Black Spartacus

August 21st, 2005

in 1831, the African Insurrection is started by the Virginian slave, Nat Turner. After killing his owner, Turner and the other former slaves on that plantation traveled to Jerusalem, Virginia, gathering hundreds of other African slaves into their ranks. When 3000 whites met them after their raid on the Jerusalem armory, the African ranks had swelled from escaped slaves across the south, and they continued their quest for freedom until November, when they were decimated in Florida as they prepared to set sail for Africa.

in the Dreaming, the people who have allied themselves with the enemies of Wandjina are now known as the Hunted, and they are hated above all others. The people who have repented their actions remain on the land and leave Heaven to the great spirits and their enemies.

in 11-15-3-9-13, the Pueblo, allies of Ouezteca, fought off an invasion on their northeastern frontier by pale-skinned barbarians. The barbarians claimed that they were fleeing an empire across the Eastern Ocean that enslaved their kind. The Pueblo sent word to Emperor Intlitlatl that this foreign empire might pose a danger to their land.

in 1892, seismic and volcanic activity returned to normal levels; the surviving members of the Bandai group were feted as world saviors. At the Congress of Nations, though, the Executive Committee began a meeting in which they discussed the possibility of scaling back the use of Mlosh technology on earth.

in 1911, a priceless treasure was taken from public view forever when the Mona Lisa, DaVinci’s masterpiece, was stolen from the Louvre. Though much suspicion fell on a guard who disappeared the same day, neither he nor the painting were ever seen again. One can only hope that the maestro’s most famous work is suitably appreciated by whatever thief currently possesses it.

in 1946, Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler of the New Reich dealt with a nascent pacifist movement in Germany by arresting and executing all of its leaders. “Pacifism is simply undisguised cowardice,” he said by way of justification.

in 1959, when Li Huang-Sen and Huan Yue leave Po Zhizuan’s farm, he has a change of heart, and tells them that they can stay. But the farmer wishes no more trouble, and asks that Li merely hide if more soldiers come. Li agrees, but insists that Huan Yue hide with him if that situation arises.

in 1961, in yet another example of the new unrelenting colonialism the British enacted after World War II, Kenyan independence leader Jomo Kenyatta is executed. Although they were still fighting Indian unrest after the Gandhi execution, the British insisted on killing the leaders of any resistance movements, and Kenya, like India before it, erupted in chaos.

in 1968, after a flirtation with communism known as the Red Summer, Czechoslovakia was invaded by fascist troops to bring them back in line with the White governments of Western Europe. The move was roundly denounced by the Soviet States of America, which sent several planes to assist the Czechs, but who didn’t feel moved enough to bring any further aid, which might have sparked a war in Europe.

in 4684, the Chinese Empire was rocked by a huge earthquake around the Himalayas. Hundreds were killed amid the first true test of the new, democratic China – Emperor Chou En-Lai dispatched aid for the citizens and troops to restore order. The disaster proved that democratic processes worked well – people were assisted without the need for martial law.

in 1994, aging acid rocker John Denver, stoned and drunk, plowed his Porsche into a tree, killing himself. He had been on a comeback, having played a few major tours in the 90’s due to younger acts remaking his old hits.

in 1996, Dr. Melvin Courtney and one of his few remaining academic associates, Professor Malcolm Thomas, arrive in America, landing in Los Angeles. A military escort is waiting for them when they arrive, and they are driven out to Edwards Air Force base, where Colonel Jim Carver is waiting for them. “Doctor, I believe we found something that will look quite familiar to you.” He shows them to a hangar where an object very similar to the Chimanimani object is sitting. At the request of the Air Force, he begins work on the writing found on the object, comparing it to his notes on the Chimanimani object.

in 2004, the 3rd Lalandian-style ship is produced by Boeing’s Washington shipyard, and this one is claimed by the world’s astronomical community. Although it will eventually be stationed outside the Oort cloud, they take the opportunity of the long trip there to study the planets on the way; some of the astronomers joke that they’ll brave the Elders for such a close look at the rest of the solar system.


Still wishing...

As your humble alternate historian enters the downhill slope of the 40's, he still has his birthday wish - a contract with a publishing company like Workman Publishing to produce a page-a-day calendar of TIAH. If you are an editor for such a company, or can place us in touch with one, please fulfill this belated birthday wish!

Thanks to everyone for their generosity!

We have raised a lot from your donations, for which we are VERY grateful! Our situation is no longer as dire, so we don't need to beg for help - thanks so much! Because we like including our readers into the site, though, we will still keep our offer open - everybody who donates $10 or more through our Paypal link will become alternate history entries on the site. When you donate, I will email you asking your preference for a day & timeline; if you don't reply to me, I'll place you in a day that seems to fit your name :) Thanks for your continued support!

Forum Link - we need your comments on the possible new format to the site
New Poll - Tell us what you think! More or less repeats? Our fate may be in your hands!

Warp and Protocols still available; also, see the script I submitted for Bravo's Situation: Comedy