Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Peninsular District,
The Dependency of Kamchatka, The Pacific CoalitionTo call the Dependency of Kamchatka a true colony would be an insult to colonies everywhere. Truly it was merely a large military outpost surrounded by various civilian settlements, along with the native encampments and townships. Kamchatka offered no real benefit to the Pacific Coalition, save for its fish and tourism. There were rumors and some evidence of petroleum basins in the Arctic District, but the Coalition had neither the time nor the resources to tap it in full at the moment. Private contractors occasionally ventured north to claim the resources owned currently by the Pacific Coalition Dependency Resources Bureau, but few came back with profits.
The military was, in fact, the primary focus of the Dependency, for it had no other value other than as a strategic asset. In the port city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, connected to the sea via Avacha Bay, the Navy of the Pacific Coalition makes its northern home. Dozens of ships sit idly in the waters, silently breathing in the cold and waiting for orders from its governing department. Grand ships, such as the PCV
King of Hawai'i, a large battleship that dominates the bay, or the PCV
Aleutians, one of many PC aircraft carriers made to control the air from the sea, sat in the deep center of the bay, acting as hubs of activity for the sleepy sailors and seamen. Icebreakers mulled around the port, breaking up the last vestiges of the winter ice that annoyed the cities boats every winter.
Petrolavlovsk-Kamchatsky, or Navy Town as it is known to those in the Coalition who can't bother to learn the Russian pronunciation of things, and they are many, is a pretty town, to say the least. It wouldn't be the tourist hub of the Dependency if it wasn't. Home to dozens of tourism groups supplying items such as bear hunting and river boating ad mountain climbing up the cities famous volcanoes, the city is often bustling with tourists from across the Pacific Coalition and beyond. It is fair to say that if the military presence disappeared, the Dependency could survive on tourism and fishing, though only barely.
In the Dependency Government Building, located near the center of the city, the local government decided on day-to-day issues and some more spanning ones, though often the Pacific Coalition Department of Dependencies decides, in conjunction with the Coalition Assembly and Chief Executive, what the long term goals and deeds of the Dependency are.
Currently, the Kamchatka Dependent Assembly was meeting to discuss fishing permits this year. The ammount of fish harvested was up since last year, but surveys said that at this rate certain species would be in danger of extinction in the region. So, they debated and considered proposals, as governments did.
But this isn't about them. Across the street from the Government Building was the Bears' Tongue Bar and Grill, a strange mix of Kamchatka culture and American provincial cuisine. Despite its foreignness, it was a favorite of the natives, who, although they put up a front of clinging to their native Sibero-Russian culture, surely didn't mind the influx of new equipment and commodities. Like beef, oodles and oodles of beef, not the grey muck that passed for it on native reservations.
The Bears' Tongue was indeed a hotspot, as it maintained a rather large television setup, one of the few functioning ones in the Dependency that wasn't government owned. At the moment, it was displaying the feed from
Coalition United, the premier news agency in the Coalition, if only because they had the largest technological budget.
A wiry woman sat on screen, shuffling papers on her desk while looking at the camera. Her image was black and white, grainy, with nondescript features. She spoke the language of the Coalition--Hawaiian Spanish, a jumbled mix of the Hawaiian language and the first European language the people came across--with ease and grace, obviously a fluent speaker from Hawaii or one of the Provinces. "In international news, European tension is on the rise in recent days as France and Germany build up defenses along their respective borders, insiders say. The French Commandant General, Francis Clemenceau, has issued an ultimatum to the Kingdom of England, demanding they cede English France to the Fourth Republic and demilitarize the Low Countries, on pain of war. The Kingdom of England is a member state in the Western Federation, and as such, the Pacific Coalition is bound by treaty to support them in defensive wars and properly justified offenses. Despite this fact, Chief Executive Joshua Liliuokalani has yet to comment, citing the possibility for peace as a reason to withhold agitating either nation. Critics of the Executives regime say that he is backing out on his allies defense in favor of shoring up his own safety, while supporters note that the English king, Daniel the Third, has yet to comment himself, and thus it would be preemptive at this time. The Secretary of Relations has released a statement, however, that hints towards an eventual show of support to our allies in Europe. Quote, 'We will not abandon England in its time of need, and though we have no comment at this time, do not take that as a lack of faith in our allies across the Atlantic.'
"In other news, the Chinese have released plans to start a 'five year plan,' our reporters in Beijing say. Economic plan for glory, or a kicking a dying horse? Economists disagree, says our economics expert..." Her voice trailed off then, as the group of rowdy city natives and colonials discussed various news and events, or simply yammered on in a drunken stupor.
One friendly conversation at the bar, between a native Kamchatkan and a Hawaiian-descendent man born in the Dependency, was especially inductive of colonial feelings on the subject. Like many in the colonies, they spoke English; Neither side wanted to surrender their tongue, so they spoke English commonly, though most knew Hawaiian Spanish as well. "Eh, Vasily, you hear that?"
"Hear what? The news?"
"Yeah. About the French, Angles and Germs. What do you think?"
"I think they need a strong drink and a wild night, let off some steam, break the ice."
"Ah, come on, Vasily. This is important stuff! It could effect the entire Coalition! And you're a Pacifier, Dependent or not."
"Liko, Europe is a continent away! Russia and China are more important to me. When will the next Cossack cross the border and steal my to-be bride, eh? And when will some yellow fucker come up and buy up my house, huh? Those are Kamchatka problems."
"But England are our allies,
hoapili! We might go to war if things go south there! And if Russia or China gets involved, you know they'll be gunning for us!"
"Then the navy boys out in the harbor will blast them to bits. I'm done with politics, Liko; Leave me to my drinking."
Shaking his head, the second man said, "Fine, Vasily. Still coming by tomorrow? Its my daughters
male 'ana kuauna. We'd like you to be there; You've known her all your life."
"Of course I'll be there, Liko. Now go. Your wife will want you home by now."
"Right.
Aloha, Vasily. Take care of yourself."
Coalition Square, Crossroads, Capital District,
Hawaiian Province, The Pacific CoalitionThe capital city of Crossroads, Honolulu to native Hawaiian speakers and Honuligio to Hawaiian Spanish speakers, was the jewel of the pacific ocean, to demean it. As the technological, scientific, cultural and political center of the Pacific Coalition, it could be described as the center of the world at the moment, given the nations intricate alliances and current world domination. Every culture that had contact with the Coalition could be found in some manner in Crossroads. Hence the English name for the city.
Coalition Square dominated the center of the city, a football field-sized stretch of cobbled land surrounded by the various government buildings and tourist sights, including the Museum of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the National Museum for the Pacific Coalition. The Square is a bit of old class in a modern city of apartments and highrises. Where a few blocks away apartments were being built and the newest skyscraper was being constructed, the Square maintained its island appeal, with the Hawaiian architecture and some Spanish influences dominating. The Aliiolani Hale, palace to the old Hawaiian kings and current seat of the Coalition government, dominated the Square at one end of the theoretical end zone. From it, the Coalition Assembly made its laws and the Chief Executive decided the course of the nation.
The Chief Executive was currently meeting with his top advisers, along with the Vice Executive and Assembly Speaker, and the entirety of his Executive Cabinet. The topics of discussion varied, but they always found their way back home. Currently, it was oil. As was par for the course, the Coalition, being a coastal nation, required fuel for its navy to protect its "borders" and maintain the status quo.
"I am telling you, Mr. Executive, we will be facing an oil crisis in the next few decades if we don't get ready immediately." Secretary of Resources Timi Horsehair was a American Coastal provincial, from one of the many reorganized tribes in the area under Pacific rule. The Coastal Provinces were some of the more loyal ones in the Coalition; They have been under Hawaiian rule for centuries, and due to a policy of cultural continuity, no one had reason to complain.
"We must start seeking alternatives on the homefront, in the form of recent innovations in wind and water power, and look for oil deposits elsewhere. In fact, I have a few ideas. Off the coast of the American Southern Province are natural oil and gas reserves that we can tap for spare resources. If we revoke environmental protection of the area, we can have the oil out and ready within the decade. Also, there is a oil basin north of our Russian holdings that can serve as a primary source of fuel, if we can access it. Not to mention the minor amount of Australian shale we hold, and fuel we can buy from allies and neutral nations..."
"I understand, Timi." Joshua Liliuokalani sounded tired; It was twelve at night in Hawaii, and politics can age a man to a farther extent than mere years could. "I will greenlight the project. The Executive Resource Act of 1888 still gives my office authority over oil production in times of emergency, and if you can find other reports on the subject, it should be enough to push this forward. Now please, let the others get a word in. Mr. Starkey, you told me you wished to voice an opinion on the status of Coalition relations?"
"Yes, Executive Liliuokalani." Standing from his seat, Gregor Alexandr Rostropovich Starkey, a Russian Dependent who earned citizenship in the Coalition Navy, worked his way up from humble seaman to Secretary of War. A unique case, to say the least, but a respectable one. "As you know, the Pacific Coalition is one of several premier powers in the world, being not only a successful nation in its own right, but also the head of a unified and powerful alliance. Though our industry is lacking, we have powerful friends in the North American Commonwealth who can handle this for us, in exchange for military support, as our current alliance details. We are in a good position, and are not destined to lose it.
"But this is not enough." The pause after this left the sting of the words in the air for the moment. "As you surely know from recent reports, the Commandant General of the French Republic is starting a fuss over the English territory on continental Europe, namely English France and the Low Countries. If we do not show support for them soon, it may be that the League of Paris gains ground in Europe, ground that belongs to England, King Daniel and the Western Federation.
"Now, despite the likelihood of wearing out the phrase, as you all know for a third time, a prolonged war would be disasterous for not only the English, but also for the Federation and the world. The Ottomans would cut off oil supplies to allied nations and any who dare support us, and while Ms. Horsehair's proposal has lessened that blow against us with her proposal, it would hardly do much for those without oil supplies accessible to them. But hope is not lost; Three nations seemed prepared to outlast any oil embargo. The first is Russia. Its massive oil reserves can be tapped by themselves and any they allow to increase a net gain even in a time of war. As such, it should be a priority to establish contact with the Russian Executive Council. Though this duty would normally fall under the duties of the Department of Relations, I feel that, as a native Russian, it would better suit the climate for the message to originate from myself, withe DoR support in the matter and, naturally, Executive and Assembly approval.
"Second on this list is the Chinese Empire. Beijing, though weak due to over-expansion and overpopulation, has recently issued a new economic plan built to create a stable nation within five years. Regardless of its effectiveness, they show intent to improve, which should not be ignored. I propose, thus, that we establish relations with the God-Emperor of China, a title I use cautiously due to my lack of faith in him as my god, and his government. Their mere size as the largest, in terms of population, nation on our globe would help immensely in any conflict we face in the coming days, not to mention their size in terms of area, which would open up a bounty of resources for their own use, given any technology we could export to the Empire, and for our use, assuming trade and resource sharing is established.
"Finally, the third nation is the Tyrian Republic, neighbors to our Australian Provinces. They maintain near hegemonic control over the Australian shale, save for that on the coasts we control, and are independent of bipartisan world politics. They also hold a diverse amount of land, from Patagonia in South America to the Gaelic Nations of Britain to their homeland in Oceania. With them at our side, the sides will be redrawn in favor of the Western Federation, even if only slightly. We could have naval deployments across the North Sea rather than just in England, and men on Patagonia to ensure the southern route is closed of in unison with the Panama Canal.
"Any one of these three nations could ensure an easier, less expensive victory against the League of Paris. We had the edge of numbers before, and with news that Rome wishes to break its participation in the treaty in favor of new endeavors, it is the time to act. It is my proposal that we move swiftly to bring at least one of these three nations into the fold of the Western Federation, if not more. Russia, China or Tyre could change the course of any future war, in Europe or elsewhere.
"I return the floor now to Mr. Liliuokalani, who I am sure shall have some criticisms and praises for my proposal." Sitting down to sincere applause from the majority of the present politicians, the eyes turned to the Chief Executive immediately, who was now put on the spot to respond.
"I can find no fault and much to praise with your proposal, Gregor, and shall move to implement it with haste. I applaud your initiative and ambition in this matter, and hope you will indeed be right about all you have said. God help us all if you are wrong."
As expected from the majority of the members present that day, the idea passed a secret gathering of the Assembly with ease, the vote kept quiet under orders from the Chief Executive due a "present and clear danger to the Coalition." Telegrams were sent to the appropriate nations as quickly as possible, in an effort to get the jump on the League before they realized the coming storm.
Addressed To: Beijing Government, Chinese Empire
Addressed From: Crossroads Government, Pacific Coalition
Reason for Message: Establishment of Relations
Encrypted for safety
On behalf of the Chief Executive and Assembly of the Pacific Coalition and her Dependent Territories, I would like to extend to the God-Emperor of China and his government an invitation to establish diplomatic, economic and other such relations, towards the purpose of establishing a greater Pacific region and building lasting alliances. The God-Emperor may, should he choose to accept, present himself in person in Crossroads, or via virtual representation through ambassadors and diplomats, or request diplomatic presence in a neutral state or location mutually accessible by both parties. We look forward to seeing a greater Pacific in the future.
Ekewaka Morey, Secretary of Relations
Joshua Liliuokalani, Chief Executive
Hana Mani, Assembly Speaker
Addressed To: New Tyre Government, Tyrian Republic
Addressed From: Crossroads Government, Pacific Coalition
Reason for Message: Establishment of Relations
Encrypted for safety
On behalf of the Chief Executive and Assembly of the Pacific Coalition and her Dependent Territories, I would like to extend an invitation to the Legate of the Tyrian Republic to open diplomatic relations with the Coalition, to establish social, economic, political and diplomatic bonds, towards the purpose of establishing a Pan-Australian alliance and to produce a stronger and more unified Pacific region, economically and politically. The Legate may present himself, should he accept this invitation, in Crossroads in person, or via virtual representation through diplomats and ambassadors. Alternatively, he may request a meeting in a neutral state or location mutually accessible by both parties. We look forward towards seeing a better standing between our two nations in the future.
Ekewaka Morey, Secretary of Relations
Ricard Horn, Governor of the Northern Australia Province
Filo Mala, Governor of the Central Australian Province
Hora Yalu, Governor of the Southern Australian Province
Joshua Liliuokalani, Chief Executive
Hana Mani, Assembly Speaker
Addressed To: Moscow Government, United Federation of Russia
Addressed From: Crossroads Government, Pacific Coalition
Reason for Message: Establishment of Relations
Encrypted for safety
Greetings, Russian brothers in Moscow. On behalf of the Pacific Coalition and her Dependent Territories, I, Russian Dependent, Coalition citizen, Secretary of War and Russian by blood, Gregor Alexandr Rostropovich Starkey, would like to extend an invitation to the Executive Council of the United Federation of Russia to open diplomatic, social, economic and political relations with the Pacific Coalition. It is in the best interest for both the Coalition and the Russians that we, two states that dominate the world, you by land and us by sea, remain peaceful and cordial in this time of fraction. As such, I would like to visit Moscow, along with ambassadors from the Department of Relations, to establish relations with the goal of increasing cooperation between our two nations to benefit both our peoples. Should you accept, I shall depart for Moscow immediately, assuming transportation across Siberia can be arranged and Moscow is the location of our meeting. Specifically, I would like to discuss the sharing of the northeast most Siberian-Arctic oil basin, which falls split by our territory. I hope for a stronger bond between our two nations in the future.
Gregor Starkey, Secretary of War
Ekewaka Morey, Secretary of Relations
Joshua Liliuokalani, Chief Executive
Hana Mani, Assembly Speaker
Addressed To: London Government, Kingdom of England
Addressed From: Crossroads Government, Pacific Coalition
Reason for Message: Threat to Security
Encrypted for safety
On behalf of the Assembly of the Pacific Coalition and the entirety of the Western Federation, I would like to extend a hand of friendship in these dire times for the Kingdom of England. Should any assistance be required to shore up your defenses in British France or the Low Countries, a request is all that is required before the Atlantic Fleet is mobilized. It would be beneficial for any news related to French and League demands be forwarded to Crossroads for review. Do keep in touch and know we stand ready to push back the barbarians at the gates.
Joshua Liliuokalani, Chief Executive
Hana Mani, Assembly Speaker