Hail Caesar
- Thread starter zeeterus
- Start date
TheDuckOfFlanders
the fish collecter
Lol Zeeter ,you have people begging you to write more ,the guys above clearly just registerd only to say you should continue.
And why not ,it's a superb story indeed.
You should think of a writers career.
Somebody with lot's of money here ,donate this man a new computer.
And why not ,it's a superb story indeed.
You should think of a writers career.
Somebody with lot's of money here ,donate this man a new computer.
Matt P
Fly my pretties fly
I think we should find Zeeter a publisher so we can get this story into print.Originally posted by TheDuckOfFlanders
Lol Zeeter ,you have people begging you to write more ,the guys above clearly just registerd only to say you should continue.
And why not ,it's a superb story indeed.
You should think of a writers career.
Somebody with lot's of money here ,donate this man a new computer.
Ok, the reason that I am kind of slacking here is that I am working on some fiction. I've got three chapters so far (sorry, it's got nothing to do with Civ3) and am at an impass. You know, "great idea for the beginning, but what the hell is the story?" That's where I am now.
I've been getting great feedback from you guys (and I really appreciate it) so I'll try to get something done here by the end of this week. Maybe that will inspire me to find something for the characters in my other story to do.
I've been getting great feedback from you guys (and I really appreciate it) so I'll try to get something done here by the end of this week. Maybe that will inspire me to find something for the characters in my other story to do.
JoseM
Roman Emperor
good story zeeter
Globetrotter
...wherever i may roam...
Great one!!!
I just copied it all on a word document (so far 88 pages) so that i can reading it while travelling this week-end!!! T'is better than a book!!! You should be writing a book or movie scenarios!
Will be waiting for the rest of it!
Globetrotter
...wherever i may roam...
Just one more thing.
I wish you had posted a map of the world!
I wish you had posted a map of the world!
Antony remembered the first time that his father took him to the great baths of Rome. He was young; eight or nine years old at the time. It was special for him. This was a place where grown-ups talked about grown-up things.
Now Antony had a grown-up thing to talk about. Claudius was the swing vote in tomorrow's decision to end the war in Zululand. If the senate were to rule in favor of pulling troops out of the war it would be devastating to Caesar's control over the Roman people. Some in the senate, though, were licking their chops over the prospect of taking Rome back. People like Cassius and Brutus dreamed of a day when they would control the country.
It was Antony's job to stop this from happening. Claudius was not a particularly opinionated man. He was political, though. He formed his opinions out of what would serve his political future better. This was the edge that Antony knew he had to go for.
"All I am asking for is a day, Claudius. You and Caesar go back quite a ways. Can you give that to him?" the general asked.
Claudius was harsh with his response. "Yes, Antony. We go back quite a few years. To the time when he took power from us."
"You still have power, though, Senator. Your vote tomorrow is an example of that power. You will decide whether or not to end this war. I suggest that you vote to keep up the war. To not do so would be a terrible international mistake."
"And to end the war puts us in a position once again to control Rome's destiny. Rather than having one man control Rome, the Senate will."
"You know Caesar, Claudius. You know what will happen if the Senate tries to wrestle control back. Civil war will result. I am just asking for one more day. You will understand at that point why this war needs to continue."
"One more day could result in the deaths of hundreds more Roman soldiers. I cannot have that on my conscious," answered the Senator.
"One more day will save the lives of millions of people around the world. It will make us stronger."
"How is that possible, Antony? How can further war result in our strength?"
Antony thought for a moment. No, he could not tell the senator everything. "You must wait. I cannot get into the specifics now, but tomorrow morning will change the world."
Claudius hauled himself up from the bath and grabbed a towel. "I cannot promise anything, Antony. I won't go as far as to tell you that I've longed for the day when Caesar was brought down. Rome is a much stronger nation now than any time when the Senate was in control. He may have gone too far this time, though. I will speak with my advisors on this."
"Rome waits on your decision, Claudius. I hope that you make the right one," Antony said as the Senator left the bath. Antony was unsuccessful. He had hoped to convince the senator to back Caesar. No doubt the senator's advisors would emphasize the prospects of effectively removing Caesar from power. There was nothing that he could do now, though. It was in the hands of fate.
--------------------------------------
"That's the last of them, sir," an excited Captain Happy Feet said.
Sitting Bull looked out to the horizon. "What a waste. Six squadrons of bombers totally obliterated."
"Yes sir. Our men fought well," replied the captain.
"We were lucky, Captain. The Romans performed a horrible blunder today. Two days ago they lost one carrier, and now their remaining two are useless. What good is a carrier with no bombers?"
"We received a report from one of our scout planes. They've spotted a carrier to the north, in this section." Happy Feet pointed to the map.
"There should be two there, captain," Sitting bull replied.
"Yes sir, but the scout claims that there was one."
Sitting Bull thought to himself. Would the Roman carriers have split up? That would make them half as effective. "Have we seen anything else?" he asked the captain.
"No, sir. But we do have this large contact on radar."
Sitting Bull looked at the radar. The object that the captain was referring to was definately a carrier group. It was that large. A battleship group would be much smaller; they need the extra room for maneuverability. This has to be the other carrier, thought the Admiral. He looked on the radar at the area where the scout plain had found the carrier. It was a smaller contact, but was also further away, which would explain the size difference.
"Captain, I want a two pronged strike. Half of our bombers at the radar contact, the other half at the scout plain contact."
"Yes sir. And fighter support?" asked the captain.
"Yes. Send them all. Hell, they don't have any bombers left, so we may as well go full protection."
-------------------------------------------
Brianna had been summoned to the queen. It had been a while since she had seen Cleopatra; not since she assinated Arsinoe had the two met. Something big was about to happen.
She sat in the Queen's private chambers waiting. Outside were the normal sounds of Alexandria. Brianna stood to look out the window. Her country had come a long way, she thought. There was a time when the marketplace was a group of tents where the merchants peddled their goods. Now there were permanant buildings in the market square. A cathedral stood next to the old temple, which was left erect to remind the Egyptians of their past. The bank of Alexandria stood next to the newly erected University of Alexandria. After so many years foreign scholars no longer visited the Great Library. The university was built here and in other cities to maintain Egypt's position in the world; lest they fall back to the realms of the Zulus.
The queen entered, finally. She looked a bit worn out. No doubt this war was taking its toll. From the look of her, though, this was not a war matter that Brianna was summoned for.
"Brianna, I'll cut right to the chase. Have you ever met Senator Brutus?" the queen asked.
"The Roman general? No, we've never met."
"So he has no idea who you are?"
"No. In fact, no Romans have ever met me in my occupational capacity."
"I have something that I want you to do for me, then."
--------------------------------------------
Mussolini stood at the podium counting the votes. The senate was winning at this point. Antony counted eight votes to continue the war, and ten to pull the troops out. Three of the remaining five senators could be counted on to vote against removing troops. One for, and the last was Claudius.
Cassius looked up at Mussolini. A concerned facial gesture was betrayed by the look in his eyes. They would be successful. Mussolini knew this as well. Antony knew that the two senators had wined and dined Claudius last night. Now there was nothing that he could do about it. The last words had been said and the vote would determine Rome's future.
Now the vote was tied at eleven apiece. Antony closed his eyes as Mussolini read the last vote.
"Abstain," read the senator. "Claudius. Is this some kind of a joke?" he shouted.
Antony opened his eyes quickly and looked at Claudius.
"No, Benito," Claudius retorted. "And hold your toungue. I've been on this senate far longer than you have."
Now Cassius stood. "What do you mean by this, Claudius? Are you with us or against us."
Claudius was harsh in his response. "What do you mean with us, Cassius? We are here for Rome, not for the Senate."
Mussolini shook off Claudius' harsh retrimand quickly. "Senator Claudius, if you cannot make up your mind in this matter, perhaps a more competant senator can be elected in your place."
Antony was impressed with Mussolini's suave. He had bounced back from Claudius' comments and struck a powerful blow to the Senator, taking advantage of the latter's political ambitions.
Claudius ignored this. "Senators, we have not had enough time to review this issue. I suggest that we form an investigative committee to look into the matter, then re-vote tomorrow. I will cast my vote on the basis of the committee's findings."
Antony smiled to himself. The senator had done it. Claudius had one thing that his oposition did not. Seniority. Mussolini and Cassius were relatively young in their political careers. The rest of the senators would acknowledge Claudius' tenure and give him the extra time.
Claudius looked at Antony sternly. The general knew what the look was for. The senator had given him his day, now he had to perform.
Cassius had one last idea. "What about Brutus and Lepidus? Can we contact them for their votes?"
While it was not his place to speak at a senate meeting, Antony didn't hesitate to answer Cassius. "Senators Brutus and Lepidus are in radio silence at the moment."
----------------------------------------
Bear Claw was a large, jolly man. His family had run the same merchant's stand in Apalachia Hills since as long as anyone could remember. They had raised it from a tent structure to a marble building. Bear Claw's family lived above his food shop, where he received his daily cartloads of fish and grain.
Apalachia Hill's name decieved the town. It had very few hills, but was one of the major food sources for the Iroquois people. Fish were abundant off of its shores, and inland were vast fields of wheat.
It was somewhat of a sleepy-town, and the citizens liked it that way. There was a small temple, a library, and a few other ammenities, but none of the advanced society structures found in the big cities. Indeed, other than food there was little that Apalachia Hills had to offer. Everyone knew everybody else. There was no barracks in the town, and therefore no soldiers. It was a young town, and little worth protecting. It was this feature that kept the older generation, like Bear Claw, in town. All of these features caused greate emmigrations from the town by younger people, as well. They wanted the safety and opportunities of the big cities, with their army barracks, universities, hospitals, and factories. Apalachia Hills would never see all of that.
Bear Claw looked out to the sea. The fishing boats were begining to come in, he noticed. It was a bit early for this. They had just put out only a few hours ago. He watched as they came closer, then looked to his neighbor, Lion's Tooth.
"What's going on out there?" he asked.
"I don't know," replied Lion's Tooth. "They're coming in awfully fast."
Now the two men could make out the fog horns coming from the fishing boats. Something was wrong.
Further out Bear Claw saw something else. A huge ship was out to the horizon. More were behind it, he could see now. And still more. It was a huge fleet.
Bear Claw and Lion's Tooth stood watching the scene in front of them for a few more moments until the facts of the matter became plain to see.
Bear Claw shouted. "Get your families out of here!" The two men ran into their shops and began gathering their families and what personal belongings that they could carry. The Romans were coming.
---------------------------------------
No sooner had the last of the bombers taken off when Happy Feet solemnly came to Admiral Sitting Bull's quarters.
The admiral looked up from his log. "Are our planes on the way, Captain?"
"Sir, I have some troubling news. Three inbound squadrons of bombers were just picked up on radar," replied the captain.
"Impossible. Where could they have come from?"
"I don't know, sir, but they are five minutes away."
"Pull back the fighters from the bombing mission. Now!" the admiral shouted.
Happy Feet knew that this would do no good, the fighters were fifteen minutes away. He also knew not to bring this up right now to the admiral.
They were unprotected, and in five minutes bombs would litter their flight decks.
Happy feet ran to the radio-room and relayed a message to all of the fighters to return immediately. Lost in this was the fact that the bombers were not notified, and continued their missions to the Roman fleets.
---------------------------------------
Caesar looked out at the Iroquois lands before him. They had chosen their target well. Apalachia Hills, the quiet, unprotected town in Southern Iroquoisland was unsuspecting. Up until a few minutes ago nobody in the world had paid much attention to this place. He looked to Brutus.
"General," he said with a smile. "You trained these men. I want you to go ashore with them."
This was a magnanimous gesture on Caesar's part. It was always the honor of the most senior officer present to go ashore with the men. Hopefully, this would go far to improve the relations between Caesar and Brutus' senate.
Brutus looked at Caesar, who could see the look of suprise on the general's face. "Thank you, Julius. I won't forget this."
The General hesitated. "Do you remember when we first invaded the Unfinished Isle? The battle for Keparta?"
Caesar chuckled. "Not much of a battle, as I recall. And they pulled out before any real fighting could occur."
Now Brutus laughed. "We've come a long way since then. From a laughingstock to a world power. This was a well planned attack."
Caesar couldn't argue that point. The invasion of Zululand had distracted the Iroquois' from the protection of their homeland. The bulk of the Iroquois army was now in Zululand, leaving only a reserve army to contend with here. Soon he would expect the Iroquois to begin puling out of Zululand to come back here. They would have to move quickly.
Lepidus joined the two men. "Caesar, I have been in contact with the American fleet. They are proceding as planned to the north."
"Excellent," Caesar replied. He turned back to Brutus. "I want no citizens hurt, General. Begin the battle."
"Yes sir!" answered Brutus sharply. "Come with me, Lepidus."
Caesar watched the two generals who doubled as senators as they attended to their troops. The term battle was used loosely. There would be no actual battle, only a disembarkment from the transports as the men moved inland over unprotected lands.
Now Antony had a grown-up thing to talk about. Claudius was the swing vote in tomorrow's decision to end the war in Zululand. If the senate were to rule in favor of pulling troops out of the war it would be devastating to Caesar's control over the Roman people. Some in the senate, though, were licking their chops over the prospect of taking Rome back. People like Cassius and Brutus dreamed of a day when they would control the country.
It was Antony's job to stop this from happening. Claudius was not a particularly opinionated man. He was political, though. He formed his opinions out of what would serve his political future better. This was the edge that Antony knew he had to go for.
"All I am asking for is a day, Claudius. You and Caesar go back quite a ways. Can you give that to him?" the general asked.
Claudius was harsh with his response. "Yes, Antony. We go back quite a few years. To the time when he took power from us."
"You still have power, though, Senator. Your vote tomorrow is an example of that power. You will decide whether or not to end this war. I suggest that you vote to keep up the war. To not do so would be a terrible international mistake."
"And to end the war puts us in a position once again to control Rome's destiny. Rather than having one man control Rome, the Senate will."
"You know Caesar, Claudius. You know what will happen if the Senate tries to wrestle control back. Civil war will result. I am just asking for one more day. You will understand at that point why this war needs to continue."
"One more day could result in the deaths of hundreds more Roman soldiers. I cannot have that on my conscious," answered the Senator.
"One more day will save the lives of millions of people around the world. It will make us stronger."
"How is that possible, Antony? How can further war result in our strength?"
Antony thought for a moment. No, he could not tell the senator everything. "You must wait. I cannot get into the specifics now, but tomorrow morning will change the world."
Claudius hauled himself up from the bath and grabbed a towel. "I cannot promise anything, Antony. I won't go as far as to tell you that I've longed for the day when Caesar was brought down. Rome is a much stronger nation now than any time when the Senate was in control. He may have gone too far this time, though. I will speak with my advisors on this."
"Rome waits on your decision, Claudius. I hope that you make the right one," Antony said as the Senator left the bath. Antony was unsuccessful. He had hoped to convince the senator to back Caesar. No doubt the senator's advisors would emphasize the prospects of effectively removing Caesar from power. There was nothing that he could do now, though. It was in the hands of fate.
--------------------------------------
"That's the last of them, sir," an excited Captain Happy Feet said.
Sitting Bull looked out to the horizon. "What a waste. Six squadrons of bombers totally obliterated."
"Yes sir. Our men fought well," replied the captain.
"We were lucky, Captain. The Romans performed a horrible blunder today. Two days ago they lost one carrier, and now their remaining two are useless. What good is a carrier with no bombers?"
"We received a report from one of our scout planes. They've spotted a carrier to the north, in this section." Happy Feet pointed to the map.
"There should be two there, captain," Sitting bull replied.
"Yes sir, but the scout claims that there was one."
Sitting Bull thought to himself. Would the Roman carriers have split up? That would make them half as effective. "Have we seen anything else?" he asked the captain.
"No, sir. But we do have this large contact on radar."
Sitting Bull looked at the radar. The object that the captain was referring to was definately a carrier group. It was that large. A battleship group would be much smaller; they need the extra room for maneuverability. This has to be the other carrier, thought the Admiral. He looked on the radar at the area where the scout plain had found the carrier. It was a smaller contact, but was also further away, which would explain the size difference.
"Captain, I want a two pronged strike. Half of our bombers at the radar contact, the other half at the scout plain contact."
"Yes sir. And fighter support?" asked the captain.
"Yes. Send them all. Hell, they don't have any bombers left, so we may as well go full protection."
-------------------------------------------
Brianna had been summoned to the queen. It had been a while since she had seen Cleopatra; not since she assinated Arsinoe had the two met. Something big was about to happen.
She sat in the Queen's private chambers waiting. Outside were the normal sounds of Alexandria. Brianna stood to look out the window. Her country had come a long way, she thought. There was a time when the marketplace was a group of tents where the merchants peddled their goods. Now there were permanant buildings in the market square. A cathedral stood next to the old temple, which was left erect to remind the Egyptians of their past. The bank of Alexandria stood next to the newly erected University of Alexandria. After so many years foreign scholars no longer visited the Great Library. The university was built here and in other cities to maintain Egypt's position in the world; lest they fall back to the realms of the Zulus.
The queen entered, finally. She looked a bit worn out. No doubt this war was taking its toll. From the look of her, though, this was not a war matter that Brianna was summoned for.
"Brianna, I'll cut right to the chase. Have you ever met Senator Brutus?" the queen asked.
"The Roman general? No, we've never met."
"So he has no idea who you are?"
"No. In fact, no Romans have ever met me in my occupational capacity."
"I have something that I want you to do for me, then."
--------------------------------------------
Mussolini stood at the podium counting the votes. The senate was winning at this point. Antony counted eight votes to continue the war, and ten to pull the troops out. Three of the remaining five senators could be counted on to vote against removing troops. One for, and the last was Claudius.
Cassius looked up at Mussolini. A concerned facial gesture was betrayed by the look in his eyes. They would be successful. Mussolini knew this as well. Antony knew that the two senators had wined and dined Claudius last night. Now there was nothing that he could do about it. The last words had been said and the vote would determine Rome's future.
Now the vote was tied at eleven apiece. Antony closed his eyes as Mussolini read the last vote.
"Abstain," read the senator. "Claudius. Is this some kind of a joke?" he shouted.
Antony opened his eyes quickly and looked at Claudius.
"No, Benito," Claudius retorted. "And hold your toungue. I've been on this senate far longer than you have."
Now Cassius stood. "What do you mean by this, Claudius? Are you with us or against us."
Claudius was harsh in his response. "What do you mean with us, Cassius? We are here for Rome, not for the Senate."
Mussolini shook off Claudius' harsh retrimand quickly. "Senator Claudius, if you cannot make up your mind in this matter, perhaps a more competant senator can be elected in your place."
Antony was impressed with Mussolini's suave. He had bounced back from Claudius' comments and struck a powerful blow to the Senator, taking advantage of the latter's political ambitions.
Claudius ignored this. "Senators, we have not had enough time to review this issue. I suggest that we form an investigative committee to look into the matter, then re-vote tomorrow. I will cast my vote on the basis of the committee's findings."
Antony smiled to himself. The senator had done it. Claudius had one thing that his oposition did not. Seniority. Mussolini and Cassius were relatively young in their political careers. The rest of the senators would acknowledge Claudius' tenure and give him the extra time.
Claudius looked at Antony sternly. The general knew what the look was for. The senator had given him his day, now he had to perform.
Cassius had one last idea. "What about Brutus and Lepidus? Can we contact them for their votes?"
While it was not his place to speak at a senate meeting, Antony didn't hesitate to answer Cassius. "Senators Brutus and Lepidus are in radio silence at the moment."
----------------------------------------
Bear Claw was a large, jolly man. His family had run the same merchant's stand in Apalachia Hills since as long as anyone could remember. They had raised it from a tent structure to a marble building. Bear Claw's family lived above his food shop, where he received his daily cartloads of fish and grain.
Apalachia Hill's name decieved the town. It had very few hills, but was one of the major food sources for the Iroquois people. Fish were abundant off of its shores, and inland were vast fields of wheat.
It was somewhat of a sleepy-town, and the citizens liked it that way. There was a small temple, a library, and a few other ammenities, but none of the advanced society structures found in the big cities. Indeed, other than food there was little that Apalachia Hills had to offer. Everyone knew everybody else. There was no barracks in the town, and therefore no soldiers. It was a young town, and little worth protecting. It was this feature that kept the older generation, like Bear Claw, in town. All of these features caused greate emmigrations from the town by younger people, as well. They wanted the safety and opportunities of the big cities, with their army barracks, universities, hospitals, and factories. Apalachia Hills would never see all of that.
Bear Claw looked out to the sea. The fishing boats were begining to come in, he noticed. It was a bit early for this. They had just put out only a few hours ago. He watched as they came closer, then looked to his neighbor, Lion's Tooth.
"What's going on out there?" he asked.
"I don't know," replied Lion's Tooth. "They're coming in awfully fast."
Now the two men could make out the fog horns coming from the fishing boats. Something was wrong.
Further out Bear Claw saw something else. A huge ship was out to the horizon. More were behind it, he could see now. And still more. It was a huge fleet.
Bear Claw and Lion's Tooth stood watching the scene in front of them for a few more moments until the facts of the matter became plain to see.
Bear Claw shouted. "Get your families out of here!" The two men ran into their shops and began gathering their families and what personal belongings that they could carry. The Romans were coming.
---------------------------------------
No sooner had the last of the bombers taken off when Happy Feet solemnly came to Admiral Sitting Bull's quarters.
The admiral looked up from his log. "Are our planes on the way, Captain?"
"Sir, I have some troubling news. Three inbound squadrons of bombers were just picked up on radar," replied the captain.
"Impossible. Where could they have come from?"
"I don't know, sir, but they are five minutes away."
"Pull back the fighters from the bombing mission. Now!" the admiral shouted.
Happy Feet knew that this would do no good, the fighters were fifteen minutes away. He also knew not to bring this up right now to the admiral.
They were unprotected, and in five minutes bombs would litter their flight decks.
Happy feet ran to the radio-room and relayed a message to all of the fighters to return immediately. Lost in this was the fact that the bombers were not notified, and continued their missions to the Roman fleets.
---------------------------------------
Caesar looked out at the Iroquois lands before him. They had chosen their target well. Apalachia Hills, the quiet, unprotected town in Southern Iroquoisland was unsuspecting. Up until a few minutes ago nobody in the world had paid much attention to this place. He looked to Brutus.
"General," he said with a smile. "You trained these men. I want you to go ashore with them."
This was a magnanimous gesture on Caesar's part. It was always the honor of the most senior officer present to go ashore with the men. Hopefully, this would go far to improve the relations between Caesar and Brutus' senate.
Brutus looked at Caesar, who could see the look of suprise on the general's face. "Thank you, Julius. I won't forget this."
The General hesitated. "Do you remember when we first invaded the Unfinished Isle? The battle for Keparta?"
Caesar chuckled. "Not much of a battle, as I recall. And they pulled out before any real fighting could occur."
Now Brutus laughed. "We've come a long way since then. From a laughingstock to a world power. This was a well planned attack."
Caesar couldn't argue that point. The invasion of Zululand had distracted the Iroquois' from the protection of their homeland. The bulk of the Iroquois army was now in Zululand, leaving only a reserve army to contend with here. Soon he would expect the Iroquois to begin puling out of Zululand to come back here. They would have to move quickly.
Lepidus joined the two men. "Caesar, I have been in contact with the American fleet. They are proceding as planned to the north."
"Excellent," Caesar replied. He turned back to Brutus. "I want no citizens hurt, General. Begin the battle."
"Yes sir!" answered Brutus sharply. "Come with me, Lepidus."
Caesar watched the two generals who doubled as senators as they attended to their troops. The term battle was used loosely. There would be no actual battle, only a disembarkment from the transports as the men moved inland over unprotected lands.
more!
West German
Warlord
please must add more.
Matt P
Fly my pretties fly
Good work as always Zeeter !
Constantine
at least it isnt the sens
Great Work again can we hope for some more soon
West German
Warlord
It's been over a week!!!
Matt P
Fly my pretties fly
All good things, or should I say great things take time
West German
Warlord
Will there be anymore?
Hygro
soundcloud.com/hygro/
Oh I'm enjoying this way much!
Brutus was angry; not an unusual occurance for him. He lay in his bed trying to sleep, but couldn't. Thoughts of Caesar and the Senate raced through his head. He should be happy, he thought. They had virtually won the war against the Iroquois. Only a few small towns remained in Iroquoisland and they were completely removed from Zululand. Hiawatha's whereabouts were unknown as he had presumably exiled himself to the Aztec's land.
What bothered him was a supposedly magnanimous gesture by Caesar. Brutus was to be named Governor of Iroquoisland and Cassius was to become governor of the Roman holdings in Zululand, at least until consolidation meetings were held between Caesar, Cleopatra, and FDR. Soon the Romans would control all of Iroquoisland, the Egyptians all of Aztecland, and the Americans all of Zululand.
On the surface, this seemed to be a wonderful step in Brutus' career. In reality, though, Brutus knew what it meant. Keeping him out of Rome kept him away from his senate seat, and for the time being Cassius from his as well.
Yes, Caesar had regained control of the Roman people. His war against the Iroquois, at first criticized as unnessesary, had finally rid the world of Hiawatha's significance. For that he was worshipped around the world as a hero. He brought peace to everyone. Well, except maybe to the Aztecs, but they would soon be taken care of as well. Caesar was to take care of that matter personally.
He was now more powerful than ever, and the Senate at its weakest point since Caesar came to power so many years ago. They were laughed at for attempting to end the war. Antony and Octavianus were interviewed on TV constantly as the masterminds of the war, but there was no glory for Brutus. His war was fought against the largly unprotected Iroquois lands. By the time they had begun facing real troops in Iroqoisland they had been reinforced by more Roman and American armies.
Pavarotti was hailed as a hero for eliminating the Iroquois air around Maximus' landing. Constantine tragically died doing the same.
It was a war of heroes. Except for Brutus. He had gained his notoriety against the Zulus so many years ago, and to be treated this way by Caesar was an insult.
His new girlfriend was helpful. Egyptian women were useful, Brutus thought. They sat and listened and kept their mouths shut. His wife would never listen to these stories and had no sympathy for him, but Brianna was different.
--------------------------------------------
"Emporer, all of the arrangements have been made for your campaign against the Aztecs," said Octavian. He had been charged with preparing for the invasion while Caesar looked toward political matters.
"Very good, Octavian. In one week's time we will begin our assault." Caesar had chosen the fifteenth of March to leave for the invasion. It didn't matter when, really. The Americans had decimated the Aztec fleet, and most of their troops perished in Zululand. These last few weeks of truce had simply been to give his troops a breather. Caesar knew of the hardships that war brought to his people. It was worse in America, with it's silly democracy.
The Americans gave their people too much power, and were now paying for it. FDR was forced to make peace throughout the world before his people finally revolted. This allowed Caesar to continue fighting and taking more ground than the Americans. Thus, the Romans would come out of this war the strongest.
Furthermore, by taking over most of Iroquoisland they had secured lands just a stone's throw from Italy. They could be governed more easily.
"Has there been any word on Hiawatha's whereabouts?" he asked.
"No sir. Our spies tell us that he has fled to Aztecland," replied Octavian. "The Iroquois embassy keeps asking to speak with you."
"Yes, I know. They want peace. I won't discuss it with them. We've waited all of our lives for this and we can't stop now, so close to the end."
"I agree, sir," answered Octavian. "Even weakened as they are now there is still a chance of them causing disruption in the world. Better to finish them off once and for all."
Caesar turned to Octavian. These words weren't like the young general. "And the Aztecs?"
"They cannot be trusted, Emporer. Montezuma has played so many sides that I don't believe he even knows what side he's on now. Besides. They're weak now. There is no better time than the present."
"Octavian, you've always favored the Iroquois people. I know that you dislike Hiawatha and what he stands for, but you've always had a place for their people in your heart. What has changed that?"
"War, sir. I've walked through their labor camps. I've interrogated their officers. I've seen what they've done and it sickens me. I watched the smoke rising from one of the labor camps as we approached to liberate it. They were trying to hide what they did there, but I knew better.
"And they have no remorse for what they've done. The officers I've spoken with said that they did what they did for their own security. They're own security!" Octavian was getting excited. "They killed women and children for their own security. Maybe we shouldn't be occupying these Iroquois cities. Maybe we should be razing them, instead."
"We've put a stop to all of that, Octavian," replied Caesar. "Those labor camps have been closed."
"I've always cared for the Iroquois people, but they've let me down. They knew what went on in those camps. The Zulus were considered lower than them. To them it was like killing sheep or some other animal. These were people that they were killing."
"Stop," Caesar said abruptly. He had heard enough. "Octavianus, I want you to remember one thing. You cannot change what has already happened. These events are over. We will hold those responsible accountable for it. Aside from that we will rebuild Iroquoisland in the Roman image.
"Octavian, your compassion led you to your current position. And no small position is it. You are my senior advisor; more powerful than Antony and even Brutus. Do not lose that compassion. If you do, then you will lose yourself. What the Iroquois did was atrocious. And just as atrocious was what the Zulus did to their own people. They too will be dealt with. In time. Do not seek revenge on these people. Revenge only serves yourself, not the greater good."
Octavian answered quickly. "What kind of greater good is that? Standing by while their leaders commit genocide? They didn't lift a finger to stop it."
"It is over, Octavian. The events that occured in Zululand are over. We must get past that. You must get past it. There are matters occurring now that will shape the future of the world."
"Yes, I know. We'll be the rulers of Iroquoisland, the Egyptians of..." Octavian was cut off in mid sentence.
"No. That is not what I speak of. There is a project in place in a borough of New York City that must be watched. Octavian, as gruesome as it was, it still took the Iroquois ten months to commit their atrocities. With this project, the Americans would be able to do in one hour what the Iroquois took so long to do."
Octavian was shocked, a reaction that Caesar had hoped for. "What...What is it? What is this project?"
"They believe that they've been able to isolate certain atoms to create enormous energy. I don't know the technical details of this, but the idea came from a captured Iroquois scientist."
"The Americans so far have proven trustworthy. Is there any reason to believe that they will betray us?"
"Not at this time," Caesar answered. "But once they have it things may change. We must gain access to this weapon. Otherwise the Americans will hold a distinct advantage over us."
"What do you propose?" asked Octavian.
"Well..." the two men were interupted by a knock at the door. A well repaired Maximus poked his head into the room.
"Emporer, General. King Hannibal has requested an audience."
Caesar looked at Octavian dumbfounded, and realized that Octavian had the same look on his face.
The two men looked back at Maximus and asked in unison:
"Who?"
-----------------------------------------
What bothered him was a supposedly magnanimous gesture by Caesar. Brutus was to be named Governor of Iroquoisland and Cassius was to become governor of the Roman holdings in Zululand, at least until consolidation meetings were held between Caesar, Cleopatra, and FDR. Soon the Romans would control all of Iroquoisland, the Egyptians all of Aztecland, and the Americans all of Zululand.
On the surface, this seemed to be a wonderful step in Brutus' career. In reality, though, Brutus knew what it meant. Keeping him out of Rome kept him away from his senate seat, and for the time being Cassius from his as well.
Yes, Caesar had regained control of the Roman people. His war against the Iroquois, at first criticized as unnessesary, had finally rid the world of Hiawatha's significance. For that he was worshipped around the world as a hero. He brought peace to everyone. Well, except maybe to the Aztecs, but they would soon be taken care of as well. Caesar was to take care of that matter personally.
He was now more powerful than ever, and the Senate at its weakest point since Caesar came to power so many years ago. They were laughed at for attempting to end the war. Antony and Octavianus were interviewed on TV constantly as the masterminds of the war, but there was no glory for Brutus. His war was fought against the largly unprotected Iroquois lands. By the time they had begun facing real troops in Iroqoisland they had been reinforced by more Roman and American armies.
Pavarotti was hailed as a hero for eliminating the Iroquois air around Maximus' landing. Constantine tragically died doing the same.
It was a war of heroes. Except for Brutus. He had gained his notoriety against the Zulus so many years ago, and to be treated this way by Caesar was an insult.
His new girlfriend was helpful. Egyptian women were useful, Brutus thought. They sat and listened and kept their mouths shut. His wife would never listen to these stories and had no sympathy for him, but Brianna was different.
--------------------------------------------
"Emporer, all of the arrangements have been made for your campaign against the Aztecs," said Octavian. He had been charged with preparing for the invasion while Caesar looked toward political matters.
"Very good, Octavian. In one week's time we will begin our assault." Caesar had chosen the fifteenth of March to leave for the invasion. It didn't matter when, really. The Americans had decimated the Aztec fleet, and most of their troops perished in Zululand. These last few weeks of truce had simply been to give his troops a breather. Caesar knew of the hardships that war brought to his people. It was worse in America, with it's silly democracy.
The Americans gave their people too much power, and were now paying for it. FDR was forced to make peace throughout the world before his people finally revolted. This allowed Caesar to continue fighting and taking more ground than the Americans. Thus, the Romans would come out of this war the strongest.
Furthermore, by taking over most of Iroquoisland they had secured lands just a stone's throw from Italy. They could be governed more easily.
"Has there been any word on Hiawatha's whereabouts?" he asked.
"No sir. Our spies tell us that he has fled to Aztecland," replied Octavian. "The Iroquois embassy keeps asking to speak with you."
"Yes, I know. They want peace. I won't discuss it with them. We've waited all of our lives for this and we can't stop now, so close to the end."
"I agree, sir," answered Octavian. "Even weakened as they are now there is still a chance of them causing disruption in the world. Better to finish them off once and for all."
Caesar turned to Octavian. These words weren't like the young general. "And the Aztecs?"
"They cannot be trusted, Emporer. Montezuma has played so many sides that I don't believe he even knows what side he's on now. Besides. They're weak now. There is no better time than the present."
"Octavian, you've always favored the Iroquois people. I know that you dislike Hiawatha and what he stands for, but you've always had a place for their people in your heart. What has changed that?"
"War, sir. I've walked through their labor camps. I've interrogated their officers. I've seen what they've done and it sickens me. I watched the smoke rising from one of the labor camps as we approached to liberate it. They were trying to hide what they did there, but I knew better.
"And they have no remorse for what they've done. The officers I've spoken with said that they did what they did for their own security. They're own security!" Octavian was getting excited. "They killed women and children for their own security. Maybe we shouldn't be occupying these Iroquois cities. Maybe we should be razing them, instead."
"We've put a stop to all of that, Octavian," replied Caesar. "Those labor camps have been closed."
"I've always cared for the Iroquois people, but they've let me down. They knew what went on in those camps. The Zulus were considered lower than them. To them it was like killing sheep or some other animal. These were people that they were killing."
"Stop," Caesar said abruptly. He had heard enough. "Octavianus, I want you to remember one thing. You cannot change what has already happened. These events are over. We will hold those responsible accountable for it. Aside from that we will rebuild Iroquoisland in the Roman image.
"Octavian, your compassion led you to your current position. And no small position is it. You are my senior advisor; more powerful than Antony and even Brutus. Do not lose that compassion. If you do, then you will lose yourself. What the Iroquois did was atrocious. And just as atrocious was what the Zulus did to their own people. They too will be dealt with. In time. Do not seek revenge on these people. Revenge only serves yourself, not the greater good."
Octavian answered quickly. "What kind of greater good is that? Standing by while their leaders commit genocide? They didn't lift a finger to stop it."
"It is over, Octavian. The events that occured in Zululand are over. We must get past that. You must get past it. There are matters occurring now that will shape the future of the world."
"Yes, I know. We'll be the rulers of Iroquoisland, the Egyptians of..." Octavian was cut off in mid sentence.
"No. That is not what I speak of. There is a project in place in a borough of New York City that must be watched. Octavian, as gruesome as it was, it still took the Iroquois ten months to commit their atrocities. With this project, the Americans would be able to do in one hour what the Iroquois took so long to do."
Octavian was shocked, a reaction that Caesar had hoped for. "What...What is it? What is this project?"
"They believe that they've been able to isolate certain atoms to create enormous energy. I don't know the technical details of this, but the idea came from a captured Iroquois scientist."
"The Americans so far have proven trustworthy. Is there any reason to believe that they will betray us?"
"Not at this time," Caesar answered. "But once they have it things may change. We must gain access to this weapon. Otherwise the Americans will hold a distinct advantage over us."
"What do you propose?" asked Octavian.
"Well..." the two men were interupted by a knock at the door. A well repaired Maximus poked his head into the room.
"Emporer, General. King Hannibal has requested an audience."
Caesar looked at Octavian dumbfounded, and realized that Octavian had the same look on his face.
The two men looked back at Maximus and asked in unison:
"Who?"
-----------------------------------------
West German
Warlord
Great addition!! Please continue
"We'll do it on the Ides of March," she heard Brutus say to Cassius and Lepidus. What they would do she didn't know. But it was to happen on, when was the Ides? The 13th? Whoever made up the Roman Calendar must have been sadistic. Why did it have to be so complicated? V-Ides meant the Ides minus five, but the Ides is inclusive, so it really meant Ides minus four. Whatever. This was to happen on the Ides so she didn't need to worry about Roman math.
She would have to watch Brutus closely then. He was up to something, but Brianna had no idea what. Brutus was always scheming, and this was no different, but the senator's words rang with more seriousness this time. If only she had heard the beginning of this conversation she would know.
Brianna despised Brutus. He was a pathetic, disgusting man - typical of the Romans. It sickened her to be around him, but it was a job that she had to do. His friends were even worse. She could see in Mussolini a man with a vicious side to him. A man not to be trusted - even by Brutus. Cassius was Brutus' lapdog. He did whatever Brutus said; a man with no backbone. Lepidus had a brain, but knew little of how to use it.
Soon she would be back in Egypt, though, reporting on the happenings in the senate to Cleopatra.
------------------------------------
"Look at this! You have light, but no flame! What manner of spell is this?"
Octavian had spent a very tiring day with Hannibal. The King was difficult to understand, speaking only the ancient French language that Octavian barely recognized. It seems that Hannibal's people, the Carthaginians had met the French decades ago. In fact, Hannibal kept asking why his friends never visited anymore. Octavian didn't have the heart to tell him of their demise.
"It is no spell, King Hannibal," replied Octavian. "It is electricity."
"Ah. Electricity. What is that."
"It is difficult to understand, your highness. I don't really know the specifics anyway." Octavian was becoming exasperated. First it was the carriage drawn without horses. Then it was the birds that carried people. Then the boats without sails. It just went on and on.
"And what of Joan, young General? Where can I find her?"
"I believe that is a matter you will have to take up with Caesar, King Hannibal."
"Yes, I shall.
"King, can I ask one question?"
"Yes, Octavian. What can I help you with?"
"Why do you come here now? Why have you never come before?"
"Octavian, did you ever look out at the stars and wonder what was out there? Just stars. You never wondered what was there because all that you know of is the stars. We've lived on our small island since as long as I can remember. It is all that we've known, so we've never wondered what was beyond the horizon."
Octavian pondered this. The old man was making sense. Sort of. "Go on."
"A few years back some of our more intelectual class began noting the position of the stars. They realized that by watching the position of the stars at certain times during the night our fishing boats could always find their way home. Further and further out our boats went until finally they saw a new land. This "Roman" land.
"But why now, your highness. Why didn't this happen years ago? Decades ago?"
"I don't know, young Octavian. I will say this, though. While our intellectuals were watching the stars they were watching events at home. They noticed that good and bad things happened depending on the position of the stars. Two months ago they said to come here, so I did. I don't know why."
"Bah. That is soothsayer business and I'll not hear it," replied Octavian. "King, the hour is late. I trust that you are satisfied with your accomidations?"
Hannibal nodded. "Good. Then I will retire. Please call the front desk if you need anything. They have orders to provide you with anything that you need."
"Thank you, General. I bid you a good night." Hannibal walked Octavian to the door. "One more thing, Octavian. You said to call the front desk. I'm on the fourteenth floor. Will they hear me all the way down there?"
Octavian closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. "No, your highness. This is a phone. What you do is...."
-----------------------------------------------
She would have to watch Brutus closely then. He was up to something, but Brianna had no idea what. Brutus was always scheming, and this was no different, but the senator's words rang with more seriousness this time. If only she had heard the beginning of this conversation she would know.
Brianna despised Brutus. He was a pathetic, disgusting man - typical of the Romans. It sickened her to be around him, but it was a job that she had to do. His friends were even worse. She could see in Mussolini a man with a vicious side to him. A man not to be trusted - even by Brutus. Cassius was Brutus' lapdog. He did whatever Brutus said; a man with no backbone. Lepidus had a brain, but knew little of how to use it.
Soon she would be back in Egypt, though, reporting on the happenings in the senate to Cleopatra.
------------------------------------
"Look at this! You have light, but no flame! What manner of spell is this?"
Octavian had spent a very tiring day with Hannibal. The King was difficult to understand, speaking only the ancient French language that Octavian barely recognized. It seems that Hannibal's people, the Carthaginians had met the French decades ago. In fact, Hannibal kept asking why his friends never visited anymore. Octavian didn't have the heart to tell him of their demise.
"It is no spell, King Hannibal," replied Octavian. "It is electricity."
"Ah. Electricity. What is that."
"It is difficult to understand, your highness. I don't really know the specifics anyway." Octavian was becoming exasperated. First it was the carriage drawn without horses. Then it was the birds that carried people. Then the boats without sails. It just went on and on.
"And what of Joan, young General? Where can I find her?"
"I believe that is a matter you will have to take up with Caesar, King Hannibal."
"Yes, I shall.
"King, can I ask one question?"
"Yes, Octavian. What can I help you with?"
"Why do you come here now? Why have you never come before?"
"Octavian, did you ever look out at the stars and wonder what was out there? Just stars. You never wondered what was there because all that you know of is the stars. We've lived on our small island since as long as I can remember. It is all that we've known, so we've never wondered what was beyond the horizon."
Octavian pondered this. The old man was making sense. Sort of. "Go on."
"A few years back some of our more intelectual class began noting the position of the stars. They realized that by watching the position of the stars at certain times during the night our fishing boats could always find their way home. Further and further out our boats went until finally they saw a new land. This "Roman" land.
"But why now, your highness. Why didn't this happen years ago? Decades ago?"
"I don't know, young Octavian. I will say this, though. While our intellectuals were watching the stars they were watching events at home. They noticed that good and bad things happened depending on the position of the stars. Two months ago they said to come here, so I did. I don't know why."
"Bah. That is soothsayer business and I'll not hear it," replied Octavian. "King, the hour is late. I trust that you are satisfied with your accomidations?"
Hannibal nodded. "Good. Then I will retire. Please call the front desk if you need anything. They have orders to provide you with anything that you need."
"Thank you, General. I bid you a good night." Hannibal walked Octavian to the door. "One more thing, Octavian. You said to call the front desk. I'm on the fourteenth floor. Will they hear me all the way down there?"
Octavian closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. "No, your highness. This is a phone. What you do is...."
-----------------------------------------------
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