"Here's another way the cooperative can increase the prices of the farmer's crops. Instead of farmers' making a beeline to the markets to sell their crops, dropping the prices dramatically, they could stagger the selling of their crops. It will ensure a constant price instead of a glut created by this sudden increase in supply," Jan explained to Russell.
"That sounds great on paper, but we will need someone of great authority to represent the farmers to be able to get them to fall in line. I'm sure the merchants will pull nasty tricks to make farmers break rank and ruin the plan."
"Then let us conduct a census and organize the farms into corporalships and appoint corporals to represent these men. These corporals can elect a Veldkornet amongst themselves. This Veldkornet shall be the head of the cooperative. It's about time we formally organize the various districts and for me to act as a Commando."
"Do you suspect a conflict on the horizon?" Russell asked.
"We're in a hostile land. The land wants us dead. The natives want us dead. The conflict has always been all around us. It's just that I've been busy setting up this town. But with the basic structures in place, we can focus on interacting with the outside world."
Jan held a piece of paper in his hands. The turmoil in Port Mpande made him focused internally on the town for the past few weeks, and there were still many things he can improve. He didn't want to dip his toes to micromanage things and decided it would be best to leave it to the citizens to decide how things were run.
Yet, events in the outside world continued.
Pretorius on behalf of the Boers sent a declaration to the British declaring a free and independent state under the title of 'The Republic of Pietermaritzburg' and adjacent countries. The towns of Winburg and Potchefstroom all joined in the declaration. The so-called territories stretched from the Natal region to the Free State and Transvaal regions. But no matter how much they presented themselves as a united front, Jan knew that each town was led by a Commando, and they had their wishes on dealing with various matters.
Governor Commander in Chief of Cape Colony, Sir George Napier, did not send an answer to the declaration but returned an amiable response. Notably, Pretorius stopped claiming Port Natal as part of Boer territory, which probably puzzled the British. This Boer was extremely insistent on taking Port Natal, but he suddenly stopped, why is that so?
"Why did Andries Pretorius stop his claims to Port Natal? Choosing to only stick with Pietermaritzburg?" Governor George Napier sat at his desk in deep thought.
For one thing, he was internally glad. It would be troublesome if the Boers decided to use force to seize the port. On the other hand, he was puzzled. The puzzling feelings made him feel as if something was at play.
'The only reason he would stop is if he got another port. The only port nearby is Port Natal, so that can't be it. Unless he decided to give up on his notion and focus on the Elfrican hinterlands.'
He held a report in his hands. Trade from the Boers nearby to Port Natal decreased sharply sometime this year around June. The only notable events were the conquest of various Zulu lands by the Boers. So, no matter how he put two to two together, the only thing he could figure out was that the Boers had become isolationist and focused on trading amongst themselves. Or that they had a port? Which was impossible since these farmers lacked the expertise to construct one in the first place.
An investigation needs to be called. He wrote up a decree and had it sent by some men. They were going to send additional men to Port Natal. From there, they would lead an investigation on the ongoings of the Natalia Republic. Pretorius would grumble about the supposed violation of their sovereignty, but as a British citizen, he should know better than to oppose the might of the British Empire.
It was clear how history was supposed to go. Without Port Mpande constructed with Zulu's assistance, Pretorius would have led an assault on Port Natal eventually. The British would retaliate and annex the Republic causing the mass exodus into the Free States and Transvaal, which would form the two Boer Republics, the Oranje Free States and the Transvaal Republic, or South Elfrica Republic.
But things were different with the port. Pretorius could look outward and focus on having diplomatic ties with other Great Powers to contest British influence in Elfrica.
"The only Power I see that has any use would be the French. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is busy focusing on keeping their empire together whilst keeping the centaur hordes at bay. Any colonization efforts would be focused on the East. The Spanish could be a decent choice, but their efforts are mainly concentrated on their outposts in South America and North America. The Portuguese have a longstanding relationship with the British, so any agreements made against the British would likely not have their support," Jan pointed to the numerous states on the map.
"That's a lot of leverage the French have. Any negotiations would be on unfair grounds. They will see us as a protectorate rather than an equal."
"Not exactly. They want to influence Elfrica. From their point of view, they would see us as tools to contest against the British. I say we pay lip service to them and leech off their goodwill."
"I hope that's not how you see our relationship, Jan," Pretorius remarked. Jan shook his head.
"Of course not. You are the reason why I am a Commando today."
"But you see, I think Egypt might be a good friend. The British have put their support behind the sick man of Europe, the Ottomans. No doubt because they see them, like the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, as another bulwark to the centaur hordes in the Steppes. Egypt has marched their troops into Anatolia and has begun negotiations with the Ottomans on a peace deal. Muhammad Ali Pasha of Egypt would likely like to pay back the British," Pretorius pointed at the Sinai Peninsula.
"How should we begin diplomatic contact with them?"
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"Send a couple of Boers with some Egyptian merchants at Port Mpande and send them to Cairo. If they are amiable, we can send envoys. I cannot leave for such a mission because I must manage the fledging, Natalia Republic. Nor should you leave, because Port Mpande is a very important asset to the Republic. But if you wish, you may appoint a representative on your behalf, subject to my approval," Pretorius explained, studying Jan's expressions.
It was clear Pretorius was strongarming him still, reminding him that he had little influence on the people in the Port, and that he was the one still in charge.
"Pretorius, do you fear that conflict will break out?" Jan asked, getting a strange feeling.
Pretorius sighed.
"You see, Jan. The men under my command wish to settle in more land. At first, they wished to strike the Xhosa territories, seeing how the other Boers were successful in the frontier wars with them. But your little negotiation with the Xhosa made the idea die out. Now they plan to push into the Free States and Transvaal region. Doing so, might spark a conflict with an Elfrican tribe or too. And when such a conflict breaks out, Boers from all around South Elfrica will be mobilized."
Letting his words sink in, Pretorius continued.
"I know you're not a man suited for the battlefield. You're a scholar, after all. Your father made that very clear to me. But I cannot be as lenient as him. You are now a Commando. You are expected to lead men on the battlefield. As Commando-General, you will be following my orders. And I still remember very clearly your cowardice on display during the Xhosa ambush. I cannot accept having cowards as a Commando. I respect competence, and there are many men more suitable in your role."
"Although you have managed your town in unorthodox ways, the recent revolt by the Boers made me think otherwise about your management. Your father pleaded with me to give you another chance. So, I am going to do so on account of my relationship with him. I want you to properly organize your town so that it is ready for war. Create corporalships, appoint corporals, and finally appoint a Veldkornet. Arm these men with weapons procured with your funds and gather artillery. I will be inspecting it in the coming weeks. Whether you can keep your position or not, depends on your performance."
"Do I make myself clear?" Pretorius coldly said.
"Yes."
Lines were drawn as the disparate rural farmers' lands were properly formalized into corporalships. One corporalship consisted of about 20 men. That was the theoretical number, but it usually hovered around there. Jan decided to forego that and organize 20 farms into a corporalship. It would not give exactly 20 men, as the men's children might be included in the count, but it was good enough.
At the same time, the bureaucrats conducted a census in each corporalship, counting the number of men. The number was the number of guns that needed to be procured. However, due to the previous purchase of artillery bought by Jan, he decided to give one artillery piece to each corporalship.
During the census, they rounded up all the men and had them elect themselves a corporal. These men were not pressed into service, but they still volunteered. They were the first line of defence against an Elven raid. Better to be organized than disorganized into various small groups in an actual attack. Each of these newly appointed corporals was gathered together to hold another election to elect themselves a Veldkornet.
The newly appointed Veldkornet met him in his office. The Dutchman was cleanly shaved and wore a simple shirt paired with jeans. His hat that obscured much of the sun while working in the fields obscured much of his face. A musket dangled behind his shoulder.
"Now you finally organized us. Not afraid of an attack by the Zulu? A rather naïve notion," The Veldkornet remarked in Dutch.
"Better late than never. Let me introduce myself. I am Commando Jan Boddewijk of Port Mpande. Are you the elected Veldkornet?"
The Veldkornet nodded.
"Name's Pietje Pongers. I was elected by the corporals. I helped a couple of them out at their farm from time to time, that's why they selected me I suppose. It's my first time being a Veldkornet, so I'm not sure what they do."
Jan pointed to the Head of Administration, Russell Corbyn who sat nearby.
"He's the Veldkornet of the Urban district. Mind briefing him on what he needs to do?"
Russell's head perked up, seeing that two heads were looking towards him. One was annoyed, seeing how he relaxed in the seat. The other looked towards him in confusion.
With a very broken Dutch that was hard to decipher, Russell explained, "You'll have to police the ward to prevent any violation of the law. You have to collect taxes, and issue firearms and artillery during the conflict."
Pietje took some time to decipher his words before comprehending them.
"Will I get some help? Seems kinda bothersome, I want to run my farm."
"The bureaucrats in Port Mpande can help assist you in this regard. We have collected a census of the various men under your leadership," Jan handed a paper listing the corporals and their various corporalship.
"Wait for just a second, you said that I'll have to collect taxes. Do we have taxes? I don't remember there being any taxes," Pietje's eyes narrowed.
"Those guns are not coming for free. Because the town is new, I decided not to tax anyone. But it seems things are coming along. And taxes ought to be levied."
Pietje sighed.
"I hope it is not too harsh. We don't want another incident like last month."
"Rest assured, the bare minimum would be levied. Plus, you could report to me if you feel it is too harsh. I will change it. But my men are still figuring out a number and the method of taxing, so bear with the delay for a little while."
"However, that is not your only duty," Russell pointed out and dumped a stack of papers onto the desk.
The Veldkornet flipped and turned the papers and could not comprehend the scribbles.
"Umm… I can't read."
Jan took a deep breath.
"The very first thing we shall do is to make sure you'll be able to read. Along with the rest of the Corporals. I have sent a letter to my father requesting assistance. He should be sending over men who have some experience fighting together to train you all into a proper fighting force. We and the Church will be educating every one of you to know how to read and write."
"Now, the thing we want to discuss in the Boer Zuid Elfrica Coöperatie or BZEC."
"Is it the one where we could somehow get cheaper seeds and sell our crops for higher prices?"
"Correct. You will be managing this organisation. The BZEC is meant to represent farmers to the merchants. By pooling your resources and buying power together, you will be able to secure better deals with the merchants."
Pietje shrugged.
"I don't get what you're saying. But I'm good at negotiating with merchants. I can talk down the price easily."
A familiar man stepped out of the wagon. His father warmly smiled and greeted his son.
"Jan, I immediately dispatched men with experience fighting elves with us. I have even requested assistance from the other Veldkornets to train your men into a proper fighting force."
Men began leaving the wagon. They seemed like ordinary farmers, but they scanned their surroundings. They kept their eyes peeled on the hill a couple of kilometres away.
"Thank you, father," Jan could only say seeing the support the man before him gave him. The man before him was a total stranger to him. Yet the love shown by this man to him could not be understated. The fact that he even held this position after that massive screw-up showed how much his father fought for his position to be retained. He could only feel deep gratitude for the man before him.
His father studied the town, and most importantly, the fence that subdivided elf and human sections. The Elven section was slowly developing even without Boer's influence, and higher-storied buildings were being constructed. More traffic could be seen passing through their streets. It seems the Elven section developed on its own and seems to be prospering due to the lack of Boer-Zulu tensions. No doubt, instead of their success, the poster declaring human superiority increased in number across the fence. They still haven't caught the one creating such posters, but it didn't matter. The farmers couldn't read it. Still, it was becoming an eyesore, and Jan was tempted to invest some resources to finally catch the scoundrel.
"I have looked over the armaments you have. Most notably, you lack horses and wagons! Never mind about horses, but the wagon! The bread and butter of a Boer contingent! It transports men from one place to another. It is an absolute necessity! While I'm here, I will make sure you will be able to outfit every corporalship with a wagon. A big wagon that could also bring servants!"
His father fell silent.
"Now that I realized it. Most men lack servants. Well, it is not a necessity, it's just that they will have to do the chores they do…"
His father grimaced.
"Thank god I'm not a soldier in your army."