Chapter 20 - His Fate at Hand
OOC: Chapter 20? I finally made it! I've been thinking of doing some major renovations to the OP, explaining which characters are dead or alive, etc. However, despite the convenience of this, I don't want to spoil anything for future readers.
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Demetrios Doria had wormed his way into Dimosthenes' colonial company, seeking to possibly overtake the company from the inside. At the moment he served as an explorer, leading navies filled with sailors who were either absolutely insane or the bravest people on Earth. Who would come here, to a whole new world, and then venture out into parts of it that not a single soul in Europe knew of? Insanity.
Still, it had to be done if he was to complete his goal. The money was good too. After all, Dimosthenes was hard pressed to find those who would serve him well as explorers. The old man, still remembering how he had taken Athens by storm and usurped power from two of the strongest political forces at the time, was already becoming senile. Indeed, it seemed like he was running his country into the ground. But even with a terrible driver, a juggernaut is not killed so easily. The Crispo Company, as it had commonly become known, was the single most influential force in the nation. It had drove Athens to a new land and a new set of goals and interests.
Demetrios had a run in with Dimosthenes, possibly one of the worst in the country's history. It was over whether or not to expand to the west, or to take more of the eastern coast, as Dimosthenes wanted. Demetrios, though, was quickly becoming looked up to by lower officers, expected to succeed the company after their leader's death. After all, the Crispo family had had a good run, but with no living heirs left to take back their holdings, they would need to entrust their legacy to a new family in the new generation.
But, Dimosthenes became afraid of the newcomer's growing power. After blowing the whole affair out of proportion, he publicly declared Demetrios' eviction from his post as explorer. But it was already too late. Some of the new members of the company were being swayed, and secretly, their support began to fall towards Demetrios. It would be some time before he would make his next move against the old man, however.
In the meantime, Alexandros began reforming the Athenian military, bringing it up to date with modern standards, and surpassing many of his neighbors. In a long line of martial princes, the Athenian fighting force had become what could be considered a tetriary power. It was no where near the level of Great Powers like France or Poland, nor was it the same strength as some of the minor players in the international scene, like Austria. But it was of considerable strength locally, and was one of the best fighting forces in the Balkans.
So, it was noted that these Athenians were no longer mere Men-at-Arms, but rather, a stronger, more organized force. From this day forward they would be known as Athenian Pike Infantry.
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OOC: He isn't dead, just no longer an explorer.