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The King's Ghost
It was never really known how King Arvast III met his fate after the siege of Valesord, when all of general staff turned against him and invading the White Palace. Investigations from previous servants and renovators pointed to the fact that the Yanovich had constructed a series of escape tunnels under the Palace. It was confirmed only a week after the coup that indeed that these rat holes existed, and having soldiers go through them lead them to the Mountainous region of Drome. Reports from locals say that a family of eight dressed in peasant garb had passed through the area leading to the Carpath Mountain Range west of Narba. Teams of armed mountain villagers were hired to comb the white snowy expanse and bones coming from seven distinct persons were found in an abandoned campsite. The King's bones, nowhere to be seen, likely dead somewhere in the mountains.
But local mountainous villages tell officials that they've been haunted by his ghost, a pale glowing apparition that stalk the mountainsides, cursing the land and its people. They also tell of him riding into their towns on a rotten stead flanked by ancient royal cavalry from the era of nobles. However these fanciful tales have been mainly in previous devout loyalist areas, still infamous in their worship of the Arvast Royal bloodline. The town of Costovo where the family had last been sighted before their bones were found is a place of pilgrimage of loyalists. Legends, lies, or half-truths. Perhaps the King yet lives within the mountains, feasting off the fat of dead travelers like feted carrion. If you ever visit the countryside and when you sleep at night, listen closely, maybe you can still hear the ghastly howl of the betrayed King.
The Disgusting Peoples in Caaninbrai:
In the Holy Empire, there are many disgusting peoples who deserve to be sent to the newly created near the farthest islands in order to re-educate their backward beliefs and culture. Most important of these are the sizeable minority of Foxen peoples, with the important revisions in the Caninbrai Constitution that only human-looking peoples will have protection from the law and can own land. Hereby outlawing and barring these animalistic degenerates. 15% of their adult female population will be sterilized in order to prevent further growth in their population. 5% of their total population will be sent to the National Center of Re-Education of Subversive Minorities. They shall also all be mandated to wear a golden chrysanthemum badge in order to show the rest of the peoples of Caaninbrai of their degeneracy.
The second targetted minority will be the Kobold population in Caaninbrai, a minuscule 0.03% of the total population of the Empire. They are, however, a persistent threat to national safety due to their religion known as the Sun Dragon Cult. Where they wish to kidnap children and sacrifice them to their gods. The Caaninbrai National Defense Forces shall be set up in the northern islands to root out resistance and suppression of their religion. Any person of kobold blood will also be put under suspicion of being a terrorist and a threat to society.
The final racial threat to Caaninbrai is the Chamdo Dragonspawn, the smallest minority yet the most dangerous. After the Holy Ancestor’s great crusade, they have always been a threat due to their powerful firebreathing abilities. Much like the old creatures of yore, these creatures resemble their ancestors however they lost their ability to fly. They currently preside the protectorate of New Jotugun after their expulsions in the 85th year of the birth of the Great Ancestor, however after new reports of resources being spotted in this region, the government has decided to integrate their population to the Empire due to their military prowess with the guarantee that workers will not be harmed during the excavations for said resources in the region, in return we will allow them to have greater autonomy and other political rights in order to please them.
The Tsar Protects
Pirates With A State
In the streets of the capital of the Broken Coast, Asmodeus, the thundering of steps could be heard all over as citizens flocked to downtown, eventually coming to a large open space inbetween the tightly packed buildings. This was the Qi Square, a giant open square residing in an antiquated fortress, now replaced with a newer and more armed fort placed on the new city outskirts and stretching to the port. The old fort had been relegated for important announcements, or parades. On the sides stood tall stands that were slowly filling up with people. On the primary stand stood Pirate Lord Edward Silverstry, overlooking the masses and keeping an eye on the time.
Meanwhile at the great port of Asmodeus, the citizens that couldn't find a seat at the Square moved to the port to view the adjacent naval parade from some more stands. Finally the clock reached the designated time, and the antiquated cannons of the old Asmodeus Fort fired in synch with the newer guns from the new fort, both having been armed with dry powder. Their booms echoed over the city as a Pirate Orchestra began playing some marching music. Four more boom echoed from the cannons in synch with the march, and the gates of Qi Square opend up to reveal a collum of equally dressed pirate-soldiers. They moved forward in synch with the music as the crowd cheered them on, and at the same time the soon-to-be antiquated naval fleet of the Coast sailed past the port and the people present there.
Eventually the marching stopped, and Pirate Lord Silverstry took to the podium and spoke into a microphone, a relatively new invention.
"FRIENDS, men of the Army and Navy, commanders and instructors, working men and working women, buccaneer-men and women, workers in the intellectual professions! On behalf of me fellow Pirate Lords, I am proud to be greeting you on another anniversary of independence from the wicked Grey Empire!
Many, from before our liberation, deemed the monarchist armies and navies to be invincible, such as their blatant propaganda spewed! Yet we showed them the opposite, for history shows that there are no invincible armies! Neither the Grey Empire, or their current adversary are invincible! Neither are the armies of the other nations here, in Skyreach! We have no doubt that as the clashes of the Grey Empire and its rival come to an end, that the victor will attempt to set their claws into Skyreach herself, and thus also our glorious Pirate Republic! This is why the progress of science, of that science which has helped create our wonderful weapons, while understanding the power and significance of the established scientific traditions and ably utilising them in the interests of science, are nevertheless incredibly important! For if we wish to never be slaves any Empire, if we wish to remain free and clear, the science which has the courage and determination to smash the old traditions, standards and views when they become antiquated and begin to act as a fetter on progress, and which is able to create new traditions, new standards and new views, has to progress! It is therefore my great pleasure to finally show you the newest addition to the Broken Coast's fleet!"
As Silverstry finished his speech, a silence fell over the crowd as one could hear the sound of rotors in the distance. This sound continued getting closer, until a flying battleship flew overhead, making the crowd ecstatic.
"I give ye, The Black Thunder! This ship is one of many being constructed, and soon we shall have a mighty aero-navy as well as a normal navy! Celebrate, friends, for our independence!"
The orchestra started up again as the crowd went wild, drinking and talking as the airship passed overhead and into its new dockyard.
8 x 304mm (12") guns, specifically the 30.4cm/23 Type 88 guns, in 4 twin turrets, 2 mounted on the dorsal side, and 2 on the ventral side.
12 x 254mm (10") guns in 6 twin turrets
14 x 152mm (6") Casemates
36 x 45mm (1.7") anti aircraft cannons in 12 triple turrets
Day 1: Design Begins.
Day 2: Design Stage Finishes.
Day 3: Hull KS1 laid down.
Day 6: Hull KS1 finished. Guns, Superstructure, Engines, Wings, etc. begin construction.
Day 10: Hull KS1 has it's equipment and begins its finishing construction stages.
Day 12: Hull KS1 launches.
Day 13: Hull KS2 laid down.
Day 17: Hull KS2 finished. Guns, Superstructure, Engines, Wings, Etc. begin construction.
Day 22: KS2's equipment is finished being installed, final preparations for launch.
Day 24: Hull KS2 is launched.
- フェニックス | PHOENIX
____________________________________
- 3 March, 1891
Yokokawa, Ōrora
| NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY, YOKOKAWA | Under orders from the Chief of Aerial Navy General Staff, Grand Admiral Sayuri Aoyama, the Naval Research Laboratory in Yokokawa has begun the process of designing a new warship to supplement the Satsuma-class Semi-Dreadnought Battleships currently in service. In an effort to keep the project secret, the Aerial Navy General Staff ordered watertight secrecy through any means required, including the assassination of those who may leak such information.
The design parameters called for the following armament;
As well as for the armor to be at least as thick as the Satsuma-class battleships.
While this happened, the Maritime Navy demanded its own supplement for the Satsuma, citing an apparent rise in seagoing battleships, despite evidence proving the contrary. The Imperial General Headquarters refused to dedicate resources into maintaining 4 maritime battleships, instead stating that it will only support replacing the Satsuma with new maritime battleships, rather than supplementing them. This has left the Maritime Navy in a precarious situation, not wanting to replace the rather new battleships, but also recognizing the need for battleships that are powerful enough to match their potential foreign counterparts.
- PHOENIX SCHEDULE
Post self-deleted by Jesruriz.
Dawning Wins Election! ADP Gains Majority Seats!
Valesord Post
Hard fought over months of campaigning, the ballot is in, the vote has been counted and rechecked triple times to ensure election security. The Anercian Democratic Party has won the election and has gained 22 new seats in the Assembly. It is a momentous occasion as the party finally overcame their rivals, the United Anercian Party. Not a surprise as Ashton Mercer, practically the face of the UAP and very popular candidate, did not run for reelection. While purges during his tenure to the UAP-led government significantly weakened conservative appeal to the party. However its not the end of the bad news for the UAP, as losses in both liberal and conservative voter bases has drawn away even more seats away from them. The Anercia First Party has gained 26 new seats from them, by charismatically appealing to the rural Valish voting base in Drome and Vala.
Moreover Dawning and his Party have won in most part due to their populist messaging and appeals to working class voters, while deftly making themselves like the champions of the people through advertising and debates. Their goals they promise, is to extend welfare and break up trusts, pushing social-democratic policies and even Ashtonism at times as their economic and political platform.
The Gears Grind on part 1
National Report
- Critical damage to Banesteppe. The East and West Ports have been destroyed and require urgent repair to resume normal national operations.
- Reason for the Grey Empire retreating from the edge of Banesteppe is unknown.
- The defence of Banesteppe has ended in success.
- The Omnivisor is dead and will require a replacement. Cause of death was from Grey Imperial ship.
Assessment: Rebuild ports and investigate the Grey Empire and its retreat. Omnivisor has already been selected.
5 days since the Grey Empire retreated from Kromkarie, the Board of Supervisors convene for the plan of the Kromkariean future.
"I Supervisor Theodore Dolloway of The Kromkarie Experimental Technologies Institute and acting Omnivisor hereby announce the meeting of 3rd/3 March, 1891 commence."
"Don't get too used too that title Dolloway." says Sebastian the Civil Enforcement Supervisor while sighing. "Lets get to the point of this meeting. The report that we have all been given was released by the Master Schedulers yesterday and it details the current state of the nation. Right now production is down an estimation of 46% seeing the destruction of the outer city."
"Ravenswood Supervisor of Manufacturing, Rutherford Supervisor of Infastructure and I Tudor Supervisor of Districts are currently in the middle of a plan with our Board of Managers for the rebuilding of the nation. We are also seeing another issue with this, many people will starve soon if we don't restore the sky farms quickly. It is recommended that we instate someone to do this or otherwise the very resource of the human may be lost and production will be lowered further."
"Aye this is a serious issue." Says Curnow Supervisor of National Health. "The health of our people must be maintained or we risk this further resource loss. People are the greatest resource in Skyreach, the more we have, the better this foundry is."
"Right, then a position for Agriculture will be opened up and formed. The plan for rebuilding the nations infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities will be looked over in the next meeting and hopefully put into plan."
"Acting Omnivisor sir, we have a telegram from the Master Schedulers about the new Omnivisor." says a messenger while handing over the telegram.
"Thankyou. Now who is the new Omnivisor?" says Dolloway while unwrapping the telegram. "The new Omnivisor is a man named Vincent Hick. The Master schedulers have picked him from a list of 20 people and he has scored the highest in all categories. However, he is also described as... having childish tendencies?"
"Childish? What do you mean by childish?" says Sebastian confused. "Why would the Master Schedulers known for constant efficiency pick someone who is childish."
"Well he'll be arriving soon, so you can ask him yourself when he gets here. According to this he will arrive in exactly 15min."
To be continued...
The Rising Tide of Fur:
Ever since the beginning of time, humans like us have been the dominant species when compared to these savage lower species such as the foxmen from the despicable nation of Aurora-agaan. With their rising power along with other non-human brutish nations, the Imperial Tsar, himself, announces that all non-humans will be sent to concentration camps unless their race has received pardon from the Tsar or the Minister of the Privy.
In the concentration camps, we will begin to humanize their foriegn and barbaric languages in order to assimilate them to the greater Humanic Race against these disgusting mongrels that live in our great Empire. These peoples will then be forced to renounce their gods and take part in Emperor-Worship in order to make them less resistant. If they have more than one male child, then their first born will be sacrificed to the Holy Ancestor and their other sons will be left in the camps for further indoctrination.
Their youngest female children will be sent to the Military Camps to serve as servants for the generals, captains and other soldiers for their pleasure. They will be expected to comply with whatever their masters want. Their eldest female child will be sacrificed to the Holy Ancestor as well and their other female children will be sold into Slavery if they refuse to comply. The Tsar, personally, will sacrifice the two children on an auspicious date in order to please the Ancestors.
Remaining family members will be forced to give up their houses to soldiers and will be given houses on the island of Zheltor and will be made to work as farmers or as workers for the corporations.
The Tsar Protects
Post self-deleted by Hesperica.
THE PISCATAWAY POST - 10ẜ
20th of April, 1891
INDEPENDENT PROBE CONCLUDES, SPP RETAIN MAJORITY
In a further show of complex governmental politicking, the SPP has retained its majority hold over the State and Union Congresses after the Supreme Court has ruled that the temporary Election Investigation Commission has been dissolved. Republican-Patriotic hardliners have been verbal in the investigation’s end, while moderates have grumbled silently in the benches. The controversial probe has proven pointless, as no wrongdoing had been found on the SPP’s party wit regard to the November 1890 Midterm Elections. SPP proponents have claimed that the investigation was nothing more than a “deliberate act to undermine the democratic process” and by the Conservative coalition no less. While President Zacharias DeWitt has nothing to say of a seemingly dangerous Republican ploy to unseat him from office, he had this to say to a recent press briefing: “I congratulate my fellow Populists in their respective victories, and I have it in good faith that they will carry out their responsibilities as any honest politician.”
“The Republicans have my respect for their vigilance,” he concludes on the matter.
With the SPP secure in their hold for the next two years, despite recent setbacks in their previous tenure and tumultuous first 100 days, President DeWitt promises a continuation of his campaign platform, with a steady departure from global diplomacy and towards more domestic issues, including social welfare, the healthcare system, and education.
On further news…
NOTORIOUS KULT SECT TERRORIZES CIVILIANS, POLICE FILE FOR ARREST OF CHAMPLAIN “GREAT REX” LEADER
WHAT IS THE KULT?
CSS PISCATAWAY, “OLD STONESIDES”, DECOMMISSIONED AFTER DECADES OF SERVICE
STANDARD-TYPES, CSS INDEPENDENCE AND VICTORIA, FINISH AIR TRIALS
ON THE FRONTIER: TIPS ON THE TRAIL FROM FAMED ADVENTURER
THE COAL KING OF KEYSTONE: THE STORY OF AIDAN BAELISH AND HIS STANDARD COAL COMPANY
HITCHITAN MOUNTAINS BLIZZARD AFTERMATH, FARMERS FEAR RUNOFF
PLAGUE INFECTS HUNDREDS IN FIRENZE, NEIGHBORHOODS QUARANTINED
STEAM POWER: THE FUTURE OF ENERGY?
STATEHOOD FOR THE CAPITALS? PISCATAWAY AND PATAWOMECK CITIZENS CALL FOR REFERENDUM
Taking to the skies
The roar of airscrews filled the air as the Princess of Predor and Princess Sophie rose almost lazily into the skies over Esterden, surrounded by flying boats flying the Predorian flag.
A huge crowd cheered the great battleships as they swung about and headed east, followed by a smaller swarm of the cruisers and tiny destroyers forming a grand honour guard for the pride of the Predorian Airfleet.
Below them, ranks of soldiers marched down the main thoroughfare, also headed east, as the crowd cheered and waved flags.
The battleships' great airscrews cut through the festive air of the city as the citizens poured out to watch the great bulk of the Middle Predorian military marching east amid a shower of flowers and bright strips of cloth. After years of grim defence, the Kingdom was finally on the offensive, pushing the Grey Empire forces further and further back into East Predorian territory, and officials proudly declared this new offensive would strike a death blow into the heart of the Grey Empire forces attempting to retake the Kingdom.
Clash of Steel
Cannonfire roared as Fifth through Tenth Divisions of the Royal Middle Predorian Army advanced through the shell-shattered ground towards the low walls of Fort Steinach, one of the Grey Empire's major strongpoints in Eastern Predor.
Middle Predor's invasion of Grey Empire-held Eastern Predor had thus far been progressing well. Their initial spearhead push of 11 divisions had shattered the Greyscale defence around Hoftetzen and Stuhlen, and the Grey Empire was just barely holding a defensive line around the chokepoints of Steinach, Rasburg and Tienheim. Their aeronef pre-battleship fleet over Stuhlen had been obliterated in an engagement with Princess of Predor and Princess Sophie, and now the remaining swarm cruisers and destroyers were desperately attempting to hold off the smaller, but far deadlier, Predorian airfleet over Steinach.
First through Fourth Divisions and 11th Division, the hardest hit by the sudden advance, were currently recuperating in Stuhlen while Fifth through Tenth assaulted the huge fort of Steinach.
The assault begun with a rolling barrage of fire from the battleships' 12inch guns, before a combined push by infantry and aeronefs drove a spearhead assault into the fort's defenders, the continued supporting fire breaching a hole in the fort's walls that the infantry divisions poured through and into the fort.
By the end of the day, they had taken Fort Steinach, and Steinach was fully under Middle Predor control while Grey Empire forces fell further back into the more open plains of East Predor.
The Gears Grind on part 2
The doors to the room swing open and a tall young man with red hair dressed in black walked in with 3 others who were from the Master Schedulers. "I am the new Omnivisor, Vincent Hick." He says while pulling a small model of a battleship from his pocket along with some small model artillery guns and lining them in front of his seat on the table.
One of the Schedulers steps forward, "as he just stated, he is the new Omnivisor of our glorious foundry. From the test result he scored higher than all 20 other applicant in all categories. We must leave you now we are on a tight schedule for this nation does not stay on time by itself, people to process, factories to be run. Good day to you all." The 3 others leave the room.
"Vincent Hick." says Supervisor Theodore Dolloway of the Institute with great passion. "I knew you would make it to Omnivisor, watching you since a child in the institute run around all the dangerous technologies while your parents, our top scientists tried to keep you away from the explosives, ha ha."
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I most likely speak for the rest of the board when I say this is official business and will determine the future of Kromkarie." says Supervisor Evie Ravenswood.
Vincent Hick who had finally finished organising his model army that now stretched to the centre of the table lined with ships, infantry and artillery, finally speaks. "Yes, this is very serious business and must be done accordingly" he says as everyone gazes at the new battlefield that has covered the table. "I have organised a pan for the continuation and rebuilding or Kromkarie. I need the institute to send a team to study the Grey Imperial ships that were shot down in the outskirts of the nation, so we can begin construction of bigger and better versions. The institute will be working very closely with the military for the foreseeable future. For the next few years we will be rebuilding the industry and forming new agriculture." Vincent Hick and the rest of the supervisor would continue on for hours outlining a new plan for the nation.
When the meeting came to an end Vincent Hick stayed back in the room to continue expanding his model army. "Pew pew take that imperial scum." he say while holding a sea battleship and pretending it could fly. "Soon we will be rulers of Skyreach and the forever expansion of the foundry will continue and engulf the world, pew pew, bang."
A Sky of Fire
3/3 May, 1891
Many days later, the Princess of Predor limped over Esterden, assisted by the cruiser Skyspire and billowing smoke from her holed and riddled funnels. Her armour was scarred and burnt with the mark of many shells, and the maimed battleship groaned as she slowly descended towards her cradle amid a shower of the spring rain. Citizens streamed out of their homes to see the pride of the Predorian navy as she settled into the cradle with only two engines functioning and her guns riddled with battle damage.
Her crew, stumbling out of the aeronef with wide eyes, told terrible tales of the war in East Predor; of wave after wave of falling shells casting great bouts of flame amid a battlefield mired in bodies; of Predorians choking as an invisible and deadly killer stalked their lines; of the horrifying sight of three fully-fledged flying battleships descending upon the embattled Predorian airfleet.
It had all descended into chaos around the town of Aibach.
The Predorian forces (now bolstered by liberated East Predorians) had rolled up the Grey Empire across most of the East Predorian plains, capturing Acher, Tawold, Aelstow and Damor in a matter of days until the Grey Empire's presence in East Predor clung to the towns and villages around the easternmost edge of East Predor. First through Fourth divisions had been refitted, and the full might of Middle Predor had been poised to fall upon Aibach and end the War for East Predor.
The Grey Empire hadn't allowed Middle Predor to end anything. The Predorian advance had run straight into the hammer of a Grey Empire counterattack of twelve divisions, and when they began digging in, had suddenly come under a barrage of heavy shells that ripped into the Predorian divisions. Many of them had been gas shells, and the Predorian troops retreated in a choking panic as waves of Greyscale destroyers began plunging out of the clouds and engaging the Predorian airfleet attempting to rescue their infantry. As the fleet became enclosed in a ring of gunfire, far heavier shells struck the Princess of Predor, damaging her funnels and scoring her deck armour. Three flying battleships had then descended out of the clouds, and suddenly the Predorian Airfleet could no longer worry about the infantry as they became entangled in a desperate fight for their lives.
Nobody had considered that the Grey Empire might be building up their own flying battleships; thus far they'd only sent the huge pre-battleships supported by cruisers and destroyers. Now there was three descending upon the two Predorian battleships now ascending to meet them.
The two battle lines engaged each other at long range, the Predorian line spread out in a traditional battleline while the Greyscale battleships charged head-on into their broadside.
The Predorian battleline was surrounded and being harrassed by Greyscale destroyers, forcing them to occasionally swerve to avoid the charging light ships.
Amid the chaos, the Princess Sophie had engaged three destroyers with her tertiary batteries while her primary and secondary armament hammered at the leading Greyscale battleship; a lucky shot had ripped through the lead's vulnerable underbelly armour and had detonated in its forward 12" magazine, the resulting fireball blasting the ship in half and sending it plummeting. Then it was the Princess of Predor's turn to recieve fire as the Grey Empire battleships turned to form their own battleline and unleashed their broadsides on the Predor leading the Predorian battleline.
Multiple 12" hits scored on the Predorian battleship, and she lurched as shells smashed her forward starboard propeller and damaged and disabled her forward A and B1 turrets. Her return fire scored hits on one of the greyscale battleships, knocking out some turrets and toppling its forward fire control mast. Princess Sophie's second salvo smashed into the rear propellers and ripped off the battleship's portside steering rudder, forcing it to yaw to starboard and pull away from the fight, streaming smoke and flames as the Princess Sophie's secondaries ignited its decks.
The return fire from the last Greyscale battleship knocked out X turret and destroyed the Predor's aft starboard propeller, and the Princess of Predor began to list to starboard.
Under fire from the Sophie's third salvo and her secondaries, and with the Predorian battleline pulling away to retreat to Steinach, the last Greyscale battleship retreated, a potential fourth salvo from the Sophie foiled by a charging Greyscale destroyer that forced her to swerve to avoid.
The battle ended, with the Predorian forces thoroughly mauled, both sides retreated, with the Predorian forces limping to Steinach to recover and the Princess of Predor, escorted by the cruiser Skyspire, limping to Esterden for a complete repair, leaving the Princess Sophie the only Predorian flying battleship in the theater.
Laiakia and Kromkarie
Casualty Count:
Middle Predor
[Infantry]
- 80,000 casualties total
- 45,000 dead
- 5,000 missing
- 30,000 critically wounded
- 4th Infantry Division (Whitfall Rifles Division) lost
[Airfleet]
- 3 aeronef destroyers lost
- Princess of Predor critically damaged
- Princess Sophie light damage
Grey Empire
[Infantry]
- 50,000 casualties total
- 35,000 dead
- 3,000 missing
- 12,000 critically wounded
[Airfleet]
- 6 aeronef destroyers lost
- Bulwark lost
- Iron Bastion critically damaged
- Avenger light damage
Two More Years
With the guaranteed win for the SPP in the aftermath of a somewhat controversial outcome following the Midterm Elections of 1890, the spring and early summer of the DeWitt Administration’s third year in office saw further progress with regards civil service reform, with major legislation passing that would provide pensions for all federal government workers, and to an extent, the inclusion of state and local government workers being heralded in the various states and major cities. However, what DeWitt’s wishes of an expansive social welfare program ground to a slow march, with the State and Union Congresses coming to blows. The issue of further pensions and financial aid for those impoverished became a political football, with much of political parties refusing to come to a compromise on legislation. However, it was not without some success, as DeWitt has achieved in establishing further reforms into the public education system and assuring further centralization.
A great surplus of the government budget had remained untouched, thanks to high tariffs and taxes, which DeWitt had initially wanted to use for extensive social welfare programs. With welfare in a football, DeWitt had instead allocated the funds for internal improvements, specifically on infrastructure, transportation, and public works in major cities and settlements in high-risk. DeWitt has also sought to invest this surplus towards expansions and establishing much needed electrical systems, plumbing, and waterworks. With the Union still largely isolationist, despite the President’s previous ventures towards diplomacy, tariffs on foreign imports and domestic exports remained at an all time high. The Republican-Patriotic coalition had demanded a reduction in these tariffs, while DeWitt’s party, and including the Progressives, had called for the tariffs to remain. Additionally, DeWitt desired to use the surplus to eliminate some internal taxes in revenue.
Members of the Congressional parties has observed the alarming growth of trusts and monopolies in the Confederate Union, partly due to their contribution towards Reconstruction and the isolationist policies of the nation since the Civil War, as well as a profound dislike of foreign goods and services by the Hesperican population. While further diplomacy has assured that these sentiments somewhat softened, Hesperican monopolies remained in power across the nation, and with a heavy-handed approach in their growth and the cannibalization of smaller businesses. By a wide margin, spearheaded and sponsored by Senator Olivar Wylde of Keystone, the Wylde Antitrust Act was passed by a wide margin in both the State and Union Congresses, DeWitt signing it to law. The Wylde Act was the first Federal act of its kind, and marked a new use of federal government power.
The Wylde Act broadly prohibits 1) anticompetitive agreements and 2) unilateral conduct that monopolizes or attempts to monopolize the relevant market. The Act authorizes the Department of Justice to bring suits to enjoin (i.e. prohibit) conduct violating the Act, and additionally authorizes private parties injured by conduct violating the Act to bring suits for treble damages (i.e. three times as much money in damages as the violation cost them). Over time, the federal courts have developed a body of law under the Wylde Act making certain types of anticompetitive conduct per se illegal, and subjecting other types of conduct to case-by-case analysis regarding whether the conduct unreasonably restrains trade. The purpose of the Wylde Act is not to protect competitors from harm from legitimately successful businesses, nor to prevent businesses from gaining honest profits from consumers, but rather to preserve a competitive marketplace to protect consumers from abuses.
Jesruriz and Kromkarie
State of the Nation
It was a week after his official inauguration, being sworn into office with hundreds of thousands to watch and cheer. The good feeling of having just won the election fading as the State of the Nation meeting, an important and frequent meeting between the President and his Cabinet, arrives. The Opal Hall in which it is held, spills in every ministry, taking seats around an oval shaped table, everyone looking across from one another. Charles Dawning sits at the end of the table, taking a look at each minister’s face before starting;
“Good morning to all of you, I hope that your offices are comfortable because this is where we will be for the next four years of our lives.” He chuckled, a few did so as well, but getting nothing from the older more serious ministers. "I would like a report from each ministry about the state of its operations so we may better understand our problems."
Finn stood up, "Sir, we appear to be at an advantage as recent polling puts you at 65% approval rating, you are very popular with working class people." He reported. Finn as always appeared sharp and focused like an eagle, constantly scribbling notes and reviewing data, so competent even Dawning hired him from the previous Administration. "Good, lets keep it that way by focusing on the needs of the people in this country." Charles said.
Nikita Avera was next, "A review of our economy finds that generally its in very great shape, however growth from last year and this year reveals that economic growth has slowed somewhat. From 20% to 13% in one year alone, my team and I blame this on our lack of allies and trading partners." He explained, stroking his grey beard. The Financial Minister from Magnolia sat down and gave his papers which explained the situation in more numerical detail.
Avery Douglas, the Minister of the Interior and former Major of the Blue Republicans, cleared his throat harshly most likely from his intense cigar smoking. He was old and grey like Isof but his loyalties lie in the future of Democracy in Anercia. "Security wise, there are no major rebel groups as the RFC has peacefully disbanded last year. But i have reports stating a growing far-right wing organization calling themselves the Purple Shirts are mobilizing, fighting with communist militias and unions in the streets. The Violence is only beginning but as of yet they haven't done anything to justify harsh crackdowns." He explained the situation. Rohava Banderez, the minister of culture, raised her eyebrow. "Crackdowns? I hate them myself but to defy their freedoms granted by the Declaration of Rights is counterproductive to our goal of protecting this democracy." She retorted. "Pacifism in the face of fascists growing like tumor in our nation will doom the very democracy you love Miss Rohava." Gregor Mcaffy, the VP, chimed in. "Enough, this only a preliminary review of the state of the nation, not an ideological debate. Please, Rico give me the state of our nations health."
Rico Blackwall, a renowned epidemiologist and fencer who lost his left eye, stood up with vigor. "Yes Mr President, i will." He adjusted his eyepatch and tie. "We are definitely in good shape: most if not all people are able to go to a doctor or specialist, we have seen a reduction in diseases as preventative care in rural areas further increase, and child mortality has been cut in half in only two years. The FMAA is very expensive to maintain but the people love it and some companies grumble about the new taxes levied upon them." He debriefed. "A very progressive piece of legislation, I'm surprised that Ashton ever passed it." Rohava replied.
Gottfried Mannerheim, former general of the army, spoke, "Sir, the status of the military is in good condition, enough to protect our borders as we do have many strategic choke points to take advantage of. Number-wise we have 240 Thousand active ground personnel, its small but professional. Our air power consist of two battleships, four cruisers, six destroyers, and 10 refitted bomber zeppelins. Enough to defend our skies." He smiled afterwards. "The protection of our borders is enough for me, I'm glad i don't have to spend too much on the military this term." Dawning commented, prompting a concerned look from Gottfried.
Pedro Fontera, a professor in sociology and education from Valesord State University, "The state of our education is a joke compared to other countries, only the cash injections from the Ashton Administration kept our crumbling institutions from collapsing. We need major funding to start rebuilding rural education centers and upgrade our universities with modern books and equipment. Thats all." He explained. "That is quite concerning, the future of our workforce and this country relies on highly education population. I will see what i can do but this calls for a budget increase, which we will talk about next time."
Jeff Lister was next, a pro-worker and planned economist, "Union membership by far is quite good, about 62% of our workforce is unionized, and they for the most part comment a positive attitude to the Administration. Our workers are quite happy too, turnover rates and work dissatisfaction has decreased significantly. But the Lacburg Business Group said they weren't quite pleased with our messaging and most likely won't support us in any ways." He reported. "Eh, who needs them anyways? A bunch of rich corrupt parasites won't buy me." Charles said.
Rohava Banderez, a passionate scarlettan woman who pressured Ashton to pass several progressive laws, spoke. "While President Mercer took us to water with the EARA, we have to finish the job by ending generational poverty among scarlettan neighborhoods. Many of which are still classified as ghettos with rampant crime and violence taking place. I am working on a revitalization program which will only come to fruition if you decide to fund it." She said. "Interesting, I'll look forward to discussing it in further detail once you're finished writing it." Dawning spoke, his curiosity piqued.
"Thank you all for coming in and sharing with me the follies of our nation, so we may better fix them. We should not be ashamed of our faults but embrace it, as it will be our challenge to overcome for the betterment of everyone who sets foot here. Whatever you feel or think about today, put it aside as we are a team, and i couldn't be here without your support and help." Everyone gathered their things, shook hands, and left for their respective departments.
It had been for some time before the Premier had finally reaffirmed some considerable resources and time, apart from occasional grievances and the rather time-consuming work on the domestic affairs of the nation, DeWitt had reconsidered a return to nominal diplomatic policy, once a focus of his administration 2 years prior. Convinced that it would be for the best of the Union to return to the global theater, barring the threat possessed by the ever-aggressive yet weakening Grey Empire, DeWitt has sent a diplomatic mission to his Anercian counterparts, and arguably, one of the only other democracies present in the continent. With that in mind, a mission was carefully and efficiently formed, with a skeleton embassy staff to jump start the process, alongside the appointment of key Ambassadorial staff, including the High Commissioner and Chief Ambassador of the Hesperican Diplomatic Mission to Anercian.
The High Commissioner, in mind, is a Mr. Elrin Pravost, personally chosen by President DeWitt, to represent the interests of the Hesperican government and it's people. A aeronef is sent towards Anercia, with high hopes in establishing official diplomatic relations and communication, and advance towards more permanent agreements, especially pertaining to trade, immigration, and settle on an embassy.
From an Anercian perspective, the Nation of Hesperica seemed to be near parallel to itself, with both boasting major civil rights gains and largely democratic structure. Both nations have two devout social-democrats running the helm, spearheading progressive reforms to better provide for their people. Anercian Democracy has narrowly survived in Mercer's first term and not unscathed, having another nations with the same values of pluralistic democracy would be a great boon. So great that President Dawning will personally meet with the High Commissioner.
The meeting was scheduled to take place somewhat early in the morning, 9AM Anercian Standard Time, so that both parties could enjoy breakfast and save the President time for other events later in the evening. The Areonef carrying the Commissioner was in sight, flanked by two sutherland-class destroyer escorts. It descended down to a private aircradle built only a year prior near the Opal Palace. There as the dust settles and the gangway lowers, the two finally meet, with Dawning in his best suit and tie. However his mustache and hair in weird position most likely due to a case of bed head, fixing himself, the President shook hands with Mr Elrin. "Welcome to Anercia!" He said finishing his handshake and hugging him, a customary greeting for all foreign diplomats. "I hope your trip wasn't too rough, come lets get out of this stuffy box and into another one, but i assure you its much nicer than this one." He joked and left for a meeting room inside the Palace.
Truly the Opal Palace seemed like a relic from another age but with some contemporary refitting and modernization such as electricity and running water. It was built by the Royal Family and taken over by the Republic, the two eras clash as if the war never ended. The hallways are adorned with the heroes of the civil war forever remembered with busts and paintings replacing the commissioned artworks the royals had placed there. Yet the elaborate carvings and murals still linger inside, surviving for over hundreds of years after their creation, a masterpiece too beautiful to replace.
Finally after a brief tour of the Palace they sat in his office, looking directly across from one another, "It is simply nice to share our culture with you but i don't take it that you're here for a history lesson. Fire away Mr Elrin." He gave the floor to him.
Elrin Pravost, in a comparison to the Anercian head of state, had a short, well-kept and cropped head of brown, with slightly greying sideburns, and a bushy mustache to complete his set of facial hair. High cheekbones and a sharp jaw, with wrinkling features, and a pleasant demeanor about him. He was of a taller height, standing at around 6 feet and 5 inches, and a grey cotton three-piece suit and matching stovepipe hat that conveyed a slimmer physique, barring the challenges of a man’s middling age. A slight paunch at gut showed him to be a frequent drinker, but not at the same habit as those of the Hesperican elite. He smiled at the President, and thus began the slow yet effective process of diplomacy.
“Thank you, Mr. President. It’s a pleasure to visit Anercia at this time of the year. Truly one of the more wondrous places in the Continent,” he started. “I’ve been sent at the request of President DeWitt, and the Congresses, to extend a diplomatic hand to our brothers and sisters in Liberty and Independence. We wish to conceive formal relations, and begin the process of establishing a permanent diplomatic mission here. It is only proper that our two democracies should be entwined in our dealings, as both bastions of freedom. The rights of the people is of our interest.”
“And of course, we would open our the Union all the same, and welcome our Anercian brethren with wide arms.”
He smiles, "I'm glad we want the same things Mr Elrin, it is time to look towards a new international community and your people are the first. In economic terms we can definitely pass legislation to bring tariffs between each other and enable our stock markets to buy and speculate in Hespercia and vice versa." He explained. "Diplomatically we can open an embassy between our two capitals and perhaps we can begin to communicate between our two armies for better defense coordination. But im getting ahead of myself." Charles cleared his throat. "But what does your congress want? Anercian traditions of a stronger presidency doesn't run in your nation i take it, but instead Dewitt is constantly hampered by a bicameral legislative branch." He asked, but he called in for breakfast to be served.
Three maids came into the room, hauling a cart full of freshly made meals prepared and cooked by the Palace's Cooks. There were stuffed omelets, hearty bowls of rice and stew, and bacon galore on multiple plates. And carrying with them were pots full of hot coffee along with cream and sugar cubes. "Please help yourself to some, dig in!" Dawning started to eat while listening to him attentively.
“By all means, Mr. President, the Congresses, depending on the majority alignment of parties and our President’s own political standing, the legislatures can either be a blessing, or a curse,” Elrin explained, and in agreement with the Anercian head of state’s viewpoint. “While the President possessing strong executive authority, our checks and balances assures that this authority does not supersede the authority of our own Members of Congress, as they represent the interest of their respective states and districts, and by definition, the people. I am sure you are well accustomed to such a system, but I shall not continue further. The Union is not referred to as the Confederacy without proper reason.” Pravost considered the meal before him, and took part in the bountiful feast. Most assuredly, it was some of the best food he’s tasted in a long while. Taking a sip of his share of the coffee, the High Commissioner continued.
“We take pride in our States’ accountability of the actions of the President, just as he is responsible for the actions of Congress. Our administrations treatment with the other branches is reflective of our ability to govern effectively and reasonably. Such is the way with politics.”
“Now as for Congress’s reasoning, it is closely aligned with the interests of our President, much as he reflects the platform of the party. For all intents and purposes, this diplomatic mission is within his jurisdiction, as is his responsibilities as the nation’s chief diplomat. Treaties, negotiations, and foreign affairs are generally the Executive Branch’s purview, while the State Congress votes to ratify it. The Union Congress is generally not involved in such matters. If you speak of affairs involving mutual defense and warfare with foreign belligerents, then it is most definitely a matter to concern every branch.” He chuckles. “I’m afraid boring you would not be an effective strategy in diplomacy, Mr. President. But apart from my rambling, both President DeWitt and the Congresses share a united front when it comes to diplomacy, especially concerning other democracies. We wish to be close friends, and allies in the future, should destiny render it to be so.”
"Tell me Mr Elrin, what do you see out there? When you crack open your window back home, do you see your nation? Or do you see its people? of course you can see both but for me I see the lives of millions in our hands. Knowing that our every move is for their benefit and not to some other group, its scary but it is our responsibility. Now, how can we benefit our peoples today?" He asked. "Our legal and diplomatic experts have drafted a treaty for us to muddle over. Matters on Tariffs, currency exchange, cultural programmes, defense coordination, and some others." Charles handed him the documents. "Anercia can go the mile but it is all up to your nation Mr Elrin."
Inspecting the documents, Elrin reverted his attention towards the President. “Then we mustn’t waste time, Mr. President.” Himself offering a set of documents for the Anercian head of state to review, the High Commissioner continued “it would not be a quick process, with these talks of alliances and defense, but I believe we are in the right to take the first few steps towards that future. I have here with me a personal letter from President DeWitt, on behalf of the Hesperican people. On that matter, we also have here a Pact of Non-aggression, and a treaty to officially open a Hesperican Embassy in the Anercian capital. Of course, you would send your own delegates for an embassy in Piscatway. We already have facilities prepared for such a mission. Specifics can be discussed at a later date, Mr. President, but rest assured, Hesperica is open for a better relationship with the other nations of the world.”
The Gears Grind on part 3
With the future plan set, the Institute sent teams of engineers outside into the rocky inhospitable desert terrain beyond the city to seek out the crashed Imperial ships in search of the final pieces. This piece being the Arium core. Kromkarie did not yet have the technology required for such a device and thus 2 battleships lacking cores would wait till one was extracted and reverse engineered. For days institute engineers would tear these ships apart to uncover their arium cores.
Weeks later Omnivisor Vincent Hick is called to the Institute to witness a test of the first Kromkariean Arium core, meeting the Institute Supervisor Theodore Dolloway.
Vincent Hick disembarks from the Institute Express out front of the building, "Greetings Supervisor Dolloway." Hick says while extending his hand. "I am proud to finally happy to hear about the successful testing of an arium core."
Dolloway shakes Hick's hand, "Greetings sir, we are ready and waiting with the latest test if your will step this way."
Dolloway leads Hick into the building passing the heavily armed guards and security checkpoints. After walking for a considerable amount of time they finally reach the containment room housing the new device. Dolloway walks up to the bulk door and inputs a mechanical security code in a nearby console. After some metal lock sounds, the door begins to screech open revealing a room full of scientist with a giant spherical object floating in the air held down by chains, with a cylindrical axle protruding out one end and into an engine. "By the Machine! It is beautiful." Vincent exclaims while holding back a tear from his eye. "How does it work compared to the regular arium cores we extracted from the Imperial Cruisers?"
The chief scientist Kronkarius walks over to Dolloway handing him the technical specs for the device, "Thankyou Chief. When testing the arium cores that were extracted from the Imperial ships, we noticed that if the arium is spun at high speeds the lift generated from it is significantly increased making it possible for the of building larger ships and controlling altitude using the core. These cores should be far more capable than the ones used by the Empire as far as we are aware. As you can see the device is rather large. The Arium core is made up of two parts that have now been designed to be interchangeable in case of replacement, the large sphere housing contains the arium that is attached to the engine that makes it spin."
"This is amazing, how much longer till it is ready for the ships." Hick says.
"This should be the final test before we can begin production of a standardised model."
"Commence the final testing!" Dolloway shouts. "Pull the lever Kronkarius!"
Several scientists rush over to various mechanical consoles beginning the start-up procedure, "All go! Commence fire-up sequence." The Engine bursts to life in a cloud of smoke while ventilation systems attempt to deal with the it, "Second stage Sequence initiated." The core within the sphere begins to turn with an high pitch wind as the chains holding the core down start to strain. "3rd stage sequence initiated, the engine has reached idle speed and is now ready for speed tests."
Dolloway pointing at one of the scientists, "Engage engine to 30%." The scientist pushes the lever forward slightly causing the engine to get louder and louder increasing the high pitch winding sound, along with the chains creaking under the increasing strain from the core. "Increase to 50%". Once more the scientist pushes the lever forward more increasing the engines power, some of the chains begin to break as the machine increases in power. "Increase to full power!". The engine picking up speed now drowning out all other sounds with it raw power spins the core extremely fast leading to several of the chains breaking under the strain of holding it down, as well as the axle coming loose from the arium itself within the sphere. Soon the arium tears away from it mount and rips open the sphere blasting up towards the reinforced ceiling while the core crashes to the ground.
The scientists begin to cheer as the core worked. "A successful test I must say", says Dolloway while looking toward Hick.
"I couldn't agree more," Hick replies.
Chief scientist Kronkarius walks over to Dolloway, "With this information, all we must do is reinforce the mounting of the arium core and production should begin shortly after."
After several weeks of production the first two arium core are mounted into the ship via the core access rail designed into each ship. The cores would be named the Comet I Arium Core
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