The Fate of War

Important Public Announcement to All Virtual Travelers: I, Andrew CIX, Autonomous Proprietor, shall be having a war this evening at 7:00 p.m. against my friend Marcus LXXXVIII, Autonomous Proprietor. Three planets are at stake-renowned for fine vineyards and rich metal deposits. The war shall be waged in Virtual Realm 756C, with virtual combat automata using arms and armor from the Roman period. With permission of the Intergalactic Commission for the Regulation of Warfare, I have reserved said Virtual Realm for combat activities. Observation of the war is permitted from neighboring planes 756A and 756B-though placing monetary bets is only permitted in Realm 756B. Proprietor Marcus LXXXVIII and I kindly request all other virtual activities in the aforementioned realms to temporarily cease. The war's loser is legally bound to compensate economic losses to all parties whose interests are adversely impacted by this restriction. The war shall last until one of the Proprietors surrenders, one side's electronic automata are wiped out, or four hours expire-whichever is soonest. At the 11:00 p.m. tonight, Proprietor Marcus LXXXVIII and I invite all observers to join us at the 981^st Intergalactic Café for tea and dessert. We will also be profoundly grateful to any observers who subsequently create and spread news documentaries covering the war so as to promote the Individual Glory of the winner. Notice approved by the Intergalactic Commission for the Regulation of Warfare, October 17, 4324.