In 1823, President Mohenjo reached a monumental scientific breakthrough in the realm of transportation:  the Railroad.  Monstrous, steam-fuming, mechanical beasts began to lumber across the Harappan countryside with the beginning of the Harappa-Mohenjo-daro line, completed in 1828.  Then in 1835, the latter of those two cities founded Oxford University, a national wonder and haven for research and study in all manner of disciplines.  The Harappan collegiate system was unmatched in the world, attracting scholars from all its corners.  These inventions and developments proved yet again that Mohenjo and the Harappan people were clearly in the forefront of technology, innovation, and scientific endeavors, a trend perpetuated with the introduction of the Assembly Line in 1836. 

1828

1835

Mohenjo soon came to appreciate his new network of railroads more than he even imagined at first.  Continuing his military build-up, he was able to move forces quickly around the empire, concentrating on three key sectors.  The army garrisoned a sizable force in Novsharo to protect against Roman influence along the border.  Lyons retained the veterans of the French War, upgraded with the most modern equipment and weapons.  And Kot-diji served as the mustering in center for a possible overseas expeditionary force.  All three theatres required a delicate balance and careful attention.

With the end of hostilities in the Four Nation War, Mohenjo relaxed his gaze toward the far continent and breathed a sigh of relief.  That contentment turned again to anxiety in 1839 when Alexander declared war on Persia a second time.  The President faced a difficult position.  If he did nothing, he risked deteriorating relations with all parties.  If he waited, Harappa’s continental neighbors might take advantage of the second continent’s troubles to gain wealth and power.  But if he entered the fray, relations would surely sour precipitously with more than just the hostile nation.

So, the leader-monk reviewed his relations with the two aggressors.  The diplomatic corps reported that Harappa enjoyed much closer ties with Alexander.  So in 1842, after weighing all options, Mohenjo ordered the twelve division strong expeditionary force in Kot-diji to set sail for the second continent and a possible invasion of Persia.

1840

As the fleet sailed for Greek and Persian waters, Mohenjo waded in the diplomatic ocean, attuned to any event transpiring in this new war.  By 1841, he had devised the Scientific Method to aid even further in research and science.  The people discovered a new resource: oil.  Scientists analyzed the substance vigorously, hoping to harness it as a new energy source, like coal not long ago.  And St. Augustine completed an epic history of human civilization, declaring Harappa the most cultured people in the world.

1841

Mohenjo enjoyed reports of religious conversions still even in these modern, scientific times.  In 1842, the American city Atlanta embraced Judaism, obviously looking toward the beacon of light on the distant shores of Harappa, homeland of the Jewish faith.

In 1844, Mohenjo cemented relations, and a lucrative deal, with Victoria, trading her the benefits of Steam Power for Military Tradition and 1110 gold.  The President reasoned that prosperous trade with his continental neighbors could ensure peace on the borders while engaged overseas.

But all was not happy in Harappa.  For the first time in the history of her people, angry mobs and citizens roamed the streets of a Harappan city: Novsharo.  Some dissatisfied people grumbled about over-crowding.  However first and foremost, the key strategic urban center, with these loud dissenting voices, proved the hub of abolitionism, demanding Emancipation.  Sensitive to their plight, despite the adverse affect it might cause in international relations, Mohenjo signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  One conflict at a time, he thought.  Harappa certainly did not need domestic turmoil with war looming.  The movement thus satisfied, Novsharo returned to her earlier days of normalcy and productivity, just in time for the expeditionary force to reach Persia.  Cyrus was not thrilled with the first Harappan messenger, nor his message, to reach his court.

1846

1848

Soldiers of the expeditionary force were glad to set their feet on solid land, again, and were in high morale on the march to the first Persian target: the former Barbarian settlement of Gepid, a modest northern Persia outpost.  Mohenjo’s generals knew that Harappan forces had to capture a foothold near the coast in order to ensure military success in the new world, so that future colonies could receive supplies, communications, and reinforcements. 

The long column advanced inland, fending off one assault, and finally reaching its destination in 1853, beginning preparations for an extended siege with the army’s new siege weapon: the cannon.  After a year of incessant bombardment and softening of the defenses, another new unit, three divisions of grenadiers specializing in city assault, attacked the stronghold, completely annihilating the depleted and demoralized garrison, capturing 194 gold, and seizing the town.  The victorious troops marched in to begin a lengthy occupation.  While the victory propelled the Harappan to 10 million souls, it would be eight years before Gepid was brought under civil control.

1854

Meanwhile, in diplomatic circles, Mohenjo had reason to both celebrate and be frustrated.  As the Siege of Gepid got underway, Montezuma entered the war against Persia.  With the new combatant, the people praised their President for choosing the right side in this fight.  Relations seemed to improve with the allies, as well.  In 1857, Alexander desperately asked for iron, to which Mohenjo willingly obliged.  Montezuma then offered to exchange Aztec clams for powerful war horses to equip his knights in the ongoing campaign.  Obviously, it was to the Harappan’s benefit that Montezuma possess a modern army, as with the Greek’s need for Iron, only this time they even received something in return.

Unfortunately, the next year Alexander repaid Harappan kindness with a curt and righteous demand that Mohenjo adopt Hellenism’s state religion: Hinduism.  Mohenjo adamantly replied that such a course of action was out of the question for his government.   Then matters deteriorated when the Greek ruler made a separate peace with Cyrus the same year.  With Harappa’s major second continent ally out of the war, Mohenjo only hoped that Montezuma could hold his own against the powerful Persian forces.  Then in 1859, the leader-monk wondered if he might require assistance from a closer neighbor when a Persian Frigate appeared off of the Islamic holy city at Lothal.  While devoid of any invasion fleet and basically harmless, it nonetheless illustrate that Cyrus could project power abroad, if desired.  The armies in Novsharo and Lyons immediately went on alert.

1858

During the infant days of the Persian War, Mohenjo continued his scientific studies, this time with an eye to understanding the world and nature about him.  His own people had begun to displace and consume more and more of the natural world as time progressed.  Many wanted to protect the environment, even advocating that its decline would bring similar consequences to the people responsible for it.  Sympathetic to their cause, Mohenjo discovered Biology in 1849 as a means to study the natural world and all of life that inhabited it.  The advancement paved the way for a breakthrough in Medicine in 1860 and civic reforms in Environmentalism.  But while the new government stressed protection, proper use, and responsible stewardship of the nation’s natural resources, destruction reigned on the other side of the world.

As the Harappan Expeditionary Force harassed the Persian countryside, thwarted minor counter-attacks, and began preparations for marching on the next enemy city, another combatant entered the fray in 1863 – unfortunately on the side of Cyrus.  Persian neighbor America declared war against Harappa’s ally, Montezuma, no doubt effectively taking him from the fight against Persia.  Perhaps weakened in the fight already, the Mesoamericans could not defend against a fresh and strong enemy.  Roosevelt’s soldiers captured an Aztec city just five years later. 

Knowing that they would always need to rely on only themselves in the end, anyway, Mohenjo moved his people onward to greater industrialization.  He invented the combustion engine in 1868 as innovators across the empire sought to apply its wonders in the realms of transportation and military affairs.  Factories emerged in Harappa, Novsharo, and Lothal with plans for similar projects in other cities already commenced or scheduled.

1868

Furthermore, Harappan culture and religion continued to blossom.  A renowned artist, Michelangelo, emerged in the capital city of Harappa.  The President, fully realizing what circumstances his colonists faced in Gepid, ordered the creative genius to the new continent, so that the empire’s latest citizens might enjoy a bit of Harappan heritage.  The colonists also embraced the religion Islam.  In these modern days of advanced science, the people still sought spiritual guidance and faith.  It was with those interests in mind that the leader-monk had already discussed with the nation’s top clerics to send a Jewish missionary to spread the state’s faith in the new world.

The Harappan people continued to use the natural world in which God had so richly blessed them.  In 1877, Mohenjo discovered Physics and scientists finally unveiled the presence and benefits of the new resource uranium.  The ore would soon be mined outside Mohenjo-daro.  And one year later, engineers completed the country’s first oil well, outside Kot-diji, an invaluable commodity for the new combustion engine – almost a necessity, you might say!

1877

1878

With all that was happening in science, culture, economics, and religion, it was just enough to keep things from spiraling out of perspective for the tireless President – especially as international affairs seemed to begin to unravel.  In 1874, Julius Caesar had decided to join the war against Montezuma.  Now battered by two enemies, the erstwhile allies faced an improbable circumstance.  And with Rome’s position on the Harappan border, Mohenjo dared not come to the Aztecs’ aid, at the expense of risking a war much closer to home.  Then in 1879, the sly fox Napoleon slipped across the German border and began a new fight with Bismarck.  With one neighbor involved in the struggle overseas, and a broiling brawl commencing on the home continent, Mohenjo looked to a quick end in Persia – especially with a likely need to help the Germans at home against an old adversary.

That same year, another Jewish missionary spread that faith to Rome, Caesar’s capital, in efforts to continue shoring up relations with the Latin neighbor.  The missionary journey to Gepid was also completed in 1883, the year that American troops marched into Tenochtitlan, capital of Azteca.  Despite continued religious success, that major loss reinforced the need to end the war overseas, as reinforcements marched on Susa in west central Persia.  In 1886, the Harappan army laid siege to the enemy garrison, pounding it relentlessly.  The following year, ranks of cavalry and rifleman charged the defenses with support from hundreds of cannons.  In bloody and chaotic fighting, the empire’s troops emerged victorious as the dust settled over the broken city.  Capturing 154 gold in the triumph, the successful troops braced to subdue the restless and rebellious populous.  Then, in 1888, wishing to wrap up his colonial struggle, Mohenjo offered peace terms to Cyrus.  The resultant Treaty of Gepid awarded Harappa 70 gold plus 9 more per annum in reparations.  But with friends battered on two continents, would the people of Harappa enjoy peace for very long?

1886

Mohenjo continued his scientific endeavors to further the knowledge of industry with the discovery of Electricity in 1886.  So as the final battle in the Persian War got underway, even new means of power and energy saw fruition in developments.  Then the military built the Pentagon in Novsharo one year later, an impressive command and control facility to increase the army’s administration.  Its efficient bureaucracy would mean better units and a leaner fighting force.

1887

That experience would soon be put to the test.  In 1889, close friend Bismarck approached Mohenjo at the diplomatic table with a major request:  Help us in our cause against France.  Foreseeing this scenario as a possibility for years, Mohenjo had slowly prepared for such a contingency as the prosecution of the Persian War would allow.  In any event, he had Harappa pretty much ready, and he could not turn down an old friend.  Harappa declared war on France, this time determined to ensure that Napoleon could never again threaten continental stability.  It was grave news for the Corsican.  He now faced one of the most advanced, cultured, battle-tested and powerful nations on earth.  And, even after having to reduce science spending 10% for the first time in Harappan history, the wealthiest.

1891

It was not long before Napoleon would regret his transgressions against the German people.  Within four years of formally joining Bismarck in a military alliance, Mohenjo’s army was besieging the French coastal city Marseilles.  Long a resort for vacationers from all over the continent, Harappan cannon now pounded the city to rubble.  Regiments of cavalry and riflemen stormed across the sweeping prairie grass and charged the defenses.  With superior numbers, elite troops, and heavy guns in support, the beleaguered garrison stood little chance.  Within a year, in 1894, the city fell and Harappan forces poured through the streets, occupied administrative buildings, and confiscated 168 gold from the former mayor’s treasury.

As the army subdued the new conquest, affairs abroad gave the President both cause for delight and concern.  While the walls of Marseilles crumbled, Cyrus of Persia made peace with Montezuma.  The Aztec leader, rocked by the loss of his capital to the Americans already, saw another city, Teotihuacán, fall to the Romans in 1897, who had this time sent a large invasion fleet across the ocean.  Treading fast on his heels in the face of Roosevelt’s and Caesar’s onslaughts, the reprieve from Persia would hopefully give some respite to his retreating armies.

Also in 1894, the colonial town Susa finally quieted as the populace embraced Harappan rule.  However, Mohenjo knew that the territory would not remain Harappan for long without the benefits of his people’s culture, and feared the possibility of revolt.  So in that year, he ordered the great Michelangelo from Gepid to produce a wondrous work in the colony – a project of such awe for which the new citizens could boast.  He also slated a serious of rushed internal improvements, devoting a significant amount of treasury funds to the series of projects.  And the leader-monk hoped that a Jewish mission in 1903 would also help in the city.  This projection of Harappan culture would prove crucial to the social development of Mohenjo’s overseas colonies.

1894

During this time, Mohenjo also met with close friend Victoria.  The English queen was keen to acquire the Harappans’ advance knowledge of Medicine.  Mohenjo was aware that England possessed a new siege weapon, even more powerful and destructive than his army’s cannons.  So the two struck a mutually beneficial trade.  Mohenjo provided Medicine for the secrets of Artillery, the English map, and 80 gold.  As the Harappan high command drew up plans to assault Avignon and Orleans, Napoleon must have realized his dire situation – he sought terms with Bismarck.  While the loss of his close ally was certainly disconcerting, Mohenjo would not hold it against his friend, but instead determined to continue with the invasion plan.

1897

A year after the Prussian-Franco Peace, Harappan forces began their assault on the remote French outpost of Avignon.  With his batteries of cannon now replaced with new artillery, the poor Gauls never had a chance.  After capturing 116 gold, the army razed what little remained of the community after the battle, mostly as a courtesy to Victoria, upon whose border the coastal city sat, but also because of its remoteness to the empire.  The army turned west again.

In the meantime, Mohenjo provided his military with another possible weapon.  In 1901, he developed Industrialization and engineers constructed plans for the creation of beastly, armoured machines.  The new tank, though lumbering and unrefined, boasted devastating firepower and unprecedented protection.  Several factories commenced production.  Additionally, Harappan geologists discovered deposits of a new resource made available with the knowledge of Industrialization – Aluminum.  One source near Lothal appeared in existing mines, while the second would have to be tapped north of Harappa.

Caesar kept his persistent pressure on Montezuma, capturing Tlaxcala in 1901, just north of the original Harappan colony of Gepid.  Mohenjo wondered if the Aztec people could even survive.  Alexander continued to seek amicable relations with Mohenjo, offering Greek silver for Harappan silk.  The President heartily agreed.  Any friendship on the second continent should be nurtured and encouraged, he thought.

1902

Always a shining lamp of culture to the world, the capital of Harappa completed another great wonder in 1904 – Broadway.  Tourists flocked to the sprawling urban center to witness rousing musicals and legendary performances.  Some of them were exported abroad.  Mohenjo agreed to exchange copyright to one hit musical to Cyrus for Persian spices.  It was also an effort to shore up relations with the one-time enemy.  Meanwhile, the current enemy, Napoleon, came begging for peace.  Or so Mohenjo was told.  But he would not talk to him unless France agreed do disband their army and give up half their territory.  Those terms apparently were not palatable.

1904

In 1906, a Jewish missionary spread that faith to Marseilles and the undermining of French culture began as it had been underway in Persia.  Amidst these peaceful tactics, the army resumed its march.  The new target – Orleans.  Mohenjo also developed Rocketry, surely something that could prove useful.  That benefit remained a mystery, however, as no one yet knew how to fly.

Orleans soon tasted the belching fire of Harappan artillery in 1912, followed closely by ranks of veteran troops rushing its walls.  The assault proved the most difficult of the war, yet, and one of the bloodiest days in Harappan history, but the French stronghold could not withstand the superior numbers.  Surrendering 192 gold, the garrison succumbed to the awesome arsenal facing it.  Mohenjo installed one of the generals as a temporary governor and the strategic victory would serve as the base for yet another campaign.

1912

That assault would be against the new French capital of Rheims in the year 1919.  The long, winding columns met no resistance on their march.  Citizens in towns and farms along the way had deserted the countryside.  Harappan troops lived off the quiet land and slowly made the trek until the city’s towering walls peaked over the horizon.  It would be Paris II – and, unfairly for the French, the debut of the tank.  With only a couple of divisions produced and organized, it would still be enough to demonstrate Harappan superiority once and for all – at least to Napoleon.  Artillery blasted, tanks rolled, cavalry charged, and rifles marched in.  In a one-sided melee of carnage, the Harappan army stormed the capital, looted 272 gold, and burned the city to the ground.  The fires smoldered for months.

1919

Mohenjo paused and analyzed what was in his people’s best interest.  In 1913, Lothal had built Wall Street.  The President gifted Biology to the Germans at Bismarck’s request.  And the Harappan empire reached new pinnacles of power on the world stage, just as her people achieved ever more glorious advancements in culture, economics, and science.  After the bitter-sweet destruction of Rheims, Mohenjo believed that peace was in his people’s best interest.  So in 1920, he invited the French leader to peace talks.  While Napoleon adamantly refused to give up the philosophy of Communism, he only had a map and 1 gold per annum to offer as an alternative.  Out of his magnanimously kind and compassionate heart, Mohenjo accepted.

1920

With peace bought through hard-fought victory, President Mohenjo did not desire any rest.  For the laurels of greatness upon which his people had built their empire would fade to the dust of time if he did not keep challenging them – and himself.  So he posited a new project: a trip to the moon!  With such a successful maiden venture into space, perhaps that would not prove to be the final boundary?  Perhaps Harappa could construct a vessel to take them to a different star, even?  It would be ambitious.  It would take many years.  It would be expensive.  It would be dangerous.  But it would keep the Harappan nation in the forefront of science and culture.  And for all the leader-monk knew, it might lead to even clearer spiritual answers about the Creator!

To accomplish such a dream, Mohenjo wanted to ensure strong relations with the world’s powers.  In 1922, those relations began to sour with Caesar, a disturbing situation, what with the two being neighbors, and all.  On the positive side, Harappa and Greece grew closer with a gold-for-rice trade.  Alexander also agreed to exchange Communism and 350 gold for the knowledge of Electricity.  Mohenjo then went back to Caesar and sold the copyright to a hit musical for 13 gold per annum, in an effort to shore up relations with Rome.

1922

Mohenjo was careful to protect and foster Harappan culture, as well.  Strong cities meant a strong treasury and manufacturing base.  The border town Orleans received some attention during this time.  First a Jewish missionary spread that faith to the former French settlement and then J.S. Bach, born in Novsharo, completed a great work there in 1924, creating a boom of cultural buzz.  With the last remaining French city of Tours so close, the president felt it necessary to counter-act Franco culture in all manners possible.

In 1924, Mohenjo also invented the Radio.  The breakthrough in communications put a vast array of new information literally at the fingertips of the common person.  News and entertainment blossomed and families sat around the radio set at the end of the day to hear the latest programs.  The technology would certainly prove useful in the ongoing space program, as well.  And perhaps might even render missionary work, like that in the British city Hastings the same year, obsolete.  Now, the word of God could be spread through the airwaves!

Peace-lovers everywhere received good news in 1925 when the Americans and Aztecs agreed to end their war.  The world was at peace, once again.  Though Montezuma closed his borders, Mohenjo was still relieved that his one-time ally had at least survived.

1928

With the advent of the radio came new advances in Mass Media in 1930 and new innovations in collecting and presenting information to the masses.  Some of the first news reported was that of the Jewish missions to Düsseldorf, a new German settlement on the old ruins of Marseilles, and Berlin, as well as the formal ending of the peace treaty with France.  In 1932, Victoria offered a trade to exchange English incense for Harappan silk.  But while things remained reasonably amicable for the moment at home, the second continent experienced trouble, yet again.  Old enemies Roosevelt and Montezuma clashed anew.  Just as the Harappan people began to fix their gaze to the heavens.

1932