La Grande Nation

[ChrisiusMaximus]

looking forward to more.

[SKILORD]

I think if I change now in the middle of La Grande Nation it’s going to suck big time. BTW, whatever happens in this story, it is absolutely what is going on in the game, whether I win or get straight up blasted, you all will read about it.

Yeah, it's probably not a good idea to change styles midstory.

I congratulate you on taking constructive criticism better than Chrisus and scratch

[unscratchedfoot]

Kaos, never mind all this rubbish. Please continue the story!! I want some more nation crippling.

[SKILORD]

If it was my critique that stifled the flow of your pen then disregard it.

I do quite like this story, I admonish you to continue.

[Kaos XIII]

Hi! Cheers! My bad for keeping everybody waiting. RL can be fun, but sometimes it takes too much time away from my responsibilities in poly'.


750 -- State of the Union
Pop. 10,648,000 2nd
Land 53,200 sq. m. 1st
Military 85 units

By this point the propaganda campaign against Shaka had provided 60% support for the war and Jeanne had won re-election for the Presidency. The populace was distracted and only concentrating on the evil Shaka. Jeanne had begun to rebuild the military.


“Before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will win, because many calculations were made; before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will not win, because few calculations were made.” (tzu)


We are not the most advanced nation on the planet, but we are certainly in the top 5 when it comes to superpower status. According to the subjective World Rankings, in power we are second behind Babylonia and in front of China, Korea and Scandinavia. As far as the military goes, General Duquenne had long been retired. Jeanne had removed Napoleon from the Expeditionary Offense Force and sent to the Biscay Defense Force. The reason being is that Napoleon had refused to battle the liberals during anarchic times known as “Les Ennuis.” Instead Jeanne had promoted a man named Thomas Martin and put him in charge of the Expeditionary Offense Force. Martin was a colonel in the French Army and was the son of a major U.D.F. contributor. In other military news Théodore Delacroix was the new Navy Admiral commander of the South Defense Fleet.

The two Generals, the Admiral and Jeanne all met in Tolosa to formulate the battle plan. There are only three small towns in N.E. Zulia, so this should be as easy as the Celtic War.

Jeanne: “First things first, we have to take Amatikulu and control the two Incense deposits. After the first blow the Zulus should fold up like a folding-chair and the rest of Zulia will be ours.”
Napoleon: “I am not so sure it’s going to be that easy. The Zulus are known to be fierce fighters.”
Martin: “You’re wrong, we’re going to crush them like cockroaches.”
Jeanne: “Adm. Delacroix, what is the situation with our Navy?”
Delacroix: “We’ve got 3 Galleon squads waiting in Grenoble and 1 Frigate squad near the far western Zulu city of Ibanago which, when we start bombarding, will perhaps confuse the Zulus.”
Jeanne: “Now, I have prepared the objectives for each of you. I will hand over this document, but please keep it secret at all cost.”

Jeanne then handed them each a copy of the Incense protocols listing our objectives in the war code-named OPERATION FIRST STRIKE.

OBJECTIVE 1: Capture Amatikulu and secure the Incense in nearby desert.
OBJECTIVE 2: Capture Isipezi which would give us access to the Bay of Korea.
OBJECTIVE 3: Capture Zunguin city on the hills which would remove all Zulu from the enclave.

Jeanne: “Marvelous, Gen. Martin order the E.O.F. to board the Galleons in Grenoble. You will be given the task to complete Objectives 1 and 2.” “Gen. Napoleon I want you to complete Objective 3 using the B. D. F.”

Nobody in the meeting raised the question of the Zulus securing a R.O.P. with Korea and sending heavy reinforcements from Zululand. It was thought that the war would be over before the Zulus even knew what hit them. The E.O.F. consisted of 9 Cav brigades and 3 Musk. battalions. Napoleon was in command of 4 Cav brigades and his 2 Knight force. The war would begin at a time of our choosing.

objectives for different generals



760
In Tours Jeanne happily opens up our first and most prestigious Military Academy, named “Ecole des Elèves Aspirants” (E.E.A.). “From this day forward we will now be able to separate, leaders from followers and men from boys. Here shall only come out, the best of the best officers,” were the words of Jeanne, at the inauguration ceremony. Our scientist discover the secret of Steam Power and we notice that, there is one single Coal deposit in the jungles outside the city of Cherbourg in the state of Biscay. Although we haven’t officially declared war on the Zulus, we set sail our E.O.F. from Grenoble and head for Amatikulu. At the same time Napoleon moves the B.D.F., down through the harsh Galois Jungle.


770
Newton’s University is built in Paris, thousands of students attend their first class eagerly in what is without a doubt the best school in the world. “Young men and woman of France the future of our great nation is in your hands. Please, do not take for granted, what has been paid for, by hard work,” announced Jeanne as the students enter their school. In other news, Jeanne and the Assemblée agree to pay a heavy sum to the Vikings in exchange for Nationalism.

Jeanne now tells Delacroix to, “divert the E.O.F. heading to Amatikulu and send them to the near Bleu Island cities of Toulouse and Poitiers. We need to retrain our Musketeers into Riflemen.” The men of the Expeditionary Defense Force, drop their muskets and pick up these new weapons with interior spiral grooves. Gen. Martin does not see the value in the rifle and tells Jeanne, “you’re delaying MY attack. The Zulus can only be getting stronger.” “Jeanne bites her tongue, knowing that Martin’s father holds much sway in the U.D.F.


780
Before declaring war Jeanne makes one final attempt to avoid war, even though she knows, that Shaka will never accept the demands. But, that is her intention. Jeanne sends a message to Shaka that read, “the people of N.E. Zulia have suffered for centuries under you despotic rule, but now the time of liberation has come. Shaka you have only a short time to remove your military out of N.E. Zulia or we will remove them forcibly. If, in this time, your forces have not left, then we‘re at WAR. The people of N.E. Zulia will soon feel, what it is to be free and democratic.”

Shaka does not respond at all and Jeanne is told that the Zulu military is not leaving. In a speech carried by all of the newspapers, Jeanne says, “France can’t sit idly by and let the psychopaths of the world rule over people with an iron fist. The citizens of Zulia need us and we will help them in their fight for freedom. Citizens of France we are now at war.” The outcry from France is mixed.


790
Martin’s force of 9 Cav, 3 Riflemen (Rfm) brigades land in the hills around Amatikulu. The news from the front gets even better, when we realize that there are only outdated Impis guarding the town. To the north Napoleon’s force is struggling to cross the dense jungles. Delacroix orders some of his Galleons to pick them up on the Jungle’s coast and land in the Grasslands near Zunguin. Our Frigate far away begins the bombardment of Ibanago and the only road leading to the city is destroyed.

With the war now starting, students from across France’s universities begin holding peaceful demonstrations. Jeanne orders the Noire Pluie, to keep “secret records” on the most outspoken of the bunch. One particular student stood out, his name was Michel Mitterrand. The young, left radical Mitterand speaks with an eloquence that seems to almost hypnotize audiences. When Mitterand speaks even the conservatives listen:

“The warmongers gleefully extol the glory of war and yet do not foretell the misery which it brings. They dance at the sound of our shells and ignore the bloody shreds it leaves the soldiers. They pray to the Almighty; help us to twist the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing sorrow; help us ravage their humble homes with a typhoon of fire; help us to turn them out roofless, with little children to wander in their parents bloody mess. This is not my vision of France and we must make Jeanne realize that it is not her vision either.”

huge landing force, napoleon's boys are stuck in the jungle

[Kaos XIII]

800
Our Cavalries smashed through the town of Amatikulu leaving behind the bodies of 2 Impi battalions. The town and the Incense is ours. Surprisingly, many of our troops are not met with flowers from the liberated Zulu people. Instead, many of the citizens of Amatikulu begin throwing stones at our soldiers. The young soldiers, which were told they would be liberating an oppressed people, are quite confused.

Martin orders the force to Isipezi where we confront enemy Swordsmen and Med Inf. We engage with our hard charging Cavs and defeat them. The “Road to Isipezi”, the name given by our troops in the area because of the single road that lead into the town, is incredibly rugged as we have to cross the Mugabe Mountains and Hills. Jeanne relays to her advisors, “It seems like we didn’t really take into account the effect of the rugged mountains and dense jungles. I just hope that it doesn’t slow us down too much.” “No way, it will take some tough fighting, but we’ll get there, “ the advisors respond.


“If the enemy presents an opportunity, take advantage of it. Attack what he values most. Do not advance on any fixed day or time; calculate and adapt to the enemy to determine the matter of doing battle.” (tzu)


IBT: The cold, harsh truth is revealed. The Koreans are allowing the Zulus to move through their territory with impunity. Our Riflemen in Amatikulu feel the full brunt of a Zulu Cavalry charge. The Zulus appear to be tightly coordinated and extremely disciplined as they rip our Riflemen to pieces. In even worse news, we can see now more enemy troops. Knights and Cav brigades hold positions directly on the Road to Isipezi. Martin decides that he isn’t going around them, but meeting them head on.

Zulu War - Operation First Strike
Casualties:

France
1 Riflemen
Civilians: 0

Zululand
2 Impis
1 Swordsmen
1 Medieval Infantry
Civilians: 16,000


810
We meet the enemy on the Road to Isipezi and begin to battle on the Horse Hills. Horse Hills, so named because of the many wild horses which covered the area. But the only wild horses the Zulus saw, belong to our Cavalry brigades. The fight is fierce and the terrain makes it much more tougher. 1 Cav brigade is lost, but we were able to take out enemy Knight and Cav brigades. With the Horse Hills now cleared, Gen, Martin orders 5 Cav and 1 Riflemen brigades to secure and fortify the area.


“If one gains victory in battle and is successful in attacks, but does not exploit those achievements, it is disastrous. This is called waste and delay. (tzu)


Gen. Martin now announces blissfully to Jeanne that, “we now have 5 Cav and 1 Rfm brigades fortified in the Horse Hills, on the Road to Isipezi, we are just a mere 25 miles away from Isipezi. It is only a matter of time before all of Zulia will be under our control.” “Why is this idiot stopping when we have the initiative,“ thought Jeanne. Meanwhile, Napoleon’s 2 Knight force lands close to Zunguin, with 4 more Cav brigades heading in that direction from the jungle. Back in France, much of the dissent is suppressed by the conservatives. The far-right labels all French citizens against this war as unpatriotic, traitors. Also, our Navy is now coming to fruition as many Ironclads leave their harbors. In this war however, they won’t be seeing much action as the Zulus have only 3 coastal cities and they are very far away.

those zulu knights are history, we control the square with the horses


IBT: The mighty Zulus attack Martin’s forces with ferocious tenacity. Wave after wave of Zulu Cavs approached the Horse Hills and like a lightning bolt, paralyzed and shocked the men. “There are too many, they’re coming in from all directions”, the men yell. Martin shouts, “Let’s get the hell out of here, RETRAITE, RETRAITE.” “Retreat where, you imbecile buffoon, WE ARE SURROUNDED!!!”, one young officer replied. As the Zulus rip to shreds our fortifications Martin screams, “EVERY MAN TO HIMSELF.” Martin then sneaks away from camp, removes his uniform and miraculously escapes back into Amatikulu.

The rest of the soldiers trapped in the Horse Hills were not so lucky. Their last words were, “SACRE BLEU!!!, MASSACRE!!!” 1 Riflemen and 5 whole Cavalry brigades were butchered. Jeanne is staggered by the news and demands Martin be arrested and executed, for the treacherous betrayal of the men. In Amatikulu, where the local population can barely stand us, Martin is forced on his knees and the back of his head is blown off by the executioner’s rifle. Jeanne curses the day she named that coward a General.

Martin was the son of a powerful, rich U.D.F. contributor and Jeanne knows his execution and the “Horse Hills Massacre” must be covered up. A flag is sent to Martin’s father with the message, “we must regretfully inform you that your son, General Martin passed away a few days ago. He unfortunately contacted malaria and subsequently died. The country of France weeps with you, the loss of the General.”

All soldiers in the theater are told not to disclose any information on the “Horse Hills Massacre”, for the good of the country. However, many troops are now questioning the war, “why are we even here?” Jeanne now assigns Gen. Napoleon full control of all field operations. “Conquer Zulia and finish this war as fast as you can Napoleon,” she tells him. “Never again will I let politics affect promotions in the military. Napoleon, you should have been in charge from the beginning”, Jeanne cries out to her General.

Napoleon was never in favor of this war and has no intention of sending France’s young to death for too long. Nonetheless, he is a soldier, he orders his 2 Knight force to reinforce the remaining troops in Amatikulu. He also continues as planned, to land 4 Cav brigades near Zunguin.

Zulu War - Operation First Strike
Casualties:

France
6 Cavalries
2 Riflemen
Civilians: 0

Zululand
1 Cavalries
2 Impis
1 Swordsmen
1 Medieval Infantry
3 Knights
Civilians: 16,000


820
The 2 Knight force arrives in Amatikulu and braces itself for the inevitable Zulu attack. Inside Amatikulu there is 1 Rfm , 3 Cav (2 badly injured) brigades all fortified in Amatikulu. Some locals, which are happy to see us, begin constructing a city wall. With funding from Paris it will be complete very soon. Also the 4 Cav brigades, have now landed in the grasslands near Zunguin. Napoleon has no intention of getting back on the Road to Isipezi.

Back in France, conversely, the center-leftist paper Le Monde has uncovered the massacre. “Collines de la Mort” (Hills of Death) is what was being shouted throughout all of France. Anger now reigns supreme in the hearts of all the French. Riots erupt; Marketplace in Amiens is taken over and destroyed, Library in Besancon is looted and ransacked. Finally, in Reims the University is burned to the ground by activist students. Among those leading the violent unrest is Mitterand, now a full fledge member of the Parti Socialiste. “Stop this unjust war in the name of all humanity. The blood of every victim, French or Zulu, is in your war mongering hands Jeanne,” preaches Mitterand, in front of hundreds of thousands.

Jeanne is now on the verge of collapse, as is the country. She no longer has the will to crack down on the revolutionaries and is wondering, “how the hell did the news of the massacre get out.” In fact, it was her most trusted military leader whom betrayed her, Napoleon. Napoleon never did forgive Jeanne for the snub when she gave Martin his E.O.F. But also, he just didn’t believe in this war of Incense.

IBT: A Zulu Warrior battalion attacks our Cavs outside Zunguin and seriously damages a Brigade before succumbing to defeat. Also in an ironic twist the Iroquoian town of Chondote, near Biscay, revolts and sends the Iroquoian military into the jungles. Inside the town the people celebrate and dance as they chant, “Liberté, Liberté.“ That’s right, they were chanting in French. Jeanne with renewed hope now in her country, quickly embraces the little heathens and allows them to become citizens of France. Chondote now makes the fourth city in the Biscay territory.

Zulu War - Operation First Strike
Casualties:

France
6 Cavalries
2 Riflemen
Civilians: 0

Zululand
1 Cavalries
2 Impis
1 Swordsmen
1 Medieval Infantry
3 Knights
1 Warriors
Civilians: 16,000


830
In the hills outside Zunguin, we notice enemy 1 Med Inf and 1 Cav brigades guarding the entrance to the town. Napoleon orders their removal, we attack them and defeat them, but suffer the loss of our own Cav brigade. Napoleon is saddened, but knows the only way home is through Zunguin. Without hesitation he sends 1 Cav brigade into Zunguin. We have 3 Cav brigades in the area, but all except 1 are not at full strength. An Impi stationed inside is eliminated, but there are still more defenders. In Amatikulu the city wall is constructed.

With Jeanne and the UDF reeling, the Parti Socialiste makes sweeping gains in the Assemblée Nationale. Under their leader Mitterand, they demand the sick carnage in Zulia to end. Jeanne pleads with them, “we are on the verge of taking Zunguin. Please do not trample on the loyalty of those soldiers, who are still giving their lives for France.” “You have one more chance to take Zunguin, whether you do or don’t, we don’t care, this war will be stopped”, Mitterand answers back. Although the P.S. is not hoping for the French military to fail, they do realize that Jeanne could be driven once and for all from power, if they do fail.

IBT: Enemy Cav brigade attacks our Cavs in the hills outside Zunguin but, they are unsuccessful.

Zulu War - Operation First Strike
Casualties:

France
7 Cavalries
2 Riflemen
Civilians: 0

Zululand
3 Cavalries
3 Impis
1 Swordsmen
2 Medieval Infantry
3 Knights
1 Warriors
Civilians: 16,000


840 -- State of the Union
Pop. 12,682,000 2nd
Land 57,200 sq. m. 1st
Military: 104 (not all listed)

Armée de Terre: (Army)
33 Riflemen
19 Cavalries
7 Cannons

Marine Nationale: (Navy)
8 Ironclads
3 Frigates (soon to be decommissioned)
6 Galleons (transport)


“Assembling the masses of the army, and throwing them into danger are the responsibility of the general.” (tzu)


Napoleon is fully aware that he has only one more chance to take out Zunguin. We charge the town with an overwhelming force. From all sides we mount the offensive. Inside 2 Impi battalions are left praying to their gods we don’t slice them up. Unfortunately, for them, we do. We march victoriously through the center of the town. It is our first major victory in a long while and the men should be proud. Jeanne now contacts the Zulu leader Shaka to arraigned a peace treaty. However, Shaka informs Jeanne that a peace treaty had already been signed in Isipezi.

The Treaty of Isipezi was agreed upon by Shaka and members of the Assemblée, including Mitterand. The deal includes a 30 Gold payment to the Zulus. Jeanne is infuriated, the “backstabber’s in the Assemblée” had undermined her authority. “Those bastards handed over the Gold, so that it would appear to the people that, we had lost the war,” says Jeanne. Jeanne is actually right, Mitterand and the P.S. plan to use this as a stepping stone for Mitterand to challenge Jeanne and become the new President of the Democratic Republic of France.

The world rejoices as the bloody conflict is over. The war last 40 years and it is our bloodiest conflict since the Carthaginian War. Jeanne is repudiated for having started this bloody war of aggression and her support dwindles heavily. Jeanne ponders, “were the lives of all those young soldiers, worth the Incense? Am I a warmonger? How could I have left myself turn into this?” Jeanne a distraught figure now, speaks to a large crowd in Paris and pledges to the people of France;

“I hereby renounce all war and all the impeccable horror it brings. Never again shall France, take active, a policy of pre-emption. Never again shall France, fight its weaker neighbors for territorial gains. I Jeanne d’Arc president of the Democratic Republic of France, for all time swear to you my people, France will never again partake in a war of aggression. France shall now become a nation Peace for all time.”

Jeanne and all members of the Assemblée Nationale proceeded to put this down in writing. The document is to be known as the Leysen Doctrine and it will became National Policy when it is signed. In the year 850 in the resort city of Toulouse in the Southern Bleue Islands the Leysen Doctrine becomes official and France shall forever be known as a Nation of Peace. A new election is now brewing and recent survey’s show Jeanne’s popularity at 48%. On the other hand Mitterand now has 47% and gaining fast. There are currently 5% undecided and these people will decide if Jeanne will continue to run La Grande Nation.

Zulu War - Operation First Strike (Final Casualty Report)- 2 out of 3 objectives met.
Casualties:

France
7 Cavalries
2 Riflemen
Civilians: 0

Zululand
3 Cavalries
5 Impis
1 Swordsmen
2 Medieval Infantry
3 Knights
1 Warriors
Civilians: 38,000

our newest cities, with Incense

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Superb stuff absolutely superb,

[unscratchedfoot]

It was nice to see the Zulus put up a good fight and the massacre was great. Who's the next target? I hope Jeanne doesn't stay peaceful after the election. Can't you change to monarchy or communism or something to avoid the bothersome elections?

[Kaos XIII]

Ah, but we love Democracy. It allows our people to voice opinions, without the fear of retribution, from the government.

The Election

After months of debating in different cities across the country, both Jeanne and Mitterand were now waiting in their respective homes, the outcome of the election. It is expected to be the closest race in France’s long history. And it is. The counting of the votes takes weeks, U.D.F. and P.S. partisans face each other in rallies throughout France. Both accuse each other of lying and cheating. The final votes are too close to call, with many strange irregularities. It appears that operatives from each party, have been trying to influence the vote. In the end, the 9-member Conseil Constitutionnel is called upon to make the final decision. The people’s level of distrust in Jeanne increases.

The C.C. is supposed to be a non-partisan group of the most revered judges, however, a majority of these judges were appointed by Jeanne herself. It is no surprise then, that Jeanne is named the President of the Democratic Republic of France. Thanks to the rigging of the elec…… errr, what I mean is, Jeanne successfully and honorably remains in power. Mitterand is very upset and tells Jeanne herself, “congratulations Jeanne, but you shouldn’t be too confident. We are going to watch you like a hawk.” Mitterand has to content himself, knowing the P.S. is still the majority in the Assemblée.

After the elections, the partisan politics does not end, of course. Throughout the years ahead the, P.S. in control of the Assemblée and the U.D.F. with their president, continue to bicker over many issues. Domestically, the Assemblée concentrates on the modern problems of France. An Industrial Revolution is taking place as our manufacturing and production capabilities reach an all time high. Pollution is now a major concern as our breathing air begins to lose quality. But the biggest issue still, is our spending cuts in the military.

Jeanne argues vehemently that, “our military must continue to grow along with our nation. A nation of Peace still requires the necessary tools, to deal with unforeseen conflicts.” Mitterand in the Assemblée respond, “the money should continue to advance the lives of all the citizens. Tell me Jeanne, how is another rifle or artillery shell, going to help improve our schools, or feed the poor?” Mitterand has not and will not, give up the dream of making France the first utopian society, with him as the leader.


900 -- State of the Union
Pop. 14,128,000 2nd
Land 62,700 sq. m. 1st
Military: 111 (not all listed)

Armée de Terre: (Army)
1 E.E.A. Officers*
37 Riflemen/ Infantry
19 Cavalries
7 Artillery

Marine Nationale: (Navy)
8 Ironclads
9 Galleons (transport

*E.E.A. Officers is what the game calls “Army”.


Our scientist discover a new technology called Replaceable Parts, with this knew knowledge we are able to spot 3 deposits of Rubber, in Lapurdunum, Avignon and Reims. Back in the political world, Jeanne slowly regains the trust and loyalty of the French people. But then, everything changed the day Hammurabi came a calling, once again. This time he didn’t ask for Dyes, just money. 123 Gold to be exact, for our continuing existence. The French citizens now brace themselves, for they know Jeanne doesn’t handle threats very well. Nobody wants another war, we grow tired of it. Many of the conservative hardliners now demand Hammurabi be put in his place. The majority still just want to live in peace and frankly, wish that the government will just pay up.

Jeanne thought this must be some sick joke, but she wasn’t laughing. The World Rankings had just placed us ahead of the Babylonians, perhaps Hammurabi is just jealous that France is now the “Supreme Superpower“. Jeanne, knowing the Babylonians await an answer, retreats to her palace in Versailles, and with her top political advisor Nicolas Clouet, discuss the issue.

“That bastard is once again trying to take advantage of France. War is imminent I tell you, if we don’t do something, he will. Now it’s time to show him, who is the true superpower”, Jeanne says.

“But Jeanne, the Leysen Doctrine forbids us to declare war, without provocation”, a concerned Clouet responds.

“I know that. That’s why we have to figure out a way to revoke that stupid doctrine.”

“The P.S. members in the Assemblée will never allow it. You must go to the people and convince them that, this is just. However Jeanne, I must tell you; the people of France will be apprehensive of another war. The national elections are coming up, this could backfire and damage your political career.”

“Political career be damned. I only care about France and if my political life is finished, well at least I know, I gave it up for the survival of my Great Nation”, says Jeanne as she gathers herself and prepares her speech before the Assemblée.

Mitterand on the other hand, sees this as a golden opportunity to make another run at the top office. He feels robbed from the last elections and knows that Jeanne “the warmonger” will demand action to be taken. And Jeanne, does not disappoint him. Before a packed Assemblée Nationale and in front of the entire nation, Jeanne says,

“Members of the Assemblée, both P.S. and U.D.F. We are in a crucial time in our existence, the future historians of France will remember this day and they will recall who were the brave, courageous leaders. But, they will also recall the rats and snakes, that live among us. I ask only this, would you want your children to live in a place, where criminals are allowed to extort from the hard workers? If the answer is no, then you must agree with me, that this filth Hammurabi must be dealt with accordingly. I implore you, representatives of France, rescind the Leysen Doctrine and give this Hammurabi his rightful answer.”

The Assemblée Nationale erupts in a fury of expletives and insults. Nobody can believe that Jeanne has called for the annulment of the Leysen Doctrine. “Baby Killer”, “War Criminal”, “Assassin”, “Fronsac” are the many insults hurled at Jeanne, as she is jeered off the podium. Mitterand is in pure bliss, “I can’t believe it, Jeanne has just slashed her own throat in front of everybody.” He tells his cohorts and most trusted P.S. advisors, Godard, Lorrain ,

“She has just handed me the presidency. I will now become the Ruler of France, muhahahahah, mahahahaha.”

“Now Michel M., you must remember to settle the Babylonian issue first”, says Godard.

“I concur sir, make sure all of France knows you have opted for everlasting peace and security instead of war”, replies Lorrain.

“I can smell it I tell you, soon we will be in full control of France. All these Conservatives will be done for good”, a proud Mitterand speaks.

Jeanne is distressed, but still believes in her heart, Hammurabi is a dangerous foe to give concessions to. Outside the Assemblée, a crowd gathers and screams at Jeanne, “will you not stop, until you’ve destroyed us all.” The Assemblée gathers itself, and both P.S. and U.D.F. members condemn Jeanne, for her words.

Meanwhile, French officials begin talks with members of the Babylonian government. The talks are tough, but we notice that Babylonians are still in need of some Dyes. Through back-channel negotiations, the Babylonians make it known, that they will be willing to pay 14 Gold for every shipment of Dye, that arrives in Babylonian Harbors. We schedule 20 shipments and agree to the deal. The Assemblée, headed by Mitterand, announce to the world, that war has been averted. Also, in a show of everlasting peace, between our nations, a Right of Passage agreement was reached. Mitterand. now running for president. spoke in a rally in Avignon;

“We have shown the world a different side of France. A side which is friendly, loving and peaceful. And if some people want to call us snakes and rats for loving peace, well I still think it‘s better than being a DISEASE.” Everyone knows what he meant by “disease” and the crowd roars in approval. This time, it appears Jeanne cannot recover, from the political gaff.

In the upcoming elections, Mitterand is able to ride the Anti-Jeanne settlement and win the presidency of France. For the first time in the history of France, someone other than Jeanne, is in the Palace of Versailles. Jeanne for her part, is undeterred and continues on traveling to different cities of France, preaching what she feels is right. Before a sparse crowd in the far-away Bayonne Coliseum, in the Antarctic Island. She says, “this nation will pay for its complacency. Hear my words, Hammurabi does not want our Dyes or Gold, he wants our blood and enslavement.” Most people think she has now gone, completely insane.

[Kaos XIII]

950
Mitterand and the P.S. now rule, without resistance in France. Large scale, cultural construction jobs are begun in France, as the new Presidential administration concentrates mostly on domestic issues. On the other hand, Mitterand despises the military and wants no part of it. Also the Noire Pluie is fully disbanded, “we have no need for spies of secret policemen in our perfect society”, says Mitterand. He hands the job of Commander in Chief to the newly formed Defense Council. , which is composed of the Generals, Admirals and headed by the Minister of Justice, David Truffaut.

The Defense Council was represented by the Southern Defense Force headed by longtime General Pierre Corot, Northern Defense Force headed by a very young P.S. loyalist, General Paul Lautrec. Lautrec is a close friend of Truffaut. The two Admirals were Camile Chardin of the North Defense Fleet and Théodore Delacroix, a Zulu War veteran, in charge of the South Defense Fleet. Our Navy is somewhat weak, so the Admirals don’t have much, say so. On the contrary, the man held in the highest regard in the military, is Celtic and Zulu War hero, General Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon is revered throughout all of France and heads the Expeditionary Defense Force located mostly in the Lower Biscay territory, formerly a part of N.E. Zulia.

The Defense Council, works out of the offices of the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Minister of Defense, Truffaut is under the President’s authority and was placed there by Mitterand, to keep tabs, on the Generals. The biggest casualty of our regime’s policies is the military and no high ranking officials are happy. Napoleon, who is the most powerful General, is quite irked at this new administration and schedules a meeting at the Palace of Versailles.

“Welcome General Napoleon, what is it, that you wanted to discuss?”, Mitterand greets him.

“Our military sir”, Napoleon sternly responds.

“Go on.”

“We are severely lacking in funds, desertions are high and moral is low. With our current numbers, even the pathetic Aztecs can overrun us. (He’s exaggerating, naturally) I am not able to maintain an acceptable military force, when you continually under-fund us,” speaks the General to the new President

“Haven’t you ever heard of the saying, the pen is mightier than the sword. Perhaps, our military is in bad shape because of incompetent people, who are in charge. In any case, we all must make sacrifices Napoleon, and the military is going to have to deal with it. Sorry, denied”, responds the President.

“Know THIS Mr. President (voice now being raised), I AM the most powerful man in France. I demand to be heard and be treated with RESPECT. My words are backed by all the Generals and MY entire military force”

“Threatening me now, are you? (in a condescending voice) Poor little Napo, you don’t have the political presence or backing of the French people to do anything.”

“Your day will come. I promise you that.”

“Off with you. I have some, actual important people to meet.”

Napoleon storms off the Palace. Mitterand is however, quite shaken after the threat from Napoleon. Deep down he knows Napoleon can be very dangerous.

Conversely, Jeanne feeling isolated from the rest of the French people, settles down in the far northern city of Calixhuatla. On occasion, her old friend and advisor Clouet, stops by to visit. She is happy, calm and for the first time in a while, at peace with herself. Happy, that is, until the day that one of her servants came screaming and crying.

“R.O.P. VIOL, VIOL, VIOL!!!”, screamed the servant.

“Calm down I can’t understand you”, responded Jeanne in a soothing voice.

“BABYLONIAN BOWMEN TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE RITE OF PASSAGE!”

“What? What happened? When? Where? Is anybody hurt?”

“THEY ATTACKED LAPURDUNUM AND THEY EXECUTED A COMPANY OF CIVILIAN WORKERS! THEIR LIFELESS BODIES ARE STREWN ABOUT THE LOWER BISCAY COUNTRYSIDE, NEAR ZUNGUIN”

Jeanne’s blood now began to pump and boil, as it had never boiled before. Her predictions have come true, the Babylonians had in fact coveted our lands all along. But, there wasn’t much she could do, she was no longer in charge. She now only prayed and hoped, that Mitterand would exact, an unending revenge. Back in Versailles, Mitterand was confused and scared. “What will this mean, for my presidency? The future stability of France?”, he thought. He consulted with his two most trusted P.S. advisors, Godard, Lorrain and the Minister of Justice, David Truffaut.

“I assure you, the Babylonians just want a better deal. Begin talks and this misunderstanding will subside”, Godard says.

“I’m sorry I disagree, the French people will not accept a blood debt,” responds Lorrain.

“Well then I disagree with YOU. The Parti Socialiste philosophy states, that war and bloodshed must be avoided at all cost,” Godard, replied angrily.

“Mr. President, I must say the Generals are extremely livid and if I may add. Our man, Gen. Lautrec has informed me that, he can hear them whispering, rebellion,” spoke Truffaut, softly.

“Rebellion, do you hear Mr. President. We must show strength, regain our honor and fight back,” Lorrain adds, now equally angry.

“REBELLION my ***, Fire those S.O.B. Generals and replace them with P.S. loyalist. I implore you Mitterand, you have always been a beacon of peace. Don’t turn into Jeanne now,” says Godard, now standing up and facing the President.

“DAMN YOU ALL, DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL, ALONG WITH THE BABYLONIANS!!!”, shouts Mitterand, as he orders everybody to leave the Palace. “I’ll make my own decisions,” he mumbles to himself.

Outside the Palace, as well as all of France, mass demonstrations are taking place. In Paris they chant, “Avenge our Men”. In the universities in Tours, the students scream, “Jeanne was right”, as they burn Hammurabi in effigy. “Bring back Jeanne”, was the message spreading in Marseille. There are now millions and millions, feeling the fire of patriotism, as they demand “Babylonian Blood”. Mitterand can clearly hear them, even in his sleep. But, he is a pacifist and has always reviled war. To send thousands of men off to be killed, is not his vision of glory. But now, he must make a decision that, will either please the public and disregard his own morals. Or make a choice which will satisfy his system of values and way of life, yet create a wave of anger among the populace. To be a man of the people, or a man of beliefs, the right choice is not so obvious.

He arrives at the Assemblée Nationale to give his response to the Babylonian aggression. Everyone waits in still silence as Mitterand approaches the podium. He stands in front of the nation and thinks back to his days as a political activist. How naive it was, to think being the ruler of France, was soooo easy. The weight of the nation and conflict is clearly visible on his tired face. As he grabs his written speech, with his moist, trembling hands, his face gets paler and paler. The Assemblée, the political parties, the Generals, the Admirals, Jeanne and all of France now eagerly and fervently await his decision.

[dexters]

Originally posted by SKILORD
It's certaintly improving, becoming more and more a story than a timeline with each passing chapter, but I think the problem could just be that I never think in terms of numbers, only vauge references to quantity most of the time.

I think I can understand what you're saying about this being his style though, with the dates and such. I am not fond of that style though, I'm sorry.

It isn't a bad story, and don't let me discourage you, I just don't like reading numbers.

SKI, I think different writers have different styles. Kaos writes pretty well and I don't think he has anything to learn from anybody. A more narrative approach is welcome, but it's his style.

There seems to be something going one between you and the other peopel in here (chris et al). There is a PM function guys, don't ruin another writer's thread by airing your laundry in here. As a reader, I'm rather peeved by this.

BTW, I quite like the Details KAOS provides, such as dates, and the type of game he is playing (# of civs, map size, etc).

Too often, writers just pull stories out of nowhere and I'm not sure if I'm reading someone's fantasy or an actual game. And I prefer to read actual game stories, even if it is embellished. I'm not into fan fiction so I don't read stories people make up. The format Kaos uses makes that very clear and makes visualizing his game easy. I love it.

[unscratchedfoot]

YAHHHH!!! Another war is coming!!!
Smite those backstabbing, yellow snow eating Babylonians!!
Frogface says, "We want war not politics!"


Interlude:

Originally posted by dexters

There is a PM function guys, don't ruin another writer's thread by airing your laundry in here. As a reader, I'm rather peeved by this.

You mean only you are allowed to hang your dirty laundry in here?

[dexters]

Originally posted by unscratchedfoot
YAHHHH!!! Another war is coming!!!
Smite those backstabbing, yellow snow eating Babylonians!!
Frogface says, "We want war not politics!"


Interlude:



You mean only you are allowed to hang your dirty laundry in here?

Yes. you see that pair of unwear. That's mine. Now, get your stuff out!

[History Guy]

I'm loving this!

[unscratchedfoot]

Originally posted by dexters


Yes. you see that pair of unwear. That's mine. Now, get your stuff out!

No worries, I wouldn't want my clothes anywear near your raunchy underwear.

History Guy, welcome to La Grande Nation Fan Club.