heart and minds of those who are not like us?

This brutalian dictatorial behavior the Dutch exibited toward the once feared peoples of Americas ... is this something the Incas aspire to achieve? Surely not!

And what makes us? Does the knowlege and exchanging of life with other unlike us not make us more like them? Where in the end we are all different yet alike?

The complexity of heterogeneous peoples politics and aspirations is most difficult - but we must excel. Look at your greatest Friend, does [s]he not have the potential of being the worst of your enemies being as close as he or she is? Those whom you consider your worst enemies can only surprise you with acts of friendship.

Astray, those fears, paranoya, are unproductive thoughts compared to aspirations to achieve better things, to better those around you, so that you in turn, are able to become better.

A toast to the Quest of being - Inca may we live long and prosper!!!! (borrowed from a dream of Inca Genereus Persitus N - meeting with Romulas)

{editor's Note: ok so I am a trekian ;-) )

[Beta]

The Roman Ruling Council

the scene: it is the palace in Rome, and Julian Osso, Chief Senator Elect has called a meeting of Senate representatives and the heads of the Public Service agencies, including the military. Several months earlier, Julian had called in the heads of the Foreign Affairs agency for a heated discussion regarding authorities, and the Foreign Affair's'office involvement in the recent American Affair. The conversation went badly, the officials left and Rome was plunged into a debilitating stalemate between an elected but largely ceremonial senate, and the military and public affairs offices that had run the country for centuries. But it could not last forever, and short of a military coup and possible civil war, a solution needed to be found. And Romans are Romans. They share a deep love and respect for Rome and what is has represented over the eons. Marshal Sullu was not one who would put personal ambition ahead of Roman interests, and although he held the trump card with his control of the military, all parties, including Sulla agreed to the meeting.

Julian: Gentlemen, the need is clear. We need to do something to move Rome forward again. Our international reputation is scarred after that American fiasco, and the cost of moving that many troops from one continent to another has greatly strained our economy. And the people are uneasy. The tensions between us are now playing themselves out in the streets. Authorities report street fighting and some looting, and then there was that small riot in the market area. Rome needs us, and it needs us now., before things deteriorate further.

I appreciate that my actions of late have upset the status quo of Roman administration. But the people must have a say in the direction of the country. Your professionalism and good intentions are not questioned. But we need to find a way to work together to make Rome greater than she already is.

To that end, I will now let Gaius table the recommendation that all of our representatives have worked out.

Gaius: Rome will be governed by the Ruling Council. Said council will consist of the Chief Senator elect and 4 Senators elected from the senate. It will also include The head of foreign affairs, the head of the diplomatic corps, the Marshal of the Army .....

as Gaius read on, the many nods around the room indicated that Rome had found an answer to the question of governance, and that stability would return to the nation. But the worlds international affairs remained uneasy, and although an internal threat had been met, it was unclear what external threats might exist...

[condor223]

Procopius wrote:

"In 542 the plague spread to Constantinople and terrorized the population. The estimate from 542 to 543 somewhere between 25 and 50% of the Eastern Roman Empire's population dies from the plague.

The city imported massive amounts of grain to feed its citizens and grain ships may have been the original source of contagion, with the massive public granaries nurturing the rat and flea population.

At its peak, the plague was killing 10,000-5,000 people in Constantinople every day, although the true number will probably never be known for sure; what is known is that there was no room to bury the dead, and bodies were being left stacked in the open."

The silence of the Byzantines on the diplomatic front is now explained.

[Beta]

The Second Council Meeting

Julius: Well gentlemen, last week's meeting went well. We dealt with the agenda of clarifying all the administrative and governance details. I commend us all for our diligence in pushing through that mundane work (chuckles from around the room).

And as we agreed, we would deal primarily with our foreign affairs issues at this meeting. First, to Marshall Sulla and Admiral Petronius

Sulla: The army needs to be modernised. That is a fact. We still have one of the largest militaries in the world, and its esprit de corps is excellent. But weaponry has improved, and we have not kept up. This should be a priority for Rome.

Petronius (Admiral of the Navy): I support Marshall Sulla on this. The navy is fine condition and well trained after the American conflict, but if we were to fight abroad again, the troops we land need to be better armed. But I could use a few more frigates to ensure our dominace in the southern sea.

Julian: Thank you gentlemen. Your request are noted, and from what I can see, have the supprot of the council. They will be included in the budget. Caecelius, the floor is yours.

Caecelius (Head of Foreign Affairs): Where to begin dear colleagues? To start with, the aftermath of the American war. As you are aware, our Dutch allies either captured or razed a number of American cities before the conflict ended ...

Sulla: Serves the Americans right ... all that blather about a "Jihad" with little military strength to back it up. What a bother they are.

Caecelius: I can't disagree with you Sulla. But despite that, the Dutch standing in world opinion was harmed. And to a certain extent, we are tainted as well for our involvement in the war and our alliance with the Dutch. Also, my sources tell me that the Portuguese in fact see us somewhat as a Dutch-puppet.

Julius: The same Portuguese who made the offer of a Trans-Romanic trading block?

Caecelius: Indeed. The very same. I will come to that in a moment. But to close the book on America, one might want to say that until they have bite to back up their bark, we have little reason to pay them much attention, but that would be making a mistake. For some reason - be it that Islamic belief of theirs, or the wild and charismatic leaders that come to power, they have more sway over world affairs than they should. To be honest, there are many in the diplomatic circles around the world, and many in this room, who would have been just as happy if the Dutch had finished what they started.

And that brings us to the Portuguese, America's main ally. In the past they have been critical, almost disdainful of Rome, and its relations with its allies. Historically, there is little to bring us closer to the Portuguese. But history is the past and we must look to the future. To that end, I am distributing a report done by Reinius, the head of foreign policy, on the pros and cons of improved relations with the Portuguese.

Admiral Petronius: And keep in mind gentlemen, that seapower and the improved capabilities of ships can drastically alter the geo-political situation we are facing. We had the upper had for awhile in naval affairs. That is no longer the case. And the sea also opens up new trading possibilities, as no doubt the foreign affairs report will high-light.

Caecelius: Thank you for that Petronius. Closer to home, our relations with the Incans remains solid, despite the lack of active dialogue between the two of us. That is the way it has historically been, and I see it as function of the trust that exists between our two nations. The Incans were openly critical of the Dutch razing of cities. So I am not sure where the Dutch and Incans stand now relative to each other. And regarding the Incans, I am tabling a second report, this one authored by Marius of the diplomatic corps and Chief Senator Elect Julian ( a nod to Julian) on the potential for the creation of an Alliance of Independent and Non-Alligned Civilizations (AINAC). If approved by this council, we would approach the Incans first.

And then there is our alliance with our old stalwarts, the Dutch. We are still on excellent terms with them as well as our other friends, but we need to determine if this is where Rome's future lies. The American affair has given everyone food for thought. Reinius' department, with input from Marshall Sulla who handled much of the military co-operation recently with the Dutch, have prepared a third report regarding our age old alliance, and whether we maintain the status quo, work to strengthen it, or loosen our ties in favour of other options.

Senator Polusia: Correct me if I am wrong sir, but it seems the three options on the table are by definition, mutually exclusive.

Caecelius: For the most part they are. Entertaining the
Portuguese proposal for a trans-Romanic trading block will necessarily mean loosening of ties with the Dutch. These are weighty matters, gentlemen.

Julian: And keep in mind, Rome's fourth option. Independent isolationism. No alliances. Trade where we can. Grow as we do.

So, there are the options. You have the reports. We vote on this in one weeks time.

All senators and all heads of departments and their directors and all generals and all rear-admirals get to vote. Think wisely. Think of Rome.

Strength and Honour!

the meeting ends

[Beta]

Friends, Romans, Countrymen! Lend me your ears! And vote ....

here!

[deity]

Originally posted by deity
To ToxoXI of Rome,

cc Martin van Buren of America

The Islamic alliance is now one of peace with policies of peaceful co-existence of religions sprouting forth.

As the new leader of Portugal I'd like to suggest a more robust relationship with Rome - one of trans-Romanic Ocean trading, tourism and migration.

You and you entourage are cordially invited to Lisbon to meet with me and discuss these matters if you so wish.

I believe we can embark upon some technology trading and in cooperation with the Americans form a trading pact.

It is possible that both America and the Portuguse have temporarily lost contact with up to three surrounding nations - Germany, England and Russia.

With this in mind I implore you to consider our requests.

I need confirmation but I suspect we may have some technologies on offer that you may need and we are prepared to offer them as a gift to start a mutual cooperation program.

Yours truly,

'Joao the Pom'

Joao wondered what had become of this proposition but war had intervened. He hears that there is discussion in Rome about this very subject - in fact a world poll on it!

The Portuguese of course have voted in favour of such a bloc. However must tread carefully in gifting of technologies. Having seen their involvement in the war on America means that many bridges need to be re-built and the Americans would of course have right of veto in any case.

[Beta]

Senator Moro's House in East Rome

Senator Centrius: Moro, my good friend, an excellent meal as usual. You have my thanks.

Moro: 'Tis the least I can do. Cheers! Now, let us retire to the library and discuss this vote.

(With wine glasses in hand they retire to the modest but well appointed library.)

Moro: I've done my reading, and it is pretty clear to me. The Portuguese offer rings hollow - pure opportunism in my opinion. Without question we stand by the Dutch.

Centrius: (startled) You can't be serious my friend. The world has changed. Reinius' report clearly laid out the benefits of the Joao's offer! What did we ever get from the old alliance. We had to provide all the muscle - and now look where we are economically.

Moro: But we got technologies from our allies, and ...

Centrius: And we are still behind them technologically. No, I say we were used. The alliances strong arm so to speak - but keep us in the backwater.

Moro: How can you speak of the Dutch like this? They have been our friends for ages! And the Incans, and the Byzantines! Have you had too much wine?

Centrius: Not as much revisionist history as you seemed to have drunk, my old friend.

Moro: Friend!!!??? You stand here in my house and drink my wine and call me friend!!!??? Get the hell out now, and go find some cheap Portuguese ale to bring you to your senses.

Centrius: Fine! That is exactly what I will do. But mark my words Moro, the winds of the world are changing and I for one do not want to see Rome caught on a lee shore.

(Centrius sets his wine glass down and leaves the house .... )

[arvcran]

A not so secret councel of the security councel of ancients - Inca

At the Councel of Ancients:

Pontius Prevarious Pakchu:

"I called this special Session in order to present to you a new world emerging ..."

Praktovium Simius IncaHo:

"Don't talk to me of dreams Pontius ... I want substancials! No pipe talk of superfluous
desire I need concrete facts, and intelligent predictions!"

Pontius: "Exactly Ho, this is indeed the reason for our special gathering as I have scientific
facts and political analysis information to present to our Councel of Elders."

Praktovium: "Very well Pontius our attention is yours for the transference."

(Editors' Notes: As one may have noticed many Incan names have Romanic influence as their
ancestry is very melded with important Families of past arranging marriages to strengthen
peaceful relations with the glorious Roman Empire of Old.)

Matchu PeekquHo: "Before we begin Ho, I would to interject an important discussion; we must
have this with our other half ..."

Praktovium:

"Yes Matchu as far as I can tell their interests are well represented, but I think we may
want to invite Romulus Romanus Civilius for this, despite the classification of our meeting."

Homus Guardeein AsshoorHo: "But Prakto ..."

Prak: "Hush now Homus we must think of our bretheren!"

Homus: "very well, but I ..."

Prak: "Yes I heard you and hear you but this is different!"

Homus: *eyes widened* "oh ..." *shuffles shoulders nervously*, "I ... I shall call for Romulus this
instant!"

Moments later ....

Romulus enters: "Well gentlement I see we have ... *his glance changes to a more serious stature*
a gathering of some import!"

Prak: "yes my friend, we need to address the old code, but first listen to what Prevarious
has to say."

Romulus sits beside Homus, to Homus' obvious surprise.
The Display wall lights up with a globe map and the lighting in the room dims - putting Pontius
centre focus as he addresses the audience:

Prak: "Before we start I would like first to inform you I have been aware of what Pointus has
been preparing to
say for some time and that I did not want to burden you from your focus. Our Peoples are settled
now and are happy - apparantly as happy as they have been when we signed our ancient code. This
is of course the result of the prosperity you have all contributed! Now We must refocus to further
our benefits for those who may not be able to do so yet.

Pardon me Pontius, your interruption has ceased."

As the remainder of the councel shifts it's attention to the information behind Pontius one could
tell that what had been discussed before was puzzling to the them - there was seemingly something
missing. They did not see anything out of the ordinary.

Pontius: "Ahem, Gentlemen our discoverance and application of Oil ..."

blah blah blah ....

Thes Nations we know have Oil ....

blah blah blah ..."

The room's air was of course changing as many were clicking in.

"Prak, I know I was to tell you 'everything' but Wizus Logiculgy brought this to my attention.
I am afraid it will complicate matters a little more. You see Uranium has been known to ..."

blah blah blah ...

"And are lead Universities are coming up with theories of ...."

blah blah blah ...

"I am afraid that Oil is definately not our only problem!"

As he said this Pontius flicked his remote and new iconwere projected onto the wall. Expressions
and reactions were quite numerous and loud Chaos insude until Prak started to speak (at which time
complete silence and order took over:

Prak: "This is why I have called upon Von Polikum Genum, ..."

A quirky bearded man enters the room as the lights brightened and the wall information disappeared.

Homus: "You invited the Dutch?"

Prak turns his stare to Homus and raises one eye brow ...

"There are many here already Homus! Now, we need to think inwardly at the fact that we knew about
oil before any other Nation - suffice to say we need to be able to bring hopefull policy to the Apolystic society as well as the world outside it! Or watch and our efforts of past would be for not as ...

Pontius: "If I May ..."

Prak: "Of course .... continue."

[Beta]

Fascinating.......

We await more....

[arvcran]

(2) A not so secret councel of the security councel of ancients - Inca

Pontius"

As I was saying ... Uranium has properties and potential application that quite frankly ..."

blah blah blah

It became evident to the councel that the world was in fact going to be different. In so much as the potential for power shifts but more importantly the need for the powerful to seek to remain thus.

After this the special guest speaker gave his report and analysis of what was to be a strugle of nations to obtain both oil and uranium.

As the Councel continued to listen to the Political Analyste, son of Polikum, one could see that many had awoken to the interesting yet alarming revaltion that what needed to be done at first was to assess the likely actions of some Nations and devise some sort of plan to lessen the negative impacts of eventualalties.

It was of course most interesting that the political analyste was a Ducth envoy and that it was obvious that his Nation was in a position of not having what the new powers ought to have.

It was known to the councel via the special department of foreign affairs that the Portugues were soon to have the knowlege of refining oil. All knew it was inevitable of course that each Nation in turn would eventualy have this knowlege.

Next up were the reports on recommendations for the foreign affairs office and the army section of the Incan Security division:

...

[deity]

“Work with the Portuguese on the concept of a trans-Romanic trading bloc”

“I vote for Portugal, I distrust them and their convenient conversion, their propaganda and interesting change of government as well. That is the reason why I think that at the very least we should demand societal reform such as: 

- the permanent renouncement of the realization of political aims of Islam and all extremist religious movements. 
- all attempts should be made at creating better relationships between them and their former enemies, since only such a world can be made safe for human rights.

“if we become isolated we may risk another fanatical religious movement, or another army like those of the Dutch burning and pillaging with impunity. The Portuguese have been right; we must revisit the plan for the Trans-Romanic trading bloc. Through this we will have better influence over our enemies and friends alike, and not simply military influence.”

“It was of course most interesting that the political analysts was a Dutch envoy and that it was obvious that his Nation was in a position of not having what the new powers ought to have. It was known to the counsel via the special department of foreign affairs that the Portuguese were soon to have the knowledge of refining oil. All knew it was inevitable of course that each Nation in turn would eventually have this knowledge.”

---

Joao starred straight ahead.

No communique from the Romans but many mixed messages reached his ears from various international sources.

He was beginning to think that isolationism wasn't such a bad thing but would result in severe technological retardation.

Was this a diplomatic success?

Joao felt an over-whelming paranoia coursing through his veins.

"Ok, what have we got?"

"And What do we need?"

The parliamentary council sat passively.

"Well, we need a permanent supply of Coal"

"And the Romans need ?"

"We await their response."

"Portugal NEEDS at least three reliable nations to form a trading bloc. At the moment our American allies are the only reliable partners."

"We don't need anyone but the Americans!"

"With our GDP we can buy our way."

"But this is exceedingly expensive.."

"Not at all, The Inca are not allies yet the successful dialogs between our envoys has produced highly advantageous results."

"But this path frustrates the efforts of our allies. For every step forward we make our ally is left behind."

"I have a plan Joao..." The Finance Minster was the first to speak positively.

"Yes, but we must form a secret committee to oversee it. You can see how easily all the governments of the world leak like sieves."

---

Joao and the rest of the parliamentary council agreed on this and select members retired to the central committee room.