1625, Sualtanate of Mataram, Java
Minister Suleyman stared at the report. Though Suleyman hoped to duplicate the Spanish experience of civlian colonization and wealth extraction of the new world, it was becoming clear that Australia would have far fewer immediate rewards. Even still, he was committed to the plan.
His eyes returned to the report:
....Contact with natives has been disappointing. There are no worked metals of any kind, no planted fields, only some clever throwing sticks. The XXXXX (Suleyamn was incesensed by the use of the racial slur) manage only the most primitive existance. The heat is overwhelming and the crocodiles....
Scanning downward in the report:
... The missionaries have learned the language of the local area. One band of natives is now properly clothed, armed, thanks be to Allah, Islamacized. They are serving as guides for marching expeditions deeper into the interior. Areas suitable for anchorge and agriculture have been found....
Suleyman closed his eyes in thought. Summoning an aid, he gave the following orders:
-Initial settlement of small groups of civilian colonizers (landless tenant farmers) and the establishment of basic infrastructure will start ASAP.
- Further military expeditions down the coast and into the interior will be mounted (literally). If there are riches in the interior, they must be found...
Can the colonies survive and will North West Australia become an Islamic colony of the Mataram Sultanate?