Love Conquers? Part IX.

[King Thor]

The war effort against the evil French regime continues. We have liberated one of the two cities that have fallen to the French, and as reinforcements arrive from the South, we are confident that the second city will also be liberated soon.

We once again offer the French dictator the opportunity to make peace and give us reparations, for me do not wish to see this war continue, however, we will fight to the end if we have to.. there will be no surrender.

Our nation is greatly saddened by the departure of one of our friends from the world political scene. We hope the temporary Greek general will come in support for our cause and help us defend our common borders from the French threat.

We are surprised to see the Spanish support the French. Infact, we have spotted a division of French tanks using Spanish territory to gain access to our cities!! This is an outrage! We demand that Spain close the route that they have opened for the French IMMEDIATELY! You do not know what you are doing Tomas. Once the French have conquered us, they will be strong enough to come after your people too! Can you not see the lust the expansionist tendencies of the French dictator?!? Join us in support and help us rid the world of this abomination!

[St Jon]

PDRF Defence Statement.

French forces fought galliantly to defend Chimbote from Dictator Thor but sadly had to yeild. Battleships have at once been despatched to provide support for it's recapture and the Peoples Army have struck deeply into the very heart of the vile dog wiping out all the pitiful and primitive Units that stood before them.

This War is now Total and France will not rest until Cuzco itself is liberated! Let there be no doubt in the deranged mind of the Inca leader that France shall prevail for she has justice upon her side as well as a substantially larger GNP!

My Spanish Friends, I would suggest that your 'Ghost Ships' creeping up the French West coast return to port. These ancient vessels are best placed in a maritime museum as after all these years they can surely not be trusted to be seaworthy. I would be deeply distressed should they find themselves not to be properly caulked and spring a sudden leak. Have they sufficient life craft fitted?

General Constantine, I welcome your acceptance of a Peace Treaty and that following the disbandment of the Les Palais settlement we can restore Franco-Welsh relations to the previously high level of trust and mutual cooperation historically enjoyed.

Welcome Regent Hex, may your stay in this fair World, unfortunately sullied by war as a result of the Inca, be happy and tranquil and that you will continue to guide Greece upon the path of peaceful developement.

Chairman Jon, PDF.

[MOBIUS]

Spain it would seem has some more misunderstandings to iron out...

King Thor,

Spain is not supporting France, except in as much as it was Incan ships that began all this by trespassing in the first place and feels that France was vindicated in the actions that it took...

As for allowing tanks through Spanish land - these tanks invaded Spanish land on some trumped up pretext that Spain was going to 'colonise' France with one of her settlers. Spain has cleared this situation up as can be seen by the location of the delightful little town of Cojones...

Spain trusts that France fulfills the last part of her bargain and now retreats the Pikeman and Phalanx from with the boundaries of Cojones' river...

Spain never had a full border towards the inland sea - therefore France is free to move between what is in actuality, the French/Inca border.

Spain is neutral in the matter of the war between Inca and France - unless certain factors occur that warrant Spanish intervention...

Such as the none too subtly worded 'concern' for our SOLs that are currently navigating on a long training journey and relocation to Katherine - they are staying a respectable distance from shore after all...?

Spain also welcomes Hex, de facto ruler of Greece - may his reign be a fruitful one!

[Keygen]

"Wales supported the French requisition of the disputed fishery but do not support in any case the French invasion in Incan Republic therefore asks from St Jon to withdraw back to France as a gesture of good will toward all peaceful nations of the world. Welsh will remain neutral.

I welcome too the return to the old status of our diplomatic relations St Jon. However the French government haven't procceded to the disbanding of Le Palais yet. Please, disband it as soon as possible, next turn if possible."

General Constantine

===
Turn 167 to Rick.

[Rick Elkins]

Turn 167 --> Comrade Thor


As the sounds of gunfire echo across Greece, the sights of war are clearly visible to many a citizen. While we wish for peace, Greece must remain neutral in these matters.

However, we urge all parties to come to some sort of peaceful agreement.

We wish to thank the nation of Spain for their generous offer of Conservation. Heeding the cries of pain heard from Mother Earth, we will have finished our first Recycling Plant by the next turn. May all nations notice the clock of disaster is nearly at the zero hour again. No sane man could look forward to its chimes. For while the first such "disaster" brought advantage to some, the next time will not be so pleasant, except to those for whom large tracts of lifeless, charred earth is an attractive sight.

Xenophon (one foot out the door)

[St Jon]

PDRF OFFICIAL NEWS AGENCY STATEMENT
==============================

The war against the Inca has reached a new intensity with hideous casualties upon both sides. We were repulsed again in a bloody battle which left but one severely injured Inca Marine Battalion intact. Already II and V Armoured Corps are moving to reinforce III Corps which has borne the brunt of the actions. Also two Divisions of Infantry with Artillary support have been seconded from Army Group Gironde and will act as mopping up forces when the inevitable break-through comes. In an extradordinary meeting of the Central Committee Chairman Jon finally agreed to the use of long range strategic Bombers to hit at major Cities in the Inca heartland. This has become possible with the utter destruction of the antiquated Inca Airforce but was still a decision made with reluctance.

The Chairman expressed his increasing worry as to the safety of the young Spanish Sea Cadets upon their antiquated vessels travelling so far from home. French Search and Rescue Aircraft have been monitoring them closely and report that they are in terrible danger of foundering upon the reefs in the perilous seas they have now entered. The one closest to Dieppe was already reported to be listing badly and French lifeboats stand ready to save these young men from what surely is only a disaster waiting to happen.

General Constantine, France will despatch a Troop Shoop, with your approval, to collect our people from Les Palais within the next Five Turns. The delay is to allow for both our Population Units to be evacuated at the same time. A Diplomat, alone, will also be aboard to normalise Franco-Welsh relations and he will obviously depart upon the establishment of an embassy in Cardiff.

The PDRF is perplexed as to who is actually in charge of her Hellenic neighbours. Has Xenophon departed to his summer retreat or is he still at the helm of power in Athens?

NAF

[Keygen]

"St Jon,

You are free to send your transport.

However your diplomat should be dispatched in south Wales."

General Constantine

===
Turn 168 to Rick.

[MOBIUS]

Spain calls for the war between the Inca and the French to be settled as soon as possible! This whole conflict is destabilising the entire region, Spanish autorities do not appreciate having so many military units so close to Spanish borders!

To the French, Spain is alarmed at the building of a military airport so close to Spanish borders - especially given that it is so far away from Inca borders! Also the railway W of Dijon serves no obviously non military purpose, and is again another suspicious encroachment in a long list of such encroachments...

As for our two SOLs, they are both seaworthy and continue their training mission to round the Cape of Exmouth as planned.

[Rick Elkins]

Turn 168 --> Comrade Thor


I am about to leave for the airport, after having had to reschedule.

Please send the next turn to Hex. See you in 2 weeks!

Rick

[hexagonian]

"WHO HAS DARED TO DISTURB THE SLUMBER OF THE EYE OF HEXTAPUL?????"

"It is I, your loyal servant, Hextan."

"Didn't I have you executed?"

"Well yes, but here in the Void, we are all reunited. I am not bitter, for life here is far better than the miserable existence we call mortality... Anyhow, there is a call for Your services - someone called Xenophon of the Greeks, or something like that."

"Hmm, I seem to faintly recall that name. Something along the lines of a world called 'Love Conquers'. Yes, that must be it. Let me get My glasses so I can read the message."

"You need glasses, Great Eye?"

"Well, yes, the Void might be good for eternal life, but it doesn't seem to fix eyesight. I need to talk to someone about that. Maybe get some all-seeing laser eye surgery, or something like that...
You know, I was having a wonderful dream about molding the rules of the CTP world into My own ideals, making it harder for those who would strive to rule it (insert shameless plug for the 'Cradle CTP2 Mod' here). The dream is done now, as far as it allows - always a little room for tweaking though.
Well, enough of that, down to business. Is that rascal St. Jon still spouting off his overblown rhetoric?"

"Yes, still there."

"That's good, always there for a laugh and to make ourselves feel 'better' about ourselves. However, it seems that St Jon has taken a less 'holier-than-thou' tone of late. Comes from enlightenment...
Is Mobius still leading the world?"

"Yes..."

"No surprise there - can't say that I didn't see that though - the Eye sees everything (provided He has His glasses handy). Is Demos gone?"

"Yes, he left soon after You did."

"Too bad, he seemed to overly-enjoy the fruit of the vine. Still, a fine fellow. I heard that Starvos had some problems."

"Yes, he is gone - wiped off the earth."

"I guess that the slaving exchange I worked up with him when I was ruler of the Incans didn't pan out. It was a good idea though. Speaking of the Incans, I guess I have to completely wash my hands of them now. Grandchildren never respect their ancestors anyhow..."

"Sadly, this is so."

"Well, I'm game. Here is the policy, to the rest of the world regarding My temporary stewardship of the Greeks."

Since I am no longer of this world, I have not experienced first-hand some of the subtleties that have been occuring. It is one thing to take over a civ for a permanent basis, as I would be free to pursue my own policies - it is quite another to take it over for a short time where My will is subject to the leadership of others. The Greek leadership had sent messages to all of the world leaders regarding his absence, requesting that any future planned attacks against the Greek nation be tabled until his return. I expect that this will be honored in the spirit of the game.

To this end, Greece remains neutral in the ongoing conflict, unless specifically directed by Xenophon during his absence via email. Greece has also been instructed not to initiate any attacks - this will be strictly honored under My command. Be warned though, Greece will tolerate no action against them, either conventional or unconventional, and is more than capable of defending itself if attacked in such a manner. Any buildup of forces on Greek soil, or on Our borders will be met by forces to counter that buildup.

Xenophon has also spelled out the diplomatic underpinnings within this world too, and I will do My best to honor those agreements that have been laid out.

As a sidenote, there is a good chance that I might not be able to get to play any turns Thursday night of this week. I'm asking for a possible extension through late Friday night if the turn comes in on Thursday night.

Hextapul has spoken!!

[King Thor]

- A meeting progresses in a secret hidden bunker within the Incan lands -

"Chairman, it is true. We have recieved confirmation that Xenophon has temporarily left for an unknown destination and left his nation in the hands of .... of .. Umm.. Hextapul"

"WHO!?! .. " Chairman Thor was quite taken aback by that last line.

He stared at the Head of the Incan Intelligence Bureau, who re checked the decryted facsimile, hoping he had misread the name.

"The Hextapul? ", inquired the Chairman

"He claims to be the same Hextapul, our founder.."

"Thats impossible!"

"Umm.. Maybe it is another man with the same name and..."

"No! ", the Chairman interrupted snatching the facsimile so that he could read it himself, "There is only one Hextapul.. and he died thousands of years ago!" .

"But, like you said, its impossible that its him.. maybe he has assumed that name merely to cause confusion and chaos among our people.."

"Yes.. He must be lying. I want you to personally look into this. We cant let our people believe that the founder and liberator of our nation is now the head of the Greeks!"


Chairman Thor, got up from his chair and paced around in the conference room. He had begun to gather his wits and finally his brain was functioning again. The Greek are our friends, why would they ... unless.... Could it be? Is it possible that the French have managed to garner Greek support?? .

No one in the conference room dared to speak. They all silently watched the Chairman pace slowly, deep in thought. They too were very concerned at the latest news from Greece, after all 'the legend' was common knowledge and although few believed it, it was deeply part of Incan beliefs and tradition. How would Chairman Thor keep the country from being torn apart in a civil war?
After all, the legend clearly stated that one day Hextapul would return, unite all the people under him, and eliminate evil from the planet forever. Ofcourse there were those who thought it was no more than foolish folklore, but others truly believed it....

There is no doubt that this man is an impostor, there is no way that a man who has been dead for centuries can come back to life suddenly... and even if he did come back, why as a Greek? , however the Chairman knew that not everyone would see his point of view, and this concerned him greatly, If the people start believing that Hextapul has returned, we may loose control over the people, perhaps even the army. ... France would simply walk over us if this were to happen ...

"Send a press release ASAP stating that Hextapul of the Greeks is an impostor, and any man equating him with our great founder will be publicly impaled as a sign to all."

"But Chairman Thor, isn't that harsh? Wont it further increase the dissent among our people?"

"I have a plan.. perhaps we can use the confusion that Hextapul will bring to our advantage.... ", spoke the Chairman now beginning to smile

The ministers were extremely concerned as they saw a malicious grin come across the Chairman's face...... What was he thinking?....

[St Jon]

Turn to Madrid.

PDRF Government Statement.

France has proven, once again, to be the most benign of all nations. Our gallant lifeguards today rescued three poor bewildered and frightened youngsters who, it would appear, were swept overboard from the antedeluvian Spanish vessel struggling to remain afloat close by Dunkirk. Honourable neighbour, I find it somewhat strange that you should have chosen to conscript Law Students into your Navy and still stranger that you should then have expected them to survive upon an old hulk. Emergancy medical care has been provided as well as the offer of an express Air Ambulance home for otherwise I fear they may well perish as Dunkirk Hospital has no Intensive Care Ward. Of still greater concern is the safety of the remaining crews of your two ships as it is a certainty that they will both sink unless they find deep water this Turn.

France rejects the insinuation that she has other than peaceful motives for her construction of Lille International Airport. Lille is the pride of the French nation and tourists flock to gaze in awe at it's beautiful architecture and ancient monuments. It is true that a few Military Aircraft also find it a useful refueling point but France is a large nation and it is not always possible for them to land at the heavily used City Airports which, in the main, were not designed to cater for them.

With the foundation of a forward command post to coordinate the final push to victory France remains confident that the vile Inca couchon will be crushed within a matter of a few Turns. The Factories work night and day to provide the Peoples Army with all the neccessary munitions to finish the job. Chairman Thor, I give you one last chance; pay the PDRF 5000g compensation for your wrongdoings and cede all Cities up to, and including, Lima and peace can return!

Chairman Jon, PDF

[King Thor]

Ha! Jon, had I not known that you were such a fool, I would have thought you were joking!

Just as you may have been building your attack, we too have been building our defense. You will never get past our defenses!

YOU can save your people from the slaughter that will most assuredly ensue if you continue to press onward with this operation.

However, we do want peace so we propose that you keep the Incan city that is already under your control and all the territory upto and including it. We will pay no reparations, nor will we cede you any further territory. Instead we will build no more ships and maintain no naval presence in the inland sea between us.

Act wisely Jon, we are already giving you much, despite all the crimes you have commited against us. If you choose to press on the attack you will only cause more of your people to die at our hands. Are a few worthless cities worth so much to you?

We await your reply.

[MOBIUS]

A gentle nudge...

Spain has noticed an alarming build up of Incan forces across all her borders, including those of Spain in the form of several destroyers off our shores and the building of what would appear at first a useless railroad to nowhere...

Certain actions have been taken by Spain to maintain her sovereign status, such as the removal of the aforementioned articles.

Spain hopes that the Inca accepts French terms and that she doesn't consider and foolish retaliation for Spanish actions...

Chairman Jon, we trust that you will find our actions in accordance to your request and that you will now agree to our terms in reply!

King Constantine, our latest negotiations have the seal of approval of the High Council of Spain!

CREDO


Tomas de Torquemada

[hexagonian]

So many shiny toys to play with...

Now it seems that Spain feels it is necessary that they exert their political will upon the rest of the world - reports are coming in that there has been a flare-up of hostilities aimed at the Incan nation by Spanish forces. I am deeply troubled by these reports, especially at the role Spain now seems to be playing in all this. Greece has no choice in this matter but to raise their own military awareness as a precaution against hostilities spilling into their own lands. Troops are already being deployed along fronts that have been established with the French, Incan and Spanish nations as a means to make sure that Greek interests are kept safe, and more are on the way. No troops have been placed, except in territory where Greek troops are already stationed.

I remind all leaders that Greece will not fire upon any forces, as this would be in direct violation of Xenophon’s will in this matter, but I do not want to leave an open door for any nations who may feel ‘frisky’ upon Xenophon’s return. And I remind ALL nations that though We are just in the process of raising Our military standing, We have more than enough ‘jack-booted thugs’ who are always on full alert. And judging by the health of Incan/French troops, they still have a long way to go until they reach full strength. Therefore, I call for a cessation of war among all the parties involved. Peace has been offered, so take it!!!

Despite statements to the contrary by the current Incan leadership, I am here. It is truly sad that the Incan leadership would use My return to justify a cheap political ploy, and as a means to sow discord, not only among the many innocent Incan people, but also on the world stage. Is the hold that the current Incan leadership has in Inca so tenuous that they must quash the hopes and dreams of the common folk? And they have already have wiped clean the historical names of the ancient cities (as I noted, even as I took up temporary leadership in Greece). Who of the other world leaders has dared to do so in their countries? At least there is a respect for tradition in those cvivilizations. (I remind all the Incan people that the name 'Thor' is not even Incan in origin.)

Hextapul has spoken!