1904: Dawn of a New Era | IC

[Chewion]

OOC||Map: Coming soon | Discord

This is a world of old. A time when kings, kaisers, emperors, and tsars still ruled and empires spanned the globe. Now, you are given the opportunity to take the reigns of the nation of your choice and lead it to greatness. Will you see your nation enter into a new age of prosperity or will you see revolution and collapse? The choice is yours and the result of your actions will be felt.

In this roleplay, you will take the helm of the nation of your choice. You have the ability to change the history of your nation from 1850 onwards within realism and with a few major event exceptions as well as anything stated in the OP or other applications.



Major Unchangeable Events:
American Civil War occurring
Franco-Prussian War occurring
Unification of Italy
Unification of Germany
Austro-Prussian War

Leadership:

OP: Chewion
Co-OPs: The Manticoran Empire
NewLakotah

Rules:

1. DO NOT GODMOD! No, but seriously, don’t Godmod, it makes the RP terrible.
2. The word of the OP and Co-OP is final.
3. Keep everything PG-13, please.
4. Do not mix IC and OOC problems, and please keep it courteous in the OOC and IC.
5. If you have an issue with another player, please ask the OP or Co-OP to moderate it.
6. Please coordinate with other players if you want to jointly write a post/negotiate deals.
7. Posts must be at least two paragraphs long and of good quality.
8. Be respectful.
9. Note that unchangeable events are completely unchangeable.
10. Posts can cover a span of up to three months. Each three-month period starts following an IEC post except for the first period. The start date is January 1st, 1904
11. Players must make at least one post a week, meaning at least every seven days from each post. Extensions may be granted by the OP and Co-OPs on a case-by-case basis.
12. Any changes to the irl military must be laid out in the military information section, otherwise, the numbers etc will be assumed to be the same as irl.
13. Not a rule, but do try to have fun.

IEC:

The IEC (International Entity Council) is comprised of the OP, Co-OPs, and anyone else accepted into it. The IEC is responsible for making the IEC post that includes multiple events and members can serve as an NPC nation in conferences so long as they do not have a direct interest in the negotiations.

[The Manticoran Empire]

Winter Palace
St. Petersburg
4 January 1904

The War Council, as it was informally known, had sat many times in the last four years. And each time they had discussed largely the same issue: the British noose that sought to ensnare Russia. Today would be little different, Nicholas knew as Alexei Kuropatkin and Nikolai Essen, the Minister of War and Minister of Foreign Affairs respectively, finished their conversation and joined the Minister of the Navy, Count Pyotr Tyrtov, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Theodor Avallan, and the Chief of the General Staff, General Victor Sakharov at the circular table that dominated the relatively small but opulent conference room. As the last of the chairs scraped into place, Nicholas cleared his throat to begin the meeting.

“Gentlemen, we all know why we are here. The British Empire’s noose continues to tighten about us and we must act soon. I met with Minister Lamsdorf yesterday and he assured me that we will have an accord with the Austrians soon. If that does, indeed, prove the case, our European flank will be secured. However, we must move swiftly to secure our flank in the Far East against Japanese encroachment.”

“That may be difficult, Your Majesty,” Pyotr said. The older man pointed to the map in the center of the table. The Mercator projection of the world was marked with pins, indicating major fleets and regions of concern. “The friendship and cooperation between Britain and Japan makes any offensive move against Japan unwise.”

“Hardly,” Sakharov scoffed, “The British Army is stuck in Africa and Afghanistan, being trounced by illiterate tribesmen and untrained farmers. The Oriental mob that is the Japanese Army is only slightly more modern than that travesty that is China.”

“The British Army may be weak but the British Navy is not,” Avallan chided. He pointed to several red flags dotted about the map. “The Royal Navy has a powerful squadron in the Far East. At least five battleships are in Hong Kong, with three armored and even more protected cruisers in China, India, and Australia. Add to that Japan’s own six battleships and six armored cruisers and their combined force matches that of the Pacific Fleet. Even more pressing are their squadrons in Europe. They outnumber the Black Sea Fleet by seventeen to four in battleships and two to zero in armored cruisers. In the Baltic, it’s worse. Our eight battleships and six armored cruisers face their fourteen battleships and nine armored cruisers. Without the Germans and Austrians with us, we are vulnerable to the British fleet.”

“But what guarantee is there that Britain will join Japan?” asked Kuropatkin, glancing over at Essen as he did so. “They are, after all, hard pressed in the Boer Republics and Afghanistan. Surely they’re unwilling to add yet another war to their already quite full table if they can avoid it?”

“Hmm, Nikolai,” the Tsar said, turning to the Foreign Minister, “What is your reading of the situation?”

“The domestic situation in Britain is complicated, to put it mildly. The wars in Afghanistan and Africa are expensive for them, both in treasure and lives. That is, in turn, costing the Conservatives the votes they need to stay in power. Their coalition with the Liberals in the Lords is waning, according to our ambassador there. Even more important, though, is the growing criticism of the Government in the press, which will inevitably impact the next election. Politically, the Conservatives can’t afford another war, especially not when they are already facing significant criticism for their handling of existing wars against enemies that are, quite frankly, hardly the equals of ourselves.”

“In other words, Nikolai,” the Tsar said, “You are suggesting that now would be a good time to push?”

Nikolai shook his head. “If we are seen to be the aggressors, it will galvanize public support behind the Conservatives by lending weight to their policy of containment. Rather, we must engineer circumstances where the Japanese will attack us but in such a way that it appears to be an overreaction on their part. If we can do that, it will create enough confusion that the Tories won’t be able to justify another war while still keeping their hold on power.”

“So how do you propose we do such a thing?” Pyotr asked, “The Japanese have to be even more attuned to the British political situation than we are. How do we get them to attack us?”

The room was silent for a long moment before Sakharov let out a triumphant exclamation. “It’s obvious, isn’t it?” he said, gazing at the confused faces around him. “Our entire dispute with the Japanese is centered around who gets to have influence over China and Korea. The easiest way to antagonize Japan without directly attacking them is to move more troops into Manchuria.” He pointed at the map.

“Right now we have one Army Corps there, the Twenty-Third. We can start shifting additional corps, starting with the Twenty-First in Omsk and the Nineteenth in Turkestan. They won’t fail to notice the build up and we can trust their samurai class to draw the right conclusions, I think.”

Now it was Kuropatkin’s time to chuckle. “It will give them the ultimate dilemma.” He looked at the confused Essen and said, “They’ll conclude the only thing the Samurai warrior class will let them conclude: that we are preparing to invade Korea. And they will be left with the unenviable options of either letting us continue to build up forces in Manchuria until they are so overwhelming that Japan is powerless to stop the invasion or invade first and hope they can do enough damage that we sue for peace.”

Nicholas then looked at Tyrtov and Avallan, saying, “And what is the Navy’s opinion?”

Avallan answered immediately. “There really isn’t much we can do without unacceptably weakening ourselves in Europe.” Tyrtov snapped his fingers and said, “The ships of the 1900 program. They’ll be commissioned by year’s end. We can publicly announce that all eighteen of them will be sent to join the Pacific fleet.” The other military men nodded. “It will greatly increase the pressure on Japan to act before then,” Avallan said, “since it would give us 19 battleships and twenty-one armored cruisers, a decisive advantage even if the British were to join them.”

Nicholas looked around the table and said, “We’re certain this is the best course of action?” Kuropatkin looked back at him and said, “Your Majesty, our only options are to either allow Britain to close this noose around us or break it somewhere. We cannot break it in Europe, as that would entail a war with the Royal Navy that we cannot win. We cannot break it in Central Asia, as we have no friends in that region to support us and would be forced to occupy the very lands the British themselves cannot. That leaves the Far East, where we will be able to kill two birds with one stone, by both breaking Britain’s noose and securing our interests in Manchuria against Japanese aggression.”

“Very well then. I will speak with the Prime Minister to gauge the reaction of the Duma and the State Council. We will meet again next week.”

---

Tauride Palace
St. Petersburg
5 January 1904

Prime Minister Sergei Witte stepped up behind the podium at the center of the meeting hall for the State Duma, gazing out at the nearly 500 representatives entrusted with the future of the Empire and its people. “Gentlemen,” he called out, “I had, as you all know, a meeting yesterday with the Tsar. He has informed me of distressing developments from the Far East. Our negotiations with Japan are going nowhere. He has informed me that the Minister of War and Chief of the General Staff wish to begin moving troops into Manchuria to reinforce our forces already there and to further fortify the region against Japanese attack.” He looked around a moment and continued, “The Constitution does allow him to make these movements without the written or verbal approval of either this body or the State Council. However, he has requested a vote on the matter as, in his words, he does not wish to embroil the Russian people in a conflict they will not support. The State Council is voting on this issue as we speak. Now it falls to you, gentlemen, to determine the future course of our nation. We stand at a precipice. The British Empire seeks to surround and contain us, denying us access to the world and our rightful place in the sun, all while propping up the Turks and the Japanese as they persecute good Christians across the world. Take what time you need, gentlemen, for such a decision as this must not be made in haste.”

Witte left the chamber as the delegates debated the proposal, though he could tell it would be a short debate. The Kadets and Octoberists controlled the body and both of them were supportive of a firmer policy against Japan. Within the hour both houses had returned their votes. The final tally was 408 for and 89 against from the Duma and 82 for and 18 against in the State Council, with the opposition in the Duma being an unholy alliance of the Trudoviks and the Conservatives while in the Council opposition came from the Academy of Sciences and the businessmen. In any event, the Tsar now had the political backing he desired.

---

Military settlements across Russia
January 1904

The orders arrived by telegraph within a week of the decision being made. The Nineteenth and Twenty-First Army Corps were ordered to embark upon trains and deploy to Manchuria. They would be followed in February by the Seventeenth and Fifteenth Army Corps and in March by the Thirteenth and Eleventh. Over the next three months, nearly 336,000 Russian troops would be arriving in Manchuria to reinforce the 69,000 troops already there. Furthermore, the Naval Ministry publicly announced that the new warships, scheduled for commissioning in December, would be assigned to the Pacific Fleet after their commissioning ceremonies in April.

[NewLakotah]

Introduction: Of Gods and Men

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The shadows of the Imperial Palace hung like a curtain over the already blackened skies. The air was still and quiet. Only the soft sound of a pair of footsteps softly pattering along the cobblestone steps broke the stillness. The footsteps came to a sudden halt as they reached the base of one of the outbuildings. The door creaks open.

“You’re late.”

“Late delivery. Another from the Shogun. Supposedly urgent.” The messenger says.

“Not again.” The other man groans. He steps out from the building and stands next to the messenger. He pulls a pipe and a matchbox from a pocket and lights it, casting a large glare over the pair of pince-nez glasses he wore. His official uniform of the Imperial Court was briefly illuminated as well, looking rather unkempt.

“Well? What was it this time?” The courtier asks in between puffs on his pipe. The messenger chuckled.

“I didn’t read it.”

The courtier rolls his eyes. “Come on, I don’t have time for the run around. And you were already late as is.”

“Fine. Well I can’t be entirely clear on the details. But, I heard it said the Shogun has made yet another request for the Emperor. The Shogun has requested that the Emperor remove the Prime Minister. Again.”

The courtier chuckled. “Coulda saved him the trouble and the postage. No shot in hell.”

“Things that rough for him here, eh?”

“Eh, it comes and it goes with the Emperor. But he’s definitely buying whatever Inukai is giving him.”

The messenger sighed. “Well, what does the Emperor want then? He can’t be counting on this government to last much longer. It simply can’t.”

“I haven’t a clue. I can’t exactly ask the Emperor what’s at the back of his mind. If you ask me the Emperor’s waiting for the pendulum to swing.”

“What pendulum?” asked the messenger.

“The letters. He’s waiting for the letters calling for the Shogun’s head. And he very well might just take it.”

The messenger stared at him blankly, his mouth slightly open. “What? It’s that bad for the Shogun?”

The courtier chuckled again. “Tell the Shogun he needs to stop acting like he is indomitable in his position or he won’t have one for much longer. His heir is already proving his worth twofold.”

“Well, we can agree on that at least.” The messenger stops for a moment, an eager look on his face. “Is that the play?” he asked suddenly, leaning in closer to the courtier. The courtier steps back.

“What are you talking about?” He retorts.

“Eh, now look who has time for games.” The messenger steps forward again. “Come on, what's the play? Is it the Shogun?”

The courtier shakes off the messenger and takes another long puff from his pipe. Letting the smoke blow out in the darkness.

“Alright, fine. I don’t know that much. I know a few of the high staff, those who work some of the important meetings and the like. Well, from what I hear, the Shogun is losing allies left and right. I don’t know why, but it’s clear it isn’t all sunshine and laughter behind the curtain. So yes, I’d say the Shogun better wise up or he’ll be seeing his son taking his spot.”

“I see.” The messenger said simply.

There was silence again. Both men stood together motionless, each lost deep in their own train of thought. As quickly as the moment came it passed again, both straightening themselves out. With simple farewells, the odd little pair of acquaintances separated again. The messenger returning to his route and the courtier returning to the outbuilding. Soon the pair were lost back in the blanket of darkness.

High above them, lost in the darkness, the Emperor couldn’t sleep. He stared out across the apparently empty streets and gardens of the Palace. He sighed deeply. He knew why he couldn’t sleep. The Shogun had sent yet another letter. Yet another request, no a plea this time, asking that the Emperor dissolve the government once again.

As if that would do him any good. Didn’t the Shogun know that wouldn’t help his cause? He had only one good move and now, at the time it was most needed, the Shogun was showing remarkable amounts of patience and reserve. The one time leader of creating the best future for Japan possible had suddenly become incredibly stale in his ideas.

The pressure was now mounting greater than ever from all sides and, with this sudden change in disposition, perhaps the Shogun was not the one to lead them. If he wasn’t, then perhaps his son would have to step up earlier than planned. It was that or the Shogun only had one option to save himself and his position. That was war with Russia. Yet even here, the Shogun seemed to show sudden caution and restraint. The man who had schemed and fought his way past the Imperial Court and the Tokugawas to seize power was suddenly looking the bumbling fool. Being played left and right by Prime Ministers and Emperors that the Shogun used to be able to outwit and outfox to Japan’s benefit.

Now, the Emperor could no longer see things the same way. The Russians were massing. Massing for what, the Emperor didn’t know. Perhaps it was to occupy greater swathes of China or the Korean peninsula itself. Even the hard work they had put in on the continent was looking weakened. The state of affairs in Korea were a mess and what had the Shogun done thus far? Nothing that has accomplished anything. At least, nothing the Emperor could see.

No, perhaps the era of Takatukasa Hiromichi was beginning to wane. Or… perhaps not. Perhaps the Shogun did know what he was doing as he insisted he did. The slow steady hand was never flashy, but it usually proved successful. Plus, the plans with Russia… well, he could certainly trust that they were in good hands. If they got off the ground.

The Emperor blinked tiredly and yawned. He was tired. If only he could sleep. Sleep would do him good. It was the problem of having just the slice of power. Sitting here, above it all, listening to the bickering and bantering of men seeking power, glory, and honour in the name of him and his Empire. Yet, he could only stand here awake at nights wondering of its future and whether or not it was in the right hands or not.

The Emperor slowly turned and shuffled his way back to bed. The problems of the Empire would still be there in the morning for him. Probably more so starting in the morning than this evening. The political machines were at work and the new year was proving already that it was going to be an interesting one. Still, there was not much that he could do at this hour. He wasn’t as young as he once was. Neither was the Shogun. Both men had grown old together in ruling.

Now, here they were. Together facing a new era of Japan. A New Century had dawned and the Empire was pressing forward. The next chapters would require fortitude and strength. Not just from the Emperor but from the Shogun and the government, as well as the people. The army and the navy would have to do their duty and the people would have to rise to the occasion. He smiled softly to himself. He knew that they were mor than ready to. As long as they had the right leader to lead them to victory. Then the future of the Japanese Empire would be safe and secured for a thousand years.

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Chapter One: Lessons in Diplomacy

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‘A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.’
― Baltasar Gracian

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All the King's Men and all the King's Horses...

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Tokyo, Japan
January 5, 1904

House of Peers

The House of Peers was truly a formal affair. The most powerful men of the Empire gathered into a singular spot. Of course, much of the day-to-day power rested with the House of Representatives. However, the House of Peers retained significant authority to block or guide legislation that the lower house sent up to them. In many ways, they acted as the safeguard to the Shogun. Blocking as much of the unseemingly as they could before passing it along to the Emperor. The House of Peers had divided itself into small blocs, the largest was headed by Kōshaku Takatukasa Harutaka, adopted son and heir of Shogun Takatsukasa Hiromichi.

Harutaka was well liked, even by the opposition, as a quality negotiator and compromiser. It was clear that he was preparing himself for rule and was already preparing for the inevitable fallout the death of his adopted father would bring. The Group of Four was the Group Harutaka was leading. Despite its name, it had nearly 88 members with the next largest having only 39. Political parties had been disallowed in the upper house and thus, this was the next best thing. The name, instead, referred to the fact that the heads of four of the five regent houses, some of the most powerful houses in the Empire, the Konoe, Takatsukasa, Kujō, and Nijō, were all involved in the group.

Of course, with 275 total members in the House of Peers, the Group of Four hardly had dominant power. However, it was clear to everyone that they practically ran the House of Peers. Much to the detriment of the House of Representatives and the Prime Minister.

Of course, most of that mattered very little to Colonel Shishaku Rokugō Itsuki. Rokugō was from a samurai clan with big claims of descent, but was hardly a major family in the new era. Thus, the greater dance of politics did not interest him as much as it probably should have. As a shishaku, Rokugō was nearer to the bottom of the nobility than the top. It was the bitter result of playing politics and coming up on the wrong side. The Rokugō clan had been strong Tokugawa loyalists through the Fall of the Dynasty. Their loyalty to the Tokugawa’s hadn’t paid off significant dividends when the Takatsukasa Clan had finangled its way into power. From there, they saw their family lose significant standing and significant portions of their holdings to reward new faces that had been loyal. Now, Rokugō Itsuki was sitting in the House of Peers as a non-hereditary elected member. Sure, there were much worse places to be and Rokugō had put in significant work in order to secure this position. Now he had to make the most of it.

For him, the greater game of politics was a tad bit above his pay grade. His role was advancement. If he was to see a promotion and to set himself and his son up for even greater heights then he would need friends in high places. Ones that would prove mutually beneficial. Surprisingly, however, that was proving harder than expected. From taking his seat nearly a year ago, he had bounced around different factions. First with the Group of Four where he barely registered a blip upon joining or leaving.

Then it was to the Green Tea House. However, they proved too radical for the traditionalist political tastes of Rokugō and thus he was forced to move on yet again. Finally, however, he had landed into the Gang of Twelve led by Kōshaku Date Munemoto, one of the more powerful clans in the Empire and also Tokugawa Loyalists. They had, of course, shed their loyalty to continue to maintain a semblance of power in the new Fujiwara Era, however, it was clear their power base came from the old guard and Rokugō was more than happy to join to make the former Gang of Eleven the Gang of Twelve.

To say it was a powerful bloc would of course be incorrect. However, it was filled with ambitious men who watched the slow decline of the Shogun with glee. Like buzzards circling an injured animal. Seeing in it an opportunity for each of them to gain or regain power and glory for their own family. Together they had a chance and thus they had remained together. It was a politically moderate faction by all accounts. However, more and more, their little group of twelve men was becoming more and more important as the Shogun grew more and more desperate for allies.

For now, the Gang of Twelve was more than happy to go along. It was indeed better than seeing the Radicals gaining power. Who knew what those bastards would do once they got power. So it was definitely beneficial to keep them from gaining too much influence. However, the cost of their loyalty was rising as Kōshaku Harutaka was beginning to find out.

Rokugō surveyed the floor of the House of Peers with some interest. The recess period had just been announced and already small groups of men were gathering together to talk in hushed tones. Rokugō himself sat alone simply watching for a moment. He watched with interest as the groups aligned, seeing the politics play out in front of him was always interesting. Who was after who this time? The reformers were clearly out in larger numbers. Their vote whips making the rounds. With a rock solid majority in the House of Representatives, it was always clear what would and would not make it to the upper house.

With the power to line item veto, the debate was going to be on what could survive and what couldn’t. They couldn’t outright reject it, of course. Rejecting it would send it back to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister could easily scrounge up the votes to override the veto as long as he knew he could get an Emperor stamp of approval. Whether he could get that, Rokugō couldn’t know. He did know, however, that the political machine was at work. He continued to watch as members of various factions met and intermingled. Talking together in hushed tones. Escorting each other out into the hallways. Down some corridor and into some backroom where cigars and liquor surely awaited.

Not that Rokugō had ever been invited to those closed door meetings. Date, of course, had been to them more than once. However, that was expected of him. As the leader of the Gang of Twelve and leader of the Date Family, Even now, he could see Munemoto engaged in conversation with two other ministers. From what he could tell, they looked like members of the Group of Four. Probably from the Konoe family.

“I hear that the Shogun is pressing hard on the Prince.” A calm soft voice behind Rokugō chimed in as he watched. Rokugō smiled slightly. He turned to face the speaker. It was another member of the Gang, Koga Motoyasu. Motoyasu was a rather tall man with a small mustache and very strong, sharp features. He was a rank higher than Rokugō, however, he had similar ambitions. His were set quite a bit higher than Rokugō’s but that was hardly an issue. It all worked out just as well for all of them. Politically, Koga was by far the most reform-minded of any of them and had actually been a part of a pro-Reformer group for quite some time before eventually leaving after several strong disagreements over policy.

His addition along with Rokugō had definitely swung the group further in the reform direction, however, it still solidly played along with the Shogun. The unhealthy growth of the Radical Reformers had caused many in the House of Peers to look over their shoulder back at the House of Representatives with some concern. The last election saw the Coalition for a Greater Japan gain significant seats, almost enough to match the last remaining pro-Shogun party in the lower house, The Empire Party or Teikokutō. Thankfully for the Shogun, the reformers, let alone the radicals, had significantly less support amongst the Japanese aristocracy. Still… it was becoming worrisome to everyone. Especially the Shogun.

“Undoubtedly.” Rokugō replied. “Whose it about this time? The Prime Minister?”

“Yep. Same as it always is.” Koga slid in closer to Rokugō.“The Prime Minister has set an agenda to get the new economic reform bill, the New Century Reform Act or whichever it's called, passed with all speed. They want it passed by the end of week in the lower house and signed by the Emperor before the end of the month.”

Rokugō scoffed. “They must be mad.”

“Well, of course. That’s why the Reformer whips are already in motion. Clearly the Shogun’s soldiers have already taken note.”

Rokugō nodded. Koga’s greatest asset to the Group was his connections with the reformers. Most of the rest of the group had tried their luck in one of the Traditionalist groups before leaving for one reason or another. Only Koga had been a member of any significant stature in a reform clique.

Rokugō’s eyes wandered back out to the stage in front of him. He watched the players in motion. He knew most of them by sight very well, even if he had barely spoken more than half a dozen times to any of them.

“What’s the issue this time?” Rokugō asked. Koga shrugged.

“I don't know yet. I haven’t seen the piece. From what I gather it’s all what the Prime Minister has been pressing for… liberalization of markets and businesses. Taxes and education are probable targets. The usual line of spending to spend.”

“What of the military?”

“Prime Minister Inukai is hardly one to turn down the Shogun’s request for a budget increase. I suppose it’ll just have to come down to what concessions the Shogun is willing to make to get it…” Koga trails off slightly as Date breaks away from the two political whips and makes his way over to the pair of them. “And that we are about to find out.”

The two men stood as Date approached. They waited with eager expectation. Date smiled at the two men.

“You look curious.” He said, a slight smile twitching at the corners of his mouth.

“Well?” Koga asked. “What is the Shogun asking for this time?”

Date sighed and flopped down on his seat, pulling out an agenda book and starting to jot down a few lines “Oh, well the usual. They want to know where we aligned pre-drop. Basically I said I can’t make decisions about legislation I haven’t even read yet. That didn’t really satisfy them of course. Asking about where my loyalties lied. To the Shogun or to the Prime Minister?” He grinned up at Rokugō and Koga. “I said to the Emperor.”

Rokugō and Koga smiled in response.

“In either regard,” Date continued, “we aren’t to be overly concerned with the process. At the moment it seems as though the Shogun has some plan up his sleeve or something. I couldn’t tell you what, those two were being incredibly vague about it. Either way, for us, the bigger issue will be later, after the meat is handled. Then it’ll come down to the finer details. So, once we get an idea on the details then we can start forming a game plan. Until then, we don’t have much to go off of.”

“I hear the bill is to be voted on by the end of the week.” Koga said. Date shrugged.

“Could be. Prime Minister Inukai is certainly the man to do it if he puts his mind to it. I would certainly expect a busy few weeks, gentlemen.”

The others nodded again. There was a long moment of silence before Date broke it again.

“Then, it’ll be a matter of details and politicking. Thankfully, today we don’t have to worry about such things.” He smiled. “So, for now, we can simply wait and watch.”

---

House of Representatives

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The sound of loud footsteps echoed down the long corridors. It was a large group. Nearly 12 pairs of shoes stomping their way down the halls. Their footsteps grew in sync, slowly becoming a steady beat of footsteps. Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi had arrived to the floor.

He took in the chamber with a quick scan. He noted the open animosity the Teikokutō had still, openly turning their heads and backs as Inukai’s eyes drifted across the floor. The Radicals were there too. Much less hostile directly, but they found it hard to play nice with anyone. Still it didn't matter. Not to the Prime Minister. Not when his coalition had a full majority in the lower house. With 236 seats out of the necessary 190 needed to hold a majority in the lower house, there was no question that Inukai was the head of the government. It was his coalition and he ran it like a very tight ship.

Granted, that hadn’t made him very many friends outside of his circle. But that was why he generally always traveled by posse. It only takes one crazed self-styled patriot to get funny ideas in his head to end up like poor old Shinagawa Yajiro. He had only lasted six days as Prime Minister before someone had offed him and Inukai was committed to ensuring that that did not happen to him. And thus far, he had gotten by unscathed.

Unscathed may not entirely be accurate. The tensions in the upper society of Japan was becoming unbearable. The divides that separated Japan had caused both Prime Minister Inukai and Shogun Takatsukasa significant concern. Not that either of them were going to go to the other to have a healthy discussion about their options. That time had long passed. It had passed long before Shogun Takatsukasa had sent letter after letter to the Emperor, requesting a new election. Each time, the Emperor had found some reason, some excuse that would keep Inukai in his job.

It was a vote of confidence that Inukai had taken to heart but had not taken lightly. It was a vote of confidence by his Emperor. It was not just a vote to get his agenda done. It was a request. Work with the Shogun to the best of your ability and make this country greater. At least, that’s what Inukai imagined the Emperor had said when he had turned down the Shogun. Granted, the Emperor had certainly not told that to him directly, but still, he could sense the subtext behind the messages and letters he received from the Emperor and the occasional meetings that he had with him.

He had meetings scheduled next week with the Shogun as well. The first of the new year. An important one. One that would revolve primarily around foreign policy and what the Shogun required from the Imperial Government to support that. The Daijo-Kan would also have a formal meeting that week as well. There, not only would the Shogun and Prime Minister be in attendance, but the entire entourage of both factions would be there. It was usually as entertaining as it sounded as well.

Now, however, his priority was on the business of the day. And the business of the day was certainly something. Today was the grand announcement of the new path that Japan would take. One that would finally allow to grow beyond its former restraints. Its old ideals and concerns that kept Japan from joining the table with the great powers. It was truly a holistic reform. Not only did it address concerns within the military and allocate more funding to expand the armed forces, it would see an overhaul of the economic sectors that Japan currently had in place. It would also see reforms stretching down into social areas. Education, healthcare, transportation, and modernization of systems and society.

For Inukai the West had provided the map and the tools. All he had to do was adapt the map and adjust the tools to fit the Japanese model for it to work. The only thing holding them back was the Shogun and his supporters. Stuck into their old ways and refusing to take a chance on what lay beyond the horizon.

He watched the members of the house who were affiliated with the Shogun with some interest. It was clear that they already knew today was going to be an interesting day. He smiled slightly. The inner workings of politics were always interesting. Today, however, he figured it would be a good day. For him and for the Empire that is. Not for the Shogun and the Traditionalists.

The Speaker of the House had risen and stood above the assembly. The Prime Minister and the rest of the the House had slowly assembled together, some were still talking in hushed tones, others merely sitting and waiting for the next part of the day’s agenda.

The Speaker rolled through the agenda. Roll calls and calls to speak. The leader of the opposition,
Yoshii Nobutomi, a somewhat distant relative of the Takatsukasas, rose to speak. Already the opposition was digging in without even knowing what exactly was in Inukai’s New Japanese Century Reform Act. Yoshii gave a fairly standard speech. Harping on the failures of the Prime Minister to address certain concerns in the economy. How the previous reform bills had all fallen short of their claimed success.

“If it pleases the Speaker.” Mitsui Takakimi, Inukai’s deputy said, rising to his feet and buttoning his jacket. Allowed to continue, he proceeded, addressing Yoshii. “Honourable Leader, it is clear to us that you have not considered the possibility that our reforms have not been allowed to be successful. The blockades your party and your advocates have done have prevented us from seeing through our reforms. They have forced us to send reform bill after reform bill. Each one to target the failure of the previous because the fixes we had designed had been blocked.

“We cannot continue in this pattern. Here we are in agreement. However, to say that the answer is to stop the wheels of progress and return us to a simpler time is outrageous. That is folly and that is traitorous!” Loud uproar from the opposition drowns out Mitsui for a moment before the Speaker intervenes, quieting, if not calming, the opposition.

“We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of static. For centuries we remained static. For centuries we remained isolated. What that brought us was humiliation and poverty. It brought us foreign powers to our doorsteps. Treading on our land and trampling on our culture. We can never allow that to happen again. We can never allow ourselves to become weak again. To suffer the humiliations set upon us. That was set upon our neighbors in China. We can never allow the vultures to circle us again. We must continue to press forward. We must address the issues that face our Empire. Foreign and Domestic. We cannot allow ourselves to be wrapped up with the talk about the Russian. We cannot allow ourselves to become closed minded. Closed off to the continuing issues that plague our state.

“We cannot march to war when our country is pleading for reform! We cannot keep the enemies at bay if we do not have a strong enough economy to support us. How can we continue to fund our military if our economy does not continue to grow at an equal or greater rate? How can we lead Japan and Asia to a brighter future if we cannot stand ourselves? These are the questions that the Emperor’s Loyal Opposition has refused to answer. Instead they cast the blame on us. For diluting the Japanese culture and spirit. For trying to see our country fail through change. Change will not cause us to fail. Failure to change will certainly lead us to failure, however.

“For this purpose, that is why I must urge my colleagues and the honourable members of the Hosue of Peers, to vote for the reform act. To ensure that our Empire remains continuing forward on a path towards greater prosperity and strength.”

The murmurs as he sat were palpable, however, it remained largely still in the chamber. Other speakers soon were being called on to stand and speak. Some from the Traditionalists, some from the Radicals, and some from the Reformers themselves.

“I guess I couldn’t quite fit it all in in time.” Mitsui said softly, giving Inukai the slightest smile, a gesture Inukai returned.

“You did as well as you could. Which is average, I would say.”

“Oh, would you?” Mitsui’s smile widened slightly.

“Certainly. At least you hit the highlights. Enough to make sure its headlines in Tokyo and Kyoto.”

Mitsui nodded, staring off slightly. “Hmm. Yeah, and which is the quote they’ll use for the headlines? I’m rather partial to the ‘failure to change will lead us to failure’ line.”

Inukai chuckled. “Are you joking? You called the Most Loyal Opposition traitors. That’ll be the headlines.”

“Ah yes. That.” Mitsui chuckled and groaned slightly. “Perhaps too strong?”

“Oh no.” Inukai shook his head quickly. “If anything, wasn’t strong enough.”

---

Where Have All the Young Men Gone?

---

1st Imperial Guards Division
2nd Army ‘Army of the Fujiwara’
January 5, 1904

The soldiers had been marching for hours. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warming light over the cold biting winds that cut through the uniforms of the infantry. Not that they complained. Most were probably too tired to complain out loud anyway, they had been marching for a very long time. Still, they were performing well, moving at a very respectable pace for Lieutenant Abe Osuke. Abe had only just graduated from the Imperial Academy for infantry school. He was a samurai. Just as he father was before him. His father had served in the Tokugawa Army before serving in the Fujiwara Army. Now, the young Lieutenant was ready to take his fathers place. Leading the charge for the Empire against its enemies.

Today had been a long day of training and drills. Running through exercises that apparently involved marching for dozens of kilometers through the Japanese countryside to set up defensive positions for the night. From there, the next day, they were due to start the actual beginning of the war games. Matching up against them was the members of the elite Shogunate Guards Division. One battalion from each division had been selected for these drills and the rest were involved with their own drills and war games. It was all happening far above the paygrade of the young Lieutenant and so he didn’t really concern himself with that.

Instead, his focus was on ensuring that his platoon performed all the duties and tasks of it successfully and professionally. His platoon was to be the best in the battalion and he worked with them hard to ensure that they were. Sure, he may not had made many friends within the enlisted but they were certainly looked the best out of the company throughout the day, maintaining their professionality and keeping their ranks in good order despite the long day of marching.

The hours of marching, of course, did eventually have to come to end. Ending up at a ridge surrounded by farm fields and, in the distant, a small village with its soft lights just beginning to flicker on as the evening light faded. Lieutenant Abe had checked the work of his platoon. Checking their slit trenches for their depth and to ensure that their line was set. He left the Sergeant in charge for the evening and left to meet with the remainder of the battalion’s officer cadre that were assembling in the battalion commander’s quarters.

Abe stepped into the open tent and saluted. Colonel Nakaya Masato returned the salute and nodded at the Lieutenant.

“Welcome Lieutenant. Your platoon looked splendid today, my compliments.”

“Thank you, sir.” Abe said, inwardly beaming.

“Now, onto the business of the evening. The enemy is not expected to be making any moves for the night. That being said, I wouldn’t put it past them to anything funny so make sure your men remain vigilant and follow all the proper procedures. Clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.” The Colonel stopped for a moment and looked down at a relief map of the territory that they were now on. The map had several little markers on it. Some of them marked the enemy positions, others marked objectives that they had to take or hold. The Colonel peered closely at it for a moment, his eyes darting across the map as he followed through each possibility that was running through his head. Lieutenant Abe watched the Colonel carefully, studying him studying the map. He wondered what exactly it was he was looking for or at. What was it that the map was showing him? Abe peered closer at the map, trying to conjure some grand strategy.

He could see where the enemy positions were marked. Some good 4 or 5 kilometers off to the west. He considered for a moment, what he would do if he was in command of the opposing force. They held significantly better high ground, so it made sense that they would hold it for as long as possible. Using it as staging area to launch their control operations over the valley, which was the primary objective of the war games.

“Alright gentlemen.”The Colonel said suddenly, breaking the focus of Abe. He looked up at the Colonel, as Nakaya peered closely at the gathered officers around him. “First of all, the enemy has taken these heights here and here. We can expect their artillery to deploy along this axis here. As I said I don’t expect anything tonight, but still, be on the lookout. For us, we will hold this position until the morning from there we can prepare to envelop the valley. We have to dislodge their forces from their heights and get them to meet us on more favourable ground. Lieutenant Abe, will your platoon be as fit tomorrow as they were today?”

Lieutenant Abe swelled slightly. He met the eyes of the Colonel. “Yes, sir. My platoon will be perfectly fit for tomorrow.”

“Good. Then I want you and your company to take point. Scout the enemy positions and see what they have going on in the valley. Once we can work our way to our first objective, we can begin to sweep them up. But for now, we want to keep their fortifications as static as possible. Can you do that Lieutenant?”

“Yes, sir. With pleasure.”

The Colonel stared at Abe for some moments before moving on to the rest of the meeting. Intelligence reports were issued. Orders to every element of the battalion were issued and every officer left knowing his task and his plan. His company commander, Captain Kiyama, walked with Abe as they moved back to their company’s line.

“You performed well, Lieutenant. Thanks to your platoon, we’ll be leading the charge down.” Kiyama said, smiling at Abe as they moved. Abe smiled back. The two of them had formed a rather good partnership in their roles, both of them coming from lone lines of samurai. Guardians of the Empire and they were both ready and willing to serve their role to the bitter end no matter what.

“Thank you, sir. I hope to continue to impress tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow shouldn’t be your biggest concern.” The Captain’s face turned serious suddenly. Abe stopped.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh come on. You’ve heard the rumors. About the Russians and their plans. About the Shogun and his plans. Tomorrow is only a step. Day after tomorrow we’ll be in the real thing.”

Abe remained silent for a moment. He knew that the war was coming. However, was it really to be that soon?

“What makes you so sure?” He asked. Captain Kiyama shrugged. He stared off into the darkness.

“It must be done. It's what honor demands. For both the Russian and the Japanese. We cannot continue like this. Both of us realize that honor of our Empire and our people demands it. So, we will go and we will go soon, if you ask me. Either the Russian will move first or we will. Either way, remember. Tomorrow is the dress rehearsal. I want you and your platoon to be ready to be fighting the Russian Imperial Army next.”

“Yes, sir. My men will be ready.” Abe said firmly. Kiyama smiled.

“I know we are. Tomorrow let's prove it.”

[Tracian Empire]

Austro-Hungarian Monarchy
Österreichisch-Ungarische Monarchie
Osztrák–Magyar Monarchia

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
Die im Reichsrat vertretenen Königreiche und Länder und die Länder der Heiligen Ungarischen Stephanskrone
A Birodalmi Tanácsban képviselt királyságok és országok és a Magyar Szent Korona országai

Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter
Unteilbar und Untrennbar
Oszthatatlan és Elválaszthatatlan

---

Vienna
4th of January, 1904


"Your Majesty, your Highness, meine Herren.", Count Agenor Maria Adam Gołuchowski, the Chairman of the Ministers' Council for Common Affairs of Austria-Hungary, the Austro-Hungarian foreign minister, began his presentation. In front of him were the Emperor, the old Franz Joseph, the Crown Prince, Rudolf, the other ministers of the common ministries, alongside the Minister-President of Cisleithania. "I believe that this would be the prefect moment to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina. The negotiations with the Foreign Minister of Russia are going well, but I do not think that the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina should be part of our demands. After all, Austrian control over it has already been something that Russia has de facto agreed to since our occupation. Our negotiations for an alliance with Russia should take into account the state of the rest of the Balkans, and not of what we already own. As long as we announce them beforehand, I do not think that they will oppose it, and the annexation would serve to cement our rule of Bosnia, no matter what Budapest might think. Germany also, is interested in a recreation of the Dreikaiserbund and has limited interests in the Balkans, but we should of course also announce them beforehand. Serbia, being under our influence as it is, is unlikely to protest - if it does, we can negotiate with them perhaps a Serbian occupation of Novi Pazar. The British are the ones who might protest the most, seeing as Bosnia is still, de jure, an Ottoman territory, but the British government knows that Austria is interested in pursuing friendly relations with London, and we will also inform them beforehand. Italy and France need not be informed. Italy can protest if it so wishes, meanwhile, the communard government in France can not be justly considered to be a continuation of the government that has signed the Treaty of Berlin."

"I must tell you, your Excellency, that I absolutely think that Britain should be informed in advance.", the Crown Prince intervened. "We shall make it clear to them that we as of now do not seek to see any further Ottoman territorial losses, but this is simply meant to be a confirmation of something that has already existed in practice for almost three decades." The foreign minister bowed his head. "Of course, your Highness. Britain already knows very well that His Imperial and Royal Majesty's Government supports the traditional friendship between Austria and Great Britain, and we shall inform them in the spirit of that friendship. Most of Britain's concerns at this point are domestic and colonial - Her Majesty's Government should and will know that Austria has limited interests that do not clash with those of the United Kingdom. "

"What is the position of Count Tisza?", the old Emperor questioned his minister. "He is the most humble servant of Your Majesty, as you know, and he has told me that he will personally support any decision that your Majesty would take. It is however clear that the Hungarian Diet would oppose it, particularly if Bosnia-Herzegovina were to be included in Cisleithania and not in Transleithania. However, considering the disagreements that we have with the diet over the Honved, I would indeed advise that this new realm be represented in the Imperial Council. The proposal by Count Tisza that Bosnia-Herzegovina should be led as a condominium of Cisleithania and Transleithania is untenable in the current situation, that in which Transleithania refuses to obey the will of your Majesty."

The Emperor nodded to express his agreement, and stood up from the table. "Very well, Count Gołuchowski. Send the telegrams informing Russia, Germany, and Britain of our intentions. I shall prepare the proclamation, which will be announced to the public several days after the telegrams reach the capitals of the nations we're informing. Meeting dismissed."

---

Austro-Hungarian Monarchy
Österreichisch-Ungarische Monarchie
Osztrák–Magyar Monarchia

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
Die im Reichsrat vertretenen Königreiche und Länder und die Länder der Heiligen Ungarischen Stephanskrone
A Birodalmi Tanácsban képviselt királyságok és országok és a Magyar Szent Korona országai

Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter
Unteilbar und Untrennbar
Oszthatatlan és Elválaszthatatlan

To His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas II

The relations between our realms have been made difficult by disagreements over the Balkans, but nevertheless, friendship has dictated this relation for much of our nations' history. While our ministers of foreign affairs are negotiating the future of these relations, I have decided that I must, as a sign of trust and respect, inform you of what is to happen. The situation in the provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, administered by my Government, is no longer tenable. The Ottoman Empire is of course, no longer able to exert any control over them, and its people wish to establish a constitution. The peaceful development of both the lands of my monarchy and the rest of the Balkans is of the utmost importance to me, and it is the belief of me and my ministers, that it is necessary for the well-being of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for the status of Austria-Hungary as a great power, that we should impose our sovereignty over those provinces. I shall as such, in a matter of days, announce the annexation of Bosnia-and Herzegovina to Austria-Hungary.

I must make it clear that this is merely an act made under the pressure of urgent necessity, and that our policy is one of peace and of rejection of any thought of acquiring further territory in the Balkans through hostile means. It is because of that I have informed you of this in advance, and I trust and hope that the negotiations between our foreign ministers will lead to a new era of relations between Russia and Austria.

His Imperial and Royal Majesty,Francis Joseph the First, by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia and Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Oświęcim, Zator and Ćeszyn, Friuli, Ragusa and Zara ; Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Lord of Trieste, of Cattaro, and over the Windic march; Grand Voivode of the Voivodship of Serbia

Austro-Hungarian Monarchy
Österreichisch-Ungarische Monarchie
Osztrák–Magyar Monarchia

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
Die im Reichsrat vertretenen Königreiche und Länder und die Länder der Heiligen Ungarischen Stephanskrone
A Birodalmi Tanácsban képviselt királyságok és országok és a Magyar Szent Korona országai

Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter
Unteilbar und Untrennbar
Oszthatatlan és Elválaszthatatlan

To His Imperial Majesty, Kaiser Wilhelm III

My dear friend, I write this message firstly in order to once again express my deepest condolences for the death of your father, the late Emperor. The death of your father is truly a tragedy, and as I have told you, I am profoundly saddened. It is because of the personal friendship with him that I also consider you my friend, as we should, as rulers, express the friendship and brotherhood that exists between our countries. But more personal talks would have to wait, I do hope that we will get the chance to talk after the funeral of the late Kaiser. Affairs of state have however motivated this telegram, which so closely follows the one I sent after I was informed of your father's death, and we, as rulers, must put affairs of state on the first place.
I wish to personally inform you that my government is put into a situation where it is forced to announce the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The people of those two provinces are agitating for a constitution, no doubt influenced by the events happening in the Ottoman Empire, while our negotiations with Russia, of which you are no doubt aware, must resolve the situation in the rest of the Balkans, and not in what has already been in practice if not by law, a province of my realm for almost 30 years. I have also announced the Russian Tsar of this, and I will also announce Britain, in order to ensure the British that we do not desire any other territorial changes in the Balkans at the moment, and I of course, wished to also inform you immediately, something I owe to the close relationship between our countries. Once the negotiations with Russia are complete, I do sincerely hope that our three nations and three crowns will once again stand allied.

His Imperial and Royal Majesty,Francis Joseph the First, by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia and Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Oświęcim, Zator and Ćeszyn, Friuli, Ragusa and Zara ; Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Lord of Trieste, of Cattaro, and over the Windic march; Grand Voivode of the Voivodship of Serbia

Austro-Hungarian Monarchy
Österreichisch-Ungarische Monarchie
Osztrák–Magyar Monarchia

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
Die im Reichsrat vertretenen Königreiche und Länder und die Länder der Heiligen Ungarischen Stephanskrone
A Birodalmi Tanácsban képviselt királyságok és országok és a Magyar Szent Korona országai

Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter
Unteilbar und Untrennbar
Oszthatatlan és Elválaszthatatlan

To Her Majesty, Queen Adelaide, Queen-Empress of the United Kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland and India

Your Majesty, I write this message to you personally as a sign of the great respect that I have for the British realm and for the tradition of friendship that exists between the United Kingdom and the Austrian Empire. This message will also be delivered by my ambassador in London to the British Foreign Ministry, but alongside I wished to also send a message, from a monarch, to another. I know very well that it has been the policy of Great Britain, regardless of her isolation in regards to the continent, to support the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire, and the balance of power and peace in the Balkans. It is because of that that I wish to immediately inform you that my government is facing the necessity to announce the immediate annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina into my realm. The people of those provinces have been agitating for a constitution for a while now, and an almost 30 years long military occupation is no longer tenable. Surrendering the province back to an Ottoman administration would be profoundly unfeasible, as it has no connection to the sea, nor any borders to the Sultan's realm, and removing Austrian-control of it would only strengthen the Bulgarian dominance of the Balkans, breaking the balance of power that exists between the spheres of influence of the United Kingdom, of Austria-Hungary, and of Russia. That is why the annexation of the province, which is just a formal act, a confirmation of the practical reality that has existed for almost 30 years since the Treaty of Berlin, is the only solution to maintain peace in the Balkans and to grant the people of those provinces their aspirations, with full tolerance, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

I must also firmly mention that our policy is one of peace, and of rejection of any thought of acquiring further territory in the Balkans by means of war. This act is in no way intended to damage the practical sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire, and as of now, Austria-Hungary does not support any further territorial changes or threats to the Ottoman realm. It is our belief that the situation in the Balkans can only change if it is for the purpose of maintaining peace and the balance of power, which is why we have wished to inform the United Kingdom beforehand, and which is why if necessary, we will considering withdrawing from the Sanjak of Novi Pazar, and of granting that territory to Serbia in order to counterbalance Bulgaria and maintain the balance in the Balkans.

His Imperial and Royal Majesty,Francis Joseph the First, by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia and Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Oświęcim, Zator and Ćeszyn, Friuli, Ragusa and Zara ; Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Lord of Trieste, of Cattaro, and over the Windic march; Grand Voivode of the Voivodship of Serbia

---

PROCLAMATION OF HIS IMPERIAL AND ROYAL MAJESTY IN REGARDS TO THE IMMEDIATE ANNEXATION OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
14TH OF JANUARY 1904

We, Francis Joseph the First, by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia and Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Oświęcim, Zator and Ćeszyn, Friuli, Ragusa and Zara ; Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Lord of Trieste, of Cattaro, and over the Windic march; Grand Voivode of the Voivodship of Serbia, to the loyal subjects and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Twenty-six years ago, our soldiers entered Bosnia-Herzegovina as friends, not as enemies, with the guiding mission to protect it and its inhabitants from the violence and evils that were haunting the Balkans at the time, and that still are a danger for the entire region. For too long have the people of the Balkans suffered from many evils due to the collapsing authority of the Ottoman Sultan, while the states which have gained their independence ever since fight for more territories while ignoring the plight of their peoples. For twenty-six years, the authorities of my realms have worked, seriously and steadily, to guide Bosnia and Herzegovina to a brighter future. And to our great joy, this future is nearer than it has ever been. The land is safe and secure, in spite of those that would still commit acts of terrorism in the name of their misguided freedom, and the people of these territories have prospered more than ever before, under our rule. It is our God-given duty to continue along this path, to forge a new future of peace, tolerance, respect and freedom for all of Bosnia and all of Herzegovina. With this duty in front of us, and with the best interests of our subjects in mind, we wish to show our subjects that our trust is greater than ever. Bosnia and Herzegovina shall together receive a new, constitutional government that will respect the interests and wishes all of of the region's inhabitants, regardless of their ethnicity and their religion. This constitutional government is to serve as the representation of its people, and it shall have full control as far as the domestic affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina are concerned.

However, in order to introduce this new constitution and this new government, we have to permanently and without any ambiguity declare the new and clear legal status for these lands. Remembering the ties that have existed between the lands of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the throne of Hungary that we occupy, we hereby place Bosnia and Herzegovina under our suzerainty, and henceforth place it under the order of succession of our House. All the people currently living in Bosnia and Herzegovina will become full citizens of our realms. Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a Kingdom, will join the other realms represented in the Imperial Council as a fully equal part of our Empire. This new order of things will guarantee the peace and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the Balkans for the future.

[Sao Nova Europa]

Chairman Jules Guesde spoke before a joint session of the Workers' and Peasants' Assembly, as it was customary on the 10th of January every year. "Comrades, I am proud of the progress we've made since last year. The economy has been growing and the country is becoming more prosperous. Most importantly, though, this growth elevates everyone instead of enriching the few at the expense of the working class. This is no accident; it is a result of the collective ownership of the means of production. In other nations, some produce everything and others nothing, and yet it is precisely the latter who have all the wealth, all the enjoyment, and all the privilege. In our country, the laboring classes actually enjoy the labor of their hard work. Instead of benefitting rich elites, they benefit themselves. That is the moral difference between France and the rest of Europe."

The Chairman sipped a glass of water as the representatives clapped loudly. "In other countries, monarchs exercise power not due to any particular virtue, but solely due to their ancestors. We reject the idea that some persons are superior to others solely due to their ancestry. We instead firmly believe that all men are born equal and should enjoy the same rights and opportunities. We reject the rule of the few over the many and instead believe in socialist democracy. Not the particracy of bourgeoise states, in which voters can make a decision only once every four years and have to choose between reactionaries and conservatives. No - we believe in direct democracy, with the workers directly making decisions over matters that concern their livelihoods. The production, wages, prices, working hours and other matters concerning each industry are decided by the workers of that industry and not some rich businessman or some elitist aristocratic politician. That is true democracy."

"I am proud that in this country we firmly believe that it is immoral to allow poor people to die because they are too sick to afford healthcare, to allow our grandparents to be humiliated by the lack of dignified pensions, to tolerate the existence of homeless people, to send our kids to work instead of studying. I am proud that collectively we've all decided to contribute - each as much as we can afford by our labor - in a common fund to grant access to medical care for the poorest, pensions for our elders, housing for the homeless. I'm proud that France was one of the first nations to outlaw child labor, one of the first decisions taken by the Paris Commune."

"Capitalists in other countries decry our social measures as tyranny. What is tyranny, I tell you, is for working folk to go to bed hungry while the rich feast on the wealth produced by the exploitation of the working class. What is immoral is for the poor to be treated like nonhumans, denied of dignity. In France, we've defeated poverty because we replace the exploitative system of capitalism with a moral and socially just system. The working peoples of Europe should not be fooled by the trinkets thrown at them by the elites. The occasional charity only aims to dull the masses. The working peoples of Europe must demand dignity, justice, and collective ownership of the means of production."

"It would be hypocritical to focus on Europe only though, and ignore the plight of the Oriental and Negro folk who are ruthlessly exploited by imperialist elites intent on pillaging their countries of their natural wealth. We believe in the right of self-determination for all people. We believe that the French worker has more in common with the Indian or Algerian worker than with a British or German aristocrat. We believe that the workers of the world should unite and break their chains of oppression. We should not let ultranationalism and prejudice blind us to the fact that both the European and the Oriental and Negro are exploited by the same capitalist class. Only together can change the world, to move forward from an era of capitalist imperialism to an era of peaceful coexistence."

The Chairman sipped again his glass of water. "Now, comrades, let us move on to the agenda for this year. We aim to work together to further grow our economy by expanding our industrial and agricultural production. Scientific socialism is superior to exploitative capitalism, and we shall prove this again this year with record rates of economic growth. We shall invest in public infrastructure, for as we know investments in infrastructure contribute to higher productivity and growth, facilitate trade and connectivity, and promote economic inclusion. At the same time, we will remain vigilant against both domestic and foreign menaces to the Revolution. We shall never allow our people to be chained ever again."

"Comrades, we should look towards the future with optimism. For we are building the new society; for we are shaping the future of mankind. France shows the entire world that another future is possible; a future without exploitation and poverty; a future of equality and social justice. Thank you."

The audience got up and clapped loudly. The very next day, the transcript of the speech had been printed in newspapers all over France and had been translated into German, English, Dutch, and other European languages so that the message of the Chairman could be spread across Europe.

[Intermountain States]

Gyeongbok Palace
Hanseong
Empire of Korea

Prime Minister Han Kyu-seol sat in front of Emperor Gwangmu in the Gyeongbok Palace after just arriving to the throne room. While the Prime Minister was wearing a modern western suit, the Emperor was in the traditional yellow dragon robe befitting of an Emperor based in the East. As Korea moves towards the new year, efforts were made for the public to adopt western style clothing to look more modernized in the eyes of the West. The national military and the Imperial Guards wore western military suits although half of the military of the 8 provinces still wear traditional military attires while still being armed with modern weapons. Urban areas would see more western clothing in daily life, although the suits were more of a status symbol worn by those to showcase wealth.

In the government, the vast majority of the progressive Enlightenment Party wear western suits while just about half of the conservative Royalist Party would be suited in western attires. The Royalists would still wear the traditional court uniforms and keep their sangtu topknots while most of the Enlightenment Party members would cut their hairs short. Hairstyle wasn't too much of an issue though, even the Emperor had his hair cut and many men would cut their hairs. Only the most traditional would keep their hairstyle as what they claim to be maintaining Korea's traditional cultures against the tide of westernization.

As the Prime Minister made himself comfortable, the Emperor was the first to speak.

"I would like to know what happened in this morning's session of the Jeongchuwon. I've heard it gotten heated in the chambers."

"Indeed, your Majesty," the Prime Minister replied. "As you may have heard, tensions appear to be rising between Russia and Japan, a few believe that war could be brewing."

"I am well aware, despite my hope that a peaceful resolution could arise," the Emperor said. "I'm assuming that the Assembly was in a debate over the possible course of actions the country could take?"

"Yes, the stance of the Enlightenment members is that in the interest of pan-Asian unity, Korea must stand with Japan as a clear message to Russia that East Asia can stand up to the West," Han began.

"Royalist officials, however, argued that Korea is currently enjoying strong cooperation with Germany, an ally of Russia and that Korea cannot risk the possibility of worsening relations between Korea and Germany as a result of aiding an enemy of Germany's ally."

"Both sound like good points," the Gwangmu Emperor said. "I don't see how such arguments in good faith would lead to a spat."

"Well, a Royalist official kind of started the whole affair when he brought up the failed assassination attempt on the Empress," the Prime Minister said. "He tied the failed assassination attempt on the Enlightenment Party and claimed that Japan is never to be trusted as a result, causing the whole argument." The Emperor was silent for a moment, trying to process the information.

"I see... that explains a lot then."

"Ultimately, nothing came from it, the speaker ordered for calm in the Assembly before anyone started throwing punches," Kyu-seol added. "The assembly members whom were the loudest were ordered out by security but it looks like the damage may already be done. If the Royalists and the Enlightenment aren't hating each other, they may soon be."

"That is rather concerning," the Emperor said, sighing at the thought. Many years, capital, and lives were spent with an effort of modernizing Korea. First came the unequal treaties with Japan and the west. Then came the violent responses to the reforms due to actions of callous aristocrats and officials like the Imo Incident and the Donghak Peasant rebellion. Thankfully, Korea's place in the world had slightly increased with the seizure of Gando from China and Korean involvement in the international relief force but all of that can change in a blink of an eye. The Enlightenment Party has the majority in the Assembly and they see Japan in a positive light, detractors would accuse them of being pawns of Japan but they have the power. Han Kyu-seol, an independent who aligns with the Royalists, is only in power as he was appointed by the Emperor, not one elected as the leader of the Enlightenment Party.

"What course do you think we should take?" he asked the Prime Minister. Han Kyu-seol thought for a while.

"If the situation between Russia and Japan turns to war, whichever country emerges victorious practically has free reign to influence Korea as they see fit," the Prime Minister responded. "Korea is just part of the wider game of influence between the western powers and the consequences would be worse if we backed the defeated party. We could be like what the Gabo cabinet did during the Sino-Japanese War where we remain neutral until we supported the winning side.

"Now I would argue that Korea may look to cooperate with Russia against Japan," he continued. "Relations between Japan and Korea haven't always been the best, what with Japan's invasion under Toyotomi Hideyoshi centuries ago and the unequal treaty forced on us in the Treaty of Ganghwa by the Japanese. While Japan did play a major role in our modernization, they are also thought to be behind the failed assassination of the Empress. In contrast, relations with Russia are rather positive, they haven't really done much to antagonize us and they too assisted in our modernization efforts.

"But for now, we should hope that the situation between Russia and Japan would be peaceful or we should look to build up our defenses and to be cautious of the intentions of the major powers. Minister Yi Jung-mun himself and some generals are currently on a troop to report on the strengths of both the central army and the provincial forces," the Prime Minister added. "We have tens of thousands of faithful subjects willing to defend Korea against foreign invaders, either as part of the military or as irregular militias like the Righteous Armies of the past."

"Very well, it seems like the Heaven is testing Korea's spot in the universe with these challenges. Perhaps we would able to weather to storm."

Hanseong
Empire of Korea

Lieutenant Choi Yu-jin sat at a table inside of a bakery, eating a European pastry called a croissant. During the various reform efforts initiated by Emperor Gwangu, many Koreans went abroad either for a chance at a better life or to pick up on the education and science of the West. A few would return home being trained in western cuisines, and one would open an Austrian style bakery frequented by a large number of middle class and wealthy Koreans interested in western flavors. Today, however, was relatively quiet. Yu-jin was the only one and the bakery only has one man, the owner himself working at the front. Yu-jin has suspicion that of the baker's involvement, but he isn't quite sure and it was his job to find out.

"Is the bread to your liking?" The owner asked, interrupting his train of thought. Yu-jin nodded.

"This pastry is certainly unlike anything I've ever eaten. Buttery and flakey, it's like a treat for many," he responded. The owner smiled.

"Yes, I've worked very hard under Austrian bakers during my time in Austria," the owner replied. "I opened this shop to share the new flavors with the people of the capital."

"Well, I wouldn't say share with the people," Yu-jin said. The owner eyed him suspiciously.

"What do you mean by that?" The owner asked, his tone starting to change.

"Well, the pastries are certainly delicious but the price isn't exactly something frequented by a man willing to part his wage for lunch compared to say that Chinese restaurant down the block serving jjajangmyeon and dumplings," Yu-jin said. "It costs a good amount of money to buy bread here and this place is frequented by those with more disposable income."

"Of course," the owner answered. "The ingredients are, unfortunately, not very cheap to buy in Korea as most are imports from Europe and America. Unless someone is able to mass produce these ingredients domestically, those prices are there for my bakery to break even."

"Yes but I have seen a man and a woman with old clothes appear to your shop at night," Yu-jin said, deciding to press a little further. "Now you do seem like a nice man but you yourself mentioned that the breads are expensive because of the ingredients. Now why would some folks in old clothing come to your shop at night?'

The baker just laughed at the questions. "You do seem quite inquisitive, my lord. But if you are looking to solve some sort of mystery, I am afraid you would be disappointed," the baker said.

"It is true that men in old, traditional clothing have shown up to my shops at night many times, many people people can confirm that," he said. "But they are servants to Lord Go Sa-hong, a former tutor to the Emperor and a great scholar. As Lord Go is an aging man, his servants would buy pastries for his grandchildren as he is taking care of them and we all know how the youths are into sweets. It is all innocent, really. You can visit Lord Go's household and confirm with his servants. These are the only servants who'd stayed with Lord Go to this day."

The lieutenant thought for a minute. "I see, I guess I jumped to conclusion seeing something out of place. My apologies." he said. The baker smiled.

"None taken. I understand how some would come to the conclusion but the two servants are known to frequent the local areas with Lord Go's eldest grandson who is quite generous with his money in helping the poor. However, the boy is reported to be sick so the servants have visited the bakery to buy some candies and pastries to cheer him up until he fully recovered," the baker explained with a good hearted chuckle.

As Choi Yu-jin left the bakery after some good discussions, his smile started to fade. There was still something suspicious about the bakery, even if the baker has a good explanation. He would have to do some more investigating before he can confirm his suspicion about the baker. If his hunch is true, then the baker could lead him to a larger network of men and women all throughout the country. The network could possibly determine the fate of this country. With a paper bag filled with pastries, he got on his horse and headed north, up the hill where Lord Go resides in. For now, he would have to pay the Emperor's teacher a visit.

[NewLakotah]

---

Chapter Two: Three-Headed Dragon

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“Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.”
― Aesop

---

The Dynasty

---

Tokyo, Japan
January 7, 1904

Shogun Takatsukasa Hiromichi, first of the Takatsukasa Dynasty and founder of the Fujiwara Restoration sat quietly as he listened to his good friend and closest advisor, Sadaijin (Minister of the Left) Koshaku Tokiwai Fumitaka. Tokiwai had been Takatsukasa’s earliest and strongest supporter during his coup in 1868. Before then, they had served together in the Tokugawa Army and had been as close as brothers ever since.

Now, the pair of them were sitting overlooking the nicely manicured garden of the Shogun. On the table between them sat two tea cups and two folders full of reports that the two men had been discussing over the tea.

“The biggest news is still from the Russians. Their movements have been noticed by some of our intelligence personnel on the ground, so it's definitely not bluster. They are moving into Manchuria.”

The Shogun nodded as Tokiwai spoke. He remained calm and visibly unmoved by the information which each report that Tokiwai gave.

“As of now, we have yet to see any major actions at Port Arthur. But its clear. The Russians have given us a timeline for war. If that’s what they want, they certainly seem to be asking for it.”

“What of our delegation to the Chinese?” Shogun Takatsukasa asked.

“They are on route, Shogun. They will arrive and deliver the message. I hope it is enough for them. With the recent news in Manchuria, it could either light a spark under their president’s ass or it might lock them down in fear. I pray for the former, but we must prepare ourselves for the latter.”

“Certainly.” The Shogun said simply.

“Still nothing of note from the peninsula. The politics there remains complex and confusing. However, our allies remain in place and our forces remain in place as a contingency. I pray that it is not necessary. Such actions now would be terribly inconvenient.”


“Only inconvenient if we remain too dedicated to well-made plans made well back in the past. We must adapt them and ourselves to the present and to the future. The future is not playing out as we had guessed that it would when we drew up our plans regarding the Russian threat. So, we must adapt our plan.”

Tokiwai nodded slowly. “It seems too late to return to the drawing board. Not when we’ve been given a timetable.”

The Shogun reached down and took up his cup of tea. He held it close to his lips as he stared deeply into the eyes of Tokiwai. “No, you are right. We can’t scrap the entirety of it. For now, I suppose, we will have to turn things into higher gear. It will be necessary after all to send a delegation to the Emperor of Korea.'' He takes a sip then gently sets the cup back on the table. “It is time to have clarity and for them to understand what is happening. If they cannot understand, then it is important that our allies on the ground understand the situation that we, both of us, are facing.”

“Yes, Shogun.”

“Then…” The Shogun trailed off for a moment. His eyes glazed over for a moment. “Then, I suppose we should call in the General Staff.”

“When?”

“As soon as possible. We will need an immediate war council.”

The Shogun remained staring off, still with a slightly glazed look on his face. Yokiwai stared at his friend with some confusion. “I’m sorry, sir.” he said at last. “What are you asking for?”

The Shogun didn’t reply at first and still didn’t look over at Yokiwai.

“It is as you said, Fumitaka. The Russians have given us a timetable and a new strategy. One that so happens to align as perfectly with our plans as it could. Thus, we cannot pass this opportunity. Not when we have such a limited amount of time to pull it off.” He suddenly turns. His face no longer with the glazed look. But one filled with passion and energy. “Then, we can make our move against the Russians. The strategy can remain the same. However, we will need to adapt our current strategy to fit the current concerns. Namely the timeline the Russians have given us. Can we complete it? And what of the German and the British? We will need to be in contact with them as soon as possible. You say we have months? Then I expect we should press this as soon as possible. The earlier the better, is that clear?”

Yokiwai nodded. He leaned back slowly. “And what of the Prime Minister.”

The expression on the Shogun’s face changed quickly again. A suddenly very tired and worn express filled the face of Takatsukasa. He suddenly looked his age and even beyond it.

“Yes, he must be made to understand even if he does not want to. His games must come to an end. My meeting with him will be decisive. But, if he cannot be made to understand then the Emperor must be made to understand the urgency of the situation we are now in. This is not the time for the Emperor to be playing politics!” His voice was rising now, the feeling of anger overtaking the weariness.

Yokiwai stared at Takatsukasa gravely. “This is a serious threat, Shogun. You cannot simply continue to ignore the Prime Minister and their demands anymore.”

Takatsukasa’s eyes flashed angrily at Yokiwai. “What are you talking about?”

“The Prime Minister remains popularly elected. The Reformers are not simply going to stop if or when this bill is killed or neutered. The Emperor understands that. The Emperor realizes that this instability cannot last.”

“Then dissolve the government. I can work with the reformers. I have before and I still can!”

“That isn’t the issue, Shogun. The issue is when this bill dies, the people will blame you. This bill is already proving far too popular with the people to ignore. The Radicals are running away with things in the universities because of the blockades. They are gaining more and more support. We are down to one party remaining standing that supports us in the lower house. If we dissolve the government now, we will only see worse results.”

“Are you telling me to let the rabble win simply because the masses want it?”

“Of course not. I’m saying that the people are not satisfied with the rate of progress.” Tokiwai sighed and leaned forward, keeping his voice calm and steady. “Our models are no longer proving to be the most successful model.”

“They have brought us to the brink of being a great power!” The Shogun was angry now. Tokiwai leaned back, his face a picture of calmness and deference.

“They have, of course,” he began. “But that isn’t the issue today, Shogun. The issue is whether or not we can defeat the world powers at their own game. We are on the verge of waging the greatest war in the history of our Empire. The people understand that and they will get behind us. But we must also listen to the facts. The facts of the matter are that our economy is not growing at the rate it could be. Our services and our systems are not as integrated as they could be. Nor are they as extensive. If we are to face the Russian Empire, we have to win through grit and determination. The entirety of the people and the government must be united and fully committed. Our economy must be prepared to work twice as hard as it ever has before.”

Takatsukasa waved his hand. “Yes, yes. I understand. Unity is what brings us together. The war will bring us together.”

“And the economy that will drive us?”

“Accepting these reforms now? To adjust our economy months before war?” The Shogun looked incredulously at his friend. Yokiwai chuckled.

“It is the perfect time. The short term boosts to the capital and secondary markets will be immediate. I agree, the bill in its entirety cannot survive. Much of it must be removed. But the core of it, I believe we can, no that we must, preserve it. Not just as an olive branch to the masses and the Prime Minister, but to achieve a future where we do not see the Shogun and the Prime Minister on the verge of a civil war. We cannot afford disunity before the greatest hour of our Empire can we?”

Takatsukasa smiled now. His face was relaxed again, the anger and weariness having passed. The energy, the spark that had once driven him to pull off the coup against the two most powerful factions in the Empire 30 some odd years ago had returned in a glimmer in his eye.

“Yes, indeed. This is why you are still here, Fumitaka. Then I will leave it to you and my son to handle the affairs of the economy. I trust you both to handle it well and effectively. Gain the votes and block what is necessary but keep what is allowable. Compromise where and when necessary. I will speak with the Prime Minister and we will have our talk. I assure you, I will make the situation of our Empire clear and I will restate it again at the Council meeting, I will inform the Emperor with haste.” He smiles slightly, a slight twinkle in his eye. “I am sure he will appreciate receiving a letter that is not calling for the removal of the Prime Minister. Though, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to mention it again?”

---

The Reformer

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Tokyo, Japan
January 11, 1904
Office of the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Inukai stared carefully at the telegram. The week had been a long week for the House of Representatives. The Coalition of the Shogun in the House of Representatives had done what they could to stall for as long as they could. Which wasn’t long. They had stalled it through the week and all the way through the weekend. However, the monday vote had included virtually the entirety of the New Japanese Century Reform Act which had passed with ease.

Now, the issue was entirely out of his hands. It was something of a terrifying thought and a somewhat saddening one. The House of Peers would probably slaughter the bill before delivering it to the Shogun. If he was lucky, the members of the Coalition of the Prime Minister could force a veto. Forcing it back to the House of Representatives, where they could try again. Intact this time. But, it didn’t matter terribly much. The important thing was that it passed. Now, he could say that he had done his job. Any failure of the Reform Act now would be the fault of the Shogun and he was ready to tell the public the same thing.

The reform bill was incredibly popular amongst the younger populations and the poorer populations. It had strong support from Japanese academics and from university students. The military had largely supported it since it included enough space for their to work in their expansion plans. The real issue was from the traditionalists. Those aristocrats, industrialists, and those in most rural areas of the country. Those that saw their ways of life changing and their role in it diminishing. Replaced by change and innovation that would dramatically alter the fabric of the Japanese economy. Transitioning it further into a liberal economy with a strong flourishing market dominated by competitive businesses.

That, of course, was the vision of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, however, was still not looking entirely pleased despite the victory and it wasn’t just the fact that he knew his precious Reform Act would be hacked to bits. It was also the contents of the telegram that had given the Prime Minister an uneasy feeling.

The telegram was from one of the Prime Minister's most closest confidants and a member of the Inukai family. A cousin and a diplomat. Currently attached to the London branch of the Japanese Diplomatic Mission to the United Kingdom. The telegram had arrived this morning, when Prime Minister Inukai was still in the middle of voting. Now that it was afternoon and the legislation had passed, the Prime Minister had taken to his office in order to get some much needed rest and relaxation. Instead, he found this.

Upon finding it he had immediately sent for his Deputy Prime Minister Mitsui Takakimi. Mitsui had arrived and looked down at the somber picture of Inukai with some concern.

“Ah, Mr. Prime Minister. What’s the concern?” Mitsui closes the door softly behind him and takes a seat opposite the Prime Minister.

“This.” Inukai said, flicking the telegram over to Mitsui. Mitsui took it gingerly and began to read. It read: ADVISORY AND TRAINING MILITARY DELEGATIONS RECALLED . MEETINGS SCHEDULED WITH THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT . RUSSIAN ARMY MOVING TO MANCHURIA WITH HASTE . BRITISH CONCERN IS TANTAMOUNT TO OUR OWN . - FUYUMI

“Well?” Inukai asked as the Deputy looked up. Mitsui blinked.

“So, is this it then? Have the Russians forced our hand?”

“I don’t know yet. I am sure that’s exactly what the Shogun wishes to speak with me about.”

Mitsui leaned back and sighed deeply. “Then we are in for it, aren’t we? What do you think?”

I think we are in grave danger but I believe in our soldiers.” the Prime Minister said firmly. “There is no question of our resolve and of the necessity of our victory. We will not lose because we cannot lose. But what we will lose along the way? That’s the real concern.”

“Yes. To which the importance of our role is to ensure that we don’t lose anything on our side of things.” Mitsui said.

“Definitely.” Inukai nodded. He stood and stretched out his back. “We are in a serious position here, Takakimi. We will have to dig deep if we are to survive. And I don’t just mean our government. If we falter now that could be the end of our Empire. An end to our reforms before they could even get started.”

Mitsui nodded solemnly, staring back at Inukai. The Prime Minister looked old for a moment as he placed his fists on the top of his desk and leaned forward heavily. “The Shogun must be made to understand the futility of calling for another election. Ending our mandate before the war will cause confusion amongst our people. We must stick through this together, no matter what.”

“Can you trust the Shogun?”

“Its not a matter of trust anymore. Its a matter of duty. Duty to the Emperor and duty to the Empire.” Inukai said stifly. He straightened himself and peered down at Mitsui.

“We have completed step one. We should celebrate. Leave the Shogun to myself, I can handle him.”

---

The Opportunist

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Tokyo, Japan
January 12, 1904
House of Peers

Rokugō Itsuki stifled a yawn as he sat in his row, listening to the Lords of the House of Peers droll on in the endless cycle of debate and discourse that dominated the system. The topic of discussion today was of course the Prime Minister’s new reform bill. Having passed the day before, it was now officially the problem of the House of Peers. The speaker now was no other than Kōshaku Takatukasa Harutaka. Detailing the aspects that the House of Peers was obligated to review concerning the new legislation. He, of course, had gone on in quite some details on the how many of the aspects of the bill, the premature opening of the economy, the opening of the Japanese currency and markets, and the opening of financial markets would only stretch the still growing Japanese economy and society too far. Moderation was necessary in order to preserve the model of reform, without sacrificing the progress that had already been made.

It was a well-crafted and long winded speech. Rokugō, however, was pleasantly surprised that, as the last speaker before the afternoon recess, Takatsukasa was actually one of the least long winded of the entire day thus far. Still, Rokugō felt mentally exhausted. The previous week had largely been spent in preparation with the rest of the Gang of Twelve regarding their gameplan.

The twelve of them had gathered together in the days after the Reformers had introduced the legislation to the lower house. From there, they had studied the bill in detail. Looking at each point and wondering how they should best play it. Koga Motoyasu, of course, advocated for the strongest reform position of the group, finding that many of the economic reforms as the best and strongly supporting many of the social reforms that were included. Most other members fell more to the traditionalist side of things, however, most did agree that most of the reforms were entirely necessary to allow for greater development.

Thus, the weekend had proven to be incredibly unrestful. From meetings with the group to meetings with other independent voting blocs and groups then with the reform coalition affiliates and the traditionalist affiliates. It was a weekend filled with meetings and deadlines and Rokugō was utterly exhausted.

But he was also quite pleased. The weekend had proven to be a lot different that Rokugō had imagined it would go. Kōshaku Date had had a meeting with Kōshaku Tokugawa Yoshinobu, adopted heir of the Tokugawa Clan. The Tokugawas had seen their status decline dramatically in the aftermath of their fall and it had taken Yoshinobu significant work and still to manage to recover the image and position of the family. Even with the loss of significant face, they couldn’t be denied their seat at the table. Not with the power and the loyalists they had.

Even today, as late as 1904, Tokugawa Yoshinobu still had many friends. As a hereditary member of the Hosue of Peers and leader of the Tokugawa Faction in the House, he remained an important player. One that had capitalized on the recent shifts against the Shogun from many of the aristocracy and the people. The Tokugawas and the Dates had long been allies and so their sudden partnership over the bill was not a surprising one and for many of the Gang, a very welcome one.

As Prince Takatsukasa finished and sat down the chamber was then dismissed for the afternoon recess. Due to return at 4:00PM for the last session of the day. Rokugō stood and stretched. He stepped out from the row and made his way out of the conference, back towards his office. Where, hopefully, he could get a few minutes of rest to recoup his mind from the endless meetings. He was still getting used to this. This idea of being a politician wasn’t entirely his cup of tea. He was raised and saw himself primarily as as a soldier. His goal was to be back. Back at the front, wherever the front would be. His tour of duty in the Sino-Japanese War had proven incredibly lucrative to Rokugō.

He had entered the war then as a fresh captain in the 3rd Heavy Cavalry ‘Western Samurai’ Brigade. He had made quite a small name for himself during the short war and had earned enough reputation that gained him a promotion to Colonel and eventually even this seat. He had made the Rokugō of some importance again, but it was definitely not enough. The only way Rokugō saw for that was going to be another war, not politics. However, hopefully, politics would prove useful in gaining him an advantageous position. Time would tell on that of course.

“Ah, Colonel Rokugō.” A voice from behind Rokugō caused him to start and turn suddenly. He saw it was another member, one whose name that Rokugō couldn’t quite place. He was a Captain, a young officer from some fairly important family, one that Rokugō couldn’t remember off the top of his head. A noble family certainly. He also knew that he was a member of The Officer’s Club. A group of entirely military officers with a primarily militaristic approach to politics. They were another independent group that skewed more pro-Shogun as well. However, they had a strong radical streak that made them too extreme to be welcomed by the Coalition of the Shogun.

The Officer’s Club held somewhat less sway than the Group of Twelve. Not only because it was smaller, but also because it held less power. It was mostly comprised of young officers, mostly ambitious men seeking greater glory for the Empire. That's where the radical streak often cropped up.

Rokugō smiled and bowed towards the Captain. “Yes?”

The Captain stepped forward. “We have met before. A few times. I served with your regiment as a Lieutenant, Colonel. Before your promotion and election.”

Rokugō blinked and put on a false ‘I-sort-of-remember-you’ face. “Ah yes of course. What is it I can help you with today, Captain?”

“Well, the matter at hand with the Russians is a major concern for myself and my colleagues.” Me motions casually back towards where several of the officers from his bloc were gathered, talking together with other members of Rokugō’s group and other groups. “Our concerns deal primarily with the progress that our country is making towards defeating the Russian Threat.”

“Of course.” Rokugō said, still having no idea what the Captain was talking about.

“Then you agree?” The Captain asked with a smile. Rokugō nodded dumbly.

“I certainly agree that the Russian threat must be removed. As soon as possible.”

“Then I hope we can work together through these next few months.”

“Forgive me, Captain. It has been a very long day and a very long week.” Rokugō said, finally giving up trying to understand what the Captain was talking about. “What is it that is your primary concern with me?”

The Captain lowered his head. “Yes, sir. Well, the answer is quite simple. The country is moving to war and we need to be ready. I am aware that the Lord Date has met with the Lord Tokugawa. I am also aware of the current troop movements ordered by our government. In response to the Russians. Are you aware of this?”

Rokugō shook his head. The Captain smiled. “Well, it's true. Some of our members have already gotten their orders. For the rest of us, it's clear what will happen very soon. It's also clear that if the Shogun is unwilling to be strong then we will lose our position on the peninsula and on the mainland.”

“I agree.”

“Then the answer should be to ensure that we have strong men in power, no? Men who can lead us through the fire that we are to endure.”

“And you don’t think that’s that Shogun?” Rokugō asked. The Captain shook his head vigorously.

“Oh no, our concerns are not with His Majesty the Shogun. It is with the men who are carrying out his - our - vision against the Russians and to preserve our Empire and our progress.”

“I see.” Rokugō said slowly. Finally, it was beginning to make sense. “Then, I suppose you are wishing for a meeting, Captain.”

The Captain smiled. “The current legislation is proving rather difficult for the Prince, isn’t it? We have full confidence in his ability to secure passage and to secure victory against the Russians. However, we have no faith in Minister of War Koshaku Imagawa Yoshino nor the Udaijin [Minister of the Right] Koshaku Konoe Atsumaro. There have been clear missteps in regards to foreign policy. The situation with the Chinese Emperor and the Korean Emperor should not have been allowed to happen. The state of affairs of the economy is as the Prime Minister says it is, no matter how much I can’t stand the man.”

Rokugō nodded and smiled back at the Captain. “Very well. I am sure that we can find agreement on the matters of the legislation. The Lord Tokugawa has indeed agreed to partner with the Lord Date. I would be honoured to pass any message along that you desire in that regards.”

The Captain bowed slightly. “Thank you, sir. Then I wish only to express our willingness to meet. General Koshaku Akizuki will be most honoured for such a meeting with Koshaku Date.”

Rokugō smiled and nodded again. He moved to begin to leave then stopped. “As a matter of curiosity,” he began slowly to the Captain, “who is it you are wanting to replace them with?”

The Captain returned the smile and spread his arms wide. “Men of action, Colonel. Men with courage to do what is necessary.”

---

The Finale

---

Palace of the Shogunate
Edo, Tokyo
January 13, 1904


Prime Minister Inukai stared stiffly and formally forward as the servant filled his cup with tea. The Shogun looked likewise stiff and uncomfortable. They sat alone, facing each other across a small low table. The sunshine from the windows lit the room well, giving it a warm and welcoming atmosphere, despite the stiff greetings of the two men.

The two men had never gotten along. At least, not really. Sure, in the early days, the Prime Minister had done his best to work with the very stubborn Shogun. However, it hadn’t taken long before the Prime Minister had given up any ideas of working with the Shogun and decided to continue to press with his government’s mandate. Support or not from the Shogun. Of course, this had won him no favours with the Shogun, but for now at least, Inukai was still here. Still the Prime Minister and still with the mandate from the government.

Much to the dislike of the Shogun. Shogun Takatsukasa had likewise attempted early to find some form of middle ground with the Prime Minister. Accepted some of the early forms submitted by the government. However, the staunch traditionalist found many of them far too hard to swallow. Too many attempts to radically shift the nature of the Japanese society and economy too quickly. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Now, he was stuck dealing with a divided government at the worst time.

The servant finished filling the cups and slowly backed away, disappearing from the view of the two leaders. The Shogun began the meeting. He bowed his head slightly and took up his cup. The Prime Minister followed suit. Both men quietly drank from their tea.

“Well, Minister, I suppose we have much to discuss.” Takatsukasa began, setting his cup down.

“Indeed, your Grace.” The Prime Minister said, his tone still wary.

The Shogun smiled. “Well then, first I suppose congratulations on the passing of your hallmark legislation. I hear that it is making progress through the upper house. I do think it would probably have seen the same success without calling the Loyal Opposition traitors.”

Prime Minister Inukai returned the smile. “I am sure it could have been, Shogun. Such words are necessary sometimes in the House of Representatives, if not in the House of Peers or in more distinguished society.”

“Of course. Then I suppose I should tell you the importance of what is happening at the moment.” The Shogun leaned forward and took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. The Prime Minister stared, unsure of what to expect. He felt his unease growing. Clearly this was something of some importance.

“Of course you have heard of the Russian movements?” The Shogun asked. Inukai nodded. “Then, I can assure you that we have verified, to what extent we can, the reports from St. Petersburg. The Russians are sending 300,000 men to the East. This is a clear and present threat. If not directly to us, it is to our interests and to the greater peace and independence of the region.”

Shogun Takatsukasa stopped. Inukai stared ahead. Still unsure of what exactly the Shogun was getting at. The Shogun took another sip and peering curiously at the Prime Minister.

“From here we are left with a few very interesting options. You said in your speech. Or rather, your deputy prime minister said that we should not become closed minded. I am afraid that the situation has worsened to the point that we have no choice but to become single minded.”

“These moves by the Russians. These are offensive actions? Are you certain?” Inukai asked. Takatsukasa nodded slowly.

“Yes. We are certain. There are only a few reasons to move that significant of a force that far from their primary centers of operation and bases in Europe. They cannot hope to maintain them there for long. Thus, we as an Empire are left with very few choices. Attack early or attack late.”

“What is the issue with the later option? When we are more prepared and ready?”

“Because we must understand the reason why the Russians have moved their armies to the East.” The Shogun was becoming animated now, the fire behind the eyes was growing. “There, again, can only be a few options. Since they cannot hope to keep them here for long, not without a clear objective, then their objective must be seen as an aggressive action. Their concessions in the Empire of China and in the Empire of Korea are clearly not enough for them. Their actions will be against either of them. Such a move to remove our allies and to divide and conquer is classic European tactics. It is how they gain their empires and how they maintain them.

“So it is clear then, how we must proceed, Minister.” The Shogun continued. “The enemy that is facing us is growing when we are now at our weakest. We must unite to become strong. That includes us as it includes us in the Orient. The Three Emperors must be united against this threat or we will all fall. Is that clear?”

Prime Minister Inukai had leaned back in his chair. He was staring off, his face with a slightly glazed expression on his face.

“Then, I must stress, Shogun, on the importance of the reforms more than ever.” The Minister still did not meet the eyes of the Shogun, whose eyes narrowed.

“Of course, Minister. I understand that you will see things that way. I am telling you that there are greater fish to fry than the status of our economy at this time.”

The Prime Minister turned his head sharply, staring back at Takatsukasa. “Are there? You are calling for an immediate war in as early as a few months and we are not ready. We have not yet begun to be ready. The economy can be made to form up properly. New revenue streams to keep our economy afloat once we are at war with the Russians. If what you say is true, they will also be making preparations for war. Preparations to safeguard their economy and ensure they can fight for as long as possible. We must do the same.”

The Shogun sniffed. “Yes… the economy has remained strong and steady. It remains a healthy economy.”

“It is a stagnating economy. Our growth markers are trending downwards and not upwards!”

“It remains healthy! It remains resilient through careful management, progress is continuing to be made.” Both men were heated now, facing each other intently, their faces turning redder by the moment.

“The economy requires fixes and tweaks. Changes to keep up with the times. The same as the army does. You cannot rest on the laurels of successes for the military anymore you can for the economy. We must continue to drive forward.” Inukai said. Takatsukasa stared darkly at Inukai for a long moment.

“Mr. Prime Minister.” He began slowly. “The reform bill, as I have already said, has begun to make progress in the House of Peers. Such actions I do not protest. What I am saying is that you can consider the blockade over. However, I will need your support in getting the necessary support and legislation for the national security objectives.”

The Prime Minister nodded. “Very well. That can be accomplished.”

“If not, I will speak personally to the Emperor and explain exactly the situation.” Takatsukasa said. His voice was level and outwardly calm, but Inukai felt the biting drip of resolve with each word. He nodded and smiled.

“I understand, your Grace. The government will not stand in the way of the Emperor, nor the Shogun in terms of our security and for our Empire. That you can be assured of.”

“Good.”

“Then, we can consider the topic of the legislation closed. Your support for the legislation is noted and I am most grateful. When it comes to national security, I assume we will have these issues raised at the Daijo-Kan?”

“Of course.” The Shogun smiled. “We must prepare our government and we must prepare our General Staff. We will have a busy few months ahead for all of us.”

[Turkducken]

State of the Empire

The streets of London were alive with the fire of industry.

They were packed and crowded with people, horses, and the occasional locomotive plowing through the tight streets.

Each individual totally unaware of each other, but connected through Empire.

Whether each working man that drived steel knew he was connected to his peers was debatable, the connection each and every man had with every shopkeeper, every street sweeper, every bookkeeper, every woman that worked the street, all the women that kept the home, and yes every so called bum that slept under a bridge to escape the cruel hands of the bobbies, whether they knew that they were united too is improbable to say.

But they were united, although it may seem cruel to say, every child that died from that thick black smog over the city, every wretch that wasted away silently on the streets and backalleys of the city, they were united too.

Every single person who pushed past another, every person that turned away a starving mouth, and every person that stole a loaf of bread, they were all united.

This is what built the British Empire, this was the Empire.

Rule Britannia, May God Save the Queen.

---

Her Majesty, the Queen

Her Majesty, the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India, was bored.

A delicate hand cupped her chubby cheek as she stared out through a window.

She could only see the courtyard of the Castle Windsor, all of her guards that would never talk to her, beyond that was a wall.

She sighed loudly, and in turn received a sharp rap on her side.

She yelped in surprise more than pain, her thick layers of dress blocking most of it.

Her older sister, Victoria, had reprimanded her for not paying attention during one of their now daily classes.

"You weren't listening at all were you?" her sister had both hands placed on her hips, a look of disapproval on the older woman's face.

The Queen sighed, "No dear sister. I was not." she rubbed her side sensitively, "I was thinking about being trapped in this dreadful place."

Her sister shook her head in disappointment at this, "Yes grandmother said the same thing many times." but she pointed directly at the Queen with the crop she had hit her with earlier, "But that doesn't matter! Until you learn to be a proper Queen, we'll never hear the end of it!"

The Queen sighed yet again, she didn't expect any of her siblings to understand. They were born for this, they wanted this, but she wasn't and in some small part of her unconscious she did not want to be Queen.

She resigned herself to paying half attention as her sister resumed her education.

Half listening to what she was saying her sister mentioned, "The Americas" and struck by a sudden inspiration the Queen excitedly bolted upright.

"Oh the Americas!" she clasped both of her lacy gloved hands together, "Oh I'd love to go to America!"

Her older sister, surprised by her sudden interest and outburst, flinched away, "God forbid you listen!" she chastised her sister, before composing herself again, "But I suppose a visit to our holdings in America is not totally uncalled for..." she wore a look of consternation at the thought.

"Oh sister, I'd love to visit America!" the Queen exclaimed again, holding both her arms in a pleading gesture, "The sights and sounds! The women! The rugged adventurism!" the Queen continued, clearly very excited by the thought, "Oh it'd be just like one of those dime novels! Oh please, sister, please let me organize a trip to America!"

It was unbecoming for the Sovereign of millions to act this way, but they were alone so the Princess did not correct this.

She held up a single finger to her younger sister's lips, "One condition, my dear sister." the Princess's thoughts condensing in how to make best of the situation, "You will go to America, but you will also make a grand tour of the American holdings." she gave little time for the thought to percolate in the younger woman's mind.

"You will go to our Dominion in Canada, to the Caribbean, and you will stop at every important destination in that miserable little collection." she listed them with fiery passion, "You will go to Jamaica, the Bahamas, to Trinidad, and anywhere else that your advisors think is best to send you on this months long journey." she withdrew her hand from her sister's face, "Do I make myself clear? You will be on your best behavior and do your best not to make any scene, in America and otherwise."

The Queen's eyes welled up with tears, "Oh yes thank you! I will do my best sister!" her emotions at being able to see America and freeing herself from this place overwhelmed her, so much that she scarcely considered how much time she'd spent doing Queenly duties and not in America.

The Princess pulled her younger sister close, smiling self satisfactorily as she finally found a good use for her sister's quirky behavior.

She shushed her sister's crying as she smugly congratulated herself.

---

The Chambers of Parliament

The Prime Minister tapped his foot.

His chambers were elegant but small.

His eyes darted over the same line over and over.

He was getting tired of this polite patience, the War Secretary was keeping him waiting for far longer than socially acceptable.

But nonetheless this was his burden, not only as his superior and leader of the Conservatives, but as a man of higher breeding.

Finally a knock came from his door, and he politely coughed and gave a voice of entrance to his personal assistant who was no doubt showing the War Secretary in.

The Secretary presented the Prime Minister with several pessimistic typed reports from the operations in the Boer Republics and then one from the situation in Afghanistan.

He sighed, tiredly, every single committed Conservative knew that they would live or die by success with these blasted wars.

He massaged between his eyes and ruminated on how easy it all seemed six years ago.

It was exhausting.

Every day as Prime Minister over this Empire was a burden, one that brought much acclaim, but a terrible sadness as well.

He believed in the duty and responsibility of the nobility, of being born into a higher station to rule your lessers, but the world was changing.

Parliament was becoming a tool of the masses, and there were plenty in his own party let alone the opposition, who were happy to end this righteous order.

Silently he shook his head as he continued reading.

Couldn't they see? Didn't they see the ruin mob democracy was bringing to Glorious Britannia?

He stopped as he read the last report.

A curious sort of memo drafted by one...'Sir General William c. Heneker'...

Confused the Prime Minister read it carefully, a Canadian General...experienced in the West African campaigns...'a solution for the disorderly code of conduct shown by the Boers in South Africa'...

He looked at it up and down, perplexed by the elegant yet straight forward writing.

The War Secretary said nothing.

Clearly the mere fact of him bringing it to his attention was enough of a recommendation.

The Prime Minister was still confused by the proposal, he was not a military man, and could not begin to dissect the discussion of tactics and logistics included.

Nonetheless he decided to trust his party brother, and silently signed off on this 'Commando' plan.

Hopefully it would bring them good results in the African Hinterlands, and who knows?

Maybe it would prove to be decisive.

[Chewion]

Dawn of a New Age

Berlin Palace, Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
January 1st, 1904

Kaiser Wilhelm III sat behind the desk that not even 48 hours prior had been his father's. Only in the very early morning yesterday, had he been informed that a terrible accident occurred during his father's New Year's hunting trip in Saxony. One that saw the death of the Kaiser of Germany and the King of Prussia. One that now passed those roles and many others onto the young 21-year-old who now sat at the helm of an Empire in which he was expected to conduct true affairs of state and to steer his nation and people into a brighter future.

Looking out his window, he could just make out the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Nationaldenkmal that sat in front of the Palace. His great-grandfather had indeed been a great leader, but Wilhelm always took more to the words and principles of his grandfather, Kaiser Frederick III. A man that held hopes for reforms and liberalism of the Empire in his heart. A man who, thank the Lord, had been around long enough to make some of those very same reforms and ensure that Germany would run with a compassionate and Christ-like heart. However, this did not mean that things were perfect. For like anything, the fallen man was still running this government and that meant a constant struggle between morality and evil.

Wilhelm sat as he stared out the window, feeling the weight of responsibility now on him. Taping the Bible, which had belonged to his grandfather before him, he rest his hand on it as he prayed a silent prayer for God to guide him through his new lot in life. The affairs of the state were already piling in. As if on queue, a knock came from the office door before Wilhelm replied "Come in".

Waltzing inside, Chancellor Bismarck, the son of the famed Iron Chancellor, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Oswald von Richthofen, and Vice-Chancellor Karl Heinrich von Boetticher, who also oversaw the Interior Ministry. As the men entered and gave customary greetings, Kaiser Wilhelm rose from his seat and shook their hands saying "Thank you gentlemen for coming here and for your condolences. My family and I are grieving, however, the state still moves and thus we must remain at our post. Now, there was a matter of urgency I believe?"

"Yes, your majesty, I..." The Chancellor started to say before Kaiser Wilhelm raised his hand to stop.

"For the sake of expediency, it is alright to do away with the customary honorifics. If you feel compelled to use any, please keep it at a simple Sir." the Kaiser replied.

"Yes sir, as I was saying, we have the initial reports from Saxony on the death of your father. It appears a gunshot wound is to blame. The point of concern is that the bullet does not appear to have come from either his gun nor any of his hunting party. This opens the door to some uncomfortable questions for us." Chancellor Bismarck replied.

Walking back to his seat and sitting in it, Kaiser Wilhelm motioned for the others to do the same before saying "Indeed. I would like this matter handled discreetly. Tell nobody outside this room, please. Until we have a better understanding, I feel it is wise to keep this matter secluded."

"Now, Mister Foreign Secretary, I would like you to prepare a thank you telegram to everyone who sent in their condolences. Nations and individuals, please. I would also like you to reaffirm our relationships with Russia and Austria, please." Tapping his finger for a moment, he continued before saying "And please prepare a message to the Americans, British, and Dutch informing them that, if possible, I would like to meet with their ambassadors." The young Kaiser said thinking in his mind Blessed are the peacemakers.

"Now, if you can please give the Chancellor and me the room please." Waiting until they were gone, Kaiser Wilhelm stood up and said "Chancellor, know that I have every intention of keeping you in your position. You served well thus far and I believe your advice will prove invaluable. However, I do intend to see some changes made to this Empire. Changes that I believe must occur for the longevity of the Empire. First and foremost, I would like to see the creation of a national police force to deal with inter-state matters and matters affecting the Empire as a whole. I understand we must tread carefully as to not upset some of our constituent kingdoms but I trust you to handle this. I also would like to start exploring ways we can streamline the government. Modernize if you will, but this will be a multi-step process. One we can discuss later. For now, I trust you with this matter of forming a national police force. I will work my end with the other royals. Just please ensure we have the votes when it comes time." The Kaiser said with a smile.

Chancellor Bismarck likewise stood up before saying "As you said, it might be met with some resistance but, Lord willing, we can push it through given the growing concern coming from the communards that have taken over France. I will work with parliament and the members of the Bundesrat to ensure we have the votes. But I must caution you, sir, change might be good and necessary, but change done quickly and without thought risks sparking something nobody desires."

"Indeed. Which is why I thank God that I have you as a guide on this, Herr Chancellor." the Kaiser replied with a smile.

---

To: Ambassador Sir Frank Cavendish Lascelles of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
From: The Office of His Majesty the German Kaiser

Ambassador,

His Majesty the Kaiser Wilhelm III requests an audience with you at your earliest convenience to discuss important matters of relations between our two empires.

Sincerely,

Frederick Walther,
Private Secretary to His Majesty the Kaiser

---

To: The Dutch Ambassador to Germany
From: The Office of His Majesty the German Kaiser

Ambassador,

His Majesty the Kaiser Wilhelm III requests an audience with you at your earliest convenience to discuss important matters of relations between our two empires.

Sincerely,

Frederick Walther,
Private Secretary to His Majesty the Kaiser

---

To: Ambassador Charlemagne Tower Jr. of the United States of America
From: The Office of His Majesty the German Kaiser

Ambassador,

His Majesty the Kaiser Wilhelm III requests an audience with you at your earliest convenience to discuss important matters of relations between our two empires.

Sincerely,

Frederick Walther,
Private Secretary to His Majesty the Kaiser

[Newne Carriebean7]

---

Madrid,
Kingdom of Spain
The Year of our lord 1904 A.D., First of January
Royal Palace

---

The air was electrified with an almost magical whirr. Fresh and newfangled looking angles of the skies gave a bright illumination to the Palace grounds. A murder of Royal soldiers, each man more stern looking than his predecessor, stood tight-lipped and stiffly chinned in stoic masonry, almost as if they were mimicking the numerous massive statues that adorned the Palace Grounds. Their ceremonial lances sticking out from their backstraps, with their trusted (and very much real) crafted riflery making good on any such threat that might be boomed from their commanding voices, giving them a sense of weight behind. Within the Palace walls, a mess of staff and lower servants were mulling about, rushing and attempting to placate her majesty when she would arise.

At the center of a staircase was a massive portrait of her excellency, flanked by the royal banners. The railing was encased with diamonds and golden beads throughout, giving an illustrious shine to the peaking sunlight that had now started it’s way into the skies above the Palace.

And, Away from all this opulence and power was the unassuming quarters of a woman. One might assume this old lady was a poor servant that had ties to the family court. One’s assumption would be wrong, of course, as this woman was no other than the ruler of the fair lands, stretching from Africa to the islands of the Pacific, to her sprawling realm across the globe. Of course, one might look at a map and strain to find any of these “islands” lest you be equipped with the latest fancy microscope or have the best eyesight in all of Spain, but that's besides the point.

One Queen Isabella II of Spain, quietly unlocked the door herself upon making the necessary preparations for the day. She was almost immediately greeted by her daughter, Infanta María , who had recently moved next door to her.


“Su Majestad.”

The Queen stopped in her tracks for a moment before exchanging a small smile, although her eyes were loaded with weight, shimmering with waterworks before she quickly wiped her face with a dainty handcloth she kept on her person at all times.

“Why-Hello, hija.”

Infanta María, without thinking, instinctively but gingerly held her mother around the shoulders. They got close to one another, able to hear each others heartbeats. Both eyes were filled with painful reminiscing that one could only experience in loss. Such outbursts of emotion were rare for the regent, but increasingly necessary in this day and age.

“I-I….”

Isabella chocked, fighting back tears before she submitted to the waterworks within her.

“I miss him.”

María nodded and put her hands around her shorter mother, sighing as she was reminded of memories. Fruitful and joyus memories. Memories of a man that they both had loved and now missed dearly. Both were lost in each others emotions for what seemed like an eternity before Isabella broke the silence with a quivering, wavering voice.

“D-do you think… he’s still out there? My sweet mariposa?” Her pitch elevated and shook with as much gravel as what was available in the Kingdom.

“Oh… Mama…. I’m sure he is. I know he is. He’s probably looking down upon us and….” She couldn't finish the sentence to reassure her mother, but as it turned out, she needed not.

“Smiling. That is the one thing your father loved to do when you were growing up. Smile at me, Smile at the milk-maid, Smile at everyone. He was so happy. Whenever I was in a bad mood, all he would do was smile, and-. MALDITA SEA! He’.... He’d make me happy. I’d forget about what I was mad about, and then… then… I’d be happy.”

María was a bit taken aback by her mother’s outburst, but she comforted her all the same.

“Papa was a great man. A great man. Will you ever remarry?”

“Not for my sweet mariposa. I promised your father I would never. The Kingdom is safe in my hands.”

After another lengthy absence of conversation, María invaded by finalizing.

“Good.”

An older man, complete with a flowing white handlebar mustache and thinning grays on his hair, soon approached Isabella and her daughter with a regal aura surrounding him. He bowed his head in reverence, but for a moment as the Queen shot a tender looking glance at her daughter.

“Well. I suppose I must be off now. If you will partake of me, mama.”

The Queen simply nodded silently as her daughter walked away, leaving the Grand Inquisitor and a woman in Spain alone to continue a conversation.
“Your Regal Excellency…” Ramón Blanco began, gently easing his way through the rough waters that was going to be politics and all the associated ills and follies that came along with it.

“What is it? Do you have something to report?”

Blanco rifled his hands through his flowing beard, reminiscing fondly of the old days of Spain. When Spain was truly at least relevant on the world stage. This relevance wasn’t lost on her either, given that she had been the woman in charge upon the loss of her western colonies. Those colonies, birthed from the first voyages of Columbus hundreds of years ago, were now firmly in the hands of the Americans and their ill-gotten, Democratic ideas of ‘liberty’ and ‘not having slavery’.

“We have a dagger pointed straight at our hearts, Your Excellency.”

Isabella grimaced and nodded her head accordingly. She was too aware of the absolute threat that Robespierran France held over the Kingdom. Spain had been opportunistic enough to take Algeria off of their hands, and that was turning into it’s own sets of headaches and tribulations for the Kingdom. There was a worry, understandable, that France might spread their godless, head chopping ideas to the last vestiges of Feudalism in Europe. Spain was not going to be dragged kicking and screaming into the new millennium, but serious reforms needed to be undertaken. If Spain was to have a chance at restoring the Bourbons to Paris, they’d have to fight their way through almost forty million frenchmen and women to do it. And Spain? She had barely half the population.

“That is why we have Fortifications, Blanco. They are to defend against any such incursion by the French. If They strike at us, the Germans will save us.”

“Your Excellency.” Began Blanco, hoping he didn’t overstep his boundaries before cooly asserting himself. “And what if the Germans choose to desert us? We haven’t formalized any such alliances with them. Do you think they’d willingly sacrifice their men and lives for some Spainards? I’m not seeing that as likely. If we are going to be at war with Robespierre France, then we will have to fight them all alone. You saw what happened with the America-”

“Anyone can lose against the Americans! “ Screamed Isabella II, now looking clearly agitated from what Blanco had been proselytizing to her. “It takes a special kind of idiot to lose against the French of all people. Our soldiers are brave, and motivated by their devotion to me. They will fight hard against the French. Our military men will, admittedly take losses, but those will be replenished. We have a large pool of manpower to fight against them. France values their soldier’s lives. That is their mistake, their, very, very grave mistake. We can sacrifice almost a thousand for them to be convinced to lose ten men!”

Blanco slowly nodded, taking in what the Queen had been saying before formulating a complete reply to her excellency.

“Err, Your Majesty… Military advancement is tantamount to success. If we are to be victorious on the battlefield, then we must marshall our forces in an orderly manner. Perhaps, in the coming days, I would like to invite you to the training grounds. I hear the Magistrate of Columbus wants you to personally oversee the training of h-” He corrected himself quickly, lest he be subject to a whipping at the hands of this woman. “Your army.”

Isabella’s tone and body language certainly gave the overall impression that she was most open to the this suggestion, listening intently to what the Grand Inquisitor had to say before she slightly smiled.

“Blanco. I do believe I am not predisposed at this moment as to turn down such an offer. Inform the fellow responsible of my reciprocity in his most warm and gracious offer, and I eagerly expect to be his guest following the conclusion of my Winter Speech from the Throne.”

The Grand Inquisitor bowed his head in reverence and soon disappeared almost as quickly as he had arrived, leaving Isabella alone swirling in her own thoughts.

---

Main Courtyard of the Imperial Palace

---

Queen Isabella II of Spain peered out from behind a curtain, looking at the hundreds of gathered members of the Spanish Nobility, Military Leaders and their clique, and, on special invitation, ten of the eleven Magistrates of Spain made the dangerous and lengthy journey to the protected walls of the capital (and the Palace’s militarized front gate). An array of chairs was gathered in the room. She shuddered for but a moment before gradually stepping out to an array of very polite sounding applause following this announcement:

“PRESENTING, THE QUEEN OF SPAIN, UNITER OF THE KINGDOMS, UNIFIER OF ALL SPANIARDS, BY THE GRACE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE LORD AND CHRIST ABOVE, MASTER OF THE SEAS AND COMMANDER OF THE LAND, HER EXCELLENCY QUEEN ISABELLA THE SECOND!”

“Th-Thank you. My loving and beloved subjects. We are gathered here today to celebrate the turning of a new leaf. The turning of a new chapter in the history-books of Spain. For years we have been put upon by the Robespierre-French, and only under my grace and wise bevy of advisors have we avoided all out war. For that I am thankful for. Indeed, all Spaniards must be grateful for the gift of life. I am certain that most of them are. I, for one, know I am.

Presently, the peasants work the lands as hard as they can, and us nobles in return provide them with the heartiest shelters and the warmest heaths and homes within our entire country. Spain is a system for the feudal age, and we are based on our traditions of the past. Such traditions include a strong monarchy, one of our most endearing and longest-lasting of such traditions.

Feudalism is the natural order of Spain. For Spain without feudalism is not Spain. It is a rag-tag collection of bickering states well-set up to fail. When we are united, we are stronger as a nation, and as one people. These Magistrates keep the peace within their lands, and the peasants are well regarded to work such lands. Feudalism is a contract between the Lord and peasant. Peasants work the soil and tend to the crops and wallow around in poverty, and their masters protect them from other lords and from outside threats. They offer protection to the people in the event of an attack. It grants our territories some freedom in having such powers, finite in only one ultimate authority more powerful than his lord, which is the Queen of Spain.

There are those that decry such a system as an inefficient relic of the past. I’d argue you can bring an ancient idea into the modern world, with modern ideas, and still retain the traditions of our ancestors. We still hold jousts throughout Spain. The Inquisitors keep the peace and engage freely in the torture of our prisoners. The words of John Locke, Maximillien Robespierre and Georges Danton hold no sway here! Reactionary policies are our bread and butter! The rich minority are the ones that get to set public policy, not in mob-ruled dictatorships such as France. Indeed, their enlightenment thinkers rightly warned us about the dangers of mob-rule, such as in the ancient land known as the United States.

Feudalism is a system that rewards both parties with an agreement. The Peasant, for his hard work, gets protection from their local Lord. The Lord, in return for protecting their peasants, are granted the admiration, respect and cheap labor of those. Spain is a cultured place, you just need to venture forth outside the walls to see it. I have visited and traveled extensively all over the world and all over the Kingdom since I took the throne in 1843, and I can firmly say that Spanish society is a warm and friendly feeling. I have taken my own pity on the poorest and most derelict, oft neglected villages within Spain. I have seen to it personally that the purse of the Crown is directed to the Inquisition in order to save these people either from themselves or from heretics around us.

On the subject of warm and friendly feelings, the Inquisitors do not torture in such barbaric ways as outsiders portray it. We are not backwards people. We are forward thinking people with doctors, barbers and politicians just as every other nation that is civilized and unafricanized enough. You do not need the people to have representation. You just need a ‘select few’ people to wield such powers of state. For that, is the Spanish model. A Model of stability and strength. Just look at our standing Army, the second largest in Europe, from what I recall! Almost four hundred thousand loyal servants of her illustrious majesty Isabella, all waiting to crush any threats to her or her household.

Feudalism itself is intertwined with an almost renaissance idea of heroic knights riding off to slay mythical creatures, such as the Dutch. The Renaissance era, I might remind you, produced some of the most famous inventors, explorers and painters of our era. Such works of art are regarded as highly as I regard myself. Beautiful marble statues intertwined with majestic stained glass artworks of all Spanish Churches and decorated ornately Cathedrals where families are made and celebrations happen.

In Feudalism, there is no working class. We reject the farce of communism that Karl Marx purports and prostitutes throughout Europe, suckering in the poorest to their messages of equality. There has never been a society that I know of that has been truly equal. It is inherently misguided in man’s judgements and own character. Man is selfish. Henceforth, these systems do not work. Man cannot see past their own faults, henceforth, Marxism cannot and will not prosper anywhere else in Europe.

Marxism already has cracks within France itself. They shall devolve into ravenous wolves tearing each other apart on party orthodoxy instead of fighting by force to expand their way of thinking upon the nations of europe. TO THAT I SAY, RALLY FORTH EUROPE AGAINST THE ROBESPIERRE MENACE, LET US STAMP DOWN THIS COCKROACH WITH A CRESCENDOING AND THUNDEROUS FINALITY!!!

Of course the wealth is going to the rich. The Rich are the only ones with enough sound moral and fiscal responsibility to utilize the treasure. The Poor cannot handle such responsibilities, and so are only given the necessary to survive, which they must handle by themselves. They get assistance from the masses of poor peasants around them, and their local Magistrate graciously lets them have days off for religious ceremonies, as is tradition in Spain. The most benefit this system of government does is for those within these hallowed walls. The local Magistrates prosper from this arrangement, and Spain has been garnered with almost three years of full stability, security and prosperity. If new-states coming into the world wish to adopt a government, then I would strongly encourage them to look to Spain as the example. Others deride us as the “last Backwater.” I would argue we are the last to have preserved our traditions in as stoic a state as they were since the unification and Reconquista of the Spanish Peninsula!”

THE SPANISH POSITION WITH RESPECT TO THE INVASION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
By Grand Master of the Note The Marquis of Aguilar de Campoo

It is the solemn responsibility of the Grand Master to formulate proper responses and pen appropriate dialogues between Spain and her European associates, rivals and enemies. Such requires reactions to the increasing developments of our modernized society. This being said, Spain formally welcomes her Hapsburg brethren, tied by monarchical marriages over the centuries, linking Austria with the motherland of Spain. It was not too long ago that both nations were ruled by the most powerful empire in memory, the Holy Roman Empire, before the bastard Napoleon rid the world of an enlightened despot over the span of twenty years.

We are eternally grateful that the Hapsburgs and the House of Bourbon enjoy warm ties, and shall continue henceforth down such a pathway. As such, we see ample opportunity and political servitude to formally recognize the troublesome territories of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the fold of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy. The Court of Madrid may disagree with the radical extent of the passage of such alternations, numerous which include travesties of “representation” and “freedom of religion”. That does not mean we cannot appreciate the expanse and the overall protection of such people into the benevolent folds of Austria-Hungary.

[Sao Nova Europa]

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist People's Republic of France

The Austrian-Hungarian monarchy has - with no regard to international norms - annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina. It thus disregards both the sovereignty of the Ottoman state and - most importantly - the right of the peoples of the region to self-determination and the freedom to decide their own future. This is the logical endpoint of late-stage capitalism. Imperialist powers, having already carved up the homelands of the Oriental and Negro peoples, have now turned their sights on Europe itself and are carving up weaker European nations and placing them under their iron colonial rule. The only humane resolution to the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina is for the region's independence and the creation of a free, independent, and socialist republic that will break the chains of oppression.

[Elerian]

Xinmin Evening News, January 19th 1904
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE MOVES AGAINST OPIUM SMUGGLERS, INTERIOR PROVINCES ANNOUNCE MAJOR ANTI-OPIATE CAMPAIGN

The Kuomintang government took new steps today to curb drug routes especially between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, where the narcotics trade is believed to have greatly impacted local productivity. The Executive Yuan has, effective at midnight, revoked permits for the wholesale cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution of Opium. Many have made calls for the Kuomintang government to do more to control the flow of drugs both into and out of the country. The National Security Bureau and National Police forces will now be tasked with investigating reports of Opiate manufacturing and screen cargo traveling to and from China for Opium.

The surprise move comes after a leaked report from the Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Protection, which estimated the country to have at least ten million Opium addicts. The Executive Yuan made clear that even more measures may soon be taken to try and put pressure on drug-trafficking networks going both in and out of India, German Indochina and especially on those tied to the hard hit interior provinces.

The National Security Bureau also announced it would be taking steps to seriously curtail narcotics imports from the Indochina region, as China remains one of the world's largest drug importers and many suspect that Burmese and German Indochinese rebel groups are supplying their drugs to the Chinese market. What these further steps entail has not yet been elaborated on.

---

SECRETARIAT LI YUANHONG ANNOUNCES INCREASED SUPPORT FOR MILITARY SPENDING; DENOUNCES RUSSIAN TREATMENT OF MANCHURIA “AS A MILITARY TESTING GROUND”

215 years after the signing of the Treaty of Nerchinsk, the Vice Minister of National Defense has once again issued a statement of total support for increased military spending in the latest meeting of the Legislative Yuan.

He announced the increased support for the Imperial Army in a speech delivered to gathered members of the Executive Yuan in the Parliamentary building in Nanjing. There, he issued a scathing indictment pertaining to the actions of the Russian armed forces, including drastic and unnecessary troop increases in Manchuria. Of the Russian forces, he claimed that the "obvious and continuous violation of Chinese sovereignty" was enough to cause concern, but the fact that it continues to the centuries old Treaty of Nerchinsk made recent military expansions all the more alarming. The Vice Minister went on to exclaim that "the full scale of Russian actions in Manchuria", revealed by the recently-released Birzhevyie Vedomosti, "should prove to all good members of the international community that enough is enough. They should understand that we cannot, with good conscience, allow for Russian imperialist aggression to go unanswered".

It was at this point in the address that the Vice Minister announced increased support for anti-colonial groups in the country. "We cannot allow for our allies and comrades in arms to suffer under the boot of foreign imperialism" the Vice Minister said, to great applause. "The Russian actions in Manchuria and Liaodong cannot go unanswered" he said. "If Russia is to forcefully disperse civilians and refuses to follow the Boxer Protocol, then we will have no choice but to stand with the oppressed and hopeless." he added. "So it is with a heavy heart that I will today announce not only increased levies be called, but also that I invite the good folk of Europe, Asia and the Americas to the table for negotiations in regards to forming a united front against Russian colonialism."

The Vice Minister ended his speech with a chilling warning to the Russians, and Sergei Yulyevich Witte. "We have made our actions known, because we act in the interest of the international community," he said. "I would ask for Russia to act in that same interest, and pull back troops out of Manchuria and Liaodong," he added. "And I would hope that they do. I truly do hope this. But if they do not, if they continue to use Manchuria as a military testing ground to the detriment of its citizens, then we will have to act with greater force, greater fury and greater arms." he finished.

---

CHINESE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE INTENT ON SEEKING FRENCH MILITARY EXPERTISE

"With the rising tensions in our region, it has become clear to the President and the Chinese people that permitting ourselves to militarily lag behind our neighbors and seeking to rely solely on ourselves can no longer be tolerated. It has been an important part of President Sun's promise of the Three Principles of the People that we become proactive in the security of our region to maintain peace and prosperity." This came from Minister Feng Guozhang, Chinese Minister of Defense, following a recent speech from his ministry made before the Legislative Yuan.

This has been the most recent of statements by the Chinese government stating its intentions of modernizing the Chinese Imperial Army to match the capabilities of her neighbors. Under Sun Yat-sen’s administration, China has altered course, opting to seek foreign support rather than follow the Qing’s ‘Self-Strengthening’ initiative. However, Sun continued the Qing’s plans to steadily improve its military capabilities and reform how China behaves on a regional scale in regards to security. Among the most recent projects, the Sun administration has set aside funds for two new Arsenals to be built similar to that in Hanyang.

[Alaroma]

Part One: Imperial Guns

January 4th, 1904
Carrefour, Haiti

---

Empress Olivia yawned, slowly cooling herself with an elaborate fan. A locally produced fan, it was elaborate in its design. The two parts of the fan showed, in part, a story of the Imperial Family’s unification of the island. With her grandfather, surrounded by adoring troops, announcing the annexation of the east in the countryside of Santo Domingo. The lower part of the fan has golden engravings, helping to stabilize the more fragile cloth part of the fan.

Above her, a tent shielded her and some of her advisors from the quite ruthless Haitian sun. While on many days, she would dress in western clothes. Her elaborate dresses were always a message. A message that Haiti was not some barbarian land. That her, and her elite, were fashionable in their clothing. Though, if she was being honest, it could get quite stuffy. So today, she wore a modified Haitian dress. Modified in that it was more extravagant and of better material, while still allowing for a more comfortable experience. Her hair meanwhile, as opposed to being done in the popular western styles, was in a Kreyativ headwrap. The colors of the wrap were a golden and purple. She was being more casual, but she was still the Empress.

Her skinny finger slowly tapped her high cheekbone, curious for what all this commotion was about. Flags fluttered nearby. There was the Imperial Banner, the banner of House Soulouque, the banner of the Imperial Army, and the banner of the Carrefour Technical Institute. One of its graduates, a certain Henry Faulkner, had apparently made a new device. The American, barely spared the trials of slavery, had done well for himself. Entrepreneurial, self educated, and a traveler. So, when he made his way to Haiti, it was only natural he ended up in one of the nation’s highest educational institutions.

“Mister Riche, do tell me, what has our dear inventor produced for us. It’s a field gun, correct?” The Empress said, looking to her Prime Minister. She had a fair idea of what was going on, but she wanted to hear it from him. He was more focused on Military logistics either way. The mixed race man turned to her, before slowly nodding.

“That is correct, your Majesty. The Henry 75 mm Cannon, or more officially, the Canon de 75 modèle 1904 Henry. This quick-firing gun allegedly has the capacity to fire shrapnel shells and high explosive shells.” Louise noted, the man giving his monarch a smile. The new trend is the implementation of these quick firing guns, and we shall have them too soon.”

The Empress cocked her head at that. “How quick firing are these things, anyway?” Olivia asked. Three men appeared rather opportunely. “Good question, your highness. We’ll be demonstrating that soon.” the man said, smiling. His American accent was the first thing that struck her. Beyond that, the man wore western attire. Not surprising, considering he hailed from the US, and was more than likely upper middle class.

“You are Mr Faulkner, yes?” Olivia asked, making sure she was clear on her introductions. “Yes, your highness.” He then turned to two uniformed artillerymen. Like many uniforms in the Haitian Armed Forces, they displayed the now iconic Haitian butternut. Their ranks were displayed on their respective right shoulders. Even though both held artillery shells, they took care to salute their Monarch all the same. It wasn’t too difficult, the shells were only around fifteen pounds. “Lieutenant Chery, Sergeant Delva, thank you both for your assistance. Please display your shells to the Empress and the Prime Minister.”

Both did just so. Lieutenant Cherry’s shell looked as expected, but with a cylindrical fuse at the top. Sergeant Delva’s looked similar, but the fuse was less pronounced. “Lieutenant Cherry here is holding a shrapnel shell. Mostly used for anti personnel uses, it’ll shred opposing forces apart faster than our infantry ever could. Even with their fancy machine guns.” He then pointed to the shell Sergeant Delva carried. “Here’s the high explosive round. GOod for anti fortification work, and entrenched positions. Not the most specialized for the job, but you can fire a lot of it, so it's a quantity concern.”

He then nodded to the two, who walked off to join their crew. “What I will be demonstrating with these guns is what I like to call the golden minute, and its recoil mechanism.”

“The golden minute?” The Empress asked, slowly fanning herself. A small smile creeped on the Prime Minister’s face, obviously privy to information she was not. “Yes, your highness. The golden minute is when the crew will be able to fire off around fifteen shells. As for the recoil mechanism, it ensures it doesn’t blow back, allowing for immediate continued fire.”

This caused the woman to straighten her back just a tad more. “You had my interest, Mr Faulkner. Now you have my undivided attention. Please, begin your demonstration.”

Nodding, the man turned to the crew of artillerymen. There were seven in total. Three manned the gun, three got ammunition to the gunners, and one seemed to stand off.

“You two may want to cover your ears.” The man said, before giving the soldiers the go ahead.

“Set!” One soldier yelled, sitting on the left side of the cannon. “Ready!” another soldier yelled, sitting on the cannon’s right side. “Fire!” the outstanding soldier ordered. The third pulled a string attached to the rifle, causing the canon to roar to life. Then began the golden minute.

In methodical fashion, the soldiers shuffled over shells to the main crew, and the soldiers shot them off. The Empress counted each time a shell was fired off. As it turned out, the man had undersold. They had fired twenty shells, not fifteen.

“Your crew had a good time. Twenty in one minute, very impressive.” Louise noted. “Very. Of course, fifteen is more of an average. Very experienced crews can get up to thirty rounds per minute. However, this isn’t something that should be done all the time. It can overheat the barrel. 15 per minute is better for maintenance. Though, anything can happen on the field.” he noted.

“Interesting. So, how many does the Ministry of War need for its needs?” Olivia asked, turning to her Prime Minister. “Well, your highness, the estimates for the army and marines puts it at 225.” Louise replied. “And if we were to enter a total mobilization? Not just a partial one.” She asked. The man frowned, before turning it over in his head. “It’s not an immediate need, but should a total war befall Haiti, around 800.”

She slowly nodded at that. “Alright, well, I think we should discuss the cost then. That is, if the army is satisfied with the product of Mr Faulkner.” The Prime Minister smiled at her. “It most certainly is.” he said, before looking at the engineer.

“Well, as far as costs go-” he began, before an aide rushed into the tent, by her side. He was a middle aged man, with a bushy mustache. He wore a suit without the jacket. His face wore a look of shock and concern, while he sweated buckets. He breathed hard, obviously having run here. “I’m so sorry your majesty, but-” the man said, before leaning in. “the Kaiser is dead.” This gave the young Empress pause. “I- he’s what?” she said, turning to look at the aide. He only grimly nodded in reply. “Prime Minister Riche……can you finish this talk of cost with the good man? Something major has come up.”

The Prime Minister raised an eyebrow. “I suppose that is my job. Though I must ask, what could possibly be so important?” Looking at him, she simply noted “The Kaiser is dead.” This also gave the Prime Minister pause. “I see…well, we need to adjust your trip to Europe you, don’t we? Make your way back to the Palace, I’ll join you later today.”

Part Two: The Continent of Empires

January 4th, 1904
Port-au-Prince, Haiti

---

The young rubbed her cheek, watching as her subordinates whispered to each other about the handover of the German Empire to a new heir. As for her personally, she wasn’t quite sure how to feel. The world of monarchs was lonely for her family, and not many gave her the time of day. The old Kaiser was different. He wasn’t quite a friend, but he treated Haiti fairly. He treated her fairly. If sometimes patronizingly. Now, he is dead. She wondered what his son was like. Well, she was bound to find out soon enough.

“You need to make a good first impression on the new Kaiser.” Prime Minister Riche noted. “This puts a wrench in our plans. We need the big European powers to be anywhere from positive to apathetic on our Venezuelan plans. That previous personal cache with the old Kaiser is gone, so this could go anywhere.” the man noted.
“Can someone give me the latest iteration of War Plan Cider, please?” Olivia said, crossing her arms. If this was the path the government was going down, she wanted assurances of its success.

“Of course, your majesty.” Minister of War, Jean Bernard, began. “The first step is to infiltrate Venezuela. Their civil wars are endemic, and their standing with the international community is suspect, so we want to use this to our advantage. We have begun this part. Our agents are currently profiling the opposition, and helping it to organize. We’re planning to supply them with weapons, and munitions, allowing for another civil war to spark. Prior to letting this cook off, we will do two things. Garner goes ahead from major powers as to our intentions, and at least ask the Venezuelans for the ability to purchase the territory.” he noted.

“And we of course assume they will say no.” Olivia pointed out. “That is correct. Once they say no, and get our confirmations to go ahead, we give our erstwhile allies the go ahead to start their campaign. As their war drags on, an incident will see Venezuelan actors blow up Haitian merchant ships, and take its sailors captive. When this occurs, we will be outraged of course. We will demand their lives back, and compensation. Lives they can not return to us, and compensation we will ensure they can never pay. In our fury, we do two things. We call up our army, and initiate two moves. We send an army of twenty thousand in our merchant marine to the outer ring, gradually resupplied by additional troops from our mobilization. We then deploy our fleet to blockade Venezuela, which has no functional navy. We will seize the outlying islands, the Paraguana Peninsula, and land near Caracas in the city of La Guaira. There, we will make our territorial demands. Fortunately for us, prior to the war, we’ve been smuggling illegal Haitian immigrants to set up shop through the areas we want for years. Over a decade in fact. Of course, private actors have been there longer. The Venezuelan government, too busy and no naval force to stop it, simply let it happen. If they fail to be met, we will march on Caracas, and force a treaty through. In doing so, depose the ruling government, and bring out allies into power. We’ve been preparing drills for such an operation for years. We have sent scouts to the areas of conflict as well. Get our men ashore, and we could have them at the gates of Caracas within half a day. When we’re done, we run off into the sunset with our sparsely populated new territories, and begin dividing them out for Haitian settlement. This plan is of two phases. The first phase is the taking of the outer islands and the Paraguana Penisula. If we can seed a seccesionist issue in the east, we can come for those provinces later. Ideally after a secessionist movement, lead by local Haitians.”

“In doing so, over doubling our national boundaries, securing land for settlers, and a presence on the continent, ”Olivia noted. “More than that. We show the world Haiti’s teeth have not grown dull. The prestige of pulling such a venture off would certainly be impressive to those great powers from above. Though just as importantly, we keep a certain nation in the dirt. Cruel may it be, we need our neighbors to be as fragile as possible while Haiti makes its ascent.” The Prime Minister added.

Olivia sighed. “Well, that’s grim. Let’s discuss other things. Such as France and Austria.” the Empress noted. “Ahh, yes, well your trip to France should be cleared. The French have signaled they want to bury the hatchet, and get a reparations treaty out of the way. You wrapping those negotiations up would prove to be a boon for your personal status, but an end in Haiti’s history. Also, it's hard to understate what a glorious sum of money this is. We could use this as a fund for hospitals, railroad infill, and more. For reference, for what it cost to build the American trans continental railroad, we could do it eleven times over with this money if we get it back.” the Minister of Urban Development noted.

“As for Austria, simply get money for new cathedrals. We’re building and reforming our cities, and they live by their hearts. The heart of any good city is its Cathedral. I’m sure the Austrians understand that, so ask them for assistance.” The Culture Minister added.

“You will also be looking for an audience with the British Monarch. She is one of the two most important people we need to get to sign off for our future operations. Number one, of course, being the United States. As for the Queen, please start off on a more humanitarian note. Concern for the concentration camps, open our borders to migrants from Britain’s black colonies, the like.”

“I see we have this all thought out. I assure the Finance Minister will have his own list of requests. Let’s hear them.” Olivia said. The room looked to a man with circular glasses. “Well, if you insist your Majesty-”

To Foreign Ministers

---

From: The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To: The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To the people of Germany, we are distressed to hear about the passing of your previous Kaiser. He was a wise, and generous, ruler of the German people. Our Empress will be making her way to pay her respects at the funeral of Kaiser Wilhelm the Second. May God stand with the German nation during her time of grief.

From: The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To: The British Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To the British Isles, we'd to make a personal appeal to Britain. As such, as part of a wider diplomatic mission, we hope to engage with the British state on a range of diplomatic topics. Those range from industry, humanitarian concerns on the African continent, migration treaties, and more. The British Empire has been a good partner for common prosperity, and we hope that trend continues.

From: The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To: The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To the French Government, we are delighted at the progress our diplomats have been making towards reconciliation. France has shown us that it wants friendly relations into the future between our peoples. As such, we would like to send our Empress as part of a wider diplomatic tour to France to finish the Reparations negotiations, and talks over a more expansive trade settlement. We look forward to future cooperation.

From: The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To: The American State Department
To the State Department, on her way back from Europe, our Empress will be taking a trip to the US. The US has been a steadfast partner in common prosperity for Haiti, and we can't express that enough. We'd like to have a meeting over the future of bilateral relations, and security concerns. We thank you for your consideration.

From: The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To: The Republic of Venezuela
To the people of Venezuela, Haiti would like to make a simple land purchase from the Venezuelan state. It appears there are sparsely settled regions far from the Venezuelan core, with little investment. As such, we'd like to negotiate their purchase for the Haitian Empire. We look forward to your response.

Other Events

---

Events of Note:
>The first year for Cocao production has begun
>Sugar Processing Plants have begun being set up
>Plans to Expand healthcare clinic access begin
>Tramway system begins work in Santo Domingo
>Outlines for Urban development adopted, Civil Service to begin implementation of planned city model in growing settlements
>Second Drive for donations for Africans in British concentration camps begins. Empress to ask for donations from African Americans
>Haitian Catholics organize trip to Congo Free State, plan to help with preaching and school construction

[Turkducken]

15th of January, 1904
Cape Town, Cape Colony


Newly Minted.

The Colonel quietly held the symbol of command he'd always wanted.

The thin poorly constructed officer's quarters stifled the air flow, and it was uncomfortably warm for the more temperate minded Canadian.

The now Colonel, William Charles Heneker, was fairly young for officers in the British Army. He had served with distinction in West Africa, mentioned in dispatch several times, and culminating in a DSO for 'personal bravery and heroism' after a punitive expedition against yet another West African tribe.

He was modest, taking pride in his service and never grandstanding.

He was a proud officer of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, a proud British citizen with so much to give for the Empire.

This is why it sent a shock across his command when he wrote an evaluation of this lingering Boer crisis.

The Colonel finally pinned the badge of his office to his uniform.

That letter caused quite a stir, not only because it outlined the failings of the British Army in the South African theater and highlighted his commands own success in the West African theater, but because it resonated with the War Office.

It warranted enough to be shown to his higher ups higher ups, and then theirs, and then theirs, until finally the Prime Minister himself.

The one most shocked by this was the Colonel himself. What began as a analysis mutated into a proposal.

He stood in his dark room, bracing himself for the harsh African Sun.

He was given the room to create an experimental force with army regulars, volunteer only.

Based on his own experience and thoughts on the matter, he envisioned a lightly equipped but determined force.

The Boers referred to their own agile forces as 'Kommandos', he had heard many such words from the tribes of Africans he had both worked with and put down.

But he felt this one seemed particularly appropriate.

Her Majesty's Commando Forces would do just nicely in destroying these admittedly fierce farmers.

He stepped out into the harsh sunlight and red soil of South Africa.

This would be day one.

---

14th of January, 1904
Castle Windsor, Great Britain

Adelaide read the headline with a frown.

'Thick-Bodied Princess Runs Considerable Bill!'

She bit her lower lip.

The expenses in question were paraphrased from the previous Head of State report. The chaos of her assent to the throne racked up the largest expense since her Grandmother's Jubilees, and the press who felt a sizable amount of wriggle room in confronting the British public with the now tarnished reputation of the House Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

She felt tears well up in her eyes as she fought with herself not to cry.

While the facts were there for the bill being particularly expensive, she could only feel shamed for her...gifted physique, as the press seemed to be blaming her entirely for the large bill.

She turned the page and discovered a mid article illustration the paper had included.

It depicted herself, but comically wider, drawn with a foolish look on her face.

She crumpled the paper and tossed it aside, a silent servant whooshed out of the intricately detailed corners and hallways of the Castle.

The Queen felt her tears run down her cheeks, they burned red hot.

She covered her face with her hands, feeling stupid and ashamed.

"How did it come to this?" she thought solemnly to herself, tears coming freely, "This was never meant to happen..."

She never really knew her Father, he stayed aloof of most of his children.

"Mother spoiled me..." her mind wandered, suddenly very conscious about how much space she seemed to be taking up.

"Damn them!" she clenched her teeth, in a flash of anger, "I never wanted this! I never wanted to be..."

Her thoughts stopped as she came to a final resolution.

She pulled back her hands from her tear stained face, "I am the Queen." she whispered imperceptibly to herself.

In an unladylike gesture she wiped her face with the sleeve of her dress.

"Excuse me!" she called out to one of her omnipresent servants, "Would someone fetch Princess Victoria? I've got to speak with her, urgently if she can."

Wordlessly, one of the ghosts of the Castle disappeared on her command.

The Queen would not be shamed.

She balled her hands into fists.

The Queen would make a statement.

---

15th of January, 1904
Westminster Palace, London

The Prime Minister sat with his Foreign Secretary.

The news was...complicated to say the least.

The Hapsburgs had sent them a letter of quiet assurances of neutrality and peace with their annexation of Bosnia. This technically violated the already controversial Russian Treaty of San Stefano, but the Austrian position in the Tsar's sphere was waning.

He exhaled deeply and reclined back into his office chair.

The Austrians would be an important tool in denying growth of the Russian sphere.

The Prime Minister closed his eyes and pursed his lips.

He really did not want to fight another war.

He said suddenly, breaking the pregnant silence, "Bah, the Balkans. Are we really going to potentially start a war over who owns what rock?"

It was a dismissive answer to a serious question.

Yes, they would.

No, they won't.

Both answers to this question were equally absurd and equally likely.

He looked at the letter of protest the Turks had sent him, they were not happy.

"But..." he considered to himself, "they also didn't seem to be in the mood to go shooting so soon after the last war."

There just didn't seem to be a good answer here.

The Ottomans were vital in keeping the Russians contained to the Black Sea, but depriving the Kaiser of a safe Southern border and a trans-central European navy would be equally as valuable.

In truth he hated both answers and hated the choice, but nonetheless he made a final decision.

"Pen the Austro-Hungarians a letter, private dealings of statehood, we will thank them for the advanced warning." The Prime Minister sat up back to a more dignified position, "We shall give that a few days to be read, and then the news of the annexation should become public knowledge. We will strongly condemn the annexation, but then," He considered the momentous power of the next words, "We will do nothing."

His Foreign Secretary nodded solemnly, and started to set out to follow on these grim instructions.

The Prime Minister stopped him before he left.

"What the Hell..." He spoke aloud, "What does that girl think she's doing?!" he yelled with indignation.

The PM had been delivered a special issue of The Daily Mail.

The top story of the paper was titled 'Her Majesty, Queen Adelaide, Speaks!"

The article itself is rather benign, other than the big news item being a one on one interview with the sitting monarch.

What was generating such a reaction from the head of government, was the accompanying sketch.

It was the Queen, drawn realistically and wearing an elegant dress that emphasized her voluptuous form.

"Damn that girl!" the Prime Minister shouted, committing an indiscretion at omitting Her Majesty's station.

"What were they thinking?"

---

15th of January, 1904
Afghan Wilderness, Emirate of Afghanistan

The Emir was delighted today.

Hunting Quail was a favorite pass time.

His father had left him the throne not even three years ago.

So much stress for the young noble.

His dogs bounded through the low brush.

One of them stopped, pointing in the direction of a coven hidden in the grass.

The Emir ordered one of his servants to flush them out.

But he realized he had suddenly become separated from the group.

He barely had time to hear the click of a rifle.

He wouldn't be coming back.

[NewLakotah]

---

Diplomacy

---

Official Communique from the Imperial Government of the Empire of Japan from January 15th, 1904,

From the Office of the Foreign Ministry of the Empire of Japan,


The Imperial Government of the Empire of Japan hereby issues a formal condemnation and complaint against the Russian Empire and the Tsar of Russia. Their actions to redeploy 300,000 soldiers to the territory of China is a gross violation of the international agreements formed in the aftermath of the intervention into China some three years ago.

The Russian Empire has continued to use its influence to drive out and monopolize their colonial holdings in China. Such actions can no longer go unpunished. The Japanese Empire fully condemns the actions of the Russian Tsar and calls for the immediate recall of the Russian army and naval forces from the Pacific. Such forces are not necessary to defend the borders of Russia, however they are necessary for a military invasion. Any invasion or violation of the Empire of China, the Empire of Korea, or the Empire of Japan will be seen as a direct violation of international norms and common law and will be treated as an act of war.

The Imperial Government of the Emperor of Japan calls for the world to join in condemning this useless and senseless provocation by the Russian Empire. They are attempting to force a war into a region that has seen far too much violence and unrest when what is most needed in this region is peace and prosperity. The Russian actions to upset the continuing development and progress of the Orient cannot be allowed to proceed unpunished.

The Empire of Japan will commit to the full security and independence of the Asian States, including the Empire of China and the Empire of Korea. Any further actions to erode the status quo of the Empire of China and the Open Door Policy, or against the Empire of Korea, will be treated as a direct assault against the Empire of China and will result in Japanese intervention.

Signed,
His Imperial Majesty, Heavenly Sovereign, the Emperor, Mutsuhito
Shogun Takatsukasa Hiromichi
Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi

To: Her Imperial Majesty the Queen, Adelaide I, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of her other realms and territories, Empress of India, Defender of the Faith
From: His Royal Highness Takatsukasa Hiromichi, Representative of the Emperor, Shogun of the Empire, Commander of the Armies


Your Majesty,

Our two nations have engaged for some time in negotiations regarding security agreements between our peoples. Both of us have realized the necessity for allies in this dark and dangerous time. This is most pressing in regards to recent actions by European Powers. As I am sure you are aware, the Russian Threat has continued to grow on this side of the world. The Russians are sending 300,000 men and a second fleet to our side of the world. This, alongside the already existing army and fleet that defend this area.

Needless to say, our government has watched these developments with deep concern. Our forces are preparing as we speak for every eventuality. However, it is clear that our forces will be outnumbered and outgunned at every level of the engagement. Support for our operations are necessary for us to be able to deal a defeat to the Russian Threat in this part of the world. Otherwise, we will be overrun and Russian dominance in Asia will be secured.

This will leave the British holdings in China severely threatened as Russia will be able to exert direct control over Beijing, influencing its government to change its position on the Canton system, as well as other British concessions within China. The Japanese Empire has no desire to see friendly British traders and businessmen replaced with hostile Russian ones.

I must stress that the Japanese government remains committed to the negotiations that are ongoing between ourselves and the Tsar of Russia. Currently, we have faith that common sense will prevail. However, it is clear that the Russian Tsar remains a jingoistic adversary bent on securing their own international dominance. Such moves will threaten not only the Empire of Japan, but also the Empire of Great Britain. I believe it to be in our common interest to deny the Russian greater access on the Asian Continent and to corral him within their current border arrangements.

The threats that their armies currently pose cannot be understated. From their positions, it would not be challenging for them to march on Beijing or on Seoul. From either location, they would have supreme dominance to challenge the Empire of Japan or the Empire of Great Britain for mastery of the seas and oceans on this side of the world, as well as the other. I am sure that you can see how devastating this could be for the Empire and for global progress and peace in general.

I understand, of course, that politics and geopolitics remains a tense and complicated affair. As such, I understand if it is not possible nor prudent for the British Empire to be seen as an active participant in any outbreak of hostilities with the Tsar. However, it is clear that given the recent moves by the Russian Navy, that we are becoming more and more outgunned. Victory may still be possible, however, without the proper firepower, we will not be able to deliver a decisive blow against the Russian Pacific Fleet.

As such, the Japanese Empire requests continuing cooperation on the matters of military affairs, particularly in regards to naval affairs and development. Through British support, the Imperial Japanese Navy has become a strong and decisive player in the Orient. With more support, we will be able to deliver a crushing blow to the Russian Threat, securing victory that would benefit both of our Empires.

Through cooperation and partnership, I hope that our two Empires on the opposite sides of the world can grow together in friendship and peace.

Sincerely,

His Royal Highness Takatsukasa Hiromichi, Representative of the Emperor, Shogun of the Empire of Japan

To: His Imperial Majesty, Xuantong, Emperor of China, Son of Heaven, the Heavenly Sovereign, Lord of Ten Thousand Years
From: His Royal Highness Takatsukasa Hiromichi, Representative of the Emperor, Shogun of the Empire, Commander of the Armies


Your Imperial Majesty,

I hope that this letter finds you and your Empire well. The relations between our Empires have not been very good for the past few years. These unfortunate incidents have caused much concern for both of us and has allowed for the Barbarians to reentrench themselves in the Orient. Specifically, of course, I am talking about the Russian Threat.

This threat, as you well know, threatens not just the Empire of China, but the Empire of Korea and the Empire of Japan. These three Empires together are the last free hope of the Orient against European invasions. Should the Russian secure victory here, then it will be disastrous for us all. The time has come for us to work together to secure a future free from barbarian colonial interests dominating our world. The Barbarians are currently massing their forces and they are daring the Empire of Japan and the Empire of China to respond. They know that alone we will not have the power to defeat them.

It has been the strategy of the Barbarian since they first came to the East. They divide and they conquer. Such is the military maxims of their great military thinkers. Together, united, we can defeat the Europeans by not allowing them to use their own strategy, we can present a stronger united front then they could overcome. Together, our armies could secure victory against the Barbarians from the North and allow for a future development of Asia free from concessions to foreign powers.

In this regard, and as a sign of peace and goodwill from one Empire of the Orient to another, Udaijin Koshaku Konoe Atsumaro, has been authorized fully by the His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan to handle all negotiations regarding the Empire of China and its current concessions and policies. Such policies, historical-based policies, are not fit for the future. Not for developing, modernized Empires. As such, it is high time to advance our relations and our unity into the new century.

Through steadfastness and fortitude and by your wise rule, may you see your Empire rise to heights not seen since the days of the Great Tang and let our Empire of the Rising Sun rise with the Sun over the Orient.

Sincerely,

His Royal Highness Takatsukasa Hiromichi, Representative of the Emperor, Shogun of the Empire of Japan

Nanjing, China
January 22, 1904

The Japanese Diplomatic Mission to China was no small delegation. First of all, leading the delegation was none other than the Udaijin, Koshaku Konoe Atsumaro, one of the most powerful men in the Empire, behind the Empire, the Shogun, and the Sadaijin. He was generally in charge of the ministries of foreign affairs, development, trade, and economics. However, for this role, he was primarily the direct ambassador of the Shogun and the Emperor.

Next to him was Akita Akisue, the Foreign Minister of the Empire. The Foreign Ministry was a complicated affair. The Imperial Cabinet of the Prime Minister sat underneath the Daiji-kan, however, they did more of the day-to-day administration themselves. Akita was, however, a diplomat first. His personal politics were indifferent even to himself when it came to it and as such he had proved a valuable asset politically to both the Shogun and the Prime Minister and that had allowed to become the Foreign Minister.

The other member of the Big Three was Field Marshal Kodama Gentarō, one of the top ranking generals of the Imperial Japanese Army and the man tapped to be the Liaison between the Empire of Japan and the Empire of China on military affairs. Assuming the negotiations went according to plan, that is.

The trio was accompanied by their own respective entourages that was becoming of three of the most powerful men in the Kazoku aristocracy and within the Imperial Government. All three were fluent in Mandarin of course, with the Field Marshall having the worst command of it, but he was still passable enough to communicate effectively in the ancient trade language of the East. However, they had still brought translators, including those fluent in Manchu. It was always better to be safe than sorry.

They had all arrived in Beijing that morning by boat and they had gone straight to the Japanese delegation in the capital. There they had sent a telegram back to Tokyo, informing the Shogun and the Prime Minister that they had arrived and were now preparing to meet with the Chinese Government. From there, the Japanese Ambassador to the Empire of China had also personally delivered the letter from the Shogun to his counterpart in the Chinese Ministry while the rest of the group prepared themselves for the deluge of negotiations and talks that were bound to begin soon.

[Intermountain States]

To: The Russian Ambassador to Korea
From: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dear Ambassador,

As confusions and concerns mount over an increase of Russian activities in the east, his Imperial Majesty, the Gwangmu Emperor, requests your presence at your earliest convenience to discuss such matters in hopes of reaching an understanding of the situation.

Sincerely,
Park Che-soon,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Hanseong
Empire of Korea

News of Russian military buildup near Manchuria reached the imperial government and fear has risen over a possible war that would put Korea in the battlefield, just like it had in the Sino-Japanese War nearly a decade earlier and in the Boxer Rebellion just a few years prior. The military in the northern provinces were placed on high alert with plans being made to send some of the central forces to the north. The Emperor also ordered the summoning of the Russian ambassador over the news of Russian military build up, hoping for an answer. A few in the government, are looking into the situation with some opportunity for their causes.

"300,000 soldiers? What are the Russians planning?" Army Minister Yi Geun-taek asked Education Minister Ye Wanyong.

"Sending 300,000 soldiers far east to Manchuria would only be reasonable if they're responding to conflict," the Education Minister answered. "And unless the Russians were fighting a secret war against an unknown foe, it seems likely that they're here to create trouble. What other response could there be?"

"I've heard that the Emperor ordered Foreign Minister Park Che-soon to summon the Russian ambassador to explain himself," the Army Minister said. "Anything said from the Russian ambassador would likely be cover up for Russia's true intentions.

"I believe China and Japan have voiced international concerns over Russian buildup, only our Emperor had yet to make a statement about this," Geun-taek added. "I wonder why."

"Probably because the Prime Minister is a Royalist and is in that pro-Russian and German camp," Wanyong replied with some disgust in his voice. "Han Kyu-seol is only in power as Prime Minister because of the influence he has over the Imperial family. He was favored by the Empress herself." The Army Minister nodded in agreement.

"We should petition the Emperor to join with the other nations of East Asia and make an official statement condemning Russian military buildup," Geun-taek said. "We cannot afford to take a milquetoast approach to this blatant act. We should be cooperating with China and Japan against the Russians."

"The Assembly majority is made up of the Enlightenment Party but the Royalists only occupy the seat of power because of the blessing of the Empress," The Education Minister added. "This had lead to an increase of relations between Korea and Russia and that would place Korea as it had with China for many centuries. Perhaps if Russia became an aggressor in this possible war, the Royalists would have eggs on their face and lose favors with the people and the Emperor. This could allow cooperation to resume with Japan. Perhaps then, we can pursue meaningful reforms to rectify the regime and deliver the people from distress, as we did under the Gabo Cabinet."

Outside of Hanseong
Empire of Korea

The horse took a leisurely stroll through the trail leading to the hills just outside of the capital city where the Emperor's former teacher, Lord Go Sang-hoon resides in. The trail runs through the woods and the lieutenant finds the woods serene and peaceful with some minimal animal noises. Once the Lieutenant and his horse found a small running river, he got off his horse to take a closer look at the river. The river looks clean and clear and was definitely cold when he dipped his left index finger in. Perfect, it was time for a break.

Yu-jin took out an empty bottle from his bag and held it through the running water for a few seconds until the bottle was full. The lieutenant lifted the bottle up and took a swig, cold clean water meeting his parched mouth. After a few seconds, he downed the bottle with content and refilled the bottle one more time. His horse joined in to drink straight from the river and the officer sat down to rest his bones. He reached into his bag to fish out a large rice ball for an afternoon snack before he gets back on the road.

Barks were heard and the lieutenant turned around to see a bearded man and a dog walking towards the lieutenant. The lieutenant peered at the man to see that he had a dead boar slung on his left shoulder while holding a rifle on his right.

"Hello there, sir," Yu-jin greeted, waving at the man. "Are you a hunter by any chance?" The man stopped.

"Yes, I was hunting down a hog for a dinner celebration," he said, eyeing at the lieutenant. The clothing of the two men were worlds apart. Yu-jin was wearing an officer's uniform of the Imperial Guards, sharp and clean. In contrast, the bearded man wore rather traditional wear that saw years of use even if it was recently washed and dried, befitting of someone from the rural areas. His dialect also sounded pretty countrylike.

"Your clothing suggests you as an officer, likely someone of the Imperial Guards with the emblem. Now what is a military officer doing in the woods by himself?" He asked.

"I was on my way to visit Lord Go Sang-hoon's residency," the lieutenant replied. "He is the former teacher of the Emperor and I would like to pay my respect to the wise scholar who taught the Emperor well." He also held up a paper bag. "I've also purchased some Austrian pastries from the expensive bakery because I've heard that his grandsons are fans of these foreign treats. Would you like one? They're quite buttery and flakey and I bought a good amount."

The man smiled. "I'm actually delivering this hog to Lord Go. If you help me carry this hog carcass up the hill to the residency, I'll see if I can get him to talk with you." He held out his hand. "My name is Wang Hyun, a pleasure to meet you."

The lieutenant shook the hunter's hand. "I am Choi Yu-jin, nice to meet you as well."

[The Manticoran Empire]

Tauride Palace
St. Petersburg
18 January 1904

Sergei Witte sat in the chair dedicated for him within the Duma’s Chamber and listened as the leader of the Kadets went over the parliamentary reform bill. The bill was supposed to reform the State Council to provide greater representation to the governorates, something long campaigned for by both the Kadets and Octoberists but opposed by nearly half the Council. Unsurprisingly, the opposition came from all the members who had their posts by the Tsar’s appointment.

Witte, as the leader of the Octoberists Party, supported the bill. However, he also knew that the opinion that really mattered was that of the Tsar. The reform bill was, in effect, an amendment to the Constitution. It would establish the governorates as permanent entities, their boundaries fixed and unable to be changed except by popular consent. Furthermore, it would eliminate all appointed positions within the State Council, instead filling it out solely with representatives of the governorates. Such a radical change, he knew, would cost him significant political capital with the Tsar and probably add new support to the Conservatives. But if he didn’t, he would sacrifice too much capital within his own party and risk losing control of both the Party and the Government.

A hush fell over the room as the Kadet finished his speech and returned to his seat. The next speaker was, Witte looked over and his heart sank. Konstantin Pobedonostsev, the leader of the Conservative Party, was perhaps the most reactionary and backwards person in the entire Empire. There were times, in fact, that Witte was convinced he was the most reactionary person in the entire world. But, for all his reactionary politics, Pobedonostsev was well spoken. And that was on full display.

“My fellow countrymen, today we are asked to take a step along the road to disaster. We are asked to abandon our culture, society, and tradition to become more like the Communards of Paris. We have a sworn duty to ensure that Russia remains Russian, not Communard. And as God is my Witness, this bill will not pass this house. Russia will not become the servant of Paris.”

One of the Trudoviks jumped up and shouted, “The Communes of France have finally achieved what we have fought for for decades. Equality before the law and a fair and equitable society. Our sworn duty is to the People, not to Russia.”

And then the Conservatives were on their feet and the other Trudoviks came to their feet. Witte rose to his feet and walked out as the chamber devolved into a shouting match. Only one thing would buy the needed time.

---

Pacific Fleet Headquarters
Port Arthur
19 January 1904

Admiral Stepan Makarov stood in the conference room, looking through the tall window over the port. The masts of twenty-two large capital ships were arranged at their berths, the tiny forms of crewmen barely visible as they moved about their duties. “Admiral,” a rolling baritone said from behind him, “Shall we continue?” Makarov turned to face the speaker, his gaze falling upon Admiral Yevgeni Alekseyev, before saying, “Of course, Admiral.” He gestured with his hand for the man to continue. “You were talking about the latest reports from the Admiralty.”

Alekseyev nodded. “Yes, well, as I was saying, the Admiralty cautions that the Shogun is under enormous pressure to act before our build-up is complete. This matches up with our own intelligence, which suggests that the Samurai class is pushing for offensive operations to begin sooner rather than later.”

“Do we have any hard data to back this up?” Alekseyev shook his head. “No, sir, we don’t. Our sources outside of the military are thin on the ground and all the data we are getting is limited largely to lower ranking officers. It has been difficult to get informants higher up the chain.”

Makarov turned to Admiral Oskar Starck, the commander of the armored cruisers, and asked, “What do you think, Oskar?”

“I think the Nips are in over their heads. My cruisers could wipe out their whole damned excuse for a navy with a few broadsides,” the man growled.

Starck was a recent arrival in the Far East and he based his opinions on the Japanese far too much on the impressions gained from the Chinese during the last few decades. Backwards, uncivilized by European standards, incompetent, and wholly inferior in every way. Makarov, on the other hand, had been in the Far East for the last twenty years and had seen the Japanese in action both during the Sino-Japanese War and the Boxer Rebellion. They had gone from being little more advanced than the European knights of the 1400s to rivaling some of the smaller European powers in barely half a century. And while Makarov wasn’t particularly impressed at their almost callous disregard for casualties, he was deeply impressed at their personal courage and the discipline of their troops and officers. If the Japanese Navy possessed even half the courage and discipline he’d seen from the Army in ‘95 and ‘00, Starck’s cruisers would have a very hard fight ahead.

Alekseyev, who had lived in Port Arthur for ten years and had been an attache to Japan and China for ten years before that, held a similar view to Makarov. “If only they were as bad as you think they are, Oskar. The Samurai class fill every officer role and they are unique in their trade. They are warriors, born and raised. Their position in society is dictated by their role as a warrior. They possess an iron discipline and they instill that in the common troops under their command. The Japanese sailor is a match for our own, Admiral Starck. It is only their more limited education and their reliance on British industry for their fleet that enables us to retain the advantage.”

Makarov spoke again, “While I share your confidence in the skill of our own sailors, Oskar, we cannot simply dismiss the Japanese. Geni is correct. They are well drilled, well disciplined, and fiercely determined. Our success will be determined solely by our own discipline, drill, and determination. I want both of you to ensure the orders are issued. From this point forward, every ship is to conduct gunnery drills. When in port, the crews are to practice loading their guns. Every week, we will put to sea and we will conduct gunnery drills. I want every ship in the fleet to cut their salvo time to a minute flat. I know the standard is a minute and a half but I want it faster. And I want our sailors to drill on damage control. God knows there will be battle damage. I want to make sure our boys know what to do when it happens. And I want to establish a picket line of destroyers. We’ll rotate through the divisions. I want as much warning as we can get before the Japanese start shelling us. And I want the fleet to maintain 50% watches in the boiler rooms. I have no intention of a war starting with us in port with boilers cold.”

---

Winter Palace
St. Petersburg
18 January 1904

“You’re sure about that?” the Tsar asked when Witte had finished speaking. The Tsar was standing with his back to him, gazing out at the grounds as was his custom when facing such questions. Witte felt a small twinge of guilt at having brought this trouble to him. News had reached St. Petersburg of the demise of the Kaiser, a close friend of the Tsar and perhaps the most influential foreigner when it came to Russian policy. The new Kaiser, Wilhelm III, had developed a bond with the Tsarevich, Nicholas, which both Witte and the Tsar had encouraged. But all were now in mourning and Witte felt as though he had no business adding to the troubles.

“Quite, Your Majesty,” he answered, smothering the guilt he felt with an iron fist, “While we have a clear majority in favor in the Duma, between the Kadets and the Octoberists, that is less clear in Council. Most of them owe their positions to your patronage and don’t want to see any change that would lessen their own power. And the current crop of Governorate representatives feel the same. Expanding the seats to represent all the Governorates would reduce their own personal influence.”

The Tsar did not immediately answer. Rather, he remained facing the window, one hand gripping the wrist of his other in the small of his back. Witte knew the posture. He’d worked with Nicholas II for many years and had become well tuned to the man’s habits. The Tsar, perhaps the single most powerful many in Europe, was contemplating employing the last vestige of autocratic power left to him, something he had avoided his entire reign. Reform by decree.

“Twenty-five,” the Tsar’s voice said, distantly. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty?” Witte asked, puzzled by the apparently random number. “The number of years without a reform decree. Twenty-five. A shame. I had hoped never to be required to do such a thing. It is never popular, even with the reformists.”

The Tsar turned away from the window. Witte noticed the bags under his eyes and the slightly puffed appearance of his face. The face of a man lacking sleep through mourning. “Tell me, Sergei, do you think this reform is vital for our people?” Witte nodded. “I do, Your Majesty.” The Tsar crossed the room, stopping by a wall map of Russia. “Do you know what the Conservatives are really afraid of with these reforms?” Witte shook his head. “They fear that the monarchy will be abolished and that Russia will become a republic, stripping them of their last hope for a return to prominence.”

The Tsar was silent for a moment, his eyes facing the map but seemingly failing to focus. “Perhaps they are right,” he said, turning away from the map at last. “Perhaps this line of reform will end with the abolition of the monarchy. Perhaps my son will live out his days as a common citizen. Or perhaps not. Predicting the future is the realm of fools and gypsies, of which I am certainly not the latter and can only hope I am not the former. What I am, however, is a firm believer that this reform is necessary to keep Russia strong and ensure that we are never again faced with the threat of invasion. We cannot afford to be held back by Konstantin’s reactionaries. Nor can we be bowled over by the Trudoviks. I do not like it, but this reform is important and it will be accomplished.”

Witte nodded his understanding as the Tsar walked to his desk and pulled a pen and paper from the drawer and began to write.

---

[box]

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire
Dated 20 January 1904

There have been numerous developments across the world in the last month and we seek to address them together.

First, the redeployment of Russian Army forces, announced and put into effect on the 6th of January, is not an offensive action nor is it in preparation for any offensive action against any state in the Far East. The deployment is a defensive measure, intended to ensure the security of the Manchurian railways and secure our access to Dalny and Port Arthur. Given the heightened tensions between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan, as well as the limited evidence of Chinese ability to provide the requisite security assurances, we have been left with no choice but to ensure the security of our property ourselves. We are open to cooperating with our neighbors in China and Korea and offer them our solemn assurances that we have no territorial ambitions in their nations.

Secondly, the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina is merely a long overdue recognition of the status quo. Bosnia has been de facto Austro-Hungarian territory for thirty years. Now its inhabitants enjoy all the protections and benefits of being formal citizens of the Empire, rather than merely subjects to it, as is the case with the colonial possessions of the British Empire.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that we received word of the passing of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. As a dear friend of the Tsar and close supporter of Russia during times easy and hard, all of Russia mourns with Germany at his passing. Our condolences and sympathies lie with his family during this trying time. The Tsar and Tsarevich will both be present at his funeral to pay their respects.

[Newne Carriebean7]

---

Madrid,
Kingdom of Spain
The Year of our lord 1904 A.D., Seventeenth of January

---

Grand Admiral Manuel Macías paced anxiously in the room. He glanced up at the elaborately decorated grandfather clock, then resumed looking down at the ornate red carpets, his mind lost with worry. The man was not a naval man. Far from it, being formerly tasked with the defense of Spanish Puerto Rico during the War of Catastrophe. Although he expected to be punished, the Queen had decided to attempt his talents in another field, formally being appointed as the Grand Admiral in secret, unbeknownst to the then incumbent Grand Admiral, who got his letter of resignation when a few members of the Inquisition decided to defenestrate him right out of the third story of the Naval Admiralty Headquarters in Madrid. Needless to say, Macías was understandably nervous right now.

“Dios mío! Manuel, you are not fit for this command. You-you should’ve gotten a very nice view from the third story, then immediately seen what fiery demons await you in hell! Oh…Dios mío! I-I… why I can’t be entrusted with this, I mean- I can’-”

Admiral Macías’s thoughts were intercepted by the royal calvary known as a door opening. The Admiral stiffly stood to attention, though partially this was due to his anxiety forcing the man into freezing or fighting. A statue of a stiff lipped, handlebar mustache equipped man complete with an ornately decorated (if second hand from it’s previously deceased progenitor) naval uniform of an officer of the Spanish Armada was the sight that greeted the terrified Grand Admiral.

“Marquis A Coruña! How goes Isabella’s rifling of command? It seems yesterday I was a General and you an Admiral. So, Ol’ amigo, how’s getting your land-legs?”

The Marquis flashed a polite smile before rifling in his pocket for a thick looking cigar, striking a match and lighting his cigar.

“Oh, you know. It’s a complete pain in the ass, but my troops are marshaled to fight as well as they can be expected to be. I have the expectation that our fortifications against Robespierre France will hold against a withering barrage of whatever they can throw at us.”

The newly-minted Admiral shared a laugh and shook his head at the impossible tasks that would soon be upon them.

“I see. Oh, you poor thing. I’ll have to ship you some more cigars. Imported from Cuba, of course!”

“That’s it those idiotic Americans can even see to it to trade with us. I’m going to have to be reduced to 94 proof Liquor and Portuguese Cigarettes!” *Shudder* “Could you imagine me, reduced to having to puff portuguese made cigarettes and not trusted and speciality cuban cigars?”

“It’s incredulous!” Barked out the Admiral, whose face was beat red but who’s eyes gave away a very animated man when bitching about the old days and everything wrong with society in this day and age. “ I myself have had to abstain from a nice, juicy lobster because they didn’t have any in stock! I even rode out by myself, had to pay for the hay out of my own pocket for the horse, and all three seaport villages didn’t have any fresh lobster. The only lobster they had ended up giving me diarrhea for a week and a half! The woes of the rich and powerful, oh our woes!” Exclaimed Admiral Macías.

After a few more barbs and complaints about today's newfangled plays and ‘operas’ and ‘interpretive dances’, the most important woman in Spain soon found her seat at the table where the clique of spanish power had centralized. Standing right beside her was the Grand Inquisitor, his green eyes gleaming with a hint of superiority before he demurred to his overall superior royal.

““Su Majestad.” Spoke both men in reverence to the Head of State that had, without even exchanging eye-contact or telegraph information, took her rightful place at the center ,where all eyes would be concentrated on her.

“So…” began Isabella. “ Am I to sit here watching you entertain me about the “good old days” or are we to proceed with the matters of state and serious governance?” inquired the Queen accusatory.

“Su Majestad…” Marquis A Coruña began. “May I direct your attention to the construction of our fortifications against those godless socialists? Fortress Isabella is well positioned but not well manned at this moment. Additionally, the Fortress holds several weak points.”

“Weak points that would allow an enemy to lob shells and detonate, say the exposed magazines?” Questioned Isabella, which only raised a small eyebrow from the Admiral and none from the Marquis. The Nobleman was accustomed to her interference in military doctrine, much to his Chagrin. But, if he wanted to avoid an early defenestration and retirement party by members of the Inquisition (lest a visit from Ramon Blanco of all people), he nodded his head along and furthered his explanation to bat away any negligible doubt that still remained in the skeptical monarch’s mind.

“Yes, Su Majestad. Enemy ammunition could potentially impact our ammunition dumps and set them off, ruining out shell production qualities. This can be improved by moving such facilities under the protection of several layers of concrete and steel to bunkers.” Replied the Marquis.

“Bunkers less able to be susceptible to enemy bombardment, preserving already available stores of ammunition and enabling our logistics to not be as strained. It will lower casualties in the event of a direct hit and will serve to improve morale of the Magistrat-Your Armies.”

Isabella was lost in thought for a moment before cooly replying. “So be it. I pray that your preparations are well worth it. I shall instruct you to construct massive additional fortifications along our borders.”

“With respect, Su Majestad, Prayers simply will not cut it. I require donations from the treasure to be gifted in order to facilitate construction of additional fortifications. That is my paramount priority.” Replied the Marquis politely, yet firmly.

Isabella’s eyes turned from blinding rage to incredulousness before capitulating into apathy. She nodded her head at the Marquis A Coruña.

“Very Well. You require donations? Then you shall GET donations! I shall make it so! Those godless mob of revolutionary peasants must be kept at bay, unless we have to drag them from the gates of hell to Madrid ourselves.” The bitterness and venom within her voice was well within reason, although it did take everyone else aback just a tad from her rudeness.

“Su Majestad.” Replied Admiral Macías, now eager to steer the Queen’s incendiary outbursts in a more productive vein. “It is the position of the Navy that we shall sally forth to participate, henceforth, participation nessicates supply priority and by extension of that, additional resources for our naval dockyards.” The elderly Admiral then dug out a vanilla envelope and gingerly un-did latches holding the secrets within. Such secrets entailed a handful of tattered white papers that also had variations of sketches on designs, mere fantasy concoctions of the lesser ranking sailors that were privy or creative enough to be noticed by such superiors.

“The designs are nothing new, simply copied with small variations of our Pelayo Battleship. They shall be called the Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros and the Fernando de Valdés y Salas, respectively. Both famous Inquisitors at it's heyday in the mid 14th century.

The two vessels are to contain the following:

Have a length of 333 feet

Be 69 feet wide, er with the beam,

The main armament will be three, one single shot capital ship caliber weapons of 32, 30 and 28 centimeters respectively. These turrets will be placed with the center one being capable of swinging to either port or starboard, with the other two being located both near the front and stern sections respectively. At least a dozen smaller weapons will be placed throughout the ship to deal with enemy torpedo boats, armored cruisers, and unruly Spanish peasants trying to shoot at us in their fishing boats.

It’s estimated speed will be 15 to around 18 knots, so it shall keep up with the Pelayo. With this, we shall have three capital ships.”


The Admiral then let a small sheet of paper with a grainy looking picture of the Pelayo directly above a slew of technical specifications for the vessel. Such factoids and technical jargon mostly went over the heads of the Queen, who simply understood the fact that the Navy was going to be built with more vessels.
“Yes Yes! Fine. I accept. I’ll let you play with your ships, Admiral Macías. Be warned, however, should these vessels end up to be nothing more than an egregious waste of state resources, then you will be crucified. I hope I have made that clear.” Spoke the Sovereign of the nation directly to the Admiral, each word holding an immense amount of weight, nearly as much as a potential blade of the guillotine.

Baulking, Macías nodded his head in the affirmative as the Queen exchanged an impatient look between the Marquis A Coruña and the head Admiral, who got the message and shuffled some more papers around on the desk, revealing a newspaper with faded yellow paperings, it’s unkept and wrinkly affairs almost betraying the seriousness of words upon the paper.

“Well… The French have issued a statement. “ noted the Marquis attentively to the details and paragraphs that were intermingled with an advertisement for Spanish slaves.

“That mess in the Balkans? It appears as though the Russians have too..” the Queen duly noted, taking an eye for a much smaller side-column blurb about Russians. She mused through the statement and sighed for relief.

“Well, they’ve taken mostly the same position as us, so there’s no need to worry about having the Marquis of Campoo to have to make nicety-nice with the Russian bear. That is the last thing we need on our plates right now, apart from some good arsenic poisoning. Well, there is no point in re-burying an already dead peasant, so let’s not twist our words, shall we? “

All parties nodded along, and just then the ancient grandfather clock chimed twelve times. It was already Noon. The Queen began to get up from her seat and gestured over to both the Marquis and Admiral Macías to come closer. They did so and the Queen hugged both men the same way an old abuela would hug a small Niño.

“Now now, my ninos… It’s time to get going. I’ve got a meeting with that upstart Magistrate that’s chomping at the bit to invade Gibraltar…”

Both men balked incredulously at the idiotic stupidity of this Magistrate, then they put two and two together and figured out who it was. The Marquis sighed considerably before stating.

“That wouldn’t happen to be… Gravina Falco Portusach, correct?” The old man braced for an answer, and when his suspicions were confirmed, broke down into another collection of heavy, disappointed sounding sighs.

“That man…” The Marquis shook his head in the same way a disapproving father might. “has eyes smaller than most men, which explains why his gut is so big. A word to the wise when dealing with him. Take him out to the finest dining experience you can think of. In fact, host him here in the Palace, then you’ll be able to talk some sense into this idiot that wants to start a wat-war with the worlds’ foremost naval power. He’s far more amenable and pleasant to deal with on a full stomach than an empty one.”

“Duly noted.” The Queen said, turning around, then doubling back again to discover that her confidants had deserted her, leaving her to deal with the one they called “El Feo.”

---

Island of Guam,
Spanish East Indies
Year of our lord 1904 A.D., Twelfth of January

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Francisco Martínez Portusach was a very bored individual. Several years of managing one of the most distant and far-away islands of the entire Spanish Empire did not readily engage his brain. He instead treated this like a very expensive vacation, all paid for by the Spanish Crown. Sure, he was an American citizen and had been installed by the American navy, but he had renounced such ties and instead threw his lot in with the Spanish.

He looked outside of his stone villa that overlooked the entire island, which was simply a stain of sand in a very, very wet pond known as the Pacific Ocean.

This. This was his reward. Just a smattering collection of islands under his thumb. Hardly a colonial empire in the pacific, and a far cry away from what had been the Spanish Philippines or the more prestigious sugar plantations such as in Cuba. The title “Governors-Generals of the Spanish East Indies” was an ironic one, given the lack of ‘east-indies’ within the actual control of Spain. Still, he kept the local garrison of soldiers busy, a small but equally bored group of 125 soldiers, who slept in two of the large buildings on the island, close to what counted as a dockyard on the Island, right next to the fortifications that they manned against potential intruders and invaders.

There was always a fear that the United States or even Germany might see to it to possibly ask to purchase the islands. Such a decision might have made any sense, given the bitter losses Spain herself has lost. The position was untenable and unenvious, yet she was stupidly stubborn. Every last island counted for something, and each speck of rock with the Spanish ensign flying high above what counted as a sandcastle in the middle of nowhere was the pinnacle of the flailing Empire.

The flagship (and only ship) of the so-called “Spanish East Indies Squadron” was nothing more than a dozen gruff, overweight Spaniards manning a slightly armored Gunboat, humorously called the SS Locura, or folly in Spanish. Equipped with an old railroad engine and boiler, the vessel was armed with a heavy looking 1 pounder Maxim Gun stripped from one of the coastal fortifications and was rumored to go as fast as thirteen knots. Though no-one knew for sure how fast the flagship went, as there wasn’t enough coal to go around to actually manage her sea trials.

This was a ludicrous and futile defense, and not many of those took their roles too seriously. Governor Portusach could clearly see that, as there was only one man awake at this hour, and the sun was starting to rear it’s hot, boiling head up into the heavens and bright blue above. The rest of the Garrison, and his brother for that matter, would be up.

And so he waited, like everyone else on this scrap of dirt that proudly holds the Spanish colors, for something exciting to happen. Around a half hour later, the door to his working quarters swung open and eyed his brother, José Portusach.

“Frank!”

The man balked out at such a casual slinging of his name and corrected him in between an exasperated breath.
“M-Must you call me that? I have a full title, you know.”

“I don’t get paid enough to address you like that. Pay my lungs the effort of spilling out all that dribble, then I’ll say it. Until then, you’re Frank.”

“Governor Frank.”

“Governor of what? Some dirt? Governor of Dirt Frank, the Marquis of Isolation, the Count of loneliness? Shall I go on?”

Fransico shook his head and sighed, turning his back to the man in his chair as he remained seated.

“Look, Governor Portusach.”

The man’s eyes lit up when he was addressed by his title.

“Now, that’s more like it. I may be the ‘governor of dirt’, but many travelers don’t know I’m in charge of the entire Spanish East Indies.”

“Well, most of them don’t know that Spain doesn't own the Philippines anymore, so I’m sure you can fool many of them.”

“Fuck you.”

“I’m flattered, but I’’m spoken for, Frank! I met this girl and-”

“God save me now… Christ José! Did Mother ever tell you how irritating you could be?”

“No…” replied José with a sly grin. “But I’ve always considered myself to be a charming individual. Not like that, you know, but, with a little whiplash for it.”
“Charming, Irritating, bah! They mean the same thing. Bah! Just, leave me alone.”

“Nuh-uh. I’ve been tending to your other crops, all these other islands you say you lord over but it’s hard to even stop some lunatic british or american sailor from starting some diplomatic incident between us. You like numbers don’t you? Why don’t I go do an official census, that way we know how many citizens you “lord” over. Will that make you happy?”

Francisco cracked the beginnings of a smile at the illusion of at least seeing how many, before gruffly replying.

“Why, that’s good for business. We need to know how many customers would like our wares, our good quality spanish wares, not that American crap.”

“Say…aren’t you American?” Accused José, who was met with a bitter frown and red face of Portusach, who returned fire with bitter words intermingled with the occasional spicy sentence enhancer known as a curse word..

“I was American. They left me on guam when the war started. I was the only American citizen. When I learned that that captain was kicking me off, I had it. I wanted my own island, so I said to hell with that! I decided to forsake my American citizenship and become a servant of the crown. I am a proud Spainard, don’t you forget it!”

“Well… then… I’ll leave you to it.” José coughed awkwardly before the sound of a shutting door left the Governor of the “Spanish East Indies” alone in his office, managing scraps of glorified sandbar needles in the middle of God's very wet haystack known as the Pacific Ocean.

[NewLakotah]

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Chapter Three - Part One: Desperate Times

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“Organized force alone enables the quiet and the weak to go about their business and to sleep securely in their beds, safe from the violent without or within.”
― Alfred Thayer Mahan

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The War Council

---

Tokyo, Japan
January 24, 1904
The Imperial War Council

The Shogun Takatsukasa stared down at the most recent reports from China and Manchuria. The delegation had arrived and had started to make positive contact. Meanwhile, the Russian military continued to slowly move its forces East. Over towards Manchuria and Japan. The forces were trickling in, but it wouldn’t be long before the force of nearly 400,000 total Russian soldiers and a combined fleet would be massed. With that, it was the role of the Shogun and of the Ministry of War, the Council, and the Imperial General Staff to figure out exactly what the Russians were doing and how the Japanese were going to respond.

The meeting was quite large. Directly to the Shogun’s left was Marshall Admiral Itō Sukeyuki, in charge of the entire Imperial Japanese Navy. Next to Itō was Admiral Ijuin Gorō, commander of the Imperial Battlefleet, the primary organ of the entire Imperial Navy. On the Shogun’s left was Sadaijin Tokiwai Fumitaka directly next to him and Field Marshall Ōyama Iwao, Supreme Commander of the Japanese Armies beyond that. At the far end of the table sat the Minister of War Takahashi Teruo. In all, that comprised this compliment of the war council, with only a few absentees largely related to the diplomatic missions that the government had rapidly sent out in the aftermath of the Russian movements.

Today, the meeting was an important one. With time running out, it was close to becoming time of the point of no return. Either the Japanese would have to strike now, with the Russians at their weakest. Or wait until the Japanese army was able to consolidate its allies and its forces in the region and to strike at the opportune time. When the odds were more in their favor.

Takatsukasa looked up from the recent reports and glanced around the room. All eyes were on him.

“Well, gentlemen. Progress is progress, is it not?” He asked.They all nodded. “Then let us begin and break down the recent actions of the Russians closely. Field Marshall? As the Army representative, what ideas can you give us on what the goals of the Russians are?”

Field Marshall Ōyama nodded grimly. “Yes, your Grace. Well, quite simply, the matter is incredibly complicated. The move appears to have no basis on actual on the ground information. We can find no information of any major security risks to their raillines. The abilities of the current Russian soldiers has thus far proven more than capable at fighting off the occasional banditry by the locals. Certainly nothing that would call for 300,000 soldiers to be shipped East.”

“Thus, we can safely dismiss the Russian official reply.” the Shogun said. “But, I think we already knew that quite well. What else, Field Marshall?”

“Then there can only be two major reasons for this shift. One is they consider, based on their own intelligence that an attack by us or by China, but obviously most likely us, is imminent. And thus, in order to prevent our well-prepared plans, they send out 300,000 soldiers and a fresh fleet and dare us to continue on with our plan. Secondly, they are planning to launch their own offensive. Logically, it could only be aimed at two targets. Beijing or Korea. Beijing would make no sense. The Russians have already gotten as much as they could and driving an offensive action against China would draw the ire of the entire world, including their allies in Germany and neutral states like the United States. It could also give cause for the British to aid the Chinese, dragging the Russians into a costly war on the wrong side of the world.”

“Thus, you consider an attack against the Empire of China unlikely?” Asked the Shogun. Ōyama nodded firmly.

“Yes, sir. The chances of their forces being used to launch a direct attack against China is unlikely. And, if it is their goal, then the best option is, in my opinion, to simply allow the Russians to launch their offensive and to draw the ire of the world. Our intervention would come with international backing and support and we would come out all the stronger for it.”

The Shogun nodded. He glanced around the room. “Anyone disagree with this assessment?”

There was a still silence for a moment then the Shogun nodded and turned back to the Field Marshall. “Continue.”

“Then, if the attack against the Chinese is unlikely, there are only two other possibilities. Us or the Empire of Korea. An offensive directly against us would be an impossibility. But an attack against our concessions in China or on Korea are very much more likely. An attack on the Empire of Korea would be most interesting. The Empress is a strong loyalist to the Russians and, well, given what the Radicals did its hard to argue with her on that. But still, they are a very divided government that could swing back and forth. Hell, the likelihood of us invading Korea swings from somewhat likely to very likely depending on the word from Seoul.” There were a few nods and chuckles at this.

Ōyama continued, “Then I do consider an offensive against the Empire of Korea a very likely possibility. Or, less likely but still a threat, an attack against the Japanese holdings on the mainland.”

There was, again, a still silence. Finally, it was broken by Marshall Admiral Itō.

“On the matter of the second Russian fleet, we consider this to be a very grave and serious threat. With it, the Russians will possess full naval superiority over the entirety of Asia until they withdraw. From a strategic standpoint, the Japanese Navy cannot engage in a open battle with the Russian fleet. Such would be a futile death and a waste of good ships. If the fleets are allowed to merge, well, we can forget about any sort of hegemony in East Asia.”

“But the fleet cannot stay here forever, can it?” Minster Takahashi asked, leaning forward intently. “The Russian fleet cannot possibly stay here, on the opposite side of the world for too long. Such an action would leave their European holdings severely weakened against the world’s most powerful navy.”

“Such actions seem illogical, yes.” Itō said slowly. “But it does seem to the strategy the Russians are employing. They must seriously trust in their alliance with the Germans to secure them in Europe. The Austrians seem just as likely to jump in bed with them. Yes… it does seem like Europe is their front porch and now they are out in the back garden to straighten things out here.”

“How long could the fleet remain in the Pacific?” Takatsukasa asked. Itō shrugged.

“It's hard to say really. Months to years depending on politics in Europe. While years are definitely unlikely, again, if they think their front door is secured, it leaves both hands free to secure the back.”

There was silence again. “Alright, Admiral. If we go, what is the call?” The Shogun asked.

Admiral Itō stared back levelly at the Shogun. “If we go… then we must strike quickly and suddenly. Eliminating the fleet as quickly as possible and disallowing any chance of them combining their fleets in the Pacific. Such an attack would be risky. It would require the entirety of the Battlefleet and the Reserve Fleet in order to ensure we could do it. If we can strike when they are least prepared and deliver a decisive blow, then we could potentially secure victory. However, if the attack fails, then we will have no chance for victory.”

There was, again, silence. “And what if the Empire of China joins us?” Takatsukasa asked.

“The situation on the ground would improve dramatically. We would have absolute control over the ground phases of the war. The Chinese Army could easily field an army of 300,000 to match the Russians. And with our two armies, we could easily destroy the Russians before they could get their reserves shipped out from Moscow. The weakness of the Russians is their supply lines. They are incredibly fragile and run down single lines for thousands of kilometers. They can easily be cut since there is no way for the Russians to be able to defend that much territory against irregulars. In my opinion, if the Empire of China does join with us, the situation on the ground would improve dramatically.” Ōyama said. Marshall Admiral Ito squirmed slightly in his chair.

“Field Marshall,” Itō said, “while the possibility for ground victory may be strong, it does nothing to even the chances of a victory at sea. Our supply lines would entirely depend on our ability to defend access to the ports in China. With the superior forces of the Russian fleet, it would not be challenging for the Russians to completely shut down all abilities to resupply our forces in China. Our troops will wither and die without support. We cannot win without a naval victory.”

“Then we must take the chance and defeat the Russian Navy immediately!” Ōyama snapped back.

“And how do you suggest we do that? They outnumber us and they outgun us. Any pitched line battle between our fleets will be an entirely one sided affair.”

Shogun Takatsukasa raised his hand. “Enough. It is clear that we are a divided council on the matter. We cannot win if the Army and the Navy cannot agree on a strategy. If we cannot agree on a strategy then we cannot go forward to war. So, it is clear that we cannot win a naval war against Russia and it is clear that we cannot wage a ground war without securing a naval victory. That leaves us in an incredibly desperate position, gentlemen. So, is the answer to not attack?”

The Admiral nodded firmly. “Yes, your Grace. We cannot go to war. We must remain vigilant and active. If the Russians launch their offensive, then we can react and respond accordingly. However, I cannot recommend that our forces be committed to an offensive action. Such an action would result in the collapse of our Empire. We must continue to build and build quickly if we are not to be swallowed up by the Russian Threat, but we cannot risk everything on one slim possibility of victory.”

Takatsukasa sighed. “Field Marshall?”

Field Marshall Ōyama sighed and slumped back in his chair. “I agree with the Admiral. If we cannot secure a naval victory, then our chances for victory on the ground grow slim. Even with the support from the Chinese since our supply lines would be incredibly fragile. No army can operate in such conditions. Not in the modern world.”

The Shogun nodded. “Then it is settled. We will continue to commit ourselves to the defense of the Empire of China, but we will not take any offensive actions. Not until we receive the support we require from the British. If they decide not to help us, so be it. With our backs to the wall, we will fight to the death and to the last.”

[Alaroma]

Part Three: The Iron Port

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Twenty years ago, the ruins of old attempts at settling the city remained. There were scattered people, with groups of villages living around the area. That all changed however, when twenty-five years ago, the first Haitian miners arrived in Venezuela. In what was known as the Cerro Bolivar mine. It was discovered in a series of ongoing efforts by Haiti to find new iron resources for importation.

Over the course of twenty five years, Iron Port had become a little boom port. With the mining industry as its nucleus, it also brought a sort of centrality to the region. While mostly made of Haitians, the local Venezuelan communities found benefits in the revival of the new city as well. It provided public services, protections, and more stability than could be said for most of the country throughout the period. It also allowed for Haitian and Venezuelan farmers to export their crops more easily in the area.

The city proved to be a major inlet for Haitian influence, the now twenty thousand strong city one of the area’s largest cities. Its isolation from the rest of Venezuela also proved decisive in forming local identity around the Haitian miners. Afterall, there was only one train leading out of the city. That train headed to Cerro Bolivar, taking back iron for a growing Haitian hunger for raw resources.

The city was no Paris, but as far as frontier towns go, it was well organized. Many of the city's modern needs were shipped in, from tools to medicines. As such, the first striking thing about the port was the sturdiness of its port and its railroads. These were of course the backbone of this new society. The lifeline to its main source of income, and its line to the outside world. An outside world that mostly consisted of Haiti and similar commercial ventures in the region.

Col des Oliviers, or ‘Paso de Olivo’ was the city’s main street, and it's beating heart. Down this street, local officials, prominent local citizens, and various businesses. It is also connected to the city’s heart, a Catholic church. It was a handsome building, but those with long visions hoped to replace it with a Cathedral one day. These streets branched off into various residential areas, which had their own local businesses, homes, and pastimes. The variances in quality, and prestige, was obvious. While the main street’s buildings were built in quality, even being electrified, other buildings lacked the same standards. Some being noted as ‘put together tin shacks’.

The inequalities between areas where streets might be paved, and areas with substandard housing aside, there were some common grounds. Notably, the education system, which was mandatory for all children to attend. Common public services such as the police, militias, public education, and its democratic institutions made the city unique in the area.

Near the town hall, the city’s sole Venezuelan flag resided. It flew, showing the city and its citizens ostensible support for the Caracas government. Mostly however, the citizens mostly focused on their own world. Next, was the regional flag. This too, was the only of its kind in the city. However,the city flag was everywhere. A nod to the mixture of peoples in the city, this flag better represented local identity than anything else.

When local militiamen drilled, it couldn’t help but be noticeable their banner was the city’s very own banner. Perhaps, that was the essence of the local identity. Distinctive, and isolated. That was the city Andre Chery lived, and he was proud of it. Though, he was one of the first to sense times were changing.

In one of the Milita’s barracks, his hands ran over the wooden texture of a cargo box. “Look inside.” his supplier said. And, he would do just that. What he found were rows upon rows of Mausers.

“No Carrefours?” the man asked. “Same thing, isn’t it?” the other man asked. “Besides, deniability is the name of the game. Besides, it's easier to get our hands on.” the man continued.

“You really think the Centralists will come back to power, Antonio?” Andrew pushed. “Seems likely. They’re gathering power in Colombia. A new conflict isn’t far off, I reckon. People out west, they know that Castro fucker is a tyrant. The entire world does.”

“Fuck, though centralists coming to power could impact us….” Andre said, trailing off. “Yeah, sure would. Which is why we’re getting you folks prepared. The other Haitian communities know what that dictator is like. There’s preparations on the outlying islands for something big.” Antonio replied.

Andrew, who had picked up a rifle to expect it, side eyed Antonio. “What the hell do you mean by something big?” Antonio smiled at that. “Independence.”
Andre’s eyes went wide at the thought,but Antonio only smiled back. “There’s talk of it, you know On the quiet, get what I mean. Community leaders, they’re whispering to each other. They’re thinking to themselves, ‘Boy, if we didn’t have another dictator every five years, wouldn’t that be great?’ Think about it, why is this place so great? Because Caracas doesn’t touch it. If those clowns get enough power to control the east, it's game over.”

“What…..does Haiti think about this?” Andre asked. Antonio paused, before rubbing his chin. “Well, they aren’t gonna be sending troops to save us. Though…weapons, volunteers, money, supplies. They won’t stop that from making its way down here. Come on man, think about it. What could twenty thousand Haitians do to anything Venezuela came up with?”

Andre paused, then simply noted “We’d fucking massacre them, yeah?” Anthony nodded vigorously. “Hell yeah we could. We could make our own little country down here, and give these Venezuelan wahoos a licking.

“Err, you think we can get enough volunteers for that kind of thing?” Andre asked. “What, are you kidding? IronPort is one of the links to our future. Haitians know how important this land is. It’s like Acre, or Chile’s north, or Texas. I don’t know if things will go down…but if they do, you can bet people will come to help us down here. Hell, we even might get Americans to join down here. Who like a tyrant, after all?”

“Yeah, well we’re gonna need to take that all one step at a time. We need to see what happens in the rest of the country first.” Andre noted.

“True. Though, we’ll be better prepared than most. Your boys are certified professionals after all.” Antonio said. “We get y’all some fast firers, and I dare say we’ll have something special in the works. Either way, if I were you, I’d begin some intensive map making. More intensive than you ever have. You need to be able to connect to our brothers better than anyone else.”

“Hmm. One more thing. What we gonna do about our Spanish speakers?” Andre asked. Antonio snickered at that. “What? Oh, you mean most of the yokels out here? Don’t you know there’s no such thing as a Venezuelan? Just villagers, and their favorite Caudillo. The guy who protects them, feeds them, keeps their kids safe. Who is keeping their kids safe, and taking their produce to market? Who’s sending them to school? Who’s treating them nice and fair? Well, mostly anyway.”

“Huh. Us, I guess.” Andre said. It was true, the local protectors had been Haitian official in Iron Port and other centers. “That’s right. So, when we say we’re all sons of a Free Guyana, I think they’ll believe us. And if they don’t, well…then sometimes a little twist is needed.”

“Whatever you say man. Well, I got some work to do. If this hearsay is more than hearsay, I think I got a lot of work to do….” Andrew said, sighing before putting the rifle back in the crate.

Part Four: Fruit from Paris

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‘Olivia the Diplomat’ became the Empress's new moniker, as Haitians celebrated the news coming back from Europe. The success of the new arrangements had come to the surprise of, well, everyone. Foreign businessmen watched curiously from their apartments and hotels as Haitians of all stripes flooded the streets. The string of Haitian successes abroad seemed to keep flowing. It was hoped that Haiti could not truly leave its past behind.

That did raise a question, however. The amount of money earmarked to return to Haiti, was frankly speaking, unfathomable. When the public fully understood the amount of money that had to be returned, it became obvious as to why even France needed to pay such sums back over a payment plan. To demonstrate the amount of wealth coming back to Haiti, ‘Twenty Nine Transcontinental Railroads’ became a favorite comparison. Every year, enough money build the now famous American railroad and more would be coming back.

Some plans had been floated around prior to what a successful negotiation might look like, but the need for a body to oversee the funds was now apparent. The Imperial Investment Fund, founded by Prime Minister Riche’s government, was such a body. Plans for the densification of the rail network were brought out. Beyond that, plans for the large-scale modernization of Haitian cities were also brought up. Dreams of a Haiti where not just the industrial centers could bring pride to Haitians.

The health implications were also apparent. Better hospitals, cleaner streets, developed sewerage systems. The expected boom in construction had construction companies giddy with excitement. Nothing was set in motion yet, but the Haitian people could begin to see a future fully detached from their past. Now, they just need to survive the present.

Part Five:The Boer Question

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The Boers were certainly everyone’s favorite rogues. Everyone except Haiti’s. When stories of the Boer War came to Haiti, there was at first an apathy of sorts. The British were imperialists, but the Boers were arguably a greater danger to indigenous Africans than Britain. Stories of forced labor, torturing of African civilians, and burning down African homes turned Haitian public opinion against the Boers. Meanwhile, Britain while incredibly incompetent it appeared, seemed to treat Africans far better.

As time went on, Haitian sympathies turned decisively pro British. An oddity among nations not within the British Empire. As the war went on, and observers returned to Haiti, impassioned Veterans began to form volunteer groups. The end result was the Trogon Brigade. A group of five thousand Haitian volunteers, led by Colonel Poisson. Or, as his men know him, Colonel Dessalines. A former officer, and infamous mercenary, the man was arguably Haiti’s most famous soldier for those who cared.

With a mixture of formal military protocol, and the experience of aiding and suppressing rebellions in Latin America, the man knew a thing or two. His conclusion? Britain hadn’t done nearly enough to strip the guerillas of their support base. In short, he demanded escalation. He had read reports about American and British field actions in their respective quagmires, and he had thoughts. That is, if people were willing to listen. If not, at the very least, he and his men could try to help local Africans caught up in the conflict.

This was the context of the situation that led Henri Georges to South Africa. Henri, a native of Carrefour, was a political man. His conscription into the Haitian military at the age of eighteen proved to be the basis of a fairly active security career abroad.

Out of the military, he did a stint as guard for the iron mines near IronPort. This led to a series of events, where he played a role in the wars in Venezuela. Tired of his time in Venezuela, he returned home, hoping to help his country as a worker there. When life as a police officer proved to be too boring, he decided to get more involved in Soldiers clubs. Clubs that were closely monitoring the situation in South Africa.

Before he knew it, he was on the docks of Cape Town. Cape Town, by all accounts, was a western town in Africa. It was, while smaller than Port-au-Prince, bigger than practically any other city in Haiti.

As the troops of the Trogon Brigade stepped off their ships, the civilians of the city gave them curious looks. Curious, bewildered, and occasionally hostile. That was okay. Colonel Poisson and his merry Brigade of adventurers didn't need their approval. As the man had so provocatively proclaimed to his troops, “We’re not here to make friends. We’re here as avengers. The Boers are sinners, and men like us read them their bills.”

Another thing Henri noticed was the weather. It was nice, and temperate. The area the city was built in was also beyond beautiful.
“Whites man, they gotta take the most beautiful real estate wherever they can find it, don’t they?” Henri muttered. “Oh, that’s not true.” his friend, Louis, noted. “They don’t have Haiti, the most beautiful Island on Earth.”

Henri chuckled at that. “The most beautiful? True. But who came before us? What happened to the people of our Islands before this new order of things? The order where we live in the plains of peoples long gone.”

Louis looked at Henri for a moment, before shrugging. “I suppose the Spanish came. Then the French.” Louise conceded. “Right. And they would have kept the land if it wasn’t for us.” Henri added. “This place, this place is gone I’m afraid. Though, I hear colored folk can vote here. So, at least it’s better than whatever horrors the Boers can think up.”

“Either way, it’ll be a long train ride to the front lines. We’ll get to experience all the South African countryside in our trip to the frontlines.” Louis replied.
“Alright, lads!” a Lieutenant yelled at Henri and his fellows. “Time to get a move on! Down the docks, line up next to the train station!” he would yell, before blowing a rather loud whistle. “Battle dogs to the end, huh?” Louise cracked. “I thought we were Trogons.” Henri replied.

Louise smiled at that. “Same. Well, its a shame either way. We won’t get to see anything from the city.” the man noted. “What could you possibly want to see? A whore house? A tavern? A gambling den, maybe? Do you even have the money for that?” Henri remarked.

“You mock, but not being with a woman in weeks is rough. Show a little compassion, my friend.” Louise snorted. “You need to get married, that's what you need to do.” Henri said, before sighing as the troops in front of him finally began to move.

“Married? If someone can give me a reason to stay in one place, I might consider it.” Louise said, before he got moving. It was gonna be a long trip to the front lines, Henrie was afraid.

Part Six: The Sanon Report

---

Oliver Sanon of the Haitian consulate in the Congo Free State had just sent its reports of the state of the nation to his superiors in Port-au-Prince. After evaluation, an enraged Imperial High Council sent copies of the report abroad.

The Casement Report comprises forty pages of the Council Papers, to which is appended another twenty pages of individual statements gathered by Sanon as Consul, including several detailing grim tales of killings, mutilations, kidnappings and cruel beatings of the native population by soldiers of the Congo Administration of King Leopold. Copies of the Report were sent by the Haitian government to the Dutch government as well as to nations who were signatories to the Berlin Agreement in 1885, under which much of Africa had been partitioned. The Haitian High Imperial Council requests a meeting of the fourteen signatory powers to review the 1885 Berlin Agreement.

High Councilor Riche, in an address to the Imperial High Council, acknowledged the events in the Congo as a “Humanitarian disaster of untold proportions.” This in mind, it has become a policy of the Haitian government to see the step down of King Leopold as sovereign over the Congo. The mainstream opinion in Haitian political circles is for the Netherlands to annex the Congo. More niche circles say Haiti should be in charge of administration of the Congo. Regardless of the specifics, the Haitian press has grown loud and angry over the developments in the Congo. While the full details of the report aren’t revealed, enough stories have escaped the Congo for it to be on the minds of readers in Haiti.

Other Developments

---

New Developments:
>Greater Expansion of Development to Chocolate/Confectionary Industry
>Campaign to attract black, and to a lesser extent Asian, labor begins. Construction boom anticipated.
>Shell companies begin development, as the Franco-Haitian deal begins to take place
>Haiti contemplates joining the Naval Race in Latin America
>Expansion of the Franchise to women begins to gain steam in public opinon
>Industrial Policy commits to the introduction of heavier industry in Santo Domingo, as part of the Government's industry building plans.
>'Olivia the Diplomat' gains traction as a nickname for the Empress. 'The Sugar Empress' is popular amongst industry leaders.

[Chewion]

A Call To Change

Berlin Palace, Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
January 21st, 1904

The Kaiser sat at his desk reviewing the report and brief that Chancellor Bismarck had handed him. As he read, his stomach twisted in knots and he pushed down the urge to vomit. The horrors detailed in this report were nothing short of an affront to anyone with God-fearing sensibilities. Finishing the report, the Kaiser slammed it down as he stood up and said to the Chancellor "This is barbarism! Sickening and evil! We must do something!"

The Chancellor, likewise standing up from his chair, nodded before saying calmly "There is little we can do. King Leopold, although only a king in name anymore, is the private owner of the Congo. There is no official state to which we may appeal this directly to. I am also not sure who else would be bothered enough to join with us, sir."

The Kaiser rested his hand on the top of his chair as he contemplated for a moment, looking out the window. After a brief moment of silence, the Kaiser turned to face the Chancellor and said "God did not place either of us in these positions to just go along with evil. We have a duty to confront evil when we see it." Pausing for a moment, the Kaiser continued by saying "Prepare a letter to the other powers raising the alarm over this issue, request that the British Ambassador meets with us with haste, also have the Dutch, Russian, and Austrian ambassadors come all at separate times, please. But before those meetings, I would like you to arrange for Vossische Zeitung to interview me on this matter. Please and thank you, Herr Chancellor." The Kaiser ended, making it clear this was not a matter of discussion.

The Chancellor simply nodded before exiting the room to carry out the orders of the young Kaiser. Meanwhile, the Kaiser sat down and opened his Bible looking for wisdom within on how to handle this growing challenge.

---

To: The Dutch Ambassador to Germany
From: The Office of His Majesty the German Kaiser

Ambassador,

His Majesty the Kaiser Wilhelm III requests an audience with you at your earliest convenience to discuss important matters of relations between our two nations.

Sincerely,

Frederick Walther,
Private Secretary to His Majesty the Kaiser

To: The Russian Ambassador to Germany
From: The Office of His Majesty the German Kaiser

Ambassador,

His Majesty the Kaiser Wilhelm III requests an audience with you at your earliest convenience to discuss important matters of relations between our two empires and concerns from abroad.

Sincerely,

Frederick Walther,
Private Secretary to His Majesty the Kaiser

To: The Austrian Ambassador to Germany
From: The Office of His Majesty the German Kaiser

Ambassador,

His Majesty the Kaiser Wilhelm III requests an audience with you at your earliest convenience to discuss important matters of relations between our two empires and concerns from abroad.

Sincerely,

Frederick Walther,
Private Secretary to His Majesty the Kaiser

To: Ambassador Sir Frank Cavendish Lascelles of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
From: The Office of His Majesty the German Kaiser

Ambassador,

His Majesty the Kaiser Wilhelm III requests an important audience with you at your earliest convenience to discuss important matters of relations between our two empires and concerns of the world.

Sincerely,

Frederick Walther,
Private Secretary to His Majesty the Kaiser

---

DIPLOMACY

Königliches Schloss, Berlin, Prussia, German Empire

Outside the royal palace, a honor guard had assembled made up of the Gardes du Corps of the 1st Guards Calvary Regiment.

Standing just inside the Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm III stood, waiting to greet the Haitian monarch on her arrival while a military band stood outside nearby, ready to provide pomp to the arrival.

’Here, again.’ Olivia thought to herself, a small smile on her face. The Empress was in a good mode. Her trip had, so far, been successful in Europe. She wondered what the Kaiser knew about her trip to France. The trip to Switzerland was also probably there, though she had only recruited some help for the expansion of the Haitian chocolate industry. To that end, the Kaiser would notice a box of chocolates and coffees dropped off by the Haitians as a gift.

The Empress wore a black themed winter dress, that was probably heavier than what most German women would wear. The Empress, largely an stranger to harsh European winters, did her best to hid how miserable she felt as far as comfort went. As she made her way inside, she stuffed her discomfort aside. She would give the honor guard brighter smiles than the weather warranted, keen on presenting an image of a happy Empress to whoever looked.

“Kaiser Wilhem, you are looking your part as sovereign very well already. I bring the condolences of the people of Haiti with me. Im sure now is a busy period for you, so I’m thankful you made time for me.” The Empress said, Olivia wondering if the lightness in her force was manufactured for looks or induced by the cold.

“Empress, thank you. And on behalf of the German people, welcome to Germany. I pray your travels thus far have been productive?” The Kaiser replied, with a smile and leading the Empress inside and into the warmth of the palace.

”They have been. A long running gripe with France has been settled during this visit to Europe.” The Empress, before barely concealing a shiver, as if her body was throwing out the remnants of the lingering cold in her body.

“I also managed to recruit some local talent in Switzerland. If all goes well, Haitian chocolates should be increasing their presence on the continent. Germans love confectioneries, don’t they?” She asked, a small smile on her face.

“Indeed. Well, thank the Lord for all of that then. Now, how can Berlin be of assistance to the people of Haiti?” Kaiser Wilhelm replied, leading the Empress and delegation into a conference room that was lit by a fire.

”Well primarily I’d like to assure the continued positive relations between our two nations. Haiti, as you know, benefits from being an exporter of sugar, coffee, and various other goods delights the German people appreciate. Germany meanwhile has been an important source of technological and technical advice for Haiti, as its industrialization gathers steam. And of course, our Army takes a good deal of inspiration from Germany. German officers, Im sure you know, taught the first classes at the Carrefour Officers Academy. With so much cooperation between our nations over the past decades, I’d like to assure such a program of cooperation continues.” The Empress noted. She had other things to say, though it was best to lead here she thought.

“Of course. I completely agree with the desire to see continued good relations between our nations. In fact, I would eager to see this increase. Perhaps assistance in infrastructure projects. What are your thoughts?” Kaiser Wilhelm replied, taking a seat.

”Well, Haiti always needs foreign direct investment for its various modernization projects. Right now, I think of particular interest to the nation is the expansion of its heavy industries. Increasing steel production has been a priority as of late. As such, we have been trying to secure iron sources and investment for the manufacture of steel at home. Beyond that, if my ministers have informed me correctly, the expansion of the more public side of the railways is also considered vital. We want to ensure commercial and public interests have right of way for their respective tasks.” She didn’t feel the need to mention this, but this of course included expedited mobilization of the armed forces.

“Of course. Two areas that I believe Germany, Lord willing, could be of vital assistance to you in. I shall direct the appropriate ministers to see how best we can partner together.” Kaiser Wilhelm said, taking a sip of water.

”That would be wonderful. Haiti is always prepared to deepen its cooperation with Germany.” She said, before taking one of the seats in the room. “Which, of course, is why I have two matters of grave concern I must bring to you. One I’m sure you’re aware of, the other is more…..undiscussed.” She said, before putting on an almost sad look.

“As I’m sure you know, the Boer war is a brutal conflict. As thngs stand, many innocents stand to lose their lives. Stories in the west focus on, justifiably mind you, British troops destroying Boer farms. This, of course, is causing a massive humanitarian crisis the British haven’t quite gotten a hold on. What no one talks about is the Boer retaliations. For one reason or another, and I can think of a few, the native Africans are more sympathetic to the British. Or, at least, apathetic. So, in their struggle, Boer retaliation has included destroying and looting African settlements and homes. In one case, we even heard of a situation where Boer guerillas raided a Zulu village, torturing the village’s women and children. This was in retaliation for the Zulu chiefs giving supplies to the British. That, and pro British white settlers homes have been ransacked. This is little known, and receives little attention. However, the scale of the humanitarian disaster for the Africans caught up in the war is equal in our estimates to the destruction of the Boers. International efforts have gone to aid the humanitarian disaster afflicting the Boers, to which I have personally donated. However, it appears only we are the only outside actors concerned about the fate of native Africans. This being the case, we have begun organizing aid to help Africans caught up in the conflict. I would really appreciate it if Germany could help donate supplies to these poor souls, and help the red cross set up refugee centers.” She said, bringing up her first humanitarian concern.

Pondering the question for a moment, the Kaiser stood and looked out the window before turning and saying “Many both here and across this continent view native Africans as secondary humanity. They view them as acceptable collateral.”

Letting those bitter words hang in the air for a moment, the Kaiser continued by saying “This viewpoint, in my opinion, is an affront to God and unbecoming of a true Christian and in direct contrast to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All men are created equal before God, He is no respecter of persons and certainly cares not for the color of skin.”

Taking his seat again, the Kaiser paused momentarily before saying “I will ensure that we do everything reasonably possible to aid all those suffering from this conflict. In addition, I have a request of you. As you know, German colonial policy is seen as… liberal by many. We seek to dominate over others as little as practically possible and we seek to allow individuals the freedom to rise up the ladder of society no matter their color or race or origin. If I am honest, I would like to do away with colonies but I fear that would just subject the poor inhabitants to worse treatment under another power less inclined to seeing all as brothers and sisters. Therefore, I am preparing a… secret commission of those I can trust to give the honest truth on how German colonies are doing in treating all citizens and ways we can improve. This would be a personal commission not made public as of yet, one I would very much like you to chair if you would be willing. And perhaps adding some trusted compatriots from your nation to it?”

Olivia’s head slightly perked up at that. Incredible, this family had surprised her once more. Maybe it was the youthful optimism they both shared about the world. She supposed this made him a tad different. As opposed to most young men, who put their youth into an aggressive carnage, he was seeking a different way forward. Something must have infiltrated the water in Europe, this all felt so off.

“I’m willing to help you there. I’m certain I can gather some researchers to go over the living standards in the German colonies, and the conduct of German colonial authorities.” Her hands then tightened in her lap. “I suppose this makes my next request a tad ironic. The Netherlands should annex the Congo. That Leopold, he’s a monster by all accounts. Frankly, anyone can run it, just not Leopold……” she said, her eyes almost glazing over, as if thinking about something. Something quite terrible.

“Thank you, your Majesty. As for the Congo, I agree. It is despicable and you have my word that we will look into correcting this. But I can’t commit to the Dutch annexing it. I don’t know if that’s the easiest and best solution in all honesty.” The Kaiser replied, sipping some water.

”Well, what would you suggest? The humanitarian situation is dire, so whatever is most expedient is ideal. We figured a Dutch annexation would ruffle the least feathers. Though, of course, I’m sure there’s other considerations Germany has in mind.” Olivia noted.

“I am not entirely sure yet. But I believe it will require the British to be on board to be effective. Perhaps you could act as a bridge between us?” The Kaiser asked inquisitively.

”Well, I did intend to bring this up with the Queen when we had our own meeting. I’m worried about what the British government might think, though I still need to see what can be done. Though, it must be said, this situation seems to warrant all responses depending on how the situation unfolds. Though, that’s just my opinion.” She said, hinting at more proactive approaches to end the crisis.

“Indeed. I will strive to keep you and your government updated on any solution we can find. Now, was there anything else, Your Majesty?” The Kaiser replied, taking a sip of water.

”There is one more thing, I suppose.” Olivia noted, wondering how to phrase this next bit. “Well, the formely Dutch administered ABC islands in the north have been administered by Venezuela, in theory. However, the chaos brought about by the rogue in Caracas denies the entire nation good governance, let alone outlying Islands.” Olivia began, painting a picture.

“Now, prior to the Venezuelan annexations, Haitians had been moving to the Islands. The Dutch had been fine administrators, and gave those migrants room to help local businesses and agriculture bloom. Under Venezuela, they have been practically on their own. Seeing as According to our reports, these Islands are at least plurality Haitian, a new arrangement might be better suited for their development.” She said, before giving the Kaiser a knowing smile.

“It is, in our opinion, the best for regional development and local freedoms that these Islands be relieved of Venezuelan authority when the next Venezuelan civil war inevitably breaks out. This state has been in incessant civil war since independence, the last one ending only last year. After an European coalition also had to blockade the country to demand debt payments, as I’m sure you’re aware. The people of those Islands, who are anything but Venezuelan demographically, deserve an administrative force better than they have. I believe Haiti is an appropriate candidate for their administration, given the context. This all in mind, I was hoping to hear your thoughts.” She noted. “It would be a fairly bloodless procedure. Venezuela has no Navy to contest such hand overs of leadership.”

“Is there no possibility of peaceful transfer of said islands?” The Kaiser replied, leaning back into his chair.

”Well, we are attempting to contact them over the issue. However, negotiations with this government have proved almost impossible. Due, in part, to them flatly ignoring us so far. If they were disrespectful to the powers of Europe, you can imagine how difficult it is for us to reach them. Though disturbingly, I don’t know if they have the capacity. When you’re obsessed with solidifying your rule from a thousand challengers, caring what Haiti has to say becomes secondary I suppose.” She said, explaining the situation so far.

“Has the US said anything on this matter?” The Kaiser asked, tapping his finger on the chair he sat in.

”Not yet, however it’s something we intend to discuss with the US before long. We’ve sent requests to discuss the matter, amogst other things.” Olivia replied.

“Very well. Ask them their opinion and see if perhaps they have the war of Caracas, that is my advice. I believe this would be best solved diplomatically” the Kaiser replied, sitting upright in his seat.

”Well, I hope it can be solved diplomatically as well.” Olivia noted. “Diplomacy is our first and preferred method. That said, it’s reasonable to wonder how long before Venezuela’s current tyrant is replaced by another. It’s unfortunate, the nation’s instability. We opened our doors to war orphans, actually. We’ve been setting up some boarding schools and adoption centers for these children in recent years. The Church has been very helpful in these efforts.” She said, before giving a small cough. “Either way, Haiti remains very grateful to you for your help and advice. Is there anything that concerns you, that you’d like to discuss?”

"I do not believe so, we are eager to assist Haiti in the peaceful development of the region and please, keep us informed of how we can be of assistance in that regard. Is there anything else you wished to bring up, Your Majesty?" The Kaiser asked, preparing to stand.

”I don’t believe so.” Olivia said as she stood up. “I believe we have discussed everything we ought to at this meeting. Thank you for your time and attention.” She said, giving him a polite nod.

“Thank you for your time, Empress.” The Kaiser replied, standing and returning the courtesy.

---

Miscellanious

- His Majesty the Kaiser gave an extraordinary interview to Vossische Zeitung in which he decried the treatment of persons within the Leopoldian Free Congo. Demanding an end to such treatment, the Kaiser called on all "Christian and civilized nations to stand together with commonality to face one of the great evils of our time."

- Women see the young Kaiser as the best new chance for the vote.

- Haitian Empress takes Europe by storm as her tour continues across the continent.

- German navy recommits to expansion plans.

- State Funeral for the late Kaiser to be held February 3rd.

[QuestMaster]

República Filipina
Republika ng Pilipinas
est. August 23, 1896

"Patria mía en prisión, sacúdete del traidor."
"Inang Bayang nakulong, layain ang sarili mula sa traydor."

Apolinario Mabini
President of the National Assembly

January 29, 1904
Tejeros, Cavite

Apolinario Mabini let out a sigh. He knew that his work was important in establishing the republic. His advice and decisions solved problem after problem and steered the Republic out of disaster. His work even helped stop the Americans from outright annexing the country with the help of General Luna's genius. But there are days where he wanted to leave the cover his ears and have his wheelchair pushed out of the building and leave the National Assembly. Unfortunately those days were getting more frequent after the signing of the peace treaty with the Americans. As he watched the Assembly argue for the nth time regarding the treaty, he knew that this was one of those days.

"How many times I have to tell you that the treaty was necessary. If we pushed for more favorable terms, the war would've continued and we wouldn't be sitting here," argued Pedro Paterno, a Representative of Ilocos Norte.

Pio del Pilar, a Representative of Negros Oriental counters, "Pedro Paterno, you slippery snake. Don't dare you deceive the honorable members assembly. I remember you said something similar to the final version of the treaty."

Trying to defend himself, Paterno answers "That's not relevant and the point of my argument still stands. My advocacy of restraint saved the revolution." He then continues, "I saved the Republic from pointless and self-destructive war. My efforts protected us."

A representative that was not able to identified quickly called out, "'My efforts protected us,' is this what you say to your mother after whoring her out?" The Assembly descended into chaos with shouts from both sides drowning each other, engulfing the whole building into a cacophony of noise.

"Order." Mabini calls out to the quarreling legislature. "Order!" he calls out again but it once again falls upon deaf ears.

He look to his right towards the sergeant-at-arms who's hands are rested on his pistol. The sergeant-at-arms looks towards Mabini and Mabini nods his head. The sergeant-of-arms then draws his weapon and points it towards the ceiling.

BANG!

The sound echoes throughout the building and silences the Assembly. "Order," Mabini says for a final time.

He thanks the segreant-at-arms then looks back at the Assembly. "I know everyone has their thoughts on the Treaty of Santo Tomas but that matter is irrelevant. I will not have the pointless arguments distract from the legislative agenda. Now let us begin the checking of attendance." The Assembly settled down and went to their respective seats.

Boletín Oficial
Legislative Votes of January 29, 1904

---

The Reconstruction Act of 1904 - Pass
authored by: Teodoro Sandiko (Misamis)

Description: Law that aims to aid reconstruction through the creation of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Land Management, and distribution of land previously confiscated from the prelates to tenant farmers.

Votes:
For: 102
Against: 89
Abstain: 2

Result: Pass

---

The Reconstruction Act of 1904 (Paterno Amendment) - Rejected
authored by: Pedro Paterno (Ilocos Norte)

Description: See above. Amends bill for the auctioning of prelate lands.

Votes:
For: 54
Against: 125
Abstain: 14

Result: Rejected

---

The Act for the Scheduling of Post-Revolutionary Elections - Pass
authored by: Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista (Bulacan) (Ilocos Norte)

Description: Revokes of Revolutionary Emergency Powers of Executive Branch on the Date of Inauguration. Sets of Election Date on March 25, 1903. Sets Date of Inauguration April 24, 1905.

Votes:
For: 195
Against: 0
Abstain: 1

Result: Pass

[The Manticoran Empire]

Irkutsk
Irkutsk Governorate
2 February 1904

Two men stood near the train station, watching another train full of soldiers, horses, and guns on its way to Manchuria. One was shorter than the other, his features sharp and fierce looking but with the look of a highly educated and deeply intelligent man. His head was bald, though ringed with hair from his ears back. His goatee and mustache gave him a regal, almost archaic look, such that one might find of a Puritan of Old England.
Beside him, his taller compatriot seemed placed there as if by intent to draw a contrast. His hair was full and long as his comrade’s was short and absent. His mustache was of a far more recent styling and his beard longer and thinner than his friend. His eyes were spectacled and where his comrade gave off an aura the likes of a fiery street preacher or agitator, he seemed more academic, as though he belonged at a university rather than the windswept station he currently stood at.

“So it begins,” Vladimir Lenin said, his dark eyes fixed on the train as it passed, “the Capitalists send their oppressed to fight yet another war against their class brethren.”
“Aye,” Leon Trotsky responded, “another war perhaps even more useless than most.”
Lenin gestured at the train angrily as he turned to face the taller Trotsky, “Can they not see? Are the lessons of France not clear enough? Truly there is the truth that the Worker and the Peasant can run a nation more equitably than can the Capitalist and the Aristocrat?”
Trotsky nodded. “You speak true, my friend. But truth is easily ignored when the lie is sweeter.” He gestured at the platform they stood on. “The proletariat of Russia have little to complain about. They’re condition is better than most Slavs and dramatically superior to any in Mesopotamia or the Orient. And while behind that of England or Germany, it is hard to argue that their condition is improving with time.”
“But it could be there already, if we dared but chance it!” Lenin nearly shouted. Trotsky swiftly looked over his shoulder, worried that someone unfriendly may be near. The Okhrana had been raised to root out such revolutionary sentiment and they were quite effective. “Vladimir, you know I agree with you. However, if the ground is not fertile, the seeds will wither.” He gestured for Lenin to walk with him.

The two men stepped off the platform and walked along the snow-strewn street, back towards the flat they rented together. “The proletariat of Russia see themselves in good stead, making the ground infertile for the seed of revolution. We must first make it fertile and the Tsar may have just given us that chance.”
“You mean the build up in Manchuria, Leon?”
“I do. I believe we can turn it to our advantage. I mean to travel to Japan to meet with some like-minded individuals.”
“Katayama and Sakai? Why?”

Trotsky smiled inwardly. Lenin had a sharp mind and could generally find his way around but there were areas where he struggled. He had the mind of an agitator but not so much a schemer. “I believe it possible that we can, with our class brethren in Japan, spark a war that will, in good time, convince the Proletariat of both Russia and Japan to take up the mantle of Revolution, in a like-way to France.” Trotsky stopped and placed a hand on Lenin’s shoulder. “While I travel to Japan, you should go to France. We will need money for this venture, I fear. And political support. Our revolution will die in its cradle if we cannot gain the support of a major nation.”

Lenin was silent for a moment as the two men resumed their walk. Trotsky again smiled inwardly. While Lenin was a fiery orator, he was also sharp and would think deeply when he gave his mind the chance. Often all it took was someone to voice an opinion he hadn’t considered yet.

The two men had nearly finished the five mile journey to their flat when Lenin spoke again. “We may also wish to consider Chinese and Korean socialists. It may be difficult but if it works, we will set off the bomb of worldwide revolution and at long last the Proletariat will be freed of their shackles.” He turned to Trotsky, a smile on his face, and clapped the other man on the shoulder. “You are a brilliant man, Leon. Come, we must make the preparations. We mustn’t let this window close on us.”

---

Gyeongbok Palace
Hanseong
Empire of Korea
4 February 1904
Co-write with Intermountain States

Prime Minister Han Kyu-seol, the Emperor, and a Russian translator await the arrival of the Russian ambassador at the entrance of the palace, palace guards forming two lines in front of the Emperor. The Prime Minister in dark blue western military officer attire while the Emperor in traditional yellow dragon robe, a contrast of western and eastern origin. Although the Emperor had ordered the Foreign Minister Park Che-soon to summon the Russian ambassador, the Prime Minister saw to it that Minister Park was to not attend the meeting between the Emperor and the Russian. Prime Minister Han considered Park to be one of the many politicians who are considered to be pro-Japanese and thus a threat to Korea's sovereignty in Kyu-seol's eyes. Kyu-seol even made sure that the translator he selected is a bureaucrat he could trust and not someone spreading misinformation to the Russians in an effort to drive a wedge between the two countries.

As news of a mass Russian military build up in Manchuria spread across the country, confusion and concerns gripped the government and a vague official statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did little to quell existing tensions. No doubt that some members of the Enlightenment Party would try and conspire with the Japanese to help them drive off the Royalists. It happened before with the Gapsin Coup of 1884, the Japanese occupation of Gyeongbok Palace in 1894, an the failed assassination attempt in 1895. The Emperor hopes that the Russian ambassador could provide some better explanation of Russia's activity and possibly ensure Korea retains its independence from Japan.
An officer arrived to announce the arrival of the Russian ambassador. The Emperor took a deep breath, he hoped that the meeting with the Russian ambassador would be fruitful in maintaining peace in the region. The Prime Minister also hoped for good outcomes to the meeting, albeit for different reasons than that of his Emperor.


Karl Ivanovich Weber watched through the window of his carriage as the palace came into view. The most recent telegrams from the Prime Minister and the Tsar were encouraging. He would, most importantly, not have to lie at this meeting but, of equal importance, he was authorized to give the Koreans guarantees regarding their territorial integrity and Russian support, should Japan or China ever seek to threaten that integrity. The carriage came to a stop and the door was opened. Weber didn't notice the guards or any of the surroundings, really. He had visited the palace more times than he could count since his arrival in Seoul in 1884 to sign the Russia-Korea Treaty that year. He hoped, dearly, that his history of honest dealing would win him points in the coming negotiations. As he approached the party, he bowed first to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty," he began in Korean, "thank you for welcoming me into your presence." He then turned, still bowed, to the Prime Minister and said, "Your Excellency, thank you for meeting with me. I hope we will have a productive discussion."
The Emperor smiled while the Prime Minister bowed back to the ambassador. "Ever since the failed assassination attempt on the Empress, Russia has stepped up to be a good friend to Korea," the Prime Minister said. "We wish the Tsar and Russia 10,000 years of prosperity and strength. Let us go inside to discuss the matters pertaining to the news of Manchuria and hopes of a fruitful outcome for this region."

Weber followed the delegation as they walked through the palace to a conference room that he recognized from years of discussions with the Koreans. "Prime Minister," he said as they gathered about the table, "Your message said that you are concerned about the troop movements in Manchuria. Was that concern a general one or something more specific?"

"A little bit of both," Han replied out of the earshot of the Emperor. "You can say that the Emperor has general concerns for peace and stability. I don't blame him, since his reign oversaw many conflicts, both domestic and from abroad from the French expedition to Korea in 1866, the Donghak peasant rebellion, and to the Boxer Rebellion that saw Boxers invading Gando. While he is willing to raise troops to defend Korea, conflict is the last thing he wants for his country."

"As for me, my concerns are more specific especially in regards to the paths Korea would face depending on the government. Korea does not have a unified government, the Enlightenment Party has the majority in the Central Assembly and I am but one of the few ministers in power who do not align with their foreign agendas. No doubt that some in the Assembly, and even ministers, would find some political opportunity in Russia's build-up as a way to advance their cause with Japan. Whatever happens in Hanseong, Japan would react and their reactions are more often than not to Korea's detriment."

"In answer to the general concerns, the build-up is largely a response to a lack of confidence in Chinese ability to protect Russian property in Manchuria. Our railways between Siberia and the Liaodong Peninsula are considered vital to our interests in this region. And, given the performance of the Chinese military and internal security forces, we have no confidence in their ability to secure our property. So the build-up will not impact Korea in that sense."

"To answer your more specific concerns, the Tsar has instructed me to offer you his personal assurance that the Russian Empire will take any and all measures necessary to guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Korean Empire. Be that against Japan or any other aggressor. The friendship of Korea is something the Tsar and the Prime Minister both value very highly."

"Considering our friendship, I doubt Korea would be impacted by Russian build-up in Manchuria which is why our response hasn't been alarmist compared to that of China. It seems likely, however, that the 400,000 men to Manchuria is more of a message to Japan. As you yourself mentioned, China's recent military performance has been rather lacking. We were able to seize the Gando region from Qing after the 1895 Sino-Japanese War. I still have a hard time believing it and I visited the area as an administrator a few years ago. I don't think Britain poses much of a threat to your holdings in Manchuria compared to your standing in Europe. That would leave the Japanese, a growing major power of the East with likely imperial ambitions. I can thank your Tsar's personal assurance in guaranteeing our sovereignty and territorial integrity but how would that entail against an aggressor like Japan? If Korea was invaded, would Russia respond with troops? What if Japan invaded Korea but the British launched an attack against your holdings in other parts of the world?”

"The Tsar has told me that, if Korea is to come under attack by Japan and should it be the desire of the Korean Government, the Russian Empire will come to its aid with all the forces available. As far as dealing with a British attack elsewhere in the world, we are confident in our ability to hold the British at bay longer than they can support a war."

“Russia has been a great friend to Korea so there is no reason to doubt the Tsar’s assurance. Even if colluders with Japan took control of the government and allowed for Japanese domination, it is the desire of the people to remain a free and independent country.”

"If such a tragedy comes to pass, a message from your or the Emperor is all that would be
required.”

"We can only hope. I fear that despite great strides in our military standardization and economic growth, Korea may be on borrowed time before the country would have to face an existential threat."

"I have lived here for nearly 20 years. I consider Korea a second home. Whatever I can do to support this country, I will do.”

“That makes two of us in this room. If the Emperor is with us right now, then it will be three.”
Weber nodded. "I pray it will be so, my friend. Tell me, is there anything else that you require? More questions that need to be answered? Or a request of my government, perhaps?"

“Nothing else is necessary outside of the usual business of purchasing weapons and weapons licenses for manufacturing for now,” Han replied. “If anything were to occur that threatens Korea in any way from a foreign power, your legation will be notified.”

"Very well. I will take my leave, then, and report back to my government." Weber rose and bowed to the Prime Minister. "Thank you for having me."

---

Manchuria
February 1904

The Russian build-up was moving more rapidly than initially anticipated. As the assigned forces were all in districts close to Manchuria, it took far less time to transfer them from their bases to the new area of operation. The 21st and 19th had both been in place, north and east of the Liaodong Peninsula, within two weeks and the 17th had been in place to the north by the end of January. In the first week of February, the 15th Army Corps would arrive in Manchuria, to take up its position north of the Yalu River. Within two weeks of its arrival, the 13th would also be in the country and the 11th would arrive at the end of the month, both Corps forming a reserve, centered around Mukden.

However, while all seven Army Corps were in place ahead of schedule, it meant that the supplies for them of food, fodder, and ammunition, were not yet in place. In effect, the divisions had with them only the supplies which had been present when they set off, amounting to a single combat load of ammunition and three full replacement loads.

243 million rounds of rifle and pistol ammunition, 1.1 million rounds of machine gun ammunition, 558,000 rounds of 3-inch artillery ammunition, 92,000 rounds of 4.7-inch artillery ammunition, and 4,500 rounds of 6-inch artillery ammunition, providing sufficient ammunition for a few days of heavy fighting, would have to be increased if the force was to engage in a protracted conflict with the Japanese.

Of equal importance was food and fodder. The now 537,000 Russian Soldiers, complete with around 400,000 horses and mules, required around 1,600 tons of food and 5,200 tons of fodder per day. Of the roughly 50,000 wagons, each capable of carrying 8,000 pounds of supplies, assigned to the Army, nearly 10,000 of them were dedicated solely to the carriage of food, a total capacity of 40,000 tons, roughly six days of food and fodder. The stores in Liaodong and the purchase of food from the local populace could relieve the strain but that source could not be relied upon when hostilities commenced.

Field Marshal Kuropatkin, the commander of the field forces in Manchuria, wanted to stockpile 30 days of food and ammunition, which he believed would be sufficient to push the Japanese out. That would necessitate 210,000 tons of food and fodder and a tripling of the ammunition stocks, all to be brought in by rail. With freight cars able to carry around 40 tons of cargo, the food and fodder alone would equal 5,250 railroad boxcars and another 1,000 boxcars would be required for the rifle and machine gun ammunition. Artillery ammunition would require another 1,000 or more boxcars. Nearly 200 trains would be required to deliver the necessary supplies, requiring at least two months, likely closer to four, in order to fully stock the Army.

If all things remained intact and according to plan, the Army would be well supplied when the war kicked off.

At sea, the fleet was preparing its own plan. Makarov had Stark and Alekseyev in Port Arthur with twenty-two capital ships. Coal supplies were being brought aboard, alongside foodstuffs and munitions. Further north, in Vladivostok, Wilgelm Vitgeft had nine protected cruisers, themselves preparing to put to sea.

Makarov’s plan called for Vitgeft’s squadron to maraud across the Pacific, sinking any merchant flying a Japanese flag and shelling coastal towns on the home islands. Meanwhile, Stark and Alekseyev would put to sea in an effort to catch the Japanese battle fleet and destroy it. The plan relied heavily on the wireless sets recently installed aboard the ships, able to send wireless telegraph messages a distance of 70 miles or more under good conditions. The scouting destroyers would inform the flagship of the Japanese fleet and then they would deploy for battle, ideally in a position to cross the T of the Japanese fleet.

Of course, there was no guarantee that the Japanese would cooperate, so the plan included a provision for the battle fleet to take part in bombardments of the Japanese coastline, an effort calculated to force the Japanese fleet to give battle.

On the 17th, however, the plans were forced to change. The Admiralty cut orders, wired to all three fleets, that the Protected Cruisers of the Baltic Fleet would be redeployed to Vladivostok. This would bring Vitgefts force up to eighteen ships, enabling him to expand the proposed operations. However, it would be two months before the additional ships were in place.

---

To: The Honorable Frederick Walther, Private Secretary for His Majesty, Kaiser Wilhelm III
From: The Well Born Baron, Ravil Kalinin, Ambassador to the German Empire for His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas II
Dated: 22nd January

Your letter of the 21st is well received. A meeting can most certainly be arranged and is most urgently desired. I shall be available the 23rd.

To: The Honorable John Hay, Secretary of State for His Excellency, President King Camp Gillete
From: The Well Born Baron, Hleb Kryukov, Ambassador to the United States for His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas II
Dated: 1st February

Sir, I am charged by my government to seek, at your earliest convinience, a meeting to discuss the present and future status of the relationship between our nations and to gauge the position of your Government on areas of significant importance to the Russian Empire.

[Intermountain States]

Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul/Hanseong
Empire of Korea

"Lieutenant General Yi Yong-ik is here to see you, your highness," the attendant called outside of the Empress' chamber as the Empress and the Prime Minister sat at her table.

"Let him in," The Empress responded. A few seconds later, the Lieutenant General walks into her chamber in full officer uniform, having a look of confusion. He bowed at the presence of the Empress and the Prime Minister.

"It is an honor to be invited to the residence of the Empress," he said. "But I am confused as to why I am summoned here."

"General, we have been notified by a source in the Imperial Investigation Bureau of discrepancy within the budget, especially in regards to the Ministry of War," the Prime Minister answered. "While such a matter is best left up to the staffs of the Investigation Bureau to handle, we have reasons to suspect potential collusion between elements of the government and the Japanese.

"As the government is already divided between the various factions, I think it is best that someone close to the Imperial family takes charge of the investigation," the Prime Minister added.

"You will be given imperial authority to conduct the investigation," the Empress said. "The Emperor has agreed to send units of the Imperial Guards to assist with your investigation. The Investigation Bureau will also be notified as your investigation draws near."

"But your highness, wouldn't this be a conflict of interest? I was a former War Minister, this could lead to backlash by the Enlightenment Party," the General protested.

"Your investigations are by Imperial decree, General," the Empress replied. "You are officially protected by the Emperor himself, no one will oppose his actions without potentially be deemed as harboring treasonous intent."

"I understand if you have second thoughts on this, General Yi," the Prime Minister said. "But this discrepancy could be something that could spell trouble for Korea as a sovereign nation if not looked into. If the discrepancy is something minor such as an accounting error, a simple correction and proper punishment is the worst for us. However, if it something that could threaten this country, then we need to stop this before it is too late."

Yi Yong-ik looked a little pressured by the words of the Empress and the Prime Minister. Eventually, he took a deep breath and nodded.

"Your Highness, I will lead the investigation as you requested," he answered. "I'll make sure this budgetary discrepancy is solved and corrected."

---

A middle aged woman entered the office of the Ministry of War. War Minister Yun Ung-nyeol looked up from his desk, recognizing the lady.

"Yes? How can I help you, ma'am?" he asked.

"The bluff worked, Lord Yun," the lady answered. "The Empress took the bait and had bypassed the legal channel in ordering someone to investigate the budget discrepancy."

"Who did she assigned?" the War Minister asked.

"Lieutenant General Yi Yong-ik." The minister instantly scoffed at the name.

"The former Currency Minister and War Minister? I thought she would've assigned someone more capable like Yi Hak-gyun. This trap is going to be easier than I thought. Perhaps the Empress isn't as shrewd as she likes to think, or maybe the injuries she sustained during the failed assassination attempt messed with her mind. Either way, this would only be good news for us."

The minister looked back at the lady.

"Be sure to notify our men to cover our tracks but leave some clues behind for our friend to find. Make sure these clues give him wrong directions, just enough for him to find the wrong conclusion and act upon that."

"Yes, my lord," the lady answered before bowing and exiting his office. Yun Ung-yeol smirked as he recalled instructions made by his superiors early on. This plot may go rather smoothly.

[Turkducken]

January 29th, 1904
The British Residency in Kabul

Kabul was in flames.

The Counselor peered through the thin panes of glass visible just behind the barricaded windows. Smoke choked the air and he could see the swarming angry faces in the streets below. The Counselor attempted to control his breathing as he withdrew from the terrible sight. He did his best to remained composed, unflappable, but he trembled as he slumped down onto the floor.

He lifted an arm, and he watched his hand shake like a leaf in strong winds.

For a moment, a long buried thought drew up from the deep recesses of his mind. Long suppressed by the call of the Ocean and the peril of sailing the high seas. His mind allowed himself to think of his family, having uprooted his wife and children all the way to India, just for this to be his fate. He clenched his jaw tightly, tears began to well up, as the long buried thought emerged in one terrible moment.

"I don't want to die."

CRACK!

A gunshot erupted from below, and all hell suddenly broke loose.

The crowd outside erupted in a cacophony of noise as they rushed the door of the Consulate.

Although the Counselor could not understand their words, they were single minded in pursuing an objective.

"Death to the British"

The Counselor clutched himself tightly, looking for any reassurance as the noise and sound of gunshots swelled.

The noise of the battle grew to an almost deafening roar, and then suddenly stopped.

The eerie silence sent chills up the cowering mans spine.

He just wanted to go home.

The Times

Edition as of February 3rd 1904

THIRD ANGLO-AFGHAN WAR?

News from the far corner of the civilized world has reached the British Isles. The young Emir of Afghanistan, Habibullah Khan, is dead. Unknown to the British Government in India as to how or why, the effect has proven immediate and disastrous. Kabul, the capital of the Central Asian kingdom, is in flames. Members of the Afghan Army rose up as the Emir's brother, Nasrullah Khan, attempted to establish himself as the successor. The Emir's Brother then fled to British India, with the army butchering the British Consulate. All members of the consulate, including the Counselor himself are considered to be deceased.

As the situation deteriorated Pashtun tribes in the South East rose up, guaranteeing a swift response from the British Indian Forces. The unstable situation in Afghanistan is seemingly unraveling very quickly as ethnic tribes quickly mount their own attempts all over the mountainous country. Circling above this is the disputed inheritance between the Emir's Brother and his twelve year old son, who many believe is in the custody of the Afghan Army.

RULE BRITANNIA!

Prime Minister William Hart Dyke has ordered the First Sea Lord, Sir Charles Beresford, to place the Pacific Fleet on high alert.

"The Russian mobilization in Manchuria is a grave consequence of undeterred expansion. We call for the immediate demobilization of all sides. Peace may yet prevail over foolish grandstanding."

A short but concise message that is sure to rattle the bones of all would be aggressors!

January 7th, 1904
The Royal Palace
The German Empire, Berlin

Ambassador Lascelles, had himself groomed to the highest standards.

The Kaiser had personally dictated a message and requested a direct audience.

He had considerable experience with both Germans and Russians in his time in Her Highness's Diplomatic Corp, that experience had come to make him a special kind of invaluable in the current British establishment.

He did his best to project poise and confidence as he waited in the extravagant holdings of the Kaiserreich.

He shuddered as he paused to consider how deep in jaws of this cursed Flying Bear he had entered.

He frowned.

Or perhaps it was a Gryphon?

He shook his head, determined not to give these rivals the majesty and respect of such a creature.

He straightened his suit jacket, and waited for the Kaiser's escort.

Within a few moments of the Ambassador’s arrival, the Private Secretary to the Kaiser, Frederick Walther, appeared with a military aide flanking him.

Smiling, Walther extended his hand to shake as he said “Mr. Ambassador, thank you for coming. His Majesty the Kaiser is eager to meet you if you will follow me please.”

Leading the Ambassador further into the palace and up into a well furnished meeting room. Inside the room and looking out a window, stood Kaiser Wilhelm III wearing a simple but proper three piece suit.

“Sir, the Ambassador from Great Britain has arrived.” Walther said as they entered the room.

“Thank you Walther. Please give us the room.” The young Kaiser said, turning to face the Ambassador with a smile as Walther and the aide exited the room and closed the door.

“If you do not mind, I am not one big on the ceremonial niceties and formalities. No need to address as anything besides sir. I want to thank you for making time, I know you must be a busy man within Her Majesty the Queen’s foreign ministry.” The Kaiser said, making his way towards the ambassador.

The Ambassador was taken aback at the fairly casual tone the Kaiser was setting.

He politely took the Kaiser's unexpected, and perhaps inappropriate, handshake with as much dignity as he could muster.

"It's a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, Your Highness." the Ambassador began in a lightly accented German.

"Your Father was a good king to your people and the whole of the Empire is less for his untimely passing."

The Ambassador was then slightly perplexed at the Kaiser's insistence that he was a busy man. Was this summon some kind of trick?

He couldn't be sure, but made sure to adjust accordingly.

"Yes Your Majesty, I understand your desire for a lack of formality, nonetheless I will continue to respect another man of good breeding."

“Very well. I just find it polite to offer. Can I get you water or anything? If not, I would like to discuss, and please be honest, where the relationship between our nations sit. In my opinion, we have some differences but nothing insurmountable.” The Kaiser replied with a smile.

The Ambassador, again, was taken aback slightly by the seemingly nonchalant attitude the young Kaiser was taking in this meeting.

"Our Relationship?" he thought to himself, slightly stunned that the Emperor of such a nation would even need to be made aware.

"Y-Yes...I'd enjoy a small refreshment."

A few precious moments passed as the Kaiser summoned an attendant to bring the Ambassador what he had requested.

A few snifters of brandy, finely aged and well scented appeared before them.

The Ambassador took the moderate amount of liquid courage, "A toast," he begun, having put the quivering voice away for the time being, "to his new Royal Highness."

In a quick motion he downed the small bit of brandy, the hot confidence burned nicely.

"Well your majesty..." he coughed slightly, "that's a rather...perplexing question." The Ambassador tactfully stated, "Your Highness has only just ascended to the throne of your late Father, so with respect. What are your intentions with this delicate European Peace?"

He then cleared his throat and explained himself more thoroughly, "We see several nations on this continent at peace and yet heavily armed. Some would say this Peace is built by necessity of having a so-called 'polite society'." He attempted to phrase everything as aloof as possible, "The Late Emperor appeared to have seen this as correct, as your Father demonstrated with his talented statesmanship between Germany, the Habsburgs, and the Russians."

The Ambassador attempted to remain as detached emotionally from the conversation as he could, "However I think it is no great secret that this proved to be..." he searched for an appropriate word, "A Wedge between my government and your own."

He waited a few moments, mostly out of a concern to see if he was registering offense in the young king or not, "I needn't say more about this, but that is the primary concern of Her Majesty's Government with your own cabinet."

Not touching his own drink, the Kaiser smiled still as he replied “Indeed. Well, I can assure you, sir, that I am personally committed to the idea and practice of peace. I do believe that the only way to keep that peace is through a strong and capable military, but I want to assure you that Germany seeks no conflict with Her Majesty’s government nor with any other nation. In fact, the only nation we have great concern over is the Communards in France. I would be greatly interested in hearing your nations opinion on them.”

The Ambassador was perplexed by this. The Communards were generally ignored in Europe.

“With respect, both of our Empires have made considerable gains post Commune.”

He then made a rather empty gesture, “There’s not much too say about what’s left in France. A broken backwards people that have isolated themselves from all of Europe.”

“Indeed. I suppose my biggest concern with them is the threat some of their more…. Radical members pose. Those who seek to expand their rotten revolution. Does Great Britain share such concern?” The Kaiser asked, leaning back into his seat.

The British Ambassador leaned in to the table.

He steepled his fingers and phrased his next words as diplomatically as possible.

"The members of Her Majesty's Government decline to even think of the Commune as a 'Revolution'. We have historical examples of what a previous French 'Revolution' looked like and the consequences it brought to Europe."

He stopped for a moment to emphasize his point.

"It's been thirty or so years since the Communards came to power in France, and there has been no great expansion of territory, or military rearmament, or any worrying signs of a new Napoleon."

The Ambassador quickly pardoned himself, "And God forgive me for even mentioning such a thing."

"What we have seen however, is a France that has no strategic allies of note, lost all but what can be considered 'core' French territory, and stands as economically isolated from Europe let alone any sane nation in the world."

The Ambassador smiled politely and lowered his hands.

"So, Your Majesty, I would rejoice! Your Father and His Father and so on, have realized their dream of crippling France and establishing a New German Order on continental Europe. Our own Empire has met yours graciously as equals on this high pillar, and I personally see no reason to worry about the squabbling of uppity peasantry and city dwellers in Paris."

“Thank you for your perspective. And thank you for your kind words regarding this Empire. One last final note, I am wishing to do a European tour in the next few months. Would London be willing to have me visit as part of this?” The Kaiser said, retaining his smile.

"I'm positive Her Majesty would be delighted to receive you."

The Ambassador began again, readying himself to leave the meeting.

"Queen Adelaide intends to be coronated and the celebration of the late Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee this year, and while I understand you have your own coronation to consider, I'm sure a state visit between two new monarchs at the dawn of their reigns will be particularly conductive."

“Indeed. I greatly look forward to visiting Her Majesty and London in the near future, Lord willing. Now, that is all I had on the agenda, unless there was a matter you wished to discuss.” The Kaiser said, standing with the Ambassador.

The two men, young and old, took each other's hand in a polite shake.

They departed more familiar with each other.

To:His Royal Highness Takatsukasa Hiromichi, Representative of the Emperor, Shogun of the Empire of Japan
From: Her Majesty's Servant, the Right Honorable Sir William Hart Dyke

Trusted Friend,

Sir, I write to you on behalf of Her Majesty's Imperial Government.

We believe in immediately reconfirming the partnership of our two Empires immediately. It should remain impossible for the Russian Empire to extend its deathgrip beyond the lands of Siberia. You will receive word that our forces in the Asiatic Seas are on high alert, and we will fight to limit the size and scope of the conflict. Should it come to that.

However, we would like it to be known that any war made against the Russian Empire is just. Especially one that guarantees the strategic denial of Russian influence in China and the peninsula of Korea. We will not hesitate to contain the Russian Navy should they move to expand the war to Formosa or beyond. This being said, we hope to avoid conflict between the European powers.

The terrible cost of such a war, even a just and fair victory, would be destructive to all parties. While we can support a limited engagement between the Emperor's proud Navy and the despicable Tsar, it would be unwise for all parties involved for the war to grow beyond that. We hope to broker a conference of understanding and rationality between all parties in this destructive conflict in Asia.

I personally hope you understand the position we both find ourselves in.

Nevertheless the Emperor, and you his loyal servant, remain valued partners in the fight to contain the Russo-German Threat.

We will remember and reward friendship, both in times of war and the peace that follows.

Sincerely,
Her Majesty's Right Honorable Prime Minister, Sir William Hart Dyke