Prime Minister Arthur MacGregor sat at his desk over looking the Canadian capital of Ottawa, looking out at the buildings before him. His eyes slowly went over the four reports that sat in front of him. He sighed. The reports were from some of the leading military scientists in the country, hoping to recieve government funding for new military products. But MacGregor was reluctant to pursue any military goals that might anger the Red Giant to his south. While he and his fellow Canadians had no love for the USSA, they feared doing anything that would lead to a direct conflict with the mighty Communist country. Though the plans before him would put his country on the forefront, he was sure it would also upset his southern neighbors.
"Prime Minister" said a voice behind him.
MacGregor smiled as he turned to greet Sam Walker, his number two man in the government. Walker, like MacGregor, was one of the founding members of the Maple Leaf Party, which had won overwhelmingly in the past elections. Their local-focused campaigns had helped the decaying Canadian economy to recover slightly. The recently created North East Trade Zone would substantially help in getting needed products from Quebec and New England into Canada, as well as providing willing markets for the increasing stockpiles of Canadian oil.
"Sam" MacGregor said, extending his hand. Walker took it and returned MacGregor's handshake. "Heading out to Manitoba?"
"Yes" Walker responded with a nod. "The mayor has asked for some assisting in dealing with the strike at the chemicals plant. He seems to think I'll be of some help." Walker grinned. Before getting elected, he had served as mayor of Manitoba himself, helping to rally the population in support of the new Maple Leaf Party. The workers on strike were mainly Leafers themselves, which raised questions for the unexpected strike. The two men privately suspected that it had been incited by Communist elements within the workforce, but they lacked sufficeint proof to back the claim.
"I should be back in a few days, hopefully before Dr. Weinberg can make his weapons presentations to the Military Appropriations Committee for all that crap he's proposing. I agree with him that the technology he's proposing is great, but we just can't take a chance at upsetting the Communists. I'll have a speech ready when I get back."
Walker left, heading down to the large Elk limosine that would take him to the train station. MacGregor watched his compatriot enter the car, escorted by his regular 3 man security force. As he looked on, he saw 4 men push their way off the sidewalk, produce rifles and opened fire on Walker's car. Another
produced a hand grenade, which he hurled at the car, landing in the back through the still open door. The resulting explosion ripped apart the big car, sending blood, metal and flames all over the area. MacGregor heard the pop-pop-pop of rifle fire from the guards ouside the government building, as well as the apporaching sirens of police cars rushing to the scene.
Hours later, as the only surviving assassin was being interrogated by the Royal Canadian Mounties, MacGregor had been rushed to Fort King George, just outside the city. Heavily armed guards patrolled the perimeter of the base, with orders to shoot anyone coming within 100 yards without authorization.
"Well" MacGregor sighed "This changes things."
********
With permission from EQ, the Canadian government would like to be able to research the following products:
Wolverine Medium Tank: The Wolverine is the latest armored element of the Canadian military. Equipped with the same armor as the regular medium tank, it sports a 60mm gun, as well as a powerful Hall and McIvey engine, capable of producing speeds of 25 mphs. This makes it a perfect for close-infantry action.
Cost: (proposed) 1 IC for 30 tanks
Research Cost: Is about 10 IC ok?
Arnold-Class Light Aircraft Carrier: Named for famed Canadian War Hero Benedict Arnold, the Arnold Class is a fast, light aircraft carrier built on the hull of a regular freighter, making it quicker than the regular carrier, at the cost of a smaller aircraft attachment. Capable of carrying 24 aircraft in total, generally split between 12 Updraft fighters and 12 Kingfisher torpedo bombers. Easy to build and able to hold their own against most air and naval foes, the Arnold Class will help protect newly established shipping lanes in the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay.
Cost: 2IC for 1 carrier
Research Cost: 12 IC?
. I've actually been on a Yakitate!! Japan kick for awhile now so it'll be good to get something new.
