The St. Petersburg Vedomosti (News Thread)

[OMGeverynameistaken]

(OOC: Feel free to post reactions, IC or otherwise, however, keep in mind that this is not a political thread and any letters to the Tsar or other persons here will be ignored.)

The St. Petersburg Vedomosti

Est. 1703

SWEDEN DECLARES WAR!
Surprise attack in the Berents Sea
No Communication With Swedish King

During the early hours of July 13th the St. Nicholas II Military Academy of Franz Joseph Land was rocked by a sudden and unexpected attack launched by a Swedish fleet masquerading as merchant vessels. This unexpected play by the Swedish government has send shockwaves throughout St. Petersburg, and although the Tsar has declared that he will not make any attack upon the Swedish mainland in response, the developing situation may change that as outrage within our government and in the civilian population increases.

A Map of the Current Battle Area

The early-morning bombardment caught the academy, an instructional facility for 'scholarship officers', those not from noble families who would be unable otherwise to afford the cost, and result in numerous casualties including 14 civilian instructors, the academy commodore and many students. Notable among these was young Cadet Alexi Pavlovich Remizov, age 12, attending as part of tour of such facilities with the Imperial Naval Cadet Corps. The young Cadet Remizov's death has sparked a great deal of controversy, particularly among the high command, who are divided as to what action should be taken against Sweden.

All cadets killed in action on the island, including the young Remizov, have received posthumous commissions and will, once bodies are recovered, be buried with full military honors. It is worthy of note that six cadets thus far have been noted for their extraordinary contributions to the defense of the island and have been recommended for St. Geroge's Cross by the officers present.

Cadet Alexi Pavlovich Remizov

Soon after the bombardment ended Swedish forces landed on the island and made attempts to take the academy by force, thus far no request for parlay or surrender has been issued. While the fighting is currently ongoing, elements of the Home Fleet have been dispatched to the area to assist our beleaguered cadets, they have bravely continued to resist the Swedish invaders despite their poor armament, for the facility is not a military one and was not equipped to face an invasion.

The second facility on the island, an airfield in the eastern portion, had been established primarily as a courier post with only ten armed guards to defend it. After herding the entire garrison, including the civilian population of the island and the wives of the officers, into the bunkers situated beneath the airbase, the Swedish forces proceeded to pump poison gas into the bunker's ventilation system, killing all who were trapped within.

As a result of this invasion of Russian territory, Tsar Nicholas has called upon all of the Baltic militia regiments and reserves, placing more troops along the Swedish border in case of an invasion via land, and increasing the garrisons of all the Baltic towns. Further, the Home Fleet has been placed on alert, with the majority of the vessels being recalled from Mars to Lunar orbit. While no comment has been issued, it seems that the fear is that the Swedes, being desperate and, apparently incapable of following the tenets of civilized battle, will attempt an orbital bombardment of Russian cities.

Grenadiers of the Riga regiment on parade

The Tsar has personally commented on the situation, saying that he greatly regrets the Swedish king's actions, as he has personally wished for a new era of peace between the nations of Earth after the tragedy and horror of the Second Great War which shattered Europe. According to the Tsar:

"I wish only for peace, but the provocative actions of my cousin have left me with little choice but to respond in kind. I have issued an ultimatum demanding the immediate withdrawal of Swedish forces from Russian territory, which met with no response of any kind. Therefore, Russia will make good on its ultimatum and follow through with the demands therein. I can only pray that Olaf sees reason and seeks to end this meaningless war quickly.
Until that time, we shall pursue a military course of action in an effort to force him to act reasonably. Whatever his motivations in this venture, I can only assume he will eventually come to his senses.
The Russian people, however, may rest assured that a proper price will be paid for the lives lost in this action."

Tsar Nicholas IX having received news of the Swedish attack

Military officers, who have requested to remain anonymous, stated that:
"If it were up to me, we'd have turned Stockholm into a glowing crater and, instead of trying to take that damned island [Gotland], we'd have the Imperial Artillery sending it below sea level. They're a bunch of child-murdering savages, gasing civilians and women...it's sheer barbarism and I say we respond in a way they'll understand."


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Rights for Aliens?
Debate rages in Imperial Duma
Are aliens citizens?

A topic of some contention in the Imperial Duma as of late has been the status of aliens within the Russian Empire. Non-human residents have effectively been ignored up until the present date, the most notable population within the Russian Empire being the 'Assyrian' peoples of Boris and Gleb, a double planet in the Ashur system of the Sialk anomaly. The insectoid species has been largely receptive and cooperative to Russian rule, with the notable exception of the, roughly translated, 'Deniers', a group of religious fanatics who believe that while God does exist, they have no souls and thus cannot be saved. For reasons more or less unfathomable to the human mind, this caused them to launch a massive revolution which was quickly crushed.

The Imperial Duma in Session

The debate centers on a similar concept, the 'essential humanity' of the Assyrians, and other aliens, is often a hotly debated one. Generally it is accepted that the Assyrian people are capable of a certain degree of self-government and have been permitted until now to participate in the local government, including regional dumas, although this is often highly unpopular with human representatives who find the Assyrian style of debate (in which the questioner may often phrase his points over a series of weeks with a great deal of repetition) extremely tiring.

The Tsar has issued no comment as of yet on the debate, but has indicated that he views the people of Ashur as his beloved subjects just as much as any Russian and will endeavor to choose a path which is best for them.

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An Army for the Khan
Russian Officers to Train Afghan Soldiers

Today the first Russian officers arrived in Afghanistan as part of an agreement made by Tsar Nicholas in an effort to strengthen Earth against possible alien invasion. The officers will immediately begin the training of an elite corps of Afghan soldiers in modern European methods of war and military conduct, after centuries of primitive tribal scuffling and skirmishing, the Afghan army is finally entering the modern era.

The New Afghan Army

At the center of this effort is the great hero of the Russian Central Asian Army, General Skobelev, also known as the 'White Pasha' by his native troops. Having participated in many conflicts, the general earned a reputation for achieving victory with minimal loss to his own soldiers, as well as earning the respect of local populations through his rapid mastery of language and culture. At first mocked for having 'gone native' Skobelev's results were undeniable even to his enemies. His reputation amoung the Turkish soldiers of the Ottoman Empire, earned during the great war, as 'Old Bloody Eyes' speaks volumes.

The New Afghan Soldier?

Meeting with elemtnts of the Afghan command, Skobelev's initial reports were rather poor, indicating that the Afghan army, such as currently exists, will require "a great deal of work".

"They're brave and capable, no doubt, but not used to discipline. They can't march and every time a gun goes off the entire formation scatters to cover. It's a damn nightmare for any officer."

Afghan Officers meeting with Skobelev and Russian commanders

The creation of a large camp for this 'new army' of Afghanistan near Afghan-Russian border has generated some commerce for the region, with many soldiers taking time off in local towns. Unfortunately, Russian officers have claimed that desertion is a problem and have contemplated requesting that the Khan permit capital punishment for deserting one's post.

The Center of the New Afghan Army

[OMGeverynameistaken]

HYPERBORIAN SNEAK ATTACK ON NEW UKRAINE
UNKNOWN NUMBER OF CIVILIAN CASUALTIES AS A RESULT OF VICIOUS ATTACK
TSAR: THIS MEANS WAR

Today at roughly noon, planetary capital time, the colony of New White Russia was suddenly attacked by a massive fleet of what was quickly determined to be Hyperborian vessels. While the reason for the attack remains a mystery, it is clear that this was the latest in a long line of Hyperborian expansionist maneuvers designed to drive out humans from their hard-won holdings in this galaxy, making it quite clear what Russians have known all the long, that Hyperborians are a greedy, lazy, race bent on expansion without effort nor production of their own, typical traits of the Communist scum such as infest their government.

Hyperborian Communists Covet Our Success!

Perhaps the most shocking detail of this attack is that no declaration of war was issued, nor has been since. It appears that the Hyperborian government was determined to make this a sneak attack, most likely with the intention of killing as many civilians as possible in order to incite fear and panic. A foolish measure, of course, as many in the history of Earth would be pleased to inform the Communist fools operating the 'Republic's' military.

Previously, the Hyperborian Khanate made incursions into Russian territory, but this was the first major assault attempted in the history of Russia's extrasolar relations. Presently, the Russian government is awaiting comment from other nations on the matter, but has already begun mobilizing its reserves and preparing for battle. It is very clear from government reports that the Hyperborians have foolishly stirred up a true wasp's nest which will not be easily calmed.

A Great Step Forward, And the Inevitable Result

The battle itself was reported as being very short, Admiral Anjou, the commander of the New Ukraine Fleet, commented that it was a 'typically Hyperborian' manuever. Apparently the enemy fleet fled after only one volley from the planet's defenses.

This has bred a great deal of confidence in the high command, who believe that the Hyperborians may have grown even weaker and more cowardly since their last engagement with the Russian Empire. In that conflict, a Hyperborian Fleet met the Russian navy and, while the Russian fleet was forced to withdraw due to lack of ammunition, it did so having bloodied the Hyperborian fleet quite nicely.

Punch the Hyps!
"Their ships are made of paper mache, which reflects well the resolve of their hearts!" - Adm. Anjou

However, the Tsar has declared that Russia will take no chances in this war, and has called for a general mobilization across the whole of the Empire. Currently many small, outlying, worlds are without defense of any kind, save perhaps passing Cossack villages, and are thus vulnerable to raids. The Tsar has also issued requests to Russia's friends and allies to provide help in this matter, whether simply in the form of squadrons to guard defenseless civilians or to join the assembling Interstellar Fleet, which even now prepares to strike at the foe's heart.

All non-military civilians are encouraged to contribute to the war effort in whatever way possible, including assisting gendarmie and militsia officers with counter-infiltration matters. Remember, report any suspicious activity in the sky or strange persons, especially those claiming to be Russian. The enemy has been known to employ traitorous humans, infected through nefarious means with Communist lies, in their quest to pervert the galaxy to their abominable ways.

Report All Unscheduled Landings!

Many workers will be required in new war related industry, including a build-up of the naval-related factories. Serfs will be granted extra pay and own-field time for contributing to these industries, and masters who grant serfs leave to do so will be compensated as well.

Do Your Part! Join the War Industry Today!

Too young to enlist yet? Fret not! Schools across the Empire will soon be organizing after-school clubs for those interested in helping out Uncle Ivan in his noble quest to defeat the savages! Ask your teacher about it, kids!

Every Bullet Made Here is Another Dead Hyp!

Even the Grand Duchess Tatiana has joined up to help the cause! While of course, women are not permitted to serve in the military barring certain special circumstances, it is not unusual for them to informally join regiments as medical staff or to help boost morale a bit. Here, the Grand Duchess poses in the uniform of the Lifeguard Cossack Sotina's Kuban battalion.

She's Doing Her Part, ARE YOU?

[OMGeverynameistaken]

HYPERBORIANS SOUNDLY DEFEATED!
Victory described as 'Total' and 'Utter Smackdown'
Defenders of New Ukraine Awarded

News from the front, as a massive Hyperborian fleet approach the New Ukraine System, the breadbasket and industrial heart of the Russian Empire abroad, brave defenders dealt a sound blow to the alien fleet, destroying several hundred vessels and routing the remainder with a single volley from the system's defense guns. Sadly there is little to relate from this battle, as it appears the Hyperborians fled without firing a single shot.

"It's quite typical of their sort, really." Admiral Anjou, a veteran of the previous Hyperborian campaign related, "Once they realize you aren't going to fold up and roll over, they run off. Hearts of paper mache and ships to match."

Several Hyperborian vessels were captured, having not been blown up by the hastily fleeing Hyperborians as is the typical custom of the race. These have been captured and, the Vedemositi is told, will be refitted for service in the Russian fleet, being suitably reinforced first of course.

Sources inform us that shortly afterward the Hyperborian state sued for peace and our most generous sovereign agreed after the payment of a significant indemnity for the ammunition expended in destroying their vessels. It is generally agreed that the Hyperborian Threat has, once and for all, been dealt with.


Big Trouble in Little China?
China Cuts off Food Imports

The latest government to succeed to the Dragon Throne has, in a surprising move, cut off all food imports from foreign sources. In a shocking turn of events that will, the Ministry of Agriculture reports, lead to serious consequences for the Chinese government.

China's massive population has previously been dependent on imports, as are many states on Sol, to feed itsself, being unable to sustain its ever-expanding cities with its native resources. This ability to produce sufficient domestic food was significantly hampered some time ago when the French occupied several southern provinces.

Tsar Nicholas has expressed his concern over the matter, stating that he wishes for China to become a stable and responsible country, and that starving its population to death will accomplish neither of these goals.

Inquiries to the Chinese Government have, as per usual, produced no response. The Vedemosti will continue to report on the situation as it developes.

(See also: 'Last Family out of Altay')

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Aliens, Romans and Afghanistan
Where did THAT come from?

Possibly the most puzzling story to date is the curious series of events in Afghanistan, specifically relating to the sudden arrival of an alien fleet which promptly bombarded the city of Kabul with what, according to our reports, was a virulent toxic weapon before landing several million soldiers in the area in an effort to occupy the region. Naturally, the Russian Empire responded in force and, in order to save the region from contamination, the great ship Suvorov was forced to sterilize the area from orbit in the first major orbital strike since the end of the Second Great War.

Tsar Nicholas IX has stated that he serious regrets this course of action, but that there was little choice given the rate of spread of the toxin.

The alien fleet, no doubt responding to the approach of the Suvorov fled at once, and the aliens remaining on Earth were killed in the resultant bombardment, as Russia, once more, secured the Sol system from harm by alien invaders.


(OOC:
Too lazy for pictures this time.)