The Republic of Athens

[civman2000]

I think I'll attach the saved game with the last chapter...sneak preview:

Chapter 5: Pyrrhus Arrives
Chapter 6: The War Winds DOwn
Chapter 7: Peace
Epilogue: The Great Age of Pyrrhus and Pericles

[civman2000]

Chapter 5: Pyrrhus Arrives

It was August 22, and a very aunny day in Athens. Hannover having fallen easily 25 days earlier, Pericles had been able to send a larger than normal force to Heidelburg and begin an offensive on Leipzig at the same time. From what he had heard, however, both cities would be difficult to capture. Heidelburg had now been under siege for nearly three months, but to the best knowledge of the Prime Minister it still was garrisoned strongly by the Germans. As he thought anxiously about these things, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in, Nikolai," he said.

The door opened and Nikolai stepped in. "How did you know it was me?"

"YOu have a strange way of knocking."

"Uhh, sure, whatever. Listen to this though. It seems that a man of Chinese descent named Sun Tzu in Sparta has written an amazing book on military strategy. He calls it the 'Wart of Ar,' no, oops, I mean 'Art of War.' He brought it to the mayor of Sparte, who, after skimming through it, brought a copy to me. Here it is." He held out a somewhat thick book, and Pericles took it. He began to read.

"This looks good! I'll give it to Agamemnon, I think he'll be able to use it as standard training so that all of our troops, everywhere, know some tactics without even setting foot on a battlefield!"

As Nikolai left, Pericles called out, "you should erect a statue for this Sun Tzu guy!"

Pericles began to leave to take the book to Agamemnon, when there was another knock on the door.

"What is it Julian?" he asked.

Julian walked in, looking very annoyed. "How on earth did you know it was me???"

"I've been memorizing the sounds of a few people's knocks."

Julian gave him a strange look, and then spoke. "Pericles, you missed the reception for Pyrrhus!"

"What? Pyrrhus, here today? WHy didn't anyone tell me???"

"He arrived an hour ago, and there was a big sort of parade-like welcome. I thought you knew about it, and then when I came to tell you about it, you weren't here!"

"I just went out for lunch! I can't be here every minute of the day!"

"Well, he's coming to meet you here in five minutes."

"Huh?"

"Remember, you said you would meet with him the day he comes at 2:10?"

"Oh yeah. Is it that late already??"

"Yes it is. You should prepare yourself in the little--" and there was suddenly a knock on the door.

An unfamiliar knock, thought Pericles. "That must be Pyrrhus," he whispered to Julian. "Are you Pyrrhus," he said in a commanding voice.

"Yes," said a quiet, refined voice, despite the fact that Pyrrhus was born a poor country bumpkin near Thermopylae.

"Then come in." A man that looked to be in his late twenties walked in, though Pericles knew he was actually only 24. He was very tall and skinny. "You mosdt likely already know that I am Pericles."

"Yes sir." He seemed to be very nervous.

There was an awkward period of silence, and Pericles finally broke it. "Pyrrhus, how would you like to share power with me?"

Julian was aghast. "But Pericles, you said that--"

"I have changed my mind."

Julian was horrified. "Pericles, sir, do you--"

"Leave right now," said Pericles angrily. Julian stomped out of the office. Pericles turned toward Pyrrhus. "After studying your background and popularity and I believe you are fit to do the job."

Pyrrhus was speechless. FInally, he said, "popularity?"

"Yes, didn't you know? The people love you. Hearing of your actions in the war, I love you too. I could appoint you my chief advisor. THe legislature would not have to approve because it would not have to be an official position."

There was another long silence. "I'm dreaming," said Pyrrhus.

"You aren't."

"Um, I guess..." he paused. "I-I accept."

"OK then. Whaddaya say about ending the war soon?"

"Sir?"

"I asked it you want to end the war soon."

"Um, yes, sir."

"Quit saying sir. OK, next Tuesday I want you to come here and plan how to endi it as quick as possible with me."

"Yes, si--oops, sorry."

There was a knock on the door. "Come on in, Agamemnon. What's new?"

"Heidelburg has fallen!" he said, opening the door. "Why, hello Pyrrhus."

"Hello."

"THat's great, Agamemnon. Put our entire force into the siege of Leipzig now. And please leave, I was having a private discussion with Pyrrhus."

"OK OK, sorry," said Agamemnon, and left.

Under three weeks later, on September 9th, there had been momentous change in Athens. Pyrrhus had used his popularity to get the people to work extra hard building a workshop for weapon design and other inventions. It was named Leonardo's Workshop for Pyrrhus's father, a blacksmith named Leonardo. Pericles's approval ratings were at an all-time high, anf the peace riots had ended. MAny cities had even held celebrations for no apparent reason, other than loving their leader. A road had been built to gain access to the rich gem mines near Marathon, and Pyrrhus had convinced Pericles to give many of these precious gems to the people as gifts. Nikolai and Themistocles broke the euphoria when they brought news that the Japanese had built a great chapel similar to the one that was being built in Delphi, and the Delphi chapel would be ignored by the world. But despite this, the people were happy, for one of them, Pyrrhus, was in power.

[civman2000]

Chapter 6: The War Winds Down

WInter had come once again, and the electio was only 6 months away. Pericles's chances of reelection had been dismal, but Pyrrhus had changed that. However, as the war was not ending as promised, the original euphoria Pyrrhus had brought began to fade. Leipzig had been under siege now for over 100 days. Pericles was afraid he would have to remobilize to have a sufficient force to overrun the rest of Germany. While he sat thinking in his office, Pyrrhus came in for a scheduled meeting.

"Wow, is it already the 27th?" asked Pericles.

"Yeah, less than a week till the new year begins."

"Hmmm. Well, lets get started." He sighed. "THere's no end in sight at Leipzig, and it's killing my ratings."

"There is still half a year till the election."

"ANd what if Leipzig still hasn't fallen?"

There was a pause in the conversation. "Is Leipzig that important?"

"No, but Munich is. We can't get to Munich without Leipzig."

"What about just going around--"

"Pyrrhus, we can't let Munich be surrounded and culturally dwarfed by the Germans."

"Bismarck would probably give up other cities for peace."

"But not Leipzig, and Leipzig is all that matters other than Munich. They can keep Bremen and Stuttgart for all I care."

There was suddenly shouting outside. Agamemnon burst through the door with a slip of paper in his hand.

"Sorry to disturb you, but this just came from the battlefield." He handed the paper to Pericles and left saying, "let me know later if there's any deviation from the plan for Operation Sweep-Up."

Pericles looked at the slip of paper and read aloud: "December 26th. Official message from General Lykurgos to Prime Minister Pericles of the Republic of Athens: Leipzig has been taken! There have been very heavy losses, but the army is still strong. Reinforcements will probably be needed to execute Operation Sweep-Up. Bismarck cannot be found but we do not know where he has fled to, but I suspect Munich." Pericles put down the paper. "Munich! Of all places for that sad Bismarck to go build a small palace and establish himself!"

"It is not confirmed," said Pyrrhus. "And what is Operation Sweep-Up?"

"Our plan to spread out the army to take out the rest of Germany quickly after Leipzig falls. A plan which I will cancel. We can't afford to remobilize to send the needed reinforcements, and the war must be ended soon." He paused. "Go find Themistocles and Agamemnon."

Pyrrhus left and returned a few minutes later with the two advisors.

"Themistocles, send an emissary to the nearest German troops we know of and see what they would offer for peace. Have him note whether they accept any deals giving up Munich. If there is any city they will not give up at all, have him jot that down. I want a list of any deals they would accept involving us getting Munich, and the most that they'll give us without Munich involved." He turned to Agamemnon. "Agamemnon, abandon Operation Sweep-Up, I want--"

"But sir--"

"I said what I said. I want at least 75% of our offensive forces besieging Munich. Tell Lykurgos to take no cities other than Munich or Bremen without my explicit consent."

"But Pericles--"

"I AM YOUR SUPERIOR OFFICER!!!!!!" roared Pericles.

"Pericles," said Pyrrhus quietly. "Calm down."

Two weeks later, on January 10, Themistocles met with Pericles.

"Here are the reports from the emissary. The Germans would not make any offer giving up Munich, and their best offer only gives up two cities."

"So Bismarck is at Munich." said Pericles thoughtfully. "OK, file that, lets close the diplomacy until Munich falls. Anything else happening in your department?"

"Um, oh yeah, our alliance with China can be cancelled as of yesterday."

"It's already been 20 months? Man, time flies! Cancel it, please."

"That's all. Bye!" He left, and, as he closed the door, Nikolai opened it.

"We finally finished building your Southern Office in Ephesus. In honor of the name the Prime Minister who started it wanted it to have, we're calling it the 'Forbidden Palace.' THat is, if it's OK with you."

"Great! Um, sure, call it whatever you want!"

On February 18, Nikolai and Herod met with Pericles to discuss a budget change.

"Pericles, we need more funding or we'll fall behind!" said Herod.

"And I calculated that we would still have significant surpluses with the proposed 10% change," chimed in Nikolai.

Pericles closely read the papers they had brought him. Finally, he said, "OK, you can do it."

Later that day, Themistocles met with the Prime Minister.

"PEricles, in the past few months, many of our former allies have made peace with Japan. Rome, Iroquois...Russia is practically the only one still in the war. And Japan has dsicovered a design for a printing press, which Herod tells me is a very effective communication device."

"Ahh, I see. But a few months ago, when we attapted the same thing, they demanded that WE make concessions."

"That was only because they were still allied with Germany."

"You mean they're not?? Sure, I'll meet with them! GEt a meeting between me and TOkuwaga for the 23rd in neutral Rome."

"You yourself?"

"Yes. With Pyrrhus, too."

On February 24th, Pericles returned to his office with joy. He had made peace with Japan and gotten somewhat friendly relations by allowing a map trade in exchange for Tokuwaga giving him designs for the printing press as a part of the peace treaty. Now the only thing needed was for Munich to fall....

[civman2000]

feedback please?

[easthaven]

Its Good! I like the flow of the story, very easy to read and get caught up in.

[Sovy Kurosei]

Interesting story, but it makes things go by a little too... well, quick. I like it how small events are focused on.

[godinex]

You are a great sotory teller CIVMAN2000

[civman2000]

Chapter 7: Peace

On March 13th, 1061, Nikolai and Herod came to meet with Pericles and Pyrrhus.

"I shall begin," said Herod. "WE have developed a new advanced musical system." He took a whistle out his pocket, and blew it. Suddenly, a group of various musicians entered. The music they played was beautiful. Pericles and Pyrrhus simply sat for half an hour, entranced in the music, which than finally ended. Everyone applauded the musicians, and they left.

"Who wrote that?" asked Pericles eagerly.

"A man by the name of Johann Sebastien Bach," answered Herod.

"Hmmm. Sounds German."

"His grandfather immigrated forty years ago," cut in Nikolai. "But why should his origins matter? It is amazing music, and it doesn't matter who wrote it!"

THe four men all thought about the music for a few more minutes. Finally, Pyrrhus broke the silence. "I have an idea. Remember the Delphi CHapel, that would have been world-famous if Kyoto had not built its 'Sistine Chapel'? What if we use this Bach man's music to enhance it, and build it up a bit to make it a full cathedral! The amazing music and design would make it a wonder of the world!"

"I think that's a good idea," said Nikolai. "And with the upgrades that we've been adding to the chapel for the last few months, it would only take a few weeks to make these upgrades!"

"Good, do it," said Pericles enthusiastically.

"Oh, before I leave, Pericles. There are more peace riots, THebes again along with some other cities."

"Pericles, I know we can just upgrade the entertainment, but listen to me," Pyrrhus said quickly. "Doing that will just put off more riots for a few months. The people will not have any true satisfaction. You have to--"

"Pyrrhus, I can't end the war. I may be able to make nationwide entertainment changes, or build cultural facilities, and I hope that will please you. But I cannot end the war until we have Munich."

On April 21, 1061, Pericles and Pyrrhus launched their campaign for Prime Minister. Aided by the new "printing press" device, they began advertising their attempt to jointly become Prime Ministers. They were in Pericles's office writing up plans for the campaign when Agamemnon entered looking rather triumphant.

"Munich is ours!!!!!!" he yelled with joy. "WE've captured Bismarck too, he should be in Athens the 26th."

"You're bringing him to me?" asked Pericles.

"Yes, for punishment."

"Wait a minute," said Pyrrhus. "SHould he be punished? That would not go well with the public, nor would it help maintain peace with Germany."

"But we can't just let him go," protested Pericles. "He did attack us, you know."

"But wouldn't we be in the same situation if we had started it? It's not a question of who started ti, it's a question of winners and losers. And I don't think we have to rub in our victory any more."

"Well then what are we supposed to do?" asked Agamemnon annoyedly.

"Bring him back here, but instead of punishing him, negotiate peace and return him to Germany."

"Sounds good to me," said Pericles. "Oh, and Agamemnon: is Lykurgos coming back with Bismarck?"

"Um, yes."

"Well, sorry, but you're going back to being assistant advisor again!"

Agamemnon cursed and left.

A few minutes later, after Pyrrhus and Pericles had gotten back ti work, Nikolai came in.

"Pericles, the Delphi Capel has been developed into what shall be called 'JS Bach's Cathedral. Also, Bach has been given a large subsidy."

"Great!" said Pericles. It seemed as if everything was coming to a happy end!

Five days later, on April 26th, 1061, Pericles and Pyrrhus waited patiently in the Prime Minister's office as guards escorted an angry Bismarck to the room.

"OK, what are you going to do to me?" asked Bismarck icily and with a thick GErman accent.

"Nothing," said Pericles.

"Please be merciful and don't toy with me and just kill me."

"We're just going to negotiate the terms of peace and send you back to Germany," said Pyrrhus.

Bismarck was dumbfounded. He began crying with joy, and kissing the feet of the two men.

"Get yourself together," said Pericles irritatedly. "What city do you want to rule from?"

BIsmarck was trembling again. "Uhh--uhh, COlogne."

"Then how does this sound: Germany shall cede all territory except Cologne and its surroundings to Athens. They shall also give their maps, treasury, and budget surpluses for at least 20 months."

"Aw, c'mon, have some mercy on the old man," said Pyrrhus. "Let him keep Stuttgart too, you yourself said you didn't care about it!"

Bismarck looked at Pyrrhus in wonder. This man, who had fought to destroy GErmany at Hamburg and Berlin, and the second representative of the wishes of Athens, sticking up for the enemy that some Athenians had decribed as "savage," "barbaric," or "full of aggresion"? He started to cry again.

"Correction," said Pericles. "Germany shall cede all territory except Cologne, Stuttgart, and their surroundings to Athens. They shall also give their maps, treasury, and budget surpluses for at least 20 months."

Bismarck could not believe the merciful treatment he was receiving.

[civman2000]

Epilogue: The Great Age of Pyrrhus and Pericles

The news of the coming of peace and the great achievement of constructing Bach's Cathedral both in the same week overwhelmed the public. Parties were held in the streets, and the this time period became known as the "Great (or Golden) Age of Pyrrhus and Pericles." Pericles and Pyrrhus easily won the election on June 21, and established the standard position of Chief Advisor, who runs with the prime minister and takes over if they die in office. THe mercy of the duo and the Athenians became known throughout the world, and they gained international support. Athenian culture florished; freedom and happiness was everywhere.

On December 5th, 1062, Pericles was shot by an extreme rightist while giving a speech. The public outrage was extreme, and the gunman was slaughtered by an angry mob. Pyrrhus mourned for weeks, and finally actively took full power on February 2nd. Although he still heralded freedom and equality and power for the people, the golden age was over. Pyrrhus was elected Prime Minister for 5 more four year turns, but nothing was like the 20 month period from the coming of peace to the death of Pericles.

THE END


Attached is the savegame

[Metaliturtle]

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Old story from the very bottom goes to the very top with my mischievious powers