The Empire Strikes Back - Part 3

[Idhrendur]

18 May 1912

Senators,

As most of you witnessed, the unveiling of the Impressionist collection went extremely well. Impressionist music in particular is popular at the new concert halls in Constantinople. We are, as you might expect, now gathering the best Expressionist works of the Empire.

On 7 March, Hedjaz capitulated to Us. Not only does this shorten the border we need defend, but they agreed to hand over Taibei.

This freed I. Legio, XIX. Legio, and XXXVII. Legio to form a line to stop Russia from striking further south.

Meanwhile, XVI. Legio defeated a Russian force and then withdrew to Thracia.

II. Legio continued fighting in Armenia until May. They could have kept fighting, but the loss of their general and the occupation of the region around them meant retreat was a wiser move.

With the war turning in Our favor, We sent Poland-Lithuania the price for peace: the freedom of the Cambodian people.

To summarize the war situation:

The legions in Iberia are continuing to reinforce themselves. XVII. Legio is at full strength, but We needed to build more transports to bring them back into the war. One of those transports was just attacked off the coast of Oviedo, and the Western Mediterranean fleet is assisting them. We will likely have this legion attack Flanders-Wallonia.

Southern Germany is slowly being occupied. Western Germany has fallen completely to Our control, and the legions are seeking to occupy northern and central Germany. Meanwhile, the UTA has landed a force in Rotterdam.

Flanders-Wallonia has lost to Burgundy, which took Wallonie proper from them. There are few Walloons in Flanders-Wallonia itself, most are in France and Burgundy. Flander-Wallonia has sent small forces to pester the legions in Germany, but not with any success. As We mentioned before, We plan to send XVII. Legio to bring them back into the Imperial fold.

The Polish corridors are being expanded.

Little has happened in South Africa, because Russia landed a force to retake German South Angola. XXXIII. Legio fought them and lost badly.

Batavia has been occupied, and the legions are occupying Bogor. A small force is attempting to reoccupy Batavia, while the main Javanese force continues to take control of Sunda. Nevertheless, the loss of Batavia means that Java is nearly ready to capitulate. If they do, then recruitment from Java, Taibei, and New Guinea might give XI. Legio and XXXXII. Legio enough strength to do major work in Oceania.

India is distracting the majority of Japanese and Ming forces, fortunately. But they may become very worrisome before long.

Armenia and Anatolia are lost for now, but IX. Legio has received new recruits. Given some time for it and XVI. Legio to recover, they may be able to strike back at complacent Russian forces.

 

[Idhrendur]

Meanwhile, in Aeteorea...

The Waata family managed to survive the period of May to September, 1911, if only barely. Anaru and Hinewai did their best to make sure their mother, Anahera, survived through the rough winter. In mid-September, the guards appeared to unchain them and return them to their original holdings. With August having passed, they had survived their first full year at Tipene's camp.

By the New Year, things were starting to get worrying. Rumors were spreading that the nearby camps were doing horrifying things, though no one knew what things they were exactly doing. Everyone feared for the worst - servitus, stuprum, and what have you. At least the weather was nice, for now.

Arriving at May of 1912, people have started noticing a decrease in people, at least at Tipene's camp. Everyone was getting nervous, especially as the rumors began having rather colorful descriptions. Anaru, weakened but not broken, stayed awake at night, making sure no one took his sister or mother.

---

23 February 1912

At the unveiling of the Impressionist collection, Nestorius Thaddas and Kyrene Thaddas were both in attendance. The two had managed to come to an agreeance and had the Aeteorean governorship watch over lil' Timon. Nestorius was seen wearing an old school looking attire, originally worn by his father, while Kyrene had what seemed to be a devantiere, bought second-hand within town, lacking a hat and in a similar color to Nestorius' attire. With their clothes, they wanted to display how an average Constantinopolian would be clothed for such an event after the Communist attack - either borrowing from one's family, buying second-hand or just wearing what seems most fancy.

Returning from the collection, the two began thinking about the potential of introducing these new movements to Aeteorea, encouraging syncretization with local styles.

---

18 May 1912

Nestorius, understandably, appeared alone once more at the session. The news of the unveiling's reception made him very happy, and he couldn't wait to start hearing more Impressionist music on the radio, nor could he wait to see more about Expressionism. He decided to comment on the military news;

"It really is grand to hear that we've managed to take out one front, though I'm worried over Taibei, as it is close to the Ming Empire. The Russian push into Anatolia is still worrying, but I have faith that we'll be able to push them back. It is great that we're managing to fight back the Germans, hopefully we'll soon see them out of the war. Hearing that we're finally pushing against the Javanese not only warms my heart, it would warm my wife's heart too. We need to save our fellow Romans in Oceania from the oppressive governments down under!"

Donatello Favero reads over the report from the Battle of Bitlis.

A loss? I consider facing on enemy four times your size and taking out six times the men a victory!

With Iberia secured, it is only a matter of time until the rest of Western Europe is reclaimed. I pray that the eastern theatre, specifically Anatolia, follows a similar path soon.

- Senator Donatello Favero

Indeed Senator Favero. The certainly did more than their share of damage. But in the end they were the ones forced to retreat. Nevertheless, We would accept plenty more losses like that one. Enough of them and Russia would 'win' itself to complete defeat.

 

[Idhrendur]

18 August 1912

Senators,

With the extended war, We found there was a greater need for health care. We determined it would be best to provide basic care for all people within the Empire.

At the beginning of July, Java surrendered to us. Mass recruitment for XI. Legio and XXXXII. Legio began immediately.

The German front continues to move forward. IV. Legio and XXVI. Legio are occupying the north. XII. Legio has moved from the central line to begin occupying central Germany. There has been the occasional attack from Flanders-Wallonia, but they have been easily defeated.

The northern Polish corridor has been expanded, and the southern one secured all the way to the Hungarian border. As in Germany, freshly recruited Polish forces are harassing XXIV. Legio, but they have had little success.

XVII. Legio was sent to Africa instead of Flanders-Wallonia. They should be in position to attack the Russian army early next month.

While mass recruiting begins in Oceania, Australian forces have begun to land in New Guinea.

XXXVII. Legio is holding off a Russian attack, and once they win, II. Legio will take their place to give them a chance to rest and recover.

Finally, an exhibition showing the best Expressionist works of the Empire open on 26 August. As always, you are all invited to the gala opening the exhibition.

(( Sorry, this was an extra-uneventful few months. I guess that's what happens when so many legions are recovering. ))

 

[Idhrendur]

Slowly but surely we are achieving victory. This was never going to be a speedy affair. With each rebel state brought down and returned to the Empire, we move one step closer to ending this conflict. I pray that the aggressive powers rampaging through Anatolia make it no further than that. It is fortunate that Germany seems to be close to defeat, for we can shift focus elsewhere.

- Senator Donatello Favero

Nestorius was very happy to hear about the introduction of trinket health care, but grew even happier when the news of Java's surrender reached him. His excitement disappeared when he heard the Australians are finally taking action, as well as the news of how far the Russians have pushed in.

"Hopefully, we shall be able to beat back the Australians and the Russians soon enough. At the very least, the Germans seem to be close to surrendering."

Hearing the news of the exhibition, he spoke; "Once again, I am honored to have been invited to such an exhibition!"

 

[Idhrendur]

18 November 1912

Senators,

After the last address, We sent IX. Legio and XVI. Legio to attack the complacent Russian forces in Anatolia, while the expeditionary army sought to bring a few provinces back under Our control.

Meanwhile, the opening of the Expressionism exhibit was a wonderful time. We are now gathering the best of the modern works for one more gallery.

The battle of Askaleh was a complete success, any Russian survivors surrendering to XXXVII. Legio. The victorious legion moved to Damascus to rest and recover while II. Legio took their place.

During these months, the social sciences department was better able to clarify how people relate to each other on a societal level.

Summarizing the war:

Germany continues to fall to us. XXVI. Legio is sealing the Kiel peninsula, but will not be able to advance to the Baltic islands due to the presence of the German Fleet. IV. Legio and XII. Legio have taken Central Germany, and are working their way west. XXIII. Legio and XXIX. Legio have left the defensive line in central Germany and are occupying the Hesse-Nassau region. X. Legio would join them, but is waiting for new recruits to join up. VII. Legio, XXVII. Legio, XXVIII. Legio, and XXX. Legio are finishing the occupation of southern Germany. Meanwhile, the American army has pacified Rotterdam and is occupying Amsterdam.

The northern Polish corridor has been expanded, and will soon be merged with the southern corridor.

XV. Legio has been fully reinforced and is preparing to land in Middelburg. We expect Flanders-Wallonia to swiftly capitulate.

​

XVII. Legio completed expelling Russia from central Africa. We plan to send them to fight Adal next.

XXV. Legio and XXXVI. Legio have been completely reinforced with Iberian recruits, but are waiting for new transport ships to join the fleets to bring them to the fight. XXXVIII. Legio is still recruiting Iberian regiments, and should be ready by late March 1913. As the Oceania recruitment is likely to take a few years, We are considering ship them to that front.

South Africa’s occupation is slow thanks to the hills and mountains. But the legions’ work is inexorable.

We can spare legions for Oceania because the Russian advance into Anatolia has been entirely broken. There are hints of new armies marching forth, but for now We can focus on reclaiming these lands.

 

[Idhrendur]

26 August 1912

At the opening of the Expressionism exhibit, Nestorius and Hairini were once more in attendance, with lil' Timon once more being babysitted by the Aeteorean HQ. Unlike last time, where they made an impression with their clothing, here they expressed their newfound joy in parenthood by wearing complementary colors - Nestorius wore a weld yellow attire, while Hairini wore a woad blue attire.

---

18 November 1912

Nestorius appeared alone at the Senate, something which was becoming a repeating occurrence that no one really questioned. The news of the opening's reception made him as happy as he heard of the success of Impressionism. He couldn't wait to see the modern pieces. Commenting on the military news;

"It is great to hear that we are successfully pushing back the invaders, especially in Anatolia. Soon enough, Germany and Flanders-Wallonia will have to capitulate. While I would normally be supportive of sending more troops to liberate Oceania, I think it would be safe to only do so after the Russians had been pushed past Armenia. You can never expect what those Russians have up their sleeves."

 

[Idhrendur]

18 February 1913

Senators,

The Philippines, Aoteorea, and Australia tried to negotiate status quo peace treaties with Us after the last address. We rejected all out of hand.

We had been receiving reports of employers working people to the point of collapse. We decided to implement basic protections against this kind of abuse. Only the most extreme of employers should be affected, and the most vulnerable workers are now much better off.

As well, We began hearing of the increasing popularity of Realist music and of Expressionist literature.

Sadly, Persia annexed Baluchistan, achieving the original aim of their war. And yet the war has become a thing so much more than that aim.

On the positive side, on December 21, Germany surrendered, giving up their colony in central Africa.

The military situation has continued to change rapidly, so We will summarize:

Germany has surrendered. Most of the legions have returned to Pannonia to rest, recover, and redeploy elsewhere. IV. Legio marched west to Flanders-Wallonia, and XXIV. Legio marched east to Poland-Lithuania.

Flanders-Wallonia is half occupied, their armies and fleets destroyed. And yet they refuse to give in. We look forward to when they are reincorporated, their spirit channeled towards Roman ends.

Poland-Lithuania is also half occupied, though they also have their overseas colonies. Their fleets have all been sunk, and they have barely any land forces left. They would agree to a basic capitulation, but they must be punished for their attack on the Empire. They will not yet agree to free Cambodia, and so XXVI. Legio and XXIV. Legio will continue to work their way north, occupying them until they surrender.

The inexorable occupation of South Africa crawls forward.

And the occupation of Adal has begun.

Senator Thaddas and his wife will be pleased to hear that XXV. Legio and XXXVI. Legio are sailing for Aoteorea to end the reign of terror there. They expect to be in sight of the coast by mid-April. A division of the Oceania Fleet has gone ahead and begun scouting the nearby waters.

It looks as if India needs assistance, and we should hopefully be able to send some now that Germany is out of the war.

Anatolia has completely returned to Our control, and the legions are pushing north to the Russian border. We hope to form a defensive line and then send forces through Persia to sweep invaders first from the possibility of attacking the Empire, and then from India.

Although if their retaking of Persia from India continues too quickly, we may find ourselves with a wide front yet again.

 

[Idhrendur]

The capitulation of Germany is a welcome change to this war. That will allow us much greater focus on other theatres of war.

It is also good to hear that Anatolia has been retaken. The idea that those perfidious Russians were so close to Constantinople was intolerable.

- Senator Donatello Favero

Nestorius was glad that the status quo peace treaties were refused, happy that the workers received a max on their workhours, and thrilled to hear more about Realist music and Expressionist literature. Baluchistan losing its independence was offset by Germany surrendering, in his opinion, and Flanders-Wallonia and Poland-Lithuania were getting their just deserts. But before he could comment on the Russians being pushed out of Anatolia, India being crushed, and Adal being invaded, he heard the news of troops being sent to Aeteorea;

"The dictatorship ruling those islands will finally fall!" he cheered, obviously very excited over the news. He only wished Kyrene was here to join in his joy.

 

[Idhrendur]

18 May 1913

Senators,

This has been a good few months.

On March 27, Poland-Lithuania finally agreed to free Cambodia in order to secure peace. XXIV. Legio and XXVI. Legio began traveling through Ukraine to head for the border with Russia.

The following day, the occupation of Flanders-Wallonia was completed and the nation reintegrated to the Empire.

We have also nearly completed gathering representatives of the best modern works of the Empire. We will hold a grand exhibition on 12 June. We are well pleased by the celebrations of Roman culture these past years.

To summarize the war:

Poland and Flanders-Wallonia have both surrendered. The legions in Flanders-Wallonia are recovering and recruiting new regiments, after which they will likely be sent against Scotland.

The South Africa occupation continues. We hope that when Cape Town is fully pacified that they will surrender.

Adal has fallen swiftly, but refuses to give in.

The occupations near Russia have been pushed back nearly to the border, and there are sufficient legions to hold the border while others push against the forces in Persia.

In fact, the threat of an invasion of the Empire from Persia now seems unlikely, which means We can send forces to relieve India.

Finally, the legions have landed in the two Aoteorean ports.

 

[Idhrendur]

Nestorius was glad to hear of the capitulation of both Poland-Lithuania and Flanders-Wallonia. Cambodia could serve to be a useful ally if need be, but he wondered how They were going to deal with the fact that Burgundy was now dividing Roman Belgium from the rest of Roman Europe. He noted down the date of the grand exhibition, as he nodded to the successes against South Africa, Adal and Russia. Just as he was about to comment on the situation in Persia, he heard the news of the legionary landing on both Aeteorean islands.

"Hopefully, we will be able to topple the rule of Tane!"

---

In Aeteorea

The Waata family continued to struggle in their attempts to survive at Tipene's camp. By August of 1912, Anaru started feeling the effects of sleep deprivation, resulting in his mother Anahera forcing him to sleep, with her taking his watch instead. As they began rotating, soon joined by Hinewai, different rumors began appearing alongside the horrifying ones. Ones that said that the Empire was coming.

Tipene himself was getting nervous. The camps around him were getting more and more increasingly hostile, especially in regards to servitus, stuprum, and more. Some even had gynaeceums, filled with enslaved women, used in incredibly fetishistic ways. In comparison, Tipene had only tortured people in a surprising amount of ways and handed people off to be experimented on. He knew that, if he wanted to establish himself above the rest of the camps in the area, he had to do what the others did - but worse.

As he began considering who he'd wanted to inflict such a fate on, one of his guards rushed in. "Sir! We have news from the north of the island!"

"Spit it out then, I haven't got all day."

"The Empire has landed!"

Tipene's face went blue; "Make sure the area is prepared in case they come south. Hopefully the winter will catch them off guard. But now, I wish for no interruptions. I've got to deal with some women."

---

Back in Constantinople

Nestorius remembered that Kyrene had given him a note and took it out.

"My wife has sent a message: 'When the legions arrive in Aeteorea, make sure to liberate all suffering - ghettos, camps, everything;' Alongside this, while she didn't ask me to mention this, her family is located in the south, around the Central Otago region. If any camps are found in that area, please check if her family is in any of them."

It seems that Central Europe has calmed now that both Germany and Poland-Lithuania have signed a peace treaty. Now we can finally push those nefarious Russians from our lands and crush those rebel states that dare defy the Empire. I aspire one day to return to my home outside Venice in a time when the Empire is unified once more.

- Senator Donatello Favero

 

[Idhrendur]

18 May 1914

Senators,

We found that providing basic health care to the populace of the Empire had worked rather well. We thus decided to increase the benefits.

Shortly after that, the demonstration of the latest works of art in the Empire was quite successful.

However, the loss of the western Empire and the ongoing wars have led people within the Empire to feel like a lost generation. Hopefully the new field of Social Anthropology will help Us to counter those feelings.

As the wars continued, Scandinavia saw the opportunity to strike at a distracted Russia.

Then on 16 July, Adal finally agreed to Our peace terms. XVII. Legio was sent to the East to fight against Makassar.

At this same time, XXV. Legio and XXXVI. Legio were campaigning in Aoteorea. When the Aoteorean army moved north to reclaim Tauranga, XXXVI. Legio pounced on them and forced their rapid surrender. The remaining Aoteorean land fell quickly, even while liberating the various camps and ghettos. The things the legions found… We will not speak of them. Senator Thaddas can share the sordid details if you truly wish to know. But Aeoteorea has been reincorporated to the Empire now, and the legions have moved on Australia.

In Australia, they found a rebellion of Jacobins hoping to create a less tyrannical government for their new state.

By November, the labor unions were asking for yet higher minimum wages, and We agreed that they were necessary.

Then in early December, Luang Prabang agreed to peace after XVII. Legio had occupied the southern reaches of their land.

By late December, Hungary tried to take advantage of Polish weakness. However, Poland-Lithuania’s allies joined them against Hungary.

At the turn of the year, We revealed that We had been having the military develop organized systems of aeronautical warfare.

By February, We convinced Makassar to give up some islands for peace.

Then in April, South Africa finally surrendered.

But just this last week, We received word that communists have taken over Ukraine. Not only have they slaughtered the royal family, but they have seized all assets owned by foreigners, including Imperial citizens. We will not stand for these atrocities.

Fortunately, Khiva has just surrendered, so the wars are continuing to swing in Our favor.

 

[Idhrendur]

12 June 1913

At the grand exhibition of the Empire's latest works of art, Nestorius and Kyrene Thaddas both appeared in regular formal attire. Unlike the previous exhibitions, the two felt as though they had to show some normality, especially with realism being a major movement represented. Nestorius' favorite movements were Expressionism and the new Surrealism, while Kyrene's were Impressionism and Realism. Nestorius, however, is still looking to see how the avant garde develops.

---

July 1913; Aeteorea

The arrival of the Empire forced those loyal to the new government to rush and brace themselves. However, they never expected the legions to be as prepared as they were fast. Soon, one of the legions arrived in the Central Otago region. They rushed into the many camps in the area, horrified by the absolutely fascistic atmosphere. Some of the camp leaders had committed suicide in their offices after hearing that the Empire was close. Such camps were easier to liberate, as the guards were forced into guerilla warfare - something they hadn't been trained for. The combat at the camps which still had leaders lasted slightly longer, but only slightly. They had also received messages regarding the Waata family, which should be in the area.

One by one, the camps fell, but no sign of the Waatas. A Kontoubernion split from the legion to search one of the few remaining camps. While the camp appeared as the rest when they entered, the deeper they got, the more horrifying it became. Mutilated bodies in the name of experimentation, immured people which barely any access to food and water, and even the most brutal methods of capital punishment, including decapitation, burning, flaying, gas and even crucifixion! And under close inspection, it seemed as though it wasn't only prisoners who suffered - the guards had killed themselves as well! According to some chained prisoners, guards dragged several enslaved people to their deaths as well.

Soon, they arrived at the main office, where the camp leader should be. Where they expected to be a corpse hanging from the ceiling, they found an empty office. Identifying the leader as "Tipene Parata", they searched inwards.... to discover Tipene's gynaeceum. While they had found such enslaved women in other camps, Tipene's took the cake. Chained women, lined up as though he could just go from one to another. Some had lost their legs from fighting back, others their tongues for speaking back - there were even some that were dead, but looked as though they had just recently been "used". As they passed through, they heard something; the sound of struggle. They rushed inward, following the sound of fighting, to find two guards, a chained woman and a man with his pants down. The woman was fighting back with all her strength, and the guards seemed ready to cut her legs off, as to allow the man to..... do what he wishes.

The Kontoubernion rushed in, pointing their guns at the four. The woman stared at them as though she was dreaming, the man with his pants down as though he was in a nightmare. The guards got in fighting position, as guns were aimed to their heads. There was silence, as everyone waited to see who'd make the first move. A minute would pass before the depantsed man attempted to make a run for it. One of the men bashed the butt of his gun against the man's face, thrusting him to the ground and pinning him. One of the guards charged, only to get shot. The other threw his native blade at the men, only to miss and be shot as well. With all hostiles seemingly identified and defeated, two of the men rushed to call the legion while the others stayed to free the campers. The woman revealed herself as Hinewai Waata, who then pointed out that the man with his Honetana hanging out was Tipene. While Tipene is brought to the rest of the legion, Hinewai leads them to Anaru and Anahera, who were extremely worried when Hinewai was taken from them a few weeks earlier. The Waata family, along with everyone else at the camp, is taken to safety.

By the end of the Aeteorean campaign, there were papers upon papers of documents, revealing all the horrifying acts that had occurred on the islands, to both natives and foreigners. The dictator Tane himself was unable to kill himself in time when he was captured by the legions. All those connected to the Tane dictatorship were going to get their punishment from Constantinople itself, while all those who suffered were put in intense care. When the news of Tane's surrender arrived at the HQ of the Aeteorean governorship, everyone celebrated, except Nestorius and Kyrene, who worried over the latter's family. Only a few days later would they know that they were fine, leading to Kyrene to collapse on the ground, crying. Nestorius joined her in her crying almost immediately.

---

18 May 1914

It had been a year since the last time the senators had gotten together, and almost a year since Aeteorea returned to the hands of the Empire. Kyrene had decided to go to Aeteorea to visit her family, informing them of everything that had happened while she was gone, and how worried she was. Anahera was happy her daughter had gotten married, especially to someone who cared for her so much. Kyrene was currently touring Aeteorea, making sure that people were feeling the Romanity that was spreading on the mainland, as well as making sure everything was ready for the Aeteorean governorship to move to the islands proper.

Back in Constantinople, the Aeteorean governorship was working its tail off, making sure everything was ready to move to Aeteorea and let their HQ once more just be the Thaddai estate. As a result, no one was able to watch lil' Timon, forcing Nestorius to take his son with him.

Nestorius was glad to hear that the grand exhibition from a year prior was a success, and was waiting to hear what else could pop up in relation to movements in the meantime, especially from the avant garde. Better health care and acceptable minimum wages were a positive for him. Adal, Luang Prabang, Makassar, South Africa and Khiva are being defeated, along with Aeteorea, really showed that things were moving along nicely. Scandinavia and Hungary attempting to take advantage of the global situation made him chuckle for a bit. He hoped things were going to go swell in Australia, and that things aren't as messed up as they were in Aeteorea. He was shocked by the communist revolution in Ukraine, to say the least.

When the atrocities in Aeteorea were mentioned, Nestorius spoke: "Yes, the things found by the legions were...... quite bad, to put it lightly. I myself do not wish to speak of any of the sordid details, both because I wish to never hear or read anything related to them again, and because I'm currently with my son. If any of you really, really wish to see any info, please go and request the documents that detail the atrocities. That is all that I will say on the matter."

So the communists have seized rightful Roman property in Ukraine? I wonder what that feels like....

Glares in the general direction of Italy.

- Senator Donatello Favero

 

[Idhrendur]

18 May 1915

Senators,

After the last address, We decided to implement a new kind of reform. In order to ease unemployment, We instituted a pension system for older workers. Now people would have a few years of rest at the end of their life, and would free up jobs for their younger peers.

The Scandinavian adventure against Russia went as poorly as one might expect, but Russia was content to sign a reasonable peace with them.

In fact, the Russians had taken the opportunity to send a fleet all the way to the Strait of Gibraltar, hoping to force open the Mediterranean. To Our shock and dismay, the fleets lost. Badly. Clearly We needed to put more effort into modernizing the navy.

As the legions began incorporating small aircraft and the necessary staff into their ranks, We asked the navy to determine the doctrines that would determine the next several decades of naval warfare.

In the east, despite the efforts of the various fleets, the Philippine army was able to begin fighting XI. Legio. Their great numbers gave them an edge, until XVII. Legio, having re-occupied various nearby islands, was able to join them. With this aid, they were able to break the Philippine army.

At the end of August, We forced the reintegration of Australia, after the cabal of businessmen running it were defeated in their final stronghold on Tasmania. It was clear that Aoteorea’s Tane had taken his inspiration from these men. The world is full of horrors these recent years.

And by mid-November, the strategy of a direct attack on Scotland had paid off.

The continued economic consequences of the wars meant there was yet more need for greater unemployment subsidies, and so We provided more in late November.

In early March, the navy’s assessment was clear: they would need more naval bases. While We began building these bases, We tasked the navy with finding ways of reducing their greatest risks, as the legions had done.

At the end of April, the Philippines finally surrendered. The last rebel nations had either been reintegrated or had achieved independence.

In addition to the war going well, the new museums in Constantinople have the seen the explosion of the arts throughout the Empire. And aren’t the new skyscrapers, shining in the sun, so glorious?

 

[Idhrendur]

Theodora hadn't been at the Senate for the last few sessions.

"Sorry for being absent so long, I have had to deal with family affairs and my duties as Minister of Security. It is great that the rebel scum are being crushed and brought back into the fold. Nestorius, I would be glad to provide someone to watch over your son while you continue your work. I know how it feels to have to balance family and work (my father, for example, was frequently absent). Donatello, I assure you that as soon as the truce with the rebel scum in Italy has expired, they will all die the deaths that they deserve, and you shall recover your properties and assets."

She then heard about the communist coup in Ukraine.

"Peasant rabble, killing most of their royal family and taking control? They were mislead by demagogues and by liars, promising greater 'equality' and 'fairness' in exchange for heinous acts. This slight will not go unpunished. The surviving members of the royal family have been given refuge in Constantinople, and I strongly urge the Emperor to, once the situation permits it, launch an invasion of Ukraine to depose the communist government and restore the monarchy before the communists can consolidate their power and support communist coups in other countries."

With each victory we achieve, we are one step closer to fending off these fiendish invasions and reuniting the Empire. I long to see a return to our glory days.

- Senator Donatello Favero

A frail old man stands up in the Senate. His name is Manuel III of the Hohenzollern- Palaiologoi cadet branch of the Palaiogoi dynasty. He announces:"Kythos had attempted to travel into Ming and Japan to negotiate an honorable peace and an end to the war between them and the Roman Empire. He was brutally beaten and tortured by the Ming and eventually executed by firing squad in Japan after he made some... unpleasant comments about Asians while he was drunk. His family became unreasonable so they were... cleansed. The Hohenzollern- Palaiologoi are the last remaining branch of the Palaiologoi dynasty. As such, we are renaming ourselves to be the continuation of the Palaiologoi dynasty as the Palaiologoi. I am a wizened old man, born in Illyria in 1843. I will serve the Emperor faithfully until my death."

Since the last session, Kyrene Thaddas has returned to Constantinople, having made sure that Romanitas was ensured and that all the government buildings were ready for the move, thus absolving Nestorius from the need of taking his son to the Senate. Nestorius decided to have some of the folks working under him stay at the Thaddai estate in the capital, as the representatives of the Aeteorean governorship in Constantinople. Specifically, he assigned Franco Lazaratos as the main representative, with Welsh sisters Carys and Delyth Cecil, Ukranian female Olena Zhuk, French female Eudokia Lavigne, Antiochos Heraklides and Nicolaos Alexidas working with him. The rest of the folks at the HQ would be going to work in Aeteorea. He only had one more thing to ask at the session.

---

18 May 1915

Nestorius was glad to hear that a pension system had been introduced. Whether this was because he was happy for the people or because he himself was getting quite old, he wasn't sure. The Russians beating the Scandinavians, accepting a white peace, as well as them forcing open the Pillars of Hercules caught him off-guard. Scotland getting beat back caused him to smile, while the re-integration of the Philippines and Australia caused him to grin. He wrote down the new art movements, hoping to see if any of them could be applied in Aeteorea. Speaking of which, he reminded himself of something he wished to ask. Before he could, however, Senator Manuel introduced himself. He nodded his way, respecting the man who was 6 years older than him. Once that had passed, he spoke up:

"Your Majesty, if I may ask one thing? As each year passes, the older I become. Soon, I shall be forced to retire from my senatorship. However, because of this, I wish to ask; if it is possible, may I continue my duties as Governor of Aeteorea following my retirement from my position as Senator?"

 

[Idhrendur]

9 July 1915

Senators,

Shortly after the last address, Our investigations showed that neglect by factory managers and owners caused many injuries to the workers of the Empire, who would then be left to their own devices to recover. We instituted greater safety measures for workplaces throughout the Empire.

And before June, Hungary had won its expansionist war.

In mid-June, Persia agreed to a peace on behalf of their faction.

And just today, Russia agreed to a peace on behalf of theirs.

The Great Wars are ended!

 

[Idhrendur]

"Victory at last! We have sure shown those Russian scum who is the greatest empire on this earth! Now we must turn our attention to the rebel scum who dare question our authority!"

It has been a most difficult challenge, fending off these aggressive invaders who would ravage our empire. Yet we have persisted and proved victorious. Russia and all the others shall think twice before engaging in another war with us.

Yet even with this victory, there is much more to do. Much of the western empire lies in the hands of rebels, something that cannot be tolerated. We must show them that their treachery will not be tolerated. I strongly suggest we start with Italy.

- Senator Donatello Favero

Nestorius was still anxious regarding what he had asked his Majesty the ultimate question last month. He tried to cast his anxiety behind himself as he heard the good news.

"We have proven ourselves to the world! We have shown them that we are not weak like the Western Empire of old! We have only grown stronger and more united as a result! Now, while I do agree with my fellow senators that something should be done about the rebellious western rebels, I also believe we should pause for a moment and regain our energy. It has been a tough period for the Empire, and the more energetic we are, the faster we shall defeat the rebels."

"But remember that the longer we wait, the more time the rebels will have to gain energy. We must strike soon if we are to win, for as the days pass the rebels shall gain more and more support. In addition, our legions are already in fighting condition, so we do not need to demobilize and remobilize them."

While We desire to bring the western Empire back into the fold, it is not possible at this time. When the Northern Alliance signed their treaties, they claimed bullying by the Empire forced them to defend themselves. While both they and the Greater Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere started the wars, Our punishing the aggressors was itself seen as an aggressive move. Even many within the Empire feel that We were too harsh.

View attachment 768319​

Additionally, the people of the Empire are exhausted from war.

View attachment 768320​

A time of peace is what the Empire needs for now. This will give time for us to recover, rebuild, reorganize the legions, and repair relations throughout the world.

Senator Thaddas, at the last session you asked if you could remain governor of Aeteorea even after retiring from the Senate. Unfortunately, this cannot be so. Instead, We are instituting a policy of federation with Aeteorea. It will have complete autonomy over its internal affairs and be allowed some degree of autonomy with external diplomacy. We plan to make Kyrene the head of the local government. She has done phenomenal work at your side, and we believe that she is the perfect person to heal the wounds formed in recent years. We would ask that you serve as Our representative to Aeteorea. We hope that this change of plans is not too bitter a disappointment.

View attachment 768321​

Indeed, we are extending this policy of federalism to much of Southern Africa. South Africa will be reformed as a federal state instead of an independent one, as will Namibia, Angola, and Congo. Finally, the state of Kazembe will be handed over to Mutapa.

View attachment 768322​

With the end of the wars, and with these changes, We can finally provide the Senate with a new world map fit for this wonderfully rebuilt Great Palace.

View attachment 768323​

And We will provide a second that includes the federalized territories as part of the Empire.

View attachment 768324​

The world turns against us in several aggressive wars and they consider us the aggressive ones? I hope their nations collapse and their leaders burn in hell.

I shall eagerly await the reconquest of Italy, for I do understand that the people of the Empire are exhausted and need time recover. I pray the rebel states do not use the time to further legitimize themselves.

- Senator Donatello Favero

Nestorius nodded to the news of peace, but when news of Aeteorea's autonomy arrived, he was, in a way, shocked. He wouldn't never expected Kyrene in such a position, but as soon as the shock wore off, he straightened his posture and spoke.

"I understand. It isn't a disappointment, it is a surprise! I would be honored to be Your representative to Aeteorea, possibly even after my retirement from the Senate?" he asked the question in a suggestive tone. He then straightened his posture once more, with eyes widened.

"If you'll excuse me, I should be bringing someone here," he said, as he speedwalked out of the Senate, towards the Thaddai estate.

Nestorius soon arrived at his family's estate. He attempted to open the front door, but he realized it was locked, so he rushed to grab his keys from his pockets and, after a few minutes of fumbling around with them, unlocked the door and entered. With his arrival, many heads popped up, checking to see who it was. Many were confused, as he should be at the senate. Soon, he found Kyrene, watching lil' Timon.

"Cyrene, you have to come with me quickly! You're needed at the Senate!" he told her.

"Wait, what?! Why would they need me?"

"You'll find out there!" he told her, as Franco checked to see what was going on, "Franco, my boy! Watch Timon while the two of us head to the senate," he told him, as Kyrene slowly stood up and motioned Nestorius to go.

Leaving Franco somewhat confused, and the rest curious, the two rushed out of the estate and headed towards the senate.

"Did they give you that post-senatorial governorship you suggested?" she asked.

"My lips are sealed until we arrive."

Soon, the two arrived at the senate, as Nestorius lead her to where the session was being held.

"Here is the woman of the hour!" he said, as he presented Kyrene in front of the senators and His Majesty. It was obvious to everyone in the room that she had no idea what was going on yet.

Ah, Kyrene Thaddas! We have determined to institute a policy of federation with Aeteorea. An Aeteorean government will be created that has complete autonomy over its internal affairs and be allowed some degree of autonomy with external diplomacy. Due to your excellent work with Nestorius, We desire you to head and create this government. As well We believe that you are the perfect person bring healing to the Aeteorean people.

If you accept, then the form of the government would be determined by you and your staff, and you would also determine how to handle the crimes committed against the Aeteorean people. We would recommend some kind of commission that would enable people to air the truth of events and bring reconciliation where possible, only trying in the courts the worst offenders. But you and the government you create would have the power to do otherwise if you believe it would be better for Aeteorea.

Your husband would be the representative from both Us and the Senate for as long as he believes he is able to do so, even after he retires from the Senate.

Do you accept this position?

The Empire has been humbled, yes, but never shall it fall! I await the day we regrow our strength enough to retake the land stolen from us fby idiotic radicals with no common sense. I am glad we were able to fend off a world coalition but I say we must arm and militarize to the point that a world coalition would not dare to look us in the eye! We were stabbed in the back by the revolts, we should hang or shoot all the rebels and launch subversive attempts in former Roman provinces to bring them back into the fold. Eventually, I am sure we will restore law and order in those rebellious provinces by pacifying them. We call ourselves Roman yet we do not even own Rome! ((I believe I am an extremely jingoistic and nationalist Roman who supports the movement of the country forward as one but since I'm a noble, I despise fascism for its populism))
-Manuel III

There is some shuffling and banging outside the hall where the Boule sits and then a man in the hooded robes of an Orthodox monk enters the chamber, followed by several Palace servants carrying a roll of white cloth and various mechanical devices. The servants quickly set up these devices, a large metal tripod with some sort of camera upon it, a short metal stool with a gramophone upon it, a large power supply and a collapsible metal trellis with hooks at the top, upon which the servants hang the white cloth to create a self-standing fabric wall of a few square feet.

After the servants then set up a standing lamp close to the Imperial throne for the Emperor's comfort, the monk nods to the servants and all the lights in the hall are extinguished, save for the lamp by the throne. However, amidst the resulting gloom and the whirring of the bulky power supply beside the camera/tripod, a series of grainy black and white moving images are projected onto the cloth wall, interspersed with title-cards briefly explaining what was going to appear next. The short clips include the Baslieus and Basilissa attending a function in the Great Palace, the spectacular Pantokrator mosaic on the roof of the Hagia Sophia, the Patriarch of Constantinople giving his Easter address to the assembled crowds in the City, Imperial soldiers being greeted by cheering civilians as another town is reclaimed from the enemy, young children learning to read and write in Greek in a classroom in the Neapolitan foothills and so on. Meanwhile, the gramophone, which started with a brief snatch of the Imperial anthem, is playing a recording of someone narrating these various film clips.

After the few minutes of film and narration have come to an end with a stirring rendition of "One God, one Emperor, one people!", the lights come back on, but the monk appears to have disappeared, with Alexios Angelos in his place, looking somewhat greyer than the last time he attended the Boule three years ago.

"Please pardon the deception," says Alexios, immediately revealing the identity of the recorded narrator, "but you may note only barbarians would attack a man of God and I am pleased to say that we have very few of those left in the world. A distressing number still, certainly, but much fewer than before. As part of my remit in the Ministry of Education, I was asked to bolster the war effort, improve public morale and help in extending Imperial culture even to our farthest-flung domains. I have been travelling said domains for the last three years and, with the wonders of modern technology that you have just experienced, I have helped bring a little piece of the Queen of Cities to every true Roman out there, whether or not he has (or will) ever set foot in the City.

"Are there any questions?"

"Alexios," said Theodora, "Thank you for the film - far more inspiring and of higher quality than the one that was shown when I first appeared at the Senate at the beginning of the war, of course. It should help our people unite against the barbarians and rebel scum that threaten our empire! With such films propagated throughout the Empire, there is nothing that can divide us further! Now, as Minister of Security I have been asked to boost the power of the security forces of the Empire to help the war effort, and I have done just that, assuring the people that they are safe from attacks by rebel scum and that the Empire will prevail over those who seek to destroy it. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Roman people! God save the Emperor! For Emperor and Empire! For the Senate and the people of Rome!"

((It appears that my characters' ideologies are slowly becoming a strange mix of fascism, liberalism, and socialism, though they are still officially liberal.))

((Hello Again. I haven't been able to go on this post because of some problems with life, and they may not have even be resolved, but of now, Let Julius kick some ass again, shall we?))
A tall dapper chap is climbing up the stairs, whistling to himself. He opens the door, and merrily skips along to the meeting room.
"For Emperor and Empire! For the Senate and people of Rome!"
"It appears that Doukas has become somewhat of a fascist socialist liberal. Maybe she needs a grape."

"Good evening, fellow romans! What have I missed out on?"

Kyrene looked at Her Majesty in shock! A mother with a child, taking on even more children? She sat down for a moment, unsure how to take this revelation. She looked at Nestorius, who seemed ecstatic over the news. She looked him in the eyes, as unsure thoughts filled her mind. Nestorius, noticing her view, looked right back into her eyes, before giving her a nod. She gave him a little smile before nodding herself. She got up and spoke.

"Your Majesty, I am extremely humbled to receive this opportunity. I am honored to head this new era in the history of my home islands!" she said, and as soon as she finished, Nestorius swooped in and hugged her, before giving her a big kiss on the cheek.

At this point, the disguised Alexios arrived and showed his film to the others. After Theodora spoke and Julius arrived, Kyrene spoke once more;

"That was a well made production! Surely, anyone would feel the nature of Romanitas flow through them!"

"Hey Doukas, have a grape." *throws grape at Doukas*
"Wha-"
"You sound like a fascist when your hungry. Better?"

Alexios smiles graciously and politely dips his head to Theodora and Kyrene, then, under cover of his servants clearing away his machines and other paraphernalia, he returns to his sadly neglected seat in the stalls.

*Julius notices Alexios*
Aw, cheer up friend! The empire is going to be in fine fettle! And don't worry about being missing for a while. Happens to me all the time! ...As much as I wish it wouldn't happen..... but this time I had a very special occasion *grins*

The grape hit Theodora right in the face. "Why, that's no way to address a lady, much less the Ministry of Security and a Doukai!" she exclaimed. "And no, I am not a fascist, just trying to share in the national spirit!"

*Julius raises an eyebrow*
"Sharing the national spirt? Fair enough. But from what you were saying sounded awfully like that fool Palaigios from a while back."

 

[Idhrendur]

1 July 1916

Senators,

This has been a year of recovery for the Empire.

With the end of the wars, We were able to bring the legions home and then focus on domestic issues. In November, We expanded pensions to include the disabled. The legions had already offered some basic pensions, and this new system largely replaced their system while also providing for civilians.

We also enacted a plan to give more opportunities for education throughout the Empire. Each province will now have at least one university. All students at these universities will not be charged for tuition nor for books. All private universities and church universities will be left alone, though We are also creating a system of accreditation that will confirm any given college is properly educating its students. Any student attending an accredited university can receive additional grants and loans to pay for their education.

The arts continue to flourish throughout the Empire, and the sense of Romanitas grows yet greater, even in the colonies.

The team for the sixth Olympic games draws from several colonial regions, in fact.

We have also worked closely with the navy to strengthen them further. The navy had devised plans to mitigate risk, so We asked them to develop methods of planning for the future. We do not wish them to be as unprepared as they were for these last wars.

When the navy had developed means of ensuring it would remain prepared, it asked for resources to develop methods of training non-commissioned officers. We were happy to grant these resources.

As well, We continued the expansion of naval bases throughout the Empire. All bases have been given the resources they need to support the navy of the future, and they are in the process of further construction and upgrades.

Internationally, the world is as chaotic as ever. Ironically, the Northern Alliance fell to bickering, as Germany sought to reclaim the territory it had given Poland-Lithuania in order to secure their cooperation. Germany quickly won this war.

The post war period has also seen Persia now taken over by communists. They join Ukraine, Poland-Lithuania, Iraq, France, Denmark, Castille, and Brittany in this new system of governance.

This explains Our eagerness to sign an alliance with Scandinavia. We were able to send XV. Legio to put down a communist revolution there, sustaining the Constitutional Monarchy.

We are happy to announce that with the full funding of the naval base program and an increasing post-war prosperity, We are able to decrease taxes throughout the Empire. The general announcement will go out after this address is ended.

Finally, for the first time in many years, the archivists have considered a newspaper noteworthy.

And of course, the Senate’s world maps will be updated.

 

[Idhrendur]

The red menace spreads ever around the world! We must be sure they do not take control of a major power, or the world will be doomed! It is the job of the Empire to uphold the freedoms of people around the world from godless land reform!

Following last year's session, Kyrene and Nestorius quickly got to work, getting the HQ ready for the big move to Aeteorea. A private party was held for those leaving for Aeteorea in September before they went on their way, leaving Franco Lazaratos and those working with him at the Thaddai estate as Aeteorea's representatives to the Empire and the Senate. By the end of the year, the Aeteorean governorship-turned-autonomous had arrived at the islands, swiftly establishing themselves in the capital to cheers from those living there.

((I wonder where Aeteorea's capital would be.))

---

1 July 1916

Franco arrived at the Senate, nervous over the thought of embarrassing himself and possibly Aeteorea in turn. He truly wished Nestorius had chosen someone else as the head representative, such as one of the Cecil Sisters, or perhaps someone new altogether. However, now he had an obligation, and he was going to try his best to fulfill it.

He is seen noting down everything being said, with the intent of passing it on to Nestorius, not knowing that things like this are sent to senators who are unable to attend sessions for any reason. The sound of impressionist literature and expressionist art will be music to the ears of the Thaddai, and the greater sense of Romanitas would definitely bring joy to their faces, along with the advancements of pensions and education. The Olympics will be a sight to behold, and the decrease of taxes will make the poor very happy. The one thing that did make him nervous however, was the communist revolution in Persia, or how they were calling it, Iran. He still has nightmares of the attack on Constantinople, mostly ones where everyone succumbed to the gas while they were hiding.

He grabbed a newspaper to read, hoping no one would draw attention to him.

Donatello Favero grabbed some purple ink and drew over the green Italy on his copy of the world map. One day the official map would look like that too.

These communists are proving themselves a threat, how they manage to topple governments and destroy the natural order. You would think that they would learn from the example of the Empire and realize that the people are best served by undying loyalty to their benevolent monarch. I suppose not everyone can be so lucky to be blessed with such a generous monarch as our emperor.

- Senator Donatello Favero

COMMUNISTS! *Julius shakes his fist*
We should have them shot by firing squad!

 

[Idhrendur]

July 1, 1917

Senators,

This year, We reorganized the legions. We decided that a twenty regiment legion would strike a good balance between military strength and manpower use. We were able to move regiments from well-manned legions to legions in need, and then to recruit more regiments. By the end of this month, the legions should be fully manned.

The navy continued to develop the recent ideas they had introduced while they developed a Non-Commissioned Officer training program.

After the navy had developed their training program, they asked for resources to research some of their more experimental ideas for ships. We gave them those resources.

When the naval devices were at the prototype stage, We gave the navy the resources to develop the prototype of a new class of ship: the Dreadnought.

In civilian affairs, We expanded the health care system in the Empire. In addition to covering emergencies and regular checkups, the Empire will now cover medications for her citizens.

In May We tightened the safety regulations throughout the Empire.

This year also saw the Varangian Guard developing an opposing model to socialism and creating new trade unions to support this model. Rumors that they are behind capitalist resistance to socialist trade unions are unconfirmed.

During this time, a Temperance League sought Our support. We knew that while the goal of reducing drunkenness was good, any attempt to fight it by restricting alcohol would have dangerous and far-reaching side effects.

Musical innovation continues to abound in the Empire.

And Our team in the Olympics did a marvelous job.

Outside the Empire, in March, Japan declared war on Russia to claim the Pogobi region. That war is still ongoing.

Burgundy and Italy had also fought a fierce war against France and Brittany. They eventually won it, and Burgundy took the Champaign region for itself. In the wake of this loss, France is suffering rebellions from Jacobins and Walloon nationalists.

Ming is fending off several rebellions.

And Adal put the truth to their claims of liberalism and allowed women to vote.

The Senate's world maps are being updated.

 

[Idhrendur]

Rome stands strong against foreign aggression! I am glad of the advances in the navy, we shall be able to project our power world wide and ...influence nations around the globe.

Oooh! Maybe we could build a ship Idea I have!

Roma invicta! Soon we shall destroy the last of the rebel scum and reclaim our rightful place at the center of civilization! All of the other nations shall bow before the glory and might that is Rome, and if they refuse, we shall force them to their knees!

What are the rebellions plaguing the Chinese? We should send the government some aid if the rebels seek to overthrow the monarchy, especially if they seek to install a communist state in its place.

Anybody attend the recent Olympics? I hear Michael Phokas won a record ten gold medals in swimming! He would make a good role model for our youth!

Franco did as he did last session, noting down everything being said, despite being told that senators are sent this info. He didn't want to just awkwardly sit and whistle in Nestorius' senatorial spot, after all.

---

Things have been going quite swell in Aeteorea. In Komnenion, Kyrene continued her work in raising the feeling of Romanitas throughout the islands, with restoration and construction plans using the newest architectural developments from the mainland. In Oturehua on South Island, Nestorius, Onobanjo, and Epimonopoulos were touring the region of Central Otago, acquainting themselves with the area from which Kyrene came from. Nestorius even stopped by to see his in-laws, who were very surprised to meet him unannounced. In the nearby Alexandria Matau (OTL Alexandra), local variations of the mainlander music are starting to pop up, including Aeteorean Jazz, intertwining it with local Maori folk music. In the meanwhile, the national republican politics of the autonomous state were slowly developing, along with local terms - for example, despite it not being her official title, Kyrene is called the Governess, while Nestorius was being called Ol' Ness.

We are aware of four different rebels groups in Ming.

Relations between our nations are poor right now, and they would consider assistance from the Empire to be unthinkable. We could focus on improving relations with Ming, but it would take more than a year to do so, and even then they might prefer falling to rebels to assistance. Fortunately, Nanjing is not at immediate risk, so We may have time to pursue that course of action, if the Senate wishes it.

Senator Marco, We could task you with interacting with the navy if you would like. Senator Smithereens went missing during the Great War, and has not resurfaced. We understand the innovations planned for this new prototype ship are replicating those in Great Britain's HMS Dreadnought, also replicated in Aquitaine, Brittany, Baluchistan, France, Germany, Kanata, Italy, Persia, Russia, and the UTA. Aoteorea has pioneered many of the innovations with the steam turbines that will drive the ship, and We are informed that this class of ships will have one size of guns, but only thirty or so of them.

Who cares about the rebels over in some backwater Asian nation far from the Empire. There are rebels right in our backyard, laying claim to our lands in Western Europe. We should be focusing on their annihilation before even considering trying to intervene against some rebellion on the other side of the world. Italy, France, Burgundy, Aquitaine, Brittany, "Great" Britain: all will obey the Emperor once more or be utterly destroyed.

- Senator Donatello Favero

I say that we as a nation must punish Ming and fund the Wun and Oirat Horde nationalists. They may prove invaluable allies in the future. However, we must prevent the radicals in Ming from taking over as they might set a bad example for those in our Empire.

Yes, NO. Besides, China has more civilised history than any other nation on the planet. Back when Rome was a mere fishing village on the tiber, china was already discussing astronomy, the nature and right of man, and were making revolutionary philosophy. I suggest you read a chinese book senator.

"You can have a long history of eminent civilisation and still be a political or geographical backwater. Those pagan Chinese are just one more example."

"It is better to have a rival monarchy ruling in Nanjing than a godless communist regime," said Theodora, "What I suggest is sending one or two legions to deal with the communists and fascists and leave the separatist rebels alone. Such an intervention would show that the Empire is the master of the world while keeping the Chinese in their place until they can become truly civilized."

Who cares if they are civilized or not. They are not Romans, and that puts them below everyone in this Empire. As far as I am concerned, the Chinese emperor is inferior to even a Roman prostitute simply because she is Roman and he is not. Wasting resources on propping up some foreign monarch when we literally have rebel states holding our lands and becoming entrenched with every passing year is a waste of resources. Our focus should be on restoring the Empire, not sending men to die in China for a cause no average Roman citizen would care about.

- Senator Donatello Favero

"Would you rather leave them to be conquered by godless communists? Godless communists that could then launch an invasion of Russia and India and install more godless communists there? More godless communists that could threaten the Empire itself? The Chinese are a reasonable people for non-Romans, but the communists are below them. The communists are barbarians, savages, servants of Satan, and we must oppose them at every turn!"

We have communists controlling parts of Gaul, rightful Roman lands, and yet these Chinese ones who haven't even set up a stable government are apparently more of a threat. Perhaps we should purge the Roman communists who defy the Emperor before going off on some misguided expedition to eradicating communists on the other side of the world. I agree that these communists are a danger, but the priority should always be the Empire, and the domestic threats have not been removed.

- Senator Donatello Favero

Fair enough, but still.

Okay, then. How about preventing communism and fascism?

I am glad to see someone has sense!

Then again, the communists haven't gained that much ground in China, so I suppose we don't need to intervene just yet. We'll focus first on the rebel scum next door.