[center][h2][b]The Republic of Ustrela, March 1905[/b][/h2]

[h3][u]Modern transportation for a modern nation[/u][/h3][/center]

The recent invention of the Segaso Modello 1 had created an immense amount of publicity surrounding its creation lauding its’ creator, Francisco Pereilla, as innovative. Hundreds of cars have been sold throughout both Ustrela and the world with the streets of Viande seeing their use almost immediately upon release. Skeptics, despite the initial success of Segaso, criticize the limited appeal of the automobile. Claiming that it’s immensely expensive, unreliable, and niche. The president of Ustrela, Armando Prats, added to the automobiles legitimacy as a modern mode of transportation by personally purchasing a Segaso Modello himself. Stating that “The Segaso is a fascinating and innovative Ustrelian invention, one that I plan on supporting.” Though the future viability of the automobile industry is unpredictable, Ustrela remains at the forefront of innovation.

[center][h3][u]Admiral on deck[/u][/h3][/center]

The man sat nervously staring out into the endless crowd of faces. Hundreds of friends and family gathered together for a rather extravagant event. Each individual watching him and the speaker carefully as his achievements are listed in a monotone voice. “For excellent command during the battle of the Setawa straight, the battle of the Ustrelian Gulf, the battle of the Sancho River…” The list continued for several minutes before the speaker finally finished. “These are the accomplishments and leadership necessary in Ustrela. A man whom has earned himself infamy among our nation's enemies and renown among our citizenry. As such, the nation of Ustrela and her people would like to grant Captain Sebastián Zoido admiralty in order to command this republics fleets and lead them to victory.”

The sound of a steady rhythmic applause could be heard from the audience as Admiral Sebastián Zoido stood to take his place on the stage. He began by clearing his throat and beginning his speech “I’d like to thank the many friends and family who accompany men to this ceremony. Many of you, I’m sure, probably wonder my feelings towards earning this achievement. A position held highly, not only amongst my peers, but by the entirety of the nation. To express how I feel I’ll summarize it by saying simply this, it’s about damn time.” Zoido let off a slight smirk, followed by a loud chuckle throughout the crowd. “Either way, I’m eager to celebrate this accomplishment. I only pray to god that the politicians don’t make me work hard to keep it.”        

[center][h3][u]Journal of Marcos Arias[/u][/h3][/center]

[i]March 2nd 1905,

I’ve awoken to the sound of the sea crashing against the Luca Carballal as it steadily rocks side to side. Fresh ocean air filling my lungs for the first in many months. This, surprisingly to most, is the hardest part of the journey. Unlike the excitement of exploring new and forgotten lands of primitive peoples or the sense of comradery felt throughout the ship during the final stretch back to civilization, the start is always awkward. Understanding that the crew of the ship are amicable and the captain, while rather dull, has good intentions, it’s rather difficult to converse among a crew that you’re not familiar with. Thus ultimately I long for companionship, a friend or colleague whom I can challenge myself both intellectually and spiritually.

March 8th 1905,

Praise be god, I’ve grown fond of Commander Carlos Moruga. The naval officer on board the Luca Carballal so happened to be well read in similar fields of study such as biology, history, and archaeology. Expressing a deep interest in the lost tribes of Kimbeto rumored to have founded a mighty empire in the jungles of Serranthia alongside vasts amounts of forgotten riches. Though doubtful of discovering such treasures, I can’t help but feel his enthusiasm for their discovery.

March 17th 1905,
      
Though Commander Morgua appears to be a fine gentleman and scholar, the same couldn’t be said for his Captain. Captain Jonathan Vera, a crude individual, has recently gotten on my nerves. I’d at first thought the man to be a bit dull yet well intentioned, this judge of character has so far been proven to be far from the truth. I’d come to this conclusion initially due to his insistent, and outdated, understanding of the field of anthropology. Misunderstanding the core concepts of the science itself, believing me to be “indistinguishable from a historian or archaeologist.” At first such an insult was ignored, primarily due to my belief that he was simply taught an ill mannered education. However, this abrasiveness, this crudeness towards my field of study has nearly caused me to snap. Questioning the authenticity of my work, education, and capabilities. Had I not been employed a handsome sum to carry out this expedition, I’d jumped ship yesterday.[/i] 

[b]OOC: +1 to all rolls[/b]