Chapter 25: The Empire Strikes Back, Part 2
((Let me know if you can't see the pictures.))
London fell quickly, with 10 Downing Street stormed and destroyed by Afghan and Spanish troops; Chairman Alexander was found dead by a self-inflicted gunshot. Imperial jets controlled the skies above the former capital of the world, and missiles blasted St. Paul's Cathedral (already severely damaged from the "Cultural Revolution" a couple years ago) and Tower Bridge into rubble.
The royal palaces fell under the control of the Kaiserlich Heer, and soon the Spanish forces stormed the Parliament Buildings.
The German tricolor was raised over Big Ben the next morning on July 6, 1974, and Imperial and Kaiserreich forces moved northwards, crushing all opposition. The Commonwealth's navy was crushed in several decisive battles against the Kaiserlich Marine and the Imperial Navy.
As the two empires marched their armies into Scotland, the People's Council and the Confederacy made several gains against Imperial and Canadian forces, defeating one Imperial army and occupying most of New England. In England, the people staged a revolution, which the Chinese and Germans put down ruthlessly.
The Kaiser then sent Puyi a call, saying that he wanted to fully annex the British. As usual, Puyi hung up immediately.
By Christmas 1975, all of Britain was under occupation by the Central Powers. Despite the Confederacy's victories in the Americas, the Politburo agreed to the harsh demands given to them by Puyi. They were allowed to keep their independence, which infuriated the Kaiser. Their "Commonwealth," however, was another issue...
The British were completely kicked out of Africa, with their former colonies granted independence or ceded to Egypt and Ethiopia. In the Americas, the Cherokee nation gained independence after years of slavery by the Confederacy, and Canada seized Montana. Brazil's conquests over the last decade were undone. All newly independent nations were admitted to the Imperial tributary network immediately.
Within days of the signing of the Treaty of London and the Christmas Peace, the Commonwealth went bankrupt.
Immediately afterwards, rebel forces supported and armed by the Canadians marched into Parliament and massacred what remained of the Politburo. The Queen was restored to power as an absolute monarch later that day, with crowds cheering as she returned to Buckingham Palace.
On August 25, 1975, the Kaiser declared his alliance with Puyi null, having defeated and destroyed both the Entente and the Confederation.
---
San Francisco, January 1, 1976
"These people have assimilated well,"
said Zhou Enlai, looking at the crowds gathered on either side of the Imperial convertible they sat in.
"Indeed,"
said Chiang Kai-Shek, "Your Imperial Majesty, what are your plans for the next five years?"
"We shall bring the Americans more into the fold; they have proven their loyalty to us in the last Great War,"
replied Puyi, "And We shall discuss with the leaders of the world about the problem with nuclear weapons. Have you read the files on radiation levels in England and the Amazon?"
"Yes, your Imperial Majesty,"
said Zhou, "But you must order them declassified before the rest of the world can read them."
"Honey, come take a look outside!"
said Victoria Louise, "They're cheering for you! Show them some respect like you claim to do!"
"Yes, my dear,"
replied Puyi, "After all, this is the fiftieth anniversary of the Imperial Restoration, and We must show that We are a benevolent and kind ruler."
They passed by a local book repository, and Puyi began waving to the crowd.
"How long do you think it will take us to get to City Hall?"
Zhou asked. "My wife's getting nervous."
Chiang laughed. "Tell your wife we'll be alr-"
BANG.
There was a gunshot, and Chiang crumpled over, a bullet hole in his back.
BANG.
There was another gunshot, and Zhou's head was split right open, showering the driver in his blood.
BANG.
Puyi coughed up blood, realizing that a bullet had went straight through a vertabra and lung before puncturing out through his throat.
Victoria Louise did not scream. She was too in shock to do anything but stare.
The driver floored the gas pedal and accelerated down the street in fear as the crowd began breaking apart, the civilians screaming and running for cover.
Before everything faded to black, Puyi heard a loud voice scream out:
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!"
Thus always to tyrants.
((I had an event written for this, but it didn't load. Pretend this screenshot represents what I just wrote.))