WW1 IC [Semi-Historical, Open]

[Asardia]

The year is 1900. For the last 100 or so years, the political landscape of Europe has changed dramatically. The French who were once a powerhouse and seemed to be unstoppable, was defeated by the 7th Coalition in the Hundred Days, marking the beginning of the end for French dominance in Europe. Over the next few decades, Germanic and Italian states united. As tensions rise in Europe, Japan in the far east modernizes and becomes a regional power in their own right. The German and Chilean Empires have formed the Entente, and the Siamese have created the Central Powers. However, several key players such as the Iberian and Japanese empires, along with the Yugo-Italian Kingdom and Chinese Republic, remain neutral. Swaying these nations to either side would shift the balance of power, and may ignite a world war. This new century brings a possibility for war, but some take this chance for new opportunities, and many nations are seeking their own place in the sun.

OOC

Map

OP: Tanwirid
Co OP: Asardia

Accepted Nations:
Newark Aristocracy: German Empire
Asardia: Empire of Japan
Sapientia Et Bellum: The Kingdom of Yugo-Italia
Neo Kerala: Empire of Chile
Birdax: Iberian Empire
Grand Andamania: Empire of Arabia
Duestchstien: Republic of China
Xaojie: Siam
The Isle of Beithe: Federal Republic of Beithe
The Newark Republic: The Monarch Republic
Greater Mizoram: United States of Grand Columbia
Tongil hangug: Empire of Scandinavia (and Finland.)
Barapam: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (a.k.a. British Empire)
The Pearl River: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Jolthig: The Kingdom of Greece

[Newark Aristocracy]

Dec 30th,1899,Kaer,State of Austrian Hungry. (ex-Budapest.): Kaiser Whihelm the 2nd is at his hotel when suddenly,a gun shot rings out, killing a civilian in the street. The Kaiser goes inside the hotel to talk with his Minster Of Defense. The German Minster Of Defense says "If we could get the Japanese on our side,as well as China,we could become the strongest power in Europe." The Kaiser says:"That Could start a world war, godammit!" The German Minster Of Defense says:"Ok, I get your point,but the Central Powers recently gained a member." The Kaiser says:"WHAT?"

[Tongil hangug]

January 1st, 1900

Nordens kyla ska aldrig stoppa oss! (The chill of North shall never stop us!)

Stockholm, Scandinavia

King Gustaf V

Set upon his chair, a map of the world sprawled along the surface of the table before him. The Major cities of his country marked upon its surface, while his enemies were marked with a Black Pen through their names. The German Empire, USSR, Britain, and many other major powers as they threaten the sovereignty of the North. However none made him snarl worse than the USSR, due to their overthrow of the Russian Czar, who could be reasoned with. Now sat a country that threatened the stability of his country, by their rather expansionist policy of spreading communism to any countries within their grasp. He let his eyes rest upon marble units that were placed within his country, to signify the brigades that made up of his army, only being that of 45,000 men strong due to his countries rather small population.

With this in mind, he watched his minister of Defense push open the door to the room with his brow arching upwards. His face stern, as he watched his minsters hands creep up onto the tables surface to support his weight. "Sir, I recommend the building of defenses upon the German border." The generals voice breaking the silence of the room. Gustaf's mouth curled into a smile, as he gave a light nod in retort towards his comment. His eyes moving up towards his ministers, "Aye, we should we must build a trench to encompass our southern Defense forces, we must ensure that any hostilities are dealt with swiftly. We must prepare the Eastern Frontier as well, encase the Soviets get any bright ideas of expansionism." Gustaf's voice stated, his hands pressing onto the sides of his chair to hoist himself upward.

"We shall see an era, an era of war. The world draws ever closer, these defenses shall be done." The Defense minister acknowledged, pushing himself up from his lean upon the table. Turning himself on his heels, he made his way out the room to ensure the silence once more. Gustaf let his eyes strolled back towards the surface of the map. Taking in the sight, his mind wondering to which enemy would rear its head in diplomacy or conflict first.

[Newark Aristocracy]

January 12,1900: The Kaiser prepares to go to Scandinavia to talk with their leader about guaranteeing them and joining the Entante.

Kaiser:How long will our trip to Scandinavia be?
German Minister of Defense:Around 1 month.
Kaiser:Good,we leave tomorrow.

[The Newark Republic]

Jan 1,3:00pm,Frankfortica,Monarch Republic:The new leader happily anounces that they have joined the Axis.
Meanwhile,diplomats meet with German leaders to assure them that they will not invade unless invaded.

[Asardia]

Tokyo, Japan
1900

It had been a little over thirty years since the dissolution of the shogunate and the reestablishment of the imperial regime. After 14 year old Mutsuhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne as Emperor Meiji in 1868, Japan had moved from a isolationist society to an increasingly growing military and economic power, not only in the east, but also worldwide. The decades of turmoil and rapid change had propelled Japan to form ambitious goals, resulting in a meeting between the highest ranking officials. With the dawn of a new century, the goals of Japan had expanded, beginning with the question over the eventual fate of Korea.

In the capital city of Tokyo, Emperor Meiji had scheduled a conference with Katsura Tarō, the army minister, Yamagata Aritomo, the Prime Minister, Yamamoto Gonnohyōe, minister of war, among others. Together, these men composed the Meiji Oligarchy.

Emperor Meiji had been listening closely to what each minister was saying about the absorption of Korea into the Japanese Empire. Army Minister Katsura Tarō told everyone in the room, "We have already established relations with Korea after the Restoration. The Treaty of Amity allows us to trade with them and we have merchants in Busan. Along with the 'incident' with the Gapsin coup and Queen Min, the Japanese are not viewed highly."

"You are correct, Prince Tarō," Prime Minister Aritomo interjected. "However China does still have influence in Korea. Any action we take will have to be immediately followed with a response to China, whether it's diplomatic or militaristic. We also need to take into consideration how well the armed forces are prepared to take on Korea and possibly China at the same time, and keep peace there."

"This is why we need to take the diplomatic option," Yamamoto Gonnohyōe suggested. "I'm not saying we should totally rule out any military campaign, but such an undertaking requires immense preparation. I believe it would be much better to continue gaining influence to the point that we can coerce them to agree to annexation."

Emperor Meiji stepped in, saying "I agree with Gonnohyōe. The Chinese are a looming threat to any plan. Even the coerced annexation may be blocked by them."

"Then do you propose a split of Korea with China?" The Prime Minister asked.

"No. That would only further divide the three of us. Besides, I have bigger plans than Korea."

"You're implying war with China, Your Majesty?"

"That is correct. However, taking on China now is far too much of a gamble. Creating an unstable situation there with another coup, along with our preexisting treaties may justify stepping in under the guise of 'stabilizing' the nation."

"Perhaps we can further justify military action with creating our own faction. I've heard rumblings of factions in Europe causing tensions. Those colonial empires are also meddling in Asian affairs. Asia is for Asians. It would be hard for any outside empire to fight against us when we are only protecting the best interests of our neighbors."

"Indeed. Talk to the Foreign Minister about how exactly such a plan would be implemented."

"Of course, Your Highness."

After the conclusion of the meeting, Emperor Meiji began to think about the spread of Japanese influence across Asia. The idea of a faction being created would help the Japanese in their quest. But with any sort of action taken, China was always a big threat. That was why they were going with the coup and the faction plan. This would delay Chinese intervention while causing enough chaos in Korea to form the pretense of protecting the empire.

The state of the Imperial Japanese Army was rapidly improving. The modernization and support from the west would help cement Japan as a regional power, and due to the isolated nature of the islands, Japan was safe from invasions, for now anyway.

[Franco-Iberie]

Flood Mansion, San Francisco, Pacific States of America



Sunlight streamed in through the curtains of President Jennings' Office, and he was reminded that he'd have to get up and turn on the electric light soon in between signing off on papers. The house he resided and did his work in was bought at a low price from the son of the silver baron who built it in 1889, only three years after its construction, when he had died, and was a good deal more comfortable than the previous cramped presidential residence, which Jennings was thankful for. His personal secretary, a wiry man of thirty named Ogden, gently pushed open the door to enter the room and Bryan took off his reading spectacles, setting them on the desk to give him his attention.

"What is it?" Bryan asked curtly

"Some things of concern for you, Mr. President. I have here two issues, one presented by the Bureau of Labor and one from the Army."

"Very well then, let's hear it."

"Several influential lobbyists have been making appeals recently for a repeal of the old Chinese Exclusion Act, given the recent need for unskilled labor with all the federal building contracts in the eastern states. While our population is growing, it's not fast enough to meet demands and they'd like to be able to advertise there again. They want you to introduce a motion to repeal the Act to Congress as well as open up talks with the Chinese government about rights to advertise within their borders."

"Under normal circumstances I'd tell them to go suck on a boot but as I've learned in the past few years that often doesn't end well, so I suppose I'll oblige them this one time. What else?"

"General Leonard Wood of the Army has gathered a petition of other senior officers asking for more funding to speed up the modernization of the armed forces. Specifically they want to hold a contest for international arms companies for a new service pistol to accompany the fancy new Danish rifles."

"What the Hell's wrong with Colt?"

"They're specifically interested in newer self-loaders, sir, not the old single action pistols we have now."

"Well I'm not having it, they can have their foreign gun but it has to be made here on American soil by license. You tell them that."

"Yes, sir."

"Will that be all then?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good." Bryan pulled back in his chair to open up his desk and get some stationary out and a dime, which he flipped to Ogden. "Go and buy your kids some ice cream, you have a swell evening."

"You too, sir." Ogden made his retreat from the room as Bryan sighed and stretched his writing hand, making plans for once Congress was in session the following month.

The following day a telegram was sent to Germany.

To: The Mauser Company, Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany
From: Pacific States Department of War, San Francisco, Pacific States of America
Good day, the Department of the Army would like to invite representatives of your company to San Francisco for a demonstration of several of your self-loading handguns. The Pacific States Army is looking into the adoption of a new service pistol and has decided that your company is ideal for a contractor. We would pay well for a license to produce a variation of one of your models here in the Pacific States by Colt Manufacturing Company. Accomodations for your representatives as well as a testing range would be provided generously by our Department. Looking forward to doing business with you.
-Regards, Horatio Alger, Secretary of War

[Franco-Iberie]

The San Francisco Chronicler
City Final, Jan 28, 1900

---

Congress to consider repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act!
Samuel Clemens, Associate Editor-in-chief

At the request of President Bryan, the Congress of 1900 on it's first session this coming February will debate and vote on a repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The Act, one of the first passed by Pacific States Congress after it's inception, prohibited Chinamen laborers from entering the country under penalty of 10 years in prison. Now with the demand for unskilled labor for rail, mining, and oil work out East growing beyond the existing supply of able bodies, the benefits of allowing Oriental labor back into the country seem to outweigh the negatives. Industry lobbyists may have themselves yet another victory.
More on page 16

[Barapam]

1900. A new century, a new era. Weather or not people liked it, the Victorian age would soon end. The queen would after all not live forever. The question was, would it also mean the end of the British Empire as a superpower?

Two people who wanted the answer to be a definite "No!" was the two army captains Edmund Blackadder and Jack Harkness, who at this very moment were sitting in a bar in Calcutta, discussing the matter.

Cpt. Harkness enjoyed the Indian atmosphere. The music, the smell, the sounds, the sights, the women (and the men), and he generally felt like a fish in perfectly temperatured water. It seemed, however, that his friend didn't feel quite the same way. Unlike Jack, he had barely touched his drink.

"Oh come on, old chap! Cheer up! Why are you so gloom?"

"Well, it's just the future which worries me. The prospect of war, and all that..."

"War?" Jack laughed at Edmund's comment. "Counting native uprisings, which I do, when have we actually been at peace? It's war that keeps people of our profession occupied..." He sipped his drink, and added: "Although I must say that I appreciate the relatively calm situation we have in the world right now... Makes it easier to enjoy the good things in life."

Blackadder looked at him, and was obviously not quite as optimistic.

"Exactly. Believe me, both of us want nothing more than 'enjoying the good things in life', but I fear that this is merely the calm before the storm. Say, let's discuss a hypothetical scenario, if you like."

"Oh, you know I do!" Harkness put his elbows on the table, crossed his arms and leaned forward enthusiastically.

"Right, so what's your thoughts on a war between the Central Powers and the Entente?"

"Oh, that's an interesting one! Well, we'd be smoked, obviously. The German threat against our global domination is bad enough as it is, and in a war they have more allies than us. Grand Colombia, Chile... Beithe is neutral, but leaning towards the Entente, so I'm counting them too... We, on the other hand, have Siam and the Monarch Republic.

The wildcards are the neutral countries, Scandinavia, USSR, China, the Iberian Empire, Japan, Yugo-Italia, Arabia, and the Pacific States. The faction who can get most of them on its side, will likely win the war, and rule the world."

Edmund nodded. "Exactly. Now you see what I worry about. Let's just hope our bosses back in London have a cunning plan."

"Cheers to that, then."

[Tongil hangug]

Nordens kyla ska aldrig stoppa oss! (The chill of North shall never stop us!)

German-Scandinavian Border

Lieutenant GeneralGertorn Byström

Took in a sharp breathe, of the morning air of the front line his nation was establishing. Moving himself out the commanders tent, moving himself 5 paces forward. Turning his body to face the front line, his hands held behind his back, as he looked over the many men he had to ensure the safety of. Many of whom were beginning the construction of a trench, that been requested by the King, himself. Each man holding either a shovel, or beginning to move razor wire or even bags filled with sandbags been thrown about between the men. Seeming to make a game of their work, which Gertorn had no problem with as long as the job got done. Turning himself to the side, as to allow his eyes to stroll towards the backline. There were more men digging trenches, but the gleam of artillery guns in the background, the 42-line field gun M1877. The guns reflecting much of the sunlight that shone upon the land towards the Generals eyes, bringing a light smile to his face. If a war was coming, his men would be prepared.

The only thing he were worried about, is if any naval attack were to come. As they were not prepared for an assault by the Sea, the many ships of the Scandinavian empire were along the coasts of Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Some were spared to come towards the front line, but the coastal length of Scandinavia was not safe if anything were to come. Letting out a sigh of frustration, as he thought that the entire front line could fracture if anything were to come of it. Turning back towards the commanders tent, moving himself back to it. The time to ponder this, will come soon. The allegiance of Scandinavia will be either won or lost, and it will be shown.

[The Newark Republic]

Following the events of Januwary 3rd,the nation had further crracked down on cival rights,resuting in sevral uprisings,most noteably the Kentuckian Democrats, a once promneant party outlawed by the 1 party act of 1893.

[Birdax]

The iberian empire prospers for another day
The factories are burning and pumping goods everyday
But the empire needed more...land specifically in north africa
The iberian empire desired french lands in north africa as well as corsica
Thus the iberian empire well join the faction that well support its claims
For peace
Wont
Last

[Franco-Iberie]

House of Representatives Chamber, Pacific States Capitol, San Francisco



Representatives flooded through the doors to their seats on time promptly at 10:00 AM in the wide chamber for the first formal session of the Congress of 1900. Wealthy onlookers, wives, and press all crowded in the upper balcony above the main floor to get a glimpse of the proceedings or snap a photograph for some paper. The room fell to silence as Speaker Joseph Cannon, an intimidating figure despite his wiry frame, walked through the doors which were shut behind him and made his way to the speakers' podium. He shuffled his notes and raised his voice for the room to hear.

"I thank you all for making it today and am honored to call to session for the first time, the Congress of the year of our Lord 1900. May this year and this century be a prosperous one for our great nation."

Speaker Cannon took roll, a dull process, and began formal discussion. "I'd like to start today by introducing a bill proposed by President Bryan, one which would provide for a full repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and a lifting of all restrictions on advertising within China's borders. I'm certain some of you may have heard of this bill in the weeks leading up to now but the time has come to put it to a debate and vote. First speaking on the bill will be Representative Ellis from the state of Oregon. You have the floor, Mr. Ellis."

There were angry murmurs coming from the Populist-Progressive side of the room at this apparent betrayal of the party for business interests, quickly hushed by the sergeant-at-arm as Ellis took the podium from Cannon. "My friends. In the past ten years the demand for labor in the east has only grown, and the sparse population of able and willing good white men is unable to meet them. It is regrettable that we must import foreign labor to facilitate this, but it is a necessity if we wish to recapture the glory once held by those United States of old and advance past our neighbors enough to draw them into our sphere. I thank you gentlemen and yield the floor to the Speaker."

"Thank you, Mr. Ellis. Speaking against the bill we have Representative Castle of California. You have the floor, sir."

"To President Bryan I have this to say. How dare you, sir? It was agreed upon by our party that there would be an opposition of the interests of trusts under a Populist presidency in the name of protecting the American laborer, and yet here you kowtow to them and provide them with the cheap foreign labor to force good, honest, Christian men out of their work should they dare raise a finger in protest. If this bill is to pass then we will only see another worsening of the plight of the farmer and the laborer as we have in the past. To the congressmen of my own party, I advise that you vote against this in the interest of maintaining a government of the people, not the silver and steel magnates. To any of our Republican opposition in possession of a conscience, I advise the same. I yield the floor to the Speaker."

"And thank you, Charles." Cannon said almost sardonically before returning to the podium.

"Seeing no proposed amendments to this bill, we shall now move into voting. Please turn your ballot form in to your Party whip."

There was shuffling of chairs and feet as representatives rose to give their votes, and again as they sat back down, exchanging an occasional few words with others. Cannon read out the results presented him after all had been tallied. "The results have been counted, and this bill does pass by 53 to 38 and shall go on to the Senate later today. Now, next, gentlemen..."

The bill did pass in the Senate later that day, and was signed into law shortly thereafter. The new policy of the country towards the Chinese required some adjustment, of course, and so the Department of State extended an invitation to their counterparts in China.

To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China
From: Department of State, Pacific States of America
Salutations, the Pacific States Congress has recently passed into law concerning the immigration of citizens of your country, and we wish to hold a meeting between officials of your government and our ambassador in Peking, Mr. William Ellis, to discuss what this will entail.
-Cordially, Secretary of State Taft

[Newark Aristocracy]

Jan 13,1900: The Kaiser authorizes a invasion of Bulgaria as he leaves for Scandinavia.
900,000 troops quickly push into Bulgaria,expecting a quick victory.

[Barapam]

Just as captains Blackadder and Harkness had hoped, the British government had a plan. It relied not only on the Entente being the enemy, but also the Soviet Union and China. The Soviet Union because it was an ideological enemy, and China because it was getting too strong, and could threaten British interests in Asia. While Britain was strong enough on its own to pursue a politic based on that idea, her servants still decided to share it with their allies. If it all played out right, the scale would even out, or maybe even turn in the Central Powers' favour.

Telegram to Their Highnesses king Rama VII of Siam, and king Sans I of the Monarch Republic

Most honorable Majesties,

I write to you on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, with a proposal which we believe will serve all our nations well.

The proposal is as follows:

In order to make more countries join our cause, the Central Powers will from now on also be an anti-communist pact, and protect traditional values. Especially the empires of Scandinavia and Japan, monarchies such as us, and should be courted to join, with guarantees of assistance against Soviet aggression. In the case of Japan, we can also allow them to take Chinese territories.

Furthermore, our propaganda bureaus should focus on linking the Entente with the red menace, and present the Central Powers as the only alternative for freedom-loving people all over the world.

Looking forward to your replies.

Signed,

Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, P.M.

The British were also interested by the Iberian offer, but would wait for the Siamese and Monarch Republican replies before acting upon it.

However, not long after the telegram had been sent, news reached the prime minister about the German invasion of Bulgaria. He gave a rousing speech in parliament, condemning the actions of the Hun. It was met with applause and cheers, but it stayed at a condemnation. The UK had no alliance with knyaz Ferdinand, and Bulgaria wasn't worth starting a world war over.

[Newark Aristocracy]

A telegram is sent to trhe british empire stateing that germany is Anti-communeist,and invaded bulgaria as a communeist goverment had tooken the nation over.

Meanwile,100,000 troops invade the Kiautschou Bay Concession in order to gain the land.

[Asardia]

To: Whomever it may concern in the Korean Empire
From: The Empire of Japan

Greetings,

We are sure that you have recognized the growing threats to the independence of Asian nations from European colonization. The Empire of Japan has grown significantly in the last few decades. We were once an isolated set of islands who were easily influenced by the west, but now Japan has risen to a potential regional power. Our military and relations with the west, especially the British, will allow us to hopefully keep Asia free of external influence. However, we cannot be sure of this. In order to ensure Asian independence, we wish to establish your empire as a protectorate under Japan.

Farewell,
Japanese Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi

To: Her Majesty Queen Victoria
From: Empire of Japan

Greetings,

The Empire of Japan seeks positive relations with the west, however we want to seek the opinion of the British on the creation of a general treaty limiting the influence of European powers on Asian affairs. If possible, Japan is willing to host a conference with your representatives on the issue of Asian independence.

Signed,
Prime Minister Ito Hirbumi of the Japanese Empire

[Jolthig]

Athens, Greece

King George I and his supporters dreamed of a new Roman Empire that would be revived following centuries of nonexistence, and their dream would come to pass.

It's been a three year long war with the Turks, starting back in 1897. The Greeks have driven the Turkish forces back from the Eastern Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, and Crete, and following a peace treaty in September of 1899, these lands, which were historically Byzantine, would be handed over to the Greeks. The treaty became effective on January 1st, 1900 with historic lands of the Byzantium being regained. As a result of these, the regions gained were to be re-Hellenized, and so the process would begin.

The Megali Plan would come to pass.

Recognizing the threat of Germany invading Bulgaria, this made the King gravely concerned. Realizing the threat of Germany, George I sent a telegram to the British:

Honorable Queen Victoria,

It has come to our attention that the Germans have invaded Bulgaria. This poses a serious threat to our plans, and we fear that they will get in our way, and possibly help our former enemies in Turkey to regain back old lands.

We cannot stand and let this threat come to pass, your Majesty, and therefore, our government would like to extend an invitation of an alliance between our two nations.

You have helped us a lot in the past, and therefore, we turn to you for help once more. This time, the Germans.

Signed

George I,

King of Greece

[Birdax]

The king was afraid of communist rebels and politicians
And also nations
The iberian empire views those ideologies as radical impure and barbaric thus

THE IBERIAN EMPIRE ANNOUNCES IT WELL JOIN ANY ANTI COMMUNIST ALLIANCES

[Newark Aristocracy]

After 30 days,Germany had took over Bulgaria.
Now the Kaiser is Happy and has a military march in Brussello (EX-Vennia)
During the march he received word that German Troops had took the Kiautschou Bay Concession
Over.

[Sapientia Et Bellum]

*Crown Prince and Heir Apparent Giuseppe Garibaldi II (AKA Peppino) and Yugo-Italian King Ricciotti Garibaldi

The Kingdom Of Yugo-Italia stood free and independent upon the beginning of the new century. The Kingdom was first established through the efforts of Giuseppe Garibaldi in establishing a united Italian state in the early 1870s. Garibaldi, an intense Italian nationalist and general who hailed from the city of Nice, waged a long guerilla war to unite the peninsula under one sole ruler. He would achieve this after his army, aided by other nationalist armies, sacked Rome and occupied it as the seat of a new Italian Kingdom. Garibaldi immediately declared himself the first Neo-Italian King and received little resistance to his claim thus beginning the Garibaldi Monarchy. Giuseppe Garibaldi would rule until his death in 1882 in which his first son, Menotti Garibaldi, would take the crown. A general in his own right, the new Garibaldi would wage a fierce war against the collapsing Ottoman Empire which had already been weakened by Greek campaigns to the south. The Great Italian-Otto War resulted in the the historical Slavic regions of the Balkans being ceded into the kingdom. Likewise, the advance of German troops into Austria prompted the new king to seize areas of Croatia and Slovenia thus united the two regions into one. Menotti Garibaldi would pass in 1899 without a son which prompted the coronation of Giuseppe Garibaldis fourth son, Ricciotti Garibaldi, who rules to the current day. King Ricciotti Garibaldis son, Giuseppe Garibaldi II, serves as the current heir apparent for the Yugo-Italian Throne. In recent years, King Ricciotti Garibaldis primary objective had been to invest in national educational facilities in major cities such as Rome and Venice whilst also increasing border security in the north to prevent the intrusion of the overly hostile German forces. This included the creation of large forts and encampments scattered about the harsh alpine landscape where soldiers would train in the ways of mountain combat and guerilla warfare. The King, wishing to keep peace to the south, has recently sent his second son, Constantino Garibaldi on an excursion to the Greek state in the hopes of opening new markets as well as hoping to form a new Greco-Roman Alliance that would solidify the return of a de facto Roman Empire lead through cooperation rather than strict coercion. The Kings investment in education, military, and infrastructure have enabled the creation of some of the highest standards of living in all of Europe and the Italian Men At Arms would be prepared to defend this new way of life to death if so needed.

[Franco-Iberie]

Morgan Oil Refinery, Arizona, Pacific States



An eagle screeched somewhere overhead as Joseph DeWitt, a Pinkerton agent hired by the Morgan Oil Company to guard company property, looked out across the scrublands bordering the high wooden fences of the facility from his solitary watchtower, linked to the outside only by an equally solitary railroad. He struck a match against the heel of his boot and lit a cigarette, idly puffing away while counting the hours until he could come down out of the blistering heat. The sound of yelling from below distracted him, and he peered over the guardrail to look below and see company workers and other Pinkertons grabbing guns. "What in the hell is going on?" He asked, hoping to get some kind of reply.

"Injuns! We just got word by telegram, maybe 100 or 200 riding up from the South! They raided Safford just this morning, 10 miles away!" His friend, Agent Johnston, called back.

"Shit." DeWitt muttered to himself, picking up his Winchester 1886 and hastily loading in five extra cartridges. His commander, Agent Franklin, walked out from his quarters half-dressed, and shouted at DeWitt "You stay in that tower and watch the horizon."

"Yes sir!" DeWitt yelled in response. He wrenched the field glasses off the post from which they hung by a strap and peered through them across the horizon. He could see the Indians riding up from the south on their horses, armed with rifles and kicking up dust far above their height. DeWitt set them down and picked his rifle up. "We got em comin from the South, I think about 70!" Other Pinkertons and refinery workers put ladders up to the fence from which they could shoot, and the railroad gates were shut. Franklin started barking orders and DeWitt, from his elevated position, readied his gun. Franklin gave the order to fire and down the line the cracking of rifles was head. Dewitt squeezed the trigger and the Indian he was aiming at slumped and fell off his horse. He pulled the lever on the rifle back and forth and took a shot at another one, getting the rounds off quick as possible.

The Indians circled around the perimeter of the refinery, taking shots at the men on the fences. Two of them produced sticks of dynamite and tossed them at a spot in the fence, blowing the weak wooden structure apart and sending splinters up in the air. They rushed in on their horses, some dismounting and taking cover, before the defenders could react. DeWitt took more shots at them, then wheeled around to point his gun when he heard someone coming up the stairs to the tower. He was relieved to see his friend, Johnston, panting as he ran up, rifle in hand. "No way in Hell am I dying down there. Franklin says we just got to hold out until the Army gets here from Fort McDowell, so I figure this is the safest spot to be until then."

"God damn, I hope you're right. Where in Christ's name did these Indians get dynamite and repeater guns anyways?"

"Call me the Tsar of Russia if I know, more shooting, less questions!"

"Right!" DeWitt could see the Indians gradually herding the remaining defenders into a circle around the main buildings, and some of them went to the storage tanks on the far side of the refinery, putting more dynamite there. DeWitt was about to take a shot at one of them when Johnston got his attention and said "Hey! There's more a-comin!" He turned around and indeed there was, the other 100 or so Indians, riding up from the west. Before he could say anything, a bullet took DeWitt in the back of the head, and all went dark.

2 hours later



An army train steamed along the desolate rails towards the refinery. From even miles away the men on board could see smoke rising from the strong-burning oil fires. Major Fulton, the commander of the Pacific States Army detachment sent, looked ahead at the tracks from a car just behind the engine. When he could see the refinery and hear the gunshots over the constant pounding of the steam engine, he gave the order to stop. The brakes screeched as the train slowed gradually to a stop, and soldiers dismounted from the flatbed cars in the back, rifles in hand.

Fulton jumped down from his private railcar to the ground and barked orders at the men to run up and take position on a nearby hill, confident the Indians would take the chance to charge him, lacking cavalry of his own. The men lined up rank and file in three rows, some men prone, some kneeling, and some standing. From a boxcar, teams of men brought up large items draped in canvas, to conceal them, and placed them down in between the formations of men, being sure to camouflage them well. Fulton observed the situation at the refinery, his right hand man, Captain Laramie, beside him. "Yeah, like I thought. These Pinkerton boys are here to deal with strikers and agitators, not god damned raiders. There hasn't been one like this in years."

"They're coming out on the horses, sir, they've seen us." Laramie noted.

"So they are." Fulton replied.

Leaving a token force of 30 or so to keep the surviving refinery men holed up in an office building, the Indians rode out to greet the Army, whooping as they did.

"Give the order, now."

"Roger that, sir. Gunners! Ready to fire on my command!" Laramie shouted

The men handling the heavy equipment pulled off the canvas, revealing shiny Maxim guns they fed belts of .30-04.

"Fire!"

The Maxim guns opened up on the Indian riders in unison with the soldiers, firing off round after round from their bolt-action rifles. Rider after rider was cut down, the horses spooking and bolting. The remaining Indians cut a hasty retreat, leaving the remaining survivors alone. Fulton, satisfied with the carnage, took in the air and said "You smell that, Captain? That's gunpowder. Not the stench that one or two rifles firing off gives, but what these beasts give off that lingers for hours after. I love the smell of it in the evening."

"We sure showed the savages." Laramie remarked.

"You know I've got to thinking, Captain. We've got all the Indians on the reservations in check and disarmed. Navajo, Apache, whatnot."

"Yeah?"

"So where are they coming from then?"

Laramie gave no answer, thinking for a second

"Mexico, that's where." Fulton finished for him.

[Sapientia Et Bellum]

The Boy Who Would Be King

*Peppino Garibaldi, Crown Prince of Yugo-Italia, with Mexican Guerilla Fighters Upon His Arrival In The City Of Tampico

Several large oceanliners would slowly pull into the city of Tampico one afternoon only several weeks after the attacks into what remains of The United States. The oceanliners began their long journey across the Atlantic ocean from the shores of Sicily. The trip across the Atlantic had been advertised by the Italian Government to the rest of the world as nothing more than an inititve to build a burgoning travel industry within the Italian state and the new world. Most nations thought little of it as even the British White Star Line would typically make similiar cross Atlantic trips to unique areas. The truth of these ships, however, was to be that of international consequence as they were welcomed into Tampico by Mexican Revolutionaries. Silently, nearly six thousand Italian Red Shirts would appear onto the decks of the grand ships as the unloaded food, ammo, guns, books, clothing, and drinking water. The Red Shirts would be followed by the striking image of a man wearing tradition Mexican garments with an ammo belt wrapped around his waist. One would easily mistake him for another Mexican Revolutionary but upon closer inspection one would find the face of yet another ethnic Italian... The son of Ricciotti Garibaldi... The Crown Prince Of Yugo-Italia. The Crown Prince would make his way off the larger of the two oceanliners and make his way towards a small tent marked only by a flag pole that held the Mexican Tricolor. The Tricolor, however, had the visage of the Eagle cut from it creating a perfect circle in the middle of the flag... The eagle was most likely burned by some plucky revolutionary. The tent was dimly lit as the shadow of a man holding a small glass of alcohol moved upon the entering of The Crown Prince. The man, a stern looking Mexican who bore the face of an alcoholic, greeted the intruder into his home.

"Ahhh, my Italian Friend.... How many did you bring?"
The man now visibly more relaxed
"Six thousand, Francisco... most of which I personally trained with in Rome.... Also enough supplies to last us the next year and a half if need be..."
"Good, the mad man is funding campaigns in the North.... Its almost like he want us to win!"
The man, now revealed as Francisco Madero, would laugh as he poured the Crown Prince a drink who in return graciously accepts it
"The pieces are coming together, Franscico... soon a new Mexico will be born from the firery ashes of Porfirio Diaz..."
Francisco raised his glass and makes a toast
"To the death of Diaz! and to a new Mexico!"
"To the death of Diaz! and to a new Mexico!"
The Crown Prince repeats as the glasses clink together before both men indulge in their sin

[Jolthig]

Athens, Greece

When Constantinos' ship arrived in Athens, he was greeted by King George I himself.

"Welcome to Greece, your majesty." George I smiled.

[Eggistaan]

1300
January 4th 1900


Korfa Bule stared at the Union's paper headlines, the same story sprawled all over his desk, "African Union gains new member" caught his eye as he shuffled through the pages. He fixated his eyes onto the small print that told the nations story;

"As of January 3rd, The small nation of Malawi succumbed to the British dominion of the African union. Around 20,000 union troops burst through the borders armed with leased British weapons such as the lee enfield which shocked the Malawians who where constricted to ancient weapons such as the Zulu spear and shield. The lee was proven very effective on horseback and using British trench warfare tactics. Only 36 union heroes were taken during the conquest and have received a special military burial, we also thank her majesty Queen victoria for helping us out during this short war.
Glory to the African Union !"

Bule smirked at the story, more and more Africans were under his rule, he also enjoyed the company of the English and with all these talks of independence, all he could say was "Just a little longer." He loved their presence and their culture and he couldn't understand why his people hated what he thought was such a sophisticated civilisation. Korfa shrugged as his butler entered the room;
"What would you like Humphrey?
"Sir i came to congratulate you on your victory over Malawi sir."
"Thank you Humphrey, is that all?"
"No sir, unfortunately i have some grave news sir."
"what wrong?" Korfa leaned in, quite interested in what his butler had to say.
"After scavenging the remains of a Malawian bunker we destroyed with British explosives, we found a British machine gun sir."
Bules face went bright red; "Are you implying the British are arming both sides Humphrey? Are you calling them traitors?"
Humphrey realised his mistake and retreated , he desperately tried to defend himself "no sir i was telling you what happened sir, i wasn't implying that sir!"
It was to late, the ear shattering sound of the gunshot from his gold encrusted pistol had sounded before Humphrey jerked backwards in lifelessness. The guards didnt allow his body to hit the ground, grabbing it and taking it away.


Korfa reclined in his chair and toyed with the thoughts for a moment before dozing off to a deep sleep