Destiny of Empires [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 9 - June 2011]

[Mali (DoE)]

Official communiqué of the Malian government:
Leaders and people of Mali with regret understood in diplomatic communications exchanged between Israel and Turkey and the great Inca, that "new" leaders of Israel using the same methods in foreign policy as the old corrupt rabbis. Mali is now certain that powerful Negus Nagast Musa was hit by Mossad - the Israeli office of political assassinations. Turkish leader threatens to murder from Israelis show us all what is their main weapon - disinformation, lies and vile murders in the back.
Mali offers the following leaders who run Israel today. Disarm his army and Mali guarantee that you will not attack while keeping friendly with Mali.
Sidon is Mali, will never cede to Israel.
If Israel continues to threaten Mali peace between us will never have and this will hurt the ordinary Israeli people who groaned under the irresponsible management of the rabbis and their servants.

[Inca (DoE)]

The Historical Records

2012AD: Inca historians have just discovered the lost communications of the post-Palan interregnum period. The following is a letter written by the head of the Israeli-Russo-Ottoman War Fact Finding Mission to the Israeli leadership:

Dear Israelis,


You must understand that the Inca are wary of going through a very tumultuous and friendship-rattling negotiation process for the sake of a mere trading partner without first having full assurances that the peace we settle will be lasting, and not, as it appears, open to being undermined and tossed aside by the ascension of another faction to power or by the return of the Sanhedrin.

Unfortunately, we can't say that the current "ruling" faction is much improved over the previous, being fairly incapable of diplomacy. That you are so quick to rush to the screed before taking a moment's pause to understand the delicate situation is proof of this. Of course, being a mediator, we cannot 100% support either side here, and you must understand our actions are likely to put us [text missing]ith our close Russian and Ottoman allies. As such, coming out of the gate recognizing only Israeli concerns, perspectives, and demands will only make for an extremely difficult uphill bat[text.........missing], and further complicate the situation. So, we have, in the Statement, taken a middle ground that, as you can clearly see, benefits Israel heavily compared to the preexisting proposals. And do realize that if such a settlement were reached, it could very well threaten Inca [text.........missing]dermine not only Inca's relations with the other party, but also the domestic political order and stability.

In brief, that Statement was extremely considerate of Israeli concerns at the severe expense of Russo-Ottoman and even Inca concerns. Please, be reasonable, and quit your excessive T-crossing and I-dotting. There will never be a peace if you insist on the Moon and reject anything less than it in total. This includes not only demands, but the guilt/instigation as well.

You must understand also that you were to blame for this in considerable amount the second you backed the French. Even if your actions were based upon a simple, historical, bilateral hatred of the Ott[text.......missing]tered the Great War on one side and severely tipped the balance for a time. Such a tipping, such a dramatic defeat, in the wake of previous defeats and cities-razing, would only ensure that the Russo-Ottomans would eventually come after you to even the scales, especially with the English fortunes so poor. That the ROA would seek to regain a bal[text................missing]eir foe, France, back to where they had been antebe[text............................................mi ssing]tioning, were it not that you seem oblivious to this inevitability.

[text...................................


...........missing]

Yes, this current war is now separate from the Great War, yet it is much determined by the same power struggles that seeded the Great War. It is its own, yet not.

Regardless, you must be more civil and compromising in the future if you have any hope of Inca assistance and mediation. We hold many cards, yet playing them comes at cost to us, and we are loathe to play them for a recalcitrant, fractured, and emotionally-driven leadership, even if our disgust at the near-total annihilation of your people so compels us.


Sincerely,

[text missing..........]

[Mali (DoE)]

Official communiqué of the Malian government:
Mali formally requests the leaders of Israel, they must clearly tell the ambassadors of all civilized countries what their intentions against Mali. Have time for that two periods of time. If they fail to meet the leaders of Mali Malian people will feel free to take action to protect its people.
Mali offers 50 period of time non-aggression pact with Israel, but since we do not believe the Israeli promises will ask for guarantees in any agreement by Israel.

[Russia (DoE)]

"Yayyyy!!! WoohoooOOO!!!"

Natasha jumped happy like a kid. The great news have found her enjoying the sand beach near Asgard after her successful diplomatic mission.

"So the Second Minister Yosif have made it! Finally Turkey and Israel have made some concessions and we agreed on peace with the Israeli! We only have to make it official and to be signed by the three nations. Clerk!... Clerk! Bliat! Chort s toboi!!! From where I can find a clerk on the beach?! I have to write it on my own..."

She took piece of paper, pen and the leather bag to use as a writing desk and started writing the official document while the breeze was playing with her hair:

The Amended Tel-Aviv African Peace Accords

Russia and Turkey offer this Peace Treaty to Israel with the following terms.

Russia's terms

A
1. Russia and Israel will sign 50 turns of unbreakable peace. Included in this umbrella of unbreakable peace will be Turkey, Mali, Zulu, Arabia and England, so that attacks against Russia's allies will not neccessitate further War with Israel.

2. For the duration of the 50 turn peace, deal Israel must never close borders with any of the included nations.

3. Israel will close borders with France Neandor and Vikings for the duration of the 50 turns unbreakable peace, or until all war between Russia, and these nations cease, whichever is longer. During this period Israel will not transfer money to either of these nations, directly or indirectly, meaning Israel can not give any money to any nation that Israel knows or has reason to know is transfering money to France Neandor or Vikings. If Israel is transfering money to a nation and later discovers they are transferring money to the 3 forbidden nations, Israel must immediately cancel the deal.

4. Russia will return Tel Aviv to Israel when the conditions of Russia and Turkey are met.

B
1. The full income of Bethlehem for 20 turns to be paid to Russia, thereafter money will be paid to Russia under the terms of section C2

C
1. After Israel pays the initial 20 turn term of gold, this will be replaced by a permanent deal whereby Israel pays the sum of the number of Russian cities with Christianity in gold per turn. This amount will be recalculated at Russia's discretion to match the number of russian cities with Christianity at any given time.



Turkey's terms

D
1. To ensure that Israeli spies are no longer posing threats to the security of Turkey, Israel will agree to use Israeli spies at Turkey's direction and build more if needed to reduce you espionage points on Turkey to under 200 points. Israel agrees that this will be done prior to Tel Aviv being returned to Israel.

2. Israel must immediately surrender ALL siege weapons (Cannon, catapults, Trebuchets etc.), ALL Gunpowder units (Muskets, Rifles, Grenadiers, etc.) and 8 Macemen to Turkey.

3. Israel permanently agrees not to build any cities on the Mediteranean coast, and to leave the coast area to be settled at Turkey's discretion.

4. Turkey will return Hebron and Ai to Israel when the conditions of Russia and Turkey are met.

E

1. All vendettas, religious or otherwise against Turkey must be renounced and abandoned publicly, forever.

[Israel (DoE)]

The Amended Tel-Aviv African Peace Accords

Russia and Turkey offer this Peace Treaty to Israel with the following terms.

Russia's terms
A
1. Russia and Israel will sign 50 turns of unbreakable peace. Included in this umbrella of unbreakable peace will be Turkey, Mali, Zulu, Arabia and England, so that attacks against Russia's allies will not neccessitate further War with Israel.
2. For the duration of the 50 turn peace, deal Israel must never close borders with any of the included nations.
3. Israel will close borders with France Neandor and Vikings for the duration of the 50 turns unbreakable peace, or until all war between Russia, and these nations cease, whichever is longer. During this period Israel will not transfer money to either of these nations, directly or indirectly, meaning Israel can not give any money to any nation that Israel knows or has reason to know is transfering money to France Neandor or Vikings. If Israel is transfering money to a nation and later discovers they are transferring money to the 3 forbidden nations, Israel must immediately cancel the deal.
4. Russia will return Tel Aviv to Israel when the conditions of Russia and Turkey are met.

B
1. The full income of Bethlehem for 20 turns to be paid to Russia, thereafter money will be paid to Russia under the terms of section C2

C
1. After Israel pays the initial 20 turn term of gold, this will be replaced by a permanent deal whereby Israel pays the sum of the number of Russian cities with Christianity in gold per turn. This amount will be recalculated at Russia's discretion to match the number of russian cities with Christianity at any given time.

Turkey's terms
D
1. To ensure that Israeli spies are no longer posing threats to the security of Turkey, Israel will agree to use Israeli spies at Turkey's direction and build more if needed to reduce you espionage points on Turkey to under 200 points. Israel agrees that this will be done prior to Tel Aviv being returned to Israel.
2. Israel must immediately surrender ALL siege weapons (Cannon, catapults, Trebuchets etc.), ALL Gunpowder units (Muskets, Rifles, Grenadiers, etc.) and 8 Macemen to Turkey.
3. Israel permanently agrees not to build any cities on the Mediteranean coast, and to leave the coast area to be settled at Turkey's discretion.
4. Turkey will return Hebron and Ai to Israel when the conditions of Russia and Turkey are met.

E
1. All vendettas, religious or otherwise against Turkey must be renounced and abandoned publicly, forever.

Benjamin Netanyahu
Chief of the interim administration of Israel

[Israel (DoE)]

"So, you have signed it?" Ariel Sharon asked.
"Yes general" Netanyahu answered.
"Now you ask me to hand over our armies?" Sharon replied
"Yes, at once. This was the best possible deal."
"Any word from Rabin?" Sharon said avoiding to comment on Netanyahu's last answer.
"He was murdered by Yigal Amir, a far-right-wing religious Jew who strenuously opposed Rabin's peace initiative and particularly the intention to sign any peace treaty that excluded Israelian cities being returned to Israel" Netanyahu explained.
"Do you now not fear the same fate?" Sharon wondered
"No, we only gave up the city of Nain."
"And Ekron and Jerusalem!" Sharon warned
Netanyahu had some doubts and some fears in his eyes, but then firmly stated: "Yes, we made offers for peace but I stand behind this peace deal and will not allow anybody to ignore it."
"Then I will stand besides you" Sharon concluded, "and I will hand over our armies as agreed upon."

A day later the citizen of Bethlehem formed a new parliament, the Knesset, which would from now on act as Israel's administration. Netanyahu was assigned as the president of the Knesset. The Knesset would operate from Bethlehem, even after Tel Aviv would be returned. Ariel Sharon became minister of the defense department.

[England (DoE)]

[Inca (DoE)]

The Inca head of the fact finding mission addresses the rest of the mission:
"Success! Inca has negotiated yet another peace deal! Indeed, we are leaders of global peace!"
And great cheers went up through the crowd. Champagne was popped, illicit goods consumed, and in general everyone was ecstatic.

"But, didn't Inca basically get ignored throughout much of the process, and aren't the terms completely different from Inca's, and wasn't Inca completely absent from the final negotiations and signing?" one rather dreary buzzkill was heard to have muttered, mostly to himself, in a dark corner.

Of course, everyone was too busy celebrating to bother responding to him, and he later went on to vent that frustration into other pursuits than sulking and moaning to himself.

[Vikings (DoE)]

“Is the war over?”

“Yes, Brynhildr,” replied Sigrún. “The souls of the Israelites, the Russians and the Ottomans will not be filling the ranks of the Einherjar for the time being.”

“So, can we rest for a while? My horse is tired; and my arms too. It’s hard work picking up the dead souls and bringing them back to Valhalla.” Brynhildr flipped her hair over shoulder, and flashed a pouty look at Sigrún.

“I don’t see why not,” Sigrún patiently replied. “Unless Mr. Wednesday receives word that one of them has broken the trust again we should have a bit of peace and be able to start training the new Einherjar to fight. One never knows when Ragnarok will come.”

“I don’t want to ever see Ragnarok…ever. I don’t want to die Sigrún. Just the other day I met a nice barbarian from Bifrost and we shared a pint of mead together. I think he likes me.”

“We will all die someday Brynhildr. It is fated. Even Mr. Wednesday will die again. And in any case who gave you leave to fraternize with the living soldiers of our realm?”

“Umm, no one,” Brynhild’s voice lowered to a chastened whisper.

“Exactly.”

“But, Sigrún if the war is over we don’t have much to do for a while. Why CAN’T I see my big barbarian? He has such mighty muscles.”

“Well, there is always war somewhere Brynhildr. Remember the English? Sigrdrifa and Kára are handling them. Their soldiers seem to be dying off in droves of late…”

[India (DoE)]

Re-reform in India!

The Monarchist faction has won the election, re-reinstated the Bureaucracy and made changes to the constitution. The dramatic move has galvanized the republican faction and it is expected that the Monarchists will be ousted at the very next election.

[France (DoE)]

The Battle of Dublin



General Carpentier had the unenviable position of taking over command with the death of Marshal Maray at Plymouth. He had served in the Marshal's shadow for several years, and had not really had an opportunity for independent action. But he was young and intelligent, and bold. He also served during the more recent period when modern arms dominated the battle field. Hence, he brought no outdated tactics with him.

He now stood ready to assault Dublin, the last English foot-hold in the British Isles, and the base from which DA warships, and more importantly, galleons, operated. Taking Dublin would help lessen the threat to the Atlantic seaboard.

It was a large army he commanded. Losses had been significant at Plymouth, but the French had reinforcements. The English troops inside Dublin were still recovering from the previous battle, and did not want to venture out to fight. The French Navy had fought their way through a blockade of English SOTL's to make this landing in Ireland in possible. They had taken losses in doing so.

It was now the Army's turn. Carpentier gave the signal, and the cannon barrage commenced. Two hours later, the main bulk of the French Army advanced on the Dublin defenders, taking some small measure of revenge for Marshal Maray and the troops lost at Plymouth. By nightfall, the city had been taken.

[Mali (DoE)]

Official communiqué of the Malian government:

Mali welcomed the peace that is found in North Africa, Mali will not recognize Israel as a friend while Israeli leaders are not publicly declare their plans and attitudes towards Mali. We will not disturb peace in Africa, if not to be provoked. Malian nation is happy that his Israeli brothers no longer suffer from the horrors of war, but we fear that they continue to suffer the fools of their rulers.

[France (DoE)]

Betrayal and Tragedy - the Death of King Phillipe

PREVIOUSLY

Paris

Prince Armand welcomed the two colonels by ordering a round of cognac. This drinking establishment was well off the beaten path, and that was the reason the Prince, the younger brother to the King, had chosen it.

"Greetings my Gallic brothers" he stated as he welcomed the two military leaders.

"Greetings Prince Armand".

Armand asked "So have you heard the latest?"

"The Vikings having made a peace pact with the damnanglais? Yes. We have heard." With that Colonel Bruys leaned over his shoulder and spat on the bar floor .... "Damn Anglais!"

Colonel Trepain leaned over his shoulder and spat "Damn Vikings!".

"So why are we still in this alliance, this ACE as my brother puts it? What is it doing for Gaul?"

"Nothing!" answered the two colonels.

The conversation got more agitated, and much louder, over the next hour.

None of the three noticed the individual in the corner, quietly nursing his beer, and catching every word which was said.

CURRENTLY

Prince Armand walked quickly up the palace steps, accompanied by six French soldiers. He nodded to the guards, who let them pass.

He proceeded down the long hall, to the throne room where he had arranged to meet his brother, the King.

Entering the chambers, Phillipe welcomed his younger brother.

'Welcome Armand. What was so urgent that we had to meet on such short notice, and why the guard with you? Are you concerned for your safety?'

"Greetings brother. I will make this quick, as it tears at my heart. You are my brother and I love you, but my love for Gaul is greater. She needs me now, in these dark hours."

"What are you talking about, for heaven's sake?"

"I'm sorry Phillipe." Armand turned to one of the soldiers and nodded. "Sergeant!"

The sergeant drew his sword and advanced on the King of France. He stepped back, and at that moment, the walls, which were lined by drapes, exploded with other soldiers. The sergeant went down quickly with one of the first shots. The remainder of Armand's guard went down just as quickly as elite marksmen hit their targets.

The chief of the French Secret Service then stepped forward, a gun aimed at Armand.

King Phillipe was still in shock from the events, and what his brother had planned. He was further shocked when the chief of the secret service pulled the trigger, blowing away most of Armand's skull. He fell in a bloody heap on the palace floor.

This had not been part of the plan, this killing of his brother. Phillipe staggered backward, falling into the throne. And then the pain. Across his chest. He arced his back, and died. Of heart failure.

The chief rushed across to his King, calling for a doctor, but it was too late. he lowered his head in guilt. His plan had been to save Phillipe the problems of what to do with his traitorous brother, and instead, he had killed the King. Not directly, but he had no doubt the death of Armand had done it. He sank to his knees in disbelief.

Senior officials gathered soon gathered at the grisly scene in the throne room. As awful as the situation was, they had to ensure France was ruled. These were delicate and dangerous times. There was no time for anarchy.

They discussed matters quickly, trying to avoid looking at the body of Phillipe, now draped with a blanket of royal French blue.

"The Prince is in Ireland with the Royal and Loyal Regiment. He could not make it back for days. Besides, he would not want to leave his regiment, and has little experience in diplomacy or administration."

"And after what just happened here, let's not put a member of the military in charge."

"Who's the senior official here in Paris?"

"That would be Marc Renaud, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Very experienced. And very close to both Queen Genevieve and King Phillipe."

"Good. He's our man then. The Interim Head of the French Nation."

[Russia (DoE)]

"What is this, Boris?"

"Umm.. Excuse me My Lady..."

"Talk Boris!"

"This is the peace treaty with the Israeli - they have already signed it"

"Ah, perfect! Give it to me to sign it!" Catherine took the paper and read it quick "But this is not the one we have agreed on last time with Sultan Ahmed?!?" Catherine eyes widened in amazement "Look - here the Turks are returning cities to Israel... Who made this proposal to the Turks?!" Catherine was awaiting answers, her hands on her chest.

"It came from Moscow, Princess. It is written by our Chief of Foreign Department and it is sent by special mail from the office of your Second Minister Yosif. In the accompanying letter it was suggested that these terms were agreed with the Turks."

"Hmm.. Peace... This is what I wanted, but why is this secrecy - why Yosif had to negotiate with the Israeli and the Turks behind my back? I will sign it anyway, but I do want answers - both from Ahmed and from Yosif. This Second Minister is starting to make me nervous. What is he doing in Moscow? Tell me Boris - any news from Moscow? What the people talk behind my back?"

"Ehhh... Well, some people are heard complaining that you have left Moscow and you are only enjoying the night life, while not caring about the Russians."

"Really? But we've been quite long time here in Istanbul coordinating the Israeli operation. It was the most important issue. Russia is in wonderful shape - what these people are complaining about?"

"The people are complaining that our economics is falling behind, My Lady. We are already at 1/3 of the biggest economics and this aint gonna change for good with all this war. The People are afraid that we are dragged in a spiral leading to the bottom of the poverty."

"Hmm.. but it is war, Boris, the people must understand and be content with this."

"Might be the war weariness and the war misery... Your long absence too, My Lady - you know - When the Cat is not in the house, the mouses are playing at free."

"Hmm.. and this Second Minister is not doing it any better trying to working behind my back and taking some of my functions. Send trusted people to investigate whats going on in Moscow."

"Right away, My Lady" Boris leaved Catherine's chamber with relief - it was not pleasant to bring bad news to his Princess.

[Russia (DoE)]

Natasha from the Foreign Department is a beautiful, highly intelligent and dangerous woman. She is trained in the arts of diplomacy, etiquette and seducing. For her the bearded rufous vikings with the strong arms trained for warriors, familiar with the axes, rather than the pen and the book from childhood were no match, neither obstacle to achieving what she wants.

She walks with vacillating hips in the corridors of the palace in Asgard.

"Heeyyy! You big boy! You look so fearsome with all those leathers and weapons! You must be guarding something really, really important behind this heavy oak door!"

"Umh, why you think so?" the Viking guard was suspicious as he was taught to be.

"Because it would be such a waste for a hero like you to guard something which anyone can take, Isnt it?"

"Hummm.. right, you are right, I am important guard and I guard important things locked and hidden in this room> Those are REALLY IMPORTANT things, you little"

Oh, yes!" I knew it! I knew you are guarding something very valuable here." Natasha said slyly.

"Yes, yes, little maid, it is important. It is not only important. It is SECRET! So secret, that no one on Earth know the secrets locked in here." the guard was almost not stepping on the ground he was so proud of his own importance and the interest from this hot foreign chick.

"Really? SECRET you say? I dont believe you - you saw a pretty girl and you want to impress me with mysterious nonsenses. I know your tricks, boy."

"You dont believe me? You think I only want to impress you? Then come with me quick and lets see what you will tell when you see this thing. I can bet you in Russia are not though about such things. If I am wright, you will give me kiss, deal?

"Deal, but you will not win." Natasha looking unbelieving said

"OK, wait for me to take out my key - I keep it well hidden in my shirt on a rope around my neck. Here - come in and be amazed!"

"And how you call this machine?"

"This is the Steam Machine, you little. Here how it works.... Now give me my kiss - I have earned it."

"You well deserved more than just a mere kiss..." Natasha though to herself with a little smile on her lips while her eyes was scanning everything exactly as her mentors in Moscow was taught her. "Oh, how well you deserved it..."

Some 5 minutes later the two leaved surreptitiously the room, trying to put their clothes in order.

"Give me just one more kiss, you fairy" the eyes of the guard were almost glowing.

"You naughty boy!"

"Will you come back one day in Asgard again?"

"Yes, I may come again someday"

"Let me think about something to gift you for a good-bye gift... Ummm...AAAaaaamm" The guard start to search his pocket and turning his eyes trying to think about something good for a gift to such a exquisite lady.

"What is this brass thing on a chain, my love?" Natasha asks seemingly without much interest.

"We use this in the sea, you little. You dont have much sea in Russia, arent you?"

"Yes, we almost have no sea, my dear... But can I have this shiny thing? It will remind me of you, my sweet sailor berserker"

"Sure, sure you can have it"

"And how you call this thing?"

"We call it compass, sweet, nice, eh?"

"Nice, yeah" Natasha says over her shoulder while rapidly walking to disappear in the maze of corridors. She had a good reason to be hurry.