1936: A Changed World (RP/Open/IC)

[The Peoples East Africa]

The year was 1913, the city Vienna. In a coffee shop frequented by Adolf Hitler, Leon Trotsky, Joseph Tito, Sigmund Freud, and Joseph Stalin, terror brewed, as a fiery light appeared in the sky, growing bigger by the second. Soon it became apparent that it was a meteor, heading straight for the them. And in the minutes that followed, Austria and Europe lost a beloved capital and city. But more than just those buildings were lost. Lost were those who would go on to mold the 20th century greater than any other. The men who would kill millions, start a global war, study the human mind, and lead the Yugoslavs. They were all wiped out in an instance, and now the world will never know their influence.

Now YOU take charge of a nation of your choosing, and forge your destiny. They could be a carbon copy, or be beyond recognizing. For the world is different, and 1936 is set to be the most explosive year yet.

OOC

Rules:
I, the OP, am your undisputed lord and master.
No wanking.
Play nice.

Roster:
German Socialist Republic - Zostra
Second Polish Republic - Costa Fierro
Federal Empire of Austria - Tracian Empire
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway - The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism
France - Prevnina
The Spanish People's Union - Pandeeria
Romania - Western Pacific Territories
Empire of Japan - Soviet Chernarus
Duchy of Liechtenstein - Remnants of Exilvania
Socialist Republic of Italy - WAU
Hungarian Republic - Plessur

[Prevnina]

Paris, France

Anyone who was anyone was here tonight, one could see the seventy-seven year old emperor, Philippe VIII was talking with Charles Maurras and Cardinal Verdier, Pierre Alcover and Louis Leplée were laughing together at some joke, generals and colonels, actors and musicians, politicians and known mobsters all rubbed shoulders, a few youths in the uniform of the Camelots du Roi stood together with others from the Jeunesse Chouans and Paladins du Roland, several members of the Conseil de la Défense Nationale with their badges and bowler hats mingled and politicked, policemen with batons moved around the crowd looking for troublemakers.

Tonight was the premiere of Le Triomphe de la volonté, a new 'Imperial film' directed by the minister of propoganda Philippe Henriot, according to all reports it was supposed to be a masterpiece, documenting the rise and even higher rise of the Action Française party, allied political groups, the right wing militias and the youth leagues. It was also supposed to show the recent national tour of the Emperor through the French countryside and towns, and the annual rally at Marseilles.

Georges Ménard, the capitaine of a minor royalist group, had been invited to the premiere because of his groups participation in the filming of Le Triomphe, but he hadn't expected to be among this glamorous a company. Georges and the leader of another small group from the next town over, Roland Bonnefoy, probably looked like fools swiveling their heads this way and that to see all of the famous guests, this was a prestigious event and they were well out of their depths.

"Bonjour mon amis, I am Minister Henriot of the propaganda department, the principal director of this film, and member of the Action Française party" a rather small, mustachioed man in expensive looking clothing said as he walked out of the cinema and addressed the crowd waiting to enter, "The film will begin shortly, but first I would thank all of you for coming today, merci!"

Georges was seated with the other militia leaders, around two-thirds of the way back on the far left of the cinema, but luckily the man in front of him was short enough for him to see the screen clearly. After a few more minutes of waiting, as the rest of the audience filed in and found their seats, with the Emperor naturally sitting in at the front center, the screen lighted up and all noise dropped off instantly.

The film opened with the image of a sculpted eagle holding a fleur-de-lis, accompanied by an instrumental segment from the national anthem, 'Vive le Roi', when the camera zoomed outwards, you could see that this wasn't just some old sculpture on top of a cathedral somewhere, but sat atop a banner, reminiscent of those held by the Roman aquilifers. The tricoleur of blue, white and red, with another dark fleur-de-lis in the center, and the words 'Action Française' was held by a tall, proud looking man in dark uniform.

The camera zoomed out a little more, this man was not alone, behind him are other men in uniforms, not all the same, carrying a multitude of flags, banners and standards, each man was looking forwards, though not at the camera, and suddenly, splitting the dead silence was a shout of 'march!'. The camera zoomed out yet again, and this was not just a small collection of men with flags, but the vanguard of a large group, a parade of men from a dozen militias and leagues through the streets of Paris, police officers stood to the sides of the road, having to physically hold back the cheering masses as the uniformed patriots swaggered in their rows.

Interspersed among the scenes of men marching and crowds cheering were highlights of the speeches on the Emperor's highly publicised 'Tour de France', from his majesty as well as a number of other politicians and officers,"May the bright flame of our enthusiasm never be extinguished!, "It may be good to have power based on arms, but it is better and more joyful to win and to keep the hearts of the people!", "Before us lies France, in us burns France, and behind us, France follows!"

The image switched again from the Emperor to the streets of France, "Behind us, France follows!" a narrator repeated.



Georges was pleased to see himself on the screen, in his militia uniform and beret, holding the banner of his group, Le Lansquenets de France, beside him was the leader of the Ligue antisémitique and behind him were hundreds of ordinary Frenchmen, with arms linked and singing 'au revoir camarade'. This was a movement, this was France, the new France, a better France and it swelled Georges' heart to see and to be a part of it, not everyone was pleased with the return of the monarchy, but only a few diehard socialists or republicans, the OAS, Organisation de l'Armée Secrète, resisted the change.

Again, a clip from a speech, this one with some party official shouting "We want our people to love peace, but also to be brave!", followed by a funeral march in the Vendée, where Capitaine Guignot of le Templiers had been assassinated by OAS gunmen in his own home.

"Love peace, but also be brave!" said the narrator, as the funeral faded into a peaceful field, quickly interrupted by men in black dashing forwards, rifles in their arms, towards a house in the distance. A firefight with the occupants ended with a pair of militiamen wounded and the OAS members taken into custody, "Vive le République!" the terrorist shouted, and someone in the audience booed.

The militiamen marching through some town, with children throwing flowers and young women surrounding a man with a bandaged head, who didn't look displeased. A young boy smiling into the camera, wearing black uniform and a red armband with a fleur-de-lis in a white circle, the Emperor giving a speech, soldiers marching through the Arc de Triomphe, Admiral Darlan waving from a patrol boat, as a flotilla of small ships sailed up the Rhone, the images came one after another, snapshots from a new France.

Secret police breaking down doors and hauling out the families of suspected socialists, Jews and regional minorities beaten in the streets and officials looking the other way, French schools teaching the superiority of 'la race aryenne', colonial administrators executing natives for not meeting their quota, these are snapshots not shown, not acknowledged, but not unwelcome in the new France.

A few in the audience with republican or socialist sympathies sat in silence, appalled as one clip after another showed what their nation had become, and even more appalled at the enjoyment on the faces of those around them. There was nothing that could be done, the army, through their Council of National Defense, and their puppet the elderly Emperor, ruled France now, supported by the right wing leagues, nationalist parties, monarchists and others. If they spoke up, they would be disappeared, like so many other critics of the political changes that had taken place over the last few years.

Meanwhile, supporters of the new France, such as Georges Ménard, were excited to see how things were progressing, and indifferent politicians and elites didn't care so much about how France was governed, so long as their wealth and positions weren't endangered. Republicans and socialists mourned while 'patriots' and autocrats cheered. Whatever you thought of it, they had the army, the politicians and the majority of the people, so the new France looked like it was here to stay.

When the film ended, the crowd applauded enthusiastically and Minister Henriot smiled and thanked the celebrities, merchants, politicians, officers, militiamen, industrialists and other representatives of the new France's elite for coming. Over the next few weeks this film would be sent out all over France, every single cinema in every town and city would be showing Le Triomphe, and Georges thought that he would probably watch it again with his friends back home.

[Western Pacific Territories]

Hotin, Northern Romania

A assembly of soldiers stood in rank and file, a rectangle of Romanian soldiers 15 men long and 4 wide. In front of them were two men, the men's commander and a political officer attached to the group of infantry. The officers were here with their soldiers, formed up to hear a announcement, which the soldiers didn't even know what would be.

The political officer and the commander talked in hushed voices, going over details of a planned fortification effort to secure the Russian border. The project would initially be started by soldiers, digging trenches, building foxholes, and paving roads, and from there, the work would move to civilian workers promised high wages to do this work. The project would start here at Hotin and stretch all the way to Cetatea Alba, stretching behind and following the river Dniester, the greatest natural barrier between the Russians and the Romanians. Once that was done, fortification works on the Austrian border would be carried out by soldiers. The Austrian phase would be much more easier than the majority of the project. The Romanian government had a optimistic deadline of 6 years from start to finish.

The main reason for this program, of course, was simply to defend Romanias border from the fascists beyond it's rivers and forests. However, it had some side benefits. The majority of roads in the area where construction would be taking place were likely to become paved roads rather than dirt ones, as a good example.

Brasov, Carpathian Mountains.

The convoy of trucks rumbled up the dirt roads in the countryside of Brasov. Brasov was a rather paticular place. It had a literacy rate of 90%+, the highest literacy rate of any county in Romania. Not even Bucharest had a literacy rate that large. And yet, it was a fervorant stronghold of the potentially-funded-by-foreign-nations legionaires of the Iron Guard.

A tip-off had been sent to the Brasov police about a potential legionaire sympathizer in the countryside hiding guns and ammunition, and the army was dispatched. Now, in the middle of the night, the army was coming to investigate. Several political officers and a journalist would accompany the raiding party in investigation.

The trucks soon reached their destination, a cabin in the woods, in the middle of the night. The journalist soon set up his camera and positioned it as the police prepared themselves, they wanted this raid to make headlines. Suddenly, police officers, maybe 8 or so with guns approached the door, and knocked. No response came, but a officer suspected hearing a ruckus going on inside. They soon came to the decision to break open the door. They entered the cabin to find it empty at first. After investigating a few rooms, they found the last one, and prepared to make the arrest. To their surprise, the sympathizer was waiting with a loaded gun in his hands, pointed at the officers. After several attempts to convince the sympathizer to surrender, he fired at a officer, wounding him, and was gunned down. The journalist outside took photographs whilst the injured officer and the sympathizer were taken out as the police ransacked the house, finding their suspected guns and ammunition. The press were then ordered to publish the story in articles nationwide in detail about the encounter, meant as a warning to the Iron Guard.

[Costa Fierro]

Leaving Warsaw, Poland

Edward Rydz-Śmigły had a habit of sitting at the rear of the aircraft. It was an insurance policy of sorts, in that he would have a higher chance of survival should the plane crash, assuming there was no bomb or anything else that would cause it to break apart mid-flight. He looked out of the window as Warsaw dropped further below as the Douglas DC-2 lumbered into the winter sky.

The flight between Warsaw and Berlin would not take more than an hour and a half, and he had already delegated preparations for the meeting with the Germans to his entourage of thirteen other diplomats and government officials, who were eager to get to Berlin to make the latest treaty regarding the status of Gdansk official.

Rydz-Śmigły's journey to Berlin had two purposes. The first was a diplomatic solution to the Gdansk problem and the second was insurance against the ominous threat posed by Russia. Having lost the previous war in 1921, the Russians were likely eager to attack Poland again, primarily for national pride and primarily to expand territory westwards. A Russian threat to Poland, in the eyes of Rydz-Śmigły, was a threat to the rest of Europe, even if they didn't see it. The Germans knew this and despite some reluctance, were willing to make a deal with Poland. The Poles also wanted to modernise their air forces, as domestic instability and a lack of progress at PZL regarding the development of new fighter aircraft forced Rydz-Śmigły to look elsewhere for new fighters. As such, he was hoping to meet with representatives from Heinkel regarding their fighter aircraft.

It was not long before the DC-2 crossed the Polish-German border. Before long, he could feel the aircraft begin to descend. Out the window, he could see Berlin rising to meet him.

[PLESSUR]

Magyar Köztársaság

The smoke and mist of war and destruction had finally cleared over the last remaining territory of the Hungarian Plains that formed part of a genuinely Hungarian state. The Hungarian Republic had finally rid itself of conflict in 1920, with the socialist regime of Béla Kun crushed in under three months and the consolidation of power under the National Army, headed by the revered and near legendary Admiral Miklós Horthy, the one man who the Hungarians could count upon as their leader.

But not all that followed went well for the young Republic, far from it. Forced into signing the humiliating Treaty of Trianon, Hungary lost most of its land, people and power. It went on to lose its democracy in 1926, when the Prime Minister István Bethlen established dictatorial authority in the Hungarian Diet with his Party of National Unity, under the auspices of President Horthy. The greatest shame for Hungary, though, was to happen outside of its shrunken borders.

In 1925, the German Austrian dominions of the Habsburg Emperor united with Czechoslovakia to produce a rather odd federal Empire. Known in Hungary as the Great Betrayal, the event led to both Hungarian fury at Austria's impudence to annex Slovakia and Prekmurje - which had been Hungarian until Trianon - and to Hungarian worries that resurgent Habsburgism would threaten the Hungarian Republic. This latter worry was to prove less pressing than one far greater and more recent.

Communism had spread through Europe in recent years like fire in bales of hay. Germany had transformed into a council republic (one that reminded Hungarians of their own experience in 1919) between 1930 and 1935, and neighbouring Romania had succumbed to communism in 1934-35. By now the new communist bloc included Italy and Spain too, and possibly Poland. It was Hungarian fears of communist encirclement that kept the elite of the Horthy regime up at night.

There was much to be hopeful for. Ever since stabilisation Hungary had embarked on a remilitarisation program, accelerated by the communist revolutions both due to greater security needs and because Budapest realised that Trianon would no longer be enforced in the new political cosmology in Europe. The military had come to dominate the political minds and state budgets of the Hungarian Republic, with more and more funds going to its growth and improved. Military planners constantly drafted better plans and developed better tactics to help defend the new Hungary from its enemies, and more importantly, to reverse that great devil of Trianon. But just where, when and how Hungary would use their forces to reverse Trianon - whether partially or in its entirety - remains to be agreed upon in the corridors of power in Budapest.

---

Sopron, Hungarian Burgenland

General István Esterházy squinted in the sun as he gazed westwards from the Town Hall of Sopron, Hungary's western frontier town and the capital of Burgenland. As part of the Trianon and Saint-Germain treaties, the previously Hungarian Burgenland was partitioned between the Habsburg rump state and the Hungarian Republic.

As a member of the noble family of Esterházy, who's traditional patch was historical Burgenland, the General was particularly pained by the treachery of the new Austrian state (known derisively among Hungarians as 'Styria' after its new central region, following the Vienna Tragedy), particularly in its annexation of the 'stolen' Hungarian lands of Burgenland, Slovakia and Prekmurje. But as the Chief of the General Staff for Hungary's military, Esterházy knew he could not do what he wanted with regards to Austria. His political masters in Budapest, ad particularly President Horthy, were against a policy of hostility to Neuer Wien.

Having met with Horthy yesterday, Esterházy had gone to survey Hungary's western borderlands and report back the cost of maintaining strong military security there, its potential for forming a "inviting doormat" for invasions of Hungary, and a general assessment of the best way to keep it secure. Normally the CGS would have despatched a subordinate to accomplish this, but Esterházy felt it necessary to do so himself. He also wished to pursue his own projects in Sopron, together with a clandestine network of people who had formed around Esterházy in recent years.

---

Buda, Budapest

Almost stumbling, the man adjusted his hat and clutched his papers tighter. He regretted not being driven to the Sándor Palace, where the President and Prime Minster were awaiting him. It had seemed such a lovely day to walk the short distance.

Ferenc Szapáry, long-time foreign minister of the Hungarian Republic, was not fully sure what to expect of the meeting. There had long been discussions of the need to form an alliance with another European power, but until now it had been kept relatively vague and no one seemed to agree precisely. The President of the Republic had assured Szapáry last week that he would be able to convey a final decision and its reasoning to the Foreign Minister in a week. It was this meeting that Horthy would do so.

Entering the courtyard of the Sándor Palace, Szapáry was surprised to see Prime Minister Bethlen's car driving out, with the Prime Minister in it. He had been told that the Prime Minister would be in attendance. Upon walking into the Palace, Szapáry was startled to see President Horthy standing in the hall awaiting him.

"Good morning. Unfortunately, István had to leave us for an important meeting in the Hungarian Diet in the Országház. We needn't worry, we now have a plan forward clearly formulated. I shan't keep you here too long."

Shrugging, Szapáry realised he would be spoken to now rather than be involved in a discussion. Matters of great gravity were clearly going to be transmitted to him in this meeting.

---

[Tracian Empire]

The Federal Empire of Austria
Das Bundesreich Österreich
Federální Říše Rakouska
Zvezni Imperij Avstrijo
Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter!

---

Austria. Once one of Europe's greatest powers, now a nation recovering from the near total collapse of once its great empire.. the a bastion of monarchism, pride, and freedom in the middle of Europe, keeping the red hordes of communism at bay, and serving as the land of exile for many European royals. A lot had happened over the last decades, many events which tested the resilience of the Habsburgs and the empire they had created. It all began in 1913.. with the fall of the meteor which destroyed the capital of the Empire, Vienna. Some said that it was a punishment from God.. but it can't be compared to what followed. Weakened by the destruction of its capital, the Empire was eager to jump at Serbia when the heir of the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated in the cursed city of Sarajevo. But who could have imagined that something like that was going to start a world war, in which millions would die?..

The Empire had nearly collapsed after the end of the war, but a final effort from the brave people of Austria managed to protect the monarchy in their country. But the rest of their empire was taken away.. and a new state was born. Reorganizing itself under a federal and liberal model, the new Austria, which kept Tyrol and Slovenia, and also received Burgenland from Hungary, was given birth by the new Emperor, Charles. The efforts of the new Emperor culminated in 1925, when the independent state of Czechoslovakia decided to join the federal empire, returning under the crown of the Habsburgs. The Reichsreform of 1926, also known as the Renovatio Imperii, has given the people of Austria new hope that their old Empire could be recovered.. but a lot of challenges remain.

Enemies and dangers surround the resurrected Empire. The closest conflict is of course, that with the so called Hungarian Republic.. unavoidable, since the Hungarians consider the taking of Slovakia and Burgenland by Austria as a betrayal.. while the Austrians themselves consider the very existence of the Hungarian Republic the betrayal of the Hungarians towards the Habsburg Crown. The popularity of the young Austrian Emperor, Otto, which followed on the throne after the death of his father, and the active efforts of Austria to promote and support pro-Habsburg views and groups in the former territories of their lands certainly doesn't help. In a normal world, the former Entente and the League of Nations would have never allowed that.. but they are weakened by the same danger that threatens both Austria and Hungary, and which might change their points of view.. communism.

The red plague had spread like wildfire through Europe. Russia barely resisted it, and through the great effort of so many foreign volunteers, which had joined the White movement. Austria had also nearly fallen pray to it, if not for the Emperor's wise move to side with the VF and let the fascists take care of the red scum. But Germany, Italy, and Romania had fallen to it. Austria and Hungary were nearly surrounded. This danger radically changed Austria. It gave an unprecedented boost to the fascists, the Fatherland Front being the second largest political movement in the Federal Empire. The fear from communism lead to an incredible remilitarization, the Imperial Armed Forces, or as they were called in German, der Kaiserliche Wehrmacht, having reached a point where they are one of the most modern forces on the continent, ready to defend the empire's territory at any cost, supported by advanced armored vehicles and fortifications along the borders with Germany, Italy, and Romania.

The time had changed. And with nationalism on the rise, it was clear that sooner of later, Austria had to focus on one of the two dangers, and resolve the other. But what will that be? The recent opinion had started to switch towards better relations with Hungary.. but were the Hungarians willing to accept something like that? What would they ask for in exchange? Austria was already fighting communism. Indirectly, but it was the truth. Austria was one of the main supporter of fascist organizations in Europe, actively funding and supporting the Romanian resistance, as an example, ever since the leader of the Romanian Iron Guard, Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, commonly known as the Captain, came into exile in Austria. The Bundesreich is also trying to fund anti-communists in Germany and Italy, but for obvious reasons, the situation there is much more different.

If one thing was sure, it was that Austria had to make a decision, and soon. Rumors say that the leaders of the main political parties, including Engelbert Dollfuss for the Fatherland Front, were going to meet soon in New Vienna with the Emperor, in order to properly make a decision. What is going to happen though, remains to be seen.

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

København Daglige Gange

Januar 1, 1936

---

Amundsen and Rasmussen's Great Trip North!

Famed Polar explorers and compatriots, Roald Amundsen and Knud Rasmussen, have shocked the exploration community by agreeing to a unification of efforts for what will make up the eighth and grandest Thule Expedition. The powerful duo have gathered a number of their highly experienced comrades such as Olav Bjaaland, Ejnar Mikkelsen, Lauge Koch, Peter Freuchen, Sverre Hassel, Helmer Hanssen, and Christian Leden! This may be the strongest single team in Polar history. While aging and retired from polar adventures, the famous Fridtjof Nansen has nonetheless endorsed and supported the expedition along with other older Polar explorers like Otto Sverdrup. This expedition will be a concerted effort by the Dano-Norwegian Kingdom.

King Haakon himself has already expressed in passing his admiration for the explorers, and no surprise, as Denmark-Norway's strength in the polar field is a matter of great prestige. Prime Minister Stauning, when asked, confirmed that the government had earmarked funds to contribute to the expedition, as had private donors such as Lars Christensen, and charitable bodies such as the Carlsberg Group. Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen has also volunteered his polar piloting skills, he will airdrop supplies if needed and communicate messages back and forth between the expedition and the nation via radio contact at intervals during the expedition.



This expedition will bring together the absolute best and brightest of Dano-Norwegian Polar Explorers and may be the most prestigious expedition in polar history, topping even Roald Amundsen's trek to the South Pole. The Eighth Thule Expedition intends to land at Scoresbysund, on Grønland's east coast (Itseqqortoormiit to natives), stop off at Thule station in northern Grønland and then proceed into the Arctic Ice Shelf. The Eighth Thule Expedition will travel by sled, ski and foot through the North Pole and across to the other side, expected to exit the ice shelf onto the Taymyr Peninsula, Russia, before making their way to the Nenets village of Volochanka and becoming the first expedition to successfully venture across the Arctic entirely, excluding simple flyovers. The expedition will cross a total of over 5,100 kilometers in their journey.

---

Niels Bohr's new liquid-drop atomic model

Niels Henrik David Bohr, director of the Teoretisk Fysik Institut at the University of København, has publicly released his new theory about the compound nucleus, the so called liquid-drop theory which he developed with a fairly new compatriot of his at the Institut, physicist Fritz Kalckar. Bohr is of course an internationally famous scientific giant who has made his nation more than proud by now, Kalckar is a fresh face by comparison but if this early work is any indication, he will serve as a great physicist, particularly if he remain under the careful tutelage of Niels Bohr.

The Liquid-Drop Theory, simplified for the sake of our readers, focuses on the behavior of nuclear particles. Bohr and Kalckar assert that nuclear transition processes and behaviors can be modeled accurately in a more "classical" form than pure atomics. Derived from this, the nucleus of an atom can be modeled as a drop of liquid (in that the nucleons, Protons and Neutrons, act like molecules of a liquid drop). If given sufficient extra energy (as by the absorption of a neutron), a spherical nucleus may be distorted into a dumbbell shape and then split at the neck into two nearly equal fragments, releasing energy.

Bohr and Kalckar's findings related to the liquid drop model and it's applications have been published as a paper, and have been made publicly available to any interested academics. The paper is, in accordance with national regulation, available in both Danish and Norwegian.

---

Government in negotiations with Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S

Thorvald Stauning's Social Coalition government has reportedly initiated buyout negotiations with the influential private company Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S, one of only two notable weapons manufacturers in Denmark-Norway. The only other company involved in the market is Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk which has been a state-owned company since it's inception. Rumors from inside the Folketing hint that Stauning's government plans to acquire Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S and then merge the two companies into a single national weapons manufacturer. This would give the Folketing complete control over the weapons manufacturing industry in Denmark-Norway.

This buyout is supported by both the Communist Party, thanks to it's corporate nationalization, and the Fatherland League who want to fully secure Dano-Norwegian sovereignty wherever potentially threatened. The Liberal Coalition reportedly oppose the buyout and merger, seeing it as unnecessary market interference, but they do not presently hold the numbers to stop the agreement going through nonetheless, if the Folketing does in fact reach an agreement with Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S. Whether the government plans on then investing into military innovation and increasing military exports as rumored, remains to be seen.

---

New Observatory Planned in Northern Norway | Subsidized healthcare passed in Folketing | Quadruplets birthed by Aarhus mother

Amalienborg, Copenhagen
King Haakon I and VII was always an early riser. This morning he sat quietly at a lavish table, tucked away in a private dining room, reading the Copenhagen Daily Times as the palace slowly awoke around him. He started to hear movement around page three, and a palatial servant entered the room respectfully at just about page seven. There was a very brief communication on the subject of breakfast before Haakon got back to the papers. He finished and tucked it away carefully while he was brought his meal. It was to be a fairly calm day for King Haakon, a rare delight for a ruling monarch, although he did have to read over and sign off on a letter to Moscow. Nothing serious, thankfully, but a courtesy to the Russians in advance of the next Thule Expedition, which Haakon intended to watch very closely.

Kongeriget Danmark-Norge

To: Russian Foreign Ministry
Directed by: Foreign Minister Peter Rochegune Munch, in the name of King Haakon I and VII
Warm greetings from Denmark-Norway, friends. The Dano-Norwegian and Russian governments do not often communicate outside of when either side deems such to be an absolute necessity, and while relations could be closer between our nations, Denmark-Norway respects and appreciates our international relationship as nothing lesser or greater than regional partners. Word may reach your government soon of a Dano-Norwegian expedition across the Arctic. We write to inform you that this expedition will, outside of unforeseen circumstances, likely need to pass through Russian territory to reach home again.

All of the men on the expedition will be sent with Dano-Norwegian passports to certify their citizenship and ease any administration on your government's end. We would simply advise that a relatively small group of Dano-Norwegian citizens will likely arrive in Russia via the Ice Shelf, likely in two months or so. They hold no business in Russia outside of returning home from it, and they carry no weapons with them outside of what is necessary for defending from bears, wolves and other boreal threats. Among the group will be an ethnologist and other culturally involved individuals, so we would ask the Russian government's permission to document the Nenets people who occupy the region of Russia that the expedition will pass through.

Thank you for your cooperation,
Foreign Minister Peter Rochegune Munch
His Majesty, King Haakon I and VII of Denmark, Norway and Iceland

So if you're a fan of polar explorers you might notice a couple of names listed above which were quite frustratingly dead in 1936. Many of these involved in some way or another the crash of the airship Italia, which in this timeline I have altered. This is why these people aren't dead. As for Mr. Bohr, I tried to make that section as accurate as possible. Bohr and Kalckar actually published the liquid-drop theory in February of 1936 but I figured that it was close enough to post it here. It's quite interesting how close they get to fission with the nucleus separation idea, though they didn't quite reach it. Kalckar is an interesting case because he historically seems to just apparate into being a compatriot of Niels Bohr around 1935-36 and then suddenly die in 1938. I think in this timeline, that won't happen. Of course we'll just have to see where the flow of the RP takes us when it comes to the nuclear stuff.

Oh and I sprinkled in some Danish here and there as you probably noticed, I reserved it to nouns because anything other than that starts getting pretty hard to read but let me know if the Danish nouns in English sentences bugs anyone, I was really just trying it out.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Principality of Liechtenstein
Vaduz

"Achtung! Präsentiert das Gewehr!"

, a voice barked, immediately followed by the clicking of boots and a all voices dying down. The small border guard of the border crossing on the B1 road to Austria were wearing their best uniforms. The black boots and Steel Helmets were sparkling in the sunshine so well had they scrubbed them and their black ceremonial uniforms uniforms didn`t show a single dust flake on them. Every single one of the approximately 50 soldiers and the 1 officer guarding this crossing was standing there next to the post in 2 rows and with their C96 Carbines now presented. In the distance of mere few hundred metres they could already see a small column of vehicles moving on the B1 street.

The vehicle at the very front was of course a motorcycle with a sidecar having a LMG mounted on it. The soldiers in there were nearly as well clothed as the border guard due to the long journey they were about to undertake. Following was a Kübelwagen with some diplomatical staff it seemed and after that an Opel Blitz Truck, also filled with soldiers as the guards could easily see when they drove past. And next came the vehicle they had all been waiting for. The prince's personal car came driving by with Liechtenstein pennants on the front.

When he drove past the whole Guard started cheering and hailing Franz Josef in unison. A reminder of the ever growing power of the fascists in the country due to the indirect threat of communism and of course due to the largely anti communist neighbour Austria. They kept cheering when the prince had already passed them and was only followed by yet another fully loaded Opel Blitz Truck, a Kübelwagen with a HMG mounted on it and another Motorcycle with a sidecar with an LMG on. Only then the "Heil" shouts were dying down slowly and the guards fell quiet again.

"Achtung! Wegtreten!"

, commanded the officer, resulting in the soldiers getting back into the small outpost`s barracks to change their clothes and resume with their usual business.



In his car, Franz Josef felt very disturbed about what had happened at the border crossing. He had not informed the border guard of his little journey and yet they had known of it in advance and were ready to say goodbye. Even more disturbing were the fascist slogans they had used. As a monarch he was of course a opposing communism but he also wasn`t exactly friendly with the fascists. They had been gaining power quickly ever since the 1. World War. Shuddering he remembered that they had been waiting for him. Someone must have told them. Not exactly a great sign when you couldn`t trust your own staff. He sighed. Fascist, fascists everywhere. Atleast they would defend the country if necessary. He had been secretly giving large assignments to the local suppliers of his army. He didn`t want to make it larger right now because it would have a very serious impact on the economy. However, just in case, he wanted to be able to equip greater amounts of men. Didn`t even have to be his own. Surely he could muster some Swiss volunteers in case of war. The Austrians surely wouldn`t give any because if there would be a war in which Liechtenstein would participate, then Austria would probably need it`s troops for itself.

And so he continued his journey. It would be a long journey through Tyrol and he was not yet sure how it would end, given that he had not informed the Austrian Authorities about himself paying the country a visit. Or, well, his private palace Eisgrub in Lundenburg. He was there kind of frequently due to them being his actual living places. Castle Vaduz was not in great living condition although he was recently investing money and a part of Liechtenstein`s Armed Forces to make it shine once again. This visit though served another purpose then just simply visiting his palace. He was testing the boundaries within which he was allowed to act. He had never trusted the new Austrians so far and he had had chilly relations with the Czech when they still had their own state because of the property and territory he owned on their soil. With the Austrians he had then later actually managed to reach an agreement about his property, turning his property into private property and several firms owned by him exclusively. Sadly, he also had to pay the Austrian the usual taxes for this kind of stuff.

When he`d arrive at Eisgrub he`d surely invite Otto from the Austrians over there. Nothing as good as some good talks with royalty. Not to mention that he had once been one of the Lords loyal to the Habsburgs. And he had always supported them. Right after the support for his own Principality of course. During the 1. World War the Allies had ruined his country by denying the imports of material from Switzerland and this had put him into a very Anti-Entente position. He had used quite considerable amounts of his personal wealth to pay Austrian Units towards the end of the war, when defeat was slowly getting visible. In the end it proved to be quite a factor in keeping Order in Austria. Maybe it would be enough to put him into a good position in talks about his rights in the Federal Empire.

[Pandeeria]

Workers of the world, Unite!

The Monarchy has been disestablished! The capitalists arrested! The fascists defeated! In the wake of the civil war between the loyalists and proto-fascists against the communists and democrats, the ideals of Communism have once and for all solidified in Spain. The new nation, the Spanish People's Union, has formed out of the struggle not of that of the traditionalist feudal nobility, nor the reactionary bourgeoisie, or even that of the despicable fascists. Instead, Spain has been newly forged on the basis of equality, freedom, and justice. Across the nation, the working class have taken control of the factories, stores, and railways. Money has transformed into but a temporary item that will eventually be abolished once the transition to Communism is complete. The new regime has guaranteed education, healthcare, food, and various freedoms to the people of Spain, and for the first time ever in Spain, free and open public discussions, fair trials, and an armed and increasingly literate working class has taken hold. The revolution in Spain has been complete, and now the leaders are looking to export it to foreign nations.

The military has been reorganized into an almost purely defensive force, stationed heavily amongst the Pyrenees and along the Spanish-Portuguese border. Officially declared as the Spanish People’s Military, the new military has pledged loyalty not to the State nor any political party, but to the ideals of Communism itself. Massive fortification efforts have begun along the French, Portuguese, and the borders of the various puppet states that were previously Spanish colonies. The Saharan Republic, the Tangier Free Republic, the Guinean Socialist Republic, and the Revolutionary Moroccan Union have all been proclaimed, and declared independent States, each with a constitutional alliance to Spain and each other. However, each of these states have virtually no military, and rely completely on Spain for defense. In addition, the Spanish oversee the political and economic affairs of each country. Ultimately, the African countries have simply passed from Spanish colonies to Spanish puppet states.

The revolution has come with a cost. Infrastructure has been horrifically damaged, massive chunks of the navy and army are disorganized or completely gone. Starvation has still been an issue in the more underdeveloped parts of Spain, however strides have been made in improving food production, and Albenz Bestairo has announced he would soon propose a new economic strategy to the Congress to ensure industrialization and food production take place. The enemies of the Revolution though have been largely destroyed. While no purges or mass killings occurred, vast swathes of the politicians and military officers that sided with the Monarchy have been put in prison, fled, committed suicide, or were sent into exile.

A new dawn has started. With the worker revolts in Spain, Germany, and Italy becoming successful, a true worker's International has been formed. The proletariat are disgruntled, overworked, and hungry. The imperialists wish to stomp on these new Republics before Revolutionary thinking can spread. This will not happen. By the grace of not god nor Caesar, but by liberty and the working class itself, the Revolution will spread. The Revolution will be triumphant! There will be a day in which all the workers of the world can abolish their chains, destroy their nations, and form a classless, stateless, moneyless society in which all are equal and free. Workers of the world, unite!

---

"...
Agrupémonos todos,
en la lucha final.
¡El género humano
es la internacional!"

There was a ruckus of applauds, cheering, even laughter and tears of happiness with the end of the song. Since 1931, it was tradition for the Spanish Congress to sing La internacional before every official mass get together to discuss the issues of Spain. Last year Albenz Bestairo and his various comrades amongst the Spanish Socialist Party, mainly economic advisors, publicity politicians, and the like consulted with him and developed a new plan in order to get Spain's economy off the ground. The plan would be controversial, would definitely face strong resistance, and may not be passed by the Congress and worker councils. However Albenz Bestairo, a very respected man widely considered to be the father of the Revolution, espousing the idea may get more people on board. Furthermore, the plan would appeals to Marxism and the various stages of the development that the world must go through.

Albenz Bestairo walked up to a podium in front of the Congress, beginning to state what would be discussed. "My friends, comrades, fellow brothers and sisters," he started "today has been the fifth year of our revolution, a change in system as, if not, more radical than that of the French, English, and American revolutions. A revolution destined around the ideal that it should not be exploiter and exploitee, that should not be slave-owner and slave, but that all people of the world are equal and free! That all of the Proletariat can enjoy the fruits of their labor, and decide their own destiny!"

There were a few cheers here and there. The congress hasn't officially adopted any rules preventing the type of thing during an introductory speech, and no one complained.

"It must then also be in our interests that we defend the Revolution here at home, but also export it abroad! Specifically, to our neighbors to the west, Portugal. As we speak, they could potentially be conspiring with the French against us! We have to safeguard Iberia; we have to safe guard our people. I therefore propose firstly that we begin to divert funds and military equipment towards arming Communist insurgents in Portugal, the ultimate aim of them forming a worker's republic like ours and creating an alliance. Furthermore, how can we as a people survive if the rest of the world is opposed against us? The revolution must spread to all corners of the globe, or it will stagnate and whither away! For all that support the funding of the Portuguese Communists, please stand or raise up your hand. For those that oppose, please remain seated."

The vote was counted, and decided upon. It was not very close.

"Very well, with majority support from the Congress, the act has been approved! Beginning today, we will be sending guns, ammunition, money, and other supplies to Portuguese Communists. One day we will be able to welcome them into the International! However, in order to this sufficiently, we will need to improve the industrial base of Spain. This leads us to the most pressing question, and that is how do we industrialize and maximize food production? At present, we use a combination of state and worker enterprises for the economy. This is working decently, but our neighbors around us are militarizing, and they are far ahead of us! How can we even defend ourselves, much less liberate other nations, if we can barely produce tanks? Or planes?"

The Congress remained silent.

"As theorized by that of the thinkers before us, society must go through developmental stages. From the hunter-gathering societies, to the ancient agricultural states, to feudalism, and from there to capitalism. The last two stages involve an overthrow of the capitalist one, the worker's seizing the means of production, and forming a Socialist State. The very last stage is one in which the State whithers away over time, and what is left is a stateless, moneyless, classless society in which all are equal and free. Communism. However, we only have to look around us to see that Spain has not completed the capitalist phase of development. The workers are illiterate and poor, famine and disease are still somewhat commonplace, our technological and industrial strength lags behind both our German comrades and our French and English enemies. In order to catch up, I'm here to propose an economic strategy that will carry us through the capitalist phase of development, and will be only temporary. Not permanent."

Some in the Congress grew skeptical. The Revolution was founded for Socialism! How could we possibly revert back to possible Capitalism?! But how could such a notable, dedicated, and intelligent man as Albenz Bestairo propose something akin to Capitalism? Is he a traitor to the Revolution? Perhaps he was right; perhaps Spain needed more capital development and investment.

"The Plan will ultimately divide the economy into three separate parts. There will be state-controlled business, such as education, healthcare, and some heavy industry. The point of this is to ensure education and healthcare remain accessible, and that our heavy industry can grow quickly and planned well. The second part of the economy will consist of private, capital enterprise taking control of the rest of the heavy industry and various consumer services, and some sectors of farming."

The Congress broke out into an uproar. People shouted, arguing with one another. Traitor to the revolution, a red capitalist, and various other insults thrown as Bestairo and his supporters.

"Are you all doubting my commitment to our ideals?!" Bestairo boomed, with clear, obvious anger. "I was one of the founders of the Revolution! I was one of the officers who helped lead it, and I was one of the first to declare the King an enemy! And you, those that oppose the Plan, you are the real traitors to the Revolution! You are ignoring the words of Marx and Engels, two men who wrote that there must be a capitalist stage of development! That we must industrialize fully before transitioning our entire economy over to Socialism! If you oppose the Plan, you oppose me, you oppose Marx and Engels, and you oppose the ideals our Revolution were founded on! You oppose us being able to defend or even feed ourselves, for the whole point of private enterprise is to allow private investment and rapid industrialization seen in the capitalist countries. We need to be able to make guns and tanks to defend ourselves. We need to be able to make tractors and large boats so we can feed our people."

The Congress was once more silent.

"And lastly, we have the third part of the economy. The Proletariat. Worker Councils and Worker Unions will still have massive authority, and there will still be some Socialist enterprise for the time being. With various freedoms guaranteed, worker unions fighting for our workers rights, we still have the working class as a top priority. Even the farmers themselves will be able to keep or sell their surplus crops. Furthermore, if this plan is approved, we can propose it to our German and Italian friends in the International and further strengthen our collective militaries. For those that support the Plan, please stand up or raise your hand. For those that oppose it, please remain seated."

It was extremely close, the vote being decided by a handful of voters in the Congress.

"We have counted the votes. The Plan has been approved by a narrow margin! Starting today, we will begin to put our economy and military ahead of our rivals. We shall also see what our comrades in the International feel about it. Today we will have to let some concessions to the capitalists if we are to survive. But tomorrow it will be capitalists conceding to us!"

Albenz Bestairo walked off and sat down. Another speaker walked up and begun talking about military production and the continued fortification of the Pyrenees.

[Western Pacific Territories]

Fort 13, Outskirts of Bucharest

The sharply dressed man was walked down the narrow corridors of Fort 13, located in Jilava. Behind him walked two guards in ceremonial military uniform, a red shirt with dark black pants and a greenish military cap, holding rifles. The man being escorted was a divisional commander who had fought for the monarchists, and had encouraged the peasants to fight the communists. This was a crime that was unforgivable in the eye of the government.

The man suddenly slowed, and was encouraged to walk faster with a sharp smack to the back with the butt of one of the guard's rifles. They continued walking, past a artillery position where two men were smoking, and then outside, opening up into a courtyard. There was a wall to the right of the man, which seemed to be covered in blood. Nearby, a armed guard stood next to a row of bodies, presumably those of other disloyal commanders to the cause.

It was a fact that most other socialist nations seemed to not be willing to admit to, but in Romania, the leadership accepted that disloyal men in positions of power, no matter how small had to be rid off. Most were exiled, mostly to Austria. The Austrians were fine with this arrangement, they even welcomed the exiled men into their nation. In fact, the former King, Michael I, was currently in Neuer Wien, presumably with the Austrian court.

However, there were special cases where some men couldn't simply be exiled, they had to be killed. And here, Fort 13, was where the executions occurred. There was 20 men, in the same ceremonial garb, looking in the direction of the execution space. The divisional commander understood his fate, his last wish was to be dressed in luxurious clothing and to eat something better than what he normally was given to eat. This was rather extra-ordinary, most asked for a Bible to carry on them and a Orthodox cross necklace. But it was granted.

The man was escorted to the wall. He was held down as a guard put a blindfold on him, covering his eyes, and then attacked a ball and chain to his foot. 5 men stepped forward. The two guards stepped away and got into position for the execution. The executioners loaded one bullet into their rifles, held them up and aimed them directly in front of themselves, and waited for the order. The man looked up and shouted a sentence.

"I may die now but know that your evil regime will soon-"

Suddenly, the order to fire was given. The executioners opened fire, killing the man. The two guards walked forward, and hoisted his body to the pile of executionees, and laid his body on the ground. They entered back into the Fort to bring another one back.

General Staff Army Headquarters, Bucharest, Romania

Here, at General Staff Army HQ, a four story building from the 1830's guarded on all sides by military checkpoints and armed guards, there were some innovation ongoing regarding a issue which had always plagued Romania ever since WWI: A lack of Romanian-designed and maufactured tanks of any variety. This was a serious issue, along with a lack of manpower and experienced command in the military. But this was solvable.

The military had put forward a notice to current and retired Army engineers skilled and knowledgeable in the field of armor to submit professional designs to the General Staff for a light or medium tank with a crew of no more than 4. Designs had come in, some of them remarkable enough to be stored in the Army's warehouses if they were needed for whatever reason. Others, so shoddy and unrealistic they were thrown in the building furnace. However, the army came down to one choice to be considered for today.

The T2M6, or Type Medium; Model 6, the '2M' abbreviating the Medium Model part, was a medium tank with a crew of four, a driver, two gunners and a commander. The tank's frontal armor was 1.2 inches, with side and rear armor only 0.7 inches thick. There was one 1.8in cannon and a machine gun. The design did not specify which type of machine gun could be equipped, but the General Staff figured that they could experiment with MG34's if their German comrades would allow them to do so, or if not for whatever reason, with other models.

The idea was passed onto Constantin and Dej, which they approved. They would allow construction of 10 models, though the turrets and machine guns would have to come on only when it was proven that the design was functional and possible.

[World Anarchic Union]

Socialist Republic of Italy

Rome

---

A sea of people had arrived at the city center. Red banners were waving in the clouded sky as soft rain began pouring from above. Some of the people present were wearing black, holding flowers and pictures of deceased friends, lovers and relatives. Others, mostly younger men and women were more enthusiastic, waving flags and cheering when the first of the prisoners arrived. Many soldiers and members of militias, red ribbons wrapped around their shoulders, were standing with their rifles ready. It was a certain fact that clashes would happen.

Prominent politicians from most parties had also arrived, each under their respective flag. The most important among them was Antonio Gramsci, the de facto head of the Communist Party and the face of this new Italy. Around him, a large gathering of supporters, militia members, fellow comrades and members of the Communist Party had gathered, speaking to him and waving red banners. Alongside him, important ministers, members of the General People's Council as well as representatives of the People's Councils across Italy stood, the most important of them, as well as a rival of Gramsci inside his party, Amadeo Bordiga, General Secretary of the General People's Council. In other groups, the leaders of the Socialist Party and the Republican Party were standing, with fewer supporters around them. Everyone was waiting for the arrival of him. Soon, news came that he and the others were on their way.

Gramsci, with a piece of paper with ink splashes created from the slight rain, climbed on to the podium arranged for him. He slightly coughed and most conversations ceased. The grand crowd had its eyes set on him.

"Comrades, Brothers and Sisters,
Today is a special day for millions of Italians. Millions of people who have lost their loved ones to the claws of Fascism. To the claws of a reactionary, vile ideology which is beginning to spread around Europe. For Italy, Fascism is a tragedy of the past. Its few supporters remain splintered and ineffective against the might of our partisans, our soldiers and our loyal men and women who sacrifice their lives to combat the Fascists from committing any more vile acts of violence and cruelty which had become commonplace under their rule. No more!"
Many cheered and clapped before Gramsci continued.
"As we speak, their defeated and humiliated leader and his close associates are on their way, to pay for their crimes against the people of Italy. For they plundered and raped Italy for too long! Mussolini, the so called "Duce" will realize that his entire life has been in vain for the people decided and they decided against his regime, against his practices, against his pathetic ideology!"
More people applauded the Communist official.
"Italy is now a free, fair, democratic Republic, free from the influences of the Fascists and the Monarchy! A Republic built on solidarity, cooperation and popular rule! We shall never forget the crimes of the Fascists or the people who enabled them to rise to power! We shall never forgive the Fascists for what atrocities they committed across Italy! Death to Anti-Fascism! Long Live the People's Revolution!" As thousands of people cheered and applauded, as red flags were being waved in the clouded sky, many soldiers appeared from around the corner, accompanying a convoy of cars. The people present began booing at the cars. The cars stopped and from inside them, emerged more soldiers and some figures. They seemed exhausted, tired of life, signs of the austerity and harsh conditions of the prison they had spent the last three years. The most dominant figure among them was Mussolini, Il Duce. However, his wounds could be seen by everyone and the air of superiority and masculinity he had promoted while being the leader of Italy was now waved away. As he was dragged around, he began yelling at the crowd to resist the "Reds". The crowd booed him and many had to be restricted from charging at him. He was put against the wall and a number of soldiers lined opposite him and his Fascist associates. They straightened their rifles, armed them and, before Mussolini could utter his last words, fired. Mussolini, the former dictator of Italy, now laid dead, another body among many. Many cheered, waved the red flags they held and threw their hats up to the air while others cried tears of joy as they knew that the man who ordered the execution of their loved ones had perished. Bonfires had ignited and items related to the Fascist regime were thrown in them. Flags, insignias and other such items were now let to the mercy of the fire.

Blackshirts had tried to initiate a riot but the militiamen, women and the soldiers had managed to disperse them. Some of their bodies laid down in the streets of Rome. The partisans also suffered losses. In a neighborhood close to the area of execution of Mussolini, a crowd of Blackshirts had gathered. Soon, rifles began appearing among them. A young woman, from a militia affiliated with the Socialist Party of Italy, was the first to witness their movements in the streets. She, signaling her comrades, yelled at the crowd of mostly young men to disperse. They shouted back sexist insults and a Fascist slogan of the time: Long Live Mussolini, Our Duce! . Before she could react, they shot at her. The first bullet wounded her shoulder but the rest bloodied her dark shirt. She laid dead, the sun rays falling gently on her face. The rest of the militia shot at the Fascists, who were much fewer than them and were easily overwhelmed.

At the end of the monumental day, Mussolini had been executed, the majority of the Blackshirts in Rome either shot dead or captured and the military and militias grew considerably as volunteers began pouring in. However, Antonio Gramsci knew that the future would prove to be difficult. For domestic and international issues plagued the newly founded Socialist Republic. Fascist or anti-communist states bordered it and for that there would have to be military units placed in the borders so as, in a possible attack, Italy wouldn't be caught unprepared. Meanwhile, despite the constant failures and ineffective character of the Blackshirts they continued to remain a problem, mostly in the countryside but the militias were slowly making progress against them. The economy had been hit hard by the Revolution and the unrest but it was improving. And, the People's Councils, an idea he was in favour of, as was the majority of the PCI (Communist Party of Italy), a significant portion of the PSI (Socialist Party of Italy) and the left-wing part of the PRI (Republican Party of Italy) was being implemented across the country, however with some opposition. The Socialist Republic of Italy was still in its infancy and many sought to crush it both inside and outside it. For that, the General People's Council had decided to improve the military of Italy and its equipment. The military had now a defensive role. It was more democratic in nature, espoused and believed in Communist and Republican ideals and was stationed along the borders of Italy. Meanwhile, Italy would begin an nationwide antifascist and communist campaign. Education in the Socialist Republic had been greatly expanded and now a school was available to everyone. Subjects ranged from Maths, Language to Latin, Philosophy and Economics. A decision was made the previous years to ensure that Italy would welcome all political refugees and minorities who had traveled to Italy from the fascist states looking for a sanctuary, their eyes were filled with hope upon their arrival.
Gramsci had also arranged a meeting with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Libya. A deal would be made between the two countries so Libya would accept some refugees and also begin increasing security on its borders with the colonial possessions of France. New trade deals and military pacts would also be discussed. Libya was no longer a colony of Italy and had a military of its own but was dependent on Rome and it was clear that without Italy's aid Libya would collapse. Italy had much authority and control over Libya's affairs and had the role of its "defender from aggression", which ensured an everlasting alliance between the two states and Italian control through more indirect means of the African country.

Gramsci sighed. There were so many to be done and he was facing opposition both by the conservative factions of the PSI and PRI and by the faction led by Bordiga inside the PCI, although he was sure Bordiga wouldn't try anything while the threat of reactionary forces and fascism prevailed. He would have to appear in a few hours at the General People's Council to introduce several important Acts to be discussed upon and some of the most important trade unions of the country also sought to speak with Gramsci as well. He sat down and began writing a letter to his comrades in Germany and Italy. Outside the window of his office that overlooked Rome, thousands of people were cheering in the streets and shouting Republican and Communist slogans, burning pictures of Mussolini and straw figures that represented him. At the Partisan Memorial Statue, near the center of Rome, thousands upon thousands of roses had amassed, to honor the memory of the victims of Fascist oppression and repression. The red flags waved at the night sky as the clouds dispersed and thousands of bright stars lit up the city of Rome and the Socialist Republic of Italy...

From: Antonio Gramsci, Socialist Republic of Italy
To: Esteemed comrades in the Spanish People's Union and German Socialist Republic

Dear Comrades,
As you well know, history stops for no one. We are pushing the boundaries of our continent and for this the forces of reaction, while in different forms, are seeking to crush us. We must stand firm and united. For this, I request that a meeting is held between our countries and, perhaps other friendly countries to us. We must decide on a common strategy and goals in order to be effective against the reactionaries of the world who are, in many cases, our bordering nations. The Revolution must not be lost, for the sake of our children, our grand children and for every human being on Earth. A meeting should be scheduled and we must stand firm in the face of adversity. Long Live the International! Long Live the Revolution!

With revolutionary regards,
Antonio Gramsci

[PLESSUR]

Buda, Budapest

Frantically writing on his papers, Szapáry continued to speak, not wishing to appear appeased.

"So all of what we have recently resolved - goes on the shelf?"

"For now. That does not mean we are altering that policy, far from it. But the principle direction of our plans at this point has been moved."

"Will Bethlen's speech include any of this? Surely we can't let it come as a shock to the world.."

"Exactly so. You will have to be in attendance, as will foreign correspondents invited especially. So I need you to go there as soon as possible, and keep the media sweet. Nothing should come across as a drastic change with Neuer Wien - quite the contrary don't scare them into fearing the worst - and the other nations should be composed for our further actions."

"Should I be concerned for questions about Esterházy?"

"No, he's left Sopron as far as I know. He may be upset with everything, but I ordered him in no uncertain terms not to do anything that will harm our crucial close ties with Styrian Vienna. Much as his family blood dictates, I doubt he will make any problems."

Nodding, Szapáry stacked his papers and rose, nodding with approval.

---

Országház, Kossuth Square

Hungarian Diet

The parliamentary session was fuller than normal. A constant buzz of camera noises emanated from the gallery above, where both Hungarian and foreign correspondents jostled for room. Following the usual, rather subdued parliamentary session of questions to the Prime Minister, Bethlen arose for a his keynote speech that was responsible for the crowds.

"Gentlemen, representatives of the Hungarian people, it gives me a sense of honour and accomplishment to state before you today that our Republic is embarking on a new course. For many years circumstances have been such that our Hungarian Republic has had to bear an injustice of historic proportion."

Bethlen paused, allowing for the crowd to squirm and murmur as they awaited the explanation of this curious statement.

"Mankind awaited the peace treaties that concluded four years of pure mad slaughter with a sense of hope: this was to be a harbinger of a new age of justice and peace. Yet that was not to be. The treaties devised by the victorious powers was not to bring justice and peace.

"In particular for Hungary, the dictated Treaty of Trianon represented an unparalleled injustice. Three million Magyars have found themselves out of the Hungarian Republic, ruled by foreign nations that did not respect their right to self-determination. Hungary has been reduced to shrivelled borders that do not represent a Hungarian nation state. Such is the failure of the peace, that has not and will not bring about a peace.

"It is with much aspiration that I thus tell this chamber and Europe that no longer will such an arrangement exist. This government will establish the Hungarian Republic as the true state for all Hungarians, and it will cooperate with our neighbours and allies to create a new constellation of European states, one that represents each and every nation through principles of self-determination and democracy. This will not be achieved through war and destruction, rather through cooperation, firmness and mutual respect.

"Representatives of the Hungarian people, raise your heads and feel pride. Your nation will accept injustice no more"

The Prime Minister was met by a standing ovation from the Diet. Across all party lines, this was the speech Hungary had been waiting to hear since 1920.

---

Hungarian Foreign Ministry, Lipótváros, Budapest

Everyone had been at work for hours filling away at the text of the communique, as studious as a jeweller with a precious stone. Szapáry revisited the office around 4 pm to check on its progress.

"I believe we have written what is required. Our finest diplomats have al contributed their part," the Under-Secretary said with a light grin, handing over the finished draft to Szapáry with a flourish.

Szapáry read the text carefully, lifting up his glasses and closing his left eye as he peered closely.

"Most excellent. Now cable this to our colleague in Bucharest; he is to arrange a meeting with a Romanian government minister early tomorrow morning. He should have time to prepare himself."

The Under-Secretary placed the paper delicately in an envelope, and handed it to his secretary to cable it. All was ready.

To the Government of the Romanian People's Republic

It is my great honour to convey to you the warm message from the Hungarian Republic to the Romanian People's Republic. It has been known that hitherto the new government in Bucharest has worried of plots to overthrow it as well as of limited international recognition. Let my government be the first to say that we are ready and willing to recognize the new Romanian government and work with it to promote our collective security and prosperity.

Such is our desire to do, but there is one issue that stands in the way of collective peace and security in the European continent today. The historic injustice of Trianon, in which three million Magyars have found themselves outside of this governments jurisdiction, within the whole imposed settlement of the Paris Conference of 1919-1920, constitutes the number one threat to present and future peace in Europe and no steps beyond its redaction will solve this. It is the duty of my government in its desire to achieve peace and friendship with all its neighbours to establish a new settlement based on the self-determination of peoples, mutual respect and security, and national democracy.

It is thus our wish to begin negotiations between the Hungarian Republic and the Romanian People's Republic to reset the border between the two states such that Magyars can elect for a Hungarian state and Romanians for a Romanian state. Within those negotiations it is also my wish to negotiate a complete and mutual non-aggression pact and an economic alliance between Hungary and Romania.

As our initial stance, the government of the Hungarian Republic wishes for the cities of Nagyvarad (Oradea), Kolozsvar (Cluj-Napoca) and Szatmárnémeti (Satu Mare), as well the territory of the Erdélyi (Apuseni) Mountains to be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Hungarian Republic. The people of these cities and lands are by and large Magyar and there transferral will help foster a new and close relationship between our republics.

As part of this agreement Hungary and Romania can also agree to a non-aggression pact and an economic alliance that will help bolster our position in Europe and serve as the starting point for a new age of peace and justice between nations. Further agreements can be negotiated between our republics; Foreign Minister Szapáry will lead a Hungarian delegation to Bucharest to negotiate terms shoud the Romanian government agree to commence negotiations.

These negotiations represent a huge opportunity to correct the wrong and build friendship and alliances between nations. It is the deep desire of Hungary that the Romanian People's Republic agrees to them.

May G-d bless Hungary and Romania together,

Admiral Miklós Horthy, President of the Hungarian Republic

[Zostra]

---

Celebrations On Anniversary of Constitution

Nationwide celebrations marked the first annual Constitution Day with the main event taking place in Berlin. Representatives of all major political parties, national unions, local associations and militias, as well as masses of ordinary workers turned out for the day's events. Red flags and banners filled the streets as people made their way to Platz der Republik. There they joined prominent national leaders in a rousing rendition of the Internationale and heard several musical performances.

Several speeches were given with Vice-Chairman Rosa Luxemburg's in particular being met with rapturous applause. "It fills me with immense pride to be able to stand here today as your representative," Luxemburg told the crowd. "The German people have accomplished what many had deemed impossible, a nation where the common person controls their own destiny. Not only here, but all over the world, true freedom is advancing. It is only through your sacrifice and dedication that this has been achieved." She went on to praise the courage of working people worldwide, promising to serve their interests. Socialist Youth leader Herbert Frahm's speech was also praised by many observers. Frahm implored German youth to do their part in defending the country and assisting in its development. He has been partially credited with record militia enlistment from students.

The tone in Munich was somewhat different as the day was also used to commemorate those who died fighting there nearly six years ago. Defense Minister Ernst Thalmann, who led Communist Party forces during the battle, laid a wreath at a memorial to the dead. A march of local troops marked with black armbands of mourning took place through the city center. Back in Berlin, President Karl Kautsky stated of the fighting "our people rose with courage, fought like lions and died as heroes. Their deaths touched many across the country, but also ensured the freedom of generations to come. Let us not forget them." He called on all Germans to honour their sacrifice by working towards the kind of society they had fought for.

Tempelhof Airport, Berlin

Foreign Minister Paul Levi folded up the newspaper and set it down. He hadn't been able to attend any of these events, instead being preoccupied with a flurry of diplomatic activity. He and the duumvirate of Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg had been intensely discussing recent occurrences throughout Europe. The three had known each other for some twenty years, yet still had sometimes fierce disagreements. Rosa in particular could barely contain her fury at Spain's capitalist "reforms," calling them an affront to socialism. He had managed to convince her at the very least to keep this criticism private; Karl had remained quiet. In truth, Paul tended to agree with their decision considering the state of Spain's economy. He supposed this was the "liberalism" that Rosa had often chided him over. The national government in general was split on the matter, with an apprehensive silence being the official response. There was also the matter of Hungarian revanchism, French saber-rattling, the growth of Austrian fascism, and Romania's peculiar situation. Of course this was merely Europe, in Asia and North America there were other concerns. One step at time. He checked his watch, it was just after 3:00 PM. As if on cue one of his aides approached, "they'll be arriving in a few minutes minister. We should get ready."

Paul nodded, rose from his seat, and made his way outside. Red Guard soldiers were already lined up on the tarmac, clad in ceremonial uniform. He tugged his jacket closer in an attempt to mitigate the nearly subzero temperature as the drone of engines grew louder. Its source became visible as a plane slowly began to descend towards him. Before long it had landed and taxied to a halt. Out came Marshal Edward Rydz-Śmigły followed by a retinue of staff. Paul approached the Marshal, shaking his hand and saying "it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person Marshal. I look forward to our discussion." With that he gestured towards a black Mercedes that would take them to the foreign ministry.

Saarbrücken

Soldat Susanne Keppler wiped sweat from her brow as she dropped a drum of ammunition. The clang of metal on concrete echoed down hallways and reverberated in the room. She stopped for a moment to catch her breath, they had been stockpiling supplies in this depot all day. Winter brought an end to construction of new fortifications, however, that just meant existing ones now had to be properly outfitted. This was an almost equally backbreaking endeavour. When she had signed up for the Saarbrücken militia it had been with an expectation of exciting field exercises and camaraderie. That did happen, but there was also working underground hauling provisions for hours at time. She sighed and started down the corridors outside. Lights flickered off for a moment, plunging her into darkness, before turning back on again. Susanne cursed under her breath, "how could they still not have the generators running properly?" Finally, daylight again, the rumble of engine noise, and orders being shouted. Her eyes strained against the sun as she glanced west, towards France. It looked no different than Germany.

---

Greetings to Our Italian Brothers,

You message is welcome news indeed. The German Socialist Republic agrees wholeheartedly with this proposal. The founding of the Third International years ago was merely the first step in cooperation. Now is the time to fully coordinate our efforts, lest the revolution be stamped out by the forces of barbarism. If needed, our government can host such a meeting.

In Solidarity,

Karl Liebknecht

[Western Pacific Territories]

Bucharest, Romania

"Alright, Constantin. I'm sure you've already received your own copy of the Hungarian land offers from the Foreign Ministry, I assume? Yes, you have? Alright, good. You already know what their initial offer is. Oradea, Satu Mare, Cluj-Napoca and the Apuseni mountains. All of this going to Hungary. My personal opinion is this: Oradea and Satu Mare are both regions located very closely to Hungary, and giving these lands to Hungary is a acceptable proposition. Cluj-Napoca and the Apuseni mountains, however, I believe should remain in Romanian possession if at all possible. The offers in exchange are quite enticing."

"I agree quite the same. We'll have our Foreign Minister, Avram Bunaciu, yes, he will be the Romanian delegation meeting with the Hungarians.""

MESAGE OF ROMANIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

We are most delighted to have recovered this offer from the Hungarian government. We are willing to begin negotiations on the exact boundaries of the to-be-revised Hungarian government borders tommorow morning. The Romanian delegation will be Foreign Minister Avram Bunaciu, and the requested meeting place will be at the Foreign Affairs Building.