The Empire Strikes Back - Part 3

[zenphoenix]

((Time for some Star Wars references, finally!))

((Private))

"UNLIMITED POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" screamed the emperor.

Theodora slapped Ioannes Dalassenos out of his daydream. The emperor would never talk like that...

"Oh, sorry," he muttered.

"Excellent," continued the emperor, "Doux Doukas, I hereby designate you as Minister of Security. As your first order of business, you are to execute Order 62. When the bureaucrats learn what has transpired here, they will kill us, along with all the Senators."

"I agree. The bureaucracy's next move will be against the Senate."

"The vast majority of bureaucrats are now enemies of the Empire."

"I understand."

"We must move quickly. The bureaucrats are relentless. If they are not mostly destroyed, it will be civil war without end. First, I want you to go to the Ministry of Security. We will catch them off balance. Do what must be done, Senator Doukas. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy. Only then will you be strong enough to bring balance and safety to the Empire."

"What about the other bureaucrats spread across the empire?"

"Their betrayal will be dealt with. After you have killed enough of the bureaucrats in the Ministry to make a point, wipe out the traitorous senators and governors and the other rebel leaders. Once more the Romans will rule over a united Europe! And...we shall have...peace."

"As you wish, Your Imperial Highness," said Theodora, bowing.

"Strategos Dalssenos," said the emperor to Ioannes, "You are to take command of Operation Rubicon and oversee the extraction of all stranded legions from the rebel territories. The rebel scum must be shown no mercy once the Empire's forces are consolidated and ready for battle."

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Ioannes.

((Private - Ministry of Security Headquarters, Constantinople))

The doors to the headquarters swung open, and in walked Theodora in official robes, flanked by at least three dozen Varangians.

The bureaucrats stood up and stared. One stepped forward. "Who are you?" he demanded. "What is the meaning of this? Where is Minister Doukas?"

"I am Minister Doukas," said Theodora, "You have betrayed the Empire, bureaucrats."

She turned to the Varangians. "Open fire on the traitors. Spare every third man. Show no mercy to the rest."

((Private - Athens))

The phone rang, and Cody Laskaris of the Athenian Lancers picked it up. "Hello?"

"Execute Order 62," said Theodora Doukas over the phone. There was gunfire sounding in the background. "Now."

"As you wish, sir--I mean, ma'am," said Cody.

He put down the phone and turned to his men. "Get your gear in order," he ordered, "We have traitors to kill."

 

[Idhrendur]

((I like how every Senator is either loyal or undecided. Maybe I should make an alternate disloyal character.))

(( Apart from Septiadis, it seems the creators aren't around. If I don't hear from them by the end of the civil war, I'll probably move them to the 'former characters' list.

But I like the idea of alt characters, since this is a smaller group of active people. So I'll give open permission for everyone to have an alternate character that's disloyal. They can be ruling one of the rebel countries, leading enemy armies, whatever you'd like.

Brittany, France and England Great Britain The Worker's Commune are all Proletarian Dictatorships. Other countries are indeterminate, which is to say that if you want to lead them with an alt I'll edit the government to the right form. For the forms they do have, it seems nobody has the reforms you'd expect, which makes makes sense to me. They just broke free, and they'll frantically trying to establish workers rights, or voting rights, or whatever they feel should ultimately be in place. ))

 

[zenphoenix]

((It would be great if we could put Markos Angelos as a rebel leader somewhere, though I don't know which country he would support.))

 

[Arakhor]

((I think that former Senator Giuseppe Lombardi should be the oh-so-doomed Principe of Italia and Duce of Corsica and Sardinia. When he is inevitably defeated in northern Italy, he should flee to the islands and send messengers with insulting comments to the Senate about how brilliant his master-plan was to declare independence from the Empire.

I've never played V2, but how about a Catholic autocratic monarchy, basically going with the theme of 'hail the new guy: same as the old guy'?))

 

[Damian0358]

No one was really sure what had happened with Nestorius Septiadis. Following his ascension to the position of Governor of Naples, he mysteriously disappeared from the Senate. Rumors arose of his possible assassination not long after, followed by rumors that said rumored assassination was done by cultists. But the truth is much farther and more simpler than that. Nestorius has simply been in Naples this entire time.

In the years since becoming Governor, he has primarily concentrated on Naples, having moved there almost as soon as he became Governor. He had received countless letters from the Senate, telling him what had happened there and asking him to please attend the next session. The last time he had opened one of those letters was back when Empress Veronica passed away. Everything he knows about the events at the Senate from that point onwards he figured out through hearing what the people in Naples are discussing about.

News of the Civil War spread quickly through Naples. Nestorius was organizing documents when an assistant informed him of the news. "A Civil War?!" he yelled to the assistant, shocked to hear that after all the revolts, the various independence movements had finally decided to step up. After being handed the newest letter from the Senate, Nestorius scratched the beard he had grown during his governorship. He couldn't believe the magnitude of the situation. He knew what he had to do. "Get my coat and check for the next boat to Greece. I believe it is time I finally returned to the Senate," he told his assistant.

 

[austrianemporer]

((So Britannia is communist?))

 

[zenphoenix]

((So Britannia is communist?))

((Yes.))

 

[Damian0358]

Nestorius quickly finished the last documents he had to check for the day before his assistant brought him his coat and the boat schedule of the nearest port. As he packed his things, he couldn't help but notice how his assistant was standing very close near by. He never really paid any attention to those working under him, as they did as they were told and did it well. His views towards non-Greeks meant that those working under him mostly consisted of non-Greeks and Neapolitans. As he finished packing, the assistant approached him further. He looked at her and recalled seeing her in the documents a few times. A Māori of the name of Hairini Waata, some few odd years younger than him. She had a determined look, which coincides with what he has read about her, as she moved from her native Aoteorea to explore the Empire by working under administrative positions. She spoke; "Is there anything else you need?"

Nestorius shook his head. "No, that would be all," he answered. As he entered the hallway, he was stopped by Hairini. "Sir, if I may ask?"

Nestorius turned curiously and nodded. "May I accompany you?" Hairini asked. Nestorius blinked for a few moments, remembering what he had read about her. "You wish to see the splendor of the Empire, yes?" he responded. Hairini nodded. "I have only been to a few cities in south-western Asia Minor, as well as Athens, before being assigned to work in Naples. For all I have done, I believe it is fair," she responded. Nestorius stood there for a moment, unsure of what she had done because of how he hasn't paid attention to those working under him. After asking her, she revealed that she, along with a few others, have been the main pushing force, the ones who answer to him directly and those who give out the commands. He ah'd for his lack of awareness. "Call them here then," he told her.

A pseudo-meeting had been made, as Nestorius addressed them. "As you all know, a civil war had broken out across large stretches of the Empire. Because of this, I'll have to head for 'Polis and rejoin the Senate after so long," he told them, as they all nodded. "This lady here....... Hairini, was it?" he asked, to which she answered with a nod. "Hairini here tells me that you all have been answering directly from me and keeping this place together as I worked and worked from the top. To that, I wish to thank you. I get carried away in my work and sometimes forget about the things around me, so I am very grateful that you have all helped me thus far," he told them, causing them to smile. Nestorius pauses for a moment, thinking over what he was going to say next. He wanted to finish the meeting, but Hairini wished to accompany him. As he thought it over, he decided to allow it..... that is, until he noticed a book she was writing in. He asks her to hand it to him, which she reluctantly does. Nestorius flips through the pages and find..... a journal, describing Hairini's journey since leaving home. He handed the book back to her. "I plan on releasing my journal as a sort of autobiographical story when I stop working in the future," she revealed. "An aspiring writer?" he asked, to which she responded with a nod. Nestorius smiled, remembering his own travels around Europe and the Middle East when he was young. He was sure of how he was ending the meeting now.

"Alright, I believe that's it for this impromptu meeting. Hairini, pack your things. We mustn't be late for the next ship to Greece," he stated, as Hairini couldn't believe her ears. She nodded furiously and immediately headed to pack her things. Some 15 minutes later, she was ready. Nestorius and Hairini bid the others farewell as they headed to the nearest port.

 

[Idhrendur]

((Time for some Star Wars references, finally!))

((Private))

"UNLIMITED POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" screamed the emperor.

Theodora slapped Ioannes Dalassenos out of his daydream. The emperor would never talk like that...

"Oh, sorry," he muttered.

"Excellent," continued the emperor, "Doux Doukas, I hereby designate you as Minister of Security. As your first order of business, you are to execute Order 62. When the bureaucrats learn what has transpired here, they will kill us, along with all the Senators."

"I agree. The bureaucracy's next move will be against the Senate."

"The vast majority of bureaucrats are now enemies of the Empire."

"I understand."

"We must move quickly. The bureaucrats are relentless. If they are not mostly destroyed, it will be civil war without end. First, I want you to go to the Ministry of Security. We will catch them off balance. Do what must be done, Senator Doukas. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy. Only then will you be strong enough to bring balance and safety to the Empire."

"What about the other bureaucrats spread across the empire?"

"Their betrayal will be dealt with. After you have killed enough of the bureaucrats in the Ministry to make a point, wipe out the traitorous senators and governors and the other rebel leaders. Once more the Romans will rule over a united Europe! And...we shall have...peace."

"As you wish, Your Imperial Highness," said Theodora, bowing.

"Strategos Dalssenos," said the emperor to Ioannes, "You are to take command of Operation Rubicon and oversee the extraction of all stranded legions from the rebel territories. The rebel scum must be shown no mercy once the Empire's forces are consolidated and ready for battle."

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Ioannes.

((Private - Ministry of Security Headquarters, Constantinople))

The doors to the headquarters swung open, and in walked Theodora in official robes, flanked by at least three dozen Varangians.

The bureaucrats stood up and stared. One stepped forward. "Who are you?" he demanded. "What is the meaning of this? Where is Minister Doukas?"

"I am Minister Doukas," said Theodora, "You have betrayed the Empire, bureaucrats."

She turned to the Varangians. "Open fire on the traitors. Spare every third man. Show no mercy to the rest."

((Private - Athens))

The phone rang, and Cody Laskaris of the Athenian Lancers picked it up. "Hello?"

"Execute Order 62," said Theodora Doukas over the phone. There was gunfire sounding in the background. "Now."

"As you wish, sir--I mean, ma'am," said Cody.

He put down the phone and turned to his men. "Get your gear in order," he ordered, "We have traitors to kill."

No one was really sure what had happened with Nestorius Septiadis. Following his ascension to the position of Governor of Naples, he mysteriously disappeared from the Senate. Rumors arose of his possible assassination not long after, followed by rumors that said rumored assassination was done by cultists. But the truth is much farther and more simpler than that. Nestorius has simply been in Naples this entire time.

In the years since becoming Governor, he has primarily concentrated on Naples, having moved there almost as soon as he became Governor. He had received countless letters from the Senate, telling him what had happened there and asking him to please attend the next session. The last time he had opened one of those letters was back when Empress Veronica passed away. Everything he knows about the events at the Senate from that point onwards he figured out through hearing what the people in Naples are discussing about.

News of the Civil War spread quickly through Naples. Nestorius was organizing documents when an assistant informed him of the news. "A Civil War?!" he yelled to the assistant, shocked to hear that after all the revolts, the various independence movements had finally decided to step up. After being handed the newest letter from the Senate, Nestorius scratched the beard he had grown during his governorship. He couldn't believe the magnitude of the situation. He knew what he had to do. "Get my coat and check for the next boat to Greece. I believe it is time I finally returned to the Senate," he told his assistant.

Nestorius quickly finished the last documents he had to check for the day before his assistant brought him his coat and the boat schedule of the nearest port. As he packed his things, he couldn't help but notice how his assistant was standing very close near by. He never really paid any attention to those working under him, as they did as they were told and did it well. His views towards non-Greeks meant that those working under him mostly consisted of non-Greeks and Neapolitans. As he finished packing, the assistant approached him further. He looked at her and recalled seeing her in the documents a few times. A Māori of the name of Hairini Waata, some few odd years younger than him. She had a determined look, which coincides with what he has read about her, as she moved from her native Aoteorea to explore the Empire by working under administrative positions. She spoke; "Is there anything else you need?"

Nestorius shook his head. "No, that would be all," he answered. As he entered the hallway, he was stopped by Hairini. "Sir, if I may ask?"

Nestorius turned curiously and nodded. "May I accompany you?" Hairini asked. Nestorius blinked for a few moments, remembering what he had read about her. "You wish to see the splendor of the Empire, yes?" he responded. Hairini nodded. "I have only been to a few cities in south-western Asia Minor, as well as Athens, before being assigned to work in Naples. For all I have done, I believe it is fair," she responded. Nestorius stood there for a moment, unsure of what she had done because of how he hasn't paid attention to those working under him. After asking her, she revealed that she, along with a few others, have been the main pushing force, the ones who answer to him directly and those who give out the commands. He ah'd for his lack of awareness. "Call them here then," he told her.

A pseudo-meeting had been made, as Nestorius addressed them. "As you all know, a civil war had broken out across large stretches of the Empire. Because of this, I'll have to head for 'Polis and rejoin the Senate after so long," he told them, as they all nodded. "This lady here....... Hairini, was it?" he asked, to which she answered with a nod. "Hairini here tells me that you all have been answering directly from me and keeping this place together as I worked and worked from the top. To that, I wish to thank you. I get carried away in my work and sometimes forget about the things around me, so I am very grateful that you have all helped me thus far," he told them, causing them to smile. Nestorius pauses for a moment, thinking over what he was going to say next. He wanted to finish the meeting, but Hairini wished to accompany him. As he thought it over, he decided to allow it..... that is, until he noticed a book she was writing in. He asks her to hand it to him, which she reluctantly does. Nestorius flips through the pages and find..... a journal, describing Hairini's journey since leaving home. He handed the book back to her. "I plan on releasing my journal as a sort of autobiographical story when I stop working in the future," she revealed. "An aspiring writer?" he asked, to which she responded with a nod. Nestorius smiled, remembering his own travels around Europe and the Middle East when he was young. He was sure of how he was ending the meeting now.

"Alright, I believe that's it for this impromptu meeting. Hairini, pack your things. We mustn't be late for the next ship to Greece," he stated, as Hairini couldn't believe her ears. She nodded furiously and immediately headed to pack her things. Some 15 minutes later, she was ready. Nestorius and Hairini bid the others farewell as they headed to the nearest port.

 

[Idhrendur]

27 May 1910

Senators,

This last week began with the declaration of the civil war. All legions in enemy territory immediately began moving to the nearest port, with the exception of the legions in the vicinity of the Alps, who instead began marching for the eastern Alps. Several other legions had been fighting rebels throughout the Empire, and they continued to do so.

Many of the legions seeking to retreat to ports were ambushed by what had been their comrades just days before. Others just never resumed communication and are completely missing. And even today, there are new attacks from within the Legions’ own ranks.

The Western Mediterranean Fleet is escorting Senator Nestorius’ ship to Constantinople. We expect his arrival on the second of June.

We would not have summoned you for such an indefinite update, but We have received yet more troubling news. Russia and Germany have signed an alliance. Worse, in their announcement, they have specifically referenced Our current troubles.

Senator Palaiologos, We apologize for not yet giving you a command, but We wish to know what forces We have available first.

 

[austrianemporer]

My Emperor, it is fine. I prefer to lead the remaining legions in Britannia to victory against my cousin, Henry Palaiologos. He has betrayed this Empire and is a die- hard communist. I will personally lead the war against his forces and hope to achieve a victory and bring him ((or his head)) to you.

-Senator Christophoros Palaiologos

((Henry Palaiologos, my dear cousin, leads the enemy in Britannia. He considers himself Briton rather than a Greek or Roman. He is 41, born in Londinium.))

 

[Damian0358]

Having arrived at the port, Nestorius and Hairini both headed to where their ship should be. While Hairini looked around herself, absorbed by the looks of the port, Nestorius suggested they check if they had all their documents. Having done so, they headed to buy their tickets and board the ship. At the ship, the two show their documents and tickets, causing the crew member to raise an eyebrow towards Nestorius. "You are Septiadis?" he asked. "Why, of course. Who else would I be?"

The crew member stood there in silence for a moment and leaned forward. He whispered something in his ear, something Nestorius would yell loudly: "PEOPLE THINK I WAS ASSASSINATED?!" he yelled out. The crew member attempted to shush the surprised senator, but only with Wataa's help was that achieved. "How about you send a message to the Senate and inform them of our plans to arrive?" she asked politely. The crew member straightened up and rushed elsewhere. The two hoped nothing bad will happen.

---

Thankfully, nothing bad happened. The crew member returned to tell of how the Western Mediterranean Fleet will be escorting the ship now, because of their presence. They thanked the crew member for his hard work and went to their room. Nestorius laid in his bed, still under slight shock over the fact that people have thought he had been killed years ago. Soon, that thought subsided after he realized that he barely remembered anyone at the Senate; he'd only hope someone recognized him when the two arrived. Hairini was very much more upbeat, as she continued writing into her book. While the two would attend meals onboard, both spent their times mostly in their room.

---

One evening, off the coast of the Peloponnese, Nestorius was alone in his room, having calmed himself slightly over the rumor by reading some literature. At one point, he noticed how he was in fact alone. If Hairini, a native from Aoteorea, were to do something obscene, it would be his neck in the yoke. Swiftly, he put the literature down and headed to the deck to look for her. Almost instantly, he found her near the railing, staring out at Hellas. He slowly approached her and joined in. "How long have you stared out at the coast and sky?" he asked. "Heh.... I've lost count," she responded, to which he responded with his own little laugh. "You could've told me that you'd be gazing tonight. I would've joined you," he said with a smile, which Hairini responded with another little laugh.

The two gazed out and talked about their respective motherlands; while Nestorius hadn't missed Greece much, as he had seen it all, he did miss Hadrianopolis, as well as Dyrrhachion. Hairini made many comparisons when reminded of home, which Nestorius noticed. "You miss your home, more than I miss mine, hm?" he asked. She looked away from a moment, unsure how to respond, before turning back towards him. "I do. I really do. But I am here thanks to my home.... and my family," she said. She spoke of how the other big reason why she was working overseas was that she was supporting her family back home, and she spoke of events of discrimination she and her family had faced. "There are many kinds of people in this world, Hairini. Remember that," Nestorius commented. "I know, I've met one right here," she replied with a smile, which slowly faded.

She began to hesitate whether or not she should ask Nestorius what is on her mind, but after giving it some thought, she decided it was worth a shot. "Nestor, if I may call you that.... is it possible if you could speak about discrimination against non-Greeks in the Empire?" she asked. Nestorius shrugged. "I've been gone for so long. The political scene at the Senate might've already decided to do something about it, but I don't know. However, if I'm forced to speak about it, I will defend the people of this Empire, Greek or not," he told her. Hairini sighed, happy that someone would speak about the topic. "Oh, and if you wish to call me Nestor, that's fine by me. Just give me a nickname for you," he told her slyly. Hairini took a moment to think of a name: "Cyrene."

"Well then, Cyrene, I believe we've gazed enough. We should go to sleep," Nestorius said with a smile. The two returned to their room and went to sleep.

 

[BBBD316]

Grand Workers Republic Battle HQ - Rennes, Brittany

"Comrade Chairperson, it has worked. The Emperor still thinks I am loyal to rotting corpse of an Empire. He doesn't realise that the tides of history and the power of the worker are ready to wash his corruption from the face of the earth. Even now our workers are taking control of the armaments industries here and in Isles. They hope to extract the Legions to prepare to fight the other Empires in the North."

" Your report is most interesting Gael, we have had similar reports from our brethren across the channel, Henry Palaiologos cousin of my father's enemy in the capital. We must move fast to secure the rest of the Workers Republic of the Isles and then push our neighbours to either joins us or die."

"Speaking of Palaiologos, he is in Britannia!"

"He must not leave! I swear by my father and grandfather, I Layla Gray will avenge my blood and liberate our peoples from the tyrants of this world!"

((Just to finalise the scene, as the provinces have gone Communist I think it makes sense for my person to join the rebellion as they have always been heavily pro-communist. The new Chairperson of the Republics is Aiden's daughter.

Can I ask if the communist nations can either merge or at least have an alliance, they are a bit too small to trouble the Empire on their own once the Alliance of the North is dealt with.))

 

[zenphoenix]

((Constantinople, Ministry of Security Headquarters))

"Minister, we have received troubling news from the rebels in Britannia," said Cyril, "It appears that they have declared the independence of a 'Syndicalist' state called variously as the 'Union of Britain' and as the 'Workers' Commonwealth.' We don't know much about their leadership, military and industrial strength, but propaganda that was found by stranded legions in the province imply a goal to destroy the Empire and execute the imperial family."

"Worrying," said Theodora, "They are perhaps the most dangerous of the rebels. Should they get too powerful they could inspire other communist insurrections in the loyal provinces."

"Theodora, as much as we all want the rebels in Britannia to be crushed, with Gallia in rebel hands it would be impossible to reach them," said Ioannes Dalassenos, "It is best to focus on the rebel groups operating closest to loyal territory. We must destroy Italia, which with its grip over Lombardy is strangling the loyal citizens in the rest of the province. We must destroy the rebel Palestinians and secure our supply routes. We have to secure the continent first. Britannia can wait."

Theodora sighed. "Any news on Markos Angelos?"

"We've got bad news coming out of Russia." Ioannes tossed down a newspaper, whose headline screamed "IMPERIAL TRAITOR NEGOTIATES PACT BETWEEN GERMANY, RUSSIA."

"They're calling it the Pact of Steel," said Ioannes, "And the alliance is known by two names: the Northern Alliance and the Central Powers. Markos managed to escape. He has united our two enemies against us."

"We need to act fast," said Theodora, "End this civil war before the Russians can strike. We may need foreign assistance from Ukraine, Abyssinia, and India for this."

((Note that my characters only know the existence of the communist state, nothing else.))

((Private - Samarkand))

"Excellent...everything is going according to plan. Prepare to send funding and equipment to the rebels!"

((Can we make an event where if a rebel/the Empire occupies an imperial/rebel province, the province is annexed by the controller after two months? And can the different rebel states fight each other?))

 

[Idhrendur]

(( I'm not sure how to code such an event. But for your other question, several are in fact at war with one another, and I'm pretty sure they could choose to start more wars. ))

 

[zenphoenix]

((What you can do is something like this:

# one for Rome to take rebel provinces
province_event = {
     id = _____
     title = "Title"
     desc = "DESC"
     trigger = {
          owner = {
               NOT = { tag = RME }
               war_with = RME
               has_country_flag = rebel_province
          }
          controlled_by = RME
          province_control_days = 60
     }
     mean_time_to_happen = {
          days = 1
     }
     option = {
          name = "Name"
          secede_province = RME
     }
}
# one event for rebels to take loyal provinces (currently also includes non-rebel states in trigger)
province_event = {
     id = _____
     title = "Title"
     desc = "DESC"
     trigger = {
          owner = {
               tag = RME
               war_with = THIS
          }
         
          controlled_by = THIS
          province_control_days = 60
     }
     mean_time_to_happen = {
          days = 1
     }
     option = {
          name = "Name"
          secede_province = THIS
     }
}

))

 

[austrianemporer]

Grand Workers Republic Battle HQ - Rennes, Brittany

"Comrade Chairperson, it has worked. The Emperor still thinks I am loyal to rotting corpse of an Empire. He doesn't realise that the tides of history and the power of the worker are ready to wash his corruption from the face of the earth. Even now our workers are taking control of the armaments industries here and in Isles. They hope to extract the Legions to prepare to fight the other Empires in the North."

" Your report is most interesting Gael, we have had similar reports from our brethren across the channel, Henry Palaiologos cousin of my father's enemy in the capital. We must move fast to secure the rest of the Workers Republic of the Isles and then push our neighbours to either joins us or die."

"Speaking of Palaiologos, he is in Britannia!"

"He must not leave! I swear by my father and grandfather, I Layla Gray will avenge my blood and liberate our peoples from the tyrants of this world!"

((Just to finalise the scene, as the provinces have gone Communist I think it makes sense for my person to join the rebellion as they have always been heavily pro-communist. The new Chairperson of the Republics is Aiden's daughter.

Can I ask if the communist nations can either merge or at least have an alliance, they are a bit too small to trouble the Empire on their own once the Alliance of the North is dealt with.))

((I don't know if you meant this or not but Henry Palaiologos is also communist, not a fascist so he supports you.))
Letter to Constantinople:
Bah, Communist scum! Once more, they have betrayed this Empire. I petition the Emperor to pass a law outlawing all Communist parties in this Empire! They are a blight on this Empire and seek to bring it down at all costs! We must seek a final solution to this problem, I propose that any Communist found after this law is passed will be sentenced to either life in prison or execution on the charge of treason. I am currently conducting a fighting retreat through Britannia. My, I am ashamed to call him this, cousin is in Londinium right now conducting operations against us. But our legions are strong and tough, we will not fall easily. Attrition is slowly whittling us down right now and the rebel is conducting ambushes at every corner. I have received information that our Communist former colleague is the linchpin of the Communist rebellions. I have dispatched several elite soldiers to try and ... take care of him. Alas, I fear Britannia will be lost soon.
- General Christophoros Palaiologos

Meanwhile in Londinium in a crowded building ((Henry Palaiologos))...
I am pleased to announce of a Communist brotherhood against the imperialists to resist all attempts to forcefully subjugate the proletariat. Together, we shall stand strong and united against the capitalists who seek only to exploit the hard work of proletariat so they can eat and drink it all away. Together, comrades, we shall bring down this decadent, oppressive Empire called Rome! Together, we shall export the Revolution elsewhere and spread equality and liberty throughout the corners of the world! Our comrades, the Gray's, are currently marshalling Communist forces in Brittany. Comrades, I ask you to follow me to destroy the weak, retreating forces of the oppressive monarchy called Rome. Comrades, I ask you to spread progress throughout the world!

 

[zenphoenix]

Bah, Communist scum! Once more, they have betrayed this Empire. I petition the Emperor to pass a law outlawing all Communist parties in this Empire! They are a blight on this Empire and seek to bring it down at all costs! We must seek a final solution to this problem, I propose that any Communist found after this law is passed will be sentenced to either life in prison or execution on the charge of treason. I am currently conducting a fighting retreat through Britannia. My, I am ashamed to call him this, cousin is in Londinium right now conducting operations against us. But our legions are strong and tough, we will not fall easily. Attrition is slowly whittling us down right now and the rebel is conducting ambushes at every corner. I have received information that our Communist former colleague is the linchpin of the Communist rebellions. I have dispatched several elite soldiers to try and ... take care of him. Alas, I fear Britannia will be lost soon.
- General Christophoros Palaiologos

((In a letter to General Palaiologos))
The final solution to the communist problem should be to deny them anything that could boost their argument. We could implement social reforms that they desire so that they cannot use those to gain credibility. Of course, some reforms, such as the abolition of the monarchy, are too radical and treasonous to even consider, and we should execute any who support those ideas as traitors.

Megas Domestikos Ioannes Dalassenos

 

[austrianemporer]

((In a letter to General Palaiologos))
The final solution to the communist problem should be to deny them anything that could boost their argument. We could implement social reforms that they desire so that they cannot use those to gain credibility. Of course, some reforms, such as the abolition of the monarchy, are too radical and treasonous to even consider, and we should execute any who support those ideas as traitors.

Megas Domestikos Ioannes Dalassenos

Yes, of course, I agree completely with you. But we must also suppress such revolutionary tendencies!
-General Christophoros Palaiologos

 

[zenphoenix]

Yes, of course, I agree completely with you. But we must also suppress such revolutionary tendencies!
-General Christophoros Palaiologos

Your concerns are understood, general. It is my job as Megas Domestikos ((supreme commander of the army)) to ensure that revolutionary tendencies are and will be suppressed.