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| A Game of Chess | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 15 2011, 10:08 PM (696 Views) | |
| His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | Jul 15 2011, 10:08 PM Post #1 |
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It was beginning. Yesterday morning, Ambassador Clemenceau departed from Strongheim in route for Port Devia, the capital of the... "Allies." It was quite pitiful, really, to watch this game of chess unfold. Why? Because they were starting but with one knight, a rook, and a couple of pawns. They would never be able to stand up to his full compliment, let alone his king piece. These thoughts ran through the Emperor's mind as he sat in a chair situated on a balcony on the Capital Building. Below him, the sprawling port city of Strongheim buzzed with activity. People milled about the streets, congregating at the various outdoor venues for the evening fare. Privates of the Guard marched about the streets in pairs, lighting the lampposts and touching their hats to the civilians as the sun set on the western horizon and the streets turned dark. Of course the soldiers were courteous to the townsfolk. He wasn't a cruel man. No, no. He was their benevolent Emperor. This island was going to be a model for the world. He would show both Europe and the Americas that one man could take a tiny island in the Caribbean and turn it into an industrious, cultured, intellectual, marketable, credible, empire. The Devian Empire would combine the latest scientific advancements and combine them with the romance of the renaissance, bringing a new age into the history of man. There was a polite clearing of the throat behind him and the Emperor looked over his shoulder, nodding as his personal steward approached with a scroll of paper in hand. "Your Majesty," the steward bowed his head, "Captain Salazar sends his regards." The Emperor accepted the scroll from the steward's white gloved hand and waved for him to leave. Again, the steward bowed and tucked his arm behind his back, waltzing back inside with the grace and silence expected of all men serving in the Capital Building. Once he was alone, the Emperor broke the twine on the scroll and pulled it open. Captain Salazar wasn't a man of high enough standing to merit a wax seal, but he was a reliable pawn in this game. He slowly read the scrawled writing on the rather bedraggled paper. Anything associated with Salazar was a mark of his profession. Twine, worn paper, and words that were barely legible from both bad handwriting and terrible spelling... not to mention common sentence structure and limited vocabulary. In spite of the poor quality of the correspondence, the Emperor was still able to understand that Salazar was asking for an increase of five percent for the next term of their contract. He thought it over in his mind. To have Captain Salazar's band of pirates working for him for the next six months would be desirable, but then again, the ships-of-the-line he had ordered were nearly finished. They were lined up on the far shore of the harbor, encased with timber and scaffolding, but he could see their freshly painted hulls through the skeletal frame of construction and the newly stepped masts rose above the shipyards, letting the Imperial flags billow gallantly in the coastal breeze. Five percent... to accept or not accept. He weighed the options in his head. If he accepted, he would have to pay another ten thousand guilders to the rabble of thieves. If he accepted, he would have guaranteed coastal patrols and an additional five unrated vessels to use when war came. If war started prematurely, he wouldn't have to worry about not giving the new squadrons enough training. If he denied the pirate lord's request, then he would certainly have to worry about their raids again and would have to take frigates off their patrols to hunt them down. He had enough money in his treasury... he could afford this luxury. After rolling the letter back up, he set the scroll down on the stand next to his chair and picked up his cup of tea. It was fine stuff, imported directly from the Far East. He had once worked for the Company over there; he knew quality and would only drink the best. |
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His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | |
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| Men of War Deputy Admin | Jul 16 2011, 04:29 PM Post #2 |
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Deputy Administrator of the Board
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(OOC: I'm not sure if I'm allowed to take part in it, especially with an unfinished character, but in case i made a faux pas, please delete this post.) A regular clatter echoed in the vast and winding staircase of the imperial palace, with monumental step of the finest marble, subtle frescoes of blazing chariots of fire riding across the sky, their riders holding large laurel wreaths in their straightened arms. The “sky” was supported by gruesome, beardy and muscular statues of the mythological titans, Crius, Iapetus, Hyperion and Croeus. Ah, how many problems lifting those giants on the places they occupy now caused! A decorated uniform of an imperial steward flashed for a moment Clatter, clatter… The sound faded, instead giving place to a quiet puffing. An old man has reached the top of the stairs, an achievement that every year cost him more. He took a white handkerchief from a pocket of his richly embroidered frock coat and swept away drops of sweat that gathered on his forehead. A short glance across the corridor in front of the courtier, with guards placed along it, and he continued the journey, it last stage announced by the well known sound of clattering of a walking cane. The old mans eyes wandered across the hall, for a longer moment falling on one of the imperial guardsmen. Ah fine men, … of course! they cost 7 guilders a month, they better be good for such pay ha ha! However those words weren’t proper to say out loud to those mustachioed fellows. “Good evening” the man said instead, smiling friendly. He was now right before solid oak doors, heavily goldened oak doors to be precise. An expensive thing. The imperial guardsmen saluted the man with their muskets, which barred the way to the doors just a second ago. The old man grasped the goldened handles and opened them, disappearing behind. The man was named Eugen Eyssenhardt. He had a large collection of butterflies and other insects, he had some fondness for roses growing in his garden as well, but those weren’t his main profession. It so appeared, that Eyssenhardt was the Imperial Chancellor, one of the most powerful people on Devia, a thing that you wouldn’t say. His “rounded” and slightly bent posture, jouyful mumbling - all that suggested being loony, not powerful. “Majestaet?... Majestaet?” Each calling was interrupted by elderly mumbling, but a very cheerful mumbling. “Oh my legs... Eugen, you’re not a youth anymore ha ha” “Oh, Carefully Eugen, you nearly tripped on the carpet…you old twerp you! “Ah, I found you Majestaet” One glint of an eye, and Eyssenhardt immediately became more serious and dignified as he gave the monarch a courtly bow. “You were absent on the today’s meeting of the Privy Council, Majestaet. The Privy Councilor of Commerce told me that he is worried if he isn’t the reason” The Chancellor bowed again and remained in this position, leaning on his walking cane as he awaited the Emperor's reply. |
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| His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | Jul 16 2011, 07:44 PM Post #3 |
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The Emperor looked back over his shoulder at the older man, then turned his eyes back to the ships on the far side of the harbor. "I have little concern for commercial affairs with the eastern side of this island, Chancellor..." he said smoothly, "Ambassador Clemenceau is no doubt crossing the Eastern Mountains at this very hour and will encamp himself for the night on their side of them. He will arrive in Port Devia at midday tomorrow." There was a moment of silence between them, then the Emperor took up his cup and had another sip of tea. He lowered it from his lips, yet did not put it down. Instead, he held the cup before his jaw, the other hand holding the saucer beneath it. The Emperor's eyes cut over the top of the teacup much like a predatory animal hiding in tall grass. "War is coming, Chancellor, regardless of what the Allies say," he continued, finally setting the cup and saucer back down, "The belligerent Eastern Devians, taking much after their Revolutionary French and American counterparts... are looking for blood. I am a man who gives the people of my realm what they desire, all in the Empire's best interest of course." The Emperor stood, clasping his hands behind his back and half turning to look back at the Chancellor. "Mark my words, Chancellor... the Eastern Devians will rebel and call for war. Now, as you know... I am a loving and benevolent Emperor. I have no taste for blood or the rancid air of gun smoke. Consequently, I promise you this. I will not be the first to declare war. I am making every effort to unite the people and bring order to this Empire peacefully. They will declare war... be it through words or actions. As such, when they declare it, I will give it to them... even if it is not what I personally want. In the end, however, it will serve the best interest of the realm." The Emperor approached the Chancellor, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I made this Empire, Chancellor... and by God, I will preserve it and lift it to unthinkable glory!" |
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His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | |
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| Chancellor Eyssenhardt | Jul 17 2011, 08:57 AM Post #4 |
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"War is coming, Chancellor, regardless of what the Allies say," he continued, finally setting the cup and saucer back down, "The belligerent Eastern Devians, taking much after their Revolutionary French and American counterparts... are looking for blood. I am a man who gives the people of my realm what they desire, all in the Empire's best interest of course." Although Eyssenhardt was still in a pose, marked with obedience and the deepest respect for the ruler of Devia, his small brown eyes followed his every step, his ears followed every word spoken by the Emperor. “War Majestaet?” Eyssenhardt was seemingly surprised by those words. Someone who didn’t know Eyssenhardt, and the Emperor could not be numbered among those, would most probably think the surprise is sincere. However, Eyssenhardt had only one thing in mind. After all, his main task was to coordinate the actions of the imperial government according to the Emperor’s sacred will. Eyssenhardt gave the foundings for the imperial military machine, even if he understood little of it, he only enjoyed grand military parades organized in Strongheim. They were colourful, colourful like butterflies! However, he understood just one thing: no empire could withstand the storms of history without an army able to return the blows. That was enough for the Chancellor. the above words said by Eyssenhardt in fact were nothing more than stating “War? Only say when and thousands of bayonets will move forward immediately. They are ready, they had awaited it since the birth of the Devian Empire." Yet, the Chancellor didn’t like the word "war", and immediately his jovial face narrowed. War meant money. A lot of money, thousands of guilders a day. “Does your intuition predict an open war against the entire Eastern Coast Majestaet? We have no quarrel with the Royalists…” Eyssenhardt did not intend to question his Emperor’s decision. He knew him too well. He just wanted to make sure to put all necessary procedures into practice, and chosing the adequate variant required his knowedge of all necessary facts “The young Prince keeps in high regard our cooperation in fighting piracy. And he’s suspicious towards the British. What are your plans on the matter Majestaet?” Also, I’ve received reports from the Eastern District that the preparations for the annual summer maneuvers are going according to plan. Do you wish me to accelerate them Majestaet? The Emperor approached the Chancellor, putting a hand on his shoulder. This was a meaningful gesture, allowing Eyssenhardt to straighten. Now the both men were glancing straight into each other’s eyes. "I made this Empire, Chancellor... and by God, I will preserve it and lift it to unthinkable glory!" “You made the Empire, you made me Majestaet. Serving you is the most distinguishing quest that God Allmighty allowed me follow in the dusk of my life. Yet I pray Him so that I can see the Glory of your Empire, the glory of yourself Majestaet. It is the only wish I have since I’ve taken the Chancellor seat”. |
| “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Benjamin Franklin. | |
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| His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | Jul 20 2011, 08:00 PM Post #5 |
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“You made the Empire, you made me Majestaet. Serving you is the most distinguishing quest that God Almighty allowed me follow in the dusk of my life. Yet I pray Him so that I can see the Glory of your Empire, the glory of yourself Majestaet. It is the only wish I have since I’ve taken the Chancellor seat.” The Emperor smiled, patting the Chancellor on the shoulder before stepping back inside. He clasped his hands behind his back and looked down at the floor thoughtfully, listening to his boot heels as they clopped on the tiles and echoed about the vast room. "I did not make you, Eyssenhardt. You were here long before this land became the Empire that it is today. I know that you dutifully served Mijheer van Valkenburg before you served me. In this light... I think it is you who made me. You... and all the many citizens of this glorious realm. Without me, you are nothing... but without you, I am nothing. It is a mutual relationship, a viscous circle." The Emperor stopped pacing and turned to look over his shoulder, the fringe on his epaulettes dancing. He had been thinking the French matter over. "The Royalists have been considerably open to cooperation with us, especially in the face of local piracy. What's more, even if they are in exile, I am certain they have little pleasure in dealing with their longtime enemy." There was a moment of silence, then the Emperor arched a brow. "Do you know why I dispatched the Ambassador?" Again, there was a silence between them, and though the Chancellor showed curiosity, the Emperor knew his mind was sharper than he showed. The old man was loyally waiting for him to speak. It was the kind of covert action that many clever men used. "I sent him to ward off the British, to extend a hand to the Royalists, and get a sense of the discord over there across the Eastern Mountains. The reports that I am receiving make Port Devia sound much like Boston twenty years ago, but the Eastern Devians I receive in court are most... docile. Granted, they would not send their most belligerent dissenters, but I am beginning to wonder if the revolutionary talk over there is limited to an extreme party or if it is but mere stuff conjured by the British? War would give them an excuse to send in more troops... to wage war in the "revolutionary cause" of the Eastern Devians and wipe us off this island." The Emperor looked back out the window, watching the sun set. "If there really is talk of revolution, then I will let them declare it, carefully crush the opposition with as little collateral damage as possible, and quickly make peace. As I said, Chancellor, war is not my first wish and as a benevolent man I will do my best to avert it and make it short if it happens. However, I fear there is something dark and plotting afoot... and having the Royalists on our side will only help us." There was a knock at the door and the Emperor looked to it. "Enter." A servant came in with another letter on a tray and bowed his head to the Emperor. He received it, let the servant leave, and opened the paper, scanning it quickly. After a few lines, he let his arm fall from his face and he looked to the Chancellor. "It appears there's a new card on the table... and it could tip the balance in our favor. An American diplomat arrived in Port Devia earlier this week." |
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His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | |
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| Robert D Beauregard | Aug 4 2011, 02:56 PM Post #6 |
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Commodore Beauregard had finally finished his walk from the Admiralty to the Capital Building. He wore his full dress uniform and under his right arm he carried a great many sheets of rolled up parchment. The sun was now beating heavily on Roberts brow and this had caused him to break out into a slight sweat. He grabbed an embroidered handkerchief from his tailcoat pocket and lighted blotted the sweat away. As he approached the steps to the capital he looked on his right shoulder at the strong bird perched there. It looked him in the eyes and made a call as if it new what his master was saying. "Alright Mohawk, away!" The hawk complied and took flight into the skies over Strongheim, the bird had been trained to wait until it saw its masters uniform again at which point it would obediently return to its master shoulder. The commodore took in a deep breath before ascending the steps into the capital. The Imperial Guard saluted and then pulled the doors open for him and he made his way to the Emperors Chamber. As he walked he stared at the grotesque statuary and the pillars that held up the massive ceiling. He personally did not like them but would never say so to a high ranking official. He stole a small glance at the bundle of parchments under his arms. Among them included plans of his own design for a brilliant new flagship that would project Devia's power unto the seas as well as plans for a massive new Imperial naval complex that would include a new shipyard with state-of-the-art dry docks, supplies and buildings for every naval profession, and a grandiose new Admiralty. As he continued his walk he though to himself how could the acoustics must be in the Capitol, how he wished that Strongheim had a grande opera house, but luxuries such as that were on their way just as soon as all enemy threats had been nullified. He finally came to the oaken doors of the Emperors Chamber and the Guards saluted him before he grasped the gilt door handle and slowly opened the door. He saw in front of him His Majesty and the Chancellor. He picked up a few words of their finishing conversation about a new American ambassador but it was quickly over and he stood silently before them. All the better now they both could listen to his plans. He cleared his throat and put on the facade of a man of high stature, much against his natural appearance that betrayed his humorous disposition and spoke in a loud but now forceful manner. "Your Majesty" he bowed, "With yours and the Chancellors permission I would like to request approval for the new plans I have drawn up for our Imperial Navy." |
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"All I need is a tall ship and a star to sail Her by" -18th Century Song | |
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| His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | Aug 4 2011, 04:06 PM Post #7 |
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The Emperor looked to the door as it was quietly opened and Commodore Beauregard entered, smartly bedecked in his best uniform. His hat was tucked under his arm with a number of other large sheets rolled up in leather. "Your Majesty," he bowed, "With yours and the Chancellor's permission, I would like to request approval for the new plans I have drawn up for our Imperial Navy." The Emperor nodded, "I have been looking forward to seeing these plans, Commodore. Please, do show us what you have in mind." He slowly stepped over to a large, round oaken table and waited as the Commodore approached and started unrolling the large sheets of paper. They were covered with several drafts, both of ships and buildings. He could tell that this man didn't merely dabble in engineering. Every detail was included. "I must commend you for your professional draftsmanship," the Emperor praised smoothly, "It is another reminder as to why you were appointed to lead this glorious navy."
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His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | |
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| Robert D Beauregard | Aug 4 2011, 05:14 PM Post #8 |
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"I must commend you for your professional draftsmanship," the Emperor praised smoothly, "It is another reminder as to why you were appointed to lead this glorious navy." Commodore Beauregard let out a slight smile at the Emperor's praise, knowing that the Emperor meant every word. He placed his first plan on the table in front of the Emperor. It was a schematic of an enormous first rate ship that the Commodore had designed himself. He began in a quieter voice, "This, your Majesty, is a plan for a New Imperial flagship. A ship of this size will not only be of great addition to our line of battle fleet, but also project to lesser nations our power and wealth in creating such a vessel. I plan her to have one hundred and twenty guns on three decks and weigh 5000 tons. The crew size would be about one thousand two hundred and would be reserved only for our best men. I have chosen Her name to be Imperial Naval Vessel Ares and as such her figurehead will be of Ares striking out with crossed swords. At the stern will be three cabins of large size with decorated quarter galleries and the middle cabin will have a balcony so as to get fresh sea air. I will leave the colors of the ship to you your Majesty." The Commodore felt immensely pleased with himself and almost broke his serious facade, but kept on. He handed this plan to the Chancellor and began on the next one. It was of a large shipyard with five immense dry docks and large store and work houses. "These are the plans for our new shipyard," he said with pride, "It will be able to create and support a navy of exceptional size. Now I do realize that we have an exceptionally well equipped dockyard here in the capital, however with our new building programs it simply will not be able to keep chase with the number of vessels. Our current dry docks are also not large enough to accommodate the Ares. I have also thought it to be a good idea that we build ships on commission for other navies. We could charge a handsome price and make future allies all at once." Robert was giddy with excitement of possibly seeing his dream come to reality, but he knew it all rested of the Emperors well dressed and commanding shoulders. He would also have to persuade the chancellor that such an investment it national defense would be worth the hefty sum he projected these plans would cost, in the millions of guilders. He gently rolled up the plan and placed it in the Chancellors hand, he then proceeded to flatten the last plan. It was etched with an immensely handsome building with two wings. The wings were joined in the center by a bell tower that boasted the main doors and the large staircase to them, it was tipped with a domed cupola and a wind vane of a ship at sail. On each wing there was a large but very short glass dome. The plan also had larboard, starboard, and stern views. Robert began one last time, a tinge of excitement in his voice, "I plan this to be our new Admiralty. It is large enough for our glorious navy after its expansion and besides offices it will also have apartments for high ranking officers. On each wing there is a large hall with a glass domed skylight, these will serve to provide excellent spaces for galas and such. I plan the rotunda in the center to be hung with large paintings of great naval battles and our own ships. I should imagine it to be built of red brick with white marble trimmings." The commodore left the plan on the Oak table and stood perfectly still waiting for the Emperors reply. He hoped he would consider these plans. Robert knew what would happen when war finally did come and was not going to see this Empire crushed.
Edited by Robert D Beauregard, Aug 4 2011, 05:50 PM.
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"All I need is a tall ship and a star to sail Her by" -18th Century Song | |
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| His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | Aug 4 2011, 07:15 PM Post #9 |
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The Emperor smiled warmly as Beauregard fell silent. For a moment the only sound was the rustling of paper as the Chancellor looked over the other designs. "This Empire needs more progressive and ambitious men such as yourself," the Emperor addressed the Commodore, "Your propositions are to my liking, for such a ship and fine establishments will both protect this realm and show the world our grandeur. In more official and plain terms, you have my approval... just save a couple hundred acres of trees for the yacht I want to have built!" He grinned at the joke, nodding as he looked back down at the Admiralty draft, "I look forward to stepping inside this building and beholding the epitome of Imperial architecture. I think I should like to use it to host our victory ball when total peace across this island is achieved." Then he looked to the Chancellor with a grin, "What is your vote, Chancellor? I especially like the idea of taking construction orders for other countries. No doubt the United States could benefit from us... they have no navy to speak of and with Europe pressing on them... this just may turn them in our favor. Ah... the frustration of timing! If only we'd waited two more days to send Ambassador Clemenceau!" |
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His Majesty the Emperor of Devia | |
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| Chancellor Eyssenhardt | Aug 5 2011, 05:23 PM Post #10 |
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In pleasant silence, that had been caused by the Emperor’s praise, stood Eyssenhardt, as always, slightly bent down. Then the creaking of the doors, a thing highly strange as they were new and expensive, announced the presence of the Imperial Commodore Beauregard. He’s been eager as ever. The prospect of having such men serving the Imperial cause poured the sweet nectar of solace all over the tired heart of the old Chancellor whenever he had thought of it and put aside worries of emptying his current position for the prospect of, God willing, taking care of St. Peter’s registers of admission through the gates of paradise. The papers were being passed to the old man, and the mellifluous phrases spoken by the naval officer made Eyssenhardt murmur in content. The Chancellor strained his eyes, peering down the plans. Age has got it’s limitations, after all. But indeed the charts before him caressed his pride. His dedication for the Emperor. "This Empire needs more progressive and ambitious men such as yourself," the Emperor addressed the Commodore, "Your propositions are to my liking, for such a ship and fine establishments will both protect this realm and show the world our grandeur. In more official and plain terms, you have my approval... just save a couple hundred acres of trees for the yacht I want to have built!... "I look forward to stepping inside this building and beholding the epitome of Imperial architecture. I think I should like to use it to host our victory ball when total peace across this island is achieved." “But of course, with such space a plenty! Ah Majestät, the army would turn livid out of envy that it is not them to host such an event!” Eyssenhardt remarked wittily, willing to continue the monarch’s rare moments of relaxation. A thing the latter had all but none wearing the imperial wreath. Kindly asked by the Emperor, Eyssenhardt spoke with more seriousness and competence, for which he was paid: “I’m no expert in engineering, neither I feel capable of judging these wonders of nautical thought Majestät. But experience encourages me to think it shall be costy!” Eyssenhardt sighed kind-heartedly, a faint smirk trying to dance across his lips, yet to weak to force the elderly laugh lines into a full smile. It was what he hated the most in being old. A skeptical note rang in the concerto of all the appraising words could be heard however, that started out from a seeming digression. “The Eastern Devians will surely have a different opinion on things which cause our satisfaction today, thus the need is to make their error of dishonour, the folly of disobedience evident. Millions of guilders put in waste into your squadron unable to achieve the Emperor’s wish would break my heart dear Commodore.” In truth, Eyssenhardt would rather make those ships stay at anchor forever, the troops clutched to their barracks instead of throwing them into the blazing nightmare called a battle. Losses meant chests of gold thrown into the ocean. the Chancellor has even started to have such dreams at night. “Ah Americans... a mixture unseen in history, a boiling pot it is. They got English pride, Dutch enterprise…German persistence even. But what they got is also their very own dreams. Dreams of being the Israelites of our time. The chosen folk. Ja, they won’t rely on our dockyards forever. And what then?” Eyssenhardt made an impression of a man, who got worried by his own words. |
| “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Benjamin Franklin. | |
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2:05 PM Jul 11
