Kurskgunner's Alternate History Pt. Two

Kurskgunner · **Kurskgunner**

Alternate History II By: Kurskgunner

Part 2: The War of the Ports
1. New Theatres

The end of the Second Great War created a sudden vacuum at sea. Not only military vessels, but civilian ships also nearly vanished. After so long a time at war, nearly every ship headed for home port, and stayed there a while, as captains and crews returned to families.
But Soviet Bloc politics did not let the world catch its collective breath for long. Almost immediately, pressure was brought on leaders of oil rich eastern Indian Ocean provinces from nations rebuilding, as well as from the Soviet Union.
Stalin was quickly tightening his hold on the eastern European nations the Red Army had “liberated” and growing more difficult for western nations to deal with by the hour. Stalin’s suspicion that the Americans were buying friendship throughout the half of Germany they had conquered, with chocolate bars, was only confirmed when an “innocent” news film showed German children flocking around Americans giving out chocolate bars. New pressure was brought on the factions around the western Pacific, and Indonesia, for more shipments of chocolate to Russia.
At first, the increasing demands for oil, and chocolate, were met. Entirely because the factions were all working together, for the moment. But distrust between the factions ran deep. Different national boundaries, religions, and even long histories of fighting between the “tribes” within the various factions, meant that bartering military hardware for raw materials only increased.
Large areas of land was cleared and planted in sugar cane on many of the islands from Singapore to Australia. From the belt of jungle across India, to the Cambodian highlands new swaths of land was planted in trees that produce the cocoa nut for chocolate, in some places replacing rubber trees. A considerable number of plantations of cocoa and sugar cane grew side by side on quite a few islands around the Pacific. But the major production of both became centralized, as did the big processing plants to handle all the production.
At first, the only problem between the ruling factions was producing enough oil, sugar and chocolate to meet demands. After a little more than a year, that all changed.

2. The First Casualty of War

The truth behind the start of the fighting can never be known. All parties in the conflict published, broadcast, and continue to believe so much conflicting propaganda, that only the results can be measured against some kind of truth.
The island factions that had a great deal of sugar to move, as well as oil, found that there was a complication. The ruling monarchs of the islands, and factions, left a mess behind. First one died at sea, along with the only heirs, in a boating accident in a storm. Then another of the ruling monarchs died from complications of old age and too much money. ( It has been alluded to that the party had lasted eight days, before he was found dead in the bedroom by the women in the same bedroom. ) And the third and final act in the monarchy’s splintering occurred when rival heirs gathered some of that military equipment piling up, and turned it on each other.
Suddenly, no ship could enter several key ports or harbors. Not to pick up sugar or oil, and not to deliver promised payment (usually more of that unwanted military hardware that the western nations wanted to be rid of.), because all ships were being shot at.
It did not take long for the other factions around the Indian Ocean and western Pacific to panic, and start their own military forces gathering and moving.
First the navies gathered and tried to escort convoys of cargo ships into those ports where sugar waited to be loaded. Several rival groups of ships arrived at the same time, or close enough, that they too started firing at one another.
What finally became too much for the rival factions to bare, was the reported attacks by pirates on the shipping milling about, looking for a safe harbor to off-load, and pick up more consignments of sugar. For years afterward, various groups and governments claimed it was the communists from China (just now beginning to move in a big way against the Kuomintang governments.), or whichever rival country or faction propaganda could stir up the local populace. Only lately has enough evidence come out, that nearly removes all uncertainty. These were attacks actually carried out by the pirates roaming the area. So much military hardware piled up, stolen vessels and arms took years to miss. As time went on, nearly every faction tried to profit from the pirates one way, or another. The evidence now points to several island nations providing safe harbors, and a market for the stolen cargos.
At almost the same moment, all the involved nations and factions began full mobilization of their new found military might. Various western governments found that it was now necessary to send ‘advisors’ to expedite the training of ship crews, and newly drafted infantry. This is where the mercenaries suddenly showed up in large numbers. Ships had a bewildering mix of skilled and green crews, and even different language groups, within any given ship.
The naval conflicts were bloody affairs that saw a change in current naval wisdom. Because the air arm of all the belligerents was new and untested, air attacks were not the death of navies, as so shortly before. Instead, surface actions became the decisive means, again. History missed some of the most electrifying surface battles ever to be fought, because western governments, news broadcasters, and general populations were tired of war, and wanted to believe that a time of peace had settled over the world.
The biggest improvement came to ground forces. Unlike the western nations, the armored vehicles first used in ground operations had radios installed. Right from the start, ground battles were shockingly bloody as all sides threw armored forces head-on, at each other.
The first engagements studied here, are not the first occasions of fighting between the kaleidoscope of rivalries. Those first fights could not be documented nearly at all, because of the confused web of politics before the rivals sorted themselves out. Once clear lines of allegiances solidified, set piece battles became possible.
The first organized fighting was to secure uninterrupted supplies of sugar and oil from those areas where the monarchy had broken down into in-house fighting. The first naval battles were between mainland Asian factions trying to secure lines of commerce, and ports, while denying these to other factions. The unusual groupings of warships are what make these first sea battles so unusual, as well as bloody. The similar unusual groupings of armored equipment on land mirrored the sea forces, resulting in some unique battles between belligerents.

The following battle narratives were derived from recently discovered documents, unearthed from the long forgotten dungeons they were stored in.

********** Deleted NSA code 1343-38v***********

By: Kurskgunner

cealigh the MadScot · **cealigh the MadScot**

Headlines in the New York Times newspaper.
"Colombian Farmer improves the cocoa bean!"
AP Miami-
The mountain regions of Colombia known the world over for growing the best strain of coffee beans, with the best flavor due in large part because of the once highly volcanic activity in the area millinnia ago. Now has the best possible soil in which to grow the coffee bean and it appears... The Cocoa bean as well.
A local farmer, as it has been discovered, a graduate of Texas A&M, with a B.S. degree in Agriculture, and a Masters degree in Science from the University of Arizona, Juan Carlos Montoya Alvarez has improved upon the cocoa bean.
"What I have done is breed a hybrid cocoa/coffee bean. The result is a fast growing tree which produces beans all year round, and where the bean produces an excellent rich chocolate flavor with just a hint of coffee.'

'This region of the globe along the Equatorial ring of the earth, has proven to have the best possible climates and in Colombia's case... Soil conditions for growing certain types of plants. We have been growing coffee for generations now, and I believed that since the coffee and cocoa beans are similar types of plants, that I could somehow breed a hybrid. I believe that with all of the conflict in the East Asian areas of the world over supplies of sugar and cocoa beans, that Colombia is positioned to be a pressure relief valve so to speak. That is my hope anyway. Well not to mention providing a new source of export revenue for my Country"
This reporter has tasted the product of this new improved cocoa/coffee bean called "Cojave" (pronounced "Co-haav-ay") and to my surprise it is very good. I have tried it in the traditional solid bar form and in an enticing brew. Both of which are very delicious.

It is this reporter's opinion that Senior Alvarez has just revolutionized the Chocolate market. Senior Alvarez also states that the Colombian Agricultural Minister has agreed to establish considerable land acrerage for the "exclusive growing" of the traditional cocoa bean as well as the new hybrid.
The Secretary for Industrial development for Colombia has already dedicated close to 1/3 of the industrial capacity to the production of "traditional" chocolate and the new hybrid, and may request an increase in allocation depending on the demand.

Neighboring Valenzuela, Brazil, and Honduras, whom are all expanding their sugar cane crop productions, have entered into a number of "Economic Agreements" with Colombia as a Joint Venture enterprise. All participants have been very close lipped about the details of this Joint venture, and their Economic agreements.
Is it possible that there are new up and coming players on the World economic Stage??
Only time will tell.
-Cealigh macAoidh reporting for the Associated Press UK/New York/Miami

Dateline- Dallas Texas:
In an unlrelated story, Government officials in Colombia, Brazil, Valenzuela, and Honduras have sent representatives to the US, Great Britain and France to negotiate the purchase and building of naval vessels for their countries.
Brazil already has a notable fleet of it's own. Mostly hold overs from WWI that have been refitted and modernized for the recent conflict with the Axis powers, but with quite a few WWII era vessals also, in the Destroyer and light cruiser classes.
These were supplied mostly by the US but also some from Great Britain to assist with U-boat patrols and convoy escort duties. Colombia's navy consists of about a half dozen or so Fletcher class Destroyers, two Mahan class Destroyers, one pre-dreadnaught era Battleship once belonging to Great Britain, and two light cruisers of the Cleveland class and one modified Atlanta class cruiser.

According to the various representatives, and spokesmen from the affected countries, it is the goal of these countries to expand upon their naval assets in order to protect their shores, and to keep their ports open with a potent naval presence.
"My biggest concern is a naval blockade by Soviet Russia or Communist China, or for that matter any other country jealous of our position in the world market. I wish to prevent that from happening using what ever means necessary!" Said the spokesman for President Enrico Salazar Vega of Colombia, in a prepared statement for the press today.
_________________
The SCA: Just an excuse for getting dressed up in Medieval clothing and beat each other up with padded sticks!

Kurskgunner · **Kurskgunner**

"Private" cablegram to Caeligh macAoidh:
This office has recieved an unsubstantiated report of a large, mixed force of warships sailing towards Southernmost Chile. Stop.
Borneo factions deny knowledge of fleet, or destination. Stop
Can you confirm or dispell this situation? Stop.
Request immediate contact with home office. Stop.

London Times, Home office

Kurskgunner · **Kurskgunner**

(Not So Private Message)
A most worthy addition to 'current' news, C. macA.

Thanks tremendously!

K.g.

cealigh the MadScot · **cealigh the MadScot**

cealigh the MadScot · **cealigh the MadScot**

Kurskgunner · **Kurskgunner**

Indeed not mind.
The whole idea is to have fun with this notion of war over chocolate, and at the same time give all us collectors a means to use our acquisitions in some games.
In our group here, we added to the begining storyline after some battles at sea. None of this group here had such a neat idea to bring South America into the 'spotlight' of world chocolate events. Really a good one.
Now if we can just figure out what to do about that fleet 'rounding the Horn' just about now.....

K.g.

cealigh the MadScot · **cealigh the MadScot**

I was thinking Argentina would be a potential hot spot givin that they were pro German pre war and thruout to the end.
_________________
The SCA: Just an excuse for getting dressed up in Medieval clothing and beat each other up with padded sticks!

cealigh the MadScot · **cealigh the MadScot**

Private cable to AP wire NY,UK
Dateline: Colombia
Today Colombian authorities have confirmed rumors of a brief naval action just off of the Pacific coast line.
Colombian Naval spokesman Captain Jaquin Marquez stated that several destroyers of the PAC-FLEETCOM intercepted a submarine approximately 10 kilometers off the Pacific coast of Colombia. He states that several attempts to contact the submarine were made, all of which were patently ignored by the Submarine commander. Capt Marquez stated that one of the Destroyers suddenly came under torpedo attack and of the four torpedoes launched only one managed to strike the destroyer. Two other destroyers on location took the submarine under depth charge attack. After approximately an hour and a half of continuous action, the submarine was finally destroyed. The identity of the Nationality of the submarine remains a mystery.
Special divers will be sent to the wreckage to determine the Sub's Nationality and if there are any survivors still on board. A miracle if there are any, according to Capt. Marquez.
According to some confidential insiders, the submarine was spotted briefly running on the surface before crash diving at some point. And according to this insider, the sub had a very distinctive "Japanese" looking hull and conning tower to it. Of course this information is still speculative at the moment and is still un-confirmed at this time.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
_________________
The SCA: Just an excuse for getting dressed up in Medieval clothing and beat each other up with padded sticks!

Kurskgunner · **Kurskgunner**

This is the BBC:
Today, a 'very knowledgeable' American State Department source informed UPI and Times reporters that President Truman is not currently disposed to 'interfere' in a regional 'disagreement' in the Western Pacific region. The source added that current events in Berlin, and the Soviet occupation, is taking all the President's attention.
Parliment today refused to hear or debate a proposal from a MP concerning the economic situation, and worsening military situation, in the same Western Pacific region. One MP admitted to a BBC question later that only events in India are currently bringing a 'response' from England.
French officials confirmed that DeGaul will not allow French interests in Southeast Asia to be threatened with the current economic situation, or from civil unrest. No comment was made about departing French naval assets.
Several reports from the region were stronly denied from the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Uraguay and Paraguay, that any naval action has occurred anywhere near. The smoke and noise just over the horizon was only old coal-fired ships engaged in a salvage operation. Argentina and Brazil further denied that the overnight appearance of warships in their harbors were anything more sinister than visiting foreign ships. The anchored ships are not allowing any approach, and have not allowed any crew to go to shore, however. Leaving speculation only as to what is the real status of those ships. No national flag whatever has been observed on any 'visiting' warship, deeping suspicions.
Further reports from the South American region, of suspicious activity off-shore of several Pacific and Atlantic countries could not be confirmed or denied by the time of this report.
In other news ...

Excerpts and Report by: K.g.