Forever Future 1.7 PBEM game

[Max_Smirnov]

Like every autumn, the winds came, and with them, massive dust storms sweeping from the endless plains into Russian heartland. Only the toughest people and the toughest vegetation could survive here, and such was the way of life here for thousands of years. Life had been always cheap here, people of this land always motivated by the unyielding will to survive, no matter the cost. And they survived and thrived, first by building great city-fortresses where ruthless warlords presided, now by the power of technology, settlements sprawling around the ancient towers. Russia became a Democracy, but it was a Democracy unlike any other, equality of rights meaning nothing next to the unimaginable disparities between the super-rich lords of the land and the masses of debt slaves. It was a cut-throat existence, but like it is in nature, great environmental pressures resulted in the survival of the fittest.

Located in the very heart of Russian highlands, the mighty city of Moscow was protected by concentric rings of curtain walls and guarded by innumerable soldiers, like the lair of a great beast, defences and structures getting more and more massive the closer to the centre you managed to get. Not as populous as Thebes, Kyoto or Paris, maybe, but a staggering sight none the less.

And there was indeed a beast hidden in this labirynth, in the ancient fortress of Kremlin. Josif Stalin, the cruel god of this land, in equal part worshipped and justly feared. There were whole eras, when he kept himself isolated, silent, unreachable. Two hundreds years ago, this all changed. Forcing unimaginable cruelties on his country, he managed to do unthinkable.

The door to Stalin's spacious office bursted open.

"Generalissimus! I'm bringing grave news!"

Stalin barely noticed the arrival, busy with loading his pipe. Only after a moment he asked quietly. "What is it, Nikita."

"Like many times before, the Egyptian dogs have sent their corsair fleets against us! Only this time the attack is on an unprecedented scale. We're losing dozens of trade ships! When their civil war will end, it's only going to get even..."

"So you're telling me that our fleet is so inept that it cries for help over such a trivial matter? Is it too much for my Defense minister to handle himself?"

"Of course not! But our economy is going to suffer! Merchant captains are refusing to take to the sea!"

"Meaningless," said Stalin, finally lighting his pipe. "The Theban girl is getting scared and desperate. So is the Japanese one, stabbing us in the back while still begging for scientific exchange. Let them have their trinkets, deals, universities, telescopes and stock markets. It's already far too late. My plan is already past their ability to stop."

"The Egypt still has the technological superiority, and..."

"Not for long. Our science had already surpassed that of the whole world combined. Soon, they'll be like little girls playing with dolls." He smiled a bit. "Nikita! The merchant captains refusing to take to the sea are breaking their contracts, right? Pass the new law to the congress. Any employee who is refusing to fulfill contract will be shot. The congress is going to like it, I'm sure..."

"Maybe not everyone of them..."

"Oh, right, I think I know the names you're referring to," nodded Stalin, reaching for a pen and his infamous black notepad that seemed to warp light around it, always remaining in shadow. The sound of it opening was like trample of old bones. "Life is such a fleeting thing. It's such a shame for those people to die of natural causes in their prime..."

[Max_Smirnov]

Ceres Heliconnen, the young heir to one of the most powerful families in Egypt, was slowly walking down the wide street encircling the vast government compound, looking around with curiosity. It was her first time in Thebes, the city of light, as some were calling it, the world's capitol of science, a million people metropolis illuminated by electricity, while every other capitol in the world was still using gas lanterns.
But not all was well in Thebes. Even if it wasn't experiencing constant strikes and clashes between forces of various Egyptian factions, unlike almost any other major city in the Kingdom, the calm seemed illusoric, like a thin veener held in place by ever-present guards, and efforts of bureaucrats, academicians and bankers, who were trying hard to convince everyone, including themselves, that it was all business as usual.
However, the blonde girl could feel the encroaching darkness. The underside of the great city was brimming with murder and scheming. She wasn't afraid, though. The years she spent in Ragnis' dungeons and laboratories, still fresh in her memory, would've surely broken a lesser person. Instead, they made her all but immune to mundane fear. If a bit twitchy and emotionally unstable.

She turned around, hearing a commotion at the palace gates. The guards were saluting someone; she started to hurry, seeing it was a lone old man, leaning heavily upon a richly decorated cane. The old Baron was too proud to ever employ bodyguards; besides, his own daughter was the best one there could be.

Seeing her, he smiled with effort, his famous devillish grin, like the last spark of youth on an ancient face.
"Oh here you are, my little wonder of science. I was wondering, if..."

Ceres smiled back, a bit awkwardly, and helped him to board their carriage.
"Y-yeah, I'm here, dad."

He sighed, sinking into his seat, as the panorama of Thebes started to move behind the windows. The girl kept silent until he spoke again.

"It's the end of the world as we know it, my dear."

Ceres raised her eyebrows. She knew her father had attended a meeting in the Royal Palace, an exclusive meeting of all the most powerful people in the country. "Uh... so Cleopatra has revealed her plans, right?"

"Indeed. Some plans they are. She wants to equal everyone's rights, nobles and plebeians, men and women. She wants to announce democratic elections. She said that if she doesn't, a massive uprising is going to happen, and she doesn't want to lose the admiration of the masses. Or rather, what is left of her popularity."

"Uh, I can imagine no-one was happy."

"Yes, yes... Some big-shots wanted to tear her to pieces. But she has strong support, first and foremost, Tesla's commie party, assorted self-proclaimed democrats, but also many of the military leaders, especially of plebeian origin, hoping to advance their careers. Jinnai's war party, which has a major pull as well, declared neutrality, probably hoping to gain more influence in the ensuing reshuffle. And Cleopatra stressed than she intends to keep the current leading forces of business and bureaucracy in control."

"Doesn't seem like the end of the world to me...?"

"Like hell it would work. Once the millions of miners and labourers feel empowered, they won't be happy with minor gains. They hate everyone, mostly the nobility, and will demand their heads. More than demand, they will take them. Maybe up and including Cleopatra's. I'm almost happy I'm going to die soon, but you... Maybe you should flee to France..."

"Dad, dad, what are you saying," she smiled nervously. "You always taught me that masses aren't important, only the money and power are important."

"If the army stands down, they will simply take our power and money."

"Umm... you're making it sound like they're pure, one minded and incorruptible. I think it's their leaders who want more power, not the people themselves. They're just using them, like everyone else ever, to join the ranks of those in power. Why don't we start what Heliconnens always did? Making friends?"

"...And gain control over those rebel leaders by corrupting them... paying them for protection? Hahaha, what an irony! Does it mean you propose us to roll with the uprising, instead of trying to stop it? And securing our positions in the new balance of power after the fires have calmed down?"

"Y-yeah. Communism or not, money and connections will always be needed, no? And people who are good at what they're doing? Those new amateur leaders are surely aware that sharing with us is much preferable to fighting. As long as we give them their share as well. After the wave had passed and the power is reshuffled, we can simply supress everyone still unhappy, claiming they're the enemy of the people or something..."

"Ceres... You're a genius."

"It's nothing... only a basic logical analysis... based on what you taught me..."

"Still, there will be a hell lot of a bloodshed before the new balance is struck. We're going to lose a lot. Maybe including the Company. Maybe including Cleopatra herself."

"Uh, Dad... That monster? I'm sure she's going to backstab those who aren't savvy enough to grasp the new situation, and will come out as the saviour or something. She's a master of this game, and surely she had planned long in advance..."

"Heh, you're right. She's not some figurehead, for sure," he smiled. "I can see her laughing right now. Anyway... we have a few months, maybe years, before the hell breaks loose. The democratic parliament will survive for a while after the elections, befor it will inevitably fail. With everyone's little help. What do you want to do in the meantime?"

Ceres answered with her awkward smile again, her eyes saddening at the same time. "I'm not afraid of hell. I'm a devil already." She shivered a bit, recalling all the experiments degrading that made her more than a human... and less than one at the same time. It was a complex, odd mix of feelings, from dread, through sense of guilt, to strangely erotic excitement.

"Ragnis made sure to that, I know. Don't worry, he won't ever touch you again. You're too strong for it already. I'll admit you to the Theban military school, no special privileges, like you were a simpleton. This school is extremely likely to take the side of the revolutionaries. And you'll be there. How does it sound?"

"L-lewd," was all what Ceres managed to answer before nodding.

---

"..."

A noise? A voice? Voices, be gone... everything be gone... existence be gone... but this voice... It was familiar... sweet, sweet in a way that tempted to turn that sweetness into yelps of pain, despair and pleasure... A face... A body...

"Lia," she groaned, almost like an animal.

"Azu, Azu, please, wake up."

Princess Azuria slowly opened her eyelids, mostly because she didn't care either way. The bedroom was dark like a cave, only kept clean by incessant work of maids. Azuria herself couldn't care less. She had passed the point of caring about anything centuries ago, after all the rage and defiance have burnt out and the debauchery became stale. She gradually stopped exercising, plotting, going out, wearing clothes, finally eating and drinking, now she was mostly sleeping, the flicker of life and damned eternal beauty sustained only by her sister's power, the power which Cleopatra for mysterious reasons kept sharing with her. More than that, the power grew, how else would be even possible for the Princess to yawn and speak up.

"What."

"The war... the war is coming. Nobles from the whole Southern Egypt, as well as few from the North, are here. They want you to lead them."

"What the ****... Have you gone mad, Lia?"

"No! No, my Princess! It is true. Cleopatra relinquished most of her power and allowed for democratic elections. The whole country is in turmoil. Mob rules the streets, murdering people and burning down houses. Army is in chaos. The southern nobles have formed an alliance to put an end to this madness."

Azuria was blinking rapidly, her long dormant neural pathways starting to fire up. She slowly pulled herself off the bed, staggering. Her faithful Lia drapped a tunic over Azuria's dusted, nude body. The Princess looked at her servant with bloodshot eyes.



"That ****ing ****... She took everything from me, left me to this ****ing misery... Lia, I'm going to kill her!"

"You might have a chance. The nobles are talking about a full scale rebellion. They're mobilizing their armies to restore the kingdom. So far, they renounced their vows of loyalty to your sister, branding her as a traitor... Effectively, most of the South seceded. But they need a Queen. And there is no one else capable of holding that honor! No one, but you, Azu!"

"R-right... Right! ****, I have to get hold of myself..."

"They're waiting, but let's take a bath first, and I'll get your hair and clothing in order, you must awe them!"

"Yes... yes. Finally. The Big Cool Sis grew old, soft, and stupid... Yes... I'm gonna show this ***** her place... The crown, it shall belong to me!"

---

"So it is done. You're the Queen of Egypt now," said Lia after the meeting was done. "Armies are being mobilized. More nobles are bound to join our alliance. Soon, the War of Secession will start... Have we done the right thing?"

Azuria was much more composed now, almost back to her old self.

"Yes we did. The Kingdom shall endure... We're going to defeat my crazy sister and restore order. You and me together, Lia. I..."

"Don't say it, Azu..."

"I owe you everything. Thank you. This is..."
She looked at the sun setting over the coastal Busiris.
"This is a new beginning. For the both of us."

[Max_Smirnov]

(This post was written by Daniel, the Celt player. My credit is only for translation and image editing)

---

It was just Touma's bad luck. Bad luck seemed to have taken a special liking to him, stalking him, never too far away, always ready to scream "SURPRISE" when he was entering a dark room.

Because, why it had to be him? Surely, there were many citizens better suited for the honor of being country's main chronicler, but the First Servant of the People, as country's ruler wanted to be called, choose him, a mere aide in a newly established publishing house. Of all the people present at the time of her visit, it was him who caught her attention...

Maybe it was true that this bad luck was a part of his greater destiny? Touma didn't believe in that mystical hogwash, but the thought kept returning. After all, there were legends about Empress' voice (the obvious fact she was mute conveniently forgotten), and it was her who announced him that his bad luck is stronger than the destiny itself.
The most interesting part, though... Was what she told him (or rather, wrote) when they were alone.

"You will be the safeguard of this country, its hidden passage and its shield. You shall know more when the time is right."
And that was all, whatever it was supposed to mean.

Truth be told, his job itself wasn't that hard. At least no harder than copying newspaper source materials can be. The things were getting complicated during the meetings with the First Servant of the People, when the texts were edited. Touma would've called it censorship, if not for the fact, that his ruler was adding much more to those texts than she was removing. She was really hard to please, and Touma was leaving each meeting burdened with a fresh stack of reports to read, "so the chronicle may be complete," as she was saying.

The first piece that received full approval was at the same time a quite unusual one. It pertained to the slave uprising in Delhi. Touma read it again, still quite surprised with its contents:

AD 1076. THE DELHI UPRISING

For many centuries, slaves of Indian origin were serving in the - to say it openly - conquered cities. The First Servant of the People, being a pragmatic, listens to them, even if they're not her people. The Indian warriors wanted to help the citizens of Delhi, Tiruppur and other cities, and their wish was granted by the Empress. They're of great help in developing these cities - as slaves.

Surprisingly, both the citizens and the slaves themselves accepted this fact unusually calmly. This was perhaps the result of the privileges, granted to the slaves by the First Servant of the People. Every slave was entitled to a place to live, fulfilling contemporary standards for basic accomodation in a given city, as well as food and water for him and his family. Naturally, the responsibility laid on the owner of the slave.

Since our ruler had once been a slave herself [see History of Empress Eucliwood, chapter 6], she understands the needs and wants of a slave well. She equally well knows, that such a life is much better than one of a villager in a country torn by endless conflict, or a soldier separated from his family for 10 or more years. Those two groups were the majority of the so-called 'slave' population.

The direct cause of the uprising was corruption and disdain towards the law exhibited by the ruling classes of the colonies. Eye-witnesses report that the slaves were treated like animals - held in cages, without any regard of hygiene, forced to work for 12 and more hours a day and disallowed to meet their loved ones (the original regulations guarenteed up to 8 hours per day with one's family, depending on the quality of one's work, as well as the right to live with them in a single building).
The rebellion itself wasn't quelled by force. The First Servant of the People promised each slave (and his family) new living standards, equal to the average (as opposed to basic) level in their city. The costs, naturally, would still be fully covered by their owners.

There begins another chapter, which clearly shows strategical skill of the First Servant of the People. When the uprising broke out, specially recruited forces were charged with arresting all of the currupted 'owners'. Over 200 people were taken away to Tiruppur as slaves. A slave is still a human, an a person responsible for him ought to know that. After 5 years, most of the former 'owners' returned to Delhi and resumed their lost positions. From then on, the city had been mostly calm.



Former slave owners being taken into custody

---

Eucliwood was surprised. Profoundly surprised.

Since her very first day as an Empress, the generals who ruled in India kept asking her (or rather demanding) for resuming the military campaign. Of course, she was hesitant to do so. After all, she experienced the war first-handed herself, the death of her family, the crushing poverty... Still, as the ruler of Brittania, she had to do something about it.

Her idea was simple. It's easier to bury the dead, than to oppose one-fifth of her army. If they want to fight so badly, let them. If they asked for reinforcements, no problem. She just made sure that those arrived too late. As with the slaves before, she would grant them their wish, while not compromising the good of 'her' country. Just let them die. And if they won't, well, this big country could handle some more terrain.

But now, all of a sudden, the Indians surrendered a whole city without a fight. Had really the corruption in India reached such heights that it was possible to simply buy enemy cities? This required further inquiry (another entry in her notebook).

She looked upon the big board. Each city demanded more and more. Her idea with the Catalogue of Needs was a good one, but the needs were arising faster than they could be satisfied. None the less, the country finally started to develop. New universities, banks, factories. Such progress hadn't been seen here for centuries, if not millenia.

However, Eucliwood was all to concious how much of that progress she owed to her allies. She shivered. It shouldn't be like that, or the country would eventually fall. She had to do something about it. Or else an inevitable war would break out, a war far worse than any before.

Her meditation was interrupted by knocking on the door of the chamber. She tapped her notepad against the floor (the Western-style chairs and high tables went out of fashion long before her time, in favour of elegant Japanese arrangements).
'It has to be something important, since he's appearing here personally', she thought, seeing the figure in the doorway. Sarutobi Sasuke, a mercenary serving in the most elite, most modern special forces, created barely a decade ago. The best agent in his unit. His presence surely portended some interesting news.



"Greetings, First Servant of the People.

The response appeared on her opened notepad.
"SO WHAT KIND OF FASCINATING EVENTS HAVE BROUGHT YOU HERE IN PERSON?"

"We have found him... or, actually, her."

The pupils of the 'First Servant of the People' widened to an almost impossible size.
"WAS IT IN AHMADENABAD?"

"Yes. Our special forces, surrounding the city, seized a specimen displaying desired qualities."

"ALMORA, TWO WEEKS. PASS THE MESSAGE IN PERSON."

"Of course, First Servant of the People.

The 'courier' disappeared in an instant. Thoughts inside Eucliwood's head crowded and stumbled, each trying to scream louder than the rest.
The day has finally come!
At last, after all those years!
Soon, it will be all over!
After a longer moment, she finally managed to regain her cool. Now, to Almora. Finish one thing and start the next one. Yes. It was her lucky day.

---

She wasn't all that upset. Truth be told, she was feeling rather good here. She could eat when hungry and sleep when tired. She didn't have to work either. And there were no bad men here... What made men bad, at any rate? Maybe it had something to do with wearing clothes...?

Suddenly, she spotted a woman in a skimpy metal armour, worn over a dress. The woman was looking at her, with... sadness?
The woman produced a notepad with a message written on it.
"GREETINGS. WERE YOU TREATED FAIRLY?"

The little girl nodded.

The strange woman turned the page. There was only one word written on the next one: "OUT". She showed it to everyone around. The chamber, located in a remote corner of the castle, was immediately emptied.
"HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KILLED?"

The girl was utterly shocked by the question. Like always, when she was scared or surprised, her subconscious took over, unleashing the force to defend her.
A thin, blinding beam of white light linked her outstretched hand with that strange woman... then warped around her, like a stream of water running down duck's feathers. Then it hit the stone wall, making a hole in it. As well as in fifteen walls behind it.

"I KILLED 32," appeared on the notepad.

The girl froze. She turned her eyes away, hiding her head between her shoulders.
"Do you know me?" she spoke into the air.

"I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE," answered the notepad.

Girl's eyes widened. She looked straight at the white-haired woman.
"So who am I?"

"THE GOD OF DESTRUCTION."
"OR RATHER, HIS DAUGHTER."

"So I'm a..."

"GODLING."

"What is a... godling?"

"YOUR TRUE NAME IS IFURITA."
"YOU'RE A BEING SURPASSING THE CONTEMPORARY. A HIGHER ENTITY. LIKE MERLIN."
"YOU WILL READ ABOUT HIM IN DUE TIME. I HAVE MANY BOOKS ABOUT HIM."
"BUT NOT JUST YET."
"I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING."
The pages were fluttering, showing message after a message. The girl started to admire the Woman - so subtle, yet so firm.
The armored woman tapped her notepad against a wall. Immediately, two men appeared, wearing official outfits.
"IS IT READY?"

"Yes, First Servant of the People."

She scooped the girl, through the door and out of the room. They were now walking along an ellegant hallway, with beautiful, foreign paintings adorning the walls, and a carpet made of velvet covering the floor. Everyone who appeared in their way greeted them with a deep bow. The girl was feeling almost like a queen.

"SO HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KILLED?"

The question was so abrupt, that she answered without thinking:
"One hundred and six..."

The strange woman smiled. "DO YOU WANT TO KEEP KILLING?"

"No!" protested the girl, shaking her head wildly.

"BEFORE WE GET THERE, I MUST GIVE YOU SOMETHING," appeared on the notepad.
The girl nodded. The pair stopped before a painting of a woman. Tall and majestic, she was clad in a full suit of black armor, its design strangely resembling the much lighter outfit worn by the 'first servant' person.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT HER?"

"She seems... very sad..."

The First Servant smiled. Suddenly, the painting slid aside, revealing another chamber.



"COME ON. IT IS TIME," said the notepad.

What came after then, the girl couldn't remember. She just vaguelly recalled a sudden surge of strength and courage, a great fighting spirit that filled her body, but not like a storm of fire, not like her own force, but like a mighty, implacable sea. There was something inside of her now... something, that... she felt, once belonged to someone else.

"Where... When am I?" she asked.

"I GAVE YOU A GIFT. CARRY IT INSIDE."

"IT'LL ALLOW YOU TO REMEMBER EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN."

"And what's going to happen?"

"YOU'LL SEE."
A door opened. The girl recognized the painting that was on their other side, but couldn't quite recall when she'd seen it...
Then, they walked along a hallway. Yes, now she remembered. That feeling... like being a queen... It happened just a little while ago.
They walked out onto a wide balcony. Below it, she saw a throng of people. About fifteen thousand... She blinked. How she was even able to tell the number so easily?

"LOOK AND LISTEN," appeared on the notepad.

The strange woman faced the crowd, and then the girl heard words:
"DEFEND YOUR COUNTRY"

The words were majestic. Absolute. But something, something inside allowed the girl to resist them. But it wasn't the most important thing. She remembered those words. Far too powerful to be used by her. At least, not just yet. But, someday...



"LEARN," said the notepad.
The noise on the marketsquare grown, all the people started to discuss things between themselves, organize, cooperate. She heard some scraps - "Defend the country!" "For the nation!" "How we can strenghten our defenses?"

Eucliwood turned to a pair of elegantly clothed men.
"TELL THE FRENCH TO ARM THE TOWNSPEOPLE AND LEAD THEM SOUTH.
"ALL OF THEM."
The duo nodded in unison and vanished, never saying a word. In fact, they couldn't speak at all.
From that moment on, the young lady never left the company of the strange woman - until the moment the woman finally revealed her intentions.

[Eerion]

Time for a big chunk of writing - as a big report for turn 190!


The girl was sitting in her cabin. Her mission was almost over, yet there was one more challenge to face and it was to face the ruler, while reporting in. The being she created has surpassed her greatly, especially after the incident. The masked man gave her even more power, which changed her character to the great extent. She hasn’t seen her since that happen, yet the rumors were pretty terrifying. She looked at the maps and letters on the desk. There was so much to describe. Most of things proceeded smoothly. Most of them...
A knocking on the door disrupted the report she was creating in her mind. “We are entering the port Admiral!” a voice of her subordinate said.
Kyoto. It has been such a long time, since Haruhi saw it.
“Just a little bit more” she thought. “But first, let’s see how the freshly reestablished capitol changed”.

The strategy room was rebuilt to resemble the original as much as possible, after it was burned down completely during the fall of Kyoto. There were some differences though, like the beautiful incrusted table instead of old plain one or more detailed great map on the wall. Still, the general arrangement of the room remained the same, as Ahri commanded to do so. She was standing next to the table looking at the small figurines of soldiers on the map of southern Asia. Egyptians in the north, Indians in the middle and Celts further to the east. Only a smart part of this land belonged to Japan, yet it was about to change. Hattori Hanzo, head of her spy and assassin department, as well as Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen – two of her greatest generals stood nearby, listening to her.
“This way, we should create a force capable of capturing enemy cities without putting much strain on our homeland. These fools are worth only to become a cannon fodder and they shall be used as one. Pasargadae is just a first step toward the final campaign in capturing the remains of Persia.” She stated calmly. “Fortunately for us, we should get the first hand information about the results of our first movement very soon”.
“Excuse me?” Takeda asked surprised, as Empress turned around and looked at the doors.
“She is almost here. I can sense her presence”.
“Haruhi” Hanzo clarified calmly.
They all looked at the door, until a few moments later, the young goddess entered the room.
“Good to see you back, admiral. How bloody was your trip?”
“It was bloody boring. More, however, is happening on the land.” Suzumiya stated without blinking her eye.
“Tell me how everything proceeded. The negotiations, everything.”
“Yes, Empress. First of all, the meeting was more interesting than I anticipated. Not only Heliconnen showed his old face, but also an admiral from France arrived with him.”
“Oh... so the letter from Cleopatra wasn’t a fluke and assassination attempt? Had she really grown soft?” Ahri pointed at the letter lying nearby. The big royal seal of Egypt distinguished it from the others.
“No it wasn’t. First of all, she has found different... point of interest. Her eyes look toward Russia and she does not wish to have two active front lines at the same time. It is true it would be hard to pose a threat to them, as Southern Egypt is guarded by fleets of Egypt and France, yet she wish to speak, rather than simply let things cool down. Heliconnen stated that the monarchy is coming to the end, since masses slowly begin to rebel against nobility. He said that Cleopatra was planning all of it, yet he gave us no detail. Most likely that’s the reason behind that action.”
“Does it mean a peace?” Uesugi asked. He looked somewhat disappointed.
“No it doesn’t” Haruhi answered quickly. “We do not get closer to the peace, but for sure we are getting further away from the war.”
“Continue the report” Ahri stated calmly.
“Meeting in Akashi was a proof of their good will, as they were lightly defended. If we wished to, their heads could return to their rulers in bloodied bags, what made me sure they are serious about that. Still the peace would be more welcome for them, than for us, so brought few gifts with them.”
“I hope it’s something that is worth more than some honey or fur. We have more than enough of them since establishing the Kyoto Exchange.” Empress snorted with laughter.
“No my Empress. We made few agreements. First was the issue of Jarmy. As it was a threat in the hands of the opposite faction, we agreed to completely annihilate that and build the forts nearby to control the passage. This way our border will become more peaceful and easier to guard for both factions. As a sign of good will they will annihilate the city, making it vulnerable for our spies if they try to do break the agreement.”
“Good. They should not risk the technology they are so proud of for keeping a small village next to our forces even if it is easy to defend” Takeda said, while nodding.
“If they deploy their spies within the city just after it falls, they will have the protection and the city at once” Hanzo stated with a warning tone.
“That’s one of the reasons a French admiral was there. He testified our agreement. If Egypt breaks it, they shall lose much more than just peace with us. Especially since the Tesla Lab was an official slap in the face of Napoleon. It would be too reckless to betray twice like this.” Suzumiya continued.
“It makes sense.” Ahri summarised. “Continue. What else the meeting brought?”
“I have described them how we wish the eastern border to look like. It included Ahmedabad and a city we will build south of it. This shall become the border between Nippon and Celtic empire. Both diplomats agreed with our demands, calling them reasonable.”
“Still there was no word from Celts. They are the biggest issue here, I’m afraid” Hanzo pointed at the figurines of Celtic army at the tactical map.
“Heliconnen anticipated such topic and tried to discuss it with their Empress. She rejected all propositions of his, including the one very similar to ours.”
“So what does their agreement gives us if the Celts will claim this city or have done it already?” Empress looked at the map, tapping her fingers at the table. She was either excited or annoyed, but it was impossible to tell which one.
“Both of them, officially stating that they speak in the name of their rulers, said that they accept our border proposition and will not interfere even if it will result in a war between us and Eucliwood’s Empire.”
Ahri burst out with laughter. “So for peace, they are selling out their ally? Really?”
“Well not exactly. They stated that full scale offence into the heart of India will force them to act, but if it is the border we are free to act as we want to. On top of that, if the fight for Ahmedabad will result in heavy losses on our side we claim a little bit more as a compensation.”
“Eucliwood, fu.cked by her allies and to be fu.cked by Nippon. I would love to see her face when she finds out about that!” Ahri, excited, was almost yelling. “This was indeed an interesting meeting. You did a good job Haruhi. But there is one more thing you have to tell us before you go rest. Our invasion. How is it going? I suppose you brought some reports together with you.”
“Indeed”. The goddess remained calm, as opposed to the empress. She seemed... serious “As you ordered, the Rhagae ceased to exist.”
“Ha! This city was not meant to be!”
“Indeed” Haruhi nodded, while wrinkling her brews. “The citizens were forced to join your militia. They, together with a settling party will join shortly the garrison to the east.”
“The conquistadors division. What about them?”
“They claimed the lands that will become the new city soon. They force the local villagers to start building the canal, so our fleet my access the Ahmedabad in the future.”
“Good. Any enemy forces spotted? I hope they slaughtered some fools while landing.”
“Unfortunately my empress. This part of land was completely empty.”
“So everything proceed more or less smoothly” Ahri calmed down a little bit. “What about Pasargadae?”
Suzumiya swallowed her saliva loudly. “The city is still standing my lady. Their sudden reinforcements managed to push our improvised offensive to retreat to Haruhipolis”
“Are you kidding me?” Ahri looked at her angrily. Few sparks appeared on her tails.
“No my lady. enemy losses were as heavy as ours, yet they outnumbered us greatly and it led to our fall. It was a hurried assault and the crucial surprise factor failed us.” Admiral spoke very fast.
“Execute all the survivors.”
“Excuse me?” Haruhi was taken completely off guard.
“Execute all the survivors. The soldiers who retreated. I want their heads to roll, to show what happens to those who fail me” Voice of Ahri was filled with pure, cold hatred.”Leave Shimazu alive. Make him rebuild an army. A proper one this time. Tell him to capture the city or the next time his head will roll as well. And as he isn’t so stupid to fail me twice, tell him to disband this city after a capture.”
Haruhi looked at the Empress completely scared. The ruler, as if unsure if she understood properly, added.
“Disband. We do not need such big city so close to Haruhipolis. Enlist the locals into our army. Execute all who oppose us. Pasargadae has to be eradicated.”
“But my lady.” Ahri tried to oppose “Slaughtering the survivor, then eradicating one of the biggest cities in the region is too much! I understand the ones who failed you, but the city... In Pasargadae lies the great monument of Magellan’s Journey as well as many other historical monuments!” It was the first time she raised her voice during the whole conversation, however, unlike Ahri, there was only fear in it.
“Eradicate it. Destroy the monuments. If you do not like the orders...” Ahri stopped for a moment, and a fire appeared on her open palm “I may eradicate you as well. For sure someone else will be more reasonable.”
Haruhi kneeled. “Forgive me my insolence, o great Empress. I will carry out your orders personally, to as an atonement for my behaviour and to make sure everything will go according to the plan.” She gritted her teeth after the statement.
“Enough. It’s an order for Shimazu Yoshihiro, as his life depends on it. You may go and rest. This is your prize for the hard work you have done. And... be more reasonable with your words next time Haruhi.”
“I definitely will” Goddess stated, after regaining her calmness. She stood up and walked out of the room.
“Hopefully we won’t have to talk again anytime soon... you demon.” she thought.
“What do you think about the current situation after hearing out the report?” Hattori broke the silence that lingered in the air. The atmosphere was grim. Fail of the army was not anticipated.
“Looks like the Egypt will try to do something very big soon. They do not want enemies during such crucial time. It explains why they even sacrifice land of their ally for such a thing.” Takeda spoke. “Most likely it is a combined result of an incoming internal uprising and war with Russian Democracy. It also looks like their alliance with France survived the recent incident. Yet for sure it was shaken what may be actually a good sign for us.”
“And what about the Celts?” Ahri asked. She was looking at the light blue pawns at the map.
“They are exterminating the remains of Indian forces.” Hanzo answered. “Soon they shall start reinforcing and rebuilding the conquered cities, what shall greatly increase their power. We have to act before that actually happens.”
“Do you think that they can pose a threat to us?” Uesugi interrupted him.
“No.” Hattori stated coldly. “The fail at Pasargadae was because our forces were not meant for conquest of heavily defended city. When fully prepared, Celts of Indians pose no big threat to us. But for sure it will increase our losses during the campaign. And we have to take advantage of the peace with Egypt we will gain that way, not lose.”
“Maybe Eucliwood will give up the city after she sees the behaviour of her allies?” Takeda asked.
“No.” Ahri joined their conversation. “She is too proud for that. Proud and stubborn. A very problematic combination for a ruler... unless you have an upper hand. What isn’t even close to being true at that moment. Especially after this pathetic mistake Shimazu made. She will not yield.”
“So it will end up with another war.” Uesugi stated grimly.
“Yes it will. I want you to take command of southern forces Kenshin. Gather them and after securing our new foothold begin the siege of Ahmedabad. It does not matter who control the city. Claim it, or destroy it. We shall rebuild it from the ruins if needed but it must be ours.”
“If that is your wish my lady.” He bowed deeply.
“It is. I shall send you second fleet to help during the siege. Use them as you see fit.”
“It is a great gift. I shall bring you back the news of victory as soon as possible my empress.”
“The Exodus of Rome succeeded, but they are now even smaller then the remains of Persia” Hanzo picked up the previous discussion topic. “All we can give them now is a peace. As long as they are not detected by French they should be safe.”
“Indeed. This way they should be able to live peacefully as they always wanted to.” Uesugi summarised the topic. “The French on the other hand are reinforcing the Italy. They may claim many things, yet it is only a matter of time before they become a threat to our homeland.”
“That is correct if Napoleon becomes our enemy. Otherwise it may lead up to a coordinated attacks. Against Russia, Egypt or even Celts. Time will tell which option will it be.” Hattori answered him.
“I hope you are not mistaken. Or we figure it out before it is too late... We have lost our capitol once, second time may be deadly.”
“We cannot wage war on everyone” Takeda claimed. “Even if they become our enemies, as long as we ensure that our growth is greater than their it should be enough.”
“Wise words.” Hanzo pointed out. “This is why we should solve our issue with Celts as soon as possible. It may be of great important for our future.”
“Takeda, I changed my mind. You will join Shimazu in northern Japan. I will not accept any more failures. Do whatever you have to, kill whoever you have to. Burn down villages if this will slay our enemies. I want proper access to the Himalayas. And no more Indians as neighbours.” Ahri gave an order.
“As you command my lady.”
“This is enough for today. Tomorrow I will give you more precise orders. For now I have to go and take care of Hinotebi. This little devil might have burned her bed again if she woke up.”
“If needed, I can provide you some servants to take care of the baby, my lady. The expendable ones, but it is acceptable as long as it will loosen your burden of being both a mother and ruler.” Hanzo offered his help.
“Do your job properly Hanzo.” Ahri looked at him coldly. “I need no help while taking care of my child. Or this country. As long as you work as properly as you used to, everything will manage. And next time... provide a better support to our attackers”
“I will never disappoint you, Nekomimi Empress. We did not scout them for the sake of ambush. This mistaken will not be repeated ever again.”
“It is best for both of us if it stays that way.” She turned around and walked out of the room.
“You are also proud and stubborn Ahri. Just like Eucliwood. I hope it won’t lead to your fall.” Master of assassins thought to himself.


Empress Ahri. Proud and powerful.

[Max_Smirnov]

"Baron Feyd Heliconnen. My greetings and salutations, your ruthlessness. We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

The Baron answered the deep bow with a slight nod. He was already an old man, but in stark contrast to the wizened figure that had greeted him, his posture was staight, and his face still retained some of his famous handsomeness. Only their eyes mirrored each other, gleaming with diabolical intelligence.

"I sincerily hope my trip wasn't in vain, dear Ragnis. I'd hate to make my daughter upset."

The old sage smiled, setting his gaze on a blonde girl, twelve or thirteen years old, who instinctively hid behind the Baron, clutching at his robes. She swallowed hard, obviously scared by that smile, but managed to endure his gaze without looking away.

"Oh, and this must be young Ceres Heliconnen. So innocent... so pure..." said Ragnis. "Truly, my Lord, she inherited your legendary beauty. She must be the cutest girl in whole Egypt."

"She inherited far more than that, my friend. I have promised to show her something splendid today. Will I be able to keep on that promise?"

"Certainly... please follow me," answered Ragnis, tearing his gaze away with some difficulty.

Leaving the hot and humid air of the shores of the Black Bay behind, they started to descend into the cold depths of the mountain. The air was stale here, unexpectedly smelling with heavy incense and something heavier still, something that smelled like death. Ragnis was able to keep his silence only for so long.

"Sweet Ceres, did your dad tell you why this facility even exists?"

"W-well, uh-"

"I did, yet only... roughly" said the Baron. "Why don't you explain it to her in greater detail? Being almost of age, she should have the full knowledge befitting my only heir. And few people have your gift of teaching."

"I'll be delighted, your greatness," said Ragnis, his ancient face contorting in a repulsive smile again. "See, young Ceres, everything starts with big politics. As you know, the world is controlled by three major powers. Egypt, France and Japan."

Ceres nodded. She was more than aware of such matters. "And Egypt is controlled by the Company."

Ragnis chuckled. "What an insightful observation. Yes, the real power in Egypt is wielded by the East India Company and its derivatives. Being such a huge economical power, the Company is crucial to the Kingdom, and Queen Cleopatra is smart enough to share power with it. And the Heliconnens are one of the most important families within the Company.
Yet, recently, the Company had lost the measure of control over world's economy it had enjoyed for several centuries. Through extremely skillful maneuvring and vast investments, the Japanese managed to forge the stockmarket in Kyoto into an economical power that outclassed the Company. Cleopatra wasn't dilligent enough, underestimating the power of stock exchanges. The advantages brought by a single world trade center weren't obvious back then, but are obvious now. Kyoto became the place to go when making the biggest deals, no matter in what part of the world your business might operate. The really big business had always been transnational anyway, wars and dynastic disputes being just an opportunity to make money to those who already had a lot of it. You can perceive it as a global conspiracy of sorts. Conspiracy of the super-rich. Yet, a conspiracy needs headquarters, and the Japanese managed to influence it so that headquarters moved to Japan, greatly boosting the economy of their country as well. Because of simple convenience - convenience of escaping the grasp of the Company, as well. And then, overnight, the Yen became world's reserve currency. Needless to say, the Company was dragged down into the crowd, still the biggest, but no longer able to call the shots.
Seeing so much money being lost, the Company adressed the Queen. Again, this is a common interest. Not only the Company lost its power, but Japanese gained more of it, putting Egypt at a disadvantage. The Queen decided to act and opted out of the world patent law that was being championed by Napoleon. He was very close from getting enough support in the global business to push those regulations - basically, it would be forbidden by law to copy designs made by others, and, with French inventors and businessmen being behind the legislature, it'd put other countries at a relative scientific disadvantage. But, with Egypt renouncing it and supporting Tesla instead, who champions the free flow of ideas, the French patent law is effectively dead, and it is Egypt who holds the advantage now. Are you following me, Ceres?"

"So... The French are angry at Egypt, and the Egypt is angry at Japan."

"Indeed! Napoleon was said to have been furious for a whole week after learning this. Enmity is dangerous, though. We need to be friends. And so, the Company yet again charged Heliconnens with resolving this conundrum, and your dad founded this secret research facility to develop... well, a friend making kit, if you will."

"A friend making kit?" asked Ceres.

"Yes... this way please."

As they entered the undeground workshop, the drab-looking technicians immediately scattered. Nobody wanted to attract attention of their masters; such attentions all too often proved fatal. Ragnis wasn't someone to tolerate any failures.

The workshop was stacked with mysterious tubes, each several metres long and half a metre in diameter. Ragnis put his hand on one of them.

"Behold the most destructive weapon in the world. Packed with over thousand pounds of explosives and powered by an electric engine, it delivers and equivalent of several hundreds cannonballs straight to the target, skimming unseen under the surface of the water. We're calling it a torpedo. No ship currently in existence can survive even a glancing hit of this weapon. Small ships would be simply torn to pieces in an instant, leaving no survivors."

The Baron smiled.

"I like it. You have solved the problem of making friends with true Heliconnen... subtlety indeed."




"I need to prepare a little presentation for my friends from Egypt, Japan and France..."

"You are too kind, my lord. That's not all, though. Currently we're developing a wholly new ship design, that uses similar principles as the torpedo - being able to sail under the surface of the water, deadly and unseen. Perhaps... it would be a great time for beautiful Ceres to gain some education?"

"You are really bold, Ragnis. You want me to leave my daughter in your hands?"

"For a few years? No other place could offer her such education, and she's in the perfect age..."

"I do not doubt that. Indeed, you have exceeded the expectations... I think you are worthy of educating my daughter."

"I shall do it with the greatest eagerness, my lord."

The blonde girl could only fight her panic, as Ragnis' face contorted in the most vicious smile.

[Max_Smirnov]

---

T H E . T H E B A N
i s s u e . 4550

november 3263 (AD 1113)
Printed in Rottschild's Print Shop

---

Glory to Her Immortal Majesty, Queen Cleopatra!
Long live Duke Challis, the Theban Commissioner!
Theban Royal Mead. Tradition and Modernity.

---

A Japanese Revolutionary Admitted By The Queen!

The former Mayor of Kyoto, Lord Jinnai Katsuhiko, was granted the honor of sharing the table with Her Immortal Majesty and her ministers. When forces loyal to Empress Ahri have brutally quelled the rebellion in Kyoto, he managed to flee the city, and, through Italia, he eventually arrived at Thebes, for a while becoming a quite famous and outspoken figure in the Theban high society (arguing on every turn that our Kingdom should help Japan - by overthrowing the God-Empress Ahri Nekomimi by the might of our armies). Asked about his plans, he revealed his intention to settle on our soil. Indeed recently he had bought land near Thebes and established a small industrial town, which he named Jinnaipolis (as a possible taunt to the recent renaming of Persepolis to Haruhipolis). Paying little heed to voices saying that nobles shouldn't dirty their hands with economical endavours, Lord Jinnai started to produce world-famous Japanese-style underwear - which is good news for any Egyptian gentleman blessed with a pretty wife!

---

A New Wave of Strikes Paralyzes Egypt

The Egyptian economy suffered a severe blow, after most of the factory workers in the major harbour city of Karnak have refused to go to work unless the Crown granted them civil rights equal to their French peers. Soon after that, they were joined by hordes of miners from Oryx. The local military reacted fast in restoring order, although the damage was done and this event remains a bad omen - never before had Northern Egypt witnessed unrest on such a massive scale. Traitorous circles, which keep accusing our glorious Queen of inactivity and turning a blind eye on corruption, can be sure to gain more support. We here at The Theban have just one question for those ungrateful malcontents - how the apparently increasing power of our Kingdom can be bad for its nobility?

---

Blood On The Streets of Delhi

A massive slave uprising shook the British city of Delhi, infamous for being the centre of world's slave trade. No less than 50,000 slaves have risen overnight to overthrow their masters. After two weeks of savage fighting, the heavily armed garrison managed to restore the order. The number of casaulties is still difficult to count, but the British army itself suffered no less than 2000 dead, the number of slaves and civilians killed likely being ten to twenty times higher. The leader of the rebellion, Benito Juarez of the Mexican minority, had disappeared and is presumed dead.

---

We're Going To Pierce The Hell - Says A Miner

The Royal Mines of Luxor have yet again broken their own world record on deep mining. With the help of the sophisticated electrical equipment, they recently started to exploit a vein of coal, located over 1,200 feet below the ground.

[chancemachine]

"2. No changing the produced item after rush-buying."

But if you imagine you promise you'll order a temple to a factory, then a rival builder learns about it and offers you a bargain for a duct, then you give your word, but another factory does the same for an amphitheater...

"3. No exploiting the bug where you can build unlimited settlers/militias in any city that had one citizen + any slaves."

Now let's figure out how you can force slaves to reproduce and promise some of them will be free to join the settling team.

Same exercise with odd fights, like the warriors who send massive flashing lights that dazzle the tired interceptor's pilot.

"Honorary"...I get it but...haha.

I'm late anyway but long life to our appreciation of a game I still do love immensely (in spite of my other message on this forum)

[Max_Smirnov]

The slightest tingle of excitement, felt in the night air, made Cleopatra to walk out onto the balcony of her new palace on the outskirts of Thebes. The thin rain was slowly soaking her loose, silk robe.
She smiled. Napoleon was causing a lot of ruckus lately. Provoking other rulers, drawing them out. First, the mysterious Roman shadow; now, something else and much more powerful altogether. Something that shouldn't exist. But it was there. Showing itself to avert the fate of Ahri, even if not the fate of Kyoto, the proud Japanese capitol, the largest and mightiest city of the era, so easily reduced to a smoldering pit of anarchy and bloodshed. It was, of course, Empress Ahri's own fault. Not for being caught unprepared, like her mother and grandmother; excess paranoia only drags you down, makes you less effective. No, her mistake was ignoring the signs of popular resistance to her rule, her weakness was driving her subjects too hard. Such a revolution attempt would surely fail in Thebes, there was simply not enough oposition here that could be coaxed into staging a succesful coup.

Ahri wanted, felt forced, to revolutionize everything overnight. Egypt took the longer route, the process of industrialization much slower and not as extensive as in Japan. It took time, surely, the boons took much longer to appear, centuries, not mere decades. But it protected the country from the worst of it, keeping Egypt unscathed except for a few isolated luddist riots spurred by provincial nobles. Only once a major city experienced a noticeable disturbance, and it was, of course, Busiris, Azuria's doing, an increasingly rare burst of her activity. But it died down on its own, rather quickly. All in all, the damage to the country was a tiny fraction of what Japan had to endure.

But now, they were already stretching their limits, while the Egyptian machine was merely gaining momentum. Cleopatra could see fires in the distance, steam engines on the slopes of the Death Pits. The second phase of industrialization was sweeping the country, to be followed by the third in due time. No longer weighing the economy down, the progress was causing it to soar instead. No other country, not even Japan or France, had the technology or resources to duplicate that feat, at least not in any foreseeable future. Their steady territorial expansion didn't matter that much in comparison.

Poor Ahri. Going against such ancient powers as Napoleon and the Queen herself, powers, which had brought even her mother into the line. Lacking the boldness and great vision Hanekawa had. And now, having to suffer the supreme indignity of being saved. The nascent, unbearable feeling of weakness. And she didn't deserve it, unlike someone else... someone whom the Queen intended to visit now.

Cleopatra took time to dress herself into a business suit (another side-effect of the industrial revolution, the complete change of fashion; elegance and subtlety in place of ostentation, twilight of the plate armor... even the Japanese invention of lace underwear had taken root here, now mass produced and affordable), before descending into the deep bowels of the palace, dungeons illuminated by sharp, electric light.

The dead can never be brought back to life. Yet the death can be stretched. For thousands of years, if need be, as long as someone has the power to do so. As long as a spark of life still lingers, as long as the brain is still functional, it's only a matter of effort. An effort, which was much greater here. Not only the body was much more devastated, degraded by decay. Ahri also had the will to live. Something to live for.

But Cleopatra couldn't be thwarted. That was her will, and her will was going to be done. Even if the cost was high, in power and money both. It was only recently, after three hundred years, she decided the tomb could be opened, and the spark of life turned into fire. After the hate and anger had time to spend itself, after the immediateness had long passed, making any notion of return impossible. Long after the world where she lived had died itself.

She stirred and rose from the bed as Cleopatra entered her cell.



"Why don't you just let me die," she said, but there was little force behind her voice.

"That's a change," smiled Cleopatra. "You're going to parley. It took you many tries to finally realize you're powerless to damage yourself beyond my ability to revive you."

"You're just forcing me to live in this degraded state. Why? If you hate me so much, why aren't you even torturing me?"

"You haven't earned that right yet. Be a good girl, and maybe I might be convinced to do so."

Arturia, the former Empress of Brittania, squinted her eyes, a spark of anger overwhelming her despair and quickly turning into a fire.
"Stop ****ing with me! If claming my throne back is impossible, there is no point for me to stay alive! I didn't want to be rescued, and in the name of our alliance, I demand the right to die a honorable death!"

The Queen shook her head. "We were never allied," she said dismissively. "An alliance is a treaty between rulers. Between equals. And you're not my equal."

"What? How dare you! You might have me in your power, but that doesn't give you the right to mock me. I was the rightful leader of Brittania!"

"You were a failure of a leader. A joke. A figurehead. Your own people wanted you dead. You were never really able to lead them."

"A failure? A... failure? You have no idea how much I had to sacrifice for my country. How difficult it was. And never once I have wavered in my duty!"

"Duty is good for servants, not rulers. A ruler embodies the collective pride and aspiration of her subjects. She gives them the feeling of strength and hope. They want someone grand, someone they can aspire to be, someone they can be jealous of. Nobody wants an over-emotional girl with misguided notions of self-sacrifice. You never had any vision for your country, you were preoccupied with your stupid duty and your, oh-so-tragic, life story. If not for the immense support of your court you knew nothing about, it'd have ended very quickly. Yet. Those very qualities make you a great tool. A tool awaiting to be used."

"I will never serve you!"

"Oh, you will," smiled Cleopatra. "You know no other way. Besides... There is always my power, the power of the Queen of the Nile. Those who are close by can't help but start to subconsciously understand me. Your narrow mind is going to be opened, slowly, gradually you will start to change, whether you want it or not. You'll be corrupted, if you will," she grinned. "And we have all the time in the world."

Arturia blinked and swallowed hard.

"Now then, since we have those difficult issues out of the way," said Cleopatra, putting a bagful of clothes on the bed. "I almost forgot how I always liked playing with dolls. I wouldn't sink so low as to degrade one of my subject to a role of a dress-up doll, even if she were as cute as you are. But you can't be treated like a human," she added, smiling.

[Eerion]

The conquest of Susa succeeded without any major loses or disturbances. This last bastion of continental Persia shows perfectly how underdeveloped this nation is. Cursed by overly generous land, the region is overcrowded by people and soldiers were incapable of maintaining the peace properly. In the result, the locals were granted an enormous amount of free time for so called “entertainment”. In a result more than 40% of local population wasn’t working. We have started the preparation to provide them with proper ways to satisfy their needs, however, it may take some time until everything becomes as it should be.

Date Hidemune

Ahri looked at the map. The conquest of Persia was complete. It did not turn out as her ancestors planned long time ago. There were several Egyptian interferences, but still it succeeded somehow. There are, of course, some leftover villages on islands around the continent, but they were of no importance. She looked at the map of Nippon. Near the Kimobetsu the barbarians are gathering. All these rebels from the past, banished from their own cities formed a military band and marched on the city in the middle of tundra. There should be no risk, still she ordered the reinforcements to dispatch. Did they make it in time? Has the battle yet to happen or is the messenger with the news already on his way here? She kept on wandering, until the moment she heard the noise in the corridor. Someone was running. At night, no one could enter these chambers. Clenching her fists in preparation to burn down the intruder she waited. Approaching the doors, the person stopped, knocked and said “My lady. It is an emergency.”
Ahri recognised the voice of Hattori Hanzo, one of her servants.
“Enter” she commanded shortly. As he entered the room, she noticed he was fully armored and prepared for battle.
“What is going on?” Empress asked with annoyed tone. She wrinkled her brows.
“My lady. The unknown enemy has infiltrated the city. Our soldiers were bribed. I do not know what they were promised, but they have risen against us.
“Crush them” Ahri answered coldly. “Those who do not obey have to die.”
“The forces we have sent to suppress them have betrayed us as well. Right now at least two out of three soldiers stationed within the city are rebelling. They have already overthrown the court and several crucial building. The citizens for now hide in their homes, but if the soldiers were convenienced to something, the masses shall follow them shortly.”
“Then gather the remaining ones. I shall take command over them and crush those who oppose us before that happens. With the support of my powers they won’t be able to fight against it.”
Hanzo bit his lip. He bowed deeply, while saying.
“I am not capable of verifying if the remaining ones won’t join them when opportunity arises. They also are scattered in various areas of the city, we will not be able to form a competitive force even with your godly power. Not now my lady. You must escape. Your safety takes the highest priority.”
Ahri howled with anger. The torches attached to the walls flared up. Her tails rumpled and small glimmers appeared on it. “You ask me to surrender our capitol Hanzo?” There was only anger in her voice.
“The capitol is just a symbol. You are the absolute ruler my lady. As long as you live, we shall survive. Rest is not important.”
She looked into his eyes. There was no fear in them. Just cold calculation and determination. She looked away.
“Let it be your way. But I shall get my revenge. But before that... my armor. And help me hide the important documents in the secret room. They should not be able to find it.”
“What about the rest, my lady?”
“Let them burn” She responded with a cunning smile on her face.



They marched through the empty palace. The soldiers appeared to either defend on the walls or fled. It was unimportant. They moved towards the side exit. As the palace was close to the eastern border of the city, they could escape through it without any issues.

“Are you sure they will escape through here?” A foreign armored person asked the soldiers.
“This is the only reasonable route to get away. At least the one we know of.” The Japanese man answered. He wore the musketeer attire, and only a torn down emblems distinguished him and others from the average soldiers.
“Good. She has unnatural powers. Make sure you shoot the very moment you see her. We cannot give her time to react.”
“Yes sir!” They responded.

The last body fell on the floor. Ahri stood in the middle, gasping. Around her lied more than a hundred bodies. The blood soaked through holes in the bodies she created. Some of others burned slowly, eating the material of their clothes. The fire, reflected on the slowly growing pool of blood turned the corridor into the gate of hell.
“Are you alive Hanzo?” She asked, taking breaks to breathe. Fighting off such mass was extreme even for her. And it wouldn’t be enough if not the small group of her royal guards who mixed with the rebels in order to sabotage them. If they wouldn’t backstab the ambushers she would be dead. Still, they paid with their bravery with own lives, being outnumbered greatly. Still it was enough for her to regain control over the fight.
“I’m here my lady.” He answered weakly. Hattori was leaning against the wall. The blood soaked from his head, and he kept his hand on his side.
“But I cannot follow you any more tonight. I would be only a burden.”
Empress approached him. “Do you wish for me to end your suffering, my servant?” Her voice was cold and without compassion.
Hattori coughed. “It would be an honour. But I have to pass for today. I may not be able to follow you tonight, but I will survive.” He was speaking slowly. “I did not become the master of your agents without getting injured few times. Just go. I will take off this clothing and put on some soldiers one. If they won’t figure anything out, then I will join you after few days or weeks.”
“Understood. Make sure you escape.”
“I will not fail you, my lady.” He smiled gently.
Ahri turned around and walked away.



She walked through a tunnel. The sounds of a fight were slowly dying out. Either her supporters were losing or she was getting away from all this commotion. It took some time for her to regain composture, but she felt way better.
It was a split of a second. She has heard a noise just above the ceiling and leaped forward. Ahri jumped away from the falling debris, but the shock wave threw her few meters ahead. Rolling on the ground she hit her head painfully and almost bit off her tongue. While covering her head with tails and hands, almost deaf from the noise, she has heard the second explosion.
Feeling the bullets piercing her body, she knew she was mistaken.

The musketeers lowered their weapons. More than thirty firearms shot at the falling empress, devastating her body. As they saw she is not moving anymore, they started shouting cheerfully.
“The Empress is dead! This fox will not stand between us and our utopia anymore!”
The rest of their squad jumped down from the roof.
“I told you that the gunpowder barrels are a good idea!” They joked cheerfully.
“Who allowed you to break my playthings?” A cold, loud voice, filled with anger, disturbed their celebration.
They turned around taken completely off guard. A tall figure was approaching them, coated heavily. His face was completely hidden under the big hood.
Some started reloading the muskets in panic; few of them picked up their swords and halberds and pointed them at the stranger.
He simply ignored them and walked straight to the place where dead body lied. He crouched next to her and touched the cheek of dead Empress.
“You were not meant to end like this.” He said calmly, more to himself than people surrounding him.
“What are you trying to do?” The foreign assassin asked loudly. “Are you her friend? If yes, then you should join her!”
He was completely ignored. The man kept holding his hand on Ahri’s cheek. He looked at the bleeding body. “This will do” he said, while standing up.
Everyone else fell to their knees. They caught their necks as if an invisible force tried to strangulate them.
“You made me upset mortals. And the price of this is your death.” He stated simply with an annoyed voice. “Your life shall be used for something more useful than your miserable existence” He said, while clenching his fists.
A green rays of light started to flow out of mouths of the rebels. They tried to scream, to get away, but the invisible force kept their necks in place. Some of the tried to block their mouths with their hands, yet the shining clouds was simply flying through them. Then they started losing conscious one after another.
As the last body stopped moving, the stranger loosened up his fists, allowing the lifeless bodies to fall on the ground. The green energy, flowing around him up to the point, gathered on his hand instantly, forming a shining green orb.
He crouched next to the Ahri again.
“It will not end like this. You are too entertaining to let you die now.”
He pushed the ball into her body. The wounds started closing up almost instantly.
The empress breathed.

[Max_Smirnov]

"If you wish to understand the universe, think of energy, frequency and vibration."

Nicola Tesla, an unconventional scientist from Russia. Having no hope of finding what he was looking for in his underdeveloped homeland, he travelled east. First, shunned at Sorbonne, then laughed at in the halls of the Theban University, the peerless temple of science, where he expected to find his equals. Yet even there, their once-revolutionary concepts, now fossilized, scared of being overthrown. So he set out to crush them. Now, in the winter of 996, was the moment when it was going to happen, and the world won't ever be the same.

"An endless sea of invisible energy and potential. Tapping into it..."
He threw the switch. "We shall command the power of the gods."



The machines shimmered and stirred into action, spurred by some mysterious power. The crowd gasped in fear, when the machinery started to sparkle, then in awe, as arcs of lightning exploded from the coil. Then, the new, pure, merciless electric light awakened all around, piercing the eternal night and exposing the pyramid-like shape of the Cathedral of Light; the perfect testament to both Theban tradition and unsurpassed modernity.

The industrial and economical power commandeered by Egypt ensured this wasn't going to be a toy, but something that was going to profundly change the world, forever.

[Max_Smirnov]

No proof that the Gurgan Massacre ever happened

On behalf of our friends, the Persians, the forces of the East India Company have recently taken control on the Persian city of Gurgan, that was once seized by Rome. The commander in chief, Baron Feyd Heliconnen, reports that there was no Roman military presence in town, and the Persians seemed not only to live on a good terms with the Romans, but even to enjoy a good deal of autonomy. On mutual agreement, they choose to accompany the Persians to the Egyptian city of Armant, where the population is going to be resettled to remove them from the warzone and protect them from any further harm.
What's important, Baron Heliconnen reports no proof to support the rumor about the atrocities that the Romans allegedly commited there, commonly known as the Gurgan Massacre.

Signed,
Rashid Silverberg, the Vice-Chairman of the East India Company
Luxor, 21 January 3123 (AD 973)

[Solarius Scorch]

LES AFFAIRES POLITIQUES

Paris, Rue de la Roquette 71
21st Messidor, 972

---

In recent times, the Isle of Rome remains the most popular topic of conversations among the French, regardless their class or profession. While there still is some scepticism, which is natural in a democratic system such as ours, this new addition to French lands enjoys an enormous backing of the masses. The reasons for this are obvious: this operation was a spectacular military success and it was followed by a great deal of material gains for the French people, as well as most Romans, thanks to the new investments and expanded market for the mass-produced French goods.
It is only now, at the very end of the Roman rule on the island, when the mysterious leader of the Republic, Cesare di Borgia, has issued an official statement, painting Rome as a bucolic land of freedom, art and philosophy, that was brutally trampled upon by foreign powers. Will his words cast doubt among the citizens of Paris?
When asked exactly this question, Foreign Minister George de Selve dismissed the case immediately. "Such words are not an accurate description of reality, to say the least", he said firmly. "While this is not widely remembered among the French public, one should rememeber that this supposedly peaceful nation has recently conquered Gurgan, which rightfully belonged to our friends in Persia, who struggled heroically against the overwhelming Japanese invasion, not to mention the still dangerous Indians. These umm, poets were themselves quite capable of violence and slaughter, committed in the name of - what? Unity of the Isle of Rome under one banner, laws and traditions be damned? The fact that they were coerced into doing so, or at least aided, by the fanatical Japanese is not an excuse for such a dishonourable deed."
These strong words seem to reflect the general attitude of the government quite well. The President, however, believes that normalisation of relations between France and Rome is still possible. "Taking military action was a tough decision to make", he told us at the press conference last week, "but it was justified and as humane as possible. For centuries, the Roman people suffered hardships unimaginable to us, largely ignorant of the wonders of technology we take for granted, their only hope coming from Japanese priests and employers. This period is luckily over for those who fell under French jurisdiction and their situation is already better, despite the selfish actions of those who would rather conspire with lunatics and keep others in the dark. However, we believe the moment has come for the remnant Republic to open its eyes and join the rest of the world in modernity!" Then Mr. President addressed the Venetiarum ResPublica itself, saying: "We, the French, are not your enemies. We will gladly assist you in diplomacy, or even representing you before other powers. If you want to be our friends, we are willing to disregard the mistakes of the past and stand with you - together! For struggle is often the sign of weakness, while cooperation always marks and leads to true strength."
As one can see clearly, while official diplomatic channels between France and Rome remain virtually non-existent, there are high hopes for restarting them from scratch. The following years will determine Rome's fate by showing whether they are willing to join the international community or not. Naturally, we will continue publishing articles regarding this delicate matter.

[(x)]

Non Omnis Moriar - The Official Statement of the Government of the Independent Venetian Republic



First of all, to make things clear - the reports of our fall are greatly exaggerated. The free city of Rome has been indeed conquered by - still unidentified - forces but the identity of The Republic has never been bound to one place. As a matter of fact the place has no meaning at all since the purpose of our existence is nothing but gathering the principial knowledge about the universe we live in. This knowledge was the treasure so greedily desired by Russian Oligarchs. But is there anything more important than the desires? This was the question asked by Hypatia of Virconium. Then she gave the meaning to this rather infantile - she took the books created by the greatest of our philosphers, went to the main camp of the occupational forces and gave it all to them, telling: "This is the only treasure you can find here". But it certainly was not the treasure they were looking for - they realized that Roman land hides nothing they ever could be interested in. This way they lost their desire - further conquest was pointless. The fate of Hypathia is still not known but the the story of her noble sacrifice will forever live deep in our collective memory.

But let us get back to present time. To present time and the facts. And the facts are dead bodies in Pompei. More than 60000 of citizens were murdered by the individual calling himself a president of democracitc country. The same individual dares to claim that dialogue between our nations was impossible. For us there is nothing more important then the dialogue but do we really have to talk with murderers? The hell we will! They can always spread a vile propaganda about threat and militarisation. They can tell the childish stories about alliance with Southern Empire. Offcourse they can, but is there any reason for the Great Empire to make alliances with the country, which "army" was barely capable of fighing uncivilised barbarians. An "army" created by a volunteer group of poets and philosphers. "Army" of people killed just because they wanted to defend their way of life.



Cesare di Borgia
Il Principe di Venetiarum ResPublica

[Max_Smirnov]

Excerpts from the Theban Chronicles

912 AD: Peace in Brittania

The British Princes-Electors, convened at the latest Moot in Numantia to choose the new Emperor, were surprised to read leflets (made in the primitive local printing shop) agitating for stopping the violence and electing an unknown, young girl from Bhubaneswar for the office. The India had become so weak lately that the British nobles, hardened by centuries of war, were perpetuating private campaigns against the southern warlords for land and profit, often with success, but at a terrible cost to the largely neutral Indio-Celtic population. After the battle of Bombay in 896, as Indian power east of the Himalayas completely ceased to exist, and the Brits ran out of easy targets to conquer, they increasingly started to turn against each other. The previous Emperor, Seamus the Mad, had even set a precedence, taking sides in one of such domestic disputes, before tragically drowning in a river near Nagpur (while being drunk, as some say).
The girl in question, named Eucliwood, was one of the many contenders to the title, yet unlikely to win even a single vote, and more like a clown of the election - nobody could even tell who she is. The amusement turned to anger as she appeared wearing a likeness of armor once worn by Empress Arturia, who used to rule Brittania for two thousands years before falling at Jaipur two centuries ago. Some people even argue that Eucliwood's armor is actually the same set that had been looted from Arturia's body (which itself disappeared in the confusion, which led to some lunatics claiming she's actually alive, despite several eye witnesses of her dying and her body being subsequently displayed for everyone to see), only repaired and slightly altered to fit the much smaller girl.
What happened on the election day is difficult to piece together. Arguably, the Numantians have witnessed the most overt display of supernatural powers in the recorded history (even if the Theban Academia is extremely cautious about such statements and reminds that there is no magic, just yet-unexplained natural phenomena). Eucliwood, who usually appears to be a mute and communicates through writing, said that she is taking the power in Brittania in a voice that had been reportedly heard for miles around. Somehow, she was unanimously elected; the Elector-Princes are to this day unwilling to talk about the details of that day and are obviously mortally scared of their new Empress.
Merlin's involvement seems certain, as Eucliwood, fifteen at that time, hadn't apparently aged at all in the intervening decade. The Excalibur seems to be lost for good, though, and Arturia's successor has her own fabled weapon, the Hellscythe. Despite Empress Eucliwood's rather subdued and easygoing demenaour, in stark contrast to violent Arturia, and her apparent agenda of peace, she seems to command fear on the scale far surpassing her ancient predecessor. She does, however, seem to fully support the alliance with Egypt. At least her motives seem easier to understand, as she choose to not only leave the old Parliament and meritocracy alone, but to further empower them and keep her subjects fully informed of her thoughts and intentions through the wealth of printed works she had already published, arguing for peace, cooperation and the rule of law. She seems to be fully aware of the old maxim - 'Talk gently and hold a big stick'.



Empress Eucliwood Hellscythe says: Please stop fighting!


920 AD: The Fall of Rome

With all the secrecy surrounding the Roman state affairs, and Japanese claims that the Republic is undergoing major militarization, many were uncertain if the heavily fortified city of Rome can be easily conquered. President Napoleon proved them wrong by simply doing so, crushing the city with naval bombardment and annihilating six thousand defenders, yet again taking virtually no loses. The French have erected a Triumphant Arc on the city's main square and are openly announcing quick addition of the remaining Roman towns to their new province. Seeing that Rome had ceased to exist as a political entity, the East India Company began operations to ensure that Egypt won't come empty-handed out of these happenings.



The traditional Roman policy towards strangers - obviously, it hadn't paid up

[Max_Smirnov]

The 'big' report comes 1 turn early (174) to make the date more round. Enjoy!

The Age of Industry
A Report on World Affairs
Published by the Theban University, Kingdom Year 3000 (850 AD)

The last centuries passed under the signs of rising international tensions, emerging industry powering new arms race, and old regimes crumbling to give way to new political forces. Below, we shall look at every major nation in turn.

The map of the world

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT

Despite many difficulties and contenders, our Kingdom had endured for 30 centuries as the most technologically advanced nation in the world. While both Japan and France managed to enter the age of industrial revolution earlier than us, our advancement in pure knowledge is providing us with fruits beyond any other nation's reach. Steam engines, advanced fireams and medicine are but a handful of them. When you visit the halls of the Theban University, even all of that seems to pale, compared to the new vistas of technology being envisioned by the brightest gathering of researchers ever seen in one place. It's only a question of time before they will introduce the awed world to some new marvels of science.
Traditionally, Egypt had suffered from poor economy. That is a thing of the past. Her Immortal Majesty, Cleopatra, promised to rebuild our economy and restore our naval power, and she kept both her promises. Thanks to the bold colonial policies, embodied by the East India Company, the biggest commercial organization in the world, the royal budget is larger than ever before, carrying the costs of industrialization with little effort.
However, those very two forces, so beneficial to our Kingdom, seem to be also threatening its eternal order. The disparity in wealth between big cities and the countryside gets more striking by the year, and countless educated people are growing more and more angry at all the privileges the aristocracy holds as well as the fossilized, anachronic customs and laws our Kingdom is infamous for. The aristocracy itself often feels threatened, and in turn, fights back, raising taxes, increasing private armies and multiplying laws, afraid of marginalization, poverty and ridicule that was the fate of many of their French peers. As Her Immortal Majesty holds the ultimate saying in such things, those problems are usually resolved pretty quickly - only to give birth to new ones. The peace is kept, but with no long-term solutions, and no real ways to resolve civil dissent, the explosive mixture into which our society turned only grows more potent with every passing decade. Sadly, the only way to keep order we seem to know is to keep changes to the minimum, which seems to be a more and more costly solution. Shall a major crisis come our way, it's impossible to tell what kind of disaster could happen.
Her Immortal Majesty is aware of those problems: "Many people say we failed to cultivate the spirit of rivalization, of which the French are the prime example. It is true that they managed to build a great country on that principle, but at the same time, they took great risks. Risks I'm unwilling to take when the fate of the whole Egypt is at stake. Egypt should stand for cooperation, not needless struggle, although I can't deny that competition is the key principle of both business and science. Therefore, we shall allow those forces to work, but only up to the point where they start to endanger the unity of the Kingdom."

The first railway line in the world, running between Thebes and the Death Pits of the Tyrants

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

The French are calling it 'Democracy': a goverment by the people, for the people. Everyone in Egypt was paying a close attention, when the French citizens rose up and overthrown their aristocratic Parliament, demanding equal rights and privileges for everyone. Meanwhile, Napoleon's soldiers stood idly as the insurgents stormed the prison of Bastille and freed all political prisoners, they stood idly as they fought back the haphazardly organized forces of the nobility, they even stood idly as the new French invention - Guillotines, 'humane and modern tools of execution' were taking heads of those aristocrats that were deemed the enemies of the people. A period of turmoil followed, four or five goverments elected 'by the people' had fallen, but in the end, a stable form of governance emerged, based on the newly written French Constitution, when by popular acclaim, Napoleon was named the unremoveable President of the Republic and his forces supported the new goverment. Shocking as it might seem, his power seems to be indeed severily limited now, and all the laws and bills are voted over in the French Parliment, chosen every 5 years in free, universal elections.
We remain skeptical about this unheard-of freedoms and the new form of governance, although the French morale seems high, and their economy not only completely recovered in just a short decade after the revolution, but actually soared to unprecedented heights; the young Republic seems to have become the leading economical power of the world. Even despite the fact that all the privileges their people want seem to be putting a heavy strain on their budget.
Her Immortal Majesty has soothing words: "We should not be afraid of the newfound French economic power - or the new wealth of scientific inventions, which followed it. We should rather feel inspired. If their goverment, chosen by serfs and hagglers, is able to achieve such heights, our ancient Kingdom must be able to do even better. And we're still holding unparalelled advantages in the form of the Theban University and the East India Company."

Fireworks over the Statue of Liberty, recently erected on an island overlooking the harbour in Paris

BRITTANIA

Eighty years ago, when Empress Arturia had fallen in the Battle of Jaipur, many were predicting quick disintegration of her Empire. However, it turned out that those who were saying that the Empire is stable and organized enough to survive without its head were in the right instead. The British lords chose cooperation over civil war and, inspired by the French, formed a Parliament, naming themselves Lords Electors and equally sharing power on electing their Emperors. An Emperor rules for as long as he or she lives, but the title isn't hereditary. This arrangement proved stable so far and there is little to indicate it should suddenly fail. As a whole, this new loose confederation of states is doing better than even before, despite unstable situation on the Indian border and occasional internal struggle. The legacy of Arturia's final campaign lives on, both in conquered land and gained technology. Putting their emerging industry to a good use, they're already producing sizeable quantities of firearms. Overall, technologically they became almost on par with every other modern country, barring France and ourselves. However, we cannot forget the huge disparities and general chaos that is prevalent in Brittania; their modernity is limited to the wealthiest cities and the country at large is still living in the Dark Ages. Despite all their achievements, they're hardly an ordered and cohesive power on the level of Egypt, France or Japan. They have potential to become one someday, though.
Her Immortal Majesty reminds, that "Our alliance with Brittania was never based on my relations with Arturia, whom I've never even met personally. Egypt had managed to win many trusted friends amongst British nobility, and our cooperation was never threatened. The Celts have shed a lot of blood fighting the evil that Gandhi stands for, fighting like we did a war with India we never wished or started. They remain friends and allies of Egypt."

British cavalry riding into battle

THE EMPIRE OF NIPPON

As it is widely know, the Japanese spearheaded the great industrial revolution that had swept most of the world by now. Having that edge, and feeling threatened by our rising strategical power, they have put their unmatched manufacturing potential into what appears to be the biggest militarization in history. However, it came at a price. The great country that dominates the southern hemispehere had been largely passive for the last two centuries, succumbing to an age of internal strife. This period of weakness, however, is now a thing of the past and Japan emerged from it profoundly changed. Their new God-Empress, Ahri Nekomimi the 4th, commands a country consolidated like never before. All power, civil, religious and military, is now completely centralized and ultimately controlled by just one person, which is the head of both the state and the church. The role of haruhist clergy, although still important, had been severily curtailed, and all private armies have been disbanded in favour of a single, national military force. In general, the Japanese government resembles the old French model, with all the boons of modern meritocracy, even if the rule is noticeably more heavy-handed and indifferent to dissent. The newest reports already indicate major improvements to Japanese economy and science, both of which had been in shambles for so long.
Still, every coin has two sides. Growing education and interest in mundane wealth have undermined the traditional strenght of Japanese faith. Although haruhism remains an important force that bands their society together, appeals to faith alone more and more often fall on deaf ears, and people expect the goverment to improve their economical well-being before the spiritual. The unparalelled cathedrals of haruhism are commanding much less awe than they used to. At the same time, a new force emerged, a shared pride of the military power and tradition of Japan. With the old loyalties wavering, and new ones arising, the new God-Empress faces a difficult challenge of not letting the command of the Japanese soul out of her hands. Is she capable of achieving that goal? Her Immortal Majesty was kind enough to share her insight on these matters:
"The God-Empress of Nippon had murdered her mother. This alone would indicate her being a very aggresive and territorial person. Everything else we know about her only reinforces that assumption. Aggression is driven by fear. Undoubtedly, she was traumatized as a child by how effortlessly we were able to thwart her mother's plans for unlimited conquest of Equatoria, especially considering how great of a figure God-Empress Hanekawa was. Fear and aggression can undoubtedly lead to rash and dangerous action. However, it also seems that Hanekawa's genius runs in Ahri's blood as well. She must realize, than with our technology of mass-production of cheap firearms, we are able to put extremely lethal weaponry even in the hands of city militias, making any attack on Egyptian soil suicidal."

Japanese arms factory, working overtime to meet the demands

INDIA

Before Gandhi's empire managed to recover from its loses from the previous British campaign, a new Celtic army, commanded by Emperor Eric the Bald, conquered the fortress city of Guntur, where the Indians were attempting to move their administrative center. Their armies bloodied, their technological edge over the Celts finally lost, Indian power seems to be reeling.
What could tip the balance, though, is what the Japanese are really planning. Reportedly, the border between Japan and India is in turmoil, there is even talk about possible Japanese invasion to capture the resource-rich south of India. At the same time, the relations between the southern power and Gandhi himself seem as good as ever, what was proven when Japanese shared their industrial technologies with him. Where this erratic policy is really leading, nobody can tell except, perhaps, the God-Empress.
"There isn't anything new to be said," states Her Immortal Majesty. "Gandhi's rule of terror has to be eradicated from the existence. He had started a war with the whole world, but it won't be him who'll end it. It is important though, that we shouldn't consider the God-Empress as a friend of Gandhi. The Japanese Empresses do not have any friends and they never had. For them, India is a mere tool to be used against Brittania and discarded once it had served its purpose - or stopped working."

Indian forts high up in the Himalayas

THE RUSSIAN OLIGARCHY

While still wary and hostile towards its neighbours, Russia doesn't seem so unaproachable or unreasonable as in the past. It's been many centuries since Egyptian waters were disturbed by their pirates, and their struggles with France and Brittania are more of a political, than criminal nature, as their leader, Joseph Stalin, sees both countries as encroaching into Russian sphere of colonial influence.
Technology-wise, Russia stays the only civilization in the world (barring Persians) which haven't undergone the industrial revolution. Yet, this picture might be grossly misleading. Unlike Brittania, India or Rome, the Russians don't owe their advancement to foreign help, and have invented most of what they have by themselves. They have the infrastructure to take an advantage of their technology, and to develop more. After a millenia-long lull, in the recent centuries they have been developing rapidly, and it's only a question of time before they join us in modernity. They have already mastered the construction of modern warships, which was until very recently a closely guarded secret of Egypt, France and Japan.
Her Immortal Majesty summarizes our relationship with Russia as "Tense, but civil. Egyptian and Russian interests do not collide with each other."

Caravels in the tropical harbour town of Kiev, an important nexus of Russian trade

THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

With the world graudally becoming a more tense and crowded place, the inevitable happened and the idyllic Roman Republic finally became a subject of interest in foreign colonial politics - namely, French. Although the Roman warriors put up a spirited defense at Pompeii, when the smoke cleared, they were left with over ten thousand dead, the triumphant French losing maybe one per cent of that number. Even if the Japanese factory in Rome that until now was busying itself with providing various trinkets for the population is going to be put into military effort, and even if the Japanese provide Romans with the latest military technology, with such disparity in strength the Roman Republic is unlikely to survive on its own. The Egyptian public couldn't probably care less, and most of those who had any sympathy towards Romans changed their minds after the Republic decided to join the vultures feasting on Persia's body and perpetuated what is known as the Gurgan Massacre. Shall Japan decide to directly aid their formal ally, the only outcome for the Republic would be becoming a full-fledged puppet of its fundamentalist neighbour, a future perhaps even less honorable than becoming a French colony.
When asked, Her Immortal Majesty reminded, that: "In the early days of our Kingdom, efforts were made to approach the Romans on friendly terms. A trade in scientific and geographical knowledge was proposed, that was of no conseqence to Egypt but obviously beneficial to Rome, accompanied by a set of expensive gifts. The Romans took the gifts, refused the trade of maps and told our diplomats to wait for an unspecified amount of time as they weren't sure if the technology of Aqueducts we were proposing was 'valuable enough' price for their trinkets. After that slap in Egypt's face, I've lost any interest in the Roman Republic or communicating with them directly. After all, all important decisions concerning their fate are nowadays made in Kyoto anyway."

An army mobilizing in Rome to put desperate resistance against the French

PERSIA

Persia, though quartered and beheaded, is still lingering as a coalition of largely independent towns, without any hope for a future as a nation. Its people on the mainland are still putting up some resistance, although this is mostly targeted at the taxmen and officers of the occupiers, and is most often referred to as mere banditry; the reader is bound to have heard about the Persian national hero, legendary warrior-poet Blindson (infamous for assassinating the father of Baron Heliconnen) who dedicated his life to robbing the rich and protecting the opressed. The island part of Persia, on the other hand, just tries to keep low profile, in hopes any would be conquerors will overlook it; it doesn't hold many riches to be plundered, after all.

Ruins of Persis