Bregir

This is absolutely fantastic, Captain Dee. The absolute epitome of the Department of Time! If this is how it looks in the colonies, how enormously huge it must be in Belson! (Especially considering the name! ) The tower looks fabulous (although I would have suggested some cross-beams between the four sides), and that bell is just great. I think I like the white detailing. The four wings of the complex are looking great too - there is obviously a lot of administration connected to the keeping of time, it being a serious matter for civilised people! I think the description is very good too - and love how you reference other builds and characters in King's Harbour! It always helps tying our world together. Lastly, the gardens are looking great too - very orderly and Corlander-like. King's Harbour is well on its way to greatness, largely due to your great work!

First, before someone gets all tied up in knots about the use of "space marine technology" in the form of a so-called "steam engine". What I have depicted here is a parallel to Thomas Newcomen's atmospheric steam engine, which was invented in 1712 and in widespread use during the 18th century. (And the explanation of its operation is quite close to reality, I should add) The steam engines most people think about are Watt's double acting steam engines which powered locomotives, ships, etc. This one neither have the sort of power, or the ability to create fluent circular motion necessary for such applications. So I really don't think it is outside the scope of BoBs in this form. So don't worry, Corrington will not be launching railroads and steam-powered Ironclads next! Thanks. Garm - the process description was a two line description Ayrlego found somewhere, which led to all this. I too enjoy the process builds by other builders here, and its really fun to build too. I am also looking forward to the rest - have only seen some WIP shots, but I think more will come soon(tm). Thank you, professor - builds really come to live when some sort of "functionality" is built into them, rather than just being a facade or storehouse. Thanks BD, and don't worry - no steam powered tanks coming your way, as explained above Thanks, Captain. The gears works, although the last connection to the waterwheel isn't coupled. (My waterwheel wasn't strong enough to be agitated too much). Process builds are awesome! Thanks, sir. I did my best to ensure the whole factory had a nice finish. And while I never thought about cleanliness, you have an excellent point! It is consumables after all! Happy you like the story too - I thought a guided tour was a good way to explain what was going on in a more interesting way. Thanks, Kai - You will learn more about the whole process when my colleagues post theirs. Mind you, this is just cocoa, the end product being cocoa butter and cocoa solids. We have already talked about building a chocolate factory next, though, to use the outputs of this one.

ETTC cocoa grinding and pressing plant opened in King's Harbour. 64x64 part of the ETTC Royal Cocoa Factory.

ETTC cocoa grinding and pressing plant opened in King's Harbour.

In the outskirts of King's Harbour, construction work had been going on for some time. So far, its exact nature had been unknown, but a few days ago the ETTC announced the imminent opening of a cocoa grinding and pressing plant. With this announcement came an invitation to the Colonial Governor to visit the plant on its opening day. Thus, Captain Jonathan Cooke had now made his way to the site in the company of Ibn al'Sayeed, manager of the Montoya estate and local representative for the ETTC. "The plant applies the newest Corlander innovations all around to achieve high output levels without overworking the employees." "First, follow me around the side here, where you will find something quite interesting..." "Allow me to introduce Mr. Thomas Brickcomen, a young engineer recently arrived from the Royal Polytechnic University of Belson. He is the man behind the contraption you see behind him. Mr. Brickcomen, this is Captain Jonathan Cooke, colonial governor of these isles." "Honoured to make your acquaintance, sir... " said the young man shyly. "Likewise, young man." Cooke said absentmindedly, his attention entirely taken up with the strange and noise contraption before him. "Please, tell me of this machine!" he added with an enthusiasm quite remarkable for him. Stunned for a moment that any official would show anything but contempt for his machine, he stuttered a few words before himself bring caught up with enthusiasm. "Certainly, sir. It is what I call an atmospheric steam pump. You see, the factory needed a steady watersupply in the height of 12 bricks, and as rainfall is unpredictable in these lands (as you can see, the tank also collects rainfall from the roof) a different, more reliable source was needed. As it happened, I was looking for investors and bumped in to al'Sayeed while I was wandering the docks looking for work.. Erhm... Investors, I mean... " "Yes?" "Well, not to put too fine a point on it, the ETTC hired me, and I built this. Shall I tell you how it operates or will that be too technical?" "I studied the invention of the flying balloon, and attended Alberto de Pontelli's presentation on the subject. I shall venture to follow your description." "Oh sir, would it be imprudent to discuss that matter with you? I have some thoughts on the matter... But another time... You see, in the boiler, we create steam, which is let into the main power cylinder of the pump as it is raised by the rocker arm's return to its initial position. You see, there are weights on the other side, in the pump cylinder, there. As the power cylinder reaches its maximum elevation, a valve opens, and lets in a small jet of cold water from the ancillary tank, resulting in... " "Resulting in the steam condensing, lowering the pressure behind the piston, and the atmospheric pressure pushing down the piston, operating the pump!" Cooke interrupted, his eyebrows rising as it dawned upon him. "Most ingenious, young man. I shall ask you to join me to further discuss the principles of operation at a later time. For now, I must continue my tour, I believe." Cooke followed al'Sayeed inside through the large gates. "Through a set of gears, the waterwheel outside drives these millstones, into which the fermented, dried and roasted beans are poured to be grinded. During milling, the temperature rises and the beans are ground into a thick cocoa mass, which flows out through slots in the bottom of the grinder. Here it cools and solidifies to be retrieved through the grates you see in the floor." "Please follow me... This cocoa mass contains neigh on 60 % cocoa butter, which is extracted through pressure in this press. We load the cocoa mass into the main pressure chamber here..." "...and pivot the pressure plate around in its mounting. As you will know, typical presses are screw-operated, but we have went with a more innovative and efficient process. At this stage, the pressure plate is perfectly balanced with these iron weights and can be turned by a single man, while a typical press would require many more people for handling. " "If you will look up there... To apply pressure, we lower the contraption and open the valve, which pours water into the four big barrels on the press. This water is supplied by the steam pump outside. As the water level rises, the pressure follows..." "...and the finest cocoa butter can be tapped by our two expert chocalatiers by this tap and three others like it. The butter is then barrelled and shipped off to market, just like the residual product, the cocoa solids, which we extract from the press and ship off separately. We expect a great interest for this in both the old and the new world, as the taste is quite extraordinary!" ______________________ The first part of the ETTC Royal Cocoa factory is hereby opened. (And the last part of the process, unfortunately.) The production process is largely correct. It has been standing on my shelf for a long time, and now I finally managed to finish it. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the process from my ETTC collaborators, and as always, C&C is more than welcome.

"I shall travel in a modest vessel of limited armament, and very rarely travel with a guard." Montoya replied. "And as such, I place my security in your hands, relying only on the protection granted to me by my status as a diplomatic representative of Corrington. I expect that you will guarantee my safety." "I shall venture to visit you after our evacuation of Malto is well in hand. Where may I take my stay, should I need to wait a day or two for your convenience?"

Montoya stepped forward and offered the young man a handshake, presenting himself: "Pleased to meet you, Captain Morgan. I am Don Isaac Montoya, consul for Corrington. I am pleased to meet my counterpart amongst the Sea Rats, although one might reasonably ask for some credentials to prove that you are indeed who and what you say you are?" Eyeing Morgan, he seemed to measure him up. "Nonetheless, I should like to ask permission to pay you a visit at... Tortuga, was it? Before I leave this corner of the Brick Seas..."

"Such has always been Corrington's contention. You definitely demonstrated your relevance during the recent war. A most creditable naval engagement, I am told... However, we have never been contacted by, or pointed to, any representative with which to conduct diplomacy." Montoya said, tilting his head. "Am I to understand that you have a general message to deliver, or a specific matter to discuss? And that it is pertinent that both Eslandola and Corrington is present at the same time? Normally, I should prefer to conduct such matters bilaterally, and will welcome any representative most kindly to a meeting in Malto, or whereelse it may be fitting?.."

"I don't believe you have, sir, given that you are still at liberty..." Montoya said with a smiling bow and a dashing swing of his hat. "I shall leave you to your business with Lord Damaximus, then, although it would have been an interesting meeting to follow... Good day to you, sir!" __________________________ @Mike S: Uhh, the plot thickens! (And if Montoya knew it IC, he would be happy for the support! )

Montoya stopped in his tracks, turned, and bowed in return. "Sir?..." He said, with a quizzical look upon his face.

Montoya raised a brow, considering a snide remark about Guilder's recent comment about Corrington's abilities. As Guilder's outburst came to an end, Montoya's eyes had again taken on the reptilian glare earlier reserved solely for Captain Mesabi, and he spoke in a cold, yet calm tone. "It is becoming increasingly clear to me that there must be considerable cultural difference in our perception of what constitutes 'good faith'." He paused for a moment, eyeing the representatives. "I should like to remind you that we did not cause the war, and that Corrington has repeatedly confirmed our perfect commitment to taking full responsibility for our actions and promises. At no time have we offered any reason for questioning this. Neither have we threatened with war, but merely stated that we will defend the neutrality of Malto. Further, as a sign of good faith, we have not increased our military presence in the settlement, despite the extensive build-up of Eslandian forces camped at its gates." "I shall disregard threats and insinuations about Corrington's capabilities, and you may hereby consider yourself informed that Corlander troops will initiate the evacuation of civilians from Malto within the week. I consider your word as a man of honour sufficient guarantee that Eslandola will live up to the promises made (6 levels, including artisan, factory, and commercial builds), regarding building up the new settlement once it is founded. Although unsatisfactory, Corrington holds noone committed beyond their abilities. Further, we will tolerate no interference with the evacuation, nor any incursion upon the settlement before Major William Bradley officially hands over control to a suitable representative of Eslandola, after which our troops will depart in good order." "Now, thank you for your time. I have an evacuation to attend to. Gentlemen..." He said with a deep bow and a lift of his hat, before turning on his feet to walk back to Malto.

Will do. Thanks for the great work, Ayrlego. (I am currently on my phone. Will look at it, when I am back at my computer:))

There is also the assault build, with the alleyway. A small residence:) Couldn't find it in there.

Go ahead. We will find another name for our settlement :)

Any help in rebuilding the settlement is welcome, as long as it does not threaten the neutrality of Nova Malto! ;) How did you do the blacked out parts of the wall?

Being brought back to the negotiation table, Montoya said, now somewhat calmed down: "Corrington 'needs' no help. If you refuse, we shall care for the victims of your war on our own." "However, our so-called 'benefits' of your war will go to housing and caring for refugees all over the empire, not just in Nova Malto. Many people have been driven from their homes." "Further, Corrington will be investing in defence, education and culture in Nova Malto, to improve the lives of those displaced." "As to the total size of your aid to the resettlement, I shall require the full investment as first detailed. However, I grant you 30 days from the departure of the last Corlander troops to finish the first half ((5 levels)) of the settlement, and another 60 for the remainder ((6 levels)). I perfectly respect that you may wish to discuss the feasibility of such an undertaking with your countrymen, and if you require time for this, I shall await you nearby... " he said with a questioning glance.

Montoya sent Guilder a sharp look, holding his gaze for a moment. "The buildings already rebuilt should be more than sufficient for those not planning to follow Lorenzini. The mayor has already made plans for housing those few, who (due to families in Eslandola for the most part) shall remain, most comfortably. Corrington would not have had it any other way, as we are concerned with both those that stay and those that shall not." Narrowing his eyes, Montoya continued, his voice taking on a sterner tone. "I do not much care for what you are implying about my Queen and country, sir, and trust that that is not the spirit in which you wish these negotiations and our general relation to continue!" He paused a moment before turning to matters at hand, still looking less than pleased. "We estimate that the emigrants can be housed in a town-sized settlement, with provisions for artisinal, commercial, and manufactural activities. You will take care of construction ((Mocs)) and Corrington shall provide for furnishings and utilities ((licensing)). We shall ourselves construct a suitable fortress once we have pinned down a suitable location." Leaning in over the table, he said: "And allow me to put this to you bluntly, as you do not yourself seem to stand too firmly on gentlemanly behaviour. We are offering you to relocate an entire town, so that you may have full sovereignty over this island. To withdraw our troops in good faith without a shot being fired. And at the same time, we offer you the opportunity to show that Eslandola at least nominally cares for the well-being of those displaced by your expansionist policies!" Montoya took a deep breath. "If you will allow me, I shall take a walk and a breath of air. I don't much care for the atmosphere here." He said, sending first Guilder, then the rum-stinking Captain Mesabi, a discontent glance. "I shall be nearby when you have a reply!" He said, walking off in a full stride, Baker rushing after him at due distance, akwardly carrying the sword. __________________________________________________________ OOC: A town should more or less be equivalent to what Corlanders have built in Malto, I believe :)

Montoya arched a brow. "I am not quite sure what exactly you are pledging here, and to avoid any future misgivings, I should like to be frank with you." Sending Guilder a direct glance, he continued: "What we will be requiring is for Eslandola to help build up the new settlement on Corlander territory. And I shall need firm commitments as to the size of investment in what we may for now term 'Nova Malto'... And I should add that the current properties in Malto can be handed over to Eslandian title in full..." Tilting his head, he reached out to grab the sword, looking at it for a moment. "Lorenzini made no mention of a sword, but I shall certainly present it to him..." He said, handing it to young Baker. "...and Captain Mesabi... last I saw him, he was walking off with Captain Bowditch..."

"Someone assaulted Lorenzini and stole his belongings. And someone used his papers as writ of passage on an Olean vessel. Whether these are the same someone, I cannot rightly say, but it would seem likely... And whether there are any connections to the saboteur, we cannot say at current time." Montoya bowed his head, before continuing, somewhat hesitant. This was the moment of truth. "As to the potential emigrants, houses in Malto will no more keep them safe from the elements than business in Malto will secure them jobs..." Montoya said, pausing for a moment. "Hence, I am here to request that Eslandola help build up their new homes and shops in the new settlement. There is a need for considerable construction efforts, though..." "As to the fort, the Crown has not yet renumerated the WTC for its construction, and suggest that you conduct your negotiations with captain Mesabi himself. The Crown has no interest in the matter, should we come to an agreement."

Having made the proper introductions once more, Montoya cut to the chase. "I shall first inform you that rumours suggesting that Lorenzini has fled have been circulating. And while it is true that someone using his name escaped on an Olean vessel two nights ago, the mayor himself remains safe and sound in Malto." Looking around, he continued. "Signore Lorenzini was assaulted under the cover of night, his passport, money, and some documents stolen, items which were used to first bribe an Eslandian guard and then to secure passage on the Olean vessel." "I would like to emphasize that this is in no way an accusation. Afterall, the imposter did give the impression of being Lorenzini looking to escape willingly, and I cannot imagine you having any connections to the imposter. I am told that he has been apprehended by Oleon, and have confessed to being the saboteur that blew up the WTC vessel. I know not how much credence we should lend to this confession, though, having heard some stories of... unorthodox Olean interrogation methods..." "However, with Lorenzini safe, I discussed with him your categorical denial of allowing Malto to exist as a neutral settlement. Due to concerns, which may not be founded in reality, neither he, nor his people wishes to become citizens or subjects to Eslandola, but neither are the interested in bloodshed." "And after considerable discussion, we have come to a conclusion that we believe may benefit all. Corrington will grant those citizens who wishes to leave a spot of land on one of our territories, there to settle and live under their own governance. Lorenzini has gratefully accepted the offer, I should say, however... As Corrington has made considerable investments in Malto, including rebuilding the fort and several buildings, we shall have to ask for something in return..." Montoya fell silent, and looked at the Eslandians. How would they react?

"So you think you can reach a compromise with the Eslandians?" Baker asked. "I do, Charlie, I do. I am certain they are as interested in a peaceful solution as we are... Well almost as interested..." He added in an afterthought. "We have invested considerably in Malto, and I am certain they will be ready to return that." "You've been surprised at their reaction before..." "Indeed - they are not always easy to figure. And then there is that Captain of the WTC... Might still cause trouble..."

To captains of all vessels flying the flag of Corrington in the Brick Seas and beyond, Any actions violating the laws and policy of Her Royal Majesty will result in the swift and firm prosecution of all involved. Particular care is to be given to uphold the safety of neutral and allied vessels, and any breach will have immediate consequences. In service of the Crown, Rear admiral Fletcher, Commander-in-chief, Terra Nova Fleet

Rrrrrrené! When I saw the headline I was quite sure I would have to call in the gendarmerie to deal with la resistance! :D "Listen very carefully, cause I shall say zhis only wance!" ;) Nice little build, Gedren - even (or perhaps especially) refugees need a café! And no, I don't "vant to come see anyone's little tank" :P

Lovely tudor house, Ayrlego. I like the use of 1x1 rounds to create some texture for the walls and the colours you have used in landscaping are brilliant. Suggestions: Some diagonal tudor beams and perhaps the thingy at the end of the roof, to hide the end of the sloped bricks - can't remember what it's called. :P Also, I was wondering if you would ever call out Maxim for the accusations he has been making ;) Its actually a shame you are getting along already - we have so few duels.. :P

Nice tavern you've got there, professor! I like the bar (although the shelves are looking a little empty! Crisis incoming! :P), the scattered, angled tables, and the skull. If I were to offer some advice, I would suggest mixing up the colours a bit. Grey floor with grey walls makes it look somewhat cold. Darker colours could give it a more cosy/shady look, as could a few half walls or so to create some discreet corners for scheming! :D All in all nice, tavern - and good to see the Sea Rats expanding! ;)