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| Alexanderhaven-Caspian Pipeline to be built; Government looks for a partnership | |
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| Topic Started: Dec 5 2013, 11:44 PM (315 Views) | |
| Kasnyia | Dec 5 2013, 11:44 PM Post #1 |
Chairman of the Bank
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After the successful construction of the Railway and the business it had brought in the last few years, Patriarch Michael II had decided it was time for Alexanderhaven to cash in on the recent oil boom. The Royal City had vast reserves, and it had already begun to develop refineries and oil terminals in the Gulf. Now they needed to look north toward the Caspian and west toward Europe. That meant oil pipelines. Of course, they had also recieved a problem from their Aghaban neighbors, whose current economic freefall had made them desperate...and foolish. Foolish enough to make claims on the Royal City's oilfields off shore and near the borders. In his days as regent, the Patriarch would have simply manouvered around the troublemakers and use the opportunity to gain more friends in Aghaba. But this was no longer the case. The King's minority had ended a year ago. Michael II had thankfully managed to keep himself in charge of the day to day matters in the newly established office of Chancellor of the Royal City, but Tobias was becoming more and more at ease with the reins....and he was now intent on using this resource dispute as an excuse to make it clear he was the one making decisions now. To that end, he had ordered General Simeon Rajumann, head of the Royal Border Guards, to close all passage from and to Aghaba. The Patriarch did not particularly care for Aghabans, for they were a queer folk, but he did not like the King making Alexanderhaven's foreign policy so....active. For decades, since the founding of the royal city as the stronghold and staging ground of House Ribbenzoph's eventual reconquest of Kasnyia, they had followed Byzantium in all things beyond the borders. But Constantinople was in ruins and chaos. A new Emperor reigned, it was true, and Alexanderhaven would not betray or abandon it in its moment of weakness....but it would take some years, perhaps even decades, for Byzantium to find its strength again. And in the meantime, the Royal City would be adrift with no foreign policy at all outside of simple trade. Michael himself didn't mind that. Isolation was a time for introspection and rebuilding. The King saw it differently. He invisioned not only the reconquest of Kasnyia, as all his forebears had done, but also of the Royal City's own glory in the meantime. In what way, the Patriarch was unsure. And that was what frightened him the most. But he would have to think on this emerging paradigm later. For now, he had to build the pipeline. And for that, the Royal City needed a partner. He placed a call to the Prime Minister of Al Whaladya. |
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| Whal | Dec 6 2013, 04:47 PM Post #2 |
"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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The Emirate of Al Whaladya sat several hundred miles outside of the Royal City's farthest western jurisdiction. In truth, the closest Whaladyan territory bordering Alexanderhaven was not "Whaladyan" at all, but a part of the heavily contested region known locally as Kurdistan. Having originally sworn allegiance to the Whaladyan Monarchy of Faraz I following the formation of the Emirate not too long ago, the Iraqi Kurds had recently risen in religious rebellion against the Emir, and had their lands swiftly occupied by Whaladyan troops. The resulting occupation and continuing counterinsurgency had cost the Emirate dearly, and the country's reserves were desperately in need of a boost. The raising of taxes domestically had done little to refill the Emir's exchequer, and had squeezed the very life out of the Kurdish population within the occupied territories. Dissension and continued resistance towards the occupation continued un-exasperatingly, and more and more Whaladyan troops were needed to subjugate the Taliban, of which always remained a thorn in the Emir's side. Luckily, the assistance of foreign investment and interest from the Republic of Porcu had started a minor push in the right direction, as more and more Whaladyans began to see their infrastructure greatly improving. It wasn't enough to end the recession completely, however, and soon the Emirate was fishing for potential trading partners outside the Republic or Porcu, Grand Duchy of Marslava, and the United Libyan Arab Republic. In this regard, the call from the strange and quiet people from the Royal City had come much as a welcome surprise, as well as a peculiar overture. The infamous claim on regaining former Roman territory made from Constantinople had put many of the Middle Eastern nations on guard of Imperial aggression, and had severely tensed relations (what few existed) between the Emperor and the Emir. Thus, the call for partnership from Constantinople's most loyal vassal was met with hesitation. However, the Emirate was in desperate need of increased economic income and therefore had no choice, but to entertain the meeting. After all, the Emirate's retention of Kurdistan put its oil fields to Whaladyan use and could perhaps be used at the bargaining table. Indeed, it was no secret that the Patriarch desired more oil access, and this was something the Emirate could provide. Prime Minister Hassam, long feeling useless under the distrust of the Monarchy, was permitted to entertain a meeting between Alexanderhaven's representatives and the Emirate's own. Allowing the Royal City to orchestrate the meeting, Hassam agreed to meet them at a location to their pleasure. |
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| Kasnyia | Dec 6 2013, 05:53 PM Post #3 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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Grand Palace of Alexanderhaven 1454 hrs Three days later Patriarch Michael elected to meet with Prime Minister Hassam himself, leaving the King to discuss the Aghaban situation with his generals. "Mr. Prime Minister, good day," he remarked upon seeing him at the entrance hall, "I'm sure you are busy and my liege will require my services imminently so forgive me if I skip the pleasantries." Michael II brought with him a set of documents detailing the plan to build the pipeline to the Caspian. "We are aware you have some law and order issues in your territory that lies adjacent to the pipeline. We require you to keep them at bay during the pipeline's construction and operation, and we are willing to partner with you to ensure that your own interests are not sidelined by the endeavor." He knew he was being exceedingly blunt for a diplomat, but Michael was not one. He was a priest, and one who had once been used to answering only to the Emperor himself. Still, he figured these Muhammadans would be more appreciative of his demeanor more than his own foreign minister, he of the many thousand banquets for one piddly treaty, as had been the case with Aghaba. |
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| Whal | Dec 7 2013, 08:14 PM Post #4 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Prime Minister Hassam was surprised by the Patriarch's bluntness...pleasantly surprised. Ever since the Emir had made exchanging pleasantries between government officials, religious figures, and foreign dignitaries mandatory, complete with thousands of rules and regulations, the commoner was quite inclined to get straight to the point. Indeed, Whaladyans had always been known for being candid with their dealings anyhow. However, despite Hassam's initial predisposition too Micheal's tone, he was still wary of being taken advantage of. Even though, his country was still relatively young, it was not "born yesterday", and Hassam would need more information surrounding the pipeline and its benefits to the Royal City before he pledged the Emirate's support. "Your excellency, rest assured the Emirate has the situation within Kurdistan completely under control", Hassam responded as the two walked down the hallway. "While I can promise you that your endeavor through Whaladyan territory would be properly protected, I must admit his majesty, Faraz I, is not completely sold on the partnership. Therefore, I must request additional clarification as to the exact route of the pipeline, its economic benefits to yourself as well as to the Emirate, and how it is to be administered before I can assure you of our co-operation." |
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| Kasnyia | Dec 8 2013, 01:19 AM Post #5 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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"The pipeline will be through our corridor to the Caspian. You need not worry about it being constructed on your own soil. However, we require expertise as Alexanderhaven has not built an oil pipeline of this length before. The King has instructed me to give you a percentage of the profits in exchange for your help in running and designing the pipeline. Alexanderhaven will profit from the rest." |
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| Whal | Dec 8 2013, 07:48 PM Post #6 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Hassam scratched the beard on his chin. The Emirate surely had the means to provide more than enough technical support for the pipeline's construction, but he wondered whether a more lucrative deal for the Emirate could be worked out. "Very well, your excellency", Hassam replied. "The Emirate's Greater Mesopotamian Oil Company can provide all the expertise your technicians will require to construct this pipeline. However, if i might be so bold as to ask whether the Company may also be allowed to construct their own pipeline's in a parallel fashion to your own? The Emirate has long desired greater access of it's oil market to the sea, and such an opportunity appears to have risen here". Hassam finished with a clever smile. |
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| Kasnyia | Dec 8 2013, 08:06 PM Post #7 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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"You may, but then you would also be required to share in the defense of the pipelines as well. Our military has other priorities and cannot be tied up in the corridor." ---------- Meanwhile, in Alexanderhaven King Tobias IV was meeting with General Rajumann. "Is the map ready, General?" asked the King. "Yes, Your Majesty," with that he unfurled the map. Posted Image "We will seize Aghaba within a week. It's army is of low morale and substandard training. Nevermind that it's economic crisis has affected the number and quality of it's equipment, still mostly Dominion surplus. The question is, are you sure, sir?" "Yes. They have defaulted on loans to us and their people keep illegally entering the realm's lands. It is time to seize the initiative. Begin." "Yes Your Majesty." --------------------- Five hours later, Alexanderhaven began it's invasion of Aghaba. |
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| Whal | Dec 8 2013, 08:35 PM Post #8 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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"Excellent", Hassam said smiling, "The Whaladyan National Army is heavily stationed within Kurdistan and should easily be adept at protecting the pipeline." Just as the Prime Minister had finished speaking, and aide approached him with an urgent message. Excusing himself from the Patriarch to speak privately with the man, Hassam was graciously waved off and showed into a private room. Once inside the man informed the Prime Minister that a nuclear blast had been reported over the Turkish capital of Trebizond, and that the Foreign Ministry had already released a statement. Additionally, Hassam was made aware of a military build-up outside of Aghaban territory. Reports indicated that the troops were being organized within territories under Alexanderhaven's jurisdiction. Hassam nodded, and then dismissed the aide before returning to the Patriarch. "I apologize for that, your excellency", he stated, rejoining the Patriarch. "I have just been alerted to a terrible terrorist attack against the Confederate capital, among other things. Unfortunately, the terrible nature of these events requires that I temporarily return to Al Whaladya. However, is there anything pressing you wish to discuss?" |
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| Kasnyia | Dec 8 2013, 09:42 PM Post #9 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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Only that we begin as soon as possible. In the meantime, we must both tend to the horrible tragedy in Trebizond. |
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| meh | Dec 10 2013, 01:19 PM Post #10 |
1st Lieutenant
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OOC: Hmm, I'm wondering if someone should support those poor Kurds... :gnarkgnark:
Edited by meh, Dec 10 2013, 01:35 PM.
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| Whal | Dec 10 2013, 02:08 PM Post #11 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: By all means, Meh. Go right ahead :gnarkgnark: |
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| Kasnyia | Dec 10 2013, 03:07 PM Post #12 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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By the end of the week, the eastern enclave of Aghaba was under the control of the Royal Army and about half of the western enclave as well. They were meeting some resistance in the western most provinces, but it was localized and would soon give no matter to Alexanderhaven. ------------ In the corridor, the pipeline began it's construction. |
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| meh | Dec 10 2013, 06:42 PM Post #13 |
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1st Lieutenant
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The Finaa Order of the Republic of Salik had a long standing history of using orphans as their primary recruits, raising them from youths into some of the most formidable special operation forces in the modern world. These orphans were drawn from the Salik population, as well as those from surrounding countries. Thus, it came as no surprise that many Kurdish nationals were part of this esteemed brotherhood, and such a Kurdish division was easily established. ---- The small convoy made its way unchecked through the poorly secured Semitistan territory in the North, evading what little security that was in place. The trucks were abandoned and burned near the Whaladyan border, and the division set out on foot into Kurdish-Aghaban territory. The collapse of the Aghaban government had strengthened the Kurdish power there, although the political and tribal divisions were still an inherent problem. It was here that the Finaa division would set up its base of operations, organizing and supplying Kurdish militias for raids on the pipeline and the Whaladyan occupation. The division, dressed casually for the region, entered a village just south of the Whaladyan border, and requested a talk with the village elder. |
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| Whal | Dec 10 2013, 07:15 PM Post #14 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: The pipeline is being constructed inside the corridor to the Caspian, meh. It sounds like you have deployed men near Aghaba and the Caspian corridor, am i right? IC: The technical supplies and support promised by the Prime Minister had begun making their way to the construction sights. These convoys were not simply utility vehicles, but highly armed and armored columns of military vehicles in dispersed among equally the armored supply trucks. The Whaladyan National Army was personally responsible for the defense of the convoys, and would routinely patrol the many outlying villages, hamlets, and open roads throughout the surrounding area. It was quiet for now, but the Taliban had learned from their mistakes. They would attack eventually..... _______ The foreigners who had entered the small village were viewed with suspicion. They wore local garb, were undoubtedly Kurds, but still seemed "off" to the various armed men who watched them whilst awaiting the elders. Eventually, a small group of 8 men emerged from a large mud building to speak with the group's leaders. Their allegiance to either the Taliban or the Whaladyan's remained unknown. |
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| Kasnyia | Jan 30 2014, 06:58 PM Post #15 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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Since the nuclear strike against Trebizond, security forces near the pipeline had been extra wary. As one of the last countries to be liberated from the Dominion, Alexanderhaven had been particularly shaken by the events. Still, they were taken by surprise when several explosions occured all along the pipeline. OOC- Just moving this along. |
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| Whal | Jan 30 2014, 08:48 PM Post #16 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: I hear you ^^ IC: The Whaladyan security forces sent to guard the pipeline's construction had enjoyed a relatively easy time. In fact, the only action reported by Whaladyan troops thus far had been a misunderstanding between a relatively green patrol and an unfortunate party of Semitistani emigres. Mistaking the travelers for Taliban insurgents, the patrol had fired high explosive rounds from a BTR into the crowd killing most of them instantly. The survivors were quickly treated and then sent back the way they came. All together, Whaladyan intelligence considered the pipeline project a rousing success. When the large portion of the pipeline did erupt into flames however, the security personnel quickly fanned out in all directions and searched for the culprits. A rather embarrassed Colonel sent a telegram to Dayr-az-Zawr, who rather quickly sent an apologetic telegram to the Royal City requesting an audience. |
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| Kasnyia | Jan 30 2014, 09:07 PM Post #17 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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King Tobias IV granted the audience, but he was irate. "What happened?!" |
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| Whal | Jan 31 2014, 03:36 PM Post #18 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Prime Minister Ali Hassam's second trip to King Tobias IV's court was less friendly than the first. The regent of the Royal City was spitting mad, and he had every reason too be. The Whaladyans had been tasked with protecting the pipeline and had allowed blatant sabotage to slip right below their noses. Hassam was at a loss for words and could only explain a couple of theories that the GFID, the Emirate's intelligence service, had suggested as likely occurrences. "Kurdish supporters, rogue Gasselists, anti-monarchists, there are multiple factions which could have executed such an attack", He stated apologetically, "We even have to conclude the possibility of internal sabotage. Is there anyone within the Royal City who wishes this pipeline will fail?" Edited by Whal, Jan 31 2014, 03:37 PM.
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| Kasnyia | Jan 31 2014, 03:43 PM Post #19 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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OOC- Tobias IV is the King, not the regent. IC- "No," said the King thoughtfully, "This was a popular project for my people. I'd add Aghaban partisans to your list however. And then I'd suggest you expend every resource to find out who is responsible. The Royal City shall provide you with whatever help you need, but the responsibility falls on your government." |
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| Whal | Jan 31 2014, 09:58 PM Post #20 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: Oops, sorry. I was confused by your relationship to the Roman Empire. IC: Hassam was eternally grateful and extremely embarrassed. "You are most gracious, your Majesty", he responded. "Although, rest assured that we will not be needing much from your end other than the occasional intelligence report. This was mostly our mistake and therefore it will be our responsibility to figure it out. We'll shall be in touch." With that Hassam left for his homeland. Much work would be required of the GFID to apprehend those involved in the attack and a lump formed in Hassam's throat when he contemplated what that meant. A lot of innocent people's lives would be interrupted and ended before this fiasco ran its course. All he could do was pray. In the meantime, however, the Whaladyan National Army began searching the pipeline for clues. |
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| Kasnyia | Feb 13 2014, 07:41 PM Post #21 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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There was another explosion, this time at the pipe's terminus on the Caspian coast. Local guard units were able to pursue the perpetrators in time to kill a few and capture one. OOC- Yes, this is a bump. |
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| Whal | Feb 14 2014, 01:02 PM Post #22 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: Gotcha. Do you have a specific outcome in mind? If so, you can PM it to me. IC: A second audience with the King was neither warranted nor was it pursued by the Whaladyan government. With the explosion at the Caspian terminus, the Whaladyans were now under some serious pressure to uncover the truth behind the attacks and they acted with ruthless and complete efficiency. Within hours of the attack, hundreds of GFID agents began working in tandem with the local forces; knocking on doors, arresting any believed collaborators, and extracting information. The single known culprit and others apprehended after the second attack were viciously interrogated by the GFID at the notorious Whaladyan detention center at Hamzi. Barely clinging to life, the captured man revealed his identity as a members of an Aghaban bred separatist organization called the Aghaban Unity Militia. The group's aim was the expulsion of the invading Alexanerhaven troops, as well as the disruption of their Whaladyan economic partnership. The attacks on the pipeline appeared to have confirmed the facts. Almost overnight, the GFID started what it does best - establishing quasi local police groups to assist the Whaladyan army. The following days saw the apprehension, torture, and execution of many believed collaborators and members of the AUM , regardless of whether or not they were a part of the group or not. The hope was such measures would deter future attacks; the results of which had yet to be seen. |
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| Kasnyia | Feb 15 2014, 04:21 AM Post #23 |
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Chairman of the Bank
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OOC- Playing it by ear. Following your lead vis a vis the Kurds. |
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