NationStates Jolt Archive

The soaring towers of New Geneva peered out above the morning fog. The arching necks of cranes lifting steel girters into place on the unfinished structures were swaying about somewhat silently from the perspective of Emperor Napoleon IV on a far away hillside as he gazed at his new city of Marble. Unlike Augustus, this Emperor didn’t have a city of bricks to turn into marble…he had the luxury of doing it right the first time. A few small villages and towns and a few forests had been removed to make way for the colossal new Capitol of the Empire.

“In a year or two from now, we should be able to begin moving in the first inhabitants.” The Chief Architect of the Empire, Albert Danton, informed his sovereign. The Horse upon which the Emperor was riding that day shuffled a bit and snorted loudly, causing the architect’s horse to become a bit skittish.

“This is truly a feat, Danton.” Napoleon grinned from ear to ear. “Finally we shall have a Capitol for all of the Empire, not just its Nobles.” The Emperor took the reigns of the horse firmly in his hands and turned the beast around. “Let’s get back to the house.” With a quick tug the horse began to gallop down the dirt road which lay behind them. The Imperial Guard, Danton, and the other assorted members of the Court who had joined the Emperor on his ride this morning all took off after him in order to keep up.

The Emperor had bought a modest 16th Century Manor House near the new City from which he could observe the progress. For the past couple of years it had been one of Napoleon’s primary residences as the city was constructed at breakneck speed by legions of workers and experts hailing from all over the Empire. The Residential and Business quarters of the city had gotten priority over the governmental areas which could indeed be built at leisure while the Imperial Government in Reichsburg underwent the long process of disentangling itself from its current location and moving itself over.

As the riding party returned to the manor, they were met by the sight of an unfamiliar car in the driveway of the Estate. It was a black, 1948 Rolls Royce Limousine flying the flag of the King of Reichskamphen, which had been, up until a year ago, a title that Napoleon carried for himself. The newly appointed King, Joseph I, or Joseph Frederic Sanglant, the Emperor’s elder Brother, it seemed had come to pay him a visit.

Napoleon, still in his riding outfit abandoned his horse for the servants to tie up and rushed inside. He held open his arms to embrace Joseph, whom he saw siting on a couch in the receiving room, but Joseph remained seated and bore on his face an icy stare. Beside him sat Marechal Auguste Sancerre and Count Charles d’Artagne, the Foreign Minister of the Empire.

“What is the reason for this cold reception in my own home, brother?” Napoleon asked, holding back his infamous temper.

“My reasons are my own.” Joseph replied coolly.

“I love very few people on this earth, Joseph.” Napoleon said as he sat down on a sofa across from the two men. “After everything you have done, you should consider yourself lucky that you are one of them.”

“I am forever indebted to you brother, I know this. And it is because of out mutual love that I must receive you in this manner. Matters are taking a turn for the worst back in the REAL Capitol of this Empire. Your ministers are at eachother’s throats, the Royal Family is doing all that they can to stop me from ruling effectively, there are rumblings of war on the horizon, and the Estates General is about as useless as ever.”

“My ministers are always at eachother’s throats. There are always rumblings of war. This is nothing new.” Napoleon said firmly.

“Indeed, the only thing that isn’t new is that you aren’t there, Napoleon, to galvanize them…to put an end to the conflicts and lead us forward. You are too busy out here playing lego’s with Monsieur Danton than worrying about the present condition of your Empire.”

The Imperial Guards who were standing guard at the door grimaced as they prepared for Napoleon to lambast his brother. But that lambasting never came. “You are right Joseph. I have been wasting my time. Monsieur Danton can handle these issues. I must return to Reichsburg. Thankyou Brother!” Gratitude coming from the Emperor of all the Greater Prussians was indeed a novel thing and all were taken aback.

“I saved an extra seat in the Limousine for you.” Joseph grinned.

At 1 in the Afternoon, the Limousine pulled up to the gates and a now resolute and determined Emperor stepped from it and purposefully climbed the steps to the grand entrance. Napoleon called Joseph to his side. “Joseph. See to it that every minister of any power is here by 7 tonight. We have important matters to discuss.”

The Emperor of the Greater Prussians sat stoicly at his desk as memo after memo, bill after bill, and order after order was put across his desk for his imprimatur. He would scan it over, make sure all was in order, and then quickly sign "Napoleon".

Another order was placed on his desk. It was from the 3rd Army Prefecture which managed the South of Reichskamphen. The order read.

"I, General Alexander Moreau, in accordance with his Majesty the Emperor, do order that Sgt. Manuel Steiner and Capt. Helmut Lange of the 7th Regiment of His Majesty's, the King of Reichskamphen's Royal Guard are to be executed by firing squad for treasonous conspiracy against the Crown of Reichskamphen and Greater Prussia."

The order was already signed by General Moreau as well as two other Brigadiers who were apparently his subordinates. The Emperor's mind didn't hesitate a moment. Treason is a crime that must be punished and there is but one punishment for treason.

He quickly signed "Napoleon".

As soon as he had lifted his pen from the paper, his Secretary, Bourienne opened the door. "Majesty, the Allanean Ambassador has arrived."

"Show him in."

The Allanean Ambassador strolled in and paused several feet before he reached the Emperor's desk and stood at attention.

"Sit down please. Your Army days are behind you."

The man quickly sat down, and as he did, Napoleon's Secretary re-entered the room and placed a very large piece of official stationary infront of the Emperor which already contained a great deal of writing.

"Mr. Ambassador, this is the Imperial Decree number 4,832. This is the decree which authorizes the construction and reconstruction of the Greater Prussian held Edolian City of Berg into an entirely new entity. What New Geneva is for the Empire, so will this city be for Haven. It shall become a hub for commerce and political activity, a jewel in the region's crown. Upon the completion of the city, the territory will be turned over to the region itself, but will be managed by authorities of the Delegate Country…your Country. This will be no small undertaking, and I am asking your government to return to me now the many favours I have done to them in enlisting the whole of Haven in this construction project. For as mighty as the Empire is, and as much as we wish to help. We can but afford to construct one of these cities at a time, and this one needs to be constructed now."

Napoleon picked up the pen on his desk and held it to the paper, but suddenly looked up. He remembered, that this was a foreign ambassador, and as loyal of a member of the Empire as Allanea was, the Ambassador was not a person who he could necessarily give orders to. "Does your government find any problem with this, or is there something you feel needs to be added or subtracted?" the Emperor quickly added.

His Majesty John Antonette's plane touched down in Reichsburg. He got out, and was escorted to the Palace. He was then taken to the Emperor. The king entered the room and greeted the Emperor,
"Napoleon, it appears you are back in full force."

ooc- yes bad post, I know. COnsider it half tag.

His Majesty John Antonette's plane touched down in Reichsburg. He got out, and was escorted to the Palace. He was then taken to the Emperor. The king entered the room and greeted the Emperor,
"Napoleon, it appears you are back in full force."

ooc- yes bad post, I know. COnsider it half tag.

Heil! I may join your quest in constructing an Racially Pure Empire. We will fight for Racial Hygiene and eliminate Negative Elements that might weaken the Nations such as Communists.

Stjepan Harper

The Greater Prussian Empire is not about racial superiority. The GPE is a Christian empire. Jesus accepted all races, and so do we. However, we are anti-communist.

OOC: No one reply to the racist. He is anathema.

OOC: I believe a tag would be appropriate.

Star Office

Alexei was finally settling down back behind the massive desk of the Kremlin. He was taking a lot of trips to Reichsburg while Napoleon was incapacitated, and the constant flights were getting the better of him.

He just finished a glass of Napoleon Premier (of which the Dersconi Vaults still had much in stock) when he managed to get the letter from the Office of the Emperor, of which he was an occupant of only a few weeks ago, if that.

"So, 'ole Nappy wants a meeting, eh?" Czar Alexei skimmed through some displays of weapons results as he read the summon letter. "Well, he was in a coma for God knows how long." The Andropov finished the letter, but didn't bother to respond -- flights from RAMC to Reichsburg were so common that they weren't even scheduled in advance anymore. That is a major security lapse he thought to himself. That needs to be changed. I'll talk to Golovko about that, then. Alexei picked up the phone and called his brother.

Czar Alexei: Hey, John.
Prince John: Yeah, Alexei?
Alexei: I'm gonna be down in Reichsburg for a tad. Keep shop up here for me , can ya?
John: Sure. Any idea for a return time?
Alexei: Greater Prussia? Schedule?
John: Good point. Can do. Say hi to Antonette for me.
Alexei: Will do. See you in a few weeks.

The moment Alexei hung up, he went to the Private Quarters to change into something more royalesque (rather than his current T-shirt, sweatpants and loungers), and seven minutes later he exited the office with a presentable uniform and the four menacing cloaked and masked figures of the Special Praetorian Guard. The Czar opened the ramp down into the secretary's office and made his way down the maze of hallways -- picking up the other twenty members of the Praetorian Guard -- until finally the party arrived at RAMC Airport (after taking the underground train system connecting the city), boarded a plane, and shot off to Reichskamphen.

"Antonette," Napoleon stood as the King of Burgundy walked in. "Wonderful to see you again."

The Emperor walked over to the sitting area by a fireplace in his office which at this time of the year was blazing. The snow had begun to fall in Reichsburg very recently. It was as common as rain. Still though, the Capitol was never as cold as some places in Derscon. The lowest it went was in the 20 degree range with occasional dips to the single digits and teens.

Hot Apple Cider was being kept warm in a Samovar and beside it another Samovar of Russian Tea. "Care for anything to drink, Antonette?" As the King mused over the choices, Napoleon quickly added, "We of course have Hot Chocolate, Coffee, and any Alcoholic Libation you would want...heck we have anything you would want I am sure."

The Emperor poured himself a cup of Cider into his Porcelain Tea Cup...the Imperial China Pattern...and sank deeply into one of the richly appointed leather chairs that adorned the sitting area. "Have a seat."

"I've heard you're getting married to von Papen's Grand Daughter. Congratulations. I'm in the market for a wife now myself. I'm thinking of marrying someone local...or if not, then atleast a foreigner with some import. I've always liked brunettes...and dancers. You know, that's an excellent idea. We should all go see a ballet...if only for the dancers." He winked wryly.

"How are things on the homefront? Security going well?"

He then looked over the choices again, and thought for a second and said,
"I think I'll take a Cappucino, aothough, I'm sure they aren't as good as the Ridgian ones." He grinned, and then said,
"Security is going fine. How about here in RK?"

ooc-
Technically, the courtship didn't even start yet with Antonette and Papen.

OOC: Yeah, I keep forgetting to post in that thread... o.O

'tis a quick one. If you don't mind, I'm just gonna skip the arrival.
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Czar Alexei walked in the room unannounced, escorted by the four intimidating SPG's. (The rest of the Praetorian were outside the room). He looked around and finally eyed down Napoleon.

"Charles! It has been awhile! It's nice to have you back."

The Ambassador looked up. “Yes, Sir. I do believe this needs to be signed. I believe my nation can undertake this project – if not the diplomatic part, then at least the economic task of the construction. It is necessary, however, that the other nations of Haven are involved in this. This is, if nothing else, a very good opportunity for some fractions in Allanea herself to show how if their vision of Allanea as a nation that focuses on foreign affairs will hold true. If this falls –the Hamiltonians and Democrats will fall with it. If not… Allanea has a great new future.”

And he signed the treaty with a single brave stroke.

Ten days later, an announcement was sent throughout Haven:
Come Help Build Berg, City of Peace!

The Confederate Government, assisted by it’s allies, is helping to rebuild Berg, a city in Edolia. This project will have several benefits:

First, it will rebuild the economy of Edolia.

Second, the Confederate Government is promoting a Berg Economic treaty, intended to provide Haven with a new industrial and Economic Center. Copies of the Treaty are attached.

Treaty of Berg

1. All Signatories Resolve to be Committed to the Values of International Peace and Trade.
2. All Signatories Resolve to abstain from Aggression against each other.
3. All Signatories Resolve to remove all tariffs from imports to, and from, the City of Berg, and to declare it a free-trade zone.

OOC: Shit! My mistake. Napoleon's name is Charles, not Joseph. :eek:
Edited, Will, so you'll want to edit yours, too.

Marechals Brune and Sancerre walked into the room a moment after the Emperor had sent out the call. "Alexandre, Auguste, nice to see you both again." Napoleon greeted them with a handshake and directed them to get something to drink.

"Gentlemen, the growth and progress of the Empire at home and abroad has bogged down." The Emperor began with a scowl. All assembled were prepared to recieve a barrage of threats and blame throwing. "And I believe it is mostly my fault ." All were stunned. "However I believe it is my duty to set us back on track again by re-establishing the power structure, getting this house in order...and looking outward." The Czar and King Antonette looked at eachother in realization of exactly why the Marechals were here for this meeting.

"Arch Chancellor, I will need your help with domestic reforms. I intend to accomplish them within three months, and I would very much request that you occupy your wing of the Imperial Palace during this short time. You have been indispensible to me. And once these reforms are accomplished I promise you that Derscon will walk away the richer for it." Napoleon put down his cider and began tucking tobacco into his pipe. " And King Antonette, I will also ask that you remain to discuss these reforms as well. What I impose in the Empire proper, I will not necessarily impose verbatim in Burgundy...but it will be very near to it." The Emperor finally puffed his pipe to life as the sweet scent of warm vanilla tobacco filled the room.

"And once these reforms are accomplished and before the Imperial government removes itself to New Geneva...we need to begin renewed efforts on the outside. The Economy is not growing at the rate I need it to...and the Imperial budget also needs to be fleshed out. There are twin solutions to that...asking for donations from members, and extorting them from the occupied areas if we have to. Then we must improve our image abroad. And that gentlemen, is the main reason we are here. What exactly shall we do to improve this image?"

Antonette spoke up,
"If we are already in financial difficulties, then why fight a difficult, expensive, fight now?"

OOC: Am I welcome to jump in here, or not?

OOC: Yes, PP you are welcome.

IC: The snow fell softly in and around Reichsburg and midnight had the city in her inky grip. Here and there, a car would come around a corner or someone walk by on the street. The tread of the boots of solitary Imperial Guardsmen on patrol duty would sometimes disturb the quiet, but overall, the city slept.

Outside the City limits the steely sound of many motors cut the night air like a knife and flung the freshly fallen snow about, leaving black sludge behind. 15 Armoured troop carriers flew out of the Imperial Guard base at Fort Carson, each heading in differant directions, north and South of the City.

Two APC's arrived at the Luxembourg Palace, the home to three prominent Royalist families. One pulled up to the rear entrance and one to the front where both immediately unloaded. A cordon was put around the house as Five Guardsmen and one Gendarme approached the main entrance. The Gendarme knocked violently and repeatedly on the towering front door until a Butler, in his night cap, carrying a lit candelabra opened it. The Butler's jaw dropped open as he was manhandled aside by one of the Soldiers and thrown out into the ever deepening snow. The Butler watched with horror as two Kubelwagens full of Gendarmes from the nearby hamlet pulled up and, along with the others rushed inside. He saw the lights turn on all throughout the Palace and shrill screams pierce the silence. He could see the shadows on the curtains of people scrambling around, and occasionally the large outline of a Guardsman wearing a shako. Nearly 45 people were led from the house in their nightgowns and held at gunpoint in the snow while they awaited prison wagons to arrive and take them away to who knows where. Among the captured was Comte Charles d'Artois who was considered by most to be the head of the Leipzig-Thompson Imperial Family, his family, and his four daughters. Also captured was Macus Antonius Thompson, Comte de Liege who was considered by the anti-Bonapartists to be the legitimate King of Reichskamphen and by strong association, the Legitimate Emperor of Greater Prussia. His wife was also among the captured as well as his entire immediate family.

Captures of several other prominent nobles throughout the country occured at the same time and the News Papers the next morning told the tale along with the Emperor's newest proclamation.

Those who were captured were part of a deeply rooted Royalist Conspiracy to remove or assasinate the Emperor and restore the Thompson line, crowning the Comte de Liege as Marcus Antonius IV. In a long letter penned to the Prussian people, the Emperor informed them of the treasonous actions that had been committed so wantonly and freely accross the nation and declared that all those involved would be exexcuted or imprisoned...most notably Marcus Antonius would be exectued along with the Comte d'Artois.

He informed his people that he was presently calling the Estates General into a special Legislative session to dissolve the Leipzig-Thompson House and establish a true dynasty that would guarantee a successsor and none of the previous problems that had blighted all of the other Emperor's successions. The Emperor went further in accentuating his relation to the Bonaparte family asking the Estates General session to declare the Bonaparte family as the Imperial Family of Greater Prussia and Himself as its head.

OOC: Just telling ya'll I didn't forget. I'll post tomorrow, mehopes.

OOC: Thanx!
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IC:

As he was just flying into Reichskamphen, the heart of the Greater Prussian Empire, Shogun Himura Kenshin felt it necessary to use a small, private jet to arrive in. Accompanying him were Grande Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto (III) and four members of the White Guard, just out of paranoia.

This is KAZE 1, requesting permission to land...
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(Just speed up the arrival, we all know how it goes)

*Imperial Prison, beneath the streets of Reichsburg*

The Comte d'Artois and the pretender to the Reichskamphian throne, Marcus Antonius III, sat in their dank dungeon cell. It was only a day or so ago that they were forced out of their opulent lifestyle and shoved into this stone cage. The Comte had developed a rather serious cough from the mold, but Marcus seemed to be doing acceptably. They both shuddered as a giant rat shuffled accross the floor infront of their cell. A loud gunshot rang out, causing the two to hurl themselves in the corner of their iron cage only then to see the blood and fur that had splattered back upon the bars and lean forward in relief. "Perfect shot!" one of the guards laughed.

Steps were heard in the stone staircase outside.
"Food for the prisoners." the man who walked down the steps apparantly said. "We got food for em." one of the guards said. We just shot it right there!" One of the guards picked up the mauled rat carcass and dangled it infront of the cell. "Come up here and lick it." They didn't move. "LICK IT DAMMIT!"

Suddenly the guard and the rat both went tumbling to the floor. It was an Imperial Guardsman who gazed at the man with contempt, and then softened his gaze when he turned towards the two nobles. "The Emperor," he began, "has pardoned your sentance of execution. But you shall be exhiled."