It has been snowing in Vienna. A layer of white powder covers the city. In this strange time of year, the city comes alive. Unlike most European cities, Vienna does not stop for the winter. It is as if the people are compelled by the beauty of their city to go about their business as usual. It is not uncommon for the worker to look up from his pavement to gaze in wonder at the snow covered city.
Now is also a time of considerable pride for the Venetians. The Empire now ranks among the greatest in Europe, perhaps the world, perhaps even history. Nationalist sentiment, which in the past had been reluctantly expressed, perhaps in the same way of a loyal supporter for a perennially loosing football team, was suddenly triumphant. Austrians express their pride in the Empire with a voracity not seen in the Empire. Czechs, Jews, Hungarians, Poles and the many other nations that comprise the Kaisertum take note; the Austrian jubilation with hesitancy. While it may mean more prosperous times for them, the prospect of them achieving state hood has never been more distant. Nether the less, many join in the celebrations. This is a time where new national identities are established. But with jubilation and hope comes both expectation and fear. The people expect the benefits that come with an expansive empire. Luxuries, improvements, education, civil liberties. It all must come.
And underlying these hopes are even greater fears; that some more powerful nation could come take it all away.
While the city is revelling in its own beauty the Austrian politicians gather in full uniform at the Emperors palace. Dukes, Grand Dukes, Princes, Generals and higher aristocracy commune in the Kings chambers. The room, in true Austrian style, is subtly grand. The Austrians always know when to be implicitly and explicitly so. The Curtains are red, draped over seemingly ordinary windows. Gold leaf is used sparingly, unlike in other rooms of the palace. There is little furniture other than two book shelves in each corner, a globe and a long mahogany table, highlighted with gold.
The Assembly of Nobles all take their place. Franz sits at the centre.
He is unusually pensive, all brought on by the onset of snow. He does not respond well to the winter. Winter was always a time of torment, the season when his father was no longer able to avoid him, and the two were thrust into each others presence by mother nature. Though he neglected his son throughout the fairer times of year, in Winter he made up for these nine months of freedom. Franz was relentlessly beaten, criticized and insulted by the mad old King until the snow abated.
The first opportunity he had Franz shunted his Father up to a palace in Warsaw, forbidding the guards to ever let him set foot in the palace. His demands were assured no one liked the old Emperor.
Leopold enters the Emperors meeting room with more grandeur than the Emperor himself. Draped in full military regalia and sporting a sword, he strides in, servant tagging behind him. He draws laughter from the lesser of the high nobility (for there is no one who isnt important here), disdain from the Dukes. Leopold dismisses his servant and sets himself up one end of the finely decorated table. In contrast Hugo is stated at the other end, dressed in his usual smart, black jacket. He chats amicably, but nether the less distantly with one of the Dukes of Warsaw, Ferdinand Von Schwarz.
Both have a great degree of interest in one other. Schwarz is one of those rare forms of nobles that tolerates those beneath him in class. He has an interesting concept of hierarchy, one that places the likes of Hugo and Leopold far beyond those with superior titles. He is polite to all. All are polite to him, and say nothing bad of him , even in private, no matter what they may think. He is a powerful man, such is his influence that he could potentially dethrone the Empire if he really wanted to. But he waits and watches the other major players. The Emperor, the General, the Treasurer and the Grand Duke. The four most powerful men in the Empire.
There is a general consensus that the conference should begin, and it does, eyes fixed on the Emperor. Franzs speech is bland, thanking all those responsible for the recent success in Russia and calling for the continued success of the Austrian Empire. Everyone in the room claps, a couple of the Nobles give a standing ovation. Franz smiles dismissively and calls Leopold to speak. The General adjusts his paper and stands. He is all for continuing the Austrian expansion, calling for Yugoslavia and the Afghan state to be annexed. His voice is inspired and optimistic. His plans seem rational and appeal to the nationalist and aristocratic nature of the cabinet. All listen with rapt attention. One member alone is not impressed, scouring at the other end of the table. He listens to Leopolds speech, and every word of expansion, glory and war cuts him like a knife. When it comes to his turn to speak all eyes flicker onto him and their faces grow pale. They know already what he is going to say.
I WILL NOT Support Another War! Hugo spits his statement.
Why, when we have achieved are objectives, succeeded far beyond our means do we seek to enter another conflict?
It is imperative, now that we have significant territory and enough recourses, that we develop! We must spend our money on the people, ON THE ECONOMY,
ON THE SATE.
Im sick of this war mongering. It leads to nowhere except death. If we are to survive, FOR WE ARE STILL VULNERABLE, we must invest. Not in the army, but in Austria itself.
There is silence in the room. Hawks frown, some of the more moderate members of cabinet are aghast. It is the Emperor alone who appears unfazed. As Hugo, the commoner, the socialist, the pacifist sits down, Franz gets to his feet. All eyes are on him. He waits for the shock to dissipate before speeking
It is my belief that Lord Aigner is right. He pauses looking at the eyes of all seated at the table
We are not going to war. It is simply, yet bluntly put. The winter has cooled his voracious appetite for conflict. But it is final. Hugo has won.
PART 2: Of Diplomacy and Peace
May 1832: We are now able to focus on the true duty of the empire, that is to improve the lives of Austrians everywhere Hugos voice rings out onto the streets of Vienna, to the applause of the citizens. Leopold stands behind him. There is evidently tension between them. Things have not been the same since the meeting in January. There is a rift between the power brokers. Franz is now confronted with hostility, despite his initial popularity. He has loose backing from Hugo and even looser support from Von Schwartz, who is only interested in war as far as he can profit from it. Leopold, however, leads the other members against the three. The Resentment they once hid is now out in the open.
When Hugos speech is over, Leopold marches behind him into the palace.
We cannot neglect the army he shouts at Aigner.
I know says Hugo dismissively.
Then why must you cut us back? Leopolds statement stops Hugo.
There are millions of people within the Empire. Not just Austrians. Czechs, Pols, Ukrainians, Russians. You know where the real power in this country is?, Leopold hated this socialist streak in Hugo, but said nothing.
The people. If we ignore them the Empire splits. The Czechs, the Russians, all of them unite together to oppose Austria. Why? Because we are not helping them. They are stuck in the hopelessness of their lives. Leopold mightve yawned if he did not see sense in his argument. He sighed, resigned to Hugos logic. Hugo changed his tone and the subject
I do not want any hostility between us. We may be very different, but we both need allies. You, unlike some of the other members, see reason. He is of course referring to the political rift now appearing in the Austrian meeting places. And it is becoming clear to both Leopold and Hugo that they are not on the side they want to be on. Hugo holds out his hand.
Leopold is unsure. He quite liked this upstart until last January. Then that abated and led to pure resentment. But something very strange was happening. The Emperor no longer seemed in the all powerful position he once was. Schwartz and others were fast gaining in power. He takes Hugos hand and shakes it. Peace was made between them.
I will need some troops says the General
How many will you need? asked Hugo.
Another five contingents would be adequate.
Hugo nods, and returns back to his office.
September 1832: There is sweeping Industrial change throughout the Empire. Hugo begins a tour of the Empire, and shocked by the poverty of the Russian quarters, embarks on a radical plan for Industrialization. To the surprise of many, Leopold gives his full support for the plans, which involve a reduction in military spending, an increase in development of industry and agriculture. The plan is lauded by economists. There is a surge in support for the Emperor.
The Russian Resistance movement is largely put down, but still remains strong in some of the more populous cities. Leopold sends troops to disperse them, and the protests abate.
January 1833: Leopold approaches the Emperor about a three army strategy. One based in Vienna, One based in Rostov, and One based in Omsk. The defence plan is enacted allowing the Austrian army to cover any city within four months.
May 1833: There is a Rebellion in Rostov. Leopold chooses to meet the rebellion with appeasement rather than with lead. Economists advise that Hugos investment in Industry is set to be complete in two years.
September 1833:Following the withdrawal of soldiers to meet with the three army strategy Novgorod springs up into rebellion. Under resourced Leopold cannot spare any troops and is forced to appease the rebels once again.
January 1834:The Shah of Persia requests an audience with Franz. Franz agrees to see him. On September the 30th, the caravan of the Persian empire reaches Vienna. A train of camels, a grand carriage of the middle eastern style, and extensive harem of girls is accommodated at the summer palace. The workers crowd the streets to get a glimpse.
Franz embraces the Shah rather than the token European hand shake; such is the custom in Persia. The Shah is enigmatic, but he is a man with ambitions far beyond his means. A lavish feast is held, with all manner of luxuries paraded and exchanged on both sides.
The next day is for business. The Shah, hung-over and slightly dishevelled is walked into the negotiating room by his Vizier. Franz in full regalia abstained from drinking and confronts the upstart king, seated in a golden throne at the back. Hugo and Leopold flank him on the left and right. At the centre table is the Austrian foreign minister; Hans Wolfs. He is a timid man, bright, but timorous, and is bullied by most of the royal court. However he is adept in his dealings with foreign ministers, perhaps due to the intimidating set up of the Austrian quarters.
I will be blunt with you, there is little that we can offer you, other than luxuries speaks the Shah softly.
And you dont even have those Hans snarls in his whiny German.
But we are both vulnerable. We need protection. You need protection. Let us agree to help each other. The Vizier pulls out a scroll, a contract. A mutual protection pact, and a resulting look flares up upon the faces of the Austrians.
Franz sneers. Hans cannot see him, but does not need to.
I do not think so. says Hans bluntly and puts away his stationary. There is a look of shock, horror, offense and desperation upon the Persians. The Vizier gazes hopefully at Franz. But Franz remains cold cold.
Is there anything else youre willing to negotiate. asks Hans. The Vizier puts more paper on the table. This time, Hans looks with interest.
We may be able to sell you iron for this. Providing no contact is made with the Russians from now on.
The Shah nods. Diplomatic secrets and investment in ship building are promised. But there is nothing else that can be achieved. The Persian envoy has ended in a total failure.
Good bye. We hope you enjoyed your time in Austria. Hans says, dismissing the Shah.
Good work, Hans says Franz after the Persians had left, making the small man jump. The man who had firmly dealt with a foreign minister was once again his usual wreck of a man.
The camel train packs up and leaves in an hour. The Austrian people once again come out in doves to see it. But this time the caravan keeps their heads low. They know the Persian Empire is now reliant on time and time alone.
A week has past. Hans, Hugo and Leopold are woken up at the dead of night. Summoned, they get dressed hastily and make their way the war room. Franz is standing grimly by the window.
President Roosevelt has demanded tribute. Silence rings across the room. The men stare hopelessly aghast.
We should not pay! cries Hugo, indignant that the vile upstart, America, gets funding that is needed elsewhere.
We have no choice. We must. We cannot compete with America.
Franz, tired and bitter listens. Power is effectively handed to his three ministers. He cannot make a decision at this time.
Hans says nothing, but nervously agrees with Leopold. Franz nods. Forty five pieces of Gold are sent to the empire along with an envoy.
The Envoy returns months later. A grand alliance has been signed. Roosevelt agrees to protect Austria for another payment of 83 gold pieces. It is a bitter pill especially due to Roosevelts snub, but it would stop the likes of Britain, Prussia and China from interfering with Austrian sovereignty, and allow Austria to continue expanding southwards. All at the Austrian court nod gravely, but accept the conditions, knowing that it might not be long before they no longer have to worry about foreign demands.
1834 May: The Canadian Prime Minister requests to see Franz. Unlike the Persians before him the Prime Minister arrives without a large ensemble. He, like most of the leaders of former European colonial states, was modest, a man who preferred effective actions to grand, but baseless gestures. He is not allowed to see the King directly, siphoned off to see first Hugo, then Hans. Both reject his offer of an alliance for money. They have no need for Canada, especially at their asking price.
Vienna Tribune: Yugoslavia and Abyssinia sign an alliance. Deterance to Possible Imperial Objectives
Yugoslavia and Abyssinia after months of negotiating with other powers decide to form an alliance. Leopold rues the deal; a union of smaller states would complicate Austrian expansion, especially with America who could easily pick off far away nations with its navy.
A Scandinavian retinue also arrives in Prague. Their offer of a mutual protection pact for 30 gold for the next four years is rejected out right by Hugo. Hans and Leopold concur. Franz however, is unwilling to turn away the Scandinavians immediately. Closed door talks occur, the ministers of both nations, to their bemusement are excluded. Both sides hypothesise what is going on, but neither can pin point exactly what is happening. Both Kings emerge from the room. Something has happened. Both express clear smiles.
A month later Leopold finds out exactly what. Leopold had an established routine of ignoring his wife whenever she was around, especially when she was speaking. However his wife for once provided something of interest.
The King is MARRYING the Princess of Scandinavia!. Leopold spits out his coffee.
It has been a busy time for the diplomats. The Japanese delegation has also made a request to see the king. The Austrians anticipate the Japanese delegation with much enthusiasm, and are disappointed when they set harsh price for the expected mutual protection pact. It would have been useful, especially with China and Russia surrounding the eastern cities to have Japanese protection. They are forced to send them away
Two Dragoon Units are produced in Warsaw and Prague. They are moved close to Vienna where they will be ready to attack Sarajevo to the south.
Hopefully they will not need the help of Japan with these new forces.
State of the Empire Report
Military Adviser: While we are still expanding, we are still lacking militarily, indeed even the fallen power of Russia still has enough troops to take back their land. However our force of eleven dragoons should be substantial enough to defend the nation for now, indeed it may be adequate to launch attacks on the smaller nations of Yugoslavia and Afghanistan. However we must wait until we have greater militarily capability before we attack again.
Economic Advisor: We have seen remarkable improvements to the Austrian economy. Our population has increased by over 100,000 and out gross national product has increased to 115 million, 8th in the world. Productivity and Mfg. Goods have also increased well beyond expectation. However, there are still many improvements that could be made. Life expectancy as decreased to 35 years and we are ranked last for military service. We must improve these statistics or risk falling behind.
End of Part 2
. I am considering changing Egypt back to Britain though, but more to stop them from being so damn powerful.
hope that doesn't offend anyone. It probably shows that I'm not American 
