Located on the shores of the Coldland's Great Southeastern Lake, Vertebograd had been raised by the Committee's orders. It started out as a minor logistical base in the wars of unification delivering men and supplies to that frontier in 13 IA. Soon into it's life it was facilitating a flow of resources back north to Dalatyr and by 15 IA it was designated the regional Hub Town after some minor uprisings in that area. After that it had two decades of steady growth as the regional shipping center. Drydocks were set up to repair and eventually build paddlesteamers fed by growing sawmills and eventually an ironworks. Wool and flax were processed nearby leading to textile mills. A steady flow of people came in from the countryside to work in these factories along with an influx of managers, technicians, Engineers and Bureaucrats from Dalatyr. More locals came in to support the factory workers, build the factories and were eager for the prospects of education in the increasing number of schools. It's population grew to 19,300 by 34 IA. By the summer of 35 that had more than doubled. Seven new Industrial Facilities were ordered by the Central Committee including a new Steel Mill, Arsenal and Machine Tool plant. Aggressive recruitment campaigns had secured a large number of volunteers from the countryside to build and man these factories and build new accomidations. Labor Conscription provided the rest. Between a largely untrained and sometimes indignant workforce, hasty construction, supplies of old and obsolete machines and simple and rather slapdash new ones that were effectively several development phases behind the current standard these factories would be less productive than those in Dalatyr or The Yards. But efficiency was not the Prime Concern of this effort. There was Serious Concerns that Dalatyr might be destroyed and if that happened something would be required to rise again from the ashes. This is also why a new Engineering Academy had been rapidly developed. As rushed as it was, Vertebograd was coming into it's own as a City.









"And now a Message from the Central Committee of Infrastructure". Vertebograd had three market squares in which peasants and village craftsmen could sell their produce and wares and where people naturally congregated. There were a few other such public spaces within it's boundries, one of which had a public video screen but all of them had a set of Public Loudspeakers used for general announcements, music and news. There was usually a few people who took an interest them, in praticular out of towners, though many locals paid them little attention. This was the case on an evening as a soft Balalaika and Violin duet filled the air with a familiar tune which came to it's conclusion on a lazy evening. This was followed by a familiar if unexpected fanfare and it's accompanying notification."And now a Message from the Central Committee of Infrastructure".





This got the full attention of a few people, but most simply continued on with what they were doing. Messages from The Committee may not have been an everyday occurrence but were hardly uncommon and it would likely be repeated in the a few minutes in any case. Even so, there had been official reports and rumors circulating.







"People of Infrastructure" Supernova's voice filled the air. "It is my pleasure to Report that as of 17:24 Dalatyr Time on the 30th day of the 3rd month of the 37th year of the Infrastructural Age that a treaty of favorable terms has been agreed upon and signed by The Central Committee and the Dark Elven States of Galthirith, Valnothron, Janilonas and Hansoliath. The Great Machine has withstood the privations of a War Economy and the Ravages of War only to emerge stronger. On this day, against some of the most feared foes of this world, we stand victorious. We mourn our glorious dead, the men and women who gave everything in defense against the menace of the Drow Slavers, but know that their sacrifices were not in vain. Celebrations shall be arranged to mark this auspicious event in the coming weeks and to mark this occasions all people engage in Civilian Sector National Service are now released from service and all government employees shall receive doubled wages for this most auspicious of days. Rejoice, for once again we can put our minds and efforts towards advancing the Great Machine of our Society for the benefit of all. Hail Infrastructure!"





During the announcement men, women and children stopped what they were doing to take it all in. Afterwards there were cheers of joy.





Next: Infrastructure Part Two Hundred and Ninety One