TheShammySocialist

With the expansion and development of the Royal Marathi Army, with a mission to defend both the nations and her interests at home and abroad; this meant being ready for the potential of armed conflict. Being ready meant constant training and readiness drills, and that would be what the newly-constituted 1st Armored Division would undertake in the Thar Desert, one day after having a military review for the monarch's birthday. Combat readiness and arid condition exercises would pit both men and equipment against the sweltering heat and harsh sand of the desert, testing weapons new and old, as well as the spirit of the men and women of the RMA. The exercises would pit the armored and mechanized forces against a hodgepodge of motorized and mechanized infantry units drawn from various training and standing units in the first full-fledged large-scale exercises undertaken by the RMA. It would feature limited combined arms support for an armored thrust, simulating a combat environment where neither sides' air force had an advantage, but light scout helicopters would play a pivotal role in guiding and scouting breakthrough points and providing additional situational awareness. There would be a heavy use of artillery support, as well as light tactical air support from scout helicopters when and wherever possible. Lasting almost a total of seventy-two hours, the grueling exercises would be followed by an immediate debrief and classroom instruction on improvements to be made and implemented, and following that, well deserved R&R passes to the units that performed their missions the best. [center][/center] [center][i]Armored and mechanized units associated with the 1st Bengal Lancers plod through rough scrub-land somewhere in the Thar Desert RMAS Joint Services Reservation.[/i][/center] The exercises also marked the first introduction of tier one special operations forces to major exercises alongside regular RMA troopers. Utilized in a light infantry and elite scouting role, particularly during the night time, utilizing various modes of transportation, these forces proved critical in several engagements. They located minefield placements as well as called in pinpoint artillery on strongpoints that would have otherwise proved to be almost impregnable without accurate, well-placed fire, as well as helped identify ambush zones for advancing mechanized forces. The operators who served alongside the 1st Armored Division in its mock battles earned themselves the name "Sons of Yama", the deity of death. Although their unit designation is reportedly classified, which officially is the 556th Special Operations Regiment, they are known as the Blues and Reds, for their distinctive formal uniform and its alliteration to the colors of Yama himself. [center][/center] [center][i]A scout-sniper from the 556th Special Operations Regiment, suited up in camouflage while on maneuvers in a heavily brushed area of the Thar Desert.[/i][/center]

Santaji seemed to listen to Akiyama's words thoughtfully, before presenting a few lines, that were in general agreement with her. "There were some glorious achievements made by our predecessors in Cochin, but there were some grave mistakes as well. As you say, I'm quite attuned to celebrating the good times, and learning from the bad, and I'm sure that such a mistake will not occur again. The experiments that came after Cochin were ill-fated, and we can take our own lessons from them. I can only hope that my administration and reign be deemed worthy enough to be held in fond memory when my successors come to the throne, or whoever may lead these lands after my time had come and gone," he stated, looking out the window with a wistful smile. "Some of it isn't a matter of encouragement, its just a matter of means for some, they have the fervor and desire to follow their dreams, its ensuring they get the resources they need to pursue their goals. As much as some people like to preach that if you have the will to move forward and pursue your dreams, sometimes its simply a lack of resources and assistance in their lives that is keeping them from moving forward. Getting a post secondary education is a major aspect of that, many of the lower classes can't afford it, or pay off their loans, so they simply don't move on to what could provide them with the knowledge and skills to get a higher paying job. That's where the government steps in, and there have been several High Council meetings regarding educational funding and curriculum," Santaji said, in response to Akiyama's discussion about pursuing ones' dreams. "I have what I envision to be a long reign ahead of me, there will be much accomplished, and much learned during that time. And I will see this nation rise out of what it was, into something that it can be even more proud of," stated the Marathi, determination on his face. "How has Japan fared since its independent resurgence? I am quite sure that stability reigns, the Japanese martial spirit has always had a knack for organization and discipline. Two traits that I find to be of innumerable usefulness, as many of my High Councilors are a slave to such traits, for better or for worse."

As part of a show towards faith in the monarchy, and underline the role the monarch plays as commander in chief of the Armed Services, the High Council and District Representatives have voted to rename the Armed Services as a result. As such, the new monikers for the branches shall be as follows, effective immediately; Royal Marathi Army (RMA) Royal Marathi Navy (RMN) Royal Marathi Air Forces (RMAF) Royal Marathi Coast Guard (RMCG) As part of this change, RMN ships shall now bear the prefix "Royal Marathi Military Ship" or "RMMS", whilst all named RMCG ships shall bear the prefix "Royal Marathi Coast Guard Ship" or "RMCGS" as part of their name. [b]Private[/b] As part of its ongoing naval procurement and national shipbuilding strategy, orders have been assigned to various shipyards along the coast to put efforts towards developing Maratha's green water navy, along with its blue-water contributions. Specific vessel designs have been developed at a fast-paced rate, and approved by the High Council. Although quotas on the numbers of these vessels are not currently available, the numbers available will be notably "substantial". The largest and most notable of procurements for the RMN are as follows; [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A4meenmaa-class_minelayer][i]Stork[/i]-class[/url] Minelayer [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katanp%C3%A4%C3%A4-class_mine_countermeasure_vessel][i]Collector[/i]-class[/url] MCMV [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamina-class_missile_boat]CMV-1 Series[/url] Missile Boat [url=http://www.shipbucket.com/images.php?dir=Never%20Built%20Designs/Canada/JSS%20Merwede%20Shipyards%20Design.png][i]Reliant[/i]-class[/url] Joint Support and Green Water Command Vessel

The monarch allowed for the two Japanese representatives to step into the vehicle first, before he joined them, the convoy was quite large enough to host all delegates and their staffers comfortably. As they prepared to depart the airport, the Marathi would listen to Akiyama as she spoke, nodding carefully, and smiling politely as she explained her own point of view. He smiled a little grimly at the mention of Cochin, and took a moment to carefully choose his next words. "The Kingdom of Cochin has our respect for the time and effort spent building up the prestige and respectability of the subcontinent, unfortunately the game of geopolitics and the continuing back and forth chess game would be its downfall. Its unfortunate that Cochin fell, but like all Empires, there will always be a beginning and an end. All... [i]experiments[/i] have failed on the subcontinent since, and I am bound and determined to see that this one does not. This isn't an experiment in governance, for too long India has been without a voice on the global stage, its time to once again give it one," he stated, with a slightly grim, but determined look on his face. "I am glad that faith in my character seems to extend beyond my borders, I'll take it as a good omen for the future," he said, with a bit of a warm smile growing on his face. After a few more moments, the convoy started moving away from the curb and merged onto an access road that would give them quick access to main arterial routes that would help them navigate across the city at fast speed, avoiding snarling traffic for too long. "Much has changed in Pune and other cities since independence has been declared, since sovereignty was invoked. The feelings of every day people seem to have changed, optimism flows, the realism is still there, but there is much more optimism, and I think you can have one and the other, in this case. There are so many young people here who have dreams, and those dreams should be able to be realized, and I sincerely hope that the governance I, and my court can provide, will give them all a chance to realize them." At the security station, as the convoy began to move out, the atmosphere became much more excited, and Singh clapped his hands together at the Japanese agents' acquiescence to his offer. "Perfect. We're going to begin moving from here to the meeting site shortly, I can send you ahead with Agent Krishna if you'd like to be there before us? I'll be sending a signal to our team that is covering the secondary response to the meeting that you'll be joining them in a few minutes?"

Following a relatively routine landing at the airport, and traveling from there to the palace, the Royal Ambassador would proceed into a pagoda that he was shown to. During his arrival at the meeting location, he would take the time to admire the architecture surrounding him, and the quaint touches such as the lotus ponds and gardens that were contained in the palace grounds. He had little time to admire such, but it put him at ease being in a much more natural, simple setting. He would bow his head deeply when the Emperor rose from his seat and nodded. "Highness, I must extend my cousins' apologies in not being able to make the journey to Nanjing, affairs of state have kept him quite busy, with the nation being at such a critical juncture. I am Vijay Bhonsle, and I extend to you the warm regards of his court," he stated, in a polite tone as he stood before the Tianxian regent. "Thank you for your warm welcome." He would take a seat once it was offered to him, stating, "I'm very much glad that your nation extended a diplomatic missive to us soon after our declaration of sovereignty, as you have matters you wish to discuss as much as we do."

"I will take such smooth journeys as good omens," stated Santaji, "Shall we?" The monarch would take a position aside the Japanese Prime Minister as they walked towards a nearby exit, beyond which a convoy of vehicles could be seen waiting, their engines idling, a detachment of guards pacing around them, their heads swiveling in a hawk-like manner. "I must say that I'm glad that the beautification process for the airport was complete before you arrived, there has been much work to do, cleaning up our image as a nation. Part of that was improving the atmosphere and image of our airports, much of this terminal has been remodeled in the past two months or so," noted Santaji to his compatriot. "Maratha has seen much change over the years, stability of central governance remained the same; there was essentially none. It is quite depressing, especially to watch, while I was being educated abroad." Meanwhile, at one of the security checkpoints for the airport, Singh scrutinized Abe's personal card, after listening to his explanation of the situation, the look on his face cryptic and not easily read, his posture relaxed, despite the hype that the meeting had caused him and his fellow officers. "Given you are members of the Prime Ministers' security, I think it'd be appropriate if you're plugged into one of our details, I'm sure that you can provide adequate liaison duties with one of our response teams who will be overseeing perimeter and response duties for the meeting, at the venue itself?"

As the Japanese jetliner would taxi towards the skybridge, escort aircraft would buzz the airport, wagging their wings in a show of friendly airmanship as they passed by at low altitude. The moderately sized greeting party all stood behind Santaji as he waited for his Japanese counterparts to disembark, his hands clasped behind his back with a polite smile on his face. As the Japanese Prime Minister and her entourage began walking across the skybridge, the Ghorkas would bring their old drill rifles, buffed and shined so their wooden stocks shone in the bright lights of the terminal, to 'present arms'. Their famed knives glinted in the lights of the terminal as well, their ceremonial handles golden gilt. "It's an honor to be receiving you Prime Minister Akiyama, I appreciate your acceptance of our invitation to you and your delegation," stated Santaji, his posture a little stiff, but still quite warm either way. He was quite aware that probably the Japanese Prime Minister knew this would be his first state visit, and his experience with such matters were limited. Despite this, he was willing to undertake the task quite willingly, and as he trusted he would have a long rule, he needed experiences like these to hone his capabilities at being a statesmen, not just at home, but abroad as well. "I trust your flight was smooth and without incident to Pune?" he asked, with a polite smile. Meanwhile, the two Japanese security agents who presented themselves to the detail would have their credentials scrutinized by the special agent that they had presented them to. They would then be led into a room where well-dressed agents of the Special Protection Service were keeping tabs on the airport meeting that was already going on. One of the older men in the room would step forward to meet them. "Senior Agent Tanji Singh, I am in charge of the security of his majesty for this particular event. I trust you got the dossier that we provided to your government's security representatives? I was unaware that your government would be assigning liaisons directly to my team beyond your own security cordon for your Prime Minister," he stated, with a polite smile on his face as he addressed the two Japanese agents stepped up before him.

As part of the monarchy's progressive social policies, there has been several movements forward on the part of both Ministry for Health, as well as the Ministry for Education and Progressive Learning, some of them cooperative. With the country's hospital and medical centers united under the National Healthcare System or "NHS", there has been an increasing demand for doctors, certified nurses, and medical staff, which has been quoted as being in "dire supply". As a stopgap measure, the High Council issued a decree to assign military medical personnel to hospital staff, to ensure that current medical staff are not overwhelmed or cannot cope with demand. This is in response to a report underlining overworked hospital staff unable to perform their tasks at a satisfactory condition due to "an environment that lives and breathes fatigue into them". Additionally, as part of an initiative to gain more learned medical staff, the government also enacted measures to reduce tuition for medical related fields by as much as fifty percent, and have instructed private financial institutions to lower interest rates on medical related student loans. This is expected to ease the burden on the healthcare system, whilst measures to improve sanitation and promote healthy living and activities are to prevent hospital admissions. The Ministry of Labor has also instituted several measures to improve conditions in unsafe work environments, and heavily fine companies and corporations that promote unsafe work practices. It has been reported that in a two week period, several fines have netted billions of rupees into government coffers. It is hoped that promotion of safe work practices will gain industries and government money over the long run, in a reduction in disabled benefit payments and lost time accidents. Although many heads of industries have protested implementing such reforms in a "short period of time", most employers have been largely ignored by the government, intent on improving working environments. As part of government reforms to public education, into the secondary level, after much deliberation, a standard curriculum with targeted education goals for individual students has been instituted. Excelling over these goals to a certain standard, will earn students extra college credits, after entering the second year of secondary education, which could reduce time in the college classroom or earn them additional government scholarships. New curriculum changes will also put an emphasis on all subjects, but also allow students to pursue a variety of topics within a certain discipline as they develop a post-graduation plan of career. This allows flexibility to students who want to begin preparing themselves for post secondary education in their targeted field. Discipline fields are broken down and listed as follows; Humanities, Sciences, Maths, Language.

Both Santaji and his High Council would be quite delighted by the positive reply that came to them from the Japanese Prime Minister, who was taking personal charge of the visitation to Pune. As such, it was the Chhatrapati who would lead the negotiations from the Indian standpoint, it would be Santajis' first foray into the international diplomacy following his ascendance to the throne. Prior to the visit, he would be given information regarding Japan, and its government, along with its various ministers, as well as a dossier on the visiting delegation, to familiarize himself with his visitors a little bit. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry would work as a liaison service for the arriving Japanese agents that had arrived to organize and observe security preparations for the arrival of their Prime Minister. Primary security for both the visiting Prime Minister and the monarch would be members of the Royal Ghorkha Regiment, a handpicked unit of soldiers who were well known for their loyalty and dedication to the protection of the monarchy. Furthermore, elements of the Special Protection Service and Pune Metropolitan Police would be detailed for vehicular transit and protection. There was very little to worry about in Pune; religious strife was not prevalent, neither here, nor throughout much of the country, particularly after recent meetings between the monarch and religious leaders from prominent religious groups in the nation. In the interest of allaying fears and ensuring that the Japanese were well protected, security was ramped up noticeably for the visit, and precautions would be taken. Japanese agents would be made privy to secondary and tertiary evacuation routes and plans for responding to an unlikely attack. The Japanese airliner bearing the Prime Minister would also be afforded aerial protection as it overflew the county; a loose escort pattern flown by a duo of fighter aircraft would be covering the aircraft at all times. Santaji and his staff would await the arrival of the Japanese Prime Minister and her delegation at Pune, arriving shortly before the arrival of their counterparts, which would be cleared for immediate landing at the international airport. One of the terminals had been set aside for the arrival of the Japanese; which had been decorated elaborately with Marathi and Japanese flags. An honor guard from the Royal Ghorkas was on hand, wearing their distinctive wide brimmed hat with one cocked brim pinned up. The red carpet had been rolled out, and the Marathi delegation would be waiting patiently, with some excitement, at the end of the skybridge, for their Japanese counterparts making their appearance following their landing.

Following a particularly warm reception of well wishes from several nations, one of them being Japan, it was decided that the Empire would move to dispatch a letter to the Japanese nation. What the response would be, was unknown, but the invitation would be extended nonetheless. A courier would hand deliver the message to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, after traveling from Pune to do so.

Private After weeks of planning, the High Council would convene the National Defense and Security Committee for the first time, which would include individuals from across the defense and intelligence community. On the topic would be defense procurements and developments, as well as intelligence and counterespionage funding to be allocated. Presiding over the two day closed door meeting in a secure location in Pune, Santaji would prove to be a mediator between the various branches of the military, as well as the assigned heads of the intelligence community as they vied for funding. There would be several heated discussions on what procurements were more important than others, and the members of the intelligence community in attendance would object on several occasions that they would also need the funding as well. Although the annual budget would prove far from capable of covering all expenses, the Chancellor of Finances and Corporate Affairs would assure the council that targeted budgeting and spreading payments out over time would ensure that funding would be available for necessary ventures. After much debate and discourse over funding allotments and future procurements, the National Defense and Security Committee were able to commit to a allotment as follows; Marathi National Army 2.3 Million Combat Soldiers (1 Million are Tier 1 Reservists) 12,000 Main Battle Tanks or heavy armored fighting vehicles "A currently undetermined but acceptable" number of artillery, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles 2,500-3,000 Helicopters (all types) Marathi National Navy 4 Fleet Supercarriers 5 Guided-Missile Battleships 10 Amphibious Assault Carriers 10 Guided Missile Cruisers 45 Guided Missile Destroyers 13 Multirole Destroyers 45 Frigates (All types) 65 Corvettes (All types) 40 Submarines (Types Undetermined; Mix of Advanced AIP, SSGN, SSN) 42 Standard Diesel AIP Submarines 2 Standard Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN) 500 Carrier Borne Strike Fighter Aircraft (Mixed types) "A currently undetermined but acceptable" number of helicopters (Utility/SAR/ASW/SOF) Marathi National Air Forces 1500 Fourth Generation Fighters [Type(s) Undetermined] 3280 Advanced Combat Aircraft (Types Undetermined; Expected Mix of High Performance Stealth Fighters, Multirole Strike Aircraft, and Bombers) "A currently undetermined but acceptable" number of helicopters (Utility/SAR/SOF) "A currently undetermined but acceptable" number of support aircraft (Transport/EW/AWACS/XINT/CMA) Marathi National Coast Guard "A currently undetermined but acceptable" mix of High & Medium Endurance Cutters and Patrol Vessels "Large allocations" of small, short range prosecution and lifesaving boats "A currently undetermined but acceptable" mix of helicopters and aircraft for patrol, intercept, and SAR missions Additional discussions during the meeting included topics on orbital infrastructure development, as well as allocations for special forces planning and development, counterterrorism, and inter-branch and international cooperative training. Budgetary allocation for intelligence and counterespionage were undetermined, but it was noted that most members of the intelligence community deemed the sums discussed as "acceptable".

Following the invitation by Tianxia to open foreign relations with Maratha, it was decided that given the proximity of both nations, and the need for peaceful coexistence, Santaji would dispatch a diplomatic delegation to accept the invitation. Led by the Maratha monarch's trusted cousin, Vijay Bhonsle, the mission to Nanjing would depart Pune in the early hours of the morning for the flight to Nanjing. Appropriate flight plans would be filed with the proper authorities, in both nations, and much of the flight, for the diplomats, was spent sleeping, as most had been up late discussing the meeting in detail with members of the High Council. It would be mid-morning when the flight made its approach to Nanjing, and the onboard passengers would be roused shortly before landing, affording them time to prepare, appearance wise, for the meeting with their counterparts.

In the proceeding weeks following the coronation of Santaji as the sovereign ruler, the Empire has officially issued the invocation of the Marathi National Armed Services; which shall consist of the Marathi National Army (MNA), Marathi National Navy (MNN), Marathi National Air Forces (MNAF), and the Marathi National Coast Guard (MNCG). The Marathi National Armed Services were officially invocated at a celebration at Shaniwar Wada in Pune, where the leading commanders of all four branches were given their five-star ranks by Santaji, officially giving them charge over their branches of service. Released during the invocation was the mission statement devised by the Marathi National Armed Services; "The members of the Armed Services shall, in the interests of the state and the monarchy, uphold their oaths of service from the day of induction, until their day of discharge. They are the guardians of the subcontinent, the protector of all her people, no matter their lot in life, social standing or otherwise. They shall ensure the integrity of her borders and the sovereignty of the nation at large, and shall defend her interests no matter the cost or task." The newly-appointed commanders of the four branches are as follows; MNA - Field Marshal Suresh Naidu MNN - Fleet Admiral Rama Gehlot MNAF - Air Marshal Rao Singh MNCG - Fleet Commander Vijay Yadav

"The Maratha Empire expresses the hope that internal peace can be achieved in Sudan, and that negotiations between government and insurgent forces are fruitful and productive. We shall pray for a peace that can satisfy all." [I]Maratha Foreign Ministry Spokesperson[/I]

[b]In response to the American Commonwealth[/b] "The Maratha Empire thanks the American Commonwealth for their kind words and recognition on the world stage, indeed, it has been too long since the subcontinent has had any tangible representation. We invite the Commonwealth to establish an embassy in Pune, and send an emissary to the court of Santaji, and we will gladly dispatch an ambassador of our to establish a mission in your own capital." [b]Private Discussion at a High Council Meeting;[/b] Santaji, upon reading the statement from the DPRK at a council meeting, would receive a scoff from one of his chief ministers, "What kind of farcical state that is neither democratic, republican, or for the people, thinks they can threaten or poke fun at a nation for their well-earned name?" --- The Sudanese would be appropriated a diplomatic mission in the government quarter of Pune, located close to the Shaniwar Wada as well as conveniently close to the Foreign Ministry. The residence would be large enough to host appropriate support staff and the ambassador to Maratha, as well as office space for handling consular affairs for any Sudanese citizens that needed the assistance of their diplomatic mission in-country. Anant Gopalraj, a close associate to several individuals on the High Council, would be assigned as ambassador to Sudan, and was immediately dispatched to represent Maratha interests in the North African nation, along with an appropriately-sized diplomatic staff.

As the Maratha government began to establish and consolidate itself in Pune, which would serve as the capital of the vast Empire, it was imperative that national development and progression was prioritized and pressed forward with. To this end, it would be imperative that the new nation was attractive to foreign investment and trade growth, domestic trade and industry producing for such a market was hardly a sustainable tactic or way forward in the globalized economy. It was recognized that logistics and maintaining a steady flow of goods would be important as the state developed; and infrastructure, not only road and rail, air and sea, but communications and basic utilities would have to be improved upon. The subcontinent that Santaji and his loyal council and court representatives were handed was an amalgamation of disjointed logistics and uneven infrastructure condition and growth. In the days of stagnation, it had been up to individual regions and local leaders to maintain their lands, some had done so to a satisfactory level, others just didn't have to ability to do so, understandably so. To this end, no matter what the infrastructure existed, or what condition it was in, there was no exceptions taken that infrastructure would be brought to an acceptable level, and logistics improved to a level acceptable to modern standards. That meant tearing down derelict or unsafe bridges and building new ones, that meant rewiring large portions of the electric grid, it meant updating train timetables and improving upon existing ones. Even before the coronation had been conducted, the Maratha National Army Corps of Engineering was already spreading throughout the country, with its own personnel or contracted certified civil, utility, and structural engineers tirelessly inspecting all facets of the nations' infrastructure. Report after report would be filed back to Pune to be compiled and condensed into district-by-district work-ups of needed maintenance. The work that was needed was vast, but it would not only push forward the progression of the nation, but also provide endless amounts of jobs for those willing to throw themselves into the labor sector. Companies would have to be contracted, and trades learned, it would take much effort, sweat, and toil to bring the nation back to an acceptable level of modernization, but the steady hand at the helm knew this, and the course had been set. Almost immediately after the Maratha had ascended to power, tourism advertisement space began filling up in internationally-publicized magazines or airtime bought on various international television channels. The advertisements would encourage tourism to the subcontinent, underlining the great values available to those who visited, as well as illustrating some of the finer places of India. Shimmering sandy beaches and friendly faces would be plastered in the advertisements, while a crash-program of beautifying international airports that served the bulk of tourists would begin to take shape to facilitate return visitors and clean up the nations' run down international image. Locations like Goa and Visakhaptanam, or big metropolises like Mumbai, would be the premier targets of tourism, as the nation redeveloped its image as a prime tourist destination.

In a subdued ceremony that has rejected the lavishness of the traditional coronation of past and contemporary monarchs, Santaji has been crowned after a short ceremony in Shaniwar Wada, the traditional home of the Peshwa rulers in Pune. Attended by the High Council and representatives of all the provinces, it was presided over by a well known Brahmin, Jai Singh, who initiated Santaji as the Chhatrapati, the Paramount Sovereign of all lands. During the ceremony, coronation mantras would led by Jai Singh, holding a vessel containing the waters of the seven sacred rivers in India over the new monarchs' head. The practice was well-founded in tradition, and Santaji would elect to lead the ceremonies' participants in a prayer for good health and prosperity of the state, and for those who struggled through their lives. The prayer was ended with promises that these burdens would be eased, that the rise of the Maratha signaled change, paramount change that would change over a billion lives in an instant. Before and after the brief, thoughtful coronation, several representatives would express the hope to contribute to the rebuilding of the Shaniwar Wada, to restore the traditional stronghold and symbol of Marathi power. The newly-crowned king was said to have expressed the desire that the residence would indeed be rebuilt, and it would serve as his locale for holding court. The entire coronation would be televised for the benefit of all who desired to view the ceremony, and it has been noted that in several cities, celebrations would break out at the moment the new monarch was crowned. Along with the traditional rituals of coronation, there would be several letters and scripts read aloud at the ceremony expressing good wishes to the newly-crowned king. Many of them would be from the leaders of various religious communities, expressing the hope that Santaji's reign be one of religious tolerance and understanding, along with wishes of good health and a long reign. As one of his first decrees after coronation, Santaji's Prime Minister would announce that Marathi recognized the subcontinent as home to many religions and people who followed them. As long as he or his descendants ruled the throne, there would be no sectarian strife, no religious intolerance, only balance and harmony within all communities. Such conflagrations had no place in the subcontinent, or indeed the world at large.

With the announcement of the return of Marathi to the helm of power in the subcontinent, there was much work to be done in preparation for the coronation of Santaji to the throne. The move would effectively put the Marathi at the head of all governance, with representatives from throughout the Empire partaking to provide balance and equilibrium, such facets that would be needed when governing over such a wide array of regions and a large populace. Nevertheless, the Marathi had done so before, in a time when India was comparably populated, and they would do so again, with the same energy and prowess that their forefathers had before. When the call to independence had come, word had spread like wildfire throughout the lands of the subcontinent, there was an aspiring clan again, one that would lead the state out of the perpetual status quo it had been in for so many years. It was a promising glimmer that had brought many out into the streets in many cities, some proclaiming that Shivaji had returned, had embodied himself in the young man that bore his ancestral name. Prayers were said for good fortune in the coming years, for peace and prosperity as all began to lift their chins to the whispers coming from the winds of change in their world. Whilst many in the rest of the country celebrated and felt the air of jubilant fervor, these same feelings were much more subdued in the halls of the capital, where the heir apparent and his council were hard at work. Plans had to be made, policies had to be plotted and prioritized, much business had to be attended to, especially with the subcontinent being in a state of stagnation and self-perpetuating status-quo for so long. The men and women of the council would stay by the soon-to-be-crowned monarch late into the night over the first few nights after independence. They were faced with the daunting task of organizing and redeveloping the government and laying social policy that would shape the lives of over a billion people. So much had to be considered to be successful, but this was a reality that those who had taken up the call to leadership had considered before they even stepped out into the light. Santaji's coming had been in the cards for a number of years, it had taken much to consolidate his base of support, but now that he had it, he decisively was to wield it. The bid for independence, to gather the peoples of the subcontinent together, had worked, and it was with a sense of pride and diligence that he and his cohorts set forth to the task of organizing the country that would proudly bore the names of his ancestors. Furthermore, emissaries would be quickly dispatched around the world to begin establishing the basis of the Marathi diplomatic network, which would also help in the facilitation of international trade, an important aspect of growth that would be sorely needed in the coming years for the relatively stagnant economy...

"We thank you, Queen Lanying of Meihua, for your well wishes and recognition. We invite Meihua to send an emissary to the Marathi court, and we hope that you shall exchange embassies with our esteemed nation." "We thank Kazakhstan for their recognition and embassy invitation to our nation. We will certainly move to establish a diplomatic outpost within your nation as soon as it is feasible, and we certainly invite you to do the same."

[b]In response to Japan;[/b] "We thank the warm recognition provided to us by Japan, and their hearty words and wishes towards our future. We kindly extend the opportunity for your honorable nation to send emissaries to the court and establish an embassy within our borders." [b]In response to the United Kingdom;[/b] "We thank the recognition extended by the United Kingdom, and we welcome the opportunity to establish positive relations with British Isles. We welcome the UK to dispatch an emissary to the court, and establish an embassy in our capital, if we are allowed the same courtesy." [b]In response to Tianxia;[/b] "We thank the recognition that has been extended to us by our northeastern neighbors, and pray for these cordialities to continue. We will gladly accept the invitation extended to us to establish relations, and shall dispatch an emissary to Nanjing at a time most convenient to both of us." [b]In response to the Republic of Sudan;[/b] "We thank our neighbors from across the seas for their recognition of Indian independence, may our relations be cordial and positive in the coming years. We welcome the Republic to send an emissary to court, and construct an embassy within our borders."

Claiming present day India (including disputed Kashmir), Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as the Maratha Empire. Saffron color would be quite appropriate, if you could swing it, Cent.

[center][/center] [i]For too long, history has left us behind, the once proud subcontinent has shown little activity beyond the status quo for many years, history has been waiting to be written. Let those books begin now, the Sons of Shivaji have returned, the claims of the past be the claims of our future. Let all in the subcontinent cast flowers in the streets, let all children taste the sweetness of future. It was our duty long ago to forge a nation state, a nation state that saw its share of victories and woe befall it, but let these notes of history be a lesson, not a disgrace. As Shivaji heroically and masterfully crafted the independence movement that would lay the foundations, the rock upon which our nation sits upon now. We have returned to lead once again, to let all in the subcontinent taste the sweetness of prosperity in fellowship, under the wise guidance of those who have proven themselves before. This is our declaration of independence, this is our cry into the night of darkness and that of the status quo, a light shall be forged for all, we shall hold that light, and guide those who have fallen astray. We will return warm pride to the hearts and the minds, rekindle the flame of independence, stand on guard for those who cannot. The people of India now rise again in bliss as saffron banners shall fly true again, over Pune, over Delhi, over Mumbai, over Dhaka, let all celebrate the coming of prosperity and order. The Maratha Empire rises again.[/i] Santaji Bhonsle [i]Heir Apparent to the Throne of the Marathas[/i]

Classified As part of an closed doors meeting of the Enlightened Council, Naval Forces planners were able to unveil a plan that was acceptable to all council members present. There would be provisions for additional auxiliary ships in the future, which would be procured along with combat vessels, but all suggestions by the naval planners, with some exceptions and revisions made, would be voted into future budgetary planning. The Naval Forces' Sol Combat Fleet, that was approved by the Enlightened Council, is as follows; Five [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Nimitz_%28CVN-68%29]Illustrious-class[/url] Fleet Supercarriers Ten [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa-class_battleship]Vengeful-class[/url] Fleet Battleships (OOC: After 1980s Refit) Nine [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticonderoga-class_cruiser]City-class[/url] Guided Missile Cruisers (OOC: After late 2000s Refit) Sixteen [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atago-class_destroyer]Hero-class[/url] Guided Missile Destroyers Ten [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Zeven_Provinci%C3%ABn-class_frigate]Mountain-class[/url] AAW Frigates Eighteen [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax-class_frigate]Tribal-class[/url] GP/ASW Frigates Eight [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Astute_%28S119%29]Astute-class[/url] Nuclear Attack Submarines Twelve [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasp-class_amphibious_assault_ship]Resolve-class[/url] Amphibious Assault Ships Twenty-four [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MILGEM_project]Pursuit-class[/url] Heavy Corvettes Auxiliary vessels will include typical logistics and sealift vessels meant to extend areas of operations well out into the farthest of oceans, whilst also including vessels such as offshore patrol vessels, missile gunboats, mine warfare ships, and other variable support craft for inshore defense and constabulary missions.

In conjunction with the deployment of the 1st Heavy Works Regiment to the Falklands, the Naval Forces have publicly announced the deployment of the recently-trained 3rd Naval Assault Regimental Combat Unit to the islands as the first garrisoned ground force to rotate to the Falklands. Although it is unknown where these forces will bivouac in the islands, some units will be utilizing temporary encampments whilst barrack and support structures are being constructed. Grand Admiral Thommen Thierry stated in the decision by the Enlightened Forces, "Showed our commitment to protect these islands and her citizens as our own, and will provide a training opportunities for these forces to sharpen their skills and get acclimatized to the islands." It was noted that Falklands' District Chosen Speaker James Turney applauded the deployment, and hailed it as a "positive event that will bring additional economic activity to the island, through more military personnel visiting shops and local stores". Work at both Desolation Harbor and Hardship Point was moving along as planned, although slower at the latter, due to continuing rough seas and high winds that were hampering helicopter assistance for construction. Work on constructing a suitable pier and docking apparatus at Desolation Harbor was continuing despite frigid waters and the slow arrival of construction materials, some of which were diverted for work in the Falklands. Whilst waiting for materials, however, the engineering detachment has completed shipbreaking of several beached vessels along the waterfront at the old whaling station, and preparing any recyclable material back to the mainland. With elements of the 2nd Heavy Works Regiment having relieved them, the existing detachment of the 1st Heavy Works Regiment in the South Sandwich Islands have been redeployed to Falklands to join their parent unit. Detachment commander Field Colonel Michel Redrogen jokingly stated that the "rotation back to the Falklands was simply to allow for my boys and girls to thaw out their fingers and toes". The 1st Heavy Works Regiment's deployment to the South Sandwich Islands has been hailed as a success, with dozens of small warming huts built, and emergency supply caches laid, along with patrol location beacon stations set. The 2nd Heavy Works Regiment has reported an initial success in constructing a raised barracks on Thule, and has no plans to rotate home until the job is complete, despite dismal weather conditions. [OOC: Falklands/South Georgia/South Sandwich 4/7]

The first challenge to the Enlightened Naval Forces surfaced in the past forty-eight hours, after three cargo vessels transiting the Plate were attacked by small boats near the northern half of the estuary. Although no casualties were reported, some vessels reported into Dawnbreak with superficial damage, some of which included rocket propelled grenade blasts that dented hulls, as well as bullet damage to the superstructure. All reports state the attacks came from what were initially thought to be fishing vessels, only dropping such a disguise when the vessels closed to distance with the smaller vessels. In each case, all ships were ordered to halt and prepare for boarding action, but none heeded the call, and instead moved to slip away. In light of these developments, particularly along the anarchical coast of Uruguay, the Enlightened Naval Forces have begun patrols of the northern Plate to contest the waters to what the government is calling "isolated piracy incidents". It is well known that several strongholds are held along this stretch of coastline, by overlords, as Uruguay was not brought into the fold of Sol when the government declared its sovereignty. Whether these attacks are by followers of these individuals is unclear, but the Naval Forces is not taking any chances, with the deployment of the missile gunboats Cuirassier and Dragoon. These two ships would be supported by naval surveillance aircraft flying from Dawnbreak, which would allow for more territory to be monitored for possible threats. A maritime bulletin has been issued to all domestic and international watercraft traversing the Plate to avoid the northern side of the estuary if possible, and take a more southerly route if attempting to make port in Dawnbreak. When asked about the attempted piracy in a press conference today, Lord of War Zavelte stated that, "Unfortunately we have little information to go on to the intentions of these individuals, but I'm sure that within the next few days, these questions will begin to get answered. We can not, and will not allow both our own sailors, as well as the sailors of other international partners be harried by these individuals, and nor will we stay silent in the wake of these attacks." Cuirassier and Dragoon leave port in Dawnbreak in the early morning hours, to begin their patrol routes in the northern region of the Plate estuary.