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Stalin seems to be cleaning up rather nicely. Rather nicely indeed.
I wonder what else Stukov's mere pressence in the past will alter?
I wonder what else Stukov's mere pressence in the past will alter?
Morpheus506: It's not like Stalin would know. He arbitrarily picked officers out of the Red Army linked to the old officers from czarist Russia and Trotsky's time.
Jopi: Well, I know alot about Stalin's history, which is basicly the same thing. The only information about Stalin that's possibly incorrect is him being murdered in 1953, instead of dying of a stroke.
Machiavellian: Stay and find out
------------------------------------------------
In mid 1937, Spain was once again the center of the world's attention. The continuing stalemate was dragging the country into ruins. Finally, tensions erupted in Madrid and the Republican regime was overthrown by a socialist revolution. The sudden change of government led Franco to believe he could regain the upper-hand. A massive Nationalist counterattack smashed into the loyalist defenses, only to be horribly beaten. With victory in sight, the Republicans siezed Cordoba on May, and the last Nationalist stronghold in Seville fell in early June. The Republicans had won the civil war.
In the Soviet Union, the Great Officer Purge continued unabatted. Another group of high ranking generals, including Field Marshal Pavlov, were eliminated. When Admiral Orlov suggested requesting naval designs to help develop a 'blue-water navy', Stalin immediately squashed the idea, "The army is where our future lies," he said.
But on July 10th, a minor war between China and the warlords of Sinkiang spasmed into all out war.
--------------------------------------------
Field Marshal Shaposhnikov sat opposite Vorishilov and Tukhachevsky, Commissar of Amry Operations and Commissar of the Army respectively.
"Japan had deployed a huge number of troops in response to the Marco Polo Bridge Incident," said Shaposhnikov, "They've already crossed troops over the border. I think I can safely say the Nationalists will not do well."
Vorishilov glanced back and forth through reports, "Any chance of Japanese border strikes near Vladivostok?"
Shaposhnikov shook his head, "Not with the entire 1st Army in the area. Although the Mongolian frontier is sparsely defended."
Tukhachevsky added, "Will the 1st Army require reinforcements?"
"He already has 9 divisions," said Vorishilov, pausing to glance back at his fellow officer, "But we'll send what we can should you require it."
Shaposhnikov nodded, "What of Mao and his communists?"
Vorishilov paused, thinking it over, "Send volunteers to contact them. They'll be in desperate need of modern guns and ammunition."
"Make sure Kai-Shek doesn't find out," muttered Tukhachevsky.
Vorishilov cleared his throat, "Well then, if that's all for now, I think we can conclude this session. Thank you for taking the time to travel so far."
Vorishilov and Shaposhnikov moved to leave, but Tukhachevsky spoke, "What's it like in the east?"
Shaposhnikov turned and smiled, "It's very nice out there. You should stop by one day."
Jopi: Well, I know alot about Stalin's history, which is basicly the same thing. The only information about Stalin that's possibly incorrect is him being murdered in 1953, instead of dying of a stroke.
Machiavellian: Stay and find out
------------------------------------------------
In mid 1937, Spain was once again the center of the world's attention. The continuing stalemate was dragging the country into ruins. Finally, tensions erupted in Madrid and the Republican regime was overthrown by a socialist revolution. The sudden change of government led Franco to believe he could regain the upper-hand. A massive Nationalist counterattack smashed into the loyalist defenses, only to be horribly beaten. With victory in sight, the Republicans siezed Cordoba on May, and the last Nationalist stronghold in Seville fell in early June. The Republicans had won the civil war.
In the Soviet Union, the Great Officer Purge continued unabatted. Another group of high ranking generals, including Field Marshal Pavlov, were eliminated. When Admiral Orlov suggested requesting naval designs to help develop a 'blue-water navy', Stalin immediately squashed the idea, "The army is where our future lies," he said.
But on July 10th, a minor war between China and the warlords of Sinkiang spasmed into all out war.
--------------------------------------------
Field Marshal Shaposhnikov sat opposite Vorishilov and Tukhachevsky, Commissar of Amry Operations and Commissar of the Army respectively.
"Japan had deployed a huge number of troops in response to the Marco Polo Bridge Incident," said Shaposhnikov, "They've already crossed troops over the border. I think I can safely say the Nationalists will not do well."
Vorishilov glanced back and forth through reports, "Any chance of Japanese border strikes near Vladivostok?"
Shaposhnikov shook his head, "Not with the entire 1st Army in the area. Although the Mongolian frontier is sparsely defended."
Tukhachevsky added, "Will the 1st Army require reinforcements?"
"He already has 9 divisions," said Vorishilov, pausing to glance back at his fellow officer, "But we'll send what we can should you require it."
Shaposhnikov nodded, "What of Mao and his communists?"
Vorishilov paused, thinking it over, "Send volunteers to contact them. They'll be in desperate need of modern guns and ammunition."
"Make sure Kai-Shek doesn't find out," muttered Tukhachevsky.
Vorishilov cleared his throat, "Well then, if that's all for now, I think we can conclude this session. Thank you for taking the time to travel so far."
Vorishilov and Shaposhnikov moved to leave, but Tukhachevsky spoke, "What's it like in the east?"
Shaposhnikov turned and smiled, "It's very nice out there. You should stop by one day."
December 3rd, 1937
Stalin had once again called a meeting of the main Commissars. But there were several changes in the past few months. Nikolai Yezhov had been caught attempting to sell military secrets to the Japanese and was immediately executed. He had been the last of Stalin's great allies in the Politburo after the death of Lenin. In his place, Sergei Uritskiy and Lavrenti Beria had stepped in. Uritskiy would be in charge of general security of the Soviet Union while Beria would control of the NKVD, under both Uritskiy and Stalin personally.
Michael Tukhachevsky voluntarily resigned, placing Boris Shaposhnikov in charge. Tukhachevsky remained silent of his reasons for stepping down.
"Comrades," Stalin started, "Japanese expansion in China is growing out of control. The Nationalists are being defeated in every battle. In desperation, they have called upon us for aid."
Litinov, suprisingly astute at the moment, carried on, "The Chinese have requested supplies and equipment. We will be transferring supplies, military vehicles, and several Soviet piloted fighter squadrons."
"Of course this must be kept secret," added Stalin.
"Comrade Shaposhnikov will see to it that the shipments are not detected, and he will be in chrage of monitoring the military situation, as it progresses."
The general nodded in acknowledgement.
Stalin cleared his throat, "Comrade Kaganovich," he said to the Commissar of Industry, "Please see to it that the extra resources opened up with the conquest of Persia reach the Red Army. Our armies must be technologically advanced to make them effective," Stalin paused, "And on a related note, I have called an end to officer relocations."
Voroshilov and Shaposhnikov both were visibly relieved.
Litinov coughed violently, diverting attention back to him, "I forgot to mention in my last report....Italy has joined Germany and Japan in their anti-Comintern pact."
Stalin flicked Litinov's words away, "Irrelevant. These puny agreements Hitler is making against the people's revolution will not interfere with our plans."
Litinov looked confused, "But comrade, what plans?"
Stalin stopped and turned to stare at Litinov, who stared back, oblivious to the danger he was in. Without answering, Stalin turned back to the meeting, pointing to Admiral Orlov with his pipe, "See to it that preparations are made for constructing transport flotillas."
"Make sure some of them are deployed to Vladivostok," added Shaposhnikov. Stalin nodded in agreement.
"Anything else that you wish to say?" Stalin asked the assembled Commissars. His gaze momentarily stayed at his son Yakov, who had been silent the whole time. Stalin sighed, "Very well. Send your reports as the situation develops."
All the Commissars except Litinov left. The man approached Stalin, "Comrade, you did not answer my question. What plans?"
Stalin looked through Litinov, smoking his pipe. Quickly, Stukov appeared from the corner of the room and guided Litinov away.
"Ah, comrade, I've been wanting to speak to you for a long time," said Stukov, forcibly guiding Litinov away from Stalin.
Litinov immediately forgot Stalin, "Oh? I'm sorry, but I don't seem to know your name."
"Call me Alexei," said Stukov with a smile painted onto his face. Eventually, Stukov managed to walk Litinov out the door, exchanging idiotic banter.
Stalin shook his head and sighed. Stalin leaned back in his chair, smoking his pipe and lost in his thoughts.
Stalin had once again called a meeting of the main Commissars. But there were several changes in the past few months. Nikolai Yezhov had been caught attempting to sell military secrets to the Japanese and was immediately executed. He had been the last of Stalin's great allies in the Politburo after the death of Lenin. In his place, Sergei Uritskiy and Lavrenti Beria had stepped in. Uritskiy would be in charge of general security of the Soviet Union while Beria would control of the NKVD, under both Uritskiy and Stalin personally.
Michael Tukhachevsky voluntarily resigned, placing Boris Shaposhnikov in charge. Tukhachevsky remained silent of his reasons for stepping down.
"Comrades," Stalin started, "Japanese expansion in China is growing out of control. The Nationalists are being defeated in every battle. In desperation, they have called upon us for aid."
Litinov, suprisingly astute at the moment, carried on, "The Chinese have requested supplies and equipment. We will be transferring supplies, military vehicles, and several Soviet piloted fighter squadrons."
"Of course this must be kept secret," added Stalin.
"Comrade Shaposhnikov will see to it that the shipments are not detected, and he will be in chrage of monitoring the military situation, as it progresses."
The general nodded in acknowledgement.
Stalin cleared his throat, "Comrade Kaganovich," he said to the Commissar of Industry, "Please see to it that the extra resources opened up with the conquest of Persia reach the Red Army. Our armies must be technologically advanced to make them effective," Stalin paused, "And on a related note, I have called an end to officer relocations."
Voroshilov and Shaposhnikov both were visibly relieved.
Litinov coughed violently, diverting attention back to him, "I forgot to mention in my last report....Italy has joined Germany and Japan in their anti-Comintern pact."
Stalin flicked Litinov's words away, "Irrelevant. These puny agreements Hitler is making against the people's revolution will not interfere with our plans."
Litinov looked confused, "But comrade, what plans?"
Stalin stopped and turned to stare at Litinov, who stared back, oblivious to the danger he was in. Without answering, Stalin turned back to the meeting, pointing to Admiral Orlov with his pipe, "See to it that preparations are made for constructing transport flotillas."
"Make sure some of them are deployed to Vladivostok," added Shaposhnikov. Stalin nodded in agreement.
"Anything else that you wish to say?" Stalin asked the assembled Commissars. His gaze momentarily stayed at his son Yakov, who had been silent the whole time. Stalin sighed, "Very well. Send your reports as the situation develops."
All the Commissars except Litinov left. The man approached Stalin, "Comrade, you did not answer my question. What plans?"
Stalin looked through Litinov, smoking his pipe. Quickly, Stukov appeared from the corner of the room and guided Litinov away.
"Ah, comrade, I've been wanting to speak to you for a long time," said Stukov, forcibly guiding Litinov away from Stalin.
Litinov immediately forgot Stalin, "Oh? I'm sorry, but I don't seem to know your name."
"Call me Alexei," said Stukov with a smile painted onto his face. Eventually, Stukov managed to walk Litinov out the door, exchanging idiotic banter.
Stalin shook his head and sighed. Stalin leaned back in his chair, smoking his pipe and lost in his thoughts.
History was made on December 11th, 1937. After Alf Landon was inagurated, the Republicans quickly repealed the New Deal programs instated during the Roosevelt administration.
The results were nothing short of disastorous. The economic recovery brought about by the New Deal suddenly collapsed. Unemployment skyrocketed and industrial output dropped by over 50%. Criticism of the Landon administration surpassed that of Hoover in 1931.
Soon, U.S. citizens took to the streets in unsurpassed numbers. Protests, work strikes, and marches occured in every city. Landon's "Just and Proper Deal" had failed. With his political future in jeopardy, Landon and the Republicans instituted several new programs hoping to force the economy back onto its feet. The situation simply became worse, and unemployment reached over 60%. Agriculture was in a state of complete ruin, and hope for the future was looking dim.
On December 7th, tens of thousands of people marched on Washington, protesting the government's blinding incompetence in managing the economy. Firey speeches by many prominent Democrats and other vocal citizens incited the crowds. Soon, fights broke out and the crowds dissolved into mobs. Riots broke out and looting ravaged the city. Police barricades were overwhelmed and Landon was forced to call upon the National Guard and nearby military forces, ordering them to open fire on the rioters.
Unable to bring themselves to kill their fellow Americans, the soldiers switched sides, joining the mobs. Soon, armed civilians and soldiers stormed into the Capitol Building and White House, holding the government hostage. News spread on the 8th and 9th of the armed takeover, and utter anarchy ensued, unemployed workers striking back at those who had put them in financial ruin and forming armed militias.
On December 10th, a group of charismatic communists under the leadership of Earl Browder took over in Washington D.C. and established their own regime. Browder had been hightly influential in the protests and had earned great popularity and trust amongst the citizens. Word spread across the country and whole-heartedly accepted. The most capitalist nation in the world was becoming a socialist nation.
Ironicly, Landon's attempt at moving the nation away for Roosevelt's more socialist policies had resulted in communist revolution. On December 11th, Browder came onto the radio announcing the first day of of the United Socialist States of America. Miraculously, all 48 states accepted the turn of events, mostly due to the large number of civilian forces threatening the take over the cities.
The news shocked the Soviet Union. The sudden turn of events threw Stalin off guard. Soviet support of the new government was slow to come. In fact, the Soviet embassy in Washington was silent, sending no responses to Browder's request for a dialouge between the two nations. Stalin needed to decide what to do with Browder.
The results were nothing short of disastorous. The economic recovery brought about by the New Deal suddenly collapsed. Unemployment skyrocketed and industrial output dropped by over 50%. Criticism of the Landon administration surpassed that of Hoover in 1931.
Soon, U.S. citizens took to the streets in unsurpassed numbers. Protests, work strikes, and marches occured in every city. Landon's "Just and Proper Deal" had failed. With his political future in jeopardy, Landon and the Republicans instituted several new programs hoping to force the economy back onto its feet. The situation simply became worse, and unemployment reached over 60%. Agriculture was in a state of complete ruin, and hope for the future was looking dim.
On December 7th, tens of thousands of people marched on Washington, protesting the government's blinding incompetence in managing the economy. Firey speeches by many prominent Democrats and other vocal citizens incited the crowds. Soon, fights broke out and the crowds dissolved into mobs. Riots broke out and looting ravaged the city. Police barricades were overwhelmed and Landon was forced to call upon the National Guard and nearby military forces, ordering them to open fire on the rioters.
Unable to bring themselves to kill their fellow Americans, the soldiers switched sides, joining the mobs. Soon, armed civilians and soldiers stormed into the Capitol Building and White House, holding the government hostage. News spread on the 8th and 9th of the armed takeover, and utter anarchy ensued, unemployed workers striking back at those who had put them in financial ruin and forming armed militias.
On December 10th, a group of charismatic communists under the leadership of Earl Browder took over in Washington D.C. and established their own regime. Browder had been hightly influential in the protests and had earned great popularity and trust amongst the citizens. Word spread across the country and whole-heartedly accepted. The most capitalist nation in the world was becoming a socialist nation.
Ironicly, Landon's attempt at moving the nation away for Roosevelt's more socialist policies had resulted in communist revolution. On December 11th, Browder came onto the radio announcing the first day of of the United Socialist States of America. Miraculously, all 48 states accepted the turn of events, mostly due to the large number of civilian forces threatening the take over the cities.
The news shocked the Soviet Union. The sudden turn of events threw Stalin off guard. Soviet support of the new government was slow to come. In fact, the Soviet embassy in Washington was silent, sending no responses to Browder's request for a dialouge between the two nations. Stalin needed to decide what to do with Browder.
Wow. WOW.
And we thought that the Republican forces winning in Spain and Landon winning the presidency was big. This is HUGE. A Communist USA or should I say, USSA.
That butterfly effect seems to be kicking it into high gear. Great updates. Keep this tale coming.
And we thought that the Republican forces winning in Spain and Landon winning the presidency was big. This is HUGE. A Communist USA or should I say, USSA.
That butterfly effect seems to be kicking it into high gear. Great updates. Keep this tale coming.
On December 26th, 1937, the Soviet response came. Messages from Stalin congratulated the USSA and Browder on throwing off the oppression of capitalism and embracing the dream of an enlightened socialist paradise. Dialouge continued for several days of the possibility of a mutual cooperation agreement between the two nations.
On January 9th, Browder invited Stalin and his key staff for a tour of the United States and to further negotiate a military pact or defense agreement. Stalin accepted, much to the suprise of the world. The tour would cover the eastern seaboard, and end in Washington D.C. where talks would begin.
January 17th, 1938
Two months ago, the sight of a Russian communist walking down the streets of New York City would have caught the attention, and suspicion, of many. But now, Stukov could go virtually anywhere and blend in.
Stukov had left Stalin's presence as negotiations had begun and stayed in New York. While Stalin had shown real intrest in the changes made to the capitalist heart of the world, Stukov was hardly impressed. Little had changed from when he had worked here, deep underground, amongst the short-sighted fools who helped develop the mechanisms of this new world.
Glancing around, he scowled at the wall of grey around him, Such drab feautures had always annoyed him. And having seen it too much already, it was even worse.
Finally, Alexei reached his destination and ducked into an alleyway. Vanishing into the darkness, he continued until he reached a brick wall, a dead end. Fumbling in the darkness, Stukov felt the brick, searching for the indented marks. Finally, he found them and pulled, swinging the fake brick away to reveal a solid steel door. Stukov unlocked it and stepped in.
Closing the door behind him, he proceeded down several flights of stairs. One more giant steel door stood before him, which is quickly unlocked. Quietly, he stepped inside and closed the door gently behind him.
A sense of deja vu came over Stukov. He had spent many, many years in this room. In the center as a half comleted contraption, wires and computer banks hooked up to it. It was the time machine, still five years away from completion. Hearing voices, Stukov ducked behind a wall of machinery, which would be later replaced by computers. Peering out, several scientists emerged from the back of the room.
He knew those men, colleagues he had seen shot to death in front of his eyes, in this very room. But here they were, working on the machine that would soon bring about their demise. One man in particulary caught Stukovs eye. Himself.
The complexity of the paradox hit him. There he was, himself, working on the time machine, five years away from travelling to 1936, where he would change history, only to be stopped by these same men right here. And then, they would be murdered, giving Stukov the chance to travel back in time again, and change history once more.
Stukov patted his chest pocket, feeling the pistol he carried. If he killed these men now, their work would go unfinished, and he would not be stopped by them. But what of his past self? If the time machine was never created, he could never travel into the past to change these things, thus Stukov would not be standing here, about to kill them. But then if that didn't happen, they wouldn't have been killed in the first place, thus they would still be alive to continue their work, which would allow himself to travel back in time and kill them, which would prevent Stukov from ever having done it in the first place.
The paradox hurt Alexei's head. But, things were already different. Would Browder let this incredibly expensive program continue? Would he use it for himself? Stukov decided then, he would not kill them, but sabotage the project.
Silently, he manuevered through the maze of machines until he found the critical one. This machine alone had taken months to create, and was integral in the project's completion. Carefully removing the metal coverings, Stukov reached in and began his work. Mismatching wires, removing small instruments, and crippling the machine in seconds.
Now nothing could stop him. Those who had stopped him before would not be able to do anything. This was his last chance. He could not fail now.
As quietly as he had entered, Stukov left, leaving the scientists, and himself, behind to work on their doomed project.
On January 9th, Browder invited Stalin and his key staff for a tour of the United States and to further negotiate a military pact or defense agreement. Stalin accepted, much to the suprise of the world. The tour would cover the eastern seaboard, and end in Washington D.C. where talks would begin.
January 17th, 1938
Two months ago, the sight of a Russian communist walking down the streets of New York City would have caught the attention, and suspicion, of many. But now, Stukov could go virtually anywhere and blend in.
Stukov had left Stalin's presence as negotiations had begun and stayed in New York. While Stalin had shown real intrest in the changes made to the capitalist heart of the world, Stukov was hardly impressed. Little had changed from when he had worked here, deep underground, amongst the short-sighted fools who helped develop the mechanisms of this new world.
Glancing around, he scowled at the wall of grey around him, Such drab feautures had always annoyed him. And having seen it too much already, it was even worse.
Finally, Alexei reached his destination and ducked into an alleyway. Vanishing into the darkness, he continued until he reached a brick wall, a dead end. Fumbling in the darkness, Stukov felt the brick, searching for the indented marks. Finally, he found them and pulled, swinging the fake brick away to reveal a solid steel door. Stukov unlocked it and stepped in.
Closing the door behind him, he proceeded down several flights of stairs. One more giant steel door stood before him, which is quickly unlocked. Quietly, he stepped inside and closed the door gently behind him.
A sense of deja vu came over Stukov. He had spent many, many years in this room. In the center as a half comleted contraption, wires and computer banks hooked up to it. It was the time machine, still five years away from completion. Hearing voices, Stukov ducked behind a wall of machinery, which would be later replaced by computers. Peering out, several scientists emerged from the back of the room.
He knew those men, colleagues he had seen shot to death in front of his eyes, in this very room. But here they were, working on the machine that would soon bring about their demise. One man in particulary caught Stukovs eye. Himself.
The complexity of the paradox hit him. There he was, himself, working on the time machine, five years away from travelling to 1936, where he would change history, only to be stopped by these same men right here. And then, they would be murdered, giving Stukov the chance to travel back in time again, and change history once more.
Stukov patted his chest pocket, feeling the pistol he carried. If he killed these men now, their work would go unfinished, and he would not be stopped by them. But what of his past self? If the time machine was never created, he could never travel into the past to change these things, thus Stukov would not be standing here, about to kill them. But then if that didn't happen, they wouldn't have been killed in the first place, thus they would still be alive to continue their work, which would allow himself to travel back in time and kill them, which would prevent Stukov from ever having done it in the first place.
The paradox hurt Alexei's head. But, things were already different. Would Browder let this incredibly expensive program continue? Would he use it for himself? Stukov decided then, he would not kill them, but sabotage the project.
Silently, he manuevered through the maze of machines until he found the critical one. This machine alone had taken months to create, and was integral in the project's completion. Carefully removing the metal coverings, Stukov reached in and began his work. Mismatching wires, removing small instruments, and crippling the machine in seconds.
Now nothing could stop him. Those who had stopped him before would not be able to do anything. This was his last chance. He could not fail now.
As quietly as he had entered, Stukov left, leaving the scientists, and himself, behind to work on their doomed project.
January 18th, 1938
Stalin sat across the table from President Browder in the White House. He had never thought he would get the chance to be here, much less be working out a military agreement with it's owner. But something in Stalin's gut told him Browder was not quite what he appeared. Smiling and waving to cameras, and acting entirely diplomatic, the aged man smoked on his own pipe almost as if it were all a show; a front to appease him.
Stalin didn't trust Browder anymore than he trusted Mao in China. They were leaders of entirely seperate revolutions, without the help of Stalin or the Bolsheviks. They didn't owe Stalin anything, and when an industrial superpower like the USSA didn't, he had to be careful.
Browder cleared his throat, "Well comrade," he said through a translator, "I do believe we have ourselves an agreement."
Smiling, Stalin replied, "Not quite, comrade. I have some things I would like to clear up, to make sure I understand COMPLETELY. The Phillipines and Liberia will be included in this agreement?"
"Why....yes. They are already under our, 'protection'," the way Browder said it didn't convince Stalin.
"And you say you will continue enforcing the....um...." Stalin quickly thought, "The Monroe Doctrine?"
Browder nodded again, "That's right, the Western Hemisphere will be left to the USSA."
Stalin's eye twitched. Now he saw why Browder was doing this. He planned to 'unite' all of America into the USSA. And all at Stalin's expense, who would have to back Browder every step of the way.
Browder coughed, clearing his throat again, "And of course, the technology trade agreement."
Stalin nodded. America was woefully inferior in technology. And the Red Army would have to shore them up.
"Well," said Stalin, lighting his pipe, "I can't see any reason why I should sign this agreement."
The translator froze, looking at Stalin, "Go on, say it."
The translator swallowed hard, sweat beading up on his forehead, and repeated what Stalin said. Browder's smile vanished, asking if the translator was sure. He nodded nervously.
Browder stared hard at Stalin, "Why? We must unite as socialist brothers to defeat the capitalists."
Stalin chuckled, "Frankly, comrade Browder, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is fully capable of doing this on it's own. This pact gives the my country absolutely no benefits. The Politburo would never accept it."
Browder was silent. With a nod, Stalin stood up and headed towards the door, "Thank you for the tour. I found it most enjoyable. Perhaps someday, you can visit," Stalin looked back over his shoulder, "Or maybe I'll just come back some time later."
Stalin sat across the table from President Browder in the White House. He had never thought he would get the chance to be here, much less be working out a military agreement with it's owner. But something in Stalin's gut told him Browder was not quite what he appeared. Smiling and waving to cameras, and acting entirely diplomatic, the aged man smoked on his own pipe almost as if it were all a show; a front to appease him.
Stalin didn't trust Browder anymore than he trusted Mao in China. They were leaders of entirely seperate revolutions, without the help of Stalin or the Bolsheviks. They didn't owe Stalin anything, and when an industrial superpower like the USSA didn't, he had to be careful.
Browder cleared his throat, "Well comrade," he said through a translator, "I do believe we have ourselves an agreement."
Smiling, Stalin replied, "Not quite, comrade. I have some things I would like to clear up, to make sure I understand COMPLETELY. The Phillipines and Liberia will be included in this agreement?"
"Why....yes. They are already under our, 'protection'," the way Browder said it didn't convince Stalin.
"And you say you will continue enforcing the....um...." Stalin quickly thought, "The Monroe Doctrine?"
Browder nodded again, "That's right, the Western Hemisphere will be left to the USSA."
Stalin's eye twitched. Now he saw why Browder was doing this. He planned to 'unite' all of America into the USSA. And all at Stalin's expense, who would have to back Browder every step of the way.
Browder coughed, clearing his throat again, "And of course, the technology trade agreement."
Stalin nodded. America was woefully inferior in technology. And the Red Army would have to shore them up.
"Well," said Stalin, lighting his pipe, "I can't see any reason why I should sign this agreement."
The translator froze, looking at Stalin, "Go on, say it."
The translator swallowed hard, sweat beading up on his forehead, and repeated what Stalin said. Browder's smile vanished, asking if the translator was sure. He nodded nervously.
Browder stared hard at Stalin, "Why? We must unite as socialist brothers to defeat the capitalists."
Stalin chuckled, "Frankly, comrade Browder, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is fully capable of doing this on it's own. This pact gives the my country absolutely no benefits. The Politburo would never accept it."
Browder was silent. With a nod, Stalin stood up and headed towards the door, "Thank you for the tour. I found it most enjoyable. Perhaps someday, you can visit," Stalin looked back over his shoulder, "Or maybe I'll just come back some time later."
Sounds like Stalin can see himslef sitting in the whitehouse.
Great way to mix the game with hindsight. ill be watching.
Great way to mix the game with hindsight. ill be watching.
This is a fun AAR to read with the Red October Hymn blaring in the background. Can't wait for more....
Can't wait for more....
So No USSA-USSR alliance, huh? Oh well, perhaps at least you won't be enemies and work towards mutual goals. With an expansionistic USSA, I am curious how the pacific will look and if the war there will start early.
A trooper: It'd make a nice winter Kremlin, don't you think?
Morpheus506: I agree, it does add some nice atmosphere to it.
Machiavellian: Yeah, sorry to dissapoint you. It didn't seem right to have 2 non-communist countries in the Comintern. Plus, eventually, some sort of Cold War scenario would pop up. And when both are communist, it could make things very boring. And of course, the most important thing of all, paraonia. Stalin doesn't like to share.
-------------------------------------
As 1938 wore on, the effects of Stalin's 4-Year Plans were becoming evident. Industrial output had increased enough that the country could begin financing a massive modernization program of the Red Army. Since the time of Napolean, the armies of Russia had always been obsolete. But Stalin planned to change that.
In early March, Stalin detached the armored divisions of the Soviet army and sent them to Smolensk. There, under the supervision of Generals Zhukov and Konev, and with the assistance of hundreds of Soviet technicians and engineers, a giant armored development program was put underway. Konev hoped to improve upon the old BT-2 light tank and create a design comparable to the vaunted German panzer divisions.
Meanwhile, Stalin offered large rewards for development of new infantry weapons. Within months, the program bore fruit and better and larger anti-tank and anti-air weapons were created. With the new industrial output, production easily equiped the Red Army with these long needed advancements. And despite Stalin's mutilation of the Soviet officer corps, the development of new doctrines and improvements to existing logistical systems was encouraged.
But despite these improvements to the army, the navy receieved little attention. Only two cruisers were under construction and funds were only put into the development of submarines. In the air force, little effort was put into development of new fighters, but Stalin showed slight intrest in bombers. The thought of delivering crushing blows to the enemy from high altitudes and the possiblity of intimidating the civilian population appealed to him.
This development could only mean one thing: war. Obviously, this modernization was in preperation for dealing with the Japanese or the Germans. Technology would give the Red Army a critical advantage over the fanatical fighting spirit of the Japanese, and would make the Soviet numerical advantage over the Germans even more dangerous. Stalin would prove his nation was ready to fight.
Morpheus506: I agree, it does add some nice atmosphere to it.
Machiavellian: Yeah, sorry to dissapoint you. It didn't seem right to have 2 non-communist countries in the Comintern. Plus, eventually, some sort of Cold War scenario would pop up. And when both are communist, it could make things very boring. And of course, the most important thing of all, paraonia. Stalin doesn't like to share.
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As 1938 wore on, the effects of Stalin's 4-Year Plans were becoming evident. Industrial output had increased enough that the country could begin financing a massive modernization program of the Red Army. Since the time of Napolean, the armies of Russia had always been obsolete. But Stalin planned to change that.
In early March, Stalin detached the armored divisions of the Soviet army and sent them to Smolensk. There, under the supervision of Generals Zhukov and Konev, and with the assistance of hundreds of Soviet technicians and engineers, a giant armored development program was put underway. Konev hoped to improve upon the old BT-2 light tank and create a design comparable to the vaunted German panzer divisions.
Meanwhile, Stalin offered large rewards for development of new infantry weapons. Within months, the program bore fruit and better and larger anti-tank and anti-air weapons were created. With the new industrial output, production easily equiped the Red Army with these long needed advancements. And despite Stalin's mutilation of the Soviet officer corps, the development of new doctrines and improvements to existing logistical systems was encouraged.
But despite these improvements to the army, the navy receieved little attention. Only two cruisers were under construction and funds were only put into the development of submarines. In the air force, little effort was put into development of new fighters, but Stalin showed slight intrest in bombers. The thought of delivering crushing blows to the enemy from high altitudes and the possiblity of intimidating the civilian population appealed to him.
This development could only mean one thing: war. Obviously, this modernization was in preperation for dealing with the Japanese or the Germans. Technology would give the Red Army a critical advantage over the fanatical fighting spirit of the Japanese, and would make the Soviet numerical advantage over the Germans even more dangerous. Stalin would prove his nation was ready to fight.
Id like to see a war with Japan.That would put them in a prime position to face the Germans against.
Within his quarters in the Kremlin, Stalin and Stukov discussed the recent events coming from Germany.
As usual, Stalin was smoking on his pipe, "Hitler's appetite for land doesn't seem to be satisfied. Czechoslovakia has ceded the Sudetenland to Germany. All it took was a little pressure and threatening war."
Stukov itched his nose, "Yes, I heard. Litinov seemed to actual be aware of it."
Stalin grunted, "The West is praying he'll stop there like he promised."
"He won't."
Stalin raised an eyebrow, "You're sure?"
Stukov nodded, "I'm sure of it. He'll take everything and turn Slovakia into a puppet."
Stalin coughed violently and stopped smoking and peered into his pipe, "I should really quit this. Or at least get a new one."
"Back to Germany....."
"Oh yes, Germany. What should we do?"
Stukov leaned in and grinned slyly, "We just wait."
"Wait? Surely the West will do something to stop them."
"If they didn't stop us in Persia, and they didn't stop Japan in China, they won't stop Hitler. The West will try and block any more German expansion by allying with Poland."
Stalin sighed, "Very well. Anything else I should know?"
"Not right not," Stukov hesistated, "But perhaps you should start looking for a replacement for Litinov."
Stalin rolled his eyes, "Quite true, comrade. He seems to be becoming more and more incompetent each day."
"Well, I guess that's all for now. Goodnight comrade," Stukov began to stand up but Stalin waved him back down.
"You know comrade Alexei, you never told me what you did that day you were in New York while I was at the White House."
Stukov paused, collecting his thoughts, "To be honest, I stayed in New York City to sabotage the project that allowed me to come back in time and get to where I am."
Stalin furrowed his brow, "But didn't you work on the project?"
"Well.....yes. Yes I did."
Stalin stared at Stukov, "There are two of you around now?"
"Er......yes."
Stalin shook his head, "Confusing thing this time travel is. But the important thing is is that Browder won't get his hands on it."
Stukov nodded, "Indeed. It's already caused me enough trouble apparently."
"Alright then, that'll be all for today. Goodnight, comrade Alexei," Stukov was dismissed and quickly left.
Alone, Stalin picked up a paper he had been reviewing before Stukov had arrived. After reading for several minutes, he took his pen and signed it. Quietly he muttered to himself, "Goodbye old friend."
As usual, Stalin was smoking on his pipe, "Hitler's appetite for land doesn't seem to be satisfied. Czechoslovakia has ceded the Sudetenland to Germany. All it took was a little pressure and threatening war."
Stukov itched his nose, "Yes, I heard. Litinov seemed to actual be aware of it."
Stalin grunted, "The West is praying he'll stop there like he promised."
"He won't."
Stalin raised an eyebrow, "You're sure?"
Stukov nodded, "I'm sure of it. He'll take everything and turn Slovakia into a puppet."
Stalin coughed violently and stopped smoking and peered into his pipe, "I should really quit this. Or at least get a new one."
"Back to Germany....."
"Oh yes, Germany. What should we do?"
Stukov leaned in and grinned slyly, "We just wait."
"Wait? Surely the West will do something to stop them."
"If they didn't stop us in Persia, and they didn't stop Japan in China, they won't stop Hitler. The West will try and block any more German expansion by allying with Poland."
Stalin sighed, "Very well. Anything else I should know?"
"Not right not," Stukov hesistated, "But perhaps you should start looking for a replacement for Litinov."
Stalin rolled his eyes, "Quite true, comrade. He seems to be becoming more and more incompetent each day."
"Well, I guess that's all for now. Goodnight comrade," Stukov began to stand up but Stalin waved him back down.
"You know comrade Alexei, you never told me what you did that day you were in New York while I was at the White House."
Stukov paused, collecting his thoughts, "To be honest, I stayed in New York City to sabotage the project that allowed me to come back in time and get to where I am."
Stalin furrowed his brow, "But didn't you work on the project?"
"Well.....yes. Yes I did."
Stalin stared at Stukov, "There are two of you around now?"
"Er......yes."
Stalin shook his head, "Confusing thing this time travel is. But the important thing is is that Browder won't get his hands on it."
Stukov nodded, "Indeed. It's already caused me enough trouble apparently."
"Alright then, that'll be all for today. Goodnight, comrade Alexei," Stukov was dismissed and quickly left.
Alone, Stalin picked up a paper he had been reviewing before Stukov had arrived. After reading for several minutes, he took his pen and signed it. Quietly he muttered to himself, "Goodbye old friend."
Jopi: If you've played Call of Duty, the Red Square Charge music is perfect, IMO.
A trooper: Stalin would never do something as awful as kill off the main character in 1938!
----------------------------------------
November 4th, 1938
Stukov briskly walked down the street of New York City. Muttering grumpily, he glared up at the skyscrapers around him, exuding the obvious signs of overdoing propoganda. Every street corner adnorned a USSA flag, every building in some way reminding the country of it's new predicament. Pictures of Browder and his cronies, Soviet stars, red banners, the hammer and sickle.
Alexei thought he had left it behind in Russia. But it had followed him. Checking his watch, he picked up the pace. He was late.
He quickly approached the oh so familiar alleyway and left the street. The sight of the brick wall ahead reminded him of Russia for some strange reason. He reached the wall and felt for the opening. Suddenly, Stukov heard the sound of a shoe scuffing against cement. He glanced back to see three large men carrying Tommie guns.
Stukov whirled around, reaching for his pistol. But the men opened fire, riddling Stukov with bullets. The force of the impacts slammed Stukov into the wall, blood flowing from his wounds. Shocked, he clutched his stomach and chest and felt a warm liquid stain his fingers. Looking up at the men in a dazed and confused way, he slowly began sliding down the wall until he slumped on the ground.
The men stepped forward and pushed aside the fake brick wall and forced open the steel door, their weapons at the ready.
Stukov thought again of what the wall reminded him off and understood why. With that, his head lulled forward and fell sideways onto the ground, lying in a pool of his own blood.
-------------------------------------------
Stukov bent over, clutching his stomach, as he felt a sharp pain stab into his stomach. But it quickly subsided and he regained his composure. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice.
Although this late at night, there was virtually no one in Red Square except the occasional pedestrian or gaurd. Dark, and with snow falling lightly, the presence of the Kremlin gave an eerie effect to the Square.
All Stukov had wanted was to be alone. Away from Stalin, away from the servants, away from those who kept him under close gaurd. It was time to collect his thoughts.
Things were definately different than they used to be, and that worried him. Stukov's knowledge of the future was diminishing with each day, and so was his value. And things without value had a way of dissapearing.
Hitler had swallowed up Austria and Czechoslovakia, as was expected. Japan had attacked China. But the USSA and Republican Spain were worrisome. Russia hadn't done anything differently there, but it had changed nonetheless.
Surely SOME things would have to be different, to avoid history's outcome. But would it work? How would the war with Germany end up? What of Browder? And the Allies? So many possibilities, and only one chance.
A new wave of frustration washed over Stukov. Failure would result in death, and this was his final chance.
Stukov heard footsteps behind him and he turned to see who it was. Suddenly, images of three large men flashed into his mind, throwing him off balance.
Stukov reeled backward, holding the side of his head as it felt like blood was rushing out of his brain.
The person jogged over and helped balance Stukov, "Are you alright Alexie?" asked a woman's voice.
Stukov looked up and saw not three gun-wielding men, but an attractive brown haired woman, "How do you know my name?" he said confused.
The woman hesitated, "I can't tell you, not yet at least. But I'm here to tell you everything will be all right in the end."
Stukov's mind began to clear, "What? Who are you? I have no idea what you're...." he was interrupted as the woman kissed him.
Stunned, Stukov stared at the woman as she backed away. Hesitantly, she looked him in the eye and for a moment he recognized something about her. The woman hesitated for a second longer, then turned and ran the way she had come, dissapearing into the darkness.
Stukov was alone and confused even more now, but somehow he knew now things would work out.
A trooper: Stalin would never do something as awful as kill off the main character in 1938!
----------------------------------------
November 4th, 1938
Stukov briskly walked down the street of New York City. Muttering grumpily, he glared up at the skyscrapers around him, exuding the obvious signs of overdoing propoganda. Every street corner adnorned a USSA flag, every building in some way reminding the country of it's new predicament. Pictures of Browder and his cronies, Soviet stars, red banners, the hammer and sickle.
Alexei thought he had left it behind in Russia. But it had followed him. Checking his watch, he picked up the pace. He was late.
He quickly approached the oh so familiar alleyway and left the street. The sight of the brick wall ahead reminded him of Russia for some strange reason. He reached the wall and felt for the opening. Suddenly, Stukov heard the sound of a shoe scuffing against cement. He glanced back to see three large men carrying Tommie guns.
Stukov whirled around, reaching for his pistol. But the men opened fire, riddling Stukov with bullets. The force of the impacts slammed Stukov into the wall, blood flowing from his wounds. Shocked, he clutched his stomach and chest and felt a warm liquid stain his fingers. Looking up at the men in a dazed and confused way, he slowly began sliding down the wall until he slumped on the ground.
The men stepped forward and pushed aside the fake brick wall and forced open the steel door, their weapons at the ready.
Stukov thought again of what the wall reminded him off and understood why. With that, his head lulled forward and fell sideways onto the ground, lying in a pool of his own blood.
-------------------------------------------
Stukov bent over, clutching his stomach, as he felt a sharp pain stab into his stomach. But it quickly subsided and he regained his composure. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice.
Although this late at night, there was virtually no one in Red Square except the occasional pedestrian or gaurd. Dark, and with snow falling lightly, the presence of the Kremlin gave an eerie effect to the Square.
All Stukov had wanted was to be alone. Away from Stalin, away from the servants, away from those who kept him under close gaurd. It was time to collect his thoughts.
Things were definately different than they used to be, and that worried him. Stukov's knowledge of the future was diminishing with each day, and so was his value. And things without value had a way of dissapearing.
Hitler had swallowed up Austria and Czechoslovakia, as was expected. Japan had attacked China. But the USSA and Republican Spain were worrisome. Russia hadn't done anything differently there, but it had changed nonetheless.
Surely SOME things would have to be different, to avoid history's outcome. But would it work? How would the war with Germany end up? What of Browder? And the Allies? So many possibilities, and only one chance.
A new wave of frustration washed over Stukov. Failure would result in death, and this was his final chance.
Stukov heard footsteps behind him and he turned to see who it was. Suddenly, images of three large men flashed into his mind, throwing him off balance.
Stukov reeled backward, holding the side of his head as it felt like blood was rushing out of his brain.
The person jogged over and helped balance Stukov, "Are you alright Alexie?" asked a woman's voice.
Stukov looked up and saw not three gun-wielding men, but an attractive brown haired woman, "How do you know my name?" he said confused.
The woman hesitated, "I can't tell you, not yet at least. But I'm here to tell you everything will be all right in the end."
Stukov's mind began to clear, "What? Who are you? I have no idea what you're...." he was interrupted as the woman kissed him.
Stunned, Stukov stared at the woman as she backed away. Hesitantly, she looked him in the eye and for a moment he recognized something about her. The woman hesitated for a second longer, then turned and ran the way she had come, dissapearing into the darkness.
Stukov was alone and confused even more now, but somehow he knew now things would work out.
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