Russian News 1919

[Logi]

Do you really want to get started on mysteriously appearing/finished techs? You have many of those. I still have all my research if you want me to dig it back up.  ::)

As I recall, I fixed most those errors, do tell if I have more that I am not aware of.

[Blooded]

More September Fun


Two small fleets set sail for distant shores in September. Their preparation is short, too short. Many problems which should have been anticipated simply were glossed over in the readiness phase. This was to be the third such global journey since the disasterous adventure of the 1905 Baltic Fleet. The Ships left shorthanded as little time was allowed for the additional called up crew. Many crewmen of other vessels were impressed into the standing crews. This caused a plummet in morale at journeys start.

The Northern Fleet sailed from Kronstadt on September 15th. Its path will take it across much of the globes surface. The rough distance of this journey is estimated at 15,000 miles! It is scheduled to stop in Scapa Flow, then continue on to use Rohans New Beriand Canal(7 days), up the coast to Forlond(with cermonial escort-4 days), across the Vacant Sea to Tokyo(4 days), finally ending at Vladivostock.

The Southern Fleet sailed from Novorossiysk on September 10th. Its journey will be even longer at 16,600 miles. The fleet will travel through the Bosporus and Mediterrean stopping over at Taranto(2 days) and continuing on to the Azores(2 days). Eventually meeting up with the Northern Fleet at the Canal.

The conjoined Fleet arrives in Vladivostock after a mighty journey of 80 days on November 29th.

The layovers proved well planned with sufficient fuel and entertainment requested from the hosts. The best idea being 'hardship bonuses', these were paid to the crewmen in each port. This went far in regaining the morale status and by the journeys end most crewmen felt a keen sense of comraderie. Most went on to request formal transfers upon arrival in Vladivostock. This in turn lead to a surplus of crewmen at Vladivostock(original called up crew met their ships at journeys end after a ride on the busy Trans-Siberian) who again adventured back to Western ports by the Trans-Sib.

These ships spend December being refit after the long trip.

[Blooded]

December 14th, 1919

The freighter Brin, a small Russian coastal merchant, lay dying in the fires burning on the surface. Her back was broken, broken by a torpedo. A simple, elegant design of short range, mediocre speed and relatively little power. Its submarine lay on the surface 1 km away, its captain observing his work dispassionately. The stern of his prey already slipping beneath the cold winter sea. The men who had been aboard her had stated she was held together only by rust. Now those men screamed in terror and pain.

The small ship had been overloaded(as normal) with supplies and troops for the run to Yantai. A short hop that she had made every week for the past several months. As the supplies from the Trans-Siberian accumulated around Dalian, dozens of ships attempted to keep up the pace by hauling it the 100 miles to Yantai. The shipping lanes were extremely well patrolled, but anti-submarine tactics and technology are practically non existant. As always it is the men at the bottom who pay. And they payed dearly now.

Many vessels swarm to the area, but the loss of life is heavy.

[Blooded]

December 22nd, 1919

The ambassador to The Middle Kingdom bowed low in the Throne Room of The Forbidden City. "I am here your Holiness". "By now you have heard what happens to traitors in China... What can I expect of Russia?" Kaili pondered, his serene face betraying nothing to the man prostrate beneath him.

"We have offered our service to the throne and stand by that commitment." Makarov said simply. " And the Dutch?" questioned Kaili. Makarov shrunk inside, he felt a bit like a cornered beast now, a lifetime of politics could be ended so suddenly. 'Which of his many games was Kaili playing now?' he thought to himself.

Makarov began "Our dealings have always been with you My Lord, not the Dutch." He sensed it was not enough. "I thought they would prove worthy allies, but it appears I am wrong. Of course the loss of so many good troops will prove difficult, but I have no doubts that your Highness will be victorious."

"Russia has a great army, will you replace the vacumn left by the Dutch?" Kaili demanded. "Nothing can be certain in regards to the Duma your Highness" Makarov quickly added "But the Czar will always back you Your Highness."

"We shall see..." Kaili added ominously. The rest of the conversation was more mundane, but Makarov felt that the Russian position was secure. For now...

[Blooded]

December 28th, 1919

The young Emperor Andrei appears before an emergency session of the Duma. For the past months, he had been gathering in favors and creating others.. all for this moment.

"My friends and countrymen, I am sorry for ending your Christmas celebrations early, but I stand before you now with a weighty heart. Months ago... a great crime fell upon the poor of Asia. We have come to aid her, but it is time to decide on whether we will continue that assistance to our neighbors in the Far East. The continued suffering of mighty China is unbearable to me..."

For an hour the Emperor goaded, begged and browbeat his compatriots with a passion known only to the young. Words both venomous and heartfelt. When he finally stepped back and wiped his face with a handkerchief, he was nearly bowled over with a standing ovation. He went back to his offset chair shaking hands all the while. It seemed his gambit had paid off.

[Blooded]

December 29th, 1919 - In newspapers across Russia.

STATE OF WAR!

For slaying the citizens of The Russian Commonwealth and destroying its property.

For preying on defenseless merchants on humanitarian missions.

For destablizing the region and dragging the nations of Asia into constant conflict.

(and last but never least...

For being bad guys and a pain in the bum.)   ;D

Etc.

The Russian Commonwealth does notify its citizens and all nations worldwide that a state of War will exist between herself and The Reformist Republic of China as of January 1st, 1920.

God bless our endevours, and bring this conflict to a swift and righteous end.

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Further articles spout the specific reasons in detail...