Richmond Times-Dispatch; July-Dec 1907

[Carthaginian]

"Thad! Please, come in and take a seat. Have you given thought to those new programs that I sent over to you?" President Clark put his feet up on his desk; he'd found himself extremely comfortable with Deveroux as his Vice-President. The man had a sharp mind, and equally sharp eyes. Several of the programs sent over to his desk for review were actually takes on HIS ideas. "And have you figured out that bigger offices only give you more time to notice the walls closing in on you?"

"Yessir, I have- and yessir, I have. I was glad to know that Virginia's guns work as well as they are proving they can. I'm also glad that we've begun experiments with our land-based test guns to get an even greater effectiveness from them.

The aviation tender idea I find a bit far-fetched; I'm willing to be open-minded, but damn... can a ship at sea service one of those things? I mean, just getting it down to refuel at sea will be a job for an insane crew and an insane pilot! The ship's balance is another issue... looks to me in the plans like it'd be so top-heavy as to go turtle in the water at the first big wave. But they are saying build two, so I'll say go for it, Sir.

The other idea... well, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. I know that we don't have a lot of people for a country our size, but I think that this idea is a little extreme. I'd personally recommend against it... but if the Congress feels it necessary, we gotta go with it."

"I'm inclined to think the same way as you, Thad... all except on the aviation tender. If we can make something that heavy fly, then I think we should at least be able to land it where we want to. I believe that it'd be invaluable for increasing the range of action of our aerial scouts. Virginia's guns can range out la lot further with proper spotting; I've already given approval to fund that project. The final one...well, Congress has already began taking action on it. We are committed.

On a happier note, I've heard that Secretary Roosevelt is going to resign his post for the 1910 elections and pick you as a running mate. Congratulations!."

"Well, you know can't nothing be official till next year, Sir, but that appears to be what's going to happen. Teddy is a good man... never served with him directly, but we were both on the same front, so I heard tell of him. You don't make Colonel mid-war without earning it, and he did just that. All he needs him now is a good NCO to run things while he handles being the face." Deveroux grinned, as both men knew someone as bombastic as Roosevelt would never just 'be the face.' "Sorry for your friend Wilson, but I think that Teddy will take it at a walk."

"My friend, if that happens, I'll vote Confederate for the rest of my life."

"Then, Mr. President, I guess you'll be stopping your party dues in order to save money for the next two years." Deveroux grins again "Mayhaps you could use the savings to buy some more of those good Cuban cigars."

[Carthaginian]

*Downtown Atlanta, Georgia*

"Dammit... I knew we paid good money to get some dirt on them, but this is worth every penny! If I can put together a creditable story and go public with this before the elections---"

"You mean 'if you live long enough to put together a credible story and go public before the elections,' my good man. The people that are doing this are- as you can tell- not exactly good Christian souls---"

"So says a thief---"

"So says the man that hired one.

All our own failings before God aside, their guards were certainly sparing no expense in stopping me... I'll bet they used up $4.00 in .44 LeMatt as I was getting away, no to mention the one that was close enough to put a few pellets into me.

So watch your back, says I... or you might see those same men a'comin' your way and a'spendin' a fortune to keep others from kowing what you know now."

[Carthaginian]

*Pensacola, Florida*

"We have to go WHERE?!?! You've got to be bloody well JOKING!"

"Sorry, Commander. The orders are clear. You and Mount Chehaw are to be sent TDY to Sonora next June to an airbase that will be completed for you there. As of now, you're the only ship that will be going... but that might change quickly."

"Why in the HELL do we need to go to the Gulf of Cortez? What's out there that we need to be sent all the way across the country?!?! There are no threats to Dixie in the Pacific!"

"Regardless, Sir... orders are orders. I'll need you to notify your families and make arrangements for the move. And Sir, were it not for a very compassionate Vice President, you wouldn't know about this right now. He insisted personally that we give you at least half a year to get your families ready for the move. Said that anything less would be uncivilized."

"Families? On a TDY?"

Yes, Sir... if that tells you anytihng about how long you're going to be there..."