Prologue: The Start of Something Unexpected
Imperial Summer Palace, somewhere near Crimea
Footsteps are heard as a tall, thin, but extremely well decorated youngster made his way up the steps of the Imperial Palace. He did not want to attract to much attention from the citizens and military personnel nearby as he had just returned from St. Petersburg with some very dangerous news: The old aging Tsar, Alexander II, had died of pneumonia over the night and with that the Empire itself was soon to be in turmoil. There were three successors to the title of Tsar, but if he had it his way, the true ruler would gain control of the empire first.
After catching his breath he slowly walked down the, fixing his shirt and tie, being ready to deliver the news to the eldest of the three sons. This one man could forever change how the world viewed the aging Russian Empire, from a primitive angry warmongering, to a shining example of the industrial age and one who should be respected around the globe. That mans' name was Aleksandrovich Romanov.
The Heir to be, His majesty Aleksandrovich Romanov
With that, the door containing the heir to be was quietly opened and in walked the Imperial Voice of the Tsar, Vladmir Kustov.
Vladmir, thinking to himself began to ponder how to deliver the news of the death of this brilliant tacticians' father without himself becoming a victim of the wrath of a son who loses a father. In the end he decided the best policy was an honest policy
Vladmir: Greetings my Lord, I bring tidings from St. Petersburg that you must hear at once! It is the utmost importance that I speak with you concerning the future of the Empire since all is at stake in this precious hour! Your Father, Alexander II, has died over the weekend quite suddenly from his illness of pneumonia. I have come to inform you in his dying wish that you were to succeed him in his place. I think it is ---
With that he silenced himself and bit his tongue, as Aleksandrovich Romanov had raised his hand ever so slightly. Usually on a good day this ment more wine or more guest for a party, but Vladmir knew better this time it was better to speak when spoken to in these crucial hours for the Empire. A stern look was on the New Tsar's face as he contemplated his next moves. All knew that Alexei Alexandar had the respect and admiration of the Navy, while his other brother, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, had the respect of the aristocrats who still wielded significant power in the advisor counsels. Aleksandrovich Romanov ever so quitely walked over to the window and asked a simple question...
Aleksandrovich Romanov: Will there be bloodshed? is there any chance to avoid it? If it comes to preserving the Empire you know I will do every and anything in my power to avoid it, but we both know my brothers wish for war and glory, something they know little about...both we not born yet and were not told the stories of how our Grandfather defeated Napoleon only after losing so many lives, but yet wish to extend our influence elsewhere, This is not for the benefit of our people, but more for their appetite of conquest and glory. So they, themselves, would forever be remembered. How are my loyalist? are they still on my side?
Vladmir contemplated this statement to himself, he had chosen wisely in the successor process. As the old Tsar had died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep he had named no successor, leaving a chance for three way civil war that could effectively destroy the empire and all that had been accomplished through the years.
The Russian Empire as of 1836
Vladmir: My lord they have always been loyal to you, ever since the uprisings in Finland, Ukraine, and across the Empire. You traveled with the army, gave healing to the injured, walked among them and treated them as equals. The Army is forever in your league, they call you Милосердный (Merciful One) and will follow you to whatever end.
They Will Follow You Anywhere, even into the depths of Hell itself
Aleksandrovich Romanov continued to gaze at the small fire he had made early that day, even in summer time Russia is still Russia...with the army at my side I can avoid the inevitable deaths of thousands with the sacrifice of a few...but can I kill my own brothers? is it safe to keep them alive and imprison them? or make a story up about their disappearances? Sigh, decisions decisions...
Aleksandrovich Romanov: Vladmir, do I have your loyalty? will you forever stand by my side as all your ancestors have over the years? will you do whatever is necessary for your country?
Vladmir: Of course my lord, I came straight here did I not? I made sure no one but the doctor and myself knew of this tragedy, ever since your mother died at a young age he stayed true to her and never had a mistress, so yes only the three of us know at this current moment that your father has passed on.
With those words I began to see a change in my new Tsars eyes, it looked like mixed sorrow with anger. One could only wish to comprehend what was happening to my lords inner self and if he could handle such a difficult situation. I wonder what he will----
Aleksandrovich Romanov: I will not have bloodshed for the beginning of my reign. You know my dreams and desires my friend, they do not involve mass conquest or imperialistic gains across the globe, I wish for my people to live and prosper. To grow into the nation they are destined to be part of, and to continue living with the best living standards as I have to offer. Outside is a contingent of my most loyal Cossacks, they have fought many battles with me and will obey any command you give them, but my siblings must be controlled, either capture them....or destroy them. Either way there must be a story of what happened to them if they do not join me willingly...I trust you will be able to handle this?
Vladmir: Of course my liege I will attend to this matter at once, Long live Sacred Russia! Long live Tsar Aleksandrovich Romanov, The Merciful! I will go and do what must be done to preserve your rule!
And with that he stormed off, fear and excitement in his heart, he had looked the Tsar in the eyes and forever changed the course of history with his little white lie. Now he was off to join with the most notorious band of Cossacks the world has ever known, the RRNs or more commonly known as, Romanov's Rough Necks. For this group of esteemed men had never lost a battle and suffered less than 20 KIAs in their entire service career. So with the fall of a tyrant, rose a man of the people, one who would lead Vladmirs' nation into the world of chaos and imagination, hopefully making it out alive.
The RRN or Romanov's Rough Necks, as they prepared for the upcoming events
In the end only one brother was killed during the silent but quick Coup that Vladmir had planned, in reality the Throne was meant to go to Sergei Alexandrovich, but Vladmir knew that he would quickly fall under the influence of the Aristocrats, as he had already plunged deeply into the corrupt world with little chance of survival. So when the RRN had come to imprison him, he went for his sword only to be shot by Vladmir himself, the rumor was Sergei went into self exile within Serbia to become one with his religion, while Alexei Alexandar willingly swore his loyalty to his brother, as they were close in their younger days. With that the worst political blunder in history was averted, with the Merciful one firmly in control with little to worry, other than to ponder what moves to make in the years to come....
