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It is one thing to kill a man, it is another thing to give the order to kill him.

Very interesting insights into Akuan's teachings.
 
And so the wheels begin to turn in the White Russian emigre community of Shanghai. Inevitably, it is a dirty business.
 
Ah,
A cthulhu AAR without cthulhu...at last I can bask in the author's great talent, without being disturbed by the supernatural forces at work in The Third Empire. I'm intrigued at the various characters interplaying here...and am wondering what the disciples of 'The Eastern Way' want with their concerted interference in the ways of the Rodina...and their chances of success, naturally.

Keep up the good work,
TheExecuter
 
Ah,
A cthulhu AAR without cthulhu...at last I can bask in the author's great talent, without being disturbed by the supernatural forces at work in The Third Empire. I'm intrigued at the various characters interplaying here...and am wondering what the disciples of 'The Eastern Way' want with their concerted interference in the ways of the Rodina...and their chances of success, naturally.

Keep up the good work,
TheExecuter

To be fair, I believe that the Third Empire started without th intention of going the supernatural way beyond a bit with Haddo, but once it got started he couldn't resist.
 
Lordban: Indeed. Let's hope "von Berg" does not have to experience taking a life directly.

Myth: The Machine must be fed... :(

Enewald: Tsingtao beer was created by German settlers. The brewery fell into Japanese hands in the wake of their opportunistic entry into the Great War. Today it's a chinese enterprise. It's an excellent beer and very refreshing in summer time. :cool:

The Executer: Thank you! When you write disturbed, I take it as horror/supernatural is not being your cup of tea?

von Sachsen: That's an accurate description.



Next update in the works and I believe it will be available on Thursday. Stay tuned!
 
The Executer: Thank you! When you write disturbed, I take it as horror/supernatural is not being your cup of tea?

Actually, no...in fact, my current AAR has elements of the supernatural in it. I meant that as I read it, the story itself seemed imbued with a supernatural power to depress and otherwise disturb me. I found that I could not read your story and also deal with the strain of two opposing supernatural forces battling for control of my mind. It is hard to explain, except to say that I was happier and in a more healthy frame of mind when I stopped reading The Third Empire...although part of me still wants to know what became of France...part of me knows that I cannot risk my sanity by delving back into a world where evil is all-powerful.
 
TheExecuter: I'm sorry to have caused you depression! ;) It's hard to appreciate the effect ones words have when writing horror. As the author you are too close to the characters and you know why things are happening and who is behind it. As is well established, what is unknown scare us.

On a more serious note, I can say that I wrote all of The Third Empire during the darkest years of my life so far, so it can very well be that that actually came across in my writing to an extent. :(
 
TheExecuter: I'm sorry to have caused you depression! ;) It's hard to appreciate the effect ones words have when writing horror. As the author you are too close to the characters and you know why things are happening and who is behind it. As is well established, what is unknown scare us.

On a more serious note, I can say that I wrote all of The Third Empire during the darkest years of my life so far, so it can very well be that that actually came across in my writing to an extent. :(

Np. I don't think that the depression was in any way intended by you...but was an outcome of other things in my life in concert with the words.

The Last Mission was also written during the most lonely years of my life, and, now that I'm engaged...has suffered from a lack of motivation ever since. Sometimes hard times inspire great writing.
 
first, i appologize for my absence

second, not really communist but socialist (that doesn't involve himself with movements but likes Trotsky very much)

third, i totally agree with Ivanov - idea must be spread to make poeple belive but not to make the thinking for them, and must be compatible with the actual situation, besides the main cause USSR fell was because of that - "ok! we've done here, lets now sit and be happy. The rest of the world shall follow eventually" (they didn't update on economy nor culture "cause it was already perfect communism" and now american stuff flooded everything because it was more advanced*)

fourth, i feel no unatural force influencing mine behavior, as for the fable it is realistic, though expected more darkness (but i think the strongest doses you will give, when you get to the purges)

*not saying advanced - better but it is the thingie with modern thought basing on cultural base is always the most potential for the mass media. not saying the steps are same, but they are there, "up-to-date" soviet culture might have had deflected american influences, or even resist the political breakup in 90s. For example american jazz or blues, could have been resisted, by soviet rock or even techno music, if it was developed.

this brings the plitical-social matter - when people saw such goodies like rock comming from usa, they might have thought "hey wtf, they should have been opressed or else! but it is otherwise! we must leave this "paradise"!" and then they leave and get struck, by the fact, that there isn't any place perfect... or even worse because you're immigrant.
 
The Executor: I agree. Hard times are indeed many times good for creativity. Luckily I have managed to find it in good times too.

Deus Eversor: No apology needed. :) I'm glad I have captured the attention of a reader with sympathies on the left side of the political spectrum. I believe it will enliven comments and discussions. I am, as you seem to be, fascinated by the thought of how culture would develop under a more benign Soviet system and how that culture would compete as it were, with the west.
 
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ordzhonikidzestalinmiko.jpg


Anastas Mikoyan, Joseph Stalin, and Grigoriy Ordzhonikidze photographed together in Tbilisi


Lev, Kamenev is here to see you now.“ Trotsky’s wife Natalia stood in the door to the room from which the People's Commissar for Army and Navy Affairs conducted his work from home. Something he had done for the past two weeks due to a severe case of lumbago. Trotsky smiled at his wife, “can you ask him to give me five minutes? Thanks dear.” She nodded and closed the door, and his eyes returned to the letter he was holding in his hand. He read it for the tenth time.

Dear Comrade Trotsky

It's my wish that you take it upon yourself to defend the so called Georgian case in the Central Committee of the party. We cannot depend on Stalin and Dzerzhinsky's to show impartiality – quite the opposite as a matter of fact. If you would accept to act on our Georgian comrades' defense, I would be calm that this matter can be solved in a just way. If you for some reason cannot or will not do this, please return the dossier and all its content to me. I shall consider such an act a negative answer from you.

With best comradely greetings,

Lenin

Trotsky rose from his chair and massaged the muscles of his lower back absentmindedly while he considered the situation. What little pain remained in the muscles from the last weeks quite horrible bout of lumbago did not distract him from the situation at hand. Vladimir Ilyich had suffered a couple of what the physicians called “lesser shocks” which could be preludes to another stroke. He was now confined to his bed and only communicated through his secretaries Glasser and Fotiyeva. Glasser had approached Trotsky at the Central Committee's meeting the day before and had handed him a note with a brief summary of Trotsky's speech given to plenary meeting two days ago and the question, “did I understand you correctly?” Trotsky had replied, “What do you need it for?” “For Vladimir Ilyich”, Glasser had written back, which prompted Trotsky to reply, “Your summery is correct.” During this exchange of notes, it had been obvious to Trotsky, that Stalin watched them with alarm.

This morning, he had been visited by both of Lenin' secretaries. Without any prelude, Fotiyeva said “Vladimir Ilyich is preparing a bomb for Stalin at the congress.” Nothing had yet come of Lenin's and Trotsky's decision to confront the bureaucracy and Stalin. What had brought new urgency to the struggle was Stalin's recent betrayal of Lenin's confidence. To insure himself of support in Georgia, Stalin had together with Ordzhonikidze 1 and with support from Dzerzhinsky, organized a coup d’état there against the foremost section of the party. Stalin had taken advantage of Lenin's illness and fed him misinformation and ignored to inform the majority of the Central Committee while he used its authority to shield himself from any repercussions. Lenin had asked Fotiyeva and Glasser to collect all important information they could find regarding the Georgian situation so that he could come out openly against Stalin at the twelfth Party Congress. However, he was worried that his failing health would make it impossible for him to attend. Both Fotiyeva and Glasser were open with the fact that they had suggested that Lenin should discuss the situation with Zinoviev and Kamenev, something he had dismissed. He was convinced they would ally themselves with Stalin against Trotsky as soon as he left politics. Lenin had wondered if Trotsky shared his view on the Georgian situation and the War Commissar's speech at the plenary meeting and his and Glasser's subsequent exchange had convinced Lenin that Trotsky should lead the attack on Stalin at the Party Congress. Glasser had then handed over the dossier which consisted of all the documents that were the essence of Lenin's “bomb.” Trotsky hesitated. Surely, there must be a better, a more discrete way. “Kamenev is leaving tomorrow for the Georgia party conference. I can inform him of Lenin’s dossier so as to induce him to act properly in Georgia.”

Fotiyeva had answered, “No. Lenin is convinced that Kamenev will reveal everything to Stalin." This had concluded the meeting.

About an hour later Fotiyeva had returned alone with a new message from Lenin. It was a copy of a message to the old revolutionary Mdivani, Makharadze 2, and other opponents of Stalin's policy in Georgia. It read, “I'm following your situation with heart and soul. Ordzhonikidze’s heavy handed methods and Stalin’s and Dzerzhinsky’s support and encouragement fill me with indignation. I'm preparing a speech for you.” To his surprise, Trotsky could see that the copy was also addressed to Kamenev and asked Fotiyeva if Lenin had changed his mind. She admitted that he had indeed changed his mind and that his condition now seemed to get worse by the hour. Apparently Lenin could now only speak with difficulty and had deemed it better to act now before it might be too late for him, despite the timing beeing far from ideal.” Trotsky had sent Fotiyeva with a note to Kamenev with a request that he come and see him.

Now, scarcely an hour later, Lev Borisovich Kamenev, the acting Sovnarkom 3 and Politburo 4 chairman, entered the room, Natalia closed the door behind him. “Thanks for coming on such a short notice. Grab a chair.” Trotsky studied his guest’s well known features as he moved one of the chairs so that it stood in front of Trotsky’s desk and then sat down - the long face, with the prominent forehead and nervously darting eyes slightly concealed in the reflections in the glasses and the bushy beard. “I take it that you have read Vladimir Ilyich’s note in support for the previous leadership in Georgia?”

“Yes, of course.”

“And what is your opinion?”

“It’s problematic for sure. I see the merits of both views on the matter. How to handle it effectively is difficult. I have no suggestions at the moment.”

Trotsky handed Kamenev Lenin’s dossier, “read this and then tell me what you think. I will take care of some long overdue correspondence meanwhile.”

Kamenev read swiftly and Trotsky did not quite have the time to finish his letter before he spoke, “I see that the situation is more serious than I thought. It’s not surprising though – earlier today I visited Nadyezhda Konstantinovna Krupskaya 5 at her request. She told me that Vladimir Ilyich just had dictated to his stenographer a letter to Stalin saying that he breaks off all relations with him. Apparently the reason for this is Stalin’s attempt at isolating Vladimir Ilyich from all sources of information and in doing so being very rude to Nadyezhda Konstantinovna. She then told me that as we well know, Vladimir Ilyich would never do this if he didn’t think it was necessary to crush Stalin politically.” Kamenev grew pale and agitated while speaking. His eyes darted here and there and he looked like he expected hard words from Trotsky.

“At times, people see danger where there is none and when they act on this false belief, they bring themselves into a truly dangerous situation. I have no wish to initiate a conflict at the congress with the objective of making organizational changes. I am for preserving the status quo. However, if Lenin recovers and will attend the congress, which I think is very unlikely but sincerely hope for, he and I will certainly discuss the matter again. So to be clear – I will not seek the removal of Stalin and Dzerzhinsky from their offices, nor will I call for the expulsion of Ordzhonikidze. Having said that, it's also important that you understand that I agree with Vladimir Ilyich in substance. I want to see radical change in the policies regarding nations, and an immediate stop of the persecution of Stalin's Georgian opponents. Further, we must see an end to the administrative oppression of the party, a firmer policy in matters of industrialization, and an honest cooperation in the highest echelons of our party and government. On the question of nations, Stalin's approach is worthless. The arbitrary and impudent oppression by a powerful nation is just as bad as the protests and resistance of small, weak and backward nationalities. I presented my resolution as an amendment to Stalin's policy, to make it possible for him to make changes without losing face. There must be an immediate and clear change of course. Also, Stalin should write to Krupskaya at once and apologize for his rudeness. He must also make sure to treat her well in the future. The poor woman has enough grievances to be burdened by hurtful behavior. Enough of the intrigues, Lev Borisovich. We must have honest cooperation.”

Kamenev looked down like a scolded schoolboy, “You're right of course.”

“When you are at the conference in Tblisi, you must facilitate a complete reversal of the policy toward Lenin’s Georgian supporters on the national question.”


Kamenev looked relieved but still breathed heavily. “I accept your proposals and I agree with your suggested line of action. My fear is that Stalin won't see it the way we do. He's as unpredictable as he is rude.”

Trotsky smiled, “I feel confident that Stalin will understand that he has no other alternative than comply with our wishes.”

“I will speak to him at once and inform you of the outcome as soon as possible.” Kamenev rose, “Good bye.”

“Have a safe journey.” Kamenev left and Trotsky although quite distracted by the tension of the situation continued to work late into the night. Just as he considered himself too tired to work effectively anymore and decided to go to sleep, he received a phone call from Kamenev. Stalin had accepted all their terms and he had already sent a letter of apology to Krupskaya. Lenin had not seen it yet since his condition had worsened during the evening. Trotsky felt sad by the news of Lenin's condition and there was little satisfaction from the phone call. Kamenev had sounded more like he used to the last year - distant and cold.



1 Grigory Konstantinovich Ordzhonikidze - Georgian Bolshevik and close friend to Stalin.
2 Filipp Makaradze – Deposed Chairman of the Georgian Revolutionary Committee
3 Sovnarkom - Council of the People's Commissars
4 Politburo - The Politburo is a bureau of the Central Committee tasked with making day-to-day political decisions, which must later be ratified by the Central Committee.
5 Nadezhda Konstantinovna "Nadya" Krupskaya - Vladimir Lenin's wife.
 
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Stalin certainly seems to be in an excellent position. He wants power, where his primary opponents want progress. Only Lenin can afford to ignore the risks he'll take by upsetting Stalin - and he cannot talk. Those who would do the talking for him will live to see Stalin's response, and even Trotsky seems to be wary of attacking Stalin directly. But they can't afford a conservative approach. With Stalin's control over the bureaucracy and, in large part, over the inner party, his opponents need to remember that they are revolutionaries.
 
Hmm, the bureaucratic intrigue and maneuvering of those who have found their position suddenly weakened. Lenin and Trotsky had better move quickly if they want to stop Stalin from gaining the reins of the party and the state...
 
Lordban: I like your analysis. :) I agree that it is indeed power vs Progress. Yes one can wonder where their revolutionary spirit has gone. It's perhaps that they are turning old and becoming too comfortable. Revolution is a young man's business.

Myth: Yes, time is not working in favor for those who oppose Dzjugasjvili.

Deus Eversor: Not surprising. So far the time lines are very close to identical if not identical.

Enewald: Well, any one with some combat experience is likely to kick his lily ass.
 
Sergeant! I told you not to disturb me for an hour!" Major Sergey Belozorov roared as the doors to his office were brusquely opened. The Major had been lost in a reply from Army Headquarters in Moscow regarding his request for resources to renovate and expand the Ryazan Military Correctional Facility. He had just reached the line were it became clear to that his request had been denied. Not on the grounds that his request was not reasonable - the buildings were in a horrible shape - but due to prioritization, their needs could not be accommodated at this time. The Major and all his men wore the yellow letter "K" on a red patch on the sleeve to indicate them being part of the Komendantskaya sluzhba 1. Belozorov's eyes widened when he saw who had barged into his office - it was that Colonel from Moscow again. Nikulin. Andrey Nikulin. The Major had an excellent memory for names but there was no risk having forgotten this officer's name, good memory or not. Nikulin was of a sort that Belozorov was seeing more and more of. They were all trying to exchange favors, bending the rules, trying to better themselves at the expense of the people. He despised them all and would have nothing of it. Fucking parasites.

He rose from his desk, "Colonel, you might outrank me, but here you're nothing but a..." That was when noticed the revolver in Nikulin's hand and a group of soldiers entered his office behind the Colonel and fanned out around him, not exactly aiming at him with their rifles, but holding them high. These soldiers were not wearing the letter K on their sleeves. For a moment he considered going for his own sidearm lying in the desk drawer in front of him, but thought the better of it. Instead he said, "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"You were quite unreasonable when we last met, Major, so we saw no other alternative."

"Who is this Kartaphilov? The Tsar in disguise? Lenin's lost brother? I can see no other reason for this crime you're committing. You will pay for it, you do realize this? I will go to Trotsky himself if I have to. You will hang for this!"

"Your devotion to protocol is quite impressive, but please save your energy for the imaginary trial you're so sure will take place. As a matter of fact, what's making you so sure I'll not just shoot you, right here and now." Nikulin raised the gun and aimed at Belozorov's heart. The Major's blue eyes stared back in defiance as if to say do your worst.

"That's enough, Colonel. Lower your side arm." A tall and striking man, with a full but neatly trimmed beard on his beautiful face appeared at Nikulin side. If it hadn't been for the fact the he wore the uniform of a Red Army General and a fur hat, he could have been mistaken for some hero of Classical Greece. Belozorov thought the eyes had something sad and majestic about them. "Major Belozorov, a pleasure to meet you comrade. I'm General Mikhail Ivanov, commander of the 1st Moscow Proletariat Red Banner Rifle Division. I apologize for the circumstances in which we meet and I had hoped that it would have been easier to facilitate the release of Lieutenant Kartaphilov. Still, besides the inconvenience this has caused, I'm very happy to meet a man of character. It's quite a rare breed."

Belozorov felt as if he were in the presence of royalty or some revered statesman, there was a feeling of trust and loyalty. The cynical part of him felt alarm and he fought the feelings. "The presence of what I take it is soldiers from your unit and the fact that you forced your way in here is a violation of I don't know of how many laws. Your flattery will do nothing to change these circumstances."

"Of course not, Comrade. Before we discus this further I would ask you to order Sergeant Smolin to get the keys to Lieutenant Kartaphilov's cell and then to show Colonel Nikulin the way?"

"If I refuse?"

"I'm sure we will find the key or get access in some way eventually. Considering the state of your prison, it should be quite easy to break down the door."

"Alright, but I do this under protest. Sergeant! Show Colonel Nikulin to prisoner Kartaphilov's cell and open the door for him. Get whatever keys you need to complete this."

"At once, Comrade Major! This way Colonel." Smolin left followed by Nikulin.

"What's so special about this officer, General? The man is clearly dangerous to both civilians and his fellow soldiers. The men he assaulted at Ryazan Central Station will be lucky if they recover fully. Did he even have permission to leave Moscow for Ryazan?"

"I agree. He is a menace and should be punished and I assure you he will. It's unfortunate that I cannot divulge the reason for taking him off your hands, but you have to trust me, Comrade."

"Are you serious? You expect me to take your word for it? I have never hear of you and you come here and break out a prisoner!"

Ivanov closed the distance between them and now stood very close to Belozorov and looked straight into his eyes. "Yes, I know it's much to ask for. Perhaps too much. Let me make it easier for you. If you make any trouble about this. If you come to Moscow or contact any department or authority with a formal or informal accusation, I will destroy your career and your life. You know its true. I know you can feel it. Mind you, I will not take pleasure in doing it, but if I must, so be it. A struggle is coming and you should choose your enemies as carefully as you choose your friends. If you decide to trust me, you can consider me an ally which you can call upon when in need. If not, well, you already know what the consequences of that choice would be." Ivanov stepped back and Belozorov felt himself shaking. He knew in the core of his being that the General would indeed crush him if he opposed him. There was a glint of something terrible in those eyes. Or at least it had been, because now the General looked at him with something the Major could only interpret as warmth - he calmed down.

"I will do as you ask."

"Thank you." Ivanov smiled. "At ease!" The soldiers lowered their rifles and they all waited in silence for Smolin and Nikulin to return. Belozorov felt awkward and he ended up looking at the floor. He was glad when he finally heard approaching footsteps.

Kartaphilov walked in followed by Colonel Nikulin, who could not hide his contempt as he eyed the Lieutenant. Kartaphilov looked afraid and for those who knew him, that was something they had never seen. His uniform was torn and soiled and his face was unshaven and dirty.

Ivanov looked impatient, "You disobey me."

"Yes."

"Why?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I cannot control myself. I never could."

"You must try harder. There is a point when the cost of getting you out of trouble is too high. You're getting close."

"Forgive me. I will try harder...much harder."

Ivanov turned to Belozorov, "Comrade Major. I once again thank you for your cooperation. Do not hesitate to call on me if I can return the favor sometime. Have a good day." The small force of officers and soldiers of the 1st Moscow Proletariat Red Banner Rifle Division withdrew from the Ryazan Military Correctional Facility and then boarded the train they had arrived on. With a plume of black smoke it began its journey back toward Moscow under the lead gray skies of European Russia.



1 Kommandant's Service - Red Army Military Police
 
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I had to go back and remember who Kartaphilov was. So, I guess that tussle in the bar was while he may have been on a task of some sort for Ivanov. He obviously couldn't control himself, as he said. I wonder if his lack of control jeopardized Ivanov in some way...