NationStates Jolt Archive

Brigadier General Simon Kohl walked down the gangplank into Jakarta. The island of Java had been under Kaufmanstad rule for many years and now the colony was deemed important enough to reinforce.
July, 1870 was very hot here.
"Smith! Get me water and whiskey!" said the perspiring general, "And a chair."
In ten minutes, the general got what he wanted. Kohl watched as his 6,000 troops unloaded. The long voyage had made them weak, but perhaps in a week or so, they'd be able to withstand an.....offensive?
Java produced many products, the most notable being spices and sugar.
The regiments unloading were the 12th, 13th, 14th, 7th, 60th, and 1st Regiments of Regular Infantry. Their rifles shined brightly in the tropical sun. The distinctive green uniforms with their accomanying green kepis showed them as Kaufmanstaders.
Kohl reclined and thought of only one thing - glory. A conquest may make him President back in the homeland. But where to go? The Malay peninsula, perhaps.

Capt. Forrester got off the ship in Manila. The Philippines was a lovely place to be. The 5,000 troops were armed with Winchester level-action rifles welcomed him.

*Five large Kihamerian Man o' wars sailed along in the Ocean, they had left Shanghai earlier that month, with clear orders. Find, settle and colonize an Island. Little was charted, fuzzy outlines of Islands, not much else on the Kihamerian maps. Eventually they came across a rather large island (RL Kalimantan), and decided to anchor and begin the colony, they had supplies to get started, but more would be brought in once they settled. five large splashes were heard, and within a short time Vitali Germogen, the leader of the expedition and a man who had almost a rags to richies story, he lifted the old Kihamerian Tricolor flag and proclaimed.*
"Men, This island i hearby proclaim as New Kihameria, and on this spot we shall build a city, and it shall be called Red city."
*after the short ceremony the men got back in the boats and went back to the man o' wars. Then it began, the cannons sounded and numerous cannon ball whized through the air, clearing the thick foliage where the city would eventually stand. After thirty minutes of ruthless clearing the first of the barges were made and put into the water, on these first barges were men and Hotchkis(sp ? hopkist gun ?) guns, ten men and one gun per barge, there were about five barges. half the men were armed with shotguns and machetters, the other half were the cannon crews. there were rumors of savage indians, and savage foliage that might cause trouble, the Kihamerians wouldnt take a chance. after the intial landing of men, settlers supplies were unloaded and a church was quickly built, mostly from the wood that was shattered by the earleir bombardment, but this was only temporary. The Church was completed quickly, and the settlers began building earthworks and housing.*
"Do you think it will work Vitali ?"*asked George Wiltham, his first mate and closest friend*
"Yes, of course. no natives should be on these islands, and if so they should be like those encounterd by my ancestors, remember the New Krieam colony about two hundred or so years ago ?"*replied Vitali*
"Yes,yes. Let us pray all goes well...."*said George.*


(OOC:i have claimed the RL island of Kalimantan, to start with.)

The Philippines was a group of islands, which the Brydogs are used to. The colony of Langley back at home was a group of islands too. They like the islands much but, they carried high powered weapons to defend themselves from the natives. The weapons were Winchesters, Colts, and other American weapons.

OOC: Kalimantan? *Whips out Atlas* Ah-ha. It's Borneo.
IC:
Commodore Charles Wilkinson studied charts of the waters around Java. He had a small fleet, only seven ships, and one was limited to harbor patrol. The harbor vessel was the ironclad Monitor KNS Turtle. It had been Hell trying to get that vessel all the way to Java, it nearly flipped over in several storms.
The pride of the Commodore's small fleet was the KNS Republic, an ironclad steamer with 16 large guns. She was shaped like any other ship except that she was sheathed in iron. The other ships included two steam sloops of 7 guns, the Java, and the Nymph. Wilkinson also had on hand an old wooden steam frigate of 40 guns, and two side wheel gun boats of 10 guns. The Congress, Coast City, and Johnson, respectively.
_______

Meanwhile, General Kohl discussed plans with his staff of widening the general's fame, as well as Kaufmanstad's empire.

Fr. Antonio Crivelli wiped the sweat from his brow. He stopped for a moment, and leaned against a nearby tree for support. The Missionary expedition into Papua New Guinea had so far been unsuccessful. The native were greatly opposed to the ways of the Arx Anglian strangers, and even more wary of their strange 'cargo'.

The Mission had been attacked, and razed to the ground. Many of Antonio's friends and collugues had died in the attack, and a paltry 20 men (mostly soldiers, and a handful of missionaries) had survived. And so they fled into the jungle, with the hope of finding a group more friendly to their cause.

ooc: Papua New Guinea is claimed by me. :)

A clipper leaves Manila harbor and heads to Java. On board is a trading party.

The General and his staff went over their options.
"Papua New Guinea has suffered a rebellion and is loosely held by Arx Angelus."
"Yes, but the natives may not be welcoming to another imperial power."
"Mindinao, in the southern Phillipines, south of Brydog's stronghold at Manila."
"Yes, that is an option."
"Gentlemen, get some rest, I don't believe we will be having any serious plans until the soldiers are fit for duty."
________

In Jakarta harbor, the Brydog vessel docked and the captain was immediately mobbed by various merchants.
"Fine Javan-Kaufmanstad tobacco! Lots of Tobacco!"
"Nutmegs! Finest in the Indies."
"Pearls for your lady!"
"Sugar for the homeland's sweet tooth!"
"Pepper and Cinammon! Pepper and Cinammon!"

Fort Sienna

"Everyone to the ramparts! Get your guns to the walls! We're under attack!"

"Under attack?"

"By who?"

"Natives, by my reckonin'"

"Stop the chit-chat and get to the wall soldiers!"

"The people of Papua New Guinea are suffering under Arx Angelus." began General Kohl, "We must 'liberate' them from their colonial leaders."
The general's staff nodded.
"The plan is to take 1,500 men and set up a presence on Papua. Load the 12th Regiment and the 1st Battalion of the 60th. Also, we will take the Republic to act as a guard."
By the end of the day, the soldiers were on their transports, with the KNS Republic leading the way.

(ooc:Kaufmanstand, didnt you say a max of five ships ? how'd you get a fleet of seven ? and yes, its Borneo, only the whole island, im not giving malaysia a fourth of it. ;) )
ic:
*In the Kihamerian colony, Red city, the walls were near complete, all that was needed was a working gate. several dwellings had been built, along with blockhouses on the walls for the soldiers. the hospital had been built, and filled with assorted cases of tropical diseases, mainly carried by mosquitoes, who were pests anyway, torches were lit upon the walls and balconies of different buildings, but this didnt work to well.*
"Sir, what should we do about the mosquitoes ?"*asked George to Vitali on his flagship, the KNV Harpoon*
"Well"*chough*" something needs to be done, youre from the swamps of Kihmeria, how do you people deal with them ?"*ask Vitali, who was getting a fever, that was feared to be malaria.*
"We seek out the stagnent water, then float a barrel of black power out, weigh it down till it sinks, then blow it, no place for the mosquitoes to breed, no mosquitoes, they have a short lifespan, a number of days if i remember correctly.."*replied George.*
"Good, send out the search parties and do wha...*he holds his nose to prevent a sneeze* what needs to be done."*orderd Vitali.*
"And, sned out the KNV Conquest back to shanghai, or canton or wherever we have store houses, and get them to bring us supplies, espically horses to chart this blasted island, and more men and ammunition."*added Vitali.*
"Yes sir"*said George, who then went to the colony to make preparations.*
*As bad as it seemed there was a little hope, coconut trees and bannana trees were found, and this provided a small source of food that was fresh, althought meat was preferred, the meat they had was salted and as of yet nobody was allowed outside the wall without permission.*

OOC: Did I say five? Ah, well, everyone gets seven in that case. Seven is a lucky number!

IC:
William Evans was the Upper Merchant of the Kaufmanstad Trading House in Shanghai. He oversaw all business dealings done by Kaufmanstad traders in China and was responsible for his countrymen living in the small "International" quarter in the city.

I own the whole Phillipines

Brydog: Gotcha.

IC:
General Kohl watched his green-coated troops out on the parade ground.
"What was I thinking?" he muttered to himself, "my men are in no condition to fight."
After the long voyage, the Kaufmanstaders were worn out and sick. The general put a stop to any plans for a form of attack on anyone.
"Greetings, general," came a voice. It was Robert van Os, Mayor of Jakarta. The Mayor was a longtime magistrate on Java and was the brother of Eric van Os, a powerful congressman back home.
The Mayor and the General talked of the aborted plans for Papua and the Mayor suggested something less aggressive; a party. Republic Day was coming up, and the General put out the following message to the surrounding colonies.

(Name of Governor here), you are cordially invited to
the Grand celebration of REPUBLIC DAY.
A day of feasting, drinking, and at night,
A GRAND ILLUMINATION OF THE CITY OF JAKARTA.
As Governor of the Kaufmanstad East-Indies, I look forward to seeing my foreign colleagues.
The festivities begin sharply at 2:00, July 24, 1870.
-Brigadier General Simon Kohl, Jakarta, Kaufmanstad East-Indies.

Bump

(ooc:i am going out of town for a couple of days, so please forgive my inactivity.)
*As the first of the 'blasting' parties went out in search of stagnent water, a mixed group of colonists,soldiers and builders left the now completed gate and began work on a trench around the city, they had plans for it to go at an angle as not to become stagnent, and a trench may provide defense for the city, and posibly a source of water to be boiled and then used, or something else. work began and was easy since the terrain was sandy, but the sides, for now, were reinforced with wood. the blasting parties came across many large stagnent ponds, and they floated barrels of gunpowder to the center of the ponds, and then they weighted them down and blew them up, within a short time all nearby ponds were cleared, but the explosions were heard all over that part of the island, as of yet no natives were discoverd, but that may change soon. later the blasting parties returned, and the trench group returned aswell, the trench was about two feet deep but streched around nearly half the city, in ones days work. it was mandatory that all men were to be within the walls by nightfall. the next day trenching began again, the blasting parties were sent out, but this time two new groups were sent out, a military escort, and a foraging group for find fresh food. the plans were that this would continue for a couple of days.*

(ooc:for future referance, Red city is basically where RL Pontianak is.)

General Kohl decided to expand Kaufmanstad's sphere of influence by dispatching the 60th Regiment and the gunboat Java to occupy the city of Singapore at the tip of the Malay peninsula.
Since no one had claimed the city, it would be an easy conquest. In three days time, the Java was ready and the troops were well rested.
General Kohl wished Colonel Edwin Summer, commander of the 60th, luck on his mission.

His Excellency sends a strongly worded protest to this occupation of Singapore by the Fiendish Republic of Kaufmanstad. His Excellency's nephews are citizens of that island nation and request that they not be harmed...OR ELSE!

His Excellency send his Supreme Hopes that this will not affect bilateral ties with the Glorious Republic of Kaufmanstad especially with the coming International Fishing Trip event which a delegation has been sent.

Datuk Pall Mall
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Sultanate of Hamdanistan

General Kohl decided to expand Kaufmanstad's sphere of influence by dispatching the 60th Regiment and the gunboat Java to occupy the city of Singapore at the tip of the Malay peninsula.
Since no one had claimed the city, it would be an easy conquest. In three days time, the Java was ready and the troops were well rested.
General Kohl wished Colonel Edwin Summer, commander of the 60th, luck on his mission.

OOC: Hamdanistan, this thread takes place in 1870 AD, the fishing trip takes place in the modern world, so neither should affect eachother. Although, if you want to join in and claim Singapore, that's cool!

Excerpt from the Quartmain News
--------- 16th, 1870

"...thus, the Republican Navy was forced into action. Although such conquest is three month's travel from our homeland, the Secretary of the Navy has put forth an issue that control of Indonesyia is of financial gain. This conquest has been countered in the Parliment on whether or not should colonies be held due to the internal turmoil within our fair land, the Secretary of the Navy has pointed out that booty from the conquest will be arriving to help the Treasury..."

"...Free Employment is Urged for all Able and Worthy Seamen for the Colony of Wallistown. Prices range from 50 marks a tour to an added 10 for more. Please see your local Naval Station today!..."

"Listings of Newly Conquered Land in Indonesia:

Wallistown
West Quarter
Aufstad
Lungun

Editor's Note: the rest of the heathen islands has yet to be conquered."

FYI, Kay Son, I own Java, Kihameria owns Borneo, and Brydog owns the Philippines. Also, every player starts out with 7,000 soldiers max, 7 warships max, and a trading warehouse in Shaghai, China.

IC:
Colonel Summer arrived at Singapore, and leaped off his boat brandishing the Flag of the Republic. The thousand men of the 60th Regiment soon disembarked with all haste and laid claim to the city.
The following note was then dispatched back to General Kohl back in Jakarta:
July --, 1870
Singapore, Kaufmanstad East-Indies.
Sir - I am proud to report that the city of Singapore has fallen to our glorious arms without loss of life, the gunboat Java frightened the city into surrender. I await any further orders you may have.
Also of note, It seems that a new power is presenting competition here in the Southeast of Asia. I know little of them, but hope to learn more in the days and weeks to come.
-Colonel Edwin Summer,
60th Regiment of Infantry.

Bump
Brydog & Arx Angelus: are you still with us?

(ooc: i am back.)
Shanghai Harbor
*The KNV Conquest sailed slowly into the harbor, the massive anchored was droped and hit the water with a splash, and almost imedeatly the captian of the ship along with his first mate made thier way to the storage they had there, and quickly designated what was to be taken back to Red City, mainly cannons,rifles, iron ore, horses and food. This was done quickly as there was little time to spare, as far as the captians knew, the situation at Red city was bad. as soon as the cargo was assigned to be taken aboard, the captian of the ship nailed a piece of parchment to the doors of the storage building. it read*
Hear ye hear ye, All able bodied, able minded citizens are encouraged to join in Kihamerian marines, pay is 15 Kigs (earlier form of the Kihamerian currency, basically a gold coin) per day, you are armed and trained- FREE. Report here evrey day a ship is in port to sign up !
*this was to get recruits, there were rumors of other nations in the archapeligo, and men would be needed, espically natives since they knew the land.*

Red city
*the Trench project was completed, the stagnent waters were blasted away, and numerous fruit trees were found, with some smaller ones transplanted closer to, or within the city itself. The doctors in the city were busy and working furiously to try and find easy antidotes to the tropical diases. Many colonists, under the supervision of soldiers, were expanding the city walls. The mood in the city was high, some wild boars were found and being breed for thier meat, fruit was being brought in, wood was plentiful, few new people were getting sick, and a stage had been set up for actors to entertain the people. The colony was basically self-suffecient.*

OOC: Kihameria, are you talking about me? I hope you don't think I seized Shanghai, I seized Singapore.
For future reference, if any one wants to describe Kaufmanstaders from a distance, our flag is green with a white cross (see Kaufmanstad), and our soldiers wear uniforms that are green (dark grassy-green).

(ooc:oh, im so sorry, i feel like an idiot, i guess i read to fast, my apologies, i will edit that post.)

General Kohl was pleased that Singapore had fallen so easily, he looked forward to claiming a part of the mainland, but with his single brigade, he could do very little. So, the general wrote a letter home requesting further support. General Kohl requested that a division be sent, in addition to another flotilla. Kohl embellished his plans for empire as spreading the values of Kaufmanstad Republicanism throughout the Indies.
_________________

Likewise, Mayor Robert van Os of Jakarta, Java, wrote a piece of correspondence. Not to Kaufmanstad, but to the leaders of New Kihameria:

July --, 1870.
Jakarta, Java, Kaufmanstad East Indies.
To whom it may concern in the Colony of New Kihameria:
As mayor, and chief business man in my colony, I would like to present a proposal to my counter-part in New Kihameria. I currently own the East-Indies Telegraph Company and have already strung the Island of Java with telegraph lines. I would like to lay an underwater line between Java and Kalimantan, and thence onward to the mainland. I look forward to your response.
Robert van Os,
Mayor of Jakarta.

OOC: Could I join? If I can I would like to start out with land of RL Thailand.
(If I can't join then disregard the following)

IC:
It was a stifiling hot day in the Novgovan Thailand city of Bangkok. Carts were bustling about, beggers begged in the streets and, tradesmen ran up to the Admiral and his fellow officer. Of course it really wasn't accutually owned by the country. Rather, troops were allowed to be stationed in Thailand for a while ago, and now there are too many of them for the Thai to resist if they did. It didn't matter anyway to the king; Novgovan troops would easily dispose of any rebellion toward the king.
But enough about that.

Admiral Grey was heading to the docks to embark on a mission to occupy the city of Medan on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. 5,000 soldiers in light khaki-colored uniforms were boarding the transport ships, their havelocks blowing in the somewhat cool breeze off the ocean. 2,000 more troops would be coming soon as well, but not in time for the annexation of the island of Sumatra. Those 2,000 soldiers were coming from other colonial forces from South America. But for now the 5,000 soldiers in Bangkok would be on their own on their assault of Medan.

OOC: Then this colony is along the west coast of Java.

Excerpt from the Wallistown Register
---------- 20th, 1870

"...Pacification attempts at establishing the colony are going slow. So far, heathen savages of this land have managed to harry those efforts in building a second port along the T'singsun coastline. This has been met with much shelling of that area with the natives constantly appearing after their beloved jungle was decimated into smithereens. Commodore Baonli has requested aid in sending a marine force to purge them out.

In other news, Aufstad Harbor has been privy to an augmentation of our forces in this land. A pirate force by the name of Jack Spratt's Boys has been recurited by the navy in order to adequetly patrol Yune Sound and Longo Harobor, in exchange for free stay and land near Aufstad Fields. Although this will be met with hostility back home, the practice of hiring pirates has been met with success, and hopefully will carry on into the future."

(OOC: I'd like to join, and claim Timor if possible. Now, I don't really know anything about Asia or 1870, so please point out my mistakes.)

From the Poznon Telegraph:

"Attention All Capable and Adventurous Citizens!
Your Country Needs You!

Having announced the Grand Duchy of Poznon's intention to found settlements in Southeastern Asia, the Duke is calling upon all Capable, Able-Bodied, Able-Minded, and Adventurous Citizens to join the Asian Expedition.

Volunteering Men and Women will be given the oppurtunity to see the exotic, beautiful land of Asia, establish prosperous businesses and plantations, and aid in the furthering of the Glory of Poznon! Those who sign up will recieve 50 Soverigns to help create their livelihood on their new home.

Sign up at Eastern Mercantile Company Headquarters."

Shanghai harbor
*As the captians of the Conquest boarded their ship, the descision was made to leave a few officers behind to train any marines that were interested in joining, the notice that was put up to attract recruits was changed, from 15 kigs per days to 20 and if they wanted to join, just walk in since the officers would be inside. the Conquest then raised anchor and began the trip back to Red city.*

Unknown island, east of Kalimantan
*the other two Kihamerian ships, the Kerogi and the Chimmer arrived at an unknown island, just as Kalimantan was sighted they recieved orders from Vitali Germogen himself to split up and find anotehr nearby island, and they did. they spotted a large native village, the self-apointed and bad temperd captian Altan Stanislav ordered a marine landing to take the village, a long and tough battle ensued, but eventually the Kihamerian forces were victorious, but the troops took heavy causilties. however Captian Altan decided to keep both major ships there, and simply build up a large rowboat to carry word to Red City that they were okay, this was done and the rowboat was sent out. the village was quickly being built up, with the emphasis being put upon walls and towers since the village was located near a river, the sea, and a large forrest, food should be plentiful there.*

Red city
*Vitali Germogen paced around in his cabin, deciding what to do about the proposition from Kaufmanstad.*
"Sir, i strongly advise you to accept this offer, contact with another colony will prove benifical to both of the colonies, not to mention if we ever hear from the other two ships you sent out"*suggested his first mate.*
"Yes, yes, i was debating, i cant find any major faults with the plan of the telegraph line, but many bonuses. make the preparations for a telegraph office to be built, and set any factorys we have to be making telegraph wire"*said Vitali Germogen, who then quickly wrote a note to be taken to the Kaufmanstaders.*
the nore read:
To mayor Van Os
i, Vitali Germogen, govenor of Red city, accept youre proposition of a telegraph wire under the sea to our colony, and on to the main land, on one condition, that is that when we hear from other Kihamerians which we sent out to find another city, that they will be able to add a wire to the telegraph system. this is simple, and we shall make the telegraph wire, i hope you accept.
also, to promote relations between Kihameria and Kaufmanstad, Red city and Jakarta, etc. i propose a ball in Red city, my officers, myself included, could use the entertainment since from when we first left Kihameria it has been all work and no break. Please write back when you can.
signed, Vitali Germogen, govenor of Red city.

(ooc:the 'unknown island' mentioned above is RL Celebes, or Sulawesi.)

It was a fine night out at sea. The moon cast a pale light on the invading boats as well as the flash of the muzzles from the iron clads and iron frigates opening up on the city of Medan.

In the morning, token resistence was put up and easily brushed aside and the Novgovan flag was flying over the city by mid afternoon.

Admiral Grey, in a prestigious ceremony, was named in charge of the Far East Fleet and a total of about 12,000 troops in training or in service, as well as an honorary position of "Governor of the Medan".

(OOC: Note also that I have not taken the island yet as a whole, I've only captured the northern part of the island, so far anyway.)

Meanwhile in Shanghai...

The Steam-powered cargo ship Milan began making its way out of port. Normally, this would be of little note. Just another ship. Many ships pass in and out, weaving in between house boats and junks, as well as other steamships alike. The ship had nothing noticeable just tea, coffee, china,Colt Army revolvers, 1863 Springfield Rifles, new, advanced Chassepot bolt action rifles...

The ship was going to head to all of the major ports: Manila, Quezon City, Surabaya, Batavia, Singapore, Saigon, and so on.

Captain Cheng, a master merchant in pay by the Novgovan Far East Merchants smiled smugly to himself. He knew that he was garanteed to get a good price on the weapons. If not from the Colonial powers themselves, then from the Asian Countries, and if not by them, which he heavily doubted they would would refuse, then he always knew a few shady people that would...

Charles Churchill wiped his brow with a handkerchief and stepped out of the ship's bridge, to survey the island ahead. He thought of his ancestor, Curtis Churchill, who was the first leader of Poznon's colonies on the 'New' Continent. Churchill smiled at the two relative's paralelling lives. One thing I know for sure is different, he thought. His settlement was not so unbearbly hot.
"Charles."
"Hello, Admiral." The Commander of the Asian Fleet, Jack Powell, had just stepped next to him.
"We're very close now. They call the place Timor."
"Do you know who else is in the area, Jack?" inquired Charles.
"Well, initial reports place Kaufmanstad place on the island of Java,which is west of here; Kihameria on Borneo, northwest of here, and Brydog in the Philippines, north of here. Also, Kay Son is in the region, but I forget where. Of course, by now, they may have colonized other islands, or lost land. I'm not quite sure," finished Powell.
"Hm."
---
The Fleet of the East consists of the following,
7 ships
4,000 civilian colonists
3,000 soldiers

[Excerpt from the Colonial Times Dated July 20th]

Novgova on the March

Ft. Hoover, Sumatra Military District- Work on Fort Hoover, situated 10km SE of Medan, continues today after a week of non-stop construction and deforestation. The foundations are being made today and native employees are finishing deforesting the area around and where the fort is supposed to be.

"Disease is always a constant trouble in these parts," Dr. Lordcastle explains. "By clearing the jungle around the fort, we hope to avoid the calamities of disease and savage and wild animals."

"Troops stationed on board transport ships helps prevent tropical diseases from occuring since, the troops are not in the jungle," replied Lt. Colonel Ashland. "While the fort is being continued our forces are on their boats ready to be called upon."

Troops not onboard ships, some 2,000 of them, still continue to fight. Today, troops that have trudged through the swamp areas of Sumatra have assaulted and captured Pakanbanu with no loss of life from enemy fire proving that our armies are superior than savage armies or so called "powers" that inhabit this sphere.

On the diplomatic front, a delegation of diplomats and merchants are sailing toward Jakarta to convince the government to allow access to our ship. The Governor of Thailand and his aides are also expected in Jakarta and is expected to attend the party hosted by Kaufmanstad on the 24th of July.

Meanwhile, Japanese delegates completing a diplomatic mission in South East Asia will meet with delegates in Bangkok to discuss issues and also are rumored to be purchasing arms and advisers for their up and coming military expansionist empires. They will also tackle economic issues. They will then continue to Singapore, review our army's strength in Medan and then continue to Jakarta, Borneo, the fledgling colonies of Timor and New Guinea and end it with the Philippines.

OOC: Kay Son, I hate to burst your bubble, but I've already claimed all of Java. Why not Sri Lanka instead?
Novgova- Thailand is fine. Poznon- Timor is fine. Just remember these guidlines:
No more than 7,000 troops to start with.
No more than 7 warships to start with. (Your can have all the merchantmen you want)
Everyone starts out with a trading depot in Shanghai, China.
The playing area is from India to Korea.
Only China and Japan are off limits for conquest for the time being.

IC:
General Kohl hoped that his message arrived soon. Other empires had caught on and were looking to expand.
Reinforcements were unlikely to arrive until August.

Saturday, July 23, 1870-

The Governor of Thailand, Harold. A. Wildy, a somewhat plumb gentleman, stepped off the ship with his aides in Jakarta for the party to be held the next day. They had received an invitation to come and sent a letter explaining they would come, but unfortunately, the storm of July 17th-18th had sunk the mail ship carrying his acceptence. Therefore, unusually for a foreign diplomat, there was no reception at the docks and no one at the docks seemed to care that the governor had come. The Governor understood why no one was there but could help but feel a little disappointed.

Nevertheless, after about a half hour, the group finally found a taxi with a driver fluent enough to understand where they wanted to go and took them to the Governmental Building in Jakarta. When they got there, they told the guards who they were and their supervisor went to go see if they were allowed in to see whomever is in charge...

[OOC: Its up to you to allow them in or not]

A turbaned servant ran up to the general's room.
"Foreign diplomats here to see you sir."
"From where?" inquired the general.
"Novogova, they occupy Thailand, or some place like that."
"Very well, let the man into the Hall, I'll be down in a moment."
Brigadier General Simon Kohl then put on his green uniform with gold shoulder bars, buttoned his jacket, put on his sash and sword and went downstairs.

OOC: If you are familiar with the US Civil War, the general's uniform is like that of the Union, except that it is green.
___________

IC: After recieving the affirmative letter from New Kihameria, Mayor Van Os made arrangements for the "Telegraph Boat" to begin the process of laying the underwater cable. Within four days, the ship Van Os began laying cable from Jakarta Harbor.

((OOC Note: If I remember correctly weren't we including Austrailia and such in this? If I'm wrong, well, I'm taking Palau, a small island just east of the island of Manila (Phillipines), and operating out of there as New Zelanders...sooo.....It'll all fit))

Captain Jack McFell hung lazily from the top of the main mast of the schooner Halibut Dream, eyeing the ocean before him. The bright sun, unblemished by the haze of politution found in cities like London or New York, had tanned his skin a brown akin to the natives one could find inhabiting the multitude of islets. The ocean, he thought, was the greatest thing given by God to Man. Well, aside from women, of course. But they were pretty close, and he wasn't sure who'd win a fistfight between the two.

A dip in the ships bow, and then a rise over a swell; Jack hardly moved, instead enjoying the sea wind in his hair, the sun upon his face, and the splendid view ahead of him. There were no islands, of course, worth looking at, however, there were ships.
Fat merchant ships.
Just the kind of view he dreamt about.

"Merchants to starboard! Rig sail, run the colors!" He shouted, sliding down a line he had put up just for that purpose. As he spoke, the ship rolled to life, sailors dropping their various mops, books or board games and running to their stations, preparing for the rendezvous. The first mate, one Alec Sharp, meanwhile ran the colors in question up the main mast, to rest where the normal flag of the Commonwealth would reside.

The colors in question? Why, the only colors which may transcend all time, where ships are involved. The most simple of designs, really.
Something that would someday come to be called the "Jolly Roger."

The fleet found a large, natural harbor and unloaded there. A small podium was erected and the flags and banners of Poznon were put into the ground.
"I hereby claim this island in the name of Poznon," announced Churchill, "ordaining it the Poznon Timor, part of the Poznon East Indies, and the town we shall establish here, New Marshalltown!" The crowd of settlers erupted into cheers. "I also accept the position, office, and title of Governor of Timor and all of its responsibilities and duties, having been elected to do so by my peers. Thank you!" The crowd cheered again, and guns fired.
After the celebration, the people began the task of clearing the surrounding area.
---
OOC: N. Marshalltown is RL Dili. I don't know if it really has a harbor, but I just picked it for geographical reference. And again;
---
4,000 civilians
3,000 soldiers
4 warships

A turbaned servant ran up to the general's room.
"Foreign diplomats here to see you sir."
"From where?" inquired the general.
"Novogova, they occupy Thailand, or some place like that."
"Very well, let the man into the Hall, I'll be down in a moment."
Brigadier General Simon Kohl then put on his green uniform with gold shoulder bars, buttoned his jacket, put on his sash and sword and went downstairs.

OOC: If you are familiar with the US Civil War, the general's uniform is like that of the Union, except that it is green.
___________

IC: After recieving the affirmative letter from New Kihameria, Mayor Van Os made arrangements for the "Telegraph Boat" to begin the process of laying the underwater cable. Within four days, the ship Van Os began laying cable from Jakarta Harbor.

OOC: I am familiar with Civil War uniforms. For our current uniforms think British colonial armies in India or in Africa in the 1880s: light khaki for the current army with either havelocks (similiar to kepi hats except instead of a cap, it is a cloth hat with cloth on the back to protect against the sun) or a wide-brimmed hat.
_______________

IC: The Governor and his aides walked through the impressive hall, which reminded him a little of his estate in Thailand and even more so of his European home.

"Pleasure seeing you, Mr. Kohl," said the governor. " I came a day early, I hope you don't mind. I brought pyrotechnics, fireworks if you will, for the party tommorrow. They're on the boat. I also brought a few things on behalf of the government of Novgova," he said gesturing to a few chests his small party had brought him.

He started pulling objects out of the chest one by one.

"Ah yes, first we have a set of fine porcelain from 14th century China, very rare indeed if I might say so myself. Next, we brought tea, I suppose there's nothing special about that. Next we have..."

He paused for a moment. "Ah yes, cigars from the Carribean, I heard they're nice, although I don't smoke so I don't know myself. They're from somewhere , um, oh some island called Cuba. And finally..."

He pulled out a case made of pure mahogany, and then opened it to show its contents to show to everyone. "This my friend is an 1867 Novgova Army Revolver MK III, a fine, accurate revolver and this particular one is custom made and gold clad out of 24kt gold as a gift from us to you."

"Now let's find a quiet place to talk about business, shall we?"

General Kohl invited the Governor onto a shaded veranda overlooking bustling Jakarta Harbor. He puffed away at a cigar and examined the China. "I am most flattered, Governor." smiled the general. "A friend of mine, Mayor Van Os of Jakarta is building a series of telegraph lines underwater, would you be interested as being the mainland station?"
The two talked more, mostly about trade. They agreed that consuls should be traded between the two colonies.
Later, a bottle of wine was brought out, and they waited for sunset. Finally, while dinner was served, the general and the governor observed the fireworks.
__________________

Captain Jenkins walked on deck, and spotted a schooner. He casually pulled out his spy glass, and screamed.
"Pirates off Port! Full Steam!" The captain loaded his trusty navy revolver and turned his ship against the wind.
The ship, known as the Mary, turned into the wind, and her stack belched smoke. The steam engine poured into full speed and the Mary began her escape attempt.

(ooc: so, apart from the inital ships and men, when can more stuff arive ? more ships and such ?. for future referance, the Kihamerian detachmetn of ships contained 2,500 military men (milita,marines,and buccanear type people which i will explain later), and 4,500 civilians (most are armed,owning youre own firearm in Kihameria is legal and promoted for self defense))

ic:
Red city
*Red city. a newly formed city, but already bustiling, most of the civilians that came on the voyage were on the five ships that landed there, so it would make sense. a telegraph office had been built in a short time, this interested the people greatly, the thought of having telegraphs so soon was enlightening to the people. a long dock, and a small shipyard had been built, and many small fishing boats were around, catching fish and bringing them in.
But, most of the activity was on the outskirts of the city, a new wall, massive, with many towers and defensive structures was being built, slowly and by voulenteer work for now, the majority of the people working there were soldiers. Vitali ordered all payed workers to work on a factory, two smaller factorys were working, but could not produce as much as a bigger factory could. hopes were hightened as word reached Red city of the Kerogi and the Chimmer, their captian, Altan Stanislav had captured a city, and its location was noted and sent on a map, now Kihameria owned two major cities, and had won first blood with the natives on Sulawesi.*

Altanville, Sulawesi
*it was a couple of days since the native settlement was captured from the natives, but progress was slow, the men there were mostly marines and sailors. they werent sailors, but more buccanears, they werent sea pirates, but fought the same, with a few distinct differances, they took prisoners, the grenades they tossed had thinner shells and more gunpowder in them so they did more than just scare whoever was being hit with them, and they preferred shotguns for firearms, and hatches,tomahawks or other types of axes for melee weapons, and the biggest differance was that they didnt own ships, they served under captians and normal crewmen, but were much, much more effective fighting men. the island was now noticed as being Sulawesi, an island east of Kalimantan, the town, Altanville, was named after the captian who captured it, Altan Stanislav.*


(ooc:Altanville is RL Parepare.)

July, 1870

We have arrived safely at the island of Timor. We have choosen to settle on land with a large harbor, excellent for sea vessels. Our first priority has been to clear the area of execess vegeatation, so as to provide space for houses, (about thirty of which have been completed) and for another reason-- Eleven cases of a flu have been reported, though Dr. Stanwick tells me they are not very severe. Clearing of shrubbery and stagnate water will hopefully curtail the ailments native to this region.

Speaking of Natives, we have yet to come into contact with any, though we haven't been here long.

As for other colonizers in the area, I have seen it fit to...
---
The ironclad steamer PNS Casimir, the pride of the Far Eastern Fleet, has been sent out to contact the other settlers in the region. First, it is travelling west to Java. Colonel Bronislaw Donavan, emissary of Governor Churchill, bears this message:
Greetings, Fellow Settlers of this Exotic Region, from Gov. C. Churchill of Poznon Timor;
I bid a hearty hello to you others who have completed the journey here! So as to strengthen bonds of fellowship between us, I hope that you will recieve our emissarsies. From there, perhaps, we can create agreements beneficial to all.
Respectfully,
Charles Churchill

"Captain, the merchie's a bloody steamer!" the helmsman declared increduously.

Jack snorted, eyeing the wind telltale mounted near the helm. "Of course it's a bloody steamer, I spotted the little blighter! Looks like the captain knows what he's doin, though-He's got a firm track right into the wind! Oh, how I abhor steamships."

The First Mate, Alec, nodded to the captain. "We've got enough angle on them, though. We can catch 'em, but it'll take us a bit of time."

"Indeed," Jack nodded, "granted the steady wind holds. And we've got to keep an eye on things, thats awufully close into the wind, we don't want to luff out. We may have to weave a bit, too."

"Aye, sir. Shall I give the orders?"

Jack gave another nod. "Carry on, Alec. Lets see how you handle this one."

"Aye-aye, Captain!" The First Mate turned towards the main deck and began bellowing the orders in a strong voice. "Bring us to starboard twelve degrees! Tighten the sails..."

Jack stopped paying attention, instead sitting back and enjoying the breeze. The chase was always the best part.

The Governor accepted and discussed his plan for trading privilages. The wine was great, he could tell easily it was fine wine.

"No let's talk about have a sphere of influence shall we," the Governor asked.

"Spheres of influence?" the general thought about it. I believe my sphere stretches between here and Singapore, which includes the island of Sumatra. We have not conquered Sumatra, but, perhaps in the future." General Kohl took another puff of his cigar, "and how about yourself, Governor?"
________________

Captain Jenkins looked through his spyglass and laughed confidently. "Good, we're putting some space between us." The pirates were attempting to catch up with their sails, but steam was winning out.
Then the unthinkable happened. With a loud crash, the Mary firmly lodged itself on a reef. "Full stop!" cried the captain, "Full reverse! Hurry!"
It was no use, the Mary was firmly locked in the reef. The tide was going out and it threatened to break the ship apart, if the pirates didn't kill them first.
Jenkins had three pistols on board, all revolvers, and had them loaded and passed out to the first mate and engineer. "Hold fast, men!"

"A reef! Fifteen-hundred yards!" came the cry from a sailor among the riggings, dragging the crew back from the extacy of the chase to the harshness of reality. Almost instantly, Jack was on his feet, running to the bow and eying the merchant ahead.

"What do you see?" He called up to the sailor.

A moment's pause, and then the shout replied, "Sir, they've run aground the reef!"

"Oh bloody...." Jack muttered, and walked back to the Helm. "Well, obviously this changes things. Oh, I do abhor taking prisoners."

"Captain, about this time, the tide's beginning to go out. They'll be stuck, and the way they were moving, they're not getting off that reef even if it goes back up."

Jack nodded to the first mate. "Indeed. Close us with them, but take it slow-but we need to reach them quickly, before the tide goes all the way out. We dont wanna end up stuck like them. I have a feeling that boat wont make it through the full cycle."

"Yes, Captain."

********

The Halibut Dream was only a short ways from the beached merchant, it's cannons pointlessly trained on the hapless merchant. A moment, and a puff of smoke and a loud report from one sent a solid shot ball flying over the steamship. Captain Jack was hanging from his mast, beside the black flag, and waved to the stricken vessel.

"Hullo there," he called. "Now, I'm sure you've got some weapon or another over there, so if you'll be as so kind as to throw them overboard, or if their heirlooms or other such items, set them on the deck and step away from them, we'd like that! Oh, how I abhor doing things the hard way, so lets just make this easy on us all!"

The pirate schooner pulled closer, taking care to keep its fragile hull back from the deadly teeth of the coral. No sense in stranding both ships here; it'd defeat the purpose of the entire exercise. Seeing nothing placed on the deck of the merchant, Jack slid down his line and leaned on a railing.

"I do hope you're going to do us all a favor and make it good and easy on all of us, as I truly hate taking prisoners as well as their goods!"


(Just keep in mind, if he really wanted everyone dead, he could have started grape-shotting the deck of the ship..)

Churchill looked upon New Marshalltown from a hill near the city. More people found suitable residence as more dwelllings were completed each day. A church spire sprouted from the town, close to which was a hospital. Churchill heard a school bell ring. Near the hill on which he was standing, upon another hill, the governor's residence was being completed. Two ships were anchored at the docks. Churchill pulled out his spyglass. An ironclad Mointor-like vessel patrolled the mouth of the harbor, inside and outside of which small fishing boats sailed. Soldiers were erecting a wall around the town, leaving room for expansion.
"We may just bring a touch of civilzation here yet."

Captain Jenkins huddled in the wheel house with the engineer and first mate.
"We have these three pistols, against those pirates." said Engineer Hooke.
"The crew could pry pieces of the deck up to use as clubs." commented first mate Erikson.
"There's only fifteen of us, and they haven't filled the Marywith holes yet." finished the captain, "For the sake of the crew, if not the cargo, we should surrender."
Captain Jenkins came out of the wheel house slowly, his hands in the air. In his 30 years at sea, this was his first encounter with a pirate. "I'm Captain Gregory Jenkins! I'm putting my pistol on the deck! We surrender!"

Captain Jack smiled and nodded. "Thought you'd be a wise bloke and put the guns down! Now, to help this along a bit better, I'd be rather appreciative if you'd help transfer your cargo to our hold, or at least as much as we can in the amount of time we've got."

Jack turned to make a handsignal to a couple of his crewmen, which began prepping a yardarm useful as a crane for work. Turning back to the other captain, he frowned slightly. "As I said, I do rather dislike taking prisoners. So, I wont."

The shocked look on the faces of the merchant crew was almost palptable as the implications of what Jack was saying set in. He let them linger on it for moment, no more than a mere second or two, before laughing. "No, I wont be sending you all to say hello to the reef which so kindly delivered you to us!" Flashing a wide, almost carnivorous grin, he continued. "I usually leave the ship and crew in one piece-its the ones that fight back hard that have the problems-and let them go on their merry way again after I've taken what I want."

A wider grin. "Great for business. Gets my name out, and keeps the merchants around. Dissapearing ships send navies searching...Ships that are confirmed as attacked by pirates, but never actually damaged or destroyed? Shrugged off. Cargo is easily replaced, ships are not. I'm a civilized pirate, after all, not one of those carribean barbarians! Rape and pillage, burn and loot. Destroys the proper source of income!"

Now he frowned slightly. "Anyway, we cant exactly leave you to your ship, since your ship has had this nasty run in with the bloody reef. So we'll be giving you a lift to our port. There, we'll get you all set up on your way, along with your cargo. Minus our..fee, of course."

Jack broke into a grin again. "Sounds like a fair deal to me, no?"


(Who said some pirates cant be friendly? OF course....a heads up..this is just one ship..)

"Spheres of influence?" the general thought about it. I believe my sphere stretches between here and Singapore, which includes the island of Sumatra. We have not conquered Sumatra, but, perhaps in the future." General Kohl took another puff of his cigar, "and how about yourself, Governor?"

Governor Wildy's face and tone of voice turned serious.

"Interesting," he began. "I was think more of your sphere being the spice-laden islands of eastern Indonesia and ours being Sumatra and the surrounding islands (excluding Java of course) and Novgova could care less about Singapore. It is not in our interest to own Singapore.

But Novgova does find it necessary to have Sumatra, or at least most of it, and already have the top half of Sumatra and already building fortifications on the island. The island is needed, you see, as most of the major powers, including yours, are or already, colonizing Indonesia. Taking Sumatra is the most logical island for us, as it is easy to reinforce and supply by sea for us from Siam (Thailand) out of all the islands, and a railroad from Singapore all the way to Saigon is almost completed, connecting most of Southern Asia and allowing us to move supplies more efficiently. Whether any of us agree or not to Novgova's occupation of Sumatra doesn't matter, as it is not my order, but rather all the way from the home country and they deem it necessary to hold."

The Milan headed out of Manila harbor.

"Is it funny that a Novgovan ship is commanded by a Chinaman and named after an Italian city?" Cheng commented to his first officer.

The first officer, apperently not paying attention, began to speak.

"Captain, we have heard that pirates are becoming more prevalent these days especially through the waters we're going to pass through. "

"Relax, Mr. Thuong," Cheng responded. "Get the weapon ready. Also check the cannon and make sure they are operational. And make sure the crew knows where the weapon chest is."

"Yes, sir," replied Thuong.

"Bloody, God-damned Pirate," muttered Captain Jenkins under his breath, "No matter how civilized you may be, you're still a thief, robbing me of my livelihood and my ship." Jenkins then complied with the Pirate's instructions.
The Mary was loaded mostly with spices in boxes, which included pepper and cinammon. There were also a few sacks of coffee and two hogshead of tobacco.
"When I get to Jakarta, the Navy will be on your arse faster than you can say 'Davy Jones Locker!'"
OOC: I like this pirate! We'll have fun with him!
____________

"All of Sumatra, eh, Governor?" replied General Kohl. "Sumatra is very close to our base here in Java. What gives you the right to claim Sumatra?"
The general sipped his wine. "You may have Sumatra, but I want half of the Malay Peninsula."

OOC: Seeing as how Kaufmanstad is already talking with someone, I'm going to take an ahead-schedule trip to Borneo, if you don't mind, Kihameria.

As Donavan was relaxing in his stateroom, someone knocked at his door. The Captain of the ship stepped in.
"Sir? I have some news about the storm."
"I was wondering when that damned pattering on the porthole was going to end."
"Yes, well, I'm afraid it will be quite impossible for us to make it to Java through it." informed the Captain.
"Well, Captain, what do you suggest we do?"
"The lane to Borneo is still clear. We could go there." suggested the Captain.
"I say, Captain, that's an excellent idea! You would make it in the Diplomatic Corp."

"All of Sumatra, eh, Governor?" replied General Kohl. "Sumatra is very close to our base here in Java. What gives you the right to claim Sumatra?"
The general sipped his wine. "You may have Sumatra, but I want half of the Malay Peninsula."

"As long as you don't interfere or take over our railroad construction and railroad property, and Novgova has made a promise to the Thai goverment that assured the protection of his lans so you can take the Malay Peninsula-up to the borders of course," Governor Wildy remarked.

Jack was taken quite aback by the merchant's last comment, and he paused for a moment to consider it.

"Now, Captain, I never said I wasnt a thief. I just said I dont slaughter people foolishly, like many of those carribean barbarians. Personal Ethics, dont you know. The true heart of the matter is, though, we are both a sort of businessmen!" Jack's eyes lit up as he spoke, and it could be seen he truly believed what he was saying. "You are in the business in carrying goods to a destination, and I am in the same! Admittedly, part of mine is to steal them from folks like you, but thats how things work!"

"Now, Mr. Jenkins, about that Navy threat...I'm sorry to say, while I figure you'll be running to your people first chance, which is normal for first-timers, just remember I've never been caught." Jack held his arms up, bared for the other captain to see. "No brands, nothing. Before I came here, I worked that little scuffle those Americans had with themselves, and their Navies never managed to catch me.....Admittedly a couple of their ironclads got a bit diecy, but its all part of the job!" The Pirate's face took on a more troubled look as a thought crossed his mind.

"Of course, then theres the fact that most merchants I've run into would rather be robbed by me, than, say, by Captain Herchille and his Demon Song. One of those bloody Carribean bastards, he is. Doesnt think a moment about slaughtering off a ship like you.

He took a moment to watch the Mary, writhing in shiply agony on the reef. "My mum's name was Mary. And I do rather abhor watching a ship die like that. Should put a broadside into her, just to put her down. Tis a pity, a ship dying like that. Even if it is one of those bloody steamers."

Captain Jenkins looked sorrowfully at the stricken Mary, "Yes, go ahead, put her down." Jenkins only wanted it to be over. He was still alive, that was something to be lucky for.
"Where do you plan on taking us now?"
______________

General Kohl was pleased. "This is shaping up right nice." he poured Governor Wildy another glass. "You own a railroad? Well, I own stock in the East Indies Telegraph Company, would a line all the way to Thailand interest you?" The general proceeded to outline the advantages of the telegraph, and how lines were being sent to New Kihameria. "Communication is the key to empire, my man. Think of it, we will be the first to be linked by the telegraph! Kaufmanstad, Novgova, and Kihameria, united by wire!"
_______________

To: Governor of New Kihameria
From: Jacob van den Bogaert, Chief Engineer, East-Indies Telegraph Company.
Sir: We have completed the line to Kalimantan and have built a temporary camp on the southern most tip of the island, opposite Jakarta, Java. We hope that you will send some of your own civilian workers and engineers to complete the telegraph line to Red City.
-Jacob van den Bogaert.

After learning of robbers, Lt. Leopald ordered that all ships should have a small troop unit on board. S.S. Willham departs from Mailia harbor. Carrying sugar to Brydog.

The PNS Casimir approached Red City. Colonel Donavan stood upon the deck, waving a white cloth.
"Hello! We are emissaries of Poznon! We wish to speak! Will you grant us access to your fair city?"

Jack nodded and turned to his gun crews, who were busy herding the merchant crew around the schooner. "Port gun crews, stations! Prepare to fire!"

The crews scrambled away from the cluster of merchants and pirates and went over their cannons, checking their moorings and their loads. When each Gun-Chief gave the thumbs-up, he nodded and called out his next command. "Aim low, aim to put the poor beast down!"

The gun crews adjusted their ammunition load and their elevation, leveling the bore of their guns on the stricken steamer. Once again, a wait for each Gun-Chief's okay, and then the final command.

"One Barrage! FIRE!"

The schooner rocked with the force of the cannon fire, the bellowing guns almost defening despite the hands covering ears. Jack had meanwhile lowered his head, whispering a prayer committing the ship to it's grave in the sea. The roughening seas swallowed the Mary quickly, pulling the depressing view from sight. When Jack looked to his crew again, those nearest him could see the traces of moisture at the corners of his eyes.

"Make sail, we go home! Take down the colors! Alec, you have command. Be sure the merchants get some room in the Holds. Not much space left, with the cargo and all, but start with their officers, and make the way down."

"Aye-aye, Captain!"

Making a motion for the Merchant Captain to follow him, Jack entered his cabin in the deckhouse.

****

Jack's steward finished pouring a pair of goblets of wine, which was immediately offered to both officers before he dissapeared to work the galley, his primary duty. Standing, Jack looked back through his window at the swirling debris that marked the grave of the steamer and took a long sip of the cool red wine. A minute of that, and then he turned back to Jenkins, who was, quite expectedly, getting rather anxious to get to the meat of what was going on.

Jack, though, wasn't quite ready for that bit yet. "A good vintage, this,' he said, holding the goblet up slightly. " 'twas laid down in the fall of '54. You can almost taste the sorrow of the grapes, to see that year go by. It helps when contemplating such sad events, akin to the death of a good ship." Motioning to the simple, slightly cushioned chairs, he moved to take a seat, and another sip of the wine.

"Now, enough of this monolouge. You didn't want to talk about ships dying. You wanted to talk about where we're going." Another sip. "It's quite simple, really. We're going to The Cove, picking up another ship, another cargo along the way, and then we're going to end up in Singapore."

The RNS Raickes was in port she was a steel plated steamer. She was a Farrget-Class Steam Battlecruiser send by the Republic Navy. She sat there in Manila Harbor. The cargo ship Willham stops outside of the harbor and waits for the Raickes to join, then the cargo ship and Battlecruiser head on the way to the home land.

(ooc: i dont check the thread for a little while, and a ton of stuff is posted, my apologies for not checking up on things sooner.)
ic-

Red city
"Sir, it looks like we have company, a foriegn ship..."*said George, Vitali's first mate. they were still in the Man o War they had came there in, they hadnt made any real accomodations for themselves in the city yet, Vitali got up from his chair and went to the back window of his cabin, and then rushed out on deck and looked over to the Casimir*
"Hello there !"*he yelled over to them* "Come over to my ship, i am the leader around here, get over 'ere and i shall explain further, i hope you dont mind"*he shouted over to the other ship. he then turned to his crew.* "Quickly, fetch a bottle of whatever wine we may have in the hold, along with a few glasses. get the cook to fix some salted pork, and send someone into town to prepare a meeting room, quickly !"*Vitali gave orders to his crew, it was a shock and they were unprepared for a actuall visit, but it may turn out for the best. as people were rushing about to prepare what Vitali had ordered, George came up to him again.* "Sir, we have another message from Kaufmanstad. it says the telegraph line is set, all we must do is take it from the south part of our island, up to Red city, shall i make the preparations ?"*asked George.*
"yes.. but no. send a larger group, 700 men in all, with one or two hundred military men, the rest civilians, order a town to be settled there, then we shall have three towns, all conected by telegraph. and they should know what to do. now, and send a reply letting them know we recieved their message."*said Vitali, somewhat in a rush. the preparations were being made, and it seemed evreyone aboard the Harpoon (the man o war mentioned earlier, it is also the flagship) was busy doing something. a smaller boat went into the city to make htep reparations for the new settlers to the town, and to prepare a meeting room.*

Altanville
*the town was small, with only a few buildings upgraded from the originals taken from the natives, but there was a hospital, a small house for the govenor, and a large building that could hosue many people, aswell as cook food. wood was scarce, all that was gatherd from around the town was being used to cook food and for fires, they were by a forrest, but gathering was slow since the natives tended to attempt raids to capture or kill the invaders. a small factory was converted from a small building, and this factory was put to all to the work it could to make telegraph wires, there were limited resources to burn, so production normally went very slowly.*

General Kohl was pleased. "This is shaping up right nice." he poured Governor Wildy another glass. "You own a railroad? Well, I own stock in the East Indies Telegraph Company, would a line all the way to Thailand interest you?" The general proceeded to outline the advantages of the telegraph, and how lines were being sent to New Kihameria. "Communication is the key to empire, my man. Think of it, we will be the first to be linked by the telegraph! Kaufmanstad, Novgova, and Kihameria, united by wire!"

"Yes that would be an interesting proposal. Cheers to us!" Governor Wildy exclaimed. "A new era between Novgova, Kaufmansiad, and Kihameria!"

bump

OOC:Why is it, Kihameria, my colonists always come into contact with you first?

"Henry, Bernard, come. It's their leader." Donavan and his aides boarded the Kihamerian ship as the two pulled next to each other.
"Hello, sir, I am Colonel Donavan of the Grand Duchy of Poznon. We have settled on the island of Timor, Southeast of here. Governor Churchill sends you compliments, and wishes to open relations with the others in the area."
____

"Hey, you lazy dog, no sittin' on the job! I don't know what yer last shift foreman said, but I won't have you loafing when it ain't lunch!" On the west side of town, where Will Derving was currently in charge, Fort Steadfast was under construction. People were starting to get used to life on the island. The city wall, complete with towers and two gates, and streets were complete.
"Tough, Will." said his head carpenter.
"Tough love, Seamus, ya can't baby-Hey, what in blazes-" A arrow had suddenly lodged it self in some wood planks. Derving spun around, but the sun was blocking his vision. He heard someone let out a short scream and then something hitting the ground. "We're under attack! Take cover, get the soldiers!"

Derving took shelter behind a pile of timber with Seamus the Carpenter. The foreman peeked around his cover. He saw two men, surely dead, laying on the ground, arrows sticking out of them at odd angles. Derving was thankful they only had arrows, when he heard shots coming from the woods, where they were attacking from.
"Bloody hell!" ejaculated Derving. "They must have gotten rifles from some traders!"
"But look, there come our boys!" Seamus pointed towards a group of soldiers taking cover to shoot, armed with repeating rifles. Steady fire from both sides went on for ten seconds. Derving said,
"They're not letting up!" When a sudden blaze of gunfire was let lose from the soldier's side.
"Oy! They got a Gatling gun up here!" noted Seamus.
"They better not be tearin' up all our work!" after five seconds of the machine gun's fire, there was silence.
"All clear!" yelled a soldier. "We scared 'em off!"
The result of the raid was three dead workers, two dead Natives, and several hammers and boxes of nails missing.
____

A memorial was held for the three dead, and they were buried in the new cemetery. Governor Churchill ordered a out small band of language and culture experts and explorers to contact the Natives and attempt to make a peace.

(ooc: probably because evreyone else is mingiling with each other, and we two are left bored.)
"Yes, yes. my name is Vitali Germogen, and this"*he jestured to his first mate.* is George Wiltham. i am the leader around here, he is second in command. Kihameria has settled Kalimantan, and we have reports that the rest of our forces have occupied Sulawesi. We to with to open up diplomatic ties with other nations ,in fact we are currently setting up a telegraph line with Kaufmanstad, they have settled in Java, a good group of men is going ot fix that, anyway, please forgive my inhospitality, i wasnt excpecting visitors, a proper meeting room should be established on land soon, but until then, how about a glass of wine and some pork in the officers room ?"

"Mr. Germogen, Mr. Wiltham." Sulawesi, eh? thought Donavan. He knew that Churchill talked of expanding to Celebes. "Well, I am sorry for dropping in like this, but we aren't quite linked to the other settlements. Perhaps we could link up with the telegraph system of yours...Well, let's sit down and talk. I would like a little wine, thank you, I don't think I've had any in..."

Singapore! Captain Jenkins could hardly believe his luck! He heard before he left Java that Singapore had been seized by the 60th Regiment. How excellent! Still, Jenkins needed to play it cooly. "Singapore?" he began hesitantly, "Yes, I believe I can get a ship out of there to Java." Jenkins drank back his wine. "Do you have anything harder to wash away my sorrow?" began Jenkins, "I'm an old seaman, do you have any beer or rum?"
________________

General Kohl was immensly pleased. The rest of the evening was spent telling jokes, smoking cigars, and playing cards. The fireworks sent from Novgova added to the grand spectacle over Jakarta.
The next day, the 1st Regiment of Infantry was dispatched from Java to Singapore, where the 1st would advance to the new border between Novgovan Siam and the new Kaufmanstad colony of Malaysia. The 1st would build a fort at the city of Kuala Lumpur and detached Companies C and H to the border itself.

Jack bit back a chuckle and nodded. "The wine is to lighten the heart and stimulate the mind." Rising, he crossed to a cabinet and pulled out a pair of glasses and a large bottle. "The rum, ah, that is to ease the mind after the soulful contemplation of a vessel's demise." Smiling, he poured both full and returned to Jenkins.

"The rum, an excellent brew, one of the few things I've found those carribean fools could do properly. Last I heard, one of the blokes had decided they were going legit and selling their rum. Morgan, I think they called him. Dont know, never liked his brew as much."

He knocked back a hard drought of the rum and leaned back. "Yes, Singapore it'll be. I've heard some interesting news coming out of there, but more importantly, we can get these spices to turn a fair profit with the Commonwealth, or maybe the Spainards. And pick up much needed supplies, as well." Another grim smile, a gulp of the rum. "The life of the pirate isnt all pillage, you know. Plenty of hard work, much of it sometimes quite legit."

"I also believe you said something regarding getting yourself a ship in Singapore....I do not believe such will be necessary, as the matter will be taken care of in The Cove. After all, I do hate leaving captains without their ships."

(ooc:Kaufmanstad, i thought you said just singapore had been taken ? you didnt earlier mention anything about Malaysia or Kuala lempur, or are those on the 'to be conquered' list for you ?)
ic:
"I havent had wine in...okay i admit, i have a victory glass the otehr day, but who cares. George, please, go see if that pork is done, if it is, please bring it up."*asked Vitali.*
"Yes sir"*said George, who then left and went below deck.*
"And i am sure you could link up with the Telegraph line, no reason why not, you could hook up with Jakarta and with our city on Sulawesi. Speaking of it, i am sure such a nation as Poznon desires more land than Timor, please forgive if my geography is wrong, but Timor seems very small. Now, i am not sure how Poznon is militarily, but i know Kihameria has a very strong navy, but our troops are worn out from the long journey over here, and fighting the natives, anyway, more troops should be arriving soon. I have heard that a very large island to the southeast, Australlia i belive it is called, is unoccupied by any nation, now, i belive our two nations can work things out, we combine our forces to conquer Australlia, and then split the land in the middle, half Poznonian, half Kihamerian, how does that sound ? we both get to expand with little resistance."

Captain Jenkins nodded in agreement, and swallowed his rum. It was good.
"Will we be getting to this cove soon? How long until Singapore?" he drank another glass.
___________

"Governor Wildy, before you leave, allow me to give you some things in return." Two servants came up, both carrying various packages. "Let's see. Ah, I don't know if you're married, but here is a string of pearls, I believe there are at least 25 on this string. A box of Javan cigars, a bag of coffee, this is my favorite blend. Comes from a plantation about ten miles south of the city. Helps one in the morning. A bottle of Kaufmanstad wine, and I believe that's all. You caught me unprepared, governor." General Kohl shook Governor Wildy's hand and took another puff of his cigar.
_____________

Upon arrival in Singapore, the 1st Regiment immediately prepared for march. First, they crossed over to the mainland, claiming it as the new colony of Malaysia. Thence, they marched to Kuala Lumpur. The natives were told (a Chinese merchant from Singapore was used as a translator) that they would be allowed to live their lives as they usually would, and that Kaufmanstad would be their protectors. Civilian agents contacted wealthier farmers in the area to give them contracts to feed the soldiers and to raise cash crops. The offer of economic support to the locals lightened the mood. However, a group of bandits attempted to attack the regiment. They were carrying mostly knives, but the Kaufmanstaders' rifles picked them off.

OOC: Kihameria, I made a deal with Novgova, and I'm taking half of the Malay peninsula, and he will take Sumatra. Don't worry, I'm not taking the Borneo half of Malaysia.

(ooc: okay, that makes more sense, thank you. and i've already said, i aint givin malaysia any of Kalimantan(Borneo), so no worries there either. but it makes you think, how in RL did malaysia get a part of Borneo ? Borneo is so mcuh bigger they probably could kick the malaysians out...)

"Governor Wildy, before you leave, allow me to give you some things in return." Two servants came up, both carrying various packages. "Let's see. Ah, I don't know if you're married, but here is a string of pearls, I believe there are at least 25 on this string. A box of Javan cigars, a bag of coffee, this is my favorite blend. Comes from a plantation about ten miles south of the city. Helps one in the morning. A bottle of Kaufmanstad wine, and I believe that's all. You caught me unprepared, governor." General Kohl shook Governor Wildy's hand and took another puff of his cigar.

"Many thanks to you, Gerneral Kohl," Governor Wildy said. "In a matter of fact, I am married, my wife's very lovely indeed, but not very good with ships, I'm afraid. She was seasick practically the whole time arriving on a ship to Siam and is hesitant to go back to sea every again. Thanks for the cigars and, the coffee should come in handy for mornings, too. Haven't had it in a while. The wine is great, too. I don't know if I could, because it is so very good but, I'll try to save a little for back home. With this wine, you may make me an alcoholic, yet! I'm kidding of course, but I think you know that. Anyway, good day, and I shall hope to see you again."

The governor and his aides waved goodbye and headed toward the docks, and headed for home.

And know for...

[Excerpt from the Colonial Times Dated July 24th]

Novgova on the March

Ft. Hoover, Sumatra Military District- Work is being created quickly as nearly 2000 natives and construction workers complete this sprawling fort, capable of of being the home for 800-1000 soldiers. Meanwhile, opposition has increased around Curup toward the southern en of the island. Troops on the Musi River have also encountered opposition as snipers try to to shoot troops off the river steamers.

3,000 troops landed at Sungsang just north of Palembang as part of a surprise attack. Listened as captured includes several high ranking Indonesian officials and an Indonesian princess. Swampy areas prevent heavy artillery from being used so an assault on the city by troops and perhaps a monitor-type ironclad on the river will be used. It is rumored that the defenders will desert on the night before the assault.

Increased pirate attacks in this region is prompting action by the government that all merchant vessels of Novgovan registry should have at least three rifles in their ship supplies.

In other news, Japanese officials have completed an evaluation of Novgovan forces and tactics and have signed a 3-year contract for Novgova to deliver up to 12,000 rifles, 40 pieces of heavy artillery, 80 pieces of light artillery, and 20 gatling guns. They will continue to Singapore next to evaluated Kaufmanstad and their forces next.

"Ah, arrival in singapore will take a bit of time. The Cove, now that shouldn't be much more than three days....." Jack continued on, speaking about what such a nice island The Cove was, and how much he enjoyed his trips there, despite some of the other pirates for whom it was a base as well. After an hour of this, he kindly ushered Jenkins to the now-dark Deck, for the First Mate to show him to where he would be staying. With apoligies for the sparse accomodations, Jack withdrew to his room again to drift off to sleep.

Escorting the Merchant Captain, the First Mate, Alec, led him initially to the bow of the ship. Leaning against the railing, he looked out at the sky. "Well, you've met the Captain, and you've been in there listening to him for quite some time, so undoubtedly, you've probably reached the same conclusion we all agreed upon years ago."

Jenkins face twisted with a slightly confused look, and he asked "What do you mean by that?"

Laughing quietly into the night, Alec turned to look at Captain Jenkins. "Our dear Captain Jack McNeil is crazy. A certifiable looney. I know you're probably thinking that, I mean, what pirate goes around kindly asking you to stop, offload your cargo, and then lets you go on your merry, living way?" A snort. "Not many, far as I've seen. But Captain Jack, he does. Believes in every word of his professional ethics, too."

Alec turned to resume looking over the railing. "He's got his reasons, of course. We all have a reason for something we do. 's why we're all here, after all."

"Of course, youre probably wondering why we dont just give Ol' Cappy the boot and take this circus over and show 'em how you REALLY run a pirate ship. If you put to the side that he's a superb swordfighter and can read the sea like a scholar reads a freshly minted book, working under Jack's been the best thing in our lives."

Alec waved a hand towards the crewmen working the night shift. "Almost all of those men did something, someplace, sometime that got them hunted. All those men would be shot the instant they return to their homes. They're not all inherently bad people, and Jack saw that, and gave them a new home. They can't ever return to a life of legitamacy, at least not all that easily, so what else is there for them but piracy?"

"Jack's brand of piracy has saved many a broken man from much darker outcomes of his life. We've had many a warship who knew EXACTLY who we were let us pass by unmolested, because they knew what Jack was about. They know he's not some old, crusty bastard who'll slit your throat first chance for a shilling, and won't betray even the most unruly of crewmen." A grim look crossed Alec's face as he rose and lead Jenkins into the ship.

"Not saying stupid acts wont go unpunished. Jack doesnt take kindly to men who rape, and men who kill needlessly. Indeed, the last one 'walked the plank' as it is so famously said..except with two cannonballs tied to his feet and a smattering of fishes blood, in waters frenzied with sharkes. A rapist, that man. Jack gave him the chance to redeem himself, but he spit in Jack's face when he assaulted a girl no more than twelve."
Arriving at a small cabin, what looked to be his own. Alec cleared the way for the other captain.

"No, Captain Jack, he's the best thing thats happened to piracy. Made it a noble, civilized affair again....And besides. Lets us get a bit of our own 'vigilante justice' in..This'll be where you're staying for the duration of this trip, youre welcome on the decks during the day, same for your crew. We could use the experienced hands up topside. Enjoy yourself, just had the sheets cleaned for you. Your crew is down in the secondary hold, best place we could find for 'em. If you need 'em, feel free to visit."

And with that, Alec withdrew for the night.

(And thus ends day at sea 1. Feel free to post some retrospective stuff on Jenkins! I'd like to see what he thinks of all this.)

"Austrailia? I must say, that's a wonderful proposal. We do not have many troops here currently, but the Grand Duke does love his spices and such, so I imagine we will be reinforced very soon. Of course, it will need the governor's approval, but I know him. I think we will have our joint-expedition."
___

The band of explorers sent to contact the Natives returned to New Marshalltown. The leader of the group: "After a day of travelling, we came upon a village of indigenous people. We had little difficulty with communication. They told us the tribe that had attacked us had since left Timor for another nearby island, most likely regrouping. This particular tribe, however, seems sympathetic to our cause, and will cooperate with our peaceful expansions. We also found on our journey a suitable location for a new town."

Captain Jenkins stood alone on deck. He thought about Captain McNeil, and figured that 'Captain Jack' would go down in history as one of the most successfull. He was quite a pirate, but not one that needed to hang. Maybe a weeks worth of jail. Jenkins thought more. Certifiable looney? Certaintly not. McNeil knew what he was about, and he knew the best way to do things. Jenkins then found spot on deck, sat down, and fell asleep.
__________

Excerpt from the Stuville Daily Post of Kaufmanstad, August --, 1870:
GREAT NEWS FROM THE INDIES!
______________

Seizure of Singapore.
General Kohl starts expansion.
______________

President Harrison calls out
24,000 volunteers for service
in the Far East.
______________

General Kohl's next stop:
Burma or India?
______________

Full Regiment of Artillery
Dispatched!

From the Poznon Telegraph:

"New Marshalltown Founded on Timor!
Charles Churchill Named Governor

July 24 has been named Founding Day in the 'Poznon East Indies', the day the Far Eastern Fleet landed on Timor. Charles Churchill, ancestor of Curtis Churchill, was named Governor of the Poznon East Indies.

The town is growing, and civilizing the area, with dwellings for all, a Church, and a fortress for the garrison.

News in Brief:
---
Grand Duke calls colony "beacon of Poznon achievement."
---
New Expedition to Asia!
Fleet leaving soon;sign up now!
---
Reinforcements being sent to Timor;
The 10,000 men of the 3rd and 4th Divisions readying for trip

"Great then ! i do like it when my ideas turn into plans. Our men are spread out in three cities across our two islands, but if the captian of the Conquest did as i told him, he should have left some officers to train some of those shanghai voulenters into marines."
*there was a knock on the door, and then George entered, leading in two sailors,each holding a plate with a few pieces of pork varying in size, George had a small tray of spices and sauces, the food was put between Vitali and Donavan.*
"Yes, thank you George."*Vitali said.* "Now, us Kihamerians like spicy foods, if you dont i recomend you ask what sauces and spices there are before you eat them, if you are hungry that is"*Vitali continued; George walked over to Vitali and whisperd something in his ear and then left again. a few moments later a few smaller plates were brought and put on the table.*
"So, i assume a mutual peace agreement between Poznon and Kihameria is alright ? if our two nations are conquering with each other, i would only assume to"*Vitali said.*
*Meanwhile, at Altanville, things got better as the native raids and assaults stoped, or so it seemed. the Kihamerians wasted no time gathering all the wood and food they could, and returning before nightfall.*

"Ah finally," Captain "Calico" said relieved. Behind him, screams of joy echoed from the crew.

They had just fired the last of about 6 shots below the waterline which caused the enemy crew to abandon ship. The Predator, one the most or was one of the most, feared pirate ships on the sea. Now it was sinking by the stern on the starboard side. As pirate after pirate jumped over board and lifeboats released from their davits, the crew watched as the magazine of The Predator exploded, sending people and debris in the air.

"What shall we do with the survivors,sir?" First Officer Bryant asked.

The Captain took out his rum bottle.

"Why good man, have a field day. Blow them out of the water!" he exclaimed. "But you can only for exactly two minutes. Then we have to go. Remember: don't take any survivors. Let them find their way home themselves. After all, they're pirates aren't they? They can handle the seas, right?"

Meanwhile a few sailors took turns shooting rifles at the survivors still swimming in the water and rowing in boats. Captain "Calico" wanted it to be known that he and his armored steam corvette, Indefeatable, were in town, proverbally anyway.

_____________________

Grim News

Meanwhile in Bangkok, the colonial government was in an uproar. An archaeological expedition exploring ruins in Burmese territory was attacked 3 months ago by armed bandits and chased for several days. All of the children were butchered with machetes and all of the women on the expedition were either slaughtered or kidnapped, no doubt for atrocious and evil intentions. Almost all of the men were killed. Out of the 28 person expedition, three people made it back to safety: a 17 year old journalist, a 24 year old Austrian archeologist, and a Burmese bodyguard/guide of undetermined age, approximately 35-40 years of age. All of them were found half-starved and diseased, and the journalist is even suffering from trauma and hallucinations. Their condition is unknown but appears to be grim.

Upon hearing this, Governor Wildy recalled 3,000 troops from the border with Cambodia, giving Admiral Grey a total of 15,000 troops total, although 7,000 of those 15,000 are patroling Sumatra. Admiral Grey is expected to take a 3,000 troop military expedition in Burma to find these bandits, and Colonel Haddington will also be taking a 2,400 into Burma to find these bandits.

Donavan was a nephew of a merchant who frequently travelled to Asia and brought back native foods, so unlike his fellow countrymen, he was used to spicy foods. "Thank you. Now, yes, of course, peace is a must. We just need to put it on paper later. Anyway, do you have in your mind any idea of who recieves what part of Australia?"

OOC: just to notify that I've changed locations to Sri Lanka intead of my previous location

Excerpt from the Quartermain News Report
------ 20th, 1870

...and it was so that our valiant naval forces within the colony were rewarded with an official status of a Dependency of the Republic. It was with this declaration that the name was officially altered to Aufmansad Naval Dependency with a Governor General established to oversee all military and civilian affairs.....

Excerpt from the Army Times
Editorial Section
----- 21st, 1870

...while it should be noted the grand success of the Western Squadron's establishment of military dominance within the Colony, naval forces cannot hold such power over a long period of time. The Army is needed, more than ever, due to the nefarious nature of mercenaries within that region. Those soldiers are of a different origin than our troops. They are of different background than us. They also have a distinct possiblity of turning against our forces. (....) The Western Squadron was an Expiditionary Force when the Colony was founded. According to the Naval Times, the forces _now_ only number that squadron and four standing Marine Divisions. Let it be stated that the previous Colonial Expansion on the Western Folly possessed those similar numbers. In fact, a quarter of the forces were foreign mercenaries, thus leaving our fair Republic to an attempted rebellion by the Kaysons. (....) Let the Army possess such a possiblity. Let the Army be the firm brick that supports our fair Republic. It was the Army that founded this Republic and protects it to this day.

Excerpt from the Wallistown Register
Battle Listings
------ 25th, 1870

1. Battle of Reginald's Ridge- half wounded, quarter dead
12th Marine Expiditionary Division
3rd Wallistown Volunteer Division
5th Naval Guard Division

2. Battle of Westport-
------------------------
RSS Wellingscreek (Support)- Sunk
RSS Skiffyloo (Scout)- Sunk
RSS Botislion (Support)- Sunk
RSS Lilion (artillery)- Severely Wounded
>Naval Losses
Approximately 30 dead
40 seriously wounded
50 lightly wounded
--------------
3rd Marine Expiditionary Division
4th Wellistown Mercenary Division
5th Southshore Volunteer Company (M)
6th Southshor Voulunteer Company (M)
>Marine Losses
Approximately 55 dead
60 seriously wounded
40 lightly wounded
>Mercenary Losses
Approximately 60 dead
70 seriously wounded
30 lightly wounded

3. Bloody Creek
Southpoint Outpost- destroyed
Southpoint Fort- destroyed
5th Southpoint Militia Unit- half dead, quarter wounded
7th Southshore Reserve Unit (M)- quarter dead, half wounded
8th Westshore Reserve Unit (M)- quarter wounded, 30 dead.

1,000 civilians and 1,000 soldiers have founded a town west of New Marshalltown, naming it Kellistown. This leaves 3,000 civilians and 2,000 soldiers in New Marshalltown.

Malaysia, Kaufmanstad East Indies:
Colonel Summer, placed in overall command of Malaysia, was given the task of reasuring the local population would be able to retain their way of life without interference. The only difference was the flag they lived under. Summer was also given the mammoth task of finding sources of revenue and lacing the country with telegraph. Local Chinese merchants were eager to expand their trade all the way to Kaufmanstad, but the local farmers were reluctant to change to cashcrops. The colonel also found it difficult to learn the Malay language.
_________________

Java, Kaufmanstad East Indies:
Order of the Day #177:
Selected officers from the Regular Infantry of the Army are to begin to train able-bodied Javan men to be formed into the 'Javan Brigade.' The soldiers are to be recruited as soon as possible. There will be six regiments of no more than 1000 men each, and no less than 800.
-Brigadier General Simon Kohl.

By the end of the week, the regiments had formed and training began.
The Javan Brigade. - 5555 men
1st Javan Infantry - 1000 men
2nd Javan Infantry - 1000 men
3rd Javan Infantry - 800 men
4th Javan Infantry - 955 men
5th Javan Infantry - 1000 men
6th Javan Infantry - 800 men

A large fleet has departed Poznon for Timor, consisting of the 3rd and 4th Divisions and 1,000 settlers.
___

After contaning an outbreak of fever, the citizens of Kellistown are preparing the Marshalltown-Kellistown route for a railroad.

"lets see here..."*Vitali opened a draw and took out an old British map of Australia.* "Poznon can take the Northern territory,Queensland, and New south Wales, Kihameria shall take Western Australia,South australia, and the small island of Tasmania. we shall split Victoria between us, a line northwards from Melbourne, to the east is Poznon, to the west is Kihameria. Melbourne shall remain neutral, niehter Poznonian or Kihamerian, lets say each nation may station up to five hundred men there for defense. is this agreeable Mr. Donavan ?"*asked Vitali, who then took a smaller piece of pork, a knife, and a fork and began cutting it into smaller bite-sized pieces.*

(ooc:Poznon, do you have AIM so we can talk about this further ?
and for referance, i am using this (http://www.trailmaster.com.au/images/i-map-australia.gif) as a referance point for Australlian geography.)

(Yes, my SN is JGEkid, what's your's?)

Taken from Novgovan Thailand July Report:

2,000 Troops finally made the crossing over the Pacific bringing the total of troops to 12,000 Novgovan Colonial Infantry and 24,000 overall (including border infantry and Siamese infantry). Command is soon to change over to Maj. General Wilson from Admiral Grey as the army needs a commander in the department and the ever growing Far East Navy needs the Admiral. Cavalry well be sent for as well as more troops as things heat up in the East.

The NNS Charles, a Devestation-class vessel, has joined the fleet in Bangkok. The NNS Charles is the last word in Naval Technology, rendering almost every Naval ship owned by any side obsolete. She is fast and independent completely of sails, well armored and well armed, with two rotating turrets with two 35-ton 305mm muzzle loaded rifle guns in each turret. There are only two Devestation class ships in the world, making them "Queens of the Seas".

(my SN is ybtypical220 )

Excerpt from the Wallistown Register
---------- 1st, 1870
Advertisement Section

NOTICE;

Reconstruction of Military Units in the Advent of the Disaster at Gulln's Field

I.) 1st Marine Expeditionary Force is HEREBY merged with the 3rd Marine Expiditionary Epeditionary Force to form the;

1st Wellistown Marine Division (Infantry)

=> All officers are hereby ordered to report to Col. Rund Backtail

II.) The Reminants of the

4th Wellistown Mercenary Division
5th Southshore Volunteer Company (M)
6th Southshore Voulunteer Company (M)

is to HEREBY to be merged to form the;

1st West Quarter Infantry Division (Light)

=> All officers are hereby ordered to report to Col. Gutteral Mangsk

III.) The Reminants of the

3rd Wallistown Volunteer Division
5th Naval Guard Division
5th Southpoint Militia Unit-
7th Southshore Reserve Unit (M)
8th Westshore Reserve Unit (M)

is to HEREBY to be mereged to form the;

3rd Marine Lancer Division

=> All officers are hereby ordered to report to Col. Yolon Ren
-------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpt from the Letters of Admiral Yoesph Carlton
Dated ------ 7th, 1870

...It is a sad day in Wallistown. For such promise attached to our naval forces to make this a Colony of the Republic; so much has been lost. The only acquisitions that our fair Colony has properly made is 30 miles inland, thereby forming a small enclave of Republican rule. The rest is controlled by heathen savages that seem to better our far superior weapondry and tactics. The only bright spot that truly shines is our mastery of the coasts which cannot be denied...

...As part of the aftermath of the Gulln's Creek Massacre, I have ordered the land based forces to reconstruct themselves into a proper military presence here in Wallistown. Together they number about 8 divisions- each tied together under four Core's that protect the sides of the Colony. As for naval forces; there is about three squadrons still that hold the seas with two more under construction. I plan on to encourage the enlisting of mercenaries within the Marine Core so that one day the Republic can truly master this heathen land...

From the Jakarta Times, August --, 1870.

Grand Indies Division
has arrived this day in Jakarta!
_____________

General Kohl promoted to
Major General
Colonel Summer promoted to
Brigadier General
____________

General Summer sent &
Brigade sent to Malaysia!
_____________

New RIFLED Cannon to be
placed in forts at Singapore and
Jakarta!
_____________

New Gatling Guns.
_____________

24,000 Regular Troops now
disembarking at Jakarta!
______________

12th, 13th, 14th and 7th Regiments
sent to Singapore
Total: 4,000.

The day the fleet arrived at New Marshalltown was the most congested and confusing the people had seen. The fleet contained of the 3rd and 4th Divisions, 10,000 men, and 1,000 civilians;also, artillery, gatling guns, provisions, and supplies to make railroads, telegraphs, and machinery. It was decided that 1,000 civilians and some regiments of soldiers would settle a new town on the southern coast of Timor, directly south of N. Marshalltown. Also, soldiers went to reinforce Kellistown, and the Marshalltown Garrison was reorganized.
___

This is how the towns are;
New Marshall Town
5,000 soldiers(The 1st Timor Division)
Kellistown
3,000 soldiers(24-29th Regiments)
Colonial Expedition
2,000 soldiers(30-33th Regiments)

*As the meeting between Vitali and Donavan went on, a large man of war pulled into the harbor, this was the Conquest returning, a grand scene it was, the captian and crew of the Conquest were simply amazed by the growth of the town in such a short time, the captian noticed a foriegn ship in the harbor, and the laturns on in the Harpoon's officers quarters, so he suspected a meeting, but without delay he ordered the goods aboard the Conquest to be unloaded onto the docks and taken to their respective places quickly, within about an hour most of the supplies were unloaded, the horses however took time to unload, but as soon as they were done the captian of the Conquest made the preparations for the trip back to Shanghai to get the marines that had been trained, aswell as more iron ore, and a message to be left for Vitali. as soon as the goods arrived, the factorys quickly got the iron ore togather to build a ironclad warship.*

Only a few hours out from the island known to the Pirates of the Halibut Dream as The Cove, another mast appeared on the horizon. Captain Jack, hanging from his perch, had a spyglass on it in an instant and was shouting his commands. "'Tis a pirate! Run The Cove pennant! Rig sail for passing!"

The crew, previously enjoying itself, hustled to work preparing for the pending rendezvous, many with a worried look on their faces. Alec turned to Captain Jenkins and whispered. "Pirates have a code, we don't shoot at each other generally. Unfortunately, some of them dont adhere to it very well. After all, dead men dont tell tales, you know? We prepare to pass them by rigging our sails for combat and manning our guns, as do they. Its just prudence, understand? Usually, we'll just stop for a minute or two, pass the news on the hunting, Cove happenings, somesuch."

From up in the riggings, Jack actually cursed, and loud enough for those below to hear him. "It's that bloody bastard Cap'n Rogers and his Doom Wake! Take us to port, we want none of him!"

Alec muttered an oath under his breath and then resumed muttering to Jenkins. "Cappy Rogers, hes an old, cold bastard. Kills for fun, really. His crew reflects his depravity, too. All of them the nastiest band of cutthroats this side of the carribean. Give piracy a bad name, dont you know?"

Unfortunately, with the course change of the Halibut, Rogers' ship changed to match-obviously he wanted to have a word with Captain Jack....the crew just devoutly wished it wasn't the word one might have using a cannon....

Excerpt from the Wallistown Register
---- the 10th, 1870

...arrived today bearing much needed supplies and reinforcements for the Colony. His arrival did bring change within the Colony, due to the official recognition of the Colony as Republican Soil. Alas, several conditions were placed within this Declaration, with the noted example of 2 Army divisions sent within the squadron. There has been no comment yet from the Admiral on how this will fit in the scheme of the Reconstruction.

Excerpt from the Letters of Admiral Yoesph Carlton
Dated ------ 11th, 1870

...so the House has saw fit to reinforce the Colony with army units. More specifically, Lancer units that have no bearing on the type of warfare that is currently being waged on Republican soil. Plus there is this "Governor-General" to deal with. I have made adequet arrangements within Aufstad for his residency but the power of this Colony belong to me. After all, who was the man that actually carved this Colony from the heathen jungles?

Note: I've sent the RSS Yoliop on a scouting mission to the East. I have heard word from my contacts that other colonies exist there, esp. the fabled "Kofstaders" whom helped with the Lost Colony so many years ago. Not that I actually believe in the myth of them having power of gods and all. It's just that I'd like to see one for myself.

"Mr. Vitali," Said Donavan. "This has been a most productive meeting. Unfortunetly, I must soon depart. This way I will also be able to inform my superiors of our plan."

The City of Bangkok was the next colony. 7,000 troops left Manila harbor with 5,000 civilians to Bangkok. The ships were escort by a Farrget-Class Battlecruiser. The commander of the group was Colonel Steve Gassue, He was send by Major General Fredrick Williams to set up a colony in Bangkok. The ships arrive at Bangkok. The Army Engineers from the battlecrusier began buliding a fort in Bangkok.

"Ah yes, i guess our meeting must end, but before you leave, please take some goods back to youre superiors, or youre wife, however you like to distribute them, and no offense meant if youre single"*Vitali looked over his shoulder, at two subordinantes, the two men leave and quickly return with a small assortment of goods in small wooden boxes.* "Yes, in one of the boxes is jewlery, pearls, diamonds, shappires and so on, not my cup of tea, per se, and in the other box is a true gift"*Vitali opens the box and takes out a revolver.*"This is a revolver, made in 1868, it is a naval class so the bullet chamber is more sealed up to prevent the ammunition from getting wet, there is a small notch below the end of the barrel for inserting a small blade, the butt of the pistol is plated in fine steel for pistol whipping, and a small sight mounted atop the barrel. It is finely ornate with rubys and diamonds, some cut sharp and put in places so if the gun is less likely to be taken from you in combat. ah, the wonder of firearms. Oh ! i am sorry, you probably have to go soon, good night Mister Donavan"*said Vitali taking his hat off in respect.*

*Meanwhile, the departed settlers and soldiers that were sent to get the telegraph line and establish a town had reached their destination, a small sandy beach, overshadowed by some large rocky hills, construction began almost imedeatly on housing and food preparation buildings.*

"Oh, my wife will love these. And this firearm--It is truly marvelous. Bernard?" Donavan's aid hands him a bottle, who presents it to Vitali. "I'm sorry to say, all I have for you is this bottle of Poznon wine. I would have brought more, but fine items are scarce in our settlements. Farwell." Donavan and his aides go to deck to board their ship."

Colonel Steve Gassue became Governor of Bangkok. He ordered that gatling guns and cannons to be put in forts. The Republic Navy has began mounting Gatling Guns on military and civilian ships. The civilian cargo ships will be able to defend themselves from pirate attacks. At Manila, The Brydog Asian Colonial Government has decide that to plan a anti-pirate taskforce to search and destory pirate ships. The task force's headquarters will be in Bangkok. The task force will be made of two battlecruisers,and groups of small patrol craft. The task force commander will be Commander Lewis Duport. Also, The Colonial Government is looking for new trade routes for it's ships.

Colonel Steve Gassue became Governor of Bangkok. He ordered that gatling guns and cannons to be put in forts. The Republic Navy has began mounting Gatling Guns on military and civilian ships. The civilian cargo ships will be able to defend themselves from pirate attacks. At Manila, The Brydog Asian Colonial Government has decide that to plan a anti-pirate taskforce to search and destory pirate ships. The task force's headquarters will be in Bangkok. The task force will be made of two battlecruisers,and groups of small patrol craft. The task force commander will be Commander Lewis Duport. Also, The Colonial Government is looking for new trade routes for it's ships.

*Cough*
*Coughs again*

Erm... Um.... Exactly how did you ( Brydog) take over my colony entirely that has 7 warships in Bangkok and approximately 15,000 soldiers in Thailand without a fight?

If you didn't know, I started with Bangkok. In a matter of fact, I started with all of Thailand.

If you seriously want to attempt to take Thailand, we can have a war or battle or something, but please don't just march in to Bangkok, start building a fort and, expect me to give up with out a fight! Take Saigon. No one (to my knowledge) has Saigon, its a big city, and it is a major trading center for people in SE Asia.

The two pirate ships had come to as close to a stop as they could approximate, drifting in the ocean near each other. Jack, the dark-skinned, clean-shaven, neatly dressed gentleman, and Captain Rogers, a dirty, unkempt man, short a few teeth and an eye, with long, tangled hair. Both faced each other, one with a frown, the other with a cigar-chewing grin.

Rogers, ever the forward one, broke the silence first. "Ah, if it aint Jack McNeal, pirate and saint! Never fancied meeting the likes of a gentlemen of your tastes here in the south pacific! You look a little overmanned, what happened, accidentally sink another merchant?" He guffawed with a loud, obnoxious laugh, his crew joining in, every bit as mangy and scraggly as their leader.

Jack merely looked at the other captain, a trace of pity in his expression. "No, you worthless old cur, I wasnt expecting the likes of you to make it so quickly to spoil such a wonderful territory. Such a poor chance, this. I suppose youre on your way to kill a few children and mothers, and steal their candy and daughters?"

Rogers raised an eyebrow at the other gentleman. "Oh, so ye's got yourself an attitude now, eh, cappy Jack? And whereabouts did you get wind of my plans? Of course, I was going to keep the children. The boys could make great cabin boys, among other things, for my men, and the daughters dont take too long to get old enough." His mouth split into a leering grin, amidst the howls of laughter from the jackals behind him.

"If I hear one settlement burned, one woman violated, anything that I catch you doing, I vow I will see you resting in the deeps!" Jack growled, his hand almost gripping the sword at his waist.

"Oh, Jack, ye's got yourself a High and Mighty attitude, with you in that little loft of yours! I could turn that little boat of yours into so much kindling if I felt it! Run your entire crew through with my own sword, and let my crew have their way with the merchies you got down there with you!" The Jackals increased in their wretched volume, before being cut off by Jack's low growl.

"You've said that twice before, Rogers. And I've sunk you every time you tried to follow through on it. Your ship has never been one I mourned killing-it has always been a monstrosity, warped like your own mind and heart! BEGONE!"

For an eternity, Jack's glacier eyes bored into Rogers' black soul, before the carribean beast started shouting commands in a mix of portugeese and english. The evil pirate sailed away, refusing to look back at the captain in the masts of the Halibut Dream, for fear of being struck down by the intensity of Jack's glare.

****

Within a handful of hours, the pirate schooner had put in to port at The Cove, and a schedule was made. Captain Jenkins was to look for a ship he might be interested in for the trip to Singapore, and rendezvous with Alec for further instructions as to the procurement of the ship. Aside from that bit of business, Jack released the crew to leave for the night, and the Merchants to their own captain.

Excerpt from the RSS Yoilop Log
Captain Pierce Edington commanding

---- the 14th, 1870

...Today we have caught a wind propelling us 20 knots faster than we did rowing. Thank God for the gales. No sight yet of the fabled Aufstaders. I'm thinking more along the lines that this is more of an exploritory rather than a seeking mission. Did encounter some ships; traded for food supplies and learned that several foreign colonies lie to the west. Maybe they're stationed in the land called Syam or Jikarta. I've made some changes in the general direction to see if they are ESE of our location. Hopefully they are.

Bangkok, Novgovan Thailand-

The government had recieved word that one of the 25 missing people of an archeological expedition had been found. Hope was quickly put down, however, as the telegraph continued to beep saddening news. The person who was found, believed to be Mrs. Donaldson, was found impaled on a spear sticking vertically up along side a road by Colonel Haddington's men. The body was almost completely decomposed obviously infereing it had been there a while, and could only be identified by the clothes and the fact that she was the tallest woman in the expedition, being about 5' 10" to 6'.

Meanwhile in the Burmese province of Shan...

"Send the men down the reverse slope of the hill. Get to the Artillery Regiment on the hill and get them to fire on that hill over there," Colonel Haddington said.

Colonel Haddington and his men began to dig in on the reverse slope. The good news about their situation was that the rebel army about to attack them is that it is lesser armed, has no artillery, and lesser organization.
The bad news: Their numbers are about 10,000 in total, compared to 2,400 men that Colonel Haddington has. He is now cut off from supplies and communications, and did not know if his message to Admiral Grey ever got through. But for now he had to assume he was on his own.

"The artillery will slow them down. but make sure you conserve some ammunition for the battles themselves," Colonel Haddington told Major Samuels.

Kohl, now a Major General, was in command of an Army of 30,000. Soon to be 35,555 when the Javanese Brigade was finished training. Gen. Summer was sent four more regiments to give him a complete brigade, bringing him a total of 6,000 men in Singapore. There was now a regiment of artillery under the general's command, with three of its batteries (all rifled cannon, capable of piercing iron after several volleys). A grand Army was forming.
Unfortunately, Commodore Wilkinson still awaited his reinforcements, and still only had seven warships.
_____________________

Captain Jenkins thanked McNeil for his kindness and mercy. "You are quite honestly the finest pirate I've ever met. A nautical Robin Hood you are." Jenkins asked McNeil for details about Captain Rogers, so that the Republican Navy could be sent to capture him.
_____________________

Governor Vitali-
I have the honor to inform you that the telegraph line to Red City is complete. As representative of the East Indies Telegraph Company, I offer you 100 shares in the company and the honor of sending the first telegram to Jakarta!
-Chief Engineer Jacob van den Bogaert, EITC.

OOC: Novgova, if you want, some of your men in Burma could send for help from my posts in Malaysia. I have 6,000 men there.

*As Donavan left, Vitali talked with George.*
"that went well"*said Vitali.*
"indeed so, may i sit down and take soem leftover pork ?"*asked George.*
"Yes, feel free, i apologize about my behavior, i didnt plan on such a meeting, if i did i would have made more preparations so you didnt have to run around so much. But yes, it went very well, we may have lost half of a potental colony, but we have, i belive, another strong ally in these islands."*said Vitali, looking at the Poznon wine given him by Donavan.*
*George sat down, and took the leftover pieces of pork and began eating them.*"Yes, but, apart from a building in Shanghai, we have nothing on mainland Asia"*said George.*
"It does not matter, we have two, and soon two and a half islands, covering a very large space, and..."*a man came into the room, interupting Vitali.*
"Sir, we have news"*said the man.*
"...yes, what is it ?"*asked Vitali.*
"The Conquest has came and gone already, and you recieved a telegraph from Kafmensten, offering you 100 shares in the telegraph line. also, there are reports of large ammounts of natives around the city"*said the man.*
"Very well, i am glad to her of the Conquest, and i would gladly take 100 shares in the telegraph line, and send out diplomats to the natives, offer them trade, protection within the city walls, and peace, if in return they give us intelegence from around the island, the geography and such, and emphasize good pay, free food, free weapons and free training if they join our Military"*said Vitali.*
"Yes sir, i will make the aragements"*said the man, who began to walk out the door.*
"Oh, and its Kaufmanstad, not Kafmensten:*said Vitali, the man nodded and walked out.*
"So, where were we..."*said Vitali to george. their conversation continued on late into the night, about various things.*

The PNS Casimir steamed into the harbor of Jakarta. After hearing of Kaufmanstad on Java and the telegraph line, Colonel Donavan decided to visit the island. As they approached, Donavan stepped on to the deck, waving a white piece of cloth, and called out to a nearby vessel;
"Hello, there! We are from Poznon, and come in peace. Could you perhaps contact someone who can admit us into your harbor? We wish to speak to your leader."
___

The expedition of 1,000 civilians and 30th to 33rd regiments, 2,000 soldiers, arrived at the coast of the Timor Sea, directly South of New Marshalltown. Almost immediately upon arrival, a group of about 50 natives approached the settlers. Fortunetly, an old man knew English, learning it from traders as a child. The settlers told the natives they were of the same kind who made contact with the peaceful native tribe, and managed to convince most to help work on the town for a good pay and housing. They named the town Port Sovereign.

"Nay, captain. It is against The Code to give away one of our own to those who enforce the law, even if we view him as a sick, rabid dog. Would you take your rabid, sick dog to the Army, just to have him shot? No, you would do the deed yourself, the dog being your responsibility." A trace of greif entered Jack's voice. "This man is Our dog, and We must take care of our messes...Responsibility, The Code and our Professional Ethics would have it no other way."

"Now, go to the docks, and locate a ship in which you have interest. We will take care of things from there."

Jack retreated to his cabin, and to the solitude he held so dear.

The KNS Turtle, an ironclad Monitor on harbor patrol chugged alongside the Casimir. Captain Peter Truxtun came out from below deck and into the sunlight. "Greeting stranger! I am Captain Truxtun of the Kaufmanstad Republican Navy. There is a dock over by our fort for you. Just follow us."
With that, the Turtle carefully led the way through the busy harbor to the Naval docks near the fort.
At the docks, Captain Truxtun went to go get an escort for the foreigner to meet General Kohl
_______________

Captain Jenkins doffed his cap in honor of Captain McNeil, and went on to find a ship for him and his crew. Upon arrival in Singapore, Jenkins described the pirate Rogers to the best of his ability, and the islands of Palau. Jenkins only described McNeil as a friendly "Shipwreck Salvor" who generously took Jenkins and his crew to safety.
_______________

Meanwhile, Commodore Wilkinson thought it wise to send a ship in the direction of India and Sri Lanka. Supposedly, that sub-continent had begun to be colonized. The commodore sent the KNS Congress, an older vessel originally just a 40 gun sailing frigate, had a steam engine, but still generally relied on sail. Captain Arthur Ericksen commanded the Congress

OOC: Kay Son, feel free to bump into the Congress.

OOC: A couple of notes for you, regarding the deal McNeal had in mind for Jenkins--Out of his own savings, he purchased the ship as replacement, and further, gave back 1/3rd of the spice cargo (a generous amount, for a pirate!). Upon arrival in singapore, the ship was handed over fully to belong to Jenkins, and Jack and his own ship departed once more, in search of more prey.

A veritable Robin Hood of the high seas, indeed.

*Cough*
*Coughs again*

Erm... Um.... Exactly how did you ( Brydog) take over my colony entirely that has 7 warships in Bangkok and approximately 15,000 soldiers in Thailand without a fight?

If you didn't know, I started with Bangkok. In a matter of fact, I started with all of Thailand.

If you seriously want to attempt to take Thailand, we can have a war or battle or something, but please don't just march in to Bangkok, start building a fort and, expect me to give up with out a fight! Take Saigon. No one (to my knowledge) has Saigon, its a big city, and it is a major trading center for people in SE Asia.
Sorry, didn't know you had Thiland, I will take Saigon instead.

The ships leave Thailand and headed to Vietnam instead
Colonel Steve Gassue became Governor of Saigon. He ordered that gatling guns and cannons to be put in forts. The Republic Navy has began mounting Gatling Guns on military and civilian ships. The civilian cargo ships will be able to defend themselves from pirate attacks. At Manila, The Brydog Asian Colonial Government has decide that to plan a anti-pirate taskforce to search and destory pirate ships. The task force's headquarters will be in Saigon. The task force will be made of two battlecruisers,and groups of small patrol craft. The task force commander will be Commander Lewis Duport. Also, The Colonial Government is looking for new trade routes for it's ships.

Colonel Donavan and his two aides step upon the deck, waiting for the escort to come. As Donavan straightened his uniform, Henry asked,
"What do you plan on speaking about?"
"Well, I suppose first a treaty of some kind." answered Donavan. "But afterwards, I should like to ask about the telegraph line we heard of. I think this country headed the project."

OOC: Novgova, if you want, some of your men in Burma could send for help from my posts in Malaysia. I have 6,000 men there.

OOC: Colonel Haddington's men are completely surrounded. They cannot get a message to anyone anymore. The closest force is Admiral Grey's with 3,000 men and the next closet force is about 8,000 men in Thailand under control of Novgova. They are closer than the 6,000 troops you have in Malaysia. The only problem is the fact that no one knows that they are in trouble except if Admiral Grey receives the message sent by Haddington before they were cut off. (and they will). You can join in if you want,or anyone can as I am not stopping you from doing so.

Sorry, didn't know you had Thiland, I will take Saigon instead.

Its alright. Just so you know, you didn't really have to take Saigon, I just mentioned it because it has about the same amount of people as Bangkok and has the same economic power and potential, as well as same climate. I think Kaufmanstad said this thread takes place from India to Korea, with the exception of China and Japan so any city in the area could be taken.

The escort arrived for Colonel Donovan, it was comprised mostly of local policemen. The escort wound its way through the streets of Jakarta, passing several trading houses, a fish market, a spice market, and a jeweler.
Finally they reached the Government house, where Colonel Donovan was greeted by General Simon Kohl. He was dressed in his finest green uniform of the Kaufmanstad Army. On either side of the general were units of Company B, 20th Regiment of Infantry, all in their green coats and kepis.
"Welcome, friend, to the island of Java, part of the Kaufmanstad East Indies." the general reached in his coat and pulled out a cigar which he handed to the colonel. "What brings you to Java?"

Celebes Sea -

Captain "Calico" could not have been happier. On this trip, he destroyed two pirate ships on the "10 Most Wanted Pirates and Pirate Ships of Asia" list. He destroyed The Predator (3rd), and Chen's Revenge (8th). What's more is his ship, Indefeatable, did it without any help. On his next trip, he would trake the Indefeatable and its sister ship Invincible to destroy number 1 on the list, if only for his barbarity, Captain Rogers and his ship. Rumor had it that Jack McNeal was in the area (2nd on the list) of Indonesia as well.

Although most people feel Captain Jack McNeal is great man, and the last of the "civilized" and "generous" pirates, Captain "Calico" holds a hatred for the man for something he did long ago...

Meanwhile, in the Shan Region of Burma...

Colonel Haddington, although surrounded, was very calm and cool. His position was good, his men were stationed on and around two hills, dug in and fortified, and advance pickets and patrols were in the jungle around the hill. The advanced part of the rebel army, on an exposed hill, was bombarded and quickly routed without even coming in contact with Novgovan forces.

Although that was easy, now the whole army was moving in. Advanced pickets already reported movement and in some areas the pickets run straight for their lines, as their position was already in contact with their positions.

Donavan accepts the cigar with a quiet, "Thank you." He then stands straight as possible, and says, "I am Colonel Donavan of the Grand Duchy of Poznon. I have been sent by Governor Churchill of Timor to seek out other colonies in the area. The Governor sends his compliments, and wishes to open relations with other nations here. I apoligize for our unexpected arrival, though we have no way of contacting the other settlements from Timor. I complient you on your quickly assembled and most magnificent welcome!"

General Kohl smiled, and gave Colonel Donovan a hearty hand shake. "Come, let us repair to the veranda, have lunch, and talk business."
With that, the two walked through Government House to a shaded veranda. The two sat down in wicker chairs and quickly two glasses of whiskey were presented to them.
________________

Listening to Captain Jenkins story, the civilian officials in charge of Singapore quickly related the story to General Summer, temporary governor of Malaysia. Summer summoned Jenkins to tell his story again, and he told the same story of "McNeal the salvor."
"I don't believe you're telling the whole story, Captain." after much importuning, and several glasses of rum, Jenkins related the true story of what really happened. Summer dissmissed him.
This McNeal fellow wasn't too bad. Perhaps he could be hired to combat the evergrowing pirate problem in the numerous unclaimed islands in the Pacific.
Summer then issued orders to the steam sloop Java, armed with seven guns, to find McNeal and deliver him this message:
To: Captain Jack McNeal, esq.
Sir-
It has come to my attention that you are a man of character, and by the words of one Captain Jenkins, a "nautical Robin Hood." I am prepared to offer you the means to combat piracy in the region of the Islands of Palau. In return for becoming a pirate hunter, I will give you a "modest" salary and, when you decide to retire from your profession, a civilian post as "Assisstant Naval Advisor." This job will also have its own "modest" pay.
-Brigadier General William Summer,
Governor of the Province of Malaysia, Kaufmanstad East Indies.

A underwater telegraph line is being bulit from the Brydog Colonial Government in Manila to the government office in Saigon. The steamer S.S. Terrison is starting the laid down of the wires. In Saigon, The Colonial Government is buliding a fort to protect the harbor, and Army regiments explore the area with hopes of learning more about Vietnam.

Donavan took a sip of his whiskey and said,
"This city is a regular metropolis, bustling with markets, spice merchants, and even a lapidary!" He paused. "You see, our colony is not quite so developed. At least when I departed, it was the bare essentials. Pray tell, how long has it been since you arrived here?"

Excerpt from the RSS Yoilop Log
Captain Pierce Edington commanding

---- the 16th, 1870

Past a great river and many islands. I have named it the Stinky Delta due to it's fumes. From there we managed to catch a wind that blew parrallel to the coastline, catching sight of land every so often. Did encounter some ships along the way and traded some hatchets for food. Did recieve word that "White Folk" reside some leagues to the south. I've also made some pacts with several tribes living on the coast in creating fueling stations on our return journey. Th' Admiral's orders were quite explicit in stating that this was an exploritory and not invading (having trouble at home). Anyhow, still sailing towards the White Folk area

OOC: he's past Bangledesh and going along the Burma Coastline

OOC: I don't know if I mentioned this, but it wasn't necessary for everyone to start from scratch.
IC:

"Java has been a backwater colony of Kaufmanstad since around 1667. It's surprising, only in the last year has Congress seen it necessary to reinforce the province. However, Java is a prime location. It's in the middle of the Indies, so its a hub of trade, and Jakarta has an excellent harbor near the entrance of the Indies, the Sunda Strait, a strait where many vessels, not just Kaufmanstaders, enter and exit this rich archipelago." replied the General. "On the other hand, Timor is on the peripherary of the Indies."
_____________________

Captain Ericksen, onboard the Congress sailed into Singapore, picking up various supplies for an expedition up the coast of Burma, Bangladesh, and India. Ericksen's mission was to look for promising areas for an expansion of the empire and to make contact with any other imperial powers or powerful local rulers.
The supplies were loaded, and the Congress departed Singapore under full sail toward Burma.
______________________

Meanwhile, another ship departed Singapore, heading in the opposite direction, the steam-sloop Java, bound for Palau in search of Captain Jack McNeal with General Summer's letter.

OOC:Ah.
IC:
"That long? Well, countries have been colonizing here for quite a while, I suppose. The last few Dukes ignored Asia. Quite foolish. Only the last one has seen what benefits colonizing the region could bring."
___

Port Sovereign was slowly developing, though without the native help, it would have gone much slower. A telegraph line was completed between Kellistown and New Marshalltown, and preparations were being made for a railroad, though the island did not yet have any locomotives.
Natives were coming to New Marshalltown for work. Governor Churchill had housing and a school constructed for them, which taught English, math, industrial trades, and medicine. Two factories has been established, which manufactured wire, clothing, and other items. The citizens were finally seeing luxury goods, as spices and fruits were being brought into town, thanks to the natives' knowledge.

((OOC: I TGed Kaufmanstad, and he said it was all right for me to get in on this great rp, so here goes. I hope no one objects.))

The sun rose over the horizon shedding her light on the battered man of war. A sailor stood on deck keeping watch, his face and spirit weathered by the hard voyage. He shielded his eyes against the rising glare, and could have sworn he saw a mass of land on the horizon. The sailor was relieved of his watch, and dismissed the shape as an illusion.

Half an hour later, there was a great commotion, and the man rushed to the deck to see what the fuss was about. There it was. The journey was nearing an end, and soon the fruits of the new land would be theirs for the taking. The land was India, and it was a truly beautiful sight.

There were three ships in the expedition, the remainder of a fleet of seven, and a crew of 6,000. The survivors consisted of the man of war ‘Generia,’ the smaller frigate ‘Nicholas,’ and the converted merchantman ‘Crimea.’ There were a total of 3,200 sailors, soldiers, and colonists.

The men of war lay over in the port of a small Indian town. The large warships dwarfed the tiny fishing vessels that made up the majority of occupants in the town.

Ivan stepped from the rowboat, fastening it to the ramshackle pier. A crowd of curious natives had crowded to get a look at the white men. Captain Peter Kreschnev stepped out of the boat followed by two Imperial marines. The admiral surveyed the town.

“This will do nicely. Lieutenant! Find out if anyone here speaks Russian or English.”

It took several, chaotic minutes, but soon enough an old man was brought forward. He had learned English from a merchant who had once visited the town. The man told the foreigners that the name of the town was Vijakata.

“That name won’t do, will it. We’ll have to change that. Lieutenant, our flag!”

The lieutenant brought the flag of the Generian state, and handed it to the empire.

“I claim this town in the name of the King!” exclaimed the admiral as he thrust the flag into the mud near the docks. The town’s people looked around at each other in confusion. The lieutenant pointed to the man of war, and the Indians looked at the enormous vessel. The guns boomed out over the harbor, cannon balls whizzing through the air, over the town. Several boats were launched, bringing soldiers, seamen, and civilians into the town. The Indians scattered in fear at the noise of the guns, and the threatening rifles and bayonets of the marines.

“I think we shall build the fort over there,” the admiral said, gesturing to a low rise on the outskirts of the town. “From now on we shall call this place Nicholston.”

"It's been a scramble for territory in this part of the world." said General Kohl as he drank his whiskey. "Not that its without reason. This region must be the richest in the world!"
The general then asked for map of the East Indies to be displayed, "Now, what can I do for you, or more specific, what can we do for eachother?"
___________________

The navy sloop Java continued heading east, sailing when the wind was good, steaming when it wasn't. Captain Peters issued orders to get an eye out for pirates and for hidden reefs.
Soon, the Java passed the battered remains of a steam boat, lodged on a reef. Peters examined the hulk with his binoculars and determined that the wreck was that of the Mary. Peters hoped he was getting close.

"Well, I have two main points; Firstly, I think we should sign a treaty that promises a state of non-agression between our nations, and outlines boundries; Secondly, I have heard of a telegraph line starting in your nation. If you could propose a deal for my settlement to join with it, I would be most delighted."

Excerpt from the RSS Yoilop Log
Captain Pierce Edington commanding

---- the 20th, 1870

More travel down the Green Coast. Have encountered several refugee tribes- apparently from the colonies down south. Some have gotten the idea of striking back at them. Other seem just to live out their lives. Funny. Back in Wallistown they're the ones who are on the larger foot. Heck- the Colony is about the size of two Quarters and that's about it. But I have faith that we will expand.

Back on the subject, still sailing pass the Costline. Have heard word that there's a Colony down the coast. Mayhaps I will encounter them. Have made several stops along the coast for fuel and such. Made notations on the map. Here's to hope that we encounter them

Construction on Fort Nicholston was well underway, a few weeks construction revealing a neat, trim pallisade, and several structures inside the grounds of the fort. The Indian villagers ahd proved quite willing to help the Slavs, after seeing the quantity of gold and trinkets that came with them. A fear of the booming guns and sleek bayonetted rifles still lingered in the minds of the villagers, butt hey ahd learned to at least partially trust the foreigners. They were friendly towards the natives, their leader having presented an ornate European sword to the village elder. They had laughed as the old man had trouble lifting the blade. It was not the best of times with the invaders, but it certainly was not the worst.

Admiral, and soon to be governor Peter Kreschnev sat in his cabin towards the rear of the large man of war. She was an aging vessel, relying on good old fashioned wind to power her. The small state of Generia could ill afford the powerhouses of the British empire, the great steam vessels. She was a good and sturdy vessel however, survivor of the first Imperial fleets to patrol the Black Sea. Admiral Kreschnev stood up, looking around at the polished wood. There was a distinct mark on the left wall, where a cannonball from a Russian frigate had nearly taken his head off. The window to his cabin was patched, shattered from the recent storms of the Indian Ocean. He smiled. She was indeed a good vessel. She had weathered much, not unlike himself, and Generia.

Kreschnev returned to his chair. He ran his fingers over the decorated hilt of the ornate saber that set upon the wooden desk. A gift from Emperor Nicholas I, it had saved his life many a time during the bitter Crimean wars. Englishman and Russian alike had fallen before that blade. It was a cavalry saber, forged by Generian masters upon the great steppe.

A cossack's blade for a cossack. Kreschnev wondered how he had ever gotten here. He longed to be back upon his war steed, raiding the Russian villages alongside his men. But they were all dead now, and he was here, a naval man with a cavalry man's sword. The irony killed him.

In two more weeks, the fort was finished. The spare cannons and supplies from the ships were unloaded, and used to establish the supremacy of the fort, overlooking the secluded quiet harbor. Kreschnev had sent his smaller frigate back with a letter telling of their progress in the new land. Hopefully the Emperor would be pleased, and would send reinforcements. He may even overlook Kreschnev's past transgressions that had earned him this assignment.

"A telegraph line? Certaintly!" remarked General Kohl. I've been meaning to lace the island of Bali into our shpere with the telegraph....now, let's find an island or strait that is half way between Java and Timor so that we can ascertain spheres of influence."
__________________

The Captain Ericksen continued to pilot the old warship Congress northward along the coast of Burma. Ericksen had not seen anything spectacular while heading north.
Then, from the crow's nest, "Ship ahoy!"

It had been several days since the last ship came through; an empty steamer (What was with all those newfangled boats running around these days?!) that wasnt hardly worth the attention, so, the crew brightened up when the sloop appeared on the horizon. Swinging into full activity, the crew of the Halibut Dream brought the ship on line with the now-stationary sloop.

It was odd, how a ship that saw a pirate coming for it would stop-only could be a trap, or maybe it was something legit....Jack had something similar happen several times before.

And the white flag they were waving? Something was up, indeed.

Colonel Donavan studied the map between them.
"Well, this seems an ideal location-See here, Sumbawa and Flores? We could place our boundary extending north from the western most tip of Sumba, so it is in between the two small islands adjacent to Sumbawa and Flores. I suppose Sumba itself would belong to us, as it would be within our sphere of influence. How does that strike you?"

General Kohl looked over the map carefully. "Very good." he nodded "Its a done deal, then. We've both added islands to our empires, and you will have a telegraph line." The general lit a cigar and called "Now how about lunch?"
___________________

Captain Peters waved a white cloth and the two ships came together. The Kaufmanstad Navy Ensign went up and Captain Peters said "Are you Captain Jack McNeal?" Peters reached inside a pocket and took out General Summer's letter. "I am Captain Martin Peters of the sloop Java."

(RP Jack's reading of the letter)

"That is a most excellent proposal." Colonel Donavan rised his glass. "To the fine people of Kaufmanstad and Poznon-may they always live in peace together!"

Excerpt from the RSS Yoilop Log
Captain Pierce Edington commanding

---- the 22th, 1870

First identification of a foreign ship. Although it is a ghastly thing, I recognize some elements of our design. It has a steamwheel. It has armored planks. It also has several cannons- large ones in fact. The only thing that's missing is the sails and the castles. If they had those- then I would have mistaken it for a Republican ship.

We have made the necessary signals to the other ship on making harbor on a nearby cay. I'm not too sure if they understand Basic- but I hope they will take the hint of us detouring to the cay. I wonder if they are the Kaufstaders. Who knows? Maybe they'll be interested in trade.

"Interesting. People sending out ships to find a pirate to give him a letter. Sounds like a crazy scheme to me." Jack chuckled to himself and took the offered letter. Upon reading of it, however, all humor drained from his face. When he finished, he folded it up and slipped it into his pocket.

"Captain Peters, you may return to your masters. Tell them they will have an answer inside of a week. That is all."

Jack turned and entered his cabin, the debate already going on in full force in his head.

OOC: I probably should have given a more detailed description of the Congress. It is a a 40 gun frigate built in 1799, that was uprgraded in the 1840's with the addition of a steam engine.

IC:

The other ship was sending flag signals, which were not clear. However, the actions of the foreign vessel were clear and Captain Ericksen directed the Congress toward a small island, where the foreigners had anchored and had dispatched a landing party. Ericksen did the same, he had the ship's long boat lowered and got in it with several sailors, most of the senior officers, and a few marines. Ericksen, in his blue and green-cuffed uniform landed on the beach a few moments after the strangers. He welcomed them.
"Greetings! I am Captain Arthur Ericksen of the KNS Congress," he walked toward the leader of the strangers and extended his hand, "I have come from Java, part of the Kaufmanstad East Indies."
_____________________

Captain Peters tipped his hat. "When you make your desicion, Captain, you are more than welcome to come to Singapore. If not, the Java will be in the area for a week or so."
With that, Peters saluted the pirate, and sailed off.
_____________________

After lunch, the general had an idea. "I see many years of friendship between our nations. Say, a photographer arrived on the packet here yesterday, would you be interested in getting a portrait?"

*Life in the three Kihamerian citys was flourishing, the basic city building tactics were used to a great extent with the two major citys on Kalimantan, and on Sulawesi old native buildings were simply reconstructed to fit new purposes. The Conquest was ferrying troops from Shanghai to Red City quickly and effeciently, now about 1000 trained soldiers from Shanghai were there, about 500 citizens voulentered and were trained into soldiers, and about 500 natives joined the Kihamerians, all in all 2000 more troops were recruited in Red city alone. Two ironclads were built, both similar to the Virginia in style, along with two other large wooden boats, of an odd design, built to carry large ammount of cargo long distances. In the city of Emil, the city settled to connect the two ends of the Telegraph line, a large ammount of fruit trees were found, along with more friendly natives, so trade was good. In Altanville the natives had slowly stopped all raids, so production, exploration and gathering increased slowly.*

"A photograph portrait? Why, that would be most novel, than you. I assure you, I won't be draining you of luxury items for much longer."

Shan Province- Berma

The attack began with a charge on one side of their position. 10,000 rebel troops against 2,400 Novgovans. Howitzers and cannons with grape shot mauled the opponent when they charged. Those who made it through the barrage were subjegated to rifle shots from dug in Novgovan troops. The few who made it through all that were bayoneted. The troops initally retreated behind skirmish lines before beginning again. This time the entire army, which encircled them, began having a shooting contest with the Novgovans.

Although the Novgovans were outnumbered, the ineffectiveness of the obsolete weapons carried by the rebels and the well defended Novgovans with artillery, managed to make them disorganized and again withdrew with casualties, while Novgovan casualties were relatively light. Nevertheless, the rebels had access to supplies- the Novgovans didn't. Water was becoming scarce, and so were artillery rounds. They were now restricted for use only if another charge was made.

Captain Pierce Edington didn't quite understand them. Some of the words he recognized as part of Tradertalk but not much more. He motioned Bo'sun Malkin to attempt to hail them through Tradertalk- or at least the closest dialect to what they were saying. As Bo'sun Malkin was trying to interpret the usual "Hail Stranger" speech, Captain Pierce Edington took a notice at the foreigner's ship. It seemed rather...advanced in certain areas and...decrepid in others. If only the foreigners had added more sails and placed the rutterwheel in the rear, then it would have a passing resemblence to a Republican ship. But the ship itself resembled a crosskey and not much else. There wasn't even a cosbod* in the front to ward off pirates...
-----------------
*a battery with two cannons attached on a wheel stuck in the forecastle

OOC=-> Captain Pierce Edington's ship is more or less resembles a junk with armory on it's broadside and front.

Is it just me, or did this thread suddenly die?

ummm....

The photographer set up the camera and instructed General Kohl and Colonel Donovan to sit. He carefully removed the lens cap. "Still, please."
Five minutes passed and the cap was replaced. "Well, now you have something to take home." smiled the general.
"I hope many years of prosperity will now occur thanks to our meeting."
__________________

Captain Ericksen approached. "Hello, I am from Kaufmanstad, this is my ship, the Congress."
The strangers talked amongst themselves, obviously trying to make sense of what the Ericksen had said. The ship the strangers had arrived in looked like the Chinese vessels he had seen in Shanghai, except larger and with guns.
Finally, the strangers replied.

OOC: Sorry, I've been real busy this week!

"As do I, General. Thank you for this reception, but I must be departing. Farewell."

*it was a normal day in Red City, well, almost normal. the Conquest was Shceduled to arrive with about 200 more marines, so far there were about 600 marines, all trained and recruited form Shanghai and the surrounding area in China. the gathering of marines was a problem, there was little space to spare in the city, and food production was just keeping up with the demand, Vitali decided it was time to do soemthing, and this was to send a message to Poznon.*

To:Govenor Churchill of Poznon Timor
Greetings,
If Colonel Donavan has not informed you, a peace agreement was reached between us, along with a plan to take the large island of Australlia to the south. I wish to inform you that Kihamerian forces are ready, and i would like to ask when Poznonian forces will be ready to land upon the island. contact via message or telegraph.
signed, Govenor Vitali of Red city, Kihamerian Kalimantan.
*the message was written, and quickly sent to Poznonian Timor.*

(ooc:sorry if i got youre leaders mixed up or something Poznon, i am also sorry if "Poznonian" isnt the term you'd prefer.)

OOC: You know, I didn't actually have an adjective for Poznon.
To Governor Vital of Kihamerian Kalimantan
Greetings and Hello;
Colonel Donavan has yet to return to Timor; However, this news of an invasion shows he knows my wishes quite well, it would seem.
I will have 6,000 men available in a week, and they will depart from Port Sovereign, a town directly south of New Marshalltown(Dili). You are more than welcome to have your expeditionary force depart from here as well.

Governor Churchill
___

The 5,000 men of the 1st Timor Division, as well as 1,000 soldiers from Kellistown, are being called up for the invasion, which will be launched from Port Sovereign. Troops are being moved so as to fortify N. Marshalltown.

New Marshalltown:
2,000 Soldiers(30-33rd Regiments)
Kellsitown:
1,000 Soldiers(24-25th Regiments)
Port Sovereign:
1,000 Soldiers(26-27th Regiments)
Invasion Force:
6,000 Soldiers(1st Timor Division and 28-29th Regiments)

Shan Province- Berma

The attack began with a charge on one side of their position. 10,000 rebel troops against 2,400 Novgovans. Howitzers and cannons with grape shot mauled the opponent when they charged. Those who made it through the barrage were subjegated to rifle shots from dug in Novgovan troops. The few who made it through all that were bayoneted. The troops initally retreated behind skirmish lines before beginning again. This time the entire army, which encircled them, began having a shooting contest with the Novgovans.

Although the Novgovans were outnumbered, the ineffectiveness of the obsolete weapons carried by the rebels and the well defended Novgovans with artillery, managed to make them disorganized and again withdrew with casualties, while Novgovan casualties were relatively light. Nevertheless, the rebels had access to supplies- the Novgovans didn't. Water was becoming scarce, and so were artillery rounds. They were now restricted for use only if another charge was made.

To continue...

By daylight the next day, the situation was more desperate. Ammunition was running low and the line was in several occasions, being breached. The bugler during the morning was shot through the neck while trying to rally men and died instantly, lowering morale. Water was almost gone. Corpses were being stacked up as cover from bullets.

Yet, the fortification still held.

*Govenor Vitali nodded as he read the reply letter from Poznon.*
"This is good. we have four man o wars available, get two of them, and cram the marines aboard, load them with food and ammunition, and other supplies of course, and send them to Port Soverign as the letter said we could, and make sure we load them to the brim with food, we dont want them being a menace to Poznon."*Govenor Vitali then opened a draw and took out a feather pen, a ink vial, and a piece of parchment and wrote a reply.*
To Govenor Churchill
I graciously accept youre hospitality in allowing our force into Port Soverign, a joint invasion with both our forces should be much more effective than landing in differant groups. Our force is small, about eieght hundred, but well trained and well armed. we will send more men as they are armed and trained, and as land is secured in Australlia.
Signed, Govenor Vitali of Kihamerian Kalimantan.

Colonel Fallstaff of the 60th Regiment was lost. he was leading his men toward an town on the Malay-Burmese border and now the colonel was hopelessly lost.
The colonel and his staff stared intently at a map. They knew they were close, but were un-sure of which way to go. A wrong turn might take them into Novgovan territory, or into territory held by rebels. The 60th was well supplied, but again, a wrong turn could make those supplies useless.
Colonel Fallstaff finally came to a decision and marched further northward.
Locals told Fallstaff, through an interpreter, that Novgovan and rebel forces were not too far away.....
Fallstaff thought he heard cannon in the distance. Must be thunder, he thought.

"Hail to the Master of the Congress. Thy hast been greeted in the name of the Republic of Kay Son. We hath been in sight for a nation under the banner of the Kofmonstaders, whom hath been our most ancient ally ten by ten twice years ago. Perhaps thy would'st be interested in a plotting of course to these fellows for my Commander is't so eager to find them. In exchange we can trade silks and wheelocks for information-" said the Bo'sun.

((I've been on vacation for a while. I should have something soon.))

Silks! Excellent, thought Captain Ericksen. As he talked with the Kay-Sunners, Ericksen sent some sailors back to the Congress for maps, fresh fruit, beer, and rifle.
Ericksen rolled out the map on a nearby rock and pointed to the provinces within the Kaufmanstad East Indies, Java and Malaysia. He then offered the fruit and beer as refreshment to the Kay-Sunners and offered the repeating rifle as a gift to their captain.
"I don't have much to give besides information," chuckled Ericksen, "but I can give you this rifle and Kaufmanstad hospitality."

General Kunditz, Commander of the Indies Foreign Expeditionary Force, stood on the town hall balcony, looking down upon the Port Sovereign docks. Millitary activity of soldiers walking onto and out of ships and crates stamped 'G.D.P. Army' being lifted onto boat decks was the singular activity at the docks that day. The Army had breech-loading cannon, a few Gatling Guns, and almost every soldier had a repeating rifle. Kunditz was proud of them.

The Captain poked the Bo'sun. The two quickly exchanged some talk with the Bo'sun turning to the Captain-

"My Captain hast commanded me to query if you are the Kafmansters in question. Much have been made of lore by the Kafmansters and their Calvin King. Thy threads and manners have striking shades of their talk, with the modern deviances subtracted of course."

Captain Ericksen chuckled. "We are indeed of Kaufmanstad, and if my knowledge of history serves me right, our respective nations began down the path of colonialism side by side. I have a cousin who actually lives in Calvintown, Presidentsland." Ericksen bowed and made a joke. "Its good to meet old friends again."

OOC: I'm going to start something, heh heh heh

IC:

The Indies had been quiet and General Kohl was proud of himself. He had performed negotiations with almost every power in the region and all was at peace. Kohl now turned his eyes to the mysterious continent of Australia.
After a brief consultation with his subordinates, and he dispatched the 46th Regiment, as well as the gunboats Coast City and Johnson, to find a harbor of some sort on Australia's west coast.

(ooc:indeed. Although, to bring it to youre notice, i think youre numbers are quiet large Kauf. how do you get thousands of people from youre islands ? it takes time for people to grow, train, etc. and sicne the limit was 8000 men was it ? well, i have stated my points. i am prepared mind you.)
ic:
"Is there any word from the men dispatched to Port Soverign ?"*asked govenor Vitali.*
"Yes, if our maps hold correctly they should be there, unless the wind and tides were against them the whole way."*replied his first mate.*
"Any word from our ironclads ?"*asked Vitali, a hush came over the room.*
"No sir, to our knowladge they are still..."*said the first mate.*
"I knew it ! they are gone, lost at sea ! i knew building ironclads in these shallow waters !"*shouted one of the officers, interupting the first mate.*
"That is why i sent them ahead, i didnt tell you, only my first mate and the captians, nothing offical was made or signed, but they were en route to Emil, there a telegraph was waiting telling them to head to protect our interests in Australlia, until our main force gets there. They are to the northwest of the island, to protect our landing spot, they have orders to head south along the western side of the island, as not to arouse suspicion, one ironclad can decimate an entire wood fleet, two can decimate anything, native settlements, intruders on our land, and so on."*said govenor Vitali, the room marveled, Vitali wasnt the kind of man to do anything and not tell anyone. this was suspicious.*"Anyway, we have sent six-hundred marines ahead, load any spare troops on the ships we have built here, save our Man o wars for other cargo. Overload them with supplies aswell, im sure our inital marine assault upon the island will ware on our troops, and the Poznon troops. Get it done, this must succede the first attempt."*said Govenor vitali, this made even more suspicion arise, but his orders were carried out.*


*Meanwhile, at port Soverign the two Kihamerian man o wars came into the port flying flags of truce. the two ships were the KNV Sabre and the KNV Osiris. The Osiris seemed slightly larger, and well armed and armored, this was the flagship of this expedition. a small rowboat was lowered from the decks of the crowded Osiris and eieght people got in,they all looked like sailors, except one had a sabre in its sheath strapped to his back, and one was dressed in more offical clothing and was holding a small box. the six avrage looking sailors began rowing the boat to the docks, besides for the man with the sabre they were mostly unarmed, two pistols were stored in wooden boxes at the back of the rowboat, and at the front was a rotating iron loop, designed for a musket or rifle, but neither was in the loop. the row boat slowly approached the docks.*

"So they do exist- lines did falter during the Wars and never we heard again from them. Perhaps thee could tow our ship-"

Just then some crewmembers came with a large trunk and set it down near the makeshift table.

"Here art thy payment for thee information. Perhaps thee could escout my Commander to your fair nation. We also have this for your ruler-"

One of the crewmembers revealed a very ornate flintlock musket with gilded locks, silver bands, and wooden carvings in the stock.

The Poznon force was very near ready. It was decided that the fleet would consist mostly of Man o' War-sized 'transports': Large, lightly-armed ships. The risk was taken so as to transport the most amount of men, and because it was decided they would not be attacked between Timor and Australia.
The fleet did, however, have one fully-armed Man o' War, the PNS Endurance, the flagship of the Poznon East Indies Foreign Expeditionary Force. Two ironclads would also accomopany the ships.

A lieutenant standing near the docks spotted a Kihamerian ship lower a rowboat, and summoned a passing sergeant.
"Call for General Kunditz! The Kihamerians are here."

OOC: I probably should have addressed this more clearly to everyone at the beginning that it was not necessary for everyone to start from scratch with a handful of colonists, etc. The only limitations I put on everyone were those on the start military forces. Sorry :(

IC:

Near Western Australia....
The small convoy carrying the 1,000 men of the 46th sailed southward on the westcoast with the Coast City leading the way. Eventually, they reached a harbor that seemed ideal for a frontier post. The 46th was landed, and they named the fort "Fort Perth" (this is RL Perth, Australia) in honor of Colonel Hiram Perth of the 46th. The mission of the 46th in Australia was to determine if that mysterious continent was worthy of conquest.

Near Burma.....
Captain Ericksen marveled at the presentation musket, then handed it to a nearby seaman to be taken to the Congress. "I will make sure that the musket is delievered to my president." Ericksen bowed. "The great colonial wars, very troublesome time indeed. You will be surprised to note that a descendant of one of Presidentsland's heroes lives in Jakarta. Robert van Os, mayor of Jakarta, is a direct descendant of Commander Jacob van Os, hero of New Stuville, and famous Indian fighter."
Ericksen then turned to face the Congress and the Kay-Sonners ships, "Now then, let's discuss giving your ships a tow down to Jakarta."

A small fishing boat heads out to fish. Vietnam with it's lush jungles was a perfect place to train soldiers in jungle warefare. In Manilia, The Colonial Government was happy about the new underwater telegraph system, It ang Saigion could get messages faster.

(ooc:well apparently we did start from scratch, but didnt you list in youre first post that youre town was small until one of youre leaders found promise in it ?)
ic:
*the rowboat was rowed to the docks, as a rope was thrown to secure the ship so that the people could disembark, a splash was heard. the man with the sabre on his back jumped into the water, and manually climbed on the docks. the fellow that looked liek the first mate came on the docks after the rope was secured. the first mate carried the small box with him. they talked in a strange language, native Kihamerian, and then they looked around for any people who looked like officals in the city, they once again spoke in native Kihamerian.*"Ki hyre, so skep ti"*said the man with a sabre on his back.*
"Yu sem, ke pol-dar"*replied the first mate. the two then approached a person who looked offical enough for them.*
"Hail, i am Victor Germogen, captian of hte KNV Osiris. I am here to join up with.."*his first mate leaned fowards and whisperd something in his ear.* "Yes, we are here to meet with Poznonian forces, do you know who is in charge around here?"

The lieutenant answered, "Hello, Captain Germogen. I've sent for General Kunditz, he is the leader of the--Ah, here he is."
General Kunditz, a tall, lean man, dressed in light blue uniform, approached the Kihamerians.
"Captain Germogen of the KNV Osiris." announced the lieutenant.
"Hello, Captain, I'm William Kunditz, and I'll be leading my Poznonians to Australia." Kunditz gestured towards the ships. "As you can spy, we are almost ready to depart. Shall you be commanding the Kihamerians?"

"Yes, i will be leading our forces on Australlia."*Victor Germogen was tall aswell, but he had a beard, he looked in his early thirties, but he was still athletic. he wore a simple sailors uniform, except of course for the sabre on his back.*"We dont have to many men to land with, but many more forces are preparing as we speak, A cousin of mine should be leading them. It is odd, back on Kihameria us Germogens were few and far between, but now two of us are in the military and another is the govenor and the leader of this entire expedition, but i am sure you dont want to hear my blabering on about my Family. This..."*he said, geaturing for his first mate to give him the small box.*"This box contains two diamond rings, most rings have a nice diamond in them, but these are chiseled diamond, and it would be pure but us Kihamerians have an affinity for Shappires, and a shappire is normally where a diamond would be put in a normal ring, i hope it doesnt offend you if you are not married, General Kunditz."*said Victor.*

"Why, sir, my and my wife's deepest thanks to you. If I may," Kunditz motioned to an aide, who haded him a small wooden case. "I would like to present to you this small oblation. It is a gold-plated telescopic glass, that can spot a scoundrel on a raft from a sizeable distance. I hope a discerning seaman such as yourself finds it adequate. Now, let us talk of the impending expedition, shall we?"

The Bo'sun and the Captain quickly exchanged words with the Captain nodding. Negotiations were soon started on how the ship would be towed and the course that they would follow. The Bo'sun wasn't too sure on how the ship would be towed and queried the foreigner on how it would be achieved.

"Thank you, i have been needing a spyglass for quite some time. My old one, well.. lets say it cracked under pressure, they tend not to make good maces in a fighting situation. And yes, let us talk about the impending expedition. I think Australia is a very large desert, but it is land and thusfore usefull, ive heard its full of old British convicts and natives, i think they call the Aboriginese. Now, the plan i heard was for us to meet here, and then sail to either Darwin or Derby as the British called them, unload there and then we will wait for reinforcments which shouldnt be more than a day or two behind us, and then we make a mad dash for Melbourne, which will be neutral territory if i understood correctly, if it isnt neutral, i must be mistaken. Anyway, that is our plan, do you wish to talk about soemthing more specific perhaps ?"

(ooc:Could we perhaps talk on AIM Poznon about all this ?)

Captain Ericksen soon discussed with the Kay Sonners on which ships could run on their own power, etc. After lengthy deliberation, ropes were prepared to link the Congress with one of the Kay Son ships.
___________

The 46th settled in to their new accomadations in south western Australia. Colonel Perth oversaw the construction of barracks and supply warehouses. The gunboats Coast City laid anchor and the Johnson steamed back to Jakarta to report.

OOC: Again, I apologize for not being more clear, I was anxious to get the thread started. Anyway, my goal for the 46th Regiment is for either Kihameria or Poznon to capture them and either send them home or take them prisoner. I'm trying to start a conflict to make things more interesting. So, Kihameria, why don't you have your forces take out the 46th?

(ooc:i guess i should, only it is a joint operation, so if you stir something up, you have two nations attacking you, along with other, less conventional tactics.)

Excerpt from the RSS Yoilop Log
Captain Pierce Edington commanding

---- the 24th, 1870

So- we have met the Kaufstaders. They seem nice although seem to have corrupted their trade talk even more. The Bo'sun has managed to ferry the gap between us.

I am not too sure if the rest of the fleet will impress the Kaufstaders. Sadly I managed to test out their firepower. No wheelock and no matchlock can ever match the range of their guns. I sincerely doubt that our crossbow guns will even be effective in their new style of war. The only advantage that we have in weapondry is our ships and enginek- and even that isn't a comforting thought.

I have agreed for their ship to tow us to their colony. From the accounts on Cavintown, I'm expecting one of those fortress towns decked out with guards and men. It could be like the Quarter- seperate enclaves for their subjects. But I'm not entirely too sure since the accounts stop when our Colony died out.

I wonder what will happen to the wheelock that I gave him as a sign of the Republic. No doubt serving as a state gift, gaining dust and all. I wonder how will my crew fair in their country. Will they stay true to their bonds or be lured by vixens of a darker shade? I have instructed Bo'sun to carefully monitor them when shore leave comes.

I wonder how Wallistown is fairing. I hope I can get some of the Kaufstader guns to help them. Just tenscore would surely boost our successess.

OOC; really sorry i have been away for a while but i have been very busy, even to Rp right now.

IC: Shan Province, Burma-

On the 3rd day, about a quarter of the Novgovan troops could no longer fight because of wounds or exhustion. It was decided then that a breakout would have to be necessary for their survival. On the next day, the men fixed bayonets. At about 6 AM they charged, initially taking their besiegers by surprise. However, the men could sware they heard a bugle and in a minute or two they saw the enemy troop formations collapse and most immediately turned back toward their trench. It was Admiral Grey and his troops had decided to attack the rebels conincidentally at the time of the attempted breakout.

Because of poor communications, some Novgovan troops accidentally made it not only beyond the rebel lines, but also beyond the Novgovans under Grey and were now in the jungle. By 1 PM, the rebels were seeming to retreat and the search for missing, and the wounded could begin.

OOC: Kihameria, that's cool, I think we need a little international conflict to spice things up.
IC:

As Ericksen watched the Kay-Sunners file back aboard their ships, he suddenly became aware of the dilapidated state of their weaponry.
They carried matchlock and wheel lock muskets; some had cross bows! The Sharps repeating rifles Ericksen's marines carried were more than a match for the medieval state of the Kay-Sunners.
He also marveled at the loyalty and memory of these people. They obviously held Kaufmanstad in high regard from friendship cultivated over 200 years ago. Captain Ericksen felt very proud that he was the first to greet these noble people and was anxious to introduce them to General Kohl.

(ooc:yeah, i think me and Poznon are waiting to talk on AIM, but my computer is messing up... anyway, how big is the (46th ?) regiment ?)

OOC: Can you go on AIM now, Kihameria, or still having troubles?

OOC: The 46th Regiment has a total of 1000 men, they are in an earthwork fort with no artillery. They do not expect to get attacked by anyone, so at any given time, there will probably be only 20 men on picket or guard duty. They are armed with model 1863 Sharps Repeating Rifles.

(ooc:yeah, im on AIM alot, but just away. leave me a message when you get on, i should get back to you soon. And thanks for the info Kaufmanstad.)

The 46th Regiment built barracks and a storehouse, occasionally sending out a patrol to survey the regiment's new surroundings. The Kaufmanstaders continued to settle in, not expecting anything too spectacular to occur during their stay in Australia.

OOC: Is Australia still going to be attacked?

(ooc:Yeah, but we havent spoken on AIM yet, i had an idea for some action, but i guess there will be some. So, Poznon, you just want to land our men, make a dash for Melbourne, and i will deal with Kaufmanstad ?)

OOC: Sorry, I haven't been able to get on for a while. But that sounds good.

(ooc:OK, i think we were talking about the expedition IC, i mentioned the plans for a mad dash to Melbourne, does that suit you Poznon ? and then i will bring in forces to deal with Kaufmanstad.)

OOC: Okay.

IC: General Kunditz nodded.

"Yes. I feel we should land at Darwin. It seems to at the half-way point of the continent.

"Also, I should tell you, my initial landing force will consist of 2,000 men. The rest will come a day or so after."

Captain Pierce Edington stood in the for'c'stle, staring at the Kaufmanstaders.

"Captain?" queried the Bo'sun.

"You know- with the weapons that the Kaufstaders have- we could expand Wallistown to cover the whole island." the Captain remarked.

The Bo'sun didn't say anything.

"In fact-" continued the Captain, "We could even make our Republic T'sinsin and not Kay Son."

The Bo'sun took notice of some sailors hauling up some fruits on deck from Kaufstad Bay.

"When did they say that they were going to tow us?" the Captain asked, finally turning to the Bo'sun.

"Two turns" replied the Bo'sun, pointing out the chains that had been tied to the two ships.

"Interesting. Try flag the Kaufstaders on if they can loan some of their flincaps(*) for some testing" said Captain Edington, turning away from the other ship.

"Exchange of goods?" uttered the Bo'sun, motioning to First Mate to get Flagman ready.

"Yes."

The Bo'sun saluted Captain Edington as he left the for'c'stle.
----------
*= flintcaps

"That is no problem, our landing forces will initally be of a mere six hundred, the rest are on thier way here by now, and they will arrive a day or so behind us. Well enough talk, no offense if you like to talk General Kunditz, i am more a man of action, shall we depart ?"*said Victor, looking at the Poznon General.*

Lieutenant Owens was the first to notice the signals. Seaman Jones translated them.
Captain Ericksen personally went aboard the Kay-Sunners's ship.
"From what I gather, you gentlemen would like to trade for something?"
The captain bowed, "Whatever you need, just ask!"

Captain Pierce Edington stared at the pistol that was tucked at the side of Captain Ericksen. He turned to the Bo'sun. The Bo'sun nodded.

"My leige lord would'st like to trade sandalwood and fishscale coats in exchange for your musketry. The exquisite skill illustrated in thy musket doth does amazeth him and he would like to take a loan of it. A box of eight and thirty will doth do well for his leige lord."

A seaman opened a small case to reveal sandlewood planks cushioned with folded vests that seemed to sparkle in the sun. Sewn on the edges of the sleeve and collar were silk borders with elaborate patterns set in. Some of them even were criss-crossed with the silk borders, marking the coats in the semblance of a wealthy merchant's vest.

Captain Ericksen was amazed at the wealth presented before him.
"Uh, well, yes, uh..." the captain began to stutter, then cleared his throat.
"I do not think I have that many weapons available to you on the Congress, however, I do believe I can spare 15 rifles and make sure you get the rest of them when we arrive in Jakarta. Until then, I'll take just one of these vests." Ericksen scratched his head. "Oh, I'll also make sure you get at least 20 rounds of ammunition per gun."

"My leige lord thanks for your kindness" said Bo'sun.

Captain Pierce Edington simply stood there, smiling with his eyes staring at the Kaufastader ship.

(An hour later)

Two shots rang out from the starboard side of the ship. Captain Pierce Edington lowered the rifle. A splash could be heard a league away.

He then looked upon the gun.

"Good shot-sir" said the Bo'sun, hesitating to break the silence on the ship.

"Is Seaman Oniuli present?" asked the Captain.

A man on his left stepped away from the crowds and saluted him.

"Seaman- take one of the rifles that the Kaufstaders gave to us and see if you can determine how it is made. Also see if you can replicate it on a musket stock."

"Yes-Sir!" said Seaman Oniuli, saluting, and walking away to the grillhatch.

Captain Pierce Edington tapped the metal barrell of the gun.

"I see great future with this."

"Oh, yes, of course! My conversationally-inclined aides must be brushing off on me." Kunditz called together his colonels, who shouted orders in turn to their subordinates.

The Poznon fleet was prepared to depart.

"Indeed, my aides have been rubbing off on me aswell."*Victor put his right hand over his left shoulder and rubbed the hilt of his sabre.* "Luckily, most of my aides talk wiht thier swords. So, We shall sail togather, i shall talk with thee when we land in Darwin !"*said Victor, who then jumped back into the water and swam back to his flagship, in a few moments time evreytihg was ready, the Kihamerian ships lowered their sails slowly, waiting for Poznon to do the same.*

OOC: hey Kaufmanstad - want to fast forward the action to the actual arrival in your colony?

OOC: Sure thing.

After a few weeks at sea, the Congress, with the Kay-Sunners in tow, arrived at the bustling harbor of Jakarta. The ironclad monitor Turtle greeted the flotilla at the harbor entrance. The Turtle was the first ship of its kind seen by the Kay-Sunners, and they were easily impressed by it.
The ships were soon tied up at the docks. After reaching land, Captain Ericksen took Captain Edington ashore. "Well Captain, this is Jakarta, capital of the Kaufmanstad East-Indies." Ericksen turned to face a greek-revival hotel facing the harbor, "I will get rooms for your officers over there, at the Hotel d'Stuville, then I will arrange a meeting between you and General Kohl at Government House." Ericksen paused, "Any questions, gentlemen?"

"Farewell!" called Kunditz. Bells across the docks signaled the boarding call. Soldiers and sailors filed onto the ships. Admiral Powell, aboard the flagship Endurance with Kunditz, called out, "All ready! Move out!" The ships lowered their sails and set out of port with the Kihamerians.

*As soon as the Poznon forces began to move, the Kihamerian ships set full sail towards Port Darwin. Aboard the KNV Osiris, Captian Victor Germogen was walking around on deck, waiting, it was only a matter of time before they reached Australlia, which was a short distance away. Once there, if the plans held, there would be little waiting before a massive dash across the contenient. Victor was impatiently awaiting the challenges, natives, animals, the weather, and who knows what else.*

*Meanwhile, the two Kihamerian ironclads were along the western shore of Australlia, from a very long distance they had spotted what they thought was a camp. It was fuzzy, and from a very long distance, this alarmed the Kihamerians, without word, they decided to move away north, and head to Darwin to meet with other Kihamerian forces.*

The Bo'sun and Captain Edington just looked agape at what was around them. In Captain Edington's mind, the entire world would be at his command with such technologies. In the Bo'sun's mind, everything was changed.

It was only after some time that the Bo'sun noticed that the Kaufstader had spoken and replied;

"What about the men?"

"Your crew? Ah, yes." Ericksen pointed to an older structure on the water front. "Your crew has the use of that old barracks while they stay here. Now, if you'll follow me, we will go meet General Simon Kohl, Governor of the Kaufmanstad East Indies."

When Captains Ericksen and Edington entered Kohl's office, the general was busy reading correspondence from Fort Perth in Australia, Genral Summer in Malay, and instructions and other news from the homeland.

Captain Edington looked towards his Bo'sun to see if he had the gift with him. Surely enough, the vest was carefully lodged between his chest and hand. Captain Edington just shook his head. As fine as the vest was in it's embroidery and color, it seemed to pale against the force that Captain Erickson's pistol had. Captain Edington snapped out of his visions of glory and motioned the Bo'sun to make good on his greetings.

"Excuse me milord-" said the Bo'sun.

General Kohl took a puff of his cigar and turned to face Captain Edington and his entourage. "Greetings, gentlemen. I'm General Simon Kohl, I'm sorry about the lack of formality here, but I've been meeting with many of the other colonial leaders, that, well, I'm sick of ceremony." Kohl made his way to a shaded veranda and motioned the Kay-Sunners to sit. Kohl took another puff of his cigar, "Now, where do you gentlemen hail from?"

"We doth do hail from the colony of Wallistown, which doth does lie 30 leagues east of here, near the Wheel of Storms, and some distance north of the Stormy Coasts. The colony is ruled by the fair Republic of Kay Son, in which is named by a Treaty in which the Bloody Wars did end with the capital afix'd at T'sin T'sun, the duchy fair in which my city, the Frenchfor Quarter, was spared and allow'd to prosper."

The Bo'sun paused for a breath.

"We doth do seek relations 'tween our fair nation as based by the former colony we had on Eseyente, for relation did transpire 'fore the fair colony of our land did fall unto ruin. We doth do promise clothing and food in turn for your wonderous matchlocks, for they are of a higher breed than ours, and is much requir'd for Wallistown, for our colony doth do struggle day by day against the heath'n savages that doth do transpire and plot our demise."

OOC: Sorry I've been out a while, so I'll make this short.

General Kohl entertains the Kay-Sonners, and introduces them to Major Franz Weismann, a hard-driving drill instructer, leader of a battallion.
Kohl is giving the Kay-Sonners 150 Spencer rifles, Weismann's expertise in training, and his 500 Kaufmanstaders.

(My computers acting weird)

the bo'sun thanks the gov. for the aid. in reply, 3 chests of silk garments and vairous jewelry are given. captain pierce stays in the city for a week before leaving. (i'm lazy)

OOC: Lazy? That makes two of us.

Major Weismann clicked his heels and saluted. "Captain Edington, it would be my pleasure to serve with you at Wallistown." he shook the captain's hand. "I look forward to teaching those heathens in your colony a lesson in civilization they will not forget. Also, I look forward to introducing your men to modern warfare!"
General Kohl sat down while Weismann went down the list of his military academy achievements, as well as battlefield experiences. "If you gentlemen have no other subjects to bring up, I will ask Commodore Wilkinson down at the navy yard to prepare the weapons and Major Weismann's battallion for transport."

It had been two days since the meeting had taken place with much of the people on the ship being awed and overwhelmed at the success that the Kaufstaders possessed. In the eyes of the Bo'sun, this was a bad thing, due to the sense of inferiority that spread throughout the crew like wildfire. In fact, the only thing that saved the crew from ending up as savages was their gold coins and skill with the knife.

As for Captain Edington, ambition had marked and flagged him. Almost every hour he was at the firing range, firing the rifles and pistols constantly, the glint of greed aparent in his eyes. In one particular event, Captain Edinton had used one of the pistols to punish the Third Mate, thereby getting rid of his ambition to become Captain.

The Bo'sun rubbed his face. Although these new guns would advance Wallistown to great lengths, there would be cost in Kayson culture as well. Honour, long since dead in the Gunpowder Age, was now dust underneath Ambition's shoes.

I've come to the conclusion that this thread has run out of steam. I'm assuming that Kihameria and Poznon have both abandoned "Imperialism" so, I'm going to watch this thread for a couple days, and if nothing happens, if Kihameria and Poznon don't return, I'm just going to abandon this altogether.

(ooc: Nay, i am here, i am just waiting for Poznon, this thread, this idea, the whole thing is just awsome !)

Glad to see you're back, Kihameria!
Guess we're waiting on Poznon!

Kay Son: Let's fast-forward to Major Weismann's arrival at Wallistown with his battalion and the extra 150 rifles.

OOC: Yeah, Kaufmanstad, these Colonization threads have been great. Just been a bit busy of late.

Kihameria, I suppose we've reached Australia?

I forget that people have lives and that school is in session!

Anyway, speaking of colonization, follow this link!

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7054433#post7054433

(ooc:Poznon, i am sure we have made it to Australlia in this time.)

Just to let you know that I do still follow this thread, even though I don't participate anymore, since you are all going to Australia, and I have no interest in it. I do read what you people write, and i do hope you do continue it.

Excerpt from the Wallistown Register

...arrived Captain Edington and his crew. In the hull came the surprise of actual Kafstaders, whom came equiped with arms beyond any capability that ours have. In illustration of this gift, the Kaufstaders held a show at Wallis Square, firing 10 shots in space of a minute. This impressed the Admiral, whom did urge the visitors to exhibit their tactics against the Heathens. Although it is not known on which area of the colony that they will be formally garrissoned, it is known that with this firepower, the Colony has a chance to better itself than in the past.

Major Weismann, standing tall in his resplendent green uniform felt like some kind of time traveler. He noticed the startling difference between his soldiers, with repeating rifles, green kepis and smart green uniforms, contrasted against the medieval Kay Son soldiers.
Major Weismann could see only glory for him and his men here among the Kay Son.

Excerpt from the Wallistown Register

...a fight has broken out amongst Colonial Marines and the Kaufstader army. Supposedly the fight did have origins with the idea of the Kaufstader picking on the wife of a Marine who was helping out her father at Stone Arrow. In the end, the Marine did challenge the Kaufstader to a duel, with the Kaufstader shooting him for slapping his face with a glove. The Colonel and the Admiral is currently looking into matters in smoothing the altercation....

...in other news, Northpoint was attacked by Heathens. Due to the arms provided by the Kafstaders, this attack was driven back, and much territory gained within that area. The Admiral has approved plans on establishing an armory in that area to supply the Marines with more guns...

Major Weismann had the offending soldier thrown in a makeshift prison and put on a bread-and-water diet. His soldiers were dressed and armed smartly, but now they were acting smart.
As punishment for the whole battallion, Weismann stopped liquor rations for all of his troops and set heavy penalties for anyone caught drunk.

September --, 1870
Camp Raleigh, Wallistown, Kay-Sun East Indies

To his Excellency the Governor of Wallistown,
I am alarmed and very angry at the behavior of my troops recently. It would be my pleasure to hand over Private James Franklin for trial your court.
Signed,
Major Franz Weismann,
1st Battallion, 27th Infantry, ARK.

To: Major Franz Weismann,
1st Battallion, 27th Infantry, ARK.
September --, 1870
Camp Raleigh, Wallistown, Kay-Sun East Indies

I thank you for your mercy and your compassion

Also, on the matter, would you be open to the advancment that the 3rd Marine Division has had near Northpoint?

Admiral ---------
Gov.-General of Wallistown

Septembe --, 1870.

To His Excellency the Admiral-

My battallion awaits marching orders to the front! We eagerly look forward to a fight.

Signed,
Major Franz Weismann,
1st Battallion, 27th Infantry, ARK.

To: Major Franz Weismann,
1st Battallion, 27th Infantry, ARK.
September --, 1870
Camp Raleigh, Wallistown, Kay-Sun East Indies

Very well. Your orders are to march upon the Heathens in the area of Northpoint and to pacify them to the point of no resistance. The 4th Marine Infantry Division will be accompanying you in guiding to this place.

Admiral -------