Gran Colombia, H2/14

[The Rock Doctor]

9 July 1914:  Cartagena

"And how is your current project proceeding?", Vice-Admiral Castillo asked.

"The Secure Sewers program is nearly completed, Sir", Capitan de Fregata San Martino replied, mentally adding bastard to the end of the sentence.

"What exactly are you doing?"

"I accompany a fellow from Harbour Services, who shows me each outlet, and we verify that the grates are in place and prevent human access to the sewer system", San Martino confirmed.  "Sir."

"So you've been up to your knees in shit", Castillo remarked.

"If we're lucky, no more than that."  San Martino wondered if the old fart was going to make a joke about "crappy jobs".  In the Admiral's shoes, he admitted to himself, it would be tempting.

"Well, it's convenient that you're almost finished.  It happens that I have a different task for you - rather less unpleasant than I'd prefer, but it can't be helped", Castillo remarked. "You spent a lot of time aboard a Boyaca class cruiser.  I assume you got to be fairly familiar with its construction and capabilities, yes?"

"Yes, Sir", San Martino answered, puzzled - surely he wasn't going to get a cruiser again?

"Good", Castillo stated.  "A modified Boyaca class cruiser was laid down at Esmeraldas earlier this month.  She's to be a special project, and a specific individual had been assigned as her yard captain.  Unfortunately, this individual was killed in an automobile incident three days ago, and I happen not to have any suitable replacements for him short of yourself."

"Special in what way, Sir?", San Martino queried.  Castillo reached into a drawer, produced a folder, and tossed it over to San Martino's side of the desk.  San Martino looked at Castillo, then reached fo the folder.  "What in the hell...?", he muttered as he examined a sketch drawing.

"Even if I had suitable candidates, very few would find this particular project appealing", Castillo said.  "Nor should they; it's asinine.  However, she's been authorized, and she needs to be completed.  Ensure the job is done correctly, with whatever input you can provide.  When she's commissioned, you and I will talk again."

"Yes, Sir", San Martino confirmed.  "What about the Secure Sewers Project, Sir?"

"I'll find a more junior officer to complete it", Castillo said.  "After all, you're not the only man on my shit-list."

[The Rock Doctor]

3 October 1914:  Cartagena

"So that's it, then - all the battleships we had in service when I assumed the office have been replaced", President Alizandro remarked in the Admiral's cabin aboard the battleship Furioso.  He'd been on hand for the simultaneous commissioning of her and her sister, and was now relaxing with a drink prior to a dinner aboard ship.

"Yes, Senor President.  It is a fair accomplishment."

"So that only leaves us four ships behind the Confederates, then?", the President remarked, with more than a hint of bitterness in his voice.

"Er...two ships, Sir, as their New Mexico class is still under construction", Admiral de Irujo replied cautiously. 

"So you're telling me we'd be even if the Japanese and Maorians hadn't built for the Confederates", Rey suggested.

"That interpretation is correct", de Irujo confirmed.  "Ship for ship, our vessels are as good, if not better, since the Confederates have only recently stopped trying to build the smallest ships practical."

"And they're also building two armored cruisers larger than our own?"

"Yes, Sir."

Rey set his goblet down on a side table.  "And what are we doing about this?  I assume finding a new chief of naval intelligence is one thing."

de Irujo frowned.  "Yes, Senor President.  That's already been done.  As for what else - we are scheduled to commence construction on the Radiante class in the new year.  I intend to have the Invencible class upgraded, and we are otherwise continuing with our agreed-upon balanced approach to Armada construction."

"Perhaps", Sir Edmund Fitzroy suggested, "We might consider a new stance on acquiring foreign construction in general?  We've already taken a first step down that road with the transport building in Egypt."

"There's a big difference between a transport and a battleship", the President snapped.  "And what does it say that we might have to rely on foreign construction to keep pace with the Confederates?"

"With respect, Senor President, it says that we and the Confederates are engaged in an arms race arguably beyond the capacities of our respective economies", Sir Edmund replied.

"We didn't ask for this", Rey stated.  "They cheated us out of Haiti.  They cozied up to the French and the Mesos.  They were planning to instigate a war with us."

"Yes, Sir, they did all those things", Sir Edmund concurred.  "And, from my own perspective, they also undertook a war against my nation before it was part of our nation."

"Yes, that too", Rey agreed.  "So why don't you share my concern?"

"Because I think their actions have been logical, given their own predicament.  Gran Colombia has not been able - or inclined, for the most part - to convince the Confederates that we are not a threat to them", Sir Edmund said.  "Now, if I may backtrack to the matter of foreign construction - I have taken it upon myself to initiate contact with some overseas powers to do work on our behalf.  Can I proceed with this, or not?"

Rey sighed.  "Yes, you can.  But don't agree to a boondoggle like your predecessor did."

[The Rock Doctor]

21 October 1914:  Somewhere in Gran Colombia

"The room is secured", the imposing gentleman at the door announced as his hand finished sliding the last lock into place.

"Very good", replied Benicio Delgado, Minister of Miscellaneous Affairs, as he finished wiping his spectacles.  "Let's begin.  This is the monthly meeting of the Mesoamerican Project Guidance Committee.  I see no new faces in the room, but will remind you all that all information regarding this meeting is classified as ultrasecreto.  No information regarding the Committee, this meeting, or related matters is to be disseminated to any individual or organization not on the approved dissemination list.  No written notes are to be taken.  No documents or items in this room shall leave this room except under the supervision of myself.  Violation of these procedures will result in disciplinary measures up to and including punitive torture, execution, and retroactive termination of salary and benefits.  Is this understood?"

One at a time, the three men and one woman around the table replied in the affirmative.

"Very good", Delgado repeated.  "Miscellaneous Affairs, please begin."

The Miscellaneous Affairs representative, known to the other individuals only as MASCARA, replied, "Thank you, Sir.  Miscellaneous Affairs remains active in the planning and recruitment phases of the Project at this time.  A team led by THORNLEY has deployed to the National Archive and is now generating an extensive set of biographies on prospective Mesoamerican candidates for the Project.  The dataset currently contains five hundred thirty-two candidates for whom we can attribute actions or quotes contrary to the principles of the socialist government in Tenochtitlan.  This work is being passed to our recruitment team, led by BULLWHIP.

"BULLWHIP's team, in conjunction with seconded staff from Foreign Affairs and industry, now have operatives on the ground in the DRM, establishing contact with preferred candidates and observing others.  The operation is highly compartmentalized for security purposes, and the operatives are all partly or fully of Indian or Mesoamerican descent, mostly recruited from the Darien.  At this time BULLWHIP advises that sixty-eight candidates have been contacted.  Thirty-one have expressed interest in participation, while thirty-seven have not.  Two of this latter group were deemed to be security risks following contact, and were terminated before they became liabilities."

"How frequently are contacts being established?", Delgado asked.

"Approximately one per week per operative team.  Much time is spent on surveilance pre- and post-contact."

"A reasonable approach", Delgado replied.  "Foreign Affairs?"

"At this time, there is little to report", a Director-General from Foreign Affairs remarked.  "No communication has been made to foreign powers, including friendly powers.  It was noted that one friendly power has recently re-affirmed its hostility to socialism in general, but this was conveyed in an informal setting and is not thought to indicate awareness of our activities."

"I would hope not", Delgado said.  "Has there been any communication of note by other powers on Mesoamerica?"

"No, Sir.  The Confederates continue to meet their investment obligations in the DRM, but there have been no political statements from either they or the Rohirrim since our last meeting.  Broadly speaking, there is a view that the Confederates seek to sway the DRM from socialism to capitalism, as a democracy under Richmond's influence.  Rohan wants stability, but seems indifferent to the style of government.  Neither view is wholly to our satisfaction, but neither is wholly against it, either."

"Thank you.  Defence?"

A full colonel from the Ejercito was the Defence representative at this table.  "Naval Intelligence has confirmed that the Confederates have completed assembly of machinery and ordnance for the two battleships laid down in 1911 and 1912.  Work on these ships has been sporadic but is expected to resume with relative urgency now that the required components are on hand.  The Armada continues to update its scenarios for neutralizing these vessels subsequent to their completion."

"Any word on the Mesoamerican torpedo-boats?"

"We have no evidence the Confederates ever built such vessels.  The port at Cancun, of course, was completed, and remains problematic in the planning of covert or overt Armada operations."

"Particularly if we are still working to avoid conflict with the Confederates", Delgado mused.  "Still, the Armada does have (CENSORED), (CENSORED) and (CENSORED) available for such work.  In the worst case, each would be capable of overwhelming a surprised patrol vessel at close range."

"Yes, Sir.  With respect to Ejercito Intelligence, we note that Rohan is currently in the process of re-equipping and re-training the Mesoamerican army to a more modern equipment set - comparable with our current front-line units."  At this, a sort of collective sigh of exasperation came forth.  "Also, a new cavalry corps is being raised and trained to Rohirrim standards."

"That does make things somewhat more difficult if the situation turns hot", MASCARA remarked.

"Yes, Ma'am.  However, most of our plans assume we can turn part of the army against the government due to lingering resentment of the government's policies and its relationship with the Mark."

"That's no assurance of success", Foreign Affairs commented.

"We have none anyway", the colonel said.  "But newer weapons make for bloodier fighting, which has its benefits to the DRM's neighbours."

"Let's come back to this later", Delgado intervened.  "Finance?"

"Finance has received the budget proposal for your nineteen fifteen program, and confirms that all is in order", a Director-General from Finance said.  "That said, the Armada has a significant marker down for additional funding - I can't speak to the specifics of it, but it may constrain our ability to respond to the entirety of your ask.  It may be several weeks before this is resolved."

"I'll have to speak with your Minister", Delgado said to the colonel.

"Yes, Sir."

"Thank you for the updates.  Now, if you'll open the binders in front of you, I'd like to review Option Four now that we've received revisions..."

[Guinness]

OOC: Wait, I owe the DRM torpedo boats now too? Sigh.

I suppose if we must, I could just transfer 5 TR-200's.

[The Rock Doctor]

It had been proposed at one point by your predecessor:  doesn't mean it was agreed to.

Watch your mailbox.

[Desertfox]

Viva Zapata!!!

You are goiing to use him right?

[The Rock Doctor]

If his rates are reasonable.

[The Rock Doctor]

28 October 1914:  Manaus, Amazonas del Sur

"Ricardo!", exclaimed Floriano Brochado.  "It has been too long."  He stood up and came around his vast mahogany desk, right hand extended.

"Good to see you again, too, Floriano", Ricardo Alizandro replied as he shook the Governor's hand. 

"You came by train, yes?  How was the trip?"

"Yes, we did.  The trip was fine.  Puerto Enrico is still the dump I remember it being, but at least this place is managing to retain its character."

"It's been a challenge with all the newcomers, but the mayor is a good man.  He has his priorities straight:  no tent cities or squatters", Governor Brochado noted.  "So, you're here for the christening?"

"Teresa is.  I'm here because she's tired of me loafing around the estate", Ricardo answered. 

"You need a hobby", Brochado observed.  "Otherwise, you'll just drop dead from boredom."  Ricardo snorted, prompting Brochado to add, "I'm serious.  This happened to my father after he handed off business to my brother and I.  He literally had nothing to do, so he just died."

"Well, I've got no intention of that", Ricardo assured him.

"So what are you going to do?"

Ricardo shrugged.  "Keep thinking vile thoughts about my ungrateful nephew?"  He nodded towards a portrait of President Rey Alizandro, hanging on the south wall of the office, between two bookshelves.

"That will keep you alive, but to what end?  What do you want to do?"

The former defence minister sighed.  "I want to do the job I was doing.  That was my thing.  But Rey didn't like a deal I made, and he put me out to pasture."

"That was the bit about the big liners?"

"Yeah.  Rey didn't quite get that being able to move a couple marine brigades at twenty-some knots was a useful strategic capability.  I'll admit that it buggered parts of the budget, but it all worked out in the end", Ricardo explained.  "You got to take risks when you govern.  You know that, I know that.  Rey..."

"He took on the risk of fighting El Dorado and the possibility of the French with it", Brochado noted.

"He was angry about his father", Ricardo said.  "Enrico's death was the only thing that could've pushed him to do that.  Just look at how he handled the pirate problems four years back as a contrast.  I'd have just landed the troops in Mesoamerica and started shooting."

Brochado said, "And then you'd have been at war with Rohan, the Confederates, and God knows who else."

"Bullshit.  They'd have screamed and gotten in our faces - but they know they'd be painted as abetting piracy if they stopped us from doing anything about it.  Their public opinion wouldn't have allowed it."

"Or so you hoped", Brochado said.  "Come - it's almost eleven.  Are you free for lunch?"

"Absolutely.  Teresa's shopping for nick-nacks most of the day", Ricardo smirked.  "I take it your schedule is not exactly booked solid?"

"I block off three hours for lunch each day.  Just in case", Brochado advised him.  "We'll go to the Bamboo Palace.  Good Chinese food there."

"Chinese?", Ricardo exclaimed.

"You'll like it.  There's a good view of the harbour, too.  I'll show you the Pedro Alizandro.  It's a nifty little ship - bureaucrats on a boat.  I'm thinking I should try and get a few built for the state; we could use them in some of the more isolated parts of the watershed."

"Are you going soft, Floriano?  What happened to that greedy rubber baron I knew so many years ago?", Ricardo demanded.

"He got old", Brochado replied with a grin.  "Come, let's be on our way."

[The Rock Doctor]

7 November 1914:  Nuku Hiva, Marquesa Islands

"Wow", Rota Uatioa muttered.  The Tavana Hau, or administrator, of the Marquesas Islands was standing outside the administration office of the island's naval depot.

"Sir?", Capitan de Corbeta Julio Vega inquired in Norman.  The depot's young commander was smoking a cigar to ease his nerves, keenly aware that the incoming steam launches contained at least one flag officer. 

"Ah, just talking to myself", Uatioa replied in the foreign tongue.  He couldn't remember the Swiss ever sending a fleet like this to the islands...or, for that matter, doing much of anything with them.  The Colombians, on the other hand, had been quite busy in the short time they'd been in charge.  They had already built the depot, installed a telegraph cable that allowed communication as far away as mainland South America, and now had a huge fleet anchored offshore for no obvious reason other than to demonstrate that they could.  "How many ships are there?", he asked the Colombian officer.

"I counted twenty or more, Sir.  The steam launch is coming in from an armored cruiser, which I assume is Luchador.  Those two there are the Invencible class battleships.  This group anchored close to us includes a quartet of attack transports, a couple of fleet oilers, and two fleet colliers.  I think there's a packet behind that oiler there, but can't be sure.  As for the rest of the ships", and Vega shrugged, "The distance and the mass of these closer ships keeps me from knowing exactly how many escorts there are - but I would hazard at least four cruisers and as many torpedo-boats."

"This is quite the substantial force", Uatioa observed.

"It's a third of the Armada's modern capital ships, Sir", Vega replied. 

"And the point of all this is what?"

"It's a deployment exercise, Sir.  Testing the Armada's ability to operate this far from the main fleet bases."

"Would that really be necessary?", Uatioa asked, then added, "Never mind - recent history answers my question."

"We're a growing presence in the region, Sir.  Others might seek to end that", Vega mused.

"I can think of at least one", Uatioa said.  "Their newspapers are full of propaganda, trying to create a romantic view of a pan-Pacific Polynesia that has never existed.  Some of the youth buy into that fiction, so it may one day become an issue here.

"That would be unfortunate", Vega said. 

"I don't mean that it will automatically be a terrible thing if the youth wish to pursue it; that is has not happened does not preclude it from happening in the future", Uatioa noted.  "Only that resolution of the issue would be a difficult one.  We adapted to the Swiss, and are adapting to you; we could adapt to others if required."

"I see", Vega said.

"Maybe that discomforts you, Julio, but it's the reality here.  In time, you may understand it."

"Maybe, Sir, but for now, I think we need to walk down to the pier and greet our guests."

[The Rock Doctor]

17 December 1914:  Cartagena

"Is my Christmas going to be spoiled by yet another problem overseas?", President Rey Alizandro asked.

Eduard Torres and Benicio Delgado exchanged glances.  "We do not know", the foreign affairs minister replied after a moment.

Delgado added, "I haven't had resources in Iberia for years now; I'm not clear on the situation there."

"Surely to God the Iberians have said something.  We are allies, after all", Rey noted.

"The Iberians have not provided any information thus far", Torres replied. 

"Perhaps you need to lean on them a bit", Rey said.  "What about New Zion?  The Iberian press release is about breaking relations with them - what do we know?"

"Only what's known publically", Delgado answered.  "The Iberians took out a Zionite cruiser and captured some troops when both went for the Ottoman islands in the Indian Ocean two years back.  Jaime and family happened to be present at last year's bombing and assassination, but there's no clear linkage back to New Zion that I've heard of."

"Do you have people in New Zion?", Rey asked.

"No."

The president sighed.  "Do we have any commercial interests or citizens we need to send an advisory to?"

"None on the ground, but Colombian does make occasional use of the Red Sea", Nicholas Benson replied.  "There will be delays, but we can issue a general caution to them."

"Go ahead with that", Rey directed.  "I tell you, it seems like we just finished in the Balkans and now we're on to another crisis..."

[The Rock Doctor]

18 December 1914:  Cartagena

President Alizandro waited until the Iberian ambassador had departed and the door closed behind him.  "That was helpful", he noted.  "Too bad it took so long for us to hear it."

Eduard Torres nodded.  "In fairness, they have been busy formulating their response to it all.  Now, the question becomes - how do we respond?"

"For starters, I think you need to arrange passage to France", the President noted.  "Patricide and attempted regicide are serious charges; I would like your direct view on how the Zionites respond."