Freda Island: Difference between revisions

On 1628 a group of merchants from the Caphirian Third Imperium were deputized to travel to the west and make contact with the Qian dynasty. The leader of the delegation was the banker Ottorio Adelistian Malessar who was personally cognizant of the amounts of profit that trade with Daxia was generating for some of his clients in Pelaxia. Given how late the Imperium was in joining the trade, Ottorio was given wide latitude to negotiate terms, especially if it could result in elbowing aside the other Sarpedonians. Arriving on Zhijun after several months of travel, the delegation embarked on vessels of the Grog Fleet and sailed for the mainland.

The outsourcing of colonial administration of the Australis territories to the South Seas Trading Company and the expansion of its commercial activities by establishing bases in Port Bondor, Rakin (later Rakahanga) and Ambo led to the establishment of a quasi commercial monopoly on the western end of the Southern Route. As the company's wealth increased, it would outfit a fleet of warships of its own, nominally under Imperial control but in practice operating to protect firstly its commercial interests. The Harmonious Flotilla Invincible began operating in 1758, when it fended off Bergendii corsairs off the coast of Freda Island.

=== Captain Generalcy ===

Freda, situated in a strategic position in the southern Pelaxian archipelago, likely became a focal point for fortification efforts due to its proximity to key naval routes. Recognising the island's vulnerability to enemy incursions, the Carto-Pelaxian Commonwealth invested in fortifications to bolster its defences and secure its maritime borders and declared the island an imperial governation. The fortification of Freda may have involved the construction of defensive structures such as coastal forts, watchtowers, and defensive walls.  Overall, the fortification of Freda during this period can be seen as a strategic response to the heightened tensions and security challenges posed by the Daxian Polynesian Wars, aimed at safeguarding Pelaxia's territorial integrity and maritime interests.

The government of Freda Island operates as a self-governing overseas Pelaxian territory, characterised by a unique blend of local autonomy and overarching Pelaxian authority of the Ministry of the Interior. At the helm of Freda's government is the Captain General, appointed by the Pelaxian Federal Chancellor, who serves as the chief executive and representative of Pelaxia's interests on the island.

Working in tandem with the Captain General is a local council, elected by the residents of Freda Island annually. This council serves as the legislative body, responsible for crafting and enacting local laws and regulations that govern the day-to-day affairs of the island community.  

In 1972, a team consisting of personnel from the [[Pelaxian Hydrographic Service]] and Stenzan personnel working together determined the geographic coordinates for Freda Island. During negotiations between Pelaxia and [[Stenza]] on their maritime boundary in 1973, both states claimed Hans Island was part of their territory. No agreement was reached between the two governments on the issue. A claim that continues to this day.

The Freda Island population is homogeneous, mostly descended from Pelaxian immigrants who settled in the territory after 1830 with the whaling industry boom. The Freda-born population are also descended from Pelaxian, Coscivian and Peratran peoples. The 2036 census indicated that 33% of residents were born on the island, with foreign-born residents assimilated into local culture. The legal term for the right of residence is "belonging to the island".