The RRC seeing as that it was no longer possible to continue without making an announcement of its stance on the Bharat conflict decided to make it clear today.
The RRC takes a stance of neutrality. All ships involved in the conflict CAN make use of the RRC's port so long as a single condition is kept. There is to be no fighting within the RRC's land as well the the sea 10 nm from it's coastline. If a nation breaks this condition the nation which owns the ships will be barred from RRC seas (until the conflict is over). Any sailors caught causing trouble will be ARRESTED, not amount of connections will save them. They will be released at the end of the conflict or the end of their arrest sentence, whichever one comes first.
The RRC will deal with any nations involved in this unforunate conflict GIVEN that they OBEY this statement. If one ignores the RRC's warnings and continues to break its neutrality, the State will have no choice but to take ACTION.
On a typical day...
Yun Ming walked casually, but with a purpose. He was going to visit a famed fireworks factory. He had done a bit of reading on the records (on the few that were copied or stolen). It seemed that it had been developed since ancient time a device known as a rocket. Now the rocket showed much promise. With modern gunpowder one could easily manage to create a devastating weapon of war. He was on a mission to find out hold one created the 'flying crow with magic fire' winged rocket bomb. It was, according the the records, a device which the frame (shaped like a chicken) made of bamboo is covered and held together by paper glued to the frame. Inside it would be filled with gunpowder, although the exactly proportions were unknown. More paper seals up everything. Then, two wings are attached with nails to the side of the body. Under these two wings are two slanting rockets. Four branching fuses is connected with the rockets and put through a hike rilled in the back of the bird. It reportedly can fly a distance of1000 feet. When the device falls on the ground, the explosive gunpowder in the cavity is lit and the flash can be seen from miles away. It sounded like a formidable weapon. Yun was such with a few improvements it could change war forever. The major problem with the 'flying crow with magic fire' bomb was that it was unguided. There was no telling where it could fall.
What Yun had in mind (given that the gunpowder proportions are figured out) was a rocket in metal casing (like the thundercrash missiles - which were made of metal casing and exploded so the shrapnel would kill anyone in the area)which consisted of a warhead (a section devoted to packing as much explosive power as one could) and a fuel section (also packed with explosives, but used to propel the device rather than explode).
After visiting several major fireworks factories, it seems that the formula for the weapon had been long lost. If the government was to produce it once again, it would require some of the brightest minds and endless testing. For this, they would need funding...
( For reference: Earliest documented usage of thundercrash missiles - 1221 CE : Earliest documented usage of 'Flying crow with Magic Fire' - 1412 CE : The Chinese developed stabilizing devices for rockets in flight by roughly 1300 CE )
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congreve_rocket
;)
But Chinese rockets are so much cooler! Also the Chinese invented such rockets by 1150, multiple launchers by 1300 at the latest. (I have a book on Chinese inventions by my side ATM ;) ) They got multiple stage rockets by the early 14th century. (Forerunner of the modern Exocet, 'fire-draon issuing from the water' skims the water for long distance and hits a ship)
The Congreve has its own Chinese influence (through India) of course.
If you are looking at forgotten knowledge, that's about the level to start with black powder rockets.
It's not forgotten knowledge. It lives on today as fireworks.
Also the reason why I started with the Chinese rockets other than the fact that all other rockets came from the Chinese version) was because the Chinese version was much much more accurate (stabilized flight, etc. etc.) The only difference so far is the Congreve uses black powder and the Chinese ones used gunpowder.
But sure, I'll make a IC post about investigating the Congreve. :)
At the national library at Macau...
Yun Ming diligently flipped the pages on several dusty yellowed books. It had probably been many many years before someone had touched them. The books were all on rockets and missiles. he was currently looking at data collected about the Congreve rocket, a British rocket. It looked quite similar to 'earth-rat' and 'water-rat' Chinese rockets. However the Chinese rockets were more stable but the British rocket was more dangerous (due to its iron casting). The explosive effects of both were far to small. he needed a powder that would produce huge explosions...
I've found it. This will work well.
Yun Ming was examining the properties of a acid, its name was Picric acid. The substance was relatively sensitive to shock and friction making detonation an easy task. However, it was easy to prevent these symptoms by utilizing a layer of water. The best part about the substance was that it was cheap and relatively easy to produce. The picric acid formed picrate salts which was deadly to metal. This meant the acid had to be stored in glass. This was okay, such a material would only add to the fragmentation effect of the rocket when it exploded.
The rocket was almost complete, it would only need to be put into production. The payload was to be ~20kg of Dry Picric Acid, the propellant was Cordite, chosen for its slow burning rate and vast usage as a propellant in already-in-use rifles. The rocket consists of a layering of low-grade steel, cheap enough to produce in mass-quantities, but strong enough to last the flight. Under that steel was a thin layer of glass, used to prevent the payload from wearing out the warhead. The warhead would be attached to the front of the rocket while the payload was ignited to start flight. It would be located behind the warhead and the cordite's thrust would go through a "de Laval" nozzle. Using the ancient Chinese art of fin-stabilized rockets, the rocket would have fins for stabilization. This, it was realized allowed for the rocket to be extremely portable, capable of firing right out of the crate.
These rockets, to be known as "Jiao-Han-De-Jian-Tou, or Screaming Arrow". These weapons would be able to replace conventional artillery in places where it would be difficult to move an artillery piece (mountains, jungle, etc.) The rockets could be fired in mass quantities quickly, thereby able send barrages at the enemies in much greater numbers (than conventional artillery). The fragmentation effect of the rockets meant it could wreak havoc among enemy troops on the battlefield, each rocket being capable of disabling nearby soldiers. The most important trait of the rocket was its screaming sound, the mere physiological effect of having death rain down upon oneself in addition to the eerie sound emitted by the weapon, should be enough to make any less motivated soldiers rout. The weapons would be shipped in crates that carried ~24 rockets. The rockets were slim and small, needing no launcher, it could be fired right out of the crate.
There was a disadvantage though, the rockets were highly inaccurate (despite stabilization the rockets could miss by a few feet, sometimes by yards) and left a very clear smoke trail when fired. As a result once fired the firing squad had to immediately change positions to avoid any theoretical counter-attack.
June 6, 1916
*on the Burma-RRC border*
After a long night, a few RRC soldiers rest by the campfire.
A man silently lifts his gun, aiming at the soldiers, the gun fires and the soldiers fall dead. The man hurries to get away as he hears other troops rushing to the scene...
June 13, 1916
"Outrageous! Chiang slammed the his desk. He had just finished reading about the Burma-RRC attack. Some soldiers, probably Burmese, had attacked the patrolling RRC troops at night. Incidents like this had broken out across the border. This was no accident. The Burmese troops had fired on the RRC. "Why didn't I get notice of this immediately? Its been a week!" His assistant bowed down in apology, "I'm sorry Mr. President, Mr. Ming insisted on receiving the memo first. Chiang blinked, why would Yun ask for such information, rather how did he know before me? "Call him here!"
Yun Ming walked into the room. "What is it Mr. President?" Chiang motioned for Yun Ming to come closer before he spoke, "Did you know about this?", he pointed to the memo. A brief look of recognition passed through Yun's face. Chiang took it as a yes, "What did you do with the information? You had a week." Yun Ming looked straight into Chiang's eyes, "I ordered for the the troops to mobilize." Chiang sighed, "You should have told me first. Its okay, I was going to do so anyways..."
July 6, 1916
Yun Ming was walking casually with Chiang. "Yun, we've completed preparations for war. The necessary troops have been mobilized to the Burma border. All that awaits us is the declaration of war." Yun nodded, "I understand President, I'll oversee certain parts of the operations, is that alright?" "Such. You will get to command 3 corps of your liking. Let's get started."
At an undisclosed location...
A machine was rapidbly beeping as a man sitting in front of it rapidly decoded the message. The message read simply, "BRC-GO"
The Republic of China declares war on Burma
Our diplomatic representatives declared war today, against what has now become an enemy nation. The aforementioned nation has committed acts of hostility against the Republic of China, treading upon our soil and killing our citizens. The State will now commence military operations according to the established campaign strategy and mindful of our country's territorial, political and economic objectives.
July 7, 1916
RRC troops move into Burma.
How clever of the Burmese.
Well, send an order of battle and their instructions to the Mods, and we'll game it out when the rest of us catch up to July.
Wonder if its connected to the Baharat War at all. Could be either good timing (Burma worriedly watching Baharat) or bad timing (Burma not worried as Baharat is fully engaged with France). The Thai might want to jump in too, grabbing a piece of Burma could be pretty tempting.
Pardon my Nverse map ignorance, but WTF is Burma? I see Siam, Nord Indokina, and a buncha white that I Presume to be part of Bharat/Kolkatta/India/Whatever to the west of said Siam.
Honestly, the armies of the bigger (Northern) part of China should be enough of deterrence for the smaller part to try something like this.
Next time please time it with another war going on so it would not hold up the sim.
Quote from: P3D on May 01, 2009, 07:34:47 PM
Next time please time it with another war going on so it would not hold up the sim.
My guess was he timed it for AFTER the last war so the MODS weren't overworked on TWO wars at once. But, that's IMHO.
@ Sachmle
Look at Tan's big map, Burma's there. Burma existed historical, but conquered in RL by the British. Nothing like that happened in N-verse. According to Maddox, Burma exists, its just not a noted nation (a blank space on the map).
@ P3D
Well we can very obviously tell that it didn't stop them. As a result of my objectives, delaying the war wouldn't have been in my interests (it was a right time and season). Also, the Kolkata war is almost over and Maddox encouraged me to war :-\
@ DF
Its somewhat connected. Damn Thai *smacks Siam* Burma's not for you :(
OOC,
@ Sachmle
Concerning Burma.
It's the white blob on the right to Kolkata and Bharat.
Also called Bengal or Bengali. Rangoon is the capital.
Now awash with Refugees from the Kolkatan War.
@Logi
I did not encourage you in any way Logi.
I just didn't say you can't. Big difference.
@P3D
The Middle Kingdom, currently untennanted- as Phoenix explained, her daily life is hectic- she's an up and comming politica, and elections are june seventh.
But, here's the reason why the RRC feels it has a free hand (http://www.navalism.org/index.php?topic=3347.0).
The latest entry is the discussion between the MK and the RRC on a peacefull periode.
OH well... This was to be my move but a peaceful one. Perhaps I can salvage my plans...
I will NOT be moderating this war...
Michael
Looks at what should be rain falling in the Burmese highlands.... this should be interesting. ::)
Quote from: ctwaterman on May 02, 2009, 08:23:42 AM
Looks at what should be rain falling in the Burmese highlands.... this should be interesting. ::)
There is a window between the summer monsoons and winter; June to September.
Quote from: miketr on May 02, 2009, 10:18:54 AM
There is a window between the summer monsoons and winter; June to September.
June to september is the monsoon period in Burma:
http://focus-asia.travel/img-my/Myanmar%20Climate.gif
That said the highlands are more temperate, so not quite the sea of mud one will find in the lowlands.
@ Maddox
You encoruaged me by saying you would have a heart attack ;)
@ Miketr
I thought it was the other way around.
@ Korpen
Right time and season ;)
Logi no; Iberia has no cause to attack Burma and one manufactured war is enough for the moment. Also a number of nations would get in the way of an Iberian attack on Burma but a diplomatic alignment would be harder to get in the way of.
Michael
July 6, 1916: Rangoon, Burma
The note reached Rear-Admiral Ramsey as he returned to Warrior after a meeting with the refugee camp administrators ashore. Opening it in his office aboard the armored cruiser, he learned of the RRC declaration of war agaisnt Burma.
"Oh, for f**k's sake", he growled.
July, 1916
Haiphong, Nord Indokina
Office of Oberstleutnant Otto von Fritz
"Oberstleutnant, the Chinese have declared war on the Burmese!"
"WHICH Chinese? The traditionalists or the reformists?"
"The reformists. Does it really matter?"
"Yes. The traditionalists would not attack without provocation and it would be over as soon as they could mobilize their army. The reformists are more likely to attack with no reason other than to prove to the traditionalists that they can. Either way unless they try to march through here or start sinking shipping indiscriminately it's of no concern to us. Inform Kommodore Bergmann just to be aware."
"Yes sir, Oberstleutnant. Right away."
July, 1916
Kowloon, Hong Kong
The the bustling marketplaces of the recovering Kowloon was a far contrast to the main island across Victoria Bay. There instead of the Kowloon hi-rises and tenements, there was fallen materials lying everywhere. There was nothing there. The air was putrid from the debris, the powders poisonous to inhabitants. Never the less the people of Kowloon, Hong Kong were busy everyday. Workers worked in office buildings for sun rise to sun set. The streets were filled with an inhumane amount of people. Over on the main island construction workers worked endlessly to remove the rubble but to no avail. This was the backdrop to the lives of the Kowloon people.
In this crowd a single man dressed sharply with a suit and briefcase walked briskly, subtly glancing left and right for anyone who noticed him. Here in the swarm of people the agent had the perfect cover. He took a left into narrow alley which descended lower and lower till the site was no longer visible from ground level. Here he quickly and professionally took out a pair of keys, shoved it into a door's key hole, turned it, and pulled open the door all in one motion. The man stepped inside and swiftly and quietly shut the door behind him. He walked further into the house, stopped at the closet. He opened it and took out the ceiling panel. Throwing his briefcase into the shaft, he closed the closet door away him, and climbed in too. The ceiling panel was put back into its place. Crawling only a short distance he prompt got out again. This time he was in the sewers. Walking along the elevated platform, the agent turned a left and a right too many times to count. He took a flight of stairs up, turning up in an abandoned courtyard. There he turned the fountain's figurehead and inserted a key into the fountain's water outlet. On the right side of the courtyard, a wall opened. The agent quickly retrieved the key and walk in before the wall closed. Inside was a small group of people sitting around a round table. The agent walked up to the table and opened his briefcase revealing a single piece of paper. It was a copy of the latest telegram from Iberia and its response as well as the previous telegram from the Republic of China to Iberia.
One of the members of the group turned to the agent with a half-please simile on his face, "Well done, Enigma." The man spoke in fluent English. The agent bowed, "Danke für Ihre Komplimente Foxtrot." Another member of the group stood up, "Eni Ah, gan dan suók tooyoo mm manzoku. Kokumin goi suei bang fukushuu yu teikoku." The man spoke with gusto despite his broken Fujinese. "Ich verstehe Bravo, was denken Sie Cero?" The last member of the group was silently thinking. "Ngo mun choi cheui haang dung." The group quickly disbanded afterward.
A message sent to Shangwei, Republic of China:
TWT-PN-JUY-USF-EMB-WAT-BOM-RVG-RAG-TAK-NOW-ACT-ACT-NOW-TAK-RAG-RVG-BOM-WAT-EMB-USF-JUY-PN-TWT------ FXT OUT
Danke für Ihre Komplimente Foxtrot. - Thank you for the compliment Foxtrot.
Eni Ah, gan dan suók tooyoo mm manzoku. Kokumin goi suei bang fukushuu yu teikoku. - Enigma (friendly), to say simply, the orient is not satisfied. The people of the nation want revenge for the empire.
Ich verstehe Bravo, was denken Sie Cero? - I understand Bravo, what do you think Cero?
Ngo mun choi cheui haang dung. - We will take action.
July 16, 1916
A man dressed in a sharp suit with a briefcase strolled into the lobby of the Main Executive Building in Macau. He walked briskly with an air of purpose about him, his low-brimmed hat was tipped slightly forward, hiding his facial features from sight. He climbed the stairs reaching from one floor to the next until reaching the highest floor. The hallway in front of him was filled with the rooms of political leaders of the nation. "Hey what are you doing here?" Two buff men in black walked towards him. "This place is restricted." He grinned and said "Hi, my name's Fortuna." before pressing on a small button in his pants pocket.
There was a resounding explosion. The citizens in the lobby were throw to the floor. The top floor erupted into a mesh of smoke and flames. The scene quickly became one of chaos. Those who were fit to run ran out, leaving and trampling on those who could not. The fire slowly continued to burn, no amount of water seemed to stop it. The flames were golden against a setting sun. They did not rest until the grand office was reduced to rubble.
In Kowloon, Hong Kong
*The group of four were at the usual meeting place, discussing certain matters over a game of Mahjong.*
"Hmm, I see Enigma. It appears that Fortuna completed his mission well. His sacrifice to the nation will surely be remembered. With the foundations of the political system shaken at its very roots, it will be easy to slip in our members. We'll just have to take them out, like the foolish old man."
"Das sollte einfaches prüfen. Alles geht entsprechend dem Spielplan. Wo sollten wir zunächst schlagen?"
"Ngo day dat gouhui duang."
"Ka Long!"
"Damn Cero, you won again."
Das sollte einfaches prüfen. Alles geht entsprechend dem Spielplan. Wo sollten wir zunächst schlagen? - That should prove easy. Everything is going according to the game plan. Where should we hit next?
Ngo day dat gouhui duang. - We're hitting the Republican Sector.
July, 1916
Non-Burmese citizens were falling one by one. For some strange reason, only the Burmese were left untouched. The foreigners in Burma were getting killed one by one. That included of course RRC citizens as well as war refugees from the Kolkata War.
July 24, 1916
As a result of being commissioned to design the main building for the newly founded Hong Kong Corporation, drew up a design for a 60-floor, 840-ft (an improvement to the Woolworth Building IRL). It called for concrete columns to provide a foundation for the steel-high-riser. The building is to be placed in a clear area of the Hong Kong Main Island (IRL Hong Kong Central - facing Victoria Harbour)
Model of the Building (Remember I'm not an architect so there are probably a few flaws here and there in the structural integrity)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q11/Logi_Hack/HKCorp.png)
Antennae Height: 100 ft
(( OOC: This happens regardless of other events ))
Because I'm ignorant of such things: is this sort of structure technologically possible at the time?
Reinforced concrete was first used OTL in Great Britain in the 1860s and 70s. First use in the US was in the 1890s. So I don't think it's infeasable here, but IIRC (from some discovery channel special), most construction of large buildings in Hong Kong is where bedrock is nice and shallow, so the concrete part wouldn't likely be terribly necessary. Just dig down to bedrock, blast it out nice and flat, and bolt your steel to it.
Steel curtain-wall certainly is feasible in 1916, so no problem there. The Chinese, not having experience with this, might need to import Confederate, Norman, Swiss or some other country's architects and engineers to gain necessary experience for the project, since I don't believe they'd have any of their own at this point who've built such a thing. Such buildings certainly do exist in places like New York, Atlanta, and probably Phoenix in NS, among other places by now in the Nverse.
Back in 1907 , Prince Pu lun was talking to French architects, and one young Jeanneret (http://www.navalism.org/index.php?topic=717.msg8772#msg8772) was willing to travel to Hong Kong to build his visions of a new city.
It is very well possible that, even if the young visionary never got to travel to the Far east, the plans and technology were transfered.
@maddox
I was thinking along the same lines, that the plans and technology was transferred.
@Rocky
The Woolworth Building (in New York) upon this was based on was a structure planned in 1910, completed in 1913. It contains 57 floors and is 792 feet tall. So yea, its technologically possible.
@guinness
Ah I didn't know that. Still, I think a stronger foundation would be better than taking the chance with a weaker one.
August 4, 1916
Upon the conclusion of the Sino-Burmese Conflict, and the terms that dictated that a Mandalay-Kumming railroad be built, government agencies have set about researching the effects of such an action on the economy as well as transportation overall. They came back with surprising results.
QuoteExecutive Summary
This report addresses three objectives:
-Start analysis of job creation and business revenue impacts of investment in public transit at the national level.
- Examine and expand estimates of transit's economic impacts in other key dimensions
- Asses the value to the economy of each dollar invested in transit.
This analysis affirms the significant positive economic impact of transit investment on jobs and business revenues and affirms a variety of broader indirect benefits.
Key Findings
- Transit capital investment is a significant source of job creation. This analysis indicates that in the year following the investment about 5,000 jobs are created for each $10 million invested in transit capital funding.
- Transit operations spending provides a direct infusion to the local economy. Over 9,100 jobs are created for each $10 million invested in the short run.
- Businesses would realize a gain in sales 3 times the public sector investment in transit public sector investment in transit capital; a $10 million investment results in a $30 million gain in sales.
- Businesses benefit as well from transit operations spending, with a $32 million increase in business sales for each $10 million in transit operation spending.
- The additional economic benefits from the transportation impacts of transit investment in major metropolitan areas are substantial. For every $10 million invested, over $15 million is saved in transportation costs to both highway and transit users. These costs include operating costs, fuel costs, and congetion costs.
- Business output and personal income are positively impacted by transit investment, growing rapidly over time. These transportation user impacts create savings to business operations, and increase the overall efficiency of the economy, positively affecting business sales and household incomes. A sustained program of transit capital investment will generate an increase of $2 million in business output and $0.8 million in personal income for each $10 million in the short run (during year one). In the long term (during year 20), these benefits increase to $31 million and $18 million for business output and personal income respectively.
- Transit capital and operating investment generates personal income and business profits that produce positive fiscal impacts. On average, a typical district government could realize a 4 to 16 percent gain in revenues due to the increases in income and employment generated by invesments in transit.
- Additional economic benefits which would improve the assessment of transit's economic impact are difficult to quantify and require a different analytical methodology from that employed in this report. They include "quality of life" benefits, changes in land use, social welfare benefits and reductions in the cost of other public sector functions.
- The findings of this report suggests that transit is a sound public investment.
*Report is taken from an actual report published on 1999 :: Work - Investment ratios are adjusted to 1916 values.
The report reinforces the idea that this is a positive investment and is currently prompting the government to consider the building of an National Highway System.
August 12, 1916
Statement to Siam:
Our investigators have discovered that many Chinese citizens in Siam are bound in thralldom. What is the meaning of this harsh treatment of our people? Are you so reckless and confident that we would not find out? Explain yourself or we will sever our diplomatic ties.
National Highway System? How long have cars been around in China? ::)
Quote....bound in thralldom....
???
Quote from: Blooded on June 17, 2009, 09:45:48 PM
National Highway System? How long have cars been around in China? ::)
Quote....bound in thralldom....
???
It's a fancy word for slavery
Quote from: Blooded on June 17, 2009, 09:45:48 PM
National Highway System? How long have cars been around in China? ::)
Folks in Stuttgart would be more than willing to increase the number of cars and trucks in China. :)
OOC:
Thralldom - a form of Bondage or alternatively a word used to imply that the RRC see an opportunity and wishs to change its stance on aid to Siam. ;D :o
A portion of the Gran Colombian population remembers a previous occasion when talk about rights of Chinese expatriates was used as justification for a brutal and unprovoked invasion.
1903-1904, the Steampunk Gabi affair...
Ding-ding!
From Siam:
Quote
Siam, in this time of most dire national emergency, is indeed confused by the most recent communique from the Reformist Republic of China. Not too many days ago, China offered monetary assistance to the Siamese cause, but suddenly China is making groundless and baseless accusations as to the treatment of ethnic Chinese within Siams border?
What is Siam to think of the trustworthyness of the Chinese leadership if its favor changes so quickly?
At any rate, we can assure China that its investigators must surely be mistaken, as no one, be they ethnically Chinese or other, is held in "thralldom" within Siam.
From the RRC in reply in Siam:
When we offered monetary assistance to the Siamese cause, our government was not yet aware of this terrible state of affairs. We would like to trust, but cannot help but question when doubt is casted upon others. We will restrain our actions until further proof, or disprove, is submitted by investigators. Therefore, we will warily continue our assistance, until proven correct.
August 18, 1916
In a dark alley far from public eyes...
"Sir, we have discovered some evidence of the Siamese crimes." Three men huddled together were dressed in black suits. "This isn't enough, we need solid evidence to make sure the Siamese can never deny the accusations!" The two men standing across from the speaker, shuddered, "But Sir, we need more time for that." The third man spoke quietly, in a dangerous whisper, "You know we do not have time. We know it is true, but if we do not act now, how can we face our brethren?" "Sir, if we need evidence that much, and we cannot deliver, might I suggest we fabricate the evidence?"....
Beijing, Forbidden City
August 20 1916
"They say "thralldom" ? What a weird word..."
"Ah, Your Most serene Imperial Majesty, it is a word from a notoriously barbaric people high in the North of Europe. It means "One, such as a slave or serf, who is held in bondage." It could also mean "One who is intellectually or morally enslaved." I think they were referring to the first definition."
"Oh ?" intervened Her Imperial Majesty the Empress-Mother bitingly, "I am sure the current state of the coolies in the Upstart Region can be described with the second definition..."
Both Emperor and Minister stared at her.
"Why yes," she impishly continued, "how else can you describe what the Upstarts are doing with the people under their control ? Forcing all these foreign and silly ideas upon their poor little brains ?"
OOC: Phoenix's back? :D
Capital Macau
November 5, 1916
Representatives of the Imperial Romania Government were sighted leaving dock, escorted by government officials.
"Mr. Iona Cuza, I presume?"
Foreign Minister Iona Cuza stepped off the ship. He was asked to come here personally by King Carol, who said that it was neccasary for the RRC to be treated with all due respect. Inside, however, he wondered how this could suceed. As soon as the RRC caught news of the ACM-New Switzerland gunboat exchange with Romania, it could get very ugly. He set those thoughts aside as he saw the RRC president. Hw went up to him, shook his hand, and then continued into the Capitol building.
President Chiang Kai-shek sat down. "Now Mr. Cuza, we have three designated points we must discussion, before anything else. 1st is the start of an oil trade between Romania and the RRC. The RRC is poor in oil unfortunately. 2nd is thee exchange of aircraft plans, such as the RRC heavy bombers and the famed Romania jet. 3rd is the creation of a Romania - RRC trade route and other services."
Chiang signaled an assistant to give him some papers. "Now the RRC is capable of produce limited oil, but not enough to fuel warships. Now we could strike up a deal for an oil trade. What does Romania want in exchange?"
"Unfortunatly, Mr.Kai-shek," Mr.Cuza began, " The Conada-1910, the jet plane currently in testing, explodes after about 10 seconds in the air. Now, then, it still is the fastest plane in the world, hitting 150 MPH, but it is not stable. It would be great as a sucide glider, very effectvie vs. ships, but Romania is not big on sucide weapons. Romania would agree with a Hong Kong Constanta trade route, along with an oil trade. I would like to add a 4th point, the exchange of your new Screaming Arrow rockets, which we believe to be effective aginist aircraft, for some of our new tankettes.
"Hm that is fine, we will discuss it later then."
Chiang paused for a second to indicate he was moving back to the first point.
"I had in mind that as the RRC holds some more advanced aircraft manufacturing (we have aircraft - 1914), we would work on a joint research project to produce an airframe that could support such a monstrous engine."
"Yes, that is possible, we have figured out a method to mount jets on a pusher craft using 1910 technology. However, my goverments scientists say it is only possible with a metal aircraft, and that is far to complex for us to understand. For now, the sucide glider is all we have."
"While complex, if we invest in such a device, it will pay off handsomely in the future. So I propose we jointly research aircraft manufacturing technologies. (not sure how this would work, but it seemed natural).
So now that is concluded, we can move on to the next point. I believe we should construct a treaty to facilitate free trade between our nations, that is the removal of trade barriers and tariffs."
The Romanian goverment will agree to that, under two conditions. One is that we jointly try to adapt the Screaming Arrow rocket for use in the air. The second is that we continue with the plans for a unmanned sucide glider amied for ships. Besides that, we agree. Let us move on to the taffirs and free trade.
"Very well. So do you find the such a treaty agreeable? We can write one up right now. I have the papers."
"So we are not creating a oil trade route, then? Isn't that the point of today's meeting.
OOC: Wait what? You agreed to such a trade already.
We are, along with a normal trade route.
Ok, then, a trade route from Constanta to Hong Kong with free trade but no excluvise oil sale. I can agree with that. PM me the treaty.
OOC: Realizing the above meeting is a bit confusing to read in its segmented form, I've put them all together in one post along with my other news posting.
Capital Macau
November 5, 1916
Foreign Minister Iona Cuza stepped off the ship. He was asked to come here personally by King Carol, who said that it was neccasary for the RRC to be treated with all due respect. Inside, however, he wondered how this could suceed. As soon as the RRC caught news of the ACM-New Switzerland gunboat exchange with Romania, it could get very ugly. "Mr. Iona Cuza, I presume?" He set those thoughts aside as he saw the RRC president. He went up to him, shook his hand, and then continued into the Capitol building.
*Inside the Capitol Building*
President Chiang Kai-shek sat down. "Now Mr. Cuza, we have three designated points we must discussion, before anything else. 1st is the start of an oil trade between Romania and the RRC. The RRC is poor in oil unfortunately. 2nd is thee exchange of aircraft plans, such as the RRC heavy bombers and the famed Romania jet. 3rd is the creation of a Romania - RRC trade route and other services."
Chiang signaled an assistant to give him some papers. "Now the RRC is capable of produce limited oil, but not enough to fuel warships. Now we could strike up a deal for an oil trade. What does Romania want in exchange?"
"Unfortunately, Mr.Kai-shek," Mr.Cuza began, " The Conada-1910, the jet plane currently in testing, explodes after about 10 seconds in the air. Now, then, it still is the fastest plane in the world, hitting 150 MPH, but it is not stable. It would be great as a suicide glider, very effective vs. ships, but Romania is not big on suicide weapons. Romania would agree with a Hong Kong Constanta trade route, along with an oil trade. I would like to add a 4th point, the exchange of your new Screaming Arrow rockets, which we believe to be effective against aircraft, for some of our new tankettes.
"Hm that is fine, we will discuss it later then.", Chiang paused for a second to indicate he was moving back to the first point. "I had in mind that as the RRC holds some more advanced aircraft manufacturing, we would work on a joint research project to produce an airframe that could support such a monstrous engine."
"Yes, that is possible, we have figured out a method to mount jets on a pusher craft using 1910 technology. However, my government scientists say it is only possible with a metal aircraft, and that is far to complex for us to understand. For now, the suicide glider is all we have.", the Romania representative responded.
Mr. Chiang nodded, "While complex, if we invest in such a device, it will pay off handsomely in the future. So I propose we jointly research aircraft manufacturing technologies. So now that is concluded, we can move on to the next point. I believe we should construct a treaty to facilitate free trade between our nations, that is the removal of trade barriers and tariffs."
"The Romanian government will agree to that, under two conditions. One is that we jointly try to adapt the Screaming Arrow rocket for use in the air. The second is that we continue with the plans for a unmanned suicide glider armed for ships. Besides that, we agree. Let us move on to the tariffs and free trade."
"Very well. So do you find the such a treaty agreeable? We can write one up right now. I have the papers.", Mr. Chiang shuffled the papers in his hand.
Mr. Iona Cuza took the papers and left the building. He would later have it signed by his government. The treaty would be known as the Macau Treaty.
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November 14, 1916
Another day drunk, day after day Fenghuang Yu had been drowning out his sorrows. What a cruel name his parents had bestowed upon him, Phoenix... He was nothing like a phoenix, just a man eternally consumed in sadness.
"Hey Feng", a voice behind him called. Not many knew his real name, let alone his nickname, there were only a few people that could possibly be. Feng turned around. "Drunk again? You better shape up or no one will marry you." It was one laughing Yun Ming. Feng smiled weakly and let out a chuckle, "I don't think anyone would want to marry me either ways. What did you want?" Yun slapped Feng on the back, "We haven't seen each other in a while and that's what you say?" The two settled in at a small bar. "Remember the last time we were here?" Feng faintly smiled, "Yea I do, back then us four were still together. Now we've all gone our separate ways." Yun looked at Feng, he looked terrible. There were bags under his eye, his eyes were red, he was slumped over, and he kept ordering liquor. "Have you been thinking about the past again? Really, look at you now, drinking without eating. Nuo would be disappointed at you." Almost instantly Yun felt an icy cold glare. "My bad Feng. I shouldn't have brought that up." Yun sighed, this was awkward "How long will you sulk? Nothing will change if you don't move forward. You're wasting your talents."
Yun got up from his seat, "Well I have work to do so I'll have to go now. I've paid my part of the bill." Today was another failure, Yun smiled to himself. He worried about Feng. Maybe a whole group reunion would wake the sleeping giant up.
Budget Meeting: SIC
November 27
Sho Tzu, looked around the room. This was a meeting for the future of the Republic of China, a meting amongst trusted officers in various places throughout the government.
Admiral Yang Shu-Chuang spoke first. "We have much to do, as many of you are aware, with the navy. As of the moment we have almost no navy to speak of. While building a strong army is all and well, without a strong navy, we will be helpless to foreign powers. The wars will we fight now are on the seas, not on land. Without a strong navy we will be hard pressed to protect our own trade routes."
Yu Feipeng snapped back, "Nonsense! What we need is a strong army to protect our borders. You forget our only protection against the monarchist is a simple verbal agreement without our infantry. We need better weapons, better organization, and better training for our infantry, not a stronger navy. A navy will not stop an invasion!"
Huang Chen-tsuo spoke next, "I for one am content with where our nation is heading. I believe investment into aircraft technology is a wise decision. I believe it would serve as a powerful weapon when we have perfected it. Imagine, flying behind enemy lines and destroying their industry! We could even perform an air landing akin to a naval landing. We would be able to pat fortifications and attack where they do not suspect!"
"What a pipe dream. Your valued airplanes can not hold even a bag of explosives let alone hit a target accurately.No, what we need is more investment into the industry. We will have more power AND money if we do so. The people will thank us for the increases variety of their goods!" He Yaozu broke in.
"Ok, I've heard enough arguing. Calm down!" Chiang Kai-Shek broke the heated debate. He considered what had been presented so far. "I think it is agreed we need three things, a navy, an army, a industry. They are that which consumes most of our budget. Now aircrafts can be invested in with a relatively small budget so that is fine. We always direct a large portion of the budget to improving industry so that is taken care of. The problem here is how the remainder should be split between the army and navy."
Chiang paused for emphasis, "Now the army is of considerable importance. We need one stronger than our northern neighbors if we are to survive. We currently are somewhat weaker than them. I do not know by how much. So I would say as of now, we must focus on the army rather than the navy. However! That is not to say we are to neglect the navy. Simply we must think to build ships as small as possible. It is now impossible to build ships like Huang Hun and Li Ming anymore. Now Mr. Chan Chak you said you have something to say on this?"
Chan Chak cleared his throat, "I suggest we build submarines. They are small and effective units as recent wars have shown. If I were to compare them to something, they are like the new rockets that Mr. Yun Ming that have pursued. They are silent and deadly. If put in the right place, they are able to deal grievous harm. The difference is submarines don't leave a smoking trail."
Chen Shaokuan, "But submarines are to slow to commerce raid once the enemy notices it! I believe we should focus on commerce raiders rather than submarines. We need fast long-ranged ships with heavy firepower capable of raiding a convoy and escaping the scene. When not commerce raiding they could even serve in fleet action."
The rest continued their heated discussion until finally Sho Tzu sent them home.
OOC: Something to do while the war rages on ;)
Rocket Test Facility, Outskirts of Yangshuo County
December 1
"Cover your eyes, FIRE!"
The sleepy town was awoken by the screeching of rockets. They flew up, disappearing into the sky as their flare coincided with the rising sun. Finally the screeching of the rockets could be heard no more and the rockets flew lifelessly down.
Hsen stood by the workers, ordering them to bring the next series of rockets to test.
"Sir, Model C flew the highest, it stopped its flight around 7 kyd. Model E flew the shortest at 2.5 kyd. Here's the chart for the rest of the models."
Hsen nodded and made a note on his papers before ordering the firing. "We are now testing XR-0102 Moonlight, all men ready for firing in 5 seconds. 4. 3. 2. 1. FIRE!"
The rockets shot out of their tubes and filled with blinding light. The light started to fade as the rockets started to drop back to the earth until finally, 40 seconds later, the light disappeared all together.
Hsen nodded again, the rockets were working fine so far. "Bring XR-0103 Sun here."
The workers shuffled towards the warehouses and did as requested. They dropped the crate down and attached the fuses to a long electrical wire and walked into the safety of the building.
Hsen grunted, "Is this glass strong enough?" His cheerful assistant piped in, "Yes, its made of 3 inches of..." Hsen cut him off, "Ready to fire in 10 seconds! 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. FIRE!" A man pressed the button on the controls. the rockets left their containers one by one in a flare of smoke. Those outside heard a small boom, the sound of a small bomb going off. By instinct the people inside ducked as the muted explosion was heard.
Hsen soon got up and led his team outside. The rocket had exploded in the air, sending heated shrapnel firing at a deadly speed down. "Well I think it works, let's get the engineers to perfect it later. For now, let's clean them up and bring in XR-104 Snow for testing."
And so the rocket facility continued its periodic explosions. The people of Yangshuo was woken to another day like so.
OOC: Continued ;)
Rocket Test Facility, Outskirts of Yangshuo County
December 3
Today the people of the facility were testing a different type of rocket. It was a large rocket, planted vertically. Inside, the rocket was stuffed with fuel. This was an attitude test. How high could rockets go?
"Cover your eyes, FIRE!"
The rocket grumbled as it lifted out of place. The de Laval nozzle glowed brightly and the rocket flew higher and higher.
"2 kyd, 4kyd, 6kyd. 1st Booster detachment, initiating 2nd stage. 7kyd, 7.5kyd, 8kyd, 8.5kyd ..... 10kyd. 2nd Booster detachment, initiating 3rd stage. 11kyd ..... 13kyd. The rocket is falling back."
"XR-0156 Sky performed admirably. We can probably tell the usage of multiple stages greatly boosts performance.", Hsen noted.
"Working hard?"
Hsen swirled around to meet one Mr. Yun Ming, "Ah, Mr. Yun I didn't expect you here." Mr. Yun smiled and took out some papers, "I was interested to know what more could these rockets be used for. I was suggested that we could use different warheads and develop more platforms for this weapons. Could you and your team of workers develop a spin-stabilized rocket, or a vertical launching platform? I am also interested in the prospects of a rocket launched torpedo. Those Romanians have got me thinking."
Hsen frowned, the Minister of Projects was starting to pile on pipe-dreams, but then again that was what he was supposed to do. "Sir what do you mean by rocket-torpedo?" Yun tried to explain, "You know, a torpedo is shot out by a rocket which travels very quickly,and then the rocket detaches itself and the torpedo falls into the water. It would make torpedoes much harder to evade."
"With all due respect sir, such a rocket would need to be enormous! I estimate I would need a 1000 kg rocket to propel a 500 kg torpedo. That is unprotected explosives on deck! I am no naval expert but even I can tell you that it would dangerous. But.... there could be some merit in this idea, I'll see what I can do." Hsen sighed, he could swear Yun was insane but he was the leader of the forward-thinking department. "Now, Mr. Yun, on your other requests, you will be pleased to find that we have already manufactured a spin-stabilized rocket. It needs a good deal more equipment but is more accurate than fin-rockets. On warheads, my team has almost finished the development of XR-0102, XR-0103, and XR-0126. 0102 acts as a flare in the night, 0103 explodes with shrapnel in the air, and 0126, well we haven't finished tests yet, but it should be able to carry chemical warheads. Now on vertical launch platforms, we have mostly been shooting these rockets vertically so there is some sort of the thing, but it will require more time to work out a formal version."
Rocket Test Facility, Outskirts of Yangshuo County
December 10
"Whew, this rocket is another big one," Hsen flipped through his folder, "60' three-stage rocket for vertical launch. XR-275 Death." "They really stuffed a large warhead on this one." his assistant cheerfully piped in, "1000kg, its like an air torpedo!" One of the workers informed Hsen that the rocket was ready to launch.
"Cover your eyes, firing in 10.... 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. FIRE!" The rocket hissed and lifted off the ground quickly. The rocket remained perfectly straight as the booster burned, that was, until the first booster detached. The rocket started to spin, then the second booster came off, and the rocket spun like a wheel death. Realizing what was about to happen, the crew quickly scrambled away from the launching site. The rocket flew down and exploded in a magnificent and terrible fireball.
"What was that?" Hsen panted, the rocket truly brought death. While his crew had the wits to escape the scene, the rocket had left a pretty crater in the center of the test facility grounds. "Sir, it appears that rocket had not been balanced correctly with its center of gravity and thus it spun out of control once it lost boosters." one of his workers replied.
Hsen sighed, "Bring the next rocket out for test. XR-0276 Humdrum. 24" three-stage rocket created for vertical flight. 200kg warhead." Hsen counted down and ordered the rocket to be fired. With an ominous hum the rocket lifted out of place with a bit of a tilt. At 1200 yards the 1st booster detached. For a moment, everything was silent. The timer on the 2nd booster clicked 3 seconds and the 2nd booster ignited. The rocket had briefly rotated 80 degrees when the booster kicked in, propelling the rocket at almost horizontal direction. Thirty seconds later, the 2nd booster detached and the sustainer started its cruise in the sky, reaching a maximum height of 4000 yards, the rocket slowly tipped downwards as it began its gentle descent. Than two minutes since the launch, the rocket's "engine" cut off instantly. The ominous humming had stopped. The rocket began a steep dive and the only sound heard was the whistling of air.
...
...
...
BOOM
The rocket hit the ground and exploded 11 kyd from the launching site.
Hsen was speechless, "Did that rocket turn 90 degrees IN-flight? A true vertically launched rocket, fascinating. Tell the engineers that the design works perfectly and ask if they could put a heavier payload on the rocket and extend it range." His assistant nodded.
OOC: I was playing around in RockSim and I hit upon this configuration. Imagine my surprise when I was doing max ceiling height tests for rockets and my rocket turned 90 degrees in mid-air :D Then it cruise a good distance before going in a deep dive and crashing.
*chuckles*
But your fuzes seem to all be operating perfectly.... where is the 30% to 60% malfunction rate we should be seeing *Evil Grin* other then that I like the stories. The Fuzes you are using are slow burn and as stage one burns out it is the Ignighter of the Stage 2... most of the time. I used to have fun with model rockets and even modern Solid Fuel Rockets dont work flawlessly.
Lets just say I used to blow up or burn up alot of Model Rockets.
Charles
Oh, I skip over the malfunctioning bits, its no fun if I just go XR-0105 malfunction, XR-106 malfunction, XR-107 malfunction. And haven't you heard the best things are made in China.... (maybe not) ;)
QuotePeople in Rome hear an ominous humming from the sky, suddenly the sound stops. Then a terrible explosion rocks the streets nearby.
::)
Agents in most major Chinese cities release their Flea Circus's into the Wild and rapidly [pun]flea[/pun] the oncomming outbreak of Black Death ;)
Charles
:o You bastard!
Oh No, not again.
Yes im on a diferent Continent, should buy me some small amount of imunity
The rocket RP will be on pause while I figure out some stuff, such as how to stuff the rockets into single-staged rockets. Consider the first altitude test a lucky one-in-a-million kind of chance. Ignore what the researchers say about multi-staged rockets.
For the XR-0276, remove the cruising stage of the rocket and combine the first and second booster stages into one. That is the rocket burns its fuel up to 1200 yards, then the burning reaches a gap in the fuel tanks with a slowmatch. This stops or slows the burning for the rocket so the rocket has time to rotate, then the burning reaches past into the fuel tanks and the rocket begins moving again. Then the rocket, running out of fuel simply "glides" through the air until it eventually enters deep dive and explodes.
This was the orgiinal rocket sim so yes, it works. The range is reduced from 11 kyd to 9 kyd though.
Hey have fun with it according to Italian Military testers the Empire has sunk an Old BB with Carrier launched aircraft. Considering the tech tree Im pretty sure I dont have any carrier launched aircraft other then some prototypes.
Lets just say the story was using Land Based Aircraft from less then 25nm away allowing for heavy bomb loads and low fuel loads and well maybe some of the explosions that sank the ship didnt come from droped Bombs.... :o ;D
OOC: Oh, yes, the rocket tests are resumed! As I will be separating the fuel in the rockets, but not detaching them, I will use the word, Part, instead of stage.
Rocket Test Facility, Outskirts of Yangshuo County
December 14
"Humdrum Test Model XR-0621 is next. 24" 300kg HE payload single-stage rocket, 8' tall rocket. Changes are increase in takeoff part fuel, reduction of rotation part fuel as well as adjustment of the formula such that the fuel burns more quicker with more thrust. The remaining space is devoted a small fuel tank that contains an adjusted formula for slower burning."
The workers cleared the area and took the crate out of the warehouse. Setting down the crate a good distance away from the land site, the workers prepped the rocket and stood back.
"Firing in 10 seconds..... 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. FIRE!"
The rocket rumbled as it lifted up with the distinct ominous hum. The rocket achieving 2 kyd in altitude, did the distinct rotation of the Humdrum series before the burning resumed. After only two seconds the rocket "hiccuped" as the burning reached the slower burning fuel. The fuel burned out at what seemed to be the apogee of the rocket, entering the gliding free-fall towards the ground. Finally the rocket's center of gravity kicked in as the rocket finally turned in for a deep dive. There was nothing but silence. It landed 13 kyds away from the launching point.
"There's no explosion. Its a dud." Hsen sighed, one more nuisance to clean up. "By the way, Hsen, I've been wondering but does the rocket only turn in one direction?" Hsen turned to the observing guests. "What a curious son you have there, T. H. F. What is his name?" T. H. F. "Tsien Hsue-shen, he will grow up to be a great person no doubt." Hsen laughed,"I haven't seen you in a while, I heard you got appointed to be the Minister of Education in Macau." "Sir! The Humdrum Test Model XR-0622 is ready for firing.", Hsen's assistant alerted him. Hsen smiled apologetically to T. H. F. "Well I must get back to work, and to answer your question. Yes."
"Firing in 10 seconds... 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. FIRE!"
The rocket lifted out of place. "Mr. Hsen, what's difference about this rocket?" Hsen flipped through his folder, "Ah, yes. XR-0622, 24" 200 kg Warhead. It seems the engineers brought back the ominous humming during descent for purely aesthetic reason. Hm.. I rather liked that ominous humming, good."
The fire fell down in a large-explosion, by chance the smaller rocket had set the dud rocket off. "Well, I'll leave you guys too it. Remember to take down notes and report back to me. I have to get to the factory. Apparently the designers need some help with the vertical launch platform.", Hsen pulled on his trench coat and rushed down the road.
*At the factory*
"I don't get what you don't understand. It's simple! Just make a steel box, capable of withstand high temperatures and a rolling ring inside the box. I want the top closed with a watertight lid!", Hsen was busy arguing with the engineers. Finally Hsen took a pencil and paper and drew it out. I want the ring, a cylinder, to hold the rocket. supporting the cylinder is a bunch of roll-balls you find in naval turrets. This is so people can turn the cylinder more easily. Now, the metal box with be fitted with a watertight breech so water cannot get in. I was informed that we will be using these on ships by Mr. Yun. I want it reloadable like a naval gun!" One of the engineers sighed, "For the last time Mr. Hsen, it is impossible with the techniques we know to reload a rocket into a design such as you are suggesting. Its either a rotating cylinder or a reloadable canister. Take your pick, you can't have both!" Hsen grumbled, "Fine, I'll take the rotating cylinder."
OOC: I have no clue what Tsien Hsue-shen's father's name was so I am referring to him here as T.H. F. And on the Vertical launch platform, I would need to know if it would work. ???
Edit: Fixed a few typos and included the rocket's range.
OOC: I'm guessing no problems with the metal box ??? Now playing back a bit in time here.
NAMCo Aircraft Factory, Kunming
November 28
The National Aviation Manufacturing Company, founded a few years back by one Huang Chen-tsuo, had repeatedly failed to get the government contract to build one of their designed airplanes. They had not seen their founder for quite some time when Huang Chen-tsuo came back. Huang was steaming red-faced, and his voice filled with anger, "You guys, I need a long distance bomber design as soon as possible!" The employees knew he was pissed, and most likely at the cabinet meeting yesterday.
Huang, having his airplanes played down as worthless shorted-legged vessels with no ability to carry anything, found a desire to prove them wrong. And such it was that Huang worked with the NAMCo people, the first time in a few years. Their design was the NAMCo NA-1 LDB (Long-Distance Bomber). Utilizing recently designed engines, they sought to increase both payload and range at what ever cost.
At first the design called for a large wingspan of 88 feet and 44 feet long fuselage. The range would be somewhere around 400 miles and the payload would be around 3000 pounds of ordinance. Huang protested, their was no need for so much payload and insisted on increasing the range. The Burmese conflict had shown that the current airplanes did not even have enough range to cross the border and come back. The design passed back and forth. When it was finalized, at 610 miles and 2,000 pounds of payload, the people of NAMCO complained about the length of the airplane. 44 feet was an unlucky number and insisted that they would be hard pressed to find a pilot willing to fly in such a death plane.
Grudging Huang let them increase the length of the airplane to 53 which sounded as (won't die, or don't die). The people of NAMCo rejoiced! This is a lucky plane! The increased length allowed the designers to squish in a a tad more range on the airplane, bringing it to 700 miles of range.
The designers voiced their concerns that the plane, being so large and having such a low ceiling might be easily shot down. To which Huang replied, "We are researching better engines and aircraft manufacturing techniques so we should be able to improve it soon enough." The demand for such an airplane was too great to simply wait.
OOC: If you realize NAMCo is based on CAMCO which appears later in China.
Main Executive Branch in Macau - Years In Review
December 20, 1916
Chiang had been President from the birth of the Republic to the present day, a total of four years. He announced he would not be running to be President again in November. Three years ago, Chiang in his fight against injustice had started a revolution unintentionally. During this time, various warlords had arose in the region, some who wished to be their own state (Yunnan), some who were just power hungry (Shangxi), others who wishes to exploit the riches of the southern regions (Guangxi Clique), but Chiang overcame them all. He started for the powerful cities of Guangzhou, Macau, and Hong Kong; the latter was reduced to rubble. He had created the Republic out of chaos, but he still had one enemy, the Monarchist of the north. However, the civil war stopped for a period. The reason was the belief in MAD, mutually assured destruction. It was feared that the fighting between the two would ravage the China and open it up to opportunist scavengers.
As a result, many of Chiang's officers were former warlords and heavily corrupted. He would tell four generals to move to a point but only two would listen, one would pretend he was moving, and the other would find the enemy and see what he would get for not attacking. So it was that once the Republic settled down Chiang begun his plan in purging the officers of corruption. Due to the huge army of the Republic, it had been a difficult task. However, with the aid of the new upcoming Nationalist movement, Chiang was finally able to complete the purging.
Chiang knew he had not long to complete his next tasks; the reorganization of the army, and the establishment of modern facilities as well as transportation infrastructure. The army had always been something of great interest to Chiang, and he saw that the army, though sufficiently advanced in weaponry, was lacking in both brilliant generals and good tactics. Now the other task pertained to the military as well, Chiang, believing firmly in the need of troops to take its position in a fight at the designated time prompt, knew that the current state of affairs in China would hamper this thought greatly. So Chiang decided.
First, the solve the problem of brilliant generals, Chiang would employ an old game, a war game. That is, training for war upon a board. For the second problem, as though Chinag would lose his position in April, he still had a lot of say in the budget until that time. He would make sure the next half-year would be devoted to improving this system. Now the reorganization of the army was more difficult. The current army was far to slow and underarmed. They lacked in fire-support power and in speed of movement. Chiang wanted to introduce a new type of unit in the Army, the Rocket-Cavalry. Simply put it was a highly trained cavalry corp integrated with light weight artillery and crated rockets. Although Chiang would have preferred a completed motorized corp, the ability to produce trucks and tractors quickly and efficiently still allude the factories of China. Despite Chiang's efforts, China was just not that advanced. So Chiang made do with the plans of a corp entirely on horse.
There was one more worrying matter for him while he was still President. That was the unrest in Southeast Asia. The financial department was report large losses in profits and cuts in funding. This war was hurting more than Chiang had thought it would. There was always the concern that the war would spill over. For this Chiang readied his troops to counter any attack upon Republican soil.
Yard in Guangzhou
December 24, 1916
Qi Xieyuan greeted his old friend, Hsen. They were drinking tea at a famous restaurant in the area. "I trust you received the orders from higher up to develop an anti-fortification weapon as well?" Hsen picked up a steamed bun and ate, "Yes, they required the weapon to be portable/mobile, have firepower, and be able to destroy an building in a few shots. As you may have guessed I am working on a rocket to do such. So far we've established that it should be a point-and-shoot rocket that is light enough to be carried by one man alone. It needs large warhead but not much propellant. What idea did you come up with?"
Qi rubbed his forehead, "Well I opted to work with conventional guns rather than rockets. I had a 40mm gun redesigned for this purpose. Its simply a gun with attached seats so the crew are able to 'point' at the location they are firing. It is quite complex but the weapon should be very powerful and have a high rate of fire. I am still working out on putting this on wheels. It was the only way I could think of to move the weapon. We are currently considering adding armor to the weapon so the crew do not have to be afraid of being shot by a sniper or rushed by infantry."
Of course both ideas would later be used by the Chinese military. The former as an anti-tank weapon, and the latter would be the basis of Chinese tank technology. But at the moment neither knew this. Their conversation drifted from the weaponry discussion to various other topics. Soon they parted.
Main Executive Office in Macau
December 15, 1916
"Those bastards!" The halls echoed with Chiang discontent. "They said they were declaring war upon Siam and DKB and requested our aid. We were bound upon our unspoken alliance and pushed towards war when we did not want to. Then those rat bastards turned on us! In fact they even said they were to wait under the year turns to do so!"
Chiang gave a menacing glance at the Vice-President, Sho. "Very well. If they want to die so badly, we will crush them under our foot. No one humiliates China and gets away with it."
The Republic reports it must enter total war economy to show the traitors what it means to make the Republic its enemy.
If this is meant toward me, I didn't say anything toward the 1st.
It was meant towards the Indochinese. They're the untrustworthy + rabble-rousing ally who tries to back-stab me. :-\
Oh. True enough. Ok, still, I'm on your side.
QuoteThey're the untrustworthy + rabble-rousing ally who tries to back-stab me.
I smell something French there. :)
QuoteOk, still, I'm on your side.
No, you're not...
... hey wait! Whatever happened to the Romanian news?!? Does it mean that you were already defeated by the RRC before things started and they (as the victors) are the ones now writing Romanian history??:D
Telegram to Nations of the World
The Reformist Republic of China now conducts operations in the Dutch-Siamese war, not for the Dutch or the Siamese. We were forced to join by an ally and now find that they have turned their backs on us. We are no longer concerned with the DKB or Siamese or even the Austrians. The only reason we are in this war is to punish the betraying allies. We have no other goal than this. Once the traitors have been dealt with, the Republic will withdraw from this conflict.
Read the edit. I modified it after Logi complained. Now, I only am concered with the Dutch
QuoteRead the edit. I modified it after Logi complained. Now, I only am concered with the Dutch
I already did, which is why I replied the way I did. :D
I modified it like 5 times. ;)
Don't worry. I keep on checking just to make sure. Not as bad as one post of mine over at Wesworld which has been edited almost 30 times...
... okay over a period of about a year, but still. :)
5MD is more than 30MY. :)
Uh-oh, maybe the Indochinese will become as Swiss is to the MK :D
Not really... the only ships that could have really contested your coastal battleships were sold to Gran Columbia. You could annex them. And with hooper82 taking over Frienj, it makes this work.
I meant the amount of hate towards the Swiss, not the statement between the two.
Oh. Still, the MK couldn't annex the NS any way. You can annex Indochina no problem.
OOC:
Indochina is the rice basket of Europe...We wanted the canal...That and I wager that the RRC troops wouldn't have stopped rolling forward once they met Indochinese troops in Nord Indokina, but kept rolling till they got to Saigon.
Also, I'm a 'non-active' player of Firenj until the current 'unplesentness' in Asia is brought to an end (or Indochina gets ground into dust).
OOC:
And this is for real. I would have stopped my troops. As I've said before. I'm a man of my words. If I say I will stop once we reach Indochinese troops in Nord Indokina, I mean it.
Now you see Korpen would never let you have that canal. I don't really care either ways. If I bothered to secure you as an ally, I'm not going to invade you. Can you imagine how bad that looks, not to mnetion I stick to my allies, unless their betray me of course.
Now of course, since you back-stabbed us, the troops are going to get new orders. Its called 'ground Indochina into dust'.
Paranoia means being alert, not trying to declaring war first. Paranoia is often wrong, but in the rare cases that it is you are prepared. If you declare war first because of paranoia you will find 90% of the time, you were just paranoia. You cause a lot of harm to your state that way.
Good Day ;)
December 25, 1916
President Chiang Kai-shek explained the situation that the citizens heard about a month ago had changed. He outlined the Indochinese betrayal and the victories in Wuhan, North Indokina, and Siam. While many citizens were outrages against the movement against Siam, they applauded the actions against the DKB and the Indochinese. The people demonstrated a renew hatred, this time not the towards the Swiss, but the Indochinese. The President showed concern over this matter and ordered that all POWs be treated with utmost respect. They are given the same rights as any RRC citizen save the ability to vote and run for office. "If they decide to stay it is a different matter.", he goes on to say.
But President Chiang is not a lier, he also reports the heavy losses on the Republic's side. He supplements this information by offering his condolences to the citzens who lose their close-friends and family. He urges that citizen do his part to help the war effort. He comments that their help will make the war end quick and with far less lost of lives.
Citizens expressed their outrage through their speech. The President commented that the ability to criticize the government is what makes the Republic truly admirable.
The Republican Sector was reported to pass a decision to force President Chiang to stay in office for the war. Mr. Chiang protested strongly and the public joined him in their protest. Their decision was vetoed and adjusted. Elections would come, but the new President would not be allowed to drop out of the current war without a majority agreement among the Republicans and the former President.
SIC
Engineers report back to their commanders the construction of a forward airbase at Jinghong and near Ha Giang has reached 50% completion. It is estimated one more month of work until they will be ready to be used. Military researchers such as Qin Xieyuan and Hsen were ordered to produce new weapons will haste. There was an emphasis on the fact that such new weapons might help end the war sooner.
December 28, 1916
Republican Sector Hall in Guangzhou
Fenghuang Yu grumbled during a Republican session. He had recently become a 'congressman' of the Republican Sector. The issue currently at hand was the first of the 1917 budget meetings. Looking over the papers, Phoenix was appalled. This half-year, 200,000 soldiers were trained. Phoenix silently noted how spending to build civilian infrastructure was a mere 15% of the budget, military spending took 80% of the budget. Was Chiang not any better than the warlords that he conquered? Phoenix had lived most his life in the countryside, from the desolate mountains of Central China to the prosperous cities of the south. The change in living conditions and attitude was appalling. The people of Central China toiled endlessly as farmers, most not able to read a character of Chinese. The prosperous south was fueled by capitalist notions, in a often violent struggle to be the best. They lived in tall buildings on clean streets. They had streets! With the oncoming elections Phoenix was determine to do something. He would run.... and win. A China weak at the core should not involve itself in the matters of the world.
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Naval Yard in Shanghai
"So they say the Confederates will drop some of their cash on this god-forsaken place?" Yun smiled bitterly, behind him was only a pile of ruins. Indeed the city of Shanghai had not been rebuilt like Hong Kong. There was a horrible stench floating about. "So we will see the skyline of two major cities pierced by the Yang-quizi designs." Yun had recently returned from the city of Wuhan when it was captured. It reminded him horribly of Shanghai and Hong Kong. A prosperous city now lies half-broken, and family threatens to fight each other. Horrible. The Eastern Wind continued to blow in... "Perhaps we should devote our forward-thinking to improve the lives of our poverty-stricken citizens?", his companion remarked. Yun knelt in front of the lined-up graves, it was the only time he knelt to anyone, "Yes, we must stop this foolish war." Picking himself up and walking towards the waiting car (a rarity only held by officials ) Yun spat on the ground, "Foreigners..."
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In Chiang's private residence in Macau.
One frantic diplomat stationed in Beijing reported back to Macau via telegram. They decided to stand back and keep the family from fighting each other. But the war was just beginning, the great victories of this month would be the next month's nightmare to hold once the advance slowed. Yes, this was Chiang's beloved game. The game of war, the dance of puppets on a string. Chiang shifted the pieces on the battered old map, his eyes gleamed with joy, excitement, and a smirk formed on his usually calm face.