The Red Roses of Imperialdom

[SoCRUR]

THE REVOLUTIONARY AFFAIR
The Red Rose​

12 March 1954
West Cantignia / Vesper

The Minster of St Peter in west Dulwich had perhaps the most expensively dressed congregation in the world. It was the favoured place of Anglican worship for the social elite of the imperial metropolis of Dulwich. In theory, however, ostentation was frowned upon, but a lady had to wear a hat, and in the empire it was almost impossible to buy one that did not have ostrich feathers, ribbons, bows, and silk floral creations. From the back of the nave one could only observe a jungle of extravagance, in their assortment of shapes and colours. The gentlemen, by contrast, all appeared similar, with their black coats and white stand-up collars, holding their top hats in their laps. Most of these people did not understand what had happened in Cantignia, with respect to its entry into the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organisation; not many of them registered any interest at all beyond the gilded borders of the empire. They were shocked by the horrors of the Danish Empire in Himyar, but they could not work out what the crisis meant for Europe, as it escalated quickly. They were quite bewildered. Rupert Oliver Turner-Jewell was not bewildered. He knew exactly what the membership to that particular alliance portended. It created a serious threat to the security of Great Engellex, and it was up to people such as Rupert to protect and defend the empire in this moment of imminent danger.

This day, 12 March 1954, his first task was to find out what the Cantignian Government was leaning toward in the immediate short term. This was what everyone wanted to know :- the Engellexic Ambassador to Cantignia, Rupert’s grandfather; the Engelleux-at-Arms, the Duke of Nonsuch; the Imperial Parliament, and most especially the Queen-Empress. And Rupert, like the capable intelligence officer he was, had a few avenues that may provide information. On the street, in the more civilised of districts of a western Cantignian metropolis, this professional imperial subject, enemy of the revolutionary currents of post-war Cantignia, showed a touch of the Cannie flâneur. His clothes were simple but well cut; his brown hair handsomely combed. Even the pince-nez on his nose managed a certain dash. Under his arm he carried the latest Cannie novel. He read it on the tram ride to the centre of the metropolis. A typical Cannie welcome awaited him at the café, with the waiter directing Rupert to an empty table; he offered to provide the Engellexic man with a drink, and also the typical complimentary international and national news publications. Rupert nodded, and it wasn’t too long before he was sipping from a steaming cup of coffee, and reading the thin sheets of Etnaea’s popular publication. A shadow cast over the financial columns indicated the arrival of the woman he hoped to provide him with something useful. Good place to sit, Rupert murmured to Elsie Garrel in a fine grasp of the Cannie language. Elsie sat down, and commanded for herself a mocha. From behind his paper Rupert considered the soundless meeting, curious as to what the ash-blond beauty of Cannie industry mused about – possible events to come, or perhaps she’s just lost in a languid daydream. In any case her hands, unoccupied, slipped off the ceramic cup and onto the table top, where they rest, slender, groomed, pale. Elsie belonged to the family of an industry baron who had initially sort to align with Engellex, if only for profit and position, but have found themselves lingering in a grey silence at that obvious failure; herself, now a labouring secretary to the same industry of manufacture.

Rupert continued to say nothing more, but as soon as traffic picked up outside on the street, with all of the usual frustrating distractions, he said in a low voice, what is the mood of industry? Elsie clapped her hands round the cup and answered, there is no change in the orders. Rupert nodded, good. The meeting between the two was evidently supressed. Both wished to know what Cantignia was seeking from this entry into the revolutionary club, but only one of them had the possibilities of determining a decent assumption. Rupert weaved pleasantries and false interest of her family, and life in that major coastal city on the west coast, though, to be fair, she had his fancy; but the purpose was to accumulate as much information he could gather on what Cantignia was importing, exporting, and producing at home, the Engellexic intelligence masters believed data such as that to be more telling and with less risk, compared to the riskier infiltration of government circles and departments. After all, Engellex didn’t need set-in stone quotes from private ministerial conversations telling of hate toward it; it only required the necessary industry indicators of increased activity that could allow for a preparation of war. When they both exhausted their cups, having paid – and tipped, they proceeded together outside, in the direction of a bustling market of books, antiques, and various other interesting things. Rupert found himself with a greater awareness of Elsie, who looked supernaturally graceful in a stylish grey figured velvetdress with a darker grey crepe overdress. It was not a very feminine colour, perhaps, but it heightened her sculptured beauty and seemed to make her skin glow. As they parted in the dense crowds, he smiled at her elegant back. It was her independent spirit that he found so attractive. Most women in Engellex seemed content to play the passive role that society gave them, dressing beautifully and organising parties and obeying their husbands. He found that quite boring, and admired the spirit of Cannie women.

That evening, Rupert turned into the Lyon Hotel, a former city palace within the capital of Cantignia that was taken over by Engellexians for the purpose of their visitations. Rupert, who had made full use of the opportunity to change his attire within the cab, left his top hat in the cloakroom and went into the dining room where another intelligence agent awaited him. Over Ivernian beef and roasted parsnips, Rupert provided his colleague with the inconclusive information he had gleaned from Elsie. His colleague responded by suggesting that the government of Cantignia did not necessarily act in direct unison with the majority of the population, and though that would be deemed positive, Rupert understood that his colleague was often delivering information heavily influenced by his own personal leanings. It makes absolutely no difference at all. Engellex will have to respond to Cantignia. This is what Rupert, and most of his generation feared. The circumstance of political evolution in Cantignia could no longer be regarded merely as teething, to be dealt with by distant observation. It had escalated, and now Dulwich was fully aware of a rather dangerous situation. They began dessert in silence, Rupert thinking quite hard. When coffee arrived, the other intelligence agent provoked a protestation from Rupert by sounding his support for military action against Cantignia. You cannot possibly want a second war! His colleague frowned, offended, I want a reassurance from Dulwich that the empire still does not tolerate communism. Rupert controlled his impatience. The problem with that way of thinking is that it raises the stakes. Like Carentania making supportive noises about communism in Gallia, it encourages aggression. His colleague stiffly rejected it, Engellex has suffered a terrible blow. The country cannot be seen to take it lightly. Rupert suggested that it should all kept to proportion, after all, Cantignia hasn’t acted directly against Engellex. His opponent disagreed, of course, making his point with an ever angered tone of voice, the communists are at our door! A dining couple next to them glanced up and frowned. They both softened their speech. Don’t talk to me about proportion. Rupert called for the bill. He was deeply unsettled by what he had heard. However, he did not want any ill feeling between them. They trusted and helped one another. On the pavement outside, they shook each other’s hands and departed as they arrived, friends.

Elsie, he thought as he made his way back to the embassy. It was Wednesday evening, but Vesper was not quiet. The city had always been a global centre of culture, the Engello-Cannie War somewhat obliterated some of the charm of the city, but the energy had in fact grown, as it was famous for. Rupert found his grandfather at his desk, reading decoded telegrams. This may not be the best time to tell you my news, Rupert began. Arthur grunted and carried on reading. The grandson ploughed on, I believe I’m in love with a woman. Arthur looked up, a Cannie woman? I suspected as much. You have my profound sympathy. Rupert pleaded that his elder be serious. No, you be serious, Arthur said, throwing down his papers. Cannie women are feminist, ambitious, and it appears communist, too. There cannot exist one worthy of being a wife to anyone, anymore, let alone an Engellexic diplomat. So let’s hear no more of it. Angry words approached Rupert’s lips, but he clenched his teeth and kept his temper. She’s a beautiful woman, and I believe I love her. Carelessly, Arthur replied, I’ll say what I think. She is bound to be dreadful. He continued with his telegrams. For God’s sake! Bellowed Rupert. Well-born Cannies have been marrying Engellexic aristocrats for years. The Queen-Empress is directly related to the last King of Cantignia! Arthur raised his voice, things have changed! The Cannies are determined to ever provoke hostility. They befriend our adversaries, the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organisation. You would be marrying an enemy of the empire. Rupert knew this was how the old guard thought, but it was irrational. We should not be enemies, he said in exasperation, there’s no reason for it. Arthur dismissed that, they will never return to the fold of civilised nations. Rupert protesting against obvious arrogance, they believe in peace, liberty – trade. We don’t want war! We need science, and industry, and commerce. Engellex must modernise and become liberal and grow. We need peace and prosperity. Arthur stood up. Listen to me, he said softly, we have powerful enemies throughout Europe – and they are hand in glove. We cannot fight a war on more than one front. Rupert knew this. That’s why we have the Air Power Doctrine, he said. By maintaining air superiority, we can overwhelm both land and sea attacks. Arthur nodded, indeed, that was a sound policy of the empire at war, and it proved decisive against Cantignia, Batavia, and Franken. Ever since then, other nations have been investing heavily in aviation technology and strategies, and Dulwich has not. As other nations acquire greater breakthroughs, our advantages become few. The sooner we secure a second victory, the better for Engellex.

You actually want war, said Rupert incredulously. No one wants war, said Arthur, but sometimes it’s better than the alternative.

Now, I have a telegram to respond to. Dulwich requires my advice.

 

[SoCRUR]

THE NONSUCH CIRCUMSTANCE
The Red Rose​

14 March 1954
Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex

Anything that we do influences the balance of power in Preuti, and that worries our neighbours, spoke the Duke of Nonsuch, as he walked into his drawing-room with the Engellexic ambassador to Portusgalia. But Engellex and Portusgalia have had close commercial relations for years now, opinions against fostering closer relations is years out of date, suggested Lord Foster. Nonsuch gestured for the ambassador to sit, public opinion is years out of date, but what can you do? Lord Foster chuckled lightly, with a feigned amusement. Governments cannot run too far ahead, can strain the leash, but cannot run off, added Nonsuch. Are you saying bluntly that there is no support in the cabinet for a treaty with Portusgalia? Asked Foster. Foster, foreign policy was settled two years ago by the Imperial Parliament. You want us to abandon isolation, I cannot see you achieving that, Nonsuch replied bluntly. Because of the other members of the cabinet, or because of you Duke? Foster asked, a little forward. Could you imagine the consequences on the Tripartite powers or the RDTO if we entered into negotiations with unaligned nations? Argued Nonsuch. I cannot imagine a situation of the Tripartite powers making trouble, after all, was it not us who first recognised Ostveg against the Danish? I believe we effectively imprisoned the Danish king for a short time over it, responded Foster. Hmm. Yes, but that is not my reading of the present situation, said Nonsuch. Lord Foster smiled, extending a hand across the table, but it is mine, Duke. Those powers (Tripartite) are not ignorant, they may not like us, but I believe they are pragmatic. The Duke of Nonsuch rose from his seat, and having folded his arms about his chest, peered out of the cold window. So, you would consider no support on redefining our foreign policy on the continent? Foster asked once more. Nonsuch turned, slowly walking back to the desk, why, has a crisis called for it? He asked mockingly, only to be disturbed by an urgency at the door. It was a mandarin with a leather-bound file, no doubt containing something important. Nonsuch accepted the delivery and proceeded to investigate the contents. Hm. Incredible. Who do you employ within your embassy Foster – mystics? This letter is from the Queen-Empress. The Minister Turner-Jewell in Vesper has just telegrammed a letter to her Majesty. It details the growing sentiments in Cantignia for the annexation of Aldenhov, and says that it implies a vision of greater statehood for modern Cantignia, announced Nonsuch unamused. Foster leaned forward in his seat, somewhat surprised, but, that – they wouldn't dare! Nonsuch picked up his blue ministerial case, and collected other things, as he was obviously heading out. Absolutely? Have you not been trying to persuade me that we cannot linger with Cantignia? Asked Nonsuch. I never wagered that they would be so bold, so soon. Well, we’ll have to abandon this foreign policy now, smarted Foster.

The Engellexic ambassador stood, aware of his need to leave, and in doing so helped himself to one of his own cigars upon fitting into his coat. This is the position as I see it, Foster said, puffing out plumes. Frankly we need to shift policies. How could it not be so great, after all, directing the affairs of this continent has supported the empire through many situations.

An hour or so later, the Queen-Empress dismissed the situation, as herself and the Duke of Nonsuch discussed the matters concerning Cantignia at the palace. I do not quite understand it, Duke, she remarked softly yet sternly. Not only do I not understand it, I cannot find myself to like it. Nonsuch smiled, if your Majesty would try to understand my position, you may find yourself able to agree with it. Charlotte was dismissive. I shall tell you, Duke, that at the request of the liberal faction within parliament, and – indeed – my cabinet, I have been obliged to acknowledge a reserve on the part of this empire toward this continent, toward Europe. And now, she said, reinforcing her already rigid posture, I have been informed that Cantignia is a member of a revolutionary international alliance, and contemplates a greater statehood? Nonsuch conceded, yes, ma’am. The Queen-Empress refused any veneer of pleasantry, and you still assert splendid isolation to be our guarantee of security and prosperity? Almost as a plead, if we move against Cantignia, those powers – Carentania – will declare war on us. The Queen-Empress scoffed abruptly, I do believe you have surrendered your courage in the strength and determination of our armies and air power, Duke. Again, Nonsuch attempted his persuasion, Carentania is not prepared for war, and so Kyiv will have to come to her aid. That is why I believe it absolutely vital that we do not shift position. Charlotte moved to help herself to a small cup of tea. It is a pity you did not consider those nations and Cantignia earlier, she asserted, gently holding the cup with her small finger held resolutely out. I may have had the benefit of finding the advice of my minister in Vesper unnecessary. As it is, I cannot say I do not agree with the proposals in his telegram, and I do trust you will not waiver from executing them, she instructed. I will do what your Majesty feels necessary, Nonsuch conceded. If you want my forward observation, Duke, I believe Cantignia has acted rather impertinently, added Charlotte. Nonsuch was in agreement, I agree, we should have been consulted on any foreign policy moves. The Queen-Empress silently returned her cup to the table, and then stood. Matters have moved rather too quickly, Duke, for any argument of treaty violation. We now must ensure that we have the unified political support for the position of this telegram. The Duke looked at Charlotte, silently frustrated at having to accept defeat. The telegram, from Arthur Turner-Jewell encouraged a demonstration of the empire in Lille; this demonstration would exude the wealth, confidence, and strength of Engellex on the border with Cantignia. A performance, no doubt, but one which would require the mobilisation of the Tenth Army in Wantage.

That evening, at a soiree at Nonsuch House, the Engelleaux-at-Arms – the Duke of Nonsuch, and his wife the Duchess hosted many of the important ministers, politicians of Engellex, and the many ambassadors of foreign nations within Dulwich. Not all were invited, the obvious absence was that of Cantignia, but also of Cathiopia; and while the ladies gossiped, and tapped their feet to the tritsch-tratsch polka, the Duke of Nonsuch endeavoured to carry forward the will of his Sovereign. Sorry to pull you away, your Excellency, opened Nonsuch to the Portusgalian ambassador. Not at all, your Grace, the Portusgalian replied. I am confident the ladies will miss your departure, complimented the Duke. At my age, your Grace? Laughed the ambassador. Indeed, continued Nonsuch humorously. Your Excellency, there is a growing protest within political circles, of the self-imposed isolation of Engellex, they believe part of the position attributed to a Great Power is that it should be seen to be seen in Europe. They remain concerned that the reserve of the empire has permitted the subscription of Cantignia to the revolutionaries, and have paused in their deliberations to consider the fates of those unaligned nations – such as the Empire of Portusgalia, should the communist powers advance, said Nonsuch. To consider the fate – of Portusgalia? Questioned the Portusgalian ambassador. We are familiar with your government’s effort to secure accession to the Tripartite Agreement, unsuccessfully so. We are also aware of the anxieties of Ionia, a partner of Portusgalia. It is the determined belief of her Majesty the Queen-Empress that our two empires negotiate a treaty of commerce and security. Great Engellex is the natural leader of Preuti-Borussia, and Portusgalia of Himyar, together, the unified position of our two empires may prove enough to force the communist powers to reconsider, proposed the Duke of Nonsuch.

Let’s bring back that secured prosperity, and absolute freedom of our civilisations to not be usurped by the revolutions of those Godless libertines, proclaimed the Duke.

We intend to propose a treaty to your government urgently, privately, of course, and I wanted you to be made aware of that now, Nonsuch added to the Portusgalian ambassador.

[MENTION=1663]Portusgalia[/MENTION]

 

[Portusgalia]

The Ambassador, D. José de Vilhena Monteiro, Baron of Tete, was an old guard Neo-Septembrist at the might of 68 years of age. He is the Ambassador in Great Engellex for many years, at least since 1932. He was also a fighter in the Civil War, and the former commander of the 4th National Battalion of Tete. He entertains many times the people with old stories from Himyar, and war records, his deeds and his woes. He is a very pleasant man, always in good humor, and a true gentleman. The proposal of Duke of Nonsuch was a bit shocking to the old man.
The portusgalians always regarded Great Engellex has a very powerful country of Europe. Almost at the status of "The One that His name Shall not be pronounced". The Baron of Tete knows very well the victories of Great Engellex in the August Catastrophe, since he remained all time in the country during the war. After that Great Engellex was even regarded with more fear by the foreign affairs weakling Neo-Septembrist governments. On the other side, they are regarded has heroes by many Portusgalians. The fact that Great Engellex did destroy the Batavian Union, the long lasting rival of Portugalia, was a great source of respect towards Great Engellex by the side of the portusgalians. The commun people call the Queen-Empress the slang name of "Gecko Booster". It may sound offensive, but in fact it isn't, and has to do with the victory over the Batavian Union. When a common portusgalian mentions the Queen-Empress has the "Gecko Booster" it can be seen the joy on their faces... The Portusgalian call the dutch peoples "Geckos", because they are lanky and very white, just like the Geckos, a common reptile in Himyar.

Baron of Tete: Your excelency, to which I owe the honor of such a proposal?
Her Must Serene Majesty, Her Royal Highness, the Queen D. Constança is deeply concerned about the expansion of Communism to be honest to your excellency. For some reason the country is in "State of War", with all unites ready for battle. In fact there is no war with the communists, but since... Danmark has made again one of their political jokes in Eastern Cape, the communists soon came to prey the victims of the Danish stupidity... And started in a very aggressive mood! The portusgalian people was afraid of an communist aggression towards Portusgalia, so the Government had give an answer. But we are dealing with them in Eastern Cape... We don't want red neighbors... Even their smell is... nauseous...

The ambassador was insinuating that the communist situation in Himyar was at least under control. The main reason was a secret pact with Cathiopia in order to support the Cathiopian actions in Eastern Cape.

Portusgalia the "Natural Leader of Himyar"... I feel extremely flattered has a portusgalian for that observation Your excelency, but unfortunately that isn't true... Mozambia in fact is by far the must powerful region in Himyar, in population and in economy. But that isn't all. Bangala is a joke! A dutch joke... The remains of the Batavian Union still there, Hulst and Lisse... And according to a great friend of mine, the Prefect of Elefanta Island, in the Coast of Bangala, the "Geckos" are preparing something against Portusgalia in there. To be honest to you, my government trusts them too much, I don't! And sorry to say this, but I feel proud for the great job that Your Excelencies did in destroying that long standing Monster of the Batavian Union!!!

The old man was emotional... He drink a glass of whiskey...

Baron of Tete: Sorry about this... It was emotion speaking, I didn't mean to sound good, but even in my best efforts, has a portusgalian himyari I can't like the "Geckos".

Cantignia!? That is a very strange country, I don't understand their position in the world... But they act with suspicion. I heard rumors of their alignment with those vile reds! Don't know the reason, but I think it is subject of concern.

The Ambassador Baron of Tete drinks another glass of Whiskey. The mans resistance to alcohol is amazing, he drinks whiskey like a common man drinks water. He lights a cigar and smokes slowly...

Baron of Tete: Cigar your Excelency? Bissau made... The best ones in the World! A treaty with Great Engellex? To me it sounds very fair and honorable, but I don't know the position of Lisbon in this. What is the main purpose of it?

 

[SoCRUR]

IMPERIALDOM
The Red Roses of Imperialdom​

27 March 1954
Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex

The experiences of Great Engellex in March, both with the wide confrontations and advancements of the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organisation and with the emergence of the Tripartite Agreement and the attitudes of the Un-Aligned, did much to drive the Queen-Empress and the Imperial Establishment towards a reserve in foreign policy engagement, that they were originally very unwilling to adopt upon Cantignia’s ideological adjustment. This development in Dulwich was aided by several developments. First, the polarisation of European politics removed very nearly all opportunities of forming regional and international partnerships along traditional lines, much to the frustration of a political class unwilling to acknowledge change outside sovereign borders. Ivernia, a monarchy and colonial power with potent military capabilities, sits as a founding member of the Tripartite Agreement alongside Sylvania, an opponent. Portusgalia, again, a monarchy and colonial power with sufficient military capabilities, exists curiously tied to the Ionian Confederacy, a nation that rejected co-operation on the belief that it existed as a superior entity to Great Engellex. Dulwich was desolated by this, the more so because of the ever increasing reach of Carentania and her partners, in a Europe where Engellex was isolated but, because of history, demanded that it have participation in the course of events. Thus the two nations with whom Dulwich felt traditionally close to had both been removed from a map of prospective co-operation, leaving for consideration, what is now, a worryingly thin map. Less than three days after commenced, and then concluded negotiations with the Ionian Confederacy, Dulwich reached out to the Kingdom of the Etnae. The Etnae were originally not seen as those along the traditions of Engello foreign policy, for the simple reasoning that interactions between the two have been historically limited, as compared to the other two, but it now had become one which foreign policy had appeared for a moment to depend upon. It was nonetheless the demise of imperial Danmark which not only carried its extraordinary panoply of national shock but also made the greatest difference to the future of Great Engellex.

The Danish Empire had been an unwelcome power in the region that Engellex had sought to wrestle for itself, consistently seeking to undermine the efforts of Dulwich and assault the imperial face which the Queen-Empress had preserved from a frontline against the, now dismantled, European Defence Federation and Germanic League. With the Danish demise, and uncertainty for her political future, though welcomed, provided a whole host of new problems that the Cabinet, under the Duke of Nonsuch, were slowly becoming more aware of. The many questions of the swiftly disintegrating Danish Empire provided with Dulwich what is, now regarded, one of the positions in European Affairs that it could, and certainly should, fully occupy itself with for absolute advantage to the Empire – and its constituent entities. The issues on which the Imperial Parliament, dividedly, hitherto thought to be the strongest foreign objects were not calculated to take note in the advantages of what was Engellexic power in Europe. Standing with or without anti-papist hysteria, denouncing the excesses of the Sylvanian jingoism in the naval theatre, demanding an enquiry into an abuse of regional position by Cathiopia with regard the International De-Colonisation Committee, and then advocating a second war with Cantignia that would provide for an early and outright victory to permanently secure Preutien Peace, were the positions reaching the considerations of Engello parliamentarians with their thundering speeches and Tibur-like gesturing. But they were not likely to administer Engellex a secured position in Europe. Yet the personality that many nations had come to expect of those who haunt the corridors of Engello power, and the vibrant and declamatory style of her characters, began to cry out for the stimulus and indulgence of traditional assertion by the Imperialdom. The continent of Preuti-Borussia was where the imperial metropolis of Dulwich had made the reputation of Engellex and where it had in modern times exercised its power, but the capacity of the Empire was no more than eighty-thousand men, twenty-thousand of which were in Otho-Eam and Tharrama, and fifteen-thousand in Engello-Bantyr. The edge of Engellexic air power was still very fine, and certainly capable, but the projection capabilities were limited to immediate territories and neighbours of the Empire; therefore, the exercise of power rested upon the Royal Engellexic Navy.

Aided by the affront which the Carentanian-Cathiopian IDC had inflicted upon the rights of colonial powers, had created a conflict of naval direction. The beginning of March, as the Etnae had been informed, Dulwich considered an immediate withdrawal of fleets from Preuti-Borussia and Saamiskavia, and a transfer of those assets to the Danish Eastern Cape. That territory in southern Himyar, which became the focus from the tension between the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organisation and the Tripartite Agreement, was immediately available and in agreement with the Board of Admiralty and Commerce because the tension was causing a crisis to develop for commercial navigation that obviously concerned them, therefore the channels between Dulwich and Mergui were particularly active. Seizing a position in the Eastern Cape had the advantage of ending the revolutionary ambitions in the south, and thus restoring the supremacy of colonial power on the continent which has been momentarily diminished by the efforts of the revolutionaries and their instruments. The other possibility, and now the adopted position, was to be unilateral and entirely within the realm of discretion, there was to be no demonstration of typical bombastic Imperialdom, and although at this stage there was no firm unity between Dulwich and Mergui, the Forth Lord of the Board had agreed on the merits during conversations with Dulwich and will be advocating the direction in Mergui. Acting upon the disintegration of the Danish Empire, Dulwich hoped and the Fourth agreed, would aid in muzzling Carentanian ambitions.

Relations between Great Engellex and the Crowned Provinces proceeded on a superficially even keel. Their interaction mingled the most crunching and forthright situations, on matters both of economic and security in nature, with bursts of consideration for each other’s position in the Empire and in Europe. The President of the States-General, of the Crowned Provinces, would be delighted to defer to the Imperial Parliament on the timetable of legislation, and more so when Naval Estimates start in committee. The Imperial Cabinet was happy to widen the criteria of officers in the army and air force to include those from Otho-Eam and Tharrama, as well as to provide the Board of Admiralty and Commerce a permanent deputation on the Council of State. They both of them demonstrated an excellent ability to argue vehemently on issues concerning their direct interest, within the Empire, without causing political instability. Lines were never drawn, and certainly not crossed. This circumstance in Europe, and the subsequent interest identified by Engellex on the matter, would prove almost to be a test match of domesticity in Imperialdom not seen since the Engello-Cannie War of the August Catastrophe, the confidence, however, of the Imperial Cabinet and the Fourth Lord was reinforced by a few implied and direct benefits to the Crowned Provinces upon their acquiescing to the will of Dulwich. Other than the internal affairs, those familiar with what would now be taking place privately between the two cities, would recognise a marked shift – as mentioned above – to an uncharacteristic reserve in approach of Great Engellex in Europe. The era of bold, pompously declared attitude was almost certainly over; Dulwich would have to manage her isolation and unilateral action with an attitude that was frighteningly new for her Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen.

T O P S E C R E T

COUNCIL OF STATE DETERMINATION ON CRITICAL EUROPE EMERGENCIES.​

First Lord of the HAMMERSMITH ADMIRALTY and Chief of Imperial Naval Staff to Vice-Admiral Sir Somerset Gough-Calthorpe (Chief of Naval Personnel), Vice Admiral Sir Maurice Mansergh (Controller of the Navy), Rear Admiral Sir Godfrey Paine (Chief of Naval Supplies).

Serial no. 279, dated 27the March 1954.

The determination of the Council of State session [27.03.1954] on expanding European emergencies has accepted the following conditions for your Lordships to execute as be permitted by the duties of your HAMMERSMITH ADMIRALTY station :-

1. DETACHMENT of DEVASTATION DEFIANCE DIAMANTINA DREADFUL DRAKE; ARCHER MOHAWK BRISK PORPOISE TATAR SERPENT; ARDENT CHARGER HARDY JANUS SALMON BANSHEE FERVENT CONFLICT HANDY SUNFISH ROCKET STURGEON SWORDFISH ZEBRA SPITEFUL; from corresponding territorial duties in Great Engellex, Bimbeck Islands, Engello-Bantyr, the Solent, the Gothic Sea, and commence READINESS off Hammersmith Naval Station.

2. ORDERED to MOBILISE to READINESS the FULL war complement of said vessels at Hammersmith Naval Station.

3. ARMAMENTS and NAVAL SUPPLIES to be PRIORITISED and DELIVERED for Hammersmith READINESS.​

 

[Great Engellex]

IMPERIALDOM II
The Red Roses of Imperialdom​

28 March 1954
Mergui, Tharrama, Crowned Provinces

At Mya Nan San Kyaw - a compound of thirty-one buildings corresponding to a former royal residence with a palace rising in the centre like a golden flame in the face of the east, existed within the Emerald Plains (a large park) that was less than a mile from the developed, urbanised central districts of Mergui - the wife to the Lord-Guarantor, Lady d’Ufford, was seen ascending the central flight of wide teak stairs to listen to the business of the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Chamber of Deputies. Lady d’Ufford was a tall, fine-boned woman with fair skin and petite hands and feet. Her face was not small, but kept a strong jaw and high cheek-bones; her waist, was of a wisp-like slimness that was adopted by those Engello ladies that bore establishments in the East. She was not alone, but accompanied by the wives of some twenty-nine deputies who formed a faction largely aligned to the political inclination of the Lord-Guarantor. The precarious condition of regional politics had made Lady d’Ufford anxious about the humming of the Tharramese legislature. For the last several days she had been unwilling to allow herself to be removed from the compound of political power in Mergui.

Six uniformed officers of the Tharramese Regiment were standing rigidly to the duties imposed upon them in pursuit of guaranteeing the security of the legislative chamber. Lady d’Ufford fired some questions at them, but none of them would answer nor remove their eyes from that steely gaze to meet hers. Has the Lord-Guarantor arrived here? She asked. Has business been opened? She persisted. The soldiers refused to respond. When the noise started from inside, herself and the wives speculated about its cause. At first they did refuse to believe such a commotion could exist from the legislators. The politics of Tharrama never had been heard to produce such rupture as to be perceived as a loud indistinguishable merging of sound. Lady d’Ufford saw that there was nothing that could be learnt from those officers, and decided to proceed inside regardless, with the other wives.

The strange thing was that the past two weeks, ever since Aslyan appeared to be under pressure to acquiesce to Carentanian concerns, she had heard nothing but positive news that suggested tensions were easing. Three weeks previous, William d’Ufford, her husband, told her privately that Dulwich was corresponding with Mergui on perceived necessities to intervene at the Danish Eastern Cape; a week later, that position appeared reversed. But things moved particularly quickly; a few months ago there had been a dispute with the Danish colonial government in the Eastern Cape – a matter concerning the deaths of a community of people that a group of nations remarked as technically constituting genocide. It became quite clear that the Danish were in the wrong; they had launched the war in Himyar, and killed too many natives to avoid the attention of European powers. Carentania and her association of nations intervened, creating a host of international agreements and an institution that nobody agreed to or joined. The situation, having been followed by the pretensions of some unremarkable nation in Augustaborg, escalated quickly; and now, Carentania and the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organisation are sticking their aggressive fingers in so many things that the nations of Europe do not know how to respond, or even where. The members of the Imperial Parliament in Dulwich had protested at the events, inducing the Cabinet to carry its concerns to the Board of Admiralty and Commerce and the States-General in Mergui. One of the Board members, the Fourth Lord, had suggested discreetly that it might be best to consider an agreement to the position of Dulwich; that it might allow the Crowned Provinces and Great Engellex to react to circumstances in a way that it reinforces the position of the Empire without undertaking any unnecessary risk to its security.

Now, gripping a rail of a platform above the legislative chamber, Lady d’Ufford listened carefully to the drumming below. At first she was confused, again, such noise was unfamiliar, but they could it was emanating from those legislators who opposed, rather strongly what was being proposed; rather than express themselves vocally, as in commonplace in Dulwich, these politicians thumped the desks before them with their rolled up papers, while themselves said nothing. Sai Sai Kham Leng was standing, asking the various unofficial factions of the chamber how they understood the Crowned Provinces position and what they interpreted to be the options available to it. Many of them, from what was obviously determined from their various ideological differences, expressed their belief that these matters were faraway, distant political aggressions that have no consequence upon the political and economic realities of the Crowned Provinces. Lady d’Ufford remained on the balcony above, observing quietly.

It was roughly just under an hour since the wives had entered the chamber that the doors were opened for a deputation from Dulwich that had been invited by Sai Sai Kham Leng. Sir Elton Napier, a member of the Commons Assembly and Commons Minister to the Earl of Hessex entered, the deputies inside in silence as they awaited the representative. The blaze and brilliancy of the colonnaded hall, with its mandarins and transepts, its elaborately ornate and singular, unoccupied throne, glittering in mosaic and gold, and, of course, the regimented row after row of teak desks with their rigidly still occupiers who made contrast from their mostly black attire with the brilliance of the golden hall, impressed upon Sir Napier. As he approached the centre, walking down the central aisle, a mob of politicians seemed to materialise around him; Napier hadn’t observed their standing and approach, it was curious, but they were all around him following, and then leading him to an antechamber. They were the designated negotiators of the various factions of the chamber. As they entered the antechamber a mandarin opened the door to the room after it. A wedge of light fanned into this dark room, igniting an expansive display of gold that artistically adorned the walls. Some of Europe’s richest gem mines lay in Tharrama and many fine stones had passed into the possession of the ruling elite, and subsequently used to decorate private and public buildings alike.

Despite this propitious beginning to the deputation, the meeting would appear to be edging toward the degree of tension that Napier would certainly hope to avoid. He arrived at a time when politics was much on people’s minds. Everyday there were reports of meetings, demonstrations and petitions they might not be large but they were numerous; people were being told that the capitalist system was collapsing, persuading many number of people to start hoarding and purchasing gold and fine gems, this was not particularly unusual as the Tharramese traditionally behaved in this direction when economic matters looked stressed. In the Far East of Toyou the situation in Touzen continued, and just north, in Yujin, the civil war was expanding and appearing more so to be a guaranteed victory for the revolutionaries, and elsewhere in Europe the capitalist nations were a back-foot that was slipping further each week. There were several papers in Mergui that were full of news on those wars and events and what it would mean for capitalist nations, and empires, such as the one Mergui belonged to. The President of the States-General generally did not adhere to a custom of an arrangement of representatives from throughout the chamber meeting an imperial deputation. But even the President had been following the wars and escalating crises throughout Europe and was keen to know what Dulwich believed in the situation that was receiving widespread view.

The gentlemen, and Sir Napier, bowed stiffly from the waist in acknowledgement of each other, and then proceeded to sit upon the low stools that had been arranged in a circular fashion upon a huge carpet within the room. Sir Elton Napier, said one of the deputies abruptly. Are you aware of the news circulating Mergui? The capitalist system is on the brink of defeat? Napier registered no emotion, I have indeed seen reports here, in Mergui. But I must confess that I do not believe them to be events of any great significance to, as you put it, the capitalist system. The deputy frowned, in a way that made it clear that he was not in agreement. Did you ever believe that you would be able to witness the day that a communist nation, regarded as Great Power, and asserting imminent defeats to capitalist nations? The deputy persisted. Taw Sein Ko, the President of the States-General held his breath. Over the last week the deputies belonging to ideologies under the umbrella of communism, and even post-delegationism, have conducted many heated arguments on the implications of a Carentanian victory over the Eastern Cape, in Danmark, in Yujin, and now in the Long Sea. Despite the passion that emanates from these topics, it simply encourages the closure of a committee in session, as those not under them ideologies, a simple majority, choose to leave the environment of confrontation. He now watched anxiously as Napier cleared his throat. I am aware, deputy, Napier said evenly. That the position of Carentania in a select number of European situations has resulted in rejoicing among those of certain political leanings. But the position of Carentania in these select affairs come as no surprise to anyone, and they hold no comfort for enemies of the Empire. The deputy smiled, but in time, Sir Elton Napier, everything changes. Nothing goes on for ever. The president leant forward, that is enough, he said to the deputy. Enough, your position in this meeting has been rescinded. There was a moment of stillness in which the only sound was that of the departure of the revolutionary.

The exit permitted more constructive discussion, less ideology and more matter of interest to the Crowned Provinces. It was discussed why the situations in Europe mattered to Great Engellex and the Crowned Provinces; why it was especially dangerous that the revolutionary bloc should find a new nation-state in the South Sea; why it was dangerous that Danmark should fall to communism; why it was unthinkable that Yujin should do the same; what the dangers were of allowing the Long Sea to become controlled by Carentania. Naturally there was wide agreement on the points raised, as the stability of prosperity in Tharrama rested upon the status quo, and shift from imperial domination in Himyar threatened the position of the Tharramese, where a growing minority of the politically aware now consider Otho-Eam as an integral territory of Tharramese civilisation – a consequence from the colonisation of a strong number of areas in the province by those people. But there was no clear unity on the options put forward by the representative for Dulwich on those situations. They unanimously rejected the proposition to interfere on the Long Sea, rather, they counter-proposed non-military options that even Napier conceded were more constructive; they were divided on directly involving the Empire in the Eastern Cape crisis, but they mostly agreed on the need for a naval readiness in the event of a serious breach of peace in the South Seas; they were almost, almost in unanimous agreement on the position of Dulwich on Danmark, as the position respecting Danmark was a purely naval one that concerned the Crowned Provinces directly, too.

 

[Great Engellex]

Nijmegus & Otho-Eam
The Red Roses of Imperialdom​

16 April 1954
Nijmegus, Otho-Eam, Crowned Provinces

Dirk van Schimmelpennincke mounted the wide, stone steps leading to the central square of Guilders Court, itself the heart of the historic and original Vistrasian settlement in what is now Otho-Eam – back then much of that territory was known much differently as Gouden Leeuw Kust, or Golden Lion Coast. It was nestled intimately within the city of Nijmegus, and though Vistrasian – it remained the principle city of Otho-Eam, and as the name of the city district suggested, Guilders Court was a point of interest as a seat from which merchants, industrialists, and law makers observed the growth and even disturbance to their historically established monopolies. Dirk, as well as being the Chief Justice Guarantor of the Province of Eam, he was, perhaps more importantly, Master of the Scrolls and Seals to one of the guilds that commanded prominence a round Guilders Court; the Guild of the Golden Lion, itself holding the monopoly on fisheries, and a huge industrial estate spanning the entire coast, simply called The Shipyard – though encompassing shipyards, steelyards, and dockyards. As can be reasonably expected, Dirk van Schimmelpennincke possessed wealth and influence that extended beyond the humble shores of Otho-Eam, reaching Tharrama, and even to the old continent. His family resided within one of the most expansive estates that overlooked where the two bodies of water surrounding Otho-Eam met, those being Lion’s Wash and the Golden Reach.

Arising before the magnificence, both of the splendour and power, of the guilds the tired old man paused to allow his presence to carry the ever intruding Rock Pigeons away in a great fluttering bustle toward the heavens, permitting his crossing the gargantuan square uninterrupted. Other than pigeons, none else was allowed to this part of the city; it almost existed as a city within a city, open only to those of the guild houses, and while those houses do not cast away the talents and brilliance of those who claim the many Toyou ethnicities upon their skin, it is simply unthinkable that a Himyari should be tolerated here. In Nijmegus, actually, it is rather a rarity to catch sight of a native Himyari upon the cobbled streets and avenues of trees. The city, founded in the 17th century as a trading post, has had almost three-hundred years to perfect the splendid elitism of racial superiority that was championed for Gouden Leeuw Kust, and now Otho-Eam.

Mergui, I can hear the call of Mergui, he thought with a stubborn glee upon the fluttering banners of a rival guild, the Guild of the Golden Hands. The two guilds were open competitors with a rivalry that has existed for a hundred to two-hundred years. The families behind the guilds were among the first of the prominent merchants to exploit the position of the new Vistrasian trading post in the 17th century, and as with any other New World or Uncivilised World land rush, the two families developed a complicated hatred that spewed disturbance of both trade and peace for the Vistrasian colonial company. At the beginning of the 18th century Threveburg negotiated a new charter for Vistrasian ventures based from Gouden Leeuw Kust, known as the Carta Mercatoria, the charter principally for merchants carved out a handful of monopolies that the trading company would guarantee. The two principal monopolies were handed to two of the new guilds to be established, the Golden Lion (Schimmelpennincke) and the Golden Hands (van der Plaas). The van der Plaas family secured for themselves some of the most fertile lands in Europe for agriculture, and complete monopoly over them all, including forests for hunting and forestry – excluded however were quarries and mines, those forming another guild – the Golden Fountain. The Schimmelpennincke family, and especially more recently under Dirk, had harvested a fierce jealousy at the unquestionable profits of van der Plaas as agricultural produce continued to command ever higher values of currency throughout Europe. The Golden Lion guild, however, in command of all shipyards, dockyards, and fisheries should be seen to have a greater profit worthy of a monopoly that existed within a maritime empire, but the potential was never realised as fully as they had always hoped. Directly across the sea that divorced Himyar and Toyou, Tharrama challenged the supremacy of the monopoly provided to the Golden Lion with her own industrial centres, churning out vessels from her yards, and at a much greater distance was the industrial heart of the empire itself, Hammersmith, with its impressive line-up of shipyards and dockyards. The very obstacle to the riches demanded by the Schimmelpennincke family was that which had hundreds of years ago been promised to them as never again to exist, competition.

Business of the Admiralty? Dirk asked softly, the great teak doors to the guild house were opened to Officers of the Admiralty on an unannounced visitation. The four officers, formally attired to the traditions of early 19th century naval officers, attended to Dirk with the full resolution of respect that a Seventh Lord of the Admiralty should expect. Dirk Schimmelpennincke was also the Seventh Lord of the Admiralty. They dared not remove their eyes from that steely stare into the yonder, rather, they awaited the necessary command from the ancient that permit them to expand upon their business. Dirk observed a crest belonging to the First Lord upon their uniforms, they are obviously part of the Lord-Guarantor’s Naval Dispatch – a somewhat personal guard. The regards of the Lord-Guarantor I presume? He asked, as staff of the Golden Lion guild aided the aged admiral into the lofty, stone vestibule of the premises. Lord William d’Ufford, First Lord and Lord-Guarantor of the Board of the Admiralty has sought his Lordship the Seventh Lord on matters pertaining to the exercise of the monopolies granted as Master of the Scrolls and Seals of the Guild of the Golden Lion, declared the senior officer. Dirk was then handed a letter sealed with wax bearing the crest of d’Ufford, tired as he was, Dirk held out a languid hand that drew a hurriedly paced clerk to him with a letter knife. Emergencies in Tharrama? He softly spoke with an absence to the regard of those around him as he continued to read. An urgency upon me and the Golden Lion, as can be expected, he thought to himself. The incidents detailed within the letter were indeed emergencies, and the destruction had – entire districts in a neighbouring city to Mergui burnt down – a cause for urgency, but Dirk was persuaded by the presence of unfamiliars to conceal his glee and demonstrate an expression of exasperation at a situation that he was not privy to the intended machinations from the blatant destruction.

The Seventh Lord proceeded to direct his limited physical energies to arriving at his personal establishment within the cathedral of commerce, without a second of attention paid to the officers of the admiralty who had to adhere to etiquette as to determine when they should dismiss themselves and return to Mergui. The charms of Dirk sometimes allowed difficulties to be imposed upon those that are tied by many rules, written or unwritten, almost like a petty game. As such, three full hours had passed before the four officers departed Guilders Court and Nijmegus.

What business had they? Questioned the sharp irritating pretensions of Dirk’s wife, Lady Saar Schimmelpennincke. The Vistrasian woman, of noble birth, stood resolute like an alabaster statue delicately draped in a fine, high-waisted silk gown of the empire and directoire styles that flourished in the terribly warm provinces of this quarter of the Empire. I had an expectation upon the Third Lord to deliver, personally, any distresses upon Tharrama, she added as she continued to guard the window, watching out across the old, sun-kissed city of neo-gothic designs. An expectation did you? Mumbled Dirk, as he found relief upon the plump cushions of his armchair. A letter. A letter from the Lord-Guarantor. He implores my immediate attention and mobilising of the Golden Lion to alleviate the emergencies in Tharrama, quite urgent the letter was too, he informed her with a tad of exhaustion. The emergencies are? Lady Saar asked, turning her eyes away from the city’s reaches to her husband. We burnt down five districts of Palaw, mother. The emergency is that Tharrama has lost much of her shipyards, why must you toy with such questions? Declared their rather forward, cocky heir to the Schimmelpennincke enterprise, Adrianus, as he entered. No – no, responded Dirk with obvious strain, finding for himself a certain passage of the letter to point out to his son. The letter states that the communists did it, not we, Adrianus, he added. Quite right, too, reinforced Lady Saar. I foresee a summons to Pyithu Hluttaw, they will want to address this themselves no doubt, without the Board of the Admiralty, she continued, turning again to look out across the city from the window. I am not – entirely – certain. I believe it may have been the wrong time to act, confessed Dirk to his wife and son. You cannot suggest that now, father, the deed is done. Whenever is there a right time to act as we did? Questioned Adrianus as he approached Lady Saar, hands upon her waist and kissed her cheek in a way that would raise eyebrows upon this mother-son relationship. Lady Saar in turn smiled and patted his head. Tensions stir in the world, and Dulwich and Mergui are determined to move one way or another. The Empire is still to address her neighbours, finished the Seventh Lord, Dirk van Schimmelpennincke.

 

[Great Engellex]

Nijmegus & Mergui
The Red Roses of Imperialdom​

16 April 1954
Mergui, Tharrama, Crowned Provinces

The rubber of three Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts squirmed as they rolled slowly, anxiously through the pedestrian controlled streets of downtown Mergui, their dark blue body-work snaking through the markets, the crowds, the bustlers like large shadows where only the imperial banners fixated steadfastly at the front of the vehicles gave any indication to the importance of those passing. The banners illustrated the presence of the Seventh Lord and Master of the Scrolls and Seals of the Golden Lion, with a deputation from that guild of course.

Mergui, and Tharrama, were no backwaters of civilisation, but Dirk van Schimmelpennincke clutched a handkerchief jealously over his mouth and nose as he peered out the dust-smacked windows. It wasn’t a demonstration of perceived racial superiority, or derision of lower classes, but the existence of a great number of refugees from Palaw suffocating the historic, vibrant avenues of commerce that formed downtown Mergui. Is this the capital of the.. the Crowned Provinces?! Exclaimed the Seventh Lord with a struggle to keep at bay a gasping for breath and a fit of coughing. Despite being the Seventh Lord, Dirk van Schimmelpennincke rarely ever left Nijmegus, let alone Otho-Eam. The position of the van Schimmelpenninckes upon the Board of the Admiralty was not hereditary, but whilst that family continued to own the monopoly of fisheries, shipyards, and dockyards in Otho-Eam, it was essential to maintain that family within the circle of power, and so they had been for nearly one-hundred-fifty years. The reasoning of their expected appointment to the Board, and the business of their guild prevented them from ever really venturing out of Otho-Eam, and though they typically held no objection to the position of the capital being within Mergui, there were at times rumblings from the powerful family that resided in a city that aspired to the commercial greatness of the ancient city states that once owned the Long Sea. Curious. I see no officers, how do they maintain order? Questioned Lady Saar with confusion. Does it look like there is order to maintain? Retorted Dirk angrily, the slow pace of their journey was frustrating.

The small motorcade eventually rolled into the government complex of Mergui, Mya Nan San Kyaw, where they were greeted with a flurry of flags, banners, regimented officials, religious figures of Tharrama, a gathering of the wisp-like wives of the politicians, and the Third Lord and the Lord-Guarantor. The formalities of etiquette were swiftly dispatched between all, there was much that was needing discussion. They passed through the central hall, the Seventh Lord undisturbed by its brilliance, but Lady Saar stared up in silent awe as the burning light of the sun shone through the tall windows of the great colonnaded hall, creating a visage of a cavernous monument with a warm glow of pure gold and precious stones. Lady d’Ufford intimated to her counterpart the displeasure of recent events in Palaw. Brigands, murderers. The lot of them, snapped Lady Saar with a seething spite. Dirk registered the glance from the Lord-Guarantor, the tension with it, without removing his steady eyes from the chamber of their journey. We do not suffer idealists.. revolutionaries.. communists, lightly in Nijmegus, spoke the Seventh Lord with a delicate exhaustion. Prohibiting ideas, dismissing opinions, does not educate people to the dangers of those ideas and opinions, Lord Schimmelpennincke, calmly replied Sai Sai Kham Leng, the Third Lord. If that.. if that were true, Lord Kham Leng, strained Dirk, stopping and turning to draw his point more closely to not only the Third Lord but all those gathered. I – I and the Golden Lion would not have received these.. these letters of urgency. No education has been accomplished here. Palaw – Palaw has been burnt to the ground. I am an old man – ignorant of perceptions held here, he continued, gesturing with a languid hand to those politicians and clerks within the hall, but.. but in Nijmegus we understand truly what has taken place. Tharrama has been infiltrated. Now – now they act to disarm us.. of our commerce.. of our ability to defend ourselves! The last exclamation drew a surging fit of coughing and deep gasps for breath, but despite the assistance Lady Saar swiftly endeavoured to supply, Dirk pushed her back and forced control over the symptoms of his age to look Sai Sai Kham Leng squarely in the eyes. Did they try to destroy.. any warships.. any at all?! Dirk knew the answer to this of course, it was a yes, and they were destroyed principally to reinforce the rumours, the many lines of thinking circulating Mergui and Nijmegus as to the cause and perpetrators of the industrial sabotage. Yes, replied Sai Sai Kham Leng shortly, with an air of defeatism.

My Lords, commanded William d’Ufford the Lord-Guarantor, drawing the Lords and politicians into a chamber, or small hall. He shared glances with Lady d’Ufford, intimating for her to continue with the other wives, for a sort of tour, seeing as Lady Saar was with them.

Unlike other chambers of the Chamber of Deputies, this one was decorated to the tastes and customs of the Occident – exquisite tapestries hung on the walls, depicting scenes of Engellexic and Tharramese history, religious stories, accompanying them were great busts and statues of gold to mark the contributions of great historical figures. There was one exception to the decorations, a teak bust of the last king of Tharrama painted to the colour of carmine to demonstrate his blood lust, and golden eyes representative of his glorious ambition, but he of course failed, and remains merely of teak. The assembled sat upon their high-backed leather chairs, round a round table. What number of shipyards rendered.. out of commission? Asked Dirk, stationary at hand for his note taking. Two shipyards, in Palaw, with three in the western regions occupied for commercial commissions, answered Sai Sai Kham Leng. The vessels that were being built.. what were they? Dirk continued to ask. An ocean-liner with troopship commissioning, and a destroyer of the 1952 commissioning, Sai Sai Kham Leng, again, answered. And their condition? Questioned Dirk once more. This time Sai Sai Kham Leng did not respond, allowing a cold tension of silence which drew Dirk away from his stationary to observe the reluctance of his fellow Lord in providing an answer. The liner will be transferred to Otho-Eam. The destroyer, it was destroyed, the Lord-Guarantor cut-in. Of the 1952 commissioning (referring to the shipbuilding program), five warships were entrusted to the shipyards of these Crowned Provinces, announced Dirk with a calm frustration. Of which, two were persuaded for Tharrama. One of those two destroyers now lies at the bottom of Palaw’s waters? Does – does Dulwich know of this? Dirk strained softly. No, no I intend to form some degree of relief to this situation before presenting the set-back, confirmed William d’Ufford. Dirk passed a printed sheet to Martyn Heemskerk, a senior officiate of the Guild of the Golden Lion. We cannot guarantee to oversee the coverage of the expenses incurred by this situation, Martyn began. The Master of the Guilder will not permit a structuring for debt by the Golden Lion, simply put, Nijmegus is cautious if not concerned with the distresses in Tharrama, and therefore on the ability of Mergui to finance interest payments if we agreed to a debt.

The long slender fingers of Sai Sai Kham Leng tapped calmly on the table as irritation surged through him from what he perceived to be disrespect toward Mergui, and Tharrama. You instruct us to dismantle the industries that supported the building of ships, to pay for the shame and displeasure we have endured at this time? Should that not deprive Tharrama of those industries permanently? Asked Sai Sai Kham Leng with a coldness. Or Mergui could take most seriously the grave threat of communism within her realm, retorted Dirk delicately. I am not unpersuaded by your argument, Lord Schimmelpennincke, but the circumstance remains so – to adequately respond to a political following, responsible for this tension here, now, would require the consent of the States-General. The communists will not sign their own arrest warrant, Lord Schimmelpennincke, added Taw Sein Ko, the President of the States-General. No, said Sai Sai Kham Leng with a sort of curiosity. But the Carta Mercatoria forms the foundations upon which our charters and constitutions have been constructed, the Third Lord informed to a silently nodding audience. The articles of that historical charter remain legally binding upon the Crowned Provinces, entitling the Lords of the Admiralty to call forth an empowerment of the Witenagemot. The Lord-Guarantor observed the Third Lord’s suggestion with narrowed eyes, it would have to be supported by those across the Empire – not simply ourselves. Sai Sai Kham Leng nodded in contemplation, but they will consider it. Would you not see the Lords of Engellex persuaded by need to address Cantignia uninterrupted? Dirk van Schimmelpennincke remained silent, listening. On the one hand, the empowerment of the Witenagemot would be sufficient to guarantee finance to Tharrama, thus depriving the Golden Lion of control of all shipyard commissions in the Crowned Provinces, as they endeavoured, but the Witenagemot would provide Dirk with a platform from which he would directly influence the Empire, outside of Nijmegus.

I advise my fellow Lords that it would be preferred that the Lord-Guarantor communicate these discussions with the Queen-Empress before instruments are put in place here, that, if the empowerment is not recognised elsewhere, would see great political isolation for all seated, cautioned Dirk van Schimmelpennincke. His concern was acknowledged by all gathered. I shall endeavour to address the Queen-Empress this very evening, confirmed William d’Ufford.

 

[Great Engellex]

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Office of the FIRST LORD
LORD-GUARANTOR
Board of Admiralty and Commerce
MERGUI, 11111
THARRAMA

THURSDAY, 17TH APRIL 1954​

Her MAJESTY the QUEEN-EMPRESS CHARLOTTE of the EMPIRE of GREAT ENGELLEX

THARRAMA & the REVOLUTIONARY EMPIRE of CARENTANIA

The disunion that has for too long persisted between the ideological movements, the Communists, the Post-Delegationists, the Nationalists, and the Imperials in Tharrama, particularly those reinforced by the endeavours of Revolutionary Actors, has been found to experience upon us so great an obstacle to the maintenance of Order and to the necessities of various political and economic Reforms in the States-General, that some persons of the Board of Admiralty and Commerce in Mergui and Nijmegus, equally friendly to those just measures of Reform and Order and to Political Toleration, conceived the idea of uniting the Witan Lords of the Engellexic Realms in pursuit of the same objects, the consolidation of Imperialdom, the arrest of our political and ideological Retreat, and the expansion of the Industrial, Commercial, Political, and Military Front of Imperialdom throughout Europe.

These perceptions have been found from an origination of the Communistic Insurgencies that had occurred quite recently within Palaw. Wise and concerned minds of the Crowned Provinces assert the successful infiltration of Communistic Movements here by the warmongering advancements of the Revolutionary Empire of Carentania, even then it has been clearly perceived that the chief support of the Carentanian interest to those of Tharrama was the weight of her Revolutionary Empire, stretching as it does from Solaren, to Cathiopia, the Eastern Cape, and Yujin; but as yet, that obvious interest had not led the minds of those ideological movements, opposed to the Revolutionary Empire, toward utter separation and dislocation of the Communistic Movement from Tharramese society. Some individuals have convinced themselves that benefit would result to Tharrama, and the Crowned Provinces, from a notable degree of toleration with an emphasis on education; but, acknowledging the existence of these Communistic Movements in Tharrama, we may have safely provided security to the permanency of their argument within philosophical circles, where it had been pointed out by other individuals that unchecked toleration, that is – without appropriate scrutiny of their ideals, has provided no such education to facilitate an object of agitation on other groups, either in public or private political groups, to direct opposition to the Communistic Movement.

The views of those who discredited the toleration and education were purely and in good faith what had been suspected and implied in various security and society committees, those, however, were sufficient to excite a limited lively uneasiness in the friends of our true democratic and civilised ideals that have formed the foundations of our States-General.

This situation should sufficiently account for the violent expression seen in Palaw and the extraordinary proposals that are forwarded by individuals, now, of the Board of Admiralty and Commerce to your Majesty, the Queen-Empress.

One of those proposals was that of endeavouring, at some future but undetermined time, to procure the meeting of the Witenagemot, which should take into consideration the best level of Power within the Empire for the purpose of effecting a strengthened position of the Empire in relation to the Revolutionary Empire and the absence of any other Power Bloc in Europe; the position of the Tripartite Agreement, through her actions and statements, is regarded as one without relevance by the Board of Admiralty and Commerce. It is firmly believed that the weight and power of the Witenagemot, backed, as it would be required by the legislations of the various constituent realms of the Empire, and the increased disposition towards conservative ideals which has arisen from the Revolutionary Empire, would procure a more favourable issue to the efforts of the Witenagemot than had attended those of the former, even if hundreds of years prior.

These discussions, however, of political questions, both foreign and imperial, and the demonstration of the Communism in Palaw, had advanced the minds of many people, even before they had considered the ancient foundations of our constitution, towards a higher degreed level of power within the Empire; they had begun to reason on the subject, and to believe a more Resolute level of government would be preferable to the levels presently in place; but it is recognised as an impossible venture to be obtained in consequence of the necessity to have it underlined by the Engellexic Lords and connection with it. This, together with it being constantly perceived that the weight of the Revolutionary Empire was being found sitting upon the Cantignian Realm and throwing into a destructive scale the Continental Balance, has rendered the requirement for Witan Lords to form within Dulwich to discuss these matters, as a cause with the greatest urgency in the history of the Empire.

As a sworn Witan Lord of the Engellexic Realms, I do hereby implore the Sovereign of the Witenagemot, your Majesty the Queen-Empress, to summon the Witan Lords for Council.

William d'Ufford,
LORD-GUARANTOR of the CROWNED PROVINCES
FIRST LORD of the BOARD of ADMIRALTY and COMMERCE
FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY
ADMIRAL of the FIRST (OTHO-EAM) FLEET