SDN World 3 Story Thread I

[Ryan Thunder]

Gulf of Mexico

The Colombian cruiser pulled up near the drifting merchant ship. The cruiser hailed with a loudspeaker, "Alright, everybody off the boat. You have five minutes. Five minutes, starting now."

The boat promptly erupted into panic as everybody rushed for the lifeboats. "There's no cause for alarm, now," the loudspeaker continued over the sound of chaos. "We're just here for the boat--" there was a brief pause, "--You do have to get off it first, though."

A few minutes later the freighter's crew had evacuated. "No hard feelings," the loudspeaker announced, and with that, the cruiser opened fire.

[DarthShady]

Beograd, Balkanska Konfederacija

Emperor Alexander and Prime Minister Sirah were having one of their regular Friday morning breakfasts together, it was one of the rare occasions where they discussed things of importance - without others interfering. Alexander and Sirah were friends, in a rather strange sense of the word - one could never truly be a friend to someone who thought himself superior to them. And Alexander did not only have a superiority complex, that was common to most nobility, he was also a very arrogant man - and he hated when he was proven wrong, he had to always be right.

Sirah on the other hand was an ice cold block, one never knew where he stood with him - unless he had decided to make it clear for you. He was a hard man to read, rarely if ever showing any real emotion - the Emperor, who considered himself capable of reading other people well, hated that about him. Sirah was one of the few people in the Confederacy who could look the Emperor in the eye and not flinch. Which wasn't a surprise, considering what his job was - he had to be a hard ass and then some to keep everything going smoothly.

Still, they were friends - friends who viewed every conversation as a game of chess, that had to be won.

"You have mobilized quite a lot of our reserve troops, is their a purpose for that?" Alexander asked. Most of the time such decisions were made by the Prime Minister, without the need to consult the Emperor, but recently Alexander had begun questioning Sirah's every move.

"Not so much a purpose, as a reason. I am sure your majesty has noticed the abundance of armed conflicts spreading across the globe, I am merely reacting to them and making sure that the Confederacy is well protected in the event that one such conflict should happen to threaten us." Sirah answered and took a sip of his tea. He noticed that Alexander was for some reason behaving strangely, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"That is understandable." Alexander said with a smile and then leaned forward and looked the Prime Minister in the eyes, as if trying to see inside his mind. "What is this I hear of your plans to send tanks, planes and other materials of war to the Soviets? What reason do we have to help them? They got themselves into that mess, let them dig themselves out."

Alexander's gaze did not penetrate the ice cold exterior of Sirah's eyes, he merely returned the gaze and smiled at the Emperor.

"The wellbeing of the Soviet Union is of great interest to us, your highness, as you should well know. They must remain an important player in European politics, otherwise the Germans and their allies will eventually make themselves the dominant force here, and we simply cannot allow that. The Soviet Union helps to keep them in check, and that works in our favor." Sirah paused for a moment and looked at Alexander who seemed surprised. Sirah knew this wouldn't be easy, but he continued. "And besides you have seen the events that transpired in recent wars, as one by one the Socialist Countries of the world are beset upon by the Imperialist forces. We are a nation which possesses Socialist elements, which are important for the survival of the Confederacy, and we must ensure that we do not become a target for the power hungry Imperialist forces. Ensuring the survival of the Soviet Union, as a significant power in Europe, ensures our own survival."

"But we are not a socialist country, why would the fact that a few of our republics are socialist, make us a target?" Alexander asked with a frown. Clearly he wasn't buying what the Prime Minister was selling, not yet at least.

"Because, your Imperial Majesty, that would merely be an excuse to our, potential, enemies - a way to make themselves seem just in the eyes of their allies." Sirah paused for a moment, allowing Alexander's paranoia to take effect. "You have seen what the Germans have done, under false excuses they have greatly expanded their Empire. I fear that they might want to expand in our direction as well, and we simply cannot allow that. Can we?"

"No we can't." Alexander said grimly. "Alright we shall help the soviets, but I'm warning you Sirah, I do not wish to see you drag the Confederacy into fighting a war that we have no business fighting. Am I making myself clear?"

"Perfectly." Sirah said and got up to leave.

"Do you really think the Germans would be capable of such betrayal?" Alexander asked with what seemed like a mixture of anger and fear.

"You can always count on his paranoia to override his intelligence. A shame, you are a smart man my friend, My Emperor..." Sirah thought to himself and smiled on the inside. He had won today's chess game.

"Quite capable of that and more, their recent actions more than prove it. They are a nation ran by a power hungry Emperor who I believe would love nothing more than to make the Confederacy his next meal. That is why we must be ready for their treachery, because it will come - the only question is when..." Sirah said and started to walk away. Playing mind games with the Emperor was dangerous business, Alexander was after all a smart man and a worthy opponent in any game, but like all men he had a weakness, his arrogance and his paranoia. The thing that those with power fear most, is losing that power. Sirah knew how to take advantage and use those weaknesses, in order to get what he wanted.

Today he took it to an extreme, but it was necessary - his future plans depended greatly on the Soviet victory in the war. Recent events had unfortunately shown that he would have to speed up his plans, the Emperor may be a paranoid man, but he was no fool. Sirah's job just got a little bit more difficult.

Result: Scheming and Confederate politics, foreshadowing of future events, plus a yet undetermined amount of war material that will be delivered to the Soviets.

[Akhlut]

Niislel Khüree

Khan Angarag sat in his office in the Summer Palace, speaking with his intelligence officer, Orchir, and his Foreign Minister, Tüvshinbayar.

"And the Chinese have not even acknowledged our diplomats?"

"No, Angarag, they have not," Orchir replied.

"We sent them months ago! What sort of incompetent operation is that lazy bastard of a whore running in Beijing?"

"We don't know sir, every envoy is ignored and every telegram and missive is likewise ignored."

"Filthy bastards! Do we still have our contacts in the revolutionary groups in China, Tüvshinbayar?"

"Yessir. Why do you ask?"

"We should start making very discrete inquiries into what they would do if they suddenly were a bit richer."

"Of course, sir."

[Siege]

Grand Terminus
Alexandria



The train rolled leisurely into the great hall of vaulted steel and glass that was Alexandria's Grand Terminus railway station. More even than Cairo Central this was the primary hub of all rail traffic in the Sultanate. It had over thirty platforms. Its walls were smooth sandstone, and its floors were covered in mosaics depicting pivotal moments in Egyptian history. From here, trains departed for Benghazi and the west, for Sudan, for the Yishuv in the north, the Emirates in the east, and the holy cities in the Hejaz. But it was also a point of arrival, for the many thousands whose destination was Alexandria.

The ancient city of Alexander the Great was the most important port-city in the Sultanate and its second-largest city, serving about 80% of Egypt's imports and exports. It was a great place to do business, which was why the night train from Cairo today carried an extra two coaches, both private luxury wagons stamped on the outside with three letters in polished copper: "KTW". Klarburg Techno-Werken.

Count von Schenk had arrived in Alexandria.

[CmdrWilkens]

Glorious Victory
9th Army breaks the back of Colombians
August 12th (D+11)

Reports are now steadily arriving in to San Jose where Journalists are being kept out of harm's way. We are being given after action reports and other evidence of an amazing success on the left wing of the Mexican line with some indications telling us of troops coming within sight of the Canal Locks themselves. Much is uncertain but we are now positive in reporting complete and unqualified success.

Troops from the 9th and Nicaraguan Armies are said to have advanced under a withering barrage of artillery directed by expert pilots on to the most vulnerable positions of the negligent Colombian socialist troops. Following i the wake of this troops swarmed over defensive line and defensive lines in turn with several whole divisions reported as being routed completely. When darkness finally stopped combat casualties were reported as almost non-existent within Mexican liens while the Colombians abandoned thousands as prisoners when the speed of the advance broke over their lines with unabated fury.

We have also been told that plans were accelerated to move the 5th Army in to place for further offensive actions tomorrow and that this high-speed heavily motorized formation would not be getting as much rest as initially expected after leading the charge across much of the Isthmus. Troops were reported to be in high morale, however, as the sight and sounds of a fleeing enemy have emboldened them.Most officers in the press room contend that the 5th will easily be able to pursue the shattered remnants of the Colombian Right Wing and hunt them down before daybreak on the 14th (D+13).

Meanwhile praise has been heaped upon the daring pilots of the 1st Observation Squadron who braved murderous fire to give constant reports to the many Corps headquarters down the line with correction for the lethal artillery barrage unleashed early this morning. Pilots have been feted in Santa Clara with welcoming toasts of pure Agave Tequila some say was sent by the Emperor himself.

We have also heard that the 14th Army on the far right of the advance has been held up due to problems moving across th swamplands of the Pacific Coast. We have been informed that the Colombians in their desire not to confront our advancing troops have taken to flooding the lowlands in front of their defensive works to slow progress and render troops vulnerable to fire from the monstrous Fort Panama.

More updates to come.


/OOC So as with the previous newspaper the Mexican press keeps getting it half right. /OOC

[Ma Deuce]

Madagascar Tribune
November 1925

New Warships Laid Down

The month of November has seen the keels laid for nearly twenty warships, the most in several years. The ships include eight submarines, four cruisers, and over a dozen destroyers. Although these ships have been on backlog for some time, some analysts believe the timing of their construction was deliberatly held off until the election campaign was underway, as part of the Prime Minister's promise to increase navy funding if reelected. The oppositon cried fowl, from the Liberals and Nationalists, who call it "too little too late", to the Socialists, who question the need for new warships. the Naval ministry claimed the timing was coincidental, but the opposition are not convinced, citing...

"Great White Fleet" completes First Stops

The five squadrons of the Mobile Fleet, which is touring Madagascar's island territories have wrapped up their visits to their first assigned ports in the Seychelles, Mauritus, and Reunion islands. In most cases, their arrival was greeted by enthusiastic crowds of local residents, who were given limited-access tours of the ships, and official receptions were held for local government officials. In all cases, the visits lasted approximately two days. All five squadrons are now converging on the port of Tolanaro to rendezvous before their next set of stops...

_____________________________________________
Southwest of Mauritus, Nov. 1925 unreal time

The battlecruiser Valifaty and her squadron cruised south-south-west, with the island of Mauritius behind them. On her port side she was flanked by the light cruiser Tolanaro, and to starboard by the smaller scout cruiser Ifotaka. Further out were three destroyers on each side, and one ahead of the formation. They had just finished their first port of call in Port Louis, and were now heading for the rendezvous with he rest of the fleet at Tolanaro on the southern tip of Madagascar. The visit to Mauritius had gone by gone without a hitch, and thehe crew had apparently enjoyed conducting tours and answering even the stupidest questions posed by the civilian guests. Most seemed confident the next such port of call would go equally well.

Valifaty would not be entertaining any guests at Tolanaro; Only the flagship Voninahitra and her squadron would, in addition to Valifaty's attendant light cruiser, on account of being named after the city. All the other ships would remain anchored offshore. Valifaty's next assigned port of call was in Grand Comore, which was expected would go much the same as Mauritius. After that was her first foreign stop, the German-owned port of Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika. Everyone was going to be extra careful to put their best foot forward when that came up.

Captain Manamboninahitra gazed out the windows of the bridge from his chair while his new Executive Officer attended to the minutiae of running the ship. When his previous XO had been promoted to Captain six months ago and given command of a light cruiser, Valifaty needed a new one. None of the suitable senior officers on board seemed eager to leave their assigned departments to become XO (even if it meant a promotion to Commander with commensurate increase in pay), so that meant one had to be transferred in.

The most suitable candidate turned out to be one Commander Hermann Koth. Manamboninahitra couldn't complain about his job performance so far, and Koth had quickly adapted to the ship's own procedures and methods. But the man was a bit...odd, and not just because of his heritage: Koth was the grandson of a Prussian entrepreneur who had moved to Madagascar in the 1860s, founded a small armaments company at the behest of the government, and eventually married a local woman. Although his descendants were now mostly of Malagasy descent, the "House of Koth" (as they styled themselves) maintained the Germanic culture and traditions instilled by their aging patriarch, and all the male members of the family were still given German names at birth. It wasn't just his strange background though; aside from that, he acted almost like he fancied himself a buccaneer of old; Maybe just be an unusual sense of humor on his part.

Still, Koth never stepped outside the bounds of regulation, he performed his duties competently, and was popular with the crew. Manamboninahitra wondered how Koth and the Germans in Dar es Salaam would interact; he briefly pondered if his faux-German first officer had anything to do with the assignment of his ship to visit the German port, but decided it was probably a coincidence: It wasn't like the Admiralty had a sense of humor. Or irony.

Results:
-Some housekeeping concerning my queue
-Updated status of fleet cruise; added minor character who may become more prominent at some point in the future.

[Steve]

Portland, Federal District
4 December 1925


The Christmas season was in full swing in the Cascadian Capital, and the Green House was no exception. The groundkeepers were festooning the building with lights and the children had gleefully accepted a tree donated by a local firm. Already a couple of boxed presents were under the tree, to taunt the three for another three whole weeks (little did they know the boxes contained clothes sent early from their grandparents), with more to come until the holiday.

But all was not jolly in the main offices. A tumultous year had passed, in which Cascadia's final unification of Australia had been accomplished only due to a short, bloody war in Europe while other conflicts had come about in Central America and the Far East. The Canal issue had by sheer existence prompted economic panic in the nation and forced government measures to reassure the public. A lull had finally started coming by the end of the year, but none could tell if it was simply a re-establishment of peace or a calm before a greater storm.

Now this. The Embassy in Los Angeles reported another massive riot by the Californian industrial workers over conditions, a riot which had forced the Californian Army into the streets. Ostensibly friendly to Cascadia, the "Baron" von Reagan's negative reaction to Stephen's electoral victory had helped to win approval for his army expansion, given that the Conservatives' thin army had been outnumbered almost 6 to 1 compared to the massive, 1.75 million man army the Californians employed (at great detriment to their native economy) out of von Reagan's paranoia about Communist uprisings or Mexican invasion.

But even that army was now questionable. According to reports from more... unique sources, the Californian Army was late to the repression due to several regiments in the capital city showing insufficient speed to the task of putting down the protest. Too many regiments for it to have been mere accident. The prospect was clear; California's Army was not quite so loyal to the archconservative Californian state as the von Reagans had imagined.

After hearing the reports from his Cabinet, Stephen sent them on their way and took the time to rub his forehead. This situation was the most grave yet: Cascadia imported grain and fruit from California (it was cheaper than importing grain from Australia, generally) and, even more importantly, oil. The Cascadian-Californian Oil Company - CasCalOCo for short - wielded major influence in the Cascadian government as a key source of oil for the national economy (it was the company that held the rights to California's oil wells, also holding some rights to oil from Sumatra and now Alberta) and was certain to agitate for Cascadian involvement in what could become a very messy business regarding Californian internal affairs.

News from Germany was also not going so well. Sänger was apparently doomed to defeat in upcoming elections after the revelation of internal memos about his ideas for the liberalization of Germany. The Cascadian press had praised the German Chancellor for his courage upon receipt of the memos; it had not taken the reaction well, however, but instead blasted the German conservatives as back-stabbers who were seeking to destroy the same man who had made their power in Europe nearly-unquestionable. Besides such considerations there were political ones: A conservative German leadership - considered likely - could herald a shift in German policy, a more assertive and aggressive German state that might seek to use its strength in Europe to become aggressive elsewhere, with terrible consequences to world stability. Some commentators even speculated with fear that an archconservative Germany may turn on the rather liberal Cascadian state in some way, whether it be withdrawal from the Naval Accord or drawing closer to states that were potential opponents of Cascadia.

All things considered, 1925 had been quite disappointing as a first year of his Presidency, and 1926 wasn't shaping up to be much better....

[RogueIce]

Havana, Territory of Cuba - 13 Days after the start of the Mexican-Colombian War

Preparations had begun to ready a suitable conference site for the ceasefire talks - and hopefully peace accords - between Mexico and Gran Colombia. The United States was getting ready to play host to these talks, and already the message to concerned parties was ready. The message would be sent out on Midnight, Eastern Time, fourteen days after the start of the conflict; in other words, at midnight tonight. The US Navy's Battle Squadron Two was already steaming into position and would be in place shortly after daybreak tomorrow.

Security of course was a concern, after the attacks in Cascadia and given the polarized nature of foreign relations of late. And so the Cuban Division of the United States Army would be reinforcing local police and other agencies - such as the US Marshals Service - to ensure the safety of the delegates. They would be taking over a rather posh hotel in the city of Havana, chosen for the security of its location and so that the meeting spaces themselves as well as sleeping facilities, dining and other accomodations could all be handled at one site.

[Lonestar]

Dominion Station, Altdorf

"Remember," Ranjit Singh said "No Hindi or Dominion English. Shepistani Spiel only." The other four men nodded solemnly as the milk delivery truck pulled up to the train station. There were 3 other teams in the operation, one for the Grand Dominion Hotel, one for a grammar school, and one for the Altdorf Stock Exchange. The men all double checked their weapons, Shepistani MP18s. Getting ammo had been easy, as the Shepistani model was a virtual copy of the Dominion MP17. The Crusaders aped each other, even as they battled. Just as the Grand Dominion tried to play catch up to the Shepistanis with their navy, the Shepistanis attempted the reverse with the army.

Ranjit cradled his gun and looked around. The Leader had made sure that as many Sikhs as possible were on these teams, as Sikhs mostly came from the Shepistani side of the line. This was important. The 1915 uprisings had brought Indian independence closer to reality than ever before, with huge swaths of both countries slipping free of the Crusaders. It was obvious: the best chance they had for freedom was for the hated enemies to batter each other to pieces. The deliver doors opened, and two men were standing at the loading dock, waving them through a small entrance. They were escorted to a hallway that lead them towards the main ticketing area. Almost immediately someone spotted the guns and started screaming.

"Fire."

[RogueIce]

*Edit - disregard*

[MKSheppard]

Shepistani Naval Convoy, somewhere in Indian Ocean

A rating rushed out of the radio shack on the Sheppur XIV and onto the bridge. Breathless with excitement, he handed the most recent transmission to the Shepistani Admiral who was in charge of this operation.

The admiral read the transmission without a word, then harumphed.

"I just knew nobody could trust those god damned hindoos. Why, wasn't aught fifteen enough for everyone?"

Removing up a microphone from the overhead -- speaker tubes having gone out of style in Shepistani maritime architecture in both the civil and military sectors due to worries about gastightness -- the admiral began to speak.

"Men, I have just been informed by the Naval High Command of a major hindoo attack inside the Grand Dominion by so called Sikh separatists. Most likely this is a Goddamn plot to provide casus belli against us -- those people would sell their own mothers into white slavery if it meant a moment's advantage against us."

"Therefore, by the authority vested in me by the Shepistani Navy, Operation HIGHBALL is cancelled. We shall be returning to Shepistan shortly."

As the shepistani convoy turned around, this did not escape the notice of the Dominion ships shadowing it....

(over to you LOOOONESTAR)

[Lonestar]

P.N.S. Port Blair



"Look at that!" Terwiliger said as the Sheppo convoy performed a flawless course reversal. Even their naval auxilleries act as if they are in the battleline.... "They are hightailing it home pretty quickly, aren't they?"

"Yes sir." Said COMMO. He had ran out to the bridge when the reports on commercial radio started. A series of massacres in Altdorf, with a common theme of Sikhs leading the attacks. And where did Sikhs come from...? "Methinks they doth protest too much."

"Almost as if they were expecting it..." Terwiliger murmured. He had been waiting for an official message from the Admiralty about the attacks, but he knew Commando Supremo had to hear of this, fast.

Rangoon

"Well?" The Leader asked.

"The attacks were successful, by and large. The Hotel attack seems to have been stopped cold, apperantly there was some kind of regimental veterans conference going on there, but otherwise we're looking at Crusader casualties in the hundreds."

"Good, good. And the second part?"

"The secondary teams have planted the material in the safehouses of primary teams."

"Good." Piles of Cascadian, Shepistani, and Dominionite money, all easily gathered by the INF. Tables had been left indicating a Shepistani money-laundering operation, which of course would have been a very sloppy thing, but the Crusaders would have been inclined to think the least about the 'natives.' Hopefully the presence of Cascadian money would also finger Gandhi as well, which would suit the coward. The man sat in Cascadia, yapping away while his kin continued the good fight in India. The Leader nodded again.

"Keep me appraised." Subhas Chandra Bose said.

[MKSheppard]

Army House, Shepistan

Markus von Shapp growled as he turned off the wireless that kept blurting out the latest news and casualty figures from Altdorf.

"So tell me, Mister von Reagan, just what the hell made you guys think this was a great idea?"

Ronald Shroomius von Reagan, head of the Shepistani Special Intelligence Service (SSIS) coughed.

"Sir, contrary to what you may think, all of our operations in the Grand Dominion are limited to strictly information gathering, and infiltration of the Dominionite military/industrial complex, with a few hindoo groups being surreptiously funded as bonuses. And *IF* we pulled off such an operation, we certainly would not use Sikhs. We're not that stupid."

"I find that hard to believe. Dismissed."

As von Reagan left, the next visitor for von Shapp came in, General Walter Bulow von Bucher; the CG of the Shepistani Tenth Army in the Afghan region....

[Lonestar]

The Gold Palace

"Well Director Mercure? Can you bottomline it for me?"

The head of the Department of Public Security chomped on his cigar. He bore a slight resemblance to a bulldog. A hound would have been a better fit... Lord Fairfax thought.

"About a hundred dead, thrice as many injured. It would have been more, except they decided to set their attack date when the Grand Dominion Hotel was hosting a 267th StormGrenadier Veterans Association meeting. They bum-rushed the attackers as soon as they entered the hotel lobby. Lot of dead kids at that Grammar school, and not nearly enough dead Jews at the Stock Exchange." A thin smile.

"Watch it." Lord Fairfax said. "If I get so much as a whiff that you are allowing your personal views on Jews interfer with your job, you are out, understand? Jews have been established as a citizen-caste since the '80s. You will treat them as such."

A slight grimace. "Of course sir. As for the attacks, the only live ones we got were from the hotel attack, but those two are still in the hospital unconcious from the massive blunt trauma inflicted on them. However..." Mercure opened his folder and looked down at his notes. "We have identified the body of one Ranjit Singh, who we think was the leader for the train station attcak...several witnesses state he was giving the others instructions. We've raided his flat in Altdorf, and it appears there was some kind of money laundering scheme going on."

"Money laundering?"

"Shepistani, Dominionite, and Cascadian currency, complete with meticulously kept tables. Also some more literature written by that fool Gandhi."

Lord Fairfax's face twisted. "You think he was involved with this?"

"I think so, I have a hard time seeing that the Schismatics would let the Natives do anything that might give them crazy ideas."

There was a derisive grunt from the corner of the office. Dr. Blitzschlag spoke. "Director Mercure, if you paid even the least bit attention to the economic going-ons of this country, you'd know that there are literally millions of ways the Cascadian money could have been produce in a legitimate fashion. Hindoos in Cascadian territories send money back to their kin all the time, usually for the express purpose of helping them pay their way out."

Mercure turned red in the face. "I don't think the Director of the Special Industrial Group..."

"Is qualified to make statements regarding economic trends? We do more than create new special weapons you know." Blitzschlag paused. "I would like my analysts to look at those tables as well, if that isn't a problem?"

"No." Said Lord Fairfax, while Mercure said "Yes." Lord Fairfax glared at Mercure until he mumbled "No problem."

"Good, good...I will have someone over directly."

"I still cannot believe you don't think Gandhi isn't a problem..."

"Gandhi is a problem." Dr. Blitzschlag said with exagerated patience. "I am just saying that the circumstances mean he probably was not running this particular operation. But every time he opens his mouth he rouses the rabble here."

Lord Fairfax held up his hand. "First the Whorestanis. I will be sending a letter to Von Shapp demanding that he explain why so many of the attackers were Sikhs, why his troop convoy turned around so quickly, and why we found large sums of Shepistani cash at the safehouse."

"And Gandhi?"

Lord Fairfax looked at Mercure. "I want something done about him."

[MKSheppard]

Army House

von Shapp read the letter from Lord Fairfax, while idly drinking a bottle of Cocaine-Cola. Putting down the letter, he called in his most trusted aide and began to compose a reply.

To Lord Fairfax...

(fifty five pages of honors orders and titles snipped for the sanity of the game)

I do not know why so many of the attackers were Sikhs, and I have instructed the Security Services to begin turning over the usual hotbeds of Sikh separatism in Shepistan. For the purposes of this investigation, the Pact of 1891, which established some rights for the Sikh population, has been rescinded.

As for the matter of the troop convoy turning around so quickly, it is no surprise that they did so; due to the excellent training of Shepistani Naval ratings as you well know, who manned the ships radio rooms and bridges, ensuing a quick and efficient response.

As for the Shepistani money; would you please be as kind enough to send us a random sampling of the serial numbers on those bills? We can then trace them.

Yours in Christ,
Maximillan von Shapp.

[MKSheppard]

Somewhere in Shepistan

The four doors of the Gurdwara smashed open simultarnously, and the Shepistani Armed Police (SAP) poured in, clad in surplus M1915 uniforms left over from the war a decade ago.


Your typical SAP

As precious cultural and religious artifacts were shattered by gunfire; the PAP began to push worshippers outside; opening up the temple for search by Shepistani Combat Engineers on loan from the army.

[loomer]

Sursurang Region, 1.5 miles from Shepistani Border of Afghanistan
"Everyone is clear?" It seemed, sometimes, as if all the Afghani military engineers were wizened old men. Perhaps it just didn't interest the younger generations. But the old men did know their stuff, even if many were missing digits or limbs from earlier 'inexperiences'.

"Yes, and the charges are wired."

"Then fire them."

A mile North, at the Fort of Sursurang, a violent rumble echoed through the air. The only other practical pass in the region had just disintegrated under its own weight and the power of a thousand tonnes of dynamite. An attack would now have to come straight through the Fort's kill zones - all thanks to the delays by the Shepistani forces along the border. Covert operations may have failed - the dispatched forces had been slaughtered - but conventional tactics would not.

Outcome:
Sursurang's secondary pass is closed by explosive means.
The covert op fails.

[MKSheppard]

Skies over Afghanistan

The mountain herdsmen far below craned their heads skyward to look at the odd whang-whang-whang sound up in the skies.



Several thousand feet above their heads, the Shepistani Frontier Air Corps (SFAC) pilots and bombardiers adjusted the sights in their old cast off bombers built just after the '15 war. Out here, modern aircraft were a rarity. But against the Afghanistanis, you didn't need the latest streamlined pursuit...

Slowly, the bombs dropped from the ancient bombers, where they detonated on the ground far below, in clouds of poisonous mustard.

Results: Shepistani Frontier Air Corps pilots begin mustard bombing random troop concentrations and villages in Afghanistan.

[Akhlut]

Afghanistan Mongolian Army Forward Base

"General?"

"Yes?"

"There is news of Shepi planes bombing with gas to the south."

"Any idea on what sort of plane?"

"They seem rather primitive, sir."

"Okay, send a requisition order to the Khan and see if we can get 30 of the Gyrfalcon fighters and 15 Thunderbolt bombers. We'll give better then they can."

"Immediately sir."

Southern Mountains of Afghanistan

"Mine the roads, men! Carpet the damn things! I don't want them to get so much as toe near us."

The 7th Engineers Brigade continued mining roads into Afghanistan from Shepistan, as well as deploying a few 'Czech hedgehogs' and setting up tripwires to set off explosives to cause rockslides. Even if the Shepis could make headway, it'd bleed them dry.

[Lonestar]

Diplomatic Note

Maximillan von Shapp:
*snip honors list*

In the interests in getting to the bottom of this, we shall provide your security apparatus with a random sampling of the Shepistani cash discovered in the terrorist safe house.

The fact that most of the shooters were Sikhs and your convoy turned around after recieving an official wireless message from your Admiralty, within minutes of commercial wireless stations reporting the attacks, leads us to believe that this was an activity sponsored by your own SSIS. We will be investigating this thoroughly, and if hard evidence is discovered, the consequences for your gaggle of heretics and reprobates will be dire.

Yours in Christ,
Lord Fairfax

[Thanas]

Berlin, Reichskanzlei
24th December, 1925

The newspapers had not been pleasant reading for Sänger over the last few days.

Berliner Zeitung
December 19th, 1925

The new face of the Navy

The German Navy will change dramatically in the future in order to keep up with the changing landscape of naval warfare. The first to experience such change will be the battleships. Under the new Naval plan, there will be a division into first and second rank battleships.

Schlachtschiffe ersten Ranges
The first rank battleships will form the main battleline. They are the destined battlewagons and the decisive force in battles.

The criteria for first rank battleships are:
- heavy deck armor, if possible at least 7"
- at least a 14" belt
- at least a range of 5000nm
- at least armed with 15" guns
- at least throwing a broadside in excess of 8000 kg or 18.000 pounds
- a maximum speed in excess of 21 knots

The German Navy regards any other battleship to be too weak to stand in the line of battle. All in all, the German Navy will have 25 Battleships fulfilling those criteria by April 1926 when the six Bismarck class battleships will have entered service, with two Imperator class battleships still being built. The German Navy is most satisfied with its battleline, though it recommends that construction is not slowed down in order to keep up with other Navies. Measuring the combined firepower, the German Navy is in possession of the heaviest battleline in the world.

Schlachtschiffe zweiten Ranges
Battleships not meeting the criteria outlined above will be classified as second-rank battleships. They will be assigned to colonial stations, Theaters that will not be dominated by Naval gun battles (i.e., the Baltic) or placed into reserve. Manpower will be the deciding issue here. Already, the four Nassau class battleships have been placed into reserve, with one serving as a training ship. The German Navy announced that it will continue to place older ships in reserve when the new Bismarck class enters the fleet, likely targets are either the Helgoland or the Delaware class battleships. In the event of a war, these ships will serve as convoy escorts or support troop landings. Their firepower and armor allows them to at least in theory defeat any of the large raiding cruisers fielded by other nations. All in all, the German Navy has 18 of those ships. The reclassification of many of the proud ships of the Hochseeflotte, especially the former Fleet flagship "Friedrich der Grosse", has caused some tremors in the officer lounges, who regard this as the fleet abandoning its tradition. However Großadmiral Scheer, who commanded the Friedrich der Grosse, noted that this did not mean that Germany would throw the ships away.

Schlachtkreuzer ersten Ranges
The first rank Battlecruisers will form the fast wing of the German battleline. Many nations treat these ships as fast battleships, but the German Navy still prefers the designation of Battlecruiser. As stated by the Marineamt, the criteria for being designated as a first rank battlecruiser will be:
- speed in excess of 30 knots
- an armored deck of at least 6"
- an armored belt of at least 15"
- a range of at least 5000nm
- throwing a broadside of at least 6500 kg or 14000 lbs
The German Navy seemed most dismayed to announce that only 5 of its current Battlecruiser force would meet those criteria. However, it noted that two Scharnhorst class Battlecruisers (OOC: Not the OTL Scharnhorst) are currently being built. Still, the German Navy recommend that funding would be increased in this category and noted that by the end of the decade, it would perfer to have at least 2, preferrably 3 squadrons of first rank Battlecruisers.

Schlachtkreuzer zweiten Ranges
All ships not meeting the criteria above will be reclassified as second-rank battlecruisers. This category will currently comprise 7 ships, but there are currently no plans to place them into reserve. The German Navy refused to answer questions whether it would use them as convoy defence (placing the number of convoys with battleship escort at 25 in a time of war only counting second-rank ships) or whether they would be reclassified as heavy cruisers or still sail with the first rank Battlecruiser for lack of ships in the first category.

Flugzeugträger ersten Ranges
The criteria for inclusion into this category are:
- an airwing of at least 48 planes
- a speed of at least 30 knots
The two Courageous class carriers currently in training meet those criteria, with two Lexington class carrier currently scheduled to be finished in 1927, which would mean a full squadron of first-rank carriers. However, the Navy announced that this would be another area in which more funds might be of use. Specifically, the commander of the Fleet carriers, Admiral Saalwächter, noted that while aircraft cannot threaten a heavy battleship at the moment, the future might hold important advantages in this category of weapon. The Navy also declined to answer the question where the aircraft carriers will be assigned to, though one prevalent opinion is, thanks to the high speed, to group them together with the battlecruisers, first rank.

Flugzeugträger zweiten Ranges
The SMS Restauration (OOC: OTL Hermes class), the third aircraft carrier captured by the dutch, is the sole inhabitant of this group. The German Navy pointed out that its speed of 25 knots and small airwing severely limits the abilities of this ship. It is therefore likely that it will either serve as a scouting/air defence role with the slow wing of the fleet, or that it will only serve in a training role.

Schwere Kreuzer
The Navy noted that the sale of 4 of its six heavy cruisers to Chiletina had left it lacking in heavy cruisers. Using the Delaware class battleships for that role is alleviating that problem, but the Navy noted that it looked forward to receiving the four new Ersatz Blücher heavy cruisers. The Navy refused to reveal the design specification of those new Heavy cruiser, but noted that they would be capable of taking on any other heavy cruiser design in existence. A confidential source however told us that the new heavy cruiser might be more accurately described as Battlecruisers due to their size and armament.

Leichte Kreuzer ersten Ranges
The criteria for inclusion into this category are:
- speed in excess of 31 knots
- at least a 6" side armor belt
- armed with at least 12 6" quickfiring and at least 4 torpedo tubes
- a range of at least 5000nm

Only the 12 Hamburg class light cruisers currently in service met those criteria. The Navy stressed the importance of building more light cruisers over the following years, stating that it was the top priority.

Leichte Kreuzer zweiten Ranges
The German Navy said that the 7 Köln class cruisers and the 2 Novaro class cruisers would be grouped in that category. Their low speed (in case of the Köln class) and their small armament (in case of the Novaro class) would make them suitable only for escorting convoys or the slow wing of the main battlefield. Nevertheless, they currently form the workhorses of the fleet.

Zerstörer
With the end of the destroyer building programme in April 1926 the German Navy will field 181 modern and 14 older destroyers, a modern destroyer being defined with having an excess speed of 32+ knots and being at least armed with 4.7" guns, though the vast majority of German destroyers is armed with 6" guns. The German Navy said that building destroyers in the future would be another priority, considering how the German Empire has to protect more sealanes and battlefleets than ever. The German Navy announced that it would like to field at least 320 modern destroyers by 1930.

Submarines
The German Navy was most pleased about the recent submarine building program, which would result in Germany fielding 164 submarines by July 1926. This is another area in which the German Navy expressed a desire for further expansion, but it noted that the training of 80 new crews had pushed the submarine arm to maximum capacity already and that no further expansion could be made without resulting to extraordinary measures until the end of 1926.

Minelayers and minesweepers
The German Navy announced that it had 10 dedicated minelayers and 45 dedicated minesweepers. The German Navy announced that it was looking forward to expand that number, but also noted that half of the current destroyer force could be configured to serve as minelayers within a few days, if need be. Still, the building of dedicated minelaying cruisers is under consideration, even though the submarine forces will soon field 24 minelaying submarines.

Fast attack craft
The Navy stressed the need of fast attack crafts, especially in the Baltic. Currently, the Navy does not have any dedicated fast attack squadrons.

Coastal defences
The Navy said that it was satisfied with the new coastal guns being built at German military bases, but stressed the importance of increasing the torpedo bomber and naval bomber fleet.

Auxillaries
The Navy said that its Auxillaries were in good condition and that the only area which would need more funding would be the troop transports. The ten Barbarossa class liners are now nearly all in their thirties and would need replacing, especially considering their comparatively slow speed of 20 knots maximum. Therefore, the Navy recommends either increasing liner construction or purchasing foreign-built ships. At the moment, two large ocean liners are already being built, but the Navy said that as those would be serving as ships of state of the Netherlands and Belgium, they would be not immediately available if needed.

Berliner Zeitung
December 20th, 1925
The needs of the Navy

Following up on yesterdays article, the navy today released a tentative funding proposal. Priorities would be allocated, in this order:
- the expansion of the light cruiser forces
- the construction of new battlecruisers
- the expansion of the naval air arm
- the consctruction of new aircraft carriers
- the construction of new destroyers
- the construction of new submarines
- the construction of new battleships

It is currently unknown whether the chancellor will acquiesce to that request. In any case, with reelection looming over the horizon, the Navy has certainly chosen its moment well.

Kiel and Stettin Naval bases to lose major functions?
A spokesmen for the Navy decided to comment on the possible relocation of the majority of the HSF to Wilhelmshaven, Antwerp or Rotterdam. Earlier today a source told the Berliner Zeitung that in order to minimize the risk of a surprise attack from the Nordic Empire, which is the only European Naval power left not allied with the German Empire or not having signed a non-aggression pact with it, the German Hochseeflotte would be primarily based at Wilhelmshaven or one of the two major Dutch naval bases. This would very well match information gained by the Berliner Zeitung earlier, which suggest that in the case of a Baltic war, the German Navy will enact a distant blockade outside the Baltic and leave most of the Baltic fighting to submarines, light forces and aircraft, with only a handful of battleships stationed at Kiel. The Chancellory however said that it has always been the policy of the German Empire to station at least two or three squadrons of Battleships at Kiel and that this policy would not change. The Chancellery also said that with the exception of the coastal H-class submarines, the German submarine forces will be based outside of the Baltic sea, with the majority of the forces stationed at Wilhelmshaven, Rotterdam and Antwerp. Stettin is also rumored to be the future command center of German fast-attack craft, which according to some rumors might be purchased from the italians.

Berliner Zeitung
December 21st, 1925

The army and the airforce also call for an increase in funding
Today, the army and the airforce called for an increase in funding as well, following the earlier actions of the Navy.
Both services however declined to comment on whether they had been successfully upstaged by the Navy. The airforce called for an additional 600 planes to join their forces over the next year. The Army called for increased motorization of its units, though unlike the Navy, did not demand an increase in manpower. Field Marshal von Mackensen cited that the German Army was large enough to defend the territories and too occupied with the integration of the dutch service personnel to expand over the next three years. He also said that the Army would not wish to appear too threatening to Germany's neighbours. When asked whether he was worried about the increased motorization of the armies neighbouring Germany, von Mackensen said that the German Army was strong enough for the needs of the empire and that so far, no enemy had ever defeated it in the field since 1815.

Sänger sighed, putting the papers away. Only von Mackensen had limited himself in his requests for more money. But he couldn't fault Scheer - after all, he was only trying to get the best for his service out of the election looming ahead. And he had been upright to come to Sänger first and tell him what he would do. And he had kept his word about making sure that the papers would write that a large part of the demands had already been met by Sänger.

Still, it was galling to see conservative politicians basically tripping over themselves in order to proclaim that they would all fulfill the demands of the three services and then some. The only upside was that at the moment, the Kaiser did not seem to favour any of them. The socialists were hardly better - their apparent frontrunners, the chairman of the party XXXXX, the favorite of the radical left, Karl Liebknecht or that young upstart Müller, had all basically said that they would welcome new work for the yards and factories, cleverly positioning themselves so that workers would hear that their jobs were secure and the armed forces would hear that while the socialists did not like weapons per se, they would look the other way in this instance.

By this the two parties had effectively forced Sänger either to say the same thing - thereby making sure that his opinion would not contrast enough with the others to be noticed - or to take a clear stand on this. So far, Sänger had managed to keep quiet until the Christmas holidays, but he would not be able to keep this up forever. And if he even wanted to have a snowball's chance in hell at trying to capture any conservative vote, he would have to make sure the armed forces would at least keep neutral in the upcoming election. And he did not like throwing money at the armament industry.

However, today had been a good day - the first one the whole month. He picked up todays paper, smiling as he read the headlines.

Berliner Zeitung
December 24th, 1925

First christmas for new citizens
Today, the families of the new Kingdoms of the Netherlands and Belgium received their free christmas goose from German authorities. This gift to the dutch people was organized by Reichskanzler Sänger to "make sure that our new citizens receive the blessing of being a member of the German Empire." Meat had previously been scarce under the communist government.

Reichskanzler Sänger addresses citizens
In a Radio and print address, Reichskanzler Dr. mult. Sänger today addressed the citizens of the German Empire. In a speech widely lauded by commentators both domestic and foreign, he summarized the events of this year and outlined his hopes for the next one. He specifically addressed the new dutch citizens, noting that while the war was terrible, the situation in the dutch territories has by all indicators much improved. The Reichskanzler added that prosperity would keep rising as long as the German Empire would be led by reasonable men.

Gran Columbia to buy German ships
The Chancellery announced yesterday that the Columbian leadership had accepted an offer by the Reichskanzler to buy German-designed ships. Under the terms of the agreement, german shipyards would built three battleships, with a fourth one being built under a licensing agreement in the shipyards of Gran Colombia. As usual, the design specifications were kept secret, but sources close to Krupp and Blohm&Voss said that the ships would be able to fit through the Panama canal and would be armed with 18" guns. Needless to say, all ships would be heavily armored according to the German design philosophy.

Germany and the socialist state of Gran Colombia have had close ties since the building of the Panama canal and the Chancellor announced that this was more proof that the German Empire was not hostile to any political ideology. He also noted that at least two of the ships would be built in yards in the Netherlands and Belgium, therefore ensuring that workers there would be secure in their jobs. The German companies of Blohm&Voss and Germaniawerft, Kiel, supplied the design and Krupp will produce the main armament, but the German shipyards are already filled to capacity with orders.

Reichskanzler Sänger to address citizens of Austria, Hungary and Northern Italy
As the reconstruction and modernization efforts in the aforementioned territories come to a close, the Chancellor has announced that he has accepted the invitations of more than twenty cities to speak at them regarding this momentous occasion. The reconstruction and modernization effort, started by the chancellor's predecessor von Baden after the war of 1915, were the largest public work projects in German history, but will likely be dwarfed in volume by similar projects in the newly added territories of the Netherlands and Belgium. The Reichskanzler will attend the New Year's celebration in Vienna and then proceed to go on a five-day plane trip to Graz, Salzburg, Budapest, Venice, Mailand and other cities.

Sänger smiled. The Emperor had been invited as well, but Wilhelm abhored planes and after the death of his wife and son had sworn never to go to Vienna gain. At least that would be one area in which the Emperor would not manage to upstage him. Imperial decorum prohibited Wilhelm from snubbing Sänger publicly, but it was no accident that Sänger lately found himself ignored by the Emperor who favored surrounding himself with Generals and Admirals and the conservative politicians of the hour. But remembering the Vienna Massacre, Sänger was not sure whether he would have the mettle to stand in the area where his fianceé had died again. But that was a problem for New Year's Eve.

He still faced the larger problem of how to win reelection without the support of the Emperor, which is why he had called Jakob Burchardt in. Burchardt was a ranking member of the national liberals and like Sänger, a Hanseat, though hailing from the city of Hamburg instead of Bremen. He was probably the only Reichstag delegate Sänger would call a friend. As his seat was safe, Burchardt was also one of the few that had come out in strong support for Sänger. Which is why he was now sitting opposite Sänger, sipping Cognac, having left the Chancellor to read the paper when they were on a break from the strategy planning session.

Sänger nodded and started the discussion over again. "Let us assume the worst. The National liberals - sans you, of course - will follow the conservative parties once the Emperor settles on a candidate. The socialist will not form up behind me." Burchardt followed up. "That means out of 163 million votes, you just lost Prussia, 1/2 to 2/3s of the dutch and probably the same in mainland Germany. In short, you can forget about 100 million votes right now." Sänger nodded. "Yes. That leaves me with the catholics in the Rhineland, the Hungarians, the Italians and the Austrians. And of course the hanseatic cities"

Burchardt smirked. "That assumes the socialist will not become the majority there. I know that only due to your popularity Bremen is not red already. If, for example in Hamburg, where you are not that well liked, the center and the right does not trend towards you, Hamburg and other cities will go to the reds." Sänger grimaced. "Yes, I know. I will make a point to visit the hanseatic cities, make sure I get their support." "You know what would help? Ship orders."

The Reichskanzler scowled. "Don't you dare start now, too. Anyway, the catholics." "They might like your idea of freedom of religion, but they will not like the secularist parts in your proposal. That means you cannot really count on their support. The Austrians - which are sure to go catholic Zentrum again - will like your policies much better, considering you openly advocate for them keeping their identity. Which will hurt you in Prussia -" Sänger interrupted at this point. "Let's not worry about Prussia right now. Go on." Burchardt took another sip of Cognac and then continued. "So coupled with your tour, the Austrians are a maybe. The Hungarians - the same, only they are even more conservative than the Austrians, so they will not like your idea about the role of women. The Italians, well, half of them still hate your guts for writing their surrender."

Burchardt finished his cognac and stood. "The Exiled Russians - well, you kinda brought their displeasure on your head when you were the driving force behind recognition of the Soviet Union. And then you go and reinforce their idea that you are a socialist commie traitor with signing the latest trade treaty with the Soviet Union. In short, if you manage to even pull more than 40 million votes, I would be very much surprised."

Sänger nodded. Burchardt's analysis very much confirmed his own. A quarter of the electorate in his pocket - and that would be a good showing. "Thank you, Jakob." "My pleasure, Johannes." The two men shook hands. As he departed, Burchardt called back over his shoulder: "For what it is worth, I think you did the right thing." Sänger nodded. If I had denied it, the conservatives would have used the memos to sabotage everything that even looked like it had one percent of liberalism in it. If I lose, Liberalism is dead as well. Great going there, Johannes.

The door once more opened and Elise walked in, looking even worse for the wear than Sänger did. She had taken the leaks the hardest, even going so far as to pull in every secretary for a one-to-one chat, wherein she outlined in graphic details what would happen if she ever found out who had been the source of the leak. After the third secretary had erupted in tears, Sänger had interceded and put an end to her inquisition. Now she arrived, carrying a sealed envelope.

"A letter for you from Bremen." Sänger nodded and opened it, a smile forming. "Good news, Herr Kanzler?" Sänger nodded. "Quite. Good old hanseatic tradition." "Do you want me to have one of the girls type a reply?" "No, thank you." Elise nodded and departed. Then something registered in Sänger's mind. "Wait - one of the girls? How many are still there?" Elise smiled. "All of them." There was no need in saying that they would not have to be there, especially not on Christmas.

Sänger smiled. The loyalty his staff was showing even in the face of reelection odds less than dismal... "Elise, wait. If you would be so kind as to go down to the wine cellar and select some of the best bottles, half a bottle maximum for each girl? And please put an order through to whatever restaurant will still take our calls. I'd like enough for a small feast." Elise smiled. "Jawohl, Herr Kanzler. I trust you will contain your enthusiasm for historical details?" Sänger smiled. "Hey now. What would christmas be without me telling you all the mistakes the evangelists made or from where the bible was copied?" Elise shot him a look. After a while, Sänger threw up his arms in mock disgust. "Fine. Have your fables."

The familiar ritual now complete, both went about their business.

Results:
- Christmas in Germany
- Germany and Gran Colombia sign a deal regarding battleships
- The armed services want more money and reveal a great deal of future planning by them
- election planning
- Lots of fluff

[Thanas]

Message to all Nations

Your excellencies,

this October marked the 30th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Imperial and Royal Majesty Wilhelm the Second, by the Grace of God, German Emperor and King of Prussia, Reichsverweser Of Austria and Hungary etc.

To commemorate this joyful occasion, a fleet review is planned in February 1925. The German Empire would view it as a great honour if your Navy would participate in it. Please notify the Reichskanzlei in such a case.

Signed,
Sänger, Reichskanzler.

[Lonestar]

Message to all Nations

Your excellencies,

this October marked the 30th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Imperial and Royal Majesty Wilhelm the Second, by the Grace of God, German Emperor and King of Prussia, Reichsverweser Of Austria and Hungary etc.

To commemorate this joyful occasion, a fleet review is planned in February 1925. The German Empire would view it as a great honour if your Navy would participate in it. Please notify the Reichskanzlei in such a case.

Signed,
Sänger, Reichskanzler.

Reichskanzler Sänger,

The Grand Dominion of the Indies would like to send three vessels to the review:

Rollo the Walker(BB)
Lancer(8in cruiser)
Command(M1922 DL)

Yours in Christ,
M.B. Bucher
Lord Fairfax
Lord Protector of the Grand Dominion of the Indies

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Message to all Nations

Your excellencies,

this October marked the 30th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Imperial and Royal Majesty Wilhelm the Second, by the Grace of God, German Emperor and King of Prussia, Reichsverweser Of Austria and Hungary etc.

To commemorate this joyful occasion, a fleet review is planned in February 1926. The German Empire would view it as a great honour if your Navy would participate in it. Please notify the Reichskanzlei in such a case.

Signed,
Sänger, Reichskanzler.

Message to the Reichskanzlei

Dear Reichskanzler Sänger,

The Southeast Asian Union is interested in sending the following vessels to the upcoming fleet review:

• Aircraft carrier UNS Catorce de Junio
• Battlecruiser UNS Providencia
• Heavy cruiser UNS Pasig
• Heavy cruiser UNS Taguig

Respectfully yours,

Apolinario Mabini
President of the Southeast Asian Union

[Raesene]

Message to all Nations

Your excellencies,

this October marked the 30th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Imperial and Royal Majesty Wilhelm the Second, by the Grace of God, German Emperor and King of Prussia, Reichsverweser Of Austria and Hungary etc.

To commemorate this joyful occasion, a fleet review is planned in February 1925. The German Empire would view it as a great honour if your Navy would participate in it. Please notify the Reichskanzlei in such a case.

Signed,
Sänger, Reichskanzler.

Reichskanzler,

The Tuscan Kindom is honoured by the invitation.

His Majesty will send ships to attend the review, the exact types and numbers to be determined later.

signed and sealed,

Marco-Antonio de Gasperi, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Angelo Montecuccoli, Secretary of State for the Navy

as commanded by
His Majesty Francesco I, Re di Toscana, Gran Duca di Tasmania, Tanzania, New Guinea and New Caledonia, Marchese di Solomoni and Sovereign Protector of all his other Territories.