Steam and Steel: Main Game Thread

[Crossroads Inc.]

Crossroadian Naval forces en-route to Islands of Pulau Jemaja and Matak
It had been almost a week since the conference between Batvian and Crossroadian Captains.

In that time tentative approval was given for the expansion of naval ports in the northern seas. The fast patrol boats of the 2nd and 3rd Coastal patrol forces, that had just recently purged pirated forces from the Malacca straights, now steamed toward the cluster of small islands surrounding Jemaja and Matak. The old charts layed out more 13 larger islands and many more smaller spits and knots of rock, together, these along with a larger island to the northeast, would form the heart of a chain of new ports with the intent of fostering expanded trade routes.

At least so read the newest orders sent from the mainland… The High Executives made it quite clear for the eventual set up of new ports, but such construction was some time away till new funds could be free’ed up from the over taxed economy… Thinking on all of this, Captain Moz looked out from the roundhouse of the Prometheus

“Flagship of our nation and the High Executives have me on glorified charting missions!” he puffed, blowing out his pipe as he looked over the horizon. “Mr Zimm, how much longer do you think they will have us puttering around?” Mozz snorted as he looked to his tout advisor.
“It would seem My Captain, the Almighty Executives will have need of us projecting the Flag of our fleet at least until the next line of battleships is finished production.”
“Bloody Barnacle! The may not be for months! Zimm, oh how I itch for a few more pirates in these waters…”

[Pablo Sanchez]

Posting in substitute for Thirdfain

In reply to the Joint Communique

Regarding the condition of tension and escalation on the part of those nations established around the Moluccas:

Inasmuch as the island of Seram is indisputably the hereditary possession of Queen Maria III Ana Wadiyar de Braganca under the 1529 Treaty of Saragossa, it is unacceptable for her to cede any claim therewith, especially at the behest of nations which have no legal right whatsoever to the determination of the said island. However, as you have arrayed yourself with threats of violance against the peaceful development of the island of Seram, it is clearly impolitic to force our efforts there.

Therefore we must instead propose a diplomatic conference to be held in three months time in Velha Goa, with representatives sent from each of the countries party to the dispute in attendance, to make negotiations as to the determination of the island of Seram, until which decisions are made the efforts at development on Seram will be suspended.

Joaquim Mouzinho de Albuquerque

[Stormbringer]

Shogunate Reply to Portugese Communique

We view with grave concern any attempt by the former colonial powers that seek to re-exert their imperial sway. Times have changed and nations are no longer what they once were. There for it is our position that claims of centuries past must be considered in light of the present shape of the world. It is not for the betterment of all nations to see decayed nations destablizing the present peace in order to reassert old claims and dormant ambitions.

In the spirit of international brotherhood and peaceful cooperation the Shogunate will enter into negotations to resolve the present tensions. We wish to see the present crisis resolved for the common good. We will send the delegates at the appointed time.

[Crossroads Inc.]

Crossroadia Realises Next Year Budgetary Plans
In accordance with the policy of openness among those who fund the August Nation of Crossroadia, the primary Expenditures for Crossroadia have been printed in the National Times for public review.

100pts x2 to lay keels for two Edselon class Battleships
80pts for Continued Construction of vessel (160 out of 380)
30pts for Reinvestment
20pts for Construction of 40 Okha-class Motor Torpedo Boats
20pts x 3 “Tima” Class coaling ports. (60pts)
10pts for Scientific Expedition to Iceland
(based on only 400pts)

As always the Budget is left to public discourse of Crossroadia before finalization.

[A-Wing_Slash]

In Reply to the Portgese Communique:

The Alliance of United Kingdoms, just as it does not recognize Portugese claims to the sovereign territory of Timor, so too it does not recognize the Portugese state's imperialist occupation of Seram. However, in the interests of peace, the AUK is willing to attend the proposed diplomatic conference to determine the status of Seram.

The AUK however demands, as a sign of the Portugese state's willingness to negotiate, that Portugal remove its military forces from the island in question until such time as their presence can be determined.

The Right Honorable Alan Prescott, MP, Foreign Minister, on behalf of His Majesty Richard the First, King of Sumba, King of Kings of the Alliance of United Kingdoms, Grand Admiral of the Allied Fleet