Orange 1917

[Nobody]

Kaap Kourier, January 2 1917
With the new year begins the "hot phase" in this so far rather quiet political campain.
The last law and resigning of the currently absent government left the established fractions in turmoil. Several parties might not make it into the new Senate while new fractions emerged from the crowd of the "kaffirs" and others who want to use their newfound right to vote.

[Nobody]

Wednesday morning, 10^th January 1917
Beira military harbor drill ground

One hundred and five Romanian seamen and officers were lined up in the middle of the large sqare between the barracks and the docks. The air was glittering in the sun which stood already high in the north.
Three men, two of them wearing light Orange Navy tropic summer uniforms, were coming towards them from the administration building.
"Seems like noone told them it's summer here right now", mumbled Clemens Cornielje, the medium sized man not wearing a uniform just before they all saluted.
"Welcome to the Orange Republics Naval harbor of Beira. I'm Commandeur Mircea Geoan?, your Liaison officer and translator for the next few week." began the tall slender 'leader' of the Orange group in nearly flawless Romanian and continued: "This is the former chief engineer of the K20, Luitenant Al Zuckerman" addressing the rather short but strongly build man to his left "and yard forman Clemens Cornielje."

"I'm Captain Morris", began otherwise unobtrusive rather in-Romanian looking officer with striking bright blue eyes. "This is Commander Smith, my first officer and this is my engineer Lieutenant Commander Boc. We are glad for this unexpected invitation to familiarize ourself with the new ship beforehand. May we have a look at our 'new baby' now?"
Cornielje tapped his pocketwatch and Geoan? said: "Of course Captain, I guess it would be best to head to the Dock now and continue our introduction there." Turning to Cornielje speaking in dutch: "You lead the way!" and to a young ensign who seemed to have emerged out of nowhere: "Make sure the tailor is prepared to make a few 'more suitable' uniforms for our guests."
Then he followed the rest who were already marching towards Beiras larger drydock.

to be continued

OOC: critique welcome, since this is my first attempt to write a story

[Sachmle]

Looks good to me, except I doubt there were to many "Smith's" or "Morris'" in Romania in 1917.

On a side note, it good to see the Romanian's continue to alienate all their friends. First they piss off RRC by joining my side in the war, even though we don't trust them. Of course this also pissed of the Leipzig Pact members. Austria was already pissed from the Balkan war, as was Russia. Now they're making noise about Ukraine and dealing w/ Orange, which will only piss DKB, Italy, and Austria off more. Way to go TexanCowboy.

[Desertfox]

New Switzerland has no problem with the way Romania has been acting, no sir, no problem at all...

[The Rock Doctor]

Which New Switzerland are you referring to?

[Sachmle]

New Swiss national anthem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIiArYI5ass

[The Rock Doctor]

I have an inkling that the Colombian national anthem would sound like the Macarena...

But I digress...

[Nobody]

... except I doubt there were to many "Smith's" or "Morris'" in Romania in 1917.

Not my fault - those two were his choice his choice (the others are mine).

I was hoping for bit more feedback, e.g. should I continue to write in past tense or would it be better to use present tense?

[Sachmle]

Like I said, good read...flows..nothing major to fault, and really not much minor. Good 1st story. BRAVO!!

[TexanCowboy]

Yay! I make people mad!!!

[Tanthalas]

Yay! I make people mad!!!

when one is a very small fish in a pond full of very large fish it is not good to celebrate making the Very large fish angry young Grasshopper

[Nobody]

Saturday and Sunday January 13th and 14th
Election days.
The participation rate is as high as expected. The result however are not expected within the next ten days because of the difficult plutocratic system.

Sunday January 28th
The election committee released the election results.
The Orange Republican Party won the election with 34.4%. Surprisingly the Libertarians came out second at 31.6%, and rumors say that they might have received outside help. The Democratic Union too became a strong political force reaching 25.5%. The remaining 5.5% of the votes went to different smaller or local fractions.
This means that the new Senate will consist of 31 ORP members, 28 Libertarians and 25 Democrats as well as 5 free members. However this is by no means a victory for the reformers of the democratic ad liberal partys, as there are still the 36 wealthiest citizens and 20 represents of the leading religions and academic experts - 145 seats in total.

Thursday 2nd February
The K20 now renamed "Matrocitisve" is handed over to the Romanians after finishing her after overhaul trials.

[The Rock Doctor]

So a coalition government of sorts will be necessary - could be interesting...

[Nobody]

Thursday March 1st
After long behind the scene talks between the 'power blocks' in the senate, Dr. Bloemendal of the ORP was determined as the new chancellor in secret election.
His first decision was to simplify the Orange flag to tree horizontal orange(gold) and two white(silver) stripes. He also increased the readiness for parts of the army especially near the Congo border. On top of that he ordered that the L22 a 16 inch gunned battleship and the second of her class to be layed down immediately.

Monday April 2nd
The ex-Russian Sweaborg enters Orange Service after her overhaul.

Monday April 30th
The ex-Russian Kronstadt is handed over to her new Romanian crew after finishing her overhaul.

Friday June 1st
A new Fleet Tender begins it's sea trials for the Orange navy.

[The Rock Doctor]

Please accept my congratulations as you begin your term as chancellor. 

The long-standing relationship between our two republics has decayed in recent years, but it is my hope that we may be able to mend fences.  Accordingly, please consider yourself to have an open invitation to meet with me in Cartagena at any time, or in June at Matadi, Zaire, when I make my first visit to Gran Colombia's African territories.

(signed)

Rey Alizandro
President