History of the World (part two)

[Prometheus]

1090

CONFUSION ENGULFS MID-ASIA

Confusion over the exact wording in the Prometheus Accords caused Israel to accuse the AL of breaking the treaty soon half the world was bickering and no one seemed to know what the exact wording of the treaty said. After hours upon hours of bickering and confusion the Chinese delegate left the meeting early saying, “I am confused about the confusion”. Eventually everyone just dropped it and went about there business. Besides this incident global affairs were virtually non-existent.

CARAVANS AFLOAT

The great silk ship entered the Mongolian Ocean today on its trip to Africa; soon three silk caravans will land on the African coast and make their trips to various Mali and Zulu cities. A gems caravan left for Australia today carrying Gems of the Chinese Empire. This caravan will arrive later than the Silk as it has just left the North Chinese Sea. Both sets of caravans are expected to bring in a great deal of money to the Chinese Empire.

PROMETHEUS TO VISIT BROKEN HILL

Next week Prometheus will attend his younger sister’s graduation from the military academy at Broken Hill. His absence is expected to last several decades due to the trip length. It is still unsure who will lead the Nation in his absence.

CHINA THE NEXT SUPER POWER?
-Editorial

Number one in cities, third in units and the smallest population in the entire world… is China the next Super Power? I would say no, while one of the largest and most militarily armed nations in the entire world China is not yet a super power.

China does not yet have the population nor the resources to be considered one of the top nations in the world, but we have the potential to grow to that position. A millennium ago no one could of predicted that China would be as well off as she is now, nor could they have predicted that China would now be part of the Axis Alliance. So who knows what the next millennium will bring.

[drake]

An excerpt from a conversation between General Keti and President Keating, Drako, South America 1024 AD
(edited slightly to increase relevance)


KETI: Lets get right to it President.........do you honestly think that the world is gonna give cities to israel?

KEATING: Please general consider all aspects of my proposal.

KETI: I did President, do you think I would make light of your countries proposal? At 43 cities, you have the most to give on this fair earth of ours........besides, the Israelite scum are your allies..........it just wouldnt make sense for the zulus, or anyone else besides your allies to help!

Besides that, I know the nature of Israels leader...he's very un-stable and I really don't think my investment would be a good one if I were to make it.

KEATING: We will soon become a democratic world community! We need strong trading nations!

KETI: It is our responsibility to care for your little child Keating? I think not! Israel has done nothing in the history of man that would warrant gifting them anything, never mind valuable land and cities!
I might considering donating cities for good causes.....but mis-management is not one of them......SunTzu must learn to take responsibilities for the state of his nations......not try avoiding them! Israel has squandered their chances themselves.......no one did it to them.

KEATING: The leadership and actions pre-SunTzu era is the cause of Israels plight, not their current leader! Surely you don't want to make his people pay for things that have happened in the past!

I just thought it was a prudent idea, since, as a world community, we helped to make the Chinese a successful and equal nation. Doesnt Israel deserve the same opportunity. Surely we can all spare a few smaller cities. If it's spread around it is not as much a pain for any single nation and the world needs 7 strong nations! We need a better balance of power!

KETI: Come now President, in the politics of this world, does it make sense that others would come to the aid of this nation of traders? I mean really Keating, think of how I would look! China is a good nation, they were screwed out of their homelands by your own ally...their policies are respectable....Now, on the other hand, Israels policies and actions arent healthy for the world, they are a danger and a burden......until they show us, and everyone otherwise, I can't really help them...theyve made it impossible!

Also, in case you havent noticed Keating, my city production has been slowed considerably....We've only built 2 cities in the last few hundred years........most of our cities are quite large and certainly loyal to me and the country......Ceding control to the Rogue Nation of Israel would not only tarnish my image in the eyes of the world, but more importantly, the eyes of my people.

President, you and Mongolia are Israels allies....you should be the ones helping him out, not the Zulus. Israel is your little child now, and you must care for it. With enough nurturing and guidance, perhaps that pathetic little nation can some day return itself to the world scene......

Thank you for having me President, I must be going now......I need to catch the next ferry back to the mainland....Good day.............

KEATING: I see your points General and they are well taken. Fair enough, I shall speak to you again soon...........

[SunTzu]

Prom that was Mongolia not me!

[drake]

Setting: Zulu Nation capital city, Zimbabwe 1056 AD

"General, your plan has worked.....the people have been calmed and order is returning to your cities." said the Zulu Colonel, Ekid Usl.

"Heh, it's about time. Now we can get on with the plan. Next time those raving lunatics get out of control, we'll have to call upon more drastic measures to restore order....Let us head to the meeting, we are expected at this time." said Keti as he walked towards the door.

Usl walked with Keti as he headed towards the strategy room in the back of the palace.

"Colonel, have you consulted the Shaman today?" asked Keti.

"Yes Sir, this morning General. He and his team of scientists have been united once again and they have already started back into their work. They will finish their plans for this thing they call gunpowder very soon and a science known as metallurgy soon after that. The Shaman tells me that with these discoveries, the Zulu Nation will have the ability to build weapons that are capable of doing major damage. He didn't get too in depth, for he knew the logistics would bore me, but he says that after metallurgy is finished, he and his scientists will be working on a project that will 'change the world'. Something about a new form of power........I'm really not sure what the old kook was talking about to tell you the truth!" Usl said laughing.

"Hush Ekid, can't you see that science and technology is the way of the world? Our scientists are un-paralleled by any other scientists on the planet. They are the most valuable resource in our nation! Forget the gold, silver and spice! Without our scientists, we are nothing! You treat them as you would treat me, for their well being and productivity is linked directly to our Nations well being....Do you understand Colonel?" asked Keti with a mocking tone.

"Yes Sir, I understand." Usl answered obediently.

"Good. Now on to business......." Keti said as he pushed open the doors to the strategy room.

Waiting in the room for the General were Keti's Lieutenant General and Admiral of the Navy. Several Mali officers were present as well as a representative from the Republic of China....

"Gentlemen, thank you for coming! Let us get right to business........Our plan to.............."

The sounds of speaking are muffled as the large metal doors to the strategy room swing shut..........

[The Capo]

Well well well, another week has passed folks and here is your update...

Europeans storm a Zulu city! Which one and who was it? Has the bad blood between the AL and the Pacific Pact rekindled? Arguments over the PCAs may lead to a new feud! Finally Africa has come to law and order, who is in charge and in what way? There is a new leader in city count, it may not be who you think!

Check out all of these stories and more at the official website of HOTW, www.geocities.com/history_of_the_world/

The Chinese will need a sub for next week's session, which will most likely occur at 7pm EST. There is an offchance that it will occur at 8pm EST though, we'll have to see. If you can make either of these sessions please E-Mail me, the Capo, at LBPSlacker@aol.com, or ICQ me at 101832697 and let me know you are interested.

Though it was a short one, that was a good session boys!

[The Capo]

"Mr. President" said the boy as he held open the carriage door, he then bowed slowly with a smile accross his face.

President Bonaparte nodded as he entered the carriage and took a seat next to Antonin Rossi, his foreign minister "Tony, what do you have for me?"

"Here, these are the reports from the seige at Skopje, its quite interesting sir, I can't believe they'd make a move like that while we were in talks with them."

"They are Vikings Tony, what'd you expect?" commented the President as he looked over the files. "This is quite interesting, they seem to have a good chance at cracking Skopje, what is our position?"

"Clearly we can't have one, but we do support the Zulus, we gave them that city after all. It would do us well however if it was taken." said Minister Rossi.

"I see, so we can retake it for the Zulus and be the heros" said Napoleon with a wicked smile.

"I was thinking more along the lines of simply taking it back, but your plan would be better actually, politically at least." said Rossi.

"Where am I headed now, its cold here, how can the Norse stand it?" said President Bonaparte.

"I'm not sure sir, but sadly its not Greece, you need the sun. You are headed to Berlin sir, you have to meet with some Officers, an Officer DiNapoli sir." said Rossi as he looked over a date book.

"I hate Germany... very well. Oh yes, what is the status on the PCA arguments in Siberia?"

"Handled."

"Concessions?"

"None."

"Perfect...."

A loud crack echoed through the salty air as the jar smashed into what seemed to be a cloud of dust. The smoke lifted slowly to the right as the Caravel rocked with the waves.

"Good lord, what is it?" said Sean Delaney as he smiled in awe.

"Its called a musket, Zulu order. Its quite a weapon no?" said Commander DiNapoli as he loaded the gun and looked over it with pride, as if he had made it himself.

"Are these the weapons we will use?" asked Benito.

"Eventually, yes" replied the Commander.

"May I try it sir?" asked Benito.

"You want to try this boy?" the Commander said with a chuckle "Very well, see that gull there?" he pointed towards a seagull perched on the side of the ship.

"Yes sir" Benito said as DiNapoli handed him the gun.

"That's your target son, go ahead." DiNapoli said as he crossed his arms.

Benito pulled it up to his face and closed one of his eyes. "You want me to shoot the bird?" he said.

"You aren't scared are you boy?" asked DiNapoli.

"C'mon Benny, kill the focker." said Sean.

He started down the black barrel and matched it with the bird, he slowly attempted to keep it still, but he was shaking for some reason.

"Hold still boy, the bird will leave soon." said DiNapoli with a smile.

Benito quickly pulled back on the trigger, a loud blast was heard and smoke flew into his face, he turned and dropped the gun.

"Ha ha ha ha ha!" laughed DiNapoli, Sean joined in "Why did you drop the gun, look you missed the bird and everything!" said DiNapoli as he pointed into the sky where the gull was flying away.

"Its okay Moose, some of us aren't cut out for man work" Sean said with a smile as he patted Benito on the back.

Benito quickly shoved Sean to the ground "What do you mean!? It was my first time, I'll show you what a man can do!" he said angrily as he clinched his fists.

"Hey hey! Benny! What the fock man, I was pullin yer chain! You must relax!" said Sean, Benito stood for a bit and smiled, holding out his hand..

"C'mon Sean, I was joking with you, take my hand." he said as he pulled Sean up from the deck.

"Alright boys, stop playing around, we'll be in Lisboa soon. We'll only be there for a few hours to restock on food, because we have to get to Berlin quickly. I have a meeting with Consul Bonaparte-"

"You didn't hear Miguel?" said Bartolo Melfi, Commander DiNapoli's aide "He is President Bonaparte now." he said in a mocking tone.

"Ah yes, President Bonaparte. Regardless, we'll be in Lisboa soon, and I don't want to wait too long, if I am late my career is over. We have to clean you two up also, you smell like a Mongol," he said as he laughed "Alright, why don't we get this deck cleaned up, it looks like trash..."

[The Capo]

Benito had never seen such a house. It was tall and white, with eggshell trim around the windows. Orately decorated curtains hung in the large regal windows that adorned the mansion. Tall and lush bushes trimmed to perfection surrounded the property, with gorgeous exotic flowers surrounding the home. The door was large and was oak, with a lion's head with wings (most likely representing the Venetian Lion) serving as a door knocker.

"You better be on your finest behavior gents" said DiNapoli as he looked over his troupe; Benito Mussolini, Sean Delaney and his aide Bartolo Melfi "Actually men, be on MY best behavior!"

The door opened and an older woman appeared, she had beautifully affixed white hair (most likely a wig) and a fine yet modest dress on "Oh you boys are so handsome do come in." she said.

"Do you always answer the door, don't you have a girl to do those things for you?" asked DiNapoli with a smile.

"As you know Commander, first impressions are always best, would you rather I answered or some Spanish servant?"

"Touche. Is the Admiral in?"

"He is to town, at Lisboa port, he should be returning in time for supper, you will stay for supper Commander?" she asked.

"Well" he looked over his troupe once more "We are in somewhat of a hurry, I have a meeting with the Consul in Berlin, and I don't think it would be-" he was interrupted.

"President, he is the President now." she said.

"Ah yes, Lady Tucci, you are quite updated on your news, no?"

"It serves a lady to not only be beautiful but intelligent as well." she said with a smile, giving a mock curtey (sp?).

"Ahh beauty and intelligence, tis an evil combination." DiNapoli laughed.

"Well please, sit sit" she said motioning towards a sitting room to the right. Its walls were forest green with paintings of ships and harbors hanging from the walls in regal gold frames. There were shelves with helmets and compasses, relics of old ships, and medals sitting upon them. The chairs were decorated with olive leaves and other mediterranean foliage as its design. A large table, with lions carved into its legs sat upon an ornate Israeli rug "Isabella, bring some sweets for these gentlemen!" yelled Lady Tucci into another room "Ah yes, where are my manners, Commander please introduce me to these fine young boys."

The Commander grimaced as he looked over his men "This is my aide, Bartolo Melfi, he is from Monaco, he's quite a man of learning."

"Come now Commander, my Lady I write books, well not books. Nothing has been published as of yet, but I have many plays that I am constantly working on. I hope when I retire to see these come to fruition, but I am a soldier first." he said with a smile.

"Yes, we wish you the best of luck. This is Private Sean Delaney, he is an Irishman, um, yes. And this is Private Benito Mussolini he is from Palermo I believe. They are my escorts, and that is about it." said DiNapoli.

"I served six months in a Mali dungeon." said Sean bluntly.

"Oh really? My oh my, I didn't know we were at war with the Mali." said Lady Tucci with a concerned look.

"He jests my lady" said DiNapoli as he looked at Sean "He was a mere gutter cleaner in Dublin before I made a man out of him, nay I shouldn't say that, I have yet to accomplish THAT goal." he said as he eyed Sean.

"I bet you would like to make a man out of me, eh Commander?" said Sean as the Commander rose from his seat and grabbed him by the arm. The two men quickly went outside.

"So..." said Benito "I like these paintings."

"Oh yes? The Admiral painted them, he is quite an atist no?" she replied.

"Yes, fine fine work, the water is very emmaculate, such things are hard to paint I hear." said Melfi.

"Yes, I was once a man of the sea. I worked at the docks in Venice, lovely city." said Benito.

"Where is that girl? ISABELLA!!!!" yelled Lady Tucci...

It was nearing midnight when they finally arrived in Berlin. The President was tired from his long journey and although he didn't particularly fancy Germany, Berlin had always been one of his favorite cities.

"President Bonaparte" said the boy as he opened the door and nodded. Napoleon raised his hand and smile.

Il Sole Di Mattina was the hotel he was staying at, the finest in Berlin.

"Napoleon we have a few matters to discuss before we retire, I would like to get a few things handled early in the morning myself, so that you may sleep long tonight. You must be refreshed you are making a public appearance tomorrow." said Antonin Rossi as he looked over his notes.

"Tony, please. You need rest yourself, let us sleep. How long is my stay here?" asked Napoleon.

"I belive two or three weeks, I am not sure. You can't leave before the situation in Scandinavia is addressed though sir. Commander DiNapoli, you are meeting him in a villa outside of Berlin before you depart, it is of the utmost importance." said Rossi.

"Is this about the new weapons?" asked President Bonaparte.

"Amongst other things yes." replied Rossi.

"Very well Tony, seriuosly, get some sleep you look like sh*t." Bonaparte said with a smile as he patted him on the back "God, I hate Germany..."

[The Capo]

"I swear, you'll die in that f*cking sh*thole in Africa if you don't stop with your antics!" barked Commander DiNapoli.

"You know what Commander?" Sean said mockingly "You are of a pretty good rank, why would you travel from Germany to Africa just to pick up two criminals? It doesn't make fockin sense to me at all! I have ha-" Sean was interrupted.

"I don't have to explain a thing to you, you are a petty criminal, you don't understand do you Irish? You can either slowly die in that sandbox you were in when I saved your ass, or you can live as a soldier. An honorable position, even in death you would be revered." explained DiNapoli.

"You still haven't answered my question, why would they send a Commander to Africa to pick up two criminals?"

"Fooling with our privates are we Commander DiNapoli?" said a scruffy voice.

DiNapoli turned around, his frown changed quickly to a smile "Admiral Tucci, good to see you old dog!" he said as he held out his hand, it was quickly grasped by a portly man with white hair. He quickly pulled the Commander to his chest and hugged him.

"Come now Miguel, since when do we shake hands?" asked the Admiral.

"Fatter than ever huh?" said DiNapoli.

"You bet Commander, who's your friend here?" asked the Admiral, he was still smiling.

"This is my escort, Private Mus-"

"Delaney."

"Ah yes, Delaney, Private Sean Delaney." said DiNapoli as he motioned for Sean to shake the Admirals hand which he did.

"Pleased to meet you Private Delaney. An Irishman huh? They are good sailors." said the Admiral "Well, this is Antonio Pagniacci, he is my associate. I must apologize beforehand Commander, there is a problem at the harbor and I was merely here to fetch a few things to allay it, I understand we had a meeting. We shall discuss matters, but I am afraid your stay must be longer than planned."

"Hmmm, well I have a meeting with the President in Germany, quite soon actually." explained DiNapoli as he scratched his chin.

"Ah yes, President Bonaparte. Well come in, I'll have my wife fetch some appetizers, we can sit and discuss a few things before we depart." said the Admiral as he entered the home...

"Thank you" said Benito with a warm smile.

"Huh?" said the maid as she turned, she seemed mildly stunned.

"Thank you, I said." replied Benito with a slight nod.

"Oh, you are quite welcome sir." said the maid, she then stood there for a while and departed.

"We shouldn't have expected any more of him my lady, he is a mere dockworker, consorting with the help." said Bortolo as he sipped his tea.

"I think that was very charming of you, Benito was it?"

"Yes ma'am, thank you." he replied as he raised his cup "There is nothing wrong with being nice."

"My darling, I have missed you so!" said a booming voice, it was Admiral Tucci. His wife rose from her seat blushing.

"Oh you old man, you've still got my heart in your clutches." she said as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him on the cheak.

"That's not all I've got in my clutches" he said as he grabbed her rear.

"Oh! He never grows up, not in front of the guests please!" she said with a smile.

"I am sorry to interrupt this tender moment" said Antonio Pagniacci "But there is a pressing matter at the yards, we must tend to it at once!"

"Ah yes, I nearly forgot, Bartolo and um, what is your name?" asked the Admiral, in reference to Benito.

"Benito Mussolini sir."

"Yes, Benito and Bartolo we have an issue downtown, we must hurry. Sean, would you please go upstairs, there are three muskets there, brand new too. Please fetch them for me." he asked of Sean, who seemed to hesitate but nodded and ran upstairs.

Bartolo and Benito rose from their chairs "What is the matter sir?" asked Bartolo.

"There seems to be some sort of uprising at the dockyards, I'm not quite sure" explianed DiNapoli.

"The bastards are destroying cargo and blocking me from bringing in new workers, its quite horrendous, some rouser is there riling everyone up." explained Pagniacci. Sean ran down the stairs with the muskets.

"Let us depart, we must hurry, our carriage awaits..."

The dockyards were quite depressing. A dirt road veered from the cobbled streets of Lisboa down a long hill towards the coast. Old run down buildings seemed to be thrown together, the roofs were all tattered with patchwork done, it was visible from the top of the hill. The planks seemed to be dry-rot from the salty air and sea, dead fish and shelfish were strewn about the road, if you did not notice them the smell told the tale. There were men milling about in tattered clothing, and a loud rumble of discussion could be heard from the carriage...

"Someone should leave and fetch the Commandant." suggested Pagniacci.

"Not me Antonio, I have a financial stake in this too." said the Admiral.

"I'll do it" said Sean.

DiNapoli quickly responded "No, you won't. It will have to be me. Admiral make sure these two don't leave, keep an eye on them."

"What?"

"Make sure they don't run off." explained DiNapoli.

"Run off?" asked the Admiral "Why would they do that."

"No time to explain, just make sure" said DiNapoli as he opened the carriage door "Benito, I'm depending on you to do this."

"To do what sir?" Benito said, he glanced over at Sean after saying this, Sean was shaking his head and mouthed 'sir?'.

"You are my eyes and ears here, don't embarrass us." said DiNapoli as he hopped out of the carriage.

"Alright let's go men, there are already a few down there..." explained Antonio as they filed out of the carriage, Benito looked up the hill at DiNapoli who was running uphill.

"Hey hey! Come on, keep your head on, this is important" said Antonio Pagniacci as he turned Benito around.

The commandant's office was very modest. It was actually connected to a general store. DiNapoli quickly thrust the door open and said "I request audience with the Commandant at once, I am Commander DiNapoli of the Adritaic Armed Forces!"

"I am the Commandant." replied a thin sickly looking man, he was writing something in a ledger with a quill pen.

"I am Commander DiNapoli, do you know of Admiral Tucci?"

"Yes, a very nice man, I've dined at his-"

"Well with all due respect sir, we have no time to hear your story. Do you have any men at your disposal?"

"A few in the back, why?"

"You haven't heared, there's an issue at the dockyards, Tucci's ships are being mauraded..."

A slender man stood upon two boxes yelling random things at the rioters, they were throwing barrels of wine from the ships and splitting them with axes, some were pouring salt into the water, and others throwing cloth and beads from the ships.

"There he is now! There is the tyrant Tucci!" yelled the slender man.

"Who is that idiot?" asked Sean as he loaded his musket.

"That is Camillo Cavour, I have no idea where he comes from. I hear he is from Mali." replied Antonio. There were three other men with muskets, pointing them at the crowded rioters.

"Tucci, it is simple, give your workers their fair share! You make thousands of doubloons, what will a few more hurt?" asked Cavour.

"Quiet you heathen!" yelled Tucci "Do you see this men, he is convincing my workers to destroy everything, this is going to cost me thousands of doubloons, it is going to cost the government thousands of doubloons. Cavour, you have ten seconds to tell these men to cease and desist or I shall be forced to attack!"

"Attack then you fat pig! We have the numbers, men unsheathe your weapons!" a great many of the rioters pulled sabres, while others held up lances and pitch forks.

"These stupid fools, alright men ready your muskets!" yelled Antonio.

"Wait, wait, they only have sabres." said Benito as he looked at Tucci, Sean turned and lowered his musket.

"Yes, I know."

"Well, this is a massacre, s, sir." said Benito.

"Of course it is! Do you want us to give them a fair chance? They are common criminals Benito, READY YOUR MUSKETS MEN!" yelled Tucci, the other three men that were already there held up their muskets, Sean looked at Benito and slowly raised his.

"Sean no! This is not right." said Benito.

"What can we do Benny?" asked Sean.

"You have ten seconds Cavour, ten!" yelled Antonio.

"You can not defeat us Tucci, we may lose a few, but the rest will storm you, you will die here today if you make the wrong choice Tucci!" yelled Cavour, his men looked hesitant.

"One, two!"

"Sean stop it!" yelled Benito.

"Ugh, what the hell do you want me to do, we are soldiers now, you call them sir Benny! We have no choice!" Sean replied as he affixed the gun to his shoulder and took aim.

"You, Sean you can't do this."

"Three, four!"

"You can't hold the people down for long Tucci!"

"Five, six!"

"I can't let this happen Sean!"

"SHUT UP BENNY!"

"Seven, eight!"

"Jesus Christ Sean, they're gonna get massacred!"

"Nine!"

"NO! STOP NOW!..."

[The Capo]

There he stood, there were six men standing before him, five of which with muskets pointed and ready to fire.

"Stand down!" yelled Admiral Tucci.

"NO! I can't let this happen. I can't let you massacre these people today." Benito said "Look at them! They are hard working, tired people. They are poor, what is this all about Tucci?"

"I don't have to answer to-"

"YES YOU DO!!!! YES YOU DO RIGHT NOW!" said Benito brandishing his musket.

"Benny, stop it..." said Sean as he slowly approached Benito. Cavour and his people stood still, silently.

"I know what I'm doing Sean. This is not what we are here to do, this is not right. Admiral Tucci, your domain is the sea, your underlings are sailors, not these men!" barked Benito loudly.

"Private Mussolini, at ease!" yelled the voice of Commander DiNapoli, he had the Commandant and around eight men following "What is going on here Admiral Tucci?"

"Commander, this man disobeyed a direct order"

"Admiral, see his uniform, does that look like a sailor's uniform?"

"Commander, I"

"With all due respect, your orders are as worthy of obedience as their orders" DiNapoli said in reference to the assembled dockworkers.

"What is going on here?" asked the Commandant. His name was Silvio Narducci, he had served in the Royal Army in years past. During the revolution he stayed in Lisboa to help the people keep order in his city.

"The Admiral here was telling us to fire upon these men." said Benito as he dropped his musket upon the dock.

"These men were going to attack with these swords, we had to retaliate in order to defend ourselves, we are quite fortunant that you came Commandant, else we-" said Antonio.

"Shut up!" yelled Sean "Benito is right, Admiral Tucci told us to kill them with these guns."

The Admiral looked to the ground "No, no, these men are right Commandant. I was going to fire upon them. They were destroying my shipments, they were taking money from me and from the state, I had to defend my wealth Commandant, you must understand." the admiral said.

"I can't believe this, Admiral Tucci?" said DiNapoli, the Admiral nodded, his eyes began to tear up.

"Who is responsable for this riot?" asked the Commandant.

"Camillo Cavour, that Mali rebel rouser, he is to blame!" yelled Antonio.

"Where is he?" asked the Commandant.

Cavour was nowhere to be found. The men stood still for a while, not knowing what to do, finally the Commandant said "Here is what shall occur, Antonio Pagniacci, and Admiral Tucci, you shall at once go to my office. If you are not there when I return I shall place both of you under arrest and seize all of your property, is this understood." Admiral Tucci nodded, Antonio gave a confused look and finally nodded himself. "You son, you are quite brave to have stood in front of the musket fire, what is your name?"

"Mussolini sir," he looked at Commander DiNapoli who nodded his head "Private Benito Mussolini sir, I am an Adriatic Soldier." Benito again looked at DiNapoli, who was smiling.

"Here, take it" said Sean as he handed his musket to the Commandant "We better go now Commander, our work here is done. Besides, you've got to meet the President."

"Aye Sean, I must admit, this has been quite a day. Come now, we should return to our ship-"

"Commander DiNapoli, did you not have business with the Admiral?" asked Benito.

"I did, but it was of a personal level, and I am not sure how long the Commandant will be with him, tis better that we go, I'm sure the President is already in Berlin..."

[The Capo]

"... to be strong, to be loyal, to be wise. These virtues are possesed by you, the good people of Europe. The world is the better for having such strongwilled people as its inhabitors. The road to glory has been drawn before us, all we have left is to pave it with our strengths, our abilities, and even our faults. We are nearly completed my friends, our task is nearly achieved. I can only thank you for your compassion, and your benevolence, I can only thank you for your cooperation. I am but a man, and despite my greatest attempts it is only with the will and strength of the people that these things have been achieved. Thank you, and viva la europa!" said President Bonaparte, it was an unusually warm day in Berlin. The crowd burst into applause and Bonaparte modestly nodded and smiled, his hand raised as if attempting to quiet the crowd. But Bonaparte liked this, he did not want the crowd to stop.

"Mr. President, you have a meeting with the joint chiefs in an hour." said his aide, Pablo Orsoni.

"I know Pablo, let me mingle with the people, they won't mind if I am a little late..."

The sea calmed him, the water crashing against the wooden ship was like a song to him as he looked over the pink horizon. "Hey Benny."

Benito nodded at his friend Sean "Yeah?"

"Look, I don't know what came over me back there in Portugal. I mean, I thought I was following orders." explained Sean.

"I know, no explaination needed. I don't know what the hell is going on anymore. One day I'm a farmer, the next a dockworker, before I know it I'm on a ship headed to meet the President, its been quite the past few months Sean." said Benito, still staring out into the horizon.

"Well, we have to discuss our situation Benny, we aren't soldiers man, we are dockhands. I mean, I don't want to die for this man, I don't want to die for anyone. We could escape, it could be me and you, we'd find work we'd find adventure Benny." said Sean with a smile.

"How are we going to leave Sean?"

"I don't kno-"

"Why leave anyway? There's nothing out there for us!"

"Listen, Benny listen to me. Why would a Commander, who is meeting with the fockin' President of the AL save two criminals from a Mali prison? Why would he travel that far for us? It doesn't make any sense!"

"Who cares? Sean, we'd die there. The Africans don't care about us, we're a couple of Europeans that beat on some girl, not even that, we attacked their soldiers Sean. We would have died in that hellhole, and you are trying to figure this out? There's nothing to figure out Sean, this is our life now, THIS is what we were destined for!" said Benito as he pointed to his uniform.

"Benny, I don't like this, it doesn't make any sense at all. Something is going on here, that's my point. Sure we are saved, but that doesn't mean we rush into whatever this bastard DiNapoli has planned for us!"

"What do you want us to do? Swim? We don't even know where the hell we are!"

"We are in Biscay, just go east."

"You aren't serious are you?" Sean stood still "Oh my God, Sean, it would be much easier to escape from Germany anyway, there are plenty of forests to hide. And you're right why the hell would a Commander go looking for two criminals?"

"He traveled through the Sahara, I doubt he'd have much trouble in the forests of Germany Benny."

The room was small and filled with smoke, it was hard to make out the trimmings on the wall due to this. General Pantiglione, General Grazziani, and Admiral LaRouche were sitting around a small wooden talbe laughing and smoking cigars when the President walked in.

"President Bonaparte" said Grazziani as the three stood and saluted the President, who nodded and gave a half salute back.

"I'd like to get to work as soon as possible gentlemen." The three had always respected the Corporal, his bravery was known throughout the AL "We have an issue here, Commander DiNapoli will be arriving within the next week and we must establish our logistics. Has the press issue been handled?"

"Yes, all of these men are criminals or orphans Mr. President, and current reports state they are headed to Mantucci for training, its nearly foolproof." said General Pantiglione.

"Good, have the men been briefed?"

"Well sir, we have yet to assemble them all, I believe DiNapoli is bringing some with him, he went to Africa to pick up any European inmates he could find, not quite sure how well he did." replied Pantiglione.

"Only European? Jews and Africans would have sufficed as well, has anyone spoken to Svefn?"

"I have sir" said the Admiral "He says he can control leaks, and thus far there are no reports of our activity with King Erickson, things look very positive at this point in time."

"Alright" said the President as his aide handed him a thin ledger "I have here some weaponry orders, we have an arsenal in Denmark, fresh supplies from Africa too. What is the naval situation?"

"We have enough naval capabilities in the Baltic to support this endevour sir." the Admiral replied quickly.

"I want all of our people gone, ambassadors, clerks, anyone that is there representing us. We don't need any leaks from our side either, this must be done quietly. It musn't have the appearance or the stench of war, do you understand?" said the President.

"Yes sir" the three said, nearly in unison.

"I swear, if this leaks you'll be serving in Nordinsky by the time you realize what hit you, all of you, regardless of rank." said the President as he stood up.

"Sir, a word?" asked General Pantiglione.

"I am quite busy, I have to run to Amsterdam for a meeting with their MPs then I have to shoot back here to Berlin to meet Commander DiNapoli. Hmm, perhaps you should be present at that meeting General?" suggested Bonaparte.

"Sir it is somewhat private." said General Pantiglione.

"Send a letter to Rossi, he'll handle it for you. Otherwise we'll talk in a week. Adieu..."

[GNGSpam]

Did we ever find a sub for Prometheus?

[drake]

I'm quite sure that capo said berz was subbing......or maybe it was hydey

In any case I think we're covered.

[GNGSpam]

Woohoo =)

[Capo di tutti Capi]

Amsterdam was bustling with activity. It was one of the most beautiful and largest cities in the entire League, and by far the most liberal. Tall townhomes crunched together down thin cobbled streets. Carriages, children, women, men and shopkeeps filled the streets with a gentle rumble as they went about their business...

"Alright boys, we are mere days away from meeting President Bonaparte." said Commander Miguel DiNapoli.

"Wow, I've always wanted to see Amsterdam." said Benito as he looked around him, his eyes wide, as if he was a small child in a toystore.

"We have to get a carriage, we musn't waste time, I have mere days to arrive, do you see a stable anyhwere?" asked DiNapoli as he tried to look above the large crowd of humanity...

"Quite a fine cigar, don't you think Antonin?" asked President Bonaparte as he puffed his cigar, it was from Sydneyago.

"Ah yes Mr. President, very good craftsmanship. About the only good thing the Australians do" laughed Antonin Rossi, Adriatic Foreign Minister.

"Well Antonin, those people on Cuba, they aren't Australians. They are of Adriatic stock." said the President.

"Aye, you speak the truth Mr. President... then I guess the Australians have nothing to gloat of, eh?" asked Rossi with a smile.

"Well they did manage to give us a proper kick in the ass, no?" Rossi was silent "Yes, yes they did..."

"Mr. President!" a voice yelled as the door swung open, it was Giacomo Genovese, aide to the mayor of Amsterdam "We have ten minutes before the meeting sir, the Governor says the MPs are growing restless and beginning to argue amongst themsleves."

"Ah, well, that is their natural state. Argument." said Antonin Rossi.

"I suppose we better go, here you are Giacomo, you may partake of my cigar, it is from Cuba, quite the smoke if I do say so myself." said President Bonaparte.

"That is quite fine Mr. Pre-"

"Please Giacomo, it would be my pleasure, try it." said the President as he handed the cigar to Giacomo.

"I, well, thank you Mr. President..."

The stables were very dark and small, tucked into an alleyway behind a bookstore and ran by an old Israeli. The "office" was in the back of the room between the stables, the smell was nearly unbearable.

"Christ, it smells in here." said DiNapoli as he covered his nose.

"This a Horse stable or a Mongol stable?" asked Sean as he laughed and patted Benito on the back.

"Hello, may I help you?" a frail voice said from the back of the room.

"Yes, yes" said DiNapoli as he approached the desk and shook the man's hand "My name is Commander Miguel DiNapoli, we require a coach to Berlin, your finest carriage would be in order money is not an issue."

"Never say that to a Jew" Benito whispered to Sean.

"Ssssh" Sean replied.

"Well, we have many fine coaches Commander, I apologize for conditions here, space is a commodity in Amsterdam no?" laughed the Jew.

"So it seems, so it seems. I'd like these two white horses here to pull the carraige, they look quite valliant." said DiNapoli as he petted one of the horses' neck.

"A fine choice, come come, in the back I have the carriages." said the Jew as he and DiNapoli departed.

"This place is a dump, look at this, there's ****e on the floor!" said Sean as he looked down and stepped back.

"Hey Sean, you think we could leave?"

"Leave? OH LEAVE! You want to?"

"I don't know, should we?"

Sean looked around "Well, it would be easy to get lost in that crowd DiNapoli would never find us if we did."

Just then DiNapoli and the Jewish man entered "Alright boys, looks like we are all ready to go..."

"The point is, Mr. President, the point is that science should not be our top priority at this point in time. Development should be our top priority, we bring in more money and trade if we develop our transportation." said MP Van Der Jagt.

"I understand your concern Mr. Van Der Jagt, but at this point in time science is the most important thing on our agenda, room is there for development of infrastructure, but we can't devote all of our resources to that end. Some has to go towards trade, some has to go towards military-" explained the President.

"Speaking of which" said MP Idoni "The Military is quite weak at this time no?"

"We are living in times of great peace Mr. Idoni, a grand army is not required at this point in time, we merely build sufficient defensive garrisons." said the President.

"That's odd, were we not just in a scuffle with the Mongols in northern Asia? Did not the Jews begin to suggest another war with the Adriatic League? I've also heared rumors that new weapons are available that will change the way wars are fought, it would behoove us to develop an able-bodied military in order to quench the thirst for blood of other nations!" retorted Idoni.

"Well said, however the chance of war is quite limited, we must accept the fact that we are no longer in the center of the world's stage, politics do not come knocking on the AL's door as much as they used to. Our fear of war should reflect our political situation." said the President "Perhaps the Hawk party likes to make boogymen out of nothing?"

The room's Doves shared a laugh "President Bonaparte, I don't think jokes are in order, I asked a serious question of our DOVE president and as usual he ducks the answer. It strikes me as odd that a former Coporal of high regard is so ambivalent about his own military, quite odd indeed." replied MP Idoni.

"Mr. Idoni, your fears are unfounded. You mention new technology, you know as well as I do that we are recieving this technology but the facts are that it is classified" said the President as he looked to the guards at the door "Now I've divuldged the secret, are you satisfied Mr. Idoni?" asked the President.

"Mr. President, I assure you that was not my major issue here."

"Then what is?"

"Mexico, the Australians routed us in Panama and Yucatan during the War, now we have minimal defense in that area. Although I represent the people of the Netherlands, I am quite sure the safety of our Mexican friends are something they believe in."

"Steps are being taken Mr. Idoni, in a few months this will no longer be an issue." said the President. Idoni sat back in his chair and smiled.

"Mr. President, what about the Annexation of Scandinavia?" asked MP Gianni Dante "How is that going?"

"Well, it is going quite well indeed Mr. Dante. We are pulling our people out though for the winter, so they can see their families during the holidays. But things are going well, I really think King Erickson is going to cede to the AL..."

[drake]

Setting: Australia 1201 AD

A small band of barbarians looked over the rocky ridge. In the distance was the thriving metropolis of Broken Hill.
Caravans came and went throughout the day and occasionally a mounted sentry walked the outskirts.

"The Librarys in th' centa of town ry' Hakan?" said a scruffy looking barbarian to what appeared to be the gang's leader.

"Thats right Oman, thats where the librarys at...."said the man as he stared down at the city.

"S' whens we gonna strike cap? And ahh we 'lowd to rape the women and rob th' merchants? " asked Oman.

"Soon m' friend, soon. Therell be no raping, no stealing, nothin' of the sort. Tis to be a quick and quiet operation. In n' out ya know? Alls we got t' do is assure that all the documents is destroyed. And make sure the buildin'll never be used again. We're gonna burn the ****er to the grown, ya know? " Hakan said smiling.

Laughing stupidly Oman replies, "Damn straight! That'll teach that ****ing Keating to screw with us! We gonna get him good eh?"

"Thats th' plan matey................sharpen your swords and make ready, dusk is falling....we'll need to strike soon............soon as the sentry passes round towards the north side of th' city, we slip in and torch the ****er, got it?!" Hakan said in a serious tone......

Oman nodded and walked towards his pack.....from it he withdrew a sword and a torch....he smiled wickedly.