Chapter 27: Map
As the year came to an end, the advance teams in the East African colonies had created a detailed map of the inland regions. A copy of this map now rested on Ernst's desk. This map, measuring about one meter in length and seventy centimeters in width, depicted the terrain, rivers, and lakes of East Africa.
Starting from the easternmost point at the port of Dar es Salaam, the map featured a road leading to the first town. The second and third towns, situated along the Little Rhine River, were also marked. The borders of the Sultanate of Zanzibar and the Portuguese colony were delineated, monopolizing the East African coastline.
The eastern region displayed a dense network of rivers, a testament to better exploration. It was evident that the area had a rich water supply, aided by the local guides' knowledge.
A triangular area in the north marked the Kilimanjaro Mountains, while to the west lay Lake Victoria, an extensive body of water named the Great Lake by Ernst. It was the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second-largest in the world. Lake Albert was renamed Lake Friedrich in honor of Ernst's grandfather, and Lake Edward became Lake Constantine. Lake Tanganyika was renamed Lake Sauron, and downstream Lake George was named Lake Hechingen.
Lake Tanganyika, the largest lake in the East African Rift Valley and the second deepest in the world, was crucial for Tanzania. Lake Kivu and Lake Rukwa, an inland saltwater lake with valuable fishery resources, were also marked. To the south, Lake Malawi replaced Lake Niassa.
Ernst planned to establish strongholds near Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi, as well as inland strongholds in Dodoma, Tabora, and Mbeya near Lake Rukwa. This strategy aimed to secure control over the region.
Ernst ordered that a copy of this plan be sent to the East African colony and instructed the establishment of a firearms unit of 600 Chinese immigrants. These immigrants would be divided into six groups, each responsible for one of the six strongholds in the new plan. Firearms and ammunition would be managed by Germans. Additionally, Ernst tasked trusted individuals from the company, preferably Berlin natives with families, to take over colony management, emphasizing the need to maintain law and order.
With these plans set in motion, Tom, who had been in Ernst's office, acknowledged the orders and left to execute them.
(end of Chapter 27)