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The Eradication of Arrakan; The former capital of Draxis is nuked
Topic Started: Mar 15 2014, 02:47 PM (804 Views)
Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Statement from Taurica
 
Taurica shall send observers as a gesture of friendship to this congress, but must humbly reject your offer to join until such a time as Russia ceases their threats and designs upon Crimea. Perhaps, in a more peaceful time, our lands can be united once again.
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NRE
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Moscow, Russia...

"Those damn socialists" Ivan muttered, his voice carrying a bit further than he would have like when he read the declaration. Both Foreign Minister, Count Tolstoy and Defense Minister, Prince Leiven had been summoned to his majesty's Kremlin office. "I was unfortunate to trust that the powers in Kiev wouldn't meddle in their own certain way in the Drax situations."

"If I may your majesty, there is no indication that this is Kiev's doing" Tolstoy replied. "Yes they made no secret in having no desire to annex Draxis, I don't believe this declaration is outright their own design. Not given the timing as we were given every indication that Quaon would wait until our own investigation into the whereabouts of Octavian Drax were complete."

"Well it makes little difference now" Ivan stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "We are staying the course this time. How is the operation in the Crimea faring?"

"Troops should be making their landing momentarily your majesty" Prince Leiven replied. "Once we have the beachhead, we'll pour everything we've got into cleaning out the Crimea."

"Excellent" Ivan said with a slight smile. "I want this Taurica Republic crushed by the end of the week. The people of Crimea must be liberated."

"As you wish your majesty"

"An what of Doroshenko" Ivan stated, "what does he think of this Congress?"

"Chairman Doroshenko hasn't formed an opinion at this time" Tolstoy stated. "Count Shuvalov has been speaking with his office and while the Chairman doesn't shy from his interest in the proposal, does state that he would prefer to have the situation in the Crimean dealt with first before entertaining the congress."

"Always the politician our Doroshenko seems to be" the Emperor stated with a slight chuckle. "One can never truly claim the man dim, that is for sure. Very well, lets give the Chairman his time to think it over. Its true there is nothing he can do so long as terrorist control the Crimean."
________________________________________________________

Crimea, Southern Draxis...

After an extensive campaign against several targets along the Crimean coast, the Russians began their landing at Kerch. Massive shelling from the Russians cruises heralded in the Russian troop transports that began landing along the shore. At the same time that troops were landing in Kerch, Russian jets began doubling in the sky in an early effort to establish Russia's air superiority in the area, something that Moscow believed would be definitive given that the enemy was not suspected of having any real air power to oppose them, besides what few aircraft of Drax design might be left in the region. Along the landing zone in Kerch, the Russians were met with the best suppression fire the rebels could muster against them.

Several Russian units were pinned down along the beach, some taking refuge in the craters left behind by the earlier bombing campaign. Machine gun fire was heavy in the area and some artillery being used by the enemy had survived the initial bombing. However, with a radio call to the aircraft carrier off-shore, jets were soon scrambled to deal with these menaces. This left only the troops on the ground for the Russians troops to deal with. Though their initial assault onto the city was slow, it was progressive and to their credit, the Russians were never once pushed back or made to lose any ground they gained during their slow march. Still the rebels fighting gave a tenacious defense against Russia's advances and while the Russians did indeed advance, they did so a measurable cost.

It took several hours to get into the heart of the coastal town but the Russians advanced and before long, the rebels began abandoning their posts, leaving the city with Russian troops in pursuit. They pursued them to the very town limits before slowing almost to a stop. While they had progressed a great deal, to follow would be folly. Their commanders knew they could not stretch themselves to thin or they would simply be broken and thrown back into the back sea. Instead the raised the flag of Draxis to mixed reviews from the towns people. Some openly welcomed the Russians as saviors, speaking at any chance, ill against the rebel "occupiers." Others were cautious of what they said, still not convinced that their situation had really changed. In their eyes they'd simply had a change of guard, from one occupying force to another. Either way, Kerch was in Russia's hands for now and a beach head into the Crimean had been established. Still, there was much more ground to cover and no doubt those that had escaped the town were only joining more forces to oppose the Russians else where.

_____________________________________________________________

Saint Petersburg, Russia...

The residence of family Wrangel, was never been one to shy from hosting gatherings. In truth, Russia's Saint Petersburg had several residences for various Wrangels. A prominent Baltic German family within the Imperial court, most were praised by the Imperial Family and held high positions both in the military as well as the government. However, of this particular residence, the head Wrangel held neither a military or government position. In truth Alexander Wrangel did not even consider himself a Wrangel of nobility and had, for many years, refused a title to his name. Instead, he'd gained his own fame not through title but through action as the once prominent leader of the Belaya Gvardiya or White Guard Party. His father Nikolay had founded the party in honor of his distant relative, Pyotr Wrangel. It had been the strongest conservative voice in the Duma as well as its majority and had been the loyalest party to the Emperor. Perhaps for this reason alone, Alexander and the party felt the most betrayal when the Duma, the Assembly, and the constitution was dissolved.

An outcast of sorts, Alexander disappeared practically overnight when Ivan dissolved Russia's parliament, a parliament that by that time had lost most of its small power in the Empire. Having been detained to his residence he was eventually acquitted of any involvement in Emperor Alexei's assassination as well as the rest of his party's membership. He never realized how much of a relief that acquittal was until afterwards. Of all the parties, the Communist had been the ones who bore the most responsibility for the attack. When Ivan was crown Emperor he had the entire party's membership imprisoned, tortured from what Alexander had heard, so as to give up other associated members who were also arrested. When at last the Emperor believed he'd gathered all the conspirators, they were executed and all their assets seized by the government.

Today however, Alexander was hosting a rather unusual gathering of former opponents and colleagues. Aside from his own unusual appearance, he'd gather Vladmir Martov and Maria Sivikova. Vladmir was perhaps Alexander's oldest adversary. He remained the unofficial leader of the Rossiyskaya sotsial-demokraticheskaya rabochaya partiya or the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party. Mensheviks at a time, he and Alexander had butted heads on several occasions and at a time, Alexander believe Vladmir reveled in finding new reasons to oppose him and the White Guard's agenda. However, despite their political opposition to one another, the time from power had soften them to one another and a friendship, however timid, had formed. Maria was the third piece of the puzzle, as her Greens were the only other political organization from the "old days."

Seated in Alexander's living room around a small coffee table, refreshments were passed around before each became comfortable in their seats. After taking a few sips of his tea, Alexander approached the reason for why he asked his former colleagues over.

"No doubt each of you have been following the situation in Draxis" he stated plainly, to which both Vladmir and Maris simply nodded yes. "I am growing more and more concerned that the situation is slipping away from Russia's control. Since news of protests in Draxis I've been receiving letters."

"I have as well" Vladmir replied.

"Then no doubt we all have" Alexander continued, "letters from our one-time supporters calling for action at home. When the Assembly was dissolved we were painted as villains. The people were easy to convince that it was a necessity. Now I don't believe the Emperor can make such an easy argument."

"I told you he would force the Empire into difficult situations" Vladmir stated plainly. "The people are indeed getting restless and yes I have received similar letters, almost daily now. If I did not know better, I'd say some are ready for revolutions."

"Which I think we all agree would be disastrous for the Empire" Alexander retorted. "Revolution would send us back to the days just after the Dominion Wars. Weaken militarily and fragile economy, two things we cannot stand for given our standing internationally. Our allies are few and far between, we cannot allow this country to spiral out of control."

"What then are you proposing" Maria questioned. "Are you suggesting we can do anything? Have you forgotten that our parties were disbanded, our assembly dissolved? I don't know about the two of you, but I haven't received an invitation to the Winter Palace."

"No its true, we don't have the Emperor's ear to say the least" Alexander agreed. "However, if these communications to us are any indication, the people have not forgotten us."

"Indeed" Vladmir stated, "but we've done them an injustice by staying silent so long."

"True Vladmir, but you, Maria and I can rectify this. More so we should get ahead of this thing before we have Doroshenkos and others directing the mobs. We have the backing of the people and much more we have the seasoned sensibility to attack this problem in moderation. While we may differ politically, we all generally agree that we cannot have a complete revolution of the system. The Emperor must be maintain, both due to the political will he retains as well as the financial investments the Romanov's control when it comes to the Empire's economy. However, I think we have the power and the support to call for a parliament once again. One enamored with the power to temper the Empire's own power, for the good of the Empire."

"We got no where on that before" Vladmir stated. "Or do you forget the constant protest and calls to the Emperor to restore those emergency powers taken from parliament during the Dominion Wars."

"Yes I do but now is different, now we stand of the eve of chaos breaking out in Draxis, anarchy that could spread to the Empire itself. With the people behind us, the Emperor will have little choice but to entertain our demands or risk the Empire devolving into protests and revolution. I believe we have ground to gain a good amount of concessions this time. More so than ever before and even if I am wrong, we must at least all agree that we have to do something. Not just for ourselves, our legacy, and our families. But also for the Russia people, people we once took oaths to serve to the best of our abilities."

Maria and Vladmir took long sips of their tea as Alexander awaited their decisions. Though each held their skepticism, skepticism of which even Alexander held, they also understood the situation before them. They loved Russia and despite each of their falls from grace, they held the Empire as the great nation on Earth. To see it fall, and fall as hard as each knew it would, would be a great travesty in their lives. One none of them could forgive themselves for were they not to act. In the end, each agreed to support Alexander and work with him to draft an official protest. Each would begin contacting their old supporters and spreading the word. They all agreed that they had to act quickly and were prepared to got to Moscow with the next few days.
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NRE
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NEWS JINGLE

Live from studio 7D, in the RBBC Tower in the Moscow International Business District, this is Moscow Nightly News....

Posted Image

Good evening everyone, I am Nikita Kulikova and here are our top stories from around the Russian Empire and the world....

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Operations to liberate the Crimean from what the Russian government is calling a "terrorist occupation" continue as Russian soldiers have secured a foothold in the coastal town of Kerch. For more on this we bring on air our chief military and political corespondent, Sergei Glushkov.

Posted Image

Sergei, thanks for being with us.

Its a pleasure Nikita.

So what have you learned from Russian Central Command on operations in the Crimean.

Very little I'm afraid Nikita. Russian Central Command is being particularly tight-lipped on its operations in the Crimean, stating that their fight in the Crimean is a matter of both Imperial as well as Drax security and that divulging too much information to the public could compromise both the security of the civilians in the Crimea but also the soldiers fighting. General Mikhail Lebedev, Chief of the General Staff for his Majesty's High Command has only gone so far as to release brief bits of information to the media. What I can confirm from what General Lebedev has stated is that Russian troops did land and capture the port city of Kerch. They are holding it as their forward base of operations and are planning to move out from that position. Beyond that, as the Central Command's continued reassurances that civilian lives will be protected at all cost, we are simply left in the dark.

Sergei what about the East Drax response to the proposed United Republic of Draxis?

Nikita little has come out of Kursk either from Chairman Doroshenko himself or his administration over the proposal. The Tuaric Republic has stated interest in the Congress being held but it is unclear at this time where the Doroshenko administration itself sits. What little has been said is that at the present, peace in East Draxis is the administration's primary concern. Notions of uniting both halves of Draxis are a secondary concern and that not until peace and prosperity are secured for the people, would the administration consider the proposal. Many believe that such responses are being coordinated by Moscow but I tell you Nikita, I don't entirely believe that. After all, this proposed Republic already has a nominated President and Prime Minister, both Western Drax. Should Eastern Drax unite, there have been made no guarantees that anyone within the Doroshenko administration would remain in any position of power within the new united government. No doubt that is play a major factor in their decision.

Sergei Glushkov, as always thank you.

Thank you Nikita...

Meanwhile, as the situation in East Draxis continues to remain uncertain, a new political problem has arise for his Majesty Emperor Ivan and the Kremlin Administration. After a few years of political exile, following the dissolution of the last Russian parliament, former political leaders and opponents Alexander Wrangel, Vladmir Martov, and Maria Sivikova made an unprecedented show of solidarity earlier today in Imperial Square. Hundreds came out to hear the former politicians speak as a last minute call went out over social media to their former political supports to join them in the square. Without showing a single ounce of having been out of the political spotlight, Alexander Wrangel took to the louder speaker to deliver both a message and a declaration to the Russian crowd.

:::Camera shows a crowded Imperial Square as Alexander Wrangel begins to speak via a loud speaker to the crowd:::

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"People of Moscow, of Saint Pertsburg, of Russia....of the EMPIRE! We stand in a city of history, of a land of change and of greatness. The Russian Empire, since its revival, has been an Empire of power and of influence in European Affairs and global issues. It was the Russian Empire that helped to fight the Dominion Hordes back to Asia. It was the Russian Empire that helped to found H.E.A.R.T and give to those suffering the most, aide and the knowledge that their suffering does not go unnoticed. In a nation, in an Empire that has given so much to so many, it shames me to see that so little is given to its own people. There was a time in the Russian Empire that the people of this great land had an opportunity to voice their opinion to the Emperor and have that voice heard. There was a time even when the Emperor welcomed such voices and eagerly called them force to help him in shaping the nation's path forward. Together the Emperor and the People made many things possible in this great nation. "

"This cooperation flourished for many generations and then, after a great tragedy perpetrated by a few, the voice of the people was silenced. Is this the Empire of our forefathers? Is this the Empire that those brave men and women who fought against the Dominion, fought to protect? The death of Emperor Alexei was a tragedy, one that we the people continue to mourn as much as the royal family itself. However, his death was not the work of the people. His death was the work of a few individuals disillusioned by power and false beliefs. They have been punished, a punishment we all agreed was necessary for the crime. Yet while their punishment was swift, we the people continue to be punished as our voice continues to be muffled by the state. The situation in Draxis, the will of the people to organize and have their voices heard have only gone to awake us. We ask the people to forgive our absence, to forgive us from abandoning our duty. For too long we have allowed this silence to last and today, we say that this silence must end!"

"I Alexander Wrangel, leader of the Conservatives along with Vladmir Martov of the socialists and Maria Sivikova of the environmentalists, stand united in our call to the Russian crown. Wrangel holds up a document in the air. We delivery today to the Emperor this, our Declaration on the Improvement of the State! It calls on the Emperor to restore parliament and in turn, restore the voice of the people. It calls for the Emperor to work with his subjects in improving the Russian Empire and restoring it to the road of peace and progress. We do this not as a protest to the Emperor but as patriots of the state. The people of Russia wish to work with the Emperor, not against him. Give us a voice and together, not only can we restore Russia to all its glory but prove to the world that the Empire is the great Empire on Earth!"

:::Camera returns to Nikita in the studio:::

Reports given to the media state that shortly after the rally, all three former political leaders signed the declaration on behalf of the Russian people and delivered it to the Prime Minister's office. The Prime Minister's office failed to comment on the declaration as did the Emperor's office in Moscow and residence in Saint Petersburg. Thus we are left to.....

Wait


Wait, we've just received a communication from the Winter Palace. Its states that Emperor Ivan has received and reviewed the declaration in its entirety and plans to officially respond to the declaration tomorrow. Officials of the Winter Palace however are not commenting on where the speech will be given, only stating that it will be made at a public appearance the Emperor wishes to make as a show of his determination in solving the current problems of the Russian Empire and its allies, Eastern Draxis. We would like to assure our viewers that once we know where this speech is being given, we will send camera crews and air it live. So please, stay tune.....
______________________________________________________________________

Outside Feodosia, Crimea...

With their military success in Kerch, Russian forces waisted little time in securing the port town and moving forward into the Crimean country side. So-called Tauric freedom fighters resorted to guerrilla warfare almost immediately. Though they were lease equipped than the Russians that showed an excellence knowledge of the Terran and use this knowledge to their advantage with every attack. The attacks were lightening quick, with rebel groups popping up seemingly out of know where, harassing a Russian forward patrol or two for about thirty minutes, and then disappearing. Many of the Russian soldiers were calling the squads prizrak or ghosts.

This was what the Russians dealt with their entire push forward to the coastal town of Feodosia. A resort town, its ports were ideal for opening a second supply line into the interior of the Crimea for the Russians. However, though the resistance they had experienced getting to the town had slowed them considerably already, once the port city was in sight the environment of the battlefield change significantly. Resistances from enemy emplacements around the town were fierce and the Russian advancement practically came to a halt. While the idea of bombarding the city to weaken its defenses were considered, the loss of life to the civilian population was high. The enemy was all but openly using them as a shield against Russian air raids or heavy artillery fire. Instead the Russians would rely on sheer man power and the occasional tank advance.
_______________________________________________________________

Undisclosed location, Eastern Draxis...

He took a deep drag from his cigarette as he wanted for his comrade to answer. The shifty mist of smoke obscured his face. Went at last the cigarette was finished he thew it to the ground, moving forward so that his face emerged from the cloud before him.

"Well?" He said to his comrade whose ear was practically glued to his radio headset.

"Kursk square" the man said finally, "he'll be in Kursk square."

"You're sure?"

"As much as I and my contact can be" the man said. "Do you have anything else to go on?"

"Well no...I just want to be sure not to waist my time."

The man at the radio smirked and shook his head. His comrade patted him on the back before moving towards the door.

"Thanks he said finally."

"Are you sure you're ready?" the radio man asked finally.

"As I have ever been....."the man replied coldly.
Edited by NRE, Jun 27 2014, 07:18 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Massacre in Feodosia
Urgent Transmission
This is a broadband public transmission from the Parliament of Taurica in Sevastapol. We are reporting, with footage proof, of Russian soldiers slaughtering everyone in Feodosia, including surrendered soldiers, civillians, and anyone else as "suspected spies and traitors". We show this to the world not to be gruesome, but to show the true gore of Russian treatment of it's "subjects"


Following the transmission, an hour long video of footage taken from various cellphones and handicams showed the death of upwards of 1100 people.
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NRE
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Kursk, East Draxis...

The train pulled into the station in the early hours of the morning, to no fanfare or crowds. It was the Emperor's personal train, the same train he used weekly for his trips from his home in Saint Petersburg to the capital, Moscow. Many didn't like the idea of Ivan traveling to the East Draxis provisional capital. They warned him of the dangers given the mixed feelings emerging in Draxis about their relationship with Russia. Ivan however, ignored these concerns and argued that he could not fear a place he considered a second homeland. "I am as much Drax as I am Russian. To deny me a trip to Kursk is to deny me a stay in Moscow." Nevertheless, the trip was kept particularly hush-hush and only those closest to the Emperor and to the East Drax Chairman, knew of his trip.

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Once his train arrived, the station was closed and work began immediately on building the stage from which Ivan would speak. The Flag of Russia was risen to fly side-by-side with that of the Grand Duchy flag. Shortly after his arrival, Alexander and his brother Marko, along with General Staviski came by motorcade to the train station. It was the first time Chairman Doroshenko or his brother had ever met the Emperor.

"Chairman Doroshenko it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance" Ivan said, humbling the Chairman.

"Likewise your majesty" Alexander replied, equally humbling the Emperor though his feelings for the man were mixed. "It is a great honor to finally be meeting the Emperor of Russia."

The two men shook hands, pictures were naturally taken of the events and would be released to the media for the next day's papers. Once pleasantries were exchanged, Ivan asked to speak with Alexander privately and the two men retreated to Ivan's personal office car. Offering the Chairman a seat, Ivan took his own.

"Chairman I imagine you were informed of the Tauric's reports of murder on behalf of the Russian soldiers in the region."

"I was given a briefing of the report yes your majesty" Alexander replied. "I have no had the chance to see the full report however."

"I see, well I would like to personally express to you that Russia did nothing of the sort. Our soldier's orders were explicit, civilians were to be protected at all cost. I want the loss of life in this whole affair to be minimal. No doubt this is just another ploy to divide our people."

"I appreciate your majesty's candid nature with me in this matter" Alexander said with great sincerity. "You will forgive any dishonor this statement may cause, as I do not wish to dishonor any when I said that what if the reports have some merit?"

Ivan looked a bit annoyed, his tone revealed this in greater detail. "If by some slim chance it turns out that some soldiers took it upon themselves to disobey their orders, I can assure you they will be arrested and tried for their crimes."

"In a Drax court?"

Ivan hesitate momentarily, "If that it what it takes to prove Russia's loyalty to the friendship our two people have shared over the past few generations then yes. In the end Chairman, I want the Drax people to trust the Russian Empire as it has always trusted us. We cannot allow these interloping forces to drive a divide between us."

Alexander said nothing but gave a continuing nod of agreement. He'd expected more arrogance from the Emperor but could see in the man before him, an individual tired of the status quo. No doubt this whole affair had aged him considerably and he was now willing to do everything in his power to make things right again. This was again, reassuring to the Chairman who only sought the best solution for his people. Though it was certain true that Ivan had grown tired these past weeks, he wasn't as changed as some had hoped. He'd originally planned his trip to Kursk to be one of reassuring the Drax of Russia's good will. Now he also had to the duty of reminding the people back home that his decree of Imperial Absolutism remained. Their calls for a stronger voice of the people was to be dashed as he reminded them that it was parliamentarians that had murdered his father.

With the hour now growing to noon, the scene outside the train station had changed. Crowds were now gathering as it was obvious to the city residence that something was going on. Security was particularly light but Ivan had little worries. After all, he would be sharing the stage with the Chairman as well as his own guests, of particular note Marko. Besides this Ivan did not want a lot of security as he believed it would give the false impression that he feared the Drax. This was far from the truth as he no more fear the Drax than he did the Russian people. He believed that despite all the negative media and all the unfortunate events that had transpired, the people still loved him. They related to him and his vision of a people living in harmony. With the crowd now at its peak, Ivan along with the rest of his guests, took the stage. There was a mixed response to the crowd but everyone , despite their feelings, were eager to see what was to be said. In truth, most were simply shocked to see the Emperor of Russia before them. Smiling to the crowd, Ivan began his address...
________________________________________________________________

Olexandro took a long drag on his cigarette before continuing his walk down the street. He'd drive several hours to get to Kursk and he was admittedly a bit tired. Still the cigarette revived him, they always did. He realized he'd been smoking a lot more these past few days. Such thoughts reminded him of Milla constant protests to his habit. Oh Milla, everytime Olexandro closed his eyes his thought inevitably went to that scene on the street. Milia's cold, dead body just lying there in Marko's arms. It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair that Milia died and He survived. It wasn't fair the Milia died and Marko survived. It just wasn't fair.....

Oleaxndro has lost himself for several hours after that event, getting lost in the crowd of protests that fled the scene. He'd have probably continued to wander had he not be taken in by a few men at a local bar. It was that chance meeting that brought him here to Kursk. They were Drax Nationalist, the most extreme kind. They believed that the Grand Duchy should remain free, should be reunited, and a new ducal family elected. They say the event of West Draxis, the Tauric Republic, and of Russia all as interference to this goal. Each would have to pay the price and luckily for them, an opportunity to strike at the very heart of Russia had arose. Olexandro volunteered even before he even knew what they were asking of him. For him it was a chance to get revenge for Milia's death, though in his heart he knew nothing would bring her back. For him it was simply laying everything to rest, trying to move on.

Moving towards the edge of the crowd, Olexandro waited like many to see what was going on at the train station. Looking around he was pleasantly surprised to see that security at the station was light. There were no Russians to speak of and only a handful of Drax security forces patrolling the perimeter. Scanning the rest of the crowd Olexandro was probably one of the few that wasn't surprised to see Ivan as he took the stage and the podium. While the Emperor of Russia spoke, the words were just background noise to Olexandro as he gather his thoughts. He was too far away for his job as as Ivan continued to speak, Olexandro moved closer....
_________________________________________________________________

Marko had no true desire of coming with his brother. He was still grieving over the loss of Milia, a person to him who had no equal. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her face and at night, he was awoken constantly in a state of cold sweat, to a dream replaying that fateful day. Sitting up in his bed looking at his arms it was as if the weight and feel of her cold limp body had stained his arms. Alexander knew the death of his brother's friend troubled him deeply. That was why he called for Marko to be with him in Kursk, hopeful he could help his brother through the grieving process. For Marko though, it wasn't just the death of Milia that troubled him. For as Milia laid there in his arms, dying, she had asked Marko to look out for Olexandro. The day after coming to Kursk he phoned all his old friends and associates, asking if anyone had seen or heard from Olexandro only to come up empty. It was as if his own remaining friend had fallen off the face of the Earth.

Coming to the stage, Marko took a seat next to his brother Alexander, his head held low. He didn't particularly feel like facing the people. While Ivan stood at the podium delivering his speech, his words were little more than whispers to Marko who instead was lost in his usual thoughts. Alexander, seeing his brother in his usual state, stabbed at his side with his elbow. "Chin up brother, at least until its over.." Marko begrudgingly obliged his brother and turned his head up to face the crowd. Looking at all the difference faces of the crowd they all seemed to look the same. Then, emerging from behind a few people a familiar one emerged. Marko had to blink several times to make himself believe he was in fact seeing who he thought he was seeing. It was Olexandro, moving slowly through the crowd towards the stage. Where has he come from Marko thought to himself as he watch his friend moving closer. where has he been? A host of thoughts flooded his mind as he watched his friend, the rest of the world going dark to his eyes.

Thinking of all the things he wanted to say, his thoughts were interrupted as Olexandro reached into his coat and pulled a pistol. All at once Marko knew what his friend was doing, Oh no...oh God know...you can't Without warning Marko bolted to his feet and raced to the front of the stage. In slow motion Olexandro pulled the pistol, Ivan's eyes meeting his assassins for only a brief second before he opened fire. Almost as that exact instant he saw the body of Marko fly in front of him, the young man risking his life to become a shield and then....all dark.

Marko lunged at Olexandro and the two hit the ground. Security forces moved in, arresting Olexandro while Alexander went into the crowd to see about his brother. He'd been hit, the blood now soaking his shirt then a voice cried out int he back ground, "the Emperor's been hit" and Alexander looked back at the stage to see Ivan also on the floor. "We must get them both to the hospital quickly" the Chairman barked to his security officers, "get a car quickly!"
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NRE
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Marko winced as they helped him up from his bed and into the wheelchair. The gunshot wound to his shoulder was still fresh, still sore. Wheeling him out of the room the hallway outside his room was barren, there was not the rush of people you typically expect in a hospital. Instead there were just armed men and the occasional doctor or nurse. There was a man outside his own room he'd noticed once or twice before, barely seeing him as the door slowly shut behind a doctor or nurse. Going down the hallway he came to a door where two men were posted and he was wheeled in. The curtain around the bed was closed and after wheeling him in and then locking his wheels, the nurse went behind the curtain and after a faint whisper, drew the curtain open before leaving the room.

Ivan had been sat up right in his bed, his own shoulder bandaged under a loosely button shirt. Marko was a bit surprised at how human the Emperor of Russian looked as he sat there before him. He'd seemed so different a day before, so beyond Marko. Now he seemed as beaten and as pitiful as Marko felt seated in front of him. He did not look at Marko directly at first, instead Marko found the man staring off into the window whose curtains were half-open. When at last he turned to face Marko, Ivan had a half-smile on his face.

"I am told I have you to thank for my still being of this world" He said warmly. "I had hoped to thank you personally and privately."

"While I am honored for your majesty's thanks and am glad you are still of the living" Marko stated, "I must admit freely that it was not your well being that moved me."

Ivan smirked, "No I imagine is was not for I am told you know my would-be assassin on a personal level."

"Yes your majesty" Marko replied, "We are....we were friends. We both lost someone dear to us quite recently, someone we both loved in our own way. I fear my friend takes her death as hard as I do and this was his own way to cope. I wonder, if your majesty would indulge me...is he...."

"Alive? Yes he remains in custody for now" Ivan replied.

Marko face was one of relief. "This is good for you see I acted on the promise I made to our friend to protect him from his own foolish actions."

"Not doing so well on that promise I take it" Ivan replied a bit sarcastically

Marko's face went a bit sheepish red. "No your majesty I imagine I am not. Yet, I would be dishonoring the memory of my friend if I did not ask about his fate."

"His fate you ask" Ivan repeated, "Well I imagine there will be a trial. After all, this isn't Russia, if it were he'd be prepared for execution I imagine. No, this is Draxis and I imagine he'll be put to trial for attempted murder. I suppose I will be consulted on the matter, perhaps even given the chance to extradite him if I so choose."

Marko sat silent, there was a visibly worried look on his face and Ivan could tell.

"I have given it some thought though and I won't see extradition. In fact I'll make a case to the courts to be lenient on the boy."

"Lenient?" Marko replied, his voice filled with a bit of hope.

"I can't recalled if your courts enforce the death penalty but regardless, it seems to me that too many have died already"

If it were audible, then one would have heard the sigh of relief that went over Marko.

"You are a good friend Marko" Ivan stated, "I imagine no man has been a better friend than you to this man who'd see me dead. You know when I looked out that window there I am reminded of my childhood. My Mother, the Grand Dutchess, loves to garden and as children she would takes to the garden often. While we sat there, plucking weeds she'd often tell us stories of Draxis. Of the great hero's of old and the grand battles they won. She made Draxis seem more like a fairytale kingdom than a neighboring state. I have all my life grown up believing that I am as much a son of Draxis as I am of Russia. To me these lands are as dear to me as Moscow, Saint Petersburg and yet I feel the people look at me as if I am alien. The Grand Dukes of Draxis loved this country, they protected it against all odds and I want nothing more to carry on this legacy."

"The House of Drax has always been admired by the people" Marko replied. "Before the war, they were indeed the guardians of the people. However, they were as much leaders of the people as they were leaders by the people. They believed in parliament and willing worked with it to better every Drax's way of life. I should think that if they were still alive today they would not blame parliament as a whole for the war, but instead, those factions that used someone so pure for their own dastardly deeds. The people of Drax look at you, your majesty, with the same hope. They see a man who has great potential to rule as graciously and as honorably as any Grand Duke of Draxis. They only ask that if it does come to it, you rule with the voice of the people and not against it. I am told these are not sentiments of Draxis alone."

"You have heard right" Ivan admitted freely. "The Russian people seem to share the same sentiments. It seems in my own blind grief, much like the blind grief of your friend, I have made some mistakes. I have blame everyone when in truth, there were only a few truly at fault. Your words remind me of very similar words spoken by my own brother. He and you seem so similar in my eyes, I believe the two of you would get along greatly. I can only hope that your brother isn't as foolish as I, and not at least consider your advice as I now see I must consider my own brother's words." Ivan turn to look out the window, Marko did the same. "I must be leaving soon, there is much to do in Moscow to set things right...both at home as well as here" Ivan said finally. "I imagine if you are like me, leaving this place sooner is preferably before the entertain us with anyone one of their meals."

Marko smiled.
________________________________________________________________

NEWS JINGLE

Live from studio 7D, in the RBBC Tower in the Moscow International Business District, this is Moscow Nightly News....

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Good evening everyone, I am Nikita Kulikova and here are our top stories from around the Russian Empire and the world....

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Moscow and all of Russia is a buzz with the news that we broke to you late yesterday afternoon of the attempted assassination of Emperor Ivan. Despite multiple gunshots fired by the assassin, now being identified as 27-year-old Olexandro Kostomariv, His Imperial Majesty was only struck in the arm and after being rushed to a local hospital, had the bullet removed and is now resting comfortably. The Emperor apparently owes his life night to Marko Doroshenko, brother to Drax Chairman Alexander Doroshenko, who leaped from the stage and tackled the assassin while also taking a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Mr. Doroshenko was also rushed to a local hospital where we are told he is also resting comfortably. Since the attempt of the Emperor's life many have been wondering where this situation between Russian and East Draxis would go next. Many analysts have been speculating that a full invasion of the once friendly neighboring nation would occur while others have argued against it as it would only further instigate violence. Well it seems that after much anticipation, the Crown has finally answered with a message from the Emperor, delivered by Prince Boris Ribbenzoph, Prime Minister of the Russian Empire. Delivered in the Kremlin just a few moments ago, we take you now to our recording of the speech.

Scene changed to an aged Prince Ribbenzoph standing by a podium, the seal of the Empire in gold on its front, the flag of the empire situated just behind him. A few heads from the press can been seen in the seated crowd before. The Prince's voice is solemn and steady.

"To the people of the Russian Empire and to our neighbors, friends, and allies in Draxis. The last few weeks have been a testing time for both our people. The destruction of Arrakan and the ensuing violence and revolution that has followed has gone to test the resolve of our friendship and the future of our relations. A man taught by my father that the only person who can truly fix your mistakes is yourself, I believed in my heart that as a son of Draxis your problems were my own and that I alone had to solve them, for the honor and memory of my grandfather and uncle, your last Grand Dukes of Draxis. However, I am not a man who cannot easily admit my mistakes and instead remain defiant as they continue to fester. I realize now that it will be the people of Draxis who will redefine their future and prosperity. However, I wish to reaffirm that this is not a journey they must take alone and that Russia will remain an ally and friend, ready to help when ask to do so. In this, I am ordering Russian troops back home and that only that amount of Russian troops requested by Chairman Doroshenko will remain. Russia puts its full faith and confidence in the Doroshenko administration to do what is right for the Drax people."

"For the Russian people, I pledge to do what is right for them as well. The people wish to have a voice again and as your Emperor I am ready to hear it once more. Within the next few days I will be inviting members of the political scene to Saint Petersburg for a convention on the future of the Russian Empire. I am confident that this convention will be fruitful and that in the end an agreement can be made between the crown and people that will only not stabilize our Empire but set the way forward towards the prosperous future. A stable Russia is a strong Russia and it is time to remind the world that we are a nation of innovation and of progress but also a nation of tradition and culture. I believe that today marks a new chapter in the history of both East Draxis and the Russian Empire. I feel honored to not only bare witness to this new and exciting time, but also participate in it and help shape it for the better. God Bless the people of Draxis and of Russia, and God Bless both states and their continued prosperity."

The camera returns to the studio

Prince Ribbenzoph added that the Emperor is returning via his private train and while he was cleared for travel, it may take several days before he will be strong enough to make any public appearances. Meanwhile we are told leaders from across the Russian Empire are making preparations to descend upon Saint Petersburg for this convent. Many have told reporters that they are eager to get to work in redefining the Empire for the better. They are greatly optimistic since hearing the Emperor's message and believe that a return to parliament is more likely than ever. Some however, have urged caution in reminding the people that "Rome wasn't built in a day" and that change may not come as quickly as some may like, but that they are hopeful it will be a steady change and therefore a lasting one.
Edited by NRE, Jul 1 2014, 02:10 PM.
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Official Statement
Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
His Majesty, Archduke Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen II, and the whole of the Austrian people, wish to express their relief and joy that His Majesty, Emperor Ivan of Russia, has recovered from this most shocking and dastardly attempt on his life. As always, the Royal House of Habsburg-Lothringen as well as the Austrian people pray for the continued long life and prosperity of the Emperor and people of Russia.
Edited by Whal, Jul 1 2014, 04:19 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Events had moved quickly in Draxis and there was an acute fear among some in Parliament that the Gularis administration, and therefore the Republic, that there was an inability to keep up with the evolving situation. Several developments had already transpired without comment from Ariminae and the perception of a sluggish administration was growing - evidence of which was readily apparent from recent public polling.

Eventually, President Ardea Gularis did officially release a statement, first, regarding the massacre of innocents in Feodosia in which the Russians were politely asked for comment, yet anyone would understand that was merely an attempt at civility. The chorus for action was growing, particularly among the conservatives, but the general appetite for military action was still well below threshold. Still, the word of the massacre spread quickly and added fuel to the concerns many held about the Russians. President Ardea Gularis herself was appalled by the news and privately expressed her concerns about Emperor Ivan and the general conduct of Russia's armed forces to the Russian ambassador during a previously unscheduled lunch meeting. It was a quiet affair, yet it still provided a small avenue of communication during increasingly stressed times.

Then, of course, there was the attempted assassination of the Russian Emperor at Kursk.
Another communique was dispatched to Moscow expressing the well-wishes of the President and the Parliament and People of Porcu for Emperor Ivan. Like the news of the massacre, word of the assassination attempt hardened the conviction of those who did not doubt the desire of the Drax to be rid of the Russians. However, for most in Ariminae, the news was terrible - the destabilizing effect was not desired and the possibility for a horrendously vicious retribution was increasingly likely.

Yet, levelheadedness prevailed and the news of the large withdrawal of Russian forces from Draxis was greeted with relief by Ariminae. President Ardea Gularis had strongly considered penning a letter to the Emperor which would commit the Republic to the defense of the Drax and undoubtedly escalate the situation further, severely straining relations between Ariminae and Moscow.

Now, there was hope. Shortly after the speech given by Prince Ribbenzoph an official communique was released which called for all parties in Draxis to cease violent actions and to begin a political dialogue which could bring about a more permanent solution to the fractured state of affairs in the Grand Duchy. Additionally, the Republic praised the Emperor for his willingness to accommodate political reforms.
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NRE
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Kursk, East Draxis.....

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The Flag of Draxis flew triumphantly over the temporary government building of the East Drax State. So much had transpired in such a short time that most people in the city and indeed beyond took to living their lives one day at a time. Chairman Doroshenko had taken to that idea, rising every morning in a mind set that it could be his last. With Russia's withdraw, only a fraction of their forces were asked to remain by his administration. This put a slight strain on the Drax Security forces operating in East Draxis but, according to his minister of security, an aggressive recruitment campaign was showing good numbers in terms of new recruits. Within a few months time they expected to have twice as many boots on the ground and wouldn't be in a position of needing Russia's help in keeping the peace.

Russia had kept good on its promise of greater autonomy when it came to East Draxis. General Staviski had been recalled and some lower ranking officer had replaced him as "security adviser." He was far less pushy and more importantly, offered advice only when asked my the Chairman to do so. Since Russia's withdraw outbreaks of violence had also lowered significantly although protests still persisted in certain areas. Most were anti-Russian in nature given the events in Feodosia. Being called the Slaughter of Feodosia, most were convinced that indeed Russia had overstepped its boundaries in the city and that innocent lives had been lost. Officials with the Tauric Republic had allowed East Drax officials to come see the incident for themselves. Those that the Chairman sent to see the dead could hardly find the words to describe what they'd seen. In terms of relations between the Tauric and the East Draxis, communications between the two were open but for the time were confined to lower levels of government. The Chairman nor anyone on his senior staff had spoken with any official on their government personally though they knew that would have to change quickly.

For now however, the Chairman believed that the first order of business was to attend this so called Draxis Congress. There was still time to attend and he hoped that in so doing, officials of the Tauric would also attend. This would given him a means of breaking the ice between himself and their government officials.

Official Statement
East Drax
Chairman Alexander Doroshenko and some of his senior staff, after careful consideration of the proposal, have decided to attend the Congress to discuss the future of the Drax people. While we can make no premature promises, we are committed to doing what is best for the Drax people and their future.
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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
Had he been a younger man, President Yanosky probably would have ordered Puchkov's immediate execution. For a man who had been entrusted with the administration of a Quaonian protectorate - entrusted against Yanosky's better judgment, despite the very vocal misgivings of Minister Pashtukov - to do the one thing that would most undermine the occupation's legitimacy. To organize, without any authorization, some five hundred Drax leaders, to allow them to declare independence unilaterally - what ingratitude on Puchkov's part! What treasonous ingratitude!

Yet Yanosky couldn't help admire Puchkov's strategy. He had maintained plausible deniability in regards to the independence declaration - "I merely thought it best to consult the people. That the people, while being consulted, decided to recognize their own political sovereignty is merely happy accident." At the same time, he had forced Quaonian policy down the road he desired. The occupation authority could not forcibly disband the Congress. To do so would invite open rebellion. Neither could Puchkov be arrested. He had quickly made himself indispensable to the relations of the provisional government and Quaon - without him, the prospect of an association agreement between the two states would be merely fanciful.

And most significantly, Puchkov had managed to singlehandedly abrogate the terms of the partition. He had given the West a claim on the East - he had forced the issue of national unity, when Russia wanted to play the game of world carving. Perhaps Puchkov would even force the war he so obviously desired - the war that would at last remove the stain of the Muscovite despots from Eastern Europe.

Perhaps.

Yanosky, who saw the prospect of such a war as pure lunacy, a sure path to Quaon's final downfall, took a moderate line on the United Republic's claims. The United Republic's government would be provisionally recognized, and a plebiscite held within a month - but only within the borders of the West. Quaon would not make the case for Drax territorial integrity. Let the Russians have what was theres.

Still, precautions were taken. The forces currently in Drax were placed on full readiness, and the plans for an invasion of Russia proper were debated and updated. Who knew what tomorrow might bring?

When the Emperor was shot, Quaon of course condemned the terroristic action in the strongest possible terms. But despite the resolve of its words, the government was, again, thrown into a panic. No one quite understood the nature of these terrorists - how the bombing of Arrakan related to the Crimean rebellion, how the Crimean rebellion related to the assassination attempt. Would Yanosky, or worse, Kiev, be next? What was the end goal of these terrorists? To force general anarchy in Eastern Europe.

Doroshenko's decision to negotiate with the Drax Congress made matters worse. The partition was, of course, inelegant, but at least allowed Russia and Quaon their peace. If the West and the East agreed on republican reunification, would the Russians accept the Drax democratic will? And if they accepted it, would they try to force the state into its orbit? Certainly, they wouldn't accept Quaon's lone dominance.

To hell with Puchkov.
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NRE
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The Train ride from Kursk to the West was a relatively quite one for Alexander and his small entourage of aides. No one really knew what to talk about, especially with concern to the Congress, and so most occupied their time readying reports and doing general paperwork. For Alexander himself, his thoughts were quite erratic. At times he found himself thinking of Marko, his brother was still recovering back in Kursk but the doctor's believed he was going to make a full recovery. Alexander didn't have the resources of the Emperor of Russia but as Chairman of Eastern Draxis he had enough pull to ensure his brother was well careful for. Of course, it wasn't the physical wounds that Alexander worried wouldn't heal, no his worry came from the emotional scars his brother now carried. A woman he cared deeply for was dead and his closest friend was now incarcerated and could possible be put to death for his assassination attempt. No doubt his brother would be an emotional wreck for sometime and would need Alexander, or at least that's how the Chairman felt.

Then his thoughts came to the Russian Empire and would become of East Draxis. The civil war had been brutal, at a time Drax fought for a single purpose, a cause they believed was paramount to the future of their once great Grand Duchy. However, as the weeks turned to months and the fighting only continued, as the great figureheads of the war were lost to the endless fighting, the ordinary Drax forgot what they were fighting for, one that they had to continue to fight. In the end it wasn't about ideals, about the cause...no, in the end it was only about fighting. Fighting was all the Drax had by then and for many, fighting was the only way to live...the only way to ensure their lives went on. When the Russians came and soon after the Quaonians, the Drax were given something they hadn't had in a long time...peace. It didn't come easily no, but in time over the course of a few months the fighting finally stopped. Draxis was split between the East and the West, government was given back to the people. The Senate in Arrakan had been restored and for a brief moment, Drax believed all was well. Alexander, however, never shared in that optimism, he couldn't allow himself to do so. He knew, along with most of the government, that divisions were rampant between the politicians. The growing pro-Russian factions wanted the join the Empire while there opposition, sought greater Drax autonomy and sovereignty. The only thing they agreed on was that it should be the Drax that decide their fate, not Russia nor Quaon, nor anyone else. Chairman Tetelbaum, Alexander's predecessor had been a strong voice for East Draxis becoming apart of the Russian Empire.

Tetelbaum had been apart of the inner circle of the late Duke's, a lifetime ago. An aide that had witnessed many exchanges between the Drax and Russia, he held the same admiration for the people as the late Duke had. He believed that Drax would never be free of its past without Russia, that the people would just resort to violence again if left to themselves. Maybe Tetelbaum had been right, Alexander thought to himself, maybe Russia was a better course for his people. It was a shame that Tetelbaum died in Arrakan, then again it was a shame a lot of people died in Arrakan. Alexander had never had any aspirations of becoming a leader for his people but in such times they had no one else and he knew it was his duty and his alone. Still, if the fate of East Draxis was to become apart of the Russian Empire then it would be done by the will of the people. If nothing else in all his life, Alexander was certain of this and the same was felt about this new Republic. Alexander would be lying if he said he wasn't worried over the implications of this Congress. Draxis as a united, sovereign nation again was certainly an appealing thought. Still, he wasn't sure how he felt about the leadership spearheading the events of the Congress nor on how much of the people's will was truly behind the events. Glazing outside his train car window he heard the voice of the conductor alerting them that they would be within the city in less than 30 minutes. No doubt the next few hours would set the tone for what would be the future of the Drax people.
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