Me7: 1899 The Americas

[Matt]

ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

[Condottiero]

Southern Patagonia
Austral Confederation
January, 6th

The end was closer now. For more than twelve years he had been fighting the tattoed invaders. Now they were just about to end them up finally. The tattoed beasts had concentrated their last groups by some small hills by the southern glaciers, they hoped to pass unnoticed, but one Rural Cavalry patrol had spotted them. There was also a Regular Cavalry regiment around, but this was something that had to be ended by the Rurales and by Major Samuel Ercilla, the man that twelve years before started the resistance around Bahía Blanca.

One hundred unmounted riders had surrounded the enemy campsite. There were probably the same number of imperials than of rurales, plus some indians that had joined them and slaves but they had surprise on their side.

At one sign with his hand the watchmen were eliminated with boleadoras, then the rurales crawled until they reached the first groups sleeping around fires near the huts and they attacked them with their poisoned knives. Samuel did not like to use poison in the knives, it was as if they were becoming like the tattoed men, but he knew it was easier that way. An small cut and everything was over. When they reached the huts the remaining imperials were alerted but, sleepy and tired as they were, they were an easy target for the shotgun and pistol fire from the gauchos.

Everything was over, a nightmare of more than twelve years had ended. He thought about lost friends, about the wounds, about victories and defeats, about that day by Bahía Blanca as he sipped a sugarless mate. It was bitter like revenge.

[DuQuense]

Ottawa January 7th

Prime Minister Jean L'Barrie, {Bloc Quebious} the first French Canadian to hold the position, hopefully not the last, but probably the only Bloc one. Given the latest Census showing French in Quebec only being 56% of the population.

He sat at his desk reading reports,

The New battle-Cruisers, Victoria, and Alexander, had completed Sea Trails. They would be departing for China, along with the Lite Cruisers Vancouver and Prince Rupert, to join the American's Fleet there.

A report from the South Pole, Some Meteorologist there had calculated that over the next hundred or two Hundred years Sea levels were going to fall some ten meters. For a Moment He wondered why this was sent to him, then the details, 2-3 inches a year, a foot and a half in a decade, maybe double. The River channels that will have to be re-dredged, the Canals, Suez, Panama, {maybe mention this to the New Granada ambassador next meeting, there was that old American Nicaragua proposal}, Seawalls, and Piers. Yipes, this was going to be expensive.

As he started to read the next report, a commotion in the Hall drew his attention. Stepping out a Man ran up to him shouting Gold Gold. Some Drunken Idiot fell in a creek up in Dawson, and when his Friends pulled him out he had handfuls of Gold Nuggets, Gold Gold, and ran shouting down the Hallway.

As he stepped back into his office, Jean L'Barrie went over and looked at a old report, the CTC had a Railhead in Juneau, and had been planning to stop there. Well that was going to change come Spring.

[Condottiero]

Presidential Palace
Buenos Aires
February, 12

It was his first day in the office after the northern trip. It had been exhausting but something fully necessary. According to his assessors there were still many voters to be won on those states and they really love seeing the President cares for them.

- Something new, Marta?

- Sir, there is a report from Canada, the sea level is going to go down due to the Antarctica freezing...

He looked at his secretary.

- Is that going to affect us?

- According to some of our experts... yes. We'll have to modify our older shipyards. Nothing urgent, but it should not be forgotten.

- I'll put Don Antonio to work on that. Anything else?

- More drakan military manoeuvers. This time it was a landing in Tanganika and they invited diplomatic representatives and the press.

- They are preparing something. I am sure. I just hope they do not plan to cross the Atlantic.

- There was also that meeting with representatives from the electric companies, it seems that they are worried about the plans for regulating the inter-state markets.

- Oh! They are worst than the drakans!!

[Condottiero]

Pearl Harbor
Hawaii
February, 23

The view from the Governor's Palace was excelent and the men in the charge, Don Pedro Takahasi Gutierrez, considered that it was one of the privileges of getting the voters' trust. He loved looking at the bay while reading the morning press, identifying the flags and the ships. If his father had not been one of the most important tradesmen in the islands, he would not have been forced to follow his path and he would have joined the navy.

The canadians and the north-americans had been quite busy these days. He had been told that they were reinforcing possitions in China. Don Pedro considered that sending troops and warships was not the solution, you do not fight against the one that keeps your table full of costly food and your body covered by expensive clothings. But he thought like a businessman and he knew it.

Suddenly something cought his attention two more canadian battleships had entered the bay, and one of them carried a Fleet Admiral steamer. "Please, Ramón find out who comes in that ship." His wife, Sara, would be delighted with the possibility of holding a reception party for the officers, and he would have the opportunity of finding out what was going on.

[Condottiero]

Central Offices of the Mendoza&Horowitz&Durao Bank
Buenos Aires
Austral Confederation
February, 21 1899

As the press started to enter the room, Don Álvaro felt prouder and prouder. They would be the first finantial institution in the world to use a Babbage computer, and he knew his rivals of the Industrial Austral Bank would be green with envy. It had been something really expensive but it would help a lot in the accounting. It was also something really complex as all the offices would have to send weekly their operations but they could save a lot of money with it. Anyway the image of being the most modern bank in the world would attract more clients, and he loved it.

[Matt]

bloodly hell, wrote a nice event, then a power surge killed the computer..


Wright Brothers and Glen Curtis flew the first damned aeroplane on March 3, in Hilton Head, SC.

[DuQuense]

Obituary Toronto News

Moske Rabin 55 died Yesterday, while working in his Office, The Sole owner of the largest Construction company in Canada ........... A life long Bachelor, he is survived by his Parents.

Business Section Toronto News, 2 days later

Moske Rabin who died 2 days ago of a Massive heart Attack, was best Known as the owner of the largest Construction company in Canada, He was also the Sponsor of the Aqaba Ship Channel being built in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

What was not known was that the Company was Bankrupt. It will take years to sort out all the details, but it appears that the Channel will be abandoned.

Started in 1884, And consisting of Dual Channels 125 feet wide and 25 feet deep, It reaches 125 miles north from the Gulf of Aqaba, with the first 120 miles being open to traffic. ?What the Effect of the Release of all the Heavy construction Equipment being used here will mean to the Kingdom is still to be determined?

Kingdom of Jerusalem
one week after death

Paul Dylan unhooked the detonator and put in in its pack. the canal was being abandoned. the Mile of explosive could just stay in their holes. They all had to go look for new jobs.

[Glen]

February 4th, 1899
Cartagena, Kingdom of New Granada

The men sat in the room drinking and smoking Havanas as the sounds of the first weekend of Carnaval in this year's capitol wafted over the balcony.

"You know, my wife imagines all sorts of things whenever I come down on state visits during your Mardi Gras," the President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt remarked.

Miguel Uribe, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of New Granada, snorted, "Hardly, Don Teodore! The Good Lord knows, I have tried to teach you our ways, but you are a stiff New Yorker! And still you come and plague us with weighty matters when we would be engaged in frivolity."

This informal banter may have seemed odd to the others in the room if they did not already know of the close relationship that had been started on the field of battle in the Imperial invasion (even if that had been just a footnote in those terrible weeks), and cemented through years of forging the special relationship between their two nations and the Americas.

The Sultan of Brunei interjected, "I assure you, gentlemen, I will more than make up for President Roosevelt's shortfall. As a gesture of diplomatic good will, of course."


King Carlos II nodded and smiled, "Of course."

Still sitting quietly in the room was the Ambassador to New Granada, Fitzhugh Lee, former governor of Virginia...and doppleganger of the Arch-Strategos of Draka.

Roosevelt tried to draw him out, "Fitzhugh, you haven't made a comment most of the night. Not still dwelling on your opposite number after all this time, are you?"

Ambassador Lee's eyes shined, "And how am I not to? I get visits from our military every few months to 'seek my opinion' as to what HE might be thinking about this or that. Like we share anything other than a face and a name!" Now Fitzhugh Lee warmed up to his subject, "I've done a bit of study my own self on this other Lee and the world he came from. It seems to me like a distorted mirror of our own world, with the Draka being the distilled essence of that distortion. Despite diverging over a century ago, quite a few things seemed to 'almost' happen the same way as our world. But from what I've read of the Arch-Strategos, he and I share nothing in common. As if I or any other Lee would abandon Virginia! We stood with her through thick and thin, from our war of independence to the unfortunate unpleasantness of the 60s. Thank goodness it ended as it did for our State and our Union. But even the humiliations and depredations of their version of reconstruction does not justify abandoning the Old Dominion for that viper pit in Africa. And just to prove the point, others didn't! The French had almost the same history as ours up to 1863, and that history had almost the same War and Reconstruction as the Draka, but did that Fitzhugh Lee abandon Virginia? No, I say! And he was as adamant as myself it would appear regarding reconcilliation between the States. The French have a rather good library system, and they were able to provide American newspapers, including a full report of a speech that Fitzhugh Lee gave during our Centennial, calling for such. No, gentlemen, something went far off the mark in that world the Draka came from, despite the surface similarities."

At this the Sultan of Brunei, surprisingly, contributed, "Indeed, you make good sense when you speak of these Draka and the world they originated from as distorted. And are they not also now distorting the teachings of the Prophet and the faithful for their own nefarious ends? Their political corruption of Islam is blasphemy of the worst sort. I am surprised that even the Shia' Persians are willing to stomach association with them."

Another voice until now not heard from, that of Prince Miguel the eldest grandson of King Carlos II, chimed in, "You speak the truth, your Highness. Has not our own beloved Patriarch Beneficent and the Christian Communion named them heretics! On this, Christians and Mohammedans can agree."

President Roosevelt added, "To all you say, gentlemen, I can only add my agreement. I have toured Draka, and even met Arch-Strategos Lee...and yes, Ambassador Lee, it is a very different experience from speaking with yourself, but just similar enough to make the experience surreal. Sometimes the similarities tempt you into believing you are with other Americans, but then they say something or you see something that recalls to your mind their true nature, and the illusion shatters."

"Gentlemen, at the risk of seeming the life of the party," Prime Minister Uribe said with a rakish smile, "I must call for the end of this line of discussion and our return to the ball. There will be time for this and many more matters of the world in the days to come, when we may expect other leaders and representatives to come to Cartagena for the sights and the diplomacy. But come, let us dance with beautiful Senoritas, and let the music wash over us. Arribe!"

[DuQuense]

Peter MacDonald [son former Prime Minister] sat in the Clubroom with other Members of Government, While this was not anywhere in the official Government, It was a tradition going back years to before the establishment of the Dominion. These unofficial meetings between the In power and the Shadow ministers. As minister of War, He was holding a Briefing.

"I just returned from a Meeting in Washington, between the British and the Americans, They were Talking about these land Ships the Draka have, The only thing that will stop them is Artillery. " The Conservative War Minister spoke up, "But a 25.000 man increase in the Army just for the Artillery, Whe have to think about it."
and the Liberal minister spoke, " and a acceleration in the Building of the Navy"

The horse trading began.

[Condottiero]

Austral Parliament
Buenos Aires
February, 24 1899

After two days speaking with representatives from the different States, the Government had been unable to stop the opposition's proposal. Only God knew what would be the consequences of such a budget alteration, and in part they were to be blamed by it. The Vice-president had proposed to reduce the number of hours of the labour's week to forty five with a maximum of nine hours per day. Mobilizations to support that law had been called all around the confederation as they expected, but then the opposition leader asked for a state-held medical assistance service. There were more mobilizations and it was passed to the parliament.

Then they could not block the proposal and, as it was expected it was approved. They would have to amend the national budget to cope with the initial expenses. The different states would run with most of the expenses but that would reduce their contributions to the confederal budget. They would probably have to arise new taxes over the enterprises or the workers to finance it.

[Glen]

Cartagena, Kingdom of New Granada
February 10, 1899 (Carnaval)

The Empress Alexandra was enjoying the anonymity of the masked balls (and it seemed, the masked...everything), and the near complete freedom afforded in New Granada this time of year. As a woman in the prime of her life, and with a very discrete and loyal guard, this holiday was a God-send to her.

But, there was also the diplomatic elements to attend to.

King Carlos II, still a handsome man though he now had an adult grandson, greeted her in the Cartagena palace once more, this time with a man only a few years older than herself at his side.

"Empress Alexandra, I hope you have been enjoying the festivities? It is wonderful to have you visiting us, as always."

He kissed her hand and smiled, and turned to his companion, "Have you had the opportunity to meet the new French Foreign Minister, here for a visit during our lovely Carnaval?"

She indicated she had not.

"Ah, then allow me to introduce you to Minister Aristide Briand. Monsieur Briand, the Empress Alexandra of Armenia and Trebizond."

Not to be outdone by his host, Minister Briand bowed low to the Empress and also kissed her proffered hand, "Enchanté, Empress. Tales of your beauty have preceeded you."

"You are too kind, Monsieur Briand. I am surprised to see a man as young as yourself in such a prestigious post."

"Well, our Third Republic is a young one. President Clemenceau was not so very different in age from myself when he took office."

King Carlos II interjected, "I would be careful of this one, Empress. He is one of those Socialists the Americans and other Europeans are always going on and on about."

"I am afraid I must correct you, your Highness. I was one of those Socialists. But the party has seen fit to expel me over my support for the President. But a man must do as his convictions dictate, no?"

"Si, most definitely."

The Empress was intrigued by this charismatic and, seemingly, principled minister of France, "We wish to have further converse with you, Minister Briand, to learn of all the news of Paris that our own ministers seem blind to, such as the newest styles of that great city. Not that Cartagena does not also vie for the title of most fashionable city," she nodded to her host, and he acknowledged the compliment.

"I would consider it my duty to be at your disposal, your Majesty."

It seemed that Carnaval would be just that much more interesting for both the Foreign Minister of France and the Empress of Armenia-Trebizond....

[DuQuense]

Nassau Grand Bahama Island

Don't cha Hurry Worry Me
Don't cha Hurry Worry Me
Who cares what time it is
Long as the Climate is
Warm as the Tropical Seas.

Phillip Roberson sat on the porch enjoying a sundowner with his wife. the kids where down on the Beach Enjoying the Carnival Spirit, thro here in the Islands, He understood it was a more laid back approach. His wife was reading a letter form her mom. "She says it is Snowing back home"

He wasn't really paying attention . A Electric and Sound engineer, for Edison of Canada, He was here helping the Canadian and US Navies conduct underwater listening test to try to locate enemy Vessels, Under water Boats in particular.

"The Snow must be Quiet, almost as Quiet as this". "Well it would be nice to be able to take this quiet out there, When the ship is moving, all whe can hear is it, and when whe stop, whe can't chase the Subs." "Well, then ?Why don't you do your listening from here, where it is Quiet, You don't have to be on the Boat to listen? ?Do You?.

A couple of minutes later as her Husband sat murmuring about two lines of Mikes, Triangularization, She got up and walked toward her Kids Running home from the Beach.

[Condottiero]

Buenos Aires
March 26th, 1899

The first news about the war in Europe had fallen over the Buenos Aires Stock Market as a bucket of cold water. But the uncertainty created about a new conflict in the Old World, none of the American nations were going to follow this new madness and the Austral trade would not be greatly affected. The French did not cancel their meat and wheat orders, the british continued to order wine and there were new requests for ammo and wargear from Mauriafrica.

Business were going on well again and that was good for everybody.

[Ward]

Thought the papers of the America were these adds

The Eagles of the Emper's Regs are calling you Back.
France is in need . His Majaic The Crown Prince is home and pleaged his sword to the Republic . So Guards men come home .

[Glen]

Thought the papers of the America were these adds

The Eagles of the Emper's Regs are calling you Back.
France is in need . His Majaic The Crown Prince is home and pleaged his sword to the Republic . So Guards men come home .

Southwestern States within the USA
End of March

The ports of the Sonoran states of the United States of America are bustling by the end of March with volunteers for the defense of France.

Not only are men who were born in this world's France returning to defend her, but also many Franco-Sonoran-Americans born in another world, but France remains France, and her sons and grandsons are rallying to her defense....Monarchists, Republicans, but all French...

In the ports of the Grandean states of the USA, similar activity is also well underway, as expatriots who fled the abomination of the German Confederation return to a reborn Oldenburg....

[Glen]

Caracas, Kingdom of New Granada
April 10th, 1899

Otto Carreras and Felipe Estrada went over the figures again at the headquarters of their company, Carreras and Estrada Arms Limited.

"These crazy Europeans! I am glad we are Granadans, and live in the sanity of the New World."

"Si, but their madness is good for business, no?"

"Verdad, very good indeed. With all the orders we've gotten, we've been able to clear out our entire inventory, and now have double shifts going at the factories. Of course, we are giving the workers double wages for their trouble! Don't want the Padre to read our names out again at mass, A Dios Mio! But I don't even mind, really. The prices have gone through the roof, so we are still making ample profit. I don't even mind that our competitors are doing likewise. Enough for all of this pie, no?"

"Well, I wish those accursed Draka weren't getting so much of the market, too!"

"Too true, too true. But I suppose there is enough of this pie to even share with Heretical Imperialitos...though don't let the Padre hear that!"

[Condottiero]

Buenos Aires
April 11th

Message from the Austral Confederation to all the American Governments.

The Austral government considers that a meeting between all the American nations should be held in order to coordinate the defense efforts and strengthen our military coordination in order to prevent attacks from any foreign power. The world should see that an attack over an American nation will be answered by the combined power of all the Americas.

[Glen]

Buenos Aires
April 11th

Message from the Austral Confederation to all the American Governments.

The Austral government considers that a meeting between all the American nations should be held in order to coordinate the defense efforts and strengthen our military coordination in order to prevent attacks from any foreign power. The world should see that an attack over an American nation will be answered by the combined power of all the Americas.

The New Granadan government is in full agreement.

[Glen]

April 27, 1889
Cartagena, New Granada

Prime Minister Uribe was hosting a state visit from the Austral Confederation president. The men had taken refuge for a time in Uribe's study for more informal talks. The Prime Minister's eye was drawn as it often was to the section of his bookshelves devoted to one particular author.

"Do you know, Mr. Presidente, that all the worlds that the Spanish speaking nations come from had Cervantes and Don Quixote?"

"I believe I had heard something to that effect, yes. What of it?"

"Many of our worlds diverged sometime close to his lifetime. I find it interesting that he wrote the masterpiece in all of them. I have collected and read them all; studied them, really. Cervantes had always been popular in the Hispanic Empire of which our own New Granada was part."

"Indeed. And what have your studies revealed to you?"

"Fascinating differences in the text, which of course might be expected, but also whole shifts in emphasis in the themes of the tale. And yet, Quixote remains Quixote. You know, in your world, Cervantes apparently lost his left hand in a sea battle, and was a prisoner of pirates. Your Don Quixote is a much more somber, cynical work than our Don Quixote. I suppose that is to be expected, given the state of the Empire at that time and his own personal tragedies. And yet, in every single one of them, the man is tilting at windmills! In fact, I believe that phrase has entered all our languages as an idiom. I wonder at that sometimes."

"Yes, it is strange how some things are the same, and some so different in a great many things from our old worlds."

"Sometimes, the Europeans make me think that we in the Americas are tilting at windmills, while they just burn each others' windmills down..."