The Time of Eagles

I enjoy your prose sections more than strict date/outline. Keep up the good work. I don't see how you can believe noone cares about this timeline. Look at all the viewers.
 
1905

Theodore Roosevelt II stood at the window of his New York townhouse, and looked out at the hrabour. The New England Confederacy thrived on trade, and her shipping companies were amongst the largest in the world. Just on this single cursory glance he could see the flags of five different lines fluttering in the wind.

Vanderbilt, Bonaparte, the names resonated in Roosevelt's very ears. But he had work to do. A state senator, he had stood aside from confederate politics in order to pursue a career in the liberal arts. His brother Elliott flew the flag at national level, representing New York in the NEC senate, and sitting on numerous committees. Theodore instead had chosen a more analytical life, though at times, as of now, he was hired by those in important office to offer up his expertise.

He was working for the Governor of New York State no less, trying to give advice and guidance on the simmering world crisis. Hubert Herbert Corning owned half of the railroads in New England, as well as stake in businesses as diversified as the Cayley aeroplane factories and the Godson armaments works. With his close ties to the Vanderbilts, rivals and business allies both, the Governor was keyed into the global economy that the NEC strode as if by right. Alliances, threats, and now even war, all looked to undermine this, and Roosevelt had been called in to make things clear to the Governor, to explain the hows and the wherefores, and advice upon the what next.

If only it were all so simple ! But it never was...

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Admiral William Wallace Lincoln looked out at what remained of his fleet. The Chinese missiles, underwater rockets as some were terming them, had taken out three of his five armoured cruisers, and left him with a bare minimum of these larger vessels of war. The armoured corvettes had survived the Chinese attack intact, as had the smaller avisos and gunboats, but they were not what the Ching empire had risked war about.

The USS Georgia, USS Alabama and USS West Tejas lay on the bottom of San Diego bay, and whatever salvage options the Admiralty were considering, they would not be playing any part in the war to come. He had only his flagship, the USS South California which had been up close against the quayside hosting a party, and her sister ship, the USS Santa Fe as lead ships now. Both were amongst the best of their type, but the Ching also had modern warships, and prosecuting a war across the vast expanse of the Pacific seemed like an insanity, even to a patriot such as him

He would sail for the Kingdom of Hawaii, there to join up with the squadrons out of Guaymas and from the Pacific Patrol. Although neither boasted anything like a modern armoured cruiser, both would supply valuable additional hulls, increasing his strength in numbers as he attempted to put Washington's crazy plan of revenge into action

He was not to know that someone, not far to the North, had other ideas about that

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
I enjoy your prose sections more than strict date/outline. Keep up the good work. I don't see how you can believe noone cares about this timeline. Look at all the viewers.

Viewers might just be clicking in and out :) Its in my nature to be paranoid

I'll try to continue in the prose style a bit more, but the world is a big place and its a bit confusing !

There are a few more I wrote Saturday night still to put up, tho

Thank you very much for reading and commenting
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Why did a Chinese Fleet attack the bulk of the american Pacific Fleet and how did they achieve an attack on the other side of the Pacific?
It's a really impressive achievement for a traditional continental power.

Did the Chinese attack other countries as well (Japan)?
 
Grand Duke Alexei Konstantinovich strode purposefully down the corridor in what had once been the Ottoman sultan's seraglio. He had two things on his mind, the offer from the British on the one hand, and a long-standing offer from the Egyptians on the other. Hopefully neither his cousin, Tsar Nikolai II, nor the secret service, the Okhrana, knew about either, but it was always wise to proceed as if they were watching him. Hence he walked alone with his thoughts, and did not speak his deliberations out loud, though how much he did wish to !

Egypt had always been complicated. He had passed them plans of Russian warships building, details of naval deployments, coastal artillery and Marine strength, all for monies paid into his account in the Republic of Malta. But little of it had been sensitive - with Aleksandr II's eldest son's accession to the Imperial throne had come reform at home, and parsimony in the navy. Russian designs were at best the equal of Egyptian ones, and usually substantially inferior, but Cairo paid up - presumably because proof of Russian inferiority was worth it in itself.

But now he could take no more. Arguments between his office and the Imperial court had grown beyond reconciliation in the last twelve months, and he would have to act. But how to act, and in whose interest ? Could he manage to please both of his suitors ? In essence, that was what his long walk today was all about

Egypt had signed an alliance with the USA, one of several that President Semmes had banged out across the world - Sweden, Germany, Egypt and Japan. The latter had already led to war with the Ching, but Washington remained unbowed. Its Egyptian connections remained potential, unutilised, but it did not take a genius to work out that they were arranged against Russia. Russia who had suported Columbia (in return for generous cessions in the Yukon), Russia which had established good relations with Oregon and Fredonia upon the Western coast of N America. Russia who in the eyes of many in Washington had abandoned the USA and embraced its enemies

But now... Now with war looming and he was either to be shunted aside - and oh, how his cousin had enjoyed telling him that, or he was to seize the day and act... But which day, which act ?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Why did a Chinese Fleet attack the bulk of the american Pacific Fleet and how did they achieve an attack on the other side of the Pacific?
It's a really impressive achievement for a traditional continental power.

Did the Chinese attack other countries as well (Japan)?

The submarine was carried by another ship to off the coast. More details about that will follow.

From my reading, China had several times approached naval modernity even in OTL after the Taiping, after the Sino-French War, despite the waste of the Dragon Empress' reign (marble ship anyone ?), the defeat to Japan, and the Boxer Rebellion. Each time it came back and rebuilt, and if the 1912 revolution had not occurred then it would have finished out another fleet

In this timeline, after the much worse setback of the Opium War, China begis to reform. That this is the right course was reinforced by China's victories in the World War, and from then on it has steadily modernised - perhaps like Japan in OTL

Thank you very much for commenting
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Grand Duke Alexei Konstantinovich strode purposefully down the corridor in what had once been the Ottoman sultan's seraglio. He had two things on his mind, the offer from the British on the one hand, and a long-standing offer from the Egyptians on the other. Hopefully neither his cousin, Tsar Nikolai II, nor the secret service, the Okhrana, knew about either, but it was always wise to proceed as if they were watching him. Hence he walked alone with his thoughts, and did not speak his deliberations out loud, though how much he did wish to !

Egypt had always been complicated. He had passed them plans of Russian warships building, details of naval deployments, coastal artillery and Marine strength, all for monies paid into his account in the Republic of Malta. But little of it had been sensitive - with Aleksandr II's eldest son's accession to the Imperial throne had come reform at home, and parsimony in the navy. Russian designs were at best the equal of Egyptian ones, and usually substantially inferior, but Cairo paid up - presumably because proof of Russian inferiority was worth it in itself.

But now he could take no more. Arguments between his office and the Imperial court had grown beyond reconciliation in the last twelve months, and he would have to act. But how to act, and in whose interest ? Could he manage to please both of his suitors ? In essence, that was what his long walk today was all about

Damn traitor. I hope he will not survive the next years. :mad:

Egypt had signed an alliance with the USA, one of several that President Semmes had banged out across the world - Sweden, Germany, Egypt and Japan. The latter had already led to war with the Ching, but Washington remained unbowed. Its Egyptian connections remained potential, unutilised, but it did not take a genius to work out that they were arranged against Russia. Russia who had suported Columbia (in return for generous cessions in the Yukon), Russia which had established good relations with Oregon and Fredonia upon the Western coast of N America. Russia who in the eyes of many in Washington had abandoned the USA and embraced its enemies

The new USA did really try to encircle Russia, though the USA seems to become quite overstretched thanks to many non-necessary international commitments.
At least Russia can strike back and significantly weaken the american Pacific presence by using and supporting the north american West-Coast republics against the USA.
How many "enemies" did the USA have aside of Russia, China and the break-away republics in North America?

The submarine was carried by another ship to off the coast. More details about that will follow.

Submarine carrier?
The Chinese Navy seems to be one of the world's most advanced Navies.

From my reading, China had several times approached naval modernity even in OTL after the Taiping, after the Sino-French War, despite the waste of the Dragon Empress' reign (marble ship anyone ?), the defeat to Japan, and the Boxer Rebellion. Each time it came back and rebuilt, and if the 1912 revolution had not occurred then it would have finished out another fleet

In this timeline, after the much worse setback of the Opium War, China begis to reform. That this is the right course was reinforced by China's victories in the World War, and from then on it has steadily modernised - perhaps like Japan in OTL

Yes, the IOTL modern Chinese Navy has much bad luck but times changes.
 
1905

The four armoured cruisers steamed in two lines of two, at the mast of one pair the Fredonian eagle, at the mast-heads of the other the Oregon sunburst. The two nations, neighbours yet not rivals, were united in this task, though many of their industrialists and merchants would not thank their politicians and military for this act. Flying his flag in the President Clarke, Admiral Edward Donner led the combined force out West into the Pacific, towards the goal that had been agreed with the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles a month before

"Smoke sir", it was dawn and the officer of the deck was proud to report his lookout's competence.
Donner let the man finish making his report, then cut off the ship's captain as he made to pass the information on.
"I have ears, Captain" he smiled thinly, "I do not think there is much doubt as to who is making smoke in this area of sea at this time ?"
"No sir" the captain said as blandly as he could
"Hoist General Pursuit"
"Yes sir"

It was Midday before battle was joined in earnest, the joint Fredonian-Oregon fleet coming upon the rearmost units of the United States fleet, battering the aged corvettes and smashing a number of gunboats beneath the sea, before the American admiral decided that he would either lose everything bit by bit, or had to make a general battle of it. As the lookouts reported the South California coming around, Donner allowed himself a sly smile. The strategists back in Topeka had challenged him on this, but he had known the man better.

Yes, Admiral Lincoln was about to get what was coming to him...

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Damn traitor. I hope he will not survive the next years. :mad:

The new USA did really try to encircle Russia, though the USA seems to become quite overstretched thanks to many non-necessary international commitments.
At least Russia can strike back and significantly weaken the american Pacific presence by using and supporting the north american West-Coast republics against the USA.
How many "enemies" did the USA have aside of Russia, China and the break-away republics in North America?

Submarine carrier?
The Chinese Navy seems to be one of the world's most advanced Navies.

Yes, the IOTL modern Chinese Navy has much bad luck but times changes.

Well, I was thinking more like a frieighter dropping the submarine over the side with a large crane :) It is only 1905 after all, and these submarines are equivalent to the ones Russia sort of used in the R-J War

As can be seen from the last post, the W coast republics have already thought ahead of you !

Thanks for your comments as usual !

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
The cavalry surged across the plain, Colonel Robert Donner sparing a moment to wonder how his brother was getting on at sea, before he swept up in the charge. The US dragoons here in the state of Santa Fe had had some time to organise, but they were far too few, nobody in Washington having foreseen that Fredonia would turn upon the Union again at the earliest opportunity

Repeating rifles fired, sabres flashed, and arrows soared overhead, the Delaware and Digger units integrated in the Fredonian army proving their worth upon the modern field of battle. The Americans fought hard, disengaged, drew back and attempted to make a stand, but again they were dislodged.

A single Cayley aeroplane hovered overhead, but alone it was incapable of affecting the action, indeed in its solitude it was difficult to know whether it could even distinguish between friend and foe. It flew alone, an incontinent observer. Those upon the ground ignored it

As dusk fell, the Americans disengaged for the second time, and turned and ran. Whoops went up from the Indians who charged headlong in their wake, but Fredonian buglers, urgently putting mouth to instrument, called the regular forces back. Let the Indians chase if they would, but the army had more important things to do. It had won the position, now to make the most of it

"Prepare the road for Colonel Baxter's arrival", Donner instructed his lieutenants

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
1905

Prince Mishkin sat still before the fire in his Moscow offices deep in the heart of the Kremlin palace. He stared into the fiery depths, watching the flame demons cavort, then sighed. It was no use, there would not be any last minute reprieve. The Okhrana had failed. He had failed. There was only one option remaining. He raised the small silver pistol to his head

It was some hours before he was found, and another before anyone got up courage to approach the Imperial Court and inform the Chamberlain of what the Tsar needed to know. Nikolai II's mood was in no way alleviated by this delay, and only his understanding that the poor fool sent to tell him was but a disposable asset prevented him from venting his anger upon the messenger

Two minutes after the fellow had been allowed to leave, alive, the sixty-three year old Tsar turned to his aides, rage leaping onto his assinie features.
"My COUSIN !" he roared, "Blood of my blood !"
Nobody dared to speak. As if Mishkin's suicide were not bad enough, the cause was worse still
"Where is the fleet ?" the Tsar demanded
Nobody was able to answer him

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
1905

Emperor Ferdinand of Germany read the details of the latest battles with concern. His ally, Germany's ally, the United States of America, was not doing at all well. Its Pacific Fleet had been annihilated by a joint Fredonian-Oregon force, its border forts overrun, Santa Fe had fallen to Fredonia, and Washington was in uproar.

But the Wurzburger refused to panic. The USA was going through a bad patch, that was true, but there was plenty of room for it to recover. He was more concerned about the Franco-Prussian alliance, and the danger of his empire being surrounded. Russia had its own problems, by all accounts, but probably they all melded into the same single framework somehow when one knew how. At least Sweden was also standing firm to the new Alliance, and Austria, his blood relatives, and a long-term ally of Frankfurt, was speaking in tones designed to reassure the more jittery members of the Diet

"Sire", his second son Peter entered the room, an expression of concern upon his face
"What is it ?" asked the Emperor
"Telegraph, father, from Peking. Chinese forces have invaded Japan"
Ferdinand was silent a moment, then he nodded
"So the Alliance crumbles" he said

After a moment, his son nodded
"Yes, father, the pipedreams of the Americans are being shown up for what they really are"
"And what is that ?" the seventy year old pressed
"An illusion, father ! Surely you will not gainsay me now"
Ferdinand thought about it, then shook his head,
"No, not now" he agreed

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
I'm afraid that's all I managed to bang out Saturday night - I spent last night doing the monthly reinstall of everything !

I have a few ideas where it is all to go, and what some of the motivations are.

Not quite sure of some of the details yet, and still working out some of the ruling families including for places like New England where the industrialists, commercial interests etc qualify as this

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
I enjoy your prose sections more than strict date/outline. Keep up the good work. I don't see how you can believe noone cares about this timeline. Look at all the viewers.

Good point about viewer counts vs comments. I think the paucity of comments is due in large part the depth and density of this project is intimidating to some readers. Topics that draw fevered debates on this Board are usually over things like Satanwank or tank/battleship armor munitae.
 
As can be seen from the last post, the W coast republics have already thought ahead of you !

Will Mexico join them and invade the south-western part of the USA?
It looks like a perfect opportunity to liberate the oppressed the spanish-speaking population of the USA.

Two minutes after the fellow had been allowed to leave, alive, the sixty-three year old Tsar turned to his aides, rage leaping onto his assinie features.
"My COUSIN !" he roared, "Blood of my blood !"
Nobody dared to speak. As if Mishkin's suicide were not bad enough, the cause was worse still
"Where is the fleet ?" the Tsar demanded
Nobody was able to answer him

The defection of the traitor or something worse?

But the Wurzburger refused to panic.

At least Sweden was also standing firm to the new Alliance, and Austria, his blood relatives, and a long-term ally of Frankfurt, was speaking in tones designed to reassure the more jittery members of the Diet

"Sire", his second son Peter entered the room, an expression of concern upon his face
"What is it ?" asked the Emperor
"Telegraph, father, from Peking. Chinese forces have invaded Japan"
Ferdinand was silent a moment, then he nodded
"So the Alliance crumbles" he said

Only the european member of the US-forged alliance (how did they called the alliance?) will come through this war unscathed (or not?).
Will they form a closer only-european alliance?
 
Will Mexico join them and invade the south-western part of the USA?
It looks like a perfect opportunity to liberate the oppressed the spanish-speaking population of the USA.



The defection of the traitor or something worse?



Only the european member of the US-forged alliance (how did they called the alliance?) will come through this war unscathed (or not?).
Will they form a closer only-european alliance?

Probably - it may depend on the new Franco-Prussian axis, but its probably a bit soon for that to come to fruition

Not sure about Mexico, they could be said to have learnt their lesson that the one place the USA CAN win is against them, and may decide to take advantage of American weakness in other directions for the meantime. In addition, only really the internal territories now have a Mexican majority - Monterrey/Tampico and Baja California have been steadily settled.

Regarding the Russian fleet :) Later !

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Not sure about Mexico, they could be said to have learnt their lesson that the one place the USA CAN win is against them, and may decide to take advantage of American weakness in other directions for the meantime.

Are the US-forces in the UPCA and the allied UPCA-army strong enough to defeat Mexico?
The weakened US-forces in the Southwest-USA should be not a great problem for the mexican army.
I would expect that the USA will focus on the "traitorous" Westcoast-republics and will send reinforcements primarily againt them

In addition, only really the internal territories now have a Mexican majority - Monterrey/Tampico and Baja California have been steadily settled.

A majority is not necessary for a justification of a intervention and the recruitment of collaborators.

Regarding the Russian fleet :) Later !

OK, I will wait.
 
Are the US-forces in the UPCA and the allied UPCA-army strong enough to defeat Mexico?
The weakened US-forces in the Southwest-USA should be not a great problem for the mexican army.
I would expect that the USA will focus on the "traitorous" Westcoast-republics and will send reinforcements primarily againt them



A majority is not necessary for a justification of a intervention and the recruitment of collaborators.



OK, I will wait.

The problem for the USA IS GETTING AT the W coast republics. Columbia blocks the NW route, whilst the Trans-Mississippi Federation was erected as a Fredonian client state and bulwark.

The US can only really get at the W coast via the SW, and in reality since the trans-Rockies route is treacherous at best this means across the SW, OTL N Mexico

Thus, the US is going to have strong armies there whatever happens :)

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
The problem for the USA IS GETTING AT the W coast republics. Columbia blocks the NW route, whilst the Trans-Mississippi Federation was erected as a Fredonian client state and bulwark.

And the USA-leadership does not want attack the barrier-republics?
Why does the USA not want to reintegrate those breakaway-republics?
The current war would be a good excuse for an invasion.

The US can only really get at the W coast via the SW, and in reality since the trans-Rockies route is treacherous at best this means across the SW, OTL N Mexico

Thus, the US is going to have strong armies there whatever happens :)

Merde. :mad:
 
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