AWWA-Yesterday, Today, and Forever(IC-Closed)

[Bojikami]

March 3rd, 1898

It almost seems as if there could be peace in our time... Bandera thought to himself as he approached the great funeral before him. Tokyo itself was something unseen to him, the intriguing meshing of both traditional Japanese and western architecture caught his eye for a moment before he entered. The voyage to Japan was a lengthy one, and the thought of being only seventeen yet he was entrusted by his adoptive father, Oleksandr to represent the Ruthenians weighed heavily on his shoulders as he entered the hall where all of the delegates had gathered.

When he had entered the room, he noticed the Empress standing to greet the delegates, he approached with his delegates from Ruthenia and he bowed in respect to her. "Greetings, your Highness. I am Stephan Bandera, of Ruthenia." He raised himself from the bow, showing the Chorna Varta symbol on his right sleeve. "While our two nations do not engage in much in terms of diplomacy or in the realms of trade, I speak on behalf of the Tsar and all Ruthenia when I say we are indeed in sorrow to see such a great man depart from this earth, and may you reign long and lead Japan to glory." He stiffened up when he met her eyes and quickly turned to his fellow delegate, whom handed him a sword in a black sheath, which in turn he presented to the Empress. He knelt on a knee and held it before her. "This is a treasured artifact of Ruthenia, a Cossack's Sabre, which has seen action in the Cossack's war of independence against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth long back in the 17th century, and it has been maintained since. May it serve your father in the afterlife as it did many brave young Cossacks."

Other delegations shortly filed in, hailing from Rome, Russia, and the Ilkhanate. Nigeria had sent the Japanese several bouquet's of Red Lion Amaryllis, and a written apology that they could not attend the funeral.

[Unicario]

March 3rd, 1898

It almost seems as if there could be peace in our time... Bandera thought to himself as he approached the great funeral before him. Tokyo itself was something unseen to him, the intriguing meshing of both traditional Japanese and western architecture caught his eye for a moment before he entered. The voyage to Japan was a lengthy one, and the thought of being only seventeen yet he was entrusted by his adoptive father, Oleksandr to represent the Ruthenians weighed heavily on his shoulders as he entered the hall where all of the delegates had gathered.

When he had entered the room, he noticed the Empress standing to greet the delegates, he approached with his delegates from Ruthenia and he bowed in respect to her. "Greetings, your Highness. I am Stephan Bandera, of Ruthenia." He raised himself from the bow, showing the Chorna Varta symbol on his right sleeve. "While our two nations do not engage in much in terms of diplomacy or in the realms of trade, I speak on behalf of the Tsar and all Ruthenia when I say we are indeed in sorrow to see such a great man depart from this earth, and may you reign long and lead Japan to glory." He stiffened up when he met her eyes and quickly turned to his fellow delegate, whom handed him a sword in a black sheath, which in turn he presented to the Empress. He knelt on a knee and held it before her. "This is a treasured artifact of Ruthenia, a Cossack's Sabre, which has seen action in the Cossack's war of independence against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth long back in the 17th century, and it has been maintained since. May it serve your father in the afterlife as it did many brave young Cossacks."

Other delegations shortly filed in, hailing from Rome, Russia, and the Ilkhanate. Nigeria had sent the Japanese several bouquet's of Red Lion Amaryllis, and a written apology that they could not attend the funeral.

The Empress of Japan gently took the blade from the representative of Ruthenia and quietly unsheathed the blade and examined it for a brief few moments before sheathing it again. She smiled, "Rise, young Bandera. The Empire of Japan thanks you and your people immensely for the gift. We shall see that it be interred with my father in his tomb." She gestured to the stairs, "You shall be escorted to your rooms by one of my aides, and you shall find that anything you need is at your beck and call. Enjoy your stay in Japan, even if for a short time, and for sad reasons; there is much to see in our capital."

She smiled and greeted the Romans and Russians, as well as her Persian friends; before recieving the Nigerian gift. She asked one of her many aides to compose a thank you letter for Nigeria to be sent with haste.

[Ruridova]

March 3, 1898

Tokyo, Japan

The Confederacy does not send delegates, but does send a gift of sorts: as a symbol of reconciliation, the Confederates send thousands of artifacts taken by Americans from Japanese during conflicts between Japan and the Americas as far back as the 1770s, including cannons, swords, keepsakes, heirlooms, and other artifacts. Germany sends official condolences to Japan, as well as delegates with a small collection of items ranging from plate armor to illuminated manuscripts. Many other nations send condolences- even Caucasia sends a brief letter of condolence.

[Shrillland]

March 3, 1898
Tokyo, Japan

The Imperial delegation arrived with Queen Victoria at its head. She went to embrace her great niece as the tears flooded from her aged face. Each member of the delegation also stood and embraced her. Australia had not yet unified, but they did send a single delegation led by a well-known MP from New South Wales named Sir Edmund Barton. The Australians had sent her a painting of their own:



Spring was humbly given by its beloved artist, Arthur Streeton, and was brought from Victoria's National Gallery.

Richard Seddon, PM of New Zealand, gave her a ceremonial Maori shield that was intricately painted. "It may not seem like much, Your Majesty, but it's a sign of our heritage that we feel honoured to present to you." He said as he handed it to Empress Elizabeth.

Rhodes gave her a five-foot long mace of office fashioned out of platinum and diamonds. "Our most precious metals deserve to go to South Africa's most precious ally...besides you of course, Your Majesty." He said as he bowed to Victoria.

Salisbury and Roosevelt, who came to Japan together, brought a small wooden casket that contained a gift from the entire empire: A golden crown that was fashioned by British jewelers with South African metals. It was a globe of sorts being held up by six animals: A British lion, a Canadian moose, an Australian kangaroo with a Kiwi from New Zealand at its side, a South African Elephant, and a smaller Indian elephant. The Earl of Elgin then gave her a golden medal with the letters, "E.R", Elizabeth Regina atop both the British and Japanese coats of arms, symbolizing the eternal family of East and West.

Victoria then said, "It's not much compared to what our friends, new and old, may give, but it's something we-and by "we", I mean all of us for a change-feel you would treasure as you start your reign as one of Japan's greatest leaders."

[Luziyca]

China sent a small delegation, mainly comprised of low-level Chinese officials, led by Eva Koch (or Chodren Dawa), who give three traveller's palms and a male and a female lemur, both of them being "aye-ayes."

Guyane sends an apology for not attending the funeral, as well as a present: a statuette of Geurrier Marat.

[Unicario]

March 3, 1898
Tokyo, Japan

The Imperial delegation arrived with Queen Victoria at its head. She went to embrace her great niece as the tears flooded from her aged face. Each member of the delegation also stood and embraced her. Australia had not yet unified, but they did send a single delegation led by a well-known MP from New South Wales named Sir Edmund Barton. The Australians had sent her a painting of their own:

(Image)

Spring was humbly given by its beloved artist, Arthur Streeton, and was brought from Victoria's National Gallery.

Richard Seddon, PM of New Zealand, gave her a ceremonial Maori shield that was intricately painted. "It may not seem like much, Your Majesty, but it's a sign of our heritage that we feel honoured to present to you." He said as he handed it to Empress Elizabeth.

Rhodes gave her a five-foot long mace of office fashioned out of platinum and diamonds. "Our most precious metals deserve to go to South Africa's most precious ally...besides you of course, Your Majesty." He said as he bowed to Victoria.

Salisbury and Roosevelt, who came to Japan together, brought a small wooden casket that contained a gift from the entire empire: A golden crown that was fashioned by British jewelers with South African metals. It was a globe of sorts being held up by six animals: A British lion, a Canadian moose, an Australian kangaroo with a Kiwi from New Zealand at its side, a South African Elephant, and a smaller Indian elephant. The Earl of Elgin then gave her a golden medal with the letters, "E.R", Elizabeth Regina atop both the British and Japanese coats of arms, symbolizing the eternal family of East and West.

Victoria then said, "It's not much compared to what our friends, new and old, may give, but it's something we-and by "we", I mean all of us for a change-feel you would treasure as you start your reign as one of Japan's greatest leaders."

March 1898

"Oh dear, all these gifts are fantastic." The gift officer whistled for several aides to come and take the gifts to be processed in the meantime. Empress Elizabeth turned to her aunt, "Your gifts are wonderful, and are beyond comparison."

She smiled and addressed the British/Imperial delegation. "To all of our friends; I thank you dearly. Each of your nations is in the heart of Japan, for you have all helped in Japan's time of need, and we only wish we can reciprocate such brotherly love."

She sighed sadly, "My father's death is a sad affair, but I think that in all things, he was ready to go. It will be painful to lay him to rest, but I think he is happy."

---

March 3, 1898
Cairo, Egypt

Entrusted by the Caliph of all Islam and the Empress of Rome, the leadership of the Egyptian colony, and her high council began to discuss the establishment of a new state in the African territories of Rum, to alleviate concerns of growing separatist movements.

The "White Plan" began to emerge, concepting a "Kingdom of Africa" which would serve as a domain spanning Tunisia, Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, Egypt, Sudan and Darfur; this idea would be implemented "as quickly as is possible", according to declarative statements made by the Commission.

[Luziyca]

March 4th, 1898
Beijing

The Emperor Dowager was now dying. He was now completely bedridden, and for the past few nights, his daughter, Empress Catherine of China was at his bedside, as well as her son and his daughter... several generations of the Qing were all at his side.

The former Daoguang Emperor looked solemnly and stared at a particular painting: a painting of China during the Song dynasty... he was no longer able to speak, but it was clear that he wanted something. Prince Henry took the painting off the wall, and walked slowly towards him to allow the Emperor to feel the painting, and he felt everything: the sea, the junk, and the people trading various goods. He nodded and smiled at the Prince, and after a while, his hand rested, for a brief moment before he heard a voice: a ghostly voice.

"Come with me." That voice sounded suspiciously like his fathers. He hesitated... but he heard the voice: "Son, you are now ready to see me. Come." The Daoguang Emperor touched his hand, and felt himself getting up, and walking alongside his father.

They left the bedroom and headed towards a long corridor... there, he saw all the rulers that ruled alongside him when he first took the throne. One by one, they took their seats, while the Daoguang Emperor was led by his father towards a door. They all walked at the same pace, but eventually, he was the only one left. He then finally reached the door, and opened it... only to see Empress Meiji looking down at him, and Emperor Alexander standing beside him.

He heard the Empress say, "You may be late, but you have finally made it. Your time has ended, and now, you shall come with me."

---

Back at the bedroom, the Emperor's eyes had closed. He stopped breathing. His daughter checked his pulse, but there was none. He was starting to get cooler, and she realized that her father had died. She quickly ordered for coroners to diagnose his cause of death and hold a funeral, while she quickly wrote a dispatch to the rest of the world.

From: Empress Catherine
To: The rest of the world

---

It is with the most tremendous sadness that the Daoguang Emperor has passed away at 9:08 pm on March 4, 1898 in the Forbidden City.

Within China, the entire country shut down. Businesses closed en-masse as news of the death of the Emperor spread. It was the first time that somebody lived to 116 years...

[Ruridova]

May 1, 1898

New Orleans, the Confederacy

A pair of Confederate playwrights in New Orleans, Jacob Gaines and Alistair Thomas, premiere a play. The play is very loosely based on the 1887 book Madame Chrysantheme, the ostensibly true story of a French sailor's romance with a Japanese geisha; like the original book, the play focuses on a romance between an Asian woman and a white soldier. However, the play's cast is far more expansive, the setting is changed, and the plot expanded greatly. Its title is Miss Saigon.

Miss Saigon begins in 1892 in Saigon during its brief period under Confederate occupation amidst the Indochina campaign. Kim Con Buom is a young employee at a bar and brothel named "the White Tiger" in the city, which has fallen easily to the Confederates, who caught Japanese defenders off-guard. Preparing for the night's show, the other prostitutes express apathy towards the outcome of the battles between Japan and the CSA, remarking that both Japanese and Confederate soldiers will do business there; they also mock Kim, who is newly-hired and a virgin(Overture (The White Tiger)). Meanwhile, a group of off-duty Confederate Marines stationed in the city decide to visit a brothel, ultimately selecting the brothel Kim works at(The Heat is on in Saigon). A sergeant named Christopher Pinkerton is initially unwilling to go along with the other marines, but is encouraged by his friend, a lieutenant named Jefferson Davis Scott, to come along. At the brothel, the prostitutes compete for the title of "Miss Saigon", with the Marines to serve as judges(Miss Saigon). Kim's guilelessness strikes Pinkerton; Scott notices this and buys the two a room(The Transaction). Kim is reluctant and shy, but dances and eventually sleeps with Pinkerton(One Step More).

The following morning, Pinkerton attempts to pay Kim, but she refuses, saying it was her first time sleeping with a man(This Money's Yours). In conversation, Pinkerton learns that Kim is an orphan; touched, he falls in love with her(Sun and Moon). Shortly after, Scott enters the room and informs Pinkerton that the Confederate force en route to Phnom Penh was defeated, that Japanese armies will soon retake the city of Saigon, and that the city's defenders are preparing to abandon it and head back for America. Kim and Pinkerton are initially worried(Why, God, Why?), but Pinkerton promises that, after the war is over, he will come back and take her to America; together, they dream about life together in a large house overlooking the San Francisco Bay(These Ceilings, These Walls). Pinkerton vows that he will see himself and Kim married the following day, in spite of protests from Scott; Scott ultimately concedes, vowing to find a way to get Pinkerton out with the other Marines(The Deal).

The following day, the bargirls hold a "wedding" for Pinkerton and Kim where the winner of the "Miss Saigon" contest from the first night declares Kim to be the "real Miss Saigon"(Chuc Vui Ve). The wedding is interrupted, however, when Kim's cousin Thuy Lieu Linh- an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army, which has begun to retake the city- enters the brothel. Thuy is disgusted that Kim is in love with an American soldier in the midst of the Great War; when Kim refuses Thuy's demands to leave Pinkerton and reveals that she has abandoned Buddhism and converted to Methodism, he storms out in disgust(What's This I Find?), cursing at Kim and Pinkerton. The pair dances to the song they first danced to together and vow to stand by each other in spite of the war between their countries(Last Night of the World). Late that night, Pinkerton leaves Kim, going with Scott to flee back to America, vowing to return and bring her to America(Sweetheart, Do Not Weep). This concludes Act One.

Act Two begins three years later, in 1895, with Kim watching a Japanese victory procession celebrating the liberation of the city; Thuy, now a high-ranking military official, speaks at the march about the great Japanese victory but internally nurses resentment about Kim's love with an American soldier(March of the Rising Sun). Amidst the celebration, Kim speaks of her continuing hope that Pinkerton will return and bring her to America(One Sweet Day). Meanwhile, Pinkerton is in bed with his American wife, Ellen Dolorosa Pinkerton, when he wakes from a nightmare of Kim dying, shouting her name and waking Ellen; he pretends that his shout of "Kim" was nonsensical and not a name, though Ellen is slightly suspicious. On opposite sides of the world, Ellen and Kim both swear their love for Pinkerton(I Still Believe).

A week later, Thuy finds Kim living in a low-income district of Saigon. Thuy gloats that Pinkerton has not come back for her, and demands that Kim denounce their relationship. Kim refuses, and shortly thereafter, her son by Pinkerton, Kim Tranh Dinh, enters the room. Thuy, recounting his experiences in the Great War and the history of slavery in the Confederacy, is disgusted to find out that Tranh Dinh has been told by his mother that America is a glorious and free land that they will eventually go to. Thuy describes Kim as a traitor for having sex with an American and then raising her child to think of himself as one, and insists that Tranh Dinh should be raised "properly" as a patriotic Japanese citizen; Kim responds angrily and demands that Thuy leave her and her child alone(What's This I Find? (Reprise)). Tempers flare, and Thuy pulls out a knife to threaten Kim into letting him take Tranh Dinh; in response, Kim pulls out a revolver and shoots Thuy, killing him(You Will Not Touch Him). A neighbor helps Kim hide the body, assuring her that Thuy was a disgrace to the IJA, which is better off without him, and that she was justified in defending her son.

Across the Pacific, Pinkerton- still haunted by his nightmare- is convinced that Kim is dead(What a Waste); Scott, however, shows up and convinces him to tell Ellen the truth about Kim(The Revelation); he then further convinces Pinkerton to come to Saigon, with Ellen maintaining that she will come with(Miss Saigon (Reprise)). Meanwhile, in Saigon, Kim finally begins to lose hope in the possibility of Pinkerton returning and, falling asleep, has a nightmare in which she is repeatedly taunted by the ghost of Thuy, who tells her that Pinkerton has betrayed her(Kim's Nightmare); the two also duel over the narrative of the night when Saigon was returned to Japanese control(The Fall of Saigon).

Scott, Pinkerton, and Ellen arrive in Saigon, and begin to search for Kim; Kim, meanwhile, notices the ship that the three arrived on(The Washington in the Harbor). By chance, Scott runs into Kim, and the pair recognize each other; Scott tells Kim that Pinkerton is also in Saigon. He also attempts to tell her that Pinkerton has remarried, but Kim interrupts him in excitement and tells Tranh Dinh that his father has finally come for them, telling him that they will soon head for America; Scott, seeing Kim happy, cannot bring himself to break the news, and instead only tells her the location of the hostel where they are staying(Please). This ends Act Two.

Act Three begins with Kim ecstatically dressing in the clothes she wore for her wedding to Pinkerton(Sun and Moon (Reprise)) and then heading to the hostel where the trio are staying, leaving Tranh Dinh with her neighbor. Scott is out finding Pinkerton, however, and when Kim arrives she encounters Ellen. Kim initially believes Ellen to be Scott's wife, but Ellen reveals that she is married to Pinkerton. A heartbroken Kim refuses to believe what Ellen says, describing their dreams of a house in San Francisco; Ellen retorts by describing how San Francisco burnt down after the 1892 earthquakes. After Kim mentions her son in passing, Ellen inquires if the child is Pinkerton's; Kim confirms that he is and begs Ellen and Pinkerton to take him to America, but Ellen refuses, maintaining that Kim is the best person to raise Tranh Dinh. Kim angrily demands that Pinkerton tell her this in person, and storms out of the room(The Confrontation (Farewell, Refuge)). Shortly after, Pinkerton and Scott return, and Ellen tells them what happened. Ellen admits she feels bad for Kim, but is determined to keep Pinkerton; she demands that he swear his devotion to her, which he does(Now That I've Seen Her).

Kim returns home and picks up Tranh Dinh. She lies to Tranh Dinh, saying that they are still going to America; Tranh Dinh dreams of America, the tales told by his mother creating a saccharine image of the CSA(The American Dream); inside, Kim forces herself to reconcile with the concept that Pinkerton has remarried and that they will probably not go to America(Paper Dragons). Meanwhile, Ellen has a change of heart and tells Pinkerton and Scott that she is willing to take Tranh Dinh to America and urges that Pinkerton apologize to Kim for remarrying(She Believes In You).

Pinkerton and Scott arrive at the house, but Pinkerton becomes unwilling to go him. He admits to Scott that he is a coward and could not bear to face Kim after what he did, realizing that he has made several mistakes; Scott attempts to persuade him to overcome his cowardice and amend his errors(This Is The Hour). Inside the house, Kim is unaware that Scott and Pinkerton are outside. She gives Tranh Dinh a Confederate flag, and tells him to show it to his father when he arrives. Kim then goes into her bedroom, smashes the cross on the wall and recites a prayer to the Buddha, then pulls out the revolver she used to kill Thuy and shoots herself(To Die With Honor). Pinkerton and Scott, alerted by the gunshot, rush into the house and find Kim mortally wounded. Pinkerton is mortified and desperately attempts to save her, but it soon becomes obvious that the wound will be fatal. She asks him to hold her once more and repeats something that he said to her on the first night they met("How in one night have we come so far?"), dying in his arms (Finale (Until the End)).

The play opens to rave reviews in New Orleans, and quickly becomes something of a phenomenon in the Confederacy, though some Great War veterans groups criticize the depiction of the two Confederate soldiers in the play.

[Unicario]

The play strikes in a peculiar manner with Japan. As with all Confederate works since the Treaty of Pearl Harbor, it is first screened extensively by a "Cultural Relations Board". The play is soon approved by the Board as they had little, if any, qualms with how it was written. It releases to well reviews in Japan, and is a rave hit in Vietnam. However, in response to the play's creation, the colonial government in Saigon formally creates reforms to the sex industry, forcing the unionization of all brothels, and tight regulations. This allows brothels to continue operating without much error.

[Shrillland]

May 13, 1898

Miss Saigon became a smash in all of the Empire's major theatre cities, London, New York, Melbourne, Auckland, etc. There were even positive reviews in Johannesburg, something that wasn't expected from the primarily Boer audience.

Albany, District of Carteria

In the meantime, a fierce debate was now raging in the Canadian House of Commons over the possibility of women serving in the armed forces. Canada had already given women the vote, and now, some suffragette leaders thought that women could join the armed forces in initially limited roles such as messengers, coach drivers, and even sharpshooters from the western provinces. They looked at the women who were fighting alongside men in Guyane, and wondered why the Canadian forces could not allow the same.

Prime Minister Roosevelt was sceptical of the idea, but some Liberal MPs were supportive, and an informal debate would go on for several days. In addition, Parliament decided to send to the people a non-binding referendum asking whether Canada should implement a ban on all alcohol, which was popular across the spectrum from progressive advocates of worker's rights to conservative church-goers and even the tee-totaling Prime Minister himself. The vote would take place at the end of September.

Finally, a gold rush up to Russian Alaska since the war had led to a burgeoning population along the River Yukon in the far north. Today, this growth was recognised by the First Yukon Territory Act, which split a large chunk of the Northwest Territories off into a separate entity with Whitehorse as the capital. This would take effect in exactly on month.

Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand

More social change was being made here thanks to Seddon's efforts. Some called him "King Dick" because we could be overbearing at times, but he was one of the proponents for women's suffrage and was now working on Labour laws. Today, his government passed an Old-age Pension Act, the first social security measure known to exist.

[Unicario]

May 16, 1898

An abortive proposal in the Diet by conservatives to ban alcohol in Japan was quickly defeated after the Empress vowed to veto it, and the Imperial Liberals and Socialists voted against the proposal coming to the floor for a vote. In Ojashi, reactions to the possibility of the Canadians banning alcohol caused the Yakuza-Mafia organization running in the region under Izumi and Leo Guerra, the mobster matriarch and patriarch respectively, to jump-start alcohol production for sale in the Mainland. The Japanese government had been running under a "don't ask don't tell" system for alcohol being smuggled out of the Ojashi region, or Confederates coming into Ojashi to buy booze for consumption.

However, concerns rose that Canada and Japan's close relations would mean Japan would crack down on alcohol production, but this was rebuffed by the governor; who stated that he had no intention to enforce foreign law in Ojashi.

[Unicario]

January 1, 1900
Paris, French State

Ferdinand Foch, Commandant of the State, and his closest advisors stood in the grand Cathedral of Notre Dame as the bells chimed. Many people had packed into the cathedral hoping to get a glimpse of this historic day. Foch had determined that the best way to maintain legitimacy in the eyes of the world was, while his power would remain as unlimited as he pleased, he should introduce some element of legitimacy -- and revive a figure's legacy that had once lead France to near greatness.

It was thusly that Napoléon, Prince Imperial, the great-nephew of the first and last Emperor of the French; the direct agnatic line of Napoleon Bonaparte had gone extinct many, many years ago; and so the only legitimate claim to the French throne came from Louis I of Holland and his kin. Thus, Napoléon III would be crowned today. The humble Prince and his procession entered the Cathedral, where a Catholic priest was waiting. As they approached, the large masses of people sat down and awaited for the ceremony to begin.

The ceremony was long, and it was extremely formal. At the end, Napoléon was proclaimed Emperor Napoléon III of the French State, to serve and protect for all eternity. A crown was placed upon his head, and the news was broken to the world that the Prince Imperial was now an Emperor, and that France was now an Empire again.

Foch was worried of repercussions if the Dutch, Germans or British felt threatened, but he dismissed his own concerns, and pushed forward and congratulated the new Emperor. The two returned to the Palace Elysee where they would discuss matters of state.

---

Cairo

Negotiations continued between the Rumite government in Constantinople, and the leadership of the African territories; primarily over the matters of the Suez Canal. The Turks wanted to retain direct governance of the canal; and so negotiations slowed as the two sides negotiated the split of the money from the canal.

[Ruridova]

Germany

The German government makes little overt response to the Franco-Dutch union. In comparative secret, however, they begin further development of fortifications on the German borders with France and the Netherlands, to protect the rich industrial region of the Rhineland. More publicly, they announced that Germany's colonies in Africa would be bound together as the Dominion of Mittelafrika, ostensibly to develop infrastructure and ease administration of the territories.

[Shrillland]

January 3, 1900
Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Today, Queen Victoria went out on one of her last major public engagements to oversee the royal yacht, the Victoria & Albert, head of of its drydock for the second stage of construction. As the large and luxurious craft floated off of the dry dock, it tipped, as a ship will do, but instead of righting itself, it almost capsized before it just floated on its side. The ship was too heavy on one side, and would need another year to be completed. If I'm still here by then, Victoria thought to herself...after she had processed her rage to the ship's chief engineer.

Standing near her was her eldest son, Prince Edward and his wife, Princess Alexandra. His brother, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, was no so ill from his cancer that he could no longer attend these functions, and was expected to die within a few months. Edward had already lost two sons of his own, one brother and one sister, and now Princess Victoria(the Queen's eldest child) was dying of cancer herself. Even now, the Queen was still distant towards her heir, they had not been especially close since Albert's death-he had died a fortnight after reprimanding Edward for having a mistress, of which even now he had many-but now, she was making him more aware of affairs of state.

It was this awareness that led him and Salisbury to express concern at the accession of Napoleon III, though there were still no signs of overt aggression.

London

Throughout Britain, society was moving forward. H.G. Wells was now a world-class author, cars and electric trollerys were becoming commonplace, and motorised buses were becoming the rule in the world's largest city. In Kensington, the Victoria & Albert Museum was showcasing decorative art from around the world, and Britain was sending a delegation of amateur athletes to the Games of the II Olympiad in Paris, as were India-now ruled by Marquess Curzon of Kedleston as Viceroy-and the other dominions. Radio was also being experimented on at this time, and a new Heroic Age af Antartic Expedition has started back in '98 with the sailing of the Southern Cross Expedition, which was still in Antarctica. Indeed, the oncoming 20th Century was bright with promise, even if the dark shadows of Fascism and Communism were bearing down. And the upcoming elections in the spring would bring new players onto the scene.

Albany, DIstrict of Carteria

Here there had been many changes. The Prohibition referendum did pass on a national scale-Prince Edward Island, Vermont, Manitoba, and Massachusetts approved it with especially large margins-but Roosevelt decided not to actually send a bill to Parliament, especially given the rejections the vote received from New York and the Southwestern provinces such as Montana and Idaho. Electric buses were now also being run in big Canadian cities like New York, which now held all the boroughs save for Ojashi. WRoosevelt had hoped to make both Prohibition and the rise of Fascism major issues in the upcoming autumn elections.


Ireland

Here, the Local Government Act of '98 meant that there were now elected county councils, and women were finally given the right to vote. However, separatists like James Connelly were now writing subversive material such as Worker's Republic, The United Irishman, and other publications.

Sydney, New South Wales

At long last, it looked like Australia would finally unite as one. The Constitution of Australia Act was being discussed in London, and all the signs showed that New South Wales would finally ratify the new constitution after rejecting it two years before. All that was needed now was to form a national government of their own, and it looked like Barton was going to be Australia's choice...when Commonwealth status was granted. In the meantime, politicians were swarming into Sydney to create a new party for the working man, a Labour Party like that which was now being formed in Britain,

In other parts of the Empire, King Dick Seddon had won a large majority for his Liberals back in '99, and was now expanding his welfare state proposals. Unification continued in South Africa, though not as quickly as Rhodes was hoping for as Boer regions continued to try to move the Hindi and Japanese populations to separate areas, all attempts of which had been repulsed by Rhodes and his Deputy, Sir Theodore Hashimoto.

[Bojikami]

January 3rd, 1900
Rome, Roma Italia

In the years following the destruction of the war and the immediate unease caused by the post-war situation, Italia had thrived. Italian industries had begun to reach the southern half of the peninsula, which created minor political tensions with the farmers of the region as they felt the expansion of industry hurt the agricultural sector, though despite this Italian industry and production had overtaken levels prior to the war. This, coupled with a renewed sense of nationalism lead to the passing of numerous tariffs against nations the Italians viewed as 'threatening' to Italian industry.

On the political front, the expansion of industry had caused some of the malcontents within Italian society, namely the impoverished who laboured in Italian factories and mines, or the farmers who saw dwindling income, to begin to form into unions and alliances. Despite various attempts by the Italian government to break apart and suppress these 'socialist movements', some unions remain in place, albeit secretly and away from the prying eyes of both government and large business alike.

However, with the coronation of Napoleon III and the seeming build up of German forces, Mussolini himself commissions artillery batteries to be placed in the Roman Alpine regions to the north, as well as an increase to the current forces stationed around Venezia.

Kyiv, Ruthenia

The previous war had not left too much damage on the empire industrially or economically, the economy and military saw great amounts of growth with Italian investment in the country. This had, however only strengthened the divide between the wealthy of Ruthenia and the poor or undesirables. While many of the poor had grown to resent the growth of big business in the country, the ethnic and religious minorities, namely the Crimean tatars had seen their rights further rescinded, as soon legislation was passed that forbade them from entering Ruthenian cities without special paperwork that permitted them in for work, this law had also forced the Tatars into camps in the nation interior or into small reservation towns.

While the Empire was seeing a further divided society, it made sure not to have this be shown to the world. To commemorate the new millennium, large military parades were held in the major cities within Ruthenia, to all of which were met with large cheering crowds as the soldiers marched through the streets.

St. Petersburg, Russian Empire

Russia saw little recovery in the years since the war. Heavy losses during Russian campaigns against then Ukraine-Romania at the cost of many Russian sons, as well as various laws becoming enacted by the Tsar to enforce Russian culture on Poles, Balts, and other cultures within the empire had caused Nicholas II to lose much of his popularity with the common people, and in some circles, there was even talk of revolt. To hopefully win back some of his crumbling support amongst the nobility, the Tsar enacted a reform that would see the nobility granted greater rights and privileges, much to the behest of the already angered citizens. This, with a strengthened and hungry Ruthenia on its borders, could very well spell doom for the Tsar in the near future.

Spain

The revolution had, at this point, permeated most aspects of Spanish society. In what began as a simple coup against a weak Spanish king, was now a massive revolution fought between Franco's revolutionary army consisting largely of the former Spanish Royal Army and Navy and the Royalists who supported the now-very much weakened King Juan Carlos I, whose army had consisted of citizen militas raised by churches, as well as foreign volunteers who joined in to oppose the expansion of Fascism.

Despite the support the King was getting, this had only lead to defeat after defeat as Franco's forces had pushed north and east, eventually seizing Madrid in the Fall of the last year, it was here that, to many Spanish citizens, Franco led the legitimate Spanish government, and the one lead by the King was illegitimate and unfit to lead the Spanish people. The Kings forces had, in recent months been pushed back to the northern parts of Spain, where by December Franco had successfully defeated the last of the Spanish Royalist forces, and had the King as well as his leading supporters captured and publicly executed in Madrid at the start of the New Year. Franco had declared that on the day of the new millennium was the beginning of what he states to be "The Age of Fascism".

[Unicario]

Sydney, New South Wales

At long last, it looked like Australia would finally unite as one. The Constitution of Australia Act was being discussed in London, and all the signs showed that New South Wales would finally ratify the new constitution after rejecting it two years before. All that was needed now was to form a national government of their own, and it looked like Barton was going to be Australia's choice...when Commonwealth status was granted. In the meantime, politicians were swarming into Sydney to create a new party for the working man, a Labour Party like that which was now being formed in Britain,

In other parts of the Empire, King Dick Seddon had won a large majority for his Liberals back in '99, and was now expanding his welfare state proposals.

The government of the Empire of Japan formally recognized the establishment and government of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Japanese offered a lengthy military alliance with the newly established state, and offered to include them in the Greater Co-Prosperity Sphere's military umbrella, if they saw such to be a good idea. The newly assigned ambassador from Japan brought a large wreath of flowers and a clone of the Yamato family seal for display.

Unification continued in South Africa, though not as quickly as Rhodes was hoping for as Boer regions continued to try to move the Hindi and Japanese populations to separate areas, all attempts of which had been repulsed by Rhodes and his Deputy, Sir Theodore Hashimoto.

The Japanese settlers in the Natal approached the situation carefully, feeling unsure that their autonomy and right to govern would exist after Hashimoto and Rhodes exited the government. The Japanese in Natal, as well, formally agreed to a unification with the proposed Union of South Africa; but kept a small line to the government of Japan hoping to avoid disproportionate racism. They remain quiet otherwise, looking to just live.

[Shrillland]

January 8, 1900
London

As the new Australian administration accepted Japan's defence guarantee, Salisbury was sailing to North America, first to Canada, then to the CS, and thence to Central America on a trip that would take him two months. His House leader, Arthur Balfour, was in charge in London as he went to met with certain leaders concerning the construction of a canal in Central America between the Atlantic and the Pacific. At his side for the Canadian part of the meeting was his Colonial Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain. He would be in New York in a week.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Here, in Britian's West African colonies of Sierra Leone and Senegambia, there was a new movement led primarily by Liberians in the southwest of the disconnected colonies for greater self-government. Today, there was a meeting of men in Freetown led by a Confederate-born former slave named William Coleman. He lived in the poor east of SIerra Leone, which many called Liberia. This meeting led to the creation of the United West African Front, a group of several parties united under a single umbrella calling for greater self-government in the colonies, and a unification of Sierra Leone and Senegambia into the United States of West Africa.

[Unicario]

January 15, 1900

On January 15, a cadre of officers in the IJA High Command completed the document they had been putting together since the end of the First World War, some nine years prior. Called 中国での状況に関して最終解決, or, Final Solution With Regards To The Situation In China was a lengthy document outlining potential war goals for a Second Sino-Japanese War, primarily penned by General Hidenori Tojo, the former Military Governor of Hong Kong during WW1. The opening pages of the document outline that the document has no connection to any Imperial war plan, and that the document is simply written from a potential political and military perspective.

The first section of the document highlights the "intrinsic ethnic subversity of the Han and Manchu persons", and their "long history of oppression of the Mongol, Cantonese, Tibetan, Turkic and other groups...", and recommends for consideration the "neutralization of these groups to assert better harmony in the Occupied Territories (Chūgoku)." This references the words of Chodren Dawa, Emmanuel Carasso, and other books referencing certain nuances of racial superiority and genocide; and advises for "work camps" and "political prisons" to be erected to house Mandarin and Manchurian persons before their "neutralization".

The second section of the document refers to the "Post-War Question in China and Greater Asia". This section outlines the "best possible plans" for the Asian continent after the conclusion of the "final war against China". China features predominantly in the section, speaking of the "complete dismemberment of the historical Chinese state", and the "establishment of many smaller states full of political and ethnic exiles from foreign nations, such as the multi-ethnic states of Russia, Great Britain, and other places like them." - the section advises for a large Manchurian state to be propped up in the Northeast, but to be primarily staffed by Japanese colonizers and other ethnic groups, specifically citing Koreans, Russians and Mongols; and a Cantonese state staffed by native collaborators, primarily drawn from the same stock Japan had available during World War I. As well, it outlines that the cities of Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, Tsingtao, Yantai, Guangzhou, Zhongshan and "other major Chinese naval ports" to assert total Japanese naval dominance over Asia. The text also advices that the Yangtze Valley be turned over to a puppet regime of "affirmed loyalty to the Japanese nation, or of undeclared loyalties so that we may establish a proper sphere of influence in the area."

The section then went on a broader note, calling into question the "legitimacy of the Germanic occupation of Chinese and Oceanic land," advising for an ultimatum to be delivered to Berlin to leave these territories or face Japanese invasion. The document dismissed the Kaiserliche Marine as "irrelevant in East Asia, and of no serious threat to the Japanese Home Fleet." After discussing Berlin's territory, the section however stated that it was "in the best interest to permit the Dutch to maintain their sovereign right of rule over Indonesia, on the condition of Japanese trade favorability to access natural wealth in the region.".

The section then turned to face "The undisputable ally and friend of the Imperial Japanese race, the honorable Empire of the Western Seas."; the section on Asia post-war outlined the need to assure "Australian and New Zealand's fealty to the Greater East Asian way, without alienating or damaging political relations with the British Empire."; the document stated the "uncertain motives of the next-in-line with regards to Asia worry the High Command, as we feel that upon the Honorable Empress Victoria's death, her Empire will pass into the hands of a young man with little to no love for his Japanese ancestors; which is quite a shame." This then expanded to the document mentioning the need to "assert the sovereignty of India under a Japanese framework as so to avoid corruption, instability and other problems that may follow the withdrawal of the United Kingdom. We advise Her Majesty, in her stead as a member of the House of Lords, to pressure the British government into a framework of withdrawal sometime in the next half-century."

The document continued, discussing "methods of neutralizing the Confederate threat", involving bombing raids on California, surprise naval attacks on Pearl Harbor, or even suicide bomber attacks against the capital of the Confederacy proper. The document did similar to Russia, giving advice on "proper steps to assure the Japanese control of vital strategic elements in the Amur, Baikal, Trans-Siberian Railway, and the Alaska region."

Pieces of the document, particulars regarding the "advice for the future" reached public press within a fortnight, while the military plans enclosed as to "assure Japanese victory" remained secret. It took not very long for every world press to get their hands on the published memorandum within Japan's armed forces.

Upon hearing of the leak, the Empress Elizabeth formally issued a condemnation of the document and stated it "did not properly represent the Imperial Japanese way, and the laurels upon which Meiji's legacy was built." She, however, did not apologize for the document.

[Unicario]

January 20, 1900

Michiko Adams, who had served as Chancellor of Japan during both World War I and the immediate post-war, formally tendered her resignation to the Empress on January 20th. The Empress then formally appointed Avina Kamakura of the Social Democratic Party to the office of Chancellor. The new Chancellor had been the second commander of the Northern Expedition after the death of the militant Musashi Kamakura.

[Bojikami]

January 20th, 1900
Russian Empire

The revelation of Japanese ambition in the Pacific, while the Japanese were quick to denounce it, caused a bit of fear among the nobility. The prospect of Japanese dominance of Asia and its ready plans to invade Russia to ensure this prompted the Tsar to build up the Russian Imperial Navy in the east accompanied with several divisions initially stationed in Central Asia being restationed to the east as well as Poles being conscripted into new units and being sent east, causing increased unrest amongst the people of Poland.

[Unicario]

January 30

Chancellor Avina Kamakura approached the wooden doors. The two infantry soldiers snapped to attention and parted, before opening the wooden doors for her. The conference room was empty for the most part, as she entered the room and sat at one end of the table. Shortly afterwards, a man of Russian descent entered the room, wearing a naval uniform. Nicholas Romanov, the Prince-Consort, took a seat next to Avina and reached for a cup of coffee that was placed on one of the metal dishes in the middle of the table. He was joined by Admiral Tanaka and Admiral Caldwell. The three Imperial Japanese Navy officers sat patiently, waiting for the meeting.

Soon, General Tojo, General William Yukimura and General Matsuoka, representatives of the Imperial Japanese Army, arrived as well. A few faceless cadres from the Imperial Japanese Air Force arrived as well. The Foreign Minister, Minister of War and Minister of State Security arrived as well, taking seats.

The silence remained for a few moments before the doors opened, and all the parties rose. Empress Elizabeth entered the room, and walked to her seat in front of the assembled group. The military officers saluted and sat at the Empress' urging. The Empress glanced around, "So we're here today to discuss... what exactly?"

"Our naval observations and front-line recon show that the Russians are... moving troops around; we think they may be militarizing the border in response to General Tojo's leaked warplan." The cadre of officers gave a glance over at the General, who was sweating profusely. The Empress grumbled and said, "So what are we looking at here? The Russians are mobilizing?"

"We believe so; our recon ships have noticed an uptick in activity in Haishenwai; we think they're laying down new naval expansions." The Empress was alarmed at the statement, and the Chancellor spoke up, "So we're looking at a pretty significant Russian build-up, any threat?"

General Yukimura looked at his papers, "The Russian technological advancements are hazy... Admiral Romanov?"

Admiral Romanov sniffed, "Your Majesty, we have very little information on Russian technological programs; but we do know that there is... something afoot. My dear family in Moscow's power is not as strong as you may think; I do believe the Tsardom is under grave threat."

The Empress' eyebrow raised, "Really? Peculiar... well, do we have funds to lay down more dreadnoughts?"

Admiral Romanov peaked through his files, "Yes, madame. I recommend we begin laying down three Sengoku-class dreadnoughts; the latest technology out of the Tokyo Naval Institute."

The Empress waved her hand, "Then see to it. I order three dreadnoughts be built immediately; as well, increase infantry deployments to the front. How are we faring with our own research projects?"

General Matsuoka sniffed, "The PMR is faring well in initial trials; there are concerns about the weapon's stability with the materials used, and the weight of the backpack."

The Empress let out a small hum. "Should we consider buying light machine guns from Ruthenia?"

"We'd be financially supporting a regime that our British allies disapprove of, but yes, we could."

She nodded and motioned to the Foreign Minister, "You. Send a message to the Ruthenian state; invite them to dispatch an Ambassador and Minister Plenipotentiary, and state that the Imperial Japanese Army has a contract to their supplier of LMGs."

The Foreign Minister rose and bowed, "Yes, your Majesty." He scurried out of the room, and the Empress sighed, and folded her hands. "I want the Empire at a heightened state of military readiness, should our little leak prove too much for the world to tolerate. China and Russia are primary concerns. Admiral Romanov has assured me that the Confederate Navy remains in no condition to challenge the Imperial Navy on the high-seas."

She motioned to Tojo, "You, Mister War Plans; I want you to get with your cadre of officers and draw up plans for war contingencies against Russia, China and the Confederate States; include a "Option B" that illustrates a potential war against the British, should circumstances go that way."

"Yes ma'am." He rose and left, and the room soon emptied, leaving behind the Prince-Consort and the Empress. Elizabeth rose and drew out a cigarette from the pockets on her overcoat. The Empress lit it and took a drag and looked at her husband. "So, the chances of war with Russia just increased dramatically. You may have to fight your own motherland, my dear."

The Prince-Consort gave a dry snort, "I wouldn't dream of betraying you, my dear." She proffered him a cigarette, which he accepted. The two left the conference room and made their way back to the palace.

---

Official communique from
IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

by sanction of Her Imperial Majesty, Elizabeth, Empress of Japan and East Asia, Vietnam, Indochina and Ethiopia
Duchess of Kent, Strathearn and Gloucester,
Sovereign Lady of All Eight Corners

---

To: Alexander, Imperial Emperor of the Kievan Rus', Sovereign of Crimea

---

Greetings, fair and mighty Emperor.

The Empire of Japan hereby invites His Majesty to formally dispatch an Ambassador and Minister Plenipotentiary to Tokyo to serve as His Majesty's official representative in the Japanese diplomatic circuit. Yours would be joining an esteemed line of diplomatic officers from all eight corners of the mighty planet. In this stead, Japan would be able to conduct proper diplomatic affairs with your state, and all who reside in it.

As well, the Imperial Japanese Army expresses interest in acquiring weapons of war from your armories. Whilst we have already contracted French suppliers of light machine guns, we seek to acquire Ruthenian-made versions to see how they may be used to benefit the Empire against a potential Russian invasion or border incident. Your cooperation in this shall be remembered greatly by Her Majesty and Her Majesty's government.

With regard,
Konoe Atsumaro
Imperial Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tokyo

Official communique from
IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

by sanction of Her Imperial Majesty, Elizabeth, Empress of Japan and East Asia, Vietnam, Indochina and Ethiopia
Duchess of Kent, Strathearn and Gloucester,
Sovereign Lady of All Eight Corners

---

To: Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, Prime Minister of Her Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
With Copy To: Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom, Queen of Ireland, Duchess of Normandy, Sovereign Lady of the House Yamato, Princess of Japan, Sovereign Lady of the Imperial Indian State, Supreme Authority Over The Western Oceans, Daughter of Empress Meiji

---

Greetings, Prime Minister.

The Empire of Japan and East Asia would like to formally extend the cession of Japanese Burma territory, as well as the sovereign City of Mumbai to your government's purvey at the earliest convenience. We have determined that such territory bears little use to the Japanese people, and we believe that our current arrangements of your government, as well as the sovereign of your lands, Nishikōgō, in which Japanese naval ships and British ships may refuel and station freely in each other's territory shall be sufficient enough for our needs.

We eagerly await your reply.

With regard,
Konoe Atsumaro
Imperial Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tokyo

[Bojikami]

Kyiv, Ruthenia

Oleksandr sat in his personal quarters, with the letter from the Japanese in hand. Outside he suddenly heard two soldiers step aside and his door slowly creak open as the familiar face of Stephan Bandera, at this point a Marshal of the Ruthenian military, peered through the doorway. "You wished to see me, your majesty?"

Oleksandr sat upright in his chair. "Ah, Stephan. Take a seat. I don't know what you did or said in Japan some while ago, but it seems to have left some good impression."

Stephan took his seat as the guardsman outside firmly shut the door, causing Stephan to straighten at the sound of the door shut. "What do you mean by this?" He said.

He handed the letter over to him "Read this. Japan now wants to open official relations with us, and it seems they wish to get their hands on Ruthenian arms to use against our common enemy. That bastard Nicolas and the rest of his crumbling empire."

"But, Oleksandr, don't you think this is a little quick to decide? Haven't you read of their plans and schemes?"

"Aye, I have. And as far as I am concerned, this is no concern of mine, nor Benitos, nor Foch's. This in no way impedes our own plans against Russia, it infact helps eliminate the threat of Russia. And plus, with this show of goodwill from Japan, this is one less rifle at our heads."

"So, what would you have me do, my lord?"

"Compose a letter to the Japanese, telling them we shall comply."

---

Official Message from the Empire of Ruthenia

---

Dear Konoe Atsumaro,

I wish to reply to your letter, and I am happy to declare my Tsar will dispatch the requested diplomats to the Japanese Empire in the hopes of building better relations between our two immortal Empires. My sovereign will also be sending the finest of the Ruthenian Light Machine Guns straight from the Poltava Armory.

With regard,
Stephan Bandera
Marshal of the Ruthenian royal army and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Kyiv

[Shrillland]

February 1, 1900
Buckingham Palace
London

With Salisbury across the Atlantic, and a tentative agreement concerning Canada's role in building a Atlantic-Pacific canal reached, it was Queen Victoria who received the messages from Japan. There was some stirring when the Tojo plans were made public concerning possible Japanese influence in India, but these little spats arose every half-century or so, and nothing had ever shaken the centuries-old peace between Britain and Japan. She was certainly surprised by the news that Japan was willing to cede Mumbai and eastern Burma, and the reply from Salisbury had already arrived. He was willing to accept the annexation, and so Victoria came out of Prince Alfred's room to write a letter to her relations:

From your dear Great-Aunt Victoria,
To my darling great-niece Elizabeth,

My dear,

My Prime Minister has currently in the Americas, but he has authorised me to say that my government will gladly accept the transfer of sovereignty over Eastern Burma and Mumbai. I have already informed Lord Curzon that his viceroyalty shall extend over these areas as well as over his current domain. Perosonally, I can only give you my humblest gratitude that you feel we should take hold of these domains, though I must ask you, Why this sudden decision to do so? Your own leaders have been faring well in these territories, and there's been no trouble with nationalists, unlike what we've seen in India and those dreadful Boers in South Africa, so why this transfer now?

On another note, I hope that you can support my Prime Minister and his Canadian counterpart in their plans for a canal in Central America. Such a marvel would make travel between our two empires so much easier, and it also goes hand-in-hand with something I'll suggest to Salisbury when he returns: the creation of a trans-oceanic telephone line across the two oceans. I know that it will take years to achieve and millions of pounds to create, but I'm sure that our two empires can accomplish anything.

Finally, dear, in light of General Tojo's report, I know that you've cast it down, and I want to assure you that Edward will be as close an ally as I am once he takes the reins of power. He admires Japan, and he will defend it as he defends this realm.

Your dear great-aunt,
Victoria

[Unicario]

Official communique from
HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY

---

To: My Great-Aunt, Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom

---

Dear Aunt,

Our retrocession of the Mumbai and Burma territories stem primarily from the decisions made locally that we should be focusing on Japanization and settlement of the Empire in East Asia; and focus far less on the matters of our small concession ports elsewhere. Our control of the Malacca region, Singapore, as well as the Comoros, Madagascar and Red Sea entrance, have made it entirely unnecessary for the Japanese Empire to maintain outposts which we annexed entirely to establish our African holdings. We believe that the Raj will serve these territories far better than our own administrations can.

The Hindus will remain obstinate in their desires for independence; I doubt Britain can hold it for the coming century, but I am certain when the time comes, Britain will ensure that India and the territories within are peacefully partitioned and granted independence. I would advise against dividing the Subcontinent up by religion; but by ethnic group. My father's writings tell me of how the many ethnic groups of the Indian Subcontinent truly dislike each other's presence; and are only united in a common dislike for British authority. I assure you, Japan shall never fund active separatist groups, and we shall rebuff any offers of such from any group of persons.

As for the Boers; I would recommend showing them their place as subjects of the Crown. They cannot be permissed to run amok; particularly where my subjects are concerned. The Japanese on Natal are still Japanese, and I expect my South African brethren to treat them with respect afforded to citizens of the Crown.

But on the matter of canals; yes, Japan's advisors to the Court of Tawantinsuyu have been assisting the Sapa Inca and her ilk of building a canal across the Isthmus of Panama, or across the United Republics' territory of Nicaragua. Our research into the matter has progressed well, and we seek to undertake such a project as soon as possible. It pleases me that the British Empire is interested in this as well!

As for Edward, I am glad to hear that. May our nations know peace and harmony.

- Elizabeth

[Shrillland]

February 6, 1900
New York, New York

For the first time since the war, the British and Imperial governments were testing an opportunity to patch the centuries-old quarrel between Britain and America. Salisbury and Roosevelt were on their way to the CSA to discuss American support and funding of a canal in Central America.