Turns of AXT028 game in Apolyton PBEM Tournament II (cont)

[Zaphod]

The latest news from Spartan Public Radio:

The recent surprise victory of the Green Party in parliamentary elections has forced Colonel Zaphod to include them in his ruling coalition. This dramatic turn of events has shocked the ruling elites in Sparta Command and is sure to have far-reaching effects on the entire Spartan Federation, and on Planet as a whole.

In other news, our pledge drive has fallen short of our goal. Please send your tax-free contribution now...

....hold on we're getting an urgent news flash....

The latest news from our correspondent in Sparta Command is that Colonel Zaphod will be holding an emergency press conference at 21:00 this evening to announce stronger ties with the Cult of Planet. This policy will have the immediate consequence of drawing us into the ongoing war between the Cultists and their enemies. In response to this news the Octagon has gone to high alert and the reservists are being put on active duty. At this point we have no more information, but please stay tuned and we'll keep you updated...

[Cedronian]

MY2190 sent to Zaphod.

Congratulations on building the Cloudbase Academy cbn

Ced.

[cbn]

I am anxious to see this turn to figure out what the heck is going on

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" Emporer wake up!"

Cbn awoke with a start to see his aide standing over him. "What is it?"

" War sire, war. We are not yet sure of what is going on but we understand that Zaphod has declared war on a bunch of factions saying they need to protect their friends the Cult"

"Well did they declare war on us? I thought we were friends. We only defended ourselves against the cult. ANSWER ME !! ARE WE AT WAR WITH THE SPARTANS ?"

"I do not know sire. Reports are sketchy and our intelligence service was apparently caught unawares. The only intelligence they have is a transcript of a Spartan transmission"

" What ?? After all the fuding we put into intelligence services. Sack Smythe and put Kang in place as head of intelligence services. Put all the military on full alert on all frontiers. Patrols everywhere. You are authorized to overfly outside our territory on all sides with rules of engagment code yellow. It is not yet war for sure and until it is, NO ONE fires unless weapons are trained upon them. In the meantime, contact the frontier for a status report"

" we have tried sire but the commlink won't link with them. We keep getting a cryptic message that we can communicate with our units and find out our true status when it is "our turn". Our experts think there is a computer virus and suspect sabotage. "

" So for now we can only rely upon the communications of other leaders and whatever we can gain over the public comm channels"

"Yes sire -- until is our turn"

" Very well. There is little I can do at the moment but wake me when contact is established with our units in the frontier.

[H0bbes]

Well, well, well. To side with the barbaric fungus lovers. How disgusting. A Vendetta upon Sparta as well then.

Turned to CBN.

Hobbes.

[cbn]

2191 to the cyborgs
-----------------------

Cbn adressed his council of ministers. " After careful consideration it was determined that we cannot stand idly by while the fate of the world is determined. We shall stand alongside the Spartans. Although we differ with the cultists we share the Spartans fear of the spreading cyborg threat. We now have proof that the cyborgs are performing the most barbaric experiments upon their people. These attempts to meld man and machine are a revolting example of the practices that should be curtailed. While we do not have as strong feelings on the issue as others we do believe in the sanctity of humankind and therefore support the initiative against the cyborgs"

" But emporer, are we not also now at war with the Pirates?"

" yes unfortunately the automatic systems declared vendetta on them at the same time as the Cyborgs. However we have no quarrel with the Pirates and do not wish to war with them. They share our distaste for the cult and we have no contentious boundary issues-- they are a most pleasant people actually. I see no reason for us to war upon one another even though we each may have disputes with the other's allies. A message will be sent to their leader to this effect.

In the meantime send in recon force Alpha to probe the strength of the cyborg defenses"

[Cedronian]

Utterly disgusting, that´s all I have to say. Hopefully, the Citizens Defence Force will help somewhat in our defence, if it doesn´t fall in the hands of the heinous Hive.

Morgan too decided that these transgressions against the peaceful Cyborgs were horrific and is now aiding the Cyborg cause against cbn and his mindless minions.

I call for all other faction leaders to continue their vendetta against the two bullies who think that they can get away with such foul dealings.

MY2191 sent to the treacherous Spartans.

Ced.

[H0bbes]

On to CBN.

Hobbes.

[cbn]

2192 to the cyborgs

------------------------------

CBN read the military reports. Epsilon had fallen in 2191 while in 2192 there had been successful captures of Upsilon Depot, Omicrom Quadrangle and Psi Conciousness. That final capture was particularly critical as it housed the Weather Paradigm, The Planetary Transit System and the Citizens Defense Force. Projections indicated that it was likely that a pitched battle would ensue for the Hive to retain these gains but the generals were confident that they could win the day despite some possible temporary losses. The Spartans attacks were going well in the west and cbn looked forward to the end of war and the peace that would follow.

[Cedronian]

MY2192 sent to the Spartans. Sorry for the slight delay, my connection to my ISP was down last night.

Ced.

(Now, let´s see...where is the "Post" button on this new board system..hmm)

[cbn]

ced were you always listed as joining apolyton in 1970 ? Impressive feat given the state of the internet at that time LOL.

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Yang looked at his advisers " Is there any news from the front?"

" Sire we have been informed that the cyborgs have made their moves but we have absolutely no information as to the result of their actions."

" It was quiet for too long. This can only mean that the cyborgs are planning a massive response. For all we know they may have captured back their bases. Send out a message to all troops seeking further information. We need to know what is going on."

[cbn]

Just to let you know that I will be out of town (leaving on the 24th and returning on the 26th)-- I should be able to play on both the 24th (very early) and the 26th (very late )so I do not propose to get a replacement . If I play on the 24th it might be that I do not hold things up at all.

[H0bbes]

Turned to CBN.

Question: how do I get one of those little pictures next to my name?

Hobbes.

[cbn]

Hobbes

Just look in the faq and there is one entitled "How do I get a picture beneath by username?". I clicked on that and it takes to 100 possible icons to use (I think they are all from CIV2 and CTP)--I decided to use the paratrooper since it seems apt given the effect that drop troops are having on the cyborg empire.

2193 to ced

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CBN addressed his people

" I am pleased to announce another military success as Pi Lumiere has been liberated from the half-machines. As well, spontaneous celebrations have occurred in other recently liberated towns as the people realize they are no longer under cybernetic control and embrace the governance of the Hive. We have a task force primed to liberate Alpha Prime and expect to do so by 2195.

My people, I know that this crusade for humanity has required sacrifice and dedication. Many of you have lost family members and friends in the battles, I myself lost a nephew. But you should know that these sacrifices were necessary for the protection of our way of life. Onward to victory !!!"

[Cedronian]

MY2193 sent to Zaphod.

cbn: No I haven´t always been listed as "registered in 1970". That happened after the upgrade of the forum. Before that I was listed as "before 1999" or something like that. The "registered in"-thing doesn´t go any further back than that.

Ced.

[cbn]

They have now added SMAC icons (but I think I will stick with the paradropped for now).

ced-- I actually notice now that your date moved from january 1970 to december 1969 -- weird huh?