SDN World 3 Story Thread I

[Thanas]

SMS Einheit

Generaladmiral von Hipper received the news about a soviet warship passing by the blockade and immediately had the news radioed to Berlin. After a short decision by the war council, it was decided to stop the soviet warship and have it undergo an intensive search if it went back out. If the soviets would not accept, Hipper was to ask Berlin for further instructions.

[Akhlut]

"Khan?"

"Yes?"

"There are reports of extreme mobilization in Afghanistan and Shepistan, sir."

"Yet more war? However, unlike the Dutch and the Mexicans, this one actually effects us. Prepare a diplomatic note to Afghanistan offering our support, should they so desire it. It seems that China and Manchuria have no desire to war with us, so we can afford to send some troops to aid the Afghanis. I have no desire to see our brothers in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the other horsemen fall should the Afghanis fall. Prepare a diplomatic note to the Jurchid and Qing, too, to let them know our intentions. I doubt China will care, but if the Jurchid try anything, they shall know our wrath."

"At once, sir."

Mongolia still seeks no quarrel with either of your nations. However, we feel that the defense of Afghanistan from Shepistan is paramount in order to protect our kinsmen in Soviet-held Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan from potential Shepistani invasion.

So, again, we have no intention of making war on you, but should you have that intention, we have the means of defending ourselves.

May Buddha Smile Upon You,
Khan Angarag

We have heard reports that Shepistan is mobilizing to invade your nation. We offer to assist you with several divisions worth of mountaineers, several engineering brigades, and several divisions of artillery and siege artillery. We shall also send one of our generals, Sukhbataar. Does Afghanistan require our assistance?

May Buddha Smile Upon You,
Khan Angarag

[Lonestar]

P.N.S. Theobald, off Mombasa

It was hot, muggy, and dark. All the best things that makes fantail watch miserable(the young seamen had never stood watch in the Antarctic, so he had yet to experience true misery), or so Seaman Smuckatelli thought. The Theobald was making lazy circles off this godforsaken coast, and the scuttlebutt had been that unless some sort of custody agreement had been reached, there would be a battle between Force R and the Dutch squadron. Nothing had happened though. Smuckatelli had been dozing when the Boatswain's Chief had shown up, kicking him awake and cursing up a storm.

Muttering blasphemy, Smuckatelli eyed the city. Parts were still lit, showing a haphazard blackout procedure. Only thing that was completely dark was the channel...

...the channel wasn't completely dark. There was a...cigarette cherry, just cruising along, high above the water. The handful of neurons in Smuckatelli's brain finally clicked, and he depressed on the Sound Powered Telephone.

"There are warships in the Channel!"


P.N.S. Galen Tyrol, Southeast of Mombasa

Men like Vice Admiral Rudolf Runnels were reasonably uncommon in the Grand Dominion military. He was a native. Like most natives he had gained ranks of this level he was from a family of Dravidian converts. He certainly had no use for Brahmins who desired a return to the "good old days" of pre-Crusade Hindu rule. All things together, the GDN had given him a fair shake, and he reciprocated.

The hours had passed after the Dominion "offer", while the Powers That Be suddenly got cold feet and told Force R to keep making lazy circles off the coast. He had been pleased when Lord Fairfax ascended the throne, the first navy man in, well, ever, to hold the title of Lord Protector...but he was entirely too hesitant for his liking.

He was lying on his bed in the cabin in his Khakis just glaring at the ceiling, thinking of the whole goddamn situation when his phone rang. He lifted it up. It was the OOD.

"Sir, the Theobald is reporting that the Dutch have sortied out."

"I'm sorry? Did you use a past tense?"

"Yes...yes sir."

"GODDAMNIT! DAMN ALL IMBECILES WHO GET THEIR COMMAND THROUGH FAMILY!" Runnels roared, thinking of the CO of the Theobald. "Tell Vice Admiral Barley Pursuit Force is detaching, and the rest of Force R is to take up blockading station off of Mombasa. And TELL HIM to wait 30 minutes before he appraises the idiots in Williamsburg. Are they heading South?"

"Yessir."

"Just as I thought. You know the intercept course we've already plotted...go to it."

The Galen, Tiger, Marienburg, and 3 DDs broke off and headed Southwest at best speed. Soon the Galen began to inch out ahead of the other ships, with the escorts struggling to keep pace with the newest battleship in the fleet. Even the Tiger was dragging behind. On the bridge could see fire off the starboard. A flare shot up(it was from the Theobald) illuminating two Dutch destroyers. They were coming right at Pursuit Force.

"FIRE!"



With their escape route so rudely blocked the two Dutch Destroyers unleashed Torpedoes and tried to maneuver through the T. It was a futile gesture. Between the Theobald on one side and the Pursuit Force on the other the vessels went under within minutes. Even as men on the bridge cheered and howled, Runnels scowled. Where were the rest of the Dutch ships?

[Norade]

Message to the Union of Low Countries

A simple message is sent to the Dutch it reads as follows:

To the Union of the Low Countries:

Portugal, while commit to war with your nation does not wish you undue harm. Surrender to our nation will ensure fair treatment under Portuguese law and resettlement in Portugal or your former homeland after the war. Any soldiers wishing to surrender to our nation may do so by coming forward weapons unloaded under a white flag, ships may simply fly a white flag.

Sincerely,
The Council

[Steve]

SMS Einheit

Generaladmiral von Hipper received the news about a soviet warship passing by the blockade and immediately had the news radioed to Berlin. After a short decision by the war council, it was decided to stop the soviet warship and have it undergo an intensive search if it went back out. If the soviets would not accept, Hipper was to ask Berlin for further instructions.

When the time came, the Slava continued to steam, refusing the German demand for a search.

[CmdrWilkens]

Assault on Cuidad imminent, Mexico announces Advice to Mariners

With Mexican forces rapidly rolling up resistance on the road to Cuidad (Panama City) and the locks of the Panama Canal the government today issued advice to mariners. Given the confusion likely to surround the passing of forces the government today indicated that Engineers attached to advancing units will open and operate the canal with no charge to mariners needing passage. Those nations and corporations owning interest in the canal will be repaid reasonable operating losses as determined by a court of arbitration in an agreeable disinterested nation. Likewise the Mexican government has today secured a bond to fund any repairs to the canal necessitated by the conflict.

Concurrently the Secretariat of War indicated that there was currently no anticipation of needing to raise new formations however volunteers have been directed to seek out the cadre forces on post at all Army bases where men are still being inducted as replacements to help sustain the offensive. A need has arisen for more reliable transport for supplies and men in the prime infantry fighting units. An emergency work order has been placed for motor transport and other vehicles needed to help update as many units as possible to motor-rifle status.

[loomer]

Ministerial Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan

Defence Sub-Minister Fahad knuckled his forehead and downed the rest of his coffee, nodding to the aide for more before turning his attention back to Foreign Affairs Sub-Minister Hawari. "The Mongolians have offered us help? You are sure this is not a trick?"

Al-Hawari nodded and handed him the telegraph, while Minister Al-Ludd dictated a speech to the populace, urging able bodied men to volunteer in response to the continuing Shepistani movements along the border. "Their reasons seem valid, and as they are also favourably inclined with Russia - they have made arrangements to send us a single tank brigade and return our infantry, according to the telegram from Bakunin - it seems unlikely to be treachery."

Fahad nodded and checked the maps, shaking his head. "Even going along the main railroad, through Kabul, they won't arrive for three days, and it will take us at least two more to get them to the front. The Shepistanis might strike by then, since they've cut off communications."

Sub-Minister of Internal Security, Jabbar, jotted something down on a simple paper pad. "Should we step up the border patrols, and reroute them from the Soviet border to the Byzantine and Shepistani?"

Fahad shook his head. "Shepistani border only. The Byzantine mobilization our spies and expatriates have reported appears to be in support of us, and we will need everyone there we can get to counter the initial flow. We should have six infantry divisions - reservists - ready to move to the passes tomorrow, and another four the day after. The artillery is taking longer, but they should be able to make the front lines within two weeks, and by then we should have at least a division of Kandahari nomad volunteers."

[Siege]

To the Union of the Low Countries:

Portugal, while commit to war with your nation does not wish you undue harm. Surrender to our nation will ensure fair treatment under Portuguese law and resettlement in Portugal or your former homeland after the war. Any soldiers wishing to surrender to our nation may do so by coming forward weapons unloaded under a white flag, ships may simply fly a white flag.

Sincerely,
The Council

Telegram

FROM: Militaire Raad der Unie der Laage Landen (Military council of the Union of the Low Countries)
TO: Government of Portugal

Nuts!

Signed,

Karel Doorman, acting rear-admiral

[Ryan Thunder]

In Goddamn Unreal Time - D+1

<OOC: Colombia needs naval support>

<OOC: Colombia has discovered that Mexico plans to destroy the canal.>

OOC: Anybody who has a problem with this can fuck off. I forgot to post it earlier and I don't have time to go into more detail at the moment.

[DarthShady]

Al-Ghazza (Gaza)



The massive, Balkan Confederacy flagged ship, belched heavy clouds of smoke as it approached the docks of Al-Ghazza and prepared to deliver it's passengers. Soon it docked and from it emerged an honor guard of soldiers, heavily armed and dressed in black uniforms - they were the Emperor's Guard, highly trained men who protected the Emperor and his family, as well as other important Confederate officials, such as the Prime Minister.

Emperor Alexander himself, accompanied by Prime Minister Sirah soon emerged from the ship, escorted by a small group of people - each of whom had a different task. Alexander and Sirah moved slowly off the ship, exchanging a few words between themselves - as they contempleted what would happen soon, and how things would change. For the better, they hoped.

As Alexander waved to the crowds and prepared to greet the local dignitaries that would lead them to the meeting, Sirah wore a serious expression on his face and seemed to be lost in thought.

"Something troubling you, Mr. Sirah?" Alexander asked as they moved off the ship.

"Oh it's nothing." Sirah snapped out of it and smiled. "I was merely thinking about the meeting."

"Great things will happen here today." Alexander said with a smile.

"Indeed they will." Sirah said.

In reality Sirah was wondering if he could keep the Emperor from doing something wrong and fucking up the meeting. He had worked hard to make this happen, and even though Alexander was a smart man and knew the benefits well - he was also quite paranoid and the Prime Minister feared that he might ruin all his hard work. He decided not to worry to much, he was confident he could control Alexander, or at least nudge him in the right direction - should it become necessary.

They had soon left the ship and boarded the train that would take them to Fortress Zion, where history was about to be written.

[MKSheppard]

Shepistani Star-Enquirer

In Goddamn Unreal Time D+3

Reporting from Gran Colombia Bureau

GREAT SEA/LAND BATTLE OFF GRAN COLOMBIA

Several days ago, the Mexican Navy attempted to force an amphibious landing on Gran Colombia; and it was repulsed bloodily with one battleship sunk, two damaged; and estimated casualties of 5,000. The beaches that the invasion was attempted on is littered with dead bodies and covered in large caliber shell craters. This reporter gave up counting shell craters after reaching several dozen within the area of a rugby field.

Unfortunately, the Gran Colombians while showing us the effects of their rapid fire, devastating large caliber gunfire, were quite very coy about the fire that they received from the Mexican fleet. Reporters attempting to survey the Gran Colombian fortress works some 20 miles away were turned away by Military Police and had all of their implements seized.

Navy House, Shepistan

"Goddamn Bloody Idiots!" roared 'Jesus Christ' Fisher as he read the latest edition of the Star-Enquirer.

"Any bloody fool can see that forcing a defended beach with firepower of that magnitude opposing you is going to be tricky and bloody; yet the Mexicans just blundered in like idiots."

Fisher put down the paper and rubbed his eyeballs.

"Fucking Mexicans. Now I'm going to be up in my ass in alligators with requests and demands from the goddamnable yellow press and Congress over what use a modern battlefleet is against coastal fortifications. We might not get the 1927 Battleships out of this; Congress is likely to take that money and spend it on more Coastal Forts. Goddamned Army."

[Steve]

Seattle Post-Intelligencer


MEXICAN ARMY ON THE OFFENSIVE!


Despite early reports of a terrible repulse of the Mexican Army's daring sea-based assaults by Colombian fortifications, new news reports from the front confirm that the Mexican Army was in fact successful in its attacks in Panama and have firmly seized the western half of the country, their forces still marching on Ciudad Panama at the Canal Zone. Reporters on scene have wired reports of "wild and inaccurate" fire from the Colombian defenses that permitted the Mexican forces to advance.

When asked to speculate on how this occurred, Cascadian Army Colonel Mark Crierie of the Fortress Department speculated, "Only a handful of ways, I would speculate errors in the firing tables of the forts' guns and lucky hits by the Mexican bombardment on forward observer posts that could have corrected for the errors. The Mexican Army has effectively rolled double sixes in this engagement, that's all one can say."

Shipping lines have begun appealing to the Cascadian government to intercede and convince Mexico to not move on toward the canal amidst fears that Colombian forces might sabotage it to prevent Mexico from gaining it intact.....

[MKSheppard]

Shepistani Star-Enquirer

In Goddamn Unreal Time D+3.1

Reporting from Gran Colombia Bureau

SUBMARINE MASSACRE OFF GRAN COLOMBIA!

Gran Colombia Submarine Skippers are racking up impressive scores against the poorly-escorted Mexican Convoys of troopships and battle fleets -- so far, the publically announced score is one battleship, two cruisers, one destroyer, and fifteen large troopships damaged or sunk.

Casualties amongst the Mexican Expeditionary Forces are estimated in the tens of thousands, since due to the threat of submarine attack; ships which were damaged or torpedoed were left behind by undamaged units.

[Thanas]

Berlin, Reichskanzlei
Unreal time - Invasion of the Netherlands D+2.

Seeing that everything was in good hands, Sänger had returned to his chancellery to settle a rather laughable matter, but one which demanded his attention nonetheless. He entered his office to find 13 rather distinguished gentlemen, if one could call the subject of their studies distinguished. As their studies were not found to be essential to the university education of medicine, they were subject to being called up. Before any of them could start, he waved the usual greetings off. "Right, Right. Good day to you. You appealed the decision of the Wehrersatzamt to be called to the reserves? Why does that concern me?" Three of them flinched, but one stopped forward. "We thought, that as a fellow scientist you would recognize the vital importance of our field to the future of the german race - "

The Chancellor held up a hand. "Let's stop right there. That presumes that what you are doing is actually science. You claim that eugenics hold the future?" ""Jawohl, Herr Kanzler." "And you base this on the alleged superiority of the German race." "Indeed, Herr Kanzler." The face of the speaker now lit up with excitement, eager to explain his theories. "My - our studies have shown that the German, I mean the Aryan race, will be the most noble race in history once we got rid of the undesirables." "How would you characterize an Aryan?"

The assembled "scientists" quickly devolved into a mess of arguments. From what Sänger could filter out, one half of them believed in appearances (blond, blue eyed), the other half was arguing more about the heritage and breeding. After hearing them argue for about two minutes, he banged the desk with his fist. "I'll have a moment of silence here, thank you. So how do you explain the success of the Romans, who were smaller, had no blond hair and still conquered the greatesst empire the world has ever seen?" "So far", one of the "scientists" interjected.

Gott im Himmel. Sänger looked at him as if he was a particular kind of unappealing toad. Just then, a knock on the door interrupted the conversation.

Ah, Elize. Always right on time. In strode his secretary and a visitor he had not seen since the unfortunate revolver episode, as Hans had called it. Sänger rose, crossed the room and then greeted the young woman. "My apologies for calling on you on such a short notice, Mylady." Although clearly wondering what was going on, the woman curtsied. "My pleasure, Herr Reichskanzler."

Sänger turned to the assembled doctors. "All right then. Start your science." The doctors were flustered by a bit, causing Sänger to ask, this time with a bit more force than was probably necessary. "Please start." One of the doctors stepped forward, bowing. "I would think the lady is a perfect example of a young German noblewoman, Herr Kanzler." "Thus belonging to the Aryan race and an example of future German strength?" "Quite so, Herr Kanzler".

Sänger looked at the young woman, whose eyes were shining with mirth and tried to beg her with his eyes to stay quiet and contain her laughter for the time being. "The young lady, is, I believe, of Russian birth, thus being from the Slavic race. Please prove to me how you find her lacking when compared to a German woman?" "Herr Kanzler, I-" "In fact, Herr Doktor, didn't you write just a short time ago that the Slavs are a race that is inferior in any way to the proud German race?" "Well - not every example is representative of the whole race..."

Sänger nodded. "This I got to hear...."

Twelve minutes later, the Eugenicists were on their way to the nearest Ersatzamt and to the front.

********************

SMS Einheit
"Sir, the soviet warship is not stopping." "Get me Berlin".
********************

Berlin, Reichskanzlei
"Like I said, sorry for calling upon you at such a short notice. But where are my manners? Please sit." The young women smiled and sat down opposite his desk. "Can I get you anything to drink? How are your brothers?" The women's brothers had gone to Manchuria to fight the Soviets. "They are fine, thank you. I received a letter from them just yesterday - they are still training in Manchura. Of course, they rather regret that they had to travel around the world to fight communists." There was just the slightest tone of rerproach in her voice, something that Sänger caught on. "Believe me, mylady, I had no desire for this war." "I do not blame you."

Sänger nodded. "You are far too kind, mylady. May I-"

Hans knocked, handing a telegram to Sänger. After looking at it, Sänger stood up. "My apologies, Mylady, but something has come up. I have to go - again my apologies. Elise will take you home." Without saying a proper goodbye, Sänger stormed out.


Berlin,
Stadtschloss
The residence of Wilhelm II. had become the de facto nerve center of the war, with each service having its commander summoned every three hours to give a general overview of the war. Sänger himself had decided to stay there as well. When the matter of the soviet warship became an issue, he was right there to jump in, if necessary. But at the moment, it was not necessary. For the Kaiser had, upon the advice of Großadmiral Scheer, decided that the Soviet warship was to be challenged one more time.


SMS Einheit
Generaladmiral von Hipper relayed the order to the destroyer and soon, the Destroyer etched closer, repeating the challenge. Meanwhile, three battleships moved to bar the way of the Slava.

Summary:
- Sänger does not like Eugenics very much
- The German Navy will challenge the Slava once more.

[Thanas]

Dutch War
Day 2

The German advance, which had started out so promising, now entered the inevitable second stage of the invasion. Traffic jams caused units to lose much of their advantage. What was even worse was that contrary to German expections, the dutch and Belgians were quite willing to blow up bridges and to leave behind small fire teams who aimed to buy as much time as possible while reservists were motorized and forces retreated back towards the North, not contesting much the general German advance. On teh second day of the fighting, the general advance slowed down to about 10 miles. All in all, while Sänger was starting to worry, the General Staff did not seem to be overly concerned. In any case, it allowed the infantry to catch up with the cavalry, though it looked like the more optimistic war projections were now not going to be met.

More and more German columns entered Belgium and the Netherlands as even more forces were shifted to the front. Garrison troops were assigned while the main units pushed forward.


Germain airfield near the border
While the Luftstreitkräfte were supporting the general advance, 300 planes had been amassed for a most important mission - knocking out the railroad from Zwolle to Nijkerk. The massive air armada went forward. However, this time, the Dutch had prepared a stronger opposition, having apparently learned from their mistake at the first bridges. The dutch were further in luck due to the fact that there was not a single target like bridges, but a single railroad. Weather further favored the defenders with a strong overcast. The true disaster happened when hidden flak batteries opened fire. All in all, the German airforce lost 31 planes and accomplished little with their attacks, delaying the enemy retreat by less than an hour.


Nijkerk
This hour proved to be enough for the Gardekorps, however, as the motorized and cavalry regiments of the 1st, 4th and 5th Garde-Infanterie Division and the 1st Guard Reserve-Division as well as the Garde-Kavallerie Division with 3 normal cavalry brigades attached to it reached it first and captured Nijkerk. With Barneveld being reached by the slower forces, but it and the south of the Grebbelinie facing strong German forces, this meant the army retreating from Zwolle had just been cut off.

Timor
The German reservists that had received a bloody nose before were reorganizing for the next crossing of the border, while the Sturmtruppen brigade was marching to join them, but would not arrive for another few days, if not weeks. The German fleet had unloaded its cargo of demoralized marines and Sturmtruppen as well, who were now assuming defensive formations around the capital of German Timor. SMS Manteuffel was out on patrol again, her seaplanes giving her a wide range to find any approaching Dutch fleet that neared Timor.

Off the coast of Bali
The Dutch destroyers had been found by seaplane in the morning and not before long, the German battleline had caught up with them. Knowing that an escape and an attack was futile after having been spotted and caught up with, the Dutch fleet surrendered. This of course meant that at least one Oiler and one heavy cruiser with two destroyers would have to be detailed to Bali for as long as refueling and manning the ships with prize crews would take. Most of the ships captured would find no place in the German Navy anyway due to their age, insufficient range and slow speed. it's task accomplished, Raeder's fleet set a course for Timor.

[Siege]

Radio address by General Hendrik Seyffardt, head of the Military Council of the Union of the Low Countries, heard across the Union and far outside it.

Citizens of the Low Countries,

Over the years that have passed since the fateful day we threw off the shackles of monarchy the communist revolution has brought our nation wealth and prosperity. We conquered the seven seas; tamed distant lands; and brought prosperity to the cities of our glorious Union. But what began as a triumph that lifted up our nation from the shambles of history has become a set of shackles around our hands and feet anew, binding us with the blind fidelity of dogma to the perfidy in our midst. The revolution devours its children, and today it has done even worse: it has betrayed you and I, the citizens of this proud nation.

We are faced with a terrible war the likes of which we have not seen since the Eighty Years War. But in these trying times did your government, the leaders we looked to for guidance, did they lead you? Did they seek to guide us through the storm and into a safe harbor? Nay! Citizens, the terrible task falls to me to inform you of a betrayal most grave, for your government has deserted you. Yesterday a warship from the Red state of Russia, our so-called allies in screed, sailed into the port of Rotterdam. Did it bring reinforcements, soldiers or weaponry with which we can fight the massive armies arraigned against us? Again the answer is nay, citizens! It came to whisk away the members of the central committee, the men and women who presumed to be our comrades and leaders.

My fellow citizens, we have been betrayed. For a great many years you and I lived under the banner of the Internationale. We believed in the international revolution, in comradeship. But now, in these trying times, where are our comrades? Where are our international brethren? They cower in distant lands, too scared of the imperialist warmongers to even issue letters of condemnation against this fiendish aggression! They flee on foreign ships, paralytic at the thought of having to stand up for what they purportedly believed in, leaving you to die for a cause they have abandoned. Is this the camaraderie promised by Marx? Is this the brotherhood that Engels talked of?

Citizens, in our darkest hour a dagger has been thrust in our backs. It has been made clear to us that our proud nation faces many enemies, foreign and domestic. We face not one, not two, but six great powers. The people of Germany and France, of Portugal and Spain, of Cascadia and of the Great Dominion have declared their enmity and even as I speak they are trying to seize the lands our ancestors have shed their blood, sweat and tears for, in the belief that they can take what is rightfully ours and face no retribution for doing so. But their wickedness and treachery blinds them to the truth. They do not know the fire that burns in the hearts of Dutchmen and Belgians and Luxembourgers as you and I do.

I promise you, citizens. We will make them bleed. Bleed for every inch of Union soil they take, bleed for every Union life they take, bleed for every house they seize, bleed for every river they cross. We will not permit the perfidious French to trespass on our hallowed soil. We will fight them in Brabant, and we will fight them in Luxembourg, we will fight in Timor and in Kenya, we will fight on the Antilles and in Flanders! We will not allow the the Hun to call home lands where once the red-white-and-blue soared free and clear. I call you to arms, citizens! To arms! To arms, my brothers! Let us unite in the face of betrayal, and show the invaders the peril of disturbing the Lion of the Union in his lair! Let us make this war a mistake they will not forget in a million years!

Citizens, today I recall the Prince of Orange. As he lead us against the Spanish oppressor during the Eighty Years War, let us now resist these new attempts to deny us our birthright to be free from tyranny. Let us draw faith from his. We will preservere, and we will defeat those whose lust and greed has blinded them to that truth that lights our way as a beacon in the dark of night: the Union will be free, now and forever!

May God have pity on our souls, and may God have pity on his poor people!

General Hendrik Seyffardt
Hoofdkommandant der Strijdkrachten

[Steve]

The Slava ignores the next challenge; the ship's commander is under strict orders to not "relent to imperialist aggression". And as news of the search attempt spreads, the Soviet ambassador in Berlin delivers a strong note condemning German aggression against Holland and demanding that Slava, as a neutral vessel, be left alone.


Southwest of where Slava was becoming the focal point of impending war, an innocent-looking Colombian freighter was adrift, a German launch pulled up beside her. The Germans searched the vessel, departing Rotterdam for Port-of-Spain on Trinidad, for contraband, but found only minor consumer goods and a hold full of Dutch refugees, nothing to justify seizure. The Leutnant in charge of the search saluted respectfully to the Colombian merchant crew as his boat cast off to return to the cruiser from whence it had come.

The freighter moved on, and in the holds, Brandon Michaels breathed a sigh of relief that belied the bitterness and rage in his soul.

[Lonestar]

Message to Dutch Colonial Government of Kenya

Code: Select all

TO:  Dutch Colonial Government
TO:Dutch Military Commander, Kenya
FROM: Vice Admiral Runnels

Governor,

I have been instructed to repeat the offer already presented with regards to the Status of the Dutch Colony of Kenya.  In the interests of checking rampant German aggression and expansionism, we request that the Dutch colonial government either declares independence and accept Dominionite protection...or agree to entry as an overseas possession of the Grand Dominion.  In either case we would allowed the government personnel to remain in place, and a revisit of Kenya's status pending a final resolution to the situation in the Netherlands.

The Grand Dominion government has chosen to interpret the bolting of the fleet the actions of a rogue admiral.  

We ask you to consider the correlation of forces and the possibility of a final treaty that will bring your territory under the German heel.  Your colonial army, however numerous, cannot last long with ties cut to the homeland.  

I have been instructed to give you 6 hours to consider the offer.

Vice Admiral Rudolf Runnels 

[Steve]

Border Checkpoint, Top End
21 July 1925

The Subsidiary Union forces at Darwin knew that something was up when the noon-time train from Pine Creek ran abnormally late. Trade between the Dutch-held Top End and the rest of Australia was usually prompt and precise, typically foodstuffs from the farms of the eastern regions coming in and various refined goods from the factories at Darwin going out, bound for stores in the nearby towns at Katherine and Pine Creek. Now... there was nothing.

Then a lone motor vehicle approached from the Cascadian side of the border. A flash of an ID and the Cascadian-side border guards let them pass. The Pay-Bas at the Union side prompted them to stop and explain their purpose, which a translator informed him was to deliver a note to the local government.

They left shortly thereafter, and shortly Lawrence "Lance" Sharkey and his Dutch security overseers would be reading the note.

TO: Authorities of Subsidiary Union Government of the Top End
FROM: Department of State, Federal Republic of Cascadia


Greetings to you, gentlemen. As you know, your local government's responsibility areas are now under direct attack from German forces. The island of Bali has already fallen and a renewed German assault in Timor is undoubtedly imminent. To preserve security on Sumatra Cascadia has regrettably been forced to garrison and annex the ports of Bakahueni and Banda Aceh.

Given the situation, we now request that you give final consideration to our offer of re-annexation of the Top End into the Republic of Cascadia. Cascadia cannot tolerate the risk of another power declared hostile to your Union seizing this territory and so we must seek a final resolution to its status with Cascadia.

Again we remind you that our terms to the peoples settled here are generous. We recognize their right to assemble themselves into a state within the Cascadian Federal Union and for local militia to remain armed and in service, to be governed under the provisions of the Territorial Defenses Act of 1882 and the National Army and Militia Acts of 1890, 1904, and 1917. Their possession of property currently held will be recognized, and all local government will be free to organize and operate as desired in conjunction with federal laws and statutes upon the operation of such.

The fleet stationed at Darwin will be considered interned for the duration of hostilities, with repatriation arrange upon the conclusion of them by whatever terms the belligerents of the current war decide upon.

If we do not receive a positive response, we will sadly be required to consider other measures to guarantee the territorial integrity of Australia.

Signed,
Rachel MacKenzie, Secretary of State

It would be shortly after that note that they would be informed that fishermen ranging the northeast had forwarded reports of a "fleet" approaching from that direction, while there was indications of activity on the Cascadian side of the border by Dutch border-watchers and scouts. Soon it would be clear that many thousands of troops were poised on the Cascadian border around Pine Creek, springs coiled back and ready to be released.


Alice Springs

The local denizens took the time to wave at the train passing by, marked with military insignia and made up of passenger and freight cars. From within hundreds of uniformed young men waved back from the windows. And another detachment of the 11th Infantry Division continued on its way to Pine Creek and, perhaps, to war.



CRS Colossus


From his station on the bridge of the dreadnought Colossus, Vice Admiral Upton Michaels surveyed the seas of the extreme end of the Gulf of Carpenteria with a solemn expression. The destroyer screens had confirmed that small vessels had spotted them earlier in the morning; undoubtedly they were Dutch, and the Dutch fleet at Darwin would be alerted to his presence.

Surveyed around him was the might of the Cascadian Navy's Australia Fleet. Eight older dreadnought battleships - the four Constitution-class vessels as well as Colossus and her three sisterships - were surrounded by 20 screens, made up of 14 destroyers and six light cruisers. To the west, Admiral Wallace's Fast Battle Squadron with its screen from the 11th Destroyer Squadron would be taking up blocking positions so they could bar escape into the Indian Ocean for the remnant Dutch East Indies Fleet or, alternatively, to attack said fleet in port if given the order.

Admiral Marston had given Michaels, the official commander of the 2nd Battle Group (which was the technical designation for Australia Fleet's main striking arm), his best wishes and some hope that the Dutch might see reason and accept the re-annexation offer. If not, however, then by the end of the week Cascadia would be at war.


Indian Ocean


It was a rare sight, but it occasionally happened; all four of the Cascadian Large Cruisers, meant to sail alone, were gathered together. They had no screens, as even at cruise speed they were typically too quick for a destroyer or tender to easily keep up with, but with a cruise of 18 knots and their own primitive "sonar" gear to go with hydrophones they were capable of quickly escaping submarine ambush.
The gathering of the Commerce Defense Squadron, as the four cruisers were called when combined, was that on event of war it would facilitate interception of Dutch vessels attempting to sail southwest through the Indian Ocean to safe harbor in Madagascar and South Africa. It would also permit them to block any fleet elements from Darwin that attempted to find sanctuary at Yogyakarta, where commandeered tenders could potentially let such destroyers escape into the Indian Ocean and become a threat to Cascadian shipping.


Honolulu Marine Merchant Association Headquarters


From the Association Headquarters the maritime authorities of Cascadia could transmit radiograph and telegraph alerts to Cascadian-flagged merchants across the Pacific, via networks spread along the Cascadian and German Pacific territories, should such things be necessary. And today, an alert from Portland came in for immediate dispatch.

ALL VESSELS REPORT TO PORT PREPARE FOR CASE ORANGE NOT A DRILL NOT A DRILL


Summary:
Cascadia delivers final re-annexation offer to Dutch authorities in Darwin.
Cascadian Army moving into position; 11th Infantry Division en route to Top End to provide a fifth division should additional forces be necessary to pacify countryside.
Cascadian naval forces move to dispatch Dutch fleet at Darwin should conflict erupt, under orders to prevent them from departing as well.
Cascadian Large Cruisers in position to intercept Dutch merchant ships moving southwest from Darwin or south from Yogyakarta in event of orders; will also intercept and delay/destroy any Dutch fleet elements that might escape Darwin.
Cascadian maritime authorities prepare for war; preparations for convoying begun.

[Minister of Pigeonry]

Southeastern Caribbean
Noon

Grand Admiral Raul Bernardo’s Battlefleet roared through the warm Caribbean waters off of Dutch Guyana. When word had reached the fleet, days earlier, that the Dutch vessels in Curacao had slipped away into the night the Admiral had ordered the fleet to increase speed. Subsequent seaplane searches launched from the Odisea, a seaplane tender already on station, revealed that the Dutch ships were moving at high speed towards the east with all ships accounted for - too far away for the Battlefleet to intercept them. No course changes were ordered and the fleet arrived in the Caribbean half a day earlier than expected. As the Guadalajara slowed, nearing the Dutch Guyanese coast a brief message was relayed to the Homeland announcing their arrival.

While decisions were made and plans discussed back in Madrid, Admiral Bernardo’s forces split and rendezvoused with the cruisers and other vessels already in position. When word from home was received, the fleet sat ready off of the Guyanese coastline and off of the northeastern ends of Curacao and Bonaire, mindful of the nearby Colombian coast.

Soon enough, a pair of messages were passed on from home by the fleet.

Statement to all Caribbean powers:

Spain hereby declares its neutrality in the Mexican-Colombian conflict, trade with both powers shall continue as is normal. Spanish warships in the Caribbean sea are in NO WAY involved in said conflict and shall only sail and operate off of Dutch Guyana, Curacao and Bonaire with standard trade routes used for transit to a from Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Spanish vessels will avoid ALL conflict zones and move in no threatening manner towards Mexican, Colombian, American, British, Portuguese or other nations' shipping.

Take note, the waters off of all Dutch Caribbean possessions are now under the protection of the Kingdom of Spain, merchant traffic and warships are asked to avoid these areas if possible.

Message to Dutch Colonial Governments in Dutch Guyana, Curacao and Bonaire

As it is now apparent the Union has abandoned you, the Kingdom of Spain requests that the Colonial Governments of Dutch Guyana, Curacao and Bonaire peacefully submit and accept immediate annexation. All territories shall receive equal status within the empire as Semi-Autonomous Overseas Provinces with all Spanish social benefits extended to any and all individuals willing to register for imperial citizenship. We wish you no harm and offer only a secure and productive future within the empire, free from the yoke of Communist oppression. With the Mexican-Colombian war raging and the Portuguese Army some twenty Divisions strong massing upon your eastern border, the continued security of your territories may be in doubt. It is in the best interest of all for you to submit quickly and peacefully so that the transition processes may begin.

Spain can guarantee a halt to the Portuguese advance and fair treatment for all Dutch citizens and soldiers who respond peacefully. Military forces still present within these territories are asked to surrender with the governments. Dutch units will be dissolved and every effort shall be made to return individuals to their families within the Union in Europe immediately following a resolution to the conflict there.

Please respond within twelve hours, the Imperial Battlefleet shall be standing by to relay your response.

Signed,
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Marian Alfonso Francisca

With the messages away, the fleet sat ominously within view from the coastline, awaiting a reply.


Cisplatina
Florianopolis
Presidential office (Unreal time?)

Enrique Ramón, the Chief Ambassador to Cisplatina, had quickly made his way to the president’s residence and found himself ushered into the man’s office with similar haste. The reason for the invitation was already quite clear and Ramón had prepared for such a situation from moment word had arrived from the Madrid to elevate the Readiness Condition.

"Ah mr ambassador. So kind of you to come to my office at such a short notice." said Sneider. It was rather more a summons with the ambassador told to present itself immediately but that was a different matter.

Ramón bowed his head slightly, nodding, “I left the moment word reached the Embassy, your Excellency,”

"So to the matter of inviting yourself here. It has come to the attention of my government that your government has moved no less than 4 additional infantry divisions to our border, in addition to the move of several heavy artillery pieces including 14in railroad guns. Further to that widespread military preparations are taking place all over Uruguay. Since I'm inclined to believe I would know if our armed forces had taken any action beyond their ordinary training activity I would be most interested to hear an explanation of your offensive activity."

The Ambassador removed his hat and held it in both hands, nodding as the President spoke, “You are quite correct, your Excellency, however, as you probably already know, the Uruguayan Northern Defensive line sits some fifty kilometers back from the border proper. Forces were moved up to the line, yes, but I can personally assure you that no units shall move any closer than forty kilometers from the border, save for the usual check point guards, of course.”

“I must apologize, though, for failing to inform your government of the exercises sooner… as you know, Spain has recently forged a defensive agreement with the Chilitinians and these actions were personally ordered by her Majesty with instructions to increase our readiness level with all deliberate haste. I myself was quite surprised to hear the orders, very little information was given, but I can assure you these exercises are in no way offensive, we have never wished your nation harm.”


Spain
Noon

Supplies, food and ammunition continued to move north by rail in support of French and German forces, a steady stream of trains belching smoke and steam roared through the border checkpoints at a rate of one every other hour.

In the Palace CCC, the Queen and her Command staff continued to monitor the German and French progress as well as the situation unfolding in the Caribbean. Despite the war between Mexico and Gran Colombia raging in the region, Operation Pelicano continued as the Battlefleet sat waiting on a response from the Colonial Governments.

With the Dutch warships away, headed east, it was unlikely the Battlefleet would encounter naval resistance. However, due to their escape, word was quickly sent off to the Germans and French on the issue. Along with them, several other messages were relayed to Portugal and other nations.

[Norseman]

OOC: With the permission of Siege and Setzer (who didn't have time to write this.)

Mombasa
Kenyan Mandate Area

The Gouvernor-General Pieter van der Löwe of the Kenyan Mandate Area was in a bind, but he was not about to show it to Piérre Delvaux the local Congolese consul. Leaning forward he rested his folded hands on the massive desk in front of him, before looking towards, but slightly above his guest. Up at the large fan in the ceiling above them, it moved slowly, sending up wafts of air.

At last he spoke, in a carefully modulated tone, "As I understand it then Comrade Consul, your government has no intention of helping the Union of the Low Countries?"

"I fear Comrade General that our government and that of our associates..." Piérre Delvaux began, politely spreading his hands a bit.

"Associates such as the MSE Colonel in my waiting room?" Gouvernor-General van der Löwe interrupted.

"Ah yes, those associates too," Piérre Delvaux stopped, then he bowed his head a little, looking genuinely apologetic, "I am so sorry, but we cannot afford a war with the great European powers."

"So it comes to this... you've heard of the Dominionite offer I assume?"

Once more Piérre Delvaux spread his hands a little, an embarrassed smile on his face, "I fear Comrade Governor that in this city there are few secrets, unless they're guarded by the German Club."

That informal nickname for the MSE made a brief smile cross Gouvernor-General van der Löwe's face, "Now there's an ironic nickname, all things considered I mean."

"Now then Comrade Governor, as for our offer of protective occupation," Piérre Delvaux began, politely but firmly, "I fear I must ask for an answer."

"Protective occupation," Gouvernor-General van der Löwe said, as if tasting the words, "How Comrade Consul is this different from the Dominionite offer?"

"We are your brotherly socialist allies," Piérre Delvaux said, "The Dominionites will not be so respectful of your internal politics, especially since there's the factories and population of the richest Dutch colony to plunder."

"Low Countries Mandate Area!" Gouvernor-General van der Löwe said sharply, "This is not a colony; the Union of the Low Countries have no colonies."

"My apologies, I meant no offence, only to tell you how they would view it," Piérre Delvaux said holding his hands up, "Still, the Protective Occupation will end once there is peace and the Union of the Low Countries have an acceptable government. The Dominionites will never let you go."

And neither will you I fear Gouvernor-General van der Löwe thought as he leaned back in his chair, pondering his answer, whatever it would be he had to decide quickly.

RESULTS
- Congolese government give an offer to the Kenyans.

[Siege]

TO: Dutch Colonial Government
TO:Dutch Military Commander, Kenya
FROM: Vice Admiral Runnels

Governor,

I have been instructed to repeat the offer already presented with regards to the Status of the Dutch Colony of Kenya. In the interests of checking rampant German aggression and expansionism, we request that the Dutch colonial government either declares independence and accept Dominionite protection...or agree to entry as an overseas possession of the Grand Dominion. In either case we would allowed the government personnel to remain in place, and a revisit of Kenya's status pending a final resolution to the situation in the Netherlands.

The Grand Dominion government has chosen to interpret the bolting of the fleet the actions of a rogue admiral.

We ask you to consider the correlation of forces and the possibility of a final treaty that will bring your territory under the German heel. Your colonial army, however numerous, cannot last long with ties cut to the homeland.

I have been instructed to give you 6 hours to consider the offer.

Vice Admiral Rudolf Runnels

TO: Vice Admiral Runnels
FROM: Governor-general Pieter van der Löwe

Vice-admiral,

The administration of the Kenyan Mandate Area wishes you to know that we consider the Grand Dominion attempt to intimidate and usurp our rightful sovereignty a low and treacherous act for which we will not stand. We reject your offer, and warn you that any Dominion troops approaching the Kenyan shoreline can and will be fired upon.

Pieter van der Löwe
Governor-general of the Kenyan Mandate Area

Message to Dutch Colonial Governments in Dutch Guyana, Curacao and Bonaire

As it is now apparent the Union has abandoned you, the Kingdom of Spain requests that the Colonial Governments of Dutch Guyana, Curacao and Bonaire peacefully submit and accept immediate annexation. All territories shall receive equal status within the empire as Semi-Autonomous Overseas Provinces with all Spanish social benefits extended to any and all individuals willing to register for imperial citizenship. We wish you no harm and offer only a secure and productive future within the empire, free from the yoke of Communist oppression. With the Mexican-Colombian war raging and the Portuguese Army some twenty Divisions strong massing upon your eastern border, the continued security of your territories may be in doubt. It is in the best interest of all for you to submit quickly and peacefully so that the transition processes may begin.

Spain can guarantee a halt to the Portuguese advance and fair treatment for all Dutch citizens and soldiers who respond peacefully. Military forces still present within these territories are asked to surrender with the governments. Dutch units will be dissolved and every effort shall be made to return individuals to their families within the Union in Europe immediately following a resolution to the conflict there.

Please respond within twelve hours, the Imperial Battlefleet shall be standing by to relay your response.

Signed,
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Marian Alfonso Francisca

The Union commander of the garrison of the Dutch Antilles had, much like his colleague in Australia, taken matters into his own hands and deposed the local communist council. Unlike his Australian colleague however he did not even deign to send a proper reply. Rather, fifteen minutes after the reception of the message one of the guns of the Dutch Guyana coastal batteries discharged with a lick of smoke and flame and a thunderclap that was audible even as far as the Spanish battlefleet. A single shell came plunging at the flagship of the Imperial Battlefleet, falling many kilometers short of course, but the implication of the rising column of water was quite clear to the fleet commander: the Union wasn't going to roll over and die.

TO: Authorities of Subsidiary Union Government of the Top End
FROM: Department of State, Federal Republic of Cascadia


Greetings to you, gentlemen. As you know, your local government's responsibility areas are now under direct attack from German forces. The island of Bali has already fallen and a renewed German assault in Timor is undoubtedly imminent. To preserve security on Sumatra Cascadia has regrettably been forced to garrison and annex the ports of Bakahueni and Banda Aceh.

Given the situation, we now request that you give final consideration to our offer of re-annexation of the Top End into the Republic of Cascadia. Cascadia cannot tolerate the risk of another power declared hostile to your Union seizing this territory and so we must seek a final resolution to its status with Cascadia.

Again we remind you that our terms to the peoples settled here are generous. We recognize their right to assemble themselves into a state within the Cascadian Federal Union and for local militia to remain armed and in service, to be governed under the provisions of the Territorial Defenses Act of 1882 and the National Army and Militia Acts of 1890, 1904, and 1917. Their possession of property currently held will be recognized, and all local government will be free to organize and operate as desired in conjunction with federal laws and statutes upon the operation of such.

The fleet stationed at Darwin will be considered interned for the duration of hostilities, with repatriation arrange upon the conclusion of them by whatever terms the belligerents of the current war decide upon.

If we do not receive a positive response, we will sadly be required to consider other measures to guarantee the territorial integrity of Australia.

Signed,
Rachel MacKenzie, Secretary of State

TO: Secretary of state Rachel MacKenzie
FROM: Acting governor-general colonel Roelof Huytz

Madam,

The acting council of the Subsidiary Union of the Top End hereby declares the following:
1. That we have deposed the communist rabble which has betrayed our Union.
2. That we recognize the authority of and declare our allegiance to the Military Council of the Union of the Low Countries and its acting commander, general Hendrik Seyffardt.
3. That we do not recognize your ownership of the lands we call our home.
4. That the garrison of the Top End has been fully mobilized, and that all men and women capable of bearing arms have been called to join the local militias in anticipation of undue aggression by any party against us.

If you wish to take what is ours for your own, you will have to come and fight for it.

Colonel Roelof Huytz
Acting governor-general

RESULTS
- Congolese government give an offer to the Kenyans.

Pieter van der Löwe drummed his fingers against his heavy oaken desk. He had just sent the radio message to the Grand Dominion vice-admiral, and having heard the reputation of the Dominion as well as some inkling of the machinations of geopolitics, he had a sinking feeling that a landing by hostile infantry was imminent. A landing he might be able to repulse... But he doubted he'd be so lucky if they attempted a second, or even a third landing. Heroic rebuffing of the admiral notwithstanding the governor-general knew that he was far away from home, and all alone in this part of the world. No help would be coming from Europe, or from Somalia, or from Australia for that matter. Everywhere in the world local commanders were facing the same calamity: foreign warships off the coast, and threatening messages demanding surrender.

Van der Löwe gritted his teeth. I'll be damned if I give in to those colonial usurpers. For a minute he felt like burning down everything the Dutch had ever built here, simply out of spite. Then he shook his head and looked at the Congolese consul. He sighed, and suddenly felt very tired. “Well”, he said, then briefly stopped talking to force down the gall that was rising in his throat. He ruthlessly squashed the overwhelming desire to punch the consul really hard in the middle of the face, and forced a smile onto his face. It did not reach his eyes. “Well” he repeated. “'Protective occupation' it is, then.”

Result: Union colonies rebuff Grand Dominion, Spain, Cascadia; take up Congolese offer of 'protective occupation' in the spirit of socialist brotherhood or somesuch.

[Norade]

Portuguese Attack on Albina

The attack was planned to a be a grand landing under the thunder of heavy guns, however as scouts confirmed no enemy resistance only the first wave of soldiers landed ashore and no shells were ever fired. The however doesn't mean that the full force isn't landed and that guns aren't to be pain painstakingly carried over the river. However these actions take time and as the guns and soldiers are moved over a diplomat is sent over to meet with the town's mayor.

In Albina a few days after the land the diplomat is brought to city hall where he meets with the town's mayor in hopes of arranging a meeting with the district government which is also centered in this small coastal city. The diplomats position is as follows:

"The people of Albina have long suffered under a government who didn't want you and who never treated you as you deserved to be treated. A government that has lost the short war at home and now seeks to make a bloody last stand in your city, to see your homes shelled and filled with lead. Your boys will be inducted in haste, a gun pressed into their hands and a uniform forced upon their shivering fearful bodies. We do not wish to see these things come to pass, we are your neighbors who come only to defend you and keep you from war.

So what do you say when we ask you to join us peacefully to spare the lives of your people? What do you say to convincing your brothers inland to do the same?"

Results:
-Diplomat sent to Albina
-Military landing unopposed

[Steve]

Darwin, Australia
23 July 1925


Under the direction now of the military authorities, the people of Darwin were being geared for war. Colonel Huytz had already imprisoned Sharkey and the various Communist officials that ran the government and was giving radio addresses and public print notes extolling the settlers and exiles to "resist, for our mother country" and such. The armed military was determined to make a fight of it, to the bitter end, with few having any real hope of prevailing against the determined forces arrayed against them.
It was under these conditions that the aircraft appeared, almost simultaneously with the distant thunder of artillery. People huddled in fear, believing that the attack had begun, but there were no explosions, no erupts of material from bullets striking the ground. Instead the transport aircraft above them were literally throwing paper upon them, light bundles that felt earthward as the planes turned away.
Those who invested would find the paper consisted of leaflets. The printed words, written in Dutch, contained the list of Cascadia's proposal for the local governance of the Top End after it was returned to Cascadia, including the guarantee of rights of governance and assembly, as well as bearing arms, for the local settler and exile population. Information that both Sharkey and Huytz had hidden from the locals.
Far away at the front, where the militia and garrison units were entrenching to repulse the imminent Cascadian attack, similar leaflets came down, fired from specialized hollow artillery shells. Huytz's most devoted officers and soldiers quickly confiscated them and threatened with arrest any who spread them, but the leaflets had done their work. Word would spread of the promises of the Cascadian government and would have an untold effect upon the local troops when the real fighting began....

[Lonestar]

P.N.S. Galen Tyrol, Force R



The HVAC struggled to keep the interior of the skin of the ship something approaching livable. This worked best in certain areas of the ship, but one thing Runnels had noticed was that whenever small spaces were crammed full of people, such as the Flag Officer's cabin at the moment, the effect seemed feeble. The Admirals and Captains had been ordered across for the intelligence briefing created by the reconnaissance flights by the flotilla's aeroplanes. The timeline for the offer had come and gone, with a curt message that effectively told the Grand Dominion to fuck off, and plans remained to be drawn up.

"The lions share of coastal defenses on the Kenyan coast are in the Mombasa area, and the only large caliber guns are here in Monbasa, 2 pairs of open top 305mm coastal guns that were installed in the early 1900s, before the 1913-15 war showed how much naval warfare had changed." The staff officer pointed to the photograph on the easel.



"This is all well and good in deterring raiders, but the main batteries of Force R's battleships allow us to operate outside the range of these guns. We will be able to suppress them rather handily. The same goes for the battery of 305mm mortars located West of Mombasa. These are not our primary concern. Our primary concern is that small caliber and medium caliber guns which, by and large, remain hidden. While there are batteries here and there of 6in disappearing guns", He moved to the next photo.



"We are more concerned about non-fixed positions that we will be unable to suppress in time for the landing force to secure a beachhead. This is especially bad news, as the recent Joint War Exercise in the Maldives has proven that the field wireless that the Naval Infantry and Army uses is unable to survive the shock of our capitalships firing, and our naval wireless can't talk to field wireless except through an open mic. This will be hazardous when providing naval gunfire support..." The staff offcer was interrupted by a knock at the door. Vice Admiral Barley, the XO of Force R, stood up and opened it. A petty officer handed him a piece of paper with a mumbled "message for the Admiral." and scurried off. Barley walked over and handed it to Runnels.

The assembled personage waited patiently while Runnels read it. Runnels grunted.

"Seems we have a bit of a stick in our spoke. The Dutch Kenyan government has accepted Congolese 'protection'."

There were mutterings around the cabin. Captain Reginald Wythe of the Theobald snorted. "Oh no! Can't have a bunch of Kaffirs come in and try to scare us off!"

"They woudln't be able to move enough troops in before ours landed." The staff officer conducting the briefing said. "We have the main railyards in the region plotted for destruction."

Runnels held up his hand.

"Doesn't matter. Our mission has been accomplished, and the Germans have been checked. I will be sending message to the Dutch acknowledging the current political situation, and we will leave."

There was silence for half a second, then Wythe shouted "You can't do that!"

"I'm the man on the spot, and have been briefed by Grand Admiral Saldana. I can indeed."

"Christ!" Wythe sputtered. "You're running from a bunch of goddamn apes and communists!"

Runnels stood. "Captian Wythe, if you had spent more time training your men on proper watchstanidng procedure, the Dutch flotilla would have never escaped, and we wouldn't have made asses out of ourselves encouraging the Dutch to pull this stunt. Now shut up."

"You Goddamn Jumped-up Coolie...!"

The officers in the room where craning their necks back and forth as if at a tennis match. Barley stood and opened up the door to the cabin, and said something to the Master-at-Arms outside, who promptly stepped in.

"Mr. Wythe? Come with me sir."

"That's Captain Wythe...!"

"Not anymore." Barley said. "I just informed the MA that you've been relieved. Take him to the brig."

"You can't do this!" Wythe screeched even as he was being led out. "My uncle will hear of this!"


Results:The Grand Dominion acknowledges the political situation in Kenya and accepts it...so long as Germany does not take control of the territory. Force R departs for home.