NationStates Jolt Archive

In every corner of the Iansislean world, from the urban sprawl of Ianapalis to the most rural reaches of Gallaga; from the blood soaked streets of Nusheld to the marble halls of Jameston Place, there was just one word on everyone’s mouth: peace. Ticker tape fluttered down over every street, fireworks burst in every bit of the sky, and crowds rejoiced in every city.

However, despite the preponderance of euphoria among the general populace, there was little to be found among the senior members of Edward Tarriff’s resurgent conservative government. The titanic struggle against Germany, Ercolana, and Chiang Maï had revealed with shocking clarity the inadequacies of Iansisle’s prewar strategy.

After a private conversation between the First Lord of the Admiralty, the First Sea Lord, the Minister of War, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Admiralty Public Relations Officer Vice Admiral Sir Cedric Mayfield staged a press conference styled “the Future of the Royal Iansislean Navy.”

During it, Mayfield praised the “guts of the average Iansislean fighting man, by which we were able to emerge from the late world war victors” but warned that “even though hostilities with the Hun and the Chiangman have been concluded, threats to Iansislean sovereignty and our way of life abound. The Commonwealth stands at the crossroads of great powers, and unless we have the means to defend ourselves, we shall become little less than a road-marker.”

Mayfield didn’t elaborate on what powers he referred to, but the clear implications were the Empire of Japan, the United States of America, and war time ally but peace time rival Calarca.

“As such, the leadership of the Royal Iansislean Navy has been deep in conversation with Prime Minister Tarriff’s government, and has been granted the budget with which to make it a first-rate world power.” Mayfield removed a sheet of paper and read, “In the next ten years, Iansisle will construct eight additional capital ships - four the first five years and four the second - for a total of fifteen. In the same period, it will build four fleet-scale mobile aeroflyer docks, for a total of eight, and twelve light aeroflyer docks. The cruiser fleet will be expanded from twenty-six of all types to fifty-four. We will build one hundred and forty new destroyers, for a total of one hundred and eighty, at the rate of fourteen per year. We will expand our support fleet to recognize these numbers.” Mayfield looked up. “Never again will the Royal Iansislean Navy be seen as a minor force on the oceans of the world. Our destiny lies on the high seas, and we shall not hesitate to take it.”

The assembled reporters weren’t quite sure how to react to the news that Iansisle was about to build nearly two hundred new major surface combatants. They sat in silence for a moment, then the questions broke like a wave over a seawall.

“These new capital ships you mention! Will they be battlecruisers or battleships? What class will they be?”

“Sir, that plan will more than double the cruiser and the destroyer fleet! How does the government justify such extravagant spending?”

“Sir Cedric, those are some mighty ambitious build-time figures you’ve quoted! Are you sure the yards will be able to keep it up?”

“I don’t understand how all these new ships will be manned! Isn’t the Academy already running at full capacity? How will you provide men for more than a new destroyer a month?”

Mayfield waved his hands to restore calm. “First, the first batch of capital ships will all be of a new battleship class. I’m not authorized to reveal anything about them except that they will be of the Crown class, and be named HIMS Prince of Shadoran, Princess Royal, Gurney, and Queen Consort. Everything else is currently classified; I’m sorry.”

“To answer your question, Mr. Jameson, there cannot be a price tag put upon the security of our nation. I’m confident that this decision will be vindicated by both the people and the history books.

“Mr. Thomas, I have every confidence in the fine workers at Jorgenson and Sons, Wright Nautical Construction, and the many other shipyards contracting with the navy. I know that if they quote me a timetable, we can be damn sure they’ll stick to it.

“I’m glad you asked that question, sir. Now that hostilities have ceased, we will be mothballing most of our anti-submarine trawlers, frigates, and sloops. The officers and men from these units will form the core of those who will serve on the new ships. In addition, we’re tripling the class size at Troobodia, lowering the commission price for naval officers, and starting an aggressive recruitment drive across the Commonwealth. The ships will have crews.” Mayfield glanced over the room. “Any other questions? One at a time from now on, please!”

A muscular, tanned man in a black suit stood up, "Johannes Doe, LNN service, sir. Is the RIN planning a targeted recruitment plan for non-Shieldians to join the officer coprs?"

(Leave it to me to stir that little pot up :P)

A muscular, tanned man in a black suit stood up, "Johannes Doe, LNN service, sir. Is the RIN planning a targeted recruitment plan for non-Shieldians to join the officer coprs?"

(Leave it to me to stir that little pot up :P)

(you would, wouldn't you! ;))

"Well, Mr. Doe, I wouldn't say that we'll be targeting anyone with the recruitment program," said Mayfield carefully after a brief pause. "Men from the Dominions and the Empire will be equally welcome to apply for the Martial Academy and our ROTC programs, as it has ever been. Next question, please."

"So you're saying that people from the Dominions or the Empire will have just as good of a chance to get in as a Shieldian? No better or worse?

"How will the reduction of fees to enter the Academy impact their entry numbers into the Academy?"

(Ooooooooh! A hornet's nest!! *poke poke poke* )

(Now are there any numbers I should be aware of? Does payment to the academy ensure a better posting?)

(*distant sound of buzzing* ;)

Um, let's see...even with the reduction in the price of a commission, it's still only something an upper-middle class family can afford easily. I don't want to quote specific numbers because I'm not very good with them. ;) There's always the chance a senior NCO can be granted a commission, but that's only in very rare circumstances...for the most part, families buy their sons into the officer corps. Nepotisim has a strong hold, and being from a noble family is more or less a guarentee of eventual command of a major surface ship, regardless of ability. People who aren't from the Shield rarely get accepted to the navy, but instead are dumped on the army.)

Mayfield coughed and hid a frown. "Mr. Doe, everything in the Navy is based on ability. If a Dominion-man performs better on his admittance tests and during his interview, then yes, he will be accepted over a Shieldian. As for entry numbers, I should expect that they'll increase. I'm afraid that for anything more specific, you'll have to contact the Commandant of the Academy. Next question, please!"

(hmmm, gotcha. You want Doe to back down a little bit?)

darn it :?

(I'm sure that Mayfield would, but I don't care. If it's in his character to press, go ahead! ;))

News of the detailed expansion was already being relayed back to Walmington. A few figures back in Walmy would no doubt be a little jealous of Iansisle's freedom to cut down so much on anti-submarine escorts while Walmington sat in the middle of the world's U-boat capital, surrounded by still less than stable powers. Over all the higher-ups would be glad of Iansislian strength in heavy naval terms.. the idea of a bigger Pacific than Atlantic US fleet wasn't likely to be uncomfortably worn in Great Walmington and Southend.

Lawrence Cheeseman, cousin to Sir Talfryn, rose to introduce himself and his (near as Walmington has to state-run) paper, The Standard. He wanted to know, though he wasn't sure the Vice Admiral was the man to ask, what this naval spend meant for the other branches of Iansislian military service, the army especially. Not before he'd congratulated the Ians on their having not become complacent as had many after the Great War. Walmington, he said, understood the ever changing and resiliant nature of the threat to freedom and democratic civilisation.

(And why isn't my browser loading any images? Even emoticons? Damn it!)

(Oh dear, I was hoping... I mean afraid you'd say that. *Puts textbooks aside*.. ahem..)

"Mr. Mayfield, isn't it true that even with the reduction in the payment to buy one's way into the Academy, this is still a priviledge available to the upper and upper-middle classes? How can the people from the Empire and Dominion avail themselves of an institution that routinely shuts them out due to their financial restraints? Is the RIN willing to subsidize those non-Shieldians and lower class Shieldians that show aptitude with scholarships? Or will they have to be shoved aside to a nobleman who can pay?"

Mayfield jumped on Cheesman's question before Doe had a chance to get his next out.

"Thank you, sir. Jerry caught us unprepared the last time around; we're going to make sure that never happens again." One might be tempted to wonder how well 'Uncle Sam,' 'Hirohito,' or '[um, random thing for Calarca!]' would fit into that sentence.

"As for the Army and Flying Corps, I haven't seen any official numbers, but they will be brought down from war-time highs. The army will probably see the most drastic reduction: I believe there are around 700,000 men under arms now? That certainly won't go down to pre-war figures, but it's safe to say most of those boys will be going home."

He looked desperately about for a new question to answer, but only Doe's presented itself. Resigning himself with a sigh, Mayfield tapped his hands on the podium. "Mr. Doe, the financial requirements are an integral part of becoming an officer in the King's service. I'm sure you and I could debate circles around them, but to no avail. In the meantime, there are no fees to become an enlisted man; if those unable to buy a commission have the proper work effort, I’m sure they could become a senior petty officer or even an officer very quickly,given such a large expansion. Now, if we can return to the point, this press conference isn’t about the morality of the service; it’s about the expansion. Are there any relevant questions?”

He glanced about the room.

((ooc: here's the tentative design for the Crown class battleship. I'm not quite sure if that's how I'd like it to look, which is why there hasn't been an official announcment.

Oh, and we'll be seeing a heavy cruiser of a new class named Mainwaring, by the way! ;)))

Dimensions:
Length (overall): 750'0"
Length (waterline): 744'6"
Beam (overall): 110'6"
Beam (waterline): 110’6"
Draft (standard): 28'8"
Draft (maximum): 33'0"
Displacement (standard): 38,930 tons
Displacement (full): 44,360 tons
Crew: 1,820
Power and Performance:
Plant: 6 Westerton Mk. XIV 3-Drum
Turbines: 4 Shell J47
Shafts: 4
Horsepower: 149,000
Max Speed: 29.0 knots
Range: 9,500 nm at 14 knots ; 5,700 nm at 25 knots
Armor
Belt: 9" - 15” steel
Deck: 5" to 6.5" steel
Forward Bulkhead: 14" steel
Broadside Bulkhead: 11" steel
Aft Bulkhead: 5.5" steel
Turrets: 14" face ; 9" sides ; 7.5" roof
Barbettes: 15" above belt ; 6.5" below belt
Conning tower: 8" sides ; 2.5" roof
Armament
8 x 15"/42 guns (mounted in 4 turrets, with two forward and two aft)
16 x 4.9"/52 HA/LA guns (automatic loading; mounted in 8 turrets, four port, four starboard)
48 x 2 pounder guns (mounted in 6 octagonal turrets)
24 x 20mm guns (mounted along superstructure)
Radars
Air Search: RSUC model 225
Surface Search: RSUC model 158
Fire Control: RSUC model 222FC "Blindman's Bluff II"

He looked desperately about for a new question to answer, but only Doe's presented itself. Resigning himself with a sigh, Mayfield tapped his hands on the podium. "Mr. Doe, the financial requirements are an integral part of becoming an officer in the King's service. I'm sure you and I could debate circles around them, but to no avail. In the meantime, there are no fees to become an enlisted man; if those unable to buy a commission have the proper work effort, I’m sure they could become a senior petty officer or even an officer very quickly,given such a large expansion. Now, if we can return to the point, this press conference isn’t about the morality of the service; it’s about the expansion. Are there any relevant questions?"

"Well I must apologize if my questions offend you, but this is relevant It comes down to the expansion of the service. You're asking more people to join the military, unless you plan on letting those ships sit in the harbor. What happens if the nobility gets tired of bribing their children's way into the Academy? Will you lower the price... I mean the standards to get in even more?

"You are allowing the upper class to buy their way into command status, without going through the same dangers, and gaining the same expereince, you are forcing the lower classes into by enlisting. How often do you honestly allow non-coms to enter the academy? Give me a group of examples of recent non-coms you've let in and their current status."

"Mr. Doe, I appreciate your concern for the well-being of Iansisle's lower classes, but I hardly think this line of questioning is appropriate for this press conference!" Mayfield straightened his blazer and took a deep breath.

"While your tenacity is in some lights admirable, I believe you're pushing after a sensationalist story that simply isn't here. Frankly, Mr. Doe, it reflects poorly on your news service and its standards. Now, if you wish to discuss this at the proper time and proper place, I'm sure my secretary can make arraignments."

"Again, this is a perfect time to bring this up, since you're expanding the military.

"A sensationalist story that's not here? What, you mean you'd rather not have your blatant predispositions against people who are non-Shieldian brought to light? Very interesting, since these are the same people you are asking to man your ships, unless you continue to plan shipping them off to the army..."

(feel free to throw this guy out anytime :P)

"... as for my news service, I think ducking your responsibility as a press agent is a little more shameful. Now I asked you a question, give me examples of non-Shieldian Non-Coms who have been advance into the academy and into command positions."

*Dang forums*

*Dang forums*

(Don't I know it! ;))

"Mr. Doe, I will not answer your question nor any future ones if you continue to degrade and belittle myself and my service!" said Mayfield sharply, though his composure returned as soon as it had left.

"Now, then: I cannot think of a specific example at this time. Again, if you wish to schedule a proper interview, I'm sure I can compile a proper list for you. I should also warn you that if you continue to be argumentative and disrespectful, I shall have you removed from this interview."

EDIT: happy 6,000 posts!

(Woah! Thanks, I didn't even notice it! Oh man, I'm having a very Bloom County Media moment... I'll need to ponder that on deadline... Back in a bit. (Seriously, tell me if you need him to tone it down, although this is kinda fun, now I know why you like IanCorp so much..))

(Hey, man, you're in Iansisle, no worries...Here, the press is so free, it's actually negative! (let's all just pretend that made sense ;)) Why, I doubt Mayfield is even that serious about having him removed.

All right, have fun, man. See ya in a bit! Hopefully, I'll have a 4B post out by then.)

(Yeah, but still I don't want to be an asshole in your thread. ;) And it's an interesting press angle, although he might not think so..)

*signs waiver* "Larkinia's characters have Iansisle's full permission to be complete assholes in any of Iansisle's threads they want."

Honestly, dude, don't worry about it at all. If it hadn't been Doe, there'd have been some IanCorp reporter pestering him! :)

Duke of Dorchet class heavy cruiser:

Dimensions:
Length (overall): 611'6"
Length (waterline): 592'0"
Beam (overall): 65'9"
Beam (waterline): 61'2"
Draft (standard): 22'9"
Draft (maximum): 25'3"
Displacement (standard): 7,950 tons
Displacement (full): 10,100 tons
Crew: 659
Power and Performance:
Plant: 4 Westerton Mk. XIV 3-Drum
Turbines: 3 Shell J47
Shafts: 3
Horsepower: 120,200
Max Speed: 33.5 knots
Range: 6,100 nm at 14 knots ; 2,900 nm at 26 knots
Armor
Belt: 2”-4.2" steel
Deck: 2.2" to 3" steel
Forward Bulkhead: 2.5" steel
Broadside Bulkhead: 2.2" steel
Aft Bulkhead: 1.0" steel
Turrets: 8" face ; 7" sides ; 2.5" roof
Barbettes: 8" above belt ; 1.5" below belt
Conning tower: 8" sides ; 2.5" roof
Armament
8 x 8"/50 guns (mounted in 4 turrets, with two forward and two aft)
8 x 4.9"/52 HA/LA guns (mounted in 4 turrets, two port, two starboard)
16 x 2 pounder AA guns (mounted in 2 octagonal turrets)
16 x 20 mm caliber AA guns (mounted along broadsides)
6 x 21" torpedo launchers (above waterline; 3 port, 3 starboard)
Radars
Air Search: RSUC model 225
Surface Search: RSUC model 158
Fire Control: RSUC model 211FC "Blindman's Bluff"

Initial run:

HIMS Aurora
HIMS Mainwaring
HIMS Duke of Dorchet

*signs waiver* "Larkinia's characters have Iansisle's full permission to be complete assholes in any of Iansisle's threads they want."

*scribbles note, heh heh*

"Look, I'm sure you don't want to answer the question about the RIN's blatant discrimination against Gallagan's (is it Gallagan or Gallagaers, and if it's the latter do I need some kind of plastic sheet for his sledgehammer act? :P) and others from the Dominions and Empire.

"Allow me to ask about how much the entry bribe will be for those entering the Academy? Then we can return to your office and and you can attempt to fabrica... er... locate those examples I'm asking about."

((We don't smash watermelons, jus' chuck 'em :P. In all seriousness, Gallagan. Or Galler, but that's derogatory.))

"Mr. Doe, I believed I warned you about the proper respect to show at a formal press conference," glowered Mayfield. "Now, I shall not answer that question, and if you persist in your uncouth behavior, I shall have you removed from this room! Now, let's try to phrase that question in a civil manner, shall we?"

Doe nodded, "Sir, that was the polite rephrase of the question. Now if you would like to answer it, I would be grateful."

Mayfield pointed at a young IanCorp reporter standing near the front. "You there!" The boy, who couldn't have been more than twenty, jumped. "You have a question?"

"Um, not re..."

"I'm sorry, you'll have to speak up. I can't hear you!"

"Um, well, I..."

"Maybe start with your name and paper?"

"Er, Sam Whiteman, Pennsbridge Review...sir, um, Admiral Mayfield, my readers would just like to know, um, how greatly the government rates the chances of another war.." Whiteman finished in almost a whisper.

"Good question!" boomed Mayfield. "Well, Mr. Whiteman, His Majesty's Government never likes to ponder a nearby war, but in a world with powers like Germany, Beddgelert, and Ryansisle, it's always a possibility. I don't think there'll be another conflict on the scale we saw recently for quite some time, but we may find ourselves in a good many 'small' wars."

Doe touched the headset to activate the mic and said quietly into the LNN camera, but still loud enough for Mayfield to listen, "And as we see Steve, once again the RIN has decided to evade answering questions about their recruitment practices, running away from charges of the inequity of their blatantly nepotistic, buy your way into a command, leadership pracitces... No Steve, I don't think I will get an answer from him about the case of *insert poor Galler Non-com that's worthy here*, or any of the other practices. Back to you and Jessa in the newsroom."

Mayfield narrowed his eyes. "Mr. Doe, I can hear you quite clearly. I'm quite sure whatever listeners you have on the other end of that...wireless dohickey will realize that I very clearly expressed the terms by which I would be questioned. You repeatedly violated those, and I'm not sure what you're attempting now, but it doesn't intimidate me."

Doe grins at him, "Of course, and they will also realize that you ran from my questioning about how you will put warm bodies on those ships. However, I'll be happy to accept your offer to hunt through the archives and give me the examples I need, say... 8 a.m. at your office tomorrow?

"Until then, how are you planning on financing the expansion? Will there be a tax necessary for the additional equipment and salaries of those in the Academy?"

"I will set the time, Mr. Doe," said Mayfield coldly, "and I'm afraid my appointments tomorrow are entirely filled, all with persons much more important than yourself." He shuffled some papers. "It would appear that I'm not available until two o'clock next Saturday, and then for only fifteen minutes. I trust you'll be able to make it?"

"Now that you've decided to phrase a question in the manner of a civilized human being, I shall answer it. There shouldn't be a need for new taxes: the expansion will be funded entirely out of a combination of the temporary maintanace war-time budgets, a 0.5% raise in Dominion tribute, and the shifting of funds from other ministries. Naturally, all these are temporary measures needed only until the building program is complete."

Doe nodded, "Hmmm, no that's no good for me. I'll have to go live by then with the discrimination story. It's all right, I'll put you down for a 'no comment', and we'll see where the chips fall, PR wise. And as far as people much more important than the press, I thought you're experience would have told you otherwise.

"So which ministries are you taking the funds from? And how long will you be diverting the funds? And how much will the increase in Dominion tribute be in Generals?"

"Very well, Mr. Doe. I trust in the intelligence of the Larkinian people, even if you do not.

"Commonwealth Relations, Education, and Space will be receiving the bulk of the funding cuts, but it shouldn't total more than 5% of any given department. The cuts will be in place for between six and the full ten years, depending on the circumstances. In real money terms, the total from the Dominions should be in the neighborhood of one hundred to one hundred and fifty billion generals."

He waved his hand. "And before you ask your next question, Mr. Doe, you should know that over sixty percent of the funding for this buildup is coming from the Empire of the Shield, but the ships will be used to protect everyone in the Commonwealth equally."

"Actually that's not my next question, I have no doubt that, now, the RIN would defend all Iansislians with a fervor. Although that's not here nor there.

"So five percent cuts across the board for them? Are you planning on utilizing new technological advances to speed up the development of the fleet?"

"One would assume, Mr. Doe, that you know quite a few things about what is neither here nor there," said Mayfield dryly.

"Also, I did not say five percent cuts across the board. I said that cuts won't total more than five percent in any given department: I'm sure the difference should be obvious, even to you. And despite your sarcastic implications to the contrary, Education will receive the least of the cuts: in all likelyhood, not more than one or two percent. Of course, you'll have to speak with Lord Dirwisham about that."

(actually there was no sarcasm there ;) )

"I was actually being completely serious," Doe responded. "Are there any new advancements you are adding to these ships? Anything to speed production?"

(oh, heh. Oops! Well, Mayfield's on the defensive, anyway ;))

Mayfield was taken a little off balance. "Erm, no, not that I'm aware of at the present time. Naturally, given the rapid increase in technology of late, it's entirely possible that new techniques and materials will arise before the program has run to completion.

His eyes narrowed. Doe was being surprisingly polite. What was his game?

"What about a technology transfer? Has the RIN considered the possibility of borroring technology from an ANH state until they have mastered it?"

"We have considered it indeed; however, the powers-that-be in the Ministry of War feel that perhaps that would be an unwise course of action," said Mayfield, choosing his words carefully. "They fear that technological dependence on other countries, even those as friendly as Larkinia or Celeborne, could lead to political subserviance." He shrugged.

(I need to catch some zzzs, man. I'll see ya tomorrow!)

(gotcha, g'night man! I'll try to be on, got that test on Thursday so I might be studying at work. And why's Doe being so nice? Cause I can only be a reporting jerk for so long before the nice side kicks in. I need to get my friend to take over on these occasions. ;) )

At least one figure amongst those assembled had shifted less than comfortably during the run-down of possible opponents in future Iansislian wars.

Aglaya Morgan still suspected that she was less than welcome, but the unassuming little woman had entered Iansisle and the conference without too much trouble. In some ways the Shield wasn't so far removed from her youthfull home as she'd imagined it would be, on the surface at least. She was just about old enough to remember the days before the revolution, and it had taken some years for post-Llewellyn, post-Sopworth economics to kick in.
The relative chaos was memorable enough. Of course Morgan was staying in one of Iansisle's less well to do districts, and speaking vaguely of The Times and The Commonwealth seemed to have given an impression of agreeability. She didn't say of Nations, but nor did she say People's or anything controversial like that.

She rose to speak.

"Aglaya Morgan, The Commonwealth Times. A vague impression of general defensive motivation seems to be given for this major naval expansion so soon after the defeat of many major Iansislian rivals. What, if anything, does the Empire say to reassure the next set of rivals that the colonial power isn't out to capitalise at others' expense?"

Many in Beth Gellert had already speculated over the ill potential of Iansisle's military awakening, especially in light of The People's Commonwealth's recently adopted interventionist approach to its anti-imperialism. The war with Argyllia following its invasion of neighbouring Madagascar had cost Beth Gellert dear, with eighteen strike fighters shot down and five vessels sunk, including frigates CS Aubergine, Onion and Penrith of the class introduced around the time of Salvador.

Some, perhaps arrogantly, would suppose Iansisle's expansion a reaction to The Commonwealth's own planned programmes following exposure of flaws- the open Senate system of Beth Gellert meant that even ...slower nations were likely to be aware of the nation's intent to build new fleet carriers. Others were less convinced of The Commonwealth's effect on foreign powers, but none the less worried that a significant imperial power was expanding its fleet as Beth Gellert's was at its most stretched.

(ooc:Sorry about that.. got a bit carried away, it's a somewhat self-serving post, I think ;) We've almost had our own Salvador now.. rather different in that we're probably considered victors (again) but the losses are as much a shock.)

(*scribbles note* Beth Gellert has the right to be as 'self-serving' as he wishes in Iansisle's threads. Signed, Iansisle.

Seriously, though, don't worry about it! I quite enjoy reading your posts, and that background made it 10x more entertaining than it would have been otherwise.

Oh, and I know I do the exact same thing in other people's threads. ;)

I've got to run off now, but I'll have a response in an hour or two!)

"Aglaya Morgan, The Commonwealth Times. A vague impression of general defensive motivation seems to be given for this major naval expansion so soon after the defeat of many major Iansislian rivals. What, if anything, does the Empire say to reassure the next set of rivals that the colonial power isn't out to capitalise at others' expense?"

Mayfield paused briefly before answering Morgan's question. This wasn't so much because he recognized The Commonwealth Times as a Beth Gellern paper but rather because the idea of a female beat reporter was particularly novel and slightly unwelcome. A couple of senior IanCorp reporters, one from the Ianapalis Star-Tribune and one from the IanCorp Wire Services, drew in sharp breaths and stepped away from Morgan as if she had the plague.

"Well, Ms. Morgan," started Mayfield, in what could perhaps be considered a condescending tone, "I should say first that your 'general impression of defensive motivation' is incorrect. Iansisle and the commercial enterprises working under the King's standard have interests and commitments strung world-wide, from Hong Kong to Nusheld to the Cape to Bermuda. Before the war, we relied on the general good will of others to protect them; you could say that our experiences of late have proven the inadequacy of that arraignment.

Mayfield realized that his patronizing rambling was taking too much time. “To answer your question, Ms. Morgan, to those powers I can give nothing but my solemn word that our preparations and purely defensive in nature, and that imperialistic adventures are a thing of the past in Iansisle.” He figured it was better not to mention the pre-war plans to use military force to bring Chiang Maï fully into Iansisle’s economic orbit, or that Iansisle was deep in secret conversation with Japan regarding economic zones in China would be divided following the Nationalists’ defeat.

(Damn forums aren't co-operating with me tonight. I was trying to say that it was a shame BG can't really get much involved in the Chinese revolution, as it's more or less a matter of record for us. Plus I've already established that we were an economic back-water at the time. The idea of Mao with Beth Gellen cruise missiles and Mach 2+ interceptors would pretty much rule out an escape to Formosa.. or the continuation of Japan, I think :) This will crash many more times before it posts, I shan't even bother trying to make a proper post as it'll only become twisted by stress and hate, heh.)

"We have considered it indeed; however, the powers-that-be in the Ministry of War feel that perhaps that would be an unwise course of action," said Mayfield, choosing his words carefully. "They fear that technological dependence on other countries, even those as friendly as Larkinia or Celeborne, could lead to political subserviance." He shrugged.

(I need to catch some zzzs, man. I'll see ya tomorrow!)

*grabs Advertising textbook as the NS tentacles reach out from the computer screen and latch on... "no no!! I have a test tomorrow!!!" "Come on, you know you want to post..." "Nooooo!!!!"*

"What about an agreement for smaller transfers? Or if you purchased the technology so you could reverse engineer it and learn about it? Your allies might be more inclined to do that, and it would keep the RIN from becoming dependant on them."

*picks up crowbar* (excuse me, I gotta talk with the forums)

((You'd better study for that test, or else I may have to revoke you waiver! :P))

Mayfield shrugged. "I'm afraid that you're preaching to the choir, Mr. Doe. The Admiralty has repeatedly asked for permission to purchase more advanced materials and systems from Alliance members, especially after the Army was allowed to purchase Walmingtonish tanks, but we've been repeatedy denied. Perhaps some day in the future."

((And today's release of ship design:

Elemental class light cruiser

Dimensions:
Length (overall): 555'6"
Length (waterline): 545'6"
Beam (overall): 60'6"
Beam (waterline): 60'2"
Draft (standard): 20'5"
Draft (maximum): 22'6"
Displacement (standard): 7,050 tons
Displacement (full): 8,910 tons
Crew: 624
Power and Performance:
Plant: 4 Westerton Mk. XIV 3-Drum
Turbines: 3 Shell J47
Shafts: 3
Horsepower: 120,200
Max Speed: 35 knots
Range: 5,100 nm at 18 knots ; 2,500 nm at 28 knots
Armor
Belt: 2”-4" steel
Deck: 2" to 3" steel
Forward Bulkhead: 2" steel
Broadside Bulkhead: 2" steel
Aft Bulkhead: 1.0" steel
Turrets: 7" face ; 6" sides ; 2.5" roof
Barbettes: 7" above belt ; 1.5" below belt
Conning tower: 8" sides ; 2.5" roof
Armament
9 x 6"/50 guns (mounted in 3 turrets, with two forward and one aft)
4 x 4.9"/52 HA/LA guns (mounted in 2 turrets, one port, one starboard)
8 x 2 pounder AA guns (mounted in 2 quadruple turrets)
16 x 20 mm caliber AA guns (mounted along broadsides)
8 x 21" torpedo launchers (above waterline; 4 port, 4 starboard)
Radars
Air Search: RSUC model 225
Surface Search: RSUC model 158
Fire Control: RSUC model 211FC "Blindman's Bluff"

Initial run

HIMS Redoubtable
HIMS Aquatic
HIMS Borneo
HIMS Geode
HIMS Quest))

(*kicks tin can* awwww, do I have to? :) )

"What is the RIN's plans until the fleet is operational? Are there any plans to rearrrange the assignments of certain ships to keep them closer to Iansislian waters?"

"In a manner of speaking," said Mayfield. "Our resources will need to be divided in order to protect our interests not only in home waters, but also in south-east Asia and Gallaga. As a matter of fact" -- he ruffled through some papers he had at the podium -- "I have a list of post-war capital ship deployments that has been declassified."

He glanced down the list. "Queen Jessica will be stationed at Turnish as part of the Northern Seas Area command under Rear Admiral Paul; Behemoth will be at Harbor City as part of the Western Marches Area command under Rear Admiral Pennyton; Gargantuan, King Ian V, and Goliath will be at Port Laughlin as part of the South China Sea Area command under Admiral Rice; and Colossus will be at Nusheld as part of the Bay of Bengal Area Command under Vice Admiral Samuelson." Mayfield checked the notes again.

"As well, Titan will be flying Rear Admiral Hansfield's flag and departing on a world tour to celebrate the conclusion of hostilities. After the tour, the Admiralty will see if Walmington on Sea is interesting in stationing Titan in her home waters as guard against future German aggression."

((Eat your vegetables! Um, I mean, study for your test!))

((Eat your vegetables! Um, I mean, study for your test!))

(Good idea, but I can feel my brain oozing out of my ears after the studying I've already put in. I'll catch y'all later!)

((Good luck, dude. I'll see ya tomorrow.))

Mainwaring's laible to burst soon. He's going to get a little carried away by his reputation at this rate.. and Churchill about to lose the post-war election..
Labour might be on their way in by the time Titan's finished her tour, so chances are George will consider his nearest ally to have gone soft, and be glad of the support.

I like the look of these Elementals, by the way. Slightly smaller than our Kentonshires and roughly equal or better in just about every way. I might have to sink some in the war restrospective and start again ;) They came out while WoS was still struggling with the potential for modern powerplants and of the opinion that 80,000 was a lot of horses.

-looks thoughtfull-

I know what I'll do. Splendid. I'll need to find other less than modern nations with large bank accounts and a propensity to be easily dazzled.

Don't be surprised if Southend lays-down something that looks remarkably like an Elemental, a few months from now :)

"Are the other military branches redeploying in cooperation with the RIN to boost their presence in the outlying areas?"

(Ouch... my brain hurts. I've never had a test where I was physically sore after taking it.)

A young woman among the journalists said, "Antonia Chavez, sir, Hofburg Daily Chronicle. Are there any comments about rumors that the Empire of Lavenrunz will be taking over certain territories in the Far East? And that these may encroach upon Commonwealth territories?"
Lavenrunz had been neutral during the war; since it lay far to the south, almost edging into Antarctica, mostly the Lavenrunzians had discreetly watched operations and begun building up their fleet under their new, vigorous young Emperor, Frederick II.

There was a touch of vague annoyance in Mayfield’s voice as he answered Doe’s question. “To the best of my knowledge, there is to be a general redeployment of army and flying corps resources to predicted trouble spots: eastern and southern Gallaga, Fort Manly, and Sarawak.” He couldn’t resist adding that “I’m sure that Colonel Brewer or Group Captain Lord Dalenford could answer for those deployments much better than I.” Mayfield probably would have answered the question more politely had it come from another person, but he had taken a severe dislike to Mr. Doe.

Ms. Chavez’ question surprised Mayfield more than Mr. Doe’s had irritated him.

“I..hadn’t heard any plans of a Lavenrunzian move north,” he said slowly. “Though that would certainly shake up the existing political structures.” Quickly, he called a map of the far east to his head. If Lavenrunz did have designs on new colonies there, they’d be hard pressed to find them, and almost definitely led into a fight with either Iansisle or Calarca.

Chiang Maï now sat like a colossus astride the South China Sea: her annexation of Iansislean Galla-China (Cambodia and Cochin China) brought the entirety of Annam under her control, in addition to her mainland in Siam and the slice she had cut off Iansislean Burma. The East Gallaga Company was humbled, certainly, but her officers still patrolled Bengal, Burma, Bihar, Awadh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the island of Batam (south of Singapore), and the Northern Circars (Company claims extend as far south as the Godavari, but Calarcan estimates put the border farther north). Southern Borneo may pay tribute to Calarca, but Sarawak, Brunei, and western Borneo were loyal to the Iansislean crown. Palawan, Palau, and Mindanao rounded out what remained of Iansislean south-east asia.

Calarca remained Iansisle’s most consistant rival. Her protectorate over Hyderabad, the Carnatic, Mysore, and Bombay gave the Company frusturation to no end; her overlordship of Malaya and Sumatra meant that Iansislean ships on their way to Bengal had to run a gauntlet of Calarcan guns. The Calarcan flag also flew over southern Borneo, Java, Celebees, the Moluccas, Timor, and a host of smaller islands west of New Guinea. In the north, Japan and her puppet states held sway over Manchuria, Korea, Formosa, most of the main ports and large portions of north-eastern China. Oh, and Walmington on Sea’s crown colony of Ceyloba (Ceylon), of course! (:P to WoS)

((ooc: Just a quick break-down of the far east in our humble little corner of the multi-verse. New Guinea, the northern Philippines (the US won’t care ;)), and most of the Pacific islands are all that’s still up for grabs. I’m not sure what’s going on with Calarca - he went to help with some sort of agricultural enterprise, and now he’s been ex-nationed :?. I suppose we’ll have to treat him as a NPC. Speaking of Calarca, that reminds me that the Maratha Confederacy is still a political entity, albeit in a much reduced form. Calarca maintains it as a buffer state between the three Gallagas, so I’d imagine any attempts at dominance therein would lead to war with him.

Oh, WoS, that reminds me: what’re we doing with Erco’s colonies after the war? Or, perhaps more specific, what are Erco’s colonies? I know the Sind, Punjab, and Rajputana (and I’m assuming Baluchistan), but how about in East Africa? Just where the Italian colonies were in RL?

I’m going to stop typing before I ramble on too much more ;)))

Mayfield probably would have answered the question more politely had it come from another person, but he had taken a severe dislike to Mr. Doe.

(Awwww, say it ain't so! :P)

(Awwww, say it ain't so! :P)

((Well, I'm sure everyone loves Mr. Doe, but Mayfield can be a real hardass ;)

Pantheon class Light Mobile Aeroflyer Dock

Dimensions:
Length (overall): 642'0"
Length (waterline): 642'0"
Beam (overall): 91'6"
Beam (waterline): 90'0"
Draft (standard): 21'0"
Draft (maximum): 23'9"
Displacement (standard): 17,250 tons
Displacement (full): 22,300 tons
Crew: 1,050 (530 navy; 520 flight crew)
Power and Performance:
Plant: 4 Westerton Mk. XIV 3-Drum
Turbines: 3 Shell J47
Shafts: 3
Horsepower: 120,200
Max Speed: 27 knots
Range: 9,100 nm at 12 knots ; 5,500 nm at 25 knots
Armor
Belt: 4”-5.5" steel
Deck: 4" to 5.5" steel
Armament
14 MPAF-5N SeaSteeds
8 BAF-2 Screamers
12 TAF-2 Seahorses
2 MPAF-8 Spirits
4 x 4.9"/52 HA/LA guns (mounted in 2 turrets, one port, one starboard)
16 x 2 pounder AA guns (mounted in 4 quadruple turrets)
32 x 20 mm caliber AA guns (mounted along broadsides)
Radars
Air Search: RSUC model 225
Surface Search: RSUC model 158
Fire Control: RSUC model 211FC "Blindman's Bluff"

Initial run (in batches of three):

HIMS Athena
HIMS Hermes
HIMS Hephaestus
HIMS Aphrodite
HIMS Hera
HIMS Apollo

"Are there any other questions?" asked Mayfield, looking about.


Alpha class Destroyer

Dimensions:
Length (overall): 329'
Length (waterline): 319'6"
Beam (overall): 32'6"
Beam (waterline): 30'2"
Draft (standard): 20'5"
Draft (maximum): 22'6"
Displacement (standard): 1,540 tons
Displacement (full): 1,810 tons
Crew: 624
Power and Performance:
Plant: 2 Westerton Mk. XIII 3-Drum
Turbines: 2 Shell J47
Shafts: 2
Horsepower: 45,000
Max Speed: 37.5 knots
Range: 4,900 nm at 20 knots ; 2,200 nm at 30 knots
Armor
Belt: 1”-1.5" steel
Deck: 0.5" to 1" steel
Forward Bulkhead: 0.6" steel
Broadside Bulkhead: 0.4" steel
Aft Bulkhead: none; steel bulkhead
Turrets: 4" face ; 3" sides ; 3" roof
Barbettes: 4" above belt ; 0.5" below belt
Armament
3 x 4.7”/52 guns (mounted in 1 turrets, forward)
3 x 3”/48 guns (mounted in 1 turrets, aft)
4 x 2 pounder AA guns (mounted in 2 double turrets)
14 x 20 mm caliber AA guns (mounted along broadsides)
8 x 21" torpedo launchers (above waterline; 4 port, 4 starboard)
Radars
Air Search: RSUC model 225
Surface Search: RSUC model 158
Fire Control: RSUC model 211FC "Blindman's Bluff"

HIMS Astra
HIMS Argonaut
HIMS Angler
HIMS Argus
HIMS Adamant
HIMS Adder
HIMS Alexander
HIMS Alloy
HIMS Affirmation
HIMS Abrasive
HIMS Accolade
HIMS Auger
HIMS Adjutant
HIMS Arrogant

"Are there any other questions?" asked Mayfield, looking about.
HIMS Arrogant

(Ooooooooh, such a temptation for Doe... ;) )

(Ooooooooh, such a temptation for Doe... ;) )

(he's welcome to take it, of course! And I promise that this is the last bump. :)

probably
and I had my fingers crossed