The History of the World V . . . .

[NicodaMax]

INCA NEWS CENTRE SPECIAL REPORT

German money scandal accusations take new strength

Recent findings made by the Court of Appeals in Cuzco point to new evidence that government officials had direct participation in supposed covert money transfers to the German government, in order to support their military effort.

“We will make no comments regarding official state policy. There are highly sensitive security issues at stake and we can not jeopardize or foreign policy by revealing top secret information” was Alan García’s official reply.

“It’s a smokescreen I tell you,” commented an important Regional representative of the Union of Confucian Courts (UCC). “First they talk about peace, and then they secretly fund other countries’ armies with our money. It’s preposterous! The current administration is reckless and a danger to all of the Inca people. We demand their immediate resignation, or there will be consequences…”

Fresh Fighting in Inca Capital

Heavy fighting has broken out in the Inca capital, Cuzco, with Confucian militia using rockets and artillery.

The Confucian Militia, who control most of the south of the city, are trying to take control of government buildings in downtown Cuzco, under the alleged leadership of former Prime Minister and High Preist of the Confucian church, Atahuallpa,.

Eyewitnesses spoke of heavy casualties with up to 60 people reported killed and 100 injured in two days of clashes.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Incan troops and more than 70 military trucks are reported to have movilized into Tiwanaku and Ollantaytambo.

Details of the incident are still sketchy, but eyewitnesses say the troops have entered these cities as a pre-emptive measure to guarantee government control after rumours of Confucian uprisings in these cities.

There are reports of civilians being caught in the clashes in and around the suburbs of the city - after appeals for Atahuallpa's men to disarm failed.

One resident told the INC’s news correspondent: "I've seen people wounded and dead and the fighting is going on very hard.

"I can hear artillery and guns. It's terrible. People are gathering in one place to find out the news."

Talks

Earlier, Incan president Alan García accused Confucian extremists within the opposition of using the government’s recent political scandals as an excuse to instigate violence and dissidence in the Incan population.

He said that the government would not negotiate with leading members of the Confucian Courts, branding them as “terrorists and enemies of the state”.

He said he would only hold talks with moderate groups and civil society.

Mr García also urged the UN Security Council to take a more active role in the German-American conflicts, asking for an arms embargo on America.

Confucian High Priest Atahuallpa said that this was just political manoeuvring, fishing for political support, after a clear show of incompetence and disregard for the wellbeing of former ally members, the Germans.

He said that: [regarding alleged money transfers to the German High Council] “The weak UN-backed government needs to be able to buy weapons to be able to restore security in the country, but we have not had an effective national defence policy since the Pacifist Party took over many years ago. Why are we giving money to the Germans then?”

"We want to re-establish our national security services - train them, equip them," he told the INC's News Correspondent.

Rocket fire

Both the Government and the Confucian leadership they are fighting claim to have made advances in the clashes in the south of the capital, Cuzco.

Fighters have been exchanging mortar, rocket and machine-gun fire.

"We were trapped inside our home for three hours, we could not even stand up," because of stray bullets, said Said Jaime, who eventually managed to escape with his three sons.

“Mr Atahuallpa is backed by another terrorist, Peruda Si, who was not a member of the Confucian movement, but is Foreign Affairs Minister in the government.” Said a clearly distressed government supporter (who preferred to remain anonymous).

Public flogging

In Tiwanaku, one of the Cities under the control of the Union of Confucian Courts (UCC), 11 Christian youths accused of committing minor offences, such as possessing American books and illegal propaganda aimed at the proliferations of other non official religions in the country, were publicly flogged.

This is one of the first such punishments since the government announced its five year plan to officially establish freedom of religion thus taking away economic support from the State Religion, Conficuanism.

The Confucian Movement Gains Military Support

[Transcript of an interview with High Priest Atahuallpa]
…
“As it is written in our sacred books, the UCC believes that the Head of State must also be the leader of the state church. The 12th article of the Constitution of the Inca Nation requires that more than half of the members of the Incan Council of State to be members of the state church. The second article guarantees freedom of religion, while also stating that Confucianism is the official state religion.”

“Some members of the military have already realized the error of their ways and no longer recognize Alan García’s government. We have this communiqué to prove it.”

FROM: General Keyeme Capac
TO: Prime Minister Atahuallpa XXIV
SUBJECT: Political Power

To my king of the sun,

So long have we been waiting in the shadows, as a mere back nation, with no influence in the world. However, it's time for our nation to come into play.

We have recently been admitted to the United Nations, and while there are still few other countries that know of our existence, our time has come to take a big role in the world. Your humble servant's opinion, your holiness, is that we must make a statement. Events are unfolding which can lead to our revival as one of the most powerful nations to ever walk the earth.

We should make our political opinions very clear: I have recently reviewed our army, and if I may say so myself, your grace, it is world-power worthy. If Germany invades America, we should join the fight in repelling them from the borders of our new friends. Believe me, sire, we have the capability, both militarily, and strategically. Long live the Empire of the Sun.

Your humble servant,
General Keyeme Capac

We have yet to receive an official statement, but reliable sources indicate that General Keyeme Capac is in fact the commanding officer of the troops recently deployed in Ollantaytambo and Tiwanaku to control the Confucian protests.

Inca Foreign Minister Peruda Si Found Dead

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was found dead this morning in his office. Official press release states that the Minister committed suicide after President García asked Peruda Si for his resignation.

President Alan García made no official comment regarding the strange circumstances regarding the Minister’s death. Government officials stated that “the poor man could not recover from the scandal surrounding his poor management of the German-American crisis, and those unfortunate letters sent to the UN and the Germans.”

The Minister was supposed to meet with General Capac that afternoon in Ollantaytambo.

[Frank Johnson]

A Look Back: The Age of Lao

The Chinese response to the continous terrorist attacks on her state was a rapid build up of her armed forces as well as a focus on military technology to surpass her potenal enemies.

The main problem behind the strategy was the lack of a clear enemy. Russia was highly suspected due to their rhetoric concerning their former nobility, but it was unknown just how many other nations may have been secretly supporting such actions in order to futher their own agenda and setting back China.

In order to counter this with the principal of Ping, Lao Wai Mo had to construct the worlds most powerful military force. At one stage, tens of thousands of armored assault craft were assembled on the eastern border of China waiting for the order to launch assaults on suspected terrorist strongholds in Russia.

However, beyond the support of the loyal Franco government in Spain, China had little confedience in its allies in the Resource Security Pact. England, having reached the peak position in the United Nations, retracted their former hard lined war stance and started offering absurd resolutions similar to those that failed to stop the attacks of Wu Xai. The Incans had remained silent on the topic, and Germany seemed to be entirely focused on other issues. Meanwhile, China had reason to believe India would actively support Russia in defense, even if they were guilty of the crimes China accused them of.

Ultimately, Lao proclaimed that the military had reached a level of superiority that it was no longer necessary to keep the full force on the eastern border and that it may even be dangerous to continue to do so. Lao had the miitary turn into a security force to protect from future terrorist attacks. The army was deployed to many more high value resources and city centers throughout China. In addition, China's own intelligence service was established in order to protect its cities, futher hampering enemy efforts. No more assaults have been reported since Wu Xai.



Lao redirected the nations production resources to a large networks of labratories and the birth of a space program for the Chinese nation. Although lagging behind other nations in terms of space exploration, China was one of the first nations to launch satilites in orbit, and shared their expertise with their friends in Spain. In addition to this the latest Chinese discovery, Robotics, has led to what is being called the most abitious space project so far, the space elevator, the completion of which would led to the ultimate construction of long distance space exploration craft.

Military advancement did not hault however. New technologies saw China's cavalry forces updated with the addition of gunships, and large portions of the infantry corps were becoming fully mechinized with the addition of high speed armored troop carriers. The airforce also came into being with the addition of bombers and fighters to the mix, which would allow for a high speed force to quickly crush enemies foolish enough to oppose China.

In his later years, Lao expressed his shock at the collapse of the German state at the hands of the Americans. For years, China had viewed Germany as a nation with a strong military, as well as goals that might have led it to assist China in a large scale war if foreign terrorists continued to act. While the collapse of Germany did come as a shock, many anaylists reported that if America slowly recieved aid from other powers, or used all of the native resources to military applications of the technology they recieved out of China, such a victory was possible, even if unlikely in the eyes of most Chinese. Ironicly, America cancled their technology agreement with China just before the war, and missed out on some of the latest advancements.

Ultimate, Lao Wai Mo like his predecessor, chose to spend his final years in the peace and quiet of the Imperial Estate in the western mountains. The council of the 108 stars quickly elected Chiang Kai-shek to the position of the Emperor, who had formerly been a representative of the United Nations and the force behind urging the former emperor to focus on scienctific advancement rather than launch a large scale war. "Ours is the sea of stars." Chiang proclaimed in front of the full council of the 108 stars on his election as Emperor. Although shaken by the sudden collapse of Germany, China remains confedant in its ability to protect its people and seek new frontiers in the future.

[The Capo]

The Election of 1658...



In 1658 Spain held the first Parliamentary elections and first vote of no confidence since the elections that saw the rise of the Falange and the fall of the Liberal Government under Juan Prim y Prats. Since then Franco and his Falangist allies did a great job at stamping out all vestiges of the former liberal government, and any other political opposition in Spain. Since then, however, the Falangists have taken many hits in politics including incidents beyond their control such as the war between Germany and America, which ended in not only the loss of Lyons and Orleans, and the American victory over Germany, but more importantly the demise of the fascist regime of Azimov Kimpler, who had recently befriended Franco and thus Spain. The fact that Franco was recently hospitalized did not help the Falange cause either, as certain groups within Parliament repealed Falangist laws they deemed to be "too extreme." The elections in 1658 saw the Falange retain the majority in Parliament (or the Congreso de los Diputados in Spanish) by a very slim margin. The vote of no confidence, however, was ushered in before the elections and would occur regardless. The Falange, however, was now a little more relaxed seeing their party win the elections.

The following are excerpts from the question and answer session of the vote, with the two leading candidates; Jose Maria Aznar and Francisco Franco y Bahamonde. The questions will be in bold...

Jose Maria Aznar, People's Alliance.

Sr. Aznar, Spain is becoming increasingly isolated in global politics, with our only real ally being China. With the collapse of the RDP, and the new alignment of Germany and America what would your foreign policy be?

My plan for foreign policy is quite simple; for too long the Falangist government has driven a wedge between Spain and the rest of Terra. Even after they took control of the government from the Liberals, who hated the Russians, Franco continued a policy of aggression towards Russia, and a policy of antagonism towards the United Nations based solely upon his own destructive ideologies. This is obviously not the way to go, under my government Spain would attempt to open discussion with all states and try to create a better environment, on a global scale, for all Spaniards.

Currently there is what would amount to a famine in the city of Salamanca, similar trends can be seen in the cities of Barcelona and the capital of Madrid. What would your government do to prevent this from occuring elsewhere?

Well, obviously this is due to irresponsible governance on the part of the Falange, the fact that I can even say this now should be an indication that this grip is weakening, and Spain must understand that if we want to improve our standard of living we should remove them from power. Even under Espartero Spain had a better standard of living and a more powerful economy. But as far as measures I would take; clearly in a situation like this the United Nations should have taken a stand, and I realize that Franco wasn't the most cooperative leader the UN had to deal with. But my solution is simple; technology exists that would help Spain clean up its waters, and improve its environment. We are lacking in this technology because Franco's regime was dedicated to costly military technology that even they were reluctant to use, even in the face of their ally's demise. My government would be dedicated to science, not to improve the capability to destroy other people's lives, but to improve the capability of Spain to improve our own people's lives. As far as concrete policies go, my government would bring forth a resolution to the United Nations that would make this technology (Environmentalism), and similar technologies that benefit the CITIZENS of a state available to all states on Terra.

Sr. Aznar, what is with that stupid mustache?

I lost a bet.

You have been accused of being anti-Spanish, i.e. supporting foreign states such as India, America, and Russia, and you have also been accused of taking campaign contributions from secret foreign powers, respond.

Those allegations are ridiculous, first of all. I will not respond to politically-minded garbage such as that. As far as supporting foreign states; well yes and no. I want to create an environment where I would be able to have a civil discussion with this men instead of send out aggressive letters that stoop to name calling; that is NO foreign policy. As far as America goes, I would love to visit that country and have a talk with George W. Bush, he has shown that he will not shrink from a threat, no matter how large it is, and will stand up for his state. And he doesn't have to do it the way the Falange does, that is what I think Spain should strive for, we need a government that will remain strong while providing the same civil rights to their people.

Many states, including former allies such as England and Germany, have begun Space programs. Something that Spain has yet to even address, could we expect something similar under your government?

I don't want to rule anything out, but there are much more important matters to deal with in Spain at this time. The first being the famine in Salamanca, but others such as the economy and changing our industrial system from a military one into a peaceful one. War is not the answer, and we were fortunate not to have been attacked during the bombings in China, America, and England. But one must realize that before Spain wants to visit the stars, we must make our own homeland better. Obviously science is something I think Spain lacks, and something we must improve, but for now I don't think a Space program is on our "to-do" list.

You have been accused of being a political opportunist, in fact you were one of the first members of the Falange when it was established in the 1610s, and were one of Franco's biggest supporters. Now you accuse the man of violations against Spain bordering on treason. How do you reconcile these facts, and what do you say to your detractors?

Everyone was a young idealist at one point in time, and honestly I can use my story as a much greater anecdote; one that explains this man's rise to power. I was not the only Spaniard guilty of listening to the lies of Franco, and his allies within the Falange. Everyone did, and look what happened; we have seen the collapse of civil rights to such a terrible degree we have to go back to the reign of Sancho Diaz just so they become equitable, for the first time since the reign of Carlos V have we seen situations of famine similar to those in Salamanca and that is simply because of technological realities, and it wasn't since the Great War that Spain has been seen in such a negative light throughout the world. Our economy is horrible, and our standard of living the worst it has been in recent memory. And you ask me how I reconcile what I've done in my life in the past with what I'm trying to accomplish now? I changed my mind, I was a young man, as many of you here were when we joined the Falange, and we ALL joined the Falange, because if we didn't we wouldn't be alive to be here today. Finally we have our opportunity to stop the Falange from poisoning Spain again, Franco is an old and weak man, I know he is sickly, and I know he doesn't have many years left- (it is interesting to note that Parliament erupted here, it took nearly ten minutes to stop it) -As I was saying; if you want a leader who doesn't change his mind, despite the facts, who thinks whatever he says is right and that is that, and who will answer to nobody then choose Franco. If you want a man who is not afraid to change his mind when it benefits Spain, a man who can admit to a foreign power that they may be right, or that Spain may be wrong, if you want a man who will do what it takes for Spain even if it means our military is not the biggest, or our rhetoric is polite then choose me. And that is all I have to say.

Francisco Franco y Bahamonde, the Falange.

El Caudillo, you have been the target of some sharp criticism from within Spain and from abroad for your reluctance to help the Germans during the German-American war, what do you have to say to these critics?

I made a mistake, I will admit it. Honestly, I was under the impression that the Hauptfuhrer's military capabilities were better than they obviously were. My advisors, and our allies in China felt that it would be the responsability of the English and Inca, as members of the NSEW Alliance to come to Germany's aid first, in fact we did offer to send Battleships, which arrived far too late during the struggle. Germany did ask us to give military aid, but we felt that they could hold off until it was absolutely possible for us to help out. It wasn't really in Spain's interest at the time to start a global war. Not to mention the character of the conflict; the war occured over questions surrounding the Jewish Temple of Solomon, it would be terrible if Catholic forces of Spain descended upon the city, and in such a religious war I considered it our best option to stay out of it, unfortunately when Germany needed us it was far too late and I feel horrible for what happened. Kimpler was a great man, and he didn't deserve what happened to him.

Many argue that because Spain broke its relations with India, and was so aggressive during the early years of your government that Spain sees the current economic hardhips we are experiencing today, what do you say to this?

Obviously times will be tough when the country in control of the UN, and the Communist empire in Russia are against you. I believe the blame for our current issues, and I am sure you are referring to Salamanca when you ask that question, and to that I simply say that Spain has been a hated country for centuries, and by different people. We have always been subject to this because of jealousy. Honestly we have enjoyed the most peace out of any state on Terra, we have never been attacked at home by a foreign power, and have been very fortunate in that. But that is no reason to simply bow to foreign powers, such as the United Nations. I am continuing that tradition, the tradition of Isabella, of Carlos V, of Felipe II, even Espartera, despite his failings stood up to Russia after centuries of Spanish servitude to that state, and we survived. We must learn, as we have for centuries, to accomplish our goals on our own. Now this is not to take anything away from our friends the Chinese, they have been great allies, and have done a lot for Spain in this time of hardship.

We've seen Space Programs arise in India, Germany, and England; will your government follow suit?

It would be fantastic to see a Spaniard reach the moon, and I have discussed it with my own advisors as well as our allies in China. As of right now we have made no efforts, we are currently attempting to improve Spanish production, which is pretty lacking if you have read the figures I have. So I would have to give an answer similar to Sr. Aznar's; there are more important matters to address here in Spain before we start worrying about reaching the stars. My policy right now is to improve our production capacity, not only to increase the might of our military, but also to improve on infrastructure, which is again, at the cause of the situation in Salamanca. The Falange has already taken steps to remedy that problem, and I think you'll see it come to fruition by the end of the year.

What do you say to this body in response to the allegations in the UN that your party was responsable for the deaths of both Miguel Primo de Rivera and Juan Prim y Prats?

Those are both ludicrous allegations, I refuse to address either one, and you should be ashamed of yourself for asking it.

While you were hospitalized many changes occured in Spain in those few months, speaking in general terms but also specifically addressing the de-Socialization of the Spanish economy, what changes will you make?

I understand that a lot of you believed my policies to be a bit aggressive, a bit extreme, and some would even say violent. But at the time we were preparing for a world war, and luckily, based on the hard work of the Chinese and no thanks to the United Nations we were able to avoid a war. Which was, again, precisely the reason we didn't send troops to Germany. The State Secret Act was part and parcel to this mentality, and I am aware that even in medieval times certain periodicals were allowed to print things that even the King didn't like, but in a day and age where information is so easily distributed, and where governments are so fragile, it was important for the safety of the people of Spain to ban such materials. So, I don't think I would change that part of our law now, there is no reason to revert back to the type of fascist extremism that was necessary when my government took over. As far as the de-Socialization of our economy, well, I think it is a bad thing to leave markets so open, and so out of our control, that one day we could be left penniless by some foreign entity. I think it is dangerous to do that, and we should probably rethink the decision to repeal it.

You say that you would be willing to let the State Secret Act die, yet certain members of the Liberal Party remain in prison for breaking that law. Some would even say they are in prison unconstitutionally. Then we have men like Adolfo Suarez Gonzalez who are still in hiding from your supporters. Would these men be freed, or be allowed to return to Spain if you are again chosen to be Prime Minister?

I am of the firm belief that these men mean to do harm to Spain, the very fact that Suarez and the Madrid Monitor have escaped to Delhi, to India, to the city of the UN, alarms me deeply. Look, I'm not saying that India is an evil country, don't misquote me on that; what I am saying though is that they continue to support the Communists in Russia, they did nothing to stop the terrorist bombings, and I have it on good faith that they supplied the weapons to the Americans that allowed them to invade Germany. That's my only point, and who knows what plots they are hatching now? I would accept the return of Suarez, and the Monitor, but they would have to be subject to interrogation, and they would have to be monitored. Listen to me, I said it earlier, there are a lot of states in Terra that would love to see Spain fail completely, and would love to see my government fail completely. Doing so would only embolden them, and make them try to subvert Spanish progression even more than before. Is India one of these states? Probably not, but are the friends with states like these? Absolutely. The fact that Suarez left for India, and was seen in Russia on a number of occasions only leads me to believe that he was engaged in some sort of subversive plot, and that bothers me deeply. So for now I would have to say the onus is on them to prove to me, to prove to Spain, that they are worthy to return.

You are the Prime Minister, do you have any closing remarks?

Well, I just wanted to touch on a few things Sr. Aznar said. I believe he praises George Bush for his actions against Germany. I think this is not a smart move on his part; Bush enacted a Police State prior to this war, he changed the government in a more drastic manner than even I have in the past, and yet Aznar praises him? This just shows that Aznar will say anything that sounds good, just to get a sound bite, just to make the nightly news. I may say things people don't like, but I am honest and forthright with my beliefs, which is more than I can say for Jose. He also accuses me of going against the UN based on my own, what was it? Destructive ideologies? That's ludicrous, and honestly base-less. Listen, the UN has been a tool of the English and Indians since it was built, they did nothing to Russia for MURDERING Chinese citizens because it wasn't in their national interest. That organization is a farce, why should I support it? Spain has been on hard times recently, yes. But pandering to the Indians, to the English, and to the Russians will not fix anything, we have to remember what it is all about, and that is Spain. Thank you.

NEXT: The Results!

_________________________________

OOC - I would just like to say something if any actual Spaniards are reading this, or anyone else who may care about this post comes accross this. I do NOT know the politics of Mr. Jose Maria Aznar that well, and I am not really trying to emulate them here. Its just better for the images to use real people, and I understand that Mr. Aznar is alive right now, and I know that a lot of the things I have had him say he may personally not agree with, but this is pretend, if there is an issue with my use of Mr. Aznar in this manner I would be more than happy to hear your comments, so please send me an e-mail at LBPBUMOUT@AOL.COM if this bothers you in any way. Thank you.

[Prussia]

SECURE EMAIL
CODE:602dga3i2k5mbvalk205kklallhkacapacmorano14
SECOND CODE: Alpha; Omega; Delta; Bravo; Niner; Niner; Bravo; Lock; Delta
EMAIL SECURED


FROM: General Keyeme Capac
TO: High Priest Atahuallpa, UCC Leader Mario Tocco
SUBJECT: Response

I'm very sorry, my friends, that I could not answer your many communiques, but I have been very busy, and García has his goons monirtoring all of my communications.

First off, the most recent assasination attempt on that maniac we now call "president" has failed. The men I sent in had to abort, and thankfully, due to misinformation and extreme paranoia on García's part, that caused us to believe he would be in his office half an hour before he actually arrived. As you might be aware, I could make no response to such an event because it would give García the proof he needs to put me up on trial for treason.

Second, it is my idea that we isolate the blame totally and indefinetely for the German money scandal on Alan García, as, well, he DID do it. I'm still not sure, by the way, how he managed to get such a widespread agreement in such a short time that it was Atahuallpa's administration who caused such events to happen. My guess is that they probably agreed all too quickly once they had a look in García's pocket and a look down the barrel of his gun.

Fortunately, those threats didn't reach me or my closest colleagues of the military, and we were able to keep our job's, since there was no way García could convince the public to stand by and watch him take down the administration of the men and women who defended their country. Yes, García let us stay, and I'm happy to report that 63% of the military have agreed that García is, a) nuts as can be, b) is about to be taken down anyways, and they might as well be on the winning side, and/or c) they are pro-Atahuallpa (after all, sir, you got us an important position in the world) and pro-confucianism. Another 27% of the military forces stated that if we attacked, they would not defend the current government, but they wouldn't assist us either, and 10% ignored the propaganda completely.

What we have to manipulate is how unstable, crazy, and manic García is. If we get the public's opinion, they would surely assist us in taking him down, and restoring peace to the country. Mario, make a statement that the UCC will cease all violence immediately if Atahuallpa and his former (and remaining) government is restored to power.

The only act I can commend García on is killing Peruda Si and making it look like suicide. I thought Peruda was nuts too.

Yours,
Keyeme

END EMAIL

[KunojiLym]

On September 23, 1664, the first Soviet plane took flight. This was the latest in a series of technological achievements by Soviet scientists; a few decades earlier, they had launched Spunik, the first publicly announced satelite, into space, a scant few years after India had placed a man on the moon. The famed engineer, Ivan Osipovich Yarkovsky, introduced new industrial techniques in the holy city of Yaroslavl', greatly boosting that city's level of production.

But September 23, 1664, was not to be remebered for the maidan flight. As Stalin observed the flight, he suffered a massive stroke, and lapsed into unconsciousness. For a year, the Iron Man battled against his mortality, but on November 1, 1665, the dictator finally passed away. Such was the fear of him in the inner circles of the Supreme Soviet that no one dared to believe that he was dead, lest he rose in an unholy fury and purged every single last one of them. 4 days later, Stalin's death was at last confirmed, and his body was subsequently embalmed and placed in the Masoleum of the People in Moscow - the same place that Lenin's body was interred in.

No sooner were the ceremonies done, that a bitter power struggle broke out within the Supreme Soviet. Lavrenty Beria, a chief associate of Stalin, had run the affairs of the RSSR in the year that Stalin lay dying. After Stalin's death, he assumed a position as "First Secretary" of the Supreme Soviet; the position of General Secretary remained conspicuously vacant. Not that the move aided him; a month later, at a meeting of the Politburo, Nikita Khrushchev accused Beria of being in the pay of Chinese intelligence. Beria was taken completely by surprise. He asked, "What's going on, Nikita Sergeyevich?" Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov and others then also spoke against Beria, and Khrushchev put a motion for his instant dismissal. Georgy Malenkov, up til that point a key ally of Beria, then pressed a button on his desk as the pre-arranged signal to Marshal Georgy Zhukov and a group of armed officers in a nearby room. They immediately burst in and arrested Beria.

After this, Malenkov and Khrushchev became "Senior Secretaries" of the Supreme Soviet. Just a bare half-year later, on June 16 1666, Andrei Zhdanov used Malenkov's close association with Beria to pull him down, in another Politburo meeting. Zhdanov replaced Malenkov as Senior Secretary; there were signs that he had intended to do away with Khrushchev as well, but it was never confirmed, and anyway, Khrushchev endured. On August 8, 1667, Zhdanov was found dead in his room; the official prognosis was of heart failure, since he was known to be a heavy drinker, and an empty bottle of vodka had been found next to him. Whatever the case, this enabled Khrushchev to assume the position of "First Secretary".

On January 28, 1667, Khrushchev felt secure enough in his position to make his notorious Secret Speech during the 20th session of the General Congress of the Supreme Soviet, officially denouncing the Stalin era (see following post). This provoked a strong reaction by the conservatives in the Supreme Soviet, and on May 5 of the same year, the "Anti-Party Group" moved against the First Secretary. Many regarded Khruschev's attacks on Stalin as hypocritical as well as ideologically wrong, given Khruschev's complete complicity in the great purge and similar events as one of Stalin's favourites. They believed that Khruschev's policy of peaceful coexistence would leave the Soviet Republic open to attack. In addition they feared for their careers and possibly their lives in the continuing de-Stalinisation of Soviet life.

The "Anti-Party Group" won a vote in the Politburo to replace Khrushchev as party leader with Nikolai Bulganin. Khrushchev, with the backing of Defence Minister Georgy Zhukov, argued that only the Central Committee could remove him from office. At an extraordinary session of the Central Committee held on June 1, Khrushchev argued that his opponents were an anti-Party group and won a vote reaffirming his position as First Secretary and expelling Molotov, Lazar Kaganovich and Bulganin from the Secretariat and ultimately from the Communist Party itself. Six months later, on January 2 1668, Khrushchev finally assumed the position of General Secretary of the Supreme Soviet, marking the end of the post-Stalin power struggles.

The defeat of the "Anti-Party Group" marked a new departure in Soviet politics as it established the primacy of political maneuvering over the use of force. In the stormy meeting of the Supreme Soviet, Zhukov had come close to threatening the oppositionists with force (even as he denounced them for having the blood of Stalin's victims on their hands) but in fact there were no killings or even show trials following Khrushchev's triumph.

[KunojiLym]

Excrepts from Khrushchev's Secret Speech

Comrades! In the Party Central Committee's report at the 20th Congress and in a number of speeches by delegates to the Congress, quite a lot has been said about the cult of the individual and about its harmful consequences.

After Stalin's death, the Central Committee began to implement a policy of explaining concisely and consistently that it is impermissible and foreign to the spirit of Marxism-Leninism to elevate one person, to transform him into a superman possessing supernatural characteristics, akin to those of a god. Such a man supposedly knows everything, sees everything, thinks for everyone, can do anything, is infallible in his behavior.

...We have to consider seriously and analyze correctly this matter in order that we may preclude any possibility of a repetition in any form whatever of what took place during the life of Stalin, ... who practiced brutal violence, not only toward everything which opposed him, but also toward that which seemed, to his capricious and despotic character, contrary to his concepts. Stalin acted not through persuasion, explanation and patient cooperation with people, but by imposing his concepts and demanding absolute submission to his opinion. Whoever opposed these concepts or tried to prove his [own] viewpoint and the correctness of his [own] position was doomed to removal from the leadership collective and to subsequent moral and physical annihilation.

...Stalin originated the concept 'enemy of the people.' This term automatically made it unnecessary that the ideological errors of a man or men engaged in a controversy be proven. It made possible the use of the cruelest repression, violating all norms of revolutionary legality, against anyone who in any way disagreed with Stalin, against those who were only suspected of hostile intent... On the whole, the only proof of guilt actually used, against all norms of current legal science, was the 'confession' of the accused himself. As subsequent probing has proven, 'confessions' were acquired through physical pressures against the accused. This led to glaring violations of revolutionary legality and to the fact that many entirely innocent individuals... became victims.

...Many thousands of honest and innocent Communists have died as a result of this monstrous falsification of such 'cases' ...as a result of the practice of forcing accusations against oneself and others. In the same manner were fabricated the 'cases' against eminent Party and state workers -- Kosior, Chubar, Postyshev, Kosarev, and others... The vicious practice was condoned of having the KGB prepare lists of persons... whose sentences were prepared in advance... Mass repressions had a negative influence on the moral-political condition of the Party, created a situation of uncertainty, contributed to the spreading of unhealthy suspicion, and sowed distrust among Communists.

...In the same vein, let us take for instance our historical and military films and some [of our] literary creations. They make us feel sick. Their true objective is propagating the theme of praising Stalin as a military genius... Stalin acts for everybody, he does not reckon with anyone. He asks no one for advice. Everything is shown to the people in this false light. Why? To surround Stalin with glory-- contrary to the facts and contrary to historical truth.

...We must abolish the cult of the individual decisively, once and for all; we must... return to and actually practice in all our ideological work the most important theses of Marxist-Leninist science about the people as the creator of history and as the creator of all material and spiritual good of humanity... [We must] continue systematically and consistently the work done by the Party's Central Committee during the last years, a work characterized by minute observation in all Party organizations, from the bottom to the top, of the Leninist principles of Party leadership... characterized by the wide practice of criticism and self-criticism. [We must] to restore completely the Leninist principles of Soviet socialist democracy, expressed in the Constitution of the Soviet Republic, to fight willfulness of individuals abusing their power. The evil caused by acts violating revolutionary socialist legality which have accumulated during a long time as a result of the negative influence of the cult of the individual has to be completely corrected.

...Comrades! The 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Republic has manifested with a new strength the unshakable unity of our Party, its cohesiveness around the Central Committee, its resolute will to accomplish the great task of building communism.

And the fact that we present in all their ramifications the basic problems of overcoming the cult of the individual which is alien to Marxism-Leninism, as well as the problem of liquidating its burdensome consequences, is evidence of the great moral and political strength of our Party.

We are absolutely certain that our Party, armed with the historical resolutions of the 20th Congress, will lead the Soviet people along the Leninist path to new successes, to new victories.

Long live the victorious banner of our Party -- Leninism!

[LzPrst]

Ze Neue Berlin Mirror

Notice to our readers
We have for long been closed down under the Zionist regime. Our writers have lived in exile or in prisons. Yet we now return with the voice of freedom to reveal the darkness that has overshadowed our nation for too long. We know that many of our readers and many Germans in general have been against the regime from the start. We have been silenced and exiled. No longer! We return to you with shocking revelations!

Ze Voice of the Generalstabf
Our journalists have been able to get exclusive information from German former top Generals, the ones allegedly in charge of the disaster at Orleans. General Erhardt Rommel, known in military circles for his brilliance has revealed to us papers and audio recordings made prior to and during the war. Among them are orders directly from Hauptführer Kimpler and other communications with the military High Command.

From: Military High Command
To: Hauptführer Azimov Kimpler

Mein Führer, we have registered massive movements of American military forces to strategic positions on our border. Our aerial surveilance and intelligence also indicates that the Americans have placed forces to strike as a spearhead towards Orleans and possibly Lyons by the end of the spring. We request authorization to mobilize our forces and assume defensive positions.

-High Command, by Erhardt Rommel.

From: Hauptführer Azimov Kimpler
To: Military High Command.

You are not to deploy any forces against the American border. Repeat, you shall Initiate Military Orders
Codename: Lionmaw
Authorization: Über Alpha Father Zulu

-Hauptführer Kimpler

What follows next is the transcript of a telephone conversation between General Erhardt Rommel and Hauptführer Kimpler.

Rommel: Mein Führer, request confirmation of codename Lionmaw.
Kimpler: Confirmation? You have already received confirmation over the proper channels.
Rommel: Jawohl, mein führer, but... (several seconds pause) are you sure? Operation Lionmaw is not a viable stra...
Kimpler: Are you refusing orders General!? Deploy the army as indicated in the Operation Lionmaw Folder or I will have you courtmarshalled and executed within the hour!
Rommel: Mein führer, I will of course do as ordered, I am merely requesting that we adapt the plan to current circumsta...
Kimpler: Enough!! You will adhere to Operation Lionmaw exactly to the letter or I will replace (several seconds pause). Give the telephone to Brigadiergeneral Leonberger.
Rommel: Mein führer..?
Kimpler: Jetzt! Schnell!
Leonberger: Mein Führer?
Kimpler: You are to relieve General Rommel of command and immediately initiate Operation Lionmaw. Authorizationcode Über-Alpha Father Zulu. I will send further authorization codes to High command by the proper channels immediately. Call me back when the orders have been carried out.
Leonberger: Jawohl Mein Führer!

Second phone call transcription.

Leonberger: General Rommel has been relieved of command and I have commenced the first phase of operation Lionmaw.
Kimpler: Gut! God will reward you for your loyalty General.
Leonberger: Dankeschön mein führer.
(end of conversation)

In addition to these papers and audio tapes, former General Erhardt Rommel has provided us with copies of Operation Lionmaw, he has also disclosed a letter to the editor that we will reveal in part here.

...I have with the release of this information commited an act of treason that will after a court marshall highly likely result in my execution. I do however feel that my life is a price that I must agree to pay for my involvement in what I consider the betrayal of the German people. Operation Lionmaw was construed by the political office under the personal revision of former Hauptführer Kimpler personally. It involved the deployment of the majority of our military capacity, including air force, in Orleans and Lyons well in range of an American panzer thrust. Our aerial surveillance had spotted armoured vehicles deployed within striking range of these cities. An attack upon these cities would cripple our defensive ability and counterstrike forces in one spearheaded blow.

Not only were the deployment of the bulk of our forces so close to the border risky, the plan also refused our troops to move outside the city limits. Our Panzer cohorts were stuck in the city streets unable to manouver, making them useless. Our airfields in Orleans were filled far beyond capacity reducing response time and efficiency to near zero. Despite my strongest protests, shared by many others in the High command the plan was carried out as devised. The American high command could not have hoped for such a deployment in their wildest dreams, yet they struck as if they knew of it in advance.

The Operation Lionmaw plan before the Zionist party revised it was originally designed for a situation where Germany would repel an enemy attacking from the sea, provided that the American border was secure. Using it as an offensive, or even worse, defensive operation against a land attack from America could only mean disaster. With the exception of BrigadierGeneral Leonberger who was promoted to his position from Lieutenant by Kimpler himself, the entire High Command questioned the plan and its purpose. Following the protests of the high command, complete control over our armed forces was given over to BrigadierGeneral, then promoted to ÜberGeneral of the Forces of Germania.

The results were as we all know what we expected and feared.

Cry of the Betrayed

For centuries the German nation has been renowned for its prowess, for its strength and vitality, for its glorious past and great prestige. And where are we now? Our armies once shook the earth with our heavy boots. Our navy was unrivalled on the seas. Yet today we are a 3rd rate power. Dwarfed by our former rivals, weak and small. How did it come to this!?

We the people of Germany have been deceived and betrayed! Who is to blame for the fall of our once-mighty empire? We all know the name of our nemesis, the traitor of our people, Azimov Kimpler, may his name be forever scorned. Mad and bloodthirsty he brewed war on many fronts, but when the war came what did he do? He sacrificed German soldiers by the thousands, he refused to let our armies do what they did best. He betrayed the German people. How else could we have lost a war against America!? And why would he who claimed to be more German than all others betray the Fatherland? The answer is clear as day! He was never a true German, he was of French blood, German speaking perhaps, but his loyalties cannot have been to Germany as we now have suffered shame and indignity through his actions.

Where did his loyalties lie then, our readers ask themselves? As do we. With the long since vanished Kingdom of France? Surely not, no madman in the world believes that France could ever be restored. Was his loyalties to Germany's historical rival India? How could it be, the dishonorable Kimpler had no cares for India at all in his farfetched nightmares and ideas.

We all know where his loyalties stood, to Judaism. And what is Judaism? An American poison that has trickled into our nation for millennia! Azimov spoke false, he claimed America had abandoned Judaism and that Germany should restore it. We were many who did not agree, some of us Jews, others Hindu, Confucianist, Christian and Atheists. But we were all silenced by the Jewish warbands, the stormtroopers of Zion, attacking our offices, exiling our writers and our best minds. Where has this madness led us? It has drained Germany of its greatest minds. Einstein, von Braun, Strangelove, and many others have fled the Jewish purges, to nations such as India, China and England where they have accomplished great feats that should have been German.

Where are we now? We are a crippled nation, bankrupt and drained, living in shame. How can we return to our former position of Strength and Honor? Some call for the conquest of the moon and stars. We here at the Mirror doubt Germany can succeed with such an undertaking in our current state. Our people are tireless, but they have been sapped of their strength by the treachery.

Must we not first revive our Honor and Strength before we undertake such a task? Kimpler betrayed us to the Americans. First he orders our forces to their certain death, despite the protest of the entire General Staff. And when they perish he surrendered and put us in a subservient position to America! Does any German not see that this is what he wanted from the beginning!? Amro-Judaistic Domination of Germany!

Regardless of Kimpler's mad babbling it was America that attacked us! Kimpler merely let them win! His loyalties were never with Germany! It was with Judaism and by extension America. America must apologize for their attack and return what they have stolen by treachery. Only then can Germany's Honor be restored.

And in order for our Strength to return we must shake the influence of Judaism over our nation. No longer can we accept the seeping American influence over our people. During the Zionist rule we who protested the regime carried the matchboxes with the mark of the old German Society, the worker, warrior and worshipper. In those times the worshippers were of many faiths, but the jews took dominance. Now Germany is a pluralistic society, but the jews have refused to release their hold. I call for a demonstration on Brandenburger Tor! Let all those who feel as we do, that Judaism should no longer choke away the plurality of our people, meet on the Tor and light torches with our matchboxes!

Let the world see that the German people will not accept being a satelite state to America or any other nation!

-Dieter Reinman, editor.

[LzPrst]

Following the revelations of Ze Berlin Mirror several hundred thousands gather in the streets of Berlin, Hamburg and all other major German cities lighting torches and decrying the betrayal of Germany. Brandenburger Tor is packed with a throng of people and thousands more stand in the streets leading to it wanting to reach the Tor.

The Bundestag erupts in chaos the following day in session. The interim government placed in charge after the fall of Kimpler's regime is called up on its suspiciously close ties to America and after considerable pressure from the Bundestag general resign at the end of the week. Elections are announced to follow shortly. In the meanwhile German representative to the UN, Karl-Josef Schtüringen speaks to the General Assembly.

-All nations of the World, I come before you today with a heavy heart. The Bundesrepublic Germania is in dire straits. Following the loss against America in their attack and the collapse of the Kimpler regime another government has fallen due to recent internal turmoil. The German nation is a very old nation, a proud nation, but today I come before you in humility. Because of the atrocities of the Zionist regime we have been subjected to what I consider a covert injustice. The German people are thankful towards America for their aid in removing the Nazionic government, but they have in their apparent friendship taken a heavy toll. We must all be honest here, despite the many flaws of the Nazionic regime and their apparent aggressiveness, they did not initiate the war. America invaded Germany and as a result our nation has been destabilized. Our leadership is in shambles, our economy is shattered, we suffer a hideous inflation as foreign investors have shied away from our industries and businesses and trust in the German economy is at an alltime low.

We ask the international community to stand up to their responsibility and aid our nation in its crisis. Despite the Nazionic movements verbal aggressiveness they did not instigate a war. America did, and as a result have occupied the German cities of Lyons and Orleans. We ask that the international community join us in our request that these territories be returned to their rightful owner, namely Germany.

I must make my stand in this perfectly clear. I was a strong opponent of the Nazionic movement and had to live in exile in India due to the threats against my life. And I am very grateful that the Americans assisted Germany in overthrowing the despotic yoke upon our nation. But war of aggression to conquer new lands is expressively forbidden according to the UN charter. Therefore I repeat my request that the American government show their responsibility and return our cities to us. We also ask that the international community provide us with financial aid to expediate the reparations required throughout the war zone and help revitalize the German economy. We would also request that America issue a formal apology for their attack upon German lands.

I hope the international community hears my words and feel their gravity. I fear that if nothing is done Germany may once again fall victim to populistic men seeking vengeance not conciliation.

[Robert]

To: Karl-Josef Schtüringen
From: George C. Marshall, minister of foreign affairs of America

Dear Mr. Schtüringen,

I have heard your speech to the general assembly of the United Nations. I want to offer you our aid to help Germany to recover from the disaster of war. I'm currently busy working on a plan to re establish the economic power of Germany.

The cities of Lyons and Orleans are not German anymore. These cities will be used as a buffer between Germany and America for we cannot be sure that a new dictator will never rise again in Germany. The people of these cities are handled as their french brothers and sisters in Paris are, and in fact they're happy to be a part of the American kingdom. The surrendering of Lyons and Orleans is a part of the peace agreement between America an Germany. Remember that we could have token all old cities of Germany, including Berlin, but we didn't. We do not want to conquer these German cities. I want to be clear on this matter, Orleans nor Lyons will be returned to Germany, the case is closed. If the new governament of Germany wants to retake these cities then open war will start again and America won't be as mercyfull with Germany that 2nd time.

I hope you're wiser then Kimler and be friends to us. American money can help Germany to become a proud nation again. Let's work this plan together out and establish a solid friendship again.

George C. Marshall
Minister of Foreign affairs of America

[KunojiLym]

The Russian Soviet Socialist Republic

To the Comrades of Terra

By now, the gross abuses and mockery of ideology under Stalin are well known to all of you. There is something else that needs to be openly acknowledged, in the interest of at last closing this bloodthirsty chapter of the Soviet Republic behind us.

Let it be known that the KGB, acting under Stalin's orders, actively engaged in sabotage in various parts of the world, with a focus on the Chinese. Those principals who had aided Stalin in carrying out this program, namely Beria, Molotov and Kaganovich, are already under house arrest, and they will stay that way for the remainder of their lives. The RSSR deeply regrets the death and destruction caused by such violations of revolutionary socialism, and herewith offers the world, and especially China, a deep and unconditional apology.

May this herald a new era in international socialism, unblinkered by the alien personality cult that Stalin created, and may history resume her march upon her predestined path!

Nikita Khrushchev
General Secretary of the Supreme Soviet

[The Capo]

The Republic of Spain

TO: Karl-Joseph Schtüringen, German Representative to the UN
FROM: Angel Sanz-Briz, Foreign Minister of Spain

We can empathize with the plight of the German people, as it is becoming increasingly aparent that autocracy is NOT to best form of government; already the Russians have aknowleged this, and for our part the Spaniards are in the midst of our first elections since General Franco rose to power. True; Franco is one of the candidates to become Prime Minister, but his vice-grip upon Spain is surely waning.

During Franco's reign, Spain and Germany improved their relations dramatically. The Spanish understand that the Americans have yet against aggressively attacked a foreign country for the sole purpose of acquiring territory. We agree with you whole-heartedly, the Americans may have been invading a maniac, but they invaded none-the-less and should not be rewarded for their bloodlust with even more territory. Further, the Americans contend that these cities will be kept as a buffer in case Germany decides to attack them again, despite the fact that the interim government in Germany seems closely aligned with America. These facts are difficult to reconcile unless you again realize that Germany was not attacked by America on an ad hoc, and defensive basis.

Spanish intelligence believes that the American assault on Lyons and Orleans was an illegal act, which involved more than simply the Americans behind the scenes. We further understand that America has threatened you with war if you did not continue to pursue the return of the cities of Lyons and Orleans. This is another ludicrous position of the Americans and their Foreign Minister Marshall. In order to aid the Germans we will do something we should have done years go; In order to quell America's aggressive tone Spain will pledge to defend Germany if America thinks they can threaten her, therefore we urge you to CONTINUE your peaceful and diplomatic attempts to retake the cities.

I understand Germany and Spain have had our problems in the past, but it is the least we can do for failing to defend you initially. Please accept our offer.

Thank you,

Angel Sanz-Briz
Spanish Foreign Minister.

[The Capo]

The Changing Politics of the Spanish Republic...

In the election of 1658, and the subsequent vote of no confidence in the Spanish Parliament the Falange gained a startling victory as Franco retained his position and cemented the Falange as the leading party of Spain. Well, sort of. Franco realized that with the demise of Kimpler's National Socialists of Zion, the fall of Stalinism in Russia, and the rise of American "pre-emptive" doctrines his control of Spain was waning, and if he wanted to ensure that not only his party, but his country would remain intact he had to change some of his political moves. His first one was sending a message to the German UN Representative, Karl-Joseph Schtüringen, urging him to continue his attempt to bring the cities of Orleans and Lyons back into the German fold. Parliament became more independent of ther "Caudillo" and appointed extreme leftist, Juan Luis Zapatero to the position of chief foreign minister and representative to the United Nations. They also enacted legislation allowing the exiled head of the Liberal Party, Adolfo Suarez-Gonzalez, to return to Spain unfettered. What was the Falange to do? They put together the right coalition to get Franco re-elected, but they couldn't enact any legistlation and often found themselves on the losing end of the debate. The aging dictator realized that he had to come up with a new leader to replace him, but at the same time had to respond to these changes within Spain...

Suarez back in Spain.

After a very long exile to Russia and then India, Liberal leader Adolfo Suarez-Gonzalez finally returned to Spain under the behest of Parliament and People's Alliance leader Jose Maria Aznar. The move was made when Parliament realized that Franco's vice-grip on Spanish politics was loosening; unfortunately so was Spain's position in global politics as the fascist government continued to make more enemies and lose friends on the global scene. "The Liberal part advocates international cooperation" Suarez said upon his return "Spain prevails in many military technologies, such as robotics, rocketry and flight, but we are terrible when it comes to social and health technologies." Suarez promised that he would run on a platform of peace, cooperation, and science, that would lead Spain into the next century on a patch to progress and achievement. Parliament denied the Franco-government of apprehending and questioning Suarez for what they called "illicit activities abroad, which run counter to the interests of Spain." To this Franco commented that "Parliament is becoming a political tool rather than a tool of the Spanish people, this trend is alarming." You may remember that Adolfo Suarez-Gonzalez was a low ranking member of the Prim y Prats government prior to the Falangist insurrection.

Juan Luis Zapatero becomes Foreign Minister.

Labor-Party Jefe and accused Communist Juan Luis Zapatero will take over the duties of Angel Sanz-Briz as Spain's chief foreign minister after Parliament decided that the fascist Sanz-Briz was far too aggressive in his approach to foreign matters and did "more harm than good" on many issues, including the German-American war as well as the handling of the terrorist attacks in China, England and America. Zapatero has been a fringe leftist hailing for the Bolivian city of Valencia. During the early years of the Falangist uprising he was a member of the fascist organization, but in his mind the party failed to address problems concerning the lower and working class; thus he founded the Labor party which was outlawed by the State Secret Act put into law by Parliament when Franco first gained power. Zapatero generally disagrees with many of the Falange's foreign policy measures, and wants to improve Spanish relations with both the United Nations as well as former ally India, who Spain still has a standing (yet mostly unrecognized by the Franco government) Mutual Defense Treaty. With the arrival of Suarez-Gonzalez, and Zapatero's appointment as the foreign minister Franco's government seemed the weakest government in Spanish history, leaving Aznar and his allies prepared to take another shot at the Prime Ministry...

[OzzyKP]

President Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt Addresses Bangalore University

September 12, 1642

I am delighted to be here and I'm particularly delighted to be here on this occasion.

We meet at a college noted for knowledge, in a city noted for progress, in a State noted for strength, and we stand in need of all all three, for we meet in an hour of change and challenge, in a decade of hope and fear, in an age of both knowledge and ignorance. The greater our knowledge increases, the greater our ignorance unfolds.

Despite the striking fact that most of the scientists that the world has ever known are alive and working today, despite the fact that this Nation¹s own scientific manpower is doubling every 12 years in a rate of growth more than three times that of our population as a whole, despite that, the vast stretches of the unknown and the unanswered and the unfinished still far outstrip our collective comprehension.

No man can fully grasp how far and how fast we have come, but condense, if you will, the 50,000 years of man¹s recorded history in a time span of but a half-century. Stated in these terms, we know very little about the first 40 years, except at the end of them advanced man had learned to use the skins of animals to cover them. Then about 10 years ago, under this standard, man emerged from his caves to construct other kinds of shelter. Only five years ago man learned to write and use a cart with wheels. Hinduism began less than five years ago. The printing press came this year, and then less than two months ago, during this whole 50-year span of human history, the steam engine provided a new source of power.

This is a breathtaking pace, and such a pace cannot help but create new ills as it dispels old, new ignorance, new problems, new dangers. Surely the opening vistas of space promise high costs and hardships, as well as high reward.

So it is not surprising that some would have us stay where we are a little longer to rest, to wait. But this country was conquered by those who moved forward--and so will space.

Those who came before us made certain that this country rode the first waves of the industrial revolutions, the first waves of modern invention, and the first wave of nuclear power, and this generation does not intend to founder in the backwash of the coming age of space. We mean to be a part of it--we mean to lead it. For the eyes of the world now look into space, to the moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest, but by a banner of freedom and peace. We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction, but with instruments of knowledge and understanding.

Yet the vows of this Nation can only be fulfilled if we in this Nation are first, and, therefore, we intend to be first. In short, our leadership in science and in industry, our hopes for peace and security, our obligations to ourselves as well as others, all require us to make this effort, to solve these mysteries, to solve them for the good of all men, and to become the world's leading space-faring nation.

There is no strife, no prejudice, no national conflict in outer space as yet. Its hazards are hostile to us all. Its conquest deserves the best of all mankind, and its opportunity for peaceful cooperation many never come again. But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain?

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.

I think we're going to do it, and I think that we must pay what needs to be paid. And this will be done in the decade of the forties. It may be done while some of you are still here at school at this college and university. But it will be done. And it will be done before the end of this decade.

Many years ago the great English explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Concord, was asked why did he want to climb it. He said, "Because it is there."

Well, space is there, and we're going to climb it, and the moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as we set sail we ask the god's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.

Thank you.

[KunojiLym]

Anastasia Romanov gazed out of her window, a melanchony look in her eyes. At the sound of a door knocking, she glanced over.

"Come in, the door is unlocked."

Joseph Brodsky pushed the door open, shaking his head slightly. "I could have been a KGB agent for all you knew, Annie."

"The Chinese have stationed their own men outside these quarters, Joe." The woman gestured at the window, to the street below. "There is no need to be excessively paranoid."

"Still," Brodsky frowned, "this borders on foolhardiness."

"I am tired of constantly living on the edge of my nerves." Anastasia smiled faintly. "I am young no longer, you know. But surely you did not come just to lecture me on my vulnerability."

"Indeed." Brodsky smiled briefly himself. "You have received news on Khrushchev's latest statement, yes?"

"Mmmhmm. It only confirms what we had already suspected."

"Oh? You are referring to the Soviets' complicity in the terrorist acts?"

"Well, that as well." Anastasia turned away from the window, and walked over to a sofa, where she sat herself down. "But no, I was referring to the 'thaw' that is taking place." Her eyes grew distant. "I wonder if I can see Russia again."

"Khrushchev didn't say anything about the charges against you," the man pointed out. "And anyway, you are the Prime Minister of our Free Russian Republic; I would be very surprised, and very suspicious, if they welcome you back with open arms."

Anastasia sighed. "Not that we have managed to do much at all. China is the only country that recognizes us, and with this thaw, even that may change. All we can do is to continue to raise awareness about the plight of the Russian people, and continually prepare to handle the reins of government."

"There isn't really much you can do," Brodsky agreed. "Why don't you just-"

"We have gone through this several times already, Joe. You already know my answer."

"Stubborn as ever," the man sighed. He shuffled his feet for a few moments, before he spoke again.

"How is Little Annie doing?"

"Anna is doing fine. No thanks to you." There was a marked chill in Anastasia's voice. Brodsky held his hands in front of him in a placating gesture.

"Look, I'm sorry things turned out this way, but she's mine as much as she's yours, and-"

"I don't want to hear it, Joseph. If that is all you have to say, please leave."

Brodsky looked as though he was going to say more, but eventually he settled for throwing his hands up into the air, and turned towards the door.

"I still love you, you know."

"Leave. Now."

The door clicked shut, and he was gone.

Now alone again, Anastasia rubbed her hand against her forehead, a weary expression on her face. "Why is it that the only person who can see beyond my position and heritage is also the biggest jerk I have ever known?" she mumbled to herself.

[deity]

Thatcher goes

Democracy was a great thing. Leaders would come and go. Some went a little easier than others. Margaret Thatcher was bitter. She had prepared the war machine and didn’t use it.

Brian had excelled at the UN without realising it. He was despondent suffering from criticism and ridicule but he thought to himself that if he hadn’t done what he did and pulled Margaret back from the brink of war the world may have been a worse place. How would anyone know? Did China not attack Russia because of less certain immediate support? Did Russia control its spy activities because of the UN or China’s military might or both? History would offer several opinions on this but Brian’s illness was now too overwhelming\ and his role as the UN SG was now ended.

The Conservative theocratical English government was swept from power in a landslide victory by Harold Wilson. By sheer coincidence Brian Wilson (no relation) was England’s new representative at the UN. Brian was an English nationalised American whose roots lay in the music industry. His American heritage and common language, along with a broad outlook on global affairs, made him a capable choice. Some say he was a descendant of Queen Elizabeth I but most dismissed this as idle gossip. Historians still debate to this day the disappearance of Elizabeth and her fate in America.

Manning still talks

Manning had become quite a story teller at Oxford University in London but many of his predictions proved incorrect, save a few - he predicted the might and wealth of China thousands of years earlier but was wrong about India and Spain; and indeed Russia! Oh, how the mighty have fallen. What happened to Russia? How could they be so entangled in human politics and stories? Manning really did cause a lot of trouble with the students - an old fart generating the only microcosm of protest anywhere in England today.

Harold Wilson had hardly heard of Manning but in some ways they were a similar breed. Myth and legend played its role in popular culture.

Wilson and the space programs

Wilson was primarily pre-occupied with the English space program. India had the jump on England and China and Germany, possibly Spain may soon follow. The race to space was on and a series of strategic decisions needed to be made. Robotics was the key to fast space ship construction if the Space Elevator could be built. It was believed that China and possibly India were embarking on this project. However an English city might still build it quicker. Laboratories were another key element to success, both to hasten research and to build quicker.

Harold Wilson wishes all the best of success with their respective space programs and suggests that competition is the key to efficient space research. But beyond the initial burst it would soon become apparent that to explore the depths of space would become so expensive that international cooperation was critical in the future. An international space station would probably be the next step.

Wilson was a peaceful visionary. A man of a relatively low ego compared to most politicians of his day – a meek and mild man, his only vice was to smoke a pipe. But his health was good and he was certain he would live to see the day a nation completed a space ship.