WesWorld

I will post here the day by day account of the build up to and events during the Coronation of Queen Bethanie of Coldmere.

Feel free to comment on any of the stories, and let the chaos commence.

N.B. All events are created using my own interpretation of the information provided.

Dusk, Royal Palace, Coldmere

Queen Bethanie of Coldmere walked out onto the small balcony attached to her Appartments in the Royal Palace. From here she looked out across her City, Coldmere to the sweeping waters of the bay beyond.
In the fading light she could just make out the small coastal trading ships that often plied in and out of the harbour. Soon, she thought, they will have little space to sail as the Navies of the World descend upon the small Kingdom to pay tribute to her. Yes, in but a few days now her coronation would take place, and she would then review the representative vessels from all over the world.
With only a few days to go, the preparations were nearly complete, once more 15 years on from his last visit the Great Japanese Flyer, Oonishi “Crash” Manzo was really the only cause for uncertainty. Every tall building in the city had spotting posts on them, and many surrounding the Palace, and the Catherdral had light Anti-Aircraft positions on them. In the Ice-Pit, the punters were already placing their bets, the odds for Manzo hitting the KS Lord Helmbart had already fallen to 2 to 1 favourite as many punters favoured his last landing point. Though technically impartial, the young Queen favoured that the imfamous flyer would likely try to land on the wrong seawall, and ditch his plane in the harbour.
Ah, the Sea wall, along side the only ship in Coldmere’s Navy, the aging destroyer KS Lord Helmbart. Along the newly lengthend and widended wall, a Lufthansa J-52 totered on the evening flight to Berlin, while another belonging to a Nordish firm prepared to depart for Stockholm. At the North end of the wall, where it met land, the Hangers of Gothia Works and of the RAC (or the Royal Airforce of Coldmere) stood, their glass gleaming in the receeding light. Outside the RAC hanger 2 flights of Nordish Saab Orkan Fighters stood, ready for action at the first sight of Manzo.
Tommorrow both the Nordish & South African Royal Families would arrive, along with the great ships of their fleets. First the Queen would meet the Nordish Royal Family, a family to which she now belonged, and then, at the harbour, she would greet the King of the South African Empire, and his family. From there they would go up through the city to the Royal Palace, where two of the World’s Greatest Royal Families would meet together for the first time in many years. The preparations for the Garden Party were ready, she had checked them personally, and the many rooms in the palace needed for her many guests had also been checked. Now, as her Husband the Prince Consort, Prince Gustav of Coldmark & Nordmark came to join her on the balcony, the sun set below the horizon, and the lights of the bars and casinos lit up the sky. Smiling gentley, and realising her need of sleep, Queen Bethanie of Coldmere left the view she loved, and went to bed, knowing that there was still much to be done.

Sun Rise, Royal Palace, Coldmere

Queen Bethanie stirred, the sunlight streaming through the gaps in the curtains. Outside, spread down the hills below the Royal Palace, the casino Owners were just starting to tidy up from the previous nights business, and the men of the KS Lord Helmbart were preparing to fire the old ships boilers.
As the Queen looked out of the window, 6 Sopwith Odin fighters of the RAC swept up the runway on the seawall, and took off into the rising light to form a CAP against Manzo, the first line of defence. Looking back at her husband, still blissfully asleep, she steeled herself, sat at the dressing table and rang the bell for her lady in waiting; it was going to be a long day.


Same time, HNMS Gustav V, Skagerrak 60nm from Coldmere.

“Dawn Captain.” His Majesty King Carl XVI Phillip of Nordmark observed as he stood on the Bridge of his Navies most powerful Battleship. “Yes, your Majesty.” Captain Anders Grenstad replied dutifully, “Doesn’t the fleet look well this Morning?”
“Yes it does Captain.” The king replied, his naval jacket displaying many medals and ribbons. All around the Gustav V, the ships of the Nordish fleet attending the coronation review were spread about. In line ahead behind the Gustav V came Royal Yacht Desideria, and the Kings gift to Queen Bethanie, the newly rebuilt Coastal Battleship Bombarsund. Flanking them were the Battlecruisers Manligheten and Tapperheten, and following them came the Battlecruiser Den Norske Love. Behind her came the Carrier Falk, with 2 the cruisers Molde & Lillestrøm flanking her. On the Starboard side of the fleet steamed the 1st Cruiser Squadron, the Heavy Cruiser Stockholm leading the Light Cruisers Lund, Malmo & Kritiansand, while on the Port Side of the Fleet, the 5th Cruiser Squadron of the Kongsberg, Sandviken & Uddevalla. Ahead of the Fleet came the 8th Cruiser Squadron, the Kiruna leading her sisters Kuopio and Savonlinna. Further out steamed the 6th,7th,8th & 10th Destroyer Flotilla’s, along with the 4th & 8th Escort Flotilla’s.
As the King returned his gaze to the bridge, Admiral of the Fleet, Tobias Hysén walked up to him and reported. “Your Majesty, request permission to order the fleet to turn to the North at 12knots and sail into Coldmere.”
“Permission Granted.” The King replied smiling at the Admiral, “And send this to the fleet: ‘We represent Nordmark, all men not needed to sail the ships to line the rails as we enter harbour.’ ”
“Yes, your Majesty.” The Tobias said, daring to return the King’s smile, “Signal man, make to fleet…….”


7am, Dojno Polje Airport, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

“What’s that!”
“Run for it!”
“It’s him, open fire!”

[SIZE=4]CCCRRRRRRAAAASSSSSSHHHHH!!!!!![/SIZE]

“Fire Crews!”
“Look, he’s getting out!”
“Why’s he got a map?”
“What’s he saying?”

Minutes latter a roar erupted and a Saab Stavenger of the Yugoslavian Airlines fleet took off into the light of the morning.


8:30am, KS Lord Helmbart, Coldmere Harbour

“Nordish Fleet in Sight Sir!” The anonymous Port Lookout Shouted.
“Acknowledged. Guns, prepare to fire a 21 gun salute.” The Captain stated plainly, furrowing his brow, he continued “XO, instruct the AA gun teams to keep their eyes skinned.”
“Aye Aye Sir!” His XO replied, already proceeding to carry out the orders.


8:45am, HNMS Gustav V, Coldmere Bay.

“Flags, order the fleet to slow to 5knots, and proceed to docking positions.” Admiral Hysén instructed, “Also, prepare to fire a 21 gun salute for Queen Bethanie.”

Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom.

“Flags, dip the ensigns!” Admiral Hysén stated, running his flagship like a well oiled machine. “Tobias, would you bring us in alongside the harbour wall and dock.” Admiral Hysén didn’t have to look round to know who had made the request, he knew his King’s voice anywhere. “Yes, your Majesty. Officer of the Deck, bring us into dock alongside the harbour wall!” The old Admiral stated
“Aye Sir!” The officer of the Deck replied
“And it’s a pint if you can dock her bang in line with the red carpet!” The Admiral Hysén added, inducing a slight smile from the King, still standing on the Starboard Wing of the Bridge.


9am, Battleship Berth, Harbour wall, Coldmere Harbour

King Carl XVI Phillip of Nordmark, accompanied by his wife, Queen Sofia made their way down the gang plank of the Battleship Gustav V, before them Queen Bethanie of Coldmere, and her consort, Carl Phillip’s brother, Prince Gustav was smiling. As they reached the bottom of the gang plank, the band struck up the Nordish National Anthem, and the flags of both Nordmark and Coldmere ran up the masts on the Battleship. When the band finished, Carl XVI Phillip walked up to his sister in-law, and kissed her hand. Then, with great splendour, Queen Bethanie returned the complement, and returning to face him, said “Welcome again dear Carl.”
“Thank you my dear Bethanie.” Carl replied, “I have a present for you.”
“A present for me, you are too kind.” Bethanie said, blushing slightly.
“Not at all,” Carl replied. “Your present is the Bombardsund, I have had her refitted to act as your new flagship, and royal Yacht.”
“I am truly grateful. Now if you will, once your Yacht is docked, we shall go up to the palace.” Queen Bethanie said, now blushing profusely. At that moment, a flight of Navalised Sopwith Odin Mk4’s from Falk roared over head.

Half an hour latter, the Entire Nordish Royal family was making its way up through the winding streets of Coldmere, up to the Royal Palace.


10am, Manzo target booth, The Ice Pit Casino,

“Here Look at these odds Freda!” Johan shouted to his wife, “14 to 1 Manzo will land on the Falk, 8 to 1 he gets the Royal palace, or even 2 to 1 for the KS Lord Helmbart.”
“I know!” Freda replied “I prefer that he’ll try and put it down here! That’s 5 to 1!”
“We better make our minds up.” Johan replied obviously nervous.
Just then a smartly dressed Indian Gentleman walked up to the Kiosk. “The Rana wishes to bet that Manzo will land on the South Sea wall at 13 to 1.” He stated.
“Certainly sir, how much would the Rana like to bet?” The young clerk replied.
“100,000 rupees! Cash!” The Indian Gentleman replied. Placing a large pile of bank notes of the desk. The Clerk’s eyes lit up, and she willingly issued the slip, working out her commission as she counted the notes.
Coming up to the booth after the Indian Gentleman had left, Johan smiled and said, “500Krone on the South sea wall!”


11am, Royal Palace, Coldmere

The combined Royal families of Coldmere, and Nordmark stood talking, surrounded by various royal children running around madly. In the centre of the room stood King Carl XVI Phillip of Nordmark, and his brother, Prince Gustav of Nordmark, Prince Consort of Coldmere. Suddenly the 6 year old Princess Henrietta, (Carl’s 2nd Daughter) ran between them, chased by the 8 year old Prince Oscar, the eldest son of Carl’s Cousin, Prince Erik, Duke of Västmanland. Carl XVI Phillip smiled, and then pulled his younger brother out of the way as his 1st Daughter, 10 year old Princess Victoria ran past, followed by Queen Bethanie’s 7 year old niece, the Princess Josephine. A messenger approached Queen Bethanie, who was seated on a sofa with Queen Sofia of Nordmark. “Yes?” Bethanie asked.
“Vessels of the Royal South African Navy have been sighted 25nm out your majesty.” The Messenger answered. “Thank you.” The Queen said, waving him away. “Gustav, Carl, our South African cousins are nearly hear.” She stated. With that, Prince Gustav, and King Carl XVI Phillip made their way across the room, and joined Queen Bethanie, Queen Sofia also stood up, and they prepared to make a move towards the door, the young children keeping on playing as if nothing had changed, though Carl XVI Phillip’s eldest son, the 11year old Prince Haakon made his way with a telescope onto the balcony.


12:30pm, Flag Bridge of the RSAN Imperator, Coldmere Bay

The aging William I looked out across the Flag Bridge of his navy’s newest battleship, to his right, the Commanding officer of the South African Fleet stood strictly at attention. Looking to his left he could see the RSAN Ophion, he knew that on her bridge, his oldest Great Grandson, was conning the veteran Battleship into harbour. Ahead, the saluting guns on the RNNS Gustav V and the KS Lord Helmbart barked out 21gun salutes. Around the Imperator & Ophion, William I could see the assorted smaller ships of his fleet. As he turned back to face the flag bridge, a flight of Mercury fighters from the carrier RSAN Forge flew over the top, adding their number to the already impressive anti-Manzo CAP. Behind him stood Queen Anna-Sophie, supported by the Prince Regent, she smiled to herself, soon her many Grand children, and Great Grand children would be meeting their Nordish cousins for the first time in many years.


12:45pm, RNN FAA Sopwith Stork transport, 50nm east of Coldmere

“How long till we reach Coldmere pilot?” The old man asked
“About 25minutes sir.” The young pilot replied.
“Thank you. Keep us on course, please ask the radio man to inform Coldmere of our approach.” The old man requested, his military tones coming forth.
“Yes sir!” The pilot said.
“Please don’t call me sir, I’m retired!” The old man stated, slowly moving himself further into the cockpit, revealing a chest full of medals.
“Sorry Herre Berg, I will ask the radio man to inform Coldmere of our imminent arrival.” The pilot said, smiling
“Thank you.” Herre Berg replied, also smiling to himself.


1:05pm, Battleship Berth, Coldmere Harbour

King William I of the South African Empire was piped ashore onto the pier at the Battleship Berth of Coldmere harbour. In front of him stood both Queen Bethanie of Coldmere, and King Carl XVI Phillip of Nordmark, Queen Bethanie wore a serious, and dutiful expression, Carl wore a large smile. Each curtseying/bowing deeply as King William and his Queen reached the bottom of the gangway, Queen Bethanie addressed him, now smiling warmly. “Your Majesty, welcome to Coldmere, it is my honour to have you here in my Kingdom.” She said, offering her hand.
“Thank you, my dear.” William replied to her, “And I assure you the honour is all mine.” With which he stooped, and kissed her hand.
Stepping forward, King Carl placed his right hand on William’s shoulder, and stated. “For me, it is an honour to see you again.” Almost shaking his head, William looked straight into Carl’s eyes and said softly, “I pray that we will not dwell on the events that have scarred our pasts, but look to the future which we can shape for our Great families, and our Great Nations.”
“Well said, my King.” Carl Phillip replied softly, but in a voice that Bethanie could hear. Queen Bethanie, showing a slight smile, stepped forward once again and with all the finesse of a Queen stated. “It would honour us both if your family would join our families at the Royal Palace for lunch.” Smiling broadly, and having received the accordance of his Queen, William looked back to the young Queen and stated, “Of Course, please lead the way.”
As Queen Bethanie led King William to the car, a single floatplane landed, and drew up next to the North Breakwater. From it stepped the greatest Naval Officer in the history of Nordmark, the man who had influenced the world, and the man whom King Carl XVI Phillip of Nordmark trusted like a brother.


1:30pm, Ice Pit Casino, Coldmere

“The Forge, Imperator and Ophion! You’re Sure?” The manager asked down the phone. “Ok list Forge as 18 to 1, and the Battleships at 12 to 1! Yes 12 to 1, I know their big, but that just means he has more space!” He slammed the phone down. For him, just the Nordish fleet was causing consternation, but with the combined fleets of the world’s nations, no-one could tell what Manzo would hit. He puffed his cigar and looked out of the window onto the casino floor, where the pit boss was busy chalking up the new odds, betting was getting busy, and while most favoured the Lord Helmbart, people were placing money on nearly every option, only the Rana seemed certain where the famous pilot was going to land this time round.


2pm, Royal Palace, Coldmere

The Great Banquet hall of the Royal Palace of Coldmere was very busy, in the room stood, sat or ran the members of 3 Royal Houses, at the head of the room, William I of the SAE sat in a reclined arm chair, while next to him, sitting more upright, King Carl XVI Phillip of Nordmark listened intensely as the older King described his journey up from his Kingdom. At points around the room, various younger members of the royal houses discussed the recent South American War, in which several SAE royals had served.
The Crown Prince of the SAE, sitting about 10 feet from his father had the young Prince Haakon in revered silence, as he passed council from one heir to another. On the other side of the room, sat on a comfy sofa, Queen Anna-Sofie of the SAE smiled widely at the view, turning to face Queen Sofia of Nordmark who smirked in return, saying “The Crown Prince seems to have achieved the impossible, making my son sit still.” Queen Anna-Sofie kept smiling, thinking to herself about her eldest son when he had been younger, and replied. “Stillness is a skill that comes with age my dear, your young son will learn it yet.” Taking a sip of her tea, she turned to see one of her Great Grandchildren, a 13 year old princess, just sitting, watching the young Prince Haakon. Laughing she turned back to Sofia and said, “It seems that your son has caught the eye one of my Great Granddaughters.” Sofia looked in the direction the older Queen was indicating, noticing the fixed stare, she too chuckled. “Better not let young Haakon know, he will blush.” She replied, stifling a laugh.”
In another corner, hidden from the Queen’s view, Herre Berg stood talking with a guard. The old sailor was there at his King’s request. “Manzo was reported in Yugoslavia this morning sir.” Herre Berg stirred, he had faced German guns in WW1, but they did not frighten him anymore, the thought of Manzo getting nearer to Coldmere was more concerning. “Very well Major, I advise that the CAP is strengthened starting tomorrow morning.” His old, supposedly retired military tones came to the fore as he issued his orders. “I wish to tour the AA defences, please arrange it. Now I have an appointment with the Admiral in command of the SAE warships here.” Herre Berg, though old, swiftly slipped away from the palace, taking the time to walk through the streets.


4:25pm, Remote Airfield, Turkey

“Oh No, its him!”
“Allah help us!”
“He’s landing, I think he wants fuel”
“In šha’All
h!”
“What’s that rubbish he’s shouting?”
“I don’t know, just fuel the plane and let him go!”

30minutes later, the slightly worse for wear Saab Stavenger took of again, its infamous pilot now heading west.


6pm, Coldmere Harbour

Chaos reigned as the Atlantean Fleet, led by the Battleship Philomedes arrived in the harbour, and anchored. At the same time, a rather impatient Irish Squadron composed of the Deirdre & Eithne skirted in between the large ships in order to reach their pre-assigned positions.

10pm, RAC hanger, Coldmere Airport, Coldmere

The murmurs of voices speaking in English, Nordish, and Dutch reduced as the door to the office opened and the commander of the RAC, Group Captain, Adrian Berg walked out. Signalling for the assembled pilots to sit, he started to speak. “Welcome everyone. I do not wish to let formalities delay our briefing so any questions before I begin.” Looking around the assembled pilots, no one put up a hand or spoke up, so returning to his notes, he carried on. “Good. Now we have components of the RAC, RNAF, RNN FAA, and RSAFAA here with one common purpose, which is to ensure that Manzo does not manage to hit anything important on his eventual arrival in Coldmere.” A few murmurs bobbled up, but subsided at the movement of the Group Captain’s hand. “Intelligence states that Manzo left Belgrade at around 7:15am this morning, and unconfirmed reports have him landing, and refuelling in Turkey at 4pm this afternoon.” Pausing for a breath, he continued unabated, “Manzo is known to be now flying a Saab Stavenger transport, though it is likely he will replace this before he arrives here.” Turning he unveiled a chart showing Coldmere, with circles drawn on it. “The more powerful Orkan’s and Mercury’s will patrol further out, while the Odin’s and Vikings will be positioned above the harbour and royal palace, though these positions are also covered by large Flak batteries. All radio communication is to be in English or Nordish, and always fly in pairs. Any Questions?” No hands were raised, and content that he had conveyed his message Group Captain Berg dismissed the pilots.

9am, Drawing Room Terrace, Royal Palace, Coldmere

King Carl XVI Phillip puffed gently at his pipe, savouring the smell of the smoke. To his left sat a man of whom he was in awe, King William I of the South African Empire sat watching the ships that lay at anchor in the sheltered anchorage. “What time is the German Fleet exepected Carl?” He asked, not breaking his gaze out across the city. “Sometime latter today I believe my King.” Carl replied respectfully, “The Persian warship building at Karlskrona, the Venidad should also arrive today.” He added, echoing his midshipmans reporting voice, long out of practice. “Good. We shall have a perfect view from here.” The old King observed, placing his telescope to his eye, he sqinted, and then looking puzzelled turned to his younger companion. “Whose ships are those coming in?” Carl stood up, and looking through his own telescope, sqinting. “3 identical Battleships, each mounting 6 main guns!” he stated, “It must be the Iberian Luna Class Ships.”
“Good!” William stated, I must make time to view them from a closer position while they are here.


10am, Bridge of the RNNS Gustav V, Coldmere Bay.

The Bridge door swung open, and before the officer of the deck could open his mouth to state “1st Herre retired on the Bridge!” the entire bridge staff were at attention. Waving his hand for them to stand easy, Herre Berg returned the salute, and strode purposefully to the front of the bridge. Having reached his chosen position, he performed a perfect about face, and began to address those before him. “My Men, this ship is the flagship of the Nordish Navy, and in a few days will represent it, and you to the entire world.” Pausing for emphasis, he maintained his stance, slightly couching, he continued in his speech, “This said, you are also a fighting ship, and if it comes to it, I want it to be this ship to be the one that shoots Manzo down. Till that eventuallity, I advise rotating the watches between preparing the ship, and shore leave, with the firm message that they must behave themselves in the upmost. That is all.” Clicking his heels, Herre Berg proceeded to leave the bridge.


11:32am, Macchi factory, Italy

SCCCCRRRREEEEEEECCCCCHHHHHHH!
[SIZE=5]CCCRRRRRRAAAASSSSSSHHHHH!!!!!![/SIZE]

Less than 15minutes, and lots of frantic shouting latter and a signle Macchi C.200 roared into the air. One engineer who had tried to stop the imfamous pilot/hijacker fell from the wing at 20feet up and broke both his legs. The plane simply roared off, heading south east, much to the chargin of the men on the ground.


2pm, Coldmere Bay

The crowds watching from the docks cheered as the CB Von Der Tann slid into the harbour, followed closely by the CVT Otto Lillienthal, the heavy cruisers Graf Spee and Prinz Eugen and a clutch of destroyers including the DL Paul Jacobi. As the Von Der Tann accepted tugs to help her dock, the now regular flight of fighters roared overhead, buring up yet more fuel in the defence against Manzo.

Minutes latter, the brand new Persian TB Venidad entered the bay, leading Isfahan and Azerbaijan. From the bridge wing of the first cruiser a rather entusiastic Admiral Bayandor, the commander of the Persian Navy waved back to the crowds.


5:20pm, RAF Hal-Far, Malta

“Gordon Bennet!”
“Cor Blimey, the Bloody Italians weren’t jokin!”
“Action Stations!”

SCREEECH!

“Blimey, he’s landed!”
“I wonder what he could be after?”
“Hopefully, just fuel and directions!”
“Sergent get him fueled, pointed in the right direction, and out of here quick!”
“SIR!”

45minutes latter, the supposedly indestructable pilot was off again, this time flying north west. Happy their job was done, the RAF ground crews radioed home with the report, and went back to their card game.


7pm, Ice Pit Casino, Coldmere

“Ok, put the Otto Lillienthal down at 20 to 1, how he’d hit anything that small I’ll never know.” The manager slammed the phone down hard, grabbing his whiskey class from his desk he knocked back a full measure. Cursing as the phone began to ring he simply turned to see the ever growing line at the Manzo target booths, many sailors from the ships just arrived in harbour were loosing well on the tables, it would be another good night.

10pm, Royal Coldmere Dockyard

The floodlights swamped the dock in light as dozens of workmen srambled all over the tourist submarine. The owners had received thousands of Krone in payment for private trips by various officials from Governments near and far, all wanting to get a closer look at the ships anchored in the bay. Now the challenge was preparing the 15year old boat for intensive sailings. For the last 5 years she had only sailed 3 or 4 times a year, and for the last year had been drydocked for repairs, now the dock was being filled, and the boat prepared for service in the morning. The Dockyard foreman looked at his watch, it was going to be a long night.

8:15am, Royal Palace, Coldmere

Queen Bethanie walked slowly out onto the balcony, and surveyed the view before her, in the early morning light, she could see the American Battlecruiser Lexington being guided into her position by Nordish tugs, while the Bulgarian Pre-Dreadnought Varna was made fast at the seawall ready to discharge the Tsar & Tsarina latter in the day.
Looking nearer to the Palace, she could see workmen putting up bunting, and fixing flags to the buildings along the route she would take from the Palace to the Cathedral & back. Looking over her shoulder, she saw her Husband, sitting up in bed, already eating breakfast, tearing herself away from the view, she went to join him.


11am, Royal Coldmere Dockyard

After a mammoth superhuman effort, the tourist submarine sublimely slipped its moorings, and entered to open bay, before submerging, with a party of Nordish & German naval architects on board. Standing there, smiling was the owner of the Ice Pit Casino, who had bought the submarine 15years ago, and was now realising its true benefit.


11:45am, Champ de Mars, Paris

“Merde!!!!!!”
A roar was followed by the sight of a fighter carrying Italian Markings, pursued by 2 French fighters charging along the Champ de Mars at tree top height, Moments latter the inevitable happened.

[SIZE=5]CCCRRRRRRAAAASSSSSSHHHHH!!!!!![/SIZE]

When the dust had settled, a Japanese voice was heard from halfway up the Eiffel Tower, swearing.
Within minutes the infamous flyer was being escorted off, with the Japanese ambassador to France having been summoned to explain.


12pm, Coldmere Harbour

Herre Berg stood and looked, almost in awe at the Battleship before him, HMS Saint Vincent, which was anchoring in its allocated spot, while HMS Anson & HMS Duncandrew along either side, looking spotless, a painter already over the bow of the Duncan touching up the paint work, a task not aided by the some of the Irish sailors on the Deirdre throwing eggs at the ships.
Further down the bay, 4 Identical cruisers slowly manoeuvred into position, the Polish Zloty Lew, and Bialy Lew, and the Romanian Dacia & Constanta. As they drew to a stop, the Admirals Launch from the Gustav V drew alongside to take off the assorted VIP’s ready for transfer to the land.
Alongside the harbour wall, at the Battleship Berth, the Danish Royal Yacht Dannebrog was being made fast, and Prince Consort Gustav of Nordmark & Coldmere was waiting to Greet their Danish Majesties, Christian X and Alexandrine as they disembarked.
Pulling himself away from the view, he set off for a local Inn, where his nephew had suggested he tried the local crab.


1:30pm, Coldmere Cathedral

The Teams of workmen worked carefully, yet quickly as they prepared the great cathedral for the ceremony, now only just over 24hours away. Just below the alter, the Great Oak Throne was being cleaned, and decorated with the first harvest fruits.
Overseeing everything thing, from his position, perched up in the organ, the Royal Purser was checking and double checking the details for the second coronation in his time of service to the Coldmere Royal House.
Sighing heavily, he turned to face the young man who was tugging on the tail of him jacket. Before him stood one of his assistants, who owing to the fact they had been ordered into the crypt to find some items, was now covered from head to toe in fluff and dust. The old man chuckled, and with only a slight rebuke sent the young lad off get cleaned up.


3:25pm, Paris Airport

Everything seemed to be going to plan, the Infamous Japanese flyer had been escorted aboard the Lufthansa flight to Coldmere, and the plane was now awaiting its other passengers.

Sadly that was not to be the case.

Suddenly the pilot was seen to be jumping clear of the aircraft as the engines roared, running across the grass alongside the runway. Just before it got off the ground, a Japanese flag unfurled from the cockpit of the Ju-52, and then the plane wound its way skyward.


5pm, Coldmere Harbour

The slightly hunched figure of a senior naval officer stood on the dock looking out on the bay as the Russian Battlecruiser Izmail Anchored a mile away, while the Fast Armoured Cruiser Admiral Makarov was conned into it’s position without the aid of any tugs.
“I Thought I would find you hear old friend!” Came a familiar voice from behind him.
“You’re Majesty, it is an honour that you would want to see me.” The old naval officer turning himself round, and pulling his old frame fully vertical.
“The honour is mine Herre Berg.” King Carl XVI Phillip’s voice was kind but serious, looking out at the horizon. “I have a job which I would like you to take.”
“I am at your service my King.” Herre Berg said, bowing his head.
“That I know dear friend.” The King replied, “My friend, I wish you to become the new head of Naval Affairs, reporting directly to me.”
Herre Berg, temporarily was silent, and during that silence he turned to see the Chinese Heavy Cruiser PRN Zunyi slowly making it’s way up the harbour while further away, the distinct shapes of the Japanese fleet was starting to enter the harbour. Turning back to face his King, Herre Berg made his mind up, and spoke “It would be my honour to accept this position in the service of my King.”
“Good, Now might we go for a drink!” The King said, smiling.
“Yes, your majesty.” Herre Berg stated.
With that, the two men entered the King’s Car, and drove into the city.


7pm, Coldmere Airport

Hundreds of Press photographers swarmed as the Former Shogun of Japan stepped from his aircraft, and at the same time, the present Ruling Monarch disembarked from the battlecruiser Tachibana.
In the centre of the crowd, Queen Bethanie of Coldmere stood to welcome her guests, and in front of her, thousands of men lined the rails of the visiting Japanese Fleet.
Overhead a flight of A6M’s roared by, circling in preparation for landing back on the Carriers Soyru & Chitose.
Having greeted her guests, Queen Bethanie led them to the cars, and the entire group then moved through Coldmere up to the Royal Palace, which by now was literally teeming with guests.

Further out in the Bay, the Yugoslavian Cruiser Yugoslavia anchored and 2 intelligence officers boarded her with information ‘acquired’ from the Italian Embassy in Stockholm. While anchoring nearer the Nordish ships the Chilean Battlecruiser Valparaiso and her squadron including the Armoured Cruiser Captain Tylor were looking spectacular in the evening sun.


8pm, Manager’s Office, Ice Pit Casino

The Arrival of the Japanese fleet had given the manager a headache, a whiskey head ache. As soon as 1 watch had been granted shore leave, 1500 Japanese sailors had descended on the Casino to place bets on where their favourite pilot would land.
As Far as the poor Manager could work out, most of them favoured the Soyru, with a few preferring the Bridge of the Lexington.

Then there was the other worry, other than the Rana, and a very small number of other bets, nearly no one fancied the southern breakwater, and as he knew Manzo had a tendency to hit the long odds.


9:30pm, Tower Bridge, London

A roar broke the normal noise of an evening in London; suddenly policemen were urging people to run for cover as a Lufthansa Ju-52 airliner bore down on the bridge and as it got nearer a Japanese flag could be seen flying from the cockpit window.
With a Crash the wings were ripped off by the southern arch, and about the centre of the bridge, the plane stopped, and a Japanese man climbed out, all shortly before the bridge started to open, dropping the remains of the plane into the Thames.
Shortly afterwards the man asked a policeman for directions to RAF Hendon, and then promptly drove off in a cab after the driver had jumped clear after recognising him from a picture in the paper.

10pm, Royal Palace, Coldmere

Queen Bethanie looked out across her city as the dusk descended and smiled, tomorrow was the day which she had been preparing for her entire life, and yet it still seemed so far away. She could hardly believe that in a few short hours time she would be officially crowned Queen and that at that moment, she would fulfil her destiny to be the ruler of Coldmere.
Still smiling at the thought, she chose to retire to bed, for she knew that she must sleep if she was to perform faultlessly tomorrow.

Enjoying it so far

Quoted

Originally posted by Earl822
A painter already over the bow of the Duncan touching up the paint work, a task not aided by the some of the Irish sailors on the Deirdre throwing eggs at the ships.

Oh, they are so totally grounded. I can't take them ANYWHERE these days!

I get the impression that Manzo's destructive flight over Europe will overshadow the whole Review.

Tower Bridge... he has tried it again... and failed again!


IC: Japan sends appologies to all nations and will pay for all the damages that Manzo has caused.

Quoted

Enjoying it so far

Thanks

Quoted

I get the impression that Manzo's destructive flight over Europe will overshadow the whole Review. smile Tower Bridge... he has tried it again... and failed again!

The most worrying thing I have is that he is presently piloting a London cab!

That would be like the Taxi cab scene in the movie King Kong (Peter jackson version)



....without King Kong in the scene.

depends whether or not you believe the fact that driving in London is akin to being in combat.

Great job !!!!!

Can´t wait to get more!

Type faster!!

Very good job. Very interesting.

The Polish and Romanian VIPs are King Andre Poniatowski, General Sikorski, and Foreign Minister Jozef Beck. The Romanian delegation is headed by King Carol II, Prime Minister Ion G. Duca, and Foreign Minister Nicolae Titulescu.

<sigh> At least Luft Hansa didn't have a Ju-90 or an Fw-200 in Paris at the time, Ju-52s are more easily replaced!

Nicely Done Earl

Manzo-centric mania with a dash of yugoslav intrigue.

Quoted

Originally posted by Earl822
8:15am, Royal Palace, Coldmere

Queen Bethanie walked slowly out onto the balcony, and surveyed the view before her, in the early morning light, she could see the American Battlecruiser Lexington being guided into her position by Nordish tugs, while the Bulgarian Pre-Dreadnought Varna was made fast at the seawall ready to discharge the Tsar & Tsarina latter in the day.

Two small corrections: while the Varna is old, she's actually the old SMS Helgoland, the fifth German dreadnought battleship; not a predreadnought. Bulgaria used to have a predreadnought (the Sofia) which has been retired and scrapped to crew the new CLs and some other ships.



Second, I believe the Bulgarians refer to their queen as 'tsaritsa', not 'tsarina'. A minor quibble - I think it might be tsarina in Russian. Just not in Bulgaria.

doh, will edit those in a while.

A bit disappointed that the GW present the pink Type 110 wast mentioned....

oooh forgot that, will mention it latter on. Have written 2 pages of August 24th and have only got to 8:45am. Plenty to go.