Author's Notes:

There was originally a picture included in the DeviantArt copy of the story, which was meant to show what the last stream of refugees during the Terror looked like and who they were. It perhaps helped that said photo was in reality that of Hungarian refugees in Canada, taken around 1956, which made it all the more fitting, or haunting.

Also, this part of the story and the ones after might come off as bittersweet, if not unintentionally cruel for those Hungarian fans. Still, I hope it works out.


The Personal Records of a Doctor: A RDNA-verse Tale

11 March 1934
Tried to shake off last night. Nothing else weird over the past days. Still find this whole Nation idea hard to grasp. The old priest clearly had other thoughts on the treatment. What did he know? Couldn't say. Even if he did, doubt he would say much. Apparently left early morning. Perhaps for my own good. When the time comes, maybe. This can still work.

Didn't want to ask the family on Austria or his wife. His Majesty made it clear. Too soon. About as painful for them as Francesca. Hesitant in any case. Had to look them up on my own.

Knew from research and hearsay that her name was Elizaveta. Said Francesca took after her. Well loved here as well as in Hungary. Should come as no surprise by now. Then Bridget stumbled upon something among a stack of papers [1].

Recognized the picture. One of the last groups of Hungarian refugees from the Continent. Came from different walks of life. Noble, soldier, banker, peasant, and so on. Or rather their families. The rest opted to stay behind, so it went, to fend off those bastards. Whether they knew her or not, they died for their country. Died for her. All for nothing. Same for the others. Nations that don't exist anymore. All lost to the damn Terror. If not for the Reds, they could still be going about their lives somewhere. Who knows?

She was never meant to see this. Not now. Maybe it's pointless anyway. Perhaps she already knew. Doesn't take away the horror. But she's making ground faster than expected. She hasto fight it. Hope the Italian's wrong. For all our sakes.

[1] The picture was taken around 1927, shortly before Francesca's arrival. –Ed.

14 March 1934
This could still work. Trying to. Has to. Having my doubts. Wasn't obvious at first. She made requests to raise the dosages. Went about the routines well enough. Seemed to at first glance. Yet there was something unsettling. A slight edge in her voice. Motions more strained than expected. A familiar look on her face. Not that visible, really. But hints of it returning. It's only become clearer the past few days. Haven't been any significant returns to violent outbreaks. Can't risk having them back. She shouldn't. Need to monitor her further.

Not that it's getting any better for both of us. Or safer. More and more guards going about again. Rumors of another Red mutiny [1]. Some good news in the papers at least. The Loyalists are winning in Canada. Looks like the aid's working [2]. Apparently the Governor's envoy was heading here for an audience. Most likely on sparing a few soldiers to the front. Given the mess here and elsewhere, doubt it. Maybe that's really why the guards are all out. Sounds better than another Red with a rifle, at least. Hope I'm right.

Don't know if I should mention this. Checked up on her just an hour ago. Was crying in her sleep. Pillow and blankets were wet. Saw a broken picture frame at her bedside. Turned down at first. Took a deep breath and had a closer look. Had an image of her family. She was in the middle. There were two other figures. Recognized the man as her father, Austria. Looked much more dignified. The woman at the other was definitely Elizaveta. Hungary. She did take after her. Or rather, bore a lot from both of them. All of them smiling.

But then I noticed streaks of blood. More than anyone would want to see. Tried to put it back before leaving.

Was that taken from Vienna? Budapest? What did she see there? She must be finding that out this very moment. All over again. God, I really don't know.

[1] Red mutinies among the country's military personnel were notoriously frequent in the first decade after the Terror, though similar cases were reported during those events. These were instigated mainly by disillusioned soldiers, in conjunction to Collectivist cells and agents. While such cases diminished in the following years, the last occurred at the southern frontiers in 1975.

[2] Attempts by local Collectivist cells in Canada to incite a similar Revolution on the continent resulted in the Dominion Conflict (1929-35). Effectively a civil war, the country was split between the Montreal-based Loyalists and the Red factions mainly around the western territories. With the British Empire critically weakened, the Loyalists turned to the RDNA and American Federation for help. But with most effort being placed on restoring order and a degree of normalcy, little more than sporadic aid shipments could be spared. The war's aftermath, however, left the affected territories severely crippled, forcing Canada to cede them to the Americans. -Ed.