J Andres

Chapter 9: The Shadow of Savannah "The aftershocks of these three giants shaking hands will be felt for years to come." -- PRN News Anchor, Fred Campbell, 2167 PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1: Deja Vu Chapter 2: Excellence and Exodus Chapter 3: Vengeance and Vendetta Chapter 4: The Peace Dividend Chapter 5: Crisis and Crusades Chapter 6: The Powder Keg Chapter 7: Armageddon Chapter 8: Countdown to Crisis THE SOL-3 UNIVERSE Sol-3 I am NOT on the CNRP map or any other shared universe map. This is considered to take place in the Sol-3 Universe. Sol-3 is not accepting other players. This thread should be considered CLOSED* to all other players besides myself. *Spectators may feel free to post announcements, news reports, etc. Actions that could be considered as interfering with the actions unfolding may or may not be recognized. SUMMARY It's been more than 80 years since the end of the Grand Mexican War and the world's cities and nations are once again humming with the industrial spark of humanity. Survival is no longer the primary concern for most, although many would argue that the crumbs that are left after the elite eat are insufficient. In North America, the continental players have been separated from the contenders, leaving three regional powers. J Andres leads a regional hegemony in the east, well-connected to it neighbors by trade and influence. Cascadia controls the west and with its planes in the skies has a clear technological advantage against all others. The Augustine Empire is dominant in the south, and has the largest military by the numbers, but has many internal fractures it must hope doesn't rupture. These three powers signed the Savannah Accords in 2167, clearly demarcating their spheres of influence. None of the three powers trust each other, but the Accords has allowed each to take a breath but now the new Emperor Marshall Augustus is publicly denouncing the Accords. The Accords have bought peace on the continent, but for how long? In a Cold War with sky-high tensions, which minor transgression will overboil the pot? The Anchor Times February 18, 2168 DIRECTOR MUELLER TO TRAVEL TO EMPIRE Director of Foreign Affairs, Brooke Mueller ENDOR CUIDAD -- Director of Foreign Affairs, Brooke Mueller, is headed to Pensacola today to meet with the new Emperor, Emperor Marshall Augustus. "The Empire is our partner in the Savannah Accords. I am eager to congratulate the Emperor on his election victory and am excited to work with him in the future," she said as she boarded the JAS Apollo. Although her words were gentle, the selection of Marshall, former Duke of Texas, to be the next Augustine Empire has caused alarm bells to ring throughout all the halls of government. In his first public address, Emperor Marshall denounced the Accords and the "constraints" it was placing on the Empire. With the Empire already controlling the southern portion of the continent, there are limited places for them to go if they are feeling constrained. While Director Mueller is in the Empire, her mother, President Eleanor Mueller will be traveling to Cascadia to reaffirm relations with the west coast nation.

The Anchor Times February 7, 2168 EMPEROR DENOUNCES ACCORDS IN FIRST PUBLIC ADDRESS Emperor Marshall Augustus PENSACOLA-- Emperor Marshall Augustus gave a long speech in the capital of Pensacola today. The 74-year old was full of vigor and energy throughout the speech which covered a number of topics. For many years, the Augustine Empire was keen on capturing and controlling the Augustine Gulf, which used to be called the Gulf of Mexico. This mission is what drove the first two emperors on their wars of conquest. The new emperor does not seem satisfied with the Gulf and appears to have his sights set on the continent itself. In a speech that seemed freewheeling, his words were very selectively chosen on some topics, and the future of North America was one of them. He spoke very negatively about the Savannah Accords and the "constraints put in place on the Empire" by them, and did not speak favorably about any of the other nations in North America. He spoke about expansion and conquest, but again, did not specifically identify any areas or lands in which he may want to do so. While some pundits were quick to dismiss his speech as grandstanding, those following Marshall's speeches and actions over the decades since he lost the first imperial election to his brother know otherwise. This is a man who is set on conquest and will pick the continent apart piece by piece in order to get it.

The Anchor Times January 30, 2168 NEW AUGUSTINE EMPEROR ANNOUNCED Emperor Marshall Augustus PENSACOLA-- The Imperial Election has concluded and Marshall, the former Duke of Texas, has come out on top. Marshall, now Emperor Marshall Augustus won in the fifth round of voting, 4-3, with Leopold, the Duke of Orleans drawing the other votes. Those close to the electors have stated that it was Gordon, Duke of Florida who cast the tie breaking vote between his uncle and his cousin, and that Gordon landed on the opposite side of the voting than his sister, dispelling the commonplace thought that the two would vote as a cohesive bloc. The new Emperor has been on record for saying that the Savannah Accords were a "detriment" to the Empire, and has publicly denounced J Andres in the past. A larger speech is planned for next month, but the Emperor has already released both Viceroys from their service for their lack of support. Jon Phelps who was the General of the Army has been announced as the new Viceroy Imperator.

The Anchor Times January 26, 2168 IMPERIAL FUNERAL CONCLUDES AND ELECTION BEGINS The Three Dukes: Gordon, Duke of Florida; Leopold, Duke of Orleans; Marshall, Duke of Texas PENSACOLA-- The funeral for Emperor Alexander Augustus has concluded, and the seven electors who will determine the next Augustine Emperor have begun their election. The election is expected to last several days, but pundits and oddsmakers expect that one of the three Dukes will emerge the victor. Gordon, the Duke of Florida, has a slight edge with many oddsmakers. He is the son of the recently deceased Emperor but he is generally unliked within the empire. However, his father did him a large favor by making his sister, Luisa, Viceroy Treasurer, which grants her a vote also. The two children of the current Emperor are expected to vote as a block which tips the scales slightly in Gordon's favor. Leopold, the Duke of Orleans, is considered by many to be the long shot of the bunch. Leopold is the son of Valeria, the former Duchess. Those close to President Mueller have stated that Mueller believes Leopold would result in the best outcomes for J Andres, which may be a good indicator that he wouldn't be a great fit for the empire. Marshall, the Duke of Texas, is the final Duke, and is considered a strong contender. Marshall is the only surviving child of the first emperor, and the only one who was present during the previous election. He is strong willed, and it is believed that his previous electoral experience may help him navigate the backroom deals that could be required to put him on top.

Pacific Radio Network TRANSCRIPT FROM PACIFIC RADIO NETWORK STATION 101.9 FM NIGHTLY NEWS WITH FRED CAMPBELL January 22, 2168 CELEBRATIONS IN ROCHESTER ON NEWS OF DEAD EMPEROR Recently deceased Emperor Alexander Augustus [CAMPBELL] The Emperor is dead. [Cheers and singing in Spanish] [CAMPBELL] This is Pacific Radio Network Nightly News, and I'm your host, Fred Campbell. The Emperor of the south has been dead only a few days, but the citizens of Rochester couldn't be more excited. [Recorded Audio - English translation over Spanish voices] Good riddance. The devil is dead! [CAMPBELL] Rochester, of course, teeming with refuges from Elegada, all displaced by the now deceased Emperor. And while the celebrations are still going in Rochester, most discussions on the street are of a different sort. [Recorded Audio] I think it's Leopold. It's gotta be. [CAMPBELL] That's Harry Greene, a banker in Albany. [Recorded Audio] I mean, it might be Gordon, or Marshall, but I don't think anyone thinks its gonna be Sophia. [CAMPBELL] He's on his way to Annapolis, ready to place bets along with many others on the outcome of the Imperial Election. [Recorded Audio] I travelled down last time too, twenty-whatever years ago. Lost a lot of money betting on Valeria then. I'm convinced, I got it right this time! Retirement is just around the corner. [CAMPBELL] The Admirals Club Casino appears to have Marshall, the only surviving child of the first Emperor as the favorite. This news has many in Endor Cuidad scrambling as Marshall is expected to be the least hospitable to J Andres. We are going to take a quick commercial break, and when we come back, we want to hear your thoughts. Who do you think is going to win?

The Anchor Times January 19, 2168 AUGUSTINE EMPEROR DEAD Emperor Alexander Augustus PENSACOLA-- Emperor Alexander Augustus, Emperor of the Augustine Empire has died in the capital of Pensacola. Cause of death at this time is unknown, but due to the authoritarian nature of the Augustine Empire and the potential for non-hereditary inheritance, foul play cannot be ruled out. Alexander became emperor after his father's passing in 2149. During his reign, he achieved his father's great dream of controlling the Augustine Gulf (formerly the Gulf of Mexico). He also conquered the remaining Mexican states and became a Pacific coast nation. Not he continent, he may best be remembered for the Savannah Accords, the treaty last year which provided clear demarcation of areas for the major continental powers. His funeral is expected to be held later in the week, which will gather the seven electors, and initiate the imperial election process.

The Anchor Times January 3, 2168 MORE OTTANIAN ROYALTY FLEE FOR ALBANY Princess Rosalie ALBANY-- Princess Rosalie arrived at Francisco Hall in Albany today with her husband and three children. They were invited by her aunt, the Queen Mother, Maisie. The violence above the border continues as the cries for democracy grow louder and louder.

The Anchor Times September 20, 2167 RICHMOND STARS WIN GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP Milton Furlong, Third Baseman for the Richmond Stars RICHMOND, ALLEGHENIA -- The Richmond Stars (51-33) have won their first Gold Championship in the Atlantic Baseball League. The team is the first to have originated in the Appalachian Baseball League, won promotion out of that league, and win the championship of the higher tier by defeating the Buffalo Sirens in seven games. Richmond's star player is the legendary Milton Furlong. Furlong's career began in 2146, and had intended on retiring this year after 22 seasons, but after hoisting the trophy again, said he will play for one more season. In other baseball news, the Pittsburgh Hornets and Philadelphia Phantoms will be relegated back to the Atlantic League after only one year. The Danbury Vampires and Endor Dragons will be promoted up to the Atlantic League.

The Anchor Times August 14, 2167 NAC PRESIDENT VISITS J ANDRES NAC President Anthony Cole ENDOR CUIDAD -- NAC President Anthony Cole visited J Andres today, spending time with President Eleanor Mueller and Premier Edith Bartlett in separate meetings. Cole and his contingent have spent the summer lobbying the signatories of the Savannah Accords, to have the North American Commonwealth join the Accords. While the Accords recognized national sovereignty on the east and west coast, as well as in the south, the central plains and the north are largely unaccounted for. The NAC hopes to fill that void, but sources close to President Mueller expect a significant uphill battle. "We are the third nation he has visited, and he has not opened any minds on the matter in the first two."

The Anchor Times July 23, 2167 KING LOUIS DIES; MATHIEU NEW KING OF OTTANIA The former and current Kings of Ottania, Louis and Mathieu OTTAWA -- King Louis has died in Ottawa. The palace has released a statement that the King had felt ill over the past week, and that foul play is not suspected. Mathieu will be crowned in a private ceremony this evening. Outside the palace, the calls for democracy have grown only louder, and have not been dampened by the passing of the king at all. Isidora, the Queen Mother of Ottania, is expected to return to Ottania for the funeral, but it is unknown if she will remain in Ottania or return to J Andres afterwards.

The Anchor Times July 9, 2167 NEW TAHOE CONQUERED; CASCADIA VICTORIOUS Prime Minister Elsie Huang SEATTLE -- Cascadia has announced that New Tahoe has surrendered, ending the Californian War and bringing peace to the continent once more. Prime Minister Elsie Huang has announced that New Tahoe territory will be integrated into the Cascadian Republic. Members of the New Tahoe government and military commanders are currently being held as war prisoners.

The Anchor Times June 12, 2167 COHEN RESIGNS OVER MONCTON SCANDAL; SPARKS APPOINTED DIRECTOR Randall Cohen and Dennis Sparks, the outgoing and incoming Directors of Defense ENDOR CUIDAD -- Randall Cohen, Director of Defense, has resigned. In a brief statement claiming the scandal surrounding his involvement with Moncton Integrated Propulsion Systems was a "distraction", he agreed to step down. President Mueller announced that Dennis Sparks a veteran of the Second Ottanian Conflict, would take the position. "I have known Dennis for a long time, campaigned with him decades ago. Dennis Sparks will serve our nation well, as he has done in the past."

The Anchor Times May 20, 2167 FORMER PRESIDENT BAKER DIES PEACEFULLY IN NORFOLK Former President Sarah Baker NORFOLK, ALLEGHENIA -- Sarah Baker, 15th President of J Andres, has passed away peacefully at her home in Norfolk, Alleghenia. Baker was born in Danbury in 2086, and served prominently in the J Andres military. Following her distinguished military career, she served first as the Chancellor of Defense, before running successfully for President after Mateo Bourbon's retirement. She served for one term before the New Horizon Party wave in 2140. After her presidency, she pursued private industry, serving as a consultant for Anchor Security, supporting war efforts in Alleghenia. She was 81.

The Anchor Times March 8, 2167 OTTANIAN QUEEN SEEKS REFUGE IN DANBURY Isidora, Queen of Ottania DANBURY -- Amidst growing chaos in Ottania, Isidora, Queen of Ottania, has returned home to J Andres, seeking refuge with her sister, Samantha, Marquise of Danbury. The Queen is staying at Fairfield Hall, and currently no date for her return to Ottania is known.

The Anchor Times January 12, 2167 SAVANNAH ACCORDS ANNOUNCED The leaders of the Augustine Empire, J Andres, and Cascadia: Emperor Alexander Augustus, President Eleanor Mueller, Prime Minister Elsie Huang SAVANNAH -- The Augustine Empire, J Andres, and Cascadia announced they have agreed to the Savannah Accords today. The agreement, carves North America into various spheres of influence, acknowledging mutual boundaries, and puts in place agreements not to violate each other's sovereignty. The Augustine Empire is responsible for the everything south of its current borders. Cascadia's sphere includes all of California, north into Alaska, and west through Montana. J Andres's sphere includes all of its current territory, as well as that of Ottania, Alleghenia, Acadia, and Detchitoria. What wasn't carved out, was the center of the continent, leaving an opportunity for the North American Continent to either become a future fourth partner, or be wiped out entirely. The accords appear good for the continent, it has placed clear lines on the map for the three major powers to follow. Most significant, could be which nation the accords leave out. New Tahoe had been a strong Augustine ally, but has been left out to dry by the accords. The accords more or less spell out that Cascadia can continue with their campaign to wipe New Tahoe from the map and that the Augustine Empire will not come to their aid.