500 AD

Paul is totally frustrated and upset at the apathy in the world over the Panama issue.

Surely there are some nations of principle?

The AL has blocked the passageway with a trireme that is within the city radius of the Aussie city of Panama and are I believe they are charging a toll.

You may not need to use the seaway through Panama at the moment but there comes a time when you may.

Paul is also curious about the appearance of Mali Longships in the area that are also on sentry duty? Why is this?

Australia itself continues to prosper but Paul’s pre-occupation with South America is a bit alarming. He’s always been fascinated by banana republics and now he has several growing quite well (republic colonies not bananas!) but with a Republican Government corruption swipes over half of the income.

Back in Broken Hill a total cock-up occurred. They were meant to build The Oracle. But no, these outback hicks rush built the Oracle and then called it Sun Tzu’s War Acadamy, losing some 100 shields or 2 caravans.

Anyway, that may prove to be a blessing in disguise as World affairs unfold…

Trade to distant nations is at present a dream but the imminent arrival of Navigation may prove to change this. Currently plans are focussing on trading with our great allies, the Mongols and the Chinese.

Our new technology program is developing well.

The mysterious King Shakeem of the Zulus was keen to send caravans of exotic goods to Australia but we have yet to see any sign of such goods? He also proposed that we share in building a massive road program in South America. Paul would like to have exchanged maps to clarify where our respective cities are but he did not want my allies to see his map and even if our allies were happy to trade maps…. Bit tricky this, maybe we just send explorers into each others land?