Diplomacy:
From Russia
To France
We have gone to the trouble to send a messanger to you because ideologically we are natural allies. We fully support your quest to reunify France into the one nation it rightfully should be, even if we disagree with the Catholicism and later secularism of your people.
In the current climate, I fear we will not be able to meaningfully help each other. However, for the sake of symbolic comradeship I propose a free trade agreement (even if it will matter little in practice), and an agreement that if the two Germanies invade either of us we shall work together to defeat them.
Stories:
The first thing I suggested I should do is some in-character work for Dobrynin. The problem is Dobrynin is meant to be master of the emtional invective, whereas I... am not. I've decided to work around this in a manner which reveals more of Dobrynin's character.
Context of Notes on the Future of Our State
Before his death in 2139, Dobrynin's prestige was considerable. He was considered the best hope of the Theocrats, who wished to maintain a large portion of their power whilst fending off both Technocracy and Democracy as ideologies. Dobryninism was the official ideology of the state, and many constitutional amendments had been passed within Dobrynin's lifetime on his recommendation. Because of this, his death was greatly mourned.
As revealed from the Notes, Dobrynin was in the habit of first laying out everything for himself then creating emotional invectives later. Although he had never intended them to be, the Notes were published and had political impact on those around him. The result was that Dobrynin would inject one last burst of power into Russian Nationalism before his death. Unlike his life, this was on his prestige alone. Being made for himself and carefully concealed, the Notes reveal Dobrynin's "true self".
Notes on the Future of Our State
The course of the current Government worries me. The basic principle that we should give up on parts of our country in order to take parts of greater priorities is, of course, sound- how could it not be? However, it is a principle which is easily open to subversion and rationalisation.
Bit by bit, although we still say the right things in principle Russia is turning away from the proper course in practice. This has been going on for years now. First, we recognised the Far Eastern Republic in all but name. Second, we withdraw from Caucasia. Third, we withdraw from the Baltic States. Despite all the government's noise, it's clear we're not going to be doing anything about them.
I fear this is my fault- I should have taken a government Ministry when I had the chance. I would never have been able to get so many amendments passed that way as a party politician, but I might have averted this problem and saved our country. Now, I am close to death and it is too late.
Petros, I know you're going to read through my notes when I die, starting in your usual fashion with this one. I beg of you, please leave the rest of the notes untouched. Burn them, ideally. I will not use my normal incentives on you- you are cunning enough that you would see right through them. But would you not respect the last wishes of your dying father and leave my privacy be?
However, as a final gift I make you a secret prediction. You may be a second-rate politician, but with this you could achieve something. I did not give this to you in person because if you were responsible enough to look through my notes then it proves you are man of honour of integrity and will get over your lust for fame and glory. I very much hope this is the case, but I doubt it.
The Russian government may talk big about reclaiming our lost lands, but really they don't care. What they really want is to expand their land and power as much as possible. Examine their every move closely, and discern their every hypocrisy. Make this appear to be your own doing, and you will make your own name in the world.
Of the agendas of the others, here are my own private thoughts for you.
The Theocrats are cowards and fools. Descended from a Church not used to wielding power, they are terrified they will end up like the Tsar or the Soviets unless they give it all up. They are good for their role, but a poor choice of allies.
The Technocrats are my greatest disappointment. The civil service are not to blame for their lack of ability, but they are to blame for not exercising more independence. Petros, you should make these your power base for the future.
The Democrats are still plagued by the Populists, and will be for generations to come. Though the Populists are evil, you cannot stand against them. Nor can you join them- Aleksandrov distrusts you, and will interpret any attempt of yours to join them as me scheming from beyond the grave. Until Aleksandrov is dead, this branch of government is lost to those of sound mind. After his death, perhaps something can be done.
The rural elites and the Populists are as one, as the Populists have bribed them. The urban elites have been bribed by the enemies of the Populists. These two sides will continue to fight for the future of Russia. Aleksandrov is a skilled operator, and made the right decision in choosing the rural course. I know you will be tempted to ingratiate yourself to him, but if you do that you will be choosing the path of evil and political self-destruction.
I beg you, Petros, please do not read any further. Do as your old man says just this one.
-Dobrynin