Separate but linked storyline.
Skull Island, Early 1919
The ships gathered in this remote island were as varied as their owners. Among them could be seen a couple of warships, a powerful cruiser of the Aurora class and the black hulled destroyer Van Hake. The rest of the ships number among them a big Taiwanese freighter, a steel hulled clipper, an elegant Chinese-built small liner, a battered banana boat, a new 'unarmed' merchant cruiser, a small coastal freighter, a full-rigged ship festooned with aerials, a non-descript freighter, a five-masted windjammer, another modern liner, and an old decrepit merchant.
While not a single weapon could be seen among the myriad ships, except for the two warships, everyone present knew that every single ship was armed to the teeth. Some ships showed the scars of battle, while others still had the smell of new paint on them.
They had all gathered with one purpose, a mission that had long been delayed was about to be put into effect.
"Captains, as you all know a couple of months ago we discovered the exact location of Captain Jack Sparrow. He is currently being held in a prison in the French island of Haiti. Your job is simple, free him. You are facing the might of the French navy and her allies. This is not a mission that will be won with force, but with deception, not with strength, but with the mind. We have gathered here tonight to decide upon a plan that will bring about the missions success with the least amount of casualties. Our goal is not to just free Sparrow, but to show the world that we are a force to be reckoned with.
The NSN will be assisting us with our mission. The Aurora will begin a goodwill world tour, with a port call if possible in Haiti just before the operation is carried out. She will provide important intel.
Admiral Breya will be standing by with the Athens. Her ship will serve as C&C and as a hospital/rescue ship, she will proceed via Suez after depositing medical supplies in Romania.
Solo, Reynolds, and Starr, you three have the smallest ships and crews and no heavy weapons. You will take care of any part of the mission requiring stealth or inconspicuousness. Also Solo and Reynolds, you two have the fastest ships, you two will have to take care of dispatches and such.
Taugon has a trained military force. He has the grunts if they are required.
Let's get started..."
***
OOC And just for fun, a quiz.
Match the ship description above (first paragraph) with the ship name below. And if possible name the ship's commanding officer (some are already given). Some should be pretty easy.
Athens
Eagle V
Empress
Falcon
Flying Dutchman
Hai Peng
Interceptor
Long John Silvers
Morning Star
Serenity
Serial Peacemaker
Someone has been reading too much schlock mercenary again...!!!!!
Charles
Somewere early 1919, Papeeté, French Polynesia.
Bonjour monsieur Spyri, Welcome in Paradise.
Good day to you too Governer. I already feel welcome.
After half an hour of pleasantries and chitchat...
But alas, I'm here on business, not on vacation. You mentioned some issues with a large amount of gold Bullion?
Yes monsieur Spyri, as is known, Paris wants to develop Polynesia into a little France with perfect climate. But my people ain't interested in smoke and sooth bulging factories, nor in workshops mass producing trow away products, nor in decadent luxury nicknacks. So, I ended up with a few tons of gold bullion, as Paris is totaly retarded in that way, they believe people here would work for gold coin, something nobody can use here.
So, I need to exchange a part of that gold to something more usefull, and store the mayority of it. Can your bank bank help me with this?
If it is gold, Japan's Minister of Economy, Finance and Trade can easily help him with that. :)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/47/Goldfinger_by_Gert_Fr%C3%B6be.jpg)
Is that the guy from Burn Notice?
Auric Goldfinger, from James Bond.
All that gold... in Swiss banks... and I don't know about it!!! *grumbling about Swiss Banking Secrecy* And the security forces could probably resist a full scale military assault...
QuoteAll that gold... in Swiss banks... and I don't know about it!!! *grumbling about Swiss Banking Secrecy* And the security forces could probably resist a full scale military assault...
Fear not. Operation Grand Slam will take care of that. :)
You forget that this is a Swiss bank, security at Fort Knox is nothing compared to what they have. The Swiss Secret Service has better luck gaining access to French top secret documents than bank budget reports.
Swiss banks are like Swiss Cheese: Full of holes. ;D
You are confusing ships with banks... ;D
Swiss ships are like Swiss Cheese? If that were the case, you would have no Navy! ;D
He, he, look at all the ships I've lost, all due to too many holes underwater! Even those that survived did so full of holes...
If a ship survived it means that it did not have enough holes in it. :)
Nah, just shows the low density of N-verse Swiss Cheese.
When will the attempt strike? Because it will be fairly obvious that it is Swiss backed, and there will be a French BB in Varna to stop the Athens if it comes close to port.
The attempt will be after the Athens stops in Romania. The French stopping a Swiss flagged hospital ship in the high seas with no cause is an act of piracy.
Yes, but after you bust the prison...the only people who would do that are the NS and the NZ, and the NZ don't have the resources.
I'm so confused right now.
I have NO idea either, Rock.
I think that's the idea...
All I know is that in the era of naval telegraphy, a pirate cannot hope to succeed for long. An overdue ship, a sighting in the wrong waters, any number of things can call a patrol boat or even a cruiser to the site to investigate.
If the Swiss are banking on success, I want to know which one they have handling their investments... so i don't put my money there.
Ok...let me put it this way. The only countries who would want to get Sparrow out are New Zion and the New Swiss. The New Swiss are the only ones with the capacity. So breaking him out would be an open declaration of war, and because of a little side treaty I have with France, that we chose not to make public, I have to give France a corp in that case, which basically means I would have to declare war. So if the attempt is before the Athens arrives, they'll be mauled.
If Sparrow is successfully broken out, and if France declares war on the Swiss, the Confederacy would also be forced to by Nassau.
*OoC: unfortunately, this operation is coming some time before the completion of a planned arc that will take the CSA out of Nassau.
*Sighs*
I am so happy to be Ignorant of all this mess....
Quote from: ctwaterman on March 16, 2010, 09:29:39 PM
*Sighs*
I am so happy to be Ignorant of all this mess....
Even if it would likley drag the Legions into the conflict?
If the New Swiss do something so blatant as to get caught doing a covert op in another country and it is in CSA, FRANCE, or the UNK and they declare war on him well then I guess I join the war.
But until then Its not really something to worry about.
Charles
Sparrow on French Haiti????
QuoteI'm so confused right now.
Mwuhahahahah!!! My work here is done... ;D
Quote
Ok...let me put it this way. The only countries who would want to get Sparrow out are New Zion and the New Swiss. The New Swiss are the only ones with the capacity. So breaking him out would be an open declaration of war, and because of a little side treaty I have with France, that we chose not to make public, I have to give France a corp in that case, which basically means I would have to declare war. So if the attempt is before the Athens arrives, they'll be mauled.
New Zion has no need for Sparrow, neither does New Switzerland. Now the Brethren of the Coast do, but they are not affiliated with any one country (but do have some unofficial Swiss support).
Again, read my story. The Athens will be in Romania BEFORE anything happens. And besides attacking an 'unarmed' hospital ship carrying medical supplies to the attacking country does not make good PR. Besides why the hell would you attack a transport with an Army corp?
QuoteSparrow on French Haiti?
Well he is in a French prison. And it's a lot more fun and interesting if he is in the Caribbean. But... ah Haiti is CSA territory now... What island does France hold in the Caribbean?
Ah, shit, you noticed.
France has the Grande Canal Zone. They've sold off all their islands to the Confederates and Colombians.
I wont tell you where he is held DF, I will however point out that it is listed in Marios news thread.
Quote from: Desertfox on March 19, 2010, 07:24:03 PM
Well he is in a French prison. And it's a lot more fun and interesting if he is in the Caribbean. But... ah Haiti is CSA territory now... What island does France hold in the Caribbean?
Not for the Swiss.
Guinness really ramped up my long-range fleet.
Quote from: Desertfox on March 19, 2010, 07:24:03 PM
Well he is in a French prison. And it's a lot more fun and interesting if he is in the Caribbean. But... ah Haiti is CSA territory now... What island does France hold in the Caribbean?
Originaly Sparrow was on the Crozet Island Penal colony, in the deep south, but after the OR took possession, everything easely moved was moved.
And now, he's sitting in a hard labor prison, the same as were Admiral Geon was incarcerated during the Palpaté Reign.
*sighs* the next time I capture a Pirate I shackle some 5" shells to him and toss him over board... ::)
Checks old Messages hey Tan... did the French pay you for that Pirate.....
Beheading works wonders.
Quote from: ctwaterman on March 20, 2010, 12:12:06 AM
*sighs* the next time I capture a Pirate I shackle some 5" shells to him and toss him over board... ::)
Checks old Messages hey Tan... did the French pay you for that Pirate.....
Ill send you a PM about what the Payment was...
Quote from: Ithekro on March 20, 2010, 12:16:11 AM
Beheading works wonders.
Messy the Crew so dislikes having to hollystone the blood out of the Teek Decking.... But keel hauling well I wonder how that works with a ship with Props.... hmmmm maybe the ropes tangle the props not good...
I think the best safest bet is shackeling him to a depth charge set for @150 Feet and rolling them off the back
Depends if there is a bounty on the person. Most bounties require proof of capture or death.
Quote from: ctwaterman on March 20, 2010, 12:12:06 AM
*sighs* the next time I capture a Pirate I shackle some 5" shells to him and toss him over board... ::)
Waste of good shells. Just tie a couple of croaker sacks full of garbage to him and move on.
You can always use him to test that high-speed, 14'' Swiss torpedo... ::)
Quote from: Ithekro on March 20, 2010, 02:00:48 PM
Depends if there is a bounty on the person. Most bounties require proof of capture or death.
Points to moving picture camera the newest thing, and the priceless picture as they go under the water and then the large pink tinged froth on the surface after the Dread Pirate Peet becomes busm chum with his shark friends.... :o
Except that the film would be in black and white at this point in time.
Quote from: Ithekro on March 21, 2010, 01:34:51 AM
Except that the film would be in black and white at this point in time.
Minor Detail... im sure the Italians masters of everything electronic (in the Nverse that is) can come up with some new inovation like Technicolor. :P
February 29th
The New Switzerland Navy has announced that the cruisers Aurora and Flying Fish will be setting of on a round the World goodwill cruise. First stop is expected to be Rohan followed by the CSA and Gran Columbia before crossing the canal towards Europe.
OOC If you are a small country and don't want to be missed out, or if you don't want the ships stopping in your country, let me know via PM.
I'm not sure I would care, but if you are in the Black, come visit!
The Confederate States of America appreciates the offer of the Swiss, but is, due to problems at both it's major Pacific ports is forced to decline permission to the visiting Swiss vessels. We would happily offer the opportunity for the Swiss to refuel from one of our supply vessels at sea if they wish, as we would have several of our new warships operating in the area at the time of the proposed visit. We would even be able to offer some aerial entertainment, as the exercise will involve land-based planes as well.
While refueling is not required, New Switzerland will accept the CSA offer as a goodwill measure.
Late January 1919.
Paris, Chez Loulou, the basement. Securité Headquarters.
Mes ouis cher Denise, this is very interesting information. Our Italian friends asked for the extradition of Sparrow. We know everything he ever knew, and in the end, it wasn't that much, as a semi independent live for the day pirate, he knew just enough to fill his own carnal needs.
But those he can fill perfectly, as he proves daily. He doesn't have a bad life at Courieres. He arranged a surface job, and with our arrangements, he has time for pillow talk. And talk he does. He brags that the SSS is paying for his luxuries.
But they are, ma cher. The money just flows trough strange hands. Mine for example. Even if the SSS knows, they just think I'm for sale too, as most of our officials and politicians. Oh well, my alter ego will stamp the approval for the transfer. Denise, if you want, you can have a week off, payed.
No monsieur Grange, I'm sitting this mission out, I'll stay on Sparrows buttock as long he is in our sphere of influence.
An eyebrow rases a tad.
No problem Denise, but keep your mind on the end result. A safe and Glorious France.
As you command Boss.
Go, and have fun in your duty.
With pleasure monsieur Grange.
Denise leaves.
Louise, keep Denise safe will you, I fear her current assignment is more convincing than we would like. So, keep your distance from that swashbuckler. He seems to have a knack to persuade good people.
He's not my type monsieur Grange.
I know Louise, but be sure Denise doesn't get your attention too much.
Quote from: Desertfox on March 25, 2010, 09:42:52 PM
While refueling is not required, New Switzerland will accept the CSA offer as a goodwill measure.
NOTE: Tis will take place at a time and place of Confederate convenience, and will be out of our 20 mile territorial limit.
"The Swiss Goodwill Cruise is welcome to make call in Gran Colombia. We look forward to specific information on dates and locations as the itinerary becomes finalized."
February 15th 1919
HQ Praetorian Guard, Imperial Palace Rome
Actors:
Mario Alessio Decumius - Commander of the Praetorian Guard
Liborio Valentinius - Magistrate to the Republic of France.
Liborio Valentinius had hurried back from his meetings in Paris with a message from France. That message needed to get into the proper hands as quickly as possible.
"Commander Decumius", Liborio began; France has replied in a positive manner to an unusual request from the Ministry of Justice. It appears that some years ago they requested that we apprehend for them a very well know Pirate. At the time someone remarked that if France did not want him any more we would take him back. Well it appears that France is done with Messieurs Sparrow and they are sending him back?
Mario Decumius *paused to read the missive from France*, "So it appears that France is done whatever it set out do with the Pirate and wants to be rid of him. So I see no reason not to graciously accept the transfer of the Pirate. So I will contact the Ministry of Justice and have his trial in-abstentia expedited. So once France hands him over we take him to the nearest Magistrates Court sign the papers and give him his last meal. I really wonder why France simply did not dispose of him years ago and why they simply do not execute him there selves now."
Magistrate Liborio frowned, "I may be ambassador to France but the how and the why they do things in their government mystifies me. I can only assume somebody made a deal to not kill him and someone else wants him dead. So they send him here so they can have a clear conscience."
Mario Decumius, "Well in the long run it really does not matter! He is a Pirate, he was captured by the Imperial Marina and by the time he arrives in Italy the Court of Justice will have convicted him, a short walk and a short drop and the problem will be resolved. So, how goes the negotiations with the Republic of Orange that is a matter of Importance?"
*Fade to Black*
March second 1919.
Gare du Billy-Montigny.
2 burly guards escort a man handcuffed and shackled as if he's the most dangerous person on the continent. A beautifull lady follows on a short distance, but the reactions of the guards indicates its expected and allowed.
A series of actions concerning the coupling of locomotives to trains delay the boarding of the passenger cars, but once the movements are over, the small group enters a wagon reserved for this trip.
On another track a large coaltrain starts moving south.
March 4th 1919.
Lt. Calavari Imperial Praetorian Guards was bored and he had been bored for nearly two days now. It had begun as a simple mission go to the Border with France meet the Afternoon train on March 3rd take custody of a prisoner from his French escort. But there had been some form of delay some broken switches the telegram had informed him and now the prisoner still had not arrived?
The Last train from France was arriving and as Lt. Calavari motioned his squad forward to meet it he mused that it was too late to complete his assignment as ordered. He would not be able to deliver his prisoner to the Sanremo Court of Justice and have his execution carried out on the Morning of the 4th of March. In addition he woefully speculated that he was going to be stuck guarding the prisoner for over a month because Executions of Prisoners in Italy was prohibited during the period of Lent.
He stepped forward as the French Escort handed over the shackled Prisoner to his men. He accepted the papers and thanked the French Officer politely for the delivery of the Prisoner.
He then stepped up the Prisoner and said in an official voice, Jack Sparrow by the authority vested in me by the Imperial Justice Courts I place you under arrest for the Crime of Piracy. He then led the prisoner back onto the waiting train to complete the Journey to Sanremo Italy.
April 1st 1919
Lt. Calavari filed yet another report from Sanremo. Sanremo was a pleasant little tourist town on the Italia Riviera and quite a nice place to visit. The scenic town was stretched along the edge of the Mediterranean with several large prominent Marina' for private yachts and one specifically for local fisherman.
His report was succinct and to the point. The Pirate Jack Sparrow had been delivered to the Town Jail on the 5th of March. Unfortunately Lent having already started the scheduled execution has been postponed to the Tuesday following Easter.
Jack Sparrow had been photographed, Finger Printed, and his Bertillon Anthropometric measurements taken. One copy had been kept locally and a second had been attached to his first report.
Now all that was left to due was to set up a tedious watch rotation to keep 2 of his men at the jail at all times.
The Raid on Sanremo Part 1: The Plot Thickens.
Sunday Night April 6th 1919
It had been a Balmy 70(21) Degree's earlier in the day but now it was nearly 9PM at night and the bars of the Mediterranean Resort town were beginning to close as the temperature began to drop towards the nightly chill common in the spring along the coast. The many tourists from all over the world slowly began to return to their homes or hotels and the late Mass at the Russian Orthodox Church let out.
However, concealed among this scene of peaceful tranquility, small groups of armed men moved with both purpose and menace. Two pairs of men moved to the Outskirts of town and located the telegraph wires heading up and down the coast. Two more pairs circled the town hall and took up residence outside the towns newly built telephone exchange.
Finally as the Clock on the Town Hall slowly approached 10 PM over a dozen men moved casually from several different directions to the alleyways on either side of the Town Hall which contained both the main Police Station and the jail which held their target.
Down at the Docks a Sleek Private Yacht very modern and very fast rested at the quays on board four men watched the Harbor patrol guards begin their routine nightly patrol along the docks. The men had acquired the boat in Marseilles 4 days ago, with a uneventfull stopover in Monaco just last night and had then driven the boat slowly up the coast during the day and had registered as French Tourists early in the evening they had already been refuled by the helpful dockworkers. The Owner of the boat was not known locally and he certainly was not going to be reporting it stolen!
The Raid on Sanremo Part 2: Cutting Communications.
To the East and West of the Town two separate pairs of men waited checking their watches and waiting until just five minuets before 10 P.M. There watches had been set earlier in the day to coordinate with the Clock in the Sanremo town hall. The four men had arrived by train from France a week ago to enjoy a vacation they had registered and were staying in two different small hotels for the less affluent. They had carefully studied the town and the quickest and easiest ways to get from where they intended to cut the Telegraph Lines heading to France and to the Rest of Italy. This was accomplished with a minimum of effort and the two pair of men quickly set off at a brisk walk back towards the docks and their ride out of Italy.
At the Phone exchange two men kept a look out for the roving Italian Police patrols while the other two quickly walked up to the window of the building containing the telephone operators room. Both quickly lit the rags stuffed into the bottles of Rum they carried and threw them into the telephone exchange accompanied by the sounds of breaking glass and a woman screaming. The Time was 9:59.30 PM and the plan was still working and on schedule.
The Raid on Sanremo Part 3: The Plan goes awry.
The Primary target was the Sanremo town hall which contained the central police station and the towns' jail in the basement accessible through the police station. For more than three weeks Jack Sparrow had languished in that Jail. The Jail break had been planned for an hour after the shift change to allow the full night shift to disperse about town in their roving patrols of two officers.
There were only supposed to be two men in the police station and possibly two more down in the jail. Three of the Pirates helped a fourth up the steps and into the Police station claiming in broken Italian that there companion was hurt. The Officer behind the desk came around the desk to help as another stepped up to the desk to see what was going on. The first was quickly overwhelmed by two of the men with knives and the police sergeant at the desk fell back screaming from a thrown knife. As the men outside the station rushed in the four inside leaped over the desk to get the keys.
They were surprised to see a third man coming from one of the office his pistol in his hand. The four rushed the police officer who only managed to get off two shots before being stabbed repeatedly and falling to the floor. However both shot had hit their targets one of the Pirates was down shot in the head, the other was shot through the leg.
Capt Barbarossa rushed in with his reinforcements and sent men with the keys down the stairs to fetch Jack Sparrow while in the distance the sound of gunfire could be heard. First from the direction of the Telephone Exchange and then from the direction of the Marina!
The Raid on Sanremo: Part 4 Meanwhile back at the Telephone Exchange.
No sooner had the Pirates begun to congratulate themselves on a job well done behind them they heard the shrill sound of a whistle and two Italian Police officers running towards them shouting for them to stop.
The two pirates who had been watching for just such a roving patrol were startled by the direction the officers were coming from a small nearly invisible alley between two shops. However they were ready and unseen and allowed the two arsonists to run pass them before opening fire on the Police from concealment. However the two men had not coordinated their actions well and the closest police officer was quickly hit multiple times allowing his partner time to take cover and return fire.
The exchange of fire was brief but not all one sided the Italian was flanked and out gunned two to one but managed to wound one of his attackers before being badly wounded himself.
The four pirates fled the vicinity of the burning telephone exchange. One was clutching his arm with a bullet in his shoulder. They moved rapidly through the streets of Sanremo towards the docks where already they could hear the sound of gunfire.
will Jack Sparrow go free?
The World Wonders...
The Raid on Sanremo Part 5: Down at the Docks
Back at the Pier the four men on the SY Scintillante waited patiently in concealment for the first sounds of returning men or some commotion.
The Plan called for the four pirates aboard the Steam Yacht to deal with the Pier guards on the off chance that they were not called to help put out the fire at the Telephone Exchange. The Sounds of a Police Whistle from several blocks away shouts and then the sounds of a gunfight seemed to indicate that action was called for.
The pirates quickly opened fire from concealment killing or wounding three out of the four guards and driving the fourth under cover. The resulting rifle shots combined with the fire fight up the street seemed to be waking up the entire town as lights started coming on all over the Town of Sanremo.
The Raid on Sanremo Part 6: What going on at the Jail.
The Sanremo town jail was located at the bottom of a set of stairs immediately below the Police Station. Lt. Calavari of the Praetorian guards had traded off with the Police Dept to man the Jail for 2 8 hour shifts per day while the normal jail crew worked days. This allowed him to give himself and his five other agents a chance to relax a few days per week.
But this Sunday night Sgt. Giacobbe and Pvt. Savino were on duty in the Jail when they heard a loud thud upstairs. Immediately after the thud the sound of a second body hitting the floor and a scream above their heads alerted them to something going on upstairs.
Sgt. Giacobbe rushed to the Phone to attempt to call Lt. Calavari for assistance while Private Savino readied Loaded the new Browning Automatic Rifle and covered the stairway beyond the locked prison bar door.
Sgt. Giacobbe could not reach the telephone operator to connect his call so he drew his pistol and turned towards the door just as a bunch of men in dark non descript clothing came rushing down the stairs with drawn pistols.
The Sound of the Browning Automatic Rifle opening fire on full automatic in the confined brick basement was nearly deafening. The screams of pain and panic from the on rushing pirates was abrupt and suddenly cut off.
Capt Barbarossa and his second in command were partway down the stairs when a literal hail of bullets and blood impacted the wall at the bottom of the stairs. Capt. Barbarossa took cover and took a quick look around the corner only to duck back as Sgt. Giacobbe took a quick shot at him.
Capt Barbarossa signaled to his second who pointed his Thompson around the corner and empty'd the clip in one continuous burst. There was the sound of someone falling to the ground and of the BAR returning fire. When the fire stopped Capt Barbarossa calmly stepped out and shot Pvt. Savino with a long burst of his Thompson while the Private was reloading. He then stepped forward and shot the wounded Sgt lying next to the Telephone.
The remainder of his crew came down the stairs found the Keys and proceeded to enter the Jail Cell Block and to free Capt. Jack Sparrow. One of his men turned to Capt Barbarossa what do we do with the wounded? Barbarossa replied if they cant keep up leave them behind.
Raid on Sanremo Part 7: The Get Away!
It was approximately 10:05 PM when Capt Barbarossa, Capt Jack Sparrow and three unwounded and two wounded pirates exited the Sanremo town hall and began to run the three blocks towards the Marina, the SY Scintillante and the sea.
Ahead of them they could here the occasional single rifle shot and as they approached the foot of the road leading to the Marina they encountered one of the Italian Police patrols running towards the town hall. The fight was brief as the Italian Police were armed with pistol and two of the Pirates had Thompson Machine Guns, and Capt Sparrow had the liberated Browning Automatic Rifle. The Pirates left the two police officers lying in front of the shattered windows and fresco walls of a shore line hotel and quickly rushed up the pier to the waiting Scintillante where Barbarossa' men had the last Pier Guard pinned down behind a boat several piers over. The walking wounded quickly boarded the ship while the heavily armed pirates emptied their automatic weapons at the pinned pier guard and any other sign of resistance.
With that taken care off the Scintillante roared out of the harbor at high speed and headed due south out to sea. The Time was just before 10:15 PM.
Monday April 7th
Cartagena, HQ Iberian Mediterranean Fleet
10:00 AM
Ridding at anchor in the harbor is most of the Iberian Mediterranean Fleet.
HIIMS Portugal, Fleet Flagship
Captain Domingo Chavez, chief of staff to Vicealmirante Soares, comes to the sleeping quarters / office space of his commander. After being admitted by the Marine guards, "Admiral orders from Madrid it appears that the Italians had some trouble and are asking for help."
Soares looked up from his mid morning coffee and cocked one of his eyebrows, "What sort of help Captain?"
Chavez handed over the dispatch, "In brief someone broke out Captain Sparrow, killed a bunch of police and got away on a ship called the Scintillante, French registry. The Italians want the ship stopped and Madrid has agreed to their requests. We are to search any ship matching the description headed out the Straits of Gibraltar and conduct a general search of the Western Med."
Soares read the dispatch from Madrid, "I see... Well I am not going to order BatDiv1 or CruRun1 out over this. Lets send some of the light cruisers, destroyers and send an alert along to Cadiz and Gibraltar. Whats ready Domingo?"
Captain Chavez thought for a moment, "Don't want to use the Subs for this Sir?"
Soares shook his head in reply.
"Very well CruRon4 and CruRon11 are in port, Manila is in dry dock for a hull cleaning, Lisbon isn't ready either she is having her boilers cleaned, CruRon10 is East of Malta."
Soares nodded, "Alert Captain Fernand on Cebu to be on the look out. OK send out the 4th and 11th along with some of the destroyers."
Chavez nodded, "At once admiral."
2 PM the first of the Iberian ships started to head out to sea.
Marseilles ,main Police station.
Monday april 7th 8 am
Chef, the Italians report that Desmaraine's Yacht is hijacked and on the lose in the Mediterranian Sea.
What.. What do we or the marine has at hand to start a search?
Nothing Chef, for us, the 2 Peniches we have for harbor inspections can't even hope to come close to a yacht that can run almost trice their speed, also, would you run such a tub on blue water?
The marine, Valeur is in port, recoaling. Chival and Crotalus Primus are at Port Saïd. Pegasus and Griffon are making the classic Malta check up . Luisant is on her monthly oil run to Romania.
And those new fangled gasbags?
Menton reported nothing unusual and that's the one what can find the stolen ship the easiest.
Saint-Tropez isn't lauched, engine trouble.
Frontignan is to far away and the blimp is making an exchange with the one from Argeles-Sur-Mer
The aircraft? Can't we ask the airbase, or the Marseilles-Rome post-airplane to assist?
I didn't think about that Chef. That's not our part as police, and we never had any direct contacts with the airbase or the airpost service. Consider the request send.
9 30 am Marseilles airbase.
Commander, Marseilles Police asked about conducting a search for a steam yacht. But I put that written phone message in the "classement Vertical pile". But now we got a telegram from Paris urging us to search for the steam yacht Scintillante, so I think it's rather more important than originaly tought.
Good. telegraph Paris that we're coordinating our effords with the local police and that we send a request to the Marine base to do the same.If Paris would so friendly to coordinate between army and navy in this matter. And where is my coffee?
Commander, the coffee is being brewed, the 3 previous pots were emptied before you came to your desk. I will bring that as soon as it is ready. Otherwise I could get you coffee from the large percolator in the mess.
And are we coordinating the search with the local police?
You're sick or what, drinking mess-pot coffee? That's for the soldiers and maintenance people, not for the officers.
And yes, send a courrier to the calling police station, and ask where their experts are, we're waiting more than an hour. A flight of our Macho's is waiting for them.
After dispatching that courrier -with the Panhard- you send the telegrams to Paris and the Marseilles marine base about the coordinated efford.
But commander, we all know there is only Chival in port, and she's recoaling. She won't sortie for the first 3 hours. So, what can the marine do at the moment?
Nothing, as usual. But at least we show initiative and by asking Paris to coördinate we also show use of proper protocols. And such thinking is the difference between commander and aid. Now, make sure my coffee arrives as soon as possible.
Monday April 7th 3 pm(15.00 hr).
Myrvik
Flensborg
Sorry to disturb you admiral ,but we have a crisis situation.
Crisis,what do you mean,Felix
Jack Sparrow is on the loose.
Nonsense,he is in custody in San Remo ,awaiting the execution of his sentence.
Sorry admiral,he was sprung out off prison late last night,and has fled in a fast
motor yacht.
Hmm,he cannot be allowed to escape,we have to do the utmost to catch him again.
I`ll order elements of the Scapa squadron to raise steam and as fast as possible to
patrol the area between the Canary Island and Cape Finisterre and and also order
the Gujarat squadron to patrol the area between The Bay of Aden and The
Chagos,and back to Gujarat .
But admiral,what to do if we catch Sparrow.
We will extradite Sparrow back to Italy,and the rest of the crew will be punished in
accordance to our old tradition.
That is a hideous way of punishment.
I know ,Felix,I know ,but it will certainly underline the confederations way of
dealing with piracy.
Funkspruch to CIC Scapa sqdrn .
Immediately depart with BB Danmark,Ca Hamburg,Lc Sørmland and Sjælland along
with DD 33,34,35,36,37.and procced with highest possible speed to patrol the area
between Cape Finisterre and Canary Islands.
Apprehend motor yacht,possibly Swiss, containing pirates,further details will be forwarded when
patrol area is reached.
Funkspruch to CIC Gujarat:
Proceed with highest possible speed to Bay of Aden to patrol the area between Bay
of Aden - Chagos and Gujarat with:
Bcc BCS Gujarat, Cl. 26 Gøtaland, DD 01 Bornholm, DD 02 Andøy and the
Minesweeper Msc 8,.
Apprehend motor yacht,possibly Swiss, containing pirates,further details will be
forwarded when patrol area is reached.
...somehow I think that's a tad bit too far away to matter.
You see, with the Romanian squadron, it was convienently leaving the Bosphrous at the same time to patrol. Therefore, it's in a perfect condition to stop it if it is going east.
Same with the Iberian squadron, it's in the west. They can't escape, because the coast is French. I think the presense of three major ships is a tad much for one with not much to fear from the Baltic. France, I could understand, but the Baltic Confederation? If it was in the Baltic, or North Sea yes, but those are the BC's backyards.....
At least kill the Scapa one....
Quote from: ledeper on April 07, 2010, 03:51:42 PM
Funkspruch to CIC Gujarat:
Proceed with highest possible speed to Bay of Aden to patrol the area between Bay
of Aden - Chagos and Gujarat with:
Bcc BCS Gujarat, Cl. 26 Gøtaland, DD 01 Bornholm, DD 02 Andøy and the
Minesweeper Msc 8,.
Apprehend motor yacht,possibly Swiss, containing pirates,further details will be
forwarded when patrol area is reached.
Strictly OOC of course since I'd not know your operational plan, but don't you think parking a BC, CL, and 2 DD off the coast of Aden would be a BAD IDEA if you didn't inform the DKB first so we don't think you're invading Aden and issue 'sink-on-sight' orders? Unless Gujarat WANTS to go round 2 with Gneisenau that is. ;)
I is just a geographical description of the "triangular"patrol pattern and I could have written Gulf of Aden ,but feel that Bay of Aden is more specific as to clarify the patrolling area. ;) ;) ;D
Funkspruch to CIC Gujarat:
Urgent.
DO NOT APPROACH ,REPEAT,DO NOT APPROACH ADEN ANY CLOSER THAN 12NM,REPEAT,DO NOT APPROACH ADEN ANY CLOSER THAN 12NM.
The Raid on Sanremo Part 8: The Pursuit?
At nearly the same time that Capt Barbarossa and Capt Sparrow were accelerating out of the Yacht Marina and into the darkness Lt. Calavari and his three other Pratorians were running up to the Jail from their Hotel several blocks away. In the distance the town fire brigade was moving pumps towards what appeared to be the telephone exchange and a growing glow caused by a fire.
The Lieutenant led his men into the Police Station and down into the Jail as more Police Officers and members of the fire brigade began to approach the scene.
Inside the building looked like an arbiter with blood from the dead, the dying, and the wounded coating the walls and the floor.
Sgt. Pietro called out Lieutenant we have a wounded officer up here and I think two of these others might live?
Lt. Calavari was looking at his two men each with multiple wounds but each also had a single close range wound to the forehead with powder burns. Their wounds might have killed, probably would have he mentally thought but they we executed to make sure. In addition the only empty cell in the jail wing should have contained Jack Sparrow ?
His decision made Lt. Calavari was very decisive. Sgt. Pietro secure the scene get the wounded out and to the Hospital. Keep Private Guido with you but send the other two with the wounded prisoners I want them kept alive at all cost and I absolutely do not want the locals taking revenge. Pointing to a police Sgt who had just arrived you accompany the wounded help those to men guard them have one of your men summon your Captain we need to get word to Rome Immediately.
Outside the Town Hall the town of Sanremo was coming to life doctors were arriving on scene and the town's ambulance' began arriving. And slowly order was being made out of Chaos.
Lt. Calavari turned to the Mayor who had just run up. I will need to use your car I expect the telegraph station is down and I need to get to the next town closer to Rome. The Empire has been attacked and we must find and catch those responsible. You will take charge here and I will have additional help here before tomorrow evening do not touch the crime scenes my men will help yours gather evidence.
With that Lt. Calavari took possession of the Mayors Car and sped out of town following the road parallel to the Railway Line heading east.
The Raid on Sanremo Part 9: The End Game?
It was nearly 03:30 in the morning in a cove not far from the Port of Monaco France. The Pirates had pushed their stolen Yacht nearly to the limits throughout the remaining hours of darkness. But now it was time to get out of the death trap that was the Mediterranean before the Empire managed to snap it shut.
The Pirates abandoned the Yacht about a half mile off shore tied the tiller and aimed the ship due south out into the Mediterranean while they rowed ashore where several other members of Captain Barbarossa crew met them with fresh clothes a variety of tickets on the Morning Mail trains out of the City of Monaco their destinations different cities all along the Coast of France and the Netherlands. They would switch trains many times and it would be weeks before they all met up again but it would be too dangerous to travel together.
April 7th, Trieste 8am
With the alert siren sounding, Kapitän zur See von Mücke gains the bridge of the Leipzig and approaches the officer of the deck.
Kapitän zur See von Mücke, : "Korvettenkapitän Saltzwedel, we have orders to sail in two hours. Shore Patrol is Inform the engine room to start building steam, Shore Patrol has orders to round up crew."
Korvettenkapitän Saltzwedel : "Yes Sir. Um, trouble Sir?"
Kapitän zur See von Mücke, : "Orders from Vice Admiral von Pohl. Seems the Italians had a jailbreak in Sanremo last night. So von Pohl has decided it will be a good exercise to scramble us and see how quickly we can move.
The luftstreitkräfte in Udine will be dispatching a zeppelin, which will relay orders to Kommodore von Hipper on Breslau, presuming he is near Zakynthos as expected. We're to cover Italy to Crete and execute searches based on descriptions we hope to gain from the Italians. Good practice at least."
<Turning to a Lieutenant>
" Lt. Lohs , attend the gangplank and make sure to note which of the crew are drunk on duty as shore patrol returns them. Those that return on their own are obviously competent and need not be recorded "
Presidential Mansion
Richmond, Virginia
0345 Eastern Standard Time[/b]
"THE ITALIANS LET WHO ESCAPE?"
No one had EVER seen J. Edgar Hoover livid. Upset... virtually every day, over something. Angry... sure, who doesn't get angry. Genuinely pissed off... well, who doesn't get that way. But livid... no, not even the time that someone spilled coffee on the white kimono given to him by a member of one of the cadet lines of the Nipponese royal family.
However, the high color in his cheeks and the utter rage in his eyes- not to mention the window-rattling volume of his normally restrained voice- clearly proclaimed him as such at this very moment.
"You make sure that those IDIOTS at the Polizia Command know exactly how big their cock-up was this time, and you mane DAMNABLY sure that we have SOMETHING over there as fast as we can to look for the bastard. No, wait- scratch that. They are moving. The question is, where to... and how soon they plan to get there.
Mobilize our minelayers and sloops. Have them take to patrolling the Gulf and Carribean, especially the Straits and the approaches to the New Berriland canal and the Grand canal. Also, notify the Mark- I'll doubt very seriously that they have heard anything through official channels at this time. Hopefully, we can catch them before the break into the Pacific"
"You think that Sparrow is going to try and make it to the Pacific?"
"Of course... the world knows very well whom Sparrow works. And thus, the world knows very well where to search for him."
Quote from: Carthaginian on April 07, 2010, 08:32:29 PM
...especially the Straits and the approaches to the New Berriland canal...
:D ;D
Quote from: P3D on April 07, 2010, 08:38:06 PM
Quote from: Carthaginian on April 07, 2010, 08:32:29 PM
...especially the Straits and the approaches to the New Berriland canal...
:D ;D
Hoover is no dummy.
He knows that the 30-odd patrol ships that he can spare couldn't cover a lot of area... so he picks an area where they can cover a lot of ships.
OOC: All I have to say is wow ??????
In an Era of Written Letters carried by courier ships, Telegraphs [Very Unsecure] and Radio Telegraphy the news of Sparrows escape has spread well as fast as a text message about Paris Hilton last Pantyless Photo sighting ::)
Ok sorry that had to be said....
Iberia and France were notified some time around 03:30 AM Monday April 7th. Miketr had the perfect response his nightly duty officer accepted the message and called his on call officer. Who then got dressed drove in looked over the message and decided the next chain of command could wait until after breakfast a mere 2 hours away. So eventually sometime after the Admiralty is up they receive the message.
The Straits of Gibraltar are blocked by the Iberian before even a 20 Knot ship could have made it to them thus accomplishing the Goal of the Italian message.
I Guarantee this isnt making Italian Newspapers before Mid week . This is an attack on the National Soverignty of the nation and it must be spun correctly ;)
ooc : I simply timed my response to match France's time frame. While somewhat further away, it gives time for folks detailed to Italia to call/telegraph back home with the news. For a high profile trial, I would expect news to spread by the next day, and I didn't see information indicating a news blackout had been imposed, merely that the telegraph office may be down.
In any event, it's merely an excuse for an exercise on Bavaria's part, we don't expect they'd be silly enough to steam around Italy, but if they did, the Greek isles would be a good place to get lost.
Quote from: ctwaterman on April 07, 2010, 09:16:26 PM
OOC: All I have to say is wow ??????
In an Era of Written Letters carried by courier ships, Telegraphs [Very Unsecure] and Radio Telegraphy the news of Sparrows escape has spread well as fast as a text message about Paris Hilton last Pantyless Photo sighting ::)
Well, if Italy contacts the French on the same day, I was assuming that they did the same for the rest of Nassau.
Thus, my 'midnight the next night' telegraph to Hoover.
I can schedule it for a later date if need be.
Quote from: Kaiser Kirk on April 07, 2010, 09:29:13 PM
ooc : I simply timed my response to match France's time frame. While somewhat further away, it gives time for folks detailed to Italia to call/telegraph back home with the news. For a high profile trial, I would expect news to spread by the next day, and I didn't see information indicating a news blackout had been imposed, merely that the telegraph office may be down.
In any event, it's merely an excuse for an exercise on Bavaria's part, we don't expect they'd be silly enough to steam around Italy, but if they did, the Greek isles would be a good place to get lost.
Not A problem you could not have possibly missed ships rushing out of Vennice Harbor at dawn nor could you miss the large number of Encrypted Telegrpahy messages flashing around Italy. You know somethign is up. And you have a method of finding out picking up the phone in Trieste and talking to the Commander in Vennice.
As for the Trial it wasnt public but the records were open. He was tried in abstentia, a pannel of 3 judges were presented evidence an assigned lawyer questioned the evidence the Judges 3 to 0 covicted Jack Sparrow of Piracy.
Quote from: Carthaginian on April 07, 2010, 08:49:07 PM
...
I did not comment on the details of the search, I just found "Berriland" funny.
Quote from: Carthaginian on April 07, 2010, 09:35:46 PM
Quote from: ctwaterman on April 07, 2010, 09:16:26 PM
OOC: All I have to say is wow ??????
In an Era of Written Letters carried by courier ships, Telegraphs [Very Unsecure] and Radio Telegraphy the news of Sparrows escape has spread well as fast as a text message about Paris Hilton last Pantyless Photo sighting ::)
Well, if Italy contacts the French on the same day, I was assuming that they did the same for the rest of Nassau.
Thus, my 'midnight the next night' telegraph to Hoover.
I can schedule it for a later date if need be.
Hey Its just a comment on the speed of Communication in the 19th and Early 20th Century. What was the Joke - Telegraph, Telephone, and Tell a Woman [Ducks thrown Objects]
Yes Nassau is Going to be Informed but only after the Empire has a day to figure out exactly what happened and how it wants to phrase what it has to say.
OOC: I guess I could spin this as a covert swiss raid but wait I havent quite gotten their rude reply just yet I think my Ambassador just handed them my Letter in Paris :) And the Rude Reply is still 3 days away.
To expand upon what Charles has said. This is 1919 and communication and information moved at vastly slower rate of speed. I suggest people get a copy of Tora! Tora! Tora! And look at the mid part of the movie where the various communications are occurring between Tokyo and their Embassy in Washington and the Washington's attempts to warn Pearl.
Let me give what I viewed as the series of events.
Quote from: ctwaterman on April 07, 2010, 04:54:28 AM
In response to events on Sunday April 6th 1919 you can assume the following to occour.
Shortly after 1 AM Monday April 7th and extremely large number or Radio Telegraphy messages will be echoing across the central med. These messages will originate from Rome and be repeated and responded to by La Spezia, Cigalari, and Tunis, plus several ships at sea.
Shortly after 2 AM somebody in Rome will finally imbibe enought coffee to decide that there are other people with ships in the area who might dislike Pirates as well. It is around this time that the undersea cables get put to work. Any government or military offices in Paris or Madrid that might be awake will receive the following Telegraph Cable.
From: Imperial Office of Foreign Affairs.
To: Foreign Office or Military Staff Paris, Madrid.
At approximately 22:30 Hours a group of unknown but suspected Pirates attacked the Town Hall of Sanremo Italy. They succeeded in over power and killing a large number of people and succeeded in breaking the Convicted Pirate and Murder Capt. Jack Sparrow from his cell in the Sanremo Town Jail.
The Pirates were last sceene fleeing Sanremo aboard a steam yach the SY Scintillante, registered in Marsaille. The Empire is sorting vessels from Tunis, Cagilari, and La Spezia to sweep the sea in the direction of the Straits of Gibraltar. Any help in apprehending the Pirates aboard the above vessel would be greatly appreciated.
So 2 AM Italy decides to send the message. It will take time to draft, then time to GO to a place able to send the message. A centralized telegraph office and then sent up the chain to arrive in Madrid. So this message will arrive in Madrid some time between 3 AM and 4 AM. Once in the telegraph office with the diplomatic header it's sent punted over to the Italian embassy to be decoded. Problem is odds are no one is awake to receive it so it rots there till the morning staff comes in. Once they come in the message is decoded and the Italian Ambassador reads it over and makes an appointment with the Iberian Foreign Minister or one of his subordinates. Figure this occurs around 7 AM. Meeting occurs at 8 AM. Iberian government then figures out what to do with the message and 9 AM the message is sent to Cartagena.
10 AM we have my story above.
Once the Med Fleet is ordered to sea the following has to occur.
First of all the Iberian fleet is at peace so most of the ships will have one or two boilers lit at what's called "hotel load". Hotel load is enough steam to provide for utilities on the ship. Most of the other boilers are cold. It will take hours for the ship to raise enough steam to get under way. That assumes the ships are even ready for sea, again its peace time and well even in war time maintenance needs to be done.
Looking back on things I might have had things take even longer to play out. In the end is all moot as the Pirates have gotten away but people should be aware of how fast info moves.
I am finding the severe overreactions by everyone not directly involved in the story very hilarious., especially for what is a virtual nobody and just a common 'criminal'. The Baltic Confederates especially, since they are looking for a Swiss yacht. Oh and everyone is blaming the Swiss, and the Swiss still don't know what happened.
I think the French reaction is rather "in character".
The French police is more concerned about the yacht itself than the other events, but can't do anything.
The marine would like an excuse to do anything, but no ships are available.
The army is scratching its ass. And makes into an excersize of "how to do nothing and seem to do all the best possible".
And Paris is lighting up like a searchlight by the power of gossip.
April 9th, Swiss Naval HQ
"What's going on?"
"No idea, we have received a bunch of separate and apparently unconnected reports. Apparently everyone and their grandmothers decided to stage emergency exercises at the same time."
"WHAT? Ship sink or something?"
"No idea, but probably no. I mean its the CSA in the Caribbean, the BC in the Baltic and India, the Iberians of their coast, the Romanians in the Black Sea, and even the Bavarians. Can't be connected, that's like half the hemisphere."
"Well let me know as soon as you get something, and it better be soon."
"Oh yeah, several shipping companies are complaining. Apparently quite a number of Swiss flagged ships are being stopped, boarded and inspected."
"Wait, what? Now THAT is important. Figure out what the hell is going on and do it NOW."
OOC Guys, don't forget that Swiss merchants tend to be armed and if stopped illegally on the high seas might fight back. But this would only apply on the open seas, near territorial waters and in straits (ie Gibraltar) there will be no problems, nor will there be any if the stoppers are not being obnoxious. Note, ATM no Swiss flagged ship is transporting Sparrow nor any of the people involved in the rescue.
Quote from: Desertfox on April 08, 2010, 12:06:21 AM
OOC Guys, don't forget that Swiss merchants tend to be armed and if stopped illegally on the high seas might fight back. But this would only apply on the open seas, near territorial waters and in straits (ie Gibraltar) there will be no problems, nor will there be any if the stoppers are not being obnoxious. Note, ATM no Swiss flagged ship is transporting Sparrow nor any of the people involved in the rescue.
It Is Legal for a Ship to Stop a Swiss Ship if it is believed that the Swiss Ship is
a. Transporting Slaves
b. A Pirate Ship flying a Flag of Convenience
The Stopping Ships Nation is responisble for Financial delays. But a simple stop search the crew and release the ship in under an hour well Financial Penalties are minimal. The appology from one government to another for the mistake is assumed.
And its apparently a treaty the New Swiss actually Signed.
Like I said, no problem as long as the stopping ship isn't being obnoxious. Course once word starts getting around, that every Swiss ship is being stopped. Well then the crews and especially the owners might start getting trigger happy. And there will be an official Swiss complaint, but the extent isn't known yet.
Ship that is capable of stopping a Armed Merchant is at this time in a Cruiser category.
The all the merchant can do is complain if they get trigger happy the crew of a merchant will find themselves in a lifeboat.
On the other hand a merchant can ram a ship. Island patrol cutters were ramming the RN frigates left and right in the cod wars. Soviet Union rammed US Navy ships at least on one occasion.
Quote from: miketr on April 07, 2010, 10:14:08 PM
To expand upon what Charles has said. This is 1919 and communication and information moved at vastly slower rate of speed. I suggest people get a copy of Tora! Tora! Tora! And look at the mid part of the movie where the various communications are occurring between Tokyo and their Embassy in Washington and the Washington's attempts to warn Pearl.
Well, my 24 hour lag from France's notification wasn't too bad.
I doubt that the papers will hear about it for a week or more.
I doubt the Swiss flag would be considered to be a Flag of Convenience. More likely a pirate flag. :D
Quote from: Walter on April 08, 2010, 08:14:39 AM
I doubt the Swiss flag would be considered to be a Flag of Convenience. More likely a pirate flag. :D
Sssssshhhhh *finger to lips* Walter your giving the game away.
I will note that its convenient that even the Pirates have a flag so we know who to shoot at. ;D
Quote from: ledeper on April 07, 2010, 03:51:42 PM
Funkspruch to CIC Gujarat:
Proceed with highest possible speed to Bay of Aden to patrol the area between Bay
of Aden - Chagos and Gujarat with:
Bcc BCS Gujarat, Cl. 26 Gøtaland, DD 01 Bornholm, DD 02 Andøy and the
Minesweeper Msc 8,.
Apprehend motor yacht,possibly Swiss, containing pirates,further details will be
forwarded when patrol area is reached.
That would be interesting considering
Quote10 September
North of Phuket, the ESC minesweeper #8, on loan to the Dutch, reports by wireless that it is being closed and challenged by DKB torpedo-boats. Shortly after, a second message reports that the ship is being abandoned.
You are right ,its a typo ,it should be :Minesweeper Msc 7