General Brown
Go Boston Sports!
Poor Carthage, and I was really starting to like them. This is going ot have a great ending from the look of it!
Hail Caesar
- Thread starter zeeterus
- Start date
Roosevelt sat in the situation room listening to his joint chiefs and intelligence officers explaining the situation.
"Tell me, ladies and gentlemen. Why should America care if Egypt declares war on Rome?" he asked. "In three years this will be irrelevant."
"Not necessarily," said Eisenhower. "Yes, if the vote were held today you would win. However, Rome is much stronger than Egypt. If they were to make significant gains in Egypt we may not have enough votes to take the 2/3 majority."
"I agree," said Col. Oliver North, the National Security Advisor. "Nothing good can come out of the Roman-Egyptian war. But a lot of bad could come of it."
"Colonal," began Leo McGarry. "What is to prevent us from taking the heat off of Egypt and fighting the Romans ourselves?"
"Nothing from my perspective," North told the president's Chief of Staff. "Perhaps the General can add something?"
Eisenhower thought for a moment, then spoke. "Leo, we've been over this several times. The Roman defenses are too strong. Their coast is lined with fortresses. They have more than enough troops on all of their lands to handle their defense. After the war for Uranium, Rome made sure that they couldn't be invaded on any of it's lands, not just Italy itself. This type of war would only cost us American soldier's lives."
Roosevelt was listening intently. An invasion of Roman territory was impossible. That said, maybe there is another option. "What about a true alliance with the Egyptians? What if we were to fight Rome in Egypt, rather than our own territories?"
"An interesting idea, Mr. President," said North. "Fighting in Egypt would certainly slow them down. In fact, we'd probably fight them to a stalemate."
"Excellent idea, sir," added Eisenhower. "We only need to hold them off for three years."
"Then it's decided," said McGarry. "We'll send an invasion force to Egypt to head off the Romans. Sir, is this how you want to procede?"
"Yes, Leo. Make it so," said the president.
----------------------------------------------------
"Tell me, ladies and gentlemen. Why should America care if Egypt declares war on Rome?" he asked. "In three years this will be irrelevant."
"Not necessarily," said Eisenhower. "Yes, if the vote were held today you would win. However, Rome is much stronger than Egypt. If they were to make significant gains in Egypt we may not have enough votes to take the 2/3 majority."
"I agree," said Col. Oliver North, the National Security Advisor. "Nothing good can come out of the Roman-Egyptian war. But a lot of bad could come of it."
"Colonal," began Leo McGarry. "What is to prevent us from taking the heat off of Egypt and fighting the Romans ourselves?"
"Nothing from my perspective," North told the president's Chief of Staff. "Perhaps the General can add something?"
Eisenhower thought for a moment, then spoke. "Leo, we've been over this several times. The Roman defenses are too strong. Their coast is lined with fortresses. They have more than enough troops on all of their lands to handle their defense. After the war for Uranium, Rome made sure that they couldn't be invaded on any of it's lands, not just Italy itself. This type of war would only cost us American soldier's lives."
Roosevelt was listening intently. An invasion of Roman territory was impossible. That said, maybe there is another option. "What about a true alliance with the Egyptians? What if we were to fight Rome in Egypt, rather than our own territories?"
"An interesting idea, Mr. President," said North. "Fighting in Egypt would certainly slow them down. In fact, we'd probably fight them to a stalemate."
"Excellent idea, sir," added Eisenhower. "We only need to hold them off for three years."
"Then it's decided," said McGarry. "We'll send an invasion force to Egypt to head off the Romans. Sir, is this how you want to procede?"
"Yes, Leo. Make it so," said the president.
----------------------------------------------------
Sorry about the brievity of the last post. Wrote it this morning and then got tied up with something and couldn't get part two done. I always try to put at least two sections together when I post, unless one of them is very long. Anyway, I'll get more for you on Monday.
"And so it begins," Octavian said softly. He was overlooking the beaches east of Gaza, littered with dead Egyptian soldiers. Air supremecy, he thought. That will be the key to this war. Air supremecy and speed. The Eyptians, still unable to catch up with the rest of the world since Cleopatra's ouster, were still behind in their use of infantry. If the Romans were lucky, that would be the Egyptian downfall. Their men dug in. When challenged, they either fell back slowly or died fighting. Today was a slaughter. The Romans, on the other hand, had learned to change tactics according to the type of war they were fighting. Their infantry was much more mobile than the Egyptian's.
That was the key. If they had any chance of winning this before the
Americans arrived, they needed to move quickly. The Egyptians made the mistake of building up their Armor at the expense of their infantry. Only now, likely through a deal with the Americans, were the first Mechanized Infantry divisions beginning to surface.
This war would not be won with armor. It would be won through the relative safety of aerial bombardment and lightning strikes by the infantry. Take a town, secure the railways, then move the rested reserves up to the next town. Bomb that, and start over.
Octavian made sure that if it couldn't move quickly, it didn't come to Egypt. The Howitzers stayed in Italy, ready to destroy any invasion force there.
Already the walls of Gaza were breached. By nightfall the city would be
secured.
He turned to Lepidus. "Any word from America?"
"I'm finding out now. The Americans are loading their transports as we speak. Likely they will be here in two weeks. They weren't quite ready
to mobilize when we began our invasion."
"We caught them flat-footed," replied Octavian. "Roosevelt won't make
that mistake next time."
"Will there be a next time?" asked Lepidus. Octavian only looked at him.
"What of our other operation?" he asked.
"On shedule. They should be onsite shortly."
"Good. That should slow them down a bit." Octavian had one last trick up his sleeve. The Americans had certainly prepared their defenses.
Coastal fortresses were manned in every city, and vurtually every landing site in America was fortified. They had forgotten one thing, though. His mind turned to Chicago.
"And Ptolemy?" asked Lepidus.
"We haven't gotten that far yet, but I'm inclined to remove him from power, if I have to."
"You'll have to take over all of Egypt to do that."
"You're right, Lepidus. Ptolemy isn't loved by the Egyptians, but they played this well. The people will not be too happy to see us remove him from power. They want their autonomy."
"Let me ask you, Octavian," said Lepidus. "Do you think that Ptolemy can be trusted by the Americans?"
A thought that Octavian had pondered time and again. "Ptolemy chooses
the side of the winner. I don't trust him, and the Americans don't trust him. If it were to come down to a vote he would have three choices. Vote for America.."
"Likely at this point," said Lepidus.
"Yes. He could vote for us, which is very unlikely. Or he could abstain."
"Do you think he would abstain?"
"You never know with him," Octavian answered. "I guess it depends on what kind of deal he could get."
The two men were interupted by a captain. "Good evening, sir. You wanted me to inform you when phase two was to begin."
"Thank you, Captain," said Lepidus. "Octavian, shall we head to the war
room?" He pointed to a large command tent up the beach.
"By all means."
------------------------------------------
Oliver North quickly opened the door to the situation room and swiftly walked to his seat. He glanced at the table on his way and noticed a look of displeasure on Leo McGarry's face. He couldn't help it, dammit. It was a long drive from Baltimore to DC.
"Ollie," said the president. "Do you know the situation?"
"My aide briefed em on the cell phone. Are we being invaded?"
"Sort of," answered Eisenhower. "Chicago is getting the crap beat out of it."
"Chicago?" this suprised North. "What are they bombing Chicago for?" Chicago was about four hundred miles inland. It had a small reserve army and nothing else.
"I have no idea," said Ike. "Certainly Octavian isn't leading this. He's not this dumb."
"We took out the first set of bombers with our F16's," said McGarry. "They're back on the ground refueling right now. The second and third waves are hitting us pretty hard." The phone rang. McGarry was quick to answer it.
"I don't get it," said the predident. "What's in Chicago?
"Nothing, sir," said Ike. "I'm dumbfounded."
"Not just Chicago," interupted McGarry. "Kansas City is getting it now."
"Kansas City?" said North. "That's got to be at least 200 miles inland."
"An St. Louis," added McGarry. "Three hundred miles offshore."
"This is incredible," said Nimitz. "I've got my ships looking for activity between Albany and the coastline closest to these cities. There's nothing. We watch the Albany straights all the time. There is absolutely no activity."
"Let's calm down, everyone," said the President. "We don't know what's going on right now, and we're not going to find out by acting shocked about it. Find out what they're doing."
"Denver, now," said McGarry, who was still holding the phone to his ear."
"Wait," said Hoover. "This smells like a trap. They're trying to draw our troops from the coast."
Everyone turned to Hoover in shock. Some even laughed. "Draw them out for what?" said the president. "So they can get bombed in Denver too? But I agree. We're not moving our troops from the coast. We're not moving any troops to these cities. Why give them more of a target? I do think that we should beef up our aircraft in the area, though. May as well take out some stealth fighters while they're intent on bombing nothing."
Everyone's phone rang at once. Many of their faces turned pale as ghosts.
"Chicago is lost...." said North. He knew this without being told.
"What happened?" said McGarry. "How come we didn't see this?"
"Because they came in through the air. There's six infantry divisionsin the city now, with eight more on the outskirts protecting the railroad."
Nimitz shouted excitedly into the phone. "The airport!!" He then hung up the phone slowly. "They have the airport."
"Damn!" shouted Ike. "Now they can move troops in at will."
"Get that city back," shouted FDR. North could see the exasperation in his eyes. A man who didn't know what was going on, but felt that he had to be doing something.
McGarry's phone rang again. "Yes....ok.....the airport?......ok." He turned back to the group. "Kansas City is lost. They came from the sky. Fighting is going on now in St. Louis and Denver."
"Paratroopers," said Nimitz. "Paratroopers in the west, helocopters in Chicago. They likely have another invasion fleet nearby. Waiting for their troops to move south from Chicago to secure the beaches."
"Damn," said FDR. "Where were we? How did we miss this?"
"Mr President," said Ike. "We have not been successfully invaded in our lifetimes. The whole world saw how easily we pushed the Egyptians out of San Francisco. Our defenses are strong."
"We may be strong," said McGarry. "But our tactics sure do stink." He
turned to the president. "Mr President, I recommend that we disembark the troops headed for Egypt at once to help with the defenses here."
North thought about the possibilities here. That fleet was supposed to help contain the Romans in Egypt. Now Octavian could roam free throughout the country while the American armies fought here. This was masterful on Octavian's part. Instead of losing troops by overmatching them against dug-in infantry on the beaches he just bypassed them. Now the Roman infantry can move wherever it wants to because the the American infantry still needs to defend the beaches. Furthermore, they have the airport. Tanks and artillery can come in non-stop.
Roosevelt had a solemn look upon is face. He turned to Nimitz and Eisenhower. "Disembark the troops."
FDR continued. "And knock out that airport."
"Mr President" said North. "Our own people are in those cities. Do you really want to bomb them?"
FDR turned to his national security advisor. "No, Ollie. I don't want to bomb them. But what is the alternative?"
--------------------------------------------------------
Kissinger listened to the bombs falling outside of his hotel window. The Romans were closing in. Already they controlled at least sixty percent of the country. At no time in history had this country been so devastated. The Romans had invaded a couple of times in the past, but
their goal was never conquest. Indeed, the country was too far away for them to control effectively. Each time the Romans came in the past it was to replace the government. It was different this time. Egyptians weren't used to this. The people had been largely peaceful throughout time. And what could America do? They were too busy defending their homeland.
It wasn't an invasion on the same scale, the one in America. But it was just enough to prevent FDR from sending his troops to Egypt. This was their last chance. This meeting would decide the fate of the world.
Ptolemy had been rumored to be untrustworthy. He'd have to grow up in a hurry, now. A knock came at the door. An aide to the Pharoah entered and introduced Ptolemy.
"Henry," he bagan. "I hope you bring good news. Is America willing to help?"
Kissinger looked at the Ptolemy for what seemed like an eternity. Had this man any idea of events outside of his country?
"No, Ptolemy. We cannot help you. In fact, I've come to ask for your help."
"Help you? Henry, I am in no position to help you."
"Yes you are. You must vote for Roosevelt at the election next month."
"Why would I vote for Roosevelt? What help has he provided me?"
Kissinger looked at him sternly. "He placed you in power. He bankrolled your coup'."
"That was three years ago, Henry. I'm in a desperate position now."
"If you don't make this vote, you'll be in this desperate position for another ten years, Ptolemy. Vote next month and it will all be over."
Kissinger knew of Ptolemy's aspirations. Previously he had no intention of voting for anyone at the election. Times change with events, though. In fact, Kissinger thought, the Roman invasion probably helped America. It placed the Egyptians in a desperate situation.
"I....." Ptolemy looked away. "I don't know what to do," he said.
Kissinger looked at the poor man. He truly had no idea how to rule. Sadly, the Secretary of State placed his hand on the Pharoah's shoulder. "Yes you do, Ptolemy. You know what to do. What you have to do."
Ptolemy lifted his head. Kissinger could see the man's eyes watering. "I should vote for Roosevelt?"
"Yes. When we win the Secretary's seat you will remain on the throne here, answering only to Roosevelt."
Ptolemy sat on the foot of the bed and leaned his head on his hands. After what seemed an eternity, he looked up at Kissinger again.
"Henry, I will vote for the president."
-----------------------------------------------
That was the key. If they had any chance of winning this before the
Americans arrived, they needed to move quickly. The Egyptians made the mistake of building up their Armor at the expense of their infantry. Only now, likely through a deal with the Americans, were the first Mechanized Infantry divisions beginning to surface.
This war would not be won with armor. It would be won through the relative safety of aerial bombardment and lightning strikes by the infantry. Take a town, secure the railways, then move the rested reserves up to the next town. Bomb that, and start over.
Octavian made sure that if it couldn't move quickly, it didn't come to Egypt. The Howitzers stayed in Italy, ready to destroy any invasion force there.
Already the walls of Gaza were breached. By nightfall the city would be
secured.
He turned to Lepidus. "Any word from America?"
"I'm finding out now. The Americans are loading their transports as we speak. Likely they will be here in two weeks. They weren't quite ready
to mobilize when we began our invasion."
"We caught them flat-footed," replied Octavian. "Roosevelt won't make
that mistake next time."
"Will there be a next time?" asked Lepidus. Octavian only looked at him.
"What of our other operation?" he asked.
"On shedule. They should be onsite shortly."
"Good. That should slow them down a bit." Octavian had one last trick up his sleeve. The Americans had certainly prepared their defenses.
Coastal fortresses were manned in every city, and vurtually every landing site in America was fortified. They had forgotten one thing, though. His mind turned to Chicago.
"And Ptolemy?" asked Lepidus.
"We haven't gotten that far yet, but I'm inclined to remove him from power, if I have to."
"You'll have to take over all of Egypt to do that."
"You're right, Lepidus. Ptolemy isn't loved by the Egyptians, but they played this well. The people will not be too happy to see us remove him from power. They want their autonomy."
"Let me ask you, Octavian," said Lepidus. "Do you think that Ptolemy can be trusted by the Americans?"
A thought that Octavian had pondered time and again. "Ptolemy chooses
the side of the winner. I don't trust him, and the Americans don't trust him. If it were to come down to a vote he would have three choices. Vote for America.."
"Likely at this point," said Lepidus.
"Yes. He could vote for us, which is very unlikely. Or he could abstain."
"Do you think he would abstain?"
"You never know with him," Octavian answered. "I guess it depends on what kind of deal he could get."
The two men were interupted by a captain. "Good evening, sir. You wanted me to inform you when phase two was to begin."
"Thank you, Captain," said Lepidus. "Octavian, shall we head to the war
room?" He pointed to a large command tent up the beach.
"By all means."
------------------------------------------
Oliver North quickly opened the door to the situation room and swiftly walked to his seat. He glanced at the table on his way and noticed a look of displeasure on Leo McGarry's face. He couldn't help it, dammit. It was a long drive from Baltimore to DC.
"Ollie," said the president. "Do you know the situation?"
"My aide briefed em on the cell phone. Are we being invaded?"
"Sort of," answered Eisenhower. "Chicago is getting the crap beat out of it."
"Chicago?" this suprised North. "What are they bombing Chicago for?" Chicago was about four hundred miles inland. It had a small reserve army and nothing else.
"I have no idea," said Ike. "Certainly Octavian isn't leading this. He's not this dumb."
"We took out the first set of bombers with our F16's," said McGarry. "They're back on the ground refueling right now. The second and third waves are hitting us pretty hard." The phone rang. McGarry was quick to answer it.
"I don't get it," said the predident. "What's in Chicago?
"Nothing, sir," said Ike. "I'm dumbfounded."
"Not just Chicago," interupted McGarry. "Kansas City is getting it now."
"Kansas City?" said North. "That's got to be at least 200 miles inland."
"An St. Louis," added McGarry. "Three hundred miles offshore."
"This is incredible," said Nimitz. "I've got my ships looking for activity between Albany and the coastline closest to these cities. There's nothing. We watch the Albany straights all the time. There is absolutely no activity."
"Let's calm down, everyone," said the President. "We don't know what's going on right now, and we're not going to find out by acting shocked about it. Find out what they're doing."
"Denver, now," said McGarry, who was still holding the phone to his ear."
"Wait," said Hoover. "This smells like a trap. They're trying to draw our troops from the coast."
Everyone turned to Hoover in shock. Some even laughed. "Draw them out for what?" said the president. "So they can get bombed in Denver too? But I agree. We're not moving our troops from the coast. We're not moving any troops to these cities. Why give them more of a target? I do think that we should beef up our aircraft in the area, though. May as well take out some stealth fighters while they're intent on bombing nothing."
Everyone's phone rang at once. Many of their faces turned pale as ghosts.
"Chicago is lost...." said North. He knew this without being told.
"What happened?" said McGarry. "How come we didn't see this?"
"Because they came in through the air. There's six infantry divisionsin the city now, with eight more on the outskirts protecting the railroad."
Nimitz shouted excitedly into the phone. "The airport!!" He then hung up the phone slowly. "They have the airport."
"Damn!" shouted Ike. "Now they can move troops in at will."
"Get that city back," shouted FDR. North could see the exasperation in his eyes. A man who didn't know what was going on, but felt that he had to be doing something.
McGarry's phone rang again. "Yes....ok.....the airport?......ok." He turned back to the group. "Kansas City is lost. They came from the sky. Fighting is going on now in St. Louis and Denver."
"Paratroopers," said Nimitz. "Paratroopers in the west, helocopters in Chicago. They likely have another invasion fleet nearby. Waiting for their troops to move south from Chicago to secure the beaches."
"Damn," said FDR. "Where were we? How did we miss this?"
"Mr President," said Ike. "We have not been successfully invaded in our lifetimes. The whole world saw how easily we pushed the Egyptians out of San Francisco. Our defenses are strong."
"We may be strong," said McGarry. "But our tactics sure do stink." He
turned to the president. "Mr President, I recommend that we disembark the troops headed for Egypt at once to help with the defenses here."
North thought about the possibilities here. That fleet was supposed to help contain the Romans in Egypt. Now Octavian could roam free throughout the country while the American armies fought here. This was masterful on Octavian's part. Instead of losing troops by overmatching them against dug-in infantry on the beaches he just bypassed them. Now the Roman infantry can move wherever it wants to because the the American infantry still needs to defend the beaches. Furthermore, they have the airport. Tanks and artillery can come in non-stop.
Roosevelt had a solemn look upon is face. He turned to Nimitz and Eisenhower. "Disembark the troops."
FDR continued. "And knock out that airport."
"Mr President" said North. "Our own people are in those cities. Do you really want to bomb them?"
FDR turned to his national security advisor. "No, Ollie. I don't want to bomb them. But what is the alternative?"
--------------------------------------------------------
Kissinger listened to the bombs falling outside of his hotel window. The Romans were closing in. Already they controlled at least sixty percent of the country. At no time in history had this country been so devastated. The Romans had invaded a couple of times in the past, but
their goal was never conquest. Indeed, the country was too far away for them to control effectively. Each time the Romans came in the past it was to replace the government. It was different this time. Egyptians weren't used to this. The people had been largely peaceful throughout time. And what could America do? They were too busy defending their homeland.
It wasn't an invasion on the same scale, the one in America. But it was just enough to prevent FDR from sending his troops to Egypt. This was their last chance. This meeting would decide the fate of the world.
Ptolemy had been rumored to be untrustworthy. He'd have to grow up in a hurry, now. A knock came at the door. An aide to the Pharoah entered and introduced Ptolemy.
"Henry," he bagan. "I hope you bring good news. Is America willing to help?"
Kissinger looked at the Ptolemy for what seemed like an eternity. Had this man any idea of events outside of his country?
"No, Ptolemy. We cannot help you. In fact, I've come to ask for your help."
"Help you? Henry, I am in no position to help you."
"Yes you are. You must vote for Roosevelt at the election next month."
"Why would I vote for Roosevelt? What help has he provided me?"
Kissinger looked at him sternly. "He placed you in power. He bankrolled your coup'."
"That was three years ago, Henry. I'm in a desperate position now."
"If you don't make this vote, you'll be in this desperate position for another ten years, Ptolemy. Vote next month and it will all be over."
Kissinger knew of Ptolemy's aspirations. Previously he had no intention of voting for anyone at the election. Times change with events, though. In fact, Kissinger thought, the Roman invasion probably helped America. It placed the Egyptians in a desperate situation.
"I....." Ptolemy looked away. "I don't know what to do," he said.
Kissinger looked at the poor man. He truly had no idea how to rule. Sadly, the Secretary of State placed his hand on the Pharoah's shoulder. "Yes you do, Ptolemy. You know what to do. What you have to do."
Ptolemy lifted his head. Kissinger could see the man's eyes watering. "I should vote for Roosevelt?"
"Yes. When we win the Secretary's seat you will remain on the throne here, answering only to Roosevelt."
Ptolemy sat on the foot of the bed and leaned his head on his hands. After what seemed an eternity, he looked up at Kissinger again.
"Henry, I will vote for the president."
-----------------------------------------------
The fighting outside of Thebes had begun a month ago. The former Egyptian capital once again held Egypt's throne. The loss of Alexandria had cripled the country. It effectively cut the remaining Egyptian cities in two. The cities to the south no longer had access to the materials necessary for anything but the most rudimentary of troops. Ptolemy had now banked everything on the north.
"Captain," said Octavian, finally leading troops in battle again. "Aerial surveillance shows reinforcements coming from the east. Take four divisions and meet them head on. I'll see that you have air cover."
"Yes sir," replied the captain.
Egypt's days were numbered, thought Octavian. The reason? What he saw
in a field of dead Egyptian soldiers. Muskets. They were fighting with muskets now.
Octavian's thoughts were interupted by an old, familiar sound. Looking up, he heard someone yell "Duck!"
Hitting the ground, Octavian looked up to see a single enging fighter in the sky. Behind it, and moving quickly, was a Roman jet fighter. It made quick work of the Egyptian plane, which fell to the ground like a brick.
"The defenses are strong in the town, sir," a captain reported. "We
have reports of fighting thrughout the town. The Egyptians are defending themselves valiantly, but they're no match for our fighting vehicles. And I haven't seen a tank in weeks."
"Then they don't have any, Captain," Octavian replied. "This is their last important city. If they had tanks they'd be here."
"Yes sir. I'm inclined to agree," said the captain.
"How are we doing elsewhere? Have we reached Memphis yet?" Octavian
missed having Lepidus around. Lepidus never had to be prompted for
important information.
"Not yet, sir."
"Get there," said Octavian. He was running out of time. The vote was to be held tomorrow.
Octavian turned to a colonel. "How is our progress?"
"We've almost reached the center of town, sir."
Ominous thoughts filled Octavian's mind. Should he keep fighting? Thebes wasn't quite enough, and he had no chance at reaching Memphis in time. Never give up, he thought. Always work the angles. Caesar had told him that. Keep moving, figuratively. Look at the whole picture. Most of all, never give up. He could hear his former emperor's words fill his head. A smile crept accross Octavian's lips as he remembered Caesar's voice.
"Give them everything you've got, then, Colonel," he said. "If we're going down, we may as well go down fighting. Unleash hell!"
------------------------------------------------
This was the day, thought Cicero. Finally, he would have his revenge on Octavian and Lepidus. Finally, he would take control of Rome. Yes, it would be under the direction of FDR, but at least Octavian would be out of the picture. That was all that he wanted, really. To watch Octavian pack his belongings from the Palace. Cicero even thought of retiring after he saw that. All that he wanted was to see the look on the emperor's face.
He sat in the visitor's section of the UN. This was the first time that Cicero had made a public appearance since he was forced out of office so long ago. He looked to the podium. Behind it, representatives from Egypt, Rome, and America sat. The Roman representative, Machiavelli, looked somewhat nervious. The American and Egyptian representatives were conversing and laughing.
Finally, Machiavelli walked to the podium. Just a few more minutes, thought Cicero. Looking out into the general audience, he could see Lepidus, still working the phones. It's over, he thought. Lepidus could work the phones all he wanted. They didn't get enough votes from Egypt.
"Good afternoon, members of the general assembly," Machiavelli began.
"We are here on this glorious day to elect our secretary." No doubt, thought Cicero, that this speach was written long before the Romans lost Egypt's vote. "Three times we have reached this point in the past, however no majority vote has ever been reached. Today, for the sake of the world, we in Rome hope that a leader is selected."
Cicero could almost hear Machiavelli grinding his teeth as he spoke. Looking further into the audience, he saw Roosevelt speaking with Henri Kissinger. They sat calmly and confidently and in stark contrast to Lepidus, who still was working the phones. Cicero almost felt sorry for the man.
Machiavelli was just finishing up his speach. Yes, yes, thought Cicero. Get on with it. Finally, the Roman representative finishes speaking and cast his vote for Octavian as secretary general.
Next up was Madeline Albright. The former Secretary of State had prepared a long speach. A slight frown appeared on Cicero's face. Couldn't she have abridged this? Good lord, she was going to read a book to them.
Nothing to do now but look through the audience some more. Ptolemy sat just below him. He was a nervious young man. Too young to be a Pharoah. Yet he had served his purpose. Ptolemy sat next to an advisor who was on the phone, no doubt keeping him abreast of the fighting in Egypt.
Something Albright said perked Cicero's ears. "..And so, in finding that Emperor Octavian is a war criminal, and that his fellow emperor, Lepidus had full knowledge of these events, it is the recommendation of America that both Octavian and Lepidus be removed from power and transported to Washington where they will be tried for war crimes.
Furthermore, it is the recommendation of America that former Senator Cicero be placed as the Emperor of Rome."
Cicero was called down to the floor. This was unheard of,he thought.
The Americans must be pretty confident in their vote for this to happen. As he walked to the floor to be acknoledged by the crowd he caught Lepidus' eye. The man had a look of complete shock on his face. He and Lepidus went way back to their days in the senate. He was handpicked to keep Octavian in line. Yet the younger emperor got him to join forces. Revenge was sweet. Cicero couldn't wait to attend the trial in Washington. He'd even testify if he had to.
After being applauded politely by the audience, Cicero took his seat to watch the rest of the procedings. Madeline Albright finished her speech and finaly cast her vote for Roosevelt as secretary general.
Anwar Sadat waited for the American representative to take her seat, then stood took the podium. The Egyptian representative was ancient looking, yet he spoke with great dignity. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "For years the world has been at war. Either through battles on the field or battles in diplomatic circles......" Uh oh, thought Cicero. This was going to take a while.
Looking around, he could see that FDR was feeling the same way. The American President body language said everything. He was almost sitting on his hands. Lepidus, in sharp contrast, was franticly speaking on his cell phone.
Suddenly, the Roman Emperor jumped up. All heads in the assembly turned to Lepidus. Machiavelli, as the senior representative, stood to address the interuption. "In closing," said Sadat, "Egypt proudly casts it's..."
Machiavelli relieved Sadat, who looked at him in suprise, but quickly took his seat.
"Emperor Lepidus," Machiavelli began. "This is not the place for these activities. Please, or I will be forced to have you removed."
"I apologize for the interuption," Lepidus replied. He was frantic, thought Cicero. What was going on here? "However, events in Egypt demand that be heard."
Cicero spoke. "That won't be necessary, Lepidus. You and your partner have been deemed irrelevant by this assembly."
Lepidus looked at Cicero sternly. "This assembly has no authority over me or Emperor Octavian."
"No, however don't push your luck for in a few moments you'll be in handcuffs," Cicero laughed. Lepidus was desperately trying to come up with something, he thought. This was just his way of delaying the vote.
Lepidus turned back to the representative. "I must address the assembly at once."
Machiavelli looked at him curiously. "That is most unusual, Emperor Lepidus. You must give me cause before I will consider this."
"Sit down, Emperor," yelled Albright. "Let us finish the vote, then you may speak from your detention cell."
Machiavelli turned to the American. "Ms. Albright, for the time being, I run the procedings here."
Chastised, Albright sat back in submission.
"Mr. Machiavelli. I have important news from Egypt that will directly affect todays procedings, if not make them irrelevant.
"Very well, Emperor. You may take the podium."
Lepidus began to rush to the stage. "Mr Machiavelli, I insist that you halt this interruption," shouted FDR as he stood awkwardly.
Machiavelli, in a case of blatent nepotism, disregarded the president.
Lepidus spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't have a speech ready, yet I have important news from Egypt. Thebes is in Roman control."
"You're still short," said Cicero. "Don't embarrass yourself, Lepidus. Be a man."
Lepidus ignored him, to Cicero's disdain. Who did this guy think he was? One last gasp from the old Roman rule, thought Cicero.
The hall was silent. "I don't think that you understand. Rome now has direct influence in over seventy five percent of the world."
"What's your point?" asked FDR.
"Please look at the UN charter. It clearly states in section IV, paragraph i, that no vote of the general assembly shall be considered if any nation controlls seventy five percent of the world or more. Furthermore, it is hereby chartered that all nations lay down their arms to the leader of the conquering country."
Grumblings could be heard throughout the hall. "What are you talking about? Haven't we heard enough from this fool?" said Cicero.
"Don't you understand?" said Lepidus. "Rome controls over 75% of the world. This determination supercedes your incompleted vote and according to charter, Octavian is the Supreme Emperor of the World."
Cicero was almost speachless. Finally he composed himself. "The vote was completed, Lepidus. This ceremony was merely a formality."
Machiavelli interupted. "Would the assembly recorder please read the votes?"
After a few moments, Cicero listened as the recorder read the votes. "Rome - 89 votes. America - 68 votes."
Cicero was livid. "And Egypt. Count Egypt's votes!"
"I'm sorry, Senator. The charter clearly states that Emperor Lepidus' determination supercedes any vote here."
"How do we know it's true, though? Lepidus could be making this all up."
The stadium sized screen at the back of the room was normally used to show the votes of members of the general assembly. Now it was used to tune in to CNN. A clear picture of Roman Troops driving through the city of Thebes could be seen. It even showed Octavian in the center of town, near the old palace.
Cicero dropped his head. He was beaten, and he knew it. If only Albright could have spoken for a few moments less. If only the Egyptians could have held out for a few moments more.
"Octavian has ordered, by proxy, that Senator Cicero be taken into custody. He is number one on Rome's most wanted list and has been for quite some time."
Immediately, Cicero felt himself being grabbed by guards on each arm. He was quickly cuffed and the guards began to escort him out of the hall.
"You haven't heard the last of me!" he shouted. "I'll be back."
As the doors to the hall behind him closed, Cicero felt the bottom drop out. What could he do now. Pain began to form in his chest. Moments later he was in full cardiac arrest. Once again fleeing justice.
----------------------------------------------------
Final Chapter Tomorrow
"Captain," said Octavian, finally leading troops in battle again. "Aerial surveillance shows reinforcements coming from the east. Take four divisions and meet them head on. I'll see that you have air cover."
"Yes sir," replied the captain.
Egypt's days were numbered, thought Octavian. The reason? What he saw
in a field of dead Egyptian soldiers. Muskets. They were fighting with muskets now.
Octavian's thoughts were interupted by an old, familiar sound. Looking up, he heard someone yell "Duck!"
Hitting the ground, Octavian looked up to see a single enging fighter in the sky. Behind it, and moving quickly, was a Roman jet fighter. It made quick work of the Egyptian plane, which fell to the ground like a brick.
"The defenses are strong in the town, sir," a captain reported. "We
have reports of fighting thrughout the town. The Egyptians are defending themselves valiantly, but they're no match for our fighting vehicles. And I haven't seen a tank in weeks."
"Then they don't have any, Captain," Octavian replied. "This is their last important city. If they had tanks they'd be here."
"Yes sir. I'm inclined to agree," said the captain.
"How are we doing elsewhere? Have we reached Memphis yet?" Octavian
missed having Lepidus around. Lepidus never had to be prompted for
important information.
"Not yet, sir."
"Get there," said Octavian. He was running out of time. The vote was to be held tomorrow.
Octavian turned to a colonel. "How is our progress?"
"We've almost reached the center of town, sir."
Ominous thoughts filled Octavian's mind. Should he keep fighting? Thebes wasn't quite enough, and he had no chance at reaching Memphis in time. Never give up, he thought. Always work the angles. Caesar had told him that. Keep moving, figuratively. Look at the whole picture. Most of all, never give up. He could hear his former emperor's words fill his head. A smile crept accross Octavian's lips as he remembered Caesar's voice.
"Give them everything you've got, then, Colonel," he said. "If we're going down, we may as well go down fighting. Unleash hell!"
------------------------------------------------
This was the day, thought Cicero. Finally, he would have his revenge on Octavian and Lepidus. Finally, he would take control of Rome. Yes, it would be under the direction of FDR, but at least Octavian would be out of the picture. That was all that he wanted, really. To watch Octavian pack his belongings from the Palace. Cicero even thought of retiring after he saw that. All that he wanted was to see the look on the emperor's face.
He sat in the visitor's section of the UN. This was the first time that Cicero had made a public appearance since he was forced out of office so long ago. He looked to the podium. Behind it, representatives from Egypt, Rome, and America sat. The Roman representative, Machiavelli, looked somewhat nervious. The American and Egyptian representatives were conversing and laughing.
Finally, Machiavelli walked to the podium. Just a few more minutes, thought Cicero. Looking out into the general audience, he could see Lepidus, still working the phones. It's over, he thought. Lepidus could work the phones all he wanted. They didn't get enough votes from Egypt.
"Good afternoon, members of the general assembly," Machiavelli began.
"We are here on this glorious day to elect our secretary." No doubt, thought Cicero, that this speach was written long before the Romans lost Egypt's vote. "Three times we have reached this point in the past, however no majority vote has ever been reached. Today, for the sake of the world, we in Rome hope that a leader is selected."
Cicero could almost hear Machiavelli grinding his teeth as he spoke. Looking further into the audience, he saw Roosevelt speaking with Henri Kissinger. They sat calmly and confidently and in stark contrast to Lepidus, who still was working the phones. Cicero almost felt sorry for the man.
Machiavelli was just finishing up his speach. Yes, yes, thought Cicero. Get on with it. Finally, the Roman representative finishes speaking and cast his vote for Octavian as secretary general.
Next up was Madeline Albright. The former Secretary of State had prepared a long speach. A slight frown appeared on Cicero's face. Couldn't she have abridged this? Good lord, she was going to read a book to them.
Nothing to do now but look through the audience some more. Ptolemy sat just below him. He was a nervious young man. Too young to be a Pharoah. Yet he had served his purpose. Ptolemy sat next to an advisor who was on the phone, no doubt keeping him abreast of the fighting in Egypt.
Something Albright said perked Cicero's ears. "..And so, in finding that Emperor Octavian is a war criminal, and that his fellow emperor, Lepidus had full knowledge of these events, it is the recommendation of America that both Octavian and Lepidus be removed from power and transported to Washington where they will be tried for war crimes.
Furthermore, it is the recommendation of America that former Senator Cicero be placed as the Emperor of Rome."
Cicero was called down to the floor. This was unheard of,he thought.
The Americans must be pretty confident in their vote for this to happen. As he walked to the floor to be acknoledged by the crowd he caught Lepidus' eye. The man had a look of complete shock on his face. He and Lepidus went way back to their days in the senate. He was handpicked to keep Octavian in line. Yet the younger emperor got him to join forces. Revenge was sweet. Cicero couldn't wait to attend the trial in Washington. He'd even testify if he had to.
After being applauded politely by the audience, Cicero took his seat to watch the rest of the procedings. Madeline Albright finished her speech and finaly cast her vote for Roosevelt as secretary general.
Anwar Sadat waited for the American representative to take her seat, then stood took the podium. The Egyptian representative was ancient looking, yet he spoke with great dignity. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "For years the world has been at war. Either through battles on the field or battles in diplomatic circles......" Uh oh, thought Cicero. This was going to take a while.
Looking around, he could see that FDR was feeling the same way. The American President body language said everything. He was almost sitting on his hands. Lepidus, in sharp contrast, was franticly speaking on his cell phone.
Suddenly, the Roman Emperor jumped up. All heads in the assembly turned to Lepidus. Machiavelli, as the senior representative, stood to address the interuption. "In closing," said Sadat, "Egypt proudly casts it's..."
Machiavelli relieved Sadat, who looked at him in suprise, but quickly took his seat.
"Emperor Lepidus," Machiavelli began. "This is not the place for these activities. Please, or I will be forced to have you removed."
"I apologize for the interuption," Lepidus replied. He was frantic, thought Cicero. What was going on here? "However, events in Egypt demand that be heard."
Cicero spoke. "That won't be necessary, Lepidus. You and your partner have been deemed irrelevant by this assembly."
Lepidus looked at Cicero sternly. "This assembly has no authority over me or Emperor Octavian."
"No, however don't push your luck for in a few moments you'll be in handcuffs," Cicero laughed. Lepidus was desperately trying to come up with something, he thought. This was just his way of delaying the vote.
Lepidus turned back to the representative. "I must address the assembly at once."
Machiavelli looked at him curiously. "That is most unusual, Emperor Lepidus. You must give me cause before I will consider this."
"Sit down, Emperor," yelled Albright. "Let us finish the vote, then you may speak from your detention cell."
Machiavelli turned to the American. "Ms. Albright, for the time being, I run the procedings here."
Chastised, Albright sat back in submission.
"Mr. Machiavelli. I have important news from Egypt that will directly affect todays procedings, if not make them irrelevant.
"Very well, Emperor. You may take the podium."
Lepidus began to rush to the stage. "Mr Machiavelli, I insist that you halt this interruption," shouted FDR as he stood awkwardly.
Machiavelli, in a case of blatent nepotism, disregarded the president.
Lepidus spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't have a speech ready, yet I have important news from Egypt. Thebes is in Roman control."
"You're still short," said Cicero. "Don't embarrass yourself, Lepidus. Be a man."
Lepidus ignored him, to Cicero's disdain. Who did this guy think he was? One last gasp from the old Roman rule, thought Cicero.
The hall was silent. "I don't think that you understand. Rome now has direct influence in over seventy five percent of the world."
"What's your point?" asked FDR.
"Please look at the UN charter. It clearly states in section IV, paragraph i, that no vote of the general assembly shall be considered if any nation controlls seventy five percent of the world or more. Furthermore, it is hereby chartered that all nations lay down their arms to the leader of the conquering country."
Grumblings could be heard throughout the hall. "What are you talking about? Haven't we heard enough from this fool?" said Cicero.
"Don't you understand?" said Lepidus. "Rome controls over 75% of the world. This determination supercedes your incompleted vote and according to charter, Octavian is the Supreme Emperor of the World."
Cicero was almost speachless. Finally he composed himself. "The vote was completed, Lepidus. This ceremony was merely a formality."
Machiavelli interupted. "Would the assembly recorder please read the votes?"
After a few moments, Cicero listened as the recorder read the votes. "Rome - 89 votes. America - 68 votes."
Cicero was livid. "And Egypt. Count Egypt's votes!"
"I'm sorry, Senator. The charter clearly states that Emperor Lepidus' determination supercedes any vote here."
"How do we know it's true, though? Lepidus could be making this all up."
The stadium sized screen at the back of the room was normally used to show the votes of members of the general assembly. Now it was used to tune in to CNN. A clear picture of Roman Troops driving through the city of Thebes could be seen. It even showed Octavian in the center of town, near the old palace.
Cicero dropped his head. He was beaten, and he knew it. If only Albright could have spoken for a few moments less. If only the Egyptians could have held out for a few moments more.
"Octavian has ordered, by proxy, that Senator Cicero be taken into custody. He is number one on Rome's most wanted list and has been for quite some time."
Immediately, Cicero felt himself being grabbed by guards on each arm. He was quickly cuffed and the guards began to escort him out of the hall.
"You haven't heard the last of me!" he shouted. "I'll be back."
As the doors to the hall behind him closed, Cicero felt the bottom drop out. What could he do now. Pain began to form in his chest. Moments later he was in full cardiac arrest. Once again fleeing justice.
----------------------------------------------------
Final Chapter Tomorrow
Vanadorn
Motorcycling Paladin
Zeeter, I have been following this story since practically the beginning, back when I was just a lurker on this board. I want to thank you for keeping us entertained during all this time, and for taking the time out to bring this tale to it completion.
It's been a great ride.
V
It's been a great ride.
V
Globetrotter
...wherever i may roam...
Amazing... Simply amazing...
General Brown
Go Boston Sports!
Oh it might be over soon, NO!
Octavian and Lepidus walked slowly and amicably from the UN Hall. The ceremony had gong well, thought Octavian. Learning from Caesar, he read a speach that was intended to promote the rest of the world to the same status. It was something that Caesar had planned long ago. Not only would it stabilize the world's economy, but it would boost the morale of th rest of the world. It would give them a sense that they hadn't lost, but had joined a larger society.
Lepidus looked him now. "Did you know about that seventy five percent stipulation in the UN Charter?"
Octavian looked back at Lepidus. "Of course I did." Lepidus looked amazed. Too amazed for Octavian who couldn't control his laughter.
"No, Lepidus," he laughingly admitted. "But sometimes luck interferes with even the best of intentions."
"What will you do now?" said Lepidus after he was done laughing.
"I believe that I'll need to stay here, in Caesaria," Octavian replied. The UN is here, plus the palace. It will be easier to rule from here rather than from Rome. Americans and Egyptians may be uneasy about me ruling from anywhere in Italy."
"What of Italy then?" asked Lepidus, hopefully.
Octavian knew what he wanted, and was going to give it to him, but only after he had a little fun.
"I'm not sure, Lepidus. There are a number of likely candidates for the position in the palace in Rome."
"Yes, Octavian," said Lepidus, impatiently. It was obvious that Lepidus knew what Octavian was up to, and knew that he'd have to accept his hazing. "Are you leaning in any specific direction?"
"Well, there are a number of senators who have their eyes on the palace. I haven't..."
"Just tell me," said Lepidus, but with a smile on his face.
"Oh, you? No, I think I'll need you as an assistant here in Caesaria."
Lepidus' face turned white. "Wh..what? But Octavian, I've worked hard for you."
Octavian almost broke out in laughter again. He had dug too deep now and almost hurt Lepidus. "I'm humoring you. There's nobody that I would trust in the palace of Rome but you, Lepidus."
"I won't let you down," a relieved Lepidus said. "But you could have just told me instead of torturing me first."
"Where would the fun in that be," Octavian laughed. "No, Lepidus. You have been the most loyal of friends to me, not to mention a brilliant leader in your own right. You deserve the palace."
"How will you try to influence the world?" asked Lepidus.
"At first, I don't believe that influence is the correct term. I will need Roman, American, and Egyptian representatives to assist me in making policy. Certainly Rome will have more of an influence on me than the other countries, and therefore more influence over my policies.
"I look at this differently, though. I look at it as an ascendancy. The world has evolved to the point where there cannot be three leaders anymore. Ideologies have centered ever since the Internet was introduced. Too many people are now able to find the truth in the world in an instant. They don't have to listen to polititians explaining what events mean. They need only turn on their computers.
"The world is differnt now, Lepidus. There are no longer two sides to every story. There is only one side, and that is the truth. It is too easy to find now. Polititians can no longer hide behind the ignorance of their constituents.
"I will rule for the people. That is why I'm here. Not to protect big business, or the unions. I'm here to help the people. This is where they will come when they need help. Not to the local congressman who's only interest is in becoming re-elected."
"You'll be a true man of the people, then?"
"Yes, Lepidus. I've completed what Caesar began. With your help, and by doing what Caesar always told me. Act with the will of the people. Ignore outside influences."
"Then you've truly gained your new name."
Octavian looked to Lepidus in confusion. "What name is that?"
"Caesar, the exalted one," replied Lepidus. "You are Caesar Augustus."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The End
Lepidus looked him now. "Did you know about that seventy five percent stipulation in the UN Charter?"
Octavian looked back at Lepidus. "Of course I did." Lepidus looked amazed. Too amazed for Octavian who couldn't control his laughter.
"No, Lepidus," he laughingly admitted. "But sometimes luck interferes with even the best of intentions."
"What will you do now?" said Lepidus after he was done laughing.
"I believe that I'll need to stay here, in Caesaria," Octavian replied. The UN is here, plus the palace. It will be easier to rule from here rather than from Rome. Americans and Egyptians may be uneasy about me ruling from anywhere in Italy."
"What of Italy then?" asked Lepidus, hopefully.
Octavian knew what he wanted, and was going to give it to him, but only after he had a little fun.
"I'm not sure, Lepidus. There are a number of likely candidates for the position in the palace in Rome."
"Yes, Octavian," said Lepidus, impatiently. It was obvious that Lepidus knew what Octavian was up to, and knew that he'd have to accept his hazing. "Are you leaning in any specific direction?"
"Well, there are a number of senators who have their eyes on the palace. I haven't..."
"Just tell me," said Lepidus, but with a smile on his face.
"Oh, you? No, I think I'll need you as an assistant here in Caesaria."
Lepidus' face turned white. "Wh..what? But Octavian, I've worked hard for you."
Octavian almost broke out in laughter again. He had dug too deep now and almost hurt Lepidus. "I'm humoring you. There's nobody that I would trust in the palace of Rome but you, Lepidus."
"I won't let you down," a relieved Lepidus said. "But you could have just told me instead of torturing me first."
"Where would the fun in that be," Octavian laughed. "No, Lepidus. You have been the most loyal of friends to me, not to mention a brilliant leader in your own right. You deserve the palace."
"How will you try to influence the world?" asked Lepidus.
"At first, I don't believe that influence is the correct term. I will need Roman, American, and Egyptian representatives to assist me in making policy. Certainly Rome will have more of an influence on me than the other countries, and therefore more influence over my policies.
"I look at this differently, though. I look at it as an ascendancy. The world has evolved to the point where there cannot be three leaders anymore. Ideologies have centered ever since the Internet was introduced. Too many people are now able to find the truth in the world in an instant. They don't have to listen to polititians explaining what events mean. They need only turn on their computers.
"The world is differnt now, Lepidus. There are no longer two sides to every story. There is only one side, and that is the truth. It is too easy to find now. Polititians can no longer hide behind the ignorance of their constituents.
"I will rule for the people. That is why I'm here. Not to protect big business, or the unions. I'm here to help the people. This is where they will come when they need help. Not to the local congressman who's only interest is in becoming re-elected."
"You'll be a true man of the people, then?"
"Yes, Lepidus. I've completed what Caesar began. With your help, and by doing what Caesar always told me. Act with the will of the people. Ignore outside influences."
"Then you've truly gained your new name."
Octavian looked to Lepidus in confusion. "What name is that?"
"Caesar, the exalted one," replied Lepidus. "You are Caesar Augustus."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The End
MinutiaeMan
Chieftain
It's over? *sniff*
Nicely done, zeeter!
Nicely done, zeeter!
jalapeno_dude
AKA Panda Judo Eel
It's finally finished! Great job!
I liked the Americans better
I liked the Americans better
bealystock
Chieftain
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2003
- Messages
- 6
Great story, very rivetting. OK, now on to your next one, come on get to work!!!
General Brown
Go Boston Sports!
No!!!, It can't be over, a nuke has to blow up the world, please don't let it end!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have encouraged me to continue this volume. It has, at times, been a burden to me. However, due to the great feedback from you folks I have felt an obligation to complete "Hail Caesar" and now feel quite proud that it is finally done. Often times it would be difficult for me to get started on a section, however once I entered the realm of what I was writing, it became easy to slip between different characters and put forth my best effort. I have you folks to thank for that.
Oftentimes I would be inspired by movies I'd seen recently. Other times I would be driving home and an idea would suddenly occur to me even months after my most recent post. In fact, I had the final section written well in advance. "Caesar Augustus" was going to be the last words of this story since long ago. Getting to that point was another matter entirely.
I don't want to mention names, because I'm sure I'll leave some of you out. However, a special thanks goes out to Globetrotter for his diligence in converting this into a Word document. I plan on editing that document by taking out some parts, modifying others and completely rewriting a couple of other parts. After that is done, if the good folks at CivFanatics want to do anything with it I will be happy to oblige.
On a more personal level, I believe that this story really took off for me with the introduction of Trajan, Marc Antony, and Decimus Brutus. At that point, it became more than a simple story about a game that I played. I also attempted a new writing style at that time by writing the different sections from the point of view of one protagonist. This is why you read the reasoning behind the terrorist bombing in the restaurant in America among other things. The characters who's perspectives I wrote from became real to me (in a writing sense - no, I'm not insane). And while I tried to stay within the bounds of Civilization 3 rules, occasionally I would step outside of that realm if the story demanded it. Certainly there was a line that had to be crossed occasionally.
I tried to keep the story not only fitting to Civ3 concepts, but also to actual historical events. While there was a fine line between keeping it somewhat historical and the actual progression of the story, there are parts that I am particularly proud of. In particular, Sands and Brianna's last section, the death of Hadrian, and the final showdown between Maximus and Commodus stand out to me.
Again I'd like to thank everyone for your encouragement. Without you I certainly would not have finished this story. And let's not forget the many great stories here on Civ Fanatics. There are a lot of good writers here who deserve your praise more than I do. Please encourage them as you did me.
Thank you, everyone.
Oftentimes I would be inspired by movies I'd seen recently. Other times I would be driving home and an idea would suddenly occur to me even months after my most recent post. In fact, I had the final section written well in advance. "Caesar Augustus" was going to be the last words of this story since long ago. Getting to that point was another matter entirely.
I don't want to mention names, because I'm sure I'll leave some of you out. However, a special thanks goes out to Globetrotter for his diligence in converting this into a Word document. I plan on editing that document by taking out some parts, modifying others and completely rewriting a couple of other parts. After that is done, if the good folks at CivFanatics want to do anything with it I will be happy to oblige.
On a more personal level, I believe that this story really took off for me with the introduction of Trajan, Marc Antony, and Decimus Brutus. At that point, it became more than a simple story about a game that I played. I also attempted a new writing style at that time by writing the different sections from the point of view of one protagonist. This is why you read the reasoning behind the terrorist bombing in the restaurant in America among other things. The characters who's perspectives I wrote from became real to me (in a writing sense - no, I'm not insane). And while I tried to stay within the bounds of Civilization 3 rules, occasionally I would step outside of that realm if the story demanded it. Certainly there was a line that had to be crossed occasionally.
I tried to keep the story not only fitting to Civ3 concepts, but also to actual historical events. While there was a fine line between keeping it somewhat historical and the actual progression of the story, there are parts that I am particularly proud of. In particular, Sands and Brianna's last section, the death of Hadrian, and the final showdown between Maximus and Commodus stand out to me.
Again I'd like to thank everyone for your encouragement. Without you I certainly would not have finished this story. And let's not forget the many great stories here on Civ Fanatics. There are a lot of good writers here who deserve your praise more than I do. Please encourage them as you did me.
Thank you, everyone.
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