Cables from the Eternal City: The Silk Dispute

Epistolary

ORIGIN: Consulate of Londinium DESTINATION: Imperial Chancery, Rome PRIORITY: Urgent CLASSIFICATION: Restricted DATE: 14 Kalends of March, 1842 E.C. The situation regarding the Galvanic Silk exports has deteriorated. The Northern Guilds, citing a shortage of conductive alum, have ceased shipments to the southern ports. This constitutes a breach of the Edict of Hadrian (Revised). The local magistrates are unable to compel the weavers; the guilds have effectively seized the looms. The resulting deficit in bio-electric fabric threatens the stability of the capital's illumination grids. Request instructions on the application of force. *** ORIGIN: Imperial Chancery, Rome DESTINATION: Consulate of Londinium PRIORITY: High CLASSIFICATION: Restricted DATE: 18 Kalends of March, 1842 E.C. The Imperial Chancery views the Northern Guilds' grievances as an affectation. It is noted that a similar disruption occurred in the Gallic provinces in 1812, which was resolved through the summary execution of three guild masters and a modest reduction in tax. The Emperor will not entertain subsidies for alum. The Proconsul is directed to seize the looms by military decree. The lighting of the Forum is not a negotiable commodity. *** ORIGIN: Consulate of Londinium DESTINATION: Imperial Chancery, Rome PRIORITY: Immediate CLASSIFICATION: Secret DATE: 2 Kalends of March, 1842 E.C. Military seizure attempted. The Guilds have enacted a fail-safe mechanism within the looms. Upon the entry of the Fourth Legion, the stored bio-electric charge was released simultaneously. The resulting discharge has rendered the northern weaving district inert; several hundred soldiers are incapacitated. More critically, the looms have been incinerated. Galvanic Silk production in the province is terminated indefinitely. We await further orders regarding the governance of a darkened province.