Over the next few days, Bruno and his ministers would go over everything they would need to do, deciding on where to spend the remainder of the 12 million Goldmarks. Seeing what is essentially a small city cost cost to 9 million Goldmarks, it was decided that the remaining amount would be used to start a series of smart settlements along the river. There is one problem with this, however, and that is security. Furthermore, there is inherent need for transportation and future trade points. While in the midst of yet another discussion to address this, the normally quiet William proposes a bold solution.
"What if we built a joint base at the mouth of the river?"
Anna: "…. Joint bases are only theoretical. I'd heard about them during the end of my time in the navy, and it is simply a pipe dream."
Curt: "Not necessarily. During the war, several nations began construction of naval air stations. These bases are essentially naval bases with facilities for the newly planned aircraft carriers, partnered with the army for security. Adding an aerodrome into the mix, while complicating base construction and operations, may prove more cost efficient in the future."
Barenger: "If it does indeed lower future costs, I wholly support such an endeavor. However, I propose a small scale approach in the initial development to determine whether or not it truly is effective."
Bruno: "This would solve the current issues, and may even build the blueprint for future bases. Any opinions or opposition on a small scale implementation of a base?"
While several of the others had their own doubts on how efficient and whether or not such a base was feasible, they held their tongues. After all, it solved their current issues and may save money in the long run. More importantly, however, most of them have little to no military experience. Experience in actual combat roles such as field and naval officers where they would be in danger should war break out. Furthermore the 2 most experienced individuals in live combat during actual war, Bruno and Curt, seem to have high expectations of such a base, thoroughly shutting them up.
Several days later on a hill overlooking the mouth of the river, Bruno is going over everything that was discussed during the past several meetings. Everything from what facilities and personnel to summon, where to place them, and what to equip them with. Furthermore he previously summoned a simple dock on the lake shore to be replaced later as well as the facilities and personnel needed to maintain ships, effectively creating a small market. Alongside Bruno in this moment are Curt, Heinz, and Anna. Their presence is self explanatory, as each of them have ample experience in each branch of the military, and came to ensure everything goes according to plan. To paint a clear picture, behind the rivers surrounding terrain is rather unique, with a wooded hill elevated above a rocky shore to the left. This is the beginnings of a long coastal cliff that spans several tens of kilometers, and while elevated, it is at most 15 or 16 meters higher than the opposite shore. To the right is a far more appropriate "beach" with several large rocks, but little elevation, and a bit inland on both sides is a vast plain.
Anna: "I would recommend establishing the naval base first. This river connects directly to the capital, and must have a force to patrol and defend not only the river and attached waterways, but also the surrounding waters."
Curt: "Agreed. Quite frankly the army facilities can be summoned last. With the fort surrounding the capital and the Panzerdivision you summoned, I'm not too worried with our land-based forces."
Heinz: "I thank you minister Curt. Honestly this world has unknown potential threats, and the lack of an Air Force makes me uneasy."
Bruno: "Lets get started then. I'll begin with summoning the agreed naval facilities and forces on the right side of the rivers mouth. The left will be the air forces aerodrome, and the army facilities will be split between the two sides to provide land based security and reinforcements if need be."
Once again, a light envelopes the region before fading after nearly half an hour. In its place lays sporadic facilities covering a rather large area, clearly indicating the intent for future expansion with 3 piers and a single large dry dock. Around these locations are several facilities needed to not only maintain ships, but to also repair and resupply them. Alongside these facilities is several thousand naval personnel ranging from cooks to mechanics to officers and naval infantry. Everyone a base might need, however, this is not the primary focus. That honor goes to the vessels docked at the piers and anchored in the mouth. Docked at the piers are 5 patrol vessels, 3 Flugabwehrschiff (air defense ship) motor gun boats based off of the Krischan der Große and 2 S-147 motor torpedo boats.
The motor gun boats are equipped with 1 88mm gun, 1 37mm gun, and 2 quad 20mm guns with a max speed of 30km/h. The motor torpedo boats are equipped with 1 30mm gun, 1 twin 20mm gun, 1 quad 20mm gun, 2 7.92mm machine guns, and 4 533mm torpedoes. The vessel has a top speed of 78 km/h. Furthermore, the vessel can also be equipped with either 6 depth charges or 4 magnetic mines alongside everything else. While these vessels have some capability to operate in open water, they will be confined to the riverways leading up to and around the capital. This is because their speed, low displacement, and impressive firepower make them ideal to protect and survey the surrounding waterways.
The open water surrounding the small base, however, will be left to the 2 ships anchored a short distance away from the piers. 2 Type fifteen 1936A destroyers based off ship Z25. These ships are heavily armed, equipped with a vast array of weapons, search radar, and both active and passive sonar. These weapons are 1 twin 150mm gun, 2 150mm guns, 2 twin 37mm guns, 6 37mm guns, 4 twin 20mm guns, 1 20mm gun, 2 quad 20mm guns, 4 depth charges, and 8 torpedoes. These ships will use their serious firepower and surprisingly quick speed, 71km/h, to patrol the open water surrounding the mouth of the river, as well as survey the coast.
Anna: "I don't think I will ever get used to a sight like this."
Curt, glancing at Bruno: "I feel the same. Imagine someone with a similar power invading a nation. They could summon an entire anrmy in the capital with no resistance whatsoever."
Bruno: "I have no plans to do anything of the such. We may be building an empire, but a nation needs opposition to advance and remain strong. We both know what complacency leads to."
After this remark, Bruno turns to one of his guards, and hands him a briefcase. Inside is a letter explaining the situation and future of the base, a copy of the map he was given, and orders to begin patrols and surveys.
Bruno: "Give this to the Hafenkommandanten (port commander), and tell him to begin immediately. After normal operations are underway, he is to report to capital, Berlin, with the commanders of the other bases."
Heinz, watching the guard run down the hill: "How much do we have left my Kaiser?"
Bruno: "8.5 million left. The earlier docks and small transport boats were more expensive than anticipated, but don't worry. Everything is still within budget." As he turns back to look at the small port in it's entirety he mumbles under his breath, "Truly a beautiful sight. Soon we will have a true nation to call home again."