New Swiss News 1914

[Tanthalas]

January 16 1914

Players
Sir Edmund Devereux (Ambasador to Gran Columbia)
Aid 1
Aid 2

Sir Edmund Devereux surveyed the harbor at Cartagena, he wasnt sure when he would have his first meetings with the Gran Columbian Government.  the one thing he was sure of however was that the city didnt look nearly as dreadfully boring as he had bene led to belive it was.

Aid 1: Sir the Capitan has requested that I inform you we will be docking shortly.
Devereux: Very well, and the Arangements I requested?
Aid 1: Suitible housing has bene found and made ready acording to our agents last message, he should be waiting on the docks to show us to them.
Devereux: Good Good, and the Motor Carriages?
Aid 2: Sir your Zeypher is prepared to be disembarked as soon as we make port.
Devereux: Im more Concernd about the Ghost, than my Zeypher man, should I not ensure its delivery my head will be on a pike but I will ensure that yours is right beside it.
Aid 2: yes milord (shuffles through his Papers) sir the Ghost will not be unloaded for several hours after our arival.
Devereux: then you will wait here and ensure its safe delivery, one scratch on it and ill personaly see to your dismisal you understand me.
Aid 2: Yes milord
Devereux: The Staff?
Aid 1: (shuffling through papers) Yes sir mostly locals, however a few of our own people.
Devereux: Some of the Locals are assuredly spies we will have to keep a close eye on them.
Aid 1: they were all most strenuiously vetted Milord, what makes you think there will be spys among them?
Devereux: Because man if the situation was reversed we would be sure to plant a few spys among the help, but it looks as if we are about to dock good ill be glad to be on solid ground again.

[The Rock Doctor]

*Whistles innocently*

[Valles]

Spies? I'm certain that only the Columbians could have the resources to do such a thing in their own backyard.

[Tanthalas]

Players
Lord Henry: Lord Protector and Hereditary Monarch of New Switzerland (ill put in more when I work em out)
Prime Minister Clarke: aka official whipping boy
Lord Admiral Sellers: First Sea Lord
Charles: Official Butler to his Lordship

Setting
January 18th 1914, Royal Residence Phoenix 1200 hours

Charles: (opening the door to the Kings Office) Gentlemen his Lordship will see you now.
(Both men stand hurriedly and enter)
Lord Henry: (standing in front of his desk addressing Admiral Sellers) Archibald how good you could make it cares for a Brandy before we start (motions to Charles to get 3 brandies)

Sellers: Thank you Sir don't mind if I do

Lord Henry: (after all 3 men are Comfortably Seated) So gentlemen I suppose you wonder why I have called you both here or for that matter why im here at all, to the why im here well one cant very well Govern from half way a crossed the Empire can he.

Both men nod in agreement

Lord Henry: as to the why I called you both here however, Our Current state of Military affairs is an absolute JOKE, and not a very good one at that.  Sellers your Predecessor in that post authorized quite possibly the 2 worst Capital ships in the Pacific, why to even call them Arcadias is a travesty of the term.

Sellers: (attempting to deflect some of his old friends Wrath) But sire they were the best we could...

Lord Henry: (Interrupting) why build them at all then, why not simply buy them from someone that was capable of building a competent ship? As is our own yards are laid down faster better armed ships only a few months afterward (points to the Spring Styles for the Inflexible Class arrayed on the table).  They may not be able to go toe to toe with our Likely Opponents, but they will serve well as Scouts and Raiders.  I want more ships like them only even Better, Archibald im instructing you that our next ship should mount 9 guns and be capable of the same 28 knots as they are, Can you do it?

Sellers: Yes Milord (digs through his bags) here we are calling them the Monarch Class in honor of you milord

Clarke: I have seen the figures you just received already milord they will be Dastardly Expensive should we build them, Appropriations is calling for a repeat of the Inflexible Class, they are capable of out lasting any 12" ship in the Pacific.

Lord Henry: and what of the 14" ships or god forbid some of the 15" and 16" ships that other powers are proposing? No we need more weight to our broadsides Prime Minister, and that is Final.

Clarke: Yes Milord.

Lord Henry: Archibald other than the state of our newest Ships of the line, what is the status on the rest of the battle line?

Sellers: Worse than we could have Imagined Milord, of the 8 Capital commands currently in service we only possess 2 Arcadias and 2 serviceable pre arcadias, the other 4 are good only for Coastal defense work, and are Questionable for that purpose against newer opponents.

Lord Henry: so you're telling me that any of our Potential foes could close our sea lanes just for trying?

Sellers: No milord they might get it done but our Destroyers, and Cruisers would Bleed them heavily in the Process, I point out that we are bring large numbers of modern Destroyers online, and as to cruisers (once again diging through his Papers) May I present the Avenger class Armored Cruiser.

Lord Henry: My god man can we build them?

Sellers: Yes Milord and as you can see they have heavy guns and legs.

Lord Henry: Damn fine legs, these are superior to our Current Arcadias are they not?

Sellers: in many ways yes they are milord.

Clarke: another Dastardly expensive ship Milord, its Questionable if they will be able to serve in a traditional cruiser role.

Lord Henry: Mr. Clarke you will make these ships happen is I understood?

Clarke: Yes milord.

Lord Henry Good Gentlemen that's all I have time for at this moment, I have a meeting with Industry in 5 minutes, but I expect to see you again next week. (Stands indicating that the meeting is over and watches both men depart with puzzled expressions on their faces)

[Tanthalas]

Players
Lord Henry: Lord Protector and Hereditary Monarch of New Switzerland (ill put in more when I work em out)
Prince William: Eldest Brother to the King
Barron Rochester: Uncle to both men

Setting
December 16th 1914, Royal Residence Sydney 1900 hours, all 3 are sitting in Henrys study drinking Brandy

The Event

Lord Henry: I'm going and that's Final gentlemen, I'm quite sure that the Guards can see to my safety.

Rochester: Nephew it's not your safety we are Concerned about honestly it's the Succession, YOU HAVE NO HEIR.

Lord Henry: So you would have me stay bottled up within the Empire simply because I haven't a Wife and children, NO the world needs to see that we have changed my friends and a Royal wedding is the perfect opportunity to show that.  Should I die William will simply have to assume the Throne.

Prince William: You know very well that isn't an option Brother, the people would never accept me.  It was close enough to failure with me abdicating in your favor, and everyone thought well of you after the war.

Lord Henry: BAH true enough but still, while I remain unattached it keeps our options open.

Rochester: How so Milord?

Lord Henry: Am I the only one with a Diplomatic brain in this entire Family.  If I'm unwed it leaves the option and belief that a royal union is possible.  Once I tie the Knot however that option is closed off.

Rochester: True Nephew but your own wedding would provide an opportunity for a great many world Leaders to visit us and see how much we as a people are changing under your leadership.

Lord Henry: True enough Uncle, still who would you have me marry?

Rochester: Discreet inquires can be made milord, but truthfully you must do something about it before Congress becomes Fanatical on the issue.

Lord Henry: Well i'm still going to the wedding and that is FINAL.

[Tanthalas]

Players
Lord Henry: Lord Protector and Hereditary Monarch of New Switzerland (ill put in more when I work em out)
Prince William: Eldest Brother to the King
Barron Rochester: Uncle to both men and principal advisor to Henry
Prime Minister Clarke: official whipping boy
Lord Admiral Sellers: First Sea Lord
Erich Ludendorff: Head of the DSI (Department of Strategic Intelligence)


Setting
December 17th 1914, Royal Residence Sydney 2200 hours, all 6 are in Henrys study arrayed around a large map of the Pacific.

The Event

Lord Henry: Alright gentlemen what exactly is the situation that was so pressing it couldn't wait until morning.

Clarke: Milord we have reason to believe that Hostilities in the Western Indian Ocean are Eminent.

Lord Henry: What may I ask has led you to this position?

Ludendorff: Milord we have as you know Recourses in several countries both friendly and Hostile to our Country.

Lord Henry: yes please continue.

Ludendorff: The first reports we received were from the Philippians.  Source Yellow informed us that approximately 50% of the Spanish fleet there had set sail, a few hours later this was confirmed by one of the Tuna boats.  That was yesterday, now we have reports that every ship that can sail from Spain has departed port and frenzied activities are underway to get the rest ready to put to sea.  Add to that the reports that Habsburger forces are also mobilizing in preparation to sail to the western Indian Ocean, it paints a rather clear picture.

Sellers: Minister is there any chance they could be preparing for a strike on us.

Ludendorff: Doubtful sir, were that the case I would be expecting similar mobilizations by Brandenburg and our sources in that country indicate nothing out of the ordinary.  We also have this report out of Italia indicating that New Zion may have been responsible for the attack on the pope 2 years ago.

Lord Henry: Is the report Factual, or was it simply written to give reason for an invasion?

Ludendorff: Milord we have no reason to doubt its Validity, However without a direct investigation we can not confirm if it is truth or fiction.

Rochester: The Zionites would have to be mad to undertake such an operation honestly.

William: They always were though truth be told uncle.

Lord Henry: Enough speculation, I assume that this information has been forwarded to our friends in Africa.

Ludendorff: Copies of everything we have on the situation yes Milord.

Lord Henry: Good they were warming up to the Zionites, and even though our assets in Italia are limited im sure that this action will involve Italia as well.

Sellers: Milord should we up the level of the Fleet incase this spills over to our Territory?

Lord Henry: NO we are in no position to fight 3 naval powers, should other nations decide to come to the Defense of New Zion, perhaps then but without more knowledge I feel it would be a wasted gesture.  Gentlemen New Switzerland needs PEACE at this point, and God as my witness I will deliver it.  I want the Navy and all our Commercial functions kept as far clear of the area as possible until further notice, am I understood

All men: Yes Milord

Lord Henry: Good then perhaps I can get back to what's left of my nights rest.

William: Brother have you given any thought to the other proposal?

Lord Henry: Not enough to make a decision yet it can wait in any case, and with that Goodnight gentlemen.

[Tanthalas]

New Swiss Navy Times, December 18th 1914 edition

First Scouting Group Under the Comand of Commadore Henry Clarke Has departed for a 6 month cruise in the Indian Ocean, During this deployment the squadron will visit several exotic ports of call.  Among them Ports in the Republic of Orange, Originaly they were scheduled to Visit the Nation of New Zion however World Events have made Porting in Sailors Paridise Doubtfull much to the Chagrin of the crews.