NES2 VI - Last Semblance of Order.

[Symphony D.]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNKNOWN LOCATION, TAIPEI, "GREEN ZONE", OCCUPIED TAIWAN
08:52 LOCAL TIME, JANUARY 5, 1749 AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Bernadotte shrugged his shoulders as he unscrewed the cap of his flask. He took a swig of the bourbon before resealing it and idly tapping at Manchuria on the map before them, saying "It'z a zimple distraction."

Brigadier General Fache looked at him quizzically for a moment before hardening his gaze and replying "You are certain?"

Bernadotte cracked a grin and set the flask aside, twirling his beloved fountain pen in his fingers before lifting up a sort of make-shift clipboard he had fashioned, jotting on it as he talked "Mon General, I'm their liason for 'eavan's zakes - besides, if you were conducting a 'ampaign with our forces, would you invade a Godforsaken wilderness?"

Fache looked down at the map where Bernadotte's finger had been. He had to admit it was not strategically important to the Chinese Empire. "Non," began Fache, "however your 'patrons' have announced they intend to occupy it - does it therefore not make sense that they invest it?"

Bernadotte shrugged again, not looking up from his paper, "You recall, mon General, ze basic gist of zer 'Operation Shogo'?"

"Oui," replied Fache, deciding to take the obvious bait: "Disable the better part of the Chinese economy."

Bernadotte nodded a little before covering his mouth to yawn, then he suddenly sat up straight and peered at the Brigadier General with his one good eye. A corner of his mouth quirked upwards in a smirk "An' ze northern operations went zomewhat astray, non?

"Zo zey are simply finishing ze job zere," he concluded. Fache glanced from Bernadotte to the map and back, weighing the man's words. After a moment's silence he queried "Then what of Beijing?"

Bernadotte put the rear of the fountain pen between his teeth and leaned back with his hands behind his head, letting it wag around as he spoke like a cigar, kicking his boots up on the table between them. He shrugged nonchalantly again and said flatly "Communications failure."

His counterpart felt his eye twitch at the man's blase and cavalier attitude, but Bernadotte seemed unaware, pulling the pen from his mouth and waving it dismissively in the air "Ze same as earlier; both forces are zimply mop-up - you zee, zat is a fundamental failing of ze Chinese commanders in zis war: despite all zer supposed brilliance, zey have repeatedly failed to recognize zat we, with our sea power, can choose when and where we fight; we can pick them apart at our leisure."

"And where do you intend the next 'peck' to fall?" asked Fache plainly. A smile slowly crept across Bernadotte's face and eye seemed to almost glow with delight as he asked "Mon General, where is always the best place to strike an enemy?"

Fache furrowed his brow at such a simple question, for he was not part of the General Staff for nothing; "Where he least expects it."

Bernadotte returned the pen to his mouth "Want to know where zat is?"

Fache waited a moment before giving a small nod, and to that Bernadotte tapped a spot on the map. Fache leaned forward, studying it with a puzzled look - it was a confusing choice. "But," started Fache, but Bernadotte cut him off, laying his notes upon the table and interjecting "And 'ere's why."

As Fache read through the notes he paused, did a double-take, and then his eyes went wide with shock. Bernadotte simply grinned again and intoned "Be sure to brief your staff, non?"

 

[das]

And Das, How many people have the Portugese converted?

Practically none.

 

[Wubba360]

I ask that the ottomans not get involved in this war. I will wait to here from Sennar. They are the ones who I am conserned with. Please do not make the situation spread farther than it should. My offer is on the table and I want to hear from Sennar.

 

[Kentharu]

im nto sennar anymore, im Armenia

 

[Dachs]

Hey, das, since Sennar is now NPC, can you re-respond to that treaty?

Polar bears just shot King Badi.

 

[das]

I am aware. Sennar continues maintaining ominous silence...

 

[tossi]

Rio de Janeiro

As the coach of the governor rumbled through the streets of Rio de Janeiro the people stood still and watched. Some people cheered, especially those in range of the guards, but most just watched with a mix of interest and doubt. The rumors were apparently true. The great King of Portugal, King Jose V, ruler over many lands, has sent one of his own royal blood to South America, to take a look at the situation. What was he going to do? Was his only purpose to supervise the Platine rebellion? Or would he make a tour through Brasil? Everybody had his own opinion. Everywhere the people were debating over the young European. At the markets, in the harbour, on the street and at home. The entire city was talking about nothing else.

* * * *

Prince Pedro watched the people thorugh the grated window of the coach. He tried to see in the faces of the people what they were thinking. His mother had allways said that Pedro had a very good understanding of the human mind. He could see what the people were thinking just by looking deep into their eyes. Prince Pedro could clearly see that the people were unsure what to think about him. They had heard rumors and they must have been talking about him alot, but they didn't realy know what to think about him.
This was good. He would give them some more time to think about it. Creating suspense could be a very usefull tool when dealing with fellow humans. When he finally would tell them why he was here they would cheer and everybody will be saying: "Didn't I tell you?". But for now he had more important matters to discuss. He was going to meet the governor of the city, and a number of other important individuals of the region, who had gathered here to meet him and talk about the future of south america.

* * * *

The governor of Rio de Janeiro was waiting in his mansion, slightly outside of the busyness of the city. His coach carrying Prince Pedro was most likely allready leaving the city. The governor was quite nervous. Of course he had had much time to prepare for this meeting. The arrival of the young Prince had been announced in a number of letters. However it still wasnt obvious for him, what exactly the purpose of the royal guest was. The official explanation could be interpreted as "military observer of the platine rebellion" or "royal inspector of the state of the colonies". Well, everything would become clear at the meeting. He had gathered a number of influental persons of the region around him. He would handle this. Nothing to be concerned about.

 

[Lord_Iggy]

Damn! I need a peace treaty before sending orders. Wubba, is my peace offer fair?

Abyssinia keeps its gains. It sends 1 eco point of reparations to help set up a stronger government in Sennar. Free immigration between Sennar and Abyssinia, so that Christians and Muslims can live in countries with their religion if they wish.

 

[Swissempire]

To: Portugal

What diplo????

 

[tossi]

Some pages ago.

 

[Swissempire]

could you quote it...

 

[tossi]

From: Portugal
To: Kanem-Bornu

No sorry. The lands along the Niger are of greatest importance to us. We ask you to accept this.

As it seems that your nation has awaken from its slumber, we think that further talks between our two nations are necessary to ensure a peaceful coexistence.

It is time to take a look at our economic relation. Afterall Portugal is the greatest trading partner of your nation. We should agree upon a treaty to further advance the commerce along the Niger.

Further Portugal is most interested in a peacefull Africa. As long as the great nation of Kanem-Bornu accepts its given place in this world, we can surely live together in peace and harmony.

of course - here it is

 

[Swissempire]

From: Portugal
To: Kanem-Bornu

No sorry. The lands along the Niger are of greatest importance to us. We ask you to accept this.

As it seems that your nation has awaken from its slumber, we think that further talks between our two nations are necessary to ensure a peaceful coexistence.

It is time to take a look at our economic relation. Afterall Portugal is the greatest trading partner of your nation. We should agree upon a treaty to further advance the commerce along the Niger.

Further Portugal is most interested in a peacefull Africa. As long as the great nation of Kanem-Bornu accepts its given place in this world, we can surely live together in peace and harmony.

OOC: This Diplo
IC:
To: The Empire of Portugal
From: The Kanem-Bornu Empire

The Supreme Mai echoes your sentiments and proposes the following:

Treaty of Birni-Gazargamu​

1. The Empires of Kanem-Bornu and Portugal shall enter into a Treaty of Trade and Friendship, and agree to have open trade

2. The Portuguese shall assist in the Modernization of Kanem-Bornu, namely advancing it into the Early Industrial Age, as well as in training its military.

3. Portugal shall sponsor 1,000 Kanemite and Bornuese students a year for higher education in Portugal until Kanem-Bornu can build Facilities to do so.

4. Portuguese buisnessmen may assist in the development of Kanem-Bornu lands and Mines.

Signed:

Mai Alawma II

 

[tossi]

sorry im very tired. we can talk about this either tomorrow or after the update.

 

[Swissempire]

Did you invade me or something, because i think you already sent orders... can you agree to the deal so I can send my orders...

 

[Swissempire]

Tossi, why did you leave. You looked at the thread for like 30 minutes, and i have to send orders, so i;m asuming you signed this.

 

[stalin006]

it seems tossi trixed you.

 

[Swissempire]

I sent orders, I sure hope Tossi didn't invade, then i would have to go to my 7th Faction.... ughh.

 

[Cuivienen]

Why is there so muh diplomacy over minor insignficant nations in Africa? Military force should always be the first option and the last option.

It's called The Great Game.

(In other words, no one cares about Abyssinia and Sennar. They're just manipulating them for advantage against each other.)


My apologies to everyone for letting someone in on an NES secret. I feel guilty when someone has no idea what's going on.

 

[Thlayli]

Somewhere in Earth's Orbit

Three pandas crowded over a viewscreen, muttering to themselves. The third one was thinking about bamboo, but there was a shortage in the homeworlds. Actually, one of the main reasons for the earliest interuniversal expansion of the pandas was acquiring new sources of bamboo, but that's another story...

"A request, from Thlayli of all people. Apparently Beijing's falling, and the leadership is decapitated."

"No, really?" The first panda said this sarcastically, considering a twenty-foot viewscreen showing a panoramic scene of the siege was right in front of them.

"Oh, right. I forgot about that. Thlayli's request?"

"He needs a new Emperor. The whole Manchu thing isn't working out, especially since the Hans never liked them in the first place."

The second panda snorted. "Why should we care? He failed in Persia, and he'll probably do the same here even with our help." They all winced as an ammunition dump ignited on the viewscreen.

The third panda, who had been starting to fall asleep, remembered something.

"Still, we'll never hear the end of it if our Francophone cousins manage to destroy China...yet again."

"Yet again," they all sighed.

As another huge explosion rocked the viewscreen, the first panda made his decision.

"Oh, alright. We do have one candidate, he's aging, but not yet senile. Heirs, and intelligence. He's likable and charismatic, too. Too bad he's loyal. Manipulate a few hormones here and there though, and we've got our man."

"I suppose the disaster of Beijing can be turned into an opportunity."

"Whatever. All I know is, Thlayli owes us one."

They all nodded, and broke into stereotypical maniacal laughter. Not that pandas can do it very well...not exactly the best vocal chords for it. A cross between a toilet flush and a blender is the best way to describe it.

---

Wuhan, China

Nian Gengyao felt odd. He had always been a patient man, willing to wait for the exposure of his enemy's weakness before striking himself. Though common sense told him that waiting was over in the war...he felt strange. Aggressive, proactive, even arrogant. He had do something, but what? If he knew, testosterone and other chemicals were slowly flooding his brain at the moment, suggesting action and violence.

This whole affair was a little strange, too. Direct orders to transfer to the garrison command at Wuhan, even with the success of the Burmese front. Not that General Yue couldn't handle it, but this wasn't a post for as senior a man as him.

As the influx of biochemicals started to interrupt his rational thought, he supposed that Heaven might have something to do with it. Years of serving the whim of the Imperial Family, bowing to the every military whim of the Qianlong Emperor...and now the entire remnant of the Qing government was under his direct protection, or perhaps his direct control?

Yes, it would seem that Heaven did intervene to put him in this place, at this time. Why else would a man of his talents be in such a position? The leadership of China...a hated leadership, as the mob in the Forbidden City demonstrated last month, was sitting in a house surrounded by men with guns and bayonets, that would do whatever he asked of them.

And the people, oh yes, the people were done with corrupt foreigners. In killing Qianlong, the French and Japanese made their greatest blunder. They destroyed the very object of hatred for the masses, not only making him a martyr, but paving the way for a charismatic, pragmatic, strategist. A true leader.

A Han leader.

It almost seemed that his muscles liked the idea of a bloodless coup, and jumped up of their own accord. It wouldn't even be a coup, as there were no "Qing loyalists" that weren't already dead in Beijing or locked in a building controlled by the military, of whom he was the de facto commander after Beijing, how lucky. There would be no civil war, no puppet to eliminate. The figurehead was already dead, all that remained was to take the throne and the trappings. The new Han Dynasty...it would be glorious.



Nian Gengyao was a calm man, a wise man. He never thought like this. But the heat of the moment, and various suggestive techniques employed by higher powers, can definitely do something to you.