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Fall of the False Tsar; The End of the Yusupov Regime
Topic Started: Aug 10 2008, 10:27 PM (812 Views)
NRE
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Jerusalem, Kingdom of Jerusalem

There is no where so beautiful as the Church of the Resurrection....

It was a hot and humid day in the Holy City but it's masses did not care. They fill the streets as the market places burst with activity. The faithful filled the temples and cathedrals, looking for signs from God to guide them along the journey of their lives. Pilgrims were also abound, taking in the holy sites for which they made such long journeys to gaze upon. Many had suffered greatly and traveled vast distances to reach this most famous city. One such pilgrim still had far to go.

He was a man of simple clothing, a cloak of dim red hung around his small but stern frame. His head and torso covered, his paints an boost spoke of the long journey he had taken. He stopped only once while walking through the busy streets of the city to buy a piece fruit off a vendor who seemed to be doing poorly that day. The purchase was well thanked by the merchant and buyer alike.

Further and deeper into the city this man walked until he rounded a corner and came to the beginning he had long since sought. It was the church of the Resurrection, a most holy and devout sight for any Christian's heart to look upon. He stood still, a bit a afraid to move, fearing that this mere moment was a dream, a trick of the mind so cruel and dastardly he would not be able to bare. But as the seconds turned into minutes assurance seemed to flow over him.

This was no dream, but the reality of all that he had set in motion before the hour had come. A bit overwhelmed he steady himself before resuming his walk to the door. He entered the church solemnly, taking in with aw the great beauty and splendor of the building itself. For centuries this was the apex of the Orthodox faith, the most revered and holiest of sites. Never before had he been and never again would one place on here bring such joy and happiness to his heart.

He was at first, unnoticed as he entered but soon enough a priest took to him as he appeared to not move from the entry way. Coming to his side quietly, as not to disturb him, the priest nudged at his shoulder.

"It is beautiful I know, but perhaps you would like to keep going so as not to block the way for others to enter."

His face still shrouded in shadows, he turned to the Priest and smiled.

My dearest apologies, I am just so overwhelmed by the beauty of God's creation" he said.

"Yes, yes it is beautiful." said the Priest. "If there is anything we can help you with, let me know."

"There is something you could help me with" said the man. "I wish to see the Patriarch."

"The Patriarch is a very busy man" said the priest "I can go see but I'm sure you will have to come agai..."

The Priest stopped in mid speech as the man revealed his right hand from beneath his cloak to take off his rood. Upon that right hand rested a beautiful gold ring, embedded in it was a unmistakable seal. It was the seal of the Russian Empire. Taken back, the priest looked upon the man's face as it came into the light and out from the shadows of the cloak. Realizing, he bowed softly.

"Your majesty, had I known I would not have hesitated in.."

"There is no apology need" said Paul, "and I hope not to draw attention to myself here in public. If you could be so kind as to take me to the Tsar, I would be very grateful."

The Priest nodded and motioned the Tsar to follow him to a side door. It lead down a hallway that only the clergy used. Taking him down several more hallways and up a flight of stairs past the public's view they came to the Patriarch's chambers. The Priest motioned for the Tsar to wait where he stood while he knocked on the door.
Edited by NRE, Aug 10 2008, 10:28 PM.
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Rhadamanthus
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The door opened and two grim, gray-robed Archons of the Sepulcher marched out of the Patriarch's office. Out of the deserts, Duke Simeon of Petra had brought the upstart adventure Josiah Damascene, and suddenly Greek and Latin were supposed to throw off the quarrels of their ancestors in order to serve some new dream. Patriarch Irenaeus did not know how that old rebel had swayed the Duke of Petra, but he would not so easily trust Josiah the Melkite. For this reason, despite the flag of truce, the Archons still drilled their men, still discussed tactics with their godfather, and still plotted strategy against the Latins. However the man entering the office now was one the Patriarch would be pleased to greet.

"Sayedna," the priest addressed his master in the Arabic style, "the Emperor Paul Romanov comes to see you."

The Patriarch had turned his eyes to an intricately drawn map of Palestine, but now turned toward the tsar. The hint of a smile reached his hardened face. Seeing the elderly man, the Sovereign of All Rus' supplicated himself, took the Patriarch's hand to kiss, and humbly requested, "Father, bless."

The Patriarch said a short prayer and made the sign of the cross over the Romanov monarch.

"Rise my child," he said, "and please tell what has brought you here? I know life has been hard since the beginning of the Regency, and this land is not peaceful. Have you come as a simple pilgrim? Or has some greater deed called you here, to Holy Zion, to the center of all the world?"

The Tsar responded,"In my heart I am a simple man making a simple pilgrimage, but the burdens of rulership lay other concerns upon my soldiers. It is with a heavy heart that I say that Yusupov has governed my people for too long--the Apostle says 'God will not be mocked' and I fear greatly what will happen to my people if they serve too long one other than the one Our Lord set over them. And so I prepare for battle, to take back Moscow and the land of Rus' and restore to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God's what is God's."

"So then, you would have my blessing?"

"Aye, Vladyka. Will you pray for me?"

The Patriarch nodded. With a hand censer in one hand, and placing the other hand over the kneeling tsar's head, the Patriarch began to pray:

"Christ our True God, who loves mankind, look down with mercy and compassion upon this soldier who is facing a daily struggle against evil. He desires to live before You, and be ever protected by Your Right Hand. Preserve him and his army, we humbly pray, and watch over them every given hour. Guide their steps, give wisdom and discernment to his leadership, that Your will may prevail, and that he may return safely to his rightful throne.

"We beg You to hear the cry coming from his heart, dear Lord Jesus Christ. We know that he is surrounded by many dangers. He is frightened with destruction; pain and death seem so near. He hurts with those who are hurting, and grieves with those who grieve, whether on the battlefield or in their homes.

"Draw us closer to You, we pray. Grant to him, and to each soldier the desire to say as the Psalmist did, "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.' He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge."

"In Your righteousness forgive him as he continue in the defense of his beloved country. Watch over those whom he loves, his wife, his children, allies, and army. May Your mercy be ever granted to him, for without fear but with love, humility, and obedience he shall turn to You, that he may be strengthened, stand firm, and live.

"Holy Father, through the prayers of the Saints and the Mother of God, and through our Lord and True God Jesus Christ, have mercy on him and save him. Amen."

After praying, the Patriarch stepped back. After the Tsar had stood up again, the Patriarch embraced him.

"Go with this blessing, and do what you must."
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NRE
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"I shall your grace" said Paul as the two released from their embrace. "I shall never forget this moment and shall return here before I die and repay God for the victory he has bestowed upon me. Of this I swear."

With that Paul left the presence of the Patriarch, covering himself once more and returning to the busy streets of Jerusalem from where he had come. It took several hours later but he made it to the coast where he boarded the small yacht that he had used to travel to the Holy Land. "I am ready to depart" he told the captain who quickly rose the anchor and had the ship off to sea in little time.

The Tsar, now a man in his mid-life, had gotten the confidence and blessing he felt he required to push forward and reclaim his stolen thrown. "I am coming to rescue you, my son Alexei" Paul said to himself as he stared out the window of his personal cabin and into the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean sea. "Yusupov will whisper lies into your ear no longer, you shall return to my side and prepare yourself to become the rightful heir of Russia."

It wasn't until the yacht was passed the straits of Gibraltar that the Tsar left his cabin to the communications room where he handed the young lad attending the console a hand written letter. "See that this is broadcast over only the most secure channel that you can find" said Paul. "Another will be coming your way shortly." The young man simply gave a firm nod of compliance and went to work typing up the letter to send.

The Ship was now heading Northward for the North Sea, he journey would soon take her to the Baltic, a region of the world the Tsar had been missing for sometime during his exile.

Encrypted and Secure Transmission

To: Gand Duke Alexander Drax
From: Tsar Paul Romanov II

Dearest friend and closest ally,

The hour of my return is close at hand. I have made all but one final preparation for my return to Moscow. I call upon you now to raise an army unlike any the world has yet to see. Find every able Drax man and boy to arm themselves with riffle and take the field. You have my full authority, as Tsar of Russia, to cross the border which divides us and enter Russia under a united banner of the House Romanov and the House Drax to do for me, this honor of which I hope to one day repay.

Your forces are those which I shall count on the most. Your men will be the first to battle, and the only to reach Moscow for her liberation. I ask as I did before that you leave me only the honor of handing down punishment to the man who has brought us to this day. Felix Yusupov will pay, but I ask that he pay by my hand and not yours.

I must also confess that our plan of attack has been altered due the war in South America. Because of the Fascist Communists, my forces have been stretched thin. I have but only one hundred thousand men to call upon and no naval armada with which to capture Saint Petersburg. Because of this I shall be requesting the aid of another, one of which I shall hope you can come to agreement with me is necessary. The Quaonians are not of us, they seek wisdom through democracy and communism. They are the natural enemy of we the monarchies, who by the grace of God rule through the divine.

Even so, the Quaonians aided my people before and I believe them to be honorable enough to aid once again. I sail now for their harbor where I hope to amass a armada strong enough and with enough speed to surprise and defeat my own so that I shall once again enter my rightful home and claim the first capital of Russia for my family. Still, I so strongly rely on you and your men to capture the second, and most important capital, that of Moscow. For it is only in Moscow that I can cement my crown and title.

Still as a man I deem even closer and greater to me than a brother, I know you , Alexander Drax shall not fail me. Your armies will be strong and quick. You shall punish those who fly the banner of decent and crush the usurper allies until only he remains. I feel this shall be our last communication but I do not feel sadden by this realization. For I know that very soon you and I shall reunite in Moscow as we claim victory for the house Romanov and the House Drax.
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Encrypted and Secure

To: Tsar Paul Romanov II
From: Grand Duke Alexander Drax

Dear Close Friend and Ally,

I am glad to hear that you will finally, after a long exile, return to your rightful place ruling over all the Russias. Since our meeting I have been slowly raising a large army designed specifically for our future campaign. When and if Drax forces capture Yusupov he shall be handed over to your custody where you may deal with him as you please. I of course suggest a trial for treason. But Yusupov is yours to deal with old friend as his crimes have affected you the most.

The recent war in South America has been on my mind lately, I was worried that it might postpone our plans, and I had fears over the changes it might cause. Briefly I even contemplated sending in soldiers to assist your efforts. The only reason I stayed my hand was that I did not wish to weaken Draxis with the Yusupov Regime still in power. While I do not trust the Quaonians, and I would not trust them in the presence of any royalty, I can see the logic behind your choice. The Quaonians are unpredictable in the best of situations and in the worst... I dare not say for I respect your judgment in all matters. My only concern is for the safety of your person. For this I request that I send a small cadre of Royal Guards to assist in your protection for the duration of your stay in Quaonian Hospitality.

With your authority, the combined armed forces of Draxis shall waste no more time in dealing with Yusupov. His regime has lasted for far too long. I dread to see the effects of Yusupov's lies upon your son given the amount of time that Yusupov has been allowed to fester in the heart of Russia.

It shall not be long now old friend, we will be reunited in Moscow. The moment of our victory is near.

---
---

Alexander had just sent off his transmission to the Tsar. It was the late afternoon and he had received the best news of the week, if not the month. They could finally remove that thorn in Europe's side which no one seemed to want to deal with, Yusupov. He would need to place the military on full mobilization... eventually. He would need to consult with his generals for a decent timetable to place teh plan into action.

Alexander grabbed his phone, he waited a few rings for Anton to finally pick up on the other line.

"Anton, I need you to get the rest of teh general staff together. We are finally going to war."
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Paul returned from his cabin to the communications room to receive Alexander's message. Pleased with his friends response, he quickly wrote back and hand the message sent.

Encrypted and Secure Transmission

To: Gand Duke Alexander Drax
From: Tsar Paul Romanov II

I shall take your wisdom in council, and see to it that your royal guard accompany me in my time in Quaon as well as to our mission in Moscow. Should you have time, send word to my wife and children who stay in your borders and relieve them with the news that I am well and shall soon be by their side, with my son very soon.

Until we see each other in Moscow my dear friend, stay strong and alert. We shall see victory very soon.



When the message was sent the communication's officer looked back to see the Tsar finishing yet another message. "Have this sent at once" said the Tsar as he finished. "It must reach them before we reach their shores."

The communication officer gave another firm nod and went hard at work to get the message sent. Paul then left the room to return to his cabin.


Encrypted and Secure Transmission

To: President Ilya Vladigerov
From: Tsar Paul Romanov II

Great Leader of the Quaonian people,

Though our nations are divided by ideology I feel that the cooperation our two nations have shared over the years have shown that Russia and Quaon still strive for the same future for our people. We are nations which cherish freedom, liberty, and justice. It is because of that bond that I know send word to you this day.

The time has come for me ascention back to the thrown of Moscow. As this letter reaches you, the Drax are already preparing for an invasion of which the world has never seen. However, to complete my mission I need your help. Due to the war in South America, I have no naval armada for which to attack St. Petersburg. Therefore I humbly request an audience with your government to seek the naval power I need to take back St. Petersburg and in turn with the Drax help, take back Moscow and my Empire.

I am but only a few hours a way and I hope that you shall accept me as I have few other places to turn.
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Encrypted and Secure Transmission

To: Tsar Paul II Romanov
From: President Ilya Vladigerov

Your Majesty,

It is my pleasure to tell you that the navy and military of Quaon are at your full service. We have been planning for an invasion against the illegitimate Yusupov regime for months now, and the Quaonion military will be ready to mobilize within the hour. I have two million men ready to march on St. Petersburg, if you wish it. However, I note that there may be collateral damage in such an event, so if you wish to make this only a naval event, we will not invade.

I request that Your Majesty would land at the port of Klaip?da. I will be leaving immediately for there.

In addition, I would like to assure you that while the Senate may have a communist majority, my party and my government is most assuredly non-communist, and given an electoral victory in the midterm elections, we will be able to at last shed the communist symbols that are a blight upon the Republic.

I pray to God that Your Majesty may be restored to your throne in Russia with as little bloodshed as possible.
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President Ilya Vladigerov arrived at the docks of Klaipeda, accompanied by Prime Minister Sabina Karpol and an attachment of the Quaonion military. He had been to Klaipeda only once before, on a campaign stop during the last elections. Klaipeda had ended up splitting its vote between the Confederation Movement and the Party For Russian Integration, so this was at least semi-friendly territory.

Nonetheless, the city was not to his taste. It had been nothing before the Quaonion annexation, afterwards quickly becoming the home of the Quaonion navy and a bustling city that today counted four million people within its borders. Despite this, it was nothing compared to Kiev, and even less compared to Moscow. It was not the proper place to display Quaonion hospitality, power, and greatness to the Tsar, but it would have to do.

The Tsar’s ship approached. The Quaonions had arrived just in time. Thank God thought Ilya. How embarrassing would it have been if the Tsar had arrived before us!

The Tsar’s ship docked in the harbor. A few minutes later, the Tsar, flanked by members of the Draxian Royal Guard, exited the ship. Ilya was slightly insulted by the presence of the Draxians – was Quaon not trusted to protect the Tsar?

The Quaonion soldiers saluted the Tsar. Both the President bowed before him, as did the Prime Minister. “Your Majesty,” Ilya said. “How best may the Quaonion military serve you?”
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The Drax had been building up their forces for some time since Yusupov had taken control of Russia. The armed forces numbered below 7 million at the time of the Usupation. Now they were numbering around 15 million. It had taken some time for them to gather these forces, to train them, and to supply them with enough weapons. Now their problem was repositioning these forces as quickly and quitely as possible. They knew that the build up would not go unnoticed by Yusupov, no military build up was entirely secret. The trick was the disguise the numbers. And this was where the military infrastructure of Draxis came into play.

It had come into play briefly during the False Russian war. Since then the underground military complexes in Draxis had been expanded to allow for a greater number of soldiers to live and pass through them. Now these tunnels were being used to ferry soldiers as near to the border as the network allowed.

By the time the time the order came to invade the first wave was numbering just under one million. The first to cross the border were the bombers and fighters destroying key radar installations that had been laser designated by Black Hand Shadow Teams. At the same time columns of tanks and other heavy armor advanced as Artillery began shelling suspected enemy positions and the airborne began to go on the assault using their new Ox class VTOLs.

The general idea was that they would lose between 15,000 and 35,000 on this first day of invasion.
---
---

It was now 6:47am and the first images from the military were being sent to the News Agency. Columns of Tanks and Men streamed across the border. It had taken a long time for the nation to amass all of the soldiers and equipment they needed to stage this assault. It had been fairly obvious to any news watchers that the invasion was near, but no one had thought it was this near, given the last precedent of the Quaonian and Georgian Wars.

By 6:50am the Drax News Agencyfeed was being broadcast over all state run channels. Even a few private networks based in Draxis were using the feed from the Drax News Network until they could assemble their own teams and journalists to cover the story.

Children across Draxis were disappointed when the popular Saturday Morning Edition of "Europa" (a series popular among many demographics for its satirical take on the politics of europe and its fairly comical puppets of famous European and World leaders), though with a strange snese of coincidence the feed had switched over to the Drax News Network near the end of yet another installment of the "Yusupov the Usurper" (In which the puppet of Yusupov attempts and fails to 'take over the world').

By 7am the war was all that any network in Draxis was covering.

There were no exact numbers known as to the size of the first wave of the invasion force, but all estimates were that it would soon encompass between five and ten million soldiers.

OOC: Q, the correct term for any number of people from Draxis is Drax.
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Aug 12 2008, 03:54 PM
President Ilya Vladigerov arrived at the docks of Klaipeda, accompanied by Prime Minister Sabina Karpol and an attachment of the Quaonion military. He had been to Klaipeda only once before, on a campaign stop during the last elections. Klaipeda had ended up splitting its vote between the Confederation Movement and the Party For Russian Integration, so this was at least semi-friendly territory.

Nonetheless, the city was not to his taste. It had been nothing before the Quaonion annexation, afterwards quickly becoming the home of the Quaonion navy and a bustling city that today counted four million people within its borders. Despite this, it was nothing compared to Kiev, and even less compared to Moscow. It was not the proper place to display Quaonion hospitality, power, and greatness to the Tsar, but it would have to do.

The Tsar’s ship approached. The Quaonions had arrived just in time. Thank God thought Ilya. How embarrassing would it have been if the Tsar had arrived before us!

The Tsar’s ship docked in the harbor. A few minutes later, the Tsar, flanked by members of the Draxian Royal Guard, exited the ship. Ilya was slightly insulted by the presence of the Draxians – was Quaon not trusted to protect the Tsar?

The Quaonion soldiers saluted the Tsar. Both the President bowed before him, as did the Prime Minister. “Your Majesty,” Ilya said. “How best may the Quaonion military serve you?”
A few hours before the first Drax attack
Paul extended his hand and he and the President of the Communist Country, as well as that of the Prime Minister, shook hands. Paul motioned for his Drax detachment to stand at ease. Weary of the command, they respect the Tsar request and stood down from any active stance.

"President Vladigerov your gracious hospitality in these troubling times is most appreciated" said Paul. "There was no doubt in my mind that Quaon had as much distaste for it's Yusupov neighbor as did our allies in Draxis. That was why I was almost certain you would hear my plea. Is there somewhere that we can speak more in private?"

President Vladigerov gave a nod and lead the Tsar to a near by military complex. They sat down in a small conference room, well guarded by Quaonian soldiers though the Tsar's Drax guards took up positions nevertheless. Once seated the Tsar, who was accompanied by an aid from his yacht, laid out the plan for his return.

"We already have the Drax mobilized and they will within hours begin the first invasion of Russia. To complete the plan and have full success in Russia, I must lead a force to St. Petersburg. It shall serve as the first foothold in the country until we can make our way to Moscow."

The Tsar then motioned for a Disk of which he presented to the President. It was then inserted into a terminal and graphics were brought up on a projection screen.

"These are the St. Petersburg naval defenses. As you can image, being the seat of my personal residence, she is a city well guard against naval invasion. This along with the Batlic fleet, a feet of 45 ships that have been stationed within the Gulf of Finland since my escape will make an assault on the city hard. I have only my yacht and one aircraft carrier at my disposal given the recent war that has broken out in South America"

"The carrier has a force of 100,000 soldiers that I shall use to help take the city and move forward to Moscow. I need a fleet from Quaon to help me take St. Petersburg as I have no fleet to call on. Quaonian soldiers would also be appreciated though with Drax soldiers attacking first, we should not need a large force. Instead I would like to keep it light, taking perhaps only 100, 000 more from Quaon so that we can move quickly."

"I have all confidence that this war will be a success. I hope to minimize civilian casualities as well as the destruction of major poritions of the country if possible. However, the battle plan cannot work unless Quaon can afford the aid me now, and my country. Thus I most humbly request that you President Vladigerov, help me to liberate my people and free Yusupov from an evil I fear if left alone will soon turn on Europe and spread darkness across the continent."




The Arsenal’s building inside the Kremlin, Moscow

Posted Image

The Arsenal's Building which resides within the Kremlin has, since the first months of Tsar Paul's reign been converted for use by the Defense Ministry. As it's home it help put the defense coordination of the Empire near the Tsar's home in Moscow. This not only aided Paul in the times of war in Russia but now aided Yusupov as he soon realized he faced a war on the home front.

"How long have they been advancing now?" he asked grimly to Count Ivan Bobrinsky, Minister of Defense.

"About an hour or so now" he said as the two were overlooking a large table which had embedded in it a large flat television screen. Though small pictures could be brought up of live video feeds, the main background and picture of the screen was a map of the Russia of which any section could be enlarged to show enemy positions that Satelites above could detect or scouts could report back about. "They're moving quickly, we must respond soon our they'll have foothold we'll never be able to repel."

"Of course" said Yusupov as he turned to the Chief of the General Staff Mikhail Lebedev. "Have our forces engage at will, I want fighters in the air to repel those bombers as well. We'll show our foolish neighbors that the Russian Empire is not to be provoked!"

Lebedev Saluted his Marshall and then went to work to carry out orders. Count Bobrinsky bowed as Yusupov proceeded to walk out the room. A few minutes later Yusupov arrived at the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Posted Image

He went quickly through the beautiful hallways and stairways of the palace until he came to the Emperor's private study. It was there that he found his confidant and prodigy, the Tsar Alexei Paulovich Romanov II.

Posted Image

"Alexei" Felix said warmly as he entered the room. "I am always able to find you here studying as usual. It is very good to know that the Tsar is keeping himself entertained as well as educated during these troubling times."

Alexei a young man of nineteen years old look up from his books. "Uncle Felix I am glad you had time to come see me. I cannot wait to take on affairs of state as you have. I am ready you know, to rule this country more actively."

"I know, I know all in good time Alexei" said Yusupov. "Your are young, a man must be given his time to run wild and release all of his young energy. So that when you are Tsar, you are a more wiser and calmer ruler." As Yusupov spoke he carry on his face a look that Alexei had seen before in his friend.

"Something is wrong Felix, I have seen that look on you before. What has happened, has my father come to kill me?" asked Alexei in a bit of panic.

"No it is our neighbors to the North, the Drax. They have crossed our border and have begun attacking our lands. No doubt they do this in the name of your treasonous father."

Yusupov's hold over Alexei came from the lies he had spun of Paul while he was alway. His father leaving him was a betrayal that Alexei could not understand and Yusupov capitalized on it. For months after Paul and the family's leave Felix bore into Alexei that his father had disowned him. He believed you to be an acceptable loss he often remarked but I see in you the potential to be a greater leader than he. You will be a Tsar who truly has the interest of Russia at heart. For a while Alexei resisted this idea that his father purposely abandoned him, saving hope that his father would return and liberate him from his prison.

That day never came and soon all the lies that Felix spun seemed to make sense, if not complete sense that made enough for Alexei to confide in Felix and soon the two back the best of friends. Felix taught Alexei all the Slavic pride he wanted Russia to embody. He showed him the errors his father had made in Georgia and how Russia could never bow to the Middle East or anyone else. By now Alexei was a willing and able follower of Felix who believe that his father would return, but only to finish him off and reclaim an Empire he did not deserve.

"I see, what are we doing about it?" Alexei asked.

"I have sent soldiers and air support to the fronts. We will crush the Drax without delay and if need be drive them all the way back to their capital and set it ablaze. It will serve as a testament to all who oppose your rule as Tsar."

"Good" said Alexei "I know you will do all that it required to protect Russia. Please keep me informed."

"Of course I will" said Felix "as Tsar you will be required to sign many important orders. I will have time to brief you then but until then remain here in the palace where it is safe."

"Of course old friend"

With that Felix left Alexei in the study. He himself would return to the Arsenal building to see the latest reports as Russian soldiers and fighters began to engage the invading armies.




As ordered, 150 Mikoyan MiG-31s (Interceptor aircraft),Mikoyan MiG-29s (Multirole fighter), and Mikoyan XR-3s (variation of the FS-1) entered the skies over Southern Russia to engage and repel the enemy bombers. With many airfields in the South damaged in one way or another, most of the fighters had to make the flight from northern installations.

On the ground 500,000 soldiers of the Second Core were being trucked into the South for the Defense of their country. Speractically throughout the south artillery, anti-air, and anti-tank positions were being setup as fast as was possible for the Russian Defense Core. Tanks and soldiers were also making the trek to the front to engage the enemy where they may be.

A general order was issued throughout the lower cities and villages of Southern Russia. Citizens were to take shelter in their local underground bomb facilities. Built before the rise of the Russian Empire, they were still all operational although some areas had grown beyond the original numbers the shelters were designed to hold. Foolishly taking money away from expansion projects scheduled to help prepare the nation for such an attack, many of the installations would be stretched beyond their recommended limit. Citizens were encouraged to only make for the shelters when local KGB officials sounded the warning sirens.

OOC: As we progress, a heading of the area in which you're in at the beginning of each post will cut down on confusion. The map of Russia can be found here
Edited by NRE, Aug 13 2008, 07:13 PM.
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Segovia--

Segovia was overrun within the first day of the attack. Drax armor combined with their highly efficient airborne were able to secure much of the city. Artillery was already being moved up to new positions to aide the advancing armor. Currently only the mobile devices had had enough time to begin shelling new enemy positions and movements. Bombers were still holding a high success rate on their sorties thanks to the dutiful defense by their fighter escorts. The forces that overran Segovia were already splitting and heading off towards other destinations. A small portion stayed behind to continue securing the city, while a large number continued onto the next objectives, Saratov and Tula. They were hoping to reach the outskirts before dawn on the second or third day. And Tula sometime after that while the battle of Saratov would be no doubt raging.

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*News jingle marking the hour*

*Screen fades to the studio*

"The time is just after eight in the evening, today Drax forces liberated the city of Segovia marking the first liberated city during this several day old war. For more on the story we go to our correspondent Yulia Kerchaka who is embedded with the 551st air cavalry division."

Yulia was standing somewhere in the outskirts of Segovia where a firebase surrounding several helipads was being set up. It was not built to be permanent, but just to withhold any attacks for a certain period of time. Wind was whipping her hair and clothes from teh constant taking off and landing of aircraft flying cover or dropping off more soldiers. She was barely audible over the constant hum of aircraft engines.

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"I'm just outside of the newly liberated city of Segovia, sadly I cannot be more exact than that for fear of giving away any positions or progress that has been made since the opening of the conflict. So far casualties have been well within what was predicted at the start of the war and the resistance has been lighter than I had been told it would be.

"This has most of the soldiers around me on edge when they fly out on any missions. But moral is high and civilian casualties have been much less than was expected thanks to the cities bomb shelters. Of course I cannot speak for the conditions within those shelters but I have heard from soldiers that the bunkers are heavily crowded and only have enough rations for a day or two at normal capacity. I asked to interview the commander of the regiment that I am embedded with, this is what he had to say on the civilian situation...

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The Outskirts of Saratov, 5AM --

The loud wail of air raid sirens greeted the approaching columns of Drax Tanks and Infantry as they began to make their way into the region surrounding Saratov. While they were well out of the city, the quiet of the early morning was overwhelmed by the sirens. Soon aircraft would be on their way to the city, taking out whatever target they had been designated to destroy. As of right now though, the only sound in all of the area was the air raid sirens and the unrelenting sound of tanks thundering across the ground.

As they got closer they could hear the distant sound of voices over loud speakers instructing citizens to move towards the shelters if they had not already done so. It repeated on an endless loop, a recording possibly years old, or just days. No one could tell. Finally the aircraft arrived and the horizon light up with bombs and anti-aircraft fire.
Edited by Draxis, Aug 15 2008, 06:30 AM.
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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
Secret Military Base in Quaon

“Your Majesty, I can assure you that Quaonion forces are completely at your disposal,” the President said. “To be frank, we have participated in several unsuccessful assassination attempts on Yusupov, and our forces on the border are in constant high alert for the order to either defend our homeland from that murdered, or to forcefully remove him from power.”

The Tsar nodded. “So you have your own plan of attack?”

“Yes, but it meshes well with your own, Your Majesty. We will send you with three carrier and an amphibious assault ship to St. Petersburg, along with of course accompanying destroyers and the like. Our force, as you have requested, will be a relatively small one, and will attempt to take St. Petersburg by surprise if possible, to avoid bloodshed. In addition, our airforce shall immediately take to the sky and destroy any targets that should threaten us.”

The Tsar gave the President a concerned look.

“I assure you, Your Majesty, that Quaon’s forces will not touch a civilian target. We value our friendship and brotherhood with the Russian people. If that were not so, my party would be nothing. We will liberate your people, that is all. We will not touch any civilian targets, and whenever possible we shall attempt to attain the surrender of Russian armed forces.

“Your Majesty, if we are to get to this plan, we must act quickly. It has been an honor, but we all must go to our posts now. God be with us all.”

***

Kaspiya

An hour after the Draxian attacks began, Quaonion forces initiated their campaign. One hundred thousand soldiers began a march into Russian territory. This was the third time since the foundation of the Communist Republic, only eight years ago, that the Quaonion military had taken part in major operations against an enemy. The first time had been on behalf of the Russians. Quaonions had fought alongside Russians as brothers…now they fought against them. It was a difficult thought to bear for many of the soldiers, many of whom having family within Russia’s borders.

The Quaonions had little tank support. Quaon’s terrain made such armor difficult to use, so the military took little interest in developing the technology. However, the airforce, Quaon’s pride and jewel, was playing a large part in this war. Four hundred F-16 Fighters had taken to the sky, as did numerous B-1b bombers. These planes were a menacing sight as they flew over Kasipiya.

Just as they looked to be getting ready to bomb the city into oblivion, they began dropping propaganda pamphlets, prepared months earlier. They informed that Quaon did not wish to kill any Russians, and were acting in the interest of the rightful Tsar Paul II. All who laid down their arms would be treated with the utmost respect and care by the approaching Quaonion forces.

The planes, once having unloaded their pamphlets, began flying towards known military bases, announcing by radio that they were working on the behalf of the Tsar, and requesting the immediate surrender of the bases. Some of the Russians gladly surrendered, while others began launching fighters and firing AA guns into the sky.

The Quaonion generals knew that their first major test, and the first test of the Russian resolve, would be at Kaspiya. As they reached the city, the Quaonions requested the Russian forces’ immediate surrender. They waited patiently for the Russian reply.

OOC: NRE, I assume you want to do the naval invasion?
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NRE
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OOC: You sir are correct ^^

IC:

Gulf of Finland, outside St. Petersburg

The Quaonians delivered just as the Drax did. A small armada had been assembly within the harbor and was now ready to set their sails for St. Petersburg. They waited until night fall before they made their approach to the port city. Given that Yusupov's attention was to the South, little fear was given to an attack from the sea. Still it was hard to miss on radar the massive Quaonian fleet as she moved ever closer.

Surprised by the advance, Russian ships were called on to intercept and detain the Quaonian fleet from entering the harbor. St. Petersburg, perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in the Tsar's mind was in sight when the Russians fleet made visual contact with the Quaonian armada. They radioed for them to turn back but the Quaonians refused, stating that they would advance in the name of the rightful Tsar of Russia. They gave the Russian fleet the option to surrender but they too refused the request.

Both fleets when to battle stations and began to open fire on one another, lighting the sky and sea around them. Sadly for the Russians they were out numbered. Fighting lasted only an hour or so before the Russian fleet was overwhelmed. Though ships not badly damaged that could fight, drew up the white flag and surrendered. It was another glorious victory for the Tsar and his campaign. He already knew the Drax where making gains to the South, now was the time to make his own gains in the South.

Russians soldiers in St. Petersburg saw the ships coming at them and began to open fire with artillery. The Quaonian fleets returned fire and completely obliterated the small artillery bunkers the soldiers had fashioned. The Quaonian soldiers along with the Paul's loyalist forces then began to hit the docks. Though he was one of the last to make landfall, Paul was pleased to do so as it gave him time to savor the moment.

It had been a long time since his feet had walked on Russian soil. He took deep breaths in of the Russian air and let all the sights from the water front engulf his eyes. The Quaonians and his Drax guards allowed him this moment, knowing it was of great significance to him to have been returned to this city. They also knew however, that the fighting on their side had just begun. Paul was then asked to take shelter in some of the warehouses the soldiers had commandeered along the docks.

Fighting in St. Petersburg would be tough, soldiers were well embedded in the streets though their numbers were not great, they were all well trained. It would be street-to-street fighting for the loyalist and Quaonian forces if they wished to make it to the Winter Palace and allow Paul to really return home.




The Kremlin, Moscow

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Yusupov was in the arsenal's building, once again overlooking the digital map of Russia when the city of St. Petersburg began to pulsate a red color.

"There is fighting in St. Petersburg" a communications officer announced. "Forces from the sea have engaged and defeat the fleet and are making landfall down. Garrisons are taking position to defend the city's interior but fear they will need reinforcements to hold it against enemy advancements."

Turning to Mikhail Lebedev, his chief of the General Staff , Yusupov face showed a man who was worried. "No doubt the Quaonian fleet, not only are they spreading propaganda but now they're invading from the coast. Have a flight of bombers, with escort sent to St. Petersburg. Tell them to take out whatever installations the enemy has taken along the cost. Spare nothing and destroy everything if need be to keep them out"

Lebedev saluted and went to make the call.




The Soldiers in Saratov arrived only a day or so before that of the Drax advance and had hastily setup artillery bunkers and anti-aircraft placements when the bombings came. The entire city began to shake when the bombs came, with the Russian soldiers answering the explosions with missiles and cannon fire. Scouts along the outskirts of the city began to radio in about the Drax land advancement. Some of them were gunned down by enemy snipers, officers could hear them choking on their own blood over the radio as they died.

Russian tanks were then order to make their way to the outskirts of the city, but the enemy bombing was making the task difficult. If the tanks were hit the roadways they need to use were. Luckily however, most of the citizens of the town had made it to the bomb shelter complex. It's large reinforced doors had been shut and sealed only minutes before the first explosions began to irrupt. Though safe from harm, they could hear the fighting from above.

Every now and again the lights of the underground complex would flicker as the electrical lines where shaken but they never went out. The shelters were designed within internal power supplies so the electricity would never go out, but given their age few people now crammed in it were aware. Screams could be heard every time a large explosion went off and the lights flickered. People feared that every new hit would be their last. Sadly it wasn't the bombs or the electricity they had to worry over, but their food and water.

Though the shelters were kept stocked with food that lasted several years and replenished when that food went back, the shelters were only designed to hold the capacity of the town at the time of their construction, with little room for growth built into their design. The people would run out of those two commodities first before the electricity ever went out of the bombs ever came through. On the surface the people were the last thing any soldier concern himself with.

When the bombing finally ended the soldiers knew that the Drax had to be close if not within the outskirts of the city. Some tanks who had taken longer routes to avoid the bad parts of the road and to avoid being hit finally made it to their assign positions and began to fire when Drax columns came in sight. Drax tanks return the welcome in kind and began shelling the tanks. Given their limited number many of the tank crews knew they would be overwhelmed once the Drax got closer. Fearlessly however they stayed on, vowing to protect the city with their lives. Few soldiers realized how real that promise was going to become for them.
Edited by NRE, Aug 15 2008, 07:33 PM.
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Draxis
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The Drax tanks began to close in on the center of the city, the fighting became more and more intense the closer they got. Eventually the armor would break through, closely followed by infantry of all sorts. Shadow teams had dropped into the city behind enemy lines attempting to sabotage their supplies, communications, and lines of escape. Within the city the Drax set up large speakers behind their advance, all broadcasting the same message.

"Forces falling under the Yusupov Regime, lay down your weapons, we have come to liberate Russia and restore it to the glory it once was before the traitor Yusupov usurped power from the rightful Tsar, Paul Romanov. We come under the flag of the rightful Tsar. Lay down your arms and surrender. You will not be harmed. Why die for a traitor to Russia? Why fight for an illegitimate ruler. Surrender and support the rightful ruler, Paul Romanov, Tsar of all the Russias. Lay down your arms."

The airforce began to engage the Russia aircraft that appeared over the city, trying to establish dominance and control of the air and the air cavalry began to arrive dropping their soldiers onto areas and battles deemed important. A few helicopters and VTOLS were lost to enemy fire but many were able to offload their soldiers into the battles for control of the streets of the city.
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NRE
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Saratov, Russia...

The Drax soldiers were making headway against the Russian forces in the city. They had made haste preparations for the oncoming Drax soldiers and it was no proving that those preparations were simply not enough. Troops, tanks, and even some artillery pieces were now ripping through Russian lines as they tried to stand against the Drax beast. Commanders continued to bark orders but time and time again as the Drax slowly but steadily advanced, these orders seemed futile.

When the loudspeakers began to bark through the streets with the Drax message about surrender, most Russian soldiers ignored it believing it was their sole duty to protect their people from what they saw as invaders. However as the battle worn on in a once quiet city in a quiet region of the Empire, Russian soldier especially in the grunt ranks of the infantry began to question their own motives.

why am I fighting......who truly is my enemy....am I really supporting a usurper.....These thoughts continued to circulate through literally thousands of soldiers until finally reason seemed to break through. Soldiers around the city began to throw down their riffles and hold their hands up in surrender. Certainly not the in numbers the Drax wanted but that was expected. Still the Drax took them in official as refugees of the embattled Russian Empire though most would be treated as prisoners of war since after all there was no way in proving who was serious and who was simply looking at an easy way to get into the Drax ranks and cause havoc.

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St. Petersburg, Russia...

Fighting in St. Petersburg was no more easy than the fighting the Drax were now engaged in. Quaonian and Russian loyalists were having to fight, block by block, street by street, to reclaim the ancestral home of the Romanov's. Paul was setup in a command Center along the docks of the city. Now into their third hour of fighting, the docks were now secure and mostly free of danger from enemy attack. That said, anti-air placements still monitored the air constantly.

Vasilievsky Island was the loyalists landing, and taking the island was proving to be difficult. However, Paul felt if his loyalists with the Communist's help could take the island, they'd have a clear shot to his winter palace. He believe that taking the palace would be strong symbol of power of the loyalists to him and would cement the belief that with his Drax and Quaonian aid, would be able to topple Yusupov and his usurper regime.

However, with forces barely near the middle of Vasilievsky Island, the fight for the entire city of St. Petersburg stood now as a large labor he had to complete if he was to aid his Drax allies in the South as they continued their own march towards Moscow.
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Draxis
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It had taken longer than anticipated, but with the Russian ranks slowly thinning either through surrenders or death the Drax forces finally made it to the center of the city. Now they just had to cement their hold and push the Russian forces out of the city. It seemed that the recording performed better than they could have hoped. While at first it did not seem to work after hours upon hours of it being broadcasted, slowly seeping through the enemy ranks, the white flag was seen more and more. These men were brought to POW camps based in Draxis. Each POW was treated with as much respect as they deserved. They were only separated to ensure that they would not cause any undo problems for the Drax forces. Each POW camp was filled with soldiers hailing from different regions of Russia, it was planned that after the war these soldiers would be discharged back to their various home regions.

With Saratov being close to falling into the realm of Drax control the next stages of planned began being implemented. The next goals were the cities of Ryazan, Krasnagrad and Tula. These were expected to be even tougher than the battle for Saratov as the Russians would have even more time to prepare a defense. Though the military knew that the worst and heaviest fighting was still to come. They were a long ways from Moscow.
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NRE
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St. Petersburg, Russia...

The Quaonian and Russian loyalist were making headway in the beautiful city by the sea. They had, through gruelling fighting and defeating the odds of battle, taken Vasilievsky Island. The battle for the Dvortsovy Bridge towards the Winter Palace which was only a few blocks from their position was perhaps the most intense fighting the two groups had seen from Yusupov's forces.

Being an open and confined space it made the loyalists forces easy targets for sniper and tank fired. They had only barely managed to stopped Yusupov's forces from blowing up the bridge which would have delayed their advance towards the Winter Palace significantly. However, the tank fire and sniper problem did take time away from a schedule they were hoping to keep.

Moving artillery pieces and tanks into high positions they began to shell tank and enemy sniper positions where they found them. Soldiers braved the cold waters of the river which flowed beneath the river, using scuba gear to safely cross and get into the heart of enemy lines. Once a good number of forces were within the enemy ranks, they began guerrilla-like tactics to harass the enemy on their side.

Noe intended to inflict any great damage but instead to take the enemies attention off the bridge, the maneuver was a success and with enemy forces now occupying their inner ranks, loyalist forces began braving the bridge and getting on the other side. In a brave charge against the enemy, with tanks roaring and artillery providing cover fire the loyalist forces charged the Yusupov ranks and flushed them out of the streets.

Gaining confidence from their victory at the Dvortsovy Bridge they moved head strong towards the winter palace. The beautiful building which has stood as a symbol of the Russian crown for generations looked as beautiful to the loyalists forces as it did the last time they were honored to see it. Having great respect for such a beautiful building the men stopped short of the archways and streets that lead to the Imperial Square.

Raising large megaphones the Russian officers offer the Yusupov loyalists there only chance of surrender.

"Russian soldiers of Saint Petersburg, lay down your weapons, surrender yourselves to our armies and rejoin us under the banner of the rightful Tsar. We have killed enough of our brother this day, let us not tarnish this beautiful city anymore. Free us from our duties, let us not spill Russian blood here in the Imperial square but instead join again, arm and arm to protect this country and deliver it from evil!"

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The loyalist tanks flew the Romanov family banner as they waited along side the columns of loyalist soldiers. All was deadly quiet as they waited for a response from the Yusupov Russians who they knew were station within the Winter palace. Some within the ranks were afraid the enemy may be using the time to move quietly around them, to surprise them from behind. Others though they were simply ignoring them, and preparing their cannons to fire. Even more simply thought the Palace had been abandon and that the officers were talking to no one.

Finally all was answered as a white flag of surrender was raised over the palace and the men began to file out of the building, their riffles raised in the air and then set to the ground as they line up outside. It was a relief to many to see this surrender and the Russian commanders then walked their loyalist troops over to their POWs and inspected the ranks. Many of the men from both sides knew one another, including the officers which made the surrender than much easier.

"We simply couldn't go on fighting our brothers" was the sentiments of most as they began to talk to the loyalists. With the palace secure, Paul was call from the docks up to the Palace. Relieved to see his home still standing, his arrival was met with cheers from both sides. Entering his home, he had troops from the "enemy" ranks sent out the other pockets still left in St. Petersburg.

"Tell them to lay down their weapons as all can be forgiven" Paul said, and with a bow the soldiers took the message out. Word spread quickly throughout St. Petersburg of the Tsar's return. Many of the troops surrender, though a few believe it was a trick by enemy forces. Those who did not believe filed out of the city quickly, to take up positions in Novgorod where Yusupov forces were amassing in the Novgorod Kremlin.

Even with a few unbelievers, the city found cause for rejoice and jubilation at the return of the Tsar. Relieved to be back in the Kremlin, he still knew there was work to be done. He would give his forces a days rest before their march to Novgorod. With St. Petersburg his own, he had the legitimacy he need to announce his return to Russia and ask all those loyal to lay down their arms.
--------------------------------
Royal Decree from Tsar Paul Romanov II

Citizens of Russia I have return from long exile to reclaim my divine and rightful place as your Tsar. I have reclaimed the city of Saint Petersburg and return to the thrown therein. My allies of the Drax make headway in the South and fly my flag to liberate you from the evils of one Prince Felix Yusupov. I ask as your Tsar, to see it in your hearts to lay down your weapons and defy this usurper as he rules through perversion. He desecrates my family name by using my own son to legitimize his regency and I can allow this no more.

So defy this dog of Moscow and lay down your weapons and open your towns to my loyalist forces and my allies from abroad. They are not here to conquer you but to liberate you. I shall defeat this monster of monsters and reunite my son with his rightful family and together we shall restore the Russian Empire to it's rightful and glorious place in the world.

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The Kremlin, Moscow...

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Yusupov within the arsenal's building, watched as St. Petersburg was colored a solid red on the digital map, the symbol of a conquered city. It was becoming common practice now for the technicians to change cities from a pulsating red to a solid red as the Drax and Loyalists made their advances. Paul's decree only added salt to his wounds as reports of revolts from around the Empire began to come in.

Small as they were, it was enough to prove that Yusupov was loosing control over the Empire and it's people. His regency had seen a steady decline in the countries economy, thousands were out of work and living on government hand-outs that were barely enough to live off of. Constantly he had used funds to continue a rearmament group the country was never equipped to handle. It was straining the very infrastructure of the nation, blackouts in electricity, water, and phones had become a common place.

An now it seemed the people were threw, tired and ready for a return of the glorious Romanovs, the rightful Romanov. Streets across the Empire soon say small bands of citizens rallying together, calling for the military to stand down and support to Tsar's return. Some in the ranks heeded the call and put defected to the Tsar's sides, waiting out to be picked up by either the Tsar's forces of the Drax when they finally rolled through their area.

Still others, the more greedy and selfish of the army believed in Yusupov and the glory they could achieve under his leadership. They believed in his rhetoric of Slavic pride and power. They still felt that Paul had let them down in Georgia and abandoned them as a traitor. They believed he could be defeated, and that the allies could be pushed back and so they stayed.

Still Yusupov was in a very delicate position and knew very well that his decision would either make or break this war for him. He ordered reinforcements to Podolsk, Lyubertsy, Electrostal, and Kaliningrad. They would become his line in the sand, a stand against the oncoming Drax beast from the South. Supplies and soldiers were sent to Tver and Novgorod to defeat the Paul and protect the capital.

As for the citizens, they were traitors as far as Yusupov was concerned and a pay raise would be given to any soldier willing to shoot a rioter where they stood. Needless to say those willing to do anything they could to succeed in life took this chance and ran with it. Moscow, and streets beyond would soon be filled with the blood of the common man even before the allied forces arrived. Tsar Alexei was never consulted and soon became worried over the horrors he would witness outside his bedroom window.
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NRE
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The Winter Palace, St. Petersburg...

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The Tsar sat comfortably in his office at the winter Palace. It had been preserved and kept just as he left it much to his excitement. He long to bring his family home to this place but knew while war ragged on it was not a safe move. Though he originally had planned to stay only a day in the city, he found himself in the second day in St. Petersburg.

With the port city under his control, he could now resume trade with the Caribbean, though they know had to divert their supplies to the Argentine city of Buenos Aires. The Tsar long to take up the fight against the communist threat there but knew his first priority was here in Russia. Streltsy that had served his Yusupov, only in the name of Paul's son, resumed their oath of service to him. Swearing to protect him with their lives as the true and ruling Tsar of Russia.

Citizens of St. Petersburg, the youth and experienced men also came to the Tsar to pledge their own lives in the fight to take Moscow. Paul knew he could never train the men in time to take up a real fight for Moscow, so instead entrusted them with then defense of St. Petersburg against a Yusupov attack. Paul did not believe that Yusupov would or even could mount a counter attack to take the city, but he would be prepared nevertheless.

Paul got reports that the battle in the South was going well for the Draxs even though it was tough. It was pleased to hear that their efforts was leading the campaign to success. Paul himself kept busy reworking his plans to ensure that their next campaign would be an equal success. Fighter/bombers from Moscow began late that second day to attack St. Petersburg not only to slow Paul's advance but to punish the people for their treachery against Yusupov.

Anti-air garrisons were enough to keep the aircraft at bay, though they did lose some beautiful sites in the city before they broke off to return to Moscow. It was just another item Paul would make Yusupov pay for in the end.
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Draxis
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The Drax were beginning to find the real resistance they had expected all along now that they had arrived at the "blob" as it was known among commanders. The "blob" was the large cluster of cities on the doorstep to Moscow. They knew the fighting would be tough here, this was going to be Yusupov's line in the stand. The Drax would consider it a massive failing if they were not the first to set foot in Moscow. Even worse if the Quaonians made it there first. Even if it meant completely obliterating the cities in their way, destroying everything to create a flat road into Moscow, then so be it.

Before the Drax attacked the cities in the blob they released leaflets informing the soldiers that the cities would fall in the face of the Drax War Machine. But there were not there as oppressors or conquerors. They were they to liberate the cities from a crazed madman who has brought great suffering and isolation upon Russia. An unjust leader who would eventually fall.

The second day the audio loop started. What could only be described as speaker bombs were dropped, all playing the same message, 'lay down your arms, join the forces of the Drax and the rightful tsar and regain the honor lost to Russia when yusupov unjustly usurped power.'

Finally on the third day the Drax appeared on the horizon. In some towns on their way to the cities they were cheered, here they just rolled past. In others they met resistance, those towns then ceased to exist and the civilian populations were imprisoned in centers for "Civilian Prisoners of War." While they lacked many of the niceties and rights the Russian POWs had, they were still treated fairly.

As was their usual tactics in this war the city was bombed by aircraft using precise munitions targeted at as much of the military infrastructure as possible. Shadow teams designated infrastructure to be bombed to break off escape route and routes that reinforcements could push through. They just needed to push through this blob of forces, break their will to fight, or destroy them, either way they needed to reach Moscow and it was goign to be straight through the middle of the blob.
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Outside Novogrod....

It had been a long trek both in personnel carriers and on foot but the loyalists forces still under the command of Paul himself made to the in roads of Novogrod. Yusupov had put his money on stopped Paul and his forces here, as he used the Novogrod Kremlin as his base of operations for this region of Russia. Large artillery pieces made it impossible for Paul to get his forces in, or even close enough to begin an attack.

Thus the battle for Novogrod would take more than just a full-frontal attack, it would take a keen mind and a knowledge of the city itself to win. Some citizens of Novogrod has escaped the city and came to St. Petersburg when news of the Tsar's returned reached them. It came from the mouths of those soldiers still loyal to Yusupov who had fled St. Petersburg for Novogrod. Luckily for the Tsar, these people had seem the location of many of the artillery guns and missile platforms, mostly because a good deal of them had been placed right in the front yards.

Knowing where the main guns laid, Paul devised a plan to sneak, small covert teams into the city. Using back alley ways and sewer systems they would make their way in and destroy key guns allowing for a "hole" to be created within the defense of the city. This would allow Paul and his forces a chance to enter the city and begin their assault of the Novogrod Kremlin. The teams were small and they used entrances to the Novogrod sewer that were just outside the city and unprotected.

The teams waited for the cover of night and then enter the city via the sewers. To their surprise it was extremely bright inside the city, sometimes even Paul could plainly see from outside the city itself. This was because Usurper forces had brought in mobile work lights, tall enough and large enough to light up whole blocks as if it were mid-day. Though it was horrible for the people trying to sleep at night it was perfect for the soldiers keeping an eye on the people. Though this would of course make their work that much harder, it was something they would have to overcome.

Luckily for the teams, alleys were only secondary concerns for the soldiers and so what little light was able to curve around the corners and into the back ways was all the attention they got. Leaving the sewer systems from manholes in this back pathways, the teams began to scour into the urban interior of the city and the gun locations. There were several close calls along the way to their target locations as some teams, anxious to reach the gun locations, would make what most in the military profession would call "rookie" moves. However, they were quick to fix their mistakes, with a few forces to killed a small group of guards before they could report back to their superiors.

Finally, like clockwork the teams finally made it to their respective targets. Their first problem was dealing with the soldiers maintaining the guns and rocket platforms without alerting others. Difficult as the problem was, it was not a impossible task to complete especially for the highly trained soldiers of the strike teams. With the enemy troops eliminated they went about the task of setting explosive charges. When complete the teams left the target zone for a rondevu point. It was important that the teams worked quickly because the charges were all armed and set to explode simultaneously before the mission began since radio contact was out of the question and Paul wanted to teams to remain in the city, to help coordinate the attack as the rest of the forces moved in.

Paul looked at his watch 3......2......1. The explosion rocked the city as the ammunition of the guns and rocket platforms exploded in a glorious explosion. The force of the explosion was so power that it knocked out the power supply of the city. The work lights and home lights of the entire city went dark, creating a black void of darkness. Disoriented and confused, the Usurper forces were at a scramble to organize themselves for defense when Paul order his forces in. Standing as firm as they could, most were mowed down quickly but soon enough to enemy became united and began to slow Loyalist forces advance.
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The Arsenal’s building inside the Kremlin, Moscow

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"Drax forces are advancing on Lyubertsy, Podolsk, and Electrostal simulateniously" said Defense Miniter Count Ivan Bobrinsky to Prince Yusupov as he looked over the virtual map and read the latest reports given to him. "However, we have our main divisions dug in to that area, making our stand against them there. We have bombers on the way with fighter escorts to weed out some of their numbers."

"An to the North" asked Yusupov

"An to the North, our latest reports put Paul in Novogrod though we have confidence that our forces will hold their as well."

Prince Yusupov began to run his fingers threw his hair. It was becoming increasingly thin these days due to the onset of old age due to the stress he was currently having to deal with. He did not like the way this attack on Russia was turning out from his point of view. Still, he made daily statements to the masses via radio and television with every appearance of a man still in control. On behalf of the Tsar Alexei he promised to end this invasion and again redeem the Russian borders. At least that was the rhetoric he fed the people, most were beginning to doubt him.

"We'll need the Tsar's signatures on these redeployment papers and sir" said Count Bobrinsky "Perhaps it is time that the Tsar declared marshal law. Suspend the Federal Assembly and Supreme Court, allow the military to oversee law while we deal with this crisis.

"Of course, I will see that the Tsar signs the declaration at once."

Yusupov left the Arsenal's building a returned the palace where, through the same lies he had been feeding the boy since his takeover he convinced Alexei to sign the declaration. Alexei would assume full control over the state of affairs as Marshal of the Empire and with Yusupov's council he would redirect supplies and other necessities to aid in the war effort.

"Together we will defeat this great enemy" said Yusupov. Though the Imperial State Court went silently along with the declaration, the State Duma was utterly outraged. They called the suppression of the Federal Assembly an act against the crown and treason. The deputies were quickly arrested and detained before further unrest could be spread. Alexei was on hand when the declaration was delivered and witnessed the Duma's reaction. Never before had he ever had a doubt arise in him when it came to something Yusupov had talked him into doing.

Now however, he doubted his actions. What if they were right, what if he had acted against the founding principles of the Empire. He was ordained by God to rule, but at what cost to his humanity? These questions would begin to plague him as the war went on, beginning to eat away at the chains that bound him to Yusupov and his lies. Soon enough Yusupov would find himself all alone in this war against the Empire he hoped to recreated.
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The air war was still waging over the battle of the blob. It had been for close to over a week. The ground forces had not yet moved fully into any of the cities, at the most clashing at the suburbs while they gained a brief period of control over the air. Commanders were hoping to establish air dominance before they moved into the narrow streets and engage in urban combat. For just over seven days the ground forces positioned themselves and waited a few kilometers out of the cities as jet streamed past going to and from battle. Some moments it would look as though the Drax were just about to gain control it would slip back to a stalemate. Everyday fighters ran out on sorties and bombers tried to find their targets. Today ground forces would have to march into the cities regardless of the status of the air. They had already lost enough momentum fortifying their positions in the towns and suburbs outside of the blob.

Another day dawned and another wave of fighters assaulted the skies.

"Aiagon One this is Sky Eye, looks like the Russians have spotted us and have already scrambled fighters to intercept. The only thing they don't know is that today is the day we finally take the skies."

"Sky Eye, this is Aigon One, you can cut that as you say it every day."

"Today is different, I am still receiving new orders from the brass. Actual new orders. Today is the day."

---
---

Meanwhile--

"Ground control to Arkbird, ground control to Arkbird, please confirm receiving of last shipment."

"Arkbird to Ground Control, shipment is being received as we speak. T-Minus Thirty minutes until we are fully operational and battle ready."

---
---

High above the surface the arkbird gracefully cut through the sky, years had passed since it had first soared into the great blue heavens. Now, finally after years of waiting all of the weapons systems would be operational. Targets were already being processed and input. The last of the procedures were being completed and the machinery was warming up with hostile intent for the first time. The entire ship was at a state of battle readyness waiting for the order to fire.

The information from various satellites, AWACS, and the Arkbirds own scanning systems finally finished processing. Everything was set, they just needed the word from command.

Minutes passed in silence as the entire crew waited for the command. The loudest noises on the ship were the gently hum of instruments, pinging of targeting systems and the engines.

Then crackling over the com everyone knew the order had just come in even though they couldn't hear the words. Just the crackle of the com was enough to tell everyone what was about to happen. But still they waited for their captains order. Finally the order came.

"Fire at will."

---
---

Outside the cities--

The army got the orders to move out and begin the battle of the blob. It was almost a relief for some of the soldiers to be back marching, to regain the momentum. Over a week had been lost hoping for a breakthrough by the air force, a breakthrough that never came. Now they were back to what they had done for most of the campaign. There was only one thought on the mind of commanders and soldiers alike, the next street ahead. Because the capturing the next street led to Moscow.
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In the heat of Novgorod.

The battle for the Novgorod Kremlin was a truly testing advance for the forces under Paul's command. With their hole punched into their outer defense, Paul's forces had fled into the city like water through the hole in a dam. Still, getting in proved to be only the first of many problems to solve if Paul wanted to take the town for his own. Fighting was street to street and block to block as loyalists to Yusupov refused to give up their line in the sand. Barricades blocked most street paths, tanks made moving around corners quickly a dangerous maneuver and when snipers began to exercise their skills from the rooftops, it made movement by Paul's forces almost impossible. Regardless of their tough situation however, the soldiers were determined to make it to the Kremlin at the town's center. Paul ordered his first strike teams which had taken out the artillery guns and anti-air rocket platforms to continue their work through the city. He need more of the guns out of commission to get air support.

It was dangerous work since now soldiers would be on alert around the guns but the job had to be done and they would do it. Moving through the city as best they could, the strike teams engaged at will into several tough fights against the soldiers guarding the anti-air placements. It wasn't til the explosions once again rocked the city to it's core that Paul knew that their mission was an success. He wouldn't know until after the battle what the cost was for such a success. With anti-air threat severely diminished, Paul radioed in for air support. Within an hour jets began to roar into the skies over Novgorod and began to drop bombs onto the rooftops and city blocks held by enemy forces. It was a crushing blow to the forces within the depths of the city, as for the Kremlin, it's own set of anti-air guns began to light up the sky causing many jets to go down. The rest were called off and turned back towards St. Petersburg an their base of operations.

With a new road to the Novgorod Kremlin paved in the fires and bodies of the dead, Paul's forces began to take positions and bunker down around the Kremlin. It was an impressive and imposing structure, almost as tough as the Moscow Kremlin herself and getting into this Kremlin would be the best practice Paul could want to get for when he finally reached Moscow.
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The main bulk of the air campaign was being waged over the skies of Electrostal as it was the furthest east of the cities. Ground forces were advancing on all the cities simultaneously, but the bulk was located in Electrostal. The Drax were hoping for an early victory there which would cut off the other four cities from each other and open a corridor to Moscow. The 1325 Armored Division was advancing at the front of the assault on the city. They were thirty minutes out of the city. They could see off in the distance as jets fought in the air and artillery pounded the buildings on the ground with the occasional bomber hitting their target.

---

"Aiagon One, this is Sky Eye, you are to withdraw from the air and retreat to a holding patter ten kilometers to the east."

With much grumbling and anger the Drax jets began a quick tactical withdrawal from the cities airspace. They were hoping for the second wave of fighter aircraft to reach them before they had to withdraw.

---

Intercepted Russian Transmissions Five Minutes Before Impact

"We've got them running, chase them down and knock them out of the sky!"

---

"Strigon Five, this is Sky Eye, you are free to enter Electrostal's airspace and engage enemy fighters following arkbird launch."

---

High above the battlefield the Arkbird was already looking for new targets to hit with its stockpile of thermobaric weapons and modified cruise missiles. While they had almost depleted their entire load out of missiles they now were looking for targets to hit with their railgun while they reloaded their missiles to use on the third pass of the city far below. On board they were tracking their missiles to their various targets. This volley was meant to shake the Russians and hit a few key targets.

---
Intercepted Russian Transmissions 30 Seconds Before Impact

"We've just picked up a second wave of fighters and bombers. Team Five and Ten, you are cleared to engage... um... this can't be right... I'm picking up missiles coming from the direction of M-"

---

The sky turned into fire as the first few missiles hit their targets. Many were targeted at buildings and infrastructure, others were targeted to detonate in midair to spread chaos among the Russian fighters.It was as though the mouth of hell itself had opened up in the sky as it burned bright orange and violent shades of red. The attack left many buildings damaged heavily or destroyed. And still the Arkbird began circling around for a second pass, this time to focus on the airbases.

---

Intercepted Russian Transmissions during the first attack

"We just lost our AWACS! Where are these missiles coming fro- "

"How many of us are still left!? Is the second wave still incoming?"

"Number three's radio is down! Probably the same with most fighters. Right now."

"My god! The city, its burning! What is going on?"

---

Meanwhile the second wave of fighters arrived in the airspace and began their attack on the Russian aircraft trying to reassemble and regain order. Below them the 1325th reached the city itself and encountered troubles related to both the Russian resistance and problems caused by the Arkbirds assault. Some roads were now charred and cluttered with rubble. Some fighter planes had crashed into the ground during the volley of explosions, it was difficult to see who the planes belonged to and it did not matter. Other times they would find entire builds strewn in the roads, they would be able to navigate around some of these, other times though they had to find an alternate route.

---

High above the city the Arkbird was still turning trying to begin its second assault. To turn it had to descend deep into the atmosphere, it was still high above the flight ceiling of any fighter plane in existence but now if they looked up they would be able to see the massive hulking body of the Arkbird, Draxis's white bird of war. Its scanning equipment hummed finding and processing battle data, if it needed it could act as the AWACS for a battle, but for now it was sorting through the list of targets trying to discover what targets had been neutralized, which ones had survived, and which ones it needed to hit. Finally after some time it had sorted out its targets, its second volley would be focused on the air bases near the cities but still outside of Moscow. The information was loaded into the targeting systems, the railguns were being prepped, now all it needed was to find the right angle of attack...

---

High atop the Citadel the Duke was going over reports from the front. Mostly gains of land, liberations of cities, and POW counts. The war was so far fairly straight forward, but he was determined to reach Moscow first. Sure this meant unveiling the Arkbird before the world, revealing that it was more than just a great and large science vessel. But so be it, the benefit to Drax forces on the front moral wise would be significant. Especially now that it would be to the detriment of Yuspovian forces. Now for once it might be clear that the forces under Yusupov had two choices, surrender and be treated humanly, or be killed. There was no middle ground anymore.

"My lord, I have just received a communication from the Arkbird." Nadia Ryschenka interrupted the Duke from his review. Normally she would have waited and paged him through regular channels. But she had flown in this morning from the front to ensure that the first reports from the Arkbird could be relayed to the Duke personally.

The Duke looked up from his work eagerly, "And?"

"Right now the firing is looking highly successful, by the end of the day we should be able to get a full status report but it has invoked considerable damage upon," She paused to look down at the name of the city where it had been tested, "Ah... Electrostal. Not a very notable city, but it housed several important industrial facilities."

The Duke smiled a rare smile, "Excellent, I want a full report as soon as it is available. May our white bird of war strike fear into all of our enemies."
---
Above the city of Electrostal as Aiagon returned to the battle after refueling.

"This is Strigon One to Aiagon One, welcome back and good job on holding the Usurpers forces, this city will be ours with the Arkbird on our side!"
Edited by Draxis, Sep 24 2008, 04:41 AM.
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Electrostal, Russia...

death...destruction....so much death and destruction. The cries of the dying seemed to echo throughout, drowning almost every other sound that could be heard. It was almost impossible to think it was so loud. An the smell, the stench of burnt flesh, blood and gusts, many who survived wished they had not. The city was unrecognizable and would likely remain such for sometime.

Mostly out of instinct than from rational thought, those who did survive the attack fought their way out of the rumble and began a march out of the city, out of the war. Even the most harden Yusupov supporters that were in the city now wanted nothing to do with the man. They believed their survival was a sign from God that he intended them to witness Yusupov's wickedness and learn from their mistakes.

Everything was lost, but still the army stood their ground. Many soldiers and equipment were gone, sometimes with no trace that they were ever there to beginning with but those who survived stood their ground. They had seen death and destruction before. Perhaps never on this scale but it did matter, they were loyal to their uniform and loyal to their mission. They would defend until they had not the life to do so.

------------------------------------------
The Arsenal’s building inside the Kremlin, Moscow

Posted Image

Defense Miniter Count Ivan Bobrinsky and the Regent, Prince Yusupov sat in the Command center and listened to the radio chatter that came from Electrostal until the chatter went silent. On the board they watched as lights began to go out, showing the destruction of military installations, as well as the fighters that were over the city. Alexei was now in the bunker as well, having assumed a full role as Marshall of the Empire he did everything but demanded to be present.

Yusupov could tell that the young man was falling out of his control. He knew that one day soon Alexei would challenge his opinion his only problem is that he didn't know when. A bigger problem was that he'd have to submit to this objection because without Alexei, he'd have no legitimacy to rule. For now he would simply use what lies and misinformation that he had left to confuse and mislead the young Tsar. However, Alexei was far smarter than Yusupov would acknowledge and that approach would fail Yusupov far faster than he would ever see coming.

"What the hell happened?" asked Yusupov

"I have no idea, obviously we're experiencing a new weapon of the Drax" said Count Bobrinsky "We'll need better intelligence on this weapon before I can suggest a counter measure."

"Perhaps we should speak with Chairman Chebrikov" said Alexei.

Yusupov got a smile on his face, why not let the Tsar handle it he thought to himself. It would get Alexei out of the command center for awhile and allow him to exert power with worry.

"Well your majesty" said Yusupov "do you wish to speak with him personally?"

"I think I shall" said Alexei who then rose from his seat, with everyone around him doing so and then bowing as he left.

A few minutes later

Alexei did leave the Arsenal building but he did not go to the KGB headquarters. Instead he went to the office of the Streltsy Imperial Guard to see their commander, Colonel Fyodor Tynyanov. They were after all swore to protect the Tsar and he hoped that he could trust the Colonel with what he sought to do.

The Colonel of course bowed in the presence of Alexei as he entered. After exchanging greetings, Alexei took a seat and unveiled his plan.

"I no longer need Yusupov as my council and I need to know I have the Streltsy if no one else when I finally make my move." said Alexei.

"Of course your majesty" said the Colonel "We are swore to protect the crown and his family. I am by oath and conscious bound to protect and serve you. If you wish to act against Yusupov, we will be there to help"

"Good" said Alexei "but I must know who else will stand with us. I know I can have the State Duma on my side once they're released. I must ask that you seek out others in the government to see who else will stand with me, without of course revealing my plan."

"I will do what I can" said the Colonel. The two men continued their conversation for a few more minutes before Alexei finally left for his original task.
-------------------------------
The capture of Novgorod...

It had been two days since the Tsar's forces entered Novgorod and began their assault on the city's Kremlin. Loyalist forces stood strong against the enemy attack but were gradually failing as the battle grew on. Though powerful as the walls of the Kremlin were in Novgorod, they soon became no match to the repeat fire of artillery and tanks.

With holes in their defense, soldiers began to barrel into the Kremlin and hand to hand command soon broke out. Snipers tried to make the best of the breaches by picking off as many of Paul's soldiers as they could while they were bottled up in the tight corridors of the breaches. Soon however, they're positions were overrun and they met their demise, paying for their sin in blood. By the end of the day, Paul had taken Novgorod though he worried the price paid was far greater than the bounty he received for his gain.

Fires across the city lite the sky as darkness fell over the Kremlin and surrounding area. Paul looked over the city in horror and relief that the fighting was over. Though many had died, many more had surrendered and Paul now held them in quarters he had setup for POWs. With Novgorod their own, the railway was now under Pau's control until the city of Tver. He now had only Tver to worry over, since once it fell there would be nothing before him and his city of Moscow.

His forces would spend the next couple of days restocking their ranks with supplies from St. Petersburg, and loading train cars for travel to Tver.
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The battle for Electrostal was tough, it seemed that the false tsar had massed almost all of the forces that were lacking from previous battles in the bulge of cities before Moscow. The Drax were hoping to turn Electrostal into a wedge that they could drive all the way into the heart of the Yusupov regime. The bulk of Drax forces were being concentrated on the front in electrostal waiting for the day a breakthrough came as they knew then the road to Moscow would be free.

When news of the Russian victory in Novgorod it caused Drax commanders to push their men harder than they had before. They could not be stalled in electrostal, or anywhere but Moscow. While the Russian forces continued to hold out new Drax soldiers poured onto the front of the city as the waves began to become one. The continued airwar over the city was beginning to turn in the favor of the Drax and the arkbird waited for its next large shipment of munitions so they could carry out their next attack. Though they fully expected that attack to come when the Drax were entering Moscow.
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Mile outside Tver....

Paul and his forces had ridden the rails for all of their trip towards Tver. They had met little resistance nor any real threat of sabotage along the way. Paul wasn't all that surprised actually since the battle for Tver would be far more intense than that of Novgorod and would surely slow his forces down on their way to Moscow.

Tver was a beautiful city whose importance to ancient Russia could not be denied though relics of its ancient past were not longer as easy to find. What Tver did have however, which would be of great strategic importance to both Paul and Yusupov was Migalovo, one of Russia's largest military airlift facilities. If Paul and his forces could secure it, it would mean he'd have access to airlifting supplies into Russia to support his cause.

If Yusupov could keep it, he would have the means of supplies his troops for far longer than the Draw and Paul's loyalist hoped. Taking the city then was of major priority for Paul and he knew he could not make Moscow until Tver was his. Like so many royals before him, Paul would have to pass through Tver on his march for the Moscow throne.

Stopping a mile from the city, Paul and his forces unload and began a systematic march towards the city. They were quickly engaged in small fights along the way, meant simply to slow them down and if possible thin them out. Air support in this mission would be tricky as Paul knew there would be jets station at Migalovo along with the large transport aircraft. Thus his mission here would be mainly a ground offensive.

It wasn't until Paul came in sight of the city that he has his forces began to have trouble from Yusupov forces. They had dug themselves deep into trenches and other fortified positions. At the very beginning Paul found it difficult to find a way to move his forces in. Looking for a weakness in the cities defenses was also difficult as it was impossible to get even the smallest strike team in. Hunkering down within their own positions Paul's loyalist forces were now in battle that would require a heavy cost but whose rewards were endless.
........................................
Grand Kremlin Palace...

It had been two weeks since Alexei had spoken with Colonel Colonel Fyodor Tynyanov of the Streltsy Imperial Guard. In that time he had been secretly contacted twice by the Colonel with news that there were many within the ranks of nobles and officials that would stand by the Tsar should he wish to caste off Yusupov as his regent. Alexei was thrilled to receive the news and was ready to bring an end to this war.

He believed that the trap would be set quietly, with Alexei escorting only a small number of Streltsy to relieve Yusupov of his duties. He knew however, that he would need to act soon before more lives were lost. He already sent word to have the Deputies of the State Duma released. His act towards full power was coming soon an as he prepared for sleep one night after a long day of work with Yusupov, he received a summons by his regent.

Curious as to why he was being called for so late at night he feared it could be due to some new attack by enemy forces. He walked down the long, softly lit halls of the Palace towards the Imperial Study. When he entered, only the fire place offered in light to the room most of which was shrouded in darkness. Moving into the room he called out the Yusupov who answer, although did so with some hesitation.

Felix was in one of the two arm chairs situated in front of the fireplace. Alexei took the other as it was offer to him and two men sat. Alexei stared at the man he once called his friend. Felix seemed different some how, his eyes seemed to appear so empty as they flooded themselves into the fire's light. "Why have I been summoned so late Felix" asked Alexei.

Felix said nothing at first as he he did not hear the question presented. Finally he began to turn, slowly until his attention was now on Alexei's face. "You know it's funny" Felix began "it's funny how God works. It's funny that he should instill in some the fire for glory and power and in others to pacifism of content. Perhaps even more amusing is that one should be born King, embodied with the Divine Right to rule and the other should be force to dwell in a meager role of Prince."

Alexei wondered if Felix had been drinking. His riddles and pros made no sense to him but Felix seemed unaware of his friends bewilderment and simply continued.

"Russia was once a great Empire my Tsar that span the breath of land from the Pacific to the Baltic and beyond. He glory seemed to know no bounds and it didn't. God ordain Russia as the new Rome, he blessed her people and wrote to see that she was destined to become the new Jerusalem of the Orthodox world. Russia however lost her way."

"War and the rule of idiots have tarnish her name, defiled her lands, and crushed her destiny. I stayed silent during the hardest times that Russia has seen. I worked within the boundaries of my power and did everything expect of me in a hope return to God's path, return Russia to the glories of her former days. But I could no longer stand when your father allowed Russia to lose in the Middle East."

"GEORGIA WAS OURS" said Felix as he raised his voice, something he had never done before in Alexei's presence."An yet your father allowed the Middle Easterners to take her from us, to humiliate us and defile our name. I could no longer allow this travesty to continue and that was why I lead the revolt against him, I charged him with treason. An I was in every right to do so for he had committed treason against this great Empire."

"I had hoped however, that though we lost one Tsar we could save another. It was my hope that I could show you the true path of God and that you would one day be ready to lead this country back to it's destiny. However, I see now my ambitions were set to high, I expect to much from a family whose blood is tainted."

With that statement Yusupov motion as if to call someone from the shadows. Someone indeed did come from the shadowy corner of the room, and threw in front of Alexei and very dead Colonel Tynyanov. His body appear to have been severely beaten before he was stabbed multiple times.

"My god" Alexei said as he saw the body in front of him.

"My God is correct" said Felix "MY GOD INTENDS FOR THE GLORY OF RUSSIA TO RETURN! An I see now that you are not the Tsar to bring the new age forth. That is why I am arresting you Alexei, you shall been sent away to Ostankino Palace in the North District of the City. It is to dangerous to send you outside the city as I won't allow you to escape as your father did. Once I crush this resistance against me I shall see to it personally, your trial and execution. Then I will see to my own coronation. Take him away"

Two military guards came forward and grabbed Alexei. He struggled for several minutes until one of them hit him in the head with the but of their pistol. He collapsed in their arms and they carried him away. In honesty Felix was sadden that Alexei had betrayed him as he saw Alexei as the son he never had. Now he would have to taken the Russian thrown for himself. He would of course, not announce his coronation until after the war was over.
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