8. Chariot anyone?

MPONDO WAS shocked to have met no resistance so far. He would have expected the Indians to charge out of their territory and set up a harassing retreat to slow the Zulu’s down enough for the Russians to be decisively beaten. Then, once the Zulu’s were into their territory the Indians would bring their armies to bear, and try and break down the Zulu army which was in disorder. Mpondo had planned to make it appear that his army was smaller than it was, then hit the Indians with the core of his armies. His victory would give the Russians new heart, and then the Indian empire would be his. But the Indians had not advanced at all. They had stayed in their fortifications. They had also told the Germans not to attack, they were content to face the Zulu’s alone on an even footing. Rumors were there had been massive troop movements ahead of his army. Mpondo could see from the clouds of dust raised that a large army seemed to be approaching the fortifications from the Indian side, at the same time, soldiers seemed to be leaving the fortifications. What the hell was going on??
Mpondo's army kept moving forward. Mpondo planned to overrun the defenders here with sheer numbers, and move on as soon as possible. He planned to lead the charge of the first elephant unit. The mountains loomed large overhead, and Mpondo felt the joy of battle drawing near.
"Charge!!!"
The Indians held their pikes high, beckoning the Elephants near. Then, at 40 yards away the world exploded. Mpondo, being immortal was not killed by the metal pellet rushing into his chest. He lay in pain on the ground whilst his body rebuilt organs. The metal pellet rolled out of his chest and onto the ground. Within minutes Mpondo could walk, albeit stiffly, he felt a pain in his heart, but it was not just the rebuilt organs fusing awkwardly with his old ones, it was the destruction of his attack. Was his army so far behind the times, was his empire so antiquated, could he rule the rest of his term. Looking to the victorious Indians celebrating he decided that a major rethink was needed.
Lenin was surprised how recklessly his diplomats used his money. The Russian Empire was now penniless as reparations were paid to the English and Indians. Humiliating turns had also been enforced onto the Zulu’s. Lenin was pleased to note however the friction between the Indians and the English, some Indian units were being moved into locations along the border. However, Lenin had to admit those units might have been put their because there was no-where else to put them. An immense line of fortifications were built around the Indian Empire, and these were heavily fortified, so they could not be bribed away. Then roads had been built to every one of these fortifications.
All around the Indian cities were irrigation, and roads, and mines. Lenin desperately wanted that empire. He realized that everyone did. That was why the fortifications were there. The only way that he could get a piece of the Indian empire was with the helps of the Zulu’s, & the English. Since Mpondo had been wounded little had been heard from the Zulu Empire. It had hidden itself away. What Lenin would like to do is form a closer alliance with everyone against the Indians, but he had not gone about it the right way, his blood soaked vision alienating the Chinese, his plans destroying the Zulu army, more specifically Petrovsky's plans. The Germans could not ally with the Russians so long as the Russians were allied with the Zulu’s. Meanwhile his civilization still controlled the English capital and he had just finished a conquest which had resulted in a great deal of blood lost on both sides. No, the Indian problem required a diplomacy which would take a great deal of time and efforts. Looking at the line of fortifications he became angry... he swept his hands across it knocking the plastic representations of Indians units across the room.... if only destroying the Indian units were as easy.
Elizabeth hated the way that the Indians had anticipated her moods. She wanted revenge on the Indians for placing units on her border. But with what? The Russians had taken a heavy toll on her armies. She needed to rebuild her armies, and quickly. She would sell all of her granaries, let her population starve for a little while, that way they would be more grateful when her conquests bore fruit. "Moreau!", She called her advisor.
Moreau was beginning to hate this woman. He received little thanks for all the work that he did, all the diplomacy he had to impart when issuing her often-bizarre orders went unnoticed. What worried her though was her hatred of all other civilizations. Now Moreau was listening to some totally insane orders- sell all the improvements they had toiled so hard for. What was going on?? Could he stand by and watch this woman (immortal though she was) ruin what they had worked for. Elizabeth stopped talking. She anticipated Moreau's confirmation that he had received the orders and then his swift departure, but  Moreau just stood there. Then he suddenly became very animated:
"No, these orders are insane, much like you have become..."
In 1000 years of immortality no one had dared contradict Elizabeth. Surprisingly she did not feel much anger. Moreau stood impotently waiting for some response. Elizabeth suddenly realized that she loved this man...
Frederick’s empire once again was blossoming. Now that the Zulu armies had retreated the Germans could get back to what they did best, trade. German chariots were 'in'. A popular German chariot company, Mercedes had recently sold a vast no. to the English. Frederick was not worried about selling arms to enemies any more. The Indian Empire had ably demonstrated its ability to protect its allies, and Frederick woke up every morning staring at that document, housed opposite his bed. That was a brilliant decision to make an alliance with the Indians. He was a great ruler, the German Empire would soon rule the world not by force of arms but by trade.
Mao considered the current political situation. The Indians were all powerful in the center. They had all the technology, a great deal  of land and a massive economy. But their strength was also their weakness as a group of civilizations surrounded them, all wanting a share of the spoils.
Mao was not surprised when the envoy came. He sensed a change in the atmosphere. Frederick was loyal to the Indians so long as they protected him, but the Indians could ask for little from his puny empire. Meanwhile the Russians & English both had imperialistic tendencies which made them want to raise the Indian Empire to the ground. Although Mao speculated, if they did it would only be a matter of time before they raised each other. Their mutual hatred of the Indians could lead to an alliance against the Indians. This would give the Germans no chance to help the Indians. Russians units would move through English territory. Mao noted the new fortifications along the Indian/ English border. Obviously Gandhi had spotted this threat. Now this envoy from the Russians, hinting at a renewed attack by the Russians & the English at the Indians, and seeking a reaction from Mao.
Should he attack the Indian Empire? It offered great spoils, but even greater threats. Mao had always considered himself a force acting against barbarism. Nations had to maintain armies to keep the peace, Mao felt no contradiction of his morality in maintaining an army. However, he would not use it to attack. The Indians had proven themselves to be above petty imperialistic tendencies, maybe that was a weakness? It did not matter- he would not attack.
Mpondo's army, its morale crushed its leaders slain returned to its cities. Mpondo needed more time to think. The Indians were too powerful. This technology they possessed scared him. His scientists could not even begin to come up with answers to the questions he asked. What policy should he pursue. Hints had been cast towards the renewal of war. If he could capture one Indian city.. he would fight. It was Autumn- and the Zulu army prepared to go on the warpath.
It was autumn, season of change. Gandhi knew that soon his army would go to battle. It was not only his own intuition but also the reports of spies. It would seem this time the English would join in. No matter, for his scientists had worked on something spectacular, a weapon of unparalleled power- he would defeat his enemies, this time he would not show the compassion the Indian empire was known for, he would take no prisoners- these barbarians could not be trusted- so they must die..
Frederick knew war was coming. It would help his trade- but then, if the Zulu’s decided to attack him he must defend his empire. It was the Indian empire that the Zulu’s were after- Frederick would make peace- so what if it jeopardized the alliance- after the Zulu’s & the Indians annihilated each other he would need no alliances- and the value of the Chariot & Knights units his empire was hoarding would increase dramatically..

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