The History of the World V . . . .

[OzzyKP]

In a tradition carried over from ancient times, President Kamran Mirza sits down for brunch with Foriegn Minister Hindal to discuss international affairs. Nearby their associated assistants and advisors also sit and eat. Mirza is just returning from an official visit to Madrid to welcome the new Spanish government.

Despite the happy news of a new democracy in the world, a cloud hangs over the two Mughals as they eat.

Hindal - So tell me how the negotiations went with the new Spanish Prime Minister?

Kamran Mirza - They went well. Initially we had some translation errors, as there was some confusion between us, but after that had been worked out we reached an agreement. The Spanish signed the treaty.

Hindal - Excellent. That at least is good news.

Kamran Mirza - While I was away, did you get any information out of the Germans?

Hindal - None sir. I am still not certain of the cause behind the sudden racheting up of hostilities. Surely they knew the settling of Bremen would provoke the Spanish. They can hardly be surprized the Spanish sent troops to the area. Did you get more information on the naval incident between them?

Kamran Mirza - The officials I met with profusely denied the possibility of one of their ships firing on the Germans, and I am inclined to believe them. However in the chaos of the revolution who knows. Accidents happen in war, it's entirely possible a rebel or royal Spanish ship mistook the German ship for their opponent. Perhaps we'll never know the truth of the matter.

Hindal - Regardless, this situation is a cause for concern. The world is a powder keg just waiting for a spark. The military build up by China & Russia is massive and definitely worrisome. A revolution in Spain, a revolution brewing in Russia, aggressive posturing by Germany and China... this all bodes poorly for continued world peace.

Kamran Mirza - Yes... we must navigate the increasingly trecherous waters of international politics. Staying firm with our foreign policy is needed now more than ever. Neither the pacifism of Ashoka nor the extensive alliances of Chandragupta will save us. Building a strong military while avoiding entangling alliances is the best course we can take to avoid any impending wars.

Hindal - Will that be enough?

Kamran Mirza - Only time will tell. A strong military coupled with our superior military leadership & training should ensure we survive any invasion, and if any larger alliance invades, our various defensive pacts should keep us safe.

Hindal - But what of the rest of the world? Whether India can remain neutral or not, aren't we all at risk from a new world war? New technologies for weapons being suggested and developed around the world keep me up at night. How can anyone be safe when such massive power to destroy exists? The more we seek to defend ourselves with arms, the more our enemies will arm themselves to overcome us. Endless arms races seem to be the future that awaits us. There has to be a better way.

At this moment, a young lawyer from the External Affairs Minsistry, nudges his boss as if to speak.

Hindal - What is it, Mohandas, don't you see the President and I are busy?

Mohandas Gandhi - I don't mean to interupt sir, and I know it's not my place, as a low-level lawyer in your department, but if I may, I do believe I have something to contribute...

Before Hndal can chastise the young man, President Mirza speaks.

Kamran Mirza - Let the boy speak, I'm interested to hear his opinion on this matter. Surely if he is bold enough to interupt us it must be good.

Hindal - One can hope. Alright Mohandas, speak, but please be quick.

Mohandas Gandhi - Thank you sir. You last mentioned how you forsee a limitless arms race. But what if there were another way? For example... have you ever seen England and the Inca fight a war?

Hindal - No, of course not, they are allies.

Mohandas Gandhi - Yes, of course. And they are unlikely to go to war with each other - or with Germany. And if China joined NSEW they'd be unlikely to go to war with them either. What would happen if Spain, Russia, India & America all joined as well?

Hindal - Are you saying we should surrender to England?

Mohandas Gandhi - No, not at all. Believe me when I say there is nothing I'd want to avoid more than being ruled by England. Lord knows what I'd do if that ever came to pass. No, I mean that when allies disagree with each other, they don't go to war - they discuss it. They understand they have a common goal, and a unifying purpose, so they agree to compromise and work together to reach that common objective. What if the entire world worked that way? What if we were all "allies" in the sense we negotiated instead of shooting each other?

Hindal - I'm sorry Mr. President, I will be sure to deal with this foolish boy and his ridiculously naive ideas.

Mohandas Gandhi - No, wait, what I described has happened before!

Kamran Mirza - When?

Mohandas Gandhi - During the reign of Rajaraja the Great, the London Peace Accord. The nations of the world sat down and discussed the conflict over Boston and resolved the matter peacefully. What if we didn't wait to convene a body such as that only during times of crisis? What if such a grand conference of the world was permanently in session as a place to air grievences and avoid conflicts before they started.

Kamran Mirza - You know... that is actually a good idea. What did you say your name was again?

Mohandas Gandhi - Mohandas Gandhi, sir.

Kamran Mirza - Well Mohandas I will definitely give your idea some thought. Perhaps it is the only solution that can truly avoid war in the world. Whether the world is ready for it or not is another matter, but perhaps some day soon....

[The Capo]

The Manning Issue...

"Captain please! Drink this!" his servant said, as the old Englishman coughed violently.

"Get that Spanish sh*te away from me!" the feeble old man said, Captain Manning had fallen ill despite the good care he recieved from the Liberal Junta. He was staying with Prince Carlos VI, and son-in-law of his close friend General Mendoza, during the time of the Carlist Wars. In order to avoid problems with England the rebels kept him alive, and when they realized he could be killed if exiled to Russia, they simply kept him in their custody until they could contact the English.

"You have to drink it Captain, it will make you feel better." the servant implored his Captain.

Manning grabbed it and gulped it down, the majority spilling all over his lapel "Death come to me!"

Just then Foreign Minister Francisco Serrano y Dominguez entered the room, flanked by a few Spanish soldiers "Captain William Manning I presume?"

"Nope, he's not here, only an old sickly Englishman." the Captain replied, indignantly.

"He's jesting sir," Manning's servant said "This is him, he refuses to follow the doctor's orders."

"Oh he's just being difficult, Captain, I come to you out of respect" Francisco began "We understand you have nothing to do with the imperial family, thus no harm will come to you under our care. We also understand that the country of their exile, Russia, may still harbor feelings of resentment towards you over Alfred's sacking of Novogrod, so we will not send you there either."

"I'd rather die in Russia than live like this!" the old man replied.

"Well, be that is it may, we are opening up discussion with the English for your safe return to London. I hope this isn't too much of a problem for you?" Serrano said, he asked it in the form of a question, but regardless of Manning's answer he was going back.

"It doesn't matter, ship me to Concordia, ship me to Spain, ship me anywhere you want, I don't have a choice in the matter now do I?" Manning asked.

"Despite your age you are very astute." Serrano replied...

[The Capo]

Republic of Spain

TO: King Charles I of England
FROM: Foreign Minister Francisco Serrano y Dominguez

We would like to open up relations with England on a positive note. I am sure it has come to your attention that the government of Spain has changed hands, and the people have taken control of the Empire from the tyrannical line of Diaz. We hope we can prove to England our commitment to peace and cooperation.

In light of this, we would like to arrange for the safe return of Captain William Manning to England. Manning has taken ill and we fear if we send him to Russia, along with the rest of the imperial family who was serving as his care-taker, he may be killed by Russian still harboring resentment over the English sacking of Novogrod. So with your cooperation we should see Manning home to London.

Further, your allies the Germans seem to have illegally settled the colony of Bremen within both Indian and Spanish land grants in Concordia. The city is far too close to our territory and threatens to steal vital resources from the Spanish people. Further Germany has accused Spain, incorrectly, of attacking one of their naval vessels. You will find that not only is this a fabrication, but it is also physically impossible for the ironclad they accused of assaulting them to have done so. We are, however, prepared to offer coal to Germany, which seems to be their primary reason for these hostilities, but must demand that the colony be removed, turned over, or destroyed.

We await your response,

Foreign Minister Francisco Serrano y Dominguez

[KunojiLym]

Nicholas's wife, Alexandra, bore him four daughters before their son Alexei was born. The young heir proved to be afflicted with hemophilia, a disease that prevents blood clotting properly, which at that time was virtually untreatable and usually led to an untimely death. Because of the fragility of the autocracy at this time, Nicholas and Alexandra chose not to divulge Alexei's condition to anyone outside the royal household. In fact, there were many in the Imperial household who were unaware of the exact nature of the Tsarevich's illness. They knew that he suffered from some serious malady; however, the exact nature of his suffering was not revealed to all.

In desperation, Alexandra sought help from a mystic, Grigori Rasputin. Rasputin seemed to help when Alexei was suffering from internal bleeding, and Alexandra became increasingly dependent on him and his advice, which she accepted as coming directly from God. Since Alexandra, in her turn, exerted great influence over the Tsar himself, control of the empire in effect fell into the hands of Rasputin.

[deity]

Edit that post Capo...

[The Capo]

I edited it.

[KunojiLym]

Munich, Germany

In a darkened chamber, several forminable individuals were gathered about a round table. Save for an empty seat, all the seats were filled. The air was filled with tension and anticipation.

There was a sharp rap on the door, in a rhythmatic pattern, and one of the men got up from the table. He leaned against the door, eyes narrowed.

"Who knocks?"

"A comrade in arms," came the gruff, muffled reply.

"Comrades are few among the bourgeois."

"But history sides with the proletariat."

The man pushed back the bolt and eased the door open. "Welcome, Comrade. We have been expecting you."

A large, hooded figure stepped into the chamber. As the other man slid the door shut and bolted it, the figure removed his hood, revealing hard eyes sets into a stern moustatched face.

"Comrades, may I present to you a new member of the fold, Joseph Stalin."

"A pleasure," Stalin grunted. His eyes swept keenly over the gathered figures. Meanwhile, the man who had opened the door moved back to his seat, and then beckoned to the empty seat beside him.

"Sit down, and we may re-introduce ourselves, before we call this meeting to order. I will start." He waited for Stalin to take his seat before he continued. "I am Julius Martov, and I will be taking the minutes of this meeting."

"Leon Trotsky," the man to Martov's left said. His eyes narrowed a little as his gaze passed over the newcomer. "Treasurer."

A bald, moustatched man was the next to speak. "I am Vladimir Lenin, General Secretary."

"Grigory Zinoviev, Secretary of Information."

"Lev Kamenev."

"Nikolai Krestinsky."

"Andrei Bubnov."

"And now that we are all introduced, Comrades, let us call the 4th Meeting of the Central Committee of the Russian Social-Democratic Labour Party to order." Martov rapped the table lightly, and then looked expectantly at Lenin. The other man nodded briefly, and began speaking.

"By now, you must all know about the betrayal that the Liberals inflicted upon our comrades in Spain. They have shown that they are not dedicated to the cause of the proletariat, and are only intent on further enriching the bourgeois. Little do they know that their arrogence will be their downfall. Comrade Zinoviev, you have the latest dispatch?"

"Indeed. Our comrades in Spain have retreated into their cells, and now they bide their time. It is only a matter of time before the proletariat realize the lies and deceptions of Espartero and his cronies."

"And once that happens, we will have revolution." Trotsky smiled grimly. "Just as revolution is brewing here in Germany, and back home in Russia. The world is ripe for international communism."

"Our agents have fully penetrated the cells of the Catholic Church," Zinoviev continued. "We have also been making inroads into the various Protestant denominations."

Lenin frowned a little. "I would prefer if you don't spend the effort in infiltrating that holdback from antiquity. You know as well as I do, Comrade, that religion is the opiate of the masses."

"All the more reason that we make full use of it," Zinoviev retorted. "History is in our favor, but it never hurts to speed the process along."

"And it gives us information that we can use for our benefit," Bubnov added. "Speaking of that, what is the latest from the motherland?"

"The Tsar has survived another attempt on his life." Zinoviev smiled humorlessly. "I sense that the Anarchists are getting desperate. I have received intelligence that there will be an attempt on the life of Rasputin in the coming week. Though we do not share the same ideals, I wish them luck."

"Indeed," rumbled Krestinsky. "That man is a blight upon humanity that needs to be removed as soon as humanly possible."

"But we should be thankful for him," Trotsky smiled thinly. "Blight or no, he is moving history forward along her preordained path. It will be that much easier for us to triumph."

Stalin grunted, but said nothing, as his eyes keenly observed each of the speakers in turn.

Sparing a glance at him, Lenin spoke again. "Be as it may, there are administrative matters to attend to as well. Give us the rundown, Comrade Krestinsky..."

[KunojiLym]

Berlin, Germany

In a small house along a secluded alley, a door opened and shut noiselessly.

"How did it go?" Kropotkin asked, as the man who had just entered slid the bolt shut.

"Another failure." The man scowled. "I swear, that royal doofus has more luck than a pack of rabbit feet."

Kropotkin sighed, and leaned back against a wall. "Well, here's hoping that the hit on Rasputin will be more successful. I suppose you have news about our fellow Anarchists in Spain, Stepniak?"

Stepniak snorted. "Espartero has them running scared. You have to admire the bastard, Spain's practically his own personal fief now."

"The Marxists certainly wouldn't stand for that. I know that Lenin wouldn't." Kropotkin smirked briefly. "If there's one thing I know about him, it's that he never, ever forgives betrayal."

The other man shrugged. "He's almost another Espartero, if you ask me."

"Don't he silly," Kropotkin chuckled. "The day that Nicholas makes Lenin Prime Minister is the day that pigs will fly. You might as well make him the Pope while you're at it."

Stepniak chuckled as well. "That wasn't quite what I meant. I was referring to the way they handle power."

"Oh, of course. Espartero does seem genuinely dedicated to a form of liberal governemnt, but it's definatedly not liberatian enough." Kropotkin snorted. "Comparing him to Lenin and his Socialist Party is like comparing apples and oranges. But we're getting way off track here. The Fascists are beginning to make their move, from what I hear."

"You heard right." Stepniak became sober. "We have to stop them at all costs."

"We're stretched too thin," Kropotkin reminded the other man. "Let our German brethen handle the Fascists. We should be concentrating on establishing a true libertarian government in our motherland."

"I suppose you're right."

[KunojiLym]

Yaroslavl', Russia

Pope Pius VII sighed, as he studied the notes before him. Then he looked up at a knock on the door.

"Come in," he called.

Fyodor Grigoryevich, the Cardinal of Moscow, pushed the door open, and walked into the Pope's chambers. The other man sighed again, and set down his papers, studying Fyodor's expression.

"It's no good, your Holiness. The Tsar and Tsarine are in the thrall of the Anti-Christ. Nothing that I say reaches them."

"So much for the 'Holy' Russian Empire," remarked Pius bitterly. "We will need to prepare for the coming Apocalypse, for surely it must be at hand."

"Aye, such turmoil on Terra..." Fyodor shook his head sadly. "More to the point, your Holiness, I have received some distressing reports."

The Pope snorted. "You refer to the godless Marxists who have infiltrated our midst?"

The Archbishop's eyes widened. "How did you-"

Pius laughed humorlessly. "I am not blind, you know. I had to ex-communicate the Archbishop of Rostov just yesterday." He sighed. "But I fear that it is difficult to purge the Church completely of these agents of the Devil. We are hard-pressed for cash, despite all these glorious structures that the Tsar has established. It is a lamentable fact of reality, but without money, the Holy See is all but impotent."

"You forget the moral authority of your Office, your Holiness," Fyodor pointed out. "You are the leader of the largest faith in Terra, surely that counts for something."

"We are far too closely tied with the Romanov dynasty now. Remember what happened during the Inquisition. No, our image is unsalvagable. We can only batter down the hatches."

---

"His Holiness has let the Rasputin affair get to him," Fyodor grumbled, as he walked down the corridor. "Is it any wonder that the Protestant sects are surpassing the Catholic Church in both power and authority?"

His companion shook his head. "He won't last long. He's blaming himself for everything that has happened... it's only a matter of time before he breaks."

"Including this infiltration by the Marxists?"

"Perhaps." The man shrugged. "Personally, I'd rather lie back and let the IIS do its job."

Fyodor snorted. "That's the only thing the IIS does do well, round up and execute all 'enemies of the empire'. At any rate, I need to return to Moscow. God bless you."

"And you." The man watched as the Cardinal dissappeared into the distance. Then a faint smirk tugged on his lips.

"'God bless', indeed."

[KunojiLym]

Feodorgrad, Russia

Nicholas, Emperor of the Holy Russian Empire, looked moodily across the sea, from the balcony of the Imperial Summer Retreat. He sighed melanchonically.

"Penny for your thoughts, your Highness?"

Nicholas didn't turn around, as Fernando III joined him on the balcony. The Imperial Russian and Spanish families were currently on a week-long retreat at the villa established so long ago by Feodor I. In Nicholas's absense, and due to the infirmity of the Prime Minister, Potemkin, Rasputin had been placed in charge.

The Tsar brooded in silence for a moment longer before he answered. "I wonder if the fate that befell my brother will likewise fall on me."

"What talk is this, cousin?" Fernando raised an eyebrow, as he leaned one arm against the balcony railing. "You are the ruler of the most powerful nation in Terra, are you not?"

"At the expense of bankrupting the Empire," Nicholas mumbled. "And I am lucky to still be alive now. You know how many assassination attempts have been aimed at me." He paused. "Sometimes, I wish that one of those attempts succeed."

"Now this is the talk of a madman." Fernando frowned. "Have you been speaking with that Rasputin again?"

"So what if I have?" answered the Tsar tiredly. "What he says is true. I am unfit to rule; I will be better off letting Alexei grow up hale and healthy, so that he can once again bring Russia to glory. I am but a fool playing at caretaking."

"Cousin..."

"If only Phillip were Tsar now instead of me. He would have done a better job, surely. Why did I have to be the firstborn?"

"Snap out of it, your Highness. I know you don't enjoy your position, but now is hardly the time to be crying over spilt milk. Besides, isn't this exactly the reason we are on this retreat? You need to lighten up, cousin, or you will completedly defeat the purpose of this siesta."

Nicholas just sighed again. But before he could reply, there was giggling and the pattering of little feet behind the two men. An instant later, 10-year-old Anastasia, 4th and youngest daughter of Nicholas, burst onto the balcony, and skittered behind her surprised father's legs, giggling.

"You can't catch me! Biiii!"

12-year-old Maria came up a moment later, panting and grinning. "Hey! *gasp* No fair! Get out of Daddy's legs!" She giggled.

Fernando couldn't help but smile. "Well, if it isn't the Little Pair! How are you young ladies doing this fine day?"

"They have been playing hide-and-seek for the last hour, uncle." 17-year-old Tataina stepped onto the balcony, with 18-year-old Olga just a step behind. The elder girl had a thick book tucked under her arm. Behind her dress, 7-year-old Alexei peeped out shyly.

"Yeah! It's fun!" Anastasia squealed, a wide grin on her face, then she wriggled from her father's legs in peels of laughter as Maria attempted to make a grab at her.

"I apologize on behalf of my sisters if we are interrupting anything," Tatiana continued. At this point, the two younger sisters (or the Little Pair) were busy weaving about Nicholas's and Fernando's legs, giggling and squealing in delight.

"Not at all, Tia." Nicholas smiled. "Where is your mother?"

"She is resting in the antechamber, father," said Olga softly, as she reached a hand down to pat Alexei on the head. "She did not seem to be in good spirits."

Nicholas's smile faded. "Ah." He leaned down, and gently disentangled himself from the Little Pair, ruffling their heads in the process. "If you will excuse me, cousin." Then he left the balcony.

Olga watched him leave, a sad look in her eyes.

[The Capo]

San Pedro, Bolivia...



The Spanish Republic had made great strides in military technology shortly after their rise to power. The development of the Machine-Gun virtually assured that imperial forces would not be retaking the Spanish throne, and that the authority in Spain would remain directly in Republican hands. But the upgrades were slow moving as the Republican treasury was quite low, and a new threat from Germany was brewing in Bolivia.

General Rafael Torres was dispatched by Juan Prim y Prats, the Minister of National Defense, to San Pedro to command the army that would potentially clash with the Germans. You see, Germany had wrongfully accused the Spanish of attacking one of their naval vessels, and despite the fact that a new government had taken over Spain, and a new leader, the threat of a German attack loomed. It was difficult to decide what to do about it, the Germans and their allies (namely the English) failed to respond to letters sent by Foreign Minister Serrano y Dominguez, leaving the Prime Minister to wonder what would come of the "Zaragoza incident." The Germans for their part established the colony of Bremen west of San Pedro seemingly to take advantage of coal deposits within Spanish territory...

General Torres approached the Captain in charge of San Pedro's defenses "Greetings" he said, as he shook the Captain's hand "I am General Rafael Torres, I have been sent by Prime Minister Espartero, I have orders to oversee the defense of Bolivia in case there is a break-down in the political arena."

"I know," said the Captain "I have recieved a message about you earlier, I am Captain Miguel Primo de Rivera, the army the Prime Minister sent was quite impressive, does this mean that war is iminent?"

"Well, its difficult to say, the Germans have yet to reply which could simply be because they are unsure of exactly who is in charge of Spain, hopefully after they realize we are firmly in control they will reply, we doubt they want war though." the General replied.

"I understand, well we have scouts in the hills surrounding Bremen, it seems they have two divisions of Infantry, and I have to say their weapons are better than ours." the Captain continued nervously "We have them outnumbered though, at least for now."

"Yes, but there is no telling how their allies will respond to this, like I've said, Spain has no interest in war with Germany, but we also don't want the integrity of our borders to be questioned, let alone challenged in such a manner." General Torres paused "The nature of this conflict is a bit bothersome though; that is to say the Germans claim we attacked them."

"I know, it is nonesense, potentially to cast the blame upon us, even after they illegally settled that colony." the Captain replied "Well General, I trust you are tired, I'll bring you to the Palace of Philip, it is quite lovely actually..."

Madrid, Castilla...

Prime Minister Espartero had assembled his top ministers for a private discussion of the matter with Germany. He felt that the authority of the Republican government was a bit tentative, and didn't want the "Zaragoza Incident" to become the downfall of the Republic, he realized that if the situation wasn't played out properly he could be looking at a world war, and one that could spell disaster for the new government. The Germans have made no replies to their letters, the English ignored the message concerning Captain William Manning, and there was a general feeling of isolation from the rest of the world, Espartero knew that if he wanted to maintain Spain's power he had to make friends...

"The first thing I would like to say to everybody here is thank you, thank you for your loyalty, your support, and your love of our great country," the Prime Minister began, he tended to be a little long-winded sometimes "as you know it hasn't been easy for us on the diplomatic side of things, I think Francisco can attest to that."

"Yes, sometimes I feel like there are no other countries, I haven't recieved a reply from a single one!" the Foreign Minister replied.

"Currently the Germans are still a threat, despite the end of the imperial government, it seems they want our coal, and have made strides to acquire it." the Prime Minister continued "The Parliament has seen fit to send an army to Bolivia in case Germany, or her allies, decide to acquire this coal through physical force. We are prepared to sit down and discuss the matter with them, but as I've said before nobody seems to respect us enough to reply to our missives."

"Perhaps we should find allies." General Prim y Prats suggested.

"Precisely!" the Prime Minister replied, standing from his seat.

"Well, what of India?" Jose Diaz, the Minister of the Interior asked.

"India is in the pocket of Russia!" Prim y Prats replied.

"No, this isn't true" said the Foreign Minister "India is one of the finest Democracies on the planet, they could never simply ignore us outright, we share the same ideals."

"He's right Juan" the Prime Minister replied "India is aligned most closely with the Americans, we have a standing non-aggression pact with India, they have no aims against us and I am sure would not be happy if the Russians and the Carlists tried to take back Spain, we shall speak with them, but there is absolutely no way they would align with us to the level of attacking the Germans. It wouldn't be prudent from a political or strategic viewpoint for them to do so."

"Well, the Americans could help us too!" Jose said.

"Doubtful, I don't think the Americans have a place in their hearts for Spain" Francisco said "Not that they have much of a reason, but historically we've never really got along with them, we might as well ask the Chinese while we're at it." he said sarcastically.

"Jesus Christ!" Prim y Prats exclaimed "India, America, China, what's next? We might as well ask the Germans themselves if they'd like to be our ally! Let's face it boys, Spain stands alone."

"This negativity will get us nowhere," the Prime Minister replied "China doesn't seem like such a bad idea actually, granted we haven't really had the most trusting relationship with them throughout time, but there is no reason for that to change."

"I think the best course of action right now would be to send a letter to the NSEW Alliance, rather than try and get allies, our defenses are sufficient to hold off an invasion as it is, we can search for allies when the need arises, for now we should try and clear up this mess in Bolivia." Foreign Minister Serrano y Dominguez explained.

"Very well, Francisco you write a message to the NSEW Alliance, in the meantime I will begin preparing envoys for China..."

[The Capo]

Republic of Spain

TO: Member States of the New Strategic East-West Alliance.
FROM: Foreign Minister Francisco Serrano y Dominguez.

We have attempted to contact both the English and Germans to no avail. Hopefully by contacting all of you as one strong alliance we can be heard.

We have two issues to address in this missive; the first is the situation in Bolivia known as the "Zaragoza Incident," the second the status of the exiled Captain William Manning.

As you know the Zaragoza incident arose when German settlers formed the colony of Bremen, which is located somehwere in the middle of the Spanish/Indian border, and within the land claims of both countries. The reason we have taken a vested interest in this issue is simply because the Germans are making a bid at taking Spanish coal. Our government is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of Spanish territory, and the availability of important resources to the Spanish people for the purposes of free trade, commerce, and of course comfort. This move by Germany conflicts with all of those dedications and we protested the action of the Germans. They seem to have been angered by the cancellation of our Open Borders agreement; but this was done peacefully as the agreement had been expired for centuries. The Germans then claimed that a Spanish ironclad fired upon their Frigate (which was menacingly parked just outside of the city of Zaragoza), this again is impossible as our ironclads are unable to traverse the ocean that the German Frigate was on. Therefore everything the Germans have done to us has been wrong, illegal, or literally a lie.

We hope that Germany and her allies can see the error of their ways, and apologize to the Spanish people for such an accusation. We offer, in return coal, but only on the condition that the city be evacuated and Spanish forces be permitted to destroy it, we will reimburse Germany for financial losses due to this.

As for Captain William Manning; this pertains primarily to England. We would like King Charles I to know that Captain Manning is resting comfortably in the city of Barcelona awaiting a reply from England. We have told him that he will be returned to his motherland, but would like to await your response beforehand to make sure this is fine. The man is quite old, and getting quite sick, we feel to be home in his country of origin may do him well, if for no other reason than to see his country one last time. We understand the reasons for Manning's exile, and do not wish to call into question the validity of the English legal system, however we believe enough time has past that Manning understands the reasons for his punishment and subsequent exile.

Thank you again for your time,

Francisco Serrano y Dominguez, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Spain.

[KunojiLym]

Moscow, Russia

Rasputin smirked, as he sauntered down the corridors of the Imperial Palace. All this luxury about him, and it was all for him to savor and enjoy. Enjoy! The 'holy man' cackled, and placed his hands impudently behind his head. The palace guards did their best to ignore him, but their irritation was plain. Not that they could actually do anything, Rasputin thought to himself. He snickered, and turned into a secluded corridor. At the end of it, he pushed open the door that led to his 'meditation chamber', which was strictly out of bounds to everyone but Rasputin himself, by Imperial decree.

Inside, two women reclined in a couch, looking half-drugged and clad in naught but air. With a lecherous grin on his face, Rasputin advanced, but before he was even halfway across the room, a sharp rap on the door came to his attention.

"Silly people," he muttered, as he turned back. Stalking back to the door, he snapped, "Who is it? Rasputin doesn't have all day!"

"It's a missive from the Tsarine," came a muffled voice from behind the door. "Will you receive it?"

"You can read it, can't you?" the self-styled monk snapped. "Read it out to Rasputin, and Rasputin will give his response."

"No, this is the new 'telephone' device that was installed. She wants to talk to you directly."

Rasputin grumbled. "What a pain. Get them to install a 'telephone' in Rasputin's chamber as soon as possible. Rasputin will be out presently." With that, he unbolted the door, and pushed it open.

Three shots rang out.

The monk fell to the ground, his eyes still wide open, but quite clearly dead, as a pool of blood gathered about him. The assassin smirked, ignoring the startled screams of the women within, and carefully closed the door behind him. Then he pulled out a match, and struck it, before he lit one end of...

The Imperial palace was shaken by a massive explosion. Afterwards, the imperial guards would find Rasputin's chambers completedly devastated; there was not a single intact body amidsts the chaos.

[KunojiLym]

Feodorgrad, Russia

The cup slipped from Alexandra's nerveless fingers and crashed to the ground. The Tsarine barely paid it any mind.

"Dead? Rasputin is... dead?"

"Yes, your Highness."

"But that.... that cannont be! What is to happen to Alexei? Oh, poor child!"

Berlin, Germany

"The operation was successful."

"Well done, Stepniak. Now we need only harness the explosion of energy."

Yaroslavl', Russia

Pope Pius VII smiled, as he read the latest missive from Moscow.

"The Antichrist is dead. Now we can begin to purge the body politic of all these foul and blasphemous elements."

Munich, Germany

"Comrades, Rasputin is dead."

"Then it is time to make our move. History is on our side."

Novgorod, Russia

"Friends! Russians! Countrymen! Lend me your ears! The decadent Romanovs have brought enough ruin to our nation! Rasputin was only the beginning; we must act now, and tear out all that is rotten in Mother Russia! FOR RUSSIA!!"

And so it was that the 2nd Novgorod Battalion marched out of the famed Chichan Itzca fort, past the imposing Spiral Minatret, and turned towards Moscow. With Mikhail Bonch-Bruevich at its head, the aim was nothing less than the dissolution of the monarchy, and the establishment of Russia for the Russians.

Civil war had once again broken out in Russia.

[KunojiLym]

To the Russian People

It is with a heavy heart that I pen these words. Clearly, you see me as unfit to rule. I shall not dispute your choice. Effective immeadiatedly, I shall abdicate the throne in favor of my son, Alexei, who shall be Alexei III, Emperor of the Holy Russian Empire. During his minority, Grand Duchess Olga shall serve as his regent. I implore you to listen to listen to Olga's counsel, and remember that the Romanovs have done some manner of good to Russia in the past. As for myself, I and my wife shall retire to Feodorgrad, and take no further part in the affairs of Russia. May God bless you, and may God bless Russia.

Nicholas II