Troubles With Congress

Christmas Day Contest! ONLY 1 DAY LEFT!! Following up on our Halloween contest, you can enter our next contest, which will be alternate histories for Christmas Day, December 25th, 2005. The same rules will apply, the top ten entries will be posted on that day, and by entering, you grant TIAH the right to electronically print your writing on December 25th, 2005, maintain your writing in our archives, and reprint your entry should we decide to reuse it in the future. TIAH only maintains full copyright over material it has originated that has been used by contestants in writing their own entries. Enter early and often - entries must be received by December 20th, 2005! Email us up to 3 entries of your best alternate Christmas Days! We've only had two contestants so far, so let's get cracking, people!

December 19th, 2005

in 3732, the great leader Su Tung-p’o was born in Sichuan. His warrior nature shone forth in battle more brightly than any before him, and he very nearly became emperor through his military prowess. At his death in 3797, his retainers found several volumes of poetry, giving the world a glimpse into the pure heart of a man known only for battle. His poetry retains its beauty and relevance even across the centuries, and was read to the Chdo embassy on their first mission to earth.

in 1154, Pope Henry II stepped into the shoes of the fisherman. As a young French nobleman, Henry Plantagenet had dallied with the Queen of France herself, convincing her to leave the King and marry him. Just 3 years later, he was elevated to the papacy of the Holy British Empire, largely through his charm and her considerable influence in the Empire. The line of Popes that he began ruled the Holy British Empire for centuries.

in 1777, the Continental Army under the command of rebel General George Washington faces drastic cuts in supplies as the Continental Congress comes under the control of politicians who seek reconciliation with Britain. At one point during the winter, Washington leaves his camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to seek out the Congress, where he threatens to shoot several members. This rash display puts the Congress more firmly in the hands of the pro-British faction.

in 1918, the New York Globe began publishing a trivia series by Robert Ripley entitled Believe It Or Not. Apparently, no one believed it, as the series was cancelled a month after it began.

in 1941, after briefly allowing their figurehead, Adolf Hitler, to lead the German Underground's army, the true leadership of the G.U., neo-Nazi time-travelers from 1968, informs the German General Staff that orders from Hitler are to be disregarded, but he himself is to be humored that he is in charge.

in 1953, physicist Robert Millikan, who had briefly been involved in Richard Tolman’s parallel universe cult in the 1940’s, died at his home in San Marino, California. At the viewing prior to his funeral, a strange visitor that seemed to closely resemble Dr. Millikan entered the funeral home and spent several minutes staring at the body in the casket. When a family member approached him, the stranger ran from the room, shouting, “My god, it’s me!”

in 1958, the first radio message was sent into outer space. President Eisenhower’s Christmas message, “To all mankind, America’s wish for peace on earth and good will to men everywhere.” Unfortunately, the aliens who received the signal in 1972 wished the human race nothing quite resembling peace or good will.

in 1972, the crew of Apollo 17 return safely to earth after a successful lunar mission. After this, the lunar program is turned over to the astronauts of the Osiris Project, and the last few Apollo missions are used to shuttle specialists to the space station built by America and the Soviet Union.

in 1986, Comrade President Ann Richards releases Carl Sagan and his wife, Ann Druyen, from the Leavenworth Penal Soviet. The couple had been interred years before when they used their academic positions to criticize Soviet American politics in other countries. “Comrades Sagan and Druyen can testify to our new spirit of openness,” Comrade Richards said on their release.

in 1998, Republican President William Blythe denounces Democratic House Speaker Newt Gingrich in an attempt to make political hay of the sexual scandals breaking out of the House of Representatives. When the National Enquirer threatens to expose his own escapades if he keeps up the tough talk, President Blythe drops the subject, and Gingrich's resignation lets the Democrats put the scandals behind them.

in 2009, Bartholomew Thompson's unlikely alliance scores its first political victory with the Alt'Himin people pledging support and a home base for the combined fleet under Thompson's command. It is when the Alt'Himin people are threatened by both the B'Han and the Kaerth that Thompson begins making plans for a new base for his Army of Intelligent Life.

in 1,246,358 CE, the Kholia climbing the Wall of Night recalls a fire from long ago.

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE:Today's post contains an extended entry that is also a future date - since the poll on this issue is overwhelmingly in favor of including future dates, we felt we should give you a taste. Let us know what you think of this!

We still have our standard offer - 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!

The Forum lives again! My esteemed Co-Historian has brought the forum back to life, and in spite of the issues we've had with the forum in the past, we think that this time, it'll stay up!
Fresh New Poll - Shall we use future dates in our entries?

Warp and Protocols still available; also, see the script I submitted for Bravo's Situation: Comedy. Speaking of which, the winning writers have been announced; not the ones I voted for, but you can see the one I did at http://www.marktreitel.com

Help the Alternate Historian get a better day job!
My email address for contacting me with your good news, or for more direct goodness, go to the web site and leave a comment, buy a book, or leave a Paypal donation! Remember, it's only 6 degrees of separation between you and anyone else - and thanks again!