NationStates Jolt Archive

(ooc: Please read this before you participate / comment on this thread.

In no way is the RP meant to take place in the modern era. This will depict an episode in the participating nation's history, starting around 1750, rather than actions in its present. This is largely intended to help advance our nation's history, as well as build up colonial empires that will affect the participating nations as we advance to the events of the modern day.

This is not intended to be a war RP. War will naturally be a part of it, but I rather hope a minor part as the characters instead concentrate on manipulating native princes, playing of each other, subtle threats, economic hegemony, and overt gunboat diplomacy. Much will focus on individual characters - from the eccentric native prince to the arrogant plantation owner to the average gun-toter in the Company Army.)

{To set the stage: The western world - and I use the term in reference to culture and development, not geographical location - has begun its assent. Throughout the world, European style of arms and tactics have proven superior against superior numbers of natives. The race for colonies has begun.

The sub-continent of Gallaga, meanwhile, has never experianced a darker time. Following the fall of central government, the former Empire has broken up into an array of competing princely states, eager to stab each other into the back for a tiny bit of advancment. Their countryside is overflowing with goods demanded by the developed nations - spices, silk, tea, opium - it has much to offer, but the anarchic state is threatening the traditional balance of trade.

Into the fray steps, among others, the East Gallaga Company of Iansisle. Operating from a tiny outpost in the mouth of the River Ganges, with a smattering of isolated trade posts along the east Gallagan coast and in the East Indies, they hope to bring a sense of order to the chaos - an order in which they are supreme.}

(Again, please note - this is happening in the past. Your current leader's parent's parent's parent's parent's parents aren't even a glimmer in their father's eye. Modern ethics do not exist - news is slow, and reports will be incomplete. If you feel you can RP within those guidelines, feel free to participate - be it as a mercenary hired to train native militias, a minor - or major - colonizing power, or a native prince trying to survive and prosper - feel free. If you can't, then please just watch.

On a geographic note, please consider that Gallaga is assumed to be the Indian subcontinent. When in doubt, feel free to refer to a map (such as the one posted below) to describe your physical location. All conditions are assumed to be identical, from the trade routes to the prevailing winds. In order to maintain a strong presence, a European country may be forced to make itself a power on the Cape of Good Hope, whereas a Pacific nation may find Malaysia to be more strategic.

http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~ssen/MapC.jpg

Thank you for your understanding. I will be posting an IC reply soon.

-Iansisle)

HIMS Southern Star
Outside New Shield, Gallaga - June 17th, 1750

The summer sun beat down on the ship's deck as it sliced through the calm waters of the Bay of Bengal on that summer afternoon. Lord Walter Fischer glanced at the Southern Star's captain, Sir Arthur Chalms. Chalms was standing easily despite his heavy uniform, calmly odering the men about as they prepared to slip anchor in the tiny makeshift harbor. Fischer wanted to smack him - there wasn't even a trace of sweat on the professional military man, while he was drowning in the hot, sticky weather.

He hadn't wanted to come to Gallaga, or any other non-Troobodian province for that matter. He rather liked the calm, temperate weather of the Great Shield. But, no, the High King Ian III in all his imperial majesty had decided to send him halfway around the world to hell on earth. The rivalry between Houses Callahan and Fischer had always been a bitter one - this was all punishment for his grandparents aligning themself against the Lord Ian, he supposed.

He understood the strategic importance of helping the Company maintain its position in Gallaga - that didn't mean he had to like it. For years, Company ships had been running spices and other goods from the Ganges to the Shield in return for a pittance in manufactured goods, some as cheap or common as cotton. A pound of cotton for a pound of spice, laughed Fischer. Well, if they were stupid enough to do it, then Iansisle had the right to take advantage of them.

However, this new crumbling of power from within the Gallagan Empire had come as a shock to the Company. Where one bribe would have taken care of every problem, there was now required a dozen. New princes seemed to pop up every day, each demanding new concessions from the Company. Threatened with the collapse of the Company, Iansisle had been forced to take action. It had had cheap Gallagan tea and spices for too long to go cold turkey. A solution was needed - one that would guarentee the safety of Iansislean trade in the region.

So the crown had dispatched to the tiny settlement of New Shield the Lord Fischer, in command of Southern Star, a new twenty-eight gun frigate, and a company of fifty men. He was to overawe the natives with a show the destructive power of Iansislean arms, to force them into the Company's arms. Demonstrate the power of the weapons, then imply that you'd be handing them out to every prince but the one you're talking with. In no time, they'd be running to you for protection from their breathren - and tea was really a small price to pay for safety, wasn't it?

(Edit, ooc: And I, having work tommorow, had better think of heading to bed, as it's 3:30 here. Look forward to your introduction posts tommorow. For now, goodnight.)

HMS Peter Blake,

Captain Crooke jotts...
Dear Diary

To my wife Mary-Olsen, if you find this:
I only hope I can survive to meet you another day. To see your beautiful face again. To play a game of soccer with our son.

The mood here is grim. I fear we may not survive much longer. The clouds are darker than the souls of demons and the food has completely gone-off. Two men are already ill due to scurvy, and many others are weakening. We are hopelessly lost. May God have mercy on us....

"LAND AHOY!!!"
The Captain at first dismisses the idea, but falls into a state of shock when he hears the quack of seagulls. He races up onto the deck.
"It's land alright. Drop our anchors and alight."
The men are completely revitalised, and soon they send small dingys off onto the unknown world.

OOC: My men are going to play the role of mercenarys.

The fracture of the once proud Asian empire of Gallaga looked no more pleasing through the aspiring eyes of the colonial power that was Walmington on Sea.

The relative pauper state, seemingly adrift in the vast Atlantic, had invested much of its economy into a venture on the island of Ceyloba, off the southeastern Gallagan coast. Trade with local tribes on the outlying Gallagan province had begun to finally show a significant and very welcome return in Walmington, and now the island had broken away from the empire.

Now the most powerful man on the island was prince..prince..what was his name? Abord his majesty's tiny Walmingtonian ship Enterprize, Mr.Aldo had quite lost track. He was too busy feeling seasick at the prospect of rounding the cape. The trip from Walmington was just too long- this prince whatshisname had jolly well better be reasonable. His posturing around the Walmington Trade Mission at Vollombo was most unwelcome, and Aldo was tasked with negotiating for the continuation of favoured trade status for WoS.

The Governor of Port Traskade (Java), Lord Dasgage looked out the window of his office at the ships anchored in the harbour before turning back to his visitor.

“You have a lot of ships for a settlement. The Mayflower was just one ship and it made a settlement”
He commented, “You have two 24 gun frigates, a 28 gun frigate, a 64 gun Line of Battle ship, two brigs and a schooner, and that’s just the military. What are you planning on doing with four transports full of men and a further six of mixed supplies? A city?”

Looking at the men before him he raises his eyebrows quizzically.

“Quite so actually.” replies the foremost of the three men before him, “Our King has expressed a wish for us to ensure that the bounty of that fair land to out west be our sole preserve. So we have been set the task of establishing a colony there. Lord Harbrea will be following us out in three months milord, and by such time Commodore Chareston and I are to have turned the small trade station at Gasgarge (Madras) into a suitable residence and base for a Governor and naval base.”

“Hmm…You have a good start then, there is a sheltered harbour there and a defensive site for an outpost. You do realise that the Ianislians are exploring in that direction and have a trade post to the north as well?”

“Most certainly we do indeed, In fact they are in part the reason we are being sent out, our leaders feel that if these traders have too strong a grasp on the local inhabitants they may be able to enforce a monopoly on products from the land there. We have uses for too many of their products to deny our own traders and merchants their rightful income, nor our monarch his duty and taxes. If the Ianislians can monopolise the trade they can also raise prices to unfair levels.”

“You had best be on your way then, My men have refitted your ships and replenished your food and water as the royal writ directed. Bon Voyage, my valet will show you out.”

As the men file out under the watchful eye of the governors valet the governor turns a pensive eye out to he harbour again and watches the men climbing the yards of the ships.

"I must send a letter to the first sea lord, this seems like over kill, a pair of frigates would have been plenty"

L'estate de Luzino
Outside of Ercolana City
----------------------------

Living a privileged life was not enough for Sig. Thomas Luzino. Being the richest man in all of Ercolana was not enough for him either. He had an urge of exploration, passed down through his blood from his great grand father. Has he entered the twilight of his life he knew that this was his last chance to act upon that urge, and fulfill his destiny as an explorer. He sat in his study looking at the map of Gallaga. He had special interest in the northern area, near Karachi. That was where he was going to stake his claim. He had prepared himself for this journey for a while, but it still seemed to be looming upon him, like a gentle mist. This was it, the moment he waited for. He slowly rose from the comfortable padded chair and ventured to his dressing parlor. There he put on the suit he had made ready. At first glance it looked like a Naval uniform, but it had no insignias of the Ercolanan Navy. It did bear however the symbol of his family. An L surrounded by a crest of Olive branches. He put on his admirals hat and brandished his finely polished sword. The coach was waiting for him outside the vast estate. Has he entered he looked upon his home for quite possibly the last time. It was the first time he felt fear.

Two hours later......
-----------------------------

The ship was preparing embark. It was a beautiful Galleon. Once one of the finest ships in the navy, it was now past its prime. Crewed by sailors of the Ercolana navy it was lightly armed. Thomas stood on the quarter deck, looked out upon the vast sea in front of him. "Onward, to our destiny!" he said, and the ships began to pull away from the dock to begin its long journey to Gallaga.

(I CANT RESIST THE TEMPTATION!, I will use my nation in the 1750's time line, which you can see some information about on the ANH forum. If you want me to delete it I will, but I will stay true to the RP)


"Signore, welcome to Karachi", said the young Company man as he came upto the boat. "Your here for the audit correct?", he asked.

"No, actually I am not, mio amico. Where is the head office?", responded the other man.

"Well signore, I will take you there", he said puzzled as he lead him to the awaiting carriage. They both boarded the carriage and then made there way down the crowded city. They arrived at the head office, which was at the end of a buzzing market place. The young man lead the new arrival to the Boss' office itself.

"Ah, I see the Trading Company's auditor has arrived. Where would you like to begin.....", said the boss.

"Well, actually my true purpose here is not to audit your business, but to take it over", interupted the new arrival.

"What!! How can this be?!?", shouted the boss.

"Things are changing, Pietro...things are changing. The purpose of this business is no longer to simply trade with the merchants in this god forsaken market place. It is time we took this land for ourselves!!! It is a just waiting here for us, ripe for the taking!", said the man

"But...the Prince will never stand for this, he will send his army as soon as he learns about this!", said Pietro, the boss.

"Those backward swordsmen will not be able to stand against our musketmen. You've lived here for too long. By the time, this Prince hears about my plans it will be too late...unless someone tells him." He said, now starring into the mans eyes. "take him away, get him out of my face. I am the new boss of this company."

Outside the Stockade
New Shield, Gallaga - June 17th 1750

"There he is, the right proper lord," grunted Samuel Collinson, the Company's local administrator to his companion. Peter Hughes was also watching the longboat row in. The two of them had seen enough Company ships - some of them much larger than the frigate - to be impressed by the Southern Star.

"Suppose we'd best go meet 'im," mumbled Hughes, the local militia boss as the longboat beached ashore.

"Aye, that we should," agreed Collinson, somewhat disgruntled by having his authority usurped by a postering lord who had never been to Gallaga. "Right fat one, he is," he observed, quick and eager to find any fault with their new Governor-General. "Hope he doesn't plan on eating too much more than his fair share of rations."

"Quiet, Sam. He'll hear you. Ah! M'lord! Welcome to New Shield! I trust your voyage was pleasant?"

"Insofar as could be expected," grunted Lord Fischer, levering himself out of the small boat. Captain Chalms bounded gracefully out, ordering his men to drag the longboat farther up shore. Fischer was starting to outright hate the man. "We did need to make a layover in that hell known as Port Laughlin (ooc - In the mouth of the River Sarawak, near modern day Kuching) to take on fresh water and supplies. That was an experance I'd soon rather forget. I'm just surprised I didn't contract the yellow fever."

"As am I, m'lord," cut in Collinson, "Allow me to introduce myself - Samuel Collinson. The Company's director of New Shield, for the last ten years. This is Peter Hughes, the director of our small band of militia." Fischer cast an eye over the both of them.

"I'm sure you both understand why those positions will soon no longer be quite the same. Mr. ...eh, Collins, was it? - the Empire has no desire to interfere with Company politics, or otherwise interfere with their business. With Company permission, I have been appointed Governor-General of the new Crown Colony of New Shield. It will be placed under the military protection of the Empire. I have with me a full company of men and a large gun-ship - your militia, Mr. Hughes, is not needed."

"Collinson, m'lord," gritted Samuel, trying to keep a civil tongue in his mouth around nobility. Fischer glared at him.

"Mr. Collinson, there is no need to be disrespectful. I am aware of the superb job you and your Company have done managing this colony - I have no intention of interfering with your trading efforts, but I suppose you've heard we're hardly the only power operating on the sub-continent?"

"Yes, m'lord."

"I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation, mister. Just to get here, I needed to sail the Straits of Malacca under the shadow of the Calaracan flag. The Empire cannot allow the Company's position of the sub-continent to be jeopardized. It's not just a rabble of native princes and warlords we're dealing with now - it's concentrated, modernized, developed powers with the desire to replace us as the dominant power in the Gallagan trade. The Empire takes this threat very seriously - even as I left Ianapalis, another expedition, bound for the north coast of Batam, was being outfitted." Collinson accepted his explanation and promises to stay out of Company affairs, but he still didn't trust the posturing aristocrat.

(ooc - Welcome to the game, everyone! Ell, feel free to declare where your ship is landing - my base of power is in the Ganges River basin, near Calcutta, Calarca's is near Madras, Walminton on Sea's on M-D Sri Lanka, and Agrigento and Ercolana seem to be heading for a confrontation in Karachi. Feel free to land near a native state of your own invention of the currently un-claimed western coast, as well)

The sound of hammers hitting nails echo’s around the small room where five men are sitting, Sir Jarnek Hapwell, the trading companies Gasgage head stands at the head of a table.

“So gentlemen, You are establishing a military presence here and annexing the area? Hmm…. That would simplify things here, but you will meet resistance further inland, the rajahs there are rather grasping and have large armies. What are your plans?”

The diplomat, a dapper man of early middle age named Royce Cronal spoke up, “Commodore Chareston will be staying here as the naval commander with his flagship, the Pegasus 64, the frigate Bountiful 28, and the schooner, while the two smaller frigates explore further for other harbours, one frigate and one brig sailing in company in each direction, north and south. He can brief you gentle men on plans for such later. But the naval authorities wish to have more than one naval base.
I will be remaining here in Gasgage and visiting local dignitaries with the aim of formalising treaties and hopefully to have them swear allegiance to the Crown, and if not, to obtain rights to recruit natives as soldiers, we only have a limited number of Calarcian soldiers here, and no cavalry, we need to change that. With the militia and the soldiers here added to the soldiers brought out this trip we have 800 men, the Crown is deploying a total of 1500 Calarcian soldiers over the next few months, the remainder will be coming with the governor.”

Looking to on side Royce looks at a a thickset man in the green and blue uniform of the Royal Calarcian Grenadiers.

“Colonel Kemp here will command these men. We are carrying muskets and arms for a further 10,000 native soldiers, through we will be using these mainly as trade goods with friendly Rajahs for use against their enemies, the more territory those under our control have, the more power we have, and as the native rulers realise those under our rule and protection prosper, so more are expected to flock to our banner.
Now, I am sure there are better things for us to do than stand in a stuffy room, I must see my gear is unloaded safely, these sailors do not seem to understand the word fragile and I am carrying a number of wines.”

Well, as Iansisle and Agrigento know, my nationw asnt discovered until the very early 1700s, so if any of you dont mind getting your ass handed to you in teh 1970s-1980s, then I could kinda RP with this as one of ya'lls colonies.

Palace of Prince Hiresh
Khulna, Gallaga - July 14th, 1750

Lord Fischer swore he was deaf by now. This was the - seventh? eight? - stop he had needed to make since arriving in Gallaga. Across the field, another fuse was lit, and again the roar of cannon-fire filled the palace grounds.

He looked over at Prince Hiresh, who was watching in amazement as the ball tore through a hastily constructed wooden barricade. "My Prince, now you see the terror of our arms. However, we do not wish to intimidate you. There are other empires out there, ones that are not so generous as Iansisle. We wish to protect you. They have weapons like ours - the only way to counter them is to ally yourself with us. We will make sure that the bad empires cannot touch you...you wouldn't want to be ruled over by Prince Tejasm would you?"

Hiresh's grasp of English was tenuous at best, but he understood Prince Tejasm well enough. The Gallagan's face hardned. "Prince Tejasm, he be able to make big arrow?"

"We don't know, my Prince. The bad people, they are operating south of here. I'd venture to guess Prince Tejasm already has cannon like that." Hiresh bit his bottom lip.

"I good friend of Ees-isle. Don't want bad people to take land. You protect me, I give you many, many elephants."

"That's grand, my Prince. I'm sure the Great Iansislean High King across the water will be overjoyed at the news. Now, it is custom where I come from to agree to things in writing. I have drawn up here a contract saying that Iansisle will help you if you are attacked by the bad people. All you have to do is put your stamp on the bottom of this sheet." Fischer handed Hiresh a lengthy contract, knowing full well that the Prince couldn't read English, and was too stubborn to ask for help. Hiresh stared vainly at the words for a minute, then dipped his ring in hot wax.

Fischer smiled. He had already gotten the minor princes of the west bank of the Ganges to agree to similar fuedal contracts by threatening them with Hiresh's massive kingdom. Now, by threatening Hiresh with Tejasm, they had drawn the Prince - who controlled almost all the mouths of the Ganges - to agree to be an underlord of the Empire.

His next stop was Jamshedpur, where he hoped that he could convince Prince Tejasm to follow Hiresh. By uniting the princes of the lower Ganges (albeit without their knowledge), he planned to expand the area of control exerted by the New Shield colony over a large portion of north-east Gallaga.
__________________________

HIMS Intrepid
Off the coast of Batam - July 18th, 1750

Commadore Harold Manly swept his binoculars over Nongsa Landing. It was hardly an ideal port, he admitted, but his tiny fleet had been about the enitre island, and it would have to do. He then turned his gaze north-west, looking at the small Calarcan outpost.

"Hell - on a clear day, you could balmy well see them. Can't be more than fifteen statutes 'tween us." The Intrepid's captain just nodded, more concerned with the status of his ship.

Their expedition had been thrown together quickly to claim a presence at the enterance to the Straits of Malacca before the Calarcans claimed everything. Besides Intrepid, a fifty gun fourth-rater, the tiny fleet comprised of HIMS Pekan, a tiny twelve gun sloop, and a small assortment of colony-establishing ships.

"Might as well go ashore, eh, Commadore?" asked Captain Flowers.

"Aye, we may as well. Suppose they'll have any sort of thing to say about us?" asked the Commadore, indicating the Calarcan outpost.

"Suppose we'll find out, sir."

Trading Outpost
Fort Ash, Gallaga - July 19th 1750

Charles Townsend, the local Company executive, was having a hard time making sense of what the native traders were trying to tell him. They were talking about other Iansisleans to the south, but that didn't make sense. Far and away, Fort Ash was the farthest south of the far-flung Iansislean trading outposts.

Fort Ash was small, never intended to be a perminant settlment. Under his command, Townsend had four members of the Company militia and a crew of longshoremen and Company traders. The tiny fort overlooked the mouth of the Godavari River, downstream from the sizeable native settlement of Rajamundry. For as long as the Gallagans could remember - which, considering their un-prolific life span, wasn't all that long - the Iansisleans had been there.

And now the said the Iansisleans were farther south, too, beyond even the River Krishna. That, of course, had to be a mistake. Unless there was a new East Gallagan Company operating in the far south, the Gallagans were a group of liars. They had brought him reports of Shieldians from places as far flung as Ceyloba and Karachi - places hundreds of leagues distant.

Townsend knew about the empire's collapse, of course. A new Prince - what was his name again? Rajiv? - had established himself in Rajamundry, demanding that the Iansisleans now pay tribute directly to him, rather than the former emperor. Townsend, a mere four musketmen under his command, had little choice but to comply. The Company wouldn't be happy when they found out, that was for sure. In the mean time, though, he just had to cope with the new balance of power.

He dismissed the native trader, who looked dissapointed that Townsend didn't fall for his easily-seen-through ruse about the 'Southern Iansisleans'. He was replaced a second later by George Happers, his second in command.

"Hello, George. What's on your mind?"

"There's an Imperial ship in the harbor."

"What, you mean from the Gallagan crown? About bloody time."

"No, Charles, not that empire. Ours. Flying St. Patrick's cross and everything. They're putting a boat ashore now."

"What? What on earth would Ianapalis want in Fort Ash?"

"Search me, sir. I think you may wish to head down to the beach and meet them."

"Damn straight I do! Come on, George!"

Inland of Gasgage

Royce smiled at the native marajah sitting opposite him in the Howdah of the Companys VIP elephant, the only elephant around that was trained to stand when cannons roared.

"Honoured Sir, what you will see today will influence this world for eons yet to come" he states.

"Sri hesri Krisnaet Jabber ...." goes the translator to the Marajah.

(OOC: for simplicity and to allevate the need for learning Hindu or Gallagan I'm going to do both sides of all conversations from now in English and assume the translator is doing his job)

"So you have said" replied Raj Haresna, "I still say you soldiers will die to a man, even with magic sticks such as you claim your men are armed with 50 men cannot stop 400. Your men are brave, but foolish, swords and spears are enough for any army."

"Wait," Soothed Royce, "they start soon."


Off in the distance a bugle blew, a coluom of men is seen to start towards the parade ground from the west as a rabble of natives approach from the east, they will meet in front of where the elephant stands.

As the two groups get closer it is possible to see the makeup of the two groups, the natives are ill dressed in rags and a number have sores around the wrists and ankles, signs of prisons, but are well armed with a long saber styled sword or a short spear. These are prisoners condemned to death or hard labour for life, Promised freedom, and a pardon if they survive the coming combat and kill the opposing force. The Calarcians are by contrast well dressed in a matching unifrom of green, 40 wear the orange trim of a foot regiment of muskets armed with a short musket and bayonet, while the remaining ten have the blue of the Grenadiers corps and carry a long musket with a sword at their side and a large bag at their waist.

Closer still and the command from the ranks of the Calarcians can be heard drifting on the wind to where the two sit on their elephant, surrounded by retainers.

"From column to ranks, Company will deploy to three ranks, By the left, Deploy!"

The column smoothly flowers out into a marching line three deep and 20 wide, the last two ranks being of musketeers and the fore rank of grenadiers.

"On the command, first rank take aimed fire at the fore rank of the enemy.... Stand by... FIRE! Front rank reload"

At such a long range only two natives fall and one clutches his side, but the advance of the natives checks as they wonder what the noise and smoke means, especially considering two of their number have just died.
Meanwhile the grenadiers reload their muskets, a slow process with the long weapons they have, but far more accurate then the musketeers weapons.
The natives begin to advance again and have come closer when the grenadiers have finished loading.

"On the command, first rank take aimed fire at the fore rank of the enemy.... Stand by... FIRE! Front rank reload, second rank advance through"

The grenadiers fire again, 4 enemy falling, then the musketeers of the second rank step though the busy grenadiers and stand ready.

"On the command, first rank take aimed fire at the fore rank of the enemy.... Stand by... FIRE! Front rank reload, third rank advance through"

This time their are 20 muskets firing, but only 4 enemy fall and one screams, the range is still too long for the short muskets to be truly effective. while the front rank reload the rear rank advance through the two in front as they busily relaod and stand ready.

"On the command, first rank take aimed fire at the fore rank of the enemy.... Stand by... FIRE! Front rank reload, second rank advance through"

The natives are still advancing, slower and more cautiously however, and seem worried that they are not within spear throwing range and have no archers. with this ranks fire 6 natives fall. the musketeers fron the preivous firing have all finsihed their reloading while the slowest grenadiers are just ramming the ball home.

As the musketeers in the first rank reload the second rank advance and take aim, as they fire 8 natives fall as more musketeers find the range and the natives advance ever more into the effective range of the muskets.
Finally it is the turn of the grenadiers again, with their longer muskets 7 natives die.

The natives are by now close enough for the spears to be thrown, a Calarcian is hit but stays in line, most of the natives hold on to their spears and hold them like a musketand bayonet.

The Musketeers manage 3 more volleys and the grenadiers one before an new command comes.

"Grenadiers, Sling Muskets, Fire slowmatch" at which command the grenadiers slung their muskets over their backs and opening their bags drew out a lenght of slowmatch and flint and tinder lighters, setting fire to the slowmatch.
Meanwhile the musketeers carried on firing at the natives, who were now close and had left over 80 dead on the ground and 100 deserted and running for the horizon, prefering an attempt to escape to the remorseless buzz and zip of musket balls.
Then came the order the Calarcians had been waiting for.

"Reload, Form square, Fix Bayonets, Grenadiers prepare"

The Calarcians pulled back into a tight square, the musketeers around the perimeter with bayonets pointed out, the Grenadiers in the center with their arms cocked and a heavy iron ball with a fuse clutched ready to throw.

As the natives surge up to the square the grenadiers recieve an order,

"Grenadiers, Light and throw!

The grenadiers bring their slowmatch to the fuse of the grenades and wait til it beingins to fizz and sputter, then sling the grenade out in to the mass of natives being fended off but the musketeers. As the muffled booms of grenades going off amongst massed bodies is superseeded by the shrill screams of mangled men the natives recoil, closely followed by a second flight of grenades, The tattered remnants of the native troops flee as this is followed closely by a final volley from the musketeers.

"Form Ranks"

is the next order as the troops prepare to follow after and further reduce the native rabbles numbers. leaving their own 7 dead and 2 seriously wounded behind.


"So 50 men cannot stop 400 sir? I beg to differ, think of how invulnerable your territories will be with 2000 of these trained men in your army, and allied with us we will provide the weapons and officers to create this force."

Handing the Rajah a sheet of paper written in the native tongue, courtesy of the trading companies interpreters, Royce nods towards the carnage. "There are others to the north who are not as open and honest as we are, rather than give you a fair treaty written in your language, they would trick you to sign something in theirs that makes you a veritable slave, or worse.
We have many more weapons, worse and more lethal than these, I truly urge you to read and sign that treaty."

North of Gasgage

The captain of the 24 gun frigate Ineffable weclomed the commander of the brig aboard.

"So did you find anything interesting ashore?"

"Indeed I did, The Iansislians must have a trading post to the north, the natives are gabbling about our being a days canoe north of here, That would be about 5 hours sail in this wind. we should make it by nightfall."

"Very good. Let us get under way again then, Back to your ship now."

"Aye Aye sir"



The two ships sail north, just short of nightfall comes the cry "Ship Ho" as a lookout notes a ship anchored in a shealtered harbour.

Too late to beat in and anchor the two ships stand out to sea and ready to beat to through the night and come to the harbour int he morning light.

Garret passed the bottle of whisky back to Vaughn. "Right, lets go over this again. The Empire collapsed?"

Vaughn rubbed his eyes, the day had not been a happy one, "Yep. Six bloody months ago and we only just heard."

"And If there's no Empire there's no army."

"And no army, no wages."

"No wages, no food."

"Hell."

The two of them were slumped against the wall of a building, sharing a single bottle of whisky bought with the last of their money. They were both around average height, though Vaughn was slightly taller and both wore the khaki-coloured uniform of a soldier in the now disbanded Madrigan army.

"What are we gonna do?"

"Listen, you know that shipment of muskets that arrived a couple of weeks ago?"

"Yep."

"I reckon, since the Empire's collapsed, those guns don't technicaly belong to anyone do they?"

"Nope."

"An' I reckon that there's a load of princes and whatnot who'd pay handsomely for a nice batch of two hundred brand new muskets, especially if they were brought by two proffesional and hexpeienced soldiers such as ourselves. Willin' to train the new recruits an' such."

"I think we have plan."

OOC: Anyone interested?

ooc:I was sort of thinking the Ceylobans eventually receive word of westerners causing trouble up north on the mainland, and reacting violently against the Walmingtonian trade concern on the island- if they can get in contact with tribes based in Sri Lanka they might make a sale.

A small boy, browned from the sun, peeks out from behind a tree and dashes into the settlement. Suddenly, a commotion rises up around the marketplace. The boy has stolen an apple. He is soon caught and brought to the small constable station.

ooc: someone RP the constables.

"Everything is going according to plan, only one question remains, how did you manage to get King Umberto's support for this domination?", said Duke Augustino of Sicilia.

"I didn't my friend, he knows nothing about our plans, all he knows is that we expect to be attacked by the restless natives. Which should occur if that fool Pietro every gets word of our treachery out", said the new Boss.

"Yes, that was brillant of your part, if you allow me to say so, I mean you let that old fat fool help us by thinking he was helping the enemy!", responded the Duke.

------------------
Some plotting.......

Official Corespondence:

High Monk Zhu Lin Bao
Jin Pubu Temple, Holy City

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SEAL<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

O High temple of Jin Pubu,

On this, the 301th day of the cycle of the Ruby, I have arrived in the land of Gallaga.

My passage was safe and without mishap. Although the pilot of the junk showed little interest in controlling his lecherous and conniving crew, I nevertheless arrived unmolested.

Amitaba Amitaba Amitaba.

This, my first correspondence posted from this fair city of Karachi, will mark the beginning of a true and accurate spiritual survey of the land of Gallaga.

Amitaba Amitaba Amitaba.

At this moment, there are a great myriad of ships and men foreign to my eyes and perhaps to these natives as well. Men are reaching for control; taking, snatching, splitting lands and dividing minds. Much sorrow and suffering is found.

Amitaba Amitaba Amitaba Amitaba Amitaba Amitaba Amitaba

So it begins.

Monk Zhu Lin Bao
Jin Pubu Temple
Karachi
Under shady palm tree
Day 301 of Ruby


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Fort Trade (singapore)

*Scene* two men in a parang (native outrigger canoe with a sail) with brown faces and native dress talking in perfect fluent Calarcian and using a telescope to spy on the new settlement at Batam.

"So what do you think they are up to?" asked one.

"Starting a town themselves I'd say. They must want to be able to counter Fort Trade is a war ever comes up."

"sound true, I think we'd best get home and recommend that the seaward defences are strengthed. If it ever does come to a war this means they will be close and fresh if an inavasion comes."

"Yeah, I suppose, anyway for now lets get home and come over dressed properly and minus paint, if we offer some help and building supplies that should help friendly feelings and stave off the possiblity of a war."

Having decided such the Military governer and his cheif advisor set to sailing the Parang back to Fort Trade.


OOC: I'll be off the net for the next 4 days until Thursday NZ time.

Ianisle, RP a friendly meeting of our ships please, I'll be back thurs with more RPs.

Shimmying up the gangplank and onto the dock, Monk Zhu Lin Bao arrived surefootedly on Gallagan soil and took in the bustling Karachi waterfront scenery with a long thoughtful glance.

He had arrived, at last! It sure felt good to feel the sun beating on his face again after the days spent below decks riding out typhoons. In thanks, he spouted off a string of rhythmic "Amitaba"s.

After saying final goodbyes and offering thanks to the merchant crew that ferried him from Annam, Zhu slipped into the busy thoroughfares of the waterfront district.

In a salty and brine-smelling fish market, Zhu weaved his way through the various stands and stores, smiling and greeting the vendors pleasantly. He had arrived very early in the morning and many tables were still empty save for crystalized salt collected on their surfaces.

A stout vendor with a pencil-thin moustache struck up a conversation with Zhu and brought out a plate of naan and oils. Zhu ate eagerly as the two parlayed in pantomime and gesture.

Zhu was immediately impressed by the hospitalilty and the warmth of the people. He made note of their charity and quickness in giving alms. As he wandered out into more central districts of the city, he grew weary and his legs wobbled from atrophy. It had been a long trip.

He paused and sat down under the broad leafage of a palm tree. Removing his writing brush, ink, stone, stamp, and parchment from his robes, he began his first letter to Jin Pubu temple.

OOC: So I take it no one wants to take my lolwy isalnd chain?

Captain Crooke bent down and kissed the soil, tears falling from his eyes.

How good it felt to be on dry land again!

Many of his men began to forage for food, laying their mouths onto whatever fruit they could find, despite Crooke's warning to check for poison. Crooke turned to his lietenant.
"What should we call this land?"
"New Ell?"
"Sounds good."

Unknown to Crooke, half-a-dozen natives were on a cliff nearby, observining their actions.

OOC: Someone play the natives.

(ooc: Sorry to everyone I left hanging - had to run out for a few hours. With luck, I'll be on the rest of the night. Thanks to everyone who's chosen to participate!)

Fort Ash
Gallaga - Afternoon of July 19th 1750

Charles and George ambled down to the water's edge, watching as a small crew of Royal Iansislean Navy sailors drug their longboat ashore. An older man in the traditional navy blue uniform of the R.I.N.

"Ahoy, captain," greeted Townsend, "What news from the Shield urgent enough to bring you down here?" Sir Arthur looked the civilian up and down, making Charles rather uncomfortable.

"I suppose you've heard by now that the Gallagan Empire has collapsed?"

"Aye, captain, I've heard as much. For good, you mean?"

"Yes. The entire of the sub-continent is in turmoil. New powers have begun infringing on historic Iansislean trade to the south and west."

"What, even farther than the River Krishna?"

"Yes. The Calarcans, that'd be. We've heard reports of other powers, too, operating from the far west, beyond the subcontinent." Townsend had to scoff at that.

"Beyond the great desert? I find that hard to believe."

"Regardless, it is true. We're hardly alone in Gallaga anymore. Others are starting to realize the wealth contained here."

Captain Chalms led Townsend up away from the water, telling the isolated Company man of events that were taking place north in New Shield.
__________________________

HIMS Southern Star
Near Fort Ash, Gallaga - Evening of 19th July 1750

Ensign Hall peered through the evening gloom, alerted to the Callarcan ships by a nearby seaman.

"Too late to make harbor, I should think," he mumbled, half to himself. "Glad we're safe in here." He turned the gaze to Fort Ash, observing the bright lights burning inside. "Rather be safe in there, come to think of it." The seaman nodded.

Hall sighed and turned to continue his rounds. "Alert me if they make any suspicios moves, Jones. Otherwise, I'm going forward." The young sailor nodded.
__________________________

Construction site
Fort Manly, Batam, 19th July 1750

Construction is going as well as could be expected, thought the Commadore. He felt a little indulgent naming the new fort after himself, but such was the privlidge of command.

In a little under a day, the crews of skilled and unskilled men had erected the north facing of the fortress wall, a simple wooden effort. It wouldn't stand against modern naval cannon, or much else in the way of bombardment, but they'd have time enough later to erect a more suitable base. For now, they just needed a toehold against the natives.

Speak of the devil, Manly thought the Commadore, observing a small wooden craft approaching their small fort.

"Hey, Flowers, our little brown friends approach." grunted Manly, tapping the captain's shoulder. Flowers glanced over briefly.

"Shall I have the guards get ready, sir?"

"No, there's only a couple of them. Remember, we want friends here, not enemies. Let's see what they want - nice and peaceful like."
__________________________

Field outside the city
Near New Shield, Gallaga - 21st July 1750

"PRESENT....ARMS!" bellowed Sargeant Weathers. The sepoys hastened to try and follow his instructions. One dropped his musket; it wasn't loaded, fortunately. Weathers was on his in a minute.

"Fool! Look how that balmy gun's pointed! You could have just shot my bloody leg off!" The young native - couldn't have been more than sixteen, Weathers noted - bent down to pick up the weapon, spewing what better have been apologies in Gallagan. "Good lord!" shouted Weathers, "Can't they even get me soldiers who speak the language of the King, for crying out loud! Worthless, the lot of you!"

"Shall I translate that for you, sir?" asked the Company's attache to Weather's unit. The career military man sighed.

"Don't bother. Make sure they understand what to do when I say 'Present arms', will you? We can't do with this level of dicipline if we expect to win any battles given native troops."

"Aye, sargeant. I'll do that," nodded the Company man, turning to babble in Gallagan to the sepoys. Weather glared at one who didn't look to be paying attention.
___________________________

Company Militia Headquarters
New Shield, Gallaga - 21st July 1750

Peter Hughes looked up. A young R.I.A.C. enlisted man was dragging in an even younger Gallagan boy.

"I say, what's this?"

"Caught him stealing in the marketplace, sah. Not even very smart about it." Hughes rubbed his forehead. What stupid bloke told them to bring native law problems to me?

"Right, then, boy. You speak English?"

(ooc: Ell, where are you landing? If it's near me, I'll have one of the princes in my area be in command of the natives you see.)

OOC: Ganges Delta.

(ooc: Ah, this should be fun, then ;) I assume you came down in the western half, as I have a small colony in the east?

At any rate...)

The west Ganges delta

The natives watched the pale Ell sailors coming ashore.

"The Iansisleans?" asked one in Gallagan.

"Can't be," replied another. "Look at their standard. The Iansisleans' is red and white."

"You're right - the Prince will want to know about this."

"So he would," grunted a third, obviously a leader of sort. "It's almost a full day's run to Khulna. "Yashodhan, take Gaurav and Phanindra and run to the Prince's Palace. I will remain here and see what they do."

"Should we make contact, sir?" asked a fourth.

"Not yet. These may be the evil ones of which the Iansisleans told us." Yashodhan nodded to his leader.

"I go to obey. Good luck." The runners turned north, running back to their prince's seat of power.

Sargeant Weathers.

OOC: A distant relative, perhaps?

OOC: A distant relative, perhaps?

(ooc: Hey, I can't RP without a Weathers! That'd be, like, impossible! ;) )

ic:

Palace of Prince Hiresh
Khulna, Gallaga

Yashodhan led his weary men in through the palace doors, nearly making it to the prince's chambers before being stopped by a burly guard. After some negotiation, Yashodhan was permitted to see Hiresh, stripped of his weapons and watched over by two bruisers. He bowed.

"The lord my prince - I have a report." Hiresh looked bored.

"Oh?"

"Foreigners, prince."

"Our friends the Iansisleans?"

"No, prince, others. They flew a strange banner." Hiresh looked worried.

"What did they do?"

"When I left, not much, prince. They came ashore, and dissolved into a rabble, wandering about. Not organized at all."

"Did they have the weapons of the Iansisleans?"

"Yes, my prince, they did. Many of them." Now the Prince looked terrified.

"It may be those our friends warned us of. Abhishek, dispatch runners to New Shield - make sure they speak the language of the Iansisleans. Ravikiran, I want you to gather my host. If these are the evil ones, we must be prepared. Perhaps they will try to rally Prince Tejasm to their cause." His two burly guards nodded and left to carry out their orders. Hiresh turned to Yashodhan. "Return to the delta. I want lookouts to observe the newcomers at all times. If they indicate being evil, we shall drive them to the sea before they can contact Tejasm. Stay from their sight. Now go!"

"Ah..I'm sorry, my g..my good fellow, could you..would you mind terribly slowing down, please" Aldo fumbled with the wad of papers in his hands. He'd barely come ashore on Ceyloba when he came under scrutiny by the prince's men. It seemed rather like the natives were the imposing authority on the island to-day.

Oh, lord, they've no idea back home, no idea. This place is in a proper state "Look, really, I'm not having this, I'm an official envoy from his majesty's government, and I'm going to the Walmingtonian Trade Mission..Consul..Mission.. and I won't be delayed any further!"

The little Aldo, bowler hat still in place (yes, if nothing else, WoS is ahead of the times when it comes to fashion! Now, if we could just afford to replace those wheel-locks :wink: ), finally pushed his way past the natives, and strode through Vollombo's sea side street, head held high, rigid posture betraying his unease ,which, combined with his absurdly hurried walk, drew a small following of local children, who marched behind, immitating his hurried locomotion.

Soon, he arrives at the WTM. The guard outside ruffles the hair of one of the numerous little urchins trailing Aldo, and sends them on their way.

Once inside, Aldo composes himself somewhat, and begins his delivery of the king's insistance that Walmington greatly expand its influence on Ceyloba.
After all, who's going to care now that the empire's broken up? And the African concern is going quite well- the cape is almost fully Walmingtonian, of course!

Castle Dun Adien
Outside Ianapalis, Iansisle - 21st July 1750

A cough racked the ancient High King's body. He was now well into his sixties, and it didn't appear he'd have much longer. Alexander, the Crown-Prince, and his brother Toto sat with their father in the throne room, as much of the actual executive power in the Empire of the Shield had passed to them in their father's advanced age.

Grand Admiral Sir Edward Palmers, the Lord Commander of all Iansisle's armed forces (ooc - yes, Iansisle is a nation built on the navy. At this point in time, the army's commanding officer was subordinate to the Grand Admiral), stood before the throne, a map of the known world next to him. There was Tilsitia, in the north-east corner. Below it stretched the long chains of islands, down to the East Indies, and at last Australia and Calarca.

To the west were China, Malaysia, Galla-China, and Gallaga - the domain of the Shieldian traders. Past that was the great desert, with sea exploration beyond the west coast of Gallaga being slight.

"M'liege, I'm sure I don't need to explain to you how vital the trade of Gallaga is to maintaining Iansislean commercial paramountacy in the North Pacific. Also, I believe you know how dangerous our position there has become.

"Recently, the Calarcans have been exerting a great presence on the sub-continent. We have reports that they were even so bold as to land an expedition on the south-east coast, and begin courting the princely states in the area.

"Naturally, in the old days, that wouldn't have been tolerated. A little bribe to the Gallagan emperor, and they'd lose all trading rights. However, the Empire of Gallaga is no more. Centralized power does not exist anymore.

"M'liege, in order to maintain our position on the sub-continent, we must be prepared to fight for it. I don't need to tell you, I'm sure, how apathetic our defense has become since the conquest of Dianatran. With the Effitians and the Ryansisleans bleeding each other dry, it hardly seemed needed. Now, our ships are leaky, or soldiers are ill-trained, and our numbers are few relative to our population. We must countermand this."

King Ian III nodded slowly. "Of...course, Edward...you...know...best." Alexander and Toto looked at each other. Rebuild the military? All for Gallaga?

"Sha... sha, sir. I speak. Hungry was I."

"Well, I should suppose that's a start, at the very least," grumbled Hughes, wiping his forehead with a kerchief. He had lived out in Gallaga for four and a half years now, but the burning summer sun in the Ganges Delta never failed to make him pause.

"Do you know what they do to thieves in Khulna? Slit their throats right open. That'd teach you to have busy fingers, I suppose. Is that what you want me to do to you?"

(OOC: I'd like in... but I'm completly lost... oh please please please ;) )

(OOC: all right, I'll invent something then :P )

"No me gusta este pais, señora!" Mendosa said as he was making his way through the jungle.

Helena Rioja de Underaloz de Nuñez del Castillo was standing just behind him, waiting for him to make a decent passage. She was a young woman in her late 20s. She was dressed for adventure but her stunning beauty wasn't altered by her outfit. As Mendosa looked back at her, getting the sweat out of his face with a quick movement of his right hand, he saw she was staring at him with reproach in the eyes.

"I don't care if you like this place or not, Mendosa," she said with a calm voice. "Maybe you'd prefer to go back with mi hermano."

Mendosa trembled at the though of Esteban, her brother. He wasn't alone. The dozen of men that were with them seemed to remember her brother too.

"N... No, of course not, milady," Mendosa babbled. "It's just that I don't understand what we're doing here.
- You don't have to understand, Mendosa," she replied. "You just have to obey. Now find me those ruins.
- D... De acuerdo, señora," he whispered.

He looked at the others.

"Vamos! Vamos!"

(welcome aboard, Underloz!)

Outside the city
Near Khulna, Gallaga

Prince Hiresh looked at his army in disgust from the top of his war elephant. Hardly more than a thousand able-bodied men had answered the call to arms. It was a ragtag group, with his actual trained military men making up well less than a third. The rest were strong men from the village, armed with a variety of poorly-crafted melee weapons.

"Men!" shouted the Prince, "The threat the Iansisleans warned us about is upon us already! The evil from the south makes port on our shore, ready to join forces with the traiterous Prince Tejasm and destroy us! Let us march to the Mouths and thwart his plans!"

A dull cheer rose from the ranks to greet the Prince's speech. The elephant's driver got it moving south, and the rest of his ragtag army followed. Hiresh hoped he could talk them into leaving with a show of force - his army wouldn't hold up against troops armed like the Iansisleans were.

(OOC: it's fun, I thought I couldn't remember spanish but it seems to still be here... somewhere in my mind)

"Donde estamos?" Helena asked Mendosa as she had finished her piece of meat.
"I have no idea," Mendosa replied with a sad smile. "Tres semanas! Madre de Dios! It's been three weeks since we began this journey.
- I think you should stop complaining.
- I'm not complaining... but you have to realize something, señora."

Mendosa stood up and came closer to her, as if he didn't want the others to hear.

"No es el mejor momento para una expedicion en este region," he whispered. "There is some kind of civil war here and, before we left the village, I've heard rumors.
- What are they?" Helena asked as she was fixing her hair. "Something to do with the East Gallaga Company of Iansisle I guess.
- Exactamente. The all thing has been orchestrated. Materias comerciales as usual.
- And what does it have to do with us, really?
- Estamos en tierras sagradas," Mendosa answered with a fearful expression. "Remember when crescents came on our lands?
- Of course, I do.
- Tierras sagradas: church, cemeteries. That's where the resistants were gathering at that time."

Helena looked around her.

"You think we should expect to encounter rebels?
- Exactamente. We could very well be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Mendosa stopped as if he had heard something.

"You're just paranoïd," Helena said. "Beside, I'm only interested in those ruins.
- Sacred ruins... in a tribal country which is in war.
- There's something I have to take.
- Gallaganos pueden no convenir con eso."

Helena stood up and pushed Mandosa away.

"I don't care about all this. Just bring me where I asked you to."

She stared at him.

"The sooner, the better," she continued. "You wouldn't like to have my brother disapointed, would you?"

Mendosa looked at the ground for a moment.

"Claro que no," he replied. "Claro que no."

Crooke's sailors have set up tents and are camping for the night.....

"Captain, I've completed a stock count. Here are our supplies."
The orderly gave him a sheet of paper.

250 Muskets
25 Horses
A few hundred bullets
Two Artillery pieces

"I want those horses prepared. We'll go exploring in the morning."

East Ganges Delta
Near New Shield, Gallaga

Sweat ran off Dayanand's body as he ran barefoot up the dusty path to New Shield. Being a runner for the Prince had long ago put him past caring about the dull ache in his sides, the occasional sharp twing of a rock, or the blistering heat.

He had crossed the holy river for the last time at Chandpour, and now angled south-east towards the Iansislean settlement on the eastern bank of the smaller Fenny River. Protected from the Bay of Bengal by the bulk of Bominy Island, the tall masts of several Company ships could be seen in the small harbor.

Around the wooden stockade was spread the large native town of Joogdya. Dayanand caused something of a stir, as runners from Prince Hiresh's far away realm were not common. He ran up to the gates to New Shield itself, passing through, but elicting shouts from a pair of Company guards. They started chasing him as he ran down the main street towards Lord Fisher's opulent house. There he was caught roughly by a pair of Royal Iansislean Army Corps soldiers, who knocked him to the ground with the butts of their muskets.

"Wot you make o' tis, then, Clancy?" asked one, looking at Dayanand's crumpled form. His partner frowned as Dayanand tried to explain his mission in a rush of Gallagan.

"Bunch o' ruddy Galla-speak, Roger," replied the second. Dayanand realized his mistake, quickly switching to English.

"Prince Hiresh, he send me. Tell Lor'isher, 'ee baddas peoples is come." The two guards, now joined by the Company men from the front gate, looked at each other.

"Made more bloody sense when 'e's babblin' in tongues, t'did. What t'devil's a damn 'baddas' person?"

"Don't roightfully know, Roger. Damn important, though, for 'im to come chargin' in 'ere loike that. "

"Rekon we'd best tell the lord, then?"

"Aye, we'd better. This 'ere Prince 'iresh character's damn important, t'ear ol' man Fisher talk o' 'im."

"Roight, then, Clancy," said the one known as Roger. "Aw'll go get 'im, tell 'im what this one said. Best 'ope it's important, boy," he commented casually, turning to the prone Gallagan. "'Else Aw'll run'a roight through w'me bayonet, will."

(OOC: if only I could understand half of what your characters say, Iansisle :P )

As per the request of the Terretini Spice Company, who claimed to be under constant attack by the Sind Prince Paras II. The Empire of Agrigento (as it was called at this time) had become just another marionette in this game. The 36 gun frigates and 2,000 musketmen did not go unnoticed by the Prince and his agents in Karachi. His paranoia now spiked by reports from Pietro, the old boss, about possible attempts to end his reign were greatly enhanced by the troops presence.
----------------------------------
He sat in council with his trusted advisors to discuss the matters.

"My great benevolent prince, the infidels have already arrived, they seek to take your land and your crown!! We must act, and act swiftly!!!", said Royal Advisor Guneet Raj.

"No my highness, you must not. We cannot trust the conspiracies of this business man. Why would he tell us, my prince, if not he himself was disgraced from his people.", argued Advisor Kaveh Pazooki.

"Prince, is it not the ways of these foreigners to take advantage of other's lands??? I say we strike now before it is too late!!", said Raj again.

"My Prince, if your father was still alive he would..........", started Pazooki.

"But my father is not alive!! It was his trust in others that proved to be his downfall. We shall strike them now, before they settle in!!!", shouted the Prince, his face no longer calm and troubled, but hot and angered.

"Paras!! I knew you when you were but a child...you have no right to say such things about your father. He was a great man, far better than you. Perhaps you should take after your Brother and actually go amongst the people instead of sitting inside your harems all day!", shouted Kaveh.

"GUARDS!!, take this man away", shouted the Prince, "As an honor to my father I shall not have you killed...yet, but if you ever return to my lands you shall be executed!!!".

"This day, my prince, you shall look upon with great regret, as the day you sealed the fate of your royal blood and the fate of your kingdom. Do you think that by killing 2,000 Agrigentian soldiers they are going to leave us alone?!?, you are a fool they are too proud of a people.", said Kaveh as he was dragged away by Royal guards. He had 2 days to pack his belongings and take his family away, but he did not wait for morning. He left 3 hours before dawn, with his wife and children, and a few loyal servants for Punjab.

:D Sorry, you have to say it aloud. Here's a translated version:

"What (do) you make of this, then, Clancy?" asked one, looking at Dayanand's crumpled form. His partner frowned as Dayanand tried to explain his mission in a rush of Gallagan.

"Bunch of ruddy Galla-speak, Roger," replied the second. Dayanand realized his mistake, quickly switching to English.

"Prince Hiresh, he (sent) me. (To) Tell (Lord Fisher), (the) (bad) (people) (are) (here)." The two guards, now joined by the Company men from the front gate, looked at each other.

"Made more bloody sense when he (was) (speaking) in tongues, it did. What the devil's a damn '(bad)' person?"

"Don't rightfully know, Roger. Damn important, though, for him to come charging in here like that. "

"Rekon we'd best tell the lord, then?"

"Aye, we'd better. This here Prince Hiresh character's damn important, to hear old man Fisher talk of him."

"Right, then, Clancy," said the one known as Roger. "I'll go get him, tell him what this one said. Best hope it's important, boy," he commented casually, turning to the prone Gallagan. " (or) Else I'll run you right through with (my) bayonet, (I) will."

(OOC: whoa thanks :) )

"I think we found what you were looking for." Mendosa said.

Helena took the lens and looked at the remains of a wall he was pointing at.

"Could be... could be." she murmured as she was trying to determine the age of the construction. "Saint-Martin!"

Jérémie de Saint-Martin came right away. She gave him the lens.

"Is that what we're looking for?" she asked him.
"Well, well, well. Laissez-moi voir." St-Martin said. "Intéressant... il semblerait...
- En español, por favor." Helena cut "Please spare us your outrageously complicated french language. Thank you."

St-Martin stared at her.

"You asked me to come because you wanted an expert so I guess...
- You came because you needed money. Your family has been dishonored, get used to it. You are a servant now. And a servant obeys and does what he's told to."

Mendosa got closer as he felt St-Martin was ready to jump on her.

"Bien... all right." St-Martin said, barely opening the mouth. "I think you found what you were looking for. Is that what you wanted to know, Maîtresse?
- That'll do." she replied.

She looked at Mendosa.

"Prepare the tools, we'll probably have to dig."

On board the RSS Coraggio
Karachi Harbor

"All is well sir, we sent some messengers to the Company's headquarters to get some reports", said the first mate

"Very good, tomorrow we will make our rounds and speak to this Prince about these attacks. Now I want you to check our stores", said Commodore Tanesco

"Aye aye sir", said the first mate as he went below deck.

Most of the crew was asleep and no one noticed the three small boats rowing up next to the ship's hull. Three dark figures could be seen on one boat making movements and busying themselves with something. Minutes passed, but seemed like hours to the Commodore, who was awaiting his first mate's report. The mate came back on deck with a list in his hands, he was still doing some final checkings on the manifest when something caught his attention. A large thud was suddenly heard on the deck. He ran over to see what it was, calling a few sailors with him. When he got close to the object it became visible. It was a large barrel, filled with........black powder. Soon the dark night sky erupted in a pillar of smoke and flame as the barrel was set off by a fuse from over board. The deck was torn assunder by the explosive power and the wood was splintering throughout the ship. Suddenly there was a second explosion, much more powerful than the first, the fire reached the armory and all the powder magazines were set ablaze. The ship, well what was left of the ship, sank within minutes. There were few life boats, and few survivors as most the men were still asleep in there beds when the ship began to take on water. The leading ship of the expeditionary force was gone, along with the leader of the expedition, Commodore Tanesco. Two other ships were damaged severly as they were in close proximatity to the Coraggio At the end of the night three 36 gun Frigates remained unscaythed, with 2 severly damaged and the 48 gun Frigate sunk.
------------------------------------
On the other side of the city Bruno Torrentino, the new boss, saw the smoke from the explosions. It has begun, he thought and laughed to himself. His plan was coming together perfectly.

Half a world away from the explosions in Karachi
New Shield, Gallaga

"M'lord..."

"Yes, Wheatman? What is it?"

"A Gallagan, m'lord. 'e claims to be a mess'ger from Prince 'iresh. Somet'in 'bout 'baddas peoples'. Shall Ah throw 'im outside the gate?"

(Translation: "A Gallagan, m'lord. He claims to be a messanger from Prince Hiresh. Something about 'bad people'. Shall I throw him outside the gate?")

"'Baddas peoples', Wheatman? Are you sure?"

"Near as Ah can be sure, lord. Babblin' on in 'is language, 'e was. Not near tell a single thing." ("Near as I can be sure, lord. Babbling on in his language, he was. I could hardly make sense of it.")

Fischer sighed. "Very well, bring him in here. This had better not be a load of native gossip, Wheatman, do you understand?"

"Clear as t'sky on t'shield, m'lord." ("As clear as the sky on the Shield, m'lord"). The young RIAC man vanished, returning a minute later with Dayanand at musket-point. A quick thrust send the young Gallagan runner to his knees.

"Well?" asked Fischer.

"'ee baddas peoples, Lor'isher! A-westa, tee in'a mooths, far-a-westa. Prince'iresh, ee go t' fight 'em. Send Dayanand to tell!" ("The bad people, Lord Fischer! To the west, they're in the mouths (of the Ganges), far to the west. Prince Hiresh, he went to fight them. He sent me to tell you!") Fischer was taken aback by the stream of words, sitting more upright.

"'Baddas peoples'? That's what I told the Prince the Calarcans were...do you suppose they may already be landing this far north?"

"Notta rummy chance, m'lord! Not in numbers large'nough t'scare this Hiresh chara'ter t'march." (Not a chance, m'lord! Not in numbers large enough to scare this Hiresh character into marching!)

"A company expedition, then?"

"Not tis close to New Shield, m'lord. They're main on the midcoast." (Not this close to New Shield, m'lord. They're concentrating in the Northern Cicars.)

"I don't like the sound of this, Wheatman. A strange group of white men operating so close to New Shield?"

"Have tree-tea! Have tree-tea!" exclaimed Dayanand. "Prin'iresh, 'ee give Eees-lans many good-warrior! You pro'tct baddas peoples!" ("We have a treaty! Prince Hiresh has given the Iansisleans many good men! Now you need to protect us from the bad people!") Fischer and Wheatman ignored him.

"Wheatman, I want you to take a dozen men and scout this out. Take one of the Company ships if you need to, and scout all the way through the Mouths. We need to know just what is going on."

"Yes m'lord. Er, what shall Ah do w'this one?"

"Give him a general and turn him out of the fortress. I need to think."

"Yes, m'lord."

"Vamos! Vamos! Dig faster!"

Helena Rioja de Underaloz de Nuñez del Castillo was yelling at her men.

I wouldn't like to stay around for too long. I have a bad feeling about this.

"Nervous?"

She looked in direction of the voice: Jérémie de Saint-Martin was smiling at her.

"Oh, please, madame, not this look," he joked. "You almost look like your brother."

He had just finished his sentence that a blade came right onto his throat.

"Cabron! Would that be such a bad thing, froggy?" She said, pushing the blade enough to have some blood pouring out of St-Martin's neck.

The french explorer just stared at her, silent.

"Señora! Señora!"

That was Mendosa's voice.

"What is it?" Helena asked, still threatening St-Martin with her sword.

"I think we found something."

In a second, she put her weapon back on her side.

"I guess it's your lucky day, Santa-Martiniño." she said, heading to Mendosa.

Tu ne crois pas si bien dire, salope. St-Martin thought.

(can't wait to find out what 'it' is :D )

(can't wait to find out what 'it' is :D )
(I think you'd be more surprised if you knew who her brother is ;) )

"Finalmente." Helena kept on whispering, looking at the knife in her hands.

The night had been long. The tomb was sealed and opening it proved to be a nightmare. She was very anxious, but there was nothing but ashes in there... with some jewelry too of course. And the knife.

The blade was curved and it was difficult to say where it started. It was like the knife had been made in one block. It was entirely black, non-reflective with complicated symbols in dark grey all over it.

They decided to sleep a few hours before leaving. She wasn't used to sleep during the day, but after so much tension, her body litterally gave up.

It was only when she woke up that she realized.

Jérémie de Saint-Martin had disapeared and so had the knife.

(OOC: tadaa!)

(OOC: feeling lonely :cry: )

(ooc:You'll have to excuse the limited news coming out of Ceyloba and Walmington of late- it'll continue to be quiet, probably, until Tuesday or Wednesday, when hopefully I'll be free to sit and figure out what on earth I'm doing :) I'm just checking in to see I don't get hopelessly behind. 'tis going quite well so far, methinks.)

(ooc: Sorry, I don't want to clutter up the thread with too many ooc posts, and I don't really have an ic reply ;)

Cool story; I'm glad St-Martin escaped, though I'm afraid I don't know the significance of the knife.

Ugh, I'm falling asleep at the keyboard, and I need to be up for work in...six and a half hours. Methinks some sleep might be in order.

Anyhow, great story, Underloz. I'm reading it, don't worry :D

So, to all a good night. I'll answer the new posts as best I can, if they apply to me, come the morrow.)

(Edit: W.o.S. - Don't worry - I'm sure this will pick back up when Calarca comes back on Thursday. I'm actually going to be out of town Tuesday and Wednesday myself, so maybe a little peace and quiet is good on the Galla-Ceyloban front is a good thing ;).)

The sun was barely above the horizon, and already Captain Crooke and a small team of his men were preparing their horses and other tasks such as packing water and fruit. Each man was also armed with a musket, in case of hostilities.

Captain Crooke set out west. They travelled at a hard pace, losing sight of the base camp within a few minutes. The peace was interrupted by a shout from one of the men.
"Captain! Smoke on the horizon!"
"Let's investigate."

The captain and his men began a journey towards the smoke.

OOC: and towards your tribe, Iansisle.

Hiresh knew he had to let his men rest. After the message had arrived in the late afternoon, he had gathered his host and set to marching at once. Now, as dawn's light began to break, they were exhausted. Many had just finished a hard day's work in the fields, and a continued march in the blazing heat didn't seem appealing even to Hiresh.

On the order to strike camp, his men collapsed in joy, some falling asleep at once. Others made up fires to cook what little meat they had brought with them. They didn't bother to try and conceal their movements, or post sentries, or anything else that would have seemed second-nature to a proffesional, modern army.

Hiresh sighed. He wanted to know what was going on with the evil ones at the ocean, or to see that his scout was wrong and it actually was just the Iansisleans. But he couldn't march in without his army.

(ooc - if I got my timing right, that runner should be arriving in New Shield later this afternoon, right? A day to Khulna, then a night and a half-day run to New Shield, right? Meaning that the Iansislean expedition should be arriving late tommorow afternoon?)

Palace of Prince Parag Karpadia
Lahore, Punjab
-------------------
The palace guards are all sleeping
Their fires burn into the night
There's a threat of rain on the dark horizon
And all that's left is a quarter moon of light

He climbs up through the darkness
No weapon but his surprise
The greatest thief in the high Sahara
Enters the room where a sleeping princess lies
-------------------

"My Prince, My Prince!!!", shouted the punjabi servant as he ran toward Prince Parag's bed chamber.

"What do you want?!?", asked one of the alert guards watching the doorway.

"I must speak with the Prince, it is an emergency!", the servant shouted back.

"<sigh> very well, it better be important, or else we'll be out of jobs!", said the Guard as he opened the door to the bed chamber.

There lay the Prince asleep, his arms arounds his wife. He seemed to glow in the moonlight. His noble features were exaggerated by the long shadows coming through the window.

"My lord, please wake up...it is an emergency!!!", shouted the servant.

The prince moved slowly from his bed, mumbling.

"Why do you disturb me, what is the problem?", he said half asleep.

"My Prince, its your daughter she dissappeared from her bed chamber tonight", said the servant somberly.

"What!!!, how can this be??? Was she kidnapped?", the Prince, now fully awake shouted. He was completely horrified by the news.

"Well, sir it appears that she left of her own free will. We found these love letters", replied the servant.

"I see, it is worse than I expected. I want you to search all of Punjab! Go now, and make haste!!", shouted the Prince.

(ooc: Good work, everyone! I'm buzzing off to Tucson for a couple days starting tommorow morning, so I won't be able to post for a while. Keep up the great work; I look forward to reading when I get back! Oh, I may be able to post later tonight, but I doubt it. If not, later!)

Prince Parag's Daughter's Bed Chamber
Before the waking of the Prince
------------------
He was as gentle as the night wind
As no lover had been before
And the rings she wore for her bride groom
Slipped from her fingers and fell to the floor

Take me with you, take me with you
Before my lonely life is set
I've been promised to another
To a man I've never even met

After the rain has fallen
After the tears have washed your eyes
You'll find that I've taken nothing, that
Love can't replace in the blink of an eye
After the thunder's spoken, and
After the lightning bolt's been hurled
After the dream is broken, there'll
Still be love in the world
--------------------

"Prena, I must leave you now, my love. It is only a matter of time before they find out about us.", said the intruder.

"No, Shahin, you must not go! My father will understand our love!", said the Daughter.

"No, it is impossible. I am a commoner and you are royalty. It cannot be. I must go, far away from here", replied Shahin.

Prena said with tears in her eyes, "Then I will go with you!".

"Prena, how can you give this all up? All just for me??", responded Shahin.

"Yes, my love for you is too strong to be broken, we share a bond!", said Prena.

"What about the man you are supposed to marry??", said Shahin.

"I do not love him, I did not pick him, but I do love you.

"If this is what you want, my dear, it shall be so. We must make haste for the mountains!", said Shahin. Once they were on the otherside of the walls they went on Horses that Shahin had waiting. They travelled for the entire night and when the sun rose they took a break just at the foot of the northern mountains.

(ooc: Cya Iansisle, enjoy Tuscon!)

(I'm on for a little later tonight...can't really do anything before I hear from Ell or Calaraca respond, unless someone wishes to throw a character at me ;) )

OOC: Yep, I was hoping some of your villagers could spot me. I'm travelling towards a camp of yours over a plain.

(ooc - oops, I thought you were heading towards Prince Hiresh's host. Are you striking out north (towards Prince Hiresh), east (towards New Shield), or west (away from everything)?)

OOC: Ack, East.

(ooc: Oh, ok. You'll meet my expedition, a dozen men under the command of Lance Corporal Roger Wheatman in a un-gunned Company ship soon, then. Hiresh will probably decend on your camp. I would RP this, but I really need to be off to bed. Sorry :( )

"Mr.Aldo, sir, I'm afraid that I'm not quite sure what you..or his majesty expect me to do." Replied Captain Durnford in charge of the WTM, to the envoy's delivery of king Victor's latest colonial requirement.

"I head a general trade concern, and I command one hundred and twenty seven soldiers in its protection. I have one six pounder gun, twenty four horses, and two ships all but literally bristeling with swivel-guns.
"I trust I'm not expected to conquer Ceyloba."

"Couldn't you press-gang some nati.. I mean, I don't think that.." Aldo scratched at his brow. "Honestly, I was surprised at the level of influence the locals seem to hold here. I don't think his majesty's government is fully aware of the difficult nature of your situation here.
"But something must be done. Someone else is bound to take an interest in Ceyloba if they find it unclaimed. By civilised people, I mean."

A series of more formal meetings between Aldo and Dunford were attended over the course of the next few days, by the end of which it was concluded that in order of Walmington to make significant expansion in Ceyloba, they were simply going to need an awful lot more resources, and significantly, a lot more authority. The captain himself was clearly in no position to take significant action on behalf of the kingdom.

Dunford half wanted to sail for Walmington himself, seeking a promotion, but that'd leave the colony even less strongly lead in the meantime. Aldo would return sooner than expected, and deliver to the government his professional opinion developed first hand.
Ceyloba is worth colonising, and it will require a good deal more investment.

Both men considered their places in the history books. Father of the empire they mused. Aldo took himself rather less seriously than Dunford, mind.

(Heh, it occurs to me that the many individual strings in this..uhm..thread ( :? ) might make it all terribly confusing. For reference purposes, Aldo's arrived in Ceyloba and insisted to the Captain at the Walmingtonian Trade Mission in the capital that WoS must expand its influence in the region.)

"I... I only lost! I not dustid like many man! I good! I sorry! Forgive! No kill!"

S.S. Anna's Rose
Sailing east along the Mouths of the Ganges

The Company ship was much newer than Southern Star, mused Wheatman. He had to wonder about the fleet at times - how could the crown allow the very insturment of the Unification, the wooden walls of House Callahan, to fall into such a state of disrepair? To the point that even so important an enterprise as Gallaga couldn't call on a single first, second, or lowly third rank ship of the line? Something was very wrong in the Admiralty.

The Rose's crew was very clearly unhappy that the crown had even temporarily commandeered their ship. They were hostile towards the soldiers, calling them 'ignorant musket-toting landlubbers' to their faces, perhaps hoping a fight would break out. Even the captain was surly, refusing to raise Saint Patrick's cross, instead flying the gold and brown of the Company. Wheatman sighed and scanned the coast with his glasses again.

"Ho, Clancy, what'ya make of that, then?"
___________________

Militia Headquarters
New Shield, Gallaga

This was the last thing Hughes wanted to deal with right now. He looked pleadingly at the RIAC man.

"What am I supposed to do? I can't bloody well kill him; there'd be a right outcry."

"Well, captain, I rekon the new sepoy unit could use a drummer."

"What, you mean press him?"

"Aye."

"As good as any idea I've had," sighed Hughes, looking at the boy. "I suppose that means you're in the service of his most royal majesty, High King Ian III of the House of Callahan, then. Private Hearthman here will show you to your new unit." Hearthman made a move to take the boy by the arm again.

As Captain Crooke approached the smoke, he saw a group of men.
"Theses are clearly not natives...look at their clothes."
Captain Crooke tied the Ellan flag retrieved from the HMS Peter Blake onto the end of his musket and approahced them.

"Looks like a party of men, sir. Suppose it's those we're lookin' for?"

"Indeed. Gather the men, and have the captain put out a boat. Come on." His statement was matched with a mixture of grumbling and cheering by the Rose's crew - they needed to put the men ashore, but then they'd be rid of them, at least for a while. After some trouble, a longboat was lowered, at Wheatman led the Iansisleans ashore. Having their standard bearer lift St. Patrick's cross high and their piper beat out a quick, patriotic tune, he turned to meet the Ellians. Well, at least they're not those bloody Calaracans... he thought, as the standard bearer bowed the banner.

"In the name of his Imperial Majesty High King Ian III of Callahan and the Grand Iansislean Empire of the Bay, I greet you."

Base Camp
"Greetings, my Iansilan brothers. I am Colonel Douglas, currently in charge on behalf of Captain Crooke. We have many things to discuss."

Near New Shield
Captain Crooke continues to observe the men from a distance.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/ceyloba.jpg

Scarcely had Aldo left Ceyloba's waters when Captain Dunford raised his new standard over Vollombo.

Yes. Yes it is under this banner that I shall conquer these God-forsaken lands for Walmington.

He simply had to cement* his authority on the island before Aldo returned (would he come back in person? Didn't seem much for sea nor summer, that one) with reinforcements -and their officers.

Flying a flag of my own design can't hurt my position much mused the ambitious Dunford.
Now; to get it noticed!

The Captain retired to his drawing room, insisting that he not be disturbed. Evidently he was working on his project again. He'd be out on the (firing) range again soon. There was no danger of interruption by his subordinates on account of anything short of the restoration of the Gallagan empire.


*When the heck was cement invented, anyway? :)

Report on Conditions and Future Enterprises in the Crown Colony of New Shield
Penned on this the eleventh day of August in the Year of our Lord Seventeen-hundred-and-fifty by the Hand of the Right Honorable Lord of Fischer, Protector of all Upper Manford and Governor-General of New Shield

Control of the Lower Ganges slips more firmly into the hands of the crown with every passing day, but I must worry about the long-term stability of our dominance in the region. Until now, all we have had to deal with are the paranoid and squabbling Princes of the Mouths. While we have succeded in cowing them and forming new musketman regiments from their ranks, our only attempt at a major rajah, the Prince Tejasm, was rebuffed.

We must make an example out of this Tejasm. The minor princes of the Mouths are with us - they would be glad to overthrow the arrogant son of the former Gallagan Emperor, who I am told plans to recreate his father's Empire. Naturally, this goal is contrary to our ambitions in Gallaga.

Tejasm holds court at Bihar, on the mid-Ganges. A well-equiped expedition departing in the late autumn and supported by R.I.N. gunships would be able to overthrow Tejasm and install a more favorable ruler in Bihar. Of course, the Shieldian garrison in New Shield is only fifty able-bodied men, plus the few hundred militia in the employ of the East Gallaga Company and the roughly two thousand sepoys we have yet been able to recruit. More forces, including light river gunships, would be needed for such an enterprise.

However, more important in the long run to Iansislean position in the area is the increased aggresivness of the Calaracans in southern Gallaga. The Southern Star has sent to patrol south of Fort Ash, and discover their intentions in the area. Also, while our new presence on Batam will doubtlessly serve to secure the southern straits, the Bay of Bengal must become an Iansislean lake, so to speak. In order to achieve this, I propose a massive commitment of the R.I.N. to the area, as well as the foundation of colonies on the River Irrawadda, the River Mekong, and the River Chao Phraya. From those bases and our fort on Batam, we could isolate and cut off the Calaracan colony in south Malaysia, forcing them to our hands.

Naval resupply bases in the Bay, as well as along the route to Iansisle, are vital. I reccoment Formosa, Luzon, Marcus Island, Ogasawara-shoto, Daito-jima, Great Nicobar, Great Andaman, Preparis, Cheduba, and Ceyloba be considered as homes of future naval bases.

Matters of state now call me away. A thousand blessings upon House Callahan,

The Lord of Fischer, from New Shield
_______________

Wheatman looked suspicious. "Crooke? Douglas? Doesn't sound Calaracan..."
________________

The New Shield colony, behind its wooden stockade, buzzed with activity. Small river crafts plowed up and down the Ganges, while massive Company ships lay at anchor. Out in a nearby field, regular army units trained sepoys and militiamen.

OOC:My strategic RL position is the Horn of Africa
Unbeknownst coordination in the Indian ocean. . .
"C'mon, C'mon," said the gruff voice of the mongoloid drill instructor.
"Damned if we ever get there, we've been sailing for 3 weeks and we're still no were near land," the disapproving whining of the cannon ball loader.
"What was that boy?"
"Er. . . I say Kamed wef zwei fevar het zere, vef habe gailing sore e neeks zand vare zill do vare vare man."
"Hm . . . what ever the hell that means, just get back to loading, I saw a privateer 20 knots as it looked."
If the drill instructor knew anything, it was when to prepare for battle and sure enough there was a privateer that bore Wilmington on the Sea ensignia swept into sight. The 17-big gun, 42-small gun ship loaded,
"Alright men. . . FIRE!"
Seventeen 20 pound cannon balls, forty two 5 pound cannon balls flew across the sea and explosions were everywere.
"Alright what's the damage, men . . ."
OOC:I'm getting off for tonight.

"Today we march to King Paras!!!, he shall pay for his treachery against the glorious navy of Agrigento!!!", shouted the injured First Mate, who was now in charge of the remaining fleet. (In the Agrigentian Navy of this day a Commodore would pick a captain of high stature to be his replacement once he retires, while still in service this captain would serve as the Commodore's first mate)

The Royal Soldiers on board slowly disembarked into the streets of Karachi and began there long march to the Palace of King Paras II, ruler of Sind. Two hours later they arrived, 3,000 muskets pointed toward the Prince's Palace Guards, 10 cannon pointed at the palace itself. The Palace had mountains to the north and hills to the south and east and plains to the west. The soldiers were coming from the west.

"I demand to speak with Prince Paras II immediately!!!", shouted the Captain.

"But he does not wish to see you", shouted back the head guard. His lines were well rehearsed and well written.

"Stand aside and let us through or else!!", yelled the Captain.

The Head Guard paused momentarily, he was a brillant actor, he even looked frightened. "Wait one moment, I will go and summon him to the gate, do not move". He went inside the palace and left his 300 something guards outside.

The captain laughed to himself. "They think they are the only ones with tricks under their sleeves", he whispered to his second in command.

Many minutes passed by and no return. The Captain knew that the Prince was never coming. "Very well men, I shall not wait for the rest of his forces to come running from down the mountainside, open fire!".

The organized symphony of 18th century warfare began. Thick lines upon lines began opening fire on the Sultans Guards. The single shots were effective to this point, as by the time one fires the man behind him was already reloaded, and these lines were seven men thick, meaning that the rate of fire was incredible. The Cannon too took there toll on the Palace, and its other palisades were collapsing by the time the Sultan's Calvary force began its charge.

They came down the mountainside. Most were armed with just swords and spears but a few had muskets. The curved scimitars and polearmes proved very ineffective against an already formed line of musketmen, several ranks deep and waiting for them. The steepness of the mountain gave the calvary a slight advantage. Their numbers seemed far too vast to be enlisted men in the Prince's Army, and no doubt many were merceneries from Punjab or Rajputana. Their were far too many for the musketmen. The time for the Captains suprise was at hand.

"Let it begin, signal them", ordered the Captain.

One of the standards of Agrigento, being carried by the men on the march, was lowered and replaced with the Seal of the Prince. It was immediately set on fire. The signal was set perfectly and the trap was sprung.

Out of the hills to the south came riding the Fifth Agrigentian Calvary Regiment. Its 500 Dragooners had made landfall well outside of Karachi and had avoided detection as they hid in the hills. They swarmed upon the Prince's Calvary and quickly dominated it. The horseborne combat was tense but lasted breifly as the discipline and training of the Agrigentian calvary proved superior. The Prince was trapped inside his own Palace. The artillery barrage increased until the outer palisade gave way completly. Then marched in the musketmen, almost completely unopposed. They made quickly for the Prince's bed chamber, the location of which they learned from a captive Palace Guard. 5 Soldiers stormed through his door. The inside of the Chamber was well lit with the suns rays and the Prince stood there at attention in his royal regalia. His crown shown brightly with finely polished jewels. He stared at the 5 soldiers and quickly drew his fine jewel encrusted sabre. He was able to kill one man in his mad charge before a musket ball silenced his fury. The Prince was dead. The troops of Agrigento built a small fort right on the western plains just before the grounds of the Palace. It was named Fort Tanesco, after the Commodore who lost his life during the attack on the RSS Coraggio. It would project the limited military presence the Agrigentian Army would have in this land for the next few years.

the imperial banners fluttered in the breeze, an interesting sight upon the indigo seas. of course, even more interesting were the ships that the banners were attached to, two hundred war junks of the Imperial Navy. fast, dangerous, and armed to the teeth and crewed by some of the best die hard crews around.

Aboard the Tantamount Discord, Lotus Admiral Dai Cai'an shook his head in frustration. the orders, which had arrived by orinthopter the day before, had proven enigmatic; he was to visit the british or ianisle or whoever they were and see what they were doing. then, he was to unload some goods and see if he could find anything to trade; then, finally, he was to capture and kill the THree Jeweled Raj, the pirate captain who had proven a menace to shipping.

Dai sighed. he wasnt exactly sure what the Empress Xiwu had in mind for him; he doubted that she actually wanted him to go along with the abominable domination of the natives by the...whatever they were. the ghost faces, the white ppl, the ones who were taking over this land.

that had been the reason for the Empress' ascent to power; the threat of the europeans taking over and colonizing the Sovereign Islands were too much for the populace to bear; as a result, the Emperor and his conservative, old fashioned colleagues and advisors were immediately kicked out. as empress xiwu had gained power, she made modernization and defense two of her main priorities. not that Dai blamed her.

from the north there had been a series of invasions by the island barbarians. to the west, the situation was even worse, and several times, Dai had lost ships enough to fill an armada. still, he did well, and carried out countless missions against the ruthless, hairy barbarians. still, the directorate of intelligence began to suspect the europeans' involvement in these matters, so as a result, Lotus Admiral Dai and two hundred ships of the East Banner Dragon Fleet were sent to this damned subcontinent to see what the hell was actually going on. and, of course, to gain insight, should there be a war, which, as time went on, was looking more and more imminent.

Dai looked to the wind. a man of fifty who felt much more aged, he had gone through hundreds of savage battles. his loyalty, courage, and nerve had never shaken, even while ships sunk and men died, all around him. still, now, he was in doubt; what did Empress Xiwu intend? why did she want him to be here, as well as nearly a fifth of East banner Dragon Fleet, the best flotilla in the entire Imperial Navy, as well as a division of marines? much had to be resolved, and Dai would see to it. no matter what the hell happened.

"We are from the kingdom of Ell."
Douglas clears his throat, and begins speaking in a more mellow tone.
"Please, enter the base encampment and talk some more over a cup of tea."
Douglas strectches his hand, pointing to the main tent in the group.

Near New Shield
Captain Crooke decides it is a bit too risky to proceed further. He tells his men to return to base camp, as it is getting late in the afternoon.

Auckland, Capital of Ell (New Zealand)
King Presley IV is lying on the side of his mattress, playing with one of his concubines. A man in a military uniform enters the room and salutes the King.
"General Lard reporting."
The king straightens up.
"Why do you always give me these military reports?"
"There is some....mixed news."
"Go on."
"Firstly; We captured the Maori stronghold of Taranaki in a 3-week battle with minimal casualites."
"Good. What's the bad news?"
"Your good friend Captain Crooke....he has not returned yet."
The King sighs. The Captain was due 3 months ago. He was beginning to miss him terribly.
"What do you recommend?"
"I believe we should be able to search for him. Based on knowledge of the prevailing winds, our meteoroligists believe he may be somewhere in the Ganges region."
"Send our 3rd fleet there. I want him back..."
"Yes sir."

The Ellan third fleet begins making prepartations to set sail. Gunpoweder is packed, food is stored, and the crew undergo training.

37 miles offshore of New Shield
"Dammit!" The captain stabbed a compass into the table.
"Uh sir. . ."
"Yes?"
"We've lost sight of one of Prince Cicel's ships."
"Well which one was it?"
He slipped on his velvety red coat.
"A middle sized ship at best."
"Any damage to the fleet sir?"
"Well we did encounter a large ship just north of here, but we swerved to not engage it."
"Well I'm going up."
A forty-seven year old man, The Captain, found it more healthy to live on the sea than on land.
"237. . .*Scribble* 895. . .*Scribble* 212. . .*Scribble* 922. . .*Scribble*"
"How are the coordinations going there?"
"We're atleast 25 miles off shore of something."
"Eh, better then nothing."
The fleet of 37 ships had been sailing lost in the ocean because it's coordinator had come down with scurvy for the last 2 months.

"Sir, we are approaching the settlement of Fort Ash," Captain Wei Chintau reported to Admiral Dai, who simply nodded, lost in his thoughts.
"Orders?" the young captain asked.
"Fire off a signal rocket," Dai said. "Instruct the rest of the ships to stay here, while the Tantamount Discord, Wind Runner, Golden Empress, and Typhoon head towards the harbor. Remain out of range of the cannons, and make sure that they are in range to protect us should we need it. order the Orinthopter regiments on alert as well, and tell the men to ready themselves."
Captain Wei nodded and saluted in the traditional salute of the Imperial Navy, a palm pressed towards his fist, and left. Dai turned to a figure who lurked in the shadows, and shook his head in consternation.
"i dont understand the damned orders," he said.
the shadowy figure shook his head. "you dont need to, good Admiral. All you need is to make contact with the foreigners, allow Emissary Zhao to secure a trading mission, and destroy the Three Jeweled Raj. For an important war hero, this should be nothing less than sailing in the middle of a calm ocean."
Admiral Dai frowned. He didnt like the tone of High Commissioner An's voice, but he shrugged mentally. nothing that a simple Lotus Admiral like him could do about it. Still, the entire matter was a bit vague, and Dai didnt want to fight a war over a misunderstanding.
he stood, and drew himself to his full height. "Make no mistake, High Commissioner. i know that in the course of our nation's actions, this may be construed as something important, and i, of course, am not a person of importance, despite the rank i occupy in the Imperial Navy. Still, i care for my sailors and soldiers, and it will not do to have their lives wasted for something that is not worth defining." Dai leaned closer, eyes ablaze. "If you so much as waste the lives of one of my men, i will see to it that your life becomes a living hell."
High Commissioner An smiled. "No need for that, good Admiral. our mission is quite clear to me, and our men's lives will not be wasted."
Dai nodded. "very well then. the ship shall make port at Fort Ash soon. Shall you go with me to the upper deck?" he asked.
High commissioner An nodded regally. "Of course, good Admiral. Much awaits us."

OOC im not sure wut i plan to do yet. iansisle, would u do my forces the honor of giving them a berth at your docks?

"Ell?" asked Wheatman, looking suspiciously at the man. "Thank you; I should be glad to accept." What in God's name is Ell? And what are they doing HERE, on the very gates of New Shield? "Tell me, sir, what brings an, er, Ellian to the Mouths?"
_______________________

Fort Ash, Gallaga

"More sails on the wind, sir," reported a young Company militiaman, looking out to the horizon. Townsend was somewhat frightened - the Southern Star had departed weeks ago.

"The Calaracans again, Needers?"

"Don't know, sir. They'll have to come closer. Sure are a lot of the buggers - enough to level Fort Ash, if they put their mind to it." Townsend chewed on his lip, watching the white outlines on the horizon.

aboard the Tantamount Discord
East Banner Dragon Fleet
off Fort Ash

Lotus Admiral Dai watched as the Tantamount Discord, the Typhoon, Wind Runner, and Golden Empress approached Fort Ash. As far as he could tell, there were no hostile actions on the part of the garrison, and he doubted, for now that there would be. his instinct told him so, and over the years, he had learned to trust that extra sense of his which came in so handy in battle.

"Signal the ships," Dai ordered. "Close all gun ports, stow all rocket pods, and cover the crossbows. And use signal flags, not rockets. I dont want our hosts to think that we are about to bring hell upon them."
"We could, if we wanted to," a crewman muttered from behind Dai.
"Now is not the time for that talk, Sailor," Dai hissed. "Keep those damned comments to yourself. WE are here on behalf of Empress Xiwu, and we are to be on our best behavior."
"Hai," the crewman replied, and saluted.

"Aggressive ones you have in your fleet, Admiral," High Commissioner An remarked.
"They are like that, but they know when to use the rockets and when to stow the cannons," Dai replied. He turned to Captain Wei.
"Ready a boat for the High Commissioner, me, and the Empress' retinue. If we do not return within three hours, or we do not fire off a signal rocket before then, you may assume command and obliterate the town. but thats only an if, Captain, and it is a most unlikely scenario."
Wei nodded. "Still, Admiral, you and the High Commissioner as well as several other officials in a boat heading towards the unknown?"
Dai shrugged. "it is our orders, Captain. Ready another boat and load on Second Platoon from the Third Guards Brigade. they are to accompany us, and to serve as an evacuation force only."
Wei nodded again and saluted, turning to bark out orders.
"Perhaps now we shall see what Empress Xiwu has in mind for us," Dai remarked casually to High COmissioner An, who sat in the boat next to him. Dai had the pleasure of seeing the High comissioner pale, on the boat, where he was unprotected by sixty guns on either side, a hundred rockets, and several meters of wood and copper plating.
"yes, perhaps," An said, regaining his composure rapidly. "But that will be the most interesting part."
they stepped off, onto the dock after a few minutes. aboard the Tantamount Discord, the ships were flying a white flag of truce, purported to be the signal for talks amongst the westerners. But then again, few knew what theywere heading into, least of all Lotus Admiral Dai.

Southeast of Port Ash early morning.

The captain of the frigate looked over to the east where the small brig was keeping station and then north again to where the mass of sails were showing shilohetted over the horizon.

"I wonder what the Ianisleans are doing so far south with such a large fleet? Friendly I hope...
Make to the north west Bosun, I wnat to make the harbour we saw by noon."

"Aye Aye Sir"

Port Trade near noon.

Governer Haslett sits in his office with the commanders of the trade convoy before him.

"Right, so You know what I need? You'll leave half your guns here and return home enfluté with a similiarly equipped frigate of mine as escort, and on your next trip out bring a cargo of 32 pounder shore guns as ballast. mind, I only want your carronades, Long guns aren't much use to a gunboat. With these guns I have 12 Gunboats under construction.

Captain Fromisher, I'm sending a message with you to the sea lords asking for the Despair to proceed here for her paying off and disposal, sure she's an old wreck, but we only want her guns. With the 56 pieces she carries we can set up a third battery above the bluffs to cover the harbour entrance further. Also a further battery with the smaller guns to cover the landward side against assault by marines or troops.

This new fort by the Ianisleans is worrisome, I have send messages to Fort Traskade (OOC: modernday Java) and advised them to enhance their defences too, But we MUST be ready for anything."

Later that day as the convoy has left on the afternoon tide. A Schooner loaded with miscellanous supplies lies waiting at the dock, the convoys topsails barely visable from the foretop.
The governer steps aboard accompnied by the bosuns pipes.

"Captain, Cast off if you would, And make for the new Ianislean fort. Lets get this visit underway."



****************
OOC: have to go to work now, will RP a native regiment being equipped soon.

Port Krasni
As the Irkutsk/French fleet sat at the Port it looked amazing.
21 Granduer ships sat as the strongest ships in the fleet, all 12 decks high, armed with seventeen 20 pounders and sixty three smaller 5 pounders, gold on it's side gilded into beautiful shapes, painted red, the top decks made of Mahogany and Cherry, the bottom decks made of Oak and the Canvas used for the sails made of the strongest hemp in all of Irkutsk-Turkestan.
"Well Henri, can't say I liked you much, but damn. Just damn." The Juri looked on in awe.
"Thank you, Yehajack. I do the best I can for France." Henri checked his pocket watch. " They should set sail when our Commodre gets here."
"Yes when is that Commodre getting here anyways?" Guhjk was looking around.
Anxious Irkutsk sailors stood near their ships. 21 Battleships and 189 smaller ships lined the port.
"I heard from a very reliable source, Yehajack, you already have ships out there." Henri looked at him with suspicsion.
"They are merecenary fleets. 6 in total. Wealthy merchants call themselves princes here. They have been told of great riches awaiting them. Xojii with 92 ships, Aaltifaz with 77 ships, Twskow with 71 ships, Cicel with 38 ships, Yedple with 35 ships and Jui with 29 ships."
"Well, hm . . ." Henri checked his watch again.
"What's happening?" Somebody spoke behind him.
"Oh hello Commodre."
"Hello back to you, Henri."
"At ease men."
"Get on those ships!"

"i wonder what the foreigners think of this," Emissary Zhao remarked. "having a fifth of East Banner Dragon Fleet descend on a smaller locale is somewhat... abrupt."
"Of all people, you yourself should know, Emissary," Dai replied. "you are the one in the expedition who has encountered them much more than we have."
The soldiers and sailors tied the boats to the dock, and looked to Dai for orders.
"Zero Squad, stand guard. All navy personnel stand by the boats," Dai ordered. "Hawk Squad is to come with us. keep your rifles at ease, and treat everyone here with respect. Soldier Zhang, you have the flag."
Zhang, a tanned youth of twenty five, held the banner of the Islandian Empire proudly. While Dai would have preferred that they leave the banner aboard the ship, decorum insisted that they carry it with them.
the red banner with petals unfolded, swaying in the breeze.
Dai grumbled to himself and hoped silently that his men would keep themselves cool despite whatever snags might happen. Still, as he paraded up the steps leading to the governor's office and saluted the guards standing outside, he wasnt exactly sure of what lay ahead. But as the entire Imperial Banner Armed Forces would say, "If it can go wrong, then it will go wrong."
Dai certainly hoped that High commissioner An would be good for something besides spouting mysticism and he hoped that the foreigners were less harsh than the tales made them out to be. He was, after all, a guest, and those who governed the locale, his hosts. he hoped they were good hosts, or barring that, generous ones.

"The Walmingtonians send for more men, sire.." Ranil informed his prince. "A black suited man had many meetings with the Captain. He sailed three days ago."

Ranil was of course a native of Ceyloba, and was employed by Dunford as an attendant at the WTM. He often became privvy to information beyond the reach of the typical Ceyloban, and even of many of the Walmingtonians present.

"They mean, my lord, to expand. The black suit is to return with a more powerful chief, who will give them the authority to act."

The prince dismissed his spy.

Then time is short. He mused. I must ensure that this new 'authority' will know the instant he arrives that it is I who am in charge on Ceyloba.

All over the south west of the island men began to receive the call to arms. The true prince needs good men, and he needs them soon.

(ooc: I've not done much in the way of research yet- does anyone have a clue how long it's likely to take to sail from Ceylon to the north Atlantic/vice versa, around the cape? I'm sure I'll find detils myself ...eventually, but y'know ;) )

OOC:Are you going to respond to the attack?
I think it's about 125 days to aproxiamate.
For me it's only about 70 days.

ooc:Damn, I really need to make my Ceyloban colony capable of independent action- this is far too slow! Or else dig the Suez canal, but that sounds like a hassle...

Attack? (reads back)

Pacific? To the best of our knowledge no Walmingtonian has ever been further east than..the east coast of Ceylon/Ceyloba/Sri Lanka. And we only have a couple of hundred men in the Indian Ocean at the moment- any Walmingtonian privateering would probably have to be carried out from coastal home islands to west Africa, in the case of the daring.
I think I'm missing the point :? What criminal ****er's flying our national colours?

(God damn it, I'm sweating to my death here, I fear)

Oh!
Shit. . . That's supposed to be Indian Ocean.

Tent
"Ah.. we were blown ashore here during that last typhoon. I suppose we're awaiting rescue. Now tell me a bit about Iansisle..."

Fort Manly
Batam

The fortress' first stage was now almost completed. The Commodore walked somewhat heavily to the northern most peaks overlooking the small harbor. Squinting through a pair of glasses, he could just make out Singapore island, and the Calaracan base there.

"Yes, Flowers, I rather think this would be the best place for a shore battery. I like the view - you can see the whole channel. Those 28 pounders we brought (ooc - eight of them) would be best suited, and about half of the (twenty-eight) 24 pounders would compliment them well. I want diggings started at once, to cover the Pacific opening of the straight, and the harbor as well. I'm sure you can find an appropriate place to cashe balls and powder?"

"Yes, sir," replied Captain Flowers, somewhat lazily jotting down the Commodore's instructions on a sheet of paper. Manly swept his glasses over the fort, taking in the fully-built outerwalls. Already, several 24 pounders peaked from ports on the seaward walls, and his small fleet lay at anchor in the harbor. Although the wooden walls wouldn't hold against a determined foe, they would be able to repel any native attacks. No doubt, his company of musketmen looked forward to an actual battle, rather than the grunt construction work currently assigned to them. The fort's interior was still little more than a collection of tents huddled within the stockade, but that would soon change.

The glasses again swept to the Calaracan fort, where he noticed their sizeable fleet departing. All their gunports were closed, and they didn't seem hostile. Not that it mattered - if they chose to blast his fort to oblivion, the could with relative ease. The reminder that he survived at their mercy was harsh.

"Suppose they intend to make for here, Captain?"

"We'll know soon enough, Commodore. Seems that way."

"Let's get down to the harbor," frowned Manly, looking at the ships one last time.

(ooc - Assuming both our forts are still there, this will be fun come the late 19th century, when we both have artillery capable of firing over the 17 mile gap between Singapore and Batam ;) )
_____________________________

HIMS Southern Star

"Suppose we should slip anchor, sir?" asked a green seaman, looking out at the fleet and the Calaracan warships.

"You want to be out there with all those ships?" rebuffed a nearby lieutenant.

"Better'n here, to ask me," replied a grizzled warrant officer. "Not like Fort Ash has any shore guns."

"Gentlemen, stow that talk," ordered Commander Jorgenson, in charge of the Star while the captain was in the fort. "They've not made a single hostile action since arriving. Let's see what happens - they may take us weighing anchor as a belligerent move, the last thing we want right now."

(ooc - eep! All these massive fleets! Makes me and my 28 gun frigate, my 50 gun 4th-rater, and my 12 gun sloop feel kinda insignificant ;) Just wait till that rebuilding effort takes shape! :D )

Tent
"Ah.. we were blown ashore here during that last typhoon. I suppose we're awaiting rescue. Now tell me a bit about Iansisle..."

"Iansisle?" asked Wheatman, always somewhat paranoid. "We're just the rulers of north-eastern Gallaga (ooc - he's lying to try and impress you), but we come - like yourself, I imagine - from far across the ocean. Why do you ask?"

(ooc - eep! All these massive fleets! Makes me and my 28 gun frigate, my 50 gun 4th-rater, and my 12 gun sloop feel kinda insignificant ;) Just wait till that rebuilding effort takes shape! :D )

ooc: I know, my 5 Frigates are getting naval envy....

Between Fort Manly and Fort Trade

Governer Haslett stares critically through his telescope at the Ianislean Fortifications.

"Hmm. Alright against a native excursion, but I don't think they'll last long against a determined fleet action, and they've be swarmed over in a shore action.
I wonder how long before they manage to face the forts with stone?"

"A while I should think, They won't have any native labour yet, it took us three years to gain friendly relations out here you remember, and that was only because we killed all the chiefs each time they attacked until some of the slaves came to us for protection and we armed them."

"True, Anyway, hoist the colours and we'll salute as we enter harbour. It's time for the diplomatic show to hit the road."

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

(OOC: Fort Trade has 3 batteries at present, 2 on the foreshore, quite low, built of rammed earth faced with undressed stone, and each containing 15x 24 pounder long nines quipped with firepits for heated shot, these also contain 8x 12 pounders also with firepits. The third is to the rear of the town and has 12x 12 pounders faceing landwards over a wide arc and 6x 18 pounder carronades. normal load for these is a doubleshotted mix of one bag grape and one tin canister. there are also two mortars for firing shell in the courtyard of this inland fort.
The town is large, mostly comprising warehouses of the merchants where goods from the regular convoys are stored while awaiting trade. the town is surrounded by a wall built recently with native labour comprising two parallel rows of trunks and posts with the interior filled with rammed earth, making a 12 foot tall by 10 foot thick rampart of earth, topped by a woodern palisade further 8 foot high with rifle slits cut in it.
The permanent ships are 2x 64 gun line of battle ships, 2x 52 gun line of battle ships, 3x 28 gun frigates, 2x 24 gun frigates, 2x 22 gun frigates, 4x 12 gun brigs, 2x 8 gun sloops, and 3x 4 gun messenger packets. There are also 15 Gunboats, these are single gun rowboats with a stumpy mast only really usefull when sailing downwind, they have 8 oars a side and their single guns are 24 pounders, pointed over the bow.) 12 more are under construction using the guns left behind by the convoy, and extensions to the forts are being made to emplace the guns from the old ship expected to arrive. the ship itself will be used as a stores hulk.

At least 2/3rds of the frigates/sloops and brigs are out patrolling at any one time, due to this there is little fear of pirates in the region.

Nongsa Landing
Outside Fort Manly, Batam

Commadore Manly, Captain Flowers, and a small squad of musketmen waited for the Calarcan (sorry, just realized I'd been inserting an extra 'a' in your name ;) ) landing party. Behind them, St. Patrick's Cross waved lazily in the breeze, and the company's piper beat out "His Imperial Majesty", the official anthem of Iansisle.

Manly frowned. Despite the thrown-together pomp, this welcoming ceremony would hardly be overwhelming. The rough wooden surface of his fort was rather an embarasment - hopefully, the Calarcans weren't just here to scout for an attack.

Seeing their longboat pull up, he bowed deeply.

"Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome to His Iansislean Majesty's Fortress of Manly."

(ooc - http://gobatam.hypermart.net/bat1000.gif - here's a swell map of Batam (too big to post). Fort Manly is in the north-east, on the protrusion between Nongsa and Batam Center. The new shore batteries are planned for Nongsa, between Puri Jawa and Tering Bay resorts. A small camp on the western island, near Sekupang, is being set up.)

The Calarcian Governer and his entourage, (two clerks, an aide and 4 musketeer bodyguards) disembarked from the boat.

"I thank you for your welcome sir, especially as at such short notice. We have noted the construction over here as our ships brought word upon sailing past. I wondered if you had any needs that our merchants in Fort Trade could possibly supply, I do know you are quite a distance from your nearest supply base. And peaceful relations between our nations are desirable by my royal master."

"Ah, governer, I thank you for seeing fit to visit our humble base. I am Commodore C.J. Manly, in command of this fortress until a more perminant administrator arrives from the Shield. Currently, our needs are being met by the Crown Colony of Port Laughlin (ooc- Sarawak), but in the interest of peace, I should be delighted of you and your top men would care to join us for an early dinner. It's not much, to be sure, but I hope it will help to ease the growing tensions between our nations."

Mentally, Manly sized up the Calarcan and his group. They've been here a lot longer than you - try not to get yourself sent packing right back to Port Laughlin, will you?

(ooc: I need sleep, I'm afraid. Fortunatly, tommorow is my last day of work for a bit, so I should be able to stay up to all hours then ;) Night!)

"Iansisle?" asked Wheatman, always somewhat paranoid. "We're just the rulers of north-eastern Gallaga (ooc - he's lying to try and impress you), but we come - like yourself, I imagine - from far across the ocean. Why do you ask?"

"We have never heard of your civilisation, and was very curious about your origins. Perhaps our two nations can discuss co-operation. Our rescue fleet will be arriving soon."

Captain Crooke enters the tent.
"Who is this?"
Douglas addresses him.
"This is Wheatman from Iansisle."
Captain Crooke offers his hand.
"I am Captain Crooke of Ell. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Fort Ash, Gallaga

Admiral Dai stood inside the stately residence of the governor, emotionless, as the men waited for a representative to arrive. Of course, they had been waiting for about twenty minutes already, but that was besides the point; their mission was of tantamount importance.
If Dai knew what tehir mission was, he'd probably agree, High Commissioner An thought. The Empress was wise to have sent him and his command, who would follow orders onto the death.
"Perhaps we entered the wrong house?" Zhang suggested, planting the Islandian Banner in the ground outside.
They all turned to EMissary Zhao.
"What does the sign outside say?" Dai asked.
"IT says 'Governor's Residence'" Emissary Zhao replied. "I think."
everyone shook their heads.
"Watch, this turns out to be a whorehouse," An grumbled.
Dai shrugged. he wouldnt mind a whorehouse; several months at sea was bad enough. Still, they were here on a mission, so he pushed those thoughts aside.
"just where is the damned governor?" one of Hawk Squad's riflemen muttered under his breath.
"Who knows?" his friend next to him answered.
outside, rain began to fall on the men and ships of the East Banner Dragon Fleet.

"Understandable, but until I know more about you, it would not be wise to tell you of us." Wheatman looked up at the new figure. "Ah, Captain Crooke. I've heard much about you already."
_____________________

Fort Ash

Charles Townsend, curious about the sudden concentration of men and ships at his tiny trading outpost, went down to the water to meet the Islandians, and was somewhat unnerved when they planted a banner in what he assumed to be Iansislean land. Still, with no big guns and a mere four Company militiamen at his service, neither he nor Captain Chalms of the Star was in any position to argue with them. He bowed to the men.

"Er, Charles Townsend, local operating manager, at your service."

(ooc: Fort Ash is a tiny trading port, little more than a wooden wall, a few buildings, and a few muskets near a harbor on the River Godavari)

Emissary Zhao stepped forward, and bowed, as did the rest of the party. "Good to meet you, Master Townsend. I am Emissary Zhao Wenyu of Her Imperial Majesty's Trade Commission. Our Empress wishes to start favorable and mutually beneficial trade and diplomatic relations with your nation."

Noticing that the man was uneasy about something, Zhao turned around, and followed his line of sight to see the red Islandian Banner planted firmly in the ground. He turned back to Townsend and smiled disarmingly.
"do not worry, Master Townsend. we have simply brought along our flag, because decorum demands that we carry it to us when starting diplomatic contacts with any other nation." Zhao paused, and the rest of the delegation waited with baited breath. "Am i correct in assuming that you represent the sovereign country of Iansisle?"

High Commissioner An watched all this with interest. Perhaps this was not going as planned, he mused, fascinated by the sudden stalling of the negotiations. in whichever case, he would see to it that the will of Empress Xiwu would be done, even if the bumbling Zhao managed to foul it up somehow. not that he might, since he was actually more competent than he looked. Still, one never knew, An thought.

---Post deleted by NationStates Moderators---

Townsend scratched the back of his neck. "Well, I'm not actually in the direct service of the crown..."

"But I am," interupted the ever-stoic Captain Chalms. "Sir Henry Chalms, on His Iansislean Majesty's navy. While I'm positive the Empire and the Company would be most interested in trading with you, I'm afraid you seem to know a tad more about us than we do about you..."

(ooc - Caboose. I was going to tell you that you're more than welcome to join in, following the guidelines on the first page, but emoticons are something to be used in moderation, especially in someone else's thread. Please either control your emotions of move along. Thank you.)

Emissary Zhao saluted Captain Chalms, as did Admiral Dai, who stepped forward.
"Pleased to meet you, Master Chalms. We are sorry for our somewhat sudden arrival," Zhao said. "but our Empress has dispatched us to make contact with nations as yours. You see, our country has been somewhat behind, and somewhat secluded from the rest of the world; our Empress, a somewhat different thinker, has ordered us to go on this diplomatic mission in order to secure a mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries."

Dai nudged Zhao. "Perhaps you should tell him how and why you know about their culture," he whispered. Zhao nodded and turned to Captain Chalms.

"i was originally a sailor who was shipwrecked on your Iansisle years ago. i was rescued by the Royal Navy of Iansisle, and i stayed there for quite some time before setting out on an expedition. Again, however, i was shipwrecked, although this time i managed to make it home, and ever since, people at home have been enthralled by tales of a nation far across the sea, especially our Empress."
Zhao held up a thick packet. "If you would like to kno, here are some interesting facts and such about our nation, although they are trite things, really. but the fact of the matter is that our Empress would like to start diplomatic and trade relations with your nation, as we believe that openness is a very healthy policy."

(*beats head against wall* Urr...have to leave for work (actually, I'm kinda late ;) ) I'll reply when I get back. Later!)

Chalms accepted the thick packet, eying Zhao curiously. "Gentlemen, I must thank you for your openess. I'm sure the High King in Ianapalis would be pleased to consider a trade pact of sorts. As you can see," he spoke, waving at the Calarcan ships, "We are hardly alone, and at times outmatched, even in the Bay of Bengal. Our naval resources are stretched to the breaking point - perhaps you'd care to accompany me to our main base in New Shield?"

Townsend frowned at Chalms. "Captain, you forget yourself. We're in Gallaga, not the Empire. All decisions have to go through the Company."

"Not anymore, director," answered Chalms, shooting him a sidelong glance. "New Shield has been declared a crown colony. The affairs of Gallaga are no longer the sole concern of the Company." Townsend spluttered a bit.

"But, you can't! We have a Royal Charter! The administration of Gallagan lands is our business - we founded this country, on our sweat and blood!"

"Your underwriters have been informed, and approve of the changes. Now, gentlemen," added Chalms, turning away from the outraged Company man. "Shall we continue to New Shield?"

Zhao nodded regally and said, "Please lead the way, Captain." he motioned for Dai and the others to follow.
Dai frowned. all this talk of another colony and such was putting him on an edge. Still, he barked an order to Chau, his rocketeer, and ordered him to fire off a rocket in ten minutes. he turned to emissary zhao.
"Emissary, i will order my men to fire off a rocket," Dai said. "Please interpret this to our hosts."
Zhao nodded and turned to the others.
"our admiral must signal his fleet in order to assure them that all is safe and sound," he said.
"With what?" one of the iansisleans asked.
Zhao winked and grinned. "A secret," he replied.
An rubbed his head in consternation. he doubted that the foreigners didnt know what a rocket was; they probably had them in abundance. he turned to Dai and nodded. Dai barked another order to Chau, who quickly lit the tube, angled it straight up, and let the rocket soar out of the wooden cylinder quickly.
the head burst into a thousand plumes of green at the top, signaling that the delegation was fine and all was going well


(OOC howd work go?)

Within 12 Miles of Fort Ash, Gallaga
The Imperial fleet had been sailing for 3 monthes both mentally and physically exhausted. The call of Land Ho! however brightened everybody's mood somewhat. The men kept sail, traveling quickly to whatever settlement this was. . .

Outside Hyderabad
three hours before dawn

"Sir, there are reportedly six rebels inside this city", said a soldier

"Destroy it, burn it to the ground", said the new Commodore (the old First Mate).

"Sir, there are 10,000 people in that city, it won't be necessar......", started the soldier

"Private Vanzano. I Order you to begin artillery shelling of that city!!", yelled the Commodore.

"Sir, I cannot in good conscience do that!", shouted the soldier back.

"Are you prepared to face court martial?!?", said the Commodore boldly.

"Sir, you are on a quest for vengence!! I answer your question with a yes. You are the one commiting treason!", shouted the soldier, Private Vanzano.

"Men take him away!!!", ordered the Commodore.

Four soldiers hesitantly approach Private Vanzano and lead him away.

"Open fire!!!", shouted the Commodore, his burnt face glistening in the light of the cannon fire.


Hyderabad
one hour before dawn
-----------------------------
Under the ruins of a walled city
Crumbling towers in beams of yellow light
No flags of truce, no cries of pity
The siege guns had been pounding all through the night
It took a day to build the city
We walked through its streets in the afternoon
As I returned across the fields I'd known
I recognized the walls that I once laid
I had to stop in my tracks for fear
Of walking on the mines I'd laid
------------------------------

"Its, the Agrigentians!!! Those bastards are destroying everything!!!", we must get a message to Prince Parag", shouted one of the city's militia men.

"It is a long way to punjabi. I will try to make it", shouted back another.

"You must make it, or else all of Gallaga will be in ruins", shouted the first militia man.

The man came running out of the shattered building and mounted his horse. Things were being destroyed all around him, and cannon balls were flying like birds in the air. He rode out otherside of the city and followed the cliffs until the next day, when he made it to Punjab.


(ooc: there are two Hyderabads, one in southern central India and one in present day Pakistan. The one I am referring to appears on the map on the first page. It is in modern day pakistan and past Sind

For a little clarification Paras II was the Prince of Sind and he was killed. His brother Parag I, is the Prince of Punjab and is a much better leader than him. Right now though his daughter has disappeared, apparently ran off with her lover.)

OOC
good nite every1

"Certain sure! I can do!" He flinches at being touched, and the man's arm flings straight to his side uncontrollably. "No touch!"

(I-T: You'd probably hit the Calarcan settlement at Gasgage (Madras) before you got to Fort Ash)

Townsend and Chalms watched the rocket arc up in the air, Townsend with a air of awe; Chalms accepting it as matter-of-fact, if exotic.

"Very pretty, Mr. Zhou. Must say I prefer good old regular shot for fighting with, though. Perhaps an immediate departure to New Shield is not the best option. I'm rather curious as to what our Calarcan, er, 'friends' want at Fort Ash."
_________________

"Don't like being touched, eh, you little wank?" growled the young Shieldian musketman, grabbing at the boy. "That's too damn bad, ain't it? Come along, and be thankful I'm not touching you with the bluntside of my gun."

The boy crouches down, and the musketman finds himself standing at attention. "I say no touch! I sorry for 'tril! Please no touch! I not bad!"

OOC:What does everyone own and where is it? I just want to know so I can store a map in my documents to make sure I don't forget. I don't want to have to blame the french again. Although. . . they are a good scapegoat. :P

ooc: I'm RPing a young boy, who got washed ashore from Daezeman, which I place about 100 miles away.

Hughes looked oddly at the private. "Anything wrong, soldier?" The Company man got a withering glare.

"Not at all, sir," he growled. "Just having some words."

"Indeed. Perhaps you should depart?" asked Hughes, matching the Imperial tone for tone. This time, the Shieldian private didn't grab at the boy.

"Come along then," he ordered, throwing the door open.

"Right!" He gets up from where he was crouched, standing straight and tall.

OOC:What does everyone own and where is it? I just want to know so I can store a map in my documents to make sure I don't forget. I don't want to have to blame the french again. Although. . . they are a good scapegoat. :P

New Shield, the main Iansislean base, is in the eastern Mouths of the Ganges. Prince Hiresh, an Iansislean ally, controls most of the western Mouths, with various other Iansislean allies being spread up the river basin. Several isolated trading posts are along the eastern Indian coast, down to Fort Ash near the River Godavari.

The Calarcans are further to the south, near Madras. Agrigento is in the west, in the Indus River valley. Walmington is on Sri Lanka.

Somewhat humbled, though not quite sure what had happened, the private led the boy from the room, and out onto the street.

"Now, don't try anything funny, boy, and I won't have to touch you."

"An apology, sir. I was somewhat confused, and still am." The boy's manner has suddenly changed. "Might you tell me how to get to Daezemani territory?"

OOC:What does everyone own and where is it? I just want to know so I can store a map in my documents to make sure I don't forget. I don't want to have to blame the french again. Although. . . they are a good scapegoat. :P

New Shield, the main Iansislean base, is in the eastern Mouths of the Ganges. Prince Hiresh, an Iansislean ally, controls most of the western Mouths, with various other Iansislean allies being spread up the river basin. Several isolated trading posts are along the eastern Indian coast, down to Fort Ash near the River Godavari.

The Calarcans are further to the south, near Madras. Agrigento is in the west, in the Indus River valley. Walmington is on Sri Lanka.

ooc: any idea what happend to Ercolana???

The private regained his confidence somewhat at the boy's change in manner. He stood a bit taller - just a muscle spasm, after all.

"Derzamanastan? Never heard of it. Don't worry - perform well, and you may even see it again."

ooc: any idea what happend to Ercolana???

*shrugs*

Afraid not.

ooc: any idea what happend to Ercolana???

*shrugs*

Afraid not.

hmmm....must've went away. Very curious indeed.

bumpi!

The private regained his confidence somewhat at the boy's change in manner. He stood a bit taller - just a muscle spasm, after all.

"Derzamanastan? Never heard of it. Don't worry - perform well, and you may even see it again."

(I'm off to bed. Feel free to have fun with my soldier)

The private regained his confidence somewhat at the boy's change in manner. He stood a bit taller - just a muscle spasm, after all.

"Derzamanastan? Never heard of it. Don't worry - perform well, and you may even see it again."

(I'm off to bed. Feel free to have fun with my soldier)

(I guess I'll go to bed too, goodnight all)

Fort Manly dining room.

"Well well Sir Manly, your men lay a good meal" Governer Haslett noted as he dabbed at his mouth with the napkin.
"How are you getting on witht he natives around here, most happen to be at least pheripheraly allied with us but there are a number of wilder tribes who will attack anyone who moves. They can be a damned nuisence at times. If you wish to purchase trade goods we have a large selection of goods they find irresistable, all availible, for a price of course."

Earlier that day the governer had enjoyed a tour of what sites were not classified of the new Ianislean fort and environs.

**************************
Inland of Gasgage(madras) some weeks after the last visit there.

His honourable Diplomat Sir Royce looked over the native battalian parading before him, he noted a number of Calarcian Seargents and corporals screaming unintelligable unspeakables as an occasional native forgot several weeks of hard drill with wooden gun-shaped sticks.

"Three thousand men milord Sabaji? You must have recruited hard to get this many."

"For a thousand Muskets, this is few men!" the translator relayed. "I wish to punish my brother, he took the land that belong to me by right as eldest son when my father died, I will take back what is mine."

Sabaji was red in the face with anger at the memory of his brother, Royce merely smiled, A thousand muskets to a minor princeling in return for three thousand natives for the Calarcian crowns own colonial army, not a bad trade when since the prince was firmly under their thumb, and a prince with a large domain meant a large domain for the Calarcian crown that the merchants could trade with and pay taxes on. Those taxes would more than make up for the costs involved.
As Prince Sabaji moved on his brother to the north, Royces mind moved on to the possiblities of a show of force possible with three thousand trained native soldiers with muskets, supported by Calarcian field artillary to the west.

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

Fort Ash Harbour

There was not much room to anchor with the many other ships there, but the ineffable and it's consort managed, Seeing the cluster of uniforms and fancy dress on the shore the captain ordered his boat crew to pull for there.

"Understandable, but until I know more about you, it would not be wise to tell you of us." Wheatman looked up at the new figure. "Ah, Captain Crooke. I've heard much about you already."


"Yes, i believe douglas has told you already. Now lets get down to business."

"The Ellan Navy is one of the most powerful in our region and you could be requireing our assistance sometime in the future. Of course, there are always costs incurred for such assistance..."

(ooc: Another multi-day absence on my part. This is highly irregular behaviour- it's almost as if I have a life. . .hahaha! I ache ever so much.. what the hell was I doing? [reads through several pages])

As the Enterprize left the waters of the Ind..Gallagan Ocean(?), Mr.Aldo fine-tuning his report on why exactly Ceyloba should be given top priority, on the island itself the prince's preperation for war nears completion.

Westwards marched six hundred men armed with an assortment of knives, swords, spears, and clubs, lead by the prince himself, atop a great Gallagan war elephant.

Captain Durnford, his hundred and twenty seven man garrison, and the two hundred and forty other Walmingtonians and sixty native workers remained unaware of the advance -though they did wonder what had become of the other Ceylobans at the WTM- fourteen had apparently deserted without warning.

Just South of New Shield
Aboard the Flag Ship of Cicel's fleet
"Where the hell are we men?"
"Err. . . we swerved the tip of the serpent tongue and the land of Griffins, now um. . . let's see, just north should be Cathay or is that the Malay?"
"*Sigh* Oh well, you said you saw a land mass and a city correct?"
"Yeah captain, but we have no idea wether it's hostile of not."
"Well let me see a telescope!"
"Here ya go captain."
"Let's see. . .looks like their making cannons. . . big cannons."
"Well they're obviously civilized!"
"Hold on. . . I heard the Cathay had mastered the art just recently."
"Should we go in?"
"Eh what the hell if their Cathay, it'll be nice to get some silk."
"Alright, men! Rise the sails!"
OOC:Some of the Mercenary fleets go off of 15th century names and maps.
Palolem beach, Goa
Landed Irkutsk/French Fleet
"What are those?"
"Nothing I know of."
"They look kind of like big ferns."
"Yeah, but what are those things under them?"
"Coconuts, me mates." The Commodre had stepped off the ship. "You crack em open on a rock, but try not to spill the milk out of em."
"Goat flowers?"
"No, no, no, the word milk's just an expression for their thick, syrupy juice."
"Oh, so is it all milk in there?"
"No it has some meat."
"So they are Goat flowers?"
"No, meat is another expression for their fruit inside the shell."
"Ok."
"So where are we going anyways?"the Commodre looked around the sea of dumbfounded faces.
"I guess. . . since this is Goa. We should start a settlement. All of you grabs some hatchets! Chop down those trees. Use the leaves as protective covering! All of you who don't have a hatchet, go into the forest and find some vines to string the hacked down trees together."
All went relatively well, nothing important happened for the next few hours.
Until they finished.
"So where we going to find food?"
"Cocunuts, birds and maybe if we're lucky an elephant."
"Elephant?"
"Oh forgive me, they are big large gray things. They have a trunk that flops around and large feet and ears. Here take these muskets, I'll go into the forest hunting with you all."
As they crept through the forest, many birds could be heard, so they shot as many as they could. They kept creeping into the forests, two men had large sacks slung over their shoulders. They wouldn't stop until they had those 2 bags full.
They kept walking and walking. Until the brush cleared and they saw a village of natives.
"Oh indians!"
"That's great Commodre, but we're supposed to be searching for food."
"No we can stop, the crew isn't going to get too hungry."
The Commodre walked promptly into the village, the men whoever followed cautiously.
"Hello Indians! Look I have beads and a mirror!" the Commodre said stupidly.
"Oh Lord . . . he's going to anger them with his stupidity."Some of the hunting party snickered at the suggestion, but some knew it wasn't as funny as it had sounded.
"*Clicks tongue rapidly*"
"*Clicks tongue back in a different pattern even more rapidly*"
"*Clicks tongue a few times then turns to Commodre*We trade you food, sacraments and Uppwohoa(Opium) for thundersticks." The man points to the muskets.
"Oh you mean muskets?"
"Um. . . yes that's what white foreign man say of them."
"Alright show us what your willing to offer for say. . . 50?"
"How much this thifty?"
"*He counts them out to the translator*, that's fifty."
"Ok thifty good."
"Alright now show us how much your willing to offer then."
The translator brings forth a large goat pit of soup.
"Here take a taste."
"Hmm. . . spicy."
"It's Vindaloo!"
"Hmm. . . okay do you have some other means of transport?"
"Thrashort?"
"Some other way taking it from here to another place to feed our crew."
"There more of you?"
"Um yes. . . shouldn't this feed us all?"
"No! It only for 120!
"But that's awfully big."
"We spread it on rice."
"Ok, say you get enough to feed a four thousand men?"
"*Clicks tongue twice* Ok. How many thor posan?"
"Take 100*flashes fingers 10 times* and multiply by ten.*Flashes all fingers again* then multiply by 4.*puts up four fingers*"
"Oh! That alot. Uh why not we come to your place an cook there. Then we all have food."
"Ok. But not until you show us this Sacraments and the Opooha."
"Uppwohoa."
"Ok well show us this then."
The translator clicks his tongue to a man near a large hut, with a strange looking animal hanging over the doorway.
"Here you go that Uppwohoa!"
"There must be 1200 of these things." He points at the large bricks of opiums."But what do they do?"
"You koke them and it makes you all Putza." He jumps around to show what it means.
"Hm. . . ok, and the Sacraments?"
"Oh yes how rude of me."Clicks tongue at another man who in turn takes out large gold . . . things.
"There sacraments."
The Commodre and Hunting party stare dumbfounded at the gold statues.
"Ok so we go to camp site now?"
"Yes but what authority do you hold in this village?"
"I chief."

Dragon Lieutenant Jinoro Hideki yawned and stretched. he was in command of the rocket crews aboard the Golden Empress, the sixty gun heavy junk that had been newly commissioned as of that year. Remembering that the Admiral had told them about the firing of a rocket, he turned to his crews and told them to be alert for a green starburst signal rocket.
Soon enough, one came, and he ordered Signal Lieutenant Kenga to relay the message to the other ships. Kenga responded that he couldnt get it to the rest of the two hundred ship flotilla, as newcomers were blocking it, and suggested that Hideki fire off another signal rocket to alert the rest of the fleet.
thinking that there would be trouble if he did, Hideki shrugged and waved it off, and ordered Kenga to launch a signal kite instead. Kenga agreed, and within minutes, a large blue kite was airborne, notifying the rest of the fleet that all was calm. for now.

still, all the newcomers made Captain Wei somewhat nervous and uneasy. he wasnt sure who they were, and without Emissary Zhao and High Commissioner An and their party, he wasnt sure if he could contact them and ask them questions. STill, he supposed they meant no harm; if they did, he had his own signal officer ready several kites and rockets in case shots were fired. other than that, there was nothing to do but wait.

"Hey look! Cathay Ships!"
"Well that. . . must mean. . . We're at Cathay! Yeah, now we can get silk!"
"Should we board them sir?"
"No, no, just easy up aside the largest ship and send a messanger. We don't want to anger them."
"Alright sir."
The ship started to slow, then stop aside the Heavy junk.
"Sails down men!"

West of New Shield

Wheatman rose. "Captain; Commander. I'm sure your offer is most appreciated, but the Empire has never needed anyone, and now it needs no-one. I shall be returning to New Shield, I think, though I advise you to also set sail. You're on native territory, and they have a tendency to be quite xenophobic. Now, I bid you farewell. Johnston; Newman - with me."

The Iansisleans turned to leave the room.
____________________

Fort Manly

The Commodore offered the Governer another glass of Foothills wine, quite generous considering it had to be imported thousands of miles from the northern Shield.

"Can't say we've had words with the natives of yet," he said, taking another slice of meat for himself. "I imagine they'll stop to say hello sooner or later - if it's hostile, I've an entire company of men at my call. However, there can't be too many natives on this little island - can there?"
_____________________

New Shield
Sometime later than all these other events

"Sails on the horizon, m'lord."

"I can balmy well see them, thank you," replied Lord Fischer, somewhat grumply. "Are the shore batteries ready?"

"Aye, but if they try and mix it up with the Company ships, we shall have to cease fire for risk of hitting our own men."

"Humph," agreed the Lord. "When's the Star due back?"

"Next week, m'lord."

"I wish Chalms hadn't run off like that and left us undefended."

The boy mutters to himself. "Damn stormhead seas, today's my birthday, too."

"Is it really, now?" sneered the private, curiosity but not compassion crossing his face. "How old you'll be, then? Ten?"

"Close enough. Grrrah. Say, when will there be a time for eating?"

New Shield
"Commander, looks like they have batteries up."
"Well how do we tell em we're friendly?"
"No Idea commander."
"Hmm. . . we should probably put the deck guns back."
"But sir. . . we would be undefended then."
"Yeah, yeah, but we don't need to be defended if we ain't gonna be hostile."
"Fine. Raise the Blue Sail!"
OOC:Blue Sail is a sign of pacifism on Irkutsk-Turkestan ships

"When you get to the practice grounds," growled the Iansislean, parting traffic on the dusty New Shieldian road. "Then I'll hand you over to Weathers, and be rid of a great hassle."
_________________

"I don't think they have hostile intentions, m'lord."

"Best for them, I suppose. Damn, I wish Chalms were here. He'd know what to do."

"Er, what shall we do, m'lord?"

"Nothing for now. Let's see what they're up to. Cover the gun ports, but be ready to extend them again at a moments notice."

New Shield
"Alright, now what do we do?"
"We should send somebody to see if we can dock, sir."
"Alright, pick a few people and I'll go with them."
The boat set out from the large ship towards the harbor of New Shield.

"If you want a hassle, you ought to meet my elder brother, Crown Prince Icarus. He's an ass."

"Right. And I'm sure he's ten feet tall, too." (ba-dum kish!) The two of them arrived at the small Royal Iansislean Army Corps headquarters, the private holding the door open. "Lieutenant, I have a new draftee for you." Behind a simple desk, the heavyset commander of the New Shield company arched his eyebrows.

"A little small for a musketman, don't you think? Be right worthless in the line of battle - or most places else, besides."
______________________

"They're putting a boat ashore, Lord."

"That's a good sign, I suppose. Have a squad of men meet me down at the shore. Make sure they bring a standard!"

(ooc - RL cruely interupts me. Later on!)

"I am Daniel White of Daezeman House White. How do you do."

Later...

"I don't believe everything he said..." the captain muttered. "I think they might be...hiding something from us."
"Like what?" Douglas replied
"He sure as hell didn't want us doing anything to the natives."
"What are you suggesting?"
"Well, I'm sure you've heard of "The promised land"?
"Do you think this is it? A land with many riches, flowing with milk and honey?"

Captain Wei looked at the foreigners in interest. he walked over to them and beckoned them aboard, at the same time signaling his men to lower a gangplank to the other ship. Several men trooped across, and Wei began to wonder what he was supposed to say, since he didnt have a single interpreter aboard, especially not after teh delegation left for the colony of Fort Ash.
"What are they doing?" Signal Officer Qiao asked Lieutenant Niang. Niang shrugged.
"Making some sort of handmotions, i'd say."
Qiao gave him a dirty look. "really? well it appears so... still, one wonders what the hell they are trying to get across?"
"Maybe they want to buy something from us," a Marine, Fire Corporal Lin, commented.
Captain Wei was drawn into a conversation with one of the men. to his surprise, the language seemed to be one of the tongues that he had heard from shipwrecked sailors while patrolling the western reaches of the Islandian Empire. He tried to recount what he could remember, and before long, was having a strange sort of conversation with them, while the crew looked on, amused.

Fort Tanesco
Holding Cells

"In you go you treacherous ruffiano!!!", shouted one of the guards.

"Shut up, give him some respect!", said a second guard.

"What are you a traitor too?", said a third guard.

"No, but I dont condone killing 10,000 innocents to get half a dozen rebels.", said the second guard.

The other two didn't respond. They just put their silent prisioner inside. He was quite beaten up. Not from them, but rather from battling countless rebels throughout Sind. He had seen more action than the three of them combined and it showed. He was very lean and rugged, yet he had this air of nobility about him. After he was in his cell they went to the watchmen to fill out the proper ledger about the new occupant.

"Aye, here he is. One Private Biagio Vanzano", said the first guard.

"I see, well do you have his service records?", said the head watchmen.

"Aye, that I do.", he started reading off a piece of parchment he had been holding, "Been on tour here for 4 years. Came over before the expedition, around 1748. Protected the trading post down in Hyderabad before the war started. Fought in the battle o'er by the Prince's palace there abouts two months ago. Enlisted in the Royal Army in 1746", hes a hardy fella, I would s'gest you watch him close by like.", said the first guard.

They left the jail and reported back to the Commodore.

"Sir, hes in there all good and tight, won't be cause'n no more trouble for us.", said the first guard.

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

Prince Parag Karpadia's Royal Palace
Central Punjab

"This is quite distressing. A very troubled year this has been. Still no sign of my daughter. My brother is dead! The whole of Sind lays in the hands of foreigners and there is a salt shortage! Whats next?", said the Prince before his advisors.

"My majesty, my men have not given up hope on your daughter. She will be found! As for these Agrigentians, that is a different matter. Perhaps we should guard our borders more closely and prepare our warriors for battle?", said Palace Guard Master Kunel.

"No my majesty, that was the same mistake your brother made. The Agrigentians made no offer of attack until we sunk their ship. We need to speak to them with reason!", said Kaveh Pazooki, former advisor to Prince Paras.

"They will only use us!! Once they have the opportunity they will turn on us and take our kingdom.", said advisor Manit.

"Hmmm, you all have valid points. Master Kunel, I want you to keep on looking for my daughter, and also to increase the amount of scouts we have. Do not however show any signs of aggression towards Sind. Kaveh, I would like you to meet with the leaders of the Agrigentians and see what you can do", said the Prince.

"Very well", said Master Kunel and Kaveh in unison. They left the room.

"You had best watch yourself Prince, it is trust that will doom you!", said Manit as he walked out of the chamber.

Fort Ash

Having climbed aboard the strange ship Captain Philby looked around and headed for the men with the most ornate uniforms, Gesturing with hands open and palms upright in what should be taken for friendlyintentions he began speaking slowly and clearly.

"Welcome Sirs, I am Captain Philby, I command my ship the Ineffable, How do you do."

I hope they can speak something I understand he thought to himself.

"Hola Senors, Guten Tag Herrs, Bola Massas, Konichiwa Sans, Heyla Dudes. Habla espaniolas? Specien sprie Deutchs? Hooba Jah? Wakamasu Nippon? Compres Hippies? Do you understand Calarcian?"

********************
OOC note, I'll be incommucado again until thurs, no Internet access for the next few days.

Captain Wei shouted for Wave Lieutenant Shigano, who came running. "Your Japanese is better than mine," Wei said. "Speak to him."
"Hai." with a curt nod and a bow, Shigano turned to the man and began talking.
in the meantime, Wei turned to another man and spoke in an accented, slow French speak that he had learned from a sailor shipwrecked off Chimeini Atoll in the west of the Empire.

"So what's going on here anyways?"

OOC some1's on my ship and we're talking. the calarcans it seems. and the ppl from irutsk at the same time. on another ship of course.

Captain Chiang looked at the men strangely. their garb were interesting, and it appeared that they were acting out hand motions too. Interesting.
It appeared Captain Wei was having similar problems with the men aboard his ship.
Oh well, he sighed. he turned to Wake Commander Pu, and asked him to bring a tray of iced tea, which he passed out to the men.
meanwhile, Chiang motioned for Signal Lieutenant Tian, who knew the most languages and told him to try to talk.
"Shibushi Guayu? (Understand CHinese?) Nippon? Parlez vous Francais? ENgrish? Deutsche?"

"I am Daniel White of Daezeman House White. How do you do."

The officer ignored him, listening to the private's reply.

"Well, sir, he was caught stealing from a vendor, out in the marketplace. We brought him to Master Hughes, who suggested we press him as a drummer." The officer, whose nametag read Lieutenant Benderman, looked at the private in silence, making him feel most uncomfortable.

"I ask you, private. Who controls Gallaga - Mr. Hughes' Company...or the Empire?"

Captain Chiang looked on, fascinated. It appeared that the men were in search of something, and that they called the ships of the Islandian Navy "Cathay."
he wracked his mind. interesting. they might be talking about a myriad of places, but he supposed they were talking about China, his ancestral land and that of many Islandians.
Islandians were mainly a mixture of immigrants from several countries; Japan, China, Vietnam, and the native populations living there, whom had proved scarce yet friendly. Escaping the confines of the rigid feudal classes, the immigrants had settled there in an atmosphere of tolerance, helping create a large and prosperous Empire.

in any case, it seemed they wanted silk. Chiang pondered for a moment, and asked his officers if they stocked silk anywhere in the flotilla. They pointed at the cargo ships, and Chiang told Signal Lieutenant Tian to ready several rockets and a boat.

"Thank you sir, but you are not from Cathay obviously." A man walked onto the ship.
"You obviously are from East Islandia." The men from his ship stared at him.
It was Prince(Wealthy Merchant, not actually Royal, although they might consider him Royal. You never know with our mercenaries.) Cicel. He had traveled all this time on the ship as an old man.
"Who are you?"
"I am the commisioneer of this fleet, The Merchant Cicel. Why do you ask?"
"You are Prince Cicel? I thought you were young."
"I am, my hair is simply gray. Let me show you." He slammed his foot into the deck, the area around his foot shattered like ice.

the marines tensed at this, but Chiang put a hand up. "How is it that you know of us, sir?" he asked. "Few people know of Islandia."

Qiao scratched his head. "Did you have to shatter the deck to show us that you're young? i believe you if you'd just tell me."
Tian flicked his ear. "That's the point. They DONT believe him."
Qiao nodded. "I see. So what are we supposed to do now?"
Tian turned to Cicel. "So what did you want to do again?"

The boy speaks up. "I only wish to return home, to my home in White Castle and my wife, Xeca."

"I have traveled there, it's not bad, it's much better than being trapped in a small cart to avoid being killed by Turks." He looked at his hand. "I have also traveled to Cathay and Nippon. I learned to fight in Assam, Tibet and Vietanne. However, I have not fully recovered from wounds still." He pulls up his shirt to show his scars. "It hurt a bit when I went into sword training in Assam." He looked at his hand again. "I told them I was sending them to get Silk from Cathay with old maps. I meant them to crash onto Ceyloba to get Coffee and Tea. But the idiots from the 1470s were atleast accurate about the coordination."

"And furthermore, Jones, I ex...

The boy speaks up. "I only wish to return home, to my home in White Castle and my wife, Xeca."

"...I...uh....exp...uh, I think that..." stammered the lieutenant, looking at the boy. "Planning a little far ahead, aren't you, little one?"

"interesting," Chiang said. "So what will you do now?"

the rest of the crew looked on, not quite understanding, but getting the gist of the conversation.

"Well I control all of the Irkutsk Fleets, meaning I am the most powerful seafaring power occupying the Indian Sea at the time. Am I not wrong?
I will become the King of Irkutsk when my father dies. Which should be sunset. He has gone to battle with the French, to drive them out of the provinces. He is pigheaded as many of our people are. However he is ill-prepared and will die at the hands of the French. That is all I can say at this time. I hope to visit New Shield, and to build up the colonies at Goa and Mangalore." The crowd looked at him for his odd words.

Chiang scratched his head. He might think himself wrong if he saw the entire East Banner Dragon Fleet, the Captain thought. But whatever. it was not his prerogative to correct stomping princes or overbearing fathers, and it certainly wasnt his place to start a war. He shrugged.
"Well i wish you luck on ur colonizing. but make sure one doesnt oppress natives too much."

the rest of the crew nodded and grunted in agreement.

(OOC im going for now GOODNITE every1)

The Escape....
Fort Tanesco Holding Cell
_________________________
There were rooms of forgiveness
In the house that we share
But the space has been emptied
Of whatever was there
There were cupboards of patience
There were shelfloads of care
But whoever came calling
Found nobody there

After today, consider me gone

I've spent too many years at war with myself
The doctor has told me it's no good for my health
To search for perfection is all very well
But to look for Heaven is to live here in Hell

After today, consider me gone
_________________________

Two guards sat playing Scopa.

"Haha, Marco, I win!! Now you have to bring the food to the prisioner", said one guard.

"You got lucky Giorgio", said Marco as he walked down the hallway toward Vanzano's cell. When he got there he saw Vanzano on the floor, his beddings all over the floor. Blood was on his forehead. "Giorgio, come quick I think he is dead!".

Giorgio came running down the hall with his sabre in hand. "Open the damn door Marco!!", he shouted. The two of them entered the cell and bent over his body.

"Buon Giorno miei amici!", said Vanzano has he rendered Marco un-conscience with a blow from a wooden leg broken off from the only chair in the cell. He then knocked the sabre out of Giorgio's hand and proceeded to overpower the over weight guard. After he was done he took the sabre and the scabbard that hung from Giorgios belt and locked the cell door. He quickly ran to the front office and took two pistols from the rack that hung on the wall. He also took a canteen, and a satchel filled with food along with the only set of keys to the cells. They'll have a lot of fun getting those two out, he thought. Vanzano then wiped the blood off his forehead and put a bandage around the finger that he got the blood from. He wrapped a scarf around his face (very arab-esque) and went out to the Guard's stable and took one of the horses. It looked like today was his lucky day because just as he was ready to leave the gate was open to let some traders into the city. He took his chance and rode out. A few calvary men pursued him but were not able to catch up to the Private who was practically born on a horse back in Agrigento. I wonder why they never did accept me for the calvary? Must have something to do with that general's daughter, he thought, allowing himself to chance to laugh after finally reaching a safe distance from the fort. He continued on passed sundown and reached Karachi three hours before dawn.

Ceyloba.

http://www.travelandtranscendence.com/Indonesia/images/02.jpg

Even as the prince's improvised army approaches the Walmingtonian Trade Mission his people's wealth is siphoned off for the construction of great temples honouring his improvised religion, flourishing since the break up of the Gallagan empire. There'd been no need for much of an army- the Walmingtonians were so few, and he had no viable political opponents amongst the other tribal chiefs on the islan.

Leaving the highlands behind in the east, the prince, atop his elephant, espied Vollombo's lights flickering in the dusk. He had precious few plans -his informants told him the numerical strength of the garrison, and putting little stock in reports of the musket's power, the possibility of any deviation from the process that almost immediate victory he invisioned never crossed his mind.

New Shield
"Hello sir we are from Prince Cicel's fleet. We wish to dock here."

New Shield
"Hello sir we are from Prince Cicel's fleet. We wish to dock here."

"Prince who?" asked Fischer, eying the newcomer with suspicion. "And I'm afraid New Shield harbor is only open to Iansislean and Company shipping."

New Shield
"Hello sir we are from Prince Cicel's fleet. We wish to dock here."

"Prince who?" asked Fischer, eying the newcomer with suspicion. "And I'm afraid New Shield harbor is only open to Iansislean and Company shipping."
"Prince Cicel commander of all the Irkutsk flee. ."the man hit himself.
"Er. . . I mean he's the commisioneer of our fleet. And we aren't trying to start a war for you colonies. We already have some at Goa and Mangalore."

Fischer did his best not to let on that, for all he knew, Goa and Mangalore could be on the other side of the moon.

"Yes, of course. Well, it doesn't matter what your intentions are. We will not tolerate a foreign fleet in the heart of New Shield harbor."

The man became flustered. Yet he tried to remain calm.
"Sir please let us dock, we've been sailing for 3 months and don't have enough supplies to get around to Goa and Mangalore. If you could let us dock we'd help you as best we could."

"I'm sure there are a half-dozen other places your, ah, fleet could take refuge," replied Fischer. "If you wish to send longboats and buy fresh food and water to take aboard, that's another matter, but not one single armed ship will be tolerated in New Shield harbor." The Lord indicated the dug in 32, 28, 24, and 18 pound guns ringing the shore. "I'm sure you can see the wisdom in complying with that."

Terretini Spice Company Headquarters
Karachi Bay

"It looks you can earn your way out of your debt Stefano", said a shadowy figure behind a desk.

"How, I'll do anything!! Just don't kill me!", said Stefano.

"We have a little proposition for you. It seems that the Royal Army lost a prisioner, a traitor as it is. They have offered us 500 Republican Marks to catch him. If you find this man and bring him back to us, preferably alive we will 'forget' about your debts."

"Very well, who is this man?", asked Stefano.

"A Private Biagio Vanzano, former rifleman."

"And where can I find this man?", asked Stefano

"Thats for you to figure out. He escaped from Fort Tanesco yesterday. I suggest you get going!"

"yes, of course.", said Stefano has he ran out the doorway. Hmm..Fort Tanesco, I'll might as well check this city out first, he thought.

"Planning? I realise I must pay for that apple, but... Of what do you speak?"

"Fine we shall leave. . ." The man turned to a sailor. "Send a fast schloop to Prince Cicel, it's time to mobilize the Irkutsk Fleets. If the fleet is not here withing 2 weeks I will personally blast his head off his body. Meanwhile order the rest of the fleet to go west and settle there." The men entered outside, took to the head ship. "Alright men! We set sail to the west." The ships set west of New Shield as fast as they could.
Goa
"Alright men now that we have colonized this part what should we do?"
"How should we know, your the Commodre."
"True, true, but still we need a solution to how to get out of here."
"Well we did come with colonists why don't they start growing tea and Uppwohoa."
"Good, good. Now we can keep living off the natives until we get a new mission."

"Planning? I realise I must pay for that apple, but... Of what do you speak?"

The lieutenant shot him a patronizing look. "I'm talking of your future wife - a playground friend? - and, er, manor-house. And I also realize you must pay for that apple - as you have no money, you'll pay in service to His Majesty the High King Ian III."
_______________

Fischer watched the ships depart. "Strange lot - I should hope they understand why making harbor in New Shield is impossible. We can't risk having a full fleet here. Oh, I hope I did the right thing."

"Future? Playground? Of what do you speak?" A very confused look comes over his face. "Besides, if I can get a letter to Father, I can pay for that apple ten times over... though I hate to do it."

The lieutenant laughed softly, the glared at Jones.

"You bring me a delusional drummer-boy? Ach, get him out to Weathers. He'll finish chewing you out properly."

Jones looked daggers back at his commanding officer, then reached back down to Daniel. "Come along, then, you little runt."

Daniel stumbles back, and the private finds himself immobilised. "Don't touch!"

---

A gigantic catamaran makes its way across the sea, regally sailing.
(ooc: think that ship from Wind Waker.)

"Something wrong, Jones?" asked the lieutenant, eying the man with disgust.

"Uh, no, sir, I don't think so," he managed, fighting to break free of whatever was wrong. What the hell?

(ooc - haven't played Wind Waker yet :cry: My brother wanted to get a PS2, and I'm too cheap to upgrade my N64, so...)

Cicel sighs. "God dammit this is exhausting."
"What is sir?"
"Don't call me sir."
"Fine."
"This whole adventure. I'm going to die early."
"Don't say that."
"Yeah your right, but what am I supposed to do?"
"Do what?"
"Get to Goa."
"We passed Goa, you didn't say you wanted to go to Goa. Now we're going to Ceyloba."
"Fine."

"Don't touch me!" The boy stands up from where he was crouched. He snaps his fingers and Jones is allowed to move.

--+-+--

The ship regally makes its way along the currents. A young girl stands on the bow, dressed in a flowing robe. "Grr... Daniel better not have strayed too far."

The Large ship carrying Cicel hits something hard.
"What the hell was that?"
Cicel walks to deck.
"Sir looks like we hit a sloop."
"Sir, the man on board says to take a message to the fleets. Major Domo Kuli wants the fleets mobilized on New Shield."
"Hmmm . . . Right our Fast Sloops are faster anyways. Tell Xojii to send one of his Fast Sloops."
"Right sir."

"Gah!" exclaimed Jones, flexing all his muscles at once while also backing away from Daniel. He was visibly shaken. Once or twice could be explained, but thrice? Jones held the door open. "Out you go, then. There's a good boy."

"I thank you, sir." That one did it. He leaves the building.

It seemed to be only minutes when the Other Commodres had heard word of Kuli's mobilization and returned word pledging alliance to Cicel.
"Alright, so let's see, we're with Xojii, Kuli's already there, Jui, Yeplde,Ori and Twoksw are around the same distance and the Imperial Fleet is at Goa. We should accumulate in 4 Days at New Shield. Good, Good."

Jones didn't want to follow the boy, but the lieutenant's words cut into him.

"He's not going the right direction for the parade grounds, Jones."

Jones turned back, smiling wanely at his superior. "I don't know - be a damned shame to press him; I mean, a ruddy apple?"

"I will not have disorder in my camp, Jones. Take him to the sargeant."

Jones swollowed. "Yes, sir." He walked out, and shouted at the boy. "Wrong way, son! Weather's camp is over that way!"

OOC:You know 4 days would mean 16 RL minutes presuming that an RL Day is a Year. :lol: That sucks don't it? I'll space it out til tommorow though proly.

"Ah, true." He makes an abrupt about-face.

(Four days from Goa, around India, and all the way up to the mouth of the Ganges River? And how many ships / guns / what type are we talking about here?)

ic: Jones trailed the boy at a distance, before arriving at Weathers tent. The situation was quickly explained, and Weathers looked down at the boy.

"You can handle a drum?" he asked, pointing at a nearby set.

Karachi Marketplace

Biagio lays asleep near a fountain, his face covered by the scarf. He traded his uniform for a set of local attire. Stefano enters from the far side of the market, and approaches the fountain. He sits next to where Biagio is, not realizing that his prey is less than 2 feet away from him. Stefano starts speaking to someone else nearby.

"Have you seen a young Agrigentian around here?", he asks.

"Many foreigners come through this market everday", responds the merchant.

"Well this one was wearing a Royal Army uniform, probably looking for someone.", said Stefano as he handed him a few silver coins.

"Oh yes, I did see a man like the on you describe, he was hear this morning", said the merchant.

Biagio heard this and tensed up. He thought he was about to be caught.

"Well, what happend to this man?", asked Stefano.

"He sat next to me and gave me a few silver coins", said the merchant as he walked away laughing.

"damn you!!! You get back here or.....", Stefano started to say but was interupted by the feel of cold steel being pressed against his throught.

"I see you were sent to look for me. I might as well kill you, your nothing more than the Commodores lackey", said Biagio

"Please...don't I was trying to help you. I was gonna warn you!!", lied Stefano.

"Yeah, I get fooled that easily my friend. How many more did the commodore send?", he asked.

"I wasn't sent by the Commodore. I am on leave and needed to pay off a few debts to the Terretini Spice Company.", answered Stefano.

"I see, either way I can't let you go", said Vanzana has he knocked the man unconcious with the butt of his pistol and loaded him on the horse he stole from the Fort.

OOC:You know 4 days would mean 16 RL minutes presuming that an RL Day is a Year. :lol: That sucks don't it? I'll space it out til tommorow though proly.

Yeah, we went back 250 years in an instant at the start of this thread, so I think you can abandon that system- it is silly anyway, and means everyone's characters are dead in a week and technology obsolete by Tuesday.

The boy reaches out to the drum, and it zips into his hand. He plays a fast riff, and the drum sings. "Ah, yes, I can. But couldn't you wait until Xeca gets here to settle this?"

(Agreed, W.o.S. I use a fluid time system that's somewhat slower than normal for character development. Let's see, James' coronation was in early June...and it's just now coming up on the second year of his reign :) )
____________

Weathers nods approvingly at the beat. "I'd like you to meet Private Henderson, our piper. You two are going to be working together, with one of the most important jobs in the company.

"Um, I'm not sure who this 'Xeca' is, but they'll just have to wait. Lord Fischer has ordered a war soon."

Weathers looked up as a thin, sick-looking man walked in.

"Ah, Mr. Henderson! We were just talking about you!" The new arrival ignored Weathers, staring at Daniel.

"Was that you on the drum?"

"It was. Trained by the Royal Corps of Drumpipers. I do wish you would let me wait, Xeca would be really mad if I got shipped off... and trust me, you don't want Xeca mad."

"I shouldn't worry about that too soon, boy," replied Weathers with an arched eyebrow. "Our native units still need more training. In the mean time, you were in the Imperial Gallagan Army?"

"I'm not actually native here. I'm from the Dominion of Daezeman, about fourteen day's current travel from here. Second son of King Frederick IV, arranged married to Xeca Valgarden from birth."

Weathers looked at Jones, trying not to laugh. Jones ignored the sargeant - who was he to disbelieve the boy? Henderson spoke quietly.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Oh boy," sighed Weathers.

"No, sir, I don't. Though I am sure you command great respect, and so to you I bow."

ooc: Daezeman in the 1700s was a mix between Japanese, Indian, and classic Arthurian culture.

Henderson drew himself up. "I am the second cousin of the Lord Paul of MacIntyre. Too few respect my noble blood around here."

Weathers muttered to himself. "As if one with delusions of grandeur wasn't bad enough in the Signal Corps, now I have two." Outloud, he announced the first days practice. "Play like you did in here, son," he said, friendly reaching an arm out to pat Daniel on the shoulder, "and you'll fit in well."

The sargeant was somewhat curious when Jones bolted the room at the imminent contact.

Daniel smiles. "Certainly." The drum hums. He beats out a rousing beat, breaking it up into amazingly complex chords.

Out on the field, Shieldian and Gallagan units looked curiously at the new boy who had seemingly won the sargeants favor. Some disregarded him, but in the abused native units, a touch of jealous hatred was felt. Much murmering in Gallagan was shot back and forth as the men assembled into battle lines.

The huge ship arrives over the horizon. A speaker calls out to the harbor. "I wish to dock to search for a missing person!"

"If it isn't one thing, it's another," grumbled Lord Fischer, eying the massive ship off New Shield. "What's he saying, Wheatman?"

"Can't tell, sir. What do you rekon we should do?"

"Not much we can do, now is there? Let's hope he puts a boat ashore."

A small dinghy is ejected from inside the boat, bearing a robed girl. "Damn Daniel... always getting himself lost." The boat bumps ashore.

"Greetings, sir...er, ma'am," greeted Lord Fischer, who knew nothing of the happenings at Hughes' office or at the parade ground. "What can we help you with?"

ooc - I'm off for a short time. With luck, I'll be back in an hour or so. Later!

"I am looking for a young boy who managed to get himself lost. His name is Daniel White. May I speak to your superior officer?"

OOC:You know 4 days would mean 16 RL minutes presuming that an RL Day is a Year. :lol: That sucks don't it? I'll space it out til tommorow though proly.

Yeah, we went back 250 years in an instant at the start of this thread, so I think you can abandon that system- it is silly anyway, and means everyone's characters are dead in a week and technology obsolete by Tuesday.
I said presuming that an RL day is a year. I only consider that stuff when I'm not RPing.

Karachi Cliffs
2 hours later

"I would like to know the name of the man I am about to kill", said Biagio, he had no intention of killing the man.

"Please, don't kill me! I am just trying to get by out here, you can't! Blame me!!", said Stefano, who was hanging by his feet from a tree.

"Your name, what is it?", asked Biagio this time more stern.

"Stefano Abruzzi di Cittamare alla....", answered Stefano.

"Stefano, I asked for your name, not a biography", interupted Biagio.

"Yes, well...umm...are you still going to kill me?"

"That depends on how much information you tell me."

"But, I don't know anything I am just a guy trying to pay off his debts!"

"Stop lying, you work for Terretini you have to know something. I have been in this country since long before all this trouble started. I know something happened. The King gets a message from Terretini that they are being attacked. Yet I have seen no evidence of this. We found the former boss of Terretini inside Prince Paras' palace when we attacked it. He was dead so we couldn't get much information out of him, but still...it does not add up!!", said Biagio, "now you start talking or I cut this rope and send you 100 feet down this cliffside"

"But...I am just a grunt I don....."

"Are those Seals down there? Maybe they will save you from drown....oh wait they are just rocks. Pretty jagged too I might add."

"okay, okay. Just please do not kill me.", Stefano said, almost crying now.

"Well, then tell me what you know!", shouted Biagio.

"All I know is...well the boss came to town and then he...umm....like fired the old boss and told him that the Royal army was gonna attack the prince...but that was a...a lie. They used the old boss, Pietro was his name, to get the Prince to think that Agrigento was out to get him. At the same time this new boss tells Agrigento hes under attack. They come to help...the Prince thinks they are attacking him so he blows up a couple of boats...thats all I know I swear!!!", said Stefano, now choking on tears.

Biagio starts laughing, "that was more than I expected. You know a lot of a grunt."

"Well, I have my ways of finding things out", said Stefano.

"Didn't seem like that down at the Market, how much silver did that old merchant get from you?"

"It was only 6 pieces.", said Stefano.

"Haha, if 6 pieces is a little to you, your debt must be pretty big"

"Well, yeah.....wait a minute!! Are you gonna kill me??"

Biagio starts laughing, "I never had any intention to do so, Arrivaderci Stefano."

Biagio starts walking to his horse.

"Hey weight, cut me down from here!!!", yelled Stefano.

"O yeah, sorry about that", Biagio takes out his Pistol

"No, I thought you weren't gonna kill me!?!?", shouted Stefano.

"Shut up, I'm not gonna shoot you I'm shooting the rope."

"But its a 100 foot drop!!!", shouted Stefano.

All of a sudden a brillantly placed musket ball cut the rope in half. Stefano fell to the ground no more than 2 feet under him. (His head was tied up so he couldn't look directly below him...only feel the wind from the cliff's edge 4 feet behind him)

"What the? Am I dead?", Stefano said.

"Wow, you really are gullible", said Biagio. He threw the empty pistol away and quickly mounted his horse. Riding away.

"I am looking for a young boy who managed to get himself lost. His name is Daniel White. May I speak to your superior officer?"

Fischer laughed. "I'm afraid, little lady, that I'm the most superior officer you'll find unless you travel to see the High King at Dun Adien itseld. I'm the Lord Fischer, Governor-General of the New Shield Colony.

"A little boy, ma'am? What did he look like?"

"About four feet tall, my age, white hair, dark skin. He was wearing only white pants when he was last seen. He doesn't like to be touched, and he plays drums better than any other in my home country. It is imperative that I find my husband, there's a crisis at home."

ooc: off to bed I go, goodnight all.

"Your, ah, husband." replied Fischer, arching an eyebrow. "Well, I don't know if we've seen anything like this - perhaps my civilian subordinates would be better informed?"

(later, Ag!)

"Yes, my husband. I would rather not go into the details at the moment.Suffice it to say that I am one half of an arranged marriage."

"I quite understand," nodded Fischer, leading her through the city's gate and towards Samuel Collinson's office. He balked at the akward silence - the Lord had never been able to tolerate those well. "So, uh, what principality are you two from?"

"The Dominion of Daezeman, about 100 miles north of here. Have you heard of it?"

"To the north of Prince Hiresh's domain? Probably near Prince Tejasm's? No; I can't say I've heard of it directly," answered Fischer, relieved to be having conversation of any sort. They arrived at Collinson's office. "Go ahead, young lady. Ask this nice gentlemen."

"Put bluntly, my husband has gone of and got himself lost again. Have you seen a boy of a bout my height, with white hair, come through? Ordinarily I'd let him go have his fun, but there's a crisis at home."

Collinson removed his reading glasses with a sigh. He had hoped to put another fifty pages behind him; now, this young girl, brought here by the fop Fischer, disturbed him. He coughed slightly.

"No, no reports of a lost young boy have come across my desk today. Are you sure he came to New Shield?"

"Great. Wonderful. I think I need to go search for him." She steps out of the tent and barks a syllable, "Pah!"

--++--

Daniel looks up at a sound. "Xeca has arrived!"

"Woah," said Fischer, backing away from Xeca. "Um, can I have my men assist in your search at all?"
______________________

"Daniel! Pay attention! You've missed the beat!" bellowed Weathers.

"S- sorry, sir, but I've been called." He salutes quickly. "I must answer the call, else Xeca becomes angered."

"S- sorry, sir, but I've been called." He salutes quickly. "I must answer the call, else Xeca becomes angered."

"I'm afraid you can't answer any calls right now," replied Weathers, hurridly returning the salute. "You're in His Majesty's Army now - this Xeca character can wait until you have shore leave."

"All right then, I'll just have to find him myself." She pulls off her robe, and is wearing a light bodysuit underneath. "Grrr." She strides off toward the parade grounds.

Fischer and Collinson look at her departing, then each other.

"What do you suppose that's all about?" asked Fischer.

"Can't say, Lord," replied Collinson.
_____________________

Weathers saw a figure arriving in the distance. Turning the practice over to a younger sargeant, he moved to meet it.

"Yup, that's him all right," she mutters. "Pah!" She continues toward the parade ground.

---++---

Daniel looks up. "Ah, Xeca! How are you?"

"Uh, ma'am?" said Weathers, somewhat unnerved by her marching straight into the middle of an army practice. "Could you please leave? I've a lot of raw men to train, and not much time. Daniel will be having his shore leave in good time."

"No such thing as good time when you've impressed a king into your army, me boyo." Xeca marches straight to Daniel. "Danny, love, how did you get yourself lost this time?"

Some of the rank and file started laughing, be it about the show of affection for Daniel, the nickname, or Weather's inability to control the situation.

"Please, ma'am. I don't know what he is where you come from, but here, he's the best drummer I've seen in some while. Now, you're having a negative impact on morale. Please - leave."

"All right. Danny, come along." Daniel grins. "Of course, Xeca." He drops the drum and walks next to her.

"Now just a damn minute!" exclaimed Weathers, jogging to catch up with them. "You can't just waltz in here and take my best drummer! He's nothing better than a common street thief - one who needs to keep serving his punishment!"

Xeca shoots an icy glare at Weathers. "This 'common street theif' is the King of my country, due to odd circumstances." Danny's eyes rise. "What's happened?" "Don't worry about it for the moment, love. Now, if you want payment for that apple, here." She flips a large golden coin into Weathers' hand. "That's more than enough."

Weathers examined the coin briefly, aware that several dozen Gallagan eyes are on him.

"I'm afraid this currently transcends simple cash value," he said, dropping his voice. "Can you imagine the consequences for the sepoy units if they see a simple cash payment is good enough to void an enlistment? Now, he can leave - after he's served his two year term. I'm afraid any other solution is not possible."

He cast the coin on the ground.

"A-hem." Xeca looks up at Weathers. "You don't seem to understand. One. You have a King here. Yep, a King. Not good to have the King impressed into another nation's army, is it? No, wouldn't think so. Two. Have you ever tried to touch this boy when he didn't want to be touched? He goes ballistic, starts causing havoc. You've probably seen a touch of that, and it's only going to get worse. As the Queen of my country and the wife of this King, I am returning him to his home. Poor boyo, lost and hungry hundred miles from home. I understand, love." She puts her arm around Daniel's shoulders. "Come, let's go home."

"Ma'am, regardless of what post he may hold in some distant land, you are on sovereign territory of the Grand Iansislean Empire. He committed a crime; we are punishing him. If you wish to have him pardoned, feel free to visit the High King in Ianapalis. Until then, I must insist that he remain here." Behind Weathers, a small squad of Shieldians was assembling. The Gallagan troops looked from Xeca and Daniel to Weathers and his men, then back again.

"Trust me, boyo, you don't want to get in my way. If I must go to your capital, by God I'm bringing Danny. I'm not going to leave him. Now. If you want Danny in your little army, you're gonna have to go through me."

"Look, little girl, I'm not sure who you think you are, but I'm not about to let my authority be undercut on my own parade ground. If you want to take him out, it'll be through me and my men." Weathers drew his saber, holding it limply in his right arm.

(ooc - and, on this somewhat crucial note, I must bid you a good night, before I fall asleep at the keyboard. Later, man!)

ooc: Righto.
ic: "Little girl I am not. Flamens!" Her hands light. "While 01-1, Danny, there, is telekinetic with a freezing bent, I am a fire spirit. Want me to melt that pretty sword?"

OOC: AHA!! Found you ... and had to wade through 12 pp to get here lol ... since the 'wedding' thread is on hiatus because of Celeborne ... I thought I'd come and play here!!

IC:

In the tiny valley Kingdom of Bhutana, at the mountainous 'foothills' of the roof of the world, in the private and lushly planted inner courtyard of the Temple of Shur'bath, a very strange conversation was taking place.

A tall slender woman, of exceedingly exotic appearance who wore a simple white, deeply cowled robe, sat in the company of a short wiry, deeply tanned man who wore a richly brocaded vest.

The HandMaiden Jaheen was being briefed by Lotan, the King of Bhutana. He had come to her to apprise her, and therefore the Goddess Incarnate, of the volatile situation to the south.

"We are most fortunate Shur'bathi, to have you here, and our Temple ... the Peace of the Goddess reigns in our belov'ed Bhutana, the same cannot be said of our poor southern neighbours," the king sighed deeply.

Jaheen watched him closely, as she poured them more tea. "Your Majesty, Lotan ... We thank you for this news. We have had communications with the Empire, and the reports of the troubles have reached as far as the Goddess Incarnate Herself," she watched through lowered lashes as his eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed just as quickly in calculation, as he tried to evaluate that piece of information.

She liked the King, he was a good man, and a shrewd ruler, and most importantly for her, and for the Empire, he was devoted Heart and Soul to the Goddess and genuinely loved his people.

There had been a Temple here for 500 years, and peace the whole of their mutual history ... no small part of this harmony, had been due to the good nature and good sense of the ruling house of Bhutana.

Jaheen hid her smile behind the sip of tea she took from the fine porcelain cup ... the rest of the equation fell to the garrison of Knights Lieutenant here at the Temple, and in strategic placement of further military outposts throughout Bhutana and neighbouring mountain kingdoms - even those who did not share the Faith of the Bhutanians, enjoyed the Peace of the Goddess ... and the 3 enclaves from Night Winds did no harm either.

Those of that Dominion were savage warriors, and had placed the Hand of the Empire upon their own leash, rather than blood feud themselves into extinction. She quickly calculated the number of Night Winds Warriors at her disposal, and was surprised with the result ... the Knight Captain in Shur'batha had been reinforcing the garrisons for the better part of the year! That canny old war dog had seen the collapse of the southern kingdoms on the horizon and had already taken steps ...

Jaheen shared this piece of good news with the nervous king. She had been silent for too long, and he had feared that she had slipped into contact with The Lady, Herself. The Bhutanian monarch was devoted and Faithful, but the full Gaze of a Deity was just a little too much for him, even if it did come through the Eyes of a HandMaiden.

Jaheen chatted to the King until the social niceties had been fulfilled, and slipped out of the courtyard as soon as he left. Attendants and Novices flocked to her, and she sent them off as quickly as they arrived with verbal instructions if necessary and Direct instructions where possible. She was sure that there were several among the Knights Lieutenant and more among the Night Winds Clans that would be capable of a 'diplomatic' mission the New Shield.

She sighed deeply and smiled as she reminded herself of the King's comments and his own sighs. She did not want to leave Bhutana, but if the Goddess bid her ... she resolved to read the reports about the garrisons of traders and military personnel - all alien to Gallaga - and the petty princes and rajas with their bickering and feuding that had made way for the colonists ... it was going to be a busy night ... especially if she was to figure out how to Send an envoy from Bhutana to the outskirts of New Shield ... without having them appear from thin air in the middle of a military camp ... soldiers tended to respond badly to surprises ... and a dead spy did her no good at all.

OOC: :roll: at least I didn't say 'elf' or 'magick' lol ... besides, how else am I going to get anyone on the scene before all the fun ends :wink:

ic: "Little girl I am not. Flamens!" Her hands light. "While 01-1, Danny, there, is telekinetic with a freezing bent, I am a fire spirit. Want me to melt that pretty sword?"

Weathers, who had not witnessed Daniel's powers as first hand as Jones, was quite taken aback. He retreated a step or two, before finding words to voice his thoughts.

"If you force your way out of here, you can't ever expect to be welcome on Imperial territory. We have proper channels for this sort of thing, and it will do no good to subvert them!"

ooc: Spirit and Mist: Welcome aboard! Sorry I don't have an IC reply, but I don't think I know you're there yet ;)

Cicel started scribbling in his journal. He was a frequent smoker so he had decided to roll up a cigar.(Not your ordinary cigar if you catch my drift. :wink:)
<We've been sailing a few days since we crashed into the Sloop. I wonder why Kuli ordered full mobilization of the fleets. Any ways I wonder where this New Shield is.> He took a sip of Tokay. <Anyways, Kuli has always been hot tempered, it might just be a simple misunderstanding. I never quite knew why I made him my Domo Major. Charisma factors into it but, there's something I couldn't and can't put my finger on that I liked about him.>
He thought to himself,"I best check an atlas on exactly where we're going."
He pulled out a Map as to see where they were going.
"Let's see, Ceyloba is here and New Shield is here." He became alarmed when he saw the name Iansisle. He wondered why they were at the Ganges.
<Intresting point, it seems New Shield is part of the Iansislean empire. Still intresting enough, who is in control of Iansisle and who is the Royal Governor at New Shield. I shall learn in time.> He finished his cigar, he put the end of the paper he had rolled it with under his cot. He did not now why he was so exhausted, but he did not care. All he wanted was some sleep.

Vollombo, Ceyloba (Colombo)

A young lad hammers on the door of Sgt.Brent's billet.

"What is it, what is it?" the Sgt. whines through a head of...wine.

"Ceyloban's sah! Fahsends of 'em!"

"Thousands? Well in case its escaped your notice, son, we're in the middle of their flamin' city!"

"Well.. maybe one fahsend, sah.. making fer a fight, I reckons.."

"What are you on about, lad? Make a point or be gone, eh!"

The young lookout points east, and it's at this moment that Brent really catches notice of the flushed nature of the boy's face peering through the doorway at dusk.

Sgt.Brent follows the boy out, though through his staggered meander he covers rather more ground.

"What ..the ..bally hell..?" Murmers Brent as he squints at the shadowy mob making for the outer wall of the WTM.

"It's the prince's army, sah! Come to eject us!"

Oh Christ, there must be sixteen hundred of them. Thinks Brent, interestingly enough his estimate landing at about twice the real figure.

Moments later stand-to is sounded across the compound, and dozens of figures clad in the white tunic and crimson trousers of Walmington's Royal Marines may be observed dashing about the Trade Mission, boxes of munitions ferried back and forth in less than perfect order, as some bright spark finally decides to close the gates.

"Shouldn't they be on us by now, sah?" Ventured the young scout.

"They've only stopped, sir! Making camp not six hundred yards out!" came a report from the wall.

The rest of the night saw no further incident, as the prince rested in his camp, sure that his superior strength meant that the Walmingtonians would wait, buttoned up in their little 'fort' (the WTM may be walled.. after a fashion, but it hardly qualifies as a fort. The wall can be lept over in most parts, and even now the marines make efforts to improve their position with sandbags and tables).

Cicel woke. He decided to step up to the poop deck to have a smoke. He sat on the poop deck smoking, when he saw the land of Ceyloba. He turned to his personal assistant who was a merchant as well and started speaking, "You know, I always wanted to visit Ceyloba. Why don't we stop here? The other fleets aren't going to be here until 5 days after."
"Intresting suggestion sir but wouldn't that be a colonization attempt?"
"No Ceyloba is owned by the Walmingtons, and we're on friendly terms, ain't we?"
"True, but we're just north of the WTM, don't you think it would be rude to barge into there largest post?"
"Yes it is rude, but I came with Saffron and Gold."
"Saffron sir, :shock:, where possibly did you come across that?"
"Morrocan trader in Nuba-begi lands. He said he'd trade me a pouchful of Saffron for a pouchful of Silver. Unfortunately for him my pouch was frice as big as his. Anyways I'll pay them in Saffron and Gold for the stay and if that's not enough, I'll give them one of any of our ships." Cicel sat there smoking for a minute.
"Looks like their heavily protected sir." As he pointed out the men sitting in front of the WTM, "What should we do about that?"
"Most likely they'll be friendly after I show them how much Saffron I have."
"Lower the sails men! We're gonna crash this one!"
"Thank you Xolk."
"Your welcome Cicel."
Cicel smoked the last part of his cigar and threw it overboard.

(ooc - Just for reference, and I-T's ooc knowledge, the High King of the Empire is Ian III, grandson of the legendary King Ian I. Because the High King has become weak and complacent in his advanced age, his sons Alexander (the eldest) and Toto handle much of the day-to-day administrative decisions.)

ooc: (ooh, Toto!) Ooh, this might be interesting. I hadn't considered the possible arrival of foreigners during the siege of the WTM. I'll get to the opening of the clash and the confusion over the presnce of apparently advanced peoples as soon as I can, but it's near ten PM, and I've not eaten a thing all day.

Oh, for the record, I-T is where exactly? I'm wondering if we're going to have a clue who you are when you turn up. WoS being in the north Atlantic, with minor colonies in west and south Africa, and (mostly southwestern) Ceylon.

(ooc - Just for reference, and I-T's ooc knowledge, the High King of the Empire is Ian III, grandson of the legendary King Ian I. Because the High King has become weak and complacent in his advanced age, his sons Alexander (the eldest) and Toto handle much of the day-to-day administrative decisions.) LONG LIVE THE OLD DUDE!

ooc: (ooh, Toto!) Ooh, this might be interesting. I hadn't considered the possible arrival of foreigners during the siege of the WTM. I'll get to the opening of the clash and the confusion over the presnce of apparently advanced peoples as soon as I can, but it's near ten PM, and I've not eaten a thing all day.

Oh, for the record, I-T is where exactly? I'm wondering if we're going to have a clue who you are when you turn up. WoS being in the north Atlantic, with minor colonies in west and south Africa, and (mostly southwestern) Ceylon. It's the Horn of Africa. Cecil however is well traveled, seeing as he is the Prince of Irkutsk-Turkestan.

OOC: Sorry I've come so late, but ah well...

Cannons roared as the five tiny ships tried to outrun their larger pursuers. The young prince, named Pedro de Marcos, led his small yet loyal group of pure Portugese as they sped out of the Appalachicola Sea, towardsa new dominion. For three years, civil war has gripped his native land of Haverton. The original inhabtants of the island were Arab and Indian traders. Then, in 1629, four ships of Portugese and Koreans crashed on the islands. The Portugese have been the dominant rulers, despite the Arabs, Indians, and Portugese-Korean mix's growing intolerance. Now, they joined together and drove the prince away from the island.

OOC: I'll provide a more indepth post later...

(a color post, since I-T got me thinking about Iansislean nobility in this time period)

Castle Dun Adien
Outside Ianapalis, Iansisle - Late December 1750

Alexander shivered and wrapped himself up against the bitter cold. Though ice formed in the few places where Troobodia Bay allowed a still pool, the ground was free from snow. In a cruel irony, nature had decided to make the Shield's dryest season also be its coldest. Deciding he had stayed long enough on the ramparts, Alexander turned to head back to the Great Hall.

There were no guards posted on Dun Adien's walls. They really weren't needed - any willing to try and brave the five miles of freezing-cold wind across from the mainland were welcome to attempt to scale the cliffs and wall surrounding the castle.

Father was sick again. Alexander didn't know how much longer the High King would be able to hold out - his heart longed it to be forever; his brain told him it was a matter of weeks, if not days.

In the Great Hall, they hadn't the time or heart to remove the huge Christmas tree erected in the center of the room, though it was already nearly the 30th. He walked past it, out of the Hall, and down to his brother's room. After knocking slightly, he let himself in. Toto, his wife tucked under one arm, looked most annoyed.

"Anything I can help you with, Alexander?" he asked, glaring at the thirty-two year old bachelor.

"Yes, brother, there is. Have you felt the wind that blows over the ramparts?"

"Wh- no, I'm not so stupid as to go out there. I like it fine here - with my fire and my woman."

"It's father's death wind, Toto. It blows a chill to freeze bone and heart," he intoned, voice low and morose. Toto sighed, standing to face his older brother.

"Alexander, we both know what is coming. Father will not live out the winter - that much is obvious to anyone. There's no point moping about it - go plan your coronation ceremony." While he was talking, Toto pushed the lanky Alexander slowly from his room, closing and latching the door in his face. The ejection finished, the muscular twenty-eight year old returned to the business his ignorant brother had interupted.
______________________

Alexander wandered through the corridors of Dun Adien, looking out the window from time to time. Eventually, he returned to his own chambers. Count Nicomedo Colletta d'Emba was already there. At least the evening wasn't a complete waste.

"Hey Cicel geuss what I found?"
"What did you find Xolk?"
"The East Islandians gave us rockets! We should set them off to signal we're coming in peace."
"No! They'll think we're firing on them!"
"Um. . . too late."
As Xolk spoke those words, 3 rockets flew over the fort and burst into red, green and yellow.
"Oh crap!"

Ruins of Hyderabad
3 days after the seige

"Sir, this is far worse than the initial reports. How can someone do such a thing?", said Ahmed.

"I do not know, but they shall pay!!", I want you to send an emissary to Prince Parag. With our without him we will crush the Agrigentians! By Allah's will they will pay!!", replied the leader.

"Yes sir, what about the prisioner we captured"

"He is Agrigentian, kill him!"

"Sir, he did not come with the new soldiers. He was here guarding the trading posts. He is not an enemy of our people!", said Ahmed.

"Was he here when they destroyed this place??"

"Well, yes sir, but that is when he was arrested by his own people, from what my agents tell me there is quite a hunt going on for him by the Royal Army as well as many bounty hunters."

"Well, an enemy of my enemy is my friend. Bring him to me"

"Yes sir", Ahmed said and then walked over to camel that Biagio was tied to. He untied him and brought him over the robed leader.

"You are from Agrigento?"

"My friend, you know that already.", said Biagio.

"Why was it that you were arrested?"

"For disobeying orders....", replied Biagio.

"What kind of orders?!?", interupted the leader.

"What business is it to you, my muslim friend?", said Biagio.

"Take him away, he shall stay alive....for now." said the Leader to two men.

(They are muslims from the northern parts of Sind)

Vollombo-

As dawn breaks over Ceyloba, the marines at the Walmington Trade Mission are able to observe the native prince's regiment in all its preparedness to strike.

The prince himself remains unfailingly confident following a fair night's rest (while most of the Walmingtonians dared not sleep a wink), as he is helped back atop his war elephant.

From his commanding position, the prince dispenses his orders, and to the slow beat of a loose-skinned drum the army resumes its progress.

A shrill bugle call from inside the WTM replies, injecting order into the Europeans' counter action. The officer in charge arranges his assorted forces, before allocating individual commands to his preferred soldiers.

The hung-over Sgt.Brent finds himself controlling the defensive potential of sixty musketeers, unusually arranged by Durnford into four ranks. Brent attempts to make room amongst the cobwebs for the plan dictated to him by his Captain, whilst loading the Mob Gun given to him by 'Tinkerer' Durnford.

(ooc:I did a bit on Durnford's fondness for abstract invention and speculation already, right?)

These marines are positioned near the southern end of the east wall, facing the on-coming native army.

In the courtyard behind them sits the mission's six pounder cannon, fringed by a small number of Marine Grenadiers, while Captain Durnford himself has mysteriously retreated to the north of the compound, with even less men in tow.

"Here they come, boys! Stand to!" Bellowed Brent, squinting in discomfort immediately there after.

The thunder rumbling after the pop of the six pounder drowned out Brent's resultant groan, while the shot whistled through the air and down in to the Ceyloban ranks. Having had all night to guess their target's range, and having for month previous had nothing better to do than make familiar with the Mission's surrounding terrain, the gunners score a good hit on their first attempt.

Though his war elephant seemed perturbed, the prince was able to calm the great beast easily enough, and was not worried by the toppling of several of his infantry -his force would be on top of the Mission before they could get off enough cannon shots to keep from being hugely out numbered, even if they did have his range.

"Sails, sir!"

"Sails?" queried Durnford "The enemy's coming at us from inland, son." the captain's gaze followed his subordinate's gesture to the north west, out over the gulf. "By Jove, sails! Who on earth could be coming from the north? If this prince is in well with someone on the mainland, I'm afraid we could be in rather a tight situation."

Durnford wasn't wrong. Both the lightly armed yachts at his disposal were at anchor in the small harbour, with too few men to crew them and properly defend the Mission at once, since the crews had been given melee weapons, and secondary duties such as spotting, and munitions management.

"FLAMING HELL, WHAT WAS THAT? ...I mean..Sir?"
"Calm down, sold..wow" Durnford was interrupted by the second and third rockets.

His bewilderment didn't persist; the Ceylobans were upon them.

(I'm going to keep playing out the fight in the next post, but I thought the opening of cannon fire (all be it from a single 6pdr gun) might have some bearing on the actions of the inbound I-T vessels. Oh, the cannon's firing from west to east, of course, and you'd have to be in the west (presumably north west?) to approach the WTM by sea, so at least we're not firing *at* you..yet ;) )

"Ohhh for the love of God I'm not looking forward to volley fire." groaned Brent under his breath, as yet another 6pdr shot flew overhead and smashed into the Ceylobans.

As the enemy drew closer and finally broke into a dash, the Sgt. took a swig from his flask of non-descript content, and gave the order his men had been waiting for.

Two ranks turned left, two right, and thirty men made quick step in each direction, before forming up again into fifteen men ranks two thick, the two formations some way apart from each other.

The position they had abandoned displayed a slightly lower wall than the two they now occupied, and each front rank peered through firing ports in the walls before them, while the rear ranks could barely aim their rifles over the top.

The charging Ceylobans had previously been headed straight down the middle, towards a single enemy position, now they broke, some going left, some right, and others continuing ahead towards the exposed central wall.

Standing on the low wall between the two positions, Sgt.Brent demanded volley fire from each of his four ranks in turn -the prince was astonished at the rate of fire laid down by so few men, who opened up a two hundred yards, and between them approached three hundred rounds per minute.

Most of the attackers aren't quite aware that the battle hasn't opened as well as they expected, and continue their disorderly rush. Those on the flanks are laid waste by withering .72in fire, supplied by the breech loading rifles of Durnford's pioneering screw-breech design, while those increasingly crushed in the central charge were met by a blast of grape shot, and then grenades from behind Brent, who stood tall on the little stone wall, gritting his teeth as the blasts seemed to tempt his very brain with escape from the confines of its skull.

Of course there wasn't enough time for so few to stop all of the Ceylobans.

Half a dozen of them bear down on Brent, who draws himself up, puffs out his chest, and discharges the six barrels of his mob gun into his attackers. Three of them fall, just yards from the Sgt.'s position -a fourth finds himself on the end of the bayonet-like attachment, and a fith receives a horrific blow from the heavily spiked butt of the monstrous pistol. As far as Brent's concerned, it is all in vain, as the club wielded by the sixth Ceyloban strikes a splitting blow down the left side of his head.

Brent falls backwards over the little wall, and is followed over it by a number of native warriors.

In accordance with their fallen Sgt.'s last order, the rear rank on each end of the low wall ceases fire, and forms at right-angles to the front ranks, which continue firing. With bayonets fixed the ward off Ceylobans who scramble over the central wall.

The prince's war elephant, apparently viewing the grenade blasts as the final straw, had opted to retire from its master's service in favour of a terrified rampage in the rear of the attack. On their regent's command, many of the attackers had turned their attentions to forcibly subduing the many tonned beast, and were only achieving their objective at a significant human cost.

An observer might have been astonished by the prince's balance and composure, and his near miraculous escape, had at that moment Captain Durnford not taken it upon himself to steal the show.

Regarding from the northern balcony the courtyard below him, and the presence of a growing number of Ceylobans external of his employ, the Captain unsheeted a pair of most peculiar pedestal mounted devices that one could have been forgiven for taking as astronomical mapping gear.

With the assistance of those few men he'd taken with him, Durnford put his contraptions to use.

"Defence guns..to the front..commence..firing!"

Crack! Crack!

And but a few seconds later Crack! Crack! again.



The situation now unfolding saw a mass of Ceylobans, living and dead, under fire from north and south by some thirty breech-loaded rifles, with as many bayonets hindering their progress west, from where two Durnford's Defence Guns rained fire down on them, and grenades flew forth, while at last the horses -eighteen of them- -of which Durnford had spoken of to his former guest Mr.Aldo- made their move, sweeping out from the northern gate, and down behind the Ceylobans, many of whom were by now breaking, seeing progress impossible, and no longer being able to make out their elephant-bound prince above the throng (though he was still alive, if unknown to many of his men, and without steed).

Meanwhile the sails drew ever closer, and no one was thinking much on the greeting.



http://www.vic.com/tnchron/new/PIC4.jpg
The breech of Durnford's new screw rifle, as yet issued only to the Marines under his direct command.

http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/j/Puckle%20Gun.jpg
Durnford's Defence Gun

http://cap-n-ball.com/thunder/images/duckfoot.gif
Sketch of a prototype of the mobgun used by the fallen Sgt.

ooc: Spirit and Mist: Welcome aboard! Sorry I don't have an IC reply, but I don't think I know you're there yet ;)

OOC: Absolutely right!! Just laying some groundwork, and justifying my late entry!! lol Please don't kill my envoy when they 'pop' into existence outside New Shield ... it is so draining to teleport/magick a new one, all that way lol :roll: :!:

(Don't worry, I'll try and lay off him. Just don't appear in the parade ground - I don't think Weathers is quite ready for that too ;) )