NES (Never-Ending Story)

[uknemesis]

Alexander grinned at the report. Finally Greece was trading again, the first time since his father had died!

"Authorise the same amount of aluminium to be sent to them as they send tin to us. The mine is vast enough to enable us to trade it with two nations, and have a supply of our own when we figure out what the hell it is!"

The Trade Minister nodded.

************************************************

 

[Jason The King]

To: Preisdent Alexander
From: Newly elected President Abraham Lincoln
Sbj: Congratulatons!

Mr. President, it's great to see you still in power, and wow, what a marvelous change, Alexander. Although I am not happy with your response to the S. American crises, I will let that detail slip due to all the bad publicity I am getting from it, due in part by my predisesor. As for trading, I heard you have a supply of Aluminum you are already splitting two ways, do you think it can go three? My scientists have already begun a small inspection of this element, but need more of it. I would be happy to trade either cotton of lumber for it. If not, I'm sure my nation could use some wine . If you need any support on your recent revolution, please don't hesitate to ask.

To: Prime Minister Sanford
From: Lincoln
Sbj: Trade

Hello again Sanford! Thank you for the congratulations. Now, I want to start something Washington never did, a trade route with the UK. I understand you have surpluss of coal, as of I do too. What I could really use, though, is that tin. I would be happy to supply you with lumber, cotton, and/or dairy products. I'll be looking forward to your reply.

Lincoln observed the charts of his Imperial Navy budget and cost. The previous budget for peacetime building of the Navy was $1200 a week. Lincoln raised it to $200,000 a week, and teh charts showed it still wasn't enough. The cost was $250,000 a week for the size of Navy he wanted. He needed a way to boost income, and he hadn't a clue...Just then, his new DA walked in, named Roosevelt. he spoke:
"Mr. President, our colonies in the southare growing restless, the unemplyment rate in that region is drastcly high. We beeter create some jobs or -"
"O.k., heres the plan." lincoln interrupted, "Explored the Andes that is ours, and see what kind of minerals you can find. Create mines for workers. And in the Brasilia plane, start fariming and rasing cattle. This may help our economy just enough for us to build the Navy we want."
"Any word from Japan on the Navy technology?" Lincoln asked his secretary of state Colin Powell.
"No, Mr. President, no one has heard from the Shogun in a couple weeks."
"O.k,. Say, how would you like to go to Japan, to further negotiate trade routes and the technolgy. Offer anything we have. Just get that technology. I will schedule a frigate and three ironclads to accompany you tomorrow. Go get packed." Lincoln felt excited for the new peacetime efforst put forth by his government, He only hoped that this wasn't a temporary world peace time.
"MR. PRESIDENT! This just in. Our explorers in the Indian ocean have encountered an island, open for the taking! I suggest we dispatch Settlers to the island to make a naval base and a trading post!" Powell Yelled in excitement.
"Agreed. Dispatch tonight. What is the island called and where is it?"
"It's called Christmas Island, and is almost dead smack in the middle of the ocean!"

This was good, now he had a strong foot in Indian ocean for trading. This would help his trade with Persa, Greece, and India.

 

[Toasty]

To: General Conrad
From: His Imperial Majesty King Righello Benevolenza X
Subj: Lima & Toulon pacts.

I accept your proposal for the "Lima Pact" but would like to suggest that you join me, Greece and France in the Toulon Pact. If the Aztects refuse to grant you your independence peacefully then we could bring in the forces of both of these nations.
With the acception of the Lima Pact and the hopeful integration of Peru into the Toulon Pact we should be able to intimidate Aztland into accepting your independence or carve them up. Hopefully, however, you will get your nation and no such actions will have to be taken place otherwise.

To: Admiral Fishcher, President Washington
From: His Imperial Majesty, King Benevolenza X
Subj: Lima & Toulon

Since both of you plan on sending military aid to Peru I should warn you that any anti-Peruvian action committed by the soldiers of your government against Peru will in fact result in war between our nations. A war between our nations also means a war with Greece and France, and to a certain extent, Japan. I believe I can safely assume that neither of you want to be fighting 5 countries at once.
This is not a threat but an advisory and a promise. Should you choose to send in your troops and beat down Peru in the name of Aztec despotism our alliances will be forced to take action against such barbarism.
Take my advice: don't get involved.

**********************************************

King Righello beamed with pride. He had just recieved a dispatch from his Admiral Gadispucci, the head of the naval department, news of a part of Rome that had been neglected.
With the discoveries of other nations such as Replacable parts, Combustion, and Mass Production Rome was able to quickly cath up in technology immediately after a huge industrialization effort in the Taranto area. The Roman navy had launched 14 new ships, including 2 Righello class battleships, massive behemoths with several guns.

Rome was leading the naval wave and Righello was glad. The Atlantic fleet was based at Magnia, a city on the coast of Rome's South American colonies and the Mediterranean was based at Taranto.

 

[CONRAD]

To: Benevolenza X
From: Gen. Conrad
Subj: Pacts, trade

I graciously accept your offer to be in the Toulon pact. Perhaps with this, Peru can be granted full independance!

While we're at things, I would like to open up trade between Peru & Rome. We have minerals to offer, as well as coffee, cotton & sugar. What we also have is a painkiller we call "cocaine". It may help in surgeries and whatnot. Would you be willing to trade for wines, techs, wheat, etc?

 

[Jason The King]

To Rome (NOTE, NOT SPEAKING AS LINCOLN, OR IN ThE GAME)

It takes years for naval plans and technology to build such an enourmous fleet. You cant just say you have a huge fleet and top of the notch technology. I dont want to be a nag or anything, it's just that you have to spend money on research and time to build such ships. I've been working at it for a couple weeks now. You have just started, and Britain/Japan is way ahead of us already (Though im not sure about the technology of british ships)

 

[Sixchan]

I did some studying, and Michael Faraday invented the Dynamo in 1831.

"Refrigeration, you say?" Sanford looked at his science advisor, very interested.
"Yes sir, and some large breakthroughs in Flight!" His Science Advisor was ver excited.
"Well, what do they do?" Sanford had a little background knowledge, but he needed to know more.
"Well sir, Refrigeration will allow our ships to be at sea for up to a year by allowing us to freeze-dry foods and make them last indefinitely, and with Flight, we will be able to attack our enimies from the air!"
Amazing, thought Sanford. "Any civilian applications?"
"Of course, sir. Refrigeration will enable us to grow faster, because almost all food harvested can be frozen for use later!"
"What about flight?"
"We are someway off it, but one day, people will be able to fly all over the world for pleasue! A day at the beach for the average family will become two weeks in Florida!"
"Thank you, you may go now."

As his advisor left the room, Sanford huuriedly composed some telegrams.

From: Prime Minister Sanford
To: King Wilhelm III and Tsar Romanov
Subj: Japan

TOP SECRET FOR RECIPIANT'S EYES ONLY

I now believe that it is essential for us to bring Japan into the Trinity Alliance! The Northern Alliance is quite likely trying the same and we cannot allow potential enemies to get their hands on Japan's naval Technology.

From: Prime Minister Sanford
To: Shogun Nintendo
Subj: Technology Exchange

Good day, my friend!

You have in the past been most kind to the British people and I wonder as to the possibility of a Technology trade. How would you like it if your ships could stay at sea for up to a year at a time? I can offer this technology to you in exchange for your newest navel technology I have heard about. Also, I am proposing bringing you into the Trinity Alliance, if you want, and if the others agree.

 

[Jason The King]

Immediate Dispatch to King Righello Benevolenza X
From: President Lincoln
Sbj: S. America

Be warned, King Righello Benevolenza X, America is not intemdated by your threats, and yes, i declare them threats. Not only are me and Zululand helping the Aztecs for good, but also the whole Northern Alliance. If you do not keep out of our Affairs, I shall have to take military force. My 10th and 11th calvary devisions are already on thier way to southern Aztlan to put an end to this all comotion and will be there within two weeks, along with the Artillary and Infantry aid provided by Iroquios to be comanded by the Aztecs. Don't tempt us, King Righello Benevolenza X. The Diciple is a follower of Jesus Christ, and was planning on a Democratic way of life. He had just risen to power. Peruvians will be happy once they are part of the noew Democratic Aztlan. P.S. If a new Democratic Government of Aztlan is not present by the end of this rebellions, the rest of teh Northern Alliance will not help Aztlan anymore, and will require it to pay a cost for N.A. help.

 

[Toasty]

To: General Conrad
From: His Imperial Majesty, King Righello Benevolenza X
Subj: Re: Pacts, trade

Absolutely. In the Italian Peninsula we have a severe deficiency of minerals and natural resources, so I would like to work out an exchange that would allow my government to set up some mining businesses, where about 40% of the minerals will go to Rome, while for the rest we can share the profits (70% for me, 30% for you). In exchange I will send some army generals to train your troops and some naval engineers to develop your naval prowess. Also, we would happily demonstrate the technologies of Steam Power, Nationalism, Medicine and Sanitation to the Peruvian government for the mines.
We have our coffee, cotton and sugar in our colonies as well as the cocaine which has been rather well developed for use in Roman medical science.
I hope you'll accept my mining proposal. Unfortunately this will all have to wait until the Peruvian Republic's independence is assured as it is quite possible our mines to be damaged in war.
We offer our full support to Peru and will do anything possible to grant your nation independence.

To: Prime Minister Sanford
From: His Imperial Majesty, King Righello Benevolenza X
Subj: Malta

Greetings, Prime Minister. I wish to approach you as a friend as there are some issues in the Mediterranean we need to discuss.
My father, King Righello Benevolenza IX was a horrible man and the fact that he had so deprived the Maltese that they declared their independence is a black stain on my country's name. We wish to reunite with the Maltese and hold a plebecite so that they may consider rejoining the Roman kingdom.
As they are protected by you I would like to ask that you may withdraw from Malta. It makes me very nervous to have such a large military base so close to my home. While we will give you our word we will not invade, we ask you to do this so that we can accept Maltese independence of our own will and not the will of Great Britain.

Happy Hunting.

To: King Erik Mesoy of Egpyt
From: His Imperial Majesty, King Righello Benevolenza X
Subj: South America

I was wondering if there were any non-militaristic ways my nation would be able to aquire your South American territories. Negotiations would be much appreciated.

 

[CONRAD]

OOC(out of character): I think we need a standard for the flow of time. What shall be a "year"? A week, three days, or 24 hours? It may help things stay realistic, since the writers would then have a proper idea of how long it takes to build stuff, research, etc.

 

[Toasty]

Yeah, that was a bit outlandish. I changed the number to 14 new ships with 2 Righello's. I just wanted to have fun, sorry .

 

[Toasty]

Let it be known that under no circumstances will Rome not allow there to be a Peruvian Republic. If America and/or Zululand attacks them we have a written and moral obligation to defend them, and we will to our fullest extent. It is that simple and if America fails to realize what he will have to face in the event that he attacks Peru then we have no choice.

 

[wilboman]

The Shogun hated this! Always he was otherwise detained when important things happened! But this time it was good. He had been exploring, and he had discovered many important things about his vast South Atlantic island colonies. They were teeming with resources of all descriptions. He had also gone North, to the new colonies, and overseen the consecration of the first church in Vancouver.
And finally, in the south Pacific, he had visited the port where his latest naval vessel was being built in the deepest of secrecy. With his Engineers having discovered a way of harnessing the natural forces contained within Electricity, he could now build ships that could move silently under water, powered by batteries. It was a very happy Shogun that returned to his Palace in Kyoto, and a very annoyed one that stormed out of his office a few seconds later.
"Can't the world PLEASE stand still for one BLOODY second?! " he roared to his secretary, who just sighed. This had happened before.

To President Alexander of Greece

Although Europe really isn't my sphere of influence, I'm glad to see that you've changed your mind about the path your country must chose to survive in the modern world.
I'm willing to trade with you, provided you have things that interest me. For the time being, I'm very interested in the idea of growing vines. We of the Japanese Union have plenty of places that may be suited for producing wine, but not the tech. How about it?

To Lincoln of the United States

Congratulations on your elections, mr. President!
I hope you will be able to forget past tension between our two great nations, but I'm afraid I can't trade you my Fearnothing technology. It is only in the testing stages, and I'm not quite sure I wish to release it yet. Besides, we seem to be on two sides of the same problem: Peru.
While myself, the Indians and the Romans, not to mention several others, have decided to recognize this new and democratic state, I'm afraid you have not. I really can't give weapons of war away to someone who might use it against a friend.

To the right hon. PM Sanford of the proud British

We are more than willing to trade with you! Ships being able to stay at sea for even half a year would greatly boost my ability to fight the stubborn pirates of the high seas and keep the trade routes open. I'll send my Ambassador in Europe, mr. SCEE, to negotiate terms right away.
As for joining your glorious and powerful alliance, I'm honoured to the point of shocked that you would even consider me, and wouldn't dream of saying no, should the other members agree.

Greatly in your debt still for your help with Canada, and forever at your service,
Shogun Nintendo
Elected monarch of Japan.

To the great lord Gajarupta of India

You need not send your troops to protect Peru by sneaking in the back door. As a gesture of good will, I'm prepared to allow your expeditionary force sail through my territory and along my sealanes. I'm sure this will considerably shorten the travel time.

 

[wilboman]

OUT OF CHARACTER AS WELL

I agree. We need a measure of time.
We also need a decision on how fast you can get up-to-date. For example, you can only haul yourself out of an age and into the next by trade, research, or theft of technology.
The Persians are a good example. They traded for tech from the Japanese.
Other nations, not mentioning names *coughZULU *, have taken rather fanciful leaps from late medieval to highly advanced tech for no apparent reason. This is just a little weird...

 

[uknemesis]

Alexander prepared his messages:

To: Lincoln

Due to no feedback from the Indians, we will gladly trade aluminium with you. But I cannot while you threaten my allies.

So I propose this:

You recognise Peru as an independent state, and supply Greece with lumber and cotton, in return for Greek aluminium and wine, plus gold to fund your naval expansion. How does this sound to you? I hope that a diplomatic solution can be found.

If however, you proceed with your invasion of a Toulon Pact member, you will cause a horrific war. I may have changed since my injury, but don't think I'm less of a man or less of a general because of it. I will not shrink from war, I will support my allies to the fullest.

I suggest you look to diplomatic means.

To: The Trinity Alliance

I hope closer relations between our nations can be achieved, and British help over the Peruvian matter to resolve it peacefully would be greatly appreciated.

To: Conrad

I welcome you to the Toulon Pact, and hope that you will prosper. I can provide military aid for now, and will fully support you in any war. In return, I hope you have iron or other raw materials you can trade with us.

To: Righello

I welcome your decision to include Peru in the Toulon Pact, and now suggest it be renamed, possibly to the United Nations?
Anyway, I am awed by your new battleships. Perhaps if Greece began to supply your army with the latest Spartan rifles you could help us build a battleship?

 

[Toasty]

To: President Alexander
From: His Imperial Majesty, King Righello Benevolenza X
Subj: Renaming of Toulon Pact, Tech trading

I will have to say I disagree with the renaming of the Toulon Pact. There really is no need to as it is only 4 nations, but if it grows maybe the United Nations isn't so bad.

Unfortunately, Alexander, we already know the most up-to-date rifles avalialbe that came with Replacable Parts...if you have something that enhances them, I'd like to discuss it, but as of yet, I can't see how that would be a fair trade to Rome...

However, we are interested in securing the Adriatic for our own trade as many Roman people live on the Dalmatian islands and in Tyrolia (currently controlled by Germany). If you were to give us control of the Dalmatian islands and the Spartan rifle designs to sweeten the pot then we would give you our battleship technology.

The Toulon pact grows stronger as a name for self-determination and rightful peace. I would hope that all of the members of Greece would support my movement for a plebecite in Malta.

To: Members of the Toulon Pact
From: His Imperial Majesty, King Righello Benevolenza X
Subj: Bracing for war

With the planned American/Zulu/Iroquois invasion of our ally, the righteous Republic of Peru, I would suggest that all of us declare mobilization for war. Because of America's refusal to back down from the barbaric suppression of the Peruvian's right to self-determination we have, as I have said earlier, a "moral and written obligation" to defend the Peruvian people. I also ask our newfound freinds of the Trinity alliance to aid Peru, as there is no excuse for attempting to destroy a Republic with such good-natured roots.

The Toulon pact completely backs it's ally of Persia and no threats from the depraved North American alliance will defy them their right to govern themselves.

GAME STATUS RELATED
I would like my status to be changed to 'large naval power'. Thank you.

 

[wilboman]

"Alu-what? Aluminium, huh? Hmmm. Could prove useful, you say? Huh well. Let's see what the Greeks say. Are you absolutely positively certain they have not found any on the islands?"
"Not yet, lord. For the time being it may be wise to trade with the Greeks and keep searching."

To the born-again President Alexander of the free and democratic nation of Greece

Have you thought any further about teaching us how to grow and make wines? A prompt response would be gratefully accepted.
I'm also intrigued by your new mineral, Aluminium. I believe we may have just the technique we need to extract it, and my researchers have already got some great ideas about utilization. If you have any left over for my research, would you please let me know?
I'm glad to see we're on the same side in Peru, and I wish you luck in your work on modernising your homeland.

In breathless expectation of your reply,
Shogun Sony Nintendo, Emperor of Japan

 

[uknemesis]

Alexander spoke quickly to the Japanese ambassador.

"We will gladly give you aluminium, I think we can exploit the mines to be split four ways, between Greece, Britain, Japan and possibly America or another nation if they go to war with us. It may make the mines exhaust faster, but by that time I am confident Greece will have found another deposit in that resource rich area. So here is my proposal about aluminium: you give us the technology so we can exploit our aluminium, and we will give you the aluminium ore so you can have alumium too. Then we will both be happy, as we will both have alumium, which studies show might be a light and durable alternative to steel."

The ambassador noted it down to be sent back to Japan for consideration.

"And as for your wines, we offer the technology and a crate of 1805 Athenian wine, one of the best ever years, gold and diamonds, in return for this new cool-box thing that keeps food fresh."

The ambassador looked shocked that Alexander should know about the new technology, but noted it down.

"Never underestimate the Hoplite's intelligence gathering." Alexander grinned at the ambassador. "But as long as you're on side, you have no need to fear them."

***********************************************

TO: Righello

We would welcome aid in our naval programme at the cost of the Dalmation Islands. I have realised that our Spartan rifles, while still being the deadliest sniper rifles in the world, are no longer the cutting edge of technology. But I consider those Islands alone worth enough for our proposal.

And if you were to help us upgrade our Spartan factories to produce these new "machine guns" that you have, by giving us the technology, I am sure Greece would back you in any land claims you have, such as Malta.

***********************************************

 

[uknemesis]

Das or someone, can you list what is required to make the latest weapons, such as battleships etc? Cause I need to know what resources I have to trade for!

***********************************************

Alexander looked at the Defence Minister with a smile.

"You mean these things are invulnerable to infantry?!"

"Not quite, they can be destroyed by rockets or artillery, or grenades down the hatch in our latest tests. And they are slow, unreliable and not too good at crossing most terrain. But with a few years research, it is possible we could be looking at a viable weapon."

"Increase funding immediately. And while the Spartan works is changing to produce the latest infantry and artillery weapons, also expand the factory under that guise. And then make the new area able to build these machines when they are finally produced."

"But sir, we don't know if the research will lead to a useful weapon! And it will take years to produce a decent prototype!"

"It's a risk I'm willing to take. I want a factory ready to produce them as soon as we are able to produce strong "tanks" as I shall call them."

"What about our naval power?" Spartacus intervened.

"We will increase the Athenian Naval Yard, ready to produce the battleships that Rome will hopefully help us build. Also, I want any battleships we make to be fitted with fridges if the Japanese accept our offer, and painted with the tin paint. Plus, if we can exploit this aluminium, I want a new destroyer class to be built out of them. We must not fall behind any nation! Defence Minister, I want plans to update the Greek Army and Navy with machine guns, artillery, battleships, destroyers and later, if we ever manage to make viable ones, those "tanks"! I plan to lead the most up to date forces I can if we end up in a war!"

"Sir, aren't you jumping the gun a bit? We haven't even got the technologies from Japan and Rome yet!" Spartacus reminded him.

"But I want plans for if we manage to!"

************************************************

 

[CONRAD]

General Conrad would soon no longer be a general, but elected leader of the Peruvian people. He was certain he would win, for the people loved him and his efforts to make Peru free. More victories for the Peruvians would come, for he had sent people to the Aztec Province of Ecuador, and the area directly east of Peru to preach the ideals of a south american country free of Aztec rule. With the advance of nationalism from Rome, a Peruvian victory was even more certain. Aztland could never control Peru when the people were so filled with a desire for independance.

**********************

To: Benevolenza X
From: Gen. Conrad
Subj: Trade

I can agree with your mining proposal. However, after 20-30 years, we may have to re-negotiate.

 

[Jason The King]

How about one week = one year??