Old French Battleships

[Sachmle]

Not much, actually. The belt is a little light for my taste, and the turrets are underarmered. Just a request, though. Since you are cheating me, can I have the plans to the 10.83'' gun?

:o Question?: How would ROMANIA (IC) know that FRANCE DOCKWORKERS/SHIPBUILDERS (IC) are cheating them? It's not even a Romanian design, you asked for submissions and this is what they submitted. If you don't like it, submit a counter proposal w/ Romanian specs.

[maddox]

Paris,
The establishment that caters to more than drinks and food, Chez Loulou.

Monsieur, I hope the surroundings are pleasant and discrete enough?

Monsieur Timbre, your invitation to join you here, is the perfect example of very good tast. The champagne is very tasty, and the serving ladies a feast for the eye.The surrounding excisitly decorated, the furniture perfect for the fun to come.
But, isn't it a tad public for our purpose?

Gaston, don't worry, imagine your boss entering , what options would he have? 
Tell your wife that he met you here? That would be a surprise for him, as your wife is over there, the redhead in the daringly cut green dress, having a chat with my associate.

You know monsieur Timbre, that my wife has joined me here?

Call me Paul.
Of course, I know about your marital arrangements, it's one of the reasons I invited you here, lets call it an extra incentive. Don't worry, your wife wil be pleasantly surprised. My associate has the reputation of a goat on cocaïne. Do you indulge too in that bitter but sweet powdery glory?

(sweat is beading on the forehead, a pokerface mask settles over Gaston, coolness returns.)
No monsieur Timbre, I just enjoy my wine and champagne, sometimes a cognac, that is enough for my pleasure.

But, we're here, mixing business with pleasure, and I prefer pleasure, so, the business first, join me for the table over there?

Of course.

Seated, a bottle of chilled champagne in an ice bucket, a pot of hot coffee and a discrete small box, with some pills and powder on a silver platter are set aside, a young looking serving lady is hoovering nearby, anticipating the more conventional wishes of the 2 men

Should your assiciate not be with us ?
No, he knows only that i'm here to talk to a bureaucrat.Not the why or how. But let us come to the point. My shipyard wishes to build the Romanian order, wishes it very badly.Badly enough to make alternative arrangements. You're the one that has the most influence in the appointment of that contract. Of course, not the only one.

A hand gesture, seemingly innocent, but observed by another waitress, she approaches the table

Oh, Paul, you're back again.   
Yes of course ma cher, business is best done with pleasure, and as you see, my partner is new to this establishment.

Oh, that's sweet, and he looks cute, I hope we can get aquinted better during the evening. I have a sweet spot for new men.

Gaston, I think you have an appointment with heaven later tonight.

Paul, I think it will be a great night for all of us.
Ma belle, I hope you have a broad taste... as there are some alternatives to work with.

Ne pas de probleme Gaston, I'm adaptable.
Shall I return after your meeting?

Of course, who should I ask for if you're not in view?

" 'Dame Blanche"

I will venture to do so.  Laters, Dame Blanche.

She leaves with a hip twist that inflames males, after refilling the glasses.

Gaston, the thing I wanted to propose. I do have a small estate in Polynesia, what is for sale ,under the "Investment insentive". In other words, I sell the property, you pay a tiny sum, provided by "others", the government pays the rest, and you have a perfect early retirement home in paradise. Or else, a very salable asset.  Of course, that is provided the contract for Transylvania comes to my yards. Or do you have other idea's?

Yes I do, Paul.  I'm not that interested in moving from France to heaven on earth,and my wife totaly not.  We prefer to stay in la patrie. No, if I get the contract to you, we'll go to a casino, and we'll make it into a great win for me. Of course, I'll have to pay taxes on that, but at least, no convulted ways to make it legal or attracts attention from the wrong judical departements.

And, how big do you want to win?

Oh, I could like enough to buy some real estate. 20 laborer houses in Neuilly-sur-Seine for example, should be enough to satisfy our needs.

I think we have an agreement.
And now pleasure.
Oh, I think dame Blanche has found your wife, and it seems to go very well.

That bodes good things for my night. Lets join the ladies.



In his basement HQ, Monsieur Grange gets the report, and nods.

It seems Monsieur Timbre needs a visit from me. I see options for our funding.

Lucifera, can you check out madame gaston, maybe she's useable as a recrute for our operation?
If so, Gaston will be ready for a new job. After his divorce.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Chez Loulou sounds like a lovely little place :)

[Walter]

Sounds like something you'd find in the Red Light District. :D

[maddox]

Kaiser, you're single I presume?

[Kaiser Kirk]

Kaiser, you're single I presume?

Heh, yep. I don't think it would be a good place to bring a date :)

[maddox]

Paris ,Premier Galpoux's offices 31 december 1916, 3 pm.


So monsieur l'ambassadeur, we provide this new trade contract between The republic of France and the Kingdom of Romania.
As you can see, my offices added a bit on the oil contract we talked about, so it is quantified and put into writing.

Yes premier Galpoux. It's a rather extensive contract, covering quite a few points. I'll have to reread it, because of the added clausule.


France will provide Romania

• 1 18 000 ton battleship, called Transylvania, following the plans as laid out by Bureau maritime du Marine Nationale
• 2 1000 ton destroyers , based on the Tigre B hull, designated as the Tigre c class
• 2 of the 1905 10.83" 275mm L45 gunned twin turrets + a licence to build these guns and turrets

In exchange, Romania provides France with.

• a total of $81, in parts of $4.5, to be delivered in the form of Gold Bullion. ^*
• oil from the Ploiesti oil fields a ratio of 25 000 tons a month, as long the transfers of funds are in progress. ^*

Clarification
^* The transfer can be done in multiples of $4.5 iow 4.5  9 13.5  18 and so on. A French naval vessel will make the runs between Constanta and Marseilles, to assure the safety of the transport. Ships will be build according the $ that is delivered that HY. The 2 DD's will be build and delivered first.

^* After the conclusion France wishes to renegotiate a new contract considering oil supplies.



OOC
^* The 25 000 tons oil montly represents about 1/6th of the maximum capacity of Romania's oil production capacity of that day irl.

[TexanCowboy]

Signed on January 3, 1917

King Carol the Great
Foreign Minister Iona Cuza
Admiral Burestai

[maddox]

The signed contract.

France will provide Romania

• 1 18 000 ton battleship, called Transylvania, following the plans as laid out by Bureau maritime du Marine Nationale
• 2 1000 ton destroyers , based on the Tigre B hull, designated as the  Tigre c class
• 2 of the 1905 10.83" 275mm L45 gunned twin turrets + a licence to build these guns and turrets

In exchange, Romania provides France with.

• a total of $81, in parts of $4.5, to be delivered in the form of Gold Bullion. ^*
• oil from the Ploiesti oil fields a ratio of 25 000 tons a month, as long the transfers of funds are in progress. ^*

Clarification
^* The transfer can be done in multiples of $4.5 iow 4.5  9 13.5  18 and so on. A French naval vessel will make the runs between Constanta and Marseilles, to assure the safety of the transport. Ships will be build according the $ that is delivered that HY. The 2 DD's will be build and delivered first.

^* After the conclusion France wishes to renegotiate a new contract considering oil supplies.

Signed on January 3, 1917
By the hand of ambassador of Romania ,representing
King Carol the Great
Foreign Minister Iona Cuza
Admiral Burestai

Signed january 3th
For Glorious France.

Premier Galpoux
Admiral Geon
Minister Lebrun


added a tad to the Romanian signature, to make it consistent.