NationStates Jolt Archive

Antwerp Daily Paper, 25 October 1902
Breaking News

His Majesty King Leopold II assassinated on way to funeral!

This morning at precisely 8:00 am, King Leopold II, while in route to the state funeral of his recently deceased wife Marie Henriette was attacked by confirmed Italian anarchist Gennaro Rubino when he fired several shots from his Revolver into the King's open motorcar. Although the Royal Guards present at the time tried to shield the old king and aprehended Rubino before he could escape, Leopard himself was struck by three bullets, mortally wounding him. Within 2 hours of the attack, King Leopard was prenounced dead by doctors at the local Hospital near the Diamond District.

The Former King has been arranged to be interred in the Royal vault at the Church of Our Lady, Laeken Cemetery, Brussels, Belgium. The offical State funeral has been schedueled for December 2 and mourners have been permitted to visit the site, once he has been interred.

Currently it has been decided that his younger nephew, Albert Leopold Clément Marie Meinrad, or Albert I, shall ascend to the throne in his Uncle's place. Earlier today, Albert made several comments at his home outside of Ghent condemning Rubino's actions as "Dastardly and Unthinkable" and has pledged to "Uphold the honor of the Belgian people and serve them to his fullest."

Congo Free State Ceded to Belgium

After nearly a decade of negotiations with King Leopold II, the Belgian Parliment under great fanfare announced that the Congo Free State in Central Africa shall be herby ceded to the Kingdom of Belgium and renamed 'The Belgian Congo'. Since the exploration and annexation of the territory 1885, King Leopard had privately owned the territory, using the slave labor of thousands of African tribesman to extract precsious materials from the area. After years of public outcry against this brutal treatment and growing pressure from the Belgian Parliment, Leopard finally agreed to cede the territory to the Kingdom of Belgium, under his last proclimation. As of the moment, members of Parliment have yet to make any motion towards the change of policy in Belgium, although ideas of a possible Industrialization and Modernization of the area have been brought up by King Albert I.

Current Leaders of Belgium:

Head of State

François Schollaert

Head of Government

Léon Delacroix

Foriegn Minister

Antonie Jaques Martinique

Seat of Power:

Brussels

Foriegn Relations: (Under Constuction)

Germany- Neutral
France- Neutral
Great Britain- Friendly
Hungary- Neutral
Italy- Neutral
Luxembourg- Friendly
The Netherlands- Firendly
Ireland- Non-exsistant (As Belgium has yet to recognize Ireland as a actual nation)
United States of America- Neutral
Socialist Russia- Neutral
Ottoman Empire- Neutral
Imperial China- Neutral
Imperial Japan- Neutral
Albania- Neutral
Yugoslavia- Neutral
Burgundy- Friendly

Military Information: (OCC: The page is mostly in French, but can be understood to a certain extent)

Organization (http://www.monmouth.com/user_pages/juneblum/BELG14.html#DIVISIONS)


Threads Pertaining to Belgium:

None Currently

Antwerp Daily Paper, 9 November 1902
Headlines


King Albert I announces reform for the Belgian Congo

As one of his first proclimations, King Albert I has announced today a new plan for reform in the Congo. After years of inhuman treatment and expliotation by King Leopold the second, the Belgian Congo has degraded into a uninhabitable backwater colony, the laughing stock of other colonial powers. Thus, in an attempt not only to better the lives of those effected by King Leopold's rather harsh policies and provide a efficent and cons-effective method of extracting Rubber, Ivory and Precious Metals from the area, the following plan was outlined in a statement made by the young King to Parliment in Brussels:

- Construction of a Modern Railroad line through the Congo Rain Forest from Banana to Leopoldville, Stanleyville and other large extraction areas.

- Importation and Construction of Modern extraction materials, along with Factories capable of producing replacement parts.

- Improvement and Renovation of all Port Facilities in Banana.

- Encouragement Programs to entice Belgian citizens into immigrating into the area.

- Construction of Education Facilities at Banana, Leopoldville and Stanleyville to 'civilize' African Natives.

At the moment, this extremely ambitious plan, called foolish by most Conservatives in Parliment, is expecting to cost an astounding 15 Million Francs per year over the projected course of a decade. However, economists believe that once the plan has been completed, total income from the Belgian Congo could increase by as much as eight-fold. Already, both civillian and military engineers have been dispatched to the area from Antwerp and are expected to arrive at Banana in 3 weeks, when construction will hopefully begin.

Antwerp Daily Paper, 14 December 1902
Headlines

Albert I announces Military Reforms

With tensions slowly heating across Europe, King Albert has issued his second proclimation in only 4 weeks, calling for the "enforcement of Belgian Neutrality" and a "Revitalization of our Military Services." Within the proclimation calls for the mandatory service of all induviduals reaching the age of 18 by 1 January, 1903; the adpotion of modern weaponry, including Machine-Guns and Heavy Artillery, the establishment of a Army Air Corps, the adpotion of a longer and more rigorous training program and the improvement of the Belgian Navy.

The entire plan his to stretch from 1903 to 1908, with projections of as many as 150,000-300,000 Regular Soldiers prepared for war and the total cost is expected to range from 250-300 Million Francs.

Although this new initiative was met with praise by Conservatives and Isolationists alike, Liberals and Moderates in Parliment were apalled by Albert's recent proclimation, stating that it "Far overextends the already stretched fisical budget of the nation." However, with reports of a possible Free-Trade Pact with Germany and increased profits from the Belgian Congo, a rather large surplus is expected by the end of 1903.

One last Bump before I hit the sack.

Bump again.

Antwerp Daily Paper, March 11 1903
Headlines

Massive Diamond Discovery in Belgian Congo

First Reports have just recently arrived earlier today, confirming the discovery of Diamond Deposites near the Congo River by Belgian Settlers earlier this week. One of the workers present at the discovery claims that Diamonds had started to appear in the soil of his Corn field, attracting the attention of many African workers on the Plantation. Upon further inspection and excavation of the area, it was found that the area was filled with Diamonds of astounding quality.

Already, citizens across Belgium have expressed their intrest in striking it rich, with tens of thousands, pick and shovel in hand, now pouring on to merchant vessels bound for the Exotic port of Banana and the deep Congo jungles beyond.

Even the Government has taken a profound interest in this amazing discovery, with Members of Parliment pressuring the Van Stadt Railroad company, the sole owner of the now developing Trans-Congo Railway, to hurry their efforts just so that Diamonds can be brought to market in Antwerp more quickly.

With Diamond fever growing, along with the value of this astounding find, now appraised at around 113 Million Francs, it will only be a matter of weeks before the Congo is engulfed in Mining fever.

OCC: This post it open to diplomatic negoitation for those interested...

Telegram
From: 8th President of the Third French Republic Jaques Capet
To: King Albert I
Subject: Act of Mutual Protection
There has long been a link between our nations, it is evident in our language and in our flags, we see this as a means to protect your nation from any harm and visa versa, we would however like to see this as a more official and would offer up a pact of mutual protection, we hope that this is agreed upon and that our nations can co-exist in peace for many years to come.

Signed

Jaques Capet

To: Paris, France
From: Brussels, Belgium

President Capet:

The Belgian Government is very pleased with your offer of mutual protection between our two sovereign states and shall begin on an offical draft at once. However, we must insist that although this document protects the interests of both nations, Belgian neutrality is still to be enforced to the fullest extent, as the Belgian people do not wish to be caught up in 'entangling' alliances.

We thank you for your support

Signed,

Dr. Charles De Clercq
Foriegn Minister
The Kingdom of Belgium

Bump

From: Kaiser Wilhelm II
To: King Albert I

My dearest Albert,

I hope you realize that by signing this pact with France you are hereby making your position of neutrality null and void, should France become engaged in war with a nation. I do not wish this for your nation, and I hope you will reconsider signing such a thing with the treacherous French.

Sincerely,
Wilhelm

From: King Alfonso XIII
To: King Albert I
Subject: Rumours of Pact

Rumours of a pact between you and our ally France have been circulating and we wish to encourage such an action if the rumours are true. We also wish to extend an offer between our two nations of Mutual Protection and Preffered Trade. We hope that you engage in friendly affairs with France and our nation.

King Alfonso XIII

To: Berlin, Deutcshland
From: Brussels, Belgium

Your Excellency, Kaiser Wilhelm:

We wish to assure you that our only aim through this Pact of Mutual Defense is to reinforce our current Neutrality. After all, Belgium is a small nation in a vitally strategic area, thus making it vulnerable to various aggressors. By signing this pact, Belgium may be a less-enticing target to potential attackers.

However, the French government has of yet to confirm our demands of neutrality and until that point is agreed upon by both parties in question, we will not sign the document.

We hope that future relations between our two nations may continue to be friendly, so that peace may thrive.

Signed,

Dr. Charles De Clercq
Foriegn Minister
The Kingdom of Belgium


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To: Madrid, Espana
From: Brussels, Belgium

Your Excellency, King Alfonso XIII

The Belgian Government is honored by your recent offer and wishes to accept Perferred Trade Status among our two nations. However, as a nation that champions neutrality to the highest extent, we simply cannot accept yet another Mutual Defense Pact, as that would drag us further into the burning cauldron of European Politics.

We hope that future relations between our two nations may continue to be friendly, so that peace may thrive.

Signed,

Dr. Charles De Clercq
Foriegn Minister
The Kingdom of Belgium

To: Albert I
From: Wilhelm II

I now understand your thinking. With a nation in a precarious situation as yours, I do understand these things. I am glad, however, that you have not chosen to lock yourselves with the treacherous French. I hope that you will soon begin knocking on Germany's door, as we are willing to offer aid to those who will remain loyal to their friends, but we also offer iron death to those who betray us.

Regards,
Wilhelm

From: King Alfonso XIII
To: King Albert I

I understand where you are comeing from. We agree to your chopice of Preffered Trade and honor your decision to remain neutral. May you have peace and prosperity.

OCC: Bump for France.

OCC: Anyone else looking to contact the Belgians?

Antwerp Daily Paper, December 15 1906
Headlines

King Albert calls for full Mobilization!

In a rather brief message to Parliment only moments ago, King Albert I offically annouced, in response to the growing war in Europe, a full and complete mobilization of Belgium's Armed Forces.

Already, nearly 220,000 recruits, now recently re-trained and re-organized as a result of the King's reforms three years ago, have been deployed to fortifacations across the country on both the French and German borders, with 100,000 more being called up to active duty. In major cities such as Liege, and other various undisclosed points around the country, already previously built concrete and wooden fortifacations are being prepared for assault, as hundreds of Artillery pieces and Machine-guns have been moved into place.

"This move is simply for the protection of the Belgian people", claims King Albert I shortly after his speech. "If we lie dormant and pretend that nothing is happening, it will only be a matter of time before the French or Germans will march through our great nation and drag us into this horrible mess."

On the issue of merchant shipping, Albert stated firmly that it was to continue to all nations as if war had not occured and in the event Belgian ships lost by other vessels, full compensation for the crew and supplies on board are to be given to the Belgian government and the crew, if any survived, are to be returned to Belgium immedeately.

However, many Conservatives, especially near the German Border have been protesting Belgiums continuing neutrality throughout the conflict. Jean Peatersburg, a columnist for the Bastonge Weekly newpaper claims that "It is wrong for us to continue to hide behind the thin sheet that is neutrality. We must stand up to those who wish to expand their Tyrannical regimes and help destroy them before we too are trapped under their influence."

Yet no matter the arguement, both sides agree that mobilization was neccisary and right for Belgium. With the mobilization expected to be completed by the first week of the new year, Belgians across the country feel confident that their interests will be protected.

Germany is glad Belgium has chosen a path of equal neutrality. Germany's part in this war is completely reactionary to the beligerent actions of the Italians, and the foolishness of the Austrians. As long as Belgium continues in its current path of full neutrailty, Germany will respect that and promises to move the troops from the Belgian border as a sign of our promise that the Schleiffen plan is dead, and that Germany has no plans for war in or through Belgium.

However, should Belgium, like Austria, betray Germany, she will meet iron death as the Austrians did.

To: Belgian Government
From: Barbro Andor - Head of Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Sweden

Given the turbulent times and the conflict in Europe, it has become even more vitally important for neutral nations to ensure that their neutrality is respected. To that end, we hope that Belgium will accept our offer of a defensive alliance. Should any signatory be attacked, all other signatories will come to her aid. We feel this is a nesissary precausion, given your proximity to France and Germany, and our proximity to Russia and Germany. We also offer prefered trade status to Belgium as part of this defencive alliance, so as to aid our respective economies and arms industries

Yours,
Barbro Andor

To: The Belgian Government

The French fervently hope that trade will continue unrestricted. We do not blame you for mobilizing. We live in turbulent times. Be aware, however, that ay attack against France will be met with retribution.

Prime Minister Jacques Castet

Open Letter to the Belgian Leaders

Friends,

We live in dangerous times. The Communists have overthrown the rightful governments of both Russia and Germany. They may no longer respect the treaties and agreements made by the old governments. I urge you to sign a mutual defense treaty with France for the defense of your country against Communist Aggression. They cannot be trusted. They may very well incite your own people to rise up against you. Act now while there is still time.

Your Friend,

Alexandre Milelrand, Prime Minister of France

Dearest Neighbor,

Do not listen to the French Pig-dogs! This Alexandre Milerand is no better than Napoleon. His "treaties" are nothing more than peaceful attempts to take over Europe and engulf it in a French Empire. I know that Belgium does not want this, as Germany does not either. Therefore I emplore you to stay away from any so called "treaties" and remain neutral in all aspects. As long as you are neutral, you have the backing of both Germany and Britain.

Belgium is a county well known for it's peace and charity. Our country of Albania has just emerged from two centuries of Turkish misrule and 19 years of chaos. The majority of our population (87%) exist on subsistence agriculture (OOC: Albania is on tech level 2). We are badly in need of investment for the modernization of our countries transportation system (roads/railways are needed) and the draining of swamp for new farmland.

Any help that the Kingdom of the Belgian's could provide would be greatly appriacated.

-Turkhan Pasha President of the Republic of Albania

OCC: You guys certainly make things difficult for me, when it comes to international affairs. :p


[Encrypted]

TO: Paris, France
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

Prime Minister Milelrand:

Although we do thank you dearly for the oppurtunity, I do not believe that the people of Belgium would understand at this time. Already, through neutrality, we have averted being dragged into the largest conflict in human history and unless the Socialist powers to the east threaten our very exsistance, it would simply not make any sense to give up a vary valuble commodity of this sort.

However, we are willing to establish an 'Anti-Socialist Pact' that would help all free nations of this world filter Marxist propaganda and control their intellegence services from gaining a large foothold in Western Europe.

I hope you understand our position in this very sensitive matter.

Signed,

Antonie Jaques Martinique
Foriegn Minister
Federal Republic of Belgium

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TO: Berlin, Germany
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

Fellow Statesmen:

We can assure you that Belgium's prime concern in the world of International politics is maintianing a state of ardent neutrality. Already, it has prevented us from being dragged into the Great War and unless the exsistance of our small nation is directly threatened, we shall continue to rely upon it's strong foundations.

Signed,

Antonie Jaques Martinique
Foriegn Minister
Federal Republic of Belgium

TO: Tirane, Albania
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

President Pasha:

The Belgian Government and People both have looked upon the Balkan situation, especially the situation of your own proud nation with growing remorse and sorrow. Thus, in the interets of a better and more prosperous Europe, we would like to present to you the following proposition:

The Bank of Belgium, along with several financial institutions are willing to provide your government with long-term, fixed-rate loans. The interest rates of these loans would be highly competitive, around the typical rate of 4% and could be payed off in either an equivilant amount of Albanian paper currency, gold or silver.

And although the Belgian Government has no offical ties to any private contractors or investment firm, we can assure that this request shall be forwarded to all major contractors and/or investment firms and the responses of those interested will inevitably find their way into Albanian Diplomatic channels.

I can assure you that there is no other nation and/or corporate entitiy better suited to the task of large-scale development projects or foriegn investment than those located with Belgium.

We thank you for this oppurtunity.

Signed,

Dr. Chartes Verkoov
Minister of Finance
The Federal Republic of Belgium

TO: Bruxelles, Belgium
FROM: Tirane, Albania

Dear Dr. Chartes Verkoov,

The Republic of Albania accepts the offer for long term, fix rate loans (which we will pay back in gold). We wish to discuss details and amounts...

President Turkhan Pasha of The Republic of Albania

Secret Telegram to the Belgian Government

The Government of France will accept your offer.

Alexandre Milelerand, Prime Minister of France

TO: Bruxelles, Belgium
FROM: Tirane, Albania

Dear Dr. Chartes Verkoov,

The Republic of Albania accepts the offer for long term, fix rate loans (which we will pay back in gold). We wish to discuss details and amounts...

President Turkhan Pasha of The Republic of Albania


TO: Tirane, Albania
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

President Pasha:

We are delighted that you have decided to accept our offer and we hope that this will usher in a new age of unparalelled prosperity within the Albanian state.

As for the amount on the loan itself, our associates believe that a sum of 40 Million Belgian Francs would be quite acceptable for your needs. If your government believes otherwise, please feel free to disclose your suggestions and we shall see what we can do.

Signed,

Dr. Chartes Verkoov
Minister of Finance
The Federal Republic of Belgium

To: Bruxelles, Belgium
From: Tirane, Albania

Dr. Chartes Verkoov:

The loan offered is acceptable to our needs. We however ask how long is the payment time and can we recieve a one year grace period.

-The Albanian Ministry of Finance

(OOC: President Pasha is very busy at the moment and is out of the capital.)

TO: Tirane, Albania
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

Dear Sir(s):

Excellent. All we ask is that this loan is payed back over the course of the following decade, upon the end of the suggested grace period (December 1921- December 1931).

We hope that with these funds Albania will continue to prosper.

Signed,

Dr. Chartes Verkoov
Minister of Finance
The Federal Republic of Belgium

TO: Bruxelles, Belgium
FROM: Tirane, Albania

Dr. Chartes Verkoov:

We assure you that the loan will be payed back on time. Thank you so very much for your assistance.

-The Albanian Ministry of Finance

The Republic of Haiti wishes to open up relations with Belgium. For trade we have coffee, sugar, and bauxite. We are in need of lumber, cement, and steel. We also need doctors, soldiers, engineers, teachers, etc to train our citizens.

TO: Port au Prince, Hati
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

The Belgian Government and People both have looked upon the Carribean, especially the situation of your own proud nation with growing remorse and sorrow. Thus, in the interests of a better and more prosperous North America, we would like to present to you the following proposition:

The Bank of Belgium, along with several financial institutions are willing to provide your government with long-term, fixed-rate loans. The interest rates of these loans would be highly competitive, around the typical rate of 4% and could be payed off in either an equivilant amount of Hatian paper currency, gold or silver. We suggest the first loan amount to be priced around 50 Million Belgian Francs and can be payed off over the next 10 years. If the Hatian Government is still in need of further funds to continue develop its nation, we are still avalible for more loans of this type.

And although the Belgian Government has no offical ties to any private contractors or investment firm, we can assure that this request shall be forwarded to all major contractors and/or investment firms and the responses of those interested will inevitably find their way into Hatian Diplomatic channels.

I can assure you that there is no other nation and/or corporate entitiy better suited to the task of large-scale development projects or foriegn investment than those located with Belgium.

We thank you for this oppurtunity.

Signed,

Dr. Chartes Verkoov
Minister of Finance
The Federal Republic of Belgium

As Denmark I would ask you to join the Scandinavian Trade Treaty which just pretty much a try at monopolizing trade around our countries. That and the Mutual Aid Pact with all memebers and each country have a greater inclanation to say yes to your wants.

Haiti accepts all loans and will pay back ASAP. Also, any development help is accepted.

As Denmark I would ask you to join the Scandinavian Trade Treaty which just pretty much a try at monopolizing trade around our countries. That and the Mutual Aid Pact with all memebers and each country have a greater inclanation to say yes to your wants.


TO: Copenhagen, Denmark
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

Dear Sir(s):

Although we thank you for presenting us with this attractive offer, we must regretfully decline. For the past 3 decades, Belgium has supported complete and total neutrality, a factor that cannot be maintained in any sort of Alliance.

However, the FRB would readily accept a proposition to lower or abolish all tariffs with the Alliance Bloc in question, so as to stimulate a greater amount of economic activity within our nations.

We hope you understand our reasoning.

Signed,

Antonie Jaques Martinique
Foriegn Minister
Federal Republic of Belgium

:: Shortly before noon on September 1st a massive Earthquake with an Estimated magnitude of 8.3 has Struck Tokyo with an Epicenter in Sagami Bay and stretching for miles around. Few details have gotten out since the magnitude of the devastation has prevented any real communication from getting out of the Disaster Area word is that the palace has been damaged and the status of the emperor is unknown at this time. Japan is calling out to the international community to give any aid at all possible to this disaster. A massive firestorm erupted due to the earthquake and the wooden and paper structures incinerated untold thousands.::


OOC: ouch..........

TO: Kyoto, Japan
FROM: Bruxelles, Belgium

To His Majesty, The Emperor of Japan:

On the behalf of both myself and the people of Belgium, we give our deepest condolences to the peoples of Tokyo in light of this unspeakable disaster and hope that God may impart his mercy upon those who have survived within the limits of this terrible earthquake.

To aid in the clean up and re-construction of the Tokyo metropolitan area, the Belgian Government shall immedeately donate a total sum of 10 million francs, along with any other pledges made by private corporations and citizens. Along with these funds, a large surplus of required materials, including various grains, is to be sent, via ship, from Banana in the Belgian Congo to Osaka, Japan where it is to be un-loaded and distributed by Japanese authorities in the area.

We that with this support, along with the aid of others, that the citizens of Tokyo can pick up the pieces and rebuild their shattered lives.

Signed,

François Schollaert
President
The Federal Republic of Belgium

L'Initié National Belge, 25 July 1924(?)
Breaking News

Parliment passes National Healthcare Bill!

With the fears of a possible influenza epidemic on the rise throughout many portions of Belgium and thousands of lower-class citizens unable to pay for medical-care, The Liberal Party, in conjunction with the Socialist Party and Belgian Leftist Assosiation, announced a new series of shaking reforms in the field of healthcare, an area long neglected by Politicans for the past century.

The reforms itself calls for a "Two-Tier" System, in which a guaranteed public health care system exists, but where a private system operates in parallel. The private system, which has always been used, has the benefit of shorter waiting times and more luxurious treatment, but costs far more than the public one for patients. Thus there are two tiers of health care, one for the public at large and another for those who can afford to pay for better care.

Many on the left consider access to the best possible care an important right of all citizens. Competition from the private sector would also almost certainly drive up the wages of doctors and other medical professionals in the entire system and the public side would allow all citizens to get medical care, not just the Upper and Middle Classes.

In Conservative Circles, this plan has been met with outrage, as many believe this allows too much government intervention into what is still thought to be a public matter. Even Prime Minister Delacroix has condemned the new plan, claiming that it will begin to stagnate an economy that has, for years, grown at an astonishing rate. However, not all members of Delacroix's party, the libertarian UBF, agree.

Finally, after much debate, the bill that would herald the creation of a National Healthcare System, reached the open floor of Parliment where it was, by a vast majority, voted for, astonishing many Belgians across the nation.

Already, President Schollaert plans to sign the bill into law next week and the first Public Medical Clinics are expected to be fully constructed and staffed by the end of the spring. But not all Belgians are happy.

After all, to pay for this new healthcare system, the Gross National Income Tax is planned to be raised as much as 5% to a rate of 17% total. Along with this, spending in military and government are expected to be cut by as much as 20%.

But no matter the cost, this ground-breaking legislation looks to be for the better, as it does offer a helping hand of hope to those 6% of Belgians below the poverty line.

Belgium, you probably won't get hit until November. It is currently the end of July until Saturday this week, then things will move back to normal.

OCC: Thank you for clarifying the time issue (I was quite confused is as to how much the war had slowed things down). On the issue of the Healthcare reforms and the influenza, I'm sure the beginnings of the epidemic are starting in the poorer areas of certain metropolitan areas (Ghent, Liege, Antwerp, Bruxelles ect.). Of course, I don't think it's at the level where it is widely documented, but the Liberals decided to throw out this new plan anyways (it was inevitable), which I hope reduces the number of deaths projected by VP's estimate.

Oostende, Belgium

Huddled into the small wooden boat of an old fisherman, former President of the Belgian Federal Republic, now refugee, François Schollaert, along with several members of his cabinet, shivered under their wool blankets in the cold fall night.

For the past six days, Schollaert and his fellow colleauges had traveled under the darkness of night, across the Belgian countryside from Antwerp, dodging Pact patrols, hiding a oxen-drawn carts and dashing through fields and ravines. It had been a hard journey, as each man was forced to cover nearly 10 miles on foot per day, but they had weathered through the challenge and now sat upon the boat that would get them to salvation: The United Kingdom.

Although Belgian water traffic had been severly restricted by Pact vessels, recent battles on the Atlantic had enforced the dominance of the LTA's navies, giving some signs of hope for this forlorn group. But nonetheless, the English Channel was a trecherous place, filled with mines, trigger-happy sailors and unpredictable currents, all of which could end this journey to freedom. But it did not matter. When the two hands on the President's watch struck midnight, the boat would set sail. If it was sunk, then so be it. The fight for Belgian independence would be carried on by others.

But to Schollaert, the cause had been already lost. In only a matter of weeks, the nation of Belgium, an Industrial Powerhouse and 1st World Nation, had been taken, its armed forces, after years of neglect, practically useless. And to him, it was all his fault.

Why hadn't I headed the warnings? Why didn't I prepare!?! Oh God, why must you be so cruel! he thought to himself as he glanced down at his watch.

11:55, it is almost time.

Shifting from his cold, damp seat, the former President informed the others, nudging awake all those who had fallen asleep and whispering the word "It is 11:55, get ready. We are about to leave" into their ears. Many of them simply nooded, eyes still filled with fear. Others made no aknowladgement at all, a testament to the shock that still filled their minds.

5 Minutes passed and at once, the short old fisherman, a man by the name of Allard Kagermann, stepped aboard, his rubber boots and wool coat wet from the salty spray of the North Sea. Pulling his cap off his head, he looked down upon Schollaert.

"Your Excellency, it is time we embark. Have you ever been on a vessel of this sort?"

The President nodded his head up and down.

"Good. Then you can help me." said Allard.

"What do you need help with." asked Schollaert as he pulled himself up.

"I'm going to need you to as my lookout and First Mate. Anything goes wrong, I'm gonna need you to help me fix it."

"Alright."

"Excellent. Now, I've already checked the harbor for any Krauts of Rooskies and the coast is clear for the moment. However, I can guarantee that this place will be crawling with them in no time. So without further ado, let's get this show going."

Walking over to the back of the boat, Allard pulled away the docking rope and rolled it up on the deck.

"Get the anchor!" whispered Allard.

At once, Scholleart dashed to the front of the boat and reached his hands in the icy cold water, grabbing the metal chain that connected the anchor to the boat. Pulling with all of his might, he lifted it up on to the deck and promptly put it down.

Moving up to the front of the boat, Allard pushed the electric starter. When the small engine sputtered to life, he pushed forward on the throttle slightly and the boat made it's way out of port.

Within a few minutes, the boat was in open seas, where the future of Belgium now hung in the balance.