NES: Delusions of Grandeur

[Drake Rlugia]

Orleans De Medici, Royal Flagship - Docked in Mexico

Louis XVIII came off his grand steam-ship, in Mexico. It was a long and arduous trip, but he was there. Along with the Steamer came a few class 2 French transports, moderately loaded with soldiers and supplies. There were also ironclads, which had protected the royal steam-ship on it's trek.

Louis was weary, but he needed to continue to Mexico city. Along side him, Imperial guards followed Louis to guard him. These gaurds protected the Bourbons through the Revolutional scare, and had ever sense defended the royal family.

The king and his entorage began their trek south, towards the Mexican capital..on barefoot. Louis intended to arrive in a common way..he wanted no parades, and no parties to celebrate his arrival.

------

Northern Mexico:

The supplies and items which came with Louis were heading north, to the front. The Americans had already pushed through Texas, and the French were NOT going to let them go any further. Soldiers trugged forth, some on horses, some not, with raggity carts filled with medical supplies, weaponry, and other things. Slowly behind the men were men pushing cannons.

"I wonder when we'll reach the front.." One man groaned.

"Who knows.." Another sighed, as they continued trugging through the Mexican plains northward.

 

[Insane_Panda]

Slowly, ships began to appear above the horizon, steam from their huge smokestacks bellowing into the air behind them. An onlooker thought them serpents and monsters, but slowly they came into better view, and soon it was apparent what they were as their Union Jack's fluttered in the wind. They were British battleships. But what were they doing in Egypt, so far away from their bases and so far away from their war in America? Alexandria fell silent as the steel behemoths dragged their way into port. Two of these monsters entered into port waters, while the rest, numbering some 15, stayed outside in a large arc, shutting off the harbor. An english officer, dressed in bright red and carrying the fleet standards, stepped upon dry land, offered a paper to the Emir of Alexandria, who, in his opulent robes was quite shocked by this arrival.

The British then went back into their ships, waiting a response.

The letter? Well, it read-

To the Most Noble Governors of Egypt,

With your tyrannical rulers besieged on all sides, the foundations of your nation falling apart, and defeat eminent, the Crown of Britain deems it best for your sake, and for thousands of others, that you join the United Kingdom as a crown colony. Consider well the consequences of not accepting, as they lie right outside of Alexandria...

The British Royal Navy

-----------------------------------------

OOC: I know its short, real battle tomorrow. Communisto quit, BTW.

 

[BananaLee]

I have been suffering writer's block since forever...
I have to leave I think.

 

[Dachs]

...and Bavaria stays quiet. Again.

 

[Drake Rlugia]

OCC: Let's get Bavaria involved then?

To: The Wise Bavarian King
From: Regent Charles De Nantes (In place of Louis XVIII)

From all sides, England threatens our sovreignity! Her navy will rule seas if we continue to let her go-unchecked! I propose we form a united alliance against the English, including a full-range trade embargo? What say you?

Mexico City:

Louis and his entourage arrived in Mexico, their feet beating with pain..the kings atleast. The people were dressed finely, but no one in Mexico city seemed to care or notice the arrival of the French king. Slowly, Louis made his way to the Mexican palace, home to the empress..and his fiance.

"Hail, good sirs! I request an audience with Her ladyship, Maria Juanita. Tell her it is Louis. I believe she will let me in."

 

[irish_lad]

Imperial Throne Room

"Maria, Maria!" The Empress' two sisters came bursting in, through the double doors of the Imperial Throne room.
"He's here!" Shouted The Empress' youngest sister, Maragarita. Irritated by the interruption Maria Juanita slowly stood, "Who's here?"
"The French King, Maria, your future husband!" Said the Empress' other sister, Isabela.
"Already? Let him in, have him wait in the Grand Hall. Tell him I will be with him shortly. Have the chefs began a banquet, grant him anything else he wishes." Maria commanded.
Her heart was beating wildly, she called in several of her ladies in wating to help her prepare to meet her husband. She was nervous but oddly excited.

On the California Coast

After days and days of artillery shells bursting and gunfire, it had came to an odd stand still. These soldiers were not the peasants who rallied against the Americans on the Texan front, they were hardened warriors who had learned from the best generals of the Mexican war for independence. The people of the city of San Diego had fled days ago. It was just the Mexican and Japanese troops. The Japanese had captured the area around the docks, while the Mexicans had been trying to keep the Japanese from gaining any more territory. They had suceeded in preventing any further Japanese invasion of their city, and today, they wished to take back the Japanese controlled area.
At the break of dawn several groups of Mexican soldiers had encircled the San Diego Mission, the japanese Head Quarters in the city. The General overlooked the Mission grounds once more, the only ones awake were two guards in the front. Both fell dead from the well aimed shot of a Mexican soldier, unfortunately the noise caused the remaining Japanese to burst forth from the Mission. "Now! Attack!" Screamed the General. The First wave of soldiers overwhelmed the semi-awake Japanese.
While the battle at the mission commensed, another troop of soldiers went about the stables, freeing the horses. After that the same troop made a mad dash to the docks, lying in wait to attempt to take out any and all Japanese who were attempting to flee by way of their ships.

 

[Drake Rlugia]

To: Emperor Meiji of Japan
From: Regent Charles De Nantes (In place of Louis XVIII of Bourbon)

You have attacked our friend Mexico, who is struggling already! Cease this war and remove forces from Mexico, NOW! Or do you need to feel the wrath of the French beast before we send you Japanese cowering back to your tiny humble island?

We do not wish to fight a two front war, but we will do so in order to spare the destruction of our Mexican allies.

To: Empress Victoria of Brazil
From: Regent Charles De Nantes (In place of Louis XVIII of Bourbon)

Hail, daughter-country of the French! We appauld your siezure of Cuba and Dominican, and recognize your sovreignity over those islands! We also appauld your common-sense on aiding the Mexicans in their time of need, instead of attempting to gobble up their empire like other nations. Would you be willing to sign a Right of Passage, so you may ferry troops through French areas in case war with Japan rises?

Mexico, Mexico City - Grand Hall of The Imperial Palace:

Louis stood in the grand hall, which seemed to rival Versailles in France. Despite a war raging so far north, the city seemed to go on as normal, in the absolute splendor which nations in Europe enjoyed so much.

Louis was eager to see Maria in person..how long would he need to wait to see his wife? He was sure she was beautiful, pictures and pourtraits seldom lied, atleast to Louis, king of the French! He continued pacing as he waited for Maira..

Northern Mexico:

The French troops continued their struggle throough Mexico to reach Texas. Was a war still going on there, or was it calm? The French had already done the risky move of striking(and failing) in American territory. Did they really want to continue and bring full war?

Montreal; Franco-Quebecia:

The Quebecian army had recieved it's finishing touches, and was ready for it's grand march into America. The army was about 200,000 men, ranging from riflemen and cavalry men, to numerous cannons and supply trains. This army was not fully conscript though. 24,000 of these men were elite, Quebecian aristocrats trained, and some even fought in the Asian wars in the 1860s.

A supply train was going to run between Quebec and an out-post town in intervals, bringing medicine, food, and other supplies when needed. The supply line would not favor large pushes into American territory, but rather small incursions.

Ekran Gyan was amongst the Quebecian army, one of the few French-Indians in the Quebecian army. Ekran was not ready for war, although atleast he wouldn't be walking to the battle field, soldiers would be ferried through the supply line route, and when all assembled, invasion would begin.

Generals had dubbed this plan, "Operation Quebec Blitz" and it was highly secretive, only the highest ranking generals knowing of it. Troops would be ferried in, and a long invasion would fling south-ward, attempting to over-run Fort Henry and Vermont. Would it work? Only time could tell for the French, as the first of three ferries began taking troops.

 

[das]

Who does NPC diplo? Or do we assume Meccia just falls apart into warlord factions ala Qing China?

 

[Dachs]

OCC: Let's get Bavaria involved then?

To: The Wise Bavarian King
From: Regent Charles De Nantes (In place of Louis XVIII)

From all sides, England threatens our sovreignity! Her navy will rule seas if we continue to let her go-unchecked! I propose we form a united alliance against the English, including a full-range trade embargo? What say you?

To: Regent Charles de Nantes
From: King Johann Friedrich V

We are slightly suspicious of this offer, if it may be excused. France and England, the two great rivals, are now at war, and you are trying to get Bavaria involved too? What if you defeat England, and then are free to attack Bavaria later? Bavaria wants an assurance that France will not take advantage of the disappearance of England before any sort of alliance is signed.

The messenger left Nuremberg on horseback, and raced for Paris. Unbeknownst to him, another one headed for Wilhelmshavn, with the final destination of London.

To: King William V
From: King Johann Friedrich V

We have received an offer from France to join a war against you. We wish to hear the other side of the story from you. Is there a reason Bavaria should join England against France instead of the other way around? We will await your answer, and will not make any moves until it is received.

OOC: Please put Bavaria's stats up on the first page, will make it easier to make war!

 

[Jason The King]

das - u do

 

[das]

OOC: So I could answer Panda in the name of the the Egyptian emir? Thanks!

IC:

"Well, this is it." - I sighed - "The Arabs were worthy enemies, but they had no good leaders. Their sultan locked himself up in his hedonistic court in Jiddah, and the Meccian Empire is falling apart. And the ravens are already rushing to pick at Mecca's corpse."

"Yes, indeed." - said Andrei. He came back from the frontlines recently - the Meccian forces lost the Balkans to us, and the rebels in Greece and Serbia. The historic justice was restored there. In Anatolia and Iraq, the offensives stopped due to determined enemy resistance, but by now, there was no need to advance. The Meccian generals and governors, they all started to compete for the lands of their Empire. Who would have thought they would fall so easily?

"This is a victory." - I said - "A great victory, but largely, we got lucky. Our army, Andrei, is filled with brave and capable men, but... I believe it is in some regards not up to date."

Andrei shook his head disapprovingly.

"Well, brother, could you imagine the British bogging down as much as we did in Armenia despite the enemy not getting any orders or reinforcements?" - I asked. Andrei did not reply.

"We need military reforms, you mean." - he finally said. I nodded - that was what I intended. He then suggested - "Perhaps we should invite foreigners to our army, to learn the European ways of war?"

"Not just the European, Andrei. A large war has started, remember? And so far, the main fighting is in America..."

"Yes, yes... We should send military observers."

"Indeed. Now, we need to formalize our gains."

---

On September 8th 1898, Timur II, Holy Russian Cesar, has most officially annexed the lands of Transcaucasia, Armenia and Pontus, and the lands of Bulgaria and Thrace, and the city of Cesar-Gorod. On September 9th, Timur II, Holy Russian Cesar, has most offiically recognized the independance of Serbia and Greece.

But he celebrated victory too early. For in Anatolia, the Arabian army did not disintegrate, and instead prepared to fight on...

 

[Bluecheesedude]

To: Empress Victoria of Brazil
From: Regent Charles De Nantes (In place of Louis XVIII of Bourbon)

Hail, daughter-country of the French! We appauld your siezure of Cuba and Dominican, and recognize your sovreignity over those islands! We also appauld your common-sense on aiding the Mexicans in their time of need, instead of attempting to gobble up their empire like other nations. Would you be willing to sign a Right of Passage, so you may ferry troops through French areas in case war with Japan rises?

To: Charles De Nantes
From: Victoria, Empress of the Brazilian people and Prima Damus of the Empire

Brazil is a most dutiful daughter and sister, and will honor both Mexico and France. We of course accept your request for a right of passage and thank you for your acknowledgment of our Caribbean domination.

****

Cuba- Havana

In what had quickly become the Brazilian headquarters in the carribian, the Baron De St. Louis sat in his office. Instead of installing a puppet regime, Brazil had fully annexed the carribian islands.

Daily more transport ships were arriving to quell the resistance. Although they had taken the islands very quickly, a great resistance movement had flared shortly after formal annexation was declared.

Troops were also being rushed to the Mexican front, which made the Baron very uneasy. “I don't like this. We’re over extending ourselves..” The Baron said. From the shadows the Chancellor Montgomerie stepped. He had taken one of the transports, to make sure the occupation was going according to plan. “Your opinion is duly noted sir. If this all goes well you will receive various medals.. even a governorship here..” The Chancellor waved his hand. The Baron grunted.

“Alright. I accept that for the time being the war has been only a formality so far. However, I fear that Brazil will become too involved in this....”

****
In one of the abandoned plantation homes in Hatie a group of men met. They didn't speak the french that the invaders spoke, or even the creoles of the native Brazilian field hands. They spoke Spanish.

In what was once the parlor of a wealthy spanish plantation owner, this secret rebel meeting occurred.

“I don't like it, I tell you. Getting involved with the Americans..” One said. “Shut up” another said. “With American help we might be able to drive the Brazilians back to Brazil.. even get our independence” The first speaker laughed. “Yea right! If anything, the Americans will make worse masters than the Brazilians. I’m leaving, and don't expect me to keep my mouth shut” The man who was speaking turned and began to leave the plantation house shell. The second speaker drew a gun.

****

A few miles away a refugee and his family walked along the main highway. They heard a loud shot, from a gun.

 

[Dachs]

OOC: Where's Panda? Both of his NESes need something...either update or an important diplo message...dang!

 

[Insane_Panda]

Bah. Story shalt come tonight. And for my other NES, well, i have been under some heavy time constraints.

 

[Dachs]

Not story, diplo! Check post 109!

 

[Bluecheesedude]

Victoria and her ladies walked through the high marble halls of the palace. On either side of the main corridor where they promenaded, huge marble pillars and arches reveled lushes cool gardens.

Victoria and her ladies wore day dresses, which were comprised thusly: undergarments, a light slip and a one piece frock that trailed slightly and had a broad ribbon (Of similar color but contrasting fabric to the dress) around the waist. Gloves were worn too. Hair was worn down.

In these light garments the middle class and aristocratic woman were able to bear the heat. For men, it was much more unfortunate because Brazilian culture demanded full suits of them, even in the sweltering warmth of most Brazilian days. In the south, it was so bad that everything had to be closed down by noon.

Yet these thoughts seldom troubled the mind of the Empress whose many palaces through the empire were always cool.

In the midst of the Empress and her ladies was the Vice Chancellor De Pellois whose position was due to his families wealth and power more than the Vice Chancellors own abilities. He was much more charming than Montgomerie who hide in the shadows and watched like an introverted father, or as some of the courtiers said, a dirty old man.

In his flamboyant costume, the Vice Chancellor charmed all creole ladies in waiting and brought askance glances from the high born ladies of european descent.

“Really Monsieur, do you believe the war will reach us, in Brazil?” The Empress asked, giggling. “Well there is only one thing I can say, I don't see how the Americans can beat us.... they will be far to distracted by all the pretty woman!” The ladies of Victoria burst into giggles.

“What Immorality” Said a cold voice. “To see the Brazilian Empress, and her upstanding ladies giggling around some man who... by his manners and attire could be mistaken for a gigolo!” The Chancellor Montgomerie stepped into the lime light. Victoria and her ladies were taken aback. Montgomerie stepped ever further into the group. “Pellois, I expected more of you. Return at once to your apartments, until I send for you.” The Vice Chancellor retreated. His fair hair bobbing through the airy marble halls of the palace. “You are all dismissed” He said to the Imperial ladies, who retreated hastily from their mistress.

“Really Madame. I expect far more from you” Like a little girl, the Empress wore a look of shame. “Come, don't put on that pout. There is much to discuss...”

****

The Baron De St. Louis sat astride his horse. On a hill, he overlooked the battle. A rather impressive army, for a group of rag tag rebels. They had been assembled by the resistance and was seiging the Haitian city of Port Au Prince. Of course the superior Brazilian troops were winning.. but it still brought a tingle to the Barons spine that perhaps Brazil had overextended herself...

 

[Drake Rlugia]

OCC: I've colored the map to include a few new nations. I have only added Brazil and Bavaria, and full conquests(like the carribean for Brazil, Korea for Japan). Cause if I tried to do partial conquests like the Cesarate against the Meccans, I'd make a mistake.

IC:

To: King Johann Friedrich V
From: Regent Charles De Nantes (In place of Louis XVIII of Bourbon)

We French are not people seeking to expand in Europe. We are happy with our colonies, and European territory, thus you have nothing to fear of us turning against you. Us French are trustworthy folk. Swearing on the name of our king, we shall never betray our allies!

Quebecian-American Border:

The village of Thames was quiet, just a few miles from the American border. The ferrying of troops via the Quebec rails were useful, and soon the Quebecian army was assembled in Thames, including Ekran Gyan. It was so scary and exciting all at once, for privates in the army. The supply train proved successful, atleast thus far. It was some-what rickity, but all trains were.

"Excited?" A young man next to Ekran asked. Ekran turned towards the man..he was finely dressed. A Quebecois aristrocrat, with a top of the line 1890 rifle, fit with decorative clothes.

"I am scared and excited. I hope Vishnu guides me through this.." Ekran told the aristocrat, sighing. The Quebecois was posed to reply, but the general in charge of the operation appeared, and all soldiers, high and low saluted the great man. Royal Governor of Franco-Quebecia,defeating Asian revolutionaries in the 1860s, and was even minister to the late Louis XVII. Born in 1830, this general served as advisor to Louis XVII in his last year as king.

His name? Jacques Marquise, of Nantes France. The greatest general in the modern era, and a highly esteemed friend to Louis XVIII. Yet Jacques was aging, and this war would most likely be his last. The aging fool began to speak, his battle plan to attack the Americans.

"Alright men! Today is a day that will be forever eteched in history. It is the time to strike! Quick and fast as well! American needs to be punished for unjust invasion, and that is what they will do. They say they wish to free the Texans, yet you cannot make people be free. They must earn it. We French have shown that. We rose up against our Bourbon kings 110 years ago, and we were harshly defeated. We wanted to earn our freedom, but we were weak! The Americans earned their freedom, defeating the British! If the Texans want this vile "democracy" they will have to rise up and defeat the Mexicans! Deus volt!" The charismatic Jacques screamed out, causing the soldiers to give cheers of support. They were ready to wage war with the Americans, even if it meant death. Yet Ekran Gyan found this general nothing but a bumbling fool. Earning freedom? It worked..but it was not something that was easily done, especially for a tiny providence in a far flung empire.

"..I disagree." Ekran spoke loudly, making Jacques take notice of him. Many soldiers gasped. Disagree with the greatest French general of their time? It was almost like tossing off your faith, or becoming a Marxist! It was a disgrace, like being a pariah to your homeland. Jacques babbling turned to a snarl. A lowly private disagree with him?

"Why do you disagree? Do you think people can earn their freedom through bloodless revolution, with the overthrowing of the "Proletariat"? I'd heavily suggest you put the Communist Manifesto down. It'd a load of trash. Bloodless revolutions are impossible..freedom is earned, not given out like candy to a young babe! France gained it's freedom from the great empire of Roma, as did most of Europe. From here Europe colonized the realm..America earned it's freedom from England, Brazil from France, and Mexico from Spain. It was not given!" Jacques screamed.

"Brazil earned nothing! Henri De Bourbon granted Brazil it's independance because most of the Catholics left en masse there! I may be a French-Indian, but I am not stupid! Even the wisest know Brazil was granted freedom. If Brazil was given it, other places can recieve it too!" Ekran snapped back, causing Jacques to stir..he had no time to argue with an idiot from one of Frances colonial possessions. He had a war to run.

"Well then, if you can survive the war..I'll let you talk to the king about this. I'm sure he'll see you if you know me."

Jacques turned his back from Ekran, and gave the snap to begin drilling. They had a war to win.

 

[Bluecheesedude]

Port Au Prince- Haiti

The Baron De St. Louis was unhappy. The Rebels had gained access into the city and fierce street fighting was occurring. This was not suppose to be happening. From his camp on the piedmont au Prince he was able to observe the entire battle.

“Damn it” He said. Although the wealthy land owners of Cuba and Haiti appreciated the annexation, they provided no support for the occupation. He entered his tent. It was a grand structure, luxurious in every way. He walked through the caverns of silk and lenin to his study, and sat down at his writing desk.


To: Chancellor Montgomerie
From: Baron De St. Louis

Monsieur, the revolts although not carribean wide, are extensive in the area around Port Au Prince. I believe that if you want to keep this strong hold, and prevent an even wider rebel insurgency, more troops must be rushed to the island.

****

Californian Front

The first Brazilian troops, with their modern armor and military equipment arrived on the front. The Brazilians were not afraid of the Japanese. There was little chance of a Japanese invasion. On the west was a buffer, a series of states that could protect Brazil. And if they couldn't protect her politically, there was also the treacherous amazon jungle that protected her from Western invasion.

In addition, most of the Brazilian navy was in the Carribean crushing the Haitian rebels, but also lying in wait. Although stretched a bit too thin, the Brazilian generals were confident that their position was secure to make a move

****


To: Her Majesty, Empress of Mexico
From: Her Majesty, Empress of Brazil

Sister, the Brazilian reinforcements have arrived on the Californian front. They are yours to command in whichever way you see fit, in order to best support your own troops. With our combined forces, the Japanese may be driven off.

 

[Dachs]

To: King William V
From: King Johann Friedrich V

Your apparent lack of interest in international affairs and the fact that Bavaria may soon declare war on you is saddening. If you wish to have our nation join your Anglo-American alliance, send word quickly. Time is of the essence. If we do not receive your message by midnight tonight Nuremberg time (OOC: Panda, that's 3 PM your time), we will declare our membership in the Franco-Mexican-Brazilian alliance and go to war with America, Britain, and Japan. This is your second and last warning.

 

[Bluecheesedude]

Haiti- Port Au Prince

The Baron De St. Louis rode through the city victoriously. More troops had arrived, and with them the rebels were crushed easily. Not only that, but an Imperial Charter straight from the Empress had declared that the wealthy Caribbean plantation owners where to provide full support of the annexation. This meant that former slaves (Although the Caribbean economy had been run on slaves, they were freed with the annexation) and horses for the army. Not only that, but with the Caribbean firmly under their control, the Brazilians could launch attacks on the soft underbelly of the American Empire...

****
Florida

Troops amassed on the Florida peninsula. The Baron De St. Louis, the great Brazilian general and the head of the Invasion force, knew that there were very few troops in this part of the American empire.

In his tent, a group of underling Generals stood around discussing their plan of attack. “There are few troops here, because America is in the midst of a four part war. Thus we will go north, and burn everything in our path. Plantations, railroads, everything. We have a supply of food coming from the Caribbean. By the time they realize what hit them, they will not be able to get troops back from Texas. Alright then, I expect little opposition. Tallahassee is in our view, we can take that and cut off southern Florida before marching directly to Washington”


A Day or So later

The city of Tallahassee lay in the view of the approaching Brazilian army. Artillery had already been set up around the city, and the metropolis was being shelled. The camp Head Quarters was in the midst of the siege, and the Baron De St. Louis sat in his war tent.

“Monsieur, the siege is going well” One of the Generals said. “Soon the city will be ours”


An hour or so later, in Tallahassee

Pierre Dumont was not of a wealthy family. He had been conscripted when he was 17. Yet he was experienced, and the Commander of an entire division. Street fighting had broke out. But Peirre had been involved in the Haitian street fighting just weeks ago, and so it was nothing new. Even as they were attacking the city, they were also burning the important buildings. Granaries had been torched, and the ammunition warehouses had been raided.

The city was nearly theirs. Pierre shouted out orders as his soldiers took shelter behind a fortification. They shot at both the small army that was garrisoned, and the civilian resistors. Yes, within a few days the city would be theirs.