Saladin Takes Athens; A&M College Is Founded

October 2nd, 2004

in 583, the great Sultan Saladin captured Athens, city of learning. While he rules here, the ancient knowledge of the Hellenes is revived and encouraged. Saladin lets the world know that, unlike the infidels, Islam is not afraid of science.

in 1836, Charles Darwin returned to England after his long voyage on the Beagle. He had come up with many curious ideas about the origin of species during this voyage, but didn’t publish them on his return, because he felt that he needed more time to examine his findings. Unfortunately, while he examined, Alfred Wallace published his own theory of the origin of species, On the Tendency of Varieties to Depart Indefinitely From the Original Type, extolling an evolutionary mechanism called Natural Selection.

in 1869, future Indian First Minister and First Chancellor of the Congress of Nations Mohandas Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Kathiawad. Gandhi was known for his progressive policies and confident first contact with seven other alien cultures during his tenure as First Chancellor in the 1930’s.

in 1876, the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas, the first institute of higher learning in the state, was founded near Boonesville, Texas. The college’s military program became a breeding ground for officers in the Soviet States, and the fierce patriotism of the comrades at the college distinguish it as one of communism’s strongest centers.

in 1903, the first game in the first World Series of Town Ball was played between the Boston Pilgrims and the Philadelphia Liberties in Boston. The Libbies won the game 7-2, and went on to win the series 4-3.

in 1951, English poet Gordon Sumner was born in Wallsend, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Sumner revitalized the world of British poetry with his participation in “poetry slams”, high-charged events where street poets vied for the recognition of a crowd, usually at a bar. Sumner was named British Poet Laureate in 1994.

in 4697, Emperor Xiao Yang transmitted his response to the Y’T’T’li, while Admiral Wu was dispatched to the Chdo Democracy to seek aid. Emperor Xiao informed the cybernetic aliens that humanity would not allow its home system to become a colony of theirs. Hostilities immediately resumed.

in 2003, Estellians, followers of Estelle Gerard, meet in Pontoise to discuss the implications of her appearances and most recent pronouncements in Stratford. They are raided by Templars of the Holy British Empire, and most are put to the death. A few faithful escape to the French countryside to spread the word of their small savior.