NES: Delusions of Grandeur

Washington, D.C.

The carriage rocked up and down as it rolled across the bumpy dirt road. With all of the money going towards the war, there had been close to nothing for the infrastructure of the nation, and signs were starting to show this. But nevertheless, peace had been brokered for all but one of America's enemies. Michigamme, stubborn as always, remained at war with America. And now with the extra troops from the Mexican, Brazilian, and French fronts, Roosevelt was sure that he could break the stalemate outside Detroit, and force the Michigammans back home.

The carriage slowly came to a stop outside the White House. The President slowly stepped out of the carriage, greeted by a mass of reporters and citizens, all cheering the president for brokering the peace that he did. As he began to make his way towards the gate, it started to rain. Immediately the aids along the president's side sprung up an imbrella. Smiling and nodding to all of his people, Roosevelt began to feel excited. This was a new age for America, he thought. This was the beginning to a new and peaceful age.

A loud shot was heard from behind the carriage. Roosevelt noticed the whole crowd duck to the ground, and his body guards quickly threw themselves over him, bringing him to the ground and presumably to safety. But it was too late. Feeling a sharp pain in his abdomen, Roosevelt felt a warm liquid on his hand as he clutched a wound. Amongst the return fire and battle that broke out, he could faintly hear his guards yelling "The President is hurt! The President is hurt!" As the world began to swirl and fade, a tear fell from the President's eye. He lay dead along the broken street, amidst the gunfire and the shouts.

----------

The Vice President, second in command of America's forces and closest to Roosevelt, swang the club.

"Another fine birdy, Mr. Wilson," the black caddy congratulated. But Wilson knew he could have done better. Wiping the sweat from his forehead with a hankerchief, he proceded down to the green to retrieve his ball. He reminded himself that he was getting old, and that it probably would have been wise to allow his caddy to get it. But then again, he had to remain in good shape, and not appear in any way too weak to descend a grassy knoll. The sun was bright here, much better then the dreaded storm that had hit Washington. He loved it here in Richmond.

As he began to trek the hill, he saw out in the distance five or so men running towards him. He gave a quick look back at his caddy, who shrugged his shoulders in ignorance. Wilson continued to descend the hill. It was only a couple or so minutes that he recognized that these men were government officials.

"Mr. Wilson, Woodrow Wilson?" one of them asked, out of breath. He was obviously the supervisor, and a veteran of countless wars, the metals weighing down his jacket.

"Yes, what is it? I expressly ordered that I not be bothered when on vacation," the Vice President lashed, becoming annoyed with his job once more.

"Yes, sir. But we come to bring you bad news. The president was shot in an uprising in Washington. Pro-War rebels, sir." Wilson's heart and jaw dropped. Roosevelt was loved by so many, how had this happened, he thought. Signalling for his water to the caddy, the man quickly ran back to the mule that carried the Vice President's belongings and golf bag.

"Well, I must be off to Washington I suppose." Wilson responded, still catching his breath.

"Yes, Mr. President," the officer responded. Wilson looked long at the man, nodded his head at the new title, and turned to meet his caddy half way. President, he thought. President.
 
L’eau De Ville- Brazil

In the Imperial sitting room, Victoria took english tea with her ladies. The custom had been established by her mother, who was of English-Germanic birth. The Anglo Princess of Hanover or something of the sort.

Her and her creole ladies wore the latest style of day dress. With the end of the war a new style, a new era had been taken up. “La vie de solie” The life of the sun. It consisted of day dresses that were more practical for the heat: light calf length skits and flouncey silk blouses. It also consisted of more Euro centric evening wear.

A knock on the door brought the ladies out of their quiet discussion. The Baron De St. Louis entered. “Madame” He said bowing. “Ah, good monsieur, please sit. Have some tea” “Thank you Madame” He sat and served himself tea out of the fine china.

“I believe god to be pleased with the peace, it has become pleasantly cool ever since the war ended, what do you think?” Said Mademoiselle Claudette Leblanc, a devout catholic creole, whose family were wealthy bankers.

“Yes quiet so mademoiselle.” The baron said. Suddenly the Chancellor entered, he looked flushed. The Empress sighed irritably. Ever since the war ended, he had been losing more and more esteem in her eyes. The war had given him great power over her, yet now that it was over and a decorated war hero was at the court, it was rapidly diminishing. “Bonjour Monsieur” Victoria said both coldly and formally. “Bonjour Madame” the chancellor responded. He held in his hands a number of documents. “Madame, a great insult- Madame I must insist on war- Madame do you believe this?” He was so furious he could only stutter. This annoyed the Empress even more and caused her ladies to giggle.

“What is it Monsieur” “Madame” Montgomerie said, regaining his composure. “The Orleans Doctrine has been sent over the continent. Chili, Argentina and Peru accepted it graciously and their respected President and Kings received it warmly. However, we received sharp rebuffs from Colombia and Ecuador! We must immediately declare war if we-” “Monsieur Baron” Victoria said, cutting the chancellor off. “What do you make of this?” “Madame” He thought a moment, and passed a cold glance up and down the Chancellor. “It would seem that if you indeed wished for a continental empire, you must declare war and take those states as examples to the rest of South America. However, a war so soon after the last one may or may not be received well by the public. I suggest you hold an election. See if the public are willing or not to support another war.” “How wise of you” Victoria said. The Chancellor turned red. He knew at that point he had lost his final authority. He only needed to make one mistook, one displeasing outburst and he would be replaced by this, this scum. He stood in the sitting room until the Empress looked up at him. “Then the matter is resolved. You are dismissed” Dismissed. Like some lowly servant. The Chancellor left the room and the happy conversation inside resumed.

****

“Then you are sure?” The Marquise de Selle inquired. “Yes Monsieur” Said Lupus. “They say that the Chancellor already packs for his expected dismissal, and avoids the Empress and her ladies for fear of making an off comment.” The Marquise smiled.

“Good. And the Baron?”
“The Baron’s influence grows, yet it is not nearly at the height that Montgomerie’s power was during the war.”
“And when shall I have my audience with her Majesty?”
“Soon Monsieur. But.. but there is more. There is talk of another war...”
“Excellent!”
 
Paris, France - Versailles Palace

Louis was still in Mexico, preparing for his wedding. Charles De Nantes was still regent of the French empire, which was facing new economic relief from pre-war slouching. For although Louis XVIII was a liberal king, he was still conservative on many subjects, those being the "Sun-King" style mercantilist economy, and the divine right of kings.

Charles believed in the latter, but after the war was ended, he suspended the mercantilist system for a more capitalist system which aided all kinds of people, not just the aristocracy and nobility. It was perceieved well through out the empire, and money was slowly swelling. The royal treasury benefitted just as well, and thus a project was announced to the people, in an order.

From the Desk of Louis XVIII,
To Ze Mastuer Buildeur of Parie
Dearest Buildeur, you are renouned through-out the French world as the greatest architech since Michealangelo himself. Thus I king of the French propose a building project to commemorate out victory in the war.

The project, a large palace which rivals Versailles in Paris, to be built in Quebec. It will be a co-capital of the French empire, where I shall spend half of a year ruling my kingdom. Do me well.

Outside Paris..

Charles De Nantes stood in the shadow, talking to some fellow from the outskirts of the French empire..from Indo-China or some other province in the great empire. Charles was flustered.

"So you can ensure his death is swift?"

"Indeed, monsieur. But why the Spanish king?"

"Because he is a Bourbon. France is a colonial power, yet we placed a Bourbon on Spains throne in 1703. It is time we reclaim that rebel province, by assassinating their king, and claiming Louis XVIII to be regent of the young Spanish heir. His influence will grow, and a coup shall toss the Spanish Bourbons out on the streets, making Louis the king of the Franco-Spanish people."

Both men left the scene, one back towards Versailles, the other south..towards Madrid.
 
L’eau De Ville- Brazil

The Empress sat in her gardens, in her kimono. She was meditating, in the eastern fashion. Recently she had fallen in love with the orient. A guard entered the garden. “The Chancellor madame” he stepped aside and Montgomerie, looking very flustered entered. “Madame.. how.. how could you!” “How could I what?” she inquired. “This.. this!” He held in his hands a bundle of documents. “This directly undermines the Orleans doctrine!” “How?” She asked. “I made peace with Ecuador, allowing them to leave the Orleans Union. Once I allowed them Argentina declared their intention not to join. Well, clause seventy two says that when a member state declares their intention to leave, the mother state- Brazil- has the right to invade them and make sure they stay under our ‘protection’. Well, by protection I assumed you meant an outright annexation.”

The Minister stared shocked at her. “So, somehow, through your deviousness, you have managed to let Chile, Peru, and Ecuador leave the Orleans Union, with no penalty.. but are in the process of annexing Argentina and Colombia? How?” “Because” Said the Empress. “Those are two states I want.” “And what do you plan to do with the other three?” The Chancellor asked, still in amazement. “I don't know. I was thinking of selling them.” The Chancellor looked at her strictly. “Where did you come up with this idea?” He asked her. “The Baron De St. Louis. Of course” “I might have known” The Chancellor said and sighed.

“You have ruined by meticulous planning.” The Chancellor said. “I don't like your tone. You are dismissed” The Empress said. He stood and sighed. “Yes Madame”.

****

On Behalf of her Majesty, the Empress of Brazil and Queen of the Caribbean, War has been declared on the rebellious and way ward states of Argentina and Colombia. In addition, the Orleans Doctrine proclaimed at the end of the First World war has been repelled; Brazil will tolerate colonialism of the lands of south America.

****
Colombian Campaign

The Brazilian troops moved north unopposed. There were a few shoot outs, but the superior numbers, training and weaponry allowed Brazil to take hardly any casualties in the first weeks of the war. This was not a war against great powers, like the first world war was. It was a war against native guerillas, badly trained.

Yet it was still a war, and the troops and generals knew that it was not one to be taken lightly. The plan of the war was to defend to the south, and first take Colombia. That was not difficult since guerilla tactics were more effective on the defensive than offensive.

There were only small poor dirt farms in Colombia. The first siege the army would make would be at Concordia. The Colombian forces were led by the Baron De St. Louis, who was rapidly becoming the great general in Brazilian history. Soon Colombia would fall, then the Brazilians could turn their eyes to Argentina.
 
Palace of the Spanish King, Madird Spain

A dark skinned man, dressed in fine French clothes entered the palace of the Spanish king, Alfonso XIII. He had been ordered by the French regent to assassinate the man, and claim the throne in the name of France. He had set up a meeting as high ranking French noble..it was only a matter of time until Alfonso met his demise.

The assassin was from French Indo-China, a muslim. The assassin knew he'd die in killing Alfonso, but it would be worth it, he would be matyred for the French people, and Allah would grant him fourty virgins in heaven, so he thought.

The footsteps echoed, as the assassin stood in front of the king. There were no guards present; it was late, and Alfonso wanted the meeting to end soon, and figured the noble would not hold him long.

"What do you want, so late?" Alfonso drowsily said. The assassin smiled, removing a pistol from his belt.

"Praise Allah the merciful! Praise Allah the gracious! Your time has come, snivling monarch of the Spanish! Spain is nothing but a rebel province in the French empire, and thus you shall be died, and Louis XVIII shall claim your throne!" The assassin gave a scream, before shooting Alfonso right in the head, killing him instantly, yet not before the guards were called in. The assassin met his demise too by the gun, yet nothing could be done. France had killed the Spanish king!
 
Herr Panda, update the front page IMMEDIATELY. Its hard to write anything with so little info.
 
Spain:

An uproar! Alfonso XIII was dead, killed by some muslim! Anyone could've pinned it on some Muslim nationalist wanting independance for their city..but there was one problem. The Muslim had been French! He had a French accent, his clothes were French..it had been a set-up! France had Alfonso assassinated! The Spanish people were in an up-roar..they weren't going to let Louis XVIII just TAKE the Spanish throne..no..it was war.

Mexico, Imperial Palace:

Louis clutched a letter in his hand, from the regent. No more mercantile system, Charles had disbanded it. Spain was without a monarch, and France was mobilizing to invade Spain, nothing more than a "rebel" province in the French people's eyes.

"That fool..starting another war so soon. Yet I'll let it be. Charles can think he is gaining influence, but he's being cut off when I return."

Pyrres Mountains:

French troops, elitistes were already marching downwards towards Spain. There was artillary, and other supplies, but they were lightly equipped. While the Castillian and native Spanish were in an up-roar, many predominant Franco-Spanish people had pledged support of taking the Spanish throne.

Charles De Nantes was with the army. Although he had done this in the name of Louis, he was tempted to seat himself on Spain's throne. Yet he was already enroaching past his given authority..he'd have to settle for invading Spain for Louis.

The French armies march into Iberia was infuriating Portugal as well, and they had threatened to declare war if the troops didn't back down. It didn't matter, Portugal's time was over, it was time for Pax Fransisca. Families across Iberia were over-throwing Spanish mayors in towns and cities, setting up Pro-French communes. The Spanish could do nothing, but in Portugal they were harshly put down.

Portugal was at it's point though; it had been tossed out of the Americas in 1605, faced decline while France rose, and other such things. It didn't matter, France would topple the Iberian states, and add them under the ancien flag.
 
A loud explosion rocked the fortress. Another one. And then three more.

Russian forces were surprised, the resistance was supposed to be long over in Pontus. And yet, the fortified city of Trebzond was suddenly attacked from within by bombers. How did they get there was unknown.

And then, artillery began pounding the city. Cautiously, yet well-aimedly, they fired at the Russian positions - apparently, the Meccians were not at all confident in their supply capacity, and feared that they would run out of shells.

And then, amidst the panic, the Meccian - or rather Turkish - forces began breaking into the fortress. They were rather disorganized - infantry and cavalry were mixed - but brave, ferocious and unexpected. Unwelcome guests, they crushed all opposition by the end of the day. Mohummad al-Qubani, the soon-to-be-infamous Turkish warlord, arrived in Trebzond at morning and declared himself Sultan of Anatolia.
 
To: Charles de Nantes, Regent of France
From: King Johann Friedrich V

Your invasion of Spain is a nakedly opportunistic attempt to destroy Spain in its hour of weakness. You should be offering support to the nation in its time of need. If French troops are not withdrawn from Spain, Bavaria will invade France to save Spain.
 
To Whom It May concern
We, the Imperial Empress of Brazil, must announce to the world, that any military action taken against France will result in Brazilian aid to our mother country. As a dutiful daughter, we will protect our relative states

****
The Colombian Campaign

The siege of Concordia was not a siege. The natives abandoned the city, and it was quickly taken and razed. This scorch earth policy was very effective. Yet the last of the Colombian sieges was the capital of Bogota.

Artillery was set up around the city, as soldiers waited to invade. The Baron De St. Louis was optimistic. He was sure Colombia would fall within the week. Then attention could be turned to Argentina. Unfortunately it seemed, through the vast Brazilian spy network, that a european war might erupt soon.

Yet that was not for him to think about. Despite being practically confined to his chambers, Montgomerie was still Chancellor. The Baron knew though, that once Argentina and Colombia were in Brazilian hands, the Chancellor would loose his last influence, and the Baron would become chancellor.
 
To: King Johann Friedrich V
From: Charles De Nantes (In place of Louis XVIII)

Try it. We'll beat you further past the Rhine than you are now. We'll have you running towards the east, for shelter under the Russian Cesarate. Our threats are not empty. We'll march into Berlin, burn it down; we'll march into Vienna, burn it down; we'll make sure your Fatherland is nothing but a charred wasteland if you decide to mess with the French people.
 
To: Regent Charles de Nantes
From: King Johann Friedrich V

Your belligerence is disgusting. Once upon a time, you promised to keep an alliance with Bavaria. Now, you are preparing to fight a war on two fronts, and to try to annihilate Spain in addition to us. France, if it accumulates too much power, will destroy all order and balance in the world.

To: President Wilson
From: King Johann Friedrich V

Your nation has suffered greatly in the past war. French warmongering cost America a great President. I believe that you will be as great a leader as Roosevelt.

Now is an excellent time to test that. Europe, and world stability, is threatened. France is preparing to take over Iberia with no just cause, and now that Bavaria is trying to help our Spanish brothers, they deliver an ultimatum to us, too. If Louis destroys us both, America might be one of the last bastions of peace in a French-dominated planet. I beseech you, keep our world safe, and join us in saving Spain from French aggression.
 
It had only been a couple of months since he was sworn into presidency when Wilson was facing a new threat to America. France is at it again, he thought. As vice president, he had had no real power, especially since Roosevelt was very much a "do-it-yourself" president. Wilson was practically left out of the loop when it came to the first world war. But now he was in the spot that would mean millions will go without freedom, or possibly thousands of Americans would die. Was America the country that would mettle in European affairs? Wilson had long believed that Europe was its own continent, and that America had no right in mettling in European Affairs, as former President Washington had felt. But ever since the French intervention, and the non-British involvement, in World War One, Wilson was rethinking his morals. He thirsted for revenge. America had been right in World War One, the Texans did want independence, as the vote held just last week indicated.

And so Wilson was left with foriegn affairs that seemed to explode from his desk. The Bavarians wanted American pressure against France should the French not pull from Spain. The Texans wanted American pressure against Mexico to live up the treaty and grant Texas independence. Wilson was also still left with the problem of rebuilding the country after the first world war, mostly dealing with the South where Brazil had destroyed most of the infrastructure. America could not do all three, Wilson was sure he did not want to make the same mistake that Roosevelt did in World War One. But which one would he do?
 
Dear Maria Juanita, Empress of Mexico,

Your highness, I thank you for reading this letter. I am sure you are quite aware of your own referendum held in Texas, and I thank you for following the Washington treaty thus far. But there is still the part inwhich you must follow the will of the people. The Texans have voted overwhelmingly for the created of the independent state of Texas. This would include everything north of the Rio Grande up to the border with America. I ask that you create this state, so that the matters of World War One will finally be laid to rest.

Yours Truly,
President Woodrow Wilson
 
President Wilson of America,

My good sir, the last war has just ended, not but a few months ago. Yet I believe it is time that the grievances between each other are put to an end. Thus I offer you a proposition.

The Brazilians admire your navy greatly. We suggest an exchange. If you supply American scientists to teach our shipbuilders the secrets of the great American navy, we will guarantee you the gift of the states of Chili and Peru. With many industrial northern states in French hands, and the southern infrastructure destroyed, we hope that these two states, and your scientists will bring both our states fortune.

Her Majesty,
Empress Victoria Orleans I

****

Colombian Campaign

It was over. Colombia was in the hands of the Brazilians. The capital had fought valiantly but had fallen, and thus the country had fallen as well. The Baron could now turn his attentions to Argentina. Except it would be impossible for him to go there in person. While riding through the city, he had been attacked and received a horrible leg wound.

Even as the invasion forces wiped out the rest of the rebels, the Baron was being sent back to L’eau De Ville.

He rode in his carriage, as the Colombians had hardly any railway. Once they reached the border, he would transfer to the train. He wondered ideally about the coming second war. He would urge the Empress against any rash movements. He didn't want Brazil involved. He knew only vaguely about the offer to the Americans but opposed it.

An isolated Brazil, meant a stronger Brazil. To offer territory to them was foolish. Yet the offer was made, and the Empress always kept her word.
 
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