Destiny of Empires [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 11 - August 2011]

[Aztecs (DoE)]

To: Nations of the world
From: Camaxtli

Tlaxcala has been leased to the Vikings to ensure an economic impulse is given to the region.
Of course this has resulted in some unrest in the population, but we are sure the people will become content again when they see what this economic impulse will do.

To our friends north of the border we tell the following:
there will be NO, I repeat NO, threat to any Native American holdings.

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Crete Island... in a seaside villa



Mahmud knocked on Jamal's bedroom door. "Commander! Commander! Wake up!

Jamal cracked his door open just enough to peek at Mahmud with one eye, and started mumbling groggily... "What time is it? When did you get here? Why do you get up so early? We are supposed to be on vacation..."

"Sabbatical, Commander" Mahmud replied quickly.

Jamal rolled his eyes..."To-may- to, To-mah-to... And stop calling me Commander! For Brahman's sake why must we have these two arguments everyday?"

"Forgive me Comma... Pardon, I mean Jamal" Mahmud stammered, "But we need to add a chapter to the Great Treatise on International Law we are composing, one that deals with slavery and indentured servitude."

"What? Why? " Jamal was confused now.

Mahmud handed Jamal a letter..."Because the criminal government of Azteca has just sold an ENTIRE CITY, their OWN CITIZENS into slavery to the Vikings..."

Jamal's stared at the letter, slack-jawed in disgust..."Impossible... this can't possibly be true... if this is true it would be the most outrageous and heinous crime against humanity in all of history! The burning of Jerusalem, the sacking of Britain, the Ekron Oasis Massacres, all the atrocities of the past pale in comparison... at least these were committed against foreigner, against enemies... but to sell your own people. It makes me sick to my stomach..."

Mahmud continued, pointing to a line in the letter " And look here, there can be no doubt that this is exactly what they have done. By their own words they have "leased" the people of Tlaxcala, just as one leases a horse or a carriage or..."

"A slave..." Jamal growled through gritted teeth.

"Exactly" Mahmud replied, "and this was no fringe arctic camp or desert outpost, or war concession, The Aztecs have "leased" in their own words one of their largest, core cities, with all their citizens, into abject slavery and indenture servitude to the Vikings!"

"So what is the condition of the people of the city?" Jamal asked

"They are starving to death of course" Mahmud replied."the farmers in the fields near the city have renounced the Aztecs and declared themselves Native citizens. They no longer deliver food to the city! Thousands will die !"

"The Azteca Government are a band of criminals and human rights abusers! They have committed this crime against humanity and they are unfit to rule. I only hope the Sultan issues a statement against them" Jamal was obviously furious...

[Arabia2 (doe)]

Arabia is deeply concerned by the apparent state of anarchy in India. It seems their government is dissolved and it raises the question: did they really sign that peace treaty?
There are many facts which are quite suspicious:
-We have never learned about any detail of this peace treaty
-The Indian government is disappeared since then.
-Before the peace treaty India has stated many times that they would not accept peace if they wouldn't get back their cities, and even Japan was willing to give back at least one. Yet : a peace has been made and Japan got to keep everything.

This whole enforced " peace treaty" looks like a conspiracy to break India. Of course we would like to be proven wrong and only India could confirm that their government hadn't fallen under the influence of a so called local superpower. We hope we can hear from them soon. Until then we must assume the worst and we shall be prepared in case we would become the next victim of a dream of "unified Asia" or unified whatever..

President Abdus Salam

[Mali (DoE)]

Official communiqué of the keeper of the throne of Mali:
ras Moussa welcomed the miracle of the iron horse that moves on the iron rails and a good French neighbors with Viking hired workers to build the border with Mali. Guardian of the throne of Mali wants to ask their French neighbors to continue the railway to connect the cities of Mali course fee - does not want handouts Mali - Mali suggests that the aim of France with this track to strengthen commercial ties between our two people. Regards.

[Native America (DoE)]

Mind of Heaven heard the sound at the edge of his consciousness. Small it was, almost not there, so deep was his inward concentration. But it was enough. He sighed to himself again, and pressed his lips together as he came out of the trance. It would not do to speak the thoughts he was thinking; good ministers were hard to come by. Slowly he sped up his respiration, and opened his eyes. There, indeed, as he expected, was his favorite minister, who looked admittedly nervous at having disturbed the Council Leader once again in his trance.

"Sir, I know it's inconvenient, but I thought you should know. One of my under-ministers has a suggestion as to what is going on Across the Great River. It might not be so meaningless as it seems..."

Mind of Heaven raised an eyebrow. The whole situation made no sense to him. The Viking-things were essentially shut up in the city of Tlaxcala. The people of the towns around the city were refusing to send their harvests and their goods to the city, or to pay taxes to the officials from "Valhalla". The Serpent People-things had made clear to all that they harbored no ill-will to The People, and had assured him, and the world, that the Viking-things would not be launching any attacks from Tlaxcala (though that scarcely explained the huge numbers of troops located in the city, both of the Sperpent People-things and of the Avenging Valkyrie-things). There were rumors that the Turk-things from across the Great Sunrise Water were apalled at the 'lease' of the city. If anyone could make sense of the situation, Mind of Heaven would be profoundly grateful.

"Sir," the minister said, "the thought is this: it is possible that the Viking-things wanted to have access to the black, tarry stuff that seeps out of the ground just outside Tlaxcala. I'm not certain I understand it all, but some of our so-called scientists say that this stuff might be made to burn inside of things they call "engines". They sound like they are describing some sort of potent magic, to me, but they swear that the burning of the black ooze can be done safely, in a way that creates great power. Since there is nothing else of economic value around Tlaxcala, and since the Serpent People-things have stated that the Viking-things were supposed to give and "economic impulse" (whatever THAT is) to the region, this is the only possibility we can think of."

Mind of Heaven grew troubled at this thought, though he knew not why. Trying to buy possession of black goop on the partial promise of future benefits hardly seemed wise. Who knew what the gods would have planned for the Viking-things by then. But in a moment his disquiet grew. He recalled a dream from one of his trance-states. In the dream, he had seemed to see a great war break out on the borders of the lands of The People. He had not been able to tell what the fighting was about. It had seemed to be over something that made no sense, something that came out of the ground, but was neither diamonds nor gold. Perhaps it had been this black oozy stuff?

He shrugged, to project some confidence to his minister. "If this is what they intended, then their plan has managed to backfire. The lands around Tlaxcala were refuse to allow the Viking-things to come into them. If I'm not mistaken, these black-goop sands are within the areas closed to the Viking-things. While I am not saying that this will stay a constant, at least for now, the "lease" appears to have been fruitless.

"Still," he mused, "we won't relax our vigil. Fortunately, our great friend, Catherine of the Rus, has repleged her ties with us. I don't see the Viking-things testing out the possibility of another Great War with the Rus and allies. But as they say, forwarned is four armed, and I'm feeling particularly desirous of some extra brachiation these days..." He trailed off his thoughts with a chuckle, joined by the minister, who had always liked that old chestnut.

[Russia (DoE)]

"Yosif?....Yosif? Yosif Visarionovich!"

"Ah, yes, Comrade Catherine! I was a bit absent-minded." The Prime Minister Yosif finally got concentrated. "Yes, Catherine? what is it?"

"I was asking for your opinion of this recently strange surrendering of a whole mature Aztec city to the Vikings. What you think about it - does it carry a risk for our friends the Natives with all this army concentration there?"

"Well.. hmmm... I was wondering about this too, Catherine. In the last war with the Ottomans, the Aztecs were ready to fight to the death for a single small holiday village like Havana, repeating the "Territorial integrity of North America" mantra, and now, just few years later they "lease" mature city - one of their best to an European superpower to die from starvation..."

"Yes, I know the facts, Yosif, I need explanations from you. Maybe their king has lost his mind - how could a ruler gift a whole city to a foreigners? Maybe he is using all the army he got to repress his people?"

"Yes, Catherine, you will have my analysis in no time" The old merciless communist fox Yosif said with confident expression on his face.

[Native America (DoE)]

He Who Serves hesitated before knocking. The last few times he had knocked on this door, he had sensed that the Council Leader had been less than happy with him. He wasn't certain if this was because of the content of the messages he had brought, or because of some other, deeper issue. He just knew that, sooner or later, there would be one knock too many at this rate, and his name would become "Killed By the Angry One."

He Who Serves pondered for a moment. Was it imperative that Mind of Heaven know this information right away? After all, it didn't require action, if it was correct. The Viking-things had confirmed their unwillingness to attack from Tlaxcala. It appeared that they had leased the city to obtain access to the black, gooey stuff in the plains just outside the city. The troops, it appeared, were also part of some transaction, and not intended for action against The People. If the information was correct, then the best response to it all was no response, and Mind of Heaven could slumber on (or whatever it was he did in this room).

Still, other intelligence conflicted. Information had been received that indicated the Viking-things did not have purely economic intent behind their "lease" of the city (and when one leases a city, does one end up leasing its inhabitants, the minister wondered, not for the first, or even second time?). And even if they did have economic interests at heart, what would their reaction be when they realized that the gooey stuff was not under their control, since the villagers and townspeople around the city had renounced allegiance to the Viking-things and asked The People to protect them and provide for them? Much was unclear. Powerful nations had offered support and help, but He Who Serves was not blind to the fact that there has never been a free lunch...

He Who Serves dithered for some time. Then, he squared his shoulders, turned, and walked away. Mind of Heaven had important things to deal with. He did not need to be bothered with trivialities. The Viking-things had never yet lied to The People. Unless and until they did, The People would take them at their word. And if they did lie, He Who Serves thought with a grim smile, there would be consequences, oh, yes, there would.

[America (DoE)]

To all nations:

Today, I humbly address you. I wish to speak to all of you about our future. Not as an ally, not as an enemy... I address you simply as your fellow man.

We have come a long way together. It seems like only yesterday that some of us were filled with despair and sorrow over lost loved ones, and threats on our horizon. We were divided; all of us. We were each fighting for what we believed was right. Blood was shed. Too much blood was shed. But we overcame our differences. And we made peace.

I am growing old now. And because my sun is setting, I see things in a different light. I look back and I see, bathed in golden twilight, the beautiful things we have done together. Our people are happier, live longer, have a better quality of life. But when I look ahead, I can see shapes and forms that cast long shadows.

A wise man once said: "With great power comes great responsibility". And I ask you all to think about that statement, really to take a moment, and to realize what it means. Because soon, you will have to make a choice, a choice that will affect each and every one of us.

You, as leaders of the world, are all representatives of your people. You create their future. When you order your nation to build weapons, someone will have to wield those weapons. When you order your troops into battle, men give up their lives for you. And even though you will justify this sacrifice by saying they gave their lives for their country, deep down inside you have to ask yourselves... did they really give it up for their country? Or did they give it up for you?

The reason that I speak about such things, is because the world is changing. At a rapid pace. Inequality is growing between nations. There are new technologies, but these technologies demand resources. There are nations that realize that because of past wars, they possess a sizeable military, which gives them power. There are nations that realize that they are wealthy, wealthy enough to exert influence. There are nations who are so large, and so powerful, that they can raise armies that will be nearly impossible to withstand.

It is at times like this that alliances form. And it is also at times like this that differences become more pronounced. It is at times like this that leaders forget that they are representatives. It is at times like this that leaders begin to believe that they know what is right for their people, without really asking them.

Let us speak frankly; I ask all of you, all the leaders of all the nations, to briefly pause, and to consider all this. Think about your people. Think about the mothers, the fathers, their children. Think about their land, their jobs, their hopes. And then, think about what you can do best to serve them.

If every one of us, us leaders, does that... would we not all strive for peace above all else? Would not every single one of us think about our people, and wish upon them a long and peaceful life? Would we not clutch at every single straw, every possible strategy, every imaginable tactic, to avoid war?

We represent our people. We represent our nation's families. We owe it to them, to those who put their trust in us, to provide them with a carefree, happy, and long life.

I am growing old. As I said, I am walking towards the sunset. I cannot really see what lies ahead. There are but silhouettes, shapes on the horizon. So, it is time for me to step aside.

I therefore wish to inform you that I have handed in my resignation as general of the American forces. The American people have chosen John F. Kennedy as my successor; the new American president, and commander of our forces. I have complete confidence in this young man's abilities to lead us into the future. The sun is at his back.

I hope that during all this time that the American people have given me their trust, I have served them well. It is with great sadness, but with great hope that I take my leave; I have seen the strength of our people, and I know that they can achieve great things. I now put my trust in them, as they take us forward into a new era.

I salute all nations, my allies, my friends and my colleagues; may you all prosper, in peace and harmony. It has been a great honor, and an enormous privilege, to work with all of you.

Dwight Eisenhower.

[England (DoE)]

He forgot to mention the military industrial complex....

[Arabia2 (doe)]

((Poor Eisenhower.. I just hope he won't live to see it..))

[Aztecs (DoE)]

Telegram to all embassies of the world

Ottomans declared war on America - STOP - large destroyer fleet in Caribic - STOP - Havana in danger - STOP - Incan and English boats in Ottoman fleet - STOP -

Aztec forces mobilized - STOP - Help needed - STOP - War can still be prevented - STOP

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

The Leftsea... Near Port Irina



"Captain!" A young Naval lieutenant burst into the Captain's quarters... "That damned French... er I mean Aztec... I mean the Aztec flag-flying fleet with French soldiers on all the ships... That fleet is on the move again!"

"Well you know we are under orders to follow them so why wake me for that? Just follow them for Brahman's sake!" The Captian said immediately, looking annoyed.

"But Captain..." the young man replied "They are sailing through American waters. We don't have permission to enter"

"Hmmm... I see" the Captain thought for a moment. "Chase them anyway. We must keep track of where they go. They keep playing this game of Mongoose-and-Snake with us, forcing us to cross into American waters. That fleet has already laid siege to Port Irina once. We cant lose track of it again."

"Aye-Aye Captain!" the young man saluted "And what of the reports of the enslavement of Tlaxcala?"

"I have heard reports that the Sultan is considering the matter, but that issue is above my pay grade... and yours too. Let us hope that the Madman Camaxtalli is replaced and the city is liberated soon. War can still be avoided. For now we follow orders..."

[Aztecs (DoE)]

"Again unprecedented nonsense and propaganda by Ottomans, Sire"

"Don't get worked up by it, even when they try to sell a fleet operating deep in Aztec territorial waters as a reason for declaring war.
Let alone for declaring war on another state.

All countries will see it for what it is: the foul logic of a constant warmongerer."

"And they forget that this can easily be checked:
all who wish to confirm what is true and not true can contact us.."

[Russia (DoE)]

Kremlin, Moscow, Comrade Catherine's office

"Disturbing news have come to us, Comrade"

"Which one of them, dear Yosif?"

"Our intelligence have given us proofs about the terrible situation in the former Aztec city Tlaxcala. It appears that this "economic boost" of which the Aztecan officials are talking about is nothing less than concentration camp where the Aztec citizens are forced to work till death from starvation forced by their new masters the Vikings. It is a magnificent city, Catherine, with so many beautiful buildings - we barely have city with such infrastructure in the whole Russia, and still they die from hunger and exhaustion under the Viking heel." Yosif said looking down the pictures in sorrow.








"But how they intend to hold and use this city if 90% of its citizens will die in few years?"

"The Vikings are using a lot of propaganda, Comrade - they are trying to convince the territories who rejected their rule to join them"

"Is it going to happen?"

"Not in the next half century according to our intelligence, Catherine. And as you know we are rarely mistaken"

"But if this all mess is about the Oil and it is not going to happen peacefully, how the Vikings intend to have that Oil at all? What they will achieve aside starving hundreds of thousands Aztecs?"

"Some international observers believe the Vikings will seize what they want by force. And this is what all this Viking army is doing there, Comrade."

"Those Azteca royal family... They tend to always involve themselves in such troubles. They receive arms from the Europeans, keep enormous fleet, threaten the Turks in Port Irina, had insulted and disregarded me so many times... But this is beyond believe - to let foreign country exploit your citizens and kill them with starvation. How one ruler with his all mind could allow such thing? What could he be threatened with, or what prize he could be promised to agree this happen..." Catherine covered his pretty and sad face with her fragile palms.

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Notice to All Nations:

On behalf of his Majesty, Sultan Ahmed V, I issue the following position of the government of Turkey regarding the lease of the Tlaxian people to Valhalla:

Turkey condemns the leasing or selling of mature cities into the enslavement or indentured-servitude to foreign powers. We call upon the Aztec King to retake possession of Tlaxcala, to restore the integrity of North America. To quote King Camaxtli's words, as he once so passionately said to us, "All we want is to restore the territorial integrity of North America."

If territorial integrity is not restored immediately, Turkey will have no choice but to conclude that Camaxtli no longer values the territorial integrity of North America, and stronger measures will be considered.

Taner, High Messenger, on behalf of the Sultan