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Post by Fleischmann on Jun 1, 2023 16:00:46 GMT
Staring down at water quality reports, Focko Maurer was starting to develop a rather large headache. Government regulations had been in place for years now to make rivers safe, to control run-off into water sources, and many other things, but despite their best efforts the situation had seemingly stopped improving. In some districts, water quality was now at an all time low with smogs becoming an issue too. Safe drinking water was a ways away. The great unifier between all the districts reporting worsening or stagnating conditions was the presence of coal power plants. In part, it was only natural, as the standard of living had risen and electricity became more of a necessity, but now he was left with the unenviable task of dealing with failing environmental standards and the N.H.S. and Hebiðdräkhskapizin af þis Blotmiz and af Gild breathing down his neck. Even the Hebiðdräkh af Kreg had left him a note, as the air pollution had seemingly caused an issue with recruitment. To summarise what they had all been saying, instances of chronic pneumonia and asthma had both gone up considerably in urban populations, which was now putting a strain on the N.H.S., while the Hebiðdräkhskapiz af þis Blotmiz had become increasingly annoyed at the number of people failing to meet basic fitness standards, with the Hebiðdräkh af Gild angry because they all had been granted valid health exemptions due to respiratory issues. The military had simply expressed its desire to relocate certain facilities as a result of some of their men falling ill, but they had indicated that the soil was likely being contaminated as well from all of this. There simply was no way around it, they had to shut down the power plants. Electricity consumption was forecasted to rise by three percent by the end of the year, so it would need to be a phased shut-down... But there was nothing for it. Pulling up some plans for expanding the anti-flooding systems and building new dams, Maurer got to work on trying to justify his plans. If worse came to worse, he would be able to point to this and say he tried.  A few hours later...
' Evening Gain.' ' Maurer.' Lying on the floor of his office, a portly man could be seen settling in. Focko felt a twinge of sympathy, as he had done the same not too long ago. ' So, what do you need?' Taking out his rough draft of a proposal, he put it on the floor next to Gain. ' I've got half the government complaining about pollution, the other half complaining about infrastructure. I figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone.' Looking over the papers, the man who had slowly been getting ready for bed now seemed to be fully awake. ' You want... Forty-four million Þaler in funding to build dams?' ' And renovate old ones, yes.' ' That is more than... Octuple what you'd be entitled to in a normal year... It would take half of the discretionary funds.' Rather than answer back, he simpled chose to smile at the man. ' This is going to need to go through the legislature, or else you're going to need the entire cabinet on side...' ' And that is fine! I just need you to assess the project and sign off on its feasibility. We can take it down the hall tomorrow.' Seeing no sense in arguing, Hairas Gain started reading through the modest proposal. |
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Post by Fleischmann on Jun 16, 2023 8:16:45 GMT
The Raikhsgamotjing
 Here he was, prepared now to fight the vultures for everything they had. He had approached the other Hebiðdräkhen, but was unable to convince all of them. This was somewhat natural, as his proposal came right as the military was preparing to push for a large increase in spending to be approved. That said, what was the harm in this? He wanted a large amount sure, but it was only for a few years and the budget could finance it in one year!
Stepping up, he was immediately assaulted by the bright colours and the smell of roasted sausages and alcohol. Gods preserve these men, for he certainly would not.
'My dear lords, I am present to-day in order to win your approval and hopefully see our realm clear of its current addiction to foreign imports of coal, its fear of floods, and usher in a new age of Ostrean power dynamics focused upon us!
Before us stands a wonderful opportunity to bring Rashad, W.T.C., and others to heel by making them reliant on us for electricity and all it would take would be a budget of forty-four million Þaler (£83.160.000.000 to) begin my public works programme.
Not only would this see new dams, resevoirs, and canals built, but also it would provide work for hundreds of thousands of men in the short term and in the long term, helping to increase liquidity in our markets and increase spending. As things stand, I feel it is not only right for us from a geo-political perspective, but a moral one, for us to begin this undertaking. For Raikh, for Hauhkuno, and for Þiud!'
It was not the best of openings, but the man was no politicker and had been appointed directly by Hauhkuno Vauhoks himself. He did not need to speak well.
'Ahem, Lords and esteemed members of this august body, I rise from the depths of sobriety to voice my vehement opposition to the ludicrous proposal presented by our honorable Hebiðdräkh. Forty-four million, are you out of your mind, Minister? It seems that your head is floating in a sea of intoxication, clouding your judgment and numbing your senses to the dire realities of our economy.
You waltz in here, waving your flag of nationalism, claiming that this spending spree will bring our realm to new heights of power. But let me tell you, Minister, that power is not solely derived from spending obscene amounts of money. It requires strategic planning, economic prudence, and a clear-headed assessment of our priorities. Pouring all our resources into infrastructure like a sailor on shore leave will only leave us shipwrecked on the shores of bankruptcy!
And what about those promised jobs, Hebiðdräkh? Sure, you dangle the carrot of employment in front of us, tempting us with the illusion of short-term gains. But let's not be deluded by this dancing mirage. Once those dams are built, the canals dug, and the reservoirs filled, what's left? A debt of unemployment, as those temporary jobs disappear faster than a virgin in an army camp. Is this the kind of economic strategy you propose, Hebiðdräkh? One that leaves our working-class heroes stranded and begging for scraps?'
The man drew himself up to his full height, pulling down on his waistcoat in a display that made it look like he was getting ready to fight.
'Oh, and let's not forget your grand vision of geopolitical dominance! Is this some sort of drunken fantasy, Hebiðdräkh? Do you honestly believe that constructing infrastructure will magically make us the puppet masters of Rashad, W.T.C., and the rest of the world? I hate to burst your champagne bubble, but true power lies in adaptability, in diversification, and in being prepared for whatever new military adventures the international stage throws our way. Don't let your swollen ego blind you to the risks of overcommitting to one avenue of development.
Finally, you have the audacity to claim moral high ground? Save us from your crusading moral compass, Hebiðdräkh! While your romantic notions of a brighter future might sound alluring, have you considered the toll on our military? These grand infrastructure projects you propose come at a cost, a cost that soldiers must bear. Dams disrupt require constant supervision, canals drain resources, and reservoirs need testing. We would be forced to commit our soldiers to these projects and would be left bereft of the funds needed to furnish them with better guns, horses, and sabres!
In conclusion, Hebiðdräkh, your bill reeks of folly, over-ambition, and a total disregard for the long-term consequences. I implore my fellow lords to see through this haze of reckless spending and demand a more sober, considered approach to our nation's development. Let us not be swayed by the whims of a servant enamoured by his own delusions of grandeur. Our future deserves better than this headache-inducing proposal.'
'I rise to address the concerns raised by my esteemed opposition regarding the proposed infrastructure bill. While I appreciate the passion behind the opposing viewpoint, I would like to offer a more measured perspective that takes into account the long-term revenue prospects and potential military benefits.
First and foremost, it is crucial to recognise that infrastructure development can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and generate long-term revenue streams. By investing in strategic projects such as dams, reservoirs, and canals, we have the opportunity to unlock untapped potential within our nation. Improved transportation networks and reliable access to electricity can attract foreign investment, stimulate local businesses, and enhance our overall competitiveness in the global market. These benefits extend beyond the initial investment, paving the way for sustained economic prosperity and increased revenue in the years to come.
Furthermore, the proposed infrastructure projects can have significant military benefits, enhancing our national security and defense capabilities. Strengthening our energy infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign imports will provide us with greater resilience in times of crisis. A reliable and robust electricity grid arms us to not only control flooding, but to withstand prolonged blockades and market shocks. Additionally, strategically placed canals and waterways can facilitate the movement of goods and personnel, bolstering our logistical capabilities and ensuring the swift deployment of military assets when needed.
With regards to his most rotund eminence's views on hegemony, a well-developed infrastructure network can also enhance our position. It enables us to assert influence and extend our reach by providing critical resources and services to neighbouring nations. By positioning ourselves as a reliable supplier of electricity, for instance, we can forge stronger diplomatic ties and promote regional stability while also aiming a dagger at their hearts should we need it. This, in turn, can have positive implications for our trade relationships and contribute to long-term reliance upon us.'
Staring down the man himself, Focko could not help but think that he was somewhat sleep deprived. His glare might have been impressive, but his vision was less sharp than usual and in reality he was struggling to keep his focus with all the bright lights.
'Apologies for the interruption, esteemed lords and Hebiðdräkh, but I must interject in support of the proposed infrastructure spending. The need for modernisation and strengthening our nation's core is undeniable, and investing in infrastructure is a prudent step toward securing our prosperity and maintaining ourselves.
I feel that one aspect of this that is being overlooked, is that spending like this is necessary in the south to give it an economy and that we are talking about some of the most economically deprived regions of our realm and even empire! If we do not see them rightly helped, then I fear that they will simply continue to languish in poverty and become a burden upon us all.
The military does not need more funding right now, in fact we have agreed to hold off on giving them funding for a few years... So what sense does it make to hold onto the navy's budget so tightly?'
Taking the opportunity, Focko sat down. It appeared that one of the factions in the Raikhsgamotjing had taken a liking to his idea and were now going to bat for it. A quick tap on his shoulder informed him to look to his left, rewarding him with a hot pie dish and some kvass. |
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Post by Fleischmann on Oct 28, 2023 16:49:58 GMT
Frauja-Johannsted Naval Base, Niujisland & Luss
10th of Hauhkunosmenoð
(A colonial and a naval officer are having dinner)
Officer: <tearing his eyes from the plates> This is fab!
Colonial: Local elk.
O.: Haven't had this much meat since the Thing got got, it's awesome, it would be better if it was Hawaiian pit style, but you will all be finding that out in a few weeks.
C.: About four weeks at a guess, now you've arrived.
O.: Oh yeah, quarantine.
C.: New arrivals and all that.
O.: Yeah, I'm not so sure. We've been cooped up ship side since we got the telegram.
C.: Very much so.
O.: My people aren't stupid, we've not given any of the local girls mana. You aren't dealing with hunter gatherers here, it's a sophisticated complex society.
C.: Yes, I read the papers, did you write them?
O.: Gods, no, I'm just a career chap who happened to be transiting back East who speaks Hawaiian. It's the advantage of having been Great Western for a while, the shelves had lots of stuff on this or that island in your library. One of your disadvantages over here on the West Coast is that you know bugger all and you hadn't many anthropologists who studied more than the West Coast native stuff.
C.: Which is why you are the Hawaii expert.
O.: That I'm not, but I do speak Hawaiian and I know a few things. How the fuck that will play out, I don't know. I'm not one of those mongo-wannabees who wear their hair in a top-knot despite being bright red and white as snow.
C.: You think they know nothing?
O.: Uh-Huh and I reckon they made some of it up as they went along. Me, I'm your average fellow whose spent one too many shore-leaves with the Sheenish. Pretty birds out there, but too loose for marrying.
C.: That's why you are along.
O.: Yeah and i'm just praying that the nice upper-caste Hawaiian I learned from those books will do us well enough. If I fumble this, I'll be in the imu.
C.: Isn't that the cooking pit? I thought the Hawaiians didn't do that?
O.: Heh, my Captain's one of the half-caste Greeks, they eat anything. Seriously, there's stories about him from the Wars and what he did to any Mexica prisoners.
C.: You mentioned caste, is it like back home or Hweituzdas?
O.: It's simpler, you've essentially got four groups. Ali'i who are like the chiefs, Kahuna who are like priests and professionals, Makaʻāinana who are the common people, and Kauwā who are the lower caste. At least... That's what the old dogs and books say, we've not really poked too hard there since the Cities took the place. Things could be different.
C.: The lower caste?
O.: Yeah, basically war captives and criminals, some say used for sacrifices. No way out of that caste.
C.: Not so different.
O.: I'm keeping my mouth shut and so are the others. Maybe telling them our castes would help, but I don't believe in that stuff and it might do bugger all anyway.
C.: Maybe?
O.: Not going there. Weird racial stuff.
C.: Fair enough, so why the alteration to the schedule?
O.: I'm just being cautious. I need a couple of weeks to teach people a bit of Hawaiian and the basics of kapu and I don't want any Lono related shit this time.
C.: Kapu? Lono?
O.: Kapu, the system of taboos; I know what they were when the Old Man arrived, they documented them pretty well, but that's fifty years ago. Mens food and women's food, how you address people, stuff like that. As for Lono... Well, the Old Man arrived at a time which was a feast of Lono. He's a pale white god and really important. If the timing is off and if we set off on Friday, we'd end up there on one of Lono's feast days, I think. Some of the rats might get ideas and take liberties.
C.: This is complicated.
O.: Yeah, it is, or it may be. Not entirely sure.
C.: What's the most difficult thing?
O.: What ranking we will have. Hawaii is pretty cut off, there aren't a lot of rules for visitors from outside the islands because there really aren't any. If they make us all kahuna, that would be dandy. If they make us ali'i, then it gets complicated.
C.: Obviously, we don't want to offend, but there are some things we won't go along with.
O.: Hells, I understand that. As much as I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be a huge culture shock for me and I've already seen some of their stuff, but there's some things which I won't accept as well.
C.: Are you comfortable with the main idea of this trip.
O.: I'm on board with it, Niujisland can't stay isolated forever. The old government didn't interfere much with you, the current one will likely interfere even less with their problems. A quick bout of borderline treasonn a small price to pay for stopping either the Tholes or the Japanese turning up one day.
C.: Officially, it is trade and contact.
O.: Like the Hauhkunoleiksflutt doesn't lust after Pearl Harbour.
C.: Well, if such an accommodation can be made.
O.: You might not like the price, but yes, I imagine it can.
C.: So what's the best thing we can look forward to? I imagine the islands will be really beautiful.
O.: Assuming your guys are as bad as sailors, you'll love the titty count. Most Hawaiian women will be topless and they'll probably all get laid if they want to.
C.: <blushes> Won't that cause problems with the... Kapus?
O.: It's actually one of the least awkward areas, or it may be, once we have our status determined.
C.: You mean the idiots were right.
O.: They probably over-egged the stories, but it's a very free and easy society for sex.
C.: Even now?
O.: Hell, I hope so. The Sheenish aren't Tholes.
C.: I think I'd better have a word with the Captain. We may need to make provisions for your onwards journey should half the company disappear for a few months.
O.: <laughing> Is there any more of that elk?
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