News and Stories from the Vilnius Union

[The Rock Doctor]

25 January 1923

"I think it's fairly clear we need to send the Mayans a message," Grand Admiral Zahle said to the Minister of Defence.

"We did send them a message - a very harsh one, Admiral.  Six months without access to the Canal undoubtedly inflicted a great deal of economic damage upon them," the Minister replied. 

"And we sank their ship," the minister's chief of staff added.

"That too, thank you, Lars," the Minister nodded.

"The Romans sank one of their ships before that, and it obviously didn't make enough of an impression on them," Zahle replied.  "They still came out to cause trouble without any kind of provocation."

"We were sailing down their coast," the chief of staff noted, "Just playing devil's advocate here, Admiral."

"Which is fine but the squadron was in international waters and had the heir to our throne aboard and transmitted in the clear in multiple languages that they should disengage," Zahle grumbled.  "Minister, we've danced around this enough.  I'm glad we're sending the Sixth Battle, but I don't feel it's enough, particularly when large chunks of Fifth Battle are in the Baltic for refurbishment.  Let me deploy Szermierz and Lanzjerzy or - once she's worked up - Czarownik."

"Would that not seem provocative?  They're far larger than anything the Mayans possess, if I remember correctly," the Minister noted.

"Minister, the Mayans possess a distinct tonnage advantage that is concentrated in the Caribbean and adjacent waters.  We'd want to offset that with something they simply can't match, and that would be our new capital ships."

The Minister frowned and looked over to the fourth man in the room.  "What do you think, Marshal?"

Marshal Oleg Varnay cocked his head.  "What do I think?  I think we should've undertaken some punitive operations against the bastards.  But since that's obviously not on the table, I'll support my colleague's suggestion.  Give him latitude to deploy a stronger force to our single most important overseas possession.  And while we're at it, let me deploy stronger forces there too."

"Why?  There's been no trouble ashore," the chief of staff objected.

"I've got six regiments and a wing of aeroplanes to cover the entire region," Varnay snapped.  "At any given moment, they're stretched so thin that the housewives of Johannestadt or Marakayaa could grab their handbags and overwhelm the local garrisons."

"Oh come now, Marshal," the chief of staff retorted.  "That's an absurd analogy.  The Mayans aren't going to attack the eastern part of the territories, and they'd have to go through the combined might of the Japanese and the Aztecs to strike at the canal.  They're not that stupid."

"If they're not that stupid, why do they keep randomly attacking major powers at sea?" Zahle replied.  "The Marshal's point is valid.  It would be a major logistical undertaking to deploy a substantial land force to the region if something happens.  More difficult than sending a battle squadron or three, frankly.  Let him move at least enough forces to the region to ensure that his command can hold out against a major land operation until reinforcements arrive from across the ocean."

Varnay nodded.  "Not like we need them available to go knock tribesmen off their hinterland plots."

"There is no current need to further expand in accord with the Loob Doctrine, that is true," the Minister allowed.  "But future events..."

"Minister:  At least put our proposals to Cabinet before saying no," Zahle suggested.

"Fine," the Minister sighed.  "Very well.  Get me a short briefing note with annexes a day before the next meeting.  When's the next meeting, Lars?"

"Three days, Sir."

Zahle glanced at Varnay.  "Sure, no problem." 

[The Rock Doctor]

8 February 1923

A group advocating for a new territory in Zwiazek Erica Polnocnej has upped the stakes by submitting a petition to the Governor of ZEP seeking formal recognition of Zelenayarus.

"There are more Russians here than anybody else," said Grigor Samsoov, a member of the Koalicja na rzecz Zielonej Rosji.  "We respect the people around us - the Shawnee and the Ohiyo - but their ways aren't our ways.  We see self-goverance as the logical path forward."

Since large-scale immigration to the Ohiyo Valley began in 1913, an estimated 110,000 Europeans, mostly ethinic Russian, have arrived in the area.  Coal deposits found in the area are now being developed and may begin producing within the next two years, bolstering an already healthy agricultural sector and perhaps enticing even more immigrants.

The Grand Chief of the Erie has noted that his people are opposed to the recognition of the Zelenayarus, and asked the Governor to set aside the petition.  "That is not how or why we change borders."

13 March 1923

The Johannestadt Constabulary is investigating the shocking murder of a government official and his wife in their homs this past weekend.  Wojciech Walesa, Deputy Head of Land Administration, and his wife Brygida were found stabbed to death after neighbours reported an unpleasant odor coming from the home.

"We're considering the possibility that the couple were the unfortunate victims of an aggressive thief, but other explanations are being entertained," a spokesman noted.  He declined to provide details about the crime scene.

The couple's young son was found in a crib in a separate room and is being treated for malnourishment.  It's expected he will be fostered locally while the couple's extended family makes arrangements.

28 April 1923

Naval patrol forces from Srebrny Rzeki and Wybrezeze Papuzek are combing the Atlantic after the tramp freighter Miroslawa, registered in Gdansk, failed to arrive in Widoknagory on schedule.  The ship was last sighted after departing Gustavholm on the 16th. 

Launched in 1899, the ship displaces 2,500 GRT and has a complement of sixty-three.  It is currently unknown if any passengers were aboard.

"We'll be reaching out to Iberian, Byzantine, and Parthian jurisdictions in the region to see if they've heard from or seen the wayward vessel," a naval official noted.  "A ship of that age can break down and become lost; we're not yet prepared to say she is lost."

[The Rock Doctor]

Late December, 1922

"Well, that's nice and all, and I won't say no to it, but..." Governor Oskar Platz trailed off, waving at the letter on his desk.

"I had certainly hoped for more myself," Admiral Floty Rahm nodded.  "Certainly these vessels will be useful from a trade defence and patrol perspective, and if the center's analysis is correct, that's all we need to worry about."

"I don't think the center is correct, though," Platz said, referring to the government's senior-most bureaucrats rather than some specific intelligence unit or building.  "I think this is going to turn pear-shaped very soon."

"I'm inclined to agree," Rahm said.  "The Mayan rhetoric is ramping up, and their behaviour is shifting.  I fear something could kick off and it'll be all over the Caribbean."

"General Stuztle reported that he's asked for two divisions to be sent over, but there's no word on that," Platz noted.  "It would double his manpower and make me sleep a lot better."

"Likewise, of course," Rahm agreed.  "If the government agrees, I would assume...I would hope...that an escort will be attached to the troop shipment.  It'd be a bit risky to expose that much manpower without any protection."  After a moment, he added, "And maybe I could snatch that escort for my own purposes once it got here.  Likely not, but a man can hope."

Platz sighed and tapped the bell on his desk.  "Drink?  I could use something stiff."

"Thank you, Governor, I wholeheartedly accept."

[The Rock Doctor]

Late January 1923

"Hella?" the Minister of War repeated.
[/quote]

Perhaps they are in fact invoking Hela, the Norse goddess of the realm of the dead.
Little Goth kids trying to summon dark powers....

[The Rock Doctor]

Kirk, I don't think that's what you meant to do.

[The Rock Doctor]

So anyway, the gist of it was that the Union government was stepping up patrols and moving in reinforcements. 

Most of the reinforcements were small fry.  Sloops, old protected cruisers, minesweepers, that sort of thing - hulls with guns to patrol Union sea lanes and protect the canal, Union territory, and Union shipping.

The armored cruiser Lucznik and screening elements popped into the Pacific to keep an on things there, and her sister ship and a screen were visible in the Caribbean off the northern terminus of the canal.  The three battleships occasionally went out for sweeps in the western Caribbean, showing the flag to anybody interested.

The first troop convoy arrived at the end of February.  Escorted by the super n00b armored cruiser Czarownik and other units, it disembarked two legions at Loobow (OTL Colon).  Said vessels then returned back to Europe, likely to embark more troops for an April arrival.

A second troop convoy arrived at the end of March.  This time, it was shepherded by AC Lansjerzy.  The convoy split up before arrival, part of it dropping off a legion at Marakayaa (OTL Maracaibo) while the other half deposited a skrzydlo at Loobow.  The skrzydlo's aircraft would be assembled in days and flown to Union airfields around the canal zone while its ground personnel and cargo were shuttled out in convoys of trucks.

OOC:  For those keeping track at home, that puts 5 legions and 2 air units, plus I think some fortifications, in and around the canal zone; plus two legions on Union islands and another three keeping eyeballs on the Incans and continental Mayans.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Kirk, I don't think that's what you meant to do.

Sorry, didn't even notice.
There's a modify button right next to the quote,
one downside of 'mod privileges' is it works on everyones.
I've accidentally started in the past, but always caught it in time.
Sorry there's no undo :(

[The Rock Doctor]

Late March, 1923

"Ain't seen a single Mayan.  Or Aztec or Japanese, fer that matter," Franz noted as he reached for his tankard of horsepiss.

"I seen a Mayan on the 5th," Anders replied, dipping his spoon into his bowl of jerk borscht.  "Reckon it was a cruiser.  Got close enough to see who we were and then took off without so much as a whistle or flag."

"Oh yeah?"

Anders nodded.  "Kinda weird, I admit.  You hear the stories about them doing dumb random shit - like that bunch what jumped the prince's squadron last year - but they ain't doing that now.  They're staying onside.  Following the rules."

"Don't want to pull us into this," Franz suggested.  "How is that?"

"The borscht?  Alright.  Needs a bit more sour cream to offset whatever the spice is," Anders replied.  "I noticed a lot more of our own ships around, too."

"Well yeah.  Whole bunch showed up...late February, I think.  They even sent the big one over, although I think it went back again."

"The big one?"

Franz nodded.  "Yeah, the new cruiser.  Warlock?  Wizard?"

"Oh yeah, I heard about that one.  Supposed to be an absolute unit," Anders grunted, slurping.  "Yeah, it's too spicy.  Where's the waiter?"

Franz looked up and snapped his fingers.  "On the way.  You gotta think the extra hulls are helpin' to encourage the Peeps to keep a lid on things.  The extra legions, too."

"Sir?" the waiter asked as he stopped in front of the table. 

"More sour cream for my mate here?" Franz asked. 

"I'll have to charge two zlotys for that," the waiter replied.

Anders shrugged.  "Too spicy without it, so fine."

"It's lightly seasoned, yes," the waiter said disdainfully.  "Sir, anything for you or are you good with your beverage?"

"I'm good, thanks," Franz agreed.

[The Rock Doctor]

May 22, 1923

"This is the weekly briefing on Erican security.  All persons in attendance should be included in the list in annex A of the briefing booklet.  All persons not on the list should remove themselves from the room immediately or be sanctioned under the National Security Act," said Pulkownik Michel Dombrowski.  As he recognized every occupant of the room as being on the list, he only paused for a moment before continuing the briefing.

"Data on the current Costa Rica war is limited and not reliable; we have limited information coming directly to us from either side of the conflict and do not have observers in place with any belligerent.  As of yesterday, it is our understanding that Mayan ground forces seem poised to seize the entirety of the northern side of Costa Rica, and that they continue to make gains in the southern side of the territory.  This comes despite Aztec and Japanese reinforcements and the commitment of significant naval and mercantile assets.  High seas naval action appears to have been non-decisive at this time and we are aware of commerce-raiding activities by both sides.

"At this time, the Group of Union Forces in Zwaizek Karaiby consists of eleven legions and three skrzydlos, with one more of each due to arrive in the region within days.  In contrast, it is important to note that the opening Mayan assault into Costa Rica is estimated at twenty-five legions, with four skrzydlos in support."

The Minister of Agriculture made a face.

"It is also important to note that our forces are not, and cannot be, concentrated at the canal zone.  We have two legions and a skrzydlo defending the island territories and three more legions monitoring the southern borders with the Incans and Mayans.  Of the remaining six legions, two occupy the fortifications of the Canal Zone itself.  The remaining four legions have been establishing defensive lines a few miles east of the border, patrolling and showing the flag along the border itself.  Combat Pioneers from the 89th Legion, currently based at the canal zone, have been detached to the Central Mountain Range to improve demarcation of the international border in order to make it more visible and less prone to unintended crossings.  Two skrzydlos are stationed in the area for aerial support."

"Question:  Where are the new reinforcements going?" the Minister of Mining asked.

"The Hundred and Tenth Legion will deploy on the isthmus as a reserve to the four active legions," Dombrowski answered.  "The Fourth Skrzydlo will be stationed primarily in the central and eastern mainland to support border security efforts."

"And what else is going to go over?" the Prime Minister asked.

"Prime Minister, that is a very good question; we estimate we have the capacity to deploy one additional legion or skrzydlo to the region.  If there are to be more, we will have to strip those forces - or more accurately, the logistical support for those forces - from our overseas territories," Dombrowski said.

"Well, that's awkward," the Minister of Agriculture said.
"Yes, Minister."

"But we do need a decision because seven legions aren't going to stop the Mayans if they don't halt at the border," his mining counterpart noted.

"It's not an issue," the Prime Minister assured them.  "This isn't about us, and it won't concern us.  The Mayans have an issue with the Japanese."

"For now," the Minister of Mining said.

"The Mayans have behaved quite scrupulously since the conflict began, haven't they?" the Prime Minister said.

"Sir, that has been the case so far, and reports from the border indicate that their forces are taking some care to avoid encroaching on the border," Dombrowski confirmed.

"Are we reconsidering our military budgeting in light of what's happening?" the Miinster of Agriculture asked his counterpart.

"We are...considering options," the Minister of War replied.  "I would venture that we could perhaps tweak to improve our posture and outcome, but we are still assessing what information we think we are gathering from the current conflict.  Certainly the commitment of substantial Mayan airpower seems to have been a factor in their progress to date but there are undoubtedly other considerations to contemplate."

"I think we need to have a fulsome discussion on that matter," the Minister of Agriculture suggested.

"I don't think that is necessary," said the PM.

"I would disagree, Sir," the Minister of Mining ventured.  "To have peace, we must prepare for war, and that means preparing for the right kind of war.  I'm not convinced, based on what we're hearing today, that this is the case."   

The Prime Minister's eyes narrowed.


28 May 1923

To:  Empire of Japan; Azteca Sultanate
From:  Vilnius Union

Dear Sirs,

Within the last few days, Japanese and Aztec soldiers have crossed the international border into Zwiazek Karaiby and have been interned in accordance with international law. 

At the moment, the personnel are being housed in temporary camps near the border and are receiving necessary care, including medical assistance.  Our liaison with the interned personnel indicates that they continue to observe military discipline under the oversight of surviving officers.

We are in the process of establishing internment camps near the Canal Zone, where interned personnel will be provided with longer-term essential services and supplies.  At such time as the camps are ready, we will transport the internees by coastal marine transport from the temporary camps, with armed escorts to ensure their safety.

We will ensure that your diplomatic services have access to all camps at the earliest possibility, although the logistics of accessing the forward camps may be challenging.

For further information, please contact the Office of the Governor of Zwiazek Karaiby.

[The Rock Doctor]

June 1923

"The good news is that the Prime Minister agreed to strenghten our position in the canal zone," the Minister of War announced.  "The bad news, however, is that he's not authorized supplemental funding for the purpose.  Rather, it's coming out of existing spending."

Grand Admiral Zahle and Marshal Varney glanced at each other.  "I suppose that means the navy's taking the hit," Zahle remarked, shifting in his chair.

"That would be the case, yes," the Minister confirmed.  "Obviously I'm looking to you for guidance on where to find the money."

Zahle sighed.  "We were going to lay down four new torpedo-boats in July.  That could be halved - I still want to get a full division in the water this year, or it could be all four.  Otherwise...we have a lot of resources tied up in capital ship construction right now.  The four of them are probably absorbing almost half of the capital budget."

"The one cruiser is almost finished, correct?" the Minister asked.

"Yes - in the next six months.  I definitely want to see that through.  The two battleships are further behind but still priorities."

"You just had a cruiser started in January, though..."

"Straznik, yes.  And we were going to start a sister next year once Watazka is completed.  As much as we need them...maybe that's where I'll have make the cuts," Zahle said.

"Sorry," Varney said.

"Not your doing," Zahle said.  "Your guys have to hold the isthmus if the Mayans contract victory fever.  What are you authorized to do?"

"A fortified line in the isthmus sufficient to support four legions, and some beefing up of the coastal defences."

"It's a start," Zahle nodded.  "Minister, if that approach is agreeable to you, I'll have my head of construction reach out to the yards and arrange for a slowdown in construction of Straznik and signal a possible delay to her sister."

"That's reasonable," the minister nodded.

[The Rock Doctor]

3 July 1923

To:  Confederation of Five Nations; Imperial Roman Republic; local VIPs
From:  Vilnius Union

The Vilnius Union has commenced a complete draw-down of military forces and administrative personnel from [northern three provinces of Indiana, USA].

Effective 1159 PM local time, 31 December 1923, the Union will lapse sovereignty, command and control of these territories. 

The Union will not object to Confederacy or Imperial annexation of the territories, nor will it object to self-organization by the local inhabitants into a sovereign state.



To:  Unified Berber States; local VIPs
Copy:  Parthia
From:  Vilnius Union

The Vilnius Union has commenced a complete draw-down of military forces and administrative personnel from [three northern provinces of Ghana].

Effective 1159 PM local time, 31 December 1923, the Union will lapse sovereignty, command and control of these territories.

The Union will not object to the UBS annexing the territories, nor will it object to self-organization by the local inhabitants into a sovereign state.

[The Rock Doctor]

5 July 1923

"Eighty thousand internees?" the Prime Minister repeated.

"That's correct, Sir," the Minister of Internal Affairs said, glancing at the telegram once again. 

"Do we even have that many troops in the area?" the Minister of Mines asked.

"About that, perhaps," the Minister of War said.

There was silence around the table for a few moments, then the Minister of Agriculture said, "That's a lot of people to keep fed and housed."

"The Governor's telegram is rather decisively clear that the local government is quite strained by them all," Internal Affairs observed.  "He uses the word collapse, in fact."

"Give them back their guns and send them to the front?" the Minister of War suggested.  "That's a joke."

"That isn't funny in the slightest," the Prime Minister sighed.  "What in the hell are we going to do with those people.  There can't possibly be enough space in the existing camp to hold them all.  Would the Mayans accept us turning the internees back to their governments under condition of parole?"

"Not likely.  Not without some sort of commitment on our part, I'm sure," the Minister of International Affairs said. 

"Alright, then what?"

"We have a limited amount of logistical support that can be re-allocated towards getting basic supplies to the internees.  They'll have to help with camp construction and we'll need to spread those around a bit more," the Minister of War said, more sharply this time.  "If we had a hospital ship, I'd already have sent it.  I can, at least, pull out some field hospitals from our North Erican garrison and send them down to help with medical care."

"Do that, then," the Prime Minister said.  "And ask the Mayans about returning the internees - just the injured, if it comes to that."

[Kaiser Kirk]

3 July 1923

To:  Confederation of Five Nations; Imperial Roman Republic; local VIPs
From:  Vilnius Union

To:  Unified Berber States; local VIPs
Copy:  Parthia
From:  Vilnius Union

Fascinating and rather unexpected.

[The Rock Doctor]

I'm overstretched.  Gotta trim a little fat.

And the odds of developing those particular provinces is pretty slim - inland, not rich, not fertile.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Parthia already drew back a little in North Africa for ...storyline...the same reasons.
In reality I found they would be a tiny little region and didn't want the hassle.