The Phantasma of Hades

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Yo Zalza ! like where are you, we would like to see some more.

[Lord Zalzabad]

Marius vs. Cracus

Here is some more! Id say about seven more chapters to go. I will try to write one a day from now on. (I have been very busy, that I have!)
------------------------------------------------------------------------“Is this right?” asked Chrisius as he looked over the reconnaissance photos on the desk before him. Caesar's troops were withdrawing out of their range of fire. “What are they doing,” he asked, fully knowing what the answer would be.
“They are preparing to face Cracus’ forces,” replied the chief of intelligence, “They see our defenses, and see how impenetrable they are. They also have intelligence, and know that Cracus has moved his troops. What I think is that Marius is afraid of facing Cracus’ Armored units with his back to the defenses around Hispalis, so he is doing what I would of done in his position, and withdrawn.”
“Very well, General,” Chrisius replied, “but where does this put us?”
“We are relatively safe. However, I would warn Cracus of the impending danger.”
“Very well, I will do that. What tactical plan should I recommend?”
It was the commander of the Republican Guard Division who answered, “Breakthrough.”

Cracus put down the phone, and swore. The plan was not going right. However, he would meet his opponent, the very capable General Marius outside the Londinium Forest, according to his calculation, and will hit them before they have dug in. He would then try to break through the enemy’s positions with an armored fist, in a mad race to Hispalis. There his forces would be united with the rest of the Republican Guard, and able to blast a hole in the Imperial Forces, and retake all the ground they had lost to these stinking Imperialists.

Caesar, however, was oblivious to the movements of his troops, instead playing chess with Graccis. He knew not of the impending battle, only that he expected victory. Marius could see it happening now. It happened to Caesar with Brutus, it happened to Caesar with Pompey. Ambitious men were getting his ear, and were controlling him. Graccis, it appeared was one of them. Marius shook this thought off, and continued to supervise his troops. They were planning to fortify in the Londinium Forest, yet there was a problem. Would they get there in time? Marius thought, properly yes, as he could see the forest approach. But he also heard something that made his blood chill, the sound of Mechanized forces approaching from both the north AND the south. He picked up a radio and gave the order to dig in, and prepare for attack.

Chrisius looked over at the commander of the Republican Guard with a searing look that could melt ice. The young Brigadier General stood his ground, and simply replied that his armored troops had nothing better to do, so they could help with the breakthrough. The Marshal was not angry at his decision, it was a good one at that, just angry that he had not put it passed him first. He dismissed the General, and then picked up the phone to Air Marshal Satunis, asking for some bomber support.

“The enemy is dead ahead, General, sir!” yelled the young Captain at the top of his voice.
“Very well, men,” replied Cracus, “Prepare for battle!

The Tanki’s sped out of the forest at full speed, firing their cannons at the enemy’s Tanki. Machine guns were blasting from the Imperial forces, only to be deflected by the heavy armor of the division. Tracers started to fire from the armored unit’s machine guns, destroying much of the infantry positions. Those who were not killed by the machine guns were crushed by the heavy Tanki tracks. Simultaneously from the south, the Advanced Armored units blazed through the enemy’s lines. They were unexpected, causing much destruction.

Marius was looking over the stats in his command track, suppressed at what he saw. 3rd and 4th Battalions were destroyed, both conscript troops, while the rear guards were decimated. The 2nd Imperial Tanki unit, with the support of the 1st and 2nd Battalions were preparing a counter attack on the enemies flank. Cracus’ forces were already two kilometers within enemy lines, and already had exposed a venerable flank that he could exploit. He smiled at this poor show of Generalship that Cracus showed.

However, one should not underestimate their enemy. Cracus had moved all of his troops together, with the mechanized infantry acting as rearguard to prevent this from happening. Unlike the modern military campaigns, he was not leaving infantry behind do defend the ground that he captured. His goal was Hispalis, and all of his troops would arrive, except those, 50 or so that were blasted away by RPG’s.

“Sir, our flanking of the enemy has succeeded, however, we found no troops to kill. They are like a tornado, nothing left but wreckage. I believe that they are trying to break through our lines to reach Hispalis, and the other, smaller group is assisting this. Our troops are trying to catch up with them, but they are too far ahead.”
“Very well, commander, I want a full scale attack on…” However the commander cut Marius off.
“That would be suicide, General!”
“Radar indicates a bomber squadron coming in from the southwest,” another voice called.
“Prepare anti air defenses. Order all forces in the Republicans way to hold their ground with RPG’s and Anti-Tanki weapons.”
“Very well, sir.”

It was around midday when the two groups met in the middle of the battlefield. Cracus’ troops marveled at the wonderfully new Tanki of the Republican Guard, and the Republican guard commander marveled at the lack of fatalities in the republican force. The two combined together, and forced their way south, through the troops who had reformed their defences.

Marius looked at the trail of devastation left by the Tanki, as they rolled off into the evening. Fifteen thousand men had lost their lives, another twenty thousand wounded. This was hardly a dent in his forces, that is intill he compared it with total losses of the Republicans. Seventy-nine troops dead, injured or captured. How would he explain such a defeat to Caesar?

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In the next chapter, Marius will have to explain his defeat to Caesar, while Cicero gives an address to the nation, prasing his troops and thier victory. Will Antonius be executed, will the tide of battle change, find out tommorrow in the next exciting chapter, The Tide Turns

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Hooray three cheers for Lord Z, very good installment and looking forward to the next

If you get a chance I would like to know your thoughts on Fight For Freedom.

[Lord Zalzabad]

well, I really do not read anyone elses story, as I usually do not have time, and I do not want to know how good my story is compared to the "opposition"

BUT I'll read it anyway.

[Lord Zalzabad]

The tide turns

Your story is really good, Chirsius. Here's the next chapter
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“How could you lose!?” bellowed Caesar angary.
“It was not that hard, Marius, You outnumbered them twenty to one, and yet you still lost,” smiled Graccis, knowing that he would soon be in command.
“They used an unexpected tactic,” replied Marius.
“You must expect anything, my friend,” said Graccis sourly.
“Very well, then Graccis, if you are such a good General, why don’t you attack Hispalis!” replied Marius angrily.
“That is a very good Idea, Marius, Graccis will command the next battle of Hispalis. I will send you with a small party of troops to capture Athens and Spata,” said Caesar.
“Very well, sir,” replied Marius feeling very betrayed. He turned and left the room, leaving Graccis and Caesar quite alone.
“That is that out of the way. You know Caesar, you should watch that Marius fellow” said Graccis, manipulatively.
“Yes, I must. Now Marshal Graccis, what is your plan.” Graccis pulled out a map of Hispalis and showed him.

Graccis was fuming as he selected the best of his elite troops for his advance party. He chose only the most loyal. Loyal to him, not Caesar. Why was he snubbed like that? He wondered. And now he was being demoted to errand boy. He looked at his fifty men and picked up a group of trucks. Swearing, he took off into the east, thinking of a fitting revenge on Graccis.

Constantine was looking over a document. What it was he did not know. He was not even reading it, just staring at the words, thinking over what he must do. The television at his desk was turned on, and something the announcer said caught his ear
“… and in other news, Dictator Cicero will be making an address to the nation at eight o’clock. This is thought to be the pivotal speech of his career, and…”
Constantine looked at the clock, which showed the time as half past seven. If he could conduct the assassination on national television, all Rome would be able to see their liberation, and he would become the new ruler. He picked up his pistol that was sitting on his desk, and hurried out towards the taxi rank.

The men of Cracus’ armoured unit were enjoying their first hot meal and bath for five weeks. They, along with much of the conscript army had the night off to celebrate this victory. Many of these troops visited the local pubs and bars, all of which had televisions. At eight o’clock, the seal of Rome came up on every television in the entire republic.

Chrisius and Cracus were celebrating along with most the other commanders in the high class Hotel, the Republica when the speech began. The room went quiet.

“Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears!” started Cicero, standing on the pulpit outside the Capitol, “I have come not to praise Caesar, but to burry him.” The irony of this passage was lost on the crowds, who were watching, as free artistry had yet to be discovered. “Our mighty forces have smashed through Caesars Imperial Army at Hispalis, and are preparing for the final blow to crush the Imperialist fools. Once they have been crushed, the criminal Scipio will be brought to justice. This is the turning of the tides…”

Scipio swore at this. Caesar had failed him yet again. But something caught his eye in the background…

“… from now on, the republic is saved, thanks to the heroics of Marshal Chrisius and General Graccis…”

Antonius could hear the television address in the gaoler’s room, just feet away. It looked like his life would end tomorrow. Constantine had failed his mission…

“… and our heroic troops. I salute you all…”

Now was his chance. He was within range. There were no bodyguards around. He raised his pistol…

“… you have saved Rome!”

The gun fired. Cicero started to turn around, but failed to make it. The bullet struck him in the chest. He turned and faced his assassin, “Et tu Constantine?” and fell down. Constantine lowered his pistol to the fallen ruler’s head and fired one more shot. The body spasimed, and then fell dead.

“No Constantine not now!” yelled Chrisius. The television got the whole shot perfectly.

Scipio simply smiled. Yes, this was the turning of the tide. Now was his chance to attack. He called in Colonel Graccis.

In all the homes, in all the bars, in all the officers clubs they saw him fall. The panic started then, their leader was gone.

Antonius heard the shot and smiled. He was finally free of tyranny.

Constantine walked to the microphone, and simply said, “I am taking over.”

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In the next exciting chapter of the Phantasma of Hades, the panic spreads as Scipio makes his move on the Via pass. Will Graccis take this oppitunity to exploit Cicero's assassination? Will Constantine be able to restore order within the republic? what moves will Marius take to get revenge on Graccis? Find out in the next chapter, which is yet to be named!

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Thanks for your kind words Zalza but this place is for me to give homage to this epic work of yours.

And what an epic story it is, all these different factions all vying for supreme power. I once thought that this story would make an excellent film but I now feel it would take a series to do it real justice.

Keep up the good work.

[Lord Zalzabad]

The Floodgate Opens

I was thinking more on the lines of a trilogy movie. Thanks for your comment. BTW, do you know whe vovansim has been? I miss his comments (sniff, if only more people would comment)

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“We attack at once” said Scipio to Graccis, “and claim the element of surprise whilst Fort Via is in disarray.”
“The men no not of Cicero’s demise, comrade general, should we not inform them?” replied Colonel Graccis formally.
“No. We must achieve surprise. This could be what Caesar said would occur. Their country is in chaos now that their leader has bit the bullet. If I ever meet that Constantine fellow, I will have to buy him a glass of beer!” replied Scipio happily.

“Call Rome. We need additional information on the situation,” Commander Titinius explained to his communications officer. The assassination had happened no less than ten minutes ago, and his base was still in panic. On his desk lay a report saying Scipio’s forces had left Pisae for his fort. For all he knew, they could be right over the bridge. He turned to his second in command, and ordered him to get together a group of reliable men to begin a reconnaissance sweep of the area, to which the Second in Command replied none were available. The commander swore and picked up an assault rifle, gesturing for the other officers to do the same. If no loyal troops would do reconnaissance, it would just have to be him, leaving two sergeants and a lieutenant in command of the fort.

“Forward recon field reports that an enemy recon party has been sent out,” said Publius into his radio.
“Very well, any more details?” replied Scipio.
Publius thought about that for a moment, then picked up his spyglass to check out the enemy numbers. Seeing something strange, he picked up his radio and replied, “There is something strange about this party, Comrade General, they seem to be made up of senior officers. Their leader looks to be… It’s the enemy commander, sir! Should we commence attack?”

“Why couldn’t we get private uniforms so no-one would recognise us?” one major grumbley asked the Commander
Because it would of taken too long!” said the commander, spinning around to face his officer. But a glint of light caught his eye, coming from behind that rock. Suddenly his brain clicked Sniper! Then with a silent thud, the commanders brains were all over the ground.

“Bullseye, Comrade Colonel!” said a Corporal, “Where did you learn to shoot like that?”
“A long time ago at my fathers farm,” replied the Colonel, “Attack!”

The officers had rarely been under fire before panicked Some fled, while others stood their ground, fumbling with their rifles. The officers lasted less than a minute. The Lieutenant in command of the base heard the noise from outside and moved a surveillance camera towards the bridge. There he saw his commander, bloodied on the floor, with enemy Infantry swarming across the bridge to the opened gate of the fortress. He hit the red alert button, which told everyone in the base they were under attack.

It also told every base that a republican base of was being over run. One such base was fifty kilometres from the base, where the advanced Tanki were kept. These machines were readied. But what might have usually taken 5 minutes took almost an hour due to the shortage of reliable men. Thus, they were too late to come to the fortress aid.

Chrisius looked down at the red flashing button, knowing only too well that Constantines act of freedom sealed the fate of the republic. He could not order the arrest of Constantine, as he too was a conspirator. But couldn’t he of picked a better moment? Still half of his men had just deserted, with the other half retreating to the relative safety of the forts surrounding Hispalis. He hoped that Caesar did not take this time to exploit this moment of weakness.

Caesar on the other hand was oblivious to the demise of Cicero, as he did not have a television in his bunker. He prohibited the use of them anyway so Republican propaganda would not get through to his people. So his first report of the assassination was from a phone call.
“Hello?” asked Caesar into the phone.
“Brilliant plan Caesar!” said the voice on the other end that had to be Scipio.
“But our plan becomes under way in four days. We have not done a thing!”
“Then what about the assassination?”
“What assassination?”
“Of Cicero!”
“Cicero? Who did it?”
“A general named Constantine. Naturally, I thought he was an agent of yours, but he isn’t?”
“No, Scipio my old friend, I have never heard this name.”
“Well the intricate workings of republican politics matter no more”
“Why?”
“The dam has been breached, the republic is history!”
“You mean?”
“Fort Veii has been breached. We will be in Rome by the weekend!”
“How?”
“We exploited the weakness of the enemy at the time of the Assassination We eliminated the officers who were conveniently conducting an inspection or something similar, then overwhelmed the Fort with Infantry. They did not even fight. If you want to exploit the weakness in the enemy, now is the time!”
“Thankyou for that, Scipio, farewell,” said Caesar as he put down the phone, wondering why HE, the ruler of Rome was taking orders from a mere peasants son. “Graccis, get in here!” he bellowed.


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In the next exciting chapter, Graccis takes on Chrisius' depleted army. Will Chrisius be able to blunt Graccis' attack, while Cracus is sent to Rome to hold off Scipio. Is the republic really in its death throws? Can Consul Constantine rally his troops? If not, what will become of the Republic? Find out in the next exciting episode, which is yet to be named

[Lord Zalzabad]

Never mind this message, it is just to send the story to the top of the page, which did not happen when I posted the last chapter

[Flash]

Lord Zalzabad,
Your stories are awesome. I just wish the parts came closer together. But I do understand time constraints. Keep up the good work. Don't rush.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Nice stuff as ever Lord Z, looking forward to the next part.

[vovan]

Just got around to reading the latest installment, Z, and I must say - one can never tire of your stories. Gripping stuff, as always. Keep 'em coming.

[Lord Zalzabad]

unfortunately, I will have no more installments for a week, maybe more. I wanted to finish the story by thursday because I will not have access to a computer or the Internet for that time, and may become preocupied with other things.

But I will be back within a week, or maybe a bit longer.

[vovan]

Oh, well, I hope when you are back you will bring some goodies together with you.

[Lord Zalzabad]

The Battle for Hispalis Part 1

Here is the goodies that I brought back for you, the next chapter...
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“I want that city!” finished Caesar triumphantly, “and this is where you will prove yourself. Do you have a plan?”
“Yes, oh Immortal Caesar,” replied Graccis.
“Get to it! At this rate Scipio will be in Rome before us! We must not let that happen.”
“Yes oh Immortal Caesar. Will Marius be informed of this plan?”
“We will leave him out of this. That is all”
With that, Graccis turned and left the room.

The city surrendered even before his troops entered it. Athens was taken. Disenchanted, they grudgingly gave their youth to the draft. They thought nothing was wrong, that they were surrendering to the Mighty Marius, Ruler of all Rome. After all, the republic DID abandon them…

The advanced Tanki’ were fighting a running battle. The enemy was too numerous for a full-fledged fight, but they were slowing down the enemy, and doing a good job of it. That is why their next order baffled them. The Captain ordered his men to withdraw one hundred kilometres.

The commanders had all withdrawn to Veii and were sitting in a smoke filled room, discussing their plans. Every General was there, with the exception of two. All they knew was that Hispalis still stood, as did Actum, and there were both sizeable armies there. Marshal Chrisius stood up to address the assembled Generals, Admirals, and Marshals.
“Gentlemen, quiet please. We have permission from Rome to implement Operation X, the complete evacuation of the Republican Army. We have deployed 100,000 veteran troops, based around Actum and Hispalis, 30,000 men and 70,000 men respectively. Their job is to hold off the enemy long enough to evacuate as many troops as possible to the New Rome Colonies. We have 50,000 troops in Veii itself, and about half a million civilians that require evacuation. We have the vessels, but we need three weeks to fully implement the operation.
“Our blocking forces will conduct an orderly retreat to pre-prepared positions behind them, where they can easily inflict major casualties to the enemy force. Our force may be depleted due to the untimely death of our former dictator, yet we are still strong. The approaches to Veii are through the harsh Roma Desert, so their advantage of open plains will be greatly diminished. They will be fighting for the waterholes, or in the case of the Western Front, the River. Therefore, our troops must deny these resources to them. They will be the last to leave, these blocking troops, and I have given orders for General Constantine to take over the eastern front, while Cracus is preparing a counter attack on Scipio’s forces,” he finished, looking at the faces of his fellow Generals to gauge their reaction. They all nodded their heads to agree with the plan, and then withdrew to their commands.

It was quiet in the east… maybe too quiet, the commander of Fort Veii outside Hispalis thought. He looked at his watch and picked up the phone and started to dial the number for the Gaoler. Poor Antonius, he thought. Maybe he would do better in the next life…

“Artillery is in range, General”
“Fire at the fortress in the centre, I do not want it standing when I return”
“Yes, Sir!”

The first shell hit within the main fort, completely destroying Barracks A, as well as the Commanders office. However, the Veteran troops were not shaken by such a loss. They prepared counter battery missiles to take out the enemy artillery

“What was that!” yelled Constantine in alarm
“They must be attacking!” yelled the Captain franticly trying to raise Fort Veii. The streak of the counter missile battery lit up the sky, as did the explosions in the distance. From afar, Constantine could hear the rumbling of Tanki warming up in the city centre. There was more artillery fire, and the eastern section of the fort crumbled. Light Mechanised troops quickly drove out of the ruined fortress to intercept the advancing Imperial Tanki. Artillery was now being fired from the other two fortresses at the advancing troops, but to little effect. The first battalion of Republican Tanki left the City Centre for the front, as the Mechanised troops reached Gracus’ Armoured thrust. Constantine’s jeep drove up to a small hill near the centre of town to watch the battle. It had a commanding view of the battlefield, and that’s where Constantine saw trouble.

Antonius was shocked by the shaking of the fortress, and by the sudden appearance of the warden. The Warden unlocked his cell and started to get him out, when the reinforced roof over his head collapsed. With the cell door open, now was his chance to escape…

“Move the third Tanki division over to the north to block off the enemies flank!” yelled Constantine.
“No good, Sir, they will not get there in time. They have flanked us!” replied the captain in a worried tone.
“Well, then move all troops to the bridge. I want Fort Rome to launch covering fire on the enemies position.”
“I estimate we will only be able to withdraw three divisions, that is 30,000 men.”
“It is better to lose 40,000 troops than 70,000. He who runs away, lives to fight another day!"
“It will be done.”

Chrisius was listening to the battle in the complex communications room of the Destroyer Titanius. At the order to retreat he shook his head. He was promoted too fast, that Constantine child. If his troops moved south, he could cut the enemy off at the tail, and destroy them from the rear. Amateurs he thought.

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In the next chapter, the battle for Hispalis will be decided. Will Constantine achive victory, or will his ill advised withdrawal be the final nail for the fate of the republic? And what is General Marius up to? Find out in the next exciting episode, entitled, The Battle of Hispalis Part 2

[SKILORD]

sweet....