[b][center][h3][color=seagreen]The Republic of Deltora 1903[/color][/h3][/center][/b][hr] [center][b]The Fields of Lestrad[/b][/center] The rolling plains of grass bore their scars well. These blades of grass, that bore witness to the newest weapons of war tested by the Deltoran Grand Army. Craters marred the large fields as the cries of men, the thump of artillery and the sharp crack of a rifle pervaded the field like an invading army. Infantry, donned in full regalia, shovels and helmets, with grenades at their sides and rifles in hands, threw themselves from the safety and protection of dirt trenches into the open plains as they stormed across the green grass, ready for battle. General Damien Arceneaux stood, hands clasped behind his back, as the long trenchcoat over his military uniform danced in the slight winds running along the grassy knoll upon which he stood. Looking out over the field, the mass movement of an army bound by duty, honour and the ideal of liberty worked with a unity forged only through the threat of war. The main theorist behind the Deltoran adoption of indirect fire for it's artillery, he now stood upon the knoll watching his theory in action. Shells flew across the field from afar at targets out of sight, as infantry trudged across the grassy fields or fired at training targets from trenches dug deep into the earth. The successful theorist, who's theories had been adopted also by the Kalpians, while working on ever new theories for the military and always looking to the future, couldn't help but look on with pride at what Deltora had accomplished within the last few years. [center][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/99/82/a4/9982a452749416c02066839ba5f034f5.jpg[/img] [i]General Damien Arceneaux, Commander of the Ipswich Garrison and successful military theorist. Circa 1903.[/i][/center] [hr] [center][b]Liberty, Within and Without[/b][/center] The fifth nation to join the Sociatatem. Deltora, despite disagreements made clear in the Freedom Debates about the factions current approach to maintaining the status quo. Has recognized that while both nations differ in their approach, ultimately share the same goals and to stand together against the common foe than alone would be of benefit to both. When asked upon the matter, Prime Minister Geiger responded: [i]"Personally, I am a wholehearted advocate of all means which would lead to the settlement of international disputes through methods that would successfully end in peace. But I am also bound to say this, that I believe it is essential in the highest interests, not just for the country, but of the world that the Sociatatem look beyond their own borders. I would make great sacrifices to preserve the peace. But if a situation were to be forced upon us in which peace could only be preserved through dreadful warfare, then I would not dally, but prepare. Man the borders, arm the men and build the guns to fight. Not wait until it is too late. The foes stand at our borders howling for war, how will receive them? With rounds and shells, not placations!"[/i] [center][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/96/e7/5a96e7822cae4d08e27ee18a6ce43fe2.jpg[/img] [i]Prime Minister Edouard Geiger, of the Republic of Deltora. Circa 1903.[/i][/center] This would not be the only speech Edouard Geiger would make during the month however, as he too would personally address the picketing workers on strike outside of the state owned munitions factory in which they worked in the Capital Evemont. The constables overseeing the strike stood aside to reveal the prime minister, donned in his black tailcoat and bowler hat of the middle class. For that is what he was, not a gentlemen of the upper-class born into power with their top hats lording over those with less, but a gentlemen of the middle class, not a step away from being rich or poor. Perhaps it was this neutrality that had allowed him into power in the first place. [i]"Gentlemen, thank you for demonstrating your rights by being here today. For we are a free and liberal society, no? Our society today was founded by actions such as this. However, this strike affects not just yourselves but the whole of Deltora, we lie upon the eve of war and you refuse to work. Every day that you stand by, we edge closer to losing our freedom to the wolves. Our grand republic, a beacon of democracy and freedom and you would lie responsible. You my friends remain a cog within the machine that keeps this country together, and you have been recognized. I will fight for your rights within the government, this new era will be one of reform for all. While I fight for you all in politics, will you not fight for us by working in the factories? To keep our grand nation afloat in this new age where we find ourselves threatened by expansionists and miscreants!?"[/i] While many insulted the Prime Ministers speech, which effectively informed the strikers of how much their strike affected the governance of the land and how much their opinion mattered. Many argued that just that was a good thing, and representative of a Republic where the people, not we as civil servants controlled the country. How the people would react was unknown, with much hanging on the appeal to the nationalism of the Deltoran people for their land and it's democratic ways. Shortly after, the Trade Unions Reform Bill (1903) was passed. Creating organisations of workers able to represent their trade in the country, and to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace. The representation of the common people within politics would become more prominent as a result, and this was promised as only the start of the reforms presented by the Prime Minister. [hr] [b][center]The Hafas Issue[/center][/b] With the sudden sinking of the Soroyan trade ship Hafas still a mystery. Efforts into the investigation have increased with more resources being spared to find the truth. Investigations are said to have stopped in the face of bad weather conditions but are set to begin once more. [hr] [b][center]TPS Dauntless[/center][/b] An Armoured Cruiser of the Chevalier Class has entered construction, heralded as surely the most advanced naval cruiser and class within the world. So named the The People's Ship Dauntless. It is slated to be sea worthy in 2 years featuring as the finest naval ship within the Grand Deltoran Fleet, perhaps even surpassing the fleets Pre-Dreadnought, TPS Valour with it's modernized technology. [hr] [B]SUMMARY:[/B] - Introduction to General Damien Arceneaux - Strike appealed to end. Stating nationalism and the threat of war with several reforms promised. - Trade Unions created. - Hafas Issue being investigated once more. - TPS Dauntless under construction.