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I'm impressed at his decisiveness. Indeed, I'd rather expected a polite "sod off" to the proposition, but to openly throw in allegiance with the elected government is very surprising indeed.
Ah well. Long Live Tibalto I!
Ah well. Long Live Tibalto I!
Well I can't say that Tibalto is the natural choice. I would have though that his ability to antagonise people would have made someone else a more natural choice. In their situation I still think that I would have gone for one of the next generation. That way you can leverage the fame of the parents but leave some of the bagage behind.
I can't remember if Tibalto and Alejandro have the required children to pull it off but a marriage between the two (not sure if 1st cousins is a bit close at this point in history) would make an ideal royal family and may make Alejandro a little less keen to side with the Government.
I can't remember if Tibalto and Alejandro have the required children to pull it off but a marriage between the two (not sure if 1st cousins is a bit close at this point in history) would make an ideal royal family and may make Alejandro a little less keen to side with the Government.
Ah Emperor Tibalto...the puppet dancing to the tune of his master Diego. It works perfectly...the only question now is, what purpose will Tibalto serve and how will he end up being discarded?
Long live the King!
TheExecuter
Long live the King!
TheExecuter
This is a war for the soul of California, or it will be. But Alejandro is capable, and Tibalto's vices will get the better of him.
billy bob- Hehe well I do like to keep things surprising! And it is conceivable that they will live to regret it...
canonized- I thought that would sound rather Catholic when I was writing it... But then again, the Catholic Church are on the side of the Dons- so really everyone's just confused...
robou- Haha well that's one way of looking at it!
gis- Keep hoping, I'm not going to rule it out!
mad general- Thanks
!
alex- I think that's especially true of Alejandro- he works far better under pressure. And we're about to see the opposition to the Kingdom make its first move...
TheExecuter- I think Elena is in a rather sticky position at the moment, so we'll have to see how she copes with that! I'm sure she'll manage! And yup, Alejandro really did have his heart in the right place.
Mettermrck- Well, if Tibalto's king, we're certainly guaranteed at least 50% more swagger!
Jhovozhymeh- Glad to see we've got a Republican! And I think with Tibalto as king, French connection or not, there's trouble a-brewing!
Oh, and thanks! I have to say I really haven't thought about publishing this, but it's nice to hear!
DaveK- Haha of course it had to be melodramatic! That's the way I like it!
The Republic is certainly in trouble- the government doesn't have all that long to gather its troops similarly, and the Dons have the element of surprise. With Tibalto on their side, the aristocracy can certainly count on a burst of energy with dodgy stamina in the long run...
Andreios- Alejandro's definitely got some problems brewing if he wants to defend the Republic- the question you raise about just what they'll think of his allegiance is a good one, and we're going to see it in a bit more depth...
And I'm going to be honest and say I don't know who Lindermann from Heroes is- but if it's an appropriate reference then I may have to steal it...
Strategos' Risk- We will indeed! And they will be dallying in the time-honoured tradition of doomed men...
Cinéad- Well, I guess it was one of those "if you're not with us, you're against us" moments...
Caligo- It's a sound idea, but what one has to remember is that firstly Tibalto is well-liked by the Dons (if no-one else) so he's not too much of an unpopular choice, and also that he's very powerful, and it would take a lot of trouble to circumvent him, particularly to give the crown to someone like Carlos who doesn't have that much power or credibility by himself.
Also- Tibalto and Alejandro getting married? That's more complicated than just first cousins!
TheExecuter- Which is a good question, and a complicated one. So for the time being I'm going to avoid answering it!
Jimbo- It certainly is! I agree with you that Tibalto is a bit of a ticking time-bomb, he's bound to do something cuh-raaaaazy if left in power too long! As for Alejandro, we'll just have to see what he can do!
To all- Well, here comes an update! I'm interested to see the reaction to this one (particularly the end) because it ended up going in a direction I wasn't quite sure about. It illustrates a particular point anyhow...
For reference- the "Hymn of California" is to the tune of the German national anthem; the Battle Hymn I'm sure people know. And thanks go to aussieboy, formally a regular reader and commenter, who wrote most of the words of the former song.
Enjoy!
canonized- I thought that would sound rather Catholic when I was writing it... But then again, the Catholic Church are on the side of the Dons- so really everyone's just confused...
robou- Haha well that's one way of looking at it!
gis- Keep hoping, I'm not going to rule it out!
mad general- Thanks
!alex- I think that's especially true of Alejandro- he works far better under pressure. And we're about to see the opposition to the Kingdom make its first move...
TheExecuter- I think Elena is in a rather sticky position at the moment, so we'll have to see how she copes with that! I'm sure she'll manage! And yup, Alejandro really did have his heart in the right place.
Mettermrck- Well, if Tibalto's king, we're certainly guaranteed at least 50% more swagger!
Jhovozhymeh- Glad to see we've got a Republican! And I think with Tibalto as king, French connection or not, there's trouble a-brewing!
Oh, and thanks! I have to say I really haven't thought about publishing this, but it's nice to hear!
DaveK- Haha of course it had to be melodramatic! That's the way I like it!
The Republic is certainly in trouble- the government doesn't have all that long to gather its troops similarly, and the Dons have the element of surprise. With Tibalto on their side, the aristocracy can certainly count on a burst of energy with dodgy stamina in the long run...
Andreios- Alejandro's definitely got some problems brewing if he wants to defend the Republic- the question you raise about just what they'll think of his allegiance is a good one, and we're going to see it in a bit more depth...
And I'm going to be honest and say I don't know who Lindermann from Heroes is- but if it's an appropriate reference then I may have to steal it
...Strategos' Risk- We will indeed! And they will be dallying in the time-honoured tradition of doomed men...
Cinéad- Well, I guess it was one of those "if you're not with us, you're against us" moments...
Caligo- It's a sound idea, but what one has to remember is that firstly Tibalto is well-liked by the Dons (if no-one else) so he's not too much of an unpopular choice, and also that he's very powerful, and it would take a lot of trouble to circumvent him, particularly to give the crown to someone like Carlos who doesn't have that much power or credibility by himself.
Also- Tibalto and Alejandro getting married? That's more complicated than just first cousins
!TheExecuter- Which is a good question, and a complicated one. So for the time being I'm going to avoid answering it!
Jimbo- It certainly is! I agree with you that Tibalto is a bit of a ticking time-bomb, he's bound to do something cuh-raaaaazy if left in power too long! As for Alejandro, we'll just have to see what he can do!
To all- Well, here comes an update! I'm interested to see the reaction to this one (particularly the end) because it ended up going in a direction I wasn't quite sure about. It illustrates a particular point anyhow...
For reference- the "Hymn of California" is to the tune of the German national anthem; the Battle Hymn I'm sure people know. And thanks go to aussieboy, formally a regular reader and commenter, who wrote most of the words of the former song.
Enjoy!
Emergency Directive One
First Army Headquarters, Miramar, San Diego County, December 5th 1860
General Paul Jackson massaged his temples in exasperation. The familiar feeling of self-doubt came again, of regret and uncertainty that had swiftly replaced his excitement at being promoted. To himself, he silently wondered whether he was anything close to ready for this.
“Don Alejandro,” he said again, “I understand what you’re saying, but I’m telling you that there’s nothing we can do about it now. You know as well as I that the First Army has very definite orders!”
“For God’s sake!” Shouted Alejandro, who had not once lowered his voice. “Use your initiative, man! This is a crisis!”
“And how am I supposed to know what the right course of action is?” Retorted Jackson, in an instant losing the will to control himself. “Shall I be frank, Excellency? I haven’t a clue what to do! A year ago they told me lead a whole division for the first time, four months ago they made me general and gave me this post, in the last few days all we’ve heard are these rumours about ‘armed uprising’, and now you come and tell me this story about a military coup! This time last year, Don Alejandro, I was insignificant enough a soldier to be required to lead my men from the front, today you’re asking me to ‘save the Republic’! So why don’t you tell me what I should do!”
“I think that would be inadvisable.” Interrupted the third man in the room, speaking for the first time. “In a moment of tension between the aristocracy and the legitimate government, you would like to put your trust in an aristocrat, who himself confesses just to have returned from a meeting of aristocrats plotting the overthrow of the Republic? It’s an interesting idea, Jackson, to be sure- but one is forced to wonder just what Don Alejandro’s real motivation is.”
Alejandro stared at the man incredulously. “Who are you?” He demanded.
“Captain Edward Price, I work for the Ministry of Justice.”
“Then what in God’s name are you doing here?”
“Please, Excellency…” Put in Jackson, raising a hand to calm his colleague. “Captain Price is here as part of a new directive of which we learned today. He comes directly on the orders of the government.”
“Why, might I ask?”
Captain Price rose from his seat and walked towards Don Alejandro, as though consciously trying to lend himself some kind of dramatic effect. “The government is not, contrary to your apparent belief, entirely unaware of the situation that has taken hold of some parts of the Republic. I am here, as are my colleagues with other branches of the armed services, to ensure that governmental commands are taken seriously, and that order is maintained in this difficult time. The government wishes it to be understood clearly that I am in overall command of the First Army, with total military authority.”
“Is that so?” Demanded Alejandro. “Well I am glad to see that in a moment of military crisis, the government has had the insight to put our armies under the command of a mob of civilians who have never held a weapon in their lives.” He was about to go on, but managed to catch himself- surprised at his own forthrightness.
Price seemed little concerned by the slur. “What is it, Don Alejandro, that you were demanding General Jackson here agree to just now?”
Alejandro looked non-plussed for a moment, as though stumped by the idiocy of the question. “I was advising him that we ought to withdraw the First Army with all speed to San Francisco, in order to regroup.”
“And why?”
“Because if we remain in San Diego we will be cut off and destroyed.” He replied simply. “I have seen the intentions of the insurrection. They have gathered a vast army, and they are led by Tibal- by Don Tibalto Barja. They will strike fast and they will aim for our weak points. I have no doubt that they will attempt to sever our route to the capital and thus isolate us, which is why we must move swiftly.”
“Interesting. And your view of this, General Jackson?”
Jackson smiled weakly, shook his head, and raised his hands wide, completely at a loss.
“A fine help you are.” Sneered Price. “Very well, gentlemen, it falls to me to decide on this army’s movements, and I have made my decision. I believe your advice to be largely sound, Don Alejandro, perhaps sounder than you intended. You see, I do not trust you. You are a Don, Don Alejandro. Indeed, you are a very rich and influential Don, and I do not see how the Dons could plan a coup if you were not involved. Moreover I should venture to guess that most of your family and friends will be joining this coup, and you say yourself that you have just been in conference- having taken an illegal, unannounced and clandestine leave of absence- with the instigators of this coup. Perhaps now you can see where my suspicions lie, and thus take that look of wounded innocence of your face.” Alejandro’s expression, which had indeed been one of disbelief, shifted into one of resentment.
“However,” continued Price, “as I say, your view is sound in principle. It is probably unwise for us to hold position this far south and this far away from the centre of government. Far better to achieve a central, stable location from which to counter-act the insurgents. Thus it is my decision that we march north to San Francisco.” Alejandro issued a sharp sigh of relief, but Price was not finished. “On the other hand, I will not do this as you have suggested. Your proposal involves indecent haste, Don Alejandro- you wish to forced-march the entire First Army north. It is my feeling that in such a precarious situation we must not move too rapidly- we must act cautiously. Therefore we will march at a gradual pace, and we will be careful to stay in close contact with San Francisco, and thus remain sensitive to further orders.”
“But that is precisely what will lead you to disaster!” Protested Alejandro. “Tibalto is just waiting for a cautious opponent that he can pounce upon! We need decisive actions!”
“I disagree.”
“What in God’s name do you have to lose by reaching San Francisco a week earlier?”
“I do not know, Don Alejandro, but I shudder to think!” Price was laying it on thick, and he knew it. “Perhaps you are trying to encourage us to abandon this province so that your allies can move in without a fight. Perhaps you are trying to lead us headlong into some ambush that is waiting. Perhaps you are merely trying to wear down the finest troops in the Californian Army with disorganisation and fatigue, by forcing them into absurdly swift actions! I have no idea, but I know that I do not trust your advice! You are an aristocrat, and from this moment on, we are at war with the aristocracy! You are lucky that I have not had you arrested already, but be warned that any attempt to disrupt our operations will result in the severest possible reprisals!”
Alejandro was on his feet, red in the face and shouting, before he knew it. “If I was on the side of your enemies, why would I be here?”
Again, Price was infuriatingly unphased. “Why, dozens of reasons, Don Alejandro. Please refrain from shouting at me.”
Alejandro took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “Please, Captain Price, I advise you in the strongest possible terms to do as I have suggested.”
“Out of the question. In the first place, your demand that we leave tonight is ridiculous. We have more important priorities.” He turned to look at Jackson, who obviously knew what he meant. “We ought to be presiding over the execution of Emergency Directive One right now.” He turned back to Alejandro. “Care to join us on the balcony?” Alejandro stared at him in utter bewilderment. “You will understand, Don Alejandro.”
Price moved to the large French windows of the office, which led onto a wide balcony overlooking the expansive Miramar parade-ground. Outside, to Alejandro’s total confusion, on the wide and dimly-lit expanse of concrete, rank upon rank of the First Army were standing to attention, ready for something. Price walked to the edge of the balcony, looking down onto the parade-ground, and caught the eye of the major-general who stood at the front of the men below. The government agent waved his hand- a signal- the soldier saluted, and gave another signal. Alejandro peered over the balcony, straining to see what could possibly be going on.
Without warning, an invisible band playing from somewhere on the ground struck up a sudden tune. Moments later, an invisible set of voices began, inexplicably, to sing, and the assembled soldiers started- enthusiastically, reluctantly, resignedly- to join in. They were all singing.
“From our high and azure heavens
To the wide Pacific sea
From the great majestic mountains
Comes the call to you and me.
‘Tis the call of our forefathers
That united may we stand
Let us fight and die for freedom
For this, our Western Land.
In the ancient hallowed spirit
Of the steadfast men of old
Who in rectitude and honour
Found here the truest gold
May we love our golden nation,
Founded under golden stars!
California! Land of beauty!
Land of love and hope, all ours!”
Silence again, save for the resounding echo of the fading brass band. Alejandro turned and stared dumbly at Price, who simply smiled.
“Stirring, isn’t it? The ‘Hymn of California’. Words by one Don Francisco Juan Alvarez y Santos. Not the pefect origin, but at least the right sort have got hold of it now.”
“What are you doing?” Asked Alejandro faintly.
“Well, at least wait until the end!” Protested Price, grinning. He waved his hand again, and the band began to play once more. The singing began again- a sound almost too ridiculous, too unbearably ridiculous, for Alejandro to listen to.
“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.”
Silence again.
Price waved down to the commander again, and with a few barked commands, the soldiers began steadily to file away.
“What…?” Stuttered Alejandro.
“Emergency Directive One.” Stated Price shortly, reciting from memory. “In order to counter a worrying decline in morale among soldiers of the Californian Army, at the hour of nine every evening each regiment will be required to fall in and join a chorus of the Hymn of California, and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Bolsters their resolve, you see?”
Alejandro shook his head. “The richest and most powerful men in this country have spent twenty years preparing to overthrow you. Now they play their hand, and your response is to sing?”
Price shrugged. “Government Directive, Don Alejandro. I do as ordered. Besides, I thought it was rather rousing, didn’t you?” There was silence. Alejandro, try as he might, could not even begin to grapple with the absurdity of what he had just witnessed. He looked over at General Jackson, but the man was evidently avoiding his gaze. “Well,” said Price, “I think that will be all for tonight, gentlemen. Will you please give word to your commanding officers that at noon tomorrow we shall strike camp? Goodnight, generals.” He turned away from the balcony, and went inside, leaving Alejandro and Jackson standing out in the cold December air, the echoes of the Battle Hymn still dying in their ears.
First Army Headquarters, Miramar, San Diego County, December 5th 1860
General Paul Jackson massaged his temples in exasperation. The familiar feeling of self-doubt came again, of regret and uncertainty that had swiftly replaced his excitement at being promoted. To himself, he silently wondered whether he was anything close to ready for this.
“Don Alejandro,” he said again, “I understand what you’re saying, but I’m telling you that there’s nothing we can do about it now. You know as well as I that the First Army has very definite orders!”
“For God’s sake!” Shouted Alejandro, who had not once lowered his voice. “Use your initiative, man! This is a crisis!”
“And how am I supposed to know what the right course of action is?” Retorted Jackson, in an instant losing the will to control himself. “Shall I be frank, Excellency? I haven’t a clue what to do! A year ago they told me lead a whole division for the first time, four months ago they made me general and gave me this post, in the last few days all we’ve heard are these rumours about ‘armed uprising’, and now you come and tell me this story about a military coup! This time last year, Don Alejandro, I was insignificant enough a soldier to be required to lead my men from the front, today you’re asking me to ‘save the Republic’! So why don’t you tell me what I should do!”
“I think that would be inadvisable.” Interrupted the third man in the room, speaking for the first time. “In a moment of tension between the aristocracy and the legitimate government, you would like to put your trust in an aristocrat, who himself confesses just to have returned from a meeting of aristocrats plotting the overthrow of the Republic? It’s an interesting idea, Jackson, to be sure- but one is forced to wonder just what Don Alejandro’s real motivation is.”
Alejandro stared at the man incredulously. “Who are you?” He demanded.
“Captain Edward Price, I work for the Ministry of Justice.”
“Then what in God’s name are you doing here?”
“Please, Excellency…” Put in Jackson, raising a hand to calm his colleague. “Captain Price is here as part of a new directive of which we learned today. He comes directly on the orders of the government.”
“Why, might I ask?”
Captain Price rose from his seat and walked towards Don Alejandro, as though consciously trying to lend himself some kind of dramatic effect. “The government is not, contrary to your apparent belief, entirely unaware of the situation that has taken hold of some parts of the Republic. I am here, as are my colleagues with other branches of the armed services, to ensure that governmental commands are taken seriously, and that order is maintained in this difficult time. The government wishes it to be understood clearly that I am in overall command of the First Army, with total military authority.”
“Is that so?” Demanded Alejandro. “Well I am glad to see that in a moment of military crisis, the government has had the insight to put our armies under the command of a mob of civilians who have never held a weapon in their lives.” He was about to go on, but managed to catch himself- surprised at his own forthrightness.
Price seemed little concerned by the slur. “What is it, Don Alejandro, that you were demanding General Jackson here agree to just now?”
Alejandro looked non-plussed for a moment, as though stumped by the idiocy of the question. “I was advising him that we ought to withdraw the First Army with all speed to San Francisco, in order to regroup.”
“And why?”
“Because if we remain in San Diego we will be cut off and destroyed.” He replied simply. “I have seen the intentions of the insurrection. They have gathered a vast army, and they are led by Tibal- by Don Tibalto Barja. They will strike fast and they will aim for our weak points. I have no doubt that they will attempt to sever our route to the capital and thus isolate us, which is why we must move swiftly.”
“Interesting. And your view of this, General Jackson?”
Jackson smiled weakly, shook his head, and raised his hands wide, completely at a loss.
“A fine help you are.” Sneered Price. “Very well, gentlemen, it falls to me to decide on this army’s movements, and I have made my decision. I believe your advice to be largely sound, Don Alejandro, perhaps sounder than you intended. You see, I do not trust you. You are a Don, Don Alejandro. Indeed, you are a very rich and influential Don, and I do not see how the Dons could plan a coup if you were not involved. Moreover I should venture to guess that most of your family and friends will be joining this coup, and you say yourself that you have just been in conference- having taken an illegal, unannounced and clandestine leave of absence- with the instigators of this coup. Perhaps now you can see where my suspicions lie, and thus take that look of wounded innocence of your face.” Alejandro’s expression, which had indeed been one of disbelief, shifted into one of resentment.
“However,” continued Price, “as I say, your view is sound in principle. It is probably unwise for us to hold position this far south and this far away from the centre of government. Far better to achieve a central, stable location from which to counter-act the insurgents. Thus it is my decision that we march north to San Francisco.” Alejandro issued a sharp sigh of relief, but Price was not finished. “On the other hand, I will not do this as you have suggested. Your proposal involves indecent haste, Don Alejandro- you wish to forced-march the entire First Army north. It is my feeling that in such a precarious situation we must not move too rapidly- we must act cautiously. Therefore we will march at a gradual pace, and we will be careful to stay in close contact with San Francisco, and thus remain sensitive to further orders.”
“But that is precisely what will lead you to disaster!” Protested Alejandro. “Tibalto is just waiting for a cautious opponent that he can pounce upon! We need decisive actions!”
“I disagree.”
“What in God’s name do you have to lose by reaching San Francisco a week earlier?”
“I do not know, Don Alejandro, but I shudder to think!” Price was laying it on thick, and he knew it. “Perhaps you are trying to encourage us to abandon this province so that your allies can move in without a fight. Perhaps you are trying to lead us headlong into some ambush that is waiting. Perhaps you are merely trying to wear down the finest troops in the Californian Army with disorganisation and fatigue, by forcing them into absurdly swift actions! I have no idea, but I know that I do not trust your advice! You are an aristocrat, and from this moment on, we are at war with the aristocracy! You are lucky that I have not had you arrested already, but be warned that any attempt to disrupt our operations will result in the severest possible reprisals!”
Alejandro was on his feet, red in the face and shouting, before he knew it. “If I was on the side of your enemies, why would I be here?”
Again, Price was infuriatingly unphased. “Why, dozens of reasons, Don Alejandro. Please refrain from shouting at me.”
Alejandro took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “Please, Captain Price, I advise you in the strongest possible terms to do as I have suggested.”
“Out of the question. In the first place, your demand that we leave tonight is ridiculous. We have more important priorities.” He turned to look at Jackson, who obviously knew what he meant. “We ought to be presiding over the execution of Emergency Directive One right now.” He turned back to Alejandro. “Care to join us on the balcony?” Alejandro stared at him in utter bewilderment. “You will understand, Don Alejandro.”
Price moved to the large French windows of the office, which led onto a wide balcony overlooking the expansive Miramar parade-ground. Outside, to Alejandro’s total confusion, on the wide and dimly-lit expanse of concrete, rank upon rank of the First Army were standing to attention, ready for something. Price walked to the edge of the balcony, looking down onto the parade-ground, and caught the eye of the major-general who stood at the front of the men below. The government agent waved his hand- a signal- the soldier saluted, and gave another signal. Alejandro peered over the balcony, straining to see what could possibly be going on.
Without warning, an invisible band playing from somewhere on the ground struck up a sudden tune. Moments later, an invisible set of voices began, inexplicably, to sing, and the assembled soldiers started- enthusiastically, reluctantly, resignedly- to join in. They were all singing.
“From our high and azure heavens
To the wide Pacific sea
From the great majestic mountains
Comes the call to you and me.
‘Tis the call of our forefathers
That united may we stand
Let us fight and die for freedom
For this, our Western Land.
In the ancient hallowed spirit
Of the steadfast men of old
Who in rectitude and honour
Found here the truest gold
May we love our golden nation,
Founded under golden stars!
California! Land of beauty!
Land of love and hope, all ours!”
Silence again, save for the resounding echo of the fading brass band. Alejandro turned and stared dumbly at Price, who simply smiled.
“Stirring, isn’t it? The ‘Hymn of California’. Words by one Don Francisco Juan Alvarez y Santos. Not the pefect origin, but at least the right sort have got hold of it now.”
“What are you doing?” Asked Alejandro faintly.
“Well, at least wait until the end!” Protested Price, grinning. He waved his hand again, and the band began to play once more. The singing began again- a sound almost too ridiculous, too unbearably ridiculous, for Alejandro to listen to.
“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.”
Silence again.
Price waved down to the commander again, and with a few barked commands, the soldiers began steadily to file away.
“What…?” Stuttered Alejandro.
“Emergency Directive One.” Stated Price shortly, reciting from memory. “In order to counter a worrying decline in morale among soldiers of the Californian Army, at the hour of nine every evening each regiment will be required to fall in and join a chorus of the Hymn of California, and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Bolsters their resolve, you see?”
Alejandro shook his head. “The richest and most powerful men in this country have spent twenty years preparing to overthrow you. Now they play their hand, and your response is to sing?”
Price shrugged. “Government Directive, Don Alejandro. I do as ordered. Besides, I thought it was rather rousing, didn’t you?” There was silence. Alejandro, try as he might, could not even begin to grapple with the absurdity of what he had just witnessed. He looked over at General Jackson, but the man was evidently avoiding his gaze. “Well,” said Price, “I think that will be all for tonight, gentlemen. Will you please give word to your commanding officers that at noon tomorrow we shall strike camp? Goodnight, generals.” He turned away from the balcony, and went inside, leaving Alejandro and Jackson standing out in the cold December air, the echoes of the Battle Hymn still dying in their ears.
I figured as much that with the republican authorities Alejandro won't get much . Was surprised with the songs though haha . Very cute XD
Good song choices. Very interested episode. To be honest, the Dons, being nobility, are probably wasting their time as well in all the pomp and circumstance of a long-drawn coronation.
Bah, the spoiled official with only regard to the written rules spoils our hero again!
But he does seem different, he is smart, yet still the spoiled official. Good interpretation of this archetype.
But he does seem different, he is smart, yet still the spoiled official. Good interpretation of this archetype.
Poor Alejandro...loyal but not trusted. Maybe he'll get an opportunity once this McClell...I mean, Price, is soundly defeated.
Capitan Price? Isnt he from call of Duty 4? Goodgame. Now that emperor Tibalto reigns and alejandro is gonna have no support, then we can say Tibalto won.
A veritable jobsworth, though a quite understandable suspicion of Alejandro.
Still, it wouldn't put anyone out for the army to send some scouts to find out what exactly is going on with this rebel army, would it?
Still, it wouldn't put anyone out for the army to send some scouts to find out what exactly is going on with this rebel army, would it?
Well, what a cold fish. The hamstringing of the army by the Republic seems to be rather similar to what happened in the English Civil War, will there be a Californian Cromwell?
:rofl: I changed my mind, there is no hope for the Republic now. :rofl:
In all seriousness, though, a morale-boosting song? What is San Francisco thinking? This is why idiotic pencil-pushers shouldn't mess with military matters.
Ah, well, might as well fly my true colours: God Save the King! Long Live the King!
(Even if it is Tibalto. <_< )
In all seriousness, though, a morale-boosting song? What is San Francisco thinking?
This is why idiotic pencil-pushers shouldn't mess with military matters. Ah, well, might as well fly my true colours: God Save the King! Long Live the King!
(Even if it is Tibalto. <_< )
interesting, so the Hymn of California is in fact the national anthem?
What would be the Flag if the Monarchists are able to take control? Does he Modern flag differ from the flag shown at the start of this thread?
What would be the Flag if the Monarchists are able to take control? Does he Modern flag differ from the flag shown at the start of this thread?
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May the king live may the king live, forever. Haugh haugh haugh haugh haugh alleluia amen, amen amen amen amen haugh haugh haugh haugh aleia amen amen amen amen.
ZADOCK THE PREIST PART 2
(1ST PART MADE BY JHOVOZHYMEH)
ZADOCK THE PREIST PART 2
(1ST PART MADE BY JHOVOZHYMEH)
alex994 said:Well, what a cold fish. The hamstringing of the army by the Republic seems to be rather similar to what happened in the English Civil War, will there be a Californian Cromwell?
NEVER CROMWELLS ARMY KILLED ONE OF MY ANCESTERS
mad general said:
Ah...such a great choral masterpiece!
So...I expected Alejandro to be rebuffed, expected Price to set out slowly, actually agree with Price reasoning (though I would have left in the morning rather than noon...)...but singing? SINGING? What is going on here?
One hopes that the rebellion is just as slow as the government...nay slower! If so, this could be an interesting Civil War...complete with siesta cease fires!
Chomping at the bit to find out more,
TheExecuter
Wow the government is really stupid
Sounds like they are taken a leaf straight out of the Starlin book (remove all the decent officers and putting political officers in place to ensure that those that remain can't do anything at all).
Well I predict some fairly rapid victories for the Dons at which point hopefully the government will either be replaced (by the man up North) or get their act together and let the army do what needs to be done.
Sounds like they are taken a leaf straight out of the Starlin book (remove all the decent officers and putting political officers in place to ensure that those that remain can't do anything at all).
Well I predict some fairly rapid victories for the Dons at which point hopefully the government will either be replaced (by the man up North) or get their act together and let the army do what needs to be done.