SDN World 3 Story Thread I

[Lonestar]

The Army-Navy Journal

Grand Dominion recognizes Kenyan Independence
Raising some eyebrows, the Grand Dominion government has recognized Kenyan independence, and the special arrangement it has with other countries. Special economic concessions have been granted...

Study commences for next aeroplane-carrier
The Grand Dominion has commissioned a study for the next aeroplane carrier to join the GDN. "The plan is to ultimately have two fleet carriers, so we will always have one available" says a spokesman from BuShips...

Wolfram & Hart Shipyards to expand facilities
Wolfram & Hart Shipyards announced an intention to construct two new drydocks. The docks will be 270m long with a width of 40m. The purpose of the drydocks is to "aggressively build new super-large passenger liners". Funding is coming from a mix of private capital and government funds...

Results:
-Grand Dominion recognizes the current political conditions in Kenya
-Study commences for next aircraft carrier
-Private shipyard begins work on two 70,000 drydocks, with partial government funding.

[Siege]

Villa Von Schenk
Muizz Street, Old Cairo

Count Siegfried von Schenk felt hands shaking him and sat up, twisting to try and throw them off. His chest was heaving and he realized he was out of breath and drenched in sweat. He felt a burning pain in his chest, quickly receding like a faint memory. He leaned forward, taking in the fresh air in eager gulps. He felt cool hands on his shoulders as his wife came to sit beside him. “Relax, honey. You had another nightmare.”

For a moment, Siegfried was so disoriented that he barely understood who he was. He just nodded, staring down at his shaking hands. The dream had been similar to the others: glimpses of a city full of impossibly tall buildings, flashes of conflicts fought with weapons he did not recognize. Another version of his wife and himself, arguing about something, and a name... Sidney. He shook his head. None of it made any sense to him. And why would he be dreaming about an Australian city?

He leaned over to where the water basin was and splashed some water in his face. According to the clock on the wall it was just before six in the morning. He sighed and kissed his wife. “Sorry if I woke you” the Count sounded weary. “It must be the food that's causing these episodes.”

Daphne de Saint-Claire frowned worriedly. “You're sure it's not malaria or something?”

“No” Siegfried shook his head, frustration in his voice. “The doctors checked me out last week. As far as they can tell I'm in perfect health.” He looked at the soaking wet sheets. “So much for that, I guess.”

“Maybe it's just the stress” Saint-Claire ventured. “This business with the Sheik getting to you.”

“Maybe” he permitted. Siegfried hadn't told her about the night the assassin had appeared in their bedroom to warn him, but he knew she suspected something. He wouldn't have given up his feud with Sheik Helali if there hadn't been a damned good reason to do so. And the fact that Helali had given up his attempts to get at the Von Schenk family and industries at exactly the same moment probably weren't lost on her either. He groaned and fell back to the bed. “I really need a holiday.”

She eyed him speculatively. “You know, I'm headed for Alexandria on Canal business. If you want to, you could come with.” She smiled. “It'd only be for a few days, but it'd be fun.”

“I'd love to but...” He sighed. “I probably have plans to go over, papers to sign, half a dozen people to please or officials to bribe to get our expansions in Sharm al-Shaykh pushed through...”

“You can do all that on the train” she pointed out. “We can get the private coach hooked up.”

He looked at her. “Seems like you've given this some thought.”

“What if I have?” Daphne smiled. “I just think...”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Yes, let's do it. I could use the break. I'll have my papers delivered to the station and we can ride up to the coast together.”

“Really? You're actually doing it? I never thought you'd go for it.” Daphne seemed pleasantly surprised. “I know Alexandria is not Europe, but it'll be fun.”

“At least that means there won't be any Imperial officers there to arrest me for high treason either” he smiled.

His wife's face darkened. “Way to spoil the mood.”

“Sorry dear” the Count seemed oddly energized. “Hold on, I haven't told you yet, have I? I ran into Walther the other day...”

“Walther Rathenau? The diplomat?”

“The very same. He was here on behalf of the Kaiser to negotiate the Kenyan treaty. According to him, there's been talk about our... situation... at the Court. He seems to think there's a chance I might be let off the hook soon.”

“What? They're lifting the exile?” Her eyes widened. “Honey, that's excellent news!”

Siegfried smiled. “It's nowhere near certain yet. But apparently new evidence has come to light. Or old Wilhelm changes his mind, or maybe Sänger just likes me, I'm not sure. Walther didn't know, or maybe he just wouldn't tell me. But yes, there's a chance, however remote, that we might be able to visit the heimat soon without getting, well, never mind that.” He kissed his wife, then jumped out of bed. “But first, I believe we have a train to catch!”

[loomer]

Kabul Inquirer, 14th of Rabi` Al-Awwal
War declared! Mass mobilization!

War has now been officially declared against Shepistan by Minister Al-Ludd, confirming public opinion that the mass mobilization of reservists and their deployment was intended for another defensive war against the powerful southern neighbour. He stated that this declaration and mobilization "are entirely in response to hostile Shepistani overtures to our government and towards our border region and will be utilized only to hold ground already belonging to the People's Republic."

Also present was Defence Sub-Minister Fahad, still unwilling to comment on his involvement in the death of Shadow Minister Al-Kuz following the most recent brawl in the People's Hall. He did, however, state the following: "In light of this latest threat to the continued existence of our great Republic, I have authorized the Defensive Army of Afghanistan to begin open recruitment, and make a call for all my Afghani brothers, be they Pashtun or Tajik, Hazara or Baloch, to stand up and be counted! If you are over the age of fifteen, male, and of firm body, volunteer today!"

"Also beginning today is a new policy. Women will now be allowed to take the place of volunteer men in the work place, even if to do so they must dispense with their hijab for safety. This policy -" At this point, there was a general public outcry from the audience, we report, and what appeared to be a thrown stone. " THIS POLICY IS TEMPORARY! These women must be sourced from the volunteer's family, and where possible their male relatives of unfirm body will instead be used!"

Secularism and Shepistanis - two imminent threats on the Afghani horizon. It is the hope of this newspaper that we will defeat first one, and then the other. We would also like to remind our readers to purchase war bonds and stocks.

Edited to avoid Double Post Goodness:

Fort Sursurang, Shepistani-Afghani Border, 12th of Rabi` Al-Awwal, 10PM

Assembled in the Fort's courtyard were just a few men - fifty, at the most. They wore no uniforms, just rugged mountaineering clothes not unlike those commonly found on the other side of the border. They bore Enfields instead of Nagants. Donkeys. Heavy packs filled with supplies and explosives.

"Your orders are to depart East from Sursurang and cross the borders, without detection. Once you are inside Shepistan, your duty is simple. Ruin the enemy supply lines from here to the Jalalabad front. Organize a Pashtun fifth column in the border regions. Derail trains. Hinder our foes as best you can."

They turned silenty towards the gate as it was opened wide.

"Major Al-Zahara will be your commander in field. Allah smile upon you and the works that you do."

[Akhlut]

In the airfields outside of Jargalant in southwestern Mongolia, enormous lines of transport planes awaited. Men and equipment were loaded, and General Sükhbaatar was with his command staff in the first plane to fly to Zibak District Airfield. The giant transport plane, almost fresh off the line and still with that new plane smell, taxied onto the runway and roared into life, thundering down the runway, hurling itself into the air through what seemed sheer force of will rather then actual physics. In the course of several hours it and several follower planes landed in Zibak and the men disembarked with clockwork precision and waited at the side of the airport for briefings from the Afghanis. Throughout the rest of the week a steady stream of planes flew in every hour of every day, spewing out their contents of Mongolian troops and arms, ready to defend their long separated brethren from the threat of Shepistani guns.

[Thanas]

The German Empire received news about the itinerary of the white fleet and proceeded to direct its fleet to accord every honour to the Malagay ships. While the coastal fortifications would keep a watchful eye on them, the fleet would be allowed to refuel - if necessary - and to dock at all German ports they might chose to visit.

OOC: Sorry for the brief post, just wanted to make sure everything is set up. I shall have a larger post up tomorrow or saturday.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Envoy from the Grand Dominion to arrive at Constantinople for talks with the Imperial Government

An envoy from the Grand Dominion will arrive this month at Constantinople for talks with the Imperial Government. While the agenda has not been disclosed, it is believed that matters in the Gulf of Aden are the center of talks.

Imperial Navy said to have been studying a 25,000tonne carrier

The Navy is said to be studying a 25,000tonne carrier in a bid to bolster its carrier force, and to purchase new aircraft for its carriers. "Many nations are apparently using carriers for scouting and possibly torpedo missions. While aircraft technology doesn't appear to completely allow aircraft to outrun current AA batteries, it might be a concern in the far future," said a Navy spokesman. Design talks are expected to be protracted, and the carrier is not expected to be laid down until 4-5 years from now.

Air Force procurement to be bolstered next year.

The Air Force is expected to procure new aircraft from the Sultanate next year. "We are still in the midst of upgrading our aeronautics industry. In the meantime, we will procure new aircraft from the Sultanate to boost our forces."

[Ma Deuce]

The Madagascar Tribune

Prime Minister launches re-election campaign from deck of battleship

Maroantsetra - Today at the commissioning ceremony of the new battleship HMMS Hefina, Prime Minister Randriana officially kicked off the re-election bid for his Social Democrats. With the new warship's massive guns as a backdrop, the Prime Minister delivered a speech praising the Navy, and calling the decision to cut funds to naval spending to focus on welfare an "agonizing, but regrettably necessary choice", but stated that "I have never forgotten about the Navy, as evidenced by the existence of this magnificent ship, which was authorized and completed during my tenure". He went on to state that with things improving on the domestic front thanks to his party's reforms, it was now feasible to turn attention back to the Navy, promising to initiate a new building program in 1926, which would include designs of capital ships even more powerful, intended to compete with the latest designs in the world. He emphasized his belief in the peaceful role of a strong Navy in deterring conflict, and added that understanding between nations could also further that goal, something he hoped the planned Mobile Fleet Cruise would help accomplish. The move to kick off the campaign with promise for additional naval spending is intended to head off expected criticism from the Liberals that the SD government's neglect of the Navy has been to the detriment of national security. The Social Democrats are still expected to win the year-end election, though with somewhat reduced support.

Mobile Fleet Cruise begins

Antsiranana - This morning the 54 warships comprising the Mobile Fleet departed the Diego Suarez base on their planned cruise of the island territories and ports in neighboring nations. The fleet is divided into five squadrons to cover as much ground as possible, with most destinations being visited by only one squadron each. The cruise is intended not only to reassure island residents of the Navy's ability to defend them, but to boost Madagascar's prestige among neighboring nations, with visits planned at numerous ports up the African coast, including most notably the newly created Free State of Kenya. The visit to a communist nation has generated controversy in some quarters, though some also believe that the visit has a dual purpose as a both a gesture of goodwill and a warning against aggression, as Mombasa will be the only foreign port where the entire fleet will gather. The Navy released the following itinerary of the Fleet's planned route

Schedule

The cruise is widely being nicknamed the "Great White Fleet" after the American battlefleet that sailed around the world a generation ago for similar purposes, in large part because the ships participating in this cruise are also painted white for the purpose of the mission.

_____________________________________________

Diego Suarez Naval Base, early November 1925 [somewhat unreal time]

It was a clear Spring morning over Deigo Suarez Bay, a magnificent natural harbour on the northern tip of Madagascar that served as the country's main naval base; as such, the vast harbour was a hub of activity with several bases around the bay, including the main naval facility on the north side of the bay which hosted the battlefleet, another base near the city of Antsiranana on the south shore, and a vast naval airfield on the Andrakaka peninsula in the middle of the bay, which was capable of hosting over a hundred aircraft including the Navy's reconnaissance zeppelins. Less visible were the numerous fortifications and coastal artillery surrounding the vast bay, which were said to be able to hold off an entire battlefleet. These emplacements were well camouflaged in the hills surrounding the bay, making it unlikely they would be spotted by an enemy fleet before they opened fire. Even if a fleet succeeded in neutralizing the heavy guns, any troops they sent ashore would have to brave heavily fortified beaches, all of which had numerous off-shore obstacles intended to ensnare landing craft before they reached the beach, and were overlooked by numerous pillboxes and bunkers whose occupants could slaughter all but the largest troop landings with ease. There was also a fortified line across the north tip of the island, several miles south of the bay, built for the event of a successful landing further south. The purpose of these numerous emplacements was all the same: keep the Navy safe at anchor so it could remain an effective "fleet in being".

As the sun rose high enough to illuminate the bay over the eastern hills, the comparatively tiny forms of over fifty ships converging from both north and south toward the bay's entrance were visible: Their freshly-painted white hulls reflected the orange-red hue of the morning sun perfectly, creating brilliant reflections on the calm waters and making them stand out easily from the even more numerous dark gray warships still in repose at their moorings. The spectale had attracted numerous observers on the shore, whom had arisen early just to witness this event.

Most visible among the flock of ships was the five large battlecruisers, which proceeded line astern in their usual squadron formation at a sedate ten knots: A properly placed observer with binoculars or telescope could easily make out the details and spot a common lineage in these five goliaths: all shared a few common features, including a low quarterdeck and a main battery of eight guns in four turrets, yet in other ways were rather different. At the rear was the unique Sahisahy, Madagascar's first and oldest battlecruiser: Built in Britain, she bore a strong resemblance to that country's HMS Tiger. The philosophy of her design seemed more German than British however, sacrificing firepower (she was armed with 12 inch guns where the British used 13.5 inch) for armor so she could stand in the battleline, an idea carried on in her descendants that sailed ahead of her. Despite being the smallest of the quintet, she was also the slowest, over a knot behind the newest and largest ships battlecruisers at the van, despite her engine upgrades. She also looked the oldest, being the only ship in the quintet with a ram bow and more that two stacks. Next up were the newer and bigger twins Haromotana and Laza, both armed with 13.8 inch guns and weighing in at almost 34,000 tons. These two middle children, the first of their breed built in Madagascar, not only continued the German design philosophy, but they almost looked German, with their slightly upturned vertical-edged bows: until one noticed the clearly British inspired turrets and superstructure. Finally, at the fore of the line were newest, biggest, and arguably best looking of the quintet, the Voninahitra and Valifaty. They had a graceful main deck gently curving upward toward the fore, running from the break with the low quarterdeck all the to their graceful clipper bows, which unlike the other ships did not have a "notch" cut out of the sides to fit the casemates for the secondary guns. Other subtle hints gave away their modernity, from their flat-roofed turrets to their aircraft hangar and catapult amidships.

Flanking them were the two squadrons of smaller cruisers. One column comprised six light cruisers, which were all a somewhat odd looking bunch; with a sleek, modern looking hull mated with a somewhat quint looking superstructure, with four of their guns in two turrets at either end, and the rest in casemates at the corners of the superstructure, similar to the American Omaha class; they came in two varieties, they two 10,000 tonner lead ships had eight 20 cm guns, the rest were 7,000 tons with twelve 14 cm guns. On the other side were the eight smaller scout cruisers. Built to be faster and cheaper than a light cruiser while still far more powerful than a destroyer, they had six 14 cm guns along the centerline, almost resembling a cross between a proper cruiser and a destroyer.

Finally were the destroyers; Far smaller than all the other warships, they comprised the majority of the fleets' number. Some of them came up from the southern base near the city, creating a chaotic sight as they merged with their northern comrades. Taken together, the destroyers were a rather varied collection indeed, weighing in between 1000 and 1700 tons, and armed with either 10 or 12 cm deck guns. Even among the five classes of these ships there were detail differences in such things as the depth charge outfit, the AA guns, the bridge...some ships even had one of their main guns replaced by a single stubby ASW howitzer. All the fifty-plus warships stayed in columns as they passed through the mile-wide channel linking the harbor to the Indian Ocean. After they were out to sea, the neat columns began to disintegrate and mingle as the fleet reorganized for the cruise. When the transformation was complete, the fleet had coalesced into five separate squadrons each centered around a battlecruiser, plus two or three smaller cruisers and seven destroyers. Silhoetted against the rising sun, these new squadrons then headed in different directions over the horizon as they each proceeded to their first assigned destinations in Madagascar's island territories: The Great White Cruise had begun.

[MKSheppard]

Shepistani Army House

"So, Mister....Shroomlove, your idea is intruiging." began the General in charge of procurement.

"It's sufficiently interesting that we have decided to fund your research. Your so called suit of armor is hereby designated T-1a; and you are instructed to begin work on something that doesn't need a fifty foot long extension cord."

[Lonestar]

Internal "Lessons Learned" study of Kenyan Incident

Section 1
The short legs of the Galen Tyrol have validated the decision to establish the planned speed for the Centurions to 25kts, rather than the 30kts the Galen Tyrol class has. The previous class had been designed with a restricted operating area in mind, the Grand Dominion Gulf, and without an increased numbers of fast tankers, the speed advantage the Tyrol offers is largely negated by the her range...[More]

Section 2
The presence of the Archangel added immensely to the reconnaissance of the Kenyan coast. Night operations, unfortunately, were hindered by lack of both planes and trained pilots. Previous doctrine held that night operations are to be avoided because of the inherent danger, but in war time our enemy may be able to slip away or sneak up due to lack of aerial surveillance...[More]

Section 3
There is a dire need to improve long distance landing of troops. The scratch plan of using coastal battleships marked for retirement as the main "assault ships" was not the optimal solution, especially as the assault battalion would need to seize and hold sufficient port facilities long enough for the follow on transports. While considered a viable option against the Kenyan colonial army, against more lavishly equipped and trained forces it would have never worked...[More]

[CmdrWilkens]

Guadalajara Worker's Post-Gazette
Rodeo, Panama
August 12th (D+11)


The seeds of our wanton aggression are upon us and the true light of socialist power has been shown today. Two Mexican Corps were today slaughtered like cattle wading in to the abattoir. Across the softly rolling marshland of the Pacific Coast of the peaceful nation of Gran Colombia the forces of Imperial Aggression found themselves mown down like so much grass before the might of but a single division.

Reports of the extent of the death and destruction continue to reach this paper but we are most certainly confident that a blood-letting of epic proportions has been lain down in these muddy fields. Most of the battle took place on reclaimed marshland, swampy even without rain. This has been an unusually cold and wet summer, and heavy artillery bombardment destroyed the surface of the land. Though there were dry periods this year, mud was nevertheless a constant feature of the landscape; vehicles, horses, and supplies bogged down in mud, and soldiers often drowned in it. Apart from the 'ridges', the battlefield was very low-lying, almost no higher than sea level.


Numerous concrete machine gun emplacements were constructed between the Colombian first line of defence, through to the Rodeo strategic defensive line. The purpose of these machine guns positions was to break up (i.e. disrupt and confuse) and slow a Mexican attack which had breached the defensive lines, allowing the Colombian counter-attacking troops time to attack before the Imperialist troops had re-organised themselves after breaching the main defensive lines. The eight hundred and one men from the 19th Royal Regiment, 1st Criollo Brigade marched onto the battlefield from the reserves that day, and only 68 made it out unharmed with over 500 of 801 dead.

Casualties across the whole front have been devestating such that at least two generals have been sacked, another shot rallying troops and more than half of all regiments are reportedly without their Colonels. More details will be passed alogn as they become available. What we must stress is tha the bloodshed proves only that the government must cease this useless and fruitless war now.


/OOC

If you couldn't guess Mexican socialists are happy about the slaughter of Panamadaele also known as the southern sector of the D+11 attacks. More news soon

[MKSheppard]

Army House, Shepistan

The envoy from Cisplatina was welcomed into the General Staff's study, which was thick with cigar smoke.

"Because Cisplatina seems to be the only people who are not fucking stupid in this whole Central American Fiasco; and because the Shepistani General Staff foresees problems with one country controlling both Canals in the region; as well as seeing an opportunity for regime change of the socialist regime in Panama which has so far incompetently run the war; we are making available to your Namcu Legion the two Armies of the Shepistani Expeditionary Force, which have completed their enshipment at various ports across Shepistan."

"We had originally planned to send these troops to Manchuria to aid them in their war against the Communist menace, but since the original orders, things seem to be much well in hand, and only a small force of several battalions will be going to Manchuria after all."

[Lascaris]

Santa Maria Air Base, Rio Grande do Sul, Federal Socialist Republic of Brazil

The drone of dozens of aircraft engines, brought Colonel Carlos Maria Barros e Ferreira out of his office in a hurry. At the sight of the first biplanes closing on his airstrip he felt a shiver running through him as he recognized the distinct shape of the Castoldi C.25 fighters.

"The fucking Cisplatines are attacking! Aide! Sound the alarm immediately. Why haven't the guards opened up yet? There must be nearly a hundrend planes coming our way!"

His political officer, MSE colonel José Luiz Costa e Souza, seemed to materialize out of thin air to the agitated Ferreira.

"Oh there is no reason to be agitated comrade colonel. I took the initiative of giving orders to the guards myself in order not to disturb you with such minutiae. Besides the coming of the planes was supposed to be a secret." said Souza ever politely and with just a hint of irony in his eyes.

"So what are these, comrade?" asked a still agitated, now for a different reason Ferreira

"Oh Cisplatine volunteers, that go to fight in the defence of the fraternal socialist republic of Gran Colombia. Please comrade colonel. Close your mouth. We want to look good to our Cisplatine comrades." he added unperturbed to the aghast Perreira as the leading C.25 smoothly landed. Colombian roundels had been painted with visible haste over the originals with a stylized condor also painted on the aircraft.

The two Brazilian colonels were standing in front of the office as the pilot of the first C.25 reached them. On first sight his uniform was just that of the Cisplatine air force. On second sight you could see the insignia of Garibaldi's Redshirts or rather the insignia their latest incarnation wore with the Cisplatine volunteer corps in Italy.

"Group Captain Ignatio Sneider, Namcu Volunteer Legion, at your service colonel" he said in fluent Brazilian.

"Welcome to the Federal Socialist Republic comrade Group Captain. The Air..." a visible stop as Pereira caught himself from saying air force "the People's Aerial Self Defence Force welcomes you. We will render you all neccesariry help in reaching the struggle against the Mexican monarchofascists as soon as plausible"

"A photograph comrade Group Captain, for the press." said the ever smooth Souza

Sneider smiled "Group Captain will do. I'm not a communist" he said as he shook hands for the photographers under a huge poster of the Great Leader flanked by Karl Marx and Jesus Christ and "onward to the road to socialism" written in big black letter. Brazilian ground crews were already bringing benzine to the aircraft.

Actions: The Namcu Legion of... volunteers is on its way to Gran Colombia.

Notes: C.25 is a clone of the NiD-42 fighter
Nomcu: a kind of condor in the pampa

[Lascaris]

Army House, Shepistan

The envoy from Cisplatina was welcomed into the General Staff's study, which was thick with cigar smoke.

"Because Cisplatina seems to be the only people who are not fucking stupid in this whole Central American Fiasco; and because the Shepistani General Staff foresees problems with one country controlling both Canals in the region; as well as seeing an opportunity for regime change of the socialist regime in Panama which has so far incompetently run the war; we are making available to your Namcu Legion the two Armies of the Shepistani Expeditionary Force, which have completed their enshipment at various ports across Shepistan."

"We had originally planned to send these troops to Manchuria to aid them in their war against the Communist menace, but since the original orders, things seem to be much well in hand, and only a small force of several battalions will be going to Manchuria after all."

"I see general. The Namcu Legion as well as the Garibaldini are of course volunteers. The republic maintains strict neutrality in the Mexican-Gran Colombian war. But of course personally" he smiled at the fiction "I agree with you that Mexico controlling both the Nicaragua and Panama canals is against our geopolitical interests. So I will pass your offer to Florianopolis so that they can inform the Gran Colombians... that there is a somewhat higher influx of volunteers than expected. As in a few hundred thousand higher. Then its up to the Colombians to agree..."

[Lascaris]

"I see general. The Namcu Legion as well as the Garibaldini are of course volunteers. The republic maintains strict neutrality in the Mexican-Gran Colombian war. But of course personally" he smiled at the fiction "I agree with you that Mexico controlling both the Nicaragua and Panama canals is against our geopolitical interests. So I will pass your offer to Florianopolis so that they can inform the Gran Colombians... that there is a somewhat higher influx of volunteers than expected. As in a few hundred thousand higher. Then its up to the Colombians to agree..."

Caracas, Presidential office

"I have to pass you a very interesting though somewhat unexpected offer mr president. The Shepistani government has contacted us with an offer to ship the two armies of theirs that were to go to Manchuria to aid in the war against Mexico instead. The Shepistani Expeditionary Force would serve under the banner of the Cisplatine volunteer corps as... volunteers. If your government is willing to accept the Shepistani offer I can pass the news back"

[MKSheppard]

So I will pass your offer to Florianopolis so that they can inform the Gran Colombians... that there is a somewhat higher influx of volunteers than expected. As in a few hundred thousand higher. Then its up to the Colombians to agree..."

"A few hundred thousand? My friend, the Shepistani First Army has 320,000 men; the Fifth Army has 250,000." replied the General Staff officer. "Along with a quite large number of siege pieces bigger than 25 centimeters."

[Thanas]

OOC: Posting as the Soviet player

Newly promoted Field Marshal Vasily Blücher once more cursed the Soviet Government. They had started the war clearly underestimating the Manchu logistical capabilities and the fact that they had not counted upon the Chinese to intervene.

Which had resulted in the Soviet advance getting bogged down and now the Soviet forces were in fact retreating for the safety of the Amur. The most disgraceful event however had been the mass surrender of Soviet armies.

Which now resulted in him getting shifted to the Northern Front, to hold of around 700.000 Manchu men with 500.000 soviet soldiers. Not an enviable task and certainly the most important one of the war.

At the newly designated Center Front, Marshal Alexander Ilyich Yegorov now commanded 200.000 troops, trying to hold the Amur from an enemy crossing of 350.000 men.

At the Southern Front, Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky was tasked with holding back ~1.4 million Manchu soldiers, having only 800.000 men left, not counting the 50.000 men charged with holding back the Manchu army for as long as they could.

All in all, the situation was dire, but far from disastrous. The lull in the fighting had given the soviets time to prepare defences - and the border defences at the Amur themselves had been modernized into extensive networks. Should the Manchu forces change direction or mass at a different point, the Soviets would follow suit.

But what mostly gave the Generals hope was that thanks to the commissariat acting in a very strident manner, the soldiers had realized that death was preferrable to surrender, a point driven home by the NKVD executing several soldiers that had left their post. A reminder to think about their families, who were threatened with being shipped to Siberia or worse if the soldiers retreated served only to enhance that perception. The Soviet army was battered and bruised, but far from defeated or broken.

The soviet airforce had now arrived in force, and the factories of the Motherland turned out more and more weapons. All over the country, young men were enlisted and now training. By the end of the year, the Soviet forces would have an additional 5 million men under their banners.

Result:
- soviets establish defensive lines
- salient is given up save 50.000 men who are making delaying actions. During the retreat the raillines were dynamited, the bed blown etc, same with the fortresses. If the Manchus want to use this to stage an offensive, they have to deal with those problems first - and eliminate the 50.000 men that are awaiting bitter fighting to the last men.
- Note: overall men counts should not be interpreted as the soviets not having any reserve. The usual percentage of these men form a reserve at each front to be employed against any attempt at breakthrough.

[Thanas]

Berlin, Reichskanzlei

"And these are the selected new secretaries, Herr Kanzler", Elise said, gesturing at the group of woman standing in the middle of the newly refurbished Sekretariat. With the addition of parts of Belgium and the Netherlands Sänger had finally gotten the funds necessary to enlarge the Reichskanzlei. More accurately, the Annex of the Chancellery had been expanded. They really could have built a bigger Reichskanzlei, but then we cannot have the Chancellery being larger than the Stadtschloss of his Majesty, Sänger thought.

But at least he now had the chance to hire more staff - more importantly, secretaries and analysts. Before this, he had to make do with a staff of 20 secretaries and 40 other people who were supposed to keep track of the political landscape and deal with the day-to-day work of the empire. The addition of Austria, the Italian parts and Hungary had each brought five more positions, but this was hardly enough and the staff found itself stretched to the limit. Now, with the addition of another 65-70 million people, it was an impossible task and parliament had grudgingly allowed for a doubling of the funds available. Which is why he was now looking at 38 women, freshly recruited from the former Union territories. Each of them spoke at least German and one of the Union languages and all had been checked by the Geheimpolizei for attachements that could be exploited by any other power. The teint of four of them gave them away as former citizens of the dutch caribbean possessions, while two ebony-skinned women were obviously the children of colonial subjects. The rest seemed evenly split between Dutch and Belgians, though he could not find out by their looks alone where they came from. He guessed that several of the blonde were dutch and some of the more french-looking belgians, but he would be very careful voicing any opinion on the appearance of the secretaries in public. After all, a scandal simply would not do. Most importantly however was that finally, the huge backlog of work was going to be finished.

Sänger gave a short address, thanking them for their service to the Empire and then retired, leaving Elise to sort out schedules while he started to learn the names of the new secretaries.

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

One week later, Elise came in carrying the paper, her face as white as a sheet of paper.

Berliner Zeitung
Chancellor's agenda leakeed to the press

The Berliner Zeitung has come into possession of several papers outlining the plan of the chancellor for the next year. Most interesting to our readers will be several proposed constitutional changes. These changes will do much to eliminate the social divide between the various classes and also invalidate many privileges enjoyed by social groups. They also provide for several freedoms of the press and the equality of every member of the German Empire before the law.

All in all, these plans would herald the most sweeping social change in German history....

Sänger did not need to read anything further. He simply put the paper down and looked at Elise, who was close to tears. "I am sorry, Herr Kanzler. I cannot imagine how this could have gotten out unless somebody betrayed this office." Sänger nodded. The papers had been wishful thinking, mostly, of what he would like to do to the society, mainly influenced by his hanseatic heritage. That they were now being quoted in the press - well, he could already imagine Wilhelm II. having a stroke. Elise however looked devestated. Of course she would, secrecy falls under her purview. "Shall I try to find out who did it, Herr Kanzler?"

Sänger shook his head. "No. A witch hunt would not help anything in this favor. There is only one thing to do now. Fetch my car, I am going to the Reichstag and then I would request the privilege of an audience with his majesty."

Results:
- more internal dealings in the German Empire and secret plans that were never meant to be taken realistic are leaked to the press.
- Apparently, at least one of the new secretaries was not as trustworthy as she seemed.

[MKSheppard]

With a toot of it's horn; the Shepistani Lines flagship -- the Sheppur V -- began to get up steam, followed by her sister ships Sheppur IX and Sheppur II.

On the three liners, a total of 48,000 Sheppish troops were embarked, in every space possible. To ensure the safe transit of the Shepistani troops, the entire production run of the new 1,800 ton destroyers (they would have been called Destroyer leaders in any navy but the Sheppish), some twenty ships, had been set up to perform escort duties.

[Raesene]

Lucca, Hawker aircraft factory, October 1925

“Mr Hawker, Mr Hawker, I am really [insert appropriate italian expletive of your choice] by your behaviour – we place orders for 48 of your miracle planes, and after three months, you tell us you can’t get them working because you can’t manufacture essential parts resilient enough!”

The Aviazione Navale-officer had tried to stay calm, but what these cretinos had told him was unbelievable. He wanted to crush their windpipes, but that wouldn’t result in him having the planes earlier. Fortunately their destination, the two new carriers, were still about a year from completion. At least the dockyards worked according to schedule.

[OOC: the Hawker Horsley is too advanced for my air focus – I’ll put the 48 aircraft I “constructed” in Q3/1925 in storage and reactivate them when my air focus permits them]

[Lonestar]

P.N.S. Port Blair, Grand Dominion Gulf



"What is it GUNS?" Captain Terwiliger said after being called up to the bridge.

"Schismatic convoy sir, looks like several large merchant ships, including at least 3 overly large liners. Sheppo destroyer leaders are staying between us and the merchies."

Terwiliger peered through his binoculars. "I say, all of them are Destroyer leaders! I haven't seen so many of the model '23s in one place." His mustache quivered. He had heard that the Schismatics were sending troops to Manchuria, and that the Grand Dominion would not attempt to interdict the convoys. This was the first large troop movement though, and really, who knew where they were headed ultimately? He scanned the horizon. No caged masts. "Has anyone seen any heavy metal?"

"No sir, no BBs or BCs have been spotted."

"Right then." Probably not planning on forcing a landing anywhere, then. Terwiliger lowered his binocs. "Set course to shadow, but don't fire unless fired upon. Send a message to command stating that we've spotted a Shepistani troop convoy, and request further instructions. I want us at general quarters, but quiet-like. I shan't expect us to be instructed to engage the convoy. Least of all by our lonesome."

"Yes sir."

[Raesene]

a few miles off Livorno Naval Base, late October 1925, early morning

Andrea Visconti, recently promoted to Ammiraglio di Divisione and given command of the former training squadron, entered into his bridge chamber to relax after observing his ships leaving the harbour for their trip to East Africa. Although he had commanded a sailing ship recently and was used to loosing sleep, he enjoyed the option to relax provided by the sea cabin next to the flag bridge. Visconti didn’t expect anything of importance to happen, but just in case he was resting next to his action station.

His squadron was to relieve the ships on station since the beginning of the year and the Forts Crisis, as the papers had called it. While no harm had been inflicted to any Tuscan vessel, more volunteers had chosen to enter the navy, no doubt due to the increased presence in the newsreels, radio transmissions and papers. He didn’t envy his successor onboard the training vessels who had to educate them in proper maritime behaviour. On the other hand, he had to get his ships, the carrier Aquila, the battlecruiser Lepanto and the heavy cruisers Sangro and Tevere and their destroyer screen, all twelve brand new Alkalinis as well as a few of the new submarines to Dar-es-Salaam and then on to Kilwa Masoko to receive the Madagascan fleet visit while finishing trials.

A few merchant ships had requested the protection of his ships and were travelling in company, he didn’t mind them but would blast them out of the water if they interfered with manoeuvres or exercises.

Pouring himself a cup of tea, he sank into a comfortable armchair and picked up a “newspaper” – he had to educate his staff about what was a proper Gazzeta…

NAVAL PLANS REVEALED !
The monstrous burden on the nation called navy will become even bigger: Sources within the Naval Ministry revealed the navy’s new building plans.
According to a naval estimates draft to be presented in January, the navy requests several battleships with twelve 45cm, costing thirty million Lira each. Of course, these ships could not travel alone but needed cruiser and destroyer escorts, which required further millions, maybe even a billion of sparse funds. The costs required for all these ships to be constructed and maintained would be astronomical and prove to be in our opinion an unnecessary burden on the nation’s workers. Is this waste of resources…

Admiral Visconti grimaced – a seaman might have considered the report funny, but he knew there was at least one kernel of truth hidden in it.

[Lascaris]

Caracas, navy ministry

"And this finalizes the deal your excellency" said the Cisplatinean naval attache. For the price agreed upon the republic will deliver to your navy, here at Caracas, two Artigas class battleships, 14 Type 1912 destroyers and 48 C1 submarines."

Actions

Sell Gran Colombia 2 Plan 1910 battleships, 14 Aetos class DDs and 48 U81 submarines.

[Ryan Thunder]

"Excellent," the Colombian replied evenly, "I look forward to seeing them in our ports. Sometimes I don't know what we'd do without you people," he grinned and took a puff on his pipe. He was only half-joking, however.

[Doomriser]

La Paz Review

President Surprises Nation with German Naval Co-operation

In a radio address last night, President De La Torre surprised the nation with an announcement that naval co-operation with Germany would be expanded, rather than diminished as previously supposed.
"I understand the discontent with Germany's foreign policy," commented De La Torre, referring to the invasion and annexation of the Communist Low Countries, "But there are many in Germany who feel the same way. The Socialists in Germany have pressured their government to expand naval co-operation with our country as a sign of peace and mutual respect. Germany is providing the design for our latest torpedo boats, a revolution in naval affairs and coastline protection. In a show of solidarity, Germany is allowing the next Simon Bolivar-class Coastal Defense Ship to be built right here in Bolivaria, a sure boost to our economy and a welcome boon for our shipyard workers."
De La Torre's announcement was generally well-received, even in the opposition, but Communist Party members expressed their discontent.

"Some solidarity! Who will France and Germany devour next?" asked Communist Party Chairman and Minister of the Interior Jose Mariategui. "We are disappointed that President De La Torre did not censure these corsairs more thoroughly for their incredible, blatant aggression. Bolivarian men and women cry out at this injustice, and there is not a day when I am not besieged by letters asking what we are doing about this crisis. It is true, however, that our involvement in European affairs has been limited to this date. I hope we can use this opportunity to build support among German workers for a more internationalist foreign policy in Europe."

News in Brief

Colombian sailors assume command of Type-1920 Destroyers

The five destroyers sold to Colombia several months ago have been officially delivered. Nearly complete in their shakedown period, the Colombian crews have sailed to their home country in order to complete the trials.

The destroyers are armed with 4.7-inch guns, torpedoes, and multipurpose weapons, and are capable of speeds up to 30 knots.

Fairey Horsely Order Canceled

The Air Ministry announced a sudden and surprising cancellation of the order for Fairey Horsely torpedo bombers from the Tuscan Kingdom. Apparently, the Fairey aviation company is unable to fulfill the order because of a lack of specification parts.
"It looks as if Fairey overestimated its ability to produce these revolutionary aircraft in as short a time frame as it has suggested," explained Sky Marshall Gutierrez, "We will eagerly await the time when we can place an order."

Two ships sold to Brazil



It has indeed been a busy time for naval sales and procurement, and sales to Brazil are no exception. The government has authorized the sale of two elderly Siegfried-class Coastal Defense Ships. According to the Naval Ministry, these are very old ships slated to be retired by 1930, and do not represent a loss to the strategic defense of the Bolivarian Union. The successful transfer of the ships has led to calls to sell some of the fleet's most elderly submarines to the Brazilians as well. The purpose of Brazil's purchase of obsolescent ships remains unknown.

Bolivarian Union state shipyards



Oliver watched the Brazilians mingle with the German shipwrights. It was an interesting sight, to say the least. The Brazilian naval observers mainly kept to themselves, their government having forbid their fraternization with anyone outside the Co-Operation Program. In this season of holidays, however, an exception had been made for "Socialist Fraternal Activities," and indeed, many of the German workers had been selected for their membership in the SPD.

True, some Bolivarians eyed these foreign craftsmen warily. A number of skeptical dockyard workers, hands in the pockets of coveralls, shuffled conspicuously past the gathering. Certainly, they had been told about how Germany and Brazil offered economic benefits to Bolivaria, on the other hand they were strange foreign communists speaking strange languages. But the Dockworkers' union was hearing no complaints about the foreigners.

As soon as the curious dockworkers left, Oliver tried to decipher the foreigners' chatter. Remarkably, they were speaking Spanish! It made sense, of course.
The foreign experts must have been told to use Spanish to communicate here, and now they use it to speak to each other.
Surprisingly, though, he noticed some of the Brazilians speaking to the Germans in the German language. Mostly, however, everyone was relaxing and taking some time off to drink. Oliver had noticed how many of the "cultural activities" involved alcohol. He began to wish his shift was over, so he could join in the "cultural activities" as well.

[Thanas]

Berlin, The Reichstag

The chamber of the Reichstag was filled to the brink, with discussion already raging among and between the factions about the leaked plans. All discussion was cut short however when it was announced that the Reichskanzler wished to speak. sänger, as usual clad in a dark suit with the Hanseatic Cross hanging of it, walked to the podium and started to address the assembly. At the outside, the chancellor looked determined, while on the inside, Sänger tried very hard to collect himself and to stop his hands from shaking. He waited a bit for the chamber to quiet down and when he finally started to speak, he could hear a pin drop.

"Honored colleagues and citizens. I am sure you know the occasion of my visit to this body already. This morning, a set of papers have been published in several newspapers, papers that bore the seal of my office. There has been speculation that these papers have been faked by some journalists eager for a story. I have come today before you to tell you that this speculation is false and that I am the author of those pages and that what you have read in the newspapers is true."

The chamber erupted in shouts once more before the gavel of the president managed to regain the order. Sänger continued.

"These papers propose a sweeping change, change previously unheard of in Germany. However, I hardly need to remind you, my honoured colleagues, that radical change is nothing new to the Kingdom of Prussia and to the German Empire. I am merely the last in a long line of reformers. Frederick the Great and the Great Elector turned Prussia from a swamp into a major power. During the time of Napoleon, it was under the great administrations of von Stein and von Hardenberg that large reforms were instituted. The army, the laws - nay, society itself was transformed and those reforms permitted Prussia to defeat the French empire and to become the dominant land power in Central Europe. The great Bismarck himself invented the German Social Welfare System, the greatest of all nations, a policy that was called socialist at the time but which Bismarck aptly described as common sense. These reforms led to the creation of what is called the German worker, the happiest and most secure working class of all nations."

Sänger paused for effect before continuing. "The reforms I just told you about where born out of necessity. In the time of Frederick, the French, Austrians and Russians waged war against us. In the time of Napoleon, the national survival was at stake. In the time of Bismarck, anarchy and socialism loomed like the sword of Damokles over us. Today, there is no such threat. Why then, you might ask, should we change? The answer is quite simple. We do not change because we must, but because we should want to. There are many wrongs that need addressing. Is it right that a citizen from the italian territories has to register with eight different agencies when he wants to travel to my proud city of Bremen? Is it right that the chance of getting an officer's posting is still partly based on lineage instead of merit? Is it fair that the working class is under constant police observation despite having proved its loyalty in two wars?"

The Reichskanzler looked over the delegates and answered his own questions. "I am of the opinion that we can and should make reforms precisely because we are currently safe. We should change due to our position of strength, to further strengthen this great empire. Honoured colleagues, I do not propose the abolishment of everything that is fair, noble and just in this world. Are the changes radical? Yes. Are they damaging to the Empire? No. In fact, they are far from it. They represent a German Empire in which everyone, whether he was born in Venice, Antwerp, Budapest, Strasbourg, Vienna, Berlin or from any other of our proud and noble cities of the empire, will look up to the German flag and will be able to say with even more conviction and pride - Civis Germaniae sum. They represent an Empire that, under the leadership of our beloved Emperor, will find the perfect balance of individual freedom and public safety."

Sänger paused before dropping the final bombshell: "I also realize that proposing such change requires more than the approval of the Reichstag. It requires the approval of the citizens of this great nation. Therefore, in accordance with article 24 of the Constitution of the German Reich, I will ask our beloved Emperor and the Bundesrat to dissolve the Reichstag and call for a general election to be held within 60 days. The citizens shall decide if they share my vision. Honoured colleagues, I thank you for your time and yield the floor."

He had barely returned to his seat when the floor erupted in cries between the factions. In the end, one voice rose above the cries - Müller from the SPD. "Honoured colleagues, I propose a resolution approving of the Chancellor's decision to ask for a dissolution of the Reichstag." Sänger nodded. He had anticipated that. Of course Müller was much in favor of a dissolution - his party, the SPD, stood to gain significantly from such a move. The conservatives, of course, were already fuming, while the liberals and catholics seemed to be very much divided. In the end, however, the debate was cut short when a leading conservative politician stood up and declared that "no matter what he thought of the plans, a national referendum on the future of Herr Sänger would be very much appreciated." In the end, the Reichstag approved the dissolution with 68%.

Not that this was in any way legally binding. In fact, the Reichstag could only be dissolved by a decree of the Bundesrat, and as head of the Bundesrat, the Emperor had to be convinced.


Berlin, Stadtschloss

To Sänger's surprise, his Imperial Majesty was not fuming or screaming. Instead, Wilhelm II. just looked at him wiith an unreadable expression. Sänger approached, keeping a respectful distance. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, Wilhelm addressed Sänger. "So you want me to dissolve the Reichstag." "Yes, your Majesty." "Very well." Wilhelm nodded at him. "You are dismissed." Sänger turned and started to leave the chambers, when the voice of his emperor caught up with him. "I am very disappointed in you, Chancellor." Sänger turned, facing his sovereign. "I only try to serve you at the best of my abilities, your majesty." "Your abilities? Don't you mean your radical fantasies?" The emperor's voice started to rise and the tone changed to something cold and sinister. "This was a clever trick, making that speech praising me so that I had no choice but to either go against the Reichstag. Make no mistake, Chancellor - I am the ultimate power in this empire and I will remain so. But make no mistake, Herr Sänger, you shall not have my support in this. I predict this will be your last term in office - there are many candidates more suitable for the office, candidates who do not betray their emperor via the newspaper. I do not know what has gotten into you to be so starry-eyed and foolish, but rest assured, I shall not allow you to undue the work of my father."

Sänger twitched. "I assure you, my Emperor, that none of the reforms seek to diminish your power in any way." "Get out." The voice of the Emperor broke no argument and Sänger quickly left. Outside, conservative politicians were already meeting, doubtlessly to curry favor with the emperor. When he had made it to his car, Sänger almost collapsed into the backseat. Without the support of the Emperor, winning reelection would be impossible - the conservatives and exiled russians would break away, taking most of the national liberals with them. The SPD would probably nominate their own candidate, with the majority of the dutch and the netherlands following either them or nominating one of their own. This would leave the Hungarians (who probably were none to thrilled about the religious angle or the social change, but maybe could be persuaded), the liberals and the catholics - factions that were neither in the majority nor that inclined to work with each other. Well, it was either that or be dismissed as a fool if I had denied the leak. Better to go down fighting.

Results:
- Election time. At the end of January, Germany will hold an election.
- Sänger is pretty much screwed right now.