Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 7045827" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><em>And now back to our story:</em></p><p></p><p><strong>Chapter 125, "Round Two: The British Army", September 13, 1882, 9:30 AM.</strong></p><p></p><p>George smiles at Amisi, "I think you have become a bit enamored with me princess, and I think it is partially out of a sense of gratitude. It is not uncommon for people to become infatuated with their rescuers. And were I not already engaged, I would leap at an opportunity to seek a marriage in the Royal family. And not to merely be in the Royal family, but to have so beautiful a woman as you as a bride. Some man will be truly lucky to have you. But I wish that you are able to marry for love as I will be doing. And I am terribly flattered that you would even consider me a fit man, worthy of such an honor." says George taking the princess's hand in his.</p><p></p><p>"You deserve someone even better than me. Perhaps Colonel Hassan? He is a fine man who charged with me into the palace. But I would that you chose someone who you know, someone who you love. But for now Amisi, you have humbled me and I will always treasure you for it. However, I will speak of this to no one, for no one need know your desires but yourself." George bends over and kisses her hand. "You will find the right man, I am unfortunately not him, for he shall have the most beautiful woman in the world second only to my beloved fiancee." ends George straightening. George take a deep breathe looks to see that Amisi has composed herself and waits for Hassan's return.</p><p></p><p>A disappointed look crosses her face. She does compose herself quickly and then smiles at George. She then states, "I am aware that Miss West is designated to be your first wife, and it is wonderful that you love her. Our society does not impose the limitation of only one spouse. I would be honored to be your second wife. I am fifteen summers old and your physicians can verify that I have never been with a man. I know that I can make you happy Sir, the women in my father's harem have given me personal instruction in how to please a man. You will grow to love me too."</p><p></p><p>George smiles again. "Have you spoken to your sister about this, I wonder? Amisi, again I am quite flattered. You do have to understand though that in my culture, not only is polygamy not socially acceptable, it is illegal. Additionally in America, you are too young to be married. And that is where my home and business are Amisi, so it is not that I can pick up and live permanently here in Egypt. And for me to take the heir to the throne out of the country permanently would be tantamount to sedition. There are many obstacles to the union you are proposing. Not unless Bast and Aphrodite themselves appeared to compel me, could I overcome such obstacles.</p><p></p><p>Egypt needs you more than I do. Being a princess often means putting the needs of your nation before your own. Look at your sister's marriage. While I may have played some small role in the salvation of the nation, there are others who deserve recognition more. But I do think all this talk is a bit premature, we still need to get this treaty done. Yes the French are gone, but your sister has a divided and occupied nation she sits over. Let us focus on that before our personal desire for the moment." says George giving Amisi's hand a little squeeze before releasing it. George turns back to his notes before adding "I would think some of my friends who aiding in saving Egypt might be less encumbered to accept such a gift as your, if your would be open to such," without looking up. She gasps and says, "Oh no sir, my sister would never agree to such a thing. It is you who she is indebted to for these negotiations, not those old American men."</p><p></p><p>Much to George's relief, Colonel Hassan returns with papers in his hands. "I have the breakdown here, by unit, of all troops as of three days ago. The summarized version is that for the Battle on Kassassin on the 10th the British fielded a total of 18,543 troops. Of those, 285 were killed, 1,922 wounded and another 63 missing for a total of 2,270 casualties. That left them a fighting force of 16,273 for this morning's battle. The fighting was comparatively light, having just gotten started, when your team arrived and forced the truce. My staff estimate that during this morning's skirmishes fewer than 100 British troops died with around twice that number wounded, which would leave their fighting forces at approximately 16,000.</p><p></p><p>Those are the troops right here in this region. Elsewhere in Egypt the British have 3,129 Naval forces and 2,331 army forces for a total of 5,460. They were primarily assigned to Alexandria, although many of those naval forces are currently docked at Port Sa'id and the town of Suez, as their ships were the ones used to transport the army to the canal. Does that help Mr. Eastman." He replies, "Very much Colonel. Again, this gives me a starting point to negotiate from. I think we can send the British delegation in now."</p><p></p><p>The scribes and guards are called back and everybody gets in their places. The British delegation arrive. Not surprisingly, all are members of the British military, with three generals, each of whom has a lieutenant colonel as their personal aide, and the two scribes. One scribe is a major, the other scribe is an older enlisted man with the stripes of a master sergeant (who is apparently the Arabic scribe). George recognizes all three leaders as General Garnet Wolseley, General Drury Curzon Drury-Lowe, and General Gerald Graham.</p><p></p><p>"Welcome representatives of The British Armed Forces of the United Kingdom who negotiate for and on behalf of, Her Majesty Queen Victoria. May I introduce the hosts of this conference. Her Royal Highness Princess Amisi, Colonel Hassan of Her Majesty's 3rd Royal Rifle Company of Alexandria. I am the lead negotiator for Her Highness, Queen Neferka, Pharaoh of the Lands of Egypt and the Nile, George Eastman, interim Chief of Staff for Her Majesty." begins George in English looking expectantly at the generals.</p><p></p><p>General Wolseley begins by thanking George for his interventions the previous morning, first in rescuing General Duruy-Lowe, and second in returning him to battle and exposing the imposter. General Duruy-Lowe also thanks George. George nods to Amisi who sits and then all the men sit. "You are quite welcome gentlemen. As to the imposter, I trust that he has been taken care of. Of course one might say that many people impersonated British officers before the Cardwell reforms." George smiles at his little jest. "But all of the French who were involved in the plot were punished appropriately by divine justice. That of course gentlemen, trumps earthly laws. I am afraid there is nothing left to turn over to you in that regard."</p><p></p><p>Woolsley replies, "Very good, indeed divine justice takes priority in such matters. We all witnessed the Egyptian deity on the field of battle, although I am unclear as to whether that was Isis or Bast. At any rate, it was obvious that the French alone were who she viewed as the threat. From that it is clear that we have the divine blessing of the land's Goddess to continue our alliance in support of the Egyptian Government. "It was Bast gentlemen. However, do not mistake her lack of punishment as support, tacit or explicit. Your support of the Egyptian monarchy is welcome, but only unencumbered by imperial designs. Your support was most welcome, but as the rebels are no longer an issue, there is no need for your continued physical military presence." says George, still with a smile.</p><p></p><p>Woolsley answers, "No need? Mr. Eastman, I am not overly surprised by that conclusion, but it is incorrect. The new young monarch was never trained to lead, so I am not surprised by a degree of naivety. However, you are an experienced business man, with international connections, surely you see otherwise? If Queen Neferka's father, with his decades of experience, felt the need to call on us for military support then it stands to reason that under the present circumstances there is even more need. This new ruler has but half of her father's forces, has an organized opposition camped just a few hours from where we currently sit, and has inherited a leadership vacuum that many of her father's Egyptian political rivals will be all too happy to help fill for her. You need us now more than ever."</p><p></p><p>"It is not a concussion, sir, it is a statement of fact. As for the Queen being untrained, well, Queen Victoria was never trained to lead, and became Queen at a younger age than Neferka, and that has seemed to work out fairly well. In fact gentlemen, you have made an erroneous assumption that she was not trained to lead, for she has been. I can tell you from personal conversations with her, she is quite adept and competent to rule. As to her father's rule, yes he had decades of experience. But then again so did Charles the first of the England. Do not equate time with experience gentlemen. As for your other assertions, the organized opposition will be dealt with by the end of these talks. While indeed there is a political vacuum, the Queen also has on her side a most definitive and persuasive demonstration of divine providence to rule by Bast herself. Few Egyptians would dare violate such a demonstration from one of their gods so soon, if ever.</p><p></p><p>And lastly, the Queen has me. A confidant you yourself have deemed qualified. I and my colleagues have been quite active in establishing peace in this nation. General Drury-Lowe owes his life and liberty to our actions. Not that I begrudge him that, nor to General Woolseley for ridding him of the traitor in his midst. These actions benefited you men personally as well as the British Army. So you are well acquainted with our abilities. These are not minor issues gentlemen." Woolsley replies, "Any benefit to us personally is irrelevant to these discussions Mr. Eastman. We are here as representatives of Queen Victoria and what we do here today it is only for the benefit of her Empire.</p><p></p><p>George nods and concludes "So, gentlemen, the Queen and Egypt, do not need you now more than ever. In fact it is our assertion that we do not need you now, militarily, now , at all." General Wolseley says, "While an organized opposition still exists you do, whether you realize it yet or not. We are only looking out for our mutual best interests. That rebel Orabi would have brought Egypt to ruin. If we walk away now, leaving him whispering in Queen Neferka's ear, the same result will eventually occur."</p><p></p><p>"Wait a moment sirs. So you will ignore a direct service I rendered to you that was to your benefit in the name of benefit to the Empire, yet turn around and says that Orabi represents a something not of benefit? That seems a little disingenuous. However, since you seek only to serve Queen Victoria and the benefit of Empire as you have said, it is settled. Thank you for your agreement gentlemen. Egypt is not a part of the British Empire and so you, nor Queen Victoria have any voice, vote, influence or sway here.</p><p></p><p>Your request for military aid and assistance is hereby revoked and any troops remaining upon Egyptian soil can and will be tried for sedition and their presence seen as an act of war. In the name of the benefit of the Empire of course gentlemen. Egypt's affairs are Egypt's to solve. I need not remind you what happened upon the battlefield yesterday, or who protects this nation. Nor do you wish to receive the fates of the French who plotted against the monarchy." says George his face suddenly grim as he leans back in his chair.</p><p></p><p>"Hold on sir, we should not make any hasty decisions." Woolsley states, his voice a few octaves higher than before. General Graham interjects, "Perhaps we have gotten off to a poor start. Maybe a short recess or a spot of tea might be in order." George answers, "A poor start? Never gentlemen, and I think we must press on, strike while the iron is hot as it were. Under what pretext could you possible justify any continued presence here? I submit none. Nor will Egypt suffer any. And if you think that is disturbing gentlemen, we have a long day ahead of us. One you will not like. I will add that I have been in contact with some Boer representatives who are looking for allies to remove British influence from Africa entirely. I am sure you gentlemen, remember that action well.</p><p></p><p><em>DM's Out-of-Game comment to George's Player: "You Play Dirty! His response " Of course I do, and you love it!"</em></p><p></p><p>"So again I say, there is no conditions under which I can see a continued British military presence in Egypt. If you gentlemen can enlighten me as to a valid one, I would be delighted to hear it. Oh and you may have some tea as we discuss things, no need to leave." George calls over to one of the ogre guards in Arabic asking for tea to be served. Woolsley says, "Our continued presence is needed here because of the canal. Let us have the tea, then we can discuss it like civilized men."</p><p></p><p>George smiles "Why do we need to wait for tea to continue our discussion? Does the tea merely make us civilized, or or you implying I or my Egyptian colleagues are not civilized? No matter, the tea is on it's way, along with milk and sugar. No biscuits though I am afraid gentlemen. But I am glad you brought up the canal General Woolsley. For you are right in that a British military force would be needed to protect British interests in the canal. However....."</p><p></p><p>George pauses, takes a drink of water, relishing the looks of discomfort on the general's faces and continues "However, Her Majesty Queen Neferka, Pharaoh of Egypt and the Nile has deemed that the canal, being solely within the borders of Egypt, should be the sovereign right and entity of Egypt. Which is why the canal is to be seized and nationalized, today. The previous contracts over financing of the canal and preferential rates for ships of certain nations are hereby suspended and cancelled due to their being usurious, deceptive, and constructed to ensure the financial failure of the canal, thus forcing the relinquishing of interest by Egypt. This was done quite purposefully and now it shall be rectified. If the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland wishes to have ANY access to the canal, her representatives will be cooperative, or India may prove to be hard to rule having to sail around the Cape of Good Hope all the time. Oh look the tea is here." says George.</p><p></p><p>"Would you care for a cup of tea Princess?" George asks Amisi. "Yes please," she states. George pours the tea. None of the three Generals move or speak, all dumbfounded by George's pronouncement. General Drury-Lowe gestures the aides forward to pour the tea. While they are sipping the tea General Drury-Lowe finishes his quickly and says, "Since we are taking a short break I believe that now would be a good time for me to stretch my legs." As he reaches the door he moves his fist up to his mouth, presumably to suppress a cough, while looking back into the room. George hears a faint whisper in his ear in Drury-Lowe's voice saying "We should talk sir."</p><p></p><p>George, still looking at the princess, nods his head. "I hope you are following along well enough Amisi. Please do excuse me for a moment I need to fetch something from the other room. " George approaches Hassan and whispers in his ear. "How did you like those salvos Colonel." he says with a grin. "I need to get something from another room, keep an eye on things here for me." "Pardon me gentlemen, I need to fetch an article I forgot. I shall not be long" says George to the remaining generals. Once outside he quickly find Drury-Lowe who is walking in the garden. "General, I am glad to see you feeling much better than at our last meeting. What can I do for you." George asks.</p><p></p><p>Drury-Lowe walks right up to George and asks "Are you daft? I was under the impression that you attempting to stop a minor war. Now it appears that you wish to incite a major one instead. I am not sure that you understand the degree of latitude that General Woolsley has been granted in this situation. Do you want a military occupation of Egypt by Great Britain? Honestly sir, that is not what we are seeking. But if we are forced to do that as the only means of preventing an economic collapse of our banking system, then that is what we will have to do."</p><p></p><p>George stares hard at the man for a moment. "You are welcome, again, for allowing me to save your life." begins George with such acidity that the words hang in the air. "Daft am I? Daft as a fox? Or simply David to the Imperial Goliath? I don't care what latitude Woolsely has been granted if he will act as an impertinent toady to Gladstone's slavish devotion to the lending houses of London. The fact remains that Gladstone's only motivation is economic. And if you want to use that as justification for an invasion? How will the British press spin that into a jingoistic rhetoric? The fact is that these people here deserve self-determination, not subjugation. Economic, militarily or political. Perhaps it is naivety, perhaps I am idealistic and not realistic. But in your heart sir, do you thing that the rampant expansion of the British Empire and subjugation of millions of people who had their own government and economic systems, all to line the pockets of noblemen and plutocrats in London is ethical? Is what the gods would deem just, good or holy? I don't believe so. Just because Britain has found itself ahead of the curve in technology does not give it free reign to crush other cultures. But then again it was your brutal treatment of the Irish that lead to having the man power to grow such an Empire in the first place.</p><p></p><p>As for war. Well, it would seem war had come to Egypt whether I would it or not. But ask yourself this Drury, after the Afghan War, the Zulu War, Ninth-Xhosa, the Boer War, which is heating up again from what I hear. Nigeria and Burma are proving to be very difficult for the army to penetrate and exert control over. 'The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire'." drones George. "If you wish to have Woolsley involve the Empire in yet another war so be it. I understand the strategic and military significance of the canal. I also know how underhanded, manipulative and strong armed the British were in getting it built with a repugnant deal that left Egypt holding all the debt while English Banks reaped all the profits with no risk.</p><p></p><p>So maybe I am daft for wanting justice. Maybe I am daft for demanding fair treatment, maybe I am daft for risking a larger war. But I know what is right. I know what needs to be. Are these absolute demands? Perhaps. Am I willing to listen to compromises, absolutely. I am a negotiator, that is what I am here to do. But do not think these are idle threats. Britain has no legal standing to be here, not even to secure it's 'economic interests'. I am a man of convictions, a man of beliefs, a man of courage. And I will not back down from a fight because a bully threatens me. " George finally stops, he had been getting heated, his finger had extended and he had been shaking it at the General. These were things he had kept suppressed from the negotiations table. But here he had let his emotions loose. "My apologies General. I became rather emotional. Do not discount the words, rather take the passion they were spoken with and magnify their meaning with it."</p><p></p><p>Drury-Lowe pauses and then says, "Mr. Eastman. I think that you have failed to comprehend something here. You and I are on the same side. I do not disagree with the vast majority of what you have just said. I want this to end peacefully. And yes, the last thing the Empire needs now is another war. General Woolsley however is a good soldier and will follow his orders, and not necessary apply the flexibility needed to seek a compromise. The same is true of Graham. The approach that you were taking was not the correct approach to take with them. If you draw a line in the sand General Woolsley will see that as a challenge to walk over that line. He is a soldier, not a diplomat. That is why I wished to speak to you privately. While I too am a soldier, I am a cavalry officer, where flexibility and compromise are critical parts of the job. He will break through a wall in his path while I will seek a way to ride around it."</p><p></p><p>George offers Drury a cigar. As both men smoke, George asks "Ok, cavalry officer. How do I flank Woolsely?" asks George blowing a smoke ring. Drury-Lowe says, "First, your strongest point was your reference to Bast, but that would mean little to him. He is not a religious man and had not even bothered to identify the Egyptian deity. Anybody with even cursory knowledge of Egypt would know that the Cat Goddess is Bast, not Isis. You should save the religious arguments for other negotiators and not him.</p><p></p><p>Second, he feels that Great Britain is currently in a position of strength. And militarily he is correct. Yes, we currently have the majority of our land forces in Tel el-Kabir, however we still have significant forces in Alexandria, Port Said, and the town of Suez. Currently Egypt has none of the King's forces in those places, those battalions had defected to Orabi's rebels and are now inland at Tel el-Kabir. Mr. Eastman, those are Egypt's three major ports. General Woolsley could easily take them over and hold them until British reinforcements arrive, using those ports to land at.</p><p></p><p>Third, you were incorrect in your previous assessment about Britain having no legal standing in Egypt. Because of the aforementioned legal manipulations by the British banks and William Ewart Gladstone, Britain could claim title to the canal itself and land immediately adjacent to the canal. You threatened to have Queen Neferka nationalize it, well Woolsley could make the exact same threat, and other nation's would recognize Britain's claim. So I would suggest the following approach. You need to give the General something, anything, that will show your willingness to compromise. Then call for a recess to allow me time to speak with him privately."</p><p></p><p>George blows another puff of smoke in silence for a moment. "I haven't laid all my cards on the table yet Drury. I doubt Woolsley would have a single ship left if he tried to take the ports. But that is not my goal. I will grant a recess so you can talk to him. But what bone to throw him? How about that I don't have Bast turn him into an actual goat" chuckles George. "Ok, how about if I state my previous comments were not absolute but my starting negotiation position? That indicates I am willing to compromise." Drury-Lowe says, "That's a good start, but you should also try to find something to also stroke his ego. That will put him in a better mind frame for our talk.</p><p></p><p>And Mr. Eastman, I truly am grateful for the rescue. I was not merely a target of convenience for those French, they needed me to be removed for their plan to be successful. This conversation between us right now, as well as the means that I used to request it, should make it obvious as to why that was so." George says, "Yes, unfortunately, not matter how much of a blackguard you might have been, I would have rescued you. I did not want to be rude and bring it up, but it is a rather, um, unusually talent not only for a military man, but especially an Englishman. You must have had to hide this yes? As for ego stroking, hrmmm. Nothing comes to mind. Suggestions?"</p><p></p><p>Drury-Lowe says, "I was a brash young Lieutenant at the Siege of Sevastopol back in Fifty-five, during the Crimean War. We were allied with the French at that engagement and during the siege I picked up a few tricks. While I have kept that quiet in British circles, one of the Frenchmen here in Egypt had also been at Sevastopol and was aware of my training. And just now, I took no small risk in exposing myself to you. But I felt that you wouldn't save my life one day only to cause me to be hanged the next. As for how to butter Garnet's bread, just play it by ear. Get him talking and he is sure to mention something that you can latch onto."</p><p></p><p>"No, I wouldn't expose you for such tricks as you would call them. As for Woolsley I will play it by ear. My thanks though sir." says George extending his hand. "Best that you enter first and I will be along in a few minutes." George waits a bit to finish his cigar to give Drury a chance to enter the room alone. He proceeds in and finds everyone waiting for him.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 7045827, member: 8530"] [I]And now back to our story:[/I] [B]Chapter 125, "Round Two: The British Army", September 13, 1882, 9:30 AM.[/B] George smiles at Amisi, "I think you have become a bit enamored with me princess, and I think it is partially out of a sense of gratitude. It is not uncommon for people to become infatuated with their rescuers. And were I not already engaged, I would leap at an opportunity to seek a marriage in the Royal family. And not to merely be in the Royal family, but to have so beautiful a woman as you as a bride. Some man will be truly lucky to have you. But I wish that you are able to marry for love as I will be doing. And I am terribly flattered that you would even consider me a fit man, worthy of such an honor." says George taking the princess's hand in his. "You deserve someone even better than me. Perhaps Colonel Hassan? He is a fine man who charged with me into the palace. But I would that you chose someone who you know, someone who you love. But for now Amisi, you have humbled me and I will always treasure you for it. However, I will speak of this to no one, for no one need know your desires but yourself." George bends over and kisses her hand. "You will find the right man, I am unfortunately not him, for he shall have the most beautiful woman in the world second only to my beloved fiancee." ends George straightening. George take a deep breathe looks to see that Amisi has composed herself and waits for Hassan's return. A disappointed look crosses her face. She does compose herself quickly and then smiles at George. She then states, "I am aware that Miss West is designated to be your first wife, and it is wonderful that you love her. Our society does not impose the limitation of only one spouse. I would be honored to be your second wife. I am fifteen summers old and your physicians can verify that I have never been with a man. I know that I can make you happy Sir, the women in my father's harem have given me personal instruction in how to please a man. You will grow to love me too." George smiles again. "Have you spoken to your sister about this, I wonder? Amisi, again I am quite flattered. You do have to understand though that in my culture, not only is polygamy not socially acceptable, it is illegal. Additionally in America, you are too young to be married. And that is where my home and business are Amisi, so it is not that I can pick up and live permanently here in Egypt. And for me to take the heir to the throne out of the country permanently would be tantamount to sedition. There are many obstacles to the union you are proposing. Not unless Bast and Aphrodite themselves appeared to compel me, could I overcome such obstacles. Egypt needs you more than I do. Being a princess often means putting the needs of your nation before your own. Look at your sister's marriage. While I may have played some small role in the salvation of the nation, there are others who deserve recognition more. But I do think all this talk is a bit premature, we still need to get this treaty done. Yes the French are gone, but your sister has a divided and occupied nation she sits over. Let us focus on that before our personal desire for the moment." says George giving Amisi's hand a little squeeze before releasing it. George turns back to his notes before adding "I would think some of my friends who aiding in saving Egypt might be less encumbered to accept such a gift as your, if your would be open to such," without looking up. She gasps and says, "Oh no sir, my sister would never agree to such a thing. It is you who she is indebted to for these negotiations, not those old American men." Much to George's relief, Colonel Hassan returns with papers in his hands. "I have the breakdown here, by unit, of all troops as of three days ago. The summarized version is that for the Battle on Kassassin on the 10th the British fielded a total of 18,543 troops. Of those, 285 were killed, 1,922 wounded and another 63 missing for a total of 2,270 casualties. That left them a fighting force of 16,273 for this morning's battle. The fighting was comparatively light, having just gotten started, when your team arrived and forced the truce. My staff estimate that during this morning's skirmishes fewer than 100 British troops died with around twice that number wounded, which would leave their fighting forces at approximately 16,000. Those are the troops right here in this region. Elsewhere in Egypt the British have 3,129 Naval forces and 2,331 army forces for a total of 5,460. They were primarily assigned to Alexandria, although many of those naval forces are currently docked at Port Sa'id and the town of Suez, as their ships were the ones used to transport the army to the canal. Does that help Mr. Eastman." He replies, "Very much Colonel. Again, this gives me a starting point to negotiate from. I think we can send the British delegation in now." The scribes and guards are called back and everybody gets in their places. The British delegation arrive. Not surprisingly, all are members of the British military, with three generals, each of whom has a lieutenant colonel as their personal aide, and the two scribes. One scribe is a major, the other scribe is an older enlisted man with the stripes of a master sergeant (who is apparently the Arabic scribe). George recognizes all three leaders as General Garnet Wolseley, General Drury Curzon Drury-Lowe, and General Gerald Graham. "Welcome representatives of The British Armed Forces of the United Kingdom who negotiate for and on behalf of, Her Majesty Queen Victoria. May I introduce the hosts of this conference. Her Royal Highness Princess Amisi, Colonel Hassan of Her Majesty's 3rd Royal Rifle Company of Alexandria. I am the lead negotiator for Her Highness, Queen Neferka, Pharaoh of the Lands of Egypt and the Nile, George Eastman, interim Chief of Staff for Her Majesty." begins George in English looking expectantly at the generals. General Wolseley begins by thanking George for his interventions the previous morning, first in rescuing General Duruy-Lowe, and second in returning him to battle and exposing the imposter. General Duruy-Lowe also thanks George. George nods to Amisi who sits and then all the men sit. "You are quite welcome gentlemen. As to the imposter, I trust that he has been taken care of. Of course one might say that many people impersonated British officers before the Cardwell reforms." George smiles at his little jest. "But all of the French who were involved in the plot were punished appropriately by divine justice. That of course gentlemen, trumps earthly laws. I am afraid there is nothing left to turn over to you in that regard." Woolsley replies, "Very good, indeed divine justice takes priority in such matters. We all witnessed the Egyptian deity on the field of battle, although I am unclear as to whether that was Isis or Bast. At any rate, it was obvious that the French alone were who she viewed as the threat. From that it is clear that we have the divine blessing of the land's Goddess to continue our alliance in support of the Egyptian Government. "It was Bast gentlemen. However, do not mistake her lack of punishment as support, tacit or explicit. Your support of the Egyptian monarchy is welcome, but only unencumbered by imperial designs. Your support was most welcome, but as the rebels are no longer an issue, there is no need for your continued physical military presence." says George, still with a smile. Woolsley answers, "No need? Mr. Eastman, I am not overly surprised by that conclusion, but it is incorrect. The new young monarch was never trained to lead, so I am not surprised by a degree of naivety. However, you are an experienced business man, with international connections, surely you see otherwise? If Queen Neferka's father, with his decades of experience, felt the need to call on us for military support then it stands to reason that under the present circumstances there is even more need. This new ruler has but half of her father's forces, has an organized opposition camped just a few hours from where we currently sit, and has inherited a leadership vacuum that many of her father's Egyptian political rivals will be all too happy to help fill for her. You need us now more than ever." "It is not a concussion, sir, it is a statement of fact. As for the Queen being untrained, well, Queen Victoria was never trained to lead, and became Queen at a younger age than Neferka, and that has seemed to work out fairly well. In fact gentlemen, you have made an erroneous assumption that she was not trained to lead, for she has been. I can tell you from personal conversations with her, she is quite adept and competent to rule. As to her father's rule, yes he had decades of experience. But then again so did Charles the first of the England. Do not equate time with experience gentlemen. As for your other assertions, the organized opposition will be dealt with by the end of these talks. While indeed there is a political vacuum, the Queen also has on her side a most definitive and persuasive demonstration of divine providence to rule by Bast herself. Few Egyptians would dare violate such a demonstration from one of their gods so soon, if ever. And lastly, the Queen has me. A confidant you yourself have deemed qualified. I and my colleagues have been quite active in establishing peace in this nation. General Drury-Lowe owes his life and liberty to our actions. Not that I begrudge him that, nor to General Woolseley for ridding him of the traitor in his midst. These actions benefited you men personally as well as the British Army. So you are well acquainted with our abilities. These are not minor issues gentlemen." Woolsley replies, "Any benefit to us personally is irrelevant to these discussions Mr. Eastman. We are here as representatives of Queen Victoria and what we do here today it is only for the benefit of her Empire. George nods and concludes "So, gentlemen, the Queen and Egypt, do not need you now more than ever. In fact it is our assertion that we do not need you now, militarily, now , at all." General Wolseley says, "While an organized opposition still exists you do, whether you realize it yet or not. We are only looking out for our mutual best interests. That rebel Orabi would have brought Egypt to ruin. If we walk away now, leaving him whispering in Queen Neferka's ear, the same result will eventually occur." "Wait a moment sirs. So you will ignore a direct service I rendered to you that was to your benefit in the name of benefit to the Empire, yet turn around and says that Orabi represents a something not of benefit? That seems a little disingenuous. However, since you seek only to serve Queen Victoria and the benefit of Empire as you have said, it is settled. Thank you for your agreement gentlemen. Egypt is not a part of the British Empire and so you, nor Queen Victoria have any voice, vote, influence or sway here. Your request for military aid and assistance is hereby revoked and any troops remaining upon Egyptian soil can and will be tried for sedition and their presence seen as an act of war. In the name of the benefit of the Empire of course gentlemen. Egypt's affairs are Egypt's to solve. I need not remind you what happened upon the battlefield yesterday, or who protects this nation. Nor do you wish to receive the fates of the French who plotted against the monarchy." says George his face suddenly grim as he leans back in his chair. "Hold on sir, we should not make any hasty decisions." Woolsley states, his voice a few octaves higher than before. General Graham interjects, "Perhaps we have gotten off to a poor start. Maybe a short recess or a spot of tea might be in order." George answers, "A poor start? Never gentlemen, and I think we must press on, strike while the iron is hot as it were. Under what pretext could you possible justify any continued presence here? I submit none. Nor will Egypt suffer any. And if you think that is disturbing gentlemen, we have a long day ahead of us. One you will not like. I will add that I have been in contact with some Boer representatives who are looking for allies to remove British influence from Africa entirely. I am sure you gentlemen, remember that action well. [I]DM's Out-of-Game comment to George's Player: "You Play Dirty! His response " Of course I do, and you love it!"[/I] "So again I say, there is no conditions under which I can see a continued British military presence in Egypt. If you gentlemen can enlighten me as to a valid one, I would be delighted to hear it. Oh and you may have some tea as we discuss things, no need to leave." George calls over to one of the ogre guards in Arabic asking for tea to be served. Woolsley says, "Our continued presence is needed here because of the canal. Let us have the tea, then we can discuss it like civilized men." George smiles "Why do we need to wait for tea to continue our discussion? Does the tea merely make us civilized, or or you implying I or my Egyptian colleagues are not civilized? No matter, the tea is on it's way, along with milk and sugar. No biscuits though I am afraid gentlemen. But I am glad you brought up the canal General Woolsley. For you are right in that a British military force would be needed to protect British interests in the canal. However....." George pauses, takes a drink of water, relishing the looks of discomfort on the general's faces and continues "However, Her Majesty Queen Neferka, Pharaoh of Egypt and the Nile has deemed that the canal, being solely within the borders of Egypt, should be the sovereign right and entity of Egypt. Which is why the canal is to be seized and nationalized, today. The previous contracts over financing of the canal and preferential rates for ships of certain nations are hereby suspended and cancelled due to their being usurious, deceptive, and constructed to ensure the financial failure of the canal, thus forcing the relinquishing of interest by Egypt. This was done quite purposefully and now it shall be rectified. If the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland wishes to have ANY access to the canal, her representatives will be cooperative, or India may prove to be hard to rule having to sail around the Cape of Good Hope all the time. Oh look the tea is here." says George. "Would you care for a cup of tea Princess?" George asks Amisi. "Yes please," she states. George pours the tea. None of the three Generals move or speak, all dumbfounded by George's pronouncement. General Drury-Lowe gestures the aides forward to pour the tea. While they are sipping the tea General Drury-Lowe finishes his quickly and says, "Since we are taking a short break I believe that now would be a good time for me to stretch my legs." As he reaches the door he moves his fist up to his mouth, presumably to suppress a cough, while looking back into the room. George hears a faint whisper in his ear in Drury-Lowe's voice saying "We should talk sir." George, still looking at the princess, nods his head. "I hope you are following along well enough Amisi. Please do excuse me for a moment I need to fetch something from the other room. " George approaches Hassan and whispers in his ear. "How did you like those salvos Colonel." he says with a grin. "I need to get something from another room, keep an eye on things here for me." "Pardon me gentlemen, I need to fetch an article I forgot. I shall not be long" says George to the remaining generals. Once outside he quickly find Drury-Lowe who is walking in the garden. "General, I am glad to see you feeling much better than at our last meeting. What can I do for you." George asks. Drury-Lowe walks right up to George and asks "Are you daft? I was under the impression that you attempting to stop a minor war. Now it appears that you wish to incite a major one instead. I am not sure that you understand the degree of latitude that General Woolsley has been granted in this situation. Do you want a military occupation of Egypt by Great Britain? Honestly sir, that is not what we are seeking. But if we are forced to do that as the only means of preventing an economic collapse of our banking system, then that is what we will have to do." George stares hard at the man for a moment. "You are welcome, again, for allowing me to save your life." begins George with such acidity that the words hang in the air. "Daft am I? Daft as a fox? Or simply David to the Imperial Goliath? I don't care what latitude Woolsely has been granted if he will act as an impertinent toady to Gladstone's slavish devotion to the lending houses of London. The fact remains that Gladstone's only motivation is economic. And if you want to use that as justification for an invasion? How will the British press spin that into a jingoistic rhetoric? The fact is that these people here deserve self-determination, not subjugation. Economic, militarily or political. Perhaps it is naivety, perhaps I am idealistic and not realistic. But in your heart sir, do you thing that the rampant expansion of the British Empire and subjugation of millions of people who had their own government and economic systems, all to line the pockets of noblemen and plutocrats in London is ethical? Is what the gods would deem just, good or holy? I don't believe so. Just because Britain has found itself ahead of the curve in technology does not give it free reign to crush other cultures. But then again it was your brutal treatment of the Irish that lead to having the man power to grow such an Empire in the first place. As for war. Well, it would seem war had come to Egypt whether I would it or not. But ask yourself this Drury, after the Afghan War, the Zulu War, Ninth-Xhosa, the Boer War, which is heating up again from what I hear. Nigeria and Burma are proving to be very difficult for the army to penetrate and exert control over. 'The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire'." drones George. "If you wish to have Woolsley involve the Empire in yet another war so be it. I understand the strategic and military significance of the canal. I also know how underhanded, manipulative and strong armed the British were in getting it built with a repugnant deal that left Egypt holding all the debt while English Banks reaped all the profits with no risk. So maybe I am daft for wanting justice. Maybe I am daft for demanding fair treatment, maybe I am daft for risking a larger war. But I know what is right. I know what needs to be. Are these absolute demands? Perhaps. Am I willing to listen to compromises, absolutely. I am a negotiator, that is what I am here to do. But do not think these are idle threats. Britain has no legal standing to be here, not even to secure it's 'economic interests'. I am a man of convictions, a man of beliefs, a man of courage. And I will not back down from a fight because a bully threatens me. " George finally stops, he had been getting heated, his finger had extended and he had been shaking it at the General. These were things he had kept suppressed from the negotiations table. But here he had let his emotions loose. "My apologies General. I became rather emotional. Do not discount the words, rather take the passion they were spoken with and magnify their meaning with it." Drury-Lowe pauses and then says, "Mr. Eastman. I think that you have failed to comprehend something here. You and I are on the same side. I do not disagree with the vast majority of what you have just said. I want this to end peacefully. And yes, the last thing the Empire needs now is another war. General Woolsley however is a good soldier and will follow his orders, and not necessary apply the flexibility needed to seek a compromise. The same is true of Graham. The approach that you were taking was not the correct approach to take with them. If you draw a line in the sand General Woolsley will see that as a challenge to walk over that line. He is a soldier, not a diplomat. That is why I wished to speak to you privately. While I too am a soldier, I am a cavalry officer, where flexibility and compromise are critical parts of the job. He will break through a wall in his path while I will seek a way to ride around it." George offers Drury a cigar. As both men smoke, George asks "Ok, cavalry officer. How do I flank Woolsely?" asks George blowing a smoke ring. Drury-Lowe says, "First, your strongest point was your reference to Bast, but that would mean little to him. He is not a religious man and had not even bothered to identify the Egyptian deity. Anybody with even cursory knowledge of Egypt would know that the Cat Goddess is Bast, not Isis. You should save the religious arguments for other negotiators and not him. Second, he feels that Great Britain is currently in a position of strength. And militarily he is correct. Yes, we currently have the majority of our land forces in Tel el-Kabir, however we still have significant forces in Alexandria, Port Said, and the town of Suez. Currently Egypt has none of the King's forces in those places, those battalions had defected to Orabi's rebels and are now inland at Tel el-Kabir. Mr. Eastman, those are Egypt's three major ports. General Woolsley could easily take them over and hold them until British reinforcements arrive, using those ports to land at. Third, you were incorrect in your previous assessment about Britain having no legal standing in Egypt. Because of the aforementioned legal manipulations by the British banks and William Ewart Gladstone, Britain could claim title to the canal itself and land immediately adjacent to the canal. You threatened to have Queen Neferka nationalize it, well Woolsley could make the exact same threat, and other nation's would recognize Britain's claim. So I would suggest the following approach. You need to give the General something, anything, that will show your willingness to compromise. Then call for a recess to allow me time to speak with him privately." George blows another puff of smoke in silence for a moment. "I haven't laid all my cards on the table yet Drury. I doubt Woolsley would have a single ship left if he tried to take the ports. But that is not my goal. I will grant a recess so you can talk to him. But what bone to throw him? How about that I don't have Bast turn him into an actual goat" chuckles George. "Ok, how about if I state my previous comments were not absolute but my starting negotiation position? That indicates I am willing to compromise." Drury-Lowe says, "That's a good start, but you should also try to find something to also stroke his ego. That will put him in a better mind frame for our talk. And Mr. Eastman, I truly am grateful for the rescue. I was not merely a target of convenience for those French, they needed me to be removed for their plan to be successful. This conversation between us right now, as well as the means that I used to request it, should make it obvious as to why that was so." George says, "Yes, unfortunately, not matter how much of a blackguard you might have been, I would have rescued you. I did not want to be rude and bring it up, but it is a rather, um, unusually talent not only for a military man, but especially an Englishman. You must have had to hide this yes? As for ego stroking, hrmmm. Nothing comes to mind. Suggestions?" Drury-Lowe says, "I was a brash young Lieutenant at the Siege of Sevastopol back in Fifty-five, during the Crimean War. We were allied with the French at that engagement and during the siege I picked up a few tricks. While I have kept that quiet in British circles, one of the Frenchmen here in Egypt had also been at Sevastopol and was aware of my training. And just now, I took no small risk in exposing myself to you. But I felt that you wouldn't save my life one day only to cause me to be hanged the next. As for how to butter Garnet's bread, just play it by ear. Get him talking and he is sure to mention something that you can latch onto." "No, I wouldn't expose you for such tricks as you would call them. As for Woolsley I will play it by ear. My thanks though sir." says George extending his hand. "Best that you enter first and I will be along in a few minutes." George waits a bit to finish his cigar to give Drury a chance to enter the room alone. He proceeds in and finds everyone waiting for him. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
Top