Link to OOC: http://forum.eternalcrusade.com/thr...ng-of-the-twentieth-century-ooc-thread.56363/
@Uriel1339 @matt23 @High_Adept_Zeth @Keidivh @GoreWrencha

The night is cold and dark as winter besieges the bundled up cathedral fortress city of the Vatican. Towering spires and buttresses dedicated to patron saints and honoring long dead representatives of the Catholic faith look out from candle lit cells marring almost every structure. Hymnals echo faintly as the choirs convene for mass and the heavy smoldering clouds of incense are blown through the ice and snow covered streets. Though foot traffic is almost non-existent at this time of year as most remain in doors during the worsening conditions of winter, a steady stream of carriages and automobiles has lit up the cobble stone streets for several hours.

Ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, pompous military officers, and even the big cheeses themselves have all shown up to a summons of the ages to bring about the security of the world in the coming years and to put aside the petty squabbles that have almost destroyed the world a second time in recent memory. Despite lingering scars between them, those that gather in these hallow halls will have to either band together to survive the next few years or tear at each others throats until only one is left standing.

Despite the biting cold, the central cathedral of Saint Peters Basilica is left warm and welcoming within its open halls. Braziers burn incense and seasoned timbers even as rose water basins remain luke warm to cleanse those of their travels as they proceed to enter the hallowed halls. Uniformed soldiers of the Finnish Guard smartly dressed in their navy blue and white battledress and sparkling finery stand guard at every entrance giving false pretenses of security. While they greet and acknowledge all who enter, they do not shy away from preventing those that enter from leaving.

Even as the last carriage draws into the now packed confines of Saint Peters Square, the gates leading into the Vatican City swing shut and the summons have officially begun.



The foreign parties are led into the Sistine Chapel which has been set aside for use during the talks and already many foreign dignitaries have been holding polite conversations and begun to size up the competition. Even as crystal goblets are drained of honeyed liquor, the sweetened tongues of lairs and professional thieves are already hard at work. Despite the noble intentions, the city has now become a den of vipers and as the evening slowly gives way towards the dark night, it is but a few hours until the first council session is held. Already lines have begun to appear as old grimaces are brought to bear and the next week will be...quite exquisite to say the least.

It will be but a few hours before the sun arises once again and the first council meeting to discuss the latest matters of the world. To what end will history be written and to whom will the spoils be split?

Général de Division Leon, had allowed most of his retinue to go on ahead of him to the chapel. All but Colonel Valois, whom Fabien trusted above all the others. After all, the rest who had been assigned to him where done so not by his own choosing, but by that of the La Troisième République (French government until 1940 aka The French Third Republic). Together they walked within the New Gardens behind Saint Martha's chapel. Valois was first to speak (All in French), "Sir, do you honestly believe this a plausible idea? Honestly, most countries can not discuss things in a civil manor one on one and now they wish to assemble all the major powers of the World here, in one place." Valois made the sign of the cross on his face and chest before he spoke, "The Lord knows I want this to work, Sir, but whether his grace and wisdom shall shine here is an entirely different question. The people of France have been calling for change, but are they truly ready?"

Fabien knelt down and placed his hand around a single white rose. He leaned forward towards it and took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. He smiled before standing back up and continuing to walk, "Whether they are ready or not has now become unimportant. The World now calls for change and the people of France now join in the hymn. We are here to protect their interests and ensure France and her people are not cast aside or forgotten about when the change comes. And God willing, it shall." Fabien then made the sign of the cross on his chest. He then paused and looked to Valois, placing a hand on his shoulder before speaking, "Colonel, we now represent more than just ourselves or a Regiment. We represent the entire country of France and her people. Do not for get that in the coming days. For that frame of mind, that we are doing this for our country's people, shall be what keeps us on the path of what is right. Now, let us go and join the others within the Sixtinische Kapelle." Fabien then began the fairly short walk to the Chapel.

Fabien and Valois reached the Chapel doors. Fabien paused as he looked at the holy place. Few places in all the World held a history such as its. Valois looked back at the paused Général and tilted his head, "Should I wait, sir?" Fabien shook his head, "No, Colonel. You go on ahead and I shall meet you inside." After a few more moments at taking in all the sights, Fabien walked into the Sistine Chapel. As soon as he entered, he dipped his right hand's fingers into the mason of Holy water and made the sign of the cross on his face and chest. He then knelt, folded his hands, bowed his head and prayed...

"Notre Père, qui es aux cieux,
Que ton nom soit sanctifié,
Que ton règne vienne,
Que ta volonté soit faite sur la terre comme au ciel.


Donne-nous aujourd'hui notre pain de ce jour.
Pardonne-nous nos offences
Comme nous pardonnons aussi à ceux qui nous ont offensés.
Et ne nous soumets pas à la tentation,
mais délivre-nous du mal,
car c'est à toi qu'appartiennent le règne,
la puissance et la gloire, aux siècles des siècles.
Amen."
​

After he had finished, Fabien rose back to his feet and took his rosary from his pocket, kissing the crucifix that was on it, before wrapping it around his right hand. He then took the little time they had left, before the assembly was called, to walk around the Sistine Chapel and admire the precious work of art. All the while he rubbed the beads of the rosary through his pointer finger and thumb as a faint smile appeared on his face. It was a moment of peace and serenity before the coming storm.

The Japanese Delegation was more focused on efficiency than sentiments and aesthetics, their traditions however forcing them to appear in their proper ceremonial uniform. At the tip was Crown Prince Fushimi Hiroyasu of the Imperial Family, first-born son of the current Emperor. Flanking him to the right was the actual negotiator on behalf of the island country, Admiral Hideki Fujita. Famed Navy tactician and proud soldier who has served in many conflicts. Due to the growing prowess in the naval sector of the Imperial Fleet, it is no surprise that Japan sends one of their more intimidating and skilled tacticians to Europe, considering that diplomacy much was like a theatre of war in itself.

Behind the two followed on an even line Vice-Admiral Kai Yamamoto, Governor of the Bank of Japan Eigo Fukai and Takeshi Toyotomi, minister of the cultural sector - and expert on global cultures in order for the Japanese not to embarrass themselves. He spoke from the rear of the group, carrying a colored map of Europe, dividing the countries by their borders as they marched the hallway.

"The Germans, French, Italian and English are most likely our best approach partners, all three show much prowess and more importantly honour in combat. From a thousand years ago until now, they have waged many wars and should be able to respect us for the same."

"I concur." Eigo simply chimed in to give approval. After all, he attended Versaille conference and understood much where the parties stood, in his opinion.

"Very well then, I shall remember that." The Admiral noted with a soft hum, his both gloved hands behind his back as they stopped in front of the room that would be designated for the prince. "I will not disappoint you or our nation." Hideki saluted, Hiroyasu saluting back. "I know you won't." Was responded with confidence. And so the rest of the delegation, now being four made for the conference room, ready to tackle the council with full force ahead. It was only the first of many steps, but like war it would be won with many and not a single battle. And now it was time to establish a bridgehead.

After the Japanese Delegation comes nearly opposite of the ancient and refined country. One of the youngest participants, just recently past its 20th independence year, Delegation of Finland follows after. Minister of Foreign Affairs Rudolf Holsti, Director of National Bank Risto Ryti, Chemist Artturi Ilmari Virtanen, General of Finnish Military Vilho Nenonen and Adjutant Otto Kumenius. All of the members are dressed in simple suits, single military uniform slightly differing from the common theme. They wear long, thick woolen overcoats on top, despite the cold and darkness not bothering them that much. Their home country was not any brighter or warmer so current climate was fitting, if not even convenient for them.

On the inside the Finns are a bit awestruck, the architecture of the divine buildings something not present on their land. Of course, it's too pompous and unnecessary large and that thing could had been done differently and Aalto could have designed better, but they need to admit, at least silently if not aloud, that Vatican has a history and reputation to respect for.

Once inside the Cathedral, they herd up together to rubberneck the great halls and more importantly the parlor inside it.

[In Finnish]
"Are we late, Rudolf? Everyone else seems to have already arrived."
"The negotiations and discourse begin not until tomorrow. It is understandable that those with longer travel arrive later. Although it is custom in the diplomacy to form alliances and lock down agreements before any meeting has been officially opened."
"Indeed. Many are here to promote their own gains, despite the globally benevolent goal of this meeting."
"We should keep the mingling short, we have early morning tomorrow."

Even if they had arrived first thing in the morning, one day isn't enough for more than brief official greeting of all the other parties. Delegations from all over the world are gathered here and to probe out their intentions and diplomatic alignment will take longer than the whole event is scheduled. Such is the state of affairs in any larger meeting. Therefor a skilled diplomat knows how to sail on the rocky waters and whom to focus his attention.

"For now, lets greet our neighbours before retiring to our rooms." The Finns diplomats separate from the group to seek out their scandic brethren while remaining group heads towards their rooms.

Dawn brought with it a slightly warmer day as the sun parted the thick cloud cover with smudges of glorious rays which put an end to the shadowy night. Already clerics and priests were up and about wandering through hallways and leading daily prayers and sermons. At 0600, morning mass was called along with a banquet feast for breakfast catered towards the diplomats and their entourages that was delivered to each room before they would be summoned to the first council session. At roughly 0745, Finnish soldiers escorted each ambassador group into the deepest sanctum within the Basilicas of Saint Peter and as the last member entered, the stone doors floundered shut shaking the room with the echoing seismic boom which could be felt up ones bones even at a distance.

Along the flanks of the room lay tall stands seen normally in a courtroom framed by marble pillars cut with the noble deeds of long dead patrons and saints. The hickory and felt clad pews of the wooden stands faced inwards to a central dais which was encased in a bloody stream of crimson carpet. Above, the ceiling had an open sun dial which let in fresh cool air and pure light unto the dais as if those who approached to stand would be heard and judged by God Himself yet the Almighty would not be the one to make the ultimate decision this week.

Ahead of the dais set in a stone casement portraying the last supper in rich detail, nine high back stone chairs overlooked the proceeding in a rising arch with one seat in the center proceeding over the others. It made no hiding of who was the most senior nor who would speak for the council. However, some of the seats were left empty and before the gathered retinues lay the representatives of the Vatican. Taking the lead, Arch-Bishop Ezekiel Parish, a man in his late seventy's and looking as ancient as his age raised his hands to call for order. To his flanks were Cardinals Melios Coronado and Fortiga Mordiago. On the extreme sides of the twin cardinals whose evil looking mustaches represented what most would assume of a red clad preacher of His will, were Bishop Hanz Emul and Patriarch Gregory Petros and finally on the extreme edges, Bishops Edmund Tolin and George Wellington in their dark grey robes were seated and the Arch Bishop finally spoke in a shaky voice riddled with age.

"I will be quite frank and get straight to the matter. To decide the current political fate of the known world, you will all represent your cases in the presence of this council, the 107th Vatican Assembly to be heard, judged, and awarded based on your character and privilege. Today's matter is...Bishop Tolin would you be so kind?"

Standing up to address the assembly and making brief eye contact with the British contingent before speaking, "The bubonic plague which has swept across southern Russia into central Asia and most of the Middle East and Africa. Current death tolls place it at 17 billion dead and another 19 billion in a similar state of barely living. Due to the collapse of several central governments and lack of leadership, the areas are in need of extreme political oversight and humanitarian relief.

What is needed is a task force representing His most Catholic Church to bring enlightenment and salvation to the masses. An estimated 92 trillion tons of food, 47 trillion tons of medical equipment, 19 billion personnel of civil, military, and medical backgrounds will be required to relieve the areas in question. The first representative may step forward and make their case for a united effort."

Sitting back down into his chair, the council had made clear their desires and now would begin the long diplomatic demise of the world...or its long sought redemption, only time would tell.

Right before the meeting officially began the Germans made their entrance, and at its head was none other than the leader of the German Empire, Kaiser Alrick Gottzmann, decorated in a simple military uniform, only his commanding presence distinguishing him from the rest. At his right was the rightfully notorious Erwin Rommel, Generalfeldmarschall of the German Empire and chief military adviser, famed for serving alongside the Kaiser himself and securing his position as ruler of the resurrected Second Reich. Some might consider having two military men in such a gathering was a bit much, but Germany had for centuries relied on its martial prowess to secure its future. And with that strength on the rise once more, they needed to show it. On his left came the esteemed Tabbart Edelberg, Chief Advisor on Technology and Science. Through his vision and drive, who helped to guide Germany's blossoming research programs.

Flanking them were Rainor Albrecht and Konrad Franz, Chief of Finances and Domestic Affairs and Chief of Foreign Relations and Culture respectively. These men were advised to come at the Chancellors request, hoping to curb the Kaiser and his right hands direct and blunt nature.

Alrick looked about the glorious sanctum, letting little show on his face as he observed his surroundings. It was a truly beautiful structure, albeit rather tacky and overindulgent for his tastes. Catholics, with how much they throw away on grand buildings and sculptures one would wonder what they have left for the Lord's work.

[In German]
"Hmph, I still say this is a waste of time mine Kaiser. These people may speak of peace, but they each plot to their own end." There was a noticeable hint of hostility in Rommel's voice, Alrick quickly noticing the mans gaze fixating on the French envoy. Alrick placed a hand on the veteran generals shoulder, quickly cooling his temper.
"Perhaps my pessimistic friend, but who's to say we can't make gains of our own." Truly Konrad seemed to be the only one who was actually enthused about this gathering.

Talks were ended quickly and a hush descended on the room as the Arch-Bishop brought about the main issue that needed to be addressed. It likely wasn't news to any of the European powers. The massive wave of death struck fear into the countries bordering closest to the region, and were rumored to patrol their borders with extreme prejudice to keep any foreigner out. Thankfully something not of much concern for the distant German Empire.

[In German]
"Why do we concern ourselves with such distant problems? Many of Europes people still suffer from the Great War. Efforts should be focused on the homefront."
"I find myself agreeing Rainor on this my Kaiser, such efforts would be a waste."
"Pah! Hardly you short-sighted fools, this would be an excellent chance to show the good will of the German people. We are not the most beloved nation in Europa, this may alleviate that."

Before either Rommel or Rainor could retort Alrick raised his hand to silence them before turning his attention to the still silent Tabbart.

"What say you on this Edelberg, have we the resources to assist in this matter?" The question brought a light smile advisors face.
"Why naturally Kaiser."

After a few moments of deliberation amongst the German envoy it seemed a consensus was reached. Kaiser Alrick Gottzmann moved forward to the center of the massive meeting room, hands clasped behind his back and stance rigid.

"Hail esteemed servants of our Divine Lord, and to my fellow nations. Long have my people heard of the plight in distant lands, their suffering weighing heavy on our hearts. By ourselves we were powerless to provide meaningful help, but thanks to this convention this can change." Alrick's had a deep Prussian accent that carried easily throughout the room.

"After consulting with my trusted council, we have found a way to help guide this noble and righteous effort. Germanys research in the medical field has progressed quite well, and we would be more than willing to lead this effort in the medical field, assuring a steady and realistic supply of medicinal equipment is transported to the region. And to honor the purpose of this gathering, we will work along two others who will lead the Civil and Military matters for the mission, although Germany will provide needed military counsel and assistance. We look forward to working alongside you all to resolve this deplorable epidemic." With his proposal presented, Alrick gave a small, curt bow before returning to his council, and waited his fellow nations response.

The Japanese did not even consult one another as the meeting began. They all sat in their designated positions. Christianism while quite established in Japan ever since the Shogunate was abolished, it had yet to gain true grip on the nation. And as such, each and all of them were unphased by the saints, jesus christ and such. The understanding of their value, of their metaphoric and spiritual value was noted, but dared not have an impact on the traditional shinto-oriented Admiral Fujita.

The Germans spoke first, their initiative duly noted by the Admiral he rose from his chair to respond. (@Keidivh ) "Germany and Japan both seem to agree that we can help through medicine. We would be willing to share our knowledge in the field, but we will not manufacture the goods. It would be too expensive to produce them from our home and transport the required amount that far. It would be more efficient to have our scientists oversee productions in Europe with the local resources. If Germany would be ready to carry the cost and material of said production, under our oversight, we might be willing to reduce our efforts, and the amount, on gaining the remainder cost of the reparations that had been agreed, nearly twenty years ago.

Additional however to our proposal to allow the production of medical equipment and goods, we are ready to deploy some of our troops and people to help in the overall aid in Central Asia, under the condition that the Russian Federation (@Mechiaus ?) can and will take care of themselves, and that China as well as India will aid in our efforts to limit the crisis to central asia and not let it further get to the East. We would be aiding in this scenario through our military and civilian volunteers, aiding in the manpower and structure to perform such relief."

There was no kidding around and no playing, no farces or sugar-coating any facts nor attempts with the Japanese. Especially not the Admiral of the Imperial Fleet who had to prove his nation's strength and had literally behind him sitting the prince and his vice admiral. There would be most certainly no slightest sign of weakness. The others would either be intimidated and cower in fear, or had yet to learn the true might of the Japanese.

It was obvious that this would be the main issue to be discussed on the meeting, at least on the first days to break the ice and set tone for remaining event. As such the Finnish Delegation had prepared for this matter well before hand, which was to be expected of any country. Waiting for free turn and listening to others, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rudolf Holsti goes through the papers and documents in front of him. These partially secret papers state Finland's true ability to provide humanitarian help. After Admiral Fujita finishes, Holsti waits for moment to see if anyone else takes the next turn and stands up, clearing his throat.

"Honorable Arch Bishop, Vatican Assembly and fellow Delegations. This disastrous event is worrying indeed. No other disease has caused such wide spread death on Earths history. Black Death, Spanish Flu, not even the Great War has killed as many people than this outbreak. This is the largest tragedy that mankind has faced. And as such, in a door step to a new era, mankind must act united to face this tragedy. We must not think that this tragedy does not effect us just because the physical distance to the disaster area. We are coming closer to each other with increased speed. Mere century ago traveling across Europe took months. Yesterday, I arrived to this conference after a less than a week's travel. We can no longer distance ourselves from remote problems. There is no telling when the plague arrives in here, in Europe. We do not want another Black Death. We must do all what we can do to solve this tragedy sooner than later. Together.

The Great Famine has not been forgotten by my nation. My parents had to eat tree bark bread. That I myself have not faced hunger, does not mean I should be blind to it. I know that we are still in transition, the effects of Great War are still showing everywhere. But even when our own countries are rebuilding themselves, we must reach out our hands to those, who are in even greater need.

I suggest a creation of global committee to oversee the humanitarian help and relief work. The responsibility should not alone rest on on the Catholic Church's shoulders. A joint task force of the Red Cross, the Catholic Church and the League of Nations. By organizing and controlling the flow of materials, food and personnel we can make sure the aid reaches where it is most needed and that needed quotas are filled, while lessening the amount of administration piling up to single organizer. Thank you."

Holsti finishes his speech and returns to his seat.

The delegation of the Imperial Russian Federation hurried down the ancient marbled corridor, their intense pace barely matched by the Finnish and Papal escort.

They had arrived late the night before, delayed by heavy snowfall burying the rail lines. None the less, they had been able to attend morning mass and dined quietly at breakfast while discussing their key positions for the conference. From the moment they had arrived though, the animosity had been palpable.

The Grand Prince Vladimir had been quietly shunned by the other attending Monarchs. Gone was the fear and deference he was used to in the Russian circles of life. At the Vatican, surrounded by the heads of empires and the titans of industry, he was but the lowly son of the bloodiest despot Europe had seen in generations. Not even the shared blood ties could help him here, for he was not Tsar Nicholas' true born son, as Alexei had succumbed to the blight that had ruled his life since his birth just after the Great War ended. The Tsarina had grieved for months afterwards, refusing to see anyone and eventually died from pneumonia. Nicholas had not taken their loss well.

He had blamed Alexei's death on the malevolent priest Grigori Rasputin, who he blamed for scandalizing his family and undermining his authority for years. Rasputin's miserable death was prolonged and agonizing. Vladimir still remembered watching the man be marched through the streets of Moscow, stripped naked and whipped ceaselessly by the Tsar's Cossack enforcers. He was then hanged, burned and what remained was buried in an unmarked grave. Gruesome, to be sure, but a mercy compared to what Nicholas had done to the others.

Vladimir still remembered that day, in late November of 1917. The day their train had been stopped outside St. Petersburg. All the cars had been full of the Tsar's extended relations, called by the Tsar's own invitation, to celebrations that were to take place for two weeks in honour of the end of the Great War. Princes, Grand Dukes, Barons, Counts, a slough of others and their families had all come from across the Empire. They had been hauled out of the cars by the Tsar's Okhrana, into the chilly morning air. Some weren't even properly dressed. Many were angry. Many more were terrified.

Some demanded to know the meaning of this crude indignity, but their demands fell on deaf ears. They had been shuffled away from the train and lined up neatly along a newly dug ditch that was about one hundred meters from the rail tracks.

Tsar Nicholas had been waiting for them. Along with three hundred soldiers of the Special Corps of Gendarmes. He had been in his full Cossack regalia, cutting a terrifying figure on horseback, as his slowly trotted his way past the line of his family members. His former ministers and generals all looked to him, begging and pleading for mercy. He gave them none. He had called them traitors, degenerates, thieves, Bolshevik Sympathizers, and worse. He moved to a small hill that over looked the scene, so he could look down at all of them, sneering, with such a look of contempt as Vladimir had every seen. Only three people were pulled away from the line. His parents, the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich and Countess Natalia Brasova, and himself, then a boy of only seven.

They hand been hauled in front of the Tsar, who verbally berated them. Nicholas disowned them both as his blood and ordered them taken away. He had remained however, as Nicholas did not hold him responsible for his father's failings. The Tsar's last words to his brother were chilling: "I will raise your son to be the man his father never could be! One loyal to his nation and his people!".

There was no further ceremony. No last words or prayers. Just a signal from the Tsar. An Officer's shout and the crack of three hundred rifles. The wailing and shouting ended in an instant. Those bodies that had not fallen into the ditch, were tossed there unceremoniously by the soldiers. He didn't have the chance to say goodbye. He didn't even have a moment to cry, as Nicholas pulled him up onto his horse and galloped away to their waiting train.

After that day, he was no longer George Mikhailovich. Young George has died with the other traitors. Nicholas gave him the name Vladimir, after the Great Vlad, first Tsar of all the Russias. A strong name, one that would earn him respect and fear.

~*~

The sounds of the heavy doors closing behind roused him from his thoughts. He straighten himself and walked into the chamber briskly. The other delegations were already taking their seats. The Russian Delegation however, moved to approach the seated ring of Papal representatives. Vladimir approached the wizened Archbishop Parish and made the appropriate reverence, taking knee and kissing the offered ring. This was repeated by each of the Russians in turn. They also made reverence to the Patriarch Petros, as the representative of the Orthodox Church.

Vladimir knew that he would need to show deference to all of his betters here, as the Tsar had instructed, as he could not leave Russia and attend himself, due to the security concerns and his gradually failing health.

It did not matter though. Vlad knew he was here to play his part and work towards restoring Russia international image. A very slow and arduous process, but a necessary one.

The Russians took their assigned seats. They listened intently to the opening remarks of Bishop Tolin, and each of them cringe ever so slightly at the reminder of the plague. As if they needed the reminded of the suffering of millions of their own country men. The suffering of foreigners however, was less of a concern. Still, efforts would need to be made appear amicable.

As always, the German Kaiser was the first to speak. Father had warned him that cousin Alrick spoke quickly and often. He was very sharp and forward, as was the Prussia way. He was not to be underestimated. The Kaisers proposal was sound though, he could not deny. German efficiency and technological progress was legendary. They rebuilt their nation from rubble in just over a decade. There was still parts of Russia reeling from the war. . .

Still, if Russia could provide the required food and military strength (which they had in abundance) and Germany agreed to provide access to their rail networks and engineers, Russia could greatly benefit from their expertise and spearhead their desperately needed modernization.

Then the damn Japanese had to chime in. The bastards . . .

Always a handshake with the right hand and a dagger with the left. They win the Russo-Japanese war and think themselves a world power? Dare to occupy stretches of Russia's northern frontier unopposed? The nerve . . .

Vladimir maintained his composure with little effort. That business was history as far as he was concerned . . . but to Marshall Kolchak, it was another story. To Kolchak, it was very real for he had fought in that war. Even now, Vlad could see the tension in the Marshall's neck. Had they been seated closer, Vlad had no issue imagining Kolchak lunging at the Japanese admiral and strangling him to death. Kolchak had fought and bled during both wars and the revolution. Vlad doubted that Fujita had ever got his sword bloody.

That aside, he tapped the Marshall on the shoulder and urged him to let the slight pass. Kolchak grumbled a rather colorful stream of slurs aimed at the Admiral's parentage. The other Russian delegates quietly chuckled.

After the little Admiral had finished speaking, the Finnish Foreign Minister Holsti chimed in. Always with the peaceful platitudes with them. The League of Nations . . . bah, would good had that useless body ever done? What had it done to stop German and Austro-Hungarian aggression?

That said, it's not as if Russia had a better solution. All they could do was quarantine the cities and restrict the movements of their citizens. Hundreds of millions had died. The bodies had piled up faster then they could bury them. They had resorted to burning the bodies in massive open pits, as too much fertile land was being turned over to makeshift graveyards. Officially, the situation was under control. In reality, regional governors could barely keep up. The best medical minds were at a loss to find a cure. No patient lived long enough to study and contagion was so rampant that no one dared to risk prolonged exposure.

Still, Russia persevered. Vlad needed to make a show of good will.

"Your Majesties, your Holiness's, gentlemen" Vlad began. "On behalf of his Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas Holstien II, I thank you for our inclusion in these matters. Firstly, in answer to Admiral Fujita's concerns @Uriel1339 , I can assure you that Russia has done everything in it's power to isolate the affected cities and quarantine the inhabitants. Our southern borders have been closed for months and movement is heavily restricted. Our medical establishment has been hard at work to find a cure for this ravaging disease, but effective study is nearly impossible due to the contagious nature of the disease. Despite this however, we press on and look forwards to collaboration in this regard to develop an effective means of combating this menace"

"Furthermore, Russia is more then willing to contribute the military and labor requirements, as well as providing necessary foodstuffs and raw materials. We will however, request access to the German, and indeed continental Europe, rail networks in order to effectively transport these men and materials to their required destinations. Additionally, If Germany is willing, we would also request the loan of technical staff and engineers to make the necessary improvements to our existing rail network to expedite the movement of men and goods. In exchange, Russia would be very willing to absorb a large portion of the financial costs of transport, storage, wages and of course supply the required abundance of coal to fuel this grand undertaking" Vlad concluded, yielding the floor.

As the Japanese Admiral made his response and demands, a noticeable scowl began to form on Rommel's face, while the rest of the German retinue remained stone faced, following the example of their leader. When they were finished Rommel stood from his seat, looking to have a few choice words for good Admiral before Konrad seized his arm, shaking his head lightly. Rommel conceded, but his glare remained on the Japanese, their willingness to throw the treaty in their face so early a blatant insult against the Reich.

The Finns plan was much more reasonable, and directing efforts through these organizations would greatly help to reduce costs and manpower from the nations. Surprisingly the Russians offered a relatively fair and reasonable compromise as well, albeit it benefited them as well. Vladimir was a wise man, and knew his people desperately needed assistance in the areas of technological advancement.

[In German]
"My Kaiser, the Japanese offer us blatant insult with their demands. They think to have us bear the costs of this endeavor, and in exchange they won't force upon us those foolish demands of Versaille."
"Rommel is right, but they must be turned down with tact. Besides, it is clear we have support from Finland and Russia. Let me deal with this Kaiser Alrick."

Alrick pondered Konrad's for a moment before nodding his assent, trusting that his foreign advisor would live up to his title.

@Uriel1339
"Esteemed Admiral." Konrad Franz began as he turned towards the Japanese envoy, a true diplomats smile plastered on his face. "While your offer is appreciated, there is little worth to be seen in it. At the heart of it, all you offer is to oversee this grand undertaking. You refuse to offer assistance in terms of production and cost, and minimal manpower. While your offer of assistance is appreciated, it is not needed. We Germans are quite capable of looking over our own production. However if you wish to assist in medical matter and contribute resources to it, we'd be more than glad to have your assistance." While perfectly polite, there was a tone of iron in his voice. The Germans were not ones to be cowed by strong words or even actions, and their stance on this position remained resolute. Germany had stood against the world and put up a bloody fight, and they would be wise to remember it.

@GoreWrencha
"However we find true worth in your suggestions working with these charitable organizations Mr. Holsti, and we would be happy to provide our expertise and resources available to help them complete this sacred mission." In all honesty working with these organizations would greatly benefit Germany, lightening the load of its contributions considerably.

@Mechiaus
Russia's proposal had to be approached carefully however. Alrick knew Vladimir to be a patient and cunning man, and despite their countries bloody past he had a healthy respect for the man. But they each had something the other might want.

"And of course Grand Prince Vladimir, your proposal is fair and reasonable. Germany would gladly give you access during this time, and we believe a team of our technicians and engineers be spared to assist in improving you rails efficiency. All's we'd ask in return for this is a contribution to Germany's food supplies. And of course we will assist in the production of medical equipment and military personnel where needed."

With the Germans rebuttal finished, Konrad returned to his place alongside Alrick, awaiting to see the what consensus might be reached.