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’Allh!”
“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.
This post has been edited 2 times, last edit by "Earl822" (Sep 24th 2008, 9:58pm)