Thanks guys for all your encouragement. Well the computer is fixed so I can get back to the AAR. Incidently I have to change to motherboard (burn a hole in my pocket)...
Well I will let you guys have a nice re-introduction back into the story before this AAR picks up its pace.
P.S : I lost the website address for imageshack (upload). Can someone let me know the address?
From the Army Barrack of the 1st Cavalry Division
Major Timmy van der Linn
Dear Father,
How’s your back? Pardon me for not writing to you these last few months. I am rather preoccupied with the preparation for my next assignment. You see, the General has chosen me to represent our nation in an officer exchange programme with Britain. That means I would have to leave for Sandhurst in a few weeks time.
For the past few weeks, I have been subjected to a crash course in English and numerous espionage techniques. Yes, you read it right, my visit is not as plain as it seems. Of course I loathe the idea of spying even though the General has assured me that this will be the last of my priorities but as a soldier I am bound by my oath and fidelity to the Army. As you always say, ‘We have to do what we have to do”.
My visit to the Intelligence office is not a memorable experience. The officers there are not friendly and helpful at all. Of course, you remember the irritating Major Anwar I mentioned in my previous correspondences. Well, tempers flare a few times in our brief encounters. In fact, brief would be an understatement. The supposedly briefing took some 2 days to complete. I gather the Major just want to have the pleasure of harassing me and show his superiority in his field. Luckily for me his superior detects our rather non-amicable relationship and relieves him of his ‘coaching duty’. From that point onwards, it was smooth sailing. I just hope I don’t have to put my new learnt skill to use. Somehow I feel the Major has not forgotten the Lier’s incident. I suppose it would be prudence for me to watch my back, accident can happen anytime.
Since your retirement, have you been following our country development? Just in case, you are busying tending your gardens or milking your cows, let me bring you up to date with the latest development.
The Prime Minister has continues his predecessor expansion plan in the Far East. Several new colonies have been claimed. Central Polynesia and Southwestern Melanasia were added to the Empire on April and May 1883 respectively. Almost went unnoticed, the government has also hasten their investment in Africa. I hear it would not be long before we can make a sustainable claim on Cameroon. At this rate of expansions we are bound to infuriate the Brits at sometimes in the future. I personally think while this may be unavoidable, it would be a more appropriate course for us to delay this as long as possible for our real enemies in the continent has yet to be subdued. We don’t need their help but we sure don’t want them to interfere as well.
Last week, I have the pleasure to striking a rather meaningful conversation with one of our supposedly brightest officer from the diplomatic corp. It seems that Prime Minister Krompkamp is courting the friendship of the Germans and a five year alliance may be sealed by end of the year. I was flabbergasted with this piece of news. With the German territory claim on Emden and Lingen yet to be resolved, I find this development rather interesting. With the aid of a few glasses of champagne, my new found friend let the cat out of the bag. He told me if one can’t be friend then the only reason two persons can be together is for mutual benefit, i.e common enemy. Looks like the next war would not be far from now.
Of course it would not poses a problem for the hungry Germans but our nation has yet to recover fully from the last war with the French. It would easier for the French to replenish their estimated 300,000-400,000 losses but the same cannot be said about us. True our losses have been considerably lower. The General has revealed to me our losses are in the region of 150,000 but with our economy in full swing it would be suicidal to recruit our most productive farmers and traders to the force. Again our only alternative is to look east. Thankfully there is abundance of willing villagers ready to pledge their life to the Empire. This remarkable phenomenon can only be attributed to the wise colonial management system implemented by the Prime Minister. Over the years, the government has invested huge amount of money in building railroads and better infrastructure in the Far East. Military and civil schools are erected at break taking pace and education is free for the colonists. You do remember Hassan, my good friend from the east; well he is the best example of soldiers from the east; kind, brave and loyal. I am fortunate to have him as a friend and I hope it would be fine with you and mum that I shall be inviting him over during the Christmas festival.
Oh, you and mum should come and visit Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You would be awed by what you’ll be seeing. Trader ships lining to enter the ports. Bigger factories then you can ever imagine producing valuable goods for the Empire’s usage and trade. Our glorious nation’s treasury is in the best state ever. With the money generated we are able to invest and subsidize great projects such as the recent construction of the canals in Amsterdam and the great sewage clean-up.
As you can read, I am typing this letter using the old Remington typewriter you bought me. Yes, I have fixed it though with some difficulty; finding the right master to repair it is not an easy task here. Perhaps it would be easier in London. With my horrible and illegible handwriting, this machine is a god sent gift.
I have to go now. My friends are making noises now. They have been quite patient waiting for me outside while I typed this letter. I promise to write, type more regularly once I settled down.
Your loving son always,
Timmy
