Reborn a a dragonlord

by Mi414622

Dragonlord pre doom si

3. 2

Rudolf will Reign, Dear

Thread starterjohnboy Start dateMay 13, 2017

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#1

Threadmarks November 1888-Two ISOT's, two deaths

johnboy

1 May 1931, Bremen, Germany

Well the old man had finally done it. He was no longer a naval officer. It was all he had ever known from the moment it had been clear that music would no longer suffice to keep his family afloat and the prospect of working with his parents at the conservatory had dimmed. Nine years in the navy had seen him advance to Lieutenant. It was a comfortable career and had afforded him the opportunity for numerous affairs as he moved around as the service dictated.

He had met Katrin and liked her, in his own way. To be truly honest with himself, he felt like it was the time to marry and have a family. He was not so much in love with the girl as following what he saw as in his own best interests. That was what one needed to do, right? Protect one's own best interests?

"Conduct unbecoming to an officer and gentleman" they had called it. It was bullshit. So, he had broken the engagement. Lina was more to his taste, less of a field-mouse than Katrin. What use was a women who did not know her own mind? Prettier to. Now where did it leave him? He picked up the violin and payed a few melancholy notes. Well, it would all work out in the end he thought, preparing himself for bed.

It was at 5.35 he awoke. What was the matter with him? Inside, part of him was screaming in terror, yet his own body continued to move like an automaton. He saw himself reach across to his now redundant navy service jacket, move into the right pocket and emerge with the Dreyse M1907 pistol, placing it firmly against his forehead. No, an inner voice was screaming, no!

He pulled the trigger.

1 March 2016, Bradenton, Florida, United States

She held the letter from the WTA in her hands, formerly asking her to "show cause" as to why she should not be suspended. It was potentially a career ender for a 29 year old player, where a suspension could out her until age 33. It was not like she could even consider getting other girls on the tour to vouch for her or even take the fall. She was largely friendless on tour, a situation admittedly of her own making. What was the point in making friends with future enemies?

Oh, she knew she could be charming when it was required. It was not like she lacked the capacity to do so, after all. She had never been more aware of the need to perform for the general public as required or to turn on the charm enough to get what was needed out of a situation, or even to talk a guy or a girl she fancied into her bed. But friendships? She had never troubled with these to a great degree.

Looks, talent, hard work, these were tangible things, where as friendships were anything but. Ambition, power, these were tangible things. If these things were achieved, then one could then be in a position to be generous, to assist others as required under one's own terms.

The question remained as to how to deal with this? The case was open and shut. There was no escaping the basic facts. She sighed. It was best to just get on with it, acknowledge mistakes, turn on the charm as much as possible and take the licks. It could not be that long, the tour needed her after all, there was little in the way of other great rivalries.

She undressed and pulled on a short nightdress. It was after all still warm in Florida in March and she was used to cold in any case, slipping into her bed alone.

It was at 5.35 she awoke. What the fuck? It was like she was in a dream. Her heart was pounding and it seemed like a dream sequence as she reached into the bedside table, her hand emerging with the Glock 26 she kept in case of burglars. It seemed in slow motion that she brought it back up to her head and gradually pulled the trigger.

Subspace Point 123796.6754, 894578.5467, 66459021.6904, Station JH34

Elkondar walked into the main control room and saw the two bodies on the holographic view screen. One a tall blonde man in blue wool pajamas next to a small bed with black sheets, sprawled on the bottle green carpet nearby, blood slowly leaking onto it. The second a tall blonde female in a purple nightie, sprawled back onto the white bed with red stains everywhere. It was then he sensed another presence.

"Khalless, what are you doing now? Stop this infernal meddling."

"I just could not resist, no one has ever sent two back before."

"That may be so and have some merit but..."

"Besides they are perfect for each other."

"For God sake how so?"

"Well they are both ruthlessly ambitious, self contained and generally prepared to do whatever is necessary to get what they want. It's a complete change from sending back people who strive to help others first. Besides, where I am sending them one needs a man with a heart of iron."

"What place would find a use for people like that?"

"I thought perhaps they can revive 'The sick man of Europe'."

"This is not what we are meant to do here, you know that right?"

"Well, it's too late now, but no more I promise."

Elkondar heard the hum of the machinery increase slightly in intensity before the room was bathed in a dim green light. Done then. Well at least that idiot had promised that this would be the last time.

4 November 1888, Mayerling, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The most immediate sense he had even before waking fully was a body up against his own. Lina was in Hamburg. Surely he had not gotten a girl and forgotten it somehow? He turned over to see a pretty, yet voluptuous girl. Who the hell was she? For that matter where the hell was he? The huge oak four poster bed looked so different to the small pension he had slept in last night, the remains of a large fire still smouldering in the fireplace.

It did not take long to realise something was wrong. Aside from the surrounding and the unknown slumbering girl, as soon as he hit the floor he sensed something different. Somehow he seemed...less tall and his hair was a darker shade on his arms. He looked down...not the only place he had darker hair. What the hell?

There were large double doors at the end of the room. Perhaps answers could be found there. First he pinched himself. No effect. Still here. Maybe not a dream. Ok then. He pushed the door open.

"Good morning, your Imperial Highness."

He whirled around, still stark naked to the sight of a 40 or so man in an elaborate uniform.

"Who the hell are you?" Although now he thought about it, he somehow knew this man. Johann...perhaps.

"Big night last night sir. Too much Tokay. A messenger arrived for you an hour ago Your Highness."

Information overload. "A messenger from who?"

"Your father sir."

"My father?"

"Yes, your father, the Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, you remember the one? Come on sir, we need to get you sobered up. And perhaps put some clothes on, yes?"

"The woman?"

"Baroness Mary von Vetsera. It was a bad night sir, she was here last night as well, surely you remember that?" Vaguely he could remember having sex with...someone. "Tomorrow you asked to arrange a meeting with your other favourite, Matzi Kaspar."

Dear God, what was this? Franz Joseph? He had been dead for 15 years.

"Err, Johann, my father, yes, well better get dressed. There is a bathroom in there, right?"

"Of course."

Here goes nothing.

"I was just thinking Johann. How many years since the Battle of Lissa?"

"The Battle of Lissa sir, strange thing to think about. Well that was in 1866, so let's see, 22 years ago now."

God he was starting to feel sick and for once something was defeating his famously held self control. In addition, his mouth was parched, his throat sore and he had a curious metallic taste in his mouth. He pulled open the drawer of the amour revealing a mirror and a different face than his own, all of which he promptly vomited on.

How had he gone back 42 plus years? In addition, how had he gone back into the body of another man, let alone what was seemingly Crown Prince Rudolf.

He stood there panting, sweating and naked and with the smell of vomit sour in the air. Mind you, Crown Prince Rudolf, it was a step up from a junior navy officer, a step up indeed.

4 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The most immediate sense she had even before waking fully was a body up against her own. She flew out of bed immediately. No one had been in bed with her when she went to sleep the previous night and now a possible celeb stalker was in bed with her. She stumbled and fell onto the floor. What was she wearing? It looked like an old style bed jacket from "The Sound of Music" or something. Had the creep dressed her up in some weird way? Somehow she could not resist looking over the top of the mattress to what lay beyond.

Perched in the middle of the mattress was a small girl of about about five or six with a tumble of buttermilk hair and a happy smile. "Hallo mama". The child came over and climbed into her arms.

That sounded like German in accent. Where was she and who was the kid? She heaved herself to her feet and the weight of the child seemed quite heavy. She did not feel herself and had a strange metallic taste in her mouth, enough to almost make her feel sick. What to say, what to do. "Hallo, liebchen."

Hey, that was German. This room was strange. Or was it, it was richly decorated in mainly reds, the enormous bed taking up much of the far wall with the whole suite containing expensive looking antiques. She took a deep breath. Somehow, God knows how, she had been here before.

Who was the strange child? Yet, seemingly, she knew this child from somewhere. Likewise the room. She tried to count down from ten, an exercise she had used many times before for calm during big games. Peace came 50 second later only to immediately be replaced by panic. Mentally she had done it in English, Russian, French, German and Dutch. She did not know any Dutch...

It seemed a long shot but perhaps the kid. "So, child, let's practice...erm...introductions. Who are you?"

"I am Archduchess Elisabeth Maria Henriette Stephanie Gisela of Austria". What? How? "And I am?"

"Silly mama. You are Crown Princess Stéphanie Clotilde Louise Herminie Marie Charlotte of Austria."

There had not been a Crown Princess of Austria for over 100 years. It had to be a dream. The thought of going back 100 years was simply to fantastic. She tottered out of bed and over to the mirror, turning to look at the reflection. It was nothing like the 6ft 2 inch muscly frame of an athlete with blonde straight hair that greeted her. Instead, same hair colour, but a slimmer, more delicate figure, shorter to, maybe only 170cm or less. The room started to whirl. It was the last thing she remembered before crashing to the floor.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

A number of stories, including: Consequences of an Errant Shell - https/dp/B09G149ZFH

Mitteleuropa: A Hapsburg Story - Rudolf will Reign - https/dp/B09FZW4ZNP

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#7

Threadmarks November 1888-Heydrich and Sharapova are discovered dead

johnboy

4 November 1888, Mayerling, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He had insisted on using the ottoman in the drawing room, pulling the curtains and lying down after washing his mouth out. It was mainly a device to try and gain control and lie in the dark and think. However, he must have drifted off as it seemed in no time Johann his valet was shaking him awake. Johann, yes he recognised him straight away now. He was not sure how long he had slept but now he started to push out his mind as he rose, groaning.

As he stepped into the bath, his clothes neatly piled up ready to put on, it seemed that he had possessed all of the memories of this persona, this Rudolf. Yet he maintained all his own as well. Remarkable. Whether it was the sleep or the soothing aspect of the hot bath, but the rising tide of panic had receded and now he dwelled on the more interesting aspects of his situation.

It was not like he was going to miss his old life that much. Lina perhaps. The navy had kicked him out like a dog that had piddled on the carpet. Where as here, well he was only one small step away from ruling an empire of nigh on 50 million people. Now that was something. Yes, he could make this work, his main concern now the leftover burning pain from urination. What the fuck was up there?

He dressed quickly and let his valet put on the finishing touches. "What about the young lady?" asked Johann.

What about her indeed was his most immediate thought. "Tell her I have been summoned by my father and that I will be in touch if I need her again." It wasn't the time to be bothered with pointless complications. Now to meet Franz Joseph. He stepped outside into the waiting carriage, one of the most recognisable men in the world.

4 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Fuck". The most immediate thought she had was how much her head hurt from hitting the floor where it was not covered the the huge Turkish carpet. As she woke up she gain saw the child, Erzsi was the name that immediately came to mind looking at her with concern, large tears leaking out of her turquoise eyes. She immediately felt a bloom of guilt, although she was not sure why.

"Erzsi, how long have I been asleep?"

"Maybe ten minutes mama."

Ten minutes, yet now it all seemed clear. It was like someone had connected up a series of missing leads. OK then, so she had somehow been flung back in time. Into the body of the Austrian Crown Princess. Why? No, that was not the right question and let's just ignore how completely fucking crazy it all sounds. Think, think! Was this a bad or a good thing? It seemed like a bad one, sure, yet she had little back in 2016 either when it came right down to it. Little in the way of friends. No current relationship. She had drifted apart from her mother and her father was controlling and beginning to tire her to be about.

Yet now she had gained all the memorizes of Stephanie as well as her own. How similar their own childhoods had been under the influence of controlling fathers and largely friendless. Her marriage, child and her treatment by Rudolf. What a bastard. However, things could have been worse. She was near at the pinnacle of society and wealth in a huge empire. If only she could bring her husband to heel perhaps this may not be so bad after all.

She stepped out of the door, only to be surprised by a liveried footman. "Your highness..."

"Can you bring my maids to assist in dressing and at the same time where is my husband?"

"Yes, of course Your Highness. I do believe the Crown Prince is at the hunting lodge."

Mayerling. Of course, that Greek sow.

"Can you please let him know that I require him to see me in my chambers as a matter of urgency?"

"Err, of course."

First things first. It was time to try and shore up her own position here. She badly needed an island of stability and at the moment none existed.

Subspace Point 123796.6754, 894578.5467, 66459021.6904, Station JH34

Khaless had made all the transfers of memories and allowed the connections to opening up and stimulating unused areas of the two brains. Now all that remained was to sit back and watch the fun. He did not feel that guilty about killing both in their original time lines. The former would go on to lead a truly horrific life after 1933 or so. The later would never regain her former greatness.

2 May 1931, Bremen, Germany

Heinz Hube was more than a little annoyed. In fact, it was intolerable that this clown was still in the room at noon. He had tried at 9.00am, 10.00am and 11.00am and yet no answer. He finally used his pass key to get into the room. It was not a pleasant site that awaited him. The body sprawled near the bed, dried blood caked onto the green carpet, pistol two feet away from the corpse. He looked at the head wound. He had seen similar in the war. Definitely dead. What had he said his name was again?

He gingerly reached into the naval jacket on the nearby chair and was rewarded with a wallet. Oberleutnant zur See Reinhard Heydrich. Some non entity, obviously depressed about something, he had smelt the alcohol on him last night. He had ran a guest house for 30 years. These things happened. He looked in the wallet again. No one would miss the 100 Reichsmarks he thought.

2 March 2016, Bradenton, Florida, United States

Maria Cortez let herself in after knocking three times. This was the normal arrangement that she had with her employer, although she would have expected to see the white Porsche 911 missing if there was no answer. She had been the cleaner for some three years yet could not say she really knew her employer, who seemed to be not one for small talk. It paid well enough, though, without being extravagant. She cleaned up the kitchen and large living area, although Maria was a neat person herself so there was not to much to do.

It was when she pushed open the door to the master suite that a scene of horror met her eyes. The body, clad in only a purple nightie, thrown back on the pure white bed, with the dark red brown of dried blood everywhere.

She had gone to the en suite to throw up and then sat on the toilet for a full further ten minutes, her bowels roiling. Finally, regaining some calm, she had moved back into the bedroom to call 911. After it was done she had waited for the police to arrive. Five minutes in she begun to feel normal again and then walked back into the bedroom. She had not even checked to see if she was alive. She touched the ankle. Stiff and cold. Then she contemplated again as she thought she heard sirens. It was sick but the photo could be worth a lot. A huge amount in fact. She positioned the I-Phone to encompass the bed, the corpse, the nightie ridden up on her thighs. Yes, the police would never reveal photos of the corpse of Maria Sharapova, but the seedier publications would be interested to obtain some of a seemingly fallen celebrity, especially now it seemed like she was unemployed.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

A number of stories, including: Consequences of an Errant Shell - https/dp/B09G149ZFH

Mitteleuropa: A Hapsburg Story - Rudolf will Reign - https/dp/B09FZW4ZNP

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May 14, 2017

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#16

Threadmarks November 1888-A meeting with Franz Joseph

johnboy

4 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

So, this was the great Franz Joseph, he thought as the double door were closed behind them. He saw a man beginning to grey, going slightly portly and seemingly weighed down by cares. He moved himself to the nearest chair. It was not like he was feeling 100% even now.

"I did not give you permission to sit."

"I am not a ten year old boy father. No one else is here. I am sure you can say what you require to me sitting just as well as standing."

The old Emperor scowled in annoyance. "I called you here to discuss your lifestyle."

"Go ahead."

"You cannot continue to persist with this sort of dissolute lifestyle, it is hurting the image of this family and is completely unacceptable. This latest favourite is just adding more fuel to the fire and I require you to immediately distance yourself from the girl."

"Well I have grown quite fond of her, as I was briefly 'fond' of her mother a few years ago. Lovely family."

"Are you trying to be funny boy? It is imperative that you end this immediately."

"And if I was to do so father, let's say I was to end things with her, let's say I also ended things with Matsi Kaspar as well. Perhaps even go back to my shy little door-mouse of a wife, as I am sure you would like? Try for a son? What would you be willing to do for me?"

"I should not have to do anything for you in order to obtain your obedience, to get you to do your duty by the dynasty."

"Well that approach has not worked so far yet now I am offering to do exactly what you want, give up my favorites, modify my lifestyle. However, make no mistake, like it or not this is not unconditional. I do want something in return."

"What would that be?"

"I want to be appointed a Minister."

"Dear God, you must still be hung over. It's out of the question."

"I see I enjoy your usual confidence, father. What was it I heard you say when you were presented a copy of 'The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in Word and Image.' 'My son wrote this' in shocked tones. I am not a fool father, despite your best efforts to make me one. This monarchy, this country, needs to move forward. Static ideas will not appease the poor in a multi ethnic empire and one day they will have their say. I need this to get back my life back on track. If I am going to stop drinking and whoring I need something else to focus on besides getting my wife on her back."

"What sort of minister?"

"Well a new ministry. Science and Technology. In addition, I want a second ministry. Also one that does not exist now. The Navy."

"Oh so now it's two ministry's is it? It's quite out of the question."

"Well to get things back on track I think it a small price. Otherwise, I fear I will have to find my distractions in other manners. After all, I am only following your lead father with the lovely Katherina Schratt. Plus I am sure you are aware of my 'medical condition'. Dreadful if this was released to the general public along with details and to how dissolute my life is, how dissolute your own may seem to be."

"What has gotten into you boy? Have you gone quite mad?"

"No father, I simply want a life where I can make a real difference and serve Austria properly, nothing more than that. Grant me that and I will serve you well."

Franz Joseph sat with his head in his hands. The Navy was so small it hardly mattered although what the boy thought he knew of it after an army career he had no idea. Science and Technology? Well it would not be stepping on anyone else's toes too greatly. "Alright then, come back to me in two weeks then with some definite guidelines in regards to what you wish to do with these new ministries. If it seems half way sensible I will grant your wish. In the meantime I expect a complete change of character, of dropping your liaisons and an attempt to reconcile with your wife. Agreed?"

"Agreed. Thank you father."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

A number of stories, including: Consequences of an Errant Shell - https/dp/B09G149ZFH

Mitteleuropa: A Hapsburg Story - Rudolf will Reign - https/dp/B09FZW4ZNP

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#28

Threadmarks November 1888-Stephpova contemplations pre first Reindolf meeting

johnboy

4 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She had always been one for lists, even from the early days. So, here it goes she thought. If she was going to survive here, she needed some sort of competitive edge. Being a gifted sportswomen would mean very little in 1889 Austria, particularly as an Archduchess. There was no point looking backwards, if she went to sleep one night and was catapulted back into the present well and good, if not, well then she needed to make plans. The most immediate problem was the gonorrhea her dear husband had managed to infect her with. Penicillin would help there. So, what did she bring:

1) She was used to being in charge and making her own business decisions

2) Medical knowledge. She had an excellent knowledge of sports medicine and a good knowledge of medicine in general

3) Knowledge of the timeline, what had occurred and what had failed. Perhaps the most important of all. Any fool could see that if you disenfranchise ethnic groups in a multi national empire it was a recipe for disaster. It wasn't rocket science, after all

4) Languages. She now was fluent in five and fair in Spanish as well.

5) Etiquette. Full training there.

6) She knew she had ambition and determination. That had not gone away. She was not weak, would not shrink from a challenge

7) She knew how to deal with people, manipulate or dominate them. She knew little of Austria or Rudolf, but he seemed like a weak reed that could hopefully be dominated and controlled. They would never allow her to be in control, but pulling the strings was quite possible

8) Her favorite movies and books had been war films and historical narrative, so again fair knowledge there but nothing in depth

9) Likewise science and technology. A fair knowledge of inventions of the last 128 years, but little in the way of specifics or technical data. With an IQ of 144 she did have a fair ability to retain names, dates and the like however.

10) Whilst this body was woefully underdeveloped, she had the co-ordination to be good at physical activities, so it could be developed

So, she was a mother, something she was not sure she would ever be. That was one thing out of the way. Next step was trying to gain control of Rudolf and making sure the idiot did not kill himself. That much she did remember. He killed himself sometime next year. His death would put her in an impossible situation, so that could not be allowed to happen.

In addition, the relationships she had with Franz Joseph was fair, but her mother in law hated her. Was that something worth the work or should she simply relieve the frustrations of her previous bad memories by giving as good as she got?

As for Rudolf, intimacy was out of the question, her current condition would prevent that. So what approach, fluttery and girlish or forceful take charge? Better decide quickly, the footman was announcing Rudolf.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

A number of stories, including: Consequences of an Errant Shell - https/dp/B09G149ZFH

Mitteleuropa: A Hapsburg Story - Rudolf will Reign - https/dp/B09FZW4ZNP

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May 15, 2017

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#32

Threadmarks November 1888-Reindolf gets a bruise. Reconciliation. Plans are made.

johnboy

4 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She waited for him to come in and wasted no time.

"Rudolf, we need to talk, I mean really talk. I already have two horses saddled and I want to ride to the park at Schonnbrunn. Too many eyes and ears here."

Well, that is unexpected he thought, however, it might fit well with the conversation he had had with his father. "What about Erzsi? Thought you were not much for riding."

"Erzsi is fine. I can ride well enough. Come on, I have taken the liberty of arranging two horses to be ready."

The ride itself was surpassing enough, Stephanie, usually unwilling to let the horse go, setting a cracking pace during the two kilometer journey in the cold November air. Finally they were settled in front of the glassed sun-house in the gardens. What could she possibly want? He had promised a reconciliation so hopefully it was that. The blow when it came was the last thing he expected. It was with a closed fist and so hard it he was momentarily stunned.

"That is a little thank you for giving me gonorrhea my dear." Now that we have that out of the way, perhaps we can move on to what we need to do to get back some sort of relationship between us. Besides, the first thing I want fixed is said case of gonorrhea and you need to help me make it so."

Dear God, what had happened to his dear, sweet little door-mouse of a wife? Well, if this idiot really had given his wife a venereal disease, perhaps it was well justified. "There is no cure that I am aware of."

"You need to start with Louis Pasteur. He has already done work on the possible curing qualities of Pennecillium molds. You have the influence to summon him personally. Moving on, we need to reconcile, both for the sake of Erzsi and myself. Rudolf, I am not the shy young girl you married any more. l am largely friendless, your mother hates me and I have had more than enough time to dwell on my situation. You have written how change needs to be effected, yet drinking and whoring will not be likely to engender it. You need to take charge, take responsibility, prepare yourself for the big chair. It may come sooner than you think. With rising tides of nationalism only a fool would think that things can continue as they are indefinitely. Before we are swept away with the tide of change, we need to move with it." Now was probably the time she thought. "Besides, I have been so lonely these last 24 months, I have missed you, Erzsi has missed you. If we can get over our problems, we can help each other be stronger." Tears were now pouring down her face.

Well, he assessed, those views accorded quite nicely with his own. In addition, he was all alone here himself. He was comfortable enough with that, but someone close with similar goals and ambitions was always useful to have. In addition, if he succeeded his father, a functioning family unit was a must. Plus, the women was crying and he had been taught to be a gentlemen, at least outwardly.

"Steffi, it's alright. Let me tell you. I have had a meeting with my father and he has promised to confirm me as duel minister for both the Navy and Science and Technology if I can present him papers showing I have an interest and competence in those areas within two weeks. I want to regain our relationship to. It's my fervent wish." He took her in his arms. She really was still quite an attractive woman.

So, a women's main weapon, crying, worked well enough she thought. "Two conditions."

"Name it."

"No more whores."

"Yes, agreed, no more whores. What about your own liaison?"

"I will take care of it tomorrow." He noticed her crying had stopped.

"Secondly?"

"If you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed you must come to me. I will help. I know you have had dark thoughts but we can push them back Rudolf."

"Don't worry, these new challenges and hope for us have rolled them back already. I feel new and recharged again." Like he was going to kill himself. No bloody chance of that. Too much to do.

"Well then, there is no more point hanging around here. We have work to do. They want policies and ideas, let give them some. I will race you back to the palace and we can get started. I warn you I know nothing of ships at all, however."

"That is alright my dear, it just so happens I do."

There was something...off about his wife, or his memories of his wife. She would have no more hit him than jump of a cliff from the memories he had inherited. Fuck, his jaw was still sore. Her eyes were sparkling with determination now. It was like she was a different person. No, that was impossible. Impossible enough to make him think of what had occurred to him. It was not like they had had deep and meaningful conversations these last two years and that isolation would have changed her. Not that much, surely. He did not disapprove of the 'new' Stephanie in any case. It would be interesting to observe her with her own family in Belgium when they visited in February. The women sitting high in the saddle as she spurred the large grey to greater speed seemed a long way away from the women he remembered marrying in another life.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

A number of stories, including: Consequences of an Errant Shell - https/dp/B09G149ZFH

Mitteleuropa: A Hapsburg Story - Rudolf will Reign - https/dp/B09FZW4ZNP

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#37

Threadmarks November 1888-Reindolf goes Fishering. Search for an admiral

johnboy

4 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He contemplated the contents of the telegram yet again as the flickering fire burned down. It seemed in order and if the man as not interested there were other options out there. He had spent the day going over the contents of the KuK navy. It was depressing reading indeed. Not counting four antiques he would hope to scrap immediately, the navy consisted of one battleship, two cruisers and seven largish destroyers. The level of infrastructure for servicing and building ships, training, the level of technical expertise, all were low indeed. He turned his eyes back to the telegram again.

To: Captain John Arbethnot Fisher, Director of Naval Ordinance, Admiralty, London.

From: Crown Prince Rudolf von Hapsburg, Pro Tem Minister from Naval Affairs, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Sir,

we have never met, however, I have been an admirer of your career for quite some time and find myself motivated to write to you to bring forth what may be an opportunity for both of us. The Navy here is in a parlous state and has been for some time, hidebound by obsolete ships, obsolete ideas and a lack of adequate facilities and budgets. Now that I have gained control of it's destiny, I intend to reverse this habit and bring forth new ideas, innovations and an adequate level of funding to compete with the other Mediterranean powers such as the Ottomans or Italy.

To break through the institutional inertia of the KuK navy I require someone new who can cut through the hidebound ideas encapsulated by current naval opinion here in Vienna. Someone who can handle the political as well as the technical aspects of building an effective navy. In case you are wondering why I am articulating all this to you, I am after a person to head up the Navy here at the rate of full Admiral, a considerable advancement from Captain. I believe that person could be you. Naturally enough, a generous salary would apply, in addition to a fully staffed house in Pola and an apartment in Vienna. Schooling could be arranged for your children.

I will not belabour the point except to say that if you harbour an interest in this opportunity, I will submit further details to our embassy in London in an attempt to answer any further questions you may have. In the event you are not interested, I would crave your indulgence to recommend a suitable officer that may be stimulated by such a position.

Yours,

Rudolf

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#45

Threadmarks November 1888-Stephpova on the Congo

johnboy

4 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She rose and went over to her husband's desk, where he was duly writing a letter. "Who are you writing to?"

"Captain John Fisher, Royal Navy."

"Never heard of him."

She picked up the assorted papers on the edge of the desk. "What is this?"

"Plans for a battleship from the Navy Office."

"Doesn't seem like a very good one. The gun thingies are all over the place, not down the middle."

"How do you know that's a bad thing?"

"Well, they are always down the middle aren't they?"

How curious he thought, no in actual fact they aren't, not for another 20 or more years. Plus the Belgian navy consisted of no battleships or cruisers. It brought back memories of what he had been thinking earlier today and he started to think about what might be a reasonable test.

"I noticed that you have not been idle whilst I have been writing to Fisher. What are you doing?"

"Writing a telegram of my own. Here, take a look."

To: Pierre Paul François Camille Savorgnan de Brazza, Alcase-Lorraine Grand Lodge of Masons, 16 Rue de Brazy, Paris

From: Crown Princess Stephanie von Hapsburg, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

My dear sir, you know not of me except perhaps as the unfortunate daughter of Leopold II of Belgium. I am aware that you will shortly be returning to Brazzaville and if it was in any way possible I would welcome the opportunity to talk to you prior to your departure. It should not require a lengthy conversation and I would be more than happy to cover any expenses incurred and provide accommodation here in Vienna for you.

I look upon your stewardship of the Congo in the name of France and consider the sterling job you have done with admiration, as opposed to the colonial adventures of others and would welcome an opportunity to learn more of your thoughts on the matter. Please reply post haste.

Yours,

Stephanie, et all

Rudolf read to the end. "Who is he and what is the motivation?"

"He is the governor of French Congo and the motivation is clear enough. Do you know that my father personally owns the Congo?"

"Yes, of course."

"What is less publicly visible is his reign of terror there; where if people fail to meet their quota of harvested rubber their life is immediately forfeit. As 'proof' of their death, their hands are cut off and presented to the local inspectors. Charming stuff."

"Where are you going with this?"

"Well it would be damaging stuff to if it was to escape into the public arena. Let me change tack for a moment. You know that I should be the next Queen of Belgium right, if only poor females were allowed to inherit? My brother died, my older sister married a Protestant and was disinherited?"

"Well yes, however, Belgian House Law dictated male succession only."

"Of course, male succession only. As if us poor females would be capable." she spat. "However, the Congo is another matter. My father's private property. He could leave that to whom ever he chose. Like his next in line daughter."

"Why would you want an African wilderness?"

"Well to spare it's people the savagery going on at present. No matter what I do in the place it can't be worse than what my father has done. You have no idea how I hate him. Plus it will be a prestige boost for Austria as well."

"I have no objection although I have no idea how you plan to have him relinquish it."

"Oh, I have some ideas."

"Rudolf, can you put Erzsi to bed, read her a story. We need to concentrate on her as well. If I really am now infertile, she may be the only child we have. She needs to be educated, loved, valued. I will not have her grow up like I did as a child. And what I will not tolerate under any circumstances is someone trying to swindle her out of her inheritance just because she is a female. I won't have her married as a 15 years old child like I was. I won't have her bypassed in this dynasty, set aside because of her sex. If we have no other children then she will sit the throne after you. If that requires you sit the throne and make these policies, not your father, then that is what must occur. This is just between you and me but are we clear?"

Her eyes glittered like little blue sapphires, unyielding. So unlike Stephanie he yet again thought.

"Yes, of course. You realise some may say that is treasonous?"

"Of course."

"Well, we had better keep it to ourselves then." He smiled fully.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#51

Threadmarks November 1888-Fisher gets a holiday in the Med

johnboy

6 November 1888, Admiralty, London, United Kingdom

Fisher was shown into Sir Arthur Hood's office. It was not the first time he had been here but it was certainly one that reflected the most unusual circumstances.

"Jackie, sit down. Well let's not beat about the bush, you have received an offer from the Austrians of all places."

"Yes Sir, completely out of the blue I might add. Let me also add that it is certainly something I have not canvassed and would not consider under any circumstances without the consent of the Admiralty."

"Thank you for your candour and bringing this to my attention immediately you received it. Have you discussed it with Frances?"

"Yes, she is amenable if it was to come to pass. Cecil would stay here with the navy, the girls would come with us. However, it seems an unlikely possibility, surely?"

"Well Jackie my boy, you have been earmarked for flag rank for some time, I guess that is no secret to say. Her Majesty's Navy has no intention of losing you to the Austrian Navy or wasting your talents in a backwater, however, there are reasons why this may be a good thing for both you and the Navy if it was to proceed on a short term basis. Firstly, for yourself, it will give you greater command experience managing people at the highest levels and a grasp of how at those levels political expediencies are also so very much a factor. Secondly, it will go very well on your resume after you have returned to Her Majesty's Service. In terms of that service, it will give us a detailed run down on the Austro-Hungarian Navy and their perceived plans. It will also help cement closer ties between the Navy's of both and show good will. Lastly, it may give you time to demonstrate certain technologies on Austrian coin and then let us know of their possibilities. With these factors in mind, we would be happy to release you to the KuK navy for no more than two years commencing say February 1889 with an option on an extension for no more than another six months. What are your own thoughts?"

"Well it is an opportunity for sure. I would want to make it quite clear that my allegiance is to the RN and that God forbid in the advent of any hostilities against the interests of Great Britain I would have to recuse myself. Other than that I did enjoy Mediterranean service."

"Yes, weather and all that. All right Jackie. If you agree I will arrange a reply through the Admiralty so they know it is conditional."

"Thank you sir. Fine by me."

"Very well - better go see what you look like in white."

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#52

Threadmarks November 1888-Stephpova plans, tennis

johnboy

7 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He was sitting comfortably reading when his wife let out a delighted little laugh. "What is the good news."

"Well Pasteur has accepted the invitation and so has deBrazza. Both will be here within the fortnight."

"That is good news. How did you know about Pasteur?"

"I'm not entirely ignorant Rudolf. Now that we are talking I want your permission and of course some money to renovate the old Ballhausplatz."

"What ever for?"

"Well no one plays real tennis any more."

"So what would you want to convert it to?"

"A proper indoor modern tennis court."

"What on earth would you use a tennis court for?"

"I have a little project in mind to raise the stature of women's sport not only in Austria but world wide."

"Well in the spirit of our new found co-operation I think that would be a fine idea."

Excellent she thought. William Renshaw, you may be in for a surprise. In the meantime, something needed to be done with this body to get it fit.

Last edited: May 17, 2017

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#68

Threadmarks November 1888-Tantalising Tesla

johnboy

8 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He had completed the letter and scanned the contents again. If there was any possibility of pulling this off at all it was worth pursuing. In the meantime, he was also contemplating his "test" for his wife tomorrow. He just wondered again, it seemed so unlikely yet the impossibility of what had happened to him opened the door to the possibility that someone else had also returned. He looked again at the missive.

To:Nikola Tesler, Hart's Hotel, Pittsburg

Dear Sir,

I have become aware of the difficulties of obtaining funding at present for your poly-phase system through Westinghouse and the current paucity of money and therefore opportunities for research. With that in mind, I write to you to indicate that if you were interested in coming home I as the newly appointed Minister for Science and Technology would be more than happy to guarantee full State based funding for your research and access to manufacturing facilities under your direction to enact production of said patents. I would be happy to discuss generous profit sharing arrangements in more detail if you are amenable to a personal meeting.

In terms of the location of such a facility, I am more than flexible and open to any suggestions you may have. Certainly, with projects coming up such as the commencement of an underground electric railway for Budapest, your ideas would be more than welcome.

I have taken the liberty of contacting your Alma-mater Graz University and in view of your sterling work in recent times, they were happy to issue you a full completion of your studies (certificate attached). I have long been an admirer of your work and would welcome the chance to talk more fully.

Rudolf,

Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, Minister for Science and Technology, et all

Well, the line had been thrown out, now it remained to see if the fish would bite.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#76

Threadmarks November 1888-Discovery

johnboy

8 November 1888, Draschpark, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

When it has first been suggested he had laughed out loud, much to her annoyance, however, after a four kilometer jog that had accelerated into a run and then finally a sprint he was not laughing any more. Yes, he had won. Then again, he did not have the disadvantage of running in a skirt. Stephanie looked completely out of breath. He felt like he was going to be sick and was struggling for air. It was only after five minutes break that she came and sat back down. "Thank God that is over." She smiled sweetly at him.

"We have to go back yet."

"We can call a carriage? I think the sight of a woman running in a skirt showing her ankles has scandalized enough people, let alone that contraption you have your hair in. A pony tail?"

"Yes. But no, we will not get fit enough that way. A run again? We need to get back after all."

Well he was damned if he was going to let a women beat him for determination. Or speed for that matter. In fact he was beaten for speed but between the blinding stitch down one side he was still able to think about how this might work to his advantage. Yet he was laughing at how disheveled she looked at the end of the run, which finished with him fifty meters behind. For the first time Stephanie looked like a younger women, full of life and vitality, as well as happiness.

"Can you come into my study to look at some plans I have made?"

"Rudolf, I am sweaty and exhausted and I need to change."

"Just a moment. Please."

"Well alright. Just a moment."

"What do you think of these plans for an aircraft carrying ship, an aircraft carrier?", he asked passing across the line drawings.

"They look fine to me."

It was then that he knew. "Stephanie, I think we need to talk."

She looked back at him, suddenly more guarded. "Let me have a bath and I will come back to you. Umm, what about?"

"Aircraft have not been invented yet, have never flown. I think you know now what about. I feel like I have been living a new life these last few days, have you ever had that feeling, like you are two people in one person's body? I have."

Her blue eyes hardened. "Let me have a bath Rudolf and we can talk later tonight over a private dinner. No beef this time, I am not really a big red meat eater."

So he was right. Fuck.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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May 18, 2017

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#84

Threadmarks November 1888-Stephpova's bath ponderings

johnboy

8 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

On reflection it was a pretty simple mistake really. She cursed herself at falling into such an obvious trap. So Rudolf himself was some sort of 'insert' as well. Whatever he was, stupid he was not. It was a more than complicating factor. Unlike chess, the Queen in the Austrian court held no real power at all aside from the power to influence. That meant rightly or wrongly her wagon and fortunes were hitched to Rudolf(or whoever Rudolf really was), like it or not. Not a comforting thought since he could be a pervert, a psychopath or something similar, although thankfully there was little sign of that currently. He could be a Russian, Ottoman, Italian or German agent bent on the destruction of the dual monarchy. Either way, the only way she would obtain any real power was via her husband, aside perhaps from her own plans for the Congo, which now assumed an even more urgent tone. That she could control, if her plan to obtain it, now well formed in her own mind, was to succeed. By the time she was finished with her father, he would be begging her to dump ownership of it. Pity the same could not be said about the Belgian throne, where the intransigence of ministers and the latent sexism of the day would protect Salic Law.

She settled back into the hot water and thought further. Yes, she had hitched her wagon to Rudolf no matter what. The presence of the girl only further complicated matters. Divorce was nigh on impossible. Quite apart from the scandal, her father would not take her back. She would lose Erzsi, whom she had already grown very fond. Plus, she would be poor. In 1890. Not a pleasant thought. Plus, then there were other thoughts. Were there other 'inserts'? Was this some sort of competition where they were like performing lab rats for other's amusement? Considering what had happened to their original lives, if she waked away and ended the "competition' would she simply be killed out of boredom or spite like in her original life? No, walking away was not an option. That being the case, Rudolf was rightly or wrongly part of the package. Plus, at the end of the day, there was an opportunity here. Potentially the horrors of the Congo could be avoided. As could World War 1, at least as she knew it, let alone World War 2. Hell, she could drop Adolf Hitler on his head. Or Stalin.

As far as Austro-Hungary was concerned, it was a disparate empire, 1/4 German, 1/4 Hungarian and 1/2 Slav. Despite the twin parliaments, the huge public service, the non reactive manner in which it functioned, the Empire was in some way a stabilizing force for its people and the rest of Europe. To the scattered ethnic groups of the Habsburg lands, it filled the twin roles of referee and bouncer, mollifying the region's indigenous rivalries and protecting its small proto-nations from nearby larger predatory states. This in turn also placed a check on the expansionist appetites of both Germany and Russia. The big problem was the Slavs. The twin union excluded them from a voice. The clearest lesson from the fall of the Habsburg dynasty was that a multinational union cannot exclude an ethnic group from the ranks of stakeholders unless they were very small. As long as this occurred the Slavs would forever see themselves as second-class citizens. The best it could hope for was what the Viennese called fortwursteln – muddling through from crisis to crisis under the pretense of progress. Lastly, Austria needed to avoid over-dependence on external powers. Much as Austria-Hungary formed in history an alliance with Germany to fill a strategic need it was incapable of filling for itself, namely military defense and security.

It was not just in her own mind that this was a mistake. The futility of acquiring more Slav subjects was all too obvious. Whilst parts of the Empire like modern day Croatia and Slovenia, as well as Czechoslovakia, using the Latin alphabet and being Catholics could be made to fit, areas like Bosnia with it's mix of Eastern Orthodox Serbs and Muslim Bosnians would forever be a weeping sore. In her own mind the more likely way an Empire such as the Hapsburgs could expend was in fact to the North, where Austria's former allies of 1866 lay, the Southern German Catholic Kingdoms. But that was not a conflict that could or should be won by Austria alone. In addition, the idea of war just to obtain territory was abhorrent. However, if Wilhelm II was just as much of an idiot as he was in her known history, God knows what would happen.

Well, if there was one thing Maria Sharapova was used to, it was winning competitions, if indeed this was what it was. That meant being smarter, more determined and tougher for longer than anyone else. That she could do. As for Rudolf, she had seen how he had looked at her during her run. If she could cure her current 'condition', she remained confident she could handle Rudolf, whoever he was. Truth be told, she preferred girls as much as boys, but there would be little opportunity for that in 1890. For now, Rudolf was the key. She needed to find out as much about him as she could and at the same inject him with enough motivation to ensure he performed well. When the time came, the old man would have to go as well, but there was plenty of time for that, ten years or so.

For now, handling Rudolf was the key. She dried off and dressed carefully, strategically applying perfume. This would require her to look her best.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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146

#110

Threadmarks November 1888-Secrets revealed and detente

johnboy

8 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She came out wearing only a belted kimono with her hair down. It was an appealing view but what he really wanted was answers. "So, what can you tell me, how did it happen?"

"I woke up in a panic. I checked the bedside clock and it was half past 5. It was though I was acting on instinct alone, like I was compelled to do it. I shot myself with a pistol. When I woke up I was here. I maintained all my memories, but at the same time I have...hers as well."

He grunted. "Well, not much to learn there. My story is exactly the same. Probably the same time, same method, same memories. Are you from the future? 1931?"

She sighed and seated herself next to him on the ottoman. It was best to come clean, there was little point in trying to hold back and at the same time hope for co-operation or more. "The future, yes. 1931? Are you from 1931? I am afraid I am much further along than that. 2016, eight five years after you."

"Yes, 1931, I am from 1931. German. I am, or was, a 27 year old naval officer. You?"

"I was a professional tennis player. I spent a long time as the World number 1 player, winning every major tournament. I was 28. A Russian, although I have spent the vast majority of my life in America."

"A Russian? And a tennis player? Hence the tennis court. Do you make much money as a ladies tennis player?"

Oh, about 36 million in prize money and probably ten times that in endorsements, you know, promoting products. Hence your interest in naval affairs."

"300 million. Mein Gott! It must be a different world. What is your name?"

"My old name. Maria. Maria Sharapova."

"Mine is Reinhard Heydrich."

"Not the SS Reinhardt Heydrich?"

"No. All I have ever been is a music teacher and then a naval officer."

Thank fuck for that she thought. "I think it best if we use of names as they should be here. If anyone else was made aware of this they would think we are quite mad. Now I am going to be quite candid with you. All we have here is each other. I have memories of these other people but I feel no real connection. The only person I have made some sort of connection to so far is you. Plus Erzsi. We can say nothing of who we are, unless something else happens to show that this has occurred to other people and even then we would likely be reviled, would not keep the positions we are in currently. We must rely on each other, or we have no one to rely on.

I have no special skills aside from sporting prowess. What I do have is a layman's knowledge of history these last 128 years. I know that Germany and Austria lost the First World War and that the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed. I know Germany lost the Second World War and was partitioned by the UK, US and Stalin's Soviet Union. I know the basics of technological development beyond 1931 where you died.

You will be Emperor. That means I need you, as I have no power here beyond what you give me. I also need someone to talk to, I cannot keep all this bottled up or I may go mad. But I can bring you things you need to. Advice. Knowledge. Stability. Respectability. Family. Ambition. Love. Sex. Yes, all of those."

Heydrich looked at this girl. She looked intensely desirable, the robe parting to reveal the tops of her breasts, the smell of rose perfume. Germany lost a second war? How? His thoughts, muddling at best this last week were now all over the place. He had to thrive in this environment. This was a pit of chaos, pure and simple, this situation, this Empire. Yet chaos could also be a ladder. Everything else was an illusion. Only the ladder was real. The climb is all there was. If there was no going back, then this was all there was and he needed to make the absolute most of it. He did not want to admit it, even to himself and would whisper it down a well only at midnight, but he needed someone, just one person at least, to talk to and no one would suspect two people who were husband and wife spending so much time together. It was the perfect cover.

Plus this girl was no fool and she knew things. He needed to know how Germany had failed again. He needed to know all what had happened after 1931, so that he could gauge the drift of public and world opinion. There was little point in trying to order back the tide. History was nothing if not a great teacher and this girl knew it, 86 years of it. With his own knowledge it could trump most situations. In addition, he needed a wife. He could not just make her disappear, even if he was minded to do so. Plus they were legally married, it could not easily be set aside. Plus, the girl. He liked the little girl. It felt good to feel loved unconditionally, it was not a feeling he was familiar with. In addition, she knew how to possibly cure his condition. He turned to look directly into her eyes, finally leaning forward to hug her thin frame to his own, kissing the top of her head.

"I agree, we need one another. In this together?"

"Yes. I agree."

He held out his hand.

"I think we can do better than that." She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his own.

"It's a pact, like marriage-better or worse."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#121

Threadmarks November 1888-Discussion, tennis, plans to bring down Leopold

johnboy

9 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf came over to her as she sipped quietly at a cup of coffee, making notes as she was going. "Well, I suppose we need to talk strategy. It seems to me that we have four things we might wish to work on here, namely the naval briefing, the briefing for Science and Technology, your plans for the Congo and our plan to get back into good health. I will have to take the lead on the first two, I was going to suggest you take the lead on the others."

"I agree. In regards to the later, Pasteur will be here in a week. Firstly, I need to commission him to supply me with penicillin. It's too dangerous to inject it in this sort of environment so we will need to take it orally via either a dissolved solution or a tincture, the second may deactivate the active ingredient so I will need to ask about that. There is no guarantee that this will work. It's not pure product like in a later day 21st Century laboratory, but I think worth a try. Once I have enough notes from Pasteur, I can then try and point local experts down the path of 'discovering' the drug."

"That sounds reasonably well thought out."

"Oh thank you", she smirked at him.

"In regards to our health in general, I propose we play tennis once per day, in addition to riding, stretching and running at least six kilometers a day."

"Sounds...punishing. Why back to tennis?"

"It's what I know, an island of normality. In addition I want to win the All England Lawn Tennis Championship at Wimbledon. Against the men."

"Are you crazy, they won't let you play against men."

"Well, at this stage, even though they have just started a ladies competition a few years ago, the men's competition is still labelled as 'Open', there is nothing officially to say women cannot compete."

"This will create a sensation, you realise that?"

She smiled sweetly. "Of course I do my dear Rudolf."

He sighed. "What about the Congo?"

"Well as I went over before, I am actually my father's legal heir with my older sister disinherited. That will make things easier. Now, he thinks the Congo is his own private playground and he can do what he wants there. He has a whole network set up, a Secretary General, under him Director Generals, then division chiefs and so on. He also sends inspectors to monitor the progress of the exploitation in the Colony quite independent from all of them. Now you know of the new developments in regards to celluloid film?"

"Yes."

"Well, when our French friend gets here tomorrow, I am going to lay out a part of my plan to him. He abhors what is occurring over the border and would be more than happy to discredit my father and shame him into change. He will provide the means. He will recommend two suitable men who will proceed over the border to the Free State under the guise of being inspectors for my father, for which they will have the necessary warrants and credentials. I already have my fathers seal, I just need the relevant stationary which will present no great issue. These two will conduct an extended tour. Take photographs, even take film of the executions, the dismembering. Father has had such reports before.

When we have this information, we will be in a position to move. We then threaten to release such information to the world at large, probably actually release a small part of it in terms of written reports, rather than film and photographs, just to get the ball rolling you understand. I then go to my father and threaten to release it all. Now that will not be enough to get him to transfer the ownership of his favorite toy. No, he can always deny that he knew anything about such activities. However, what he cannot do is make such denials if I am in possession of reports addressed back to him detailing numbers of executions for failing to meet the rubber quota and the like."

"Where would you get those?"

Oh, little Stephanie knows exactly where they are. I just need to get my hands of a couple of the stored reports. That is why I am so looking forward to going home to Belgium in February. Linking him to known atrocities via the reports will be the final straw. He would be lucky to stay on as King of Belgium. He will know that and passing on a personal asset to his nominal heir will raise eyebrows and suspicion, but not be so far out of the ordinary as to be impossible."

"An interesting plan. I am impressed."

"Look whatever we do, for those poor souls down there any change at all will be a Godsend. In addition, the province is rich in natural resources that could be exploited much more humanely. Rubber, in particular, will only gain in demand and the price will subsequently surge."

"I need to report to my father on our new found reconciliation. When I get back we can talk about the Naval and Science and Technology plans."

"I look forward to it."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#138

Threadmarks November 1888-Reindolf, Franz Joseph, 1871 Fundimental Articles

johnboy

9 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Father, you summoned me."

"Yes, I want to know how you are going in terms of drawing up the plans that I requested for the ministries you asked for and at the same time I also wish to know how you are proceeding in relation to your reconciliation with your wife."

"Things are going well father. Stephanie and I have fully reconciled and we have made plans to visit her father in Belgium in February. We have decided to be more involved in projects together and to keep to a fitness regimen. In addition, I have given up drinking except with meals. In addition I have talked to all my former acquaintances, Stephanie has talked to hers and we are committed to each other. In this, your wishes have been answered."

"Good, good, it's about time. Rudolf, I have thought more about what you had to say and you are right to a degree. I did notice, as did others, your wife's rather undignified running. It is time you step up and take responsibility. I am not sure these two ministries are what I had in mind but it makes me happy to see you take responsibility for something."

"Thank you father. I wanted to discuss four other things whilst I was here. I think you will notice more of the running by the way."

"Very well, go on then."

"Firstly, the Navy upon which you wanted a progress report. I have identified a forward thinking British officer who is an expert in modern, quick firing weapons. I wish him to head the Navy for a period of time as we re-orientate towards some sort of modern organisation. Father, we need to rebuild rapidly and I am more than conscious that the Army will always have first call on funding but we have an eclectic collection of largely useless scrap. So many of the ships we do have consist of masted ships that are completely obsolete, many have muzzle rather than breech loading. Before we lay down any new ships we need to scrap a large portion of our tonnage and what we have now, or a large portion of it, are nothing more than coffins for our sailors in the event of a conflict. We could not hope to repeat the Battle of Lissa, the navy is now so far behind the Italians it does not bear thinking about. I would recommend scrapping 11 ironclads and three battleships. As well I have the possibility of a sale for one extra battleship and four torpedo cruisers to China in view of their increased tensions with Japan. The cash and resources freed up by doing so will allow us to lay at least two modern capital ships as well as a screen of torpedo boats that should work well in the Adriatic.

It's not just the fact that we have so many obsolete ships. The men need to spend more time at sea. We need to develop good facilities for building and maintaining modern ships. A symptom of the issues we face are the fact that so much Army artillery is still cast in brass. We do not have enough heavy industry that is capable of modern steel-making. These things must change.

In fact, I would recommend if we do scrap these ships, that as much steel as possible is recycled so that we can use it in the production of useful items for the Army. Of desperate need, aside from machine guns based on the Maxim design, are modern alpine guns, preferably a smaller 65-70mm design, plus small man portable mortars."

"Well, I can see you have given this some thought, however, these are fairly radical proposals that will meet resistance from some Admirals."

"We have far too many reactionary Admirals that owe their position far more to accidents of birth than competence. Hence why I am bringing in my own man. At 60 it is time for von Sterneck to retire from sea duty in any case."

"Very well, I will endorse your decision, but our main priority will always be the Army. With that in mind, I cannot endorse more than a 20-25% increase in the Naval budget and you likely know that that will be opposed by Tisza in Budapest."

"I can work with that figure."

"What about your Science and Technology ministry?"

"Father, that will take time. It will require a building, staff and in addition testing facilities where people are able to work on developments. I will give you a full report within the two weeks you asked for but I really need to recruit and mixture of bureaucrats and technical experts to be able to start a coherent policy. In broad brush strokes, what I have in mind to to make series of centers of excellence to focus new and innovative ideas. Firstly, one on electrical applications headed by Nikola Tesla who has accepted and will work closely with the Ganz company in Budapest, a second based on automobile development and I have written to two German engineers by the name of Daimler and Maybach offering government grants and contracts to pursue such work since they have little in the way of finances at present. Thirdly, I have asked Robert Koch on Pasteur's recommendation if he would be interested in heading an institute to study infectious diseases here in Vienna. I have as yet not as yet heard back from the later options."

"How much is all this going to cost?"

"I believe I can get things started for less than five million Crowns." Franz Joseph winced. Father, I will throw in 1.5 million Crowns myself in addition to the five if you will do the same. In the context of where we are, with overall national debt at 10 billion Crowns, much of it to subsidize what I might add are much needed railway developments, it is really a drop in the ocean and has the capacity to repay us ten or a hundred fold."

"Very well, what is your final point?"

"We need a counterbalance to the power of the Hungarian influence within the empire, we need to move forward and the gap between the German and Hungarian 'haves' in terms of political power and the 'have nots', namely the Slavic members, is becoming more stark with every passing year from 1867. We are moving into an era of nationalism and if we offer nothing to these people we can have no reasonable hope they will support us if offered more desirable possibilities such as self government by external forces."

"It is their duty to support us, there us no other option. Plus, I have never felt the burden of Hungarian expectations."

"None the less, you cannot pretend that all members of the Empire have an equal voice."

Franz Joseph sighed. "Well, you seem full of bright ideas, what do you suggest?"

"We need to look again at the Fundamental Articles of 1871."

"These thoughts floundered on the rocks of Hungarian suspicion of a third crown and vehement opposition from Germans within Bohemia who felt that their position there would be undermined."

"Yes they did, but what I would propose is something more radical than that. We can no longer think in terms of the historic parts of the Empire that have lasted hundreds of years in a modern age. We need to look the ethnic composition of the Empire and then build a implementation of the Fundamental Articles around the group we really desire to bring into the fold. The Czechs. Broadly speaking, we need to separate out German Bohemia and possibly Silesia and then implement the articles based on the remainder as the Kingdom of Bohemia by crowning yourself in Prague. It is the third largest city in the Empire and has three times the population of the fourth largest, Trieste. Germans and Hungarians make up over 20% each of the Empire. Czechs another 13%. Every other group is less than 10%. It is logical, it makes sense and will fulfill a promise that was never delivered to the Czechs. Yes, the Hungarians will not like it yet the proposal will not effect their borders and will bring the Czechs on board with us as the KuKuK. I think with the growth of Nationalism it is a necessity.

"I think this doomed to failure but bring me more information and I will think on it."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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May 22, 2017

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#162

Threadmarks November 1888-Women's rights talk. Stephpova rubs him up the right way

johnboy

10 November 1888, Tiergarten Schoenbrunn, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She backed into him, encouraging him to reach around and put his arms around her, which he did.

"Well, how did it go?"

"Said he would think about it."

"Not exactly words to inspire. Christ it is cold here and I say that as a Russian" she said, lowering her voice.

"I thought you Slavic types were used to this sort of thing."

"This 'Slavic type' has spent most of her life in the warmth of Florida. In relation to Franz Joseph he is essentially a reactionary. If you get this current reform through it will be a herculean task in and of itself, yet you realise that it is likely only the first step, although whatever comes or goes we have to try."

"Yes at some stage we need to work on a succession plan. In the timeline I am familiar with the fact that he lives another 28 long years."

"I am aware. There are a couple of other things we need to talk about as well."

"Oh?"

"Yes, one thing we need to think about is our own personal security. If we are going to raise our profile, we need to be out and about. We cannot risk a repeat of Franz Ferdinand."

"Yes, I quite agree. It's something we should look at."

"Secondly, women's issues."

"Really? I know nothing about women's issues" said Rudolf.

Stephanie pushed back into him and commenced rolling and rotating her hips, pressing her small and shapely rear, enclosed in simple riding clothes, into him. "Yes, women's issues. I am sure you know something about them. Rudolf, whilst we are talking about it, do you know that women can vote in Bohemia but not here in Austria or Hungary or indeed anywhere else in the Empire?"

"No, I can't say that I did." he whispered as she kept up the pressure.

"Many people say that women's suffrage is not the most important issue, but I cannot agree with that. Without women having the vote, issues and opinions that affect them will never be taken seriously by those who make the decisions in government. That is how it has always been and unless reforms are enacted this will never change. You know what will happen in World War 1, I know what will happen after World War 2 and I have told you much of my own experiences over this last week. Unless we start making some real changes soon in this area, Austria will be left behind. Finland has already granted women the vote, others will follow. One person, one vote is coming. For the moment we have restricted voting right?"

"Yes" he panted. Thank God this was a private viewing after hours. "You need to be a land owner at a rate of more than five crowns per year, plus you must be over 24 and urgh.. male". In addition you need to meet the criteria of basic literacy."

Masha smiled inwardly. She was familiar with this game and for another five minutes proceeded to move up and down. "Well it clearly needs reform. For God sake if you can be Emperor at 18, how can you not be able to vote? What seems like a sensible change to me is to perhaps lower the age to 18 and expand it to include women, who also should be allowed to be elected to the various parliaments if they are allowed to vote."

"It won't be popular with the establishment, let alone my father."

"Well, if it is happening in Bohemia already, ...dearest...plus sometimes the establishment need to be shocked into change, pulled by their tiresome old reactionary noses into realizing that women can do just as well as men in most roles. Hence my thoughts about tennis. Changing perceptions is a valuable tool. How is your tool, by the way?"

Dear God, the tightness was starting to build up and he looked around. Thankfully they were still alone. "Well, yes, it could be...worthwhile."

"I'm not going to be satisfied being a second class citizen Rudolf, not satisfied at all. You know the old adage 'happy wife, happy life' she said as she almost viciously ground back. But you have a couple of things aside from feminist policy that I am sure could make me satisfied."

"Oh, fuck" he gasped, going weak at the knees. "Fuck."

"Oh yes, we will when we get the chance" she said as she spun out of his embrace. She looked down. "Hmm, it may pay to get that cleaned up- otherwise people may suspect that you find these kangaroos vastly more stimulating than most."

Shit, this was an unusual woman he thought, still breathless. He felt himself being drawn in further almost against his own judgement.

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May 22, 2017

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#177

Threadmarks November 1888-Reindolf naval design pondering-full broadsides

johnboy

10 November 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He really should have been doing other work, but they were only preliminary sketches in any case so did not take too much time. He just wanted to play around with ideas for an hour or so whilst he dwelled on the events of the day, especially those of his wife. Was it dangerous too get too close too quickly? Probably. Likely, in fact. Yet contact made him want more contact. It was a dangerous circle.

Fisher had confirmed he would report on or about the 1st of March 1889. In the meantime, he had appointments at Pola in two weeks time that would involve a meeting with von Sterneck. At around 10,200 tons the what was in effect a large and powerful armoured cruiser mounted 6x240mm guns that could all fire on the broadside as well as a secondary battery of 5.9 inch guns and should be capable of around 22 knots. The small destroyer was suitable as an escort at 230 tons with two torpedo tubes. They were just ideas for now but the idea of a central battery that could fire all main guns broadside on was revolutionary enough in design.

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May 22, 2017

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#185

Threadmarks November 1888-Discussions on the train to Pola

johnboy

30 November 1888, Private Carriage, near Graz, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The train swayed gently as the inner door opened, revealing Stephanie.

"She is asleep?"

"Yes, nodded off."

"I am not sure why you wanted to come with me for a visit to a Naval base."

"Well it's a break from the bleakness of palace routine. I thought I would do a bit of shopping. Anyhow, where are we with things?"

"Well I handed my father my plans for both ministries. They are so small that both can fit into a building I have acquired on the Biberstrasse. He actually seemed pleased yesterday and delivered me the formal go ahead. In regards to the Czech proposal, as you know he turned me down. Said 'While I applaud your initiative and may have some sympathy for your aims the time is past and now it is just a fancy. In addition I will not break the historic borders of the Bohemian Crown.'"

"So we will have to take steps to garner more support from the Czechs by letting them know that we support such a cause, to gradually ramp up pressure."

"Yes. It seems both your meetings were rather more successful?"

"Yes, our French friend was more than eager to assist in any way possible with our Congo plans. In regards to Pasteur, he has supplied me with a fairly large quantity of the penicillin mold itself and given a list of local scientists who should assist in making more and are capable researchers. I will follow them up when I return. Here, drink this."

"God - this is disgusting."

"It is worth it though if it works" countered Stephanie.

"Yes, perhaps so" said Rudolf with a grimace. "So, we are still in agreement overall?"

"Yes, why would we not be? Try and do some good, try and assist Austria-Hungary and the Congo, but our own positions and that of Erzsi must be paramount above all else. For that reason we move in lock step on all things."

"What about our secondary objective agreements?"

"Yes, I am quite familiar and we have agreed this three weeks ago Rudolf, there is no need to belabor the points. I remember them well enough. Firstly, try an avoid the Great War. Secondly, try and avoid the creation of communism as a world force and thirdly as I am sure you want me to say, the preservation of the integrity of Germany, which we both agreed could possibly occur under Austrian leadership. Lastly, we do everything possible to try and avoid upsetting the timeline in terms of our own birth and ancestors. Not sure if it would or could wink us out of existence but it's a frightening thought. We still disagree about Hitler though. You can't just bludgeon a baby out of existence for 'leading Germany to destruction'. Besides, killing him may simply lead to someone you don't know taking his place."

"Excellent. We can talk about Hitler later. Well we will be at the Naval Base tomorrow and I will be having discussion with the Admiral. After the formal reception, officers can be detailed to accompany you into Pola itself."

"Handsome Naval officers. How terrible." smiled Stephanie, looking impish.

Rudolf grimaced.

"We need to keep working on your sense of humour."

"Ha. See, I am laughing."

"We need to think about the future as well. We have Belgium in late March, the wedding of Princess Louise in London in May. Plus the Greek wedding later this year. It will give us a chance to travel and make contacts."

"Yes it will. I will need to talk to Fisher before we leave and get plans in motion there as well."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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May 23, 2017

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#208

Threadmarks December 1888-At Pola with von Sterneck

johnboy

1 December 1888, Pola Naval Base, Austro-Hungarian Empire

There had been the usual tiresome parade and inspections of course, before his wife and daughter had departed by carriage accompanied by six junior naval officers, Stephanie smirking at him as the carriage departed. It was now time to sit back and talk to von Sterneck. Stephanie was right in her thoughts, he should stay in his position. What was required in future was a raised status for the Navy and modestly increased budgets. That could not possibly come via the lobbying of a foreigner, even with his own support.

"Your Imperial Highness, you wished to meet." von Sterneck was very formal and stiff, no doubt well aware of the stories.

"Yes, you are no doubt well aware of the formation of the new Navy Department, of which I will head. von Sterneck, what I want is to expand, modernize and overhaul the navy so that whilst it will be smaller than that of the English or French, it will be one that can stand off the Ottomans or Italians and hold the Northern Adriatic against almost any opponent via the use of light forces and unconventional warfare. At the same time I foresee an expansion of our overseas interests and consequently our merchant marine and we will also end to re-orientate to protect these interests as well. Our merchant marine is the 13th largest in the world. 13th! Not exactly the mark of a world power. Right on 100 ocean going steamers of just over 200,000 tons, pretty much all based from Trieste.

In simple terms that would mean more funding to the Navy, and that may well happen, however, we need to be realistic. The Army will always be the first priority for expenditure and it cannot be all about expenditure. Therefore, we need to build smarter, use the latest in technology and make sure that what we build will remain useful for many years to come.

That is all about hardware. We need to develop our men. They are our biggest resource, make sure that if we have competent men that we can retain them. One of the things I would like to do is expand our facilities in Fiume to train enlisted men in technical trades. Whitehead's torpedo factory is there and we can make use of that. In effect, I would like to create a technical academy for both enlisted and officers. Enlisted men who graduate would go straight to the rank of Unterbootsmann. I would also like to increase pay rates for enlisted by 8%."

"I would support all of these initiatives, although I cannot see where we would obtain overseas territories. What about my own future in relation to the Englishman you have obtained the services of?"

"You would remain the head of the Navy and would assist me not only here but also in Vienna to try and obtain not only more funding but more recognition for the Navy. Fisher, when he arrives at the end of February, will be appointed to a new position as Commander in Chief, Fleet. It will be his job to brief us on the latest technical developments that are coming out of Britain so we can design a future fleet that takes advantage of such lessons. Plus, I have a few ideas of my own. At the same time, as new ships are laid, older ones will be sold or scrapped. His main job, however, will be to exercise the fleet, get it out of harbour, conducting foreign port visits, learning from other navies, combat simulations. We need to become more active, better trained. For that purpose, we will need you to assign him a couple of English speaking liaison officers.

In regards to overseas territories, there are a few things that may crop up. Three or four, in fact, as far afield as Africa, the Arctic and the West Indies. That will come later, it does not pay to dwell on it now. For now we need to concentrate on Fisher's arrival and gain the maximum benefit of his technical knowledge. In relation to scrapping or selling obsolete types, all of the older Types before the Kaiser Max Class can be sold or scrapped, likewise the Zara Class cruisers. I have a potential sale to China of two battleships and the Zara Class, which should give us enough money to build two extra Kaiser Franz Joseph I Class cruisers almost immediately, although I would like these to have some changes, making them faster among other things. In addition, I have some newer designs I wish to discuss with both Fisher when he gets here and yourself."

"That seems...drastic, however, you are correct in the fact that the ships are obsolete."

"Yes, muzzle loading ships have had their day, as have ships with full rigs, as well as ones that have a maximum speed of less than 16 knots. When we establish it in addition to the current naval academy at Fiume, I would also like to allocate some older ships for training purposes to the technical academy. Probably four of the older, smaller torpedo boats and also at least one fully rigged ship as a sail training vessel."

"I think that can be arranged."

"I want us to work closely together for the good of the Navy. Fisher to, when he arrives. Can you do that?"

"The Navy had always been my first love. If you want to nurture it, build it, how can I say no? Yes, your Highness, you can count on me."

"Excellent. How about we take a tour and meet the ordinary sailors informally whist I wait for my wife to come back from spending all my money."

Von Sterneck actually laughed. "Of course."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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May 23, 2017

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#209

Threadmarks December 1888-Medicine, colonies, shoes

johnboy

1 December 1888, near Laibach , on board Imperial Train

"Urgggggggh."

"Don't you like your medicine papa?"

"Papa needs to toughen up, liebchen. He is being a MAN. They don't like taking medicine."

The little girl laughed out loud.

"Rudolf kiss her goodnight, I will take her to bed."

She was back 20 minutes later. "Well, how did that go?"

"Yes, good, I think from a naval point of view we are on the right track, at least for now. I have a lot of writing and memo sending to do of course that is likely to keep poor Hans busy for weeks with writers cramp."

"I am sure he will survive. Good. What about your colonial thoughts?"

"Still much the same. Claim sovereignty over Franz Joseph Land when the time is right, after you have hopefully acquired the Congo, then offer to buy the Danish West Indies, which Denmark have wanted to sell before, maybe packaging Franz Joseph Land up as part of the deal since Denmark already own Northern lands. Purchase price should be in the range of 14 to 25 million crowns. In addition, as I discussed, Spain actually offered to sell us their Saharan territories in 1898, assuming the Spanish-American war still occurs, cheaply to. Mind you, that is not surprising as there is nothing there in terms of resources or even people, although it would be a good coaling point for shipping to the Congo."

"Well, we are a few months away from that being an issue. Congo first."

"True. How was your sojourn?"

"Clothes shopping. Oh terrible(smiling)...no good, of course. Reminds me of my old life. People throwing their designs at me and wanting me to wear them for free, as long as I drop a hint as to whom I obtain them from. I obtained some cute shoes. Want to see?"

"On that note I think I will go to bed."

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9 December 1888, Boryslav, Galicia, Austro-Hungarian Empire

It was remarkable that he knew so little about this, even though at the back of his mind was the fact, known no doubt through Rudolf, that Austro-Hungary supplied 5% of the world's oil. Galizisch-Karpathische Petroleum Aktien-Gesellschaft's enormous refinery at Gorlice employed over 1000. The interesting part was he also now knew that oil existed near Matzen in Austria as well. Whether to immediately supply this information to William McGarvey at GKBHG was the question.

Quite aside from the general economic benefits, he had initially though the provision of oil burning ships to the KuK navy was an issue in question considering the issue was not one of supply, but if adequate storage facilities were built at Pola and other bases, this would likely not be an issue at all. And that was interesting, as oil burning ships that did not require long range such as RN ships were burdened with could be completed with more weapons and armour devoted to tonnage than those of many opponents. Of course, improvements in regards to storage and transport by rail would also have to be made.

The conditions in Galicia were ample proof of what he already knew, that this was one of the most backward areas of the empire, matched only by Dalmatia, Transylvania and Bukovina. The more that could be done to bring industry and raise the standard of living here so much the better.

Galician oilfields

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May 25, 2017

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#229

Threadmarks Interlude-Stephpova character photos

johnboy

Dramatis Personae-Stephpova(Crown Princess Stephanie and Maria Sharapova)

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#230

Threadmarks Interlude-Reindorf character photos

johnboy

Dramatis Personae-Reindorf(Crown Prince Rudolf and Reinhard Heydrich)

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May 25, 2017

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#239

Threadmarks December 1888-Daimler and Maybach in Vienna and Ostrau

johnboy

16 December 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Mr Daimler, Mr Maybach, thank you for meeting me."

"Your proposal certainly drew our interest Your Imperial Highness, it would be churlish in the extreme to refuse to do so."

There was the usual exchange of small talk before Rudolf got down to business. "So, to again go over the proposals as espoused by my letter, the Austro-Hungarian Crown would provide the necessary expenditure to build you a purpose built factory as well as any accommodation required for yourself and your families plus any key workers you wished to bring with you. In addition we would provide a line of credit up to one million crowns to assist in expanding your business, development costs and the like, housing for workers. More may be available as required.

In return, you will run your business as normal and if you get to the stage where you are then turning a profit, as per the normal profit and loss statements that you would submit yearly for taxation purposes, the state would then require the loan to commence being paid back. No interest will apply.

Finally upon signing a deal to this effect, the Austro-Hungarian state will assume a 2% interest in the company, something that will continue if you decide to become publicly listed as a company at some stage. This interest can be purchased back by your company at any stage during a 15-30 year period from the signing of the deal at fair market cost.

I have thought more on a suitable location of such an industry and the most likely I can think of is Ostrau in Bohemia. There is land available right next to the Nesselsdorfer works, railway connections already exist, it is right next to the river junctions, it is right next to a foundry for any larger work and therefore the set up work would be minimal. What are your thoughts?"

It was Gottlieb Daimler who spoke first "Your Highness, it would be foolish to deny that we have an interest in your proposal, otherwise we would not have traveled here to have these talks. However, it would mean uprooting our families from Stuggart to move here and that is something we would need to discuss with them and certain other personnel. I cannot answer now and in addition I did indicate that we would need to see any future site."

I quite understand, for that reason I have taken the liberty arranging a space for you both at my box at the opera tonight and then tickets through to Ostrau, where you will tour the site itself and also the nearby Tatra factory. When do you think you can let me know?"

Maybach replied. "The end of January?"

"Gentleman, that would be more than sufficient. Now, can we talk about some of the technical details of your work, I am fascinated. Tell me, do you think it possible that engines such as your own could be used on dirigibles such as Kreb's La France airship?"

"Well, that could be possible..."

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#240

Threadmarks December 1888- Viennese Mortars

johnboy

20 December 1888, G Roth Factory, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Karel Krnka looked over the designs as presented by the Crown Prince. It was a very interesting concept. "So, you wish it to be able to be broken down into three pieces?"

"The idea is to make it man portable by a two man team, although in good conditions it should weigh in the region of 40-50kg and just be carry-able by one person. To my mind it should be useful in static warfare where two sides are entrenched yet light enough that it could be able to be moved by cavalry in the event of a breakthrough, then set up rapidly and used to bombard enemy strongholds in the advent of resistance."

"Well it is certainly interesting, and simple as well. What would like like Your Highness?"

"If you can make a run of ten I will pay for them personally. I am still an Army General so I intend to conduct a demonstration during the Army maneuvers this year in Croatia in June. For that reason I will need them by the start of April so the troops in my wife's personal regiment have some experience with them. Of course, we will require munitions as well, both practice and live."

"I think that is more than possible."

"Excellent, thank you Karel."

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May 30, 2017

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#281

Threadmarks December 1888-Flamethrowers and Christmas presents

johnboy

22 December 1888, G Roth Factory, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Back again your Highness?" Karel Krnka looked up from the drawings he was working on. "I have been looking into the base-plate and it is important that it is sturdy enough to do the job so there may be some weight increase there but by and large this looks quite promising."

"That is excellent." said Rudolf. "Actually I suppose I did come to look check on what was happening in regards to that but I also want you to have a look at this." He placed the plans and unrolled them on the only empty space on the Czech engineers desk. "As you can see the outer two chambers are filled with a petroleum and oil mix, the middle chamber with compressed gas of a flammable type, Butane would be my recommendation. A tube leads to the gun's ignition system, while another tube leads to the two side fuel tanks, allowing the compressed gas into an open area above the liquid fuel. The gas applies pressure to the liquid fuel, which forces it out of the tank, through a connected hose, and into a reservoir in the gun. There is a long rod with a plug at the end that keeps the fuel from flowing out of the nozzle when the trigger lever is released. When the trigger lever is squeezed, it pulls the rod and attached plug backward, letting the fuel flow through the nozzle."

Karel Krnka looked at the design again. Where had he thought of this, he pondered. "Well, it's not really my area of expertise, but this looks...interesting. My God it would be dangerous for the operator."

"Dangerous to be on the other end I would imagine as well." said Rudolf.

"Yes, not much doubt about that. Your Highness. Can I keep these plans, ask someone better qualified and come back to you with some opinions?"

"Of course, I do not need an answer straight away. I had thought to demonstrate these weapons in the summer next year, so there is plenty of time. Whilst I have you here I will take the opportunity to ask you a question."

"Of course."

"The truth is I am not that good with women. Attracting them yes, holding conversations, yes. But in terms of really knowing what to say and how to act, emotions and the like...not so much. I purchased my wife a present for Christmas. This is it."

Karel looked at the delicate edelweiss in it's case from Vever with yellow topaz gems sparkling. "Well Your Highness I am no expert on women either, indeed what man is, however, you would have to think Her Highness would be happy with such beautiful work."

"Well, thank you again Karel. I await your contact."

"I will contact you back within two weeks Your Highness with some thoughts."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#286

Threadmarks December 1888-Future plans and Christmas presents

johnboy

24 December 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He strode into the room that had previously been a sitting room but had partially been converted to a study. She looked up from the desk at which she was working.

"So, just us then, she has gone to sleep?"

"Indeed. I have made some good progress on the military front these last few days and plan a visit to Whitehead's torpedo factory in the new year."

"That is good. I have not been idle either. I have had discussions with Wilhelm Prausnitz, he is happy to take up a post as head of an Institute of Infectious Diseases. In turn I have discussed the potential application of molds and the possible uses of penicillin just to point him down the right direction. This Institute will sit inside the overall plan we had developed to create an Academy of Human Medicine here in Vienna and have offered Julius Wagner-Jauregg the position of Director.

It's probably pertinent to point out that my own condition has...responded to the treatments we have been taking so there is further evidence there.

There is, of course, much to do in relation to budgets, securing staff and indeed a building, funding and the like but I have developed the bare bones at least. You are aware that the budget you asked your father for will have to be increased?"

"Yes, I rather fear that may have been the case. In relation to the other, I have been feeling better as well, despite how shocking that stuff is to drink."

"What about your father? He is going to be a giant stumbling block to most agendas we would like to get done. He had already crushed your Czech proposals and in regards to the other ideas we had as far as changing the boundaries of the two Kingdoms and some of the provinces that would seem to be quite impossible with him in place."

"I will take care of that when the time comes. There is as still a lot to learn for both of us. If events follow what they did in the world we both know, there are no incidents that may lead to war for at least another ten years. We could both use a four-five year apprenticeship to learn all we can, gather support for our own policies from those that agree and lay some groundwork. Then once we have the reigns of power, we can go to work in earnest. In the meantime, we can refine plans, make the smaller changes needed, gather support and knowledge. You will have enough next year with the Congo. If that comes off there will be a mountain of work required. We will have to put an administration in place from scratch after we remove the Belgians. That will be a massive undertaking. In addition, we have three foreign trips booked. We need to make the most of these trips in terms of making contacts, impressing as to our change of mindset, possibly making new allies. There is still much to do. By the way, my mother is here as well for Christmas."

"Oh excellent, I have always gotten on SO well with her."

"Be nice, she is probably more perceptive than my father."

"As long as she does not push me too far. What we really need to look at is the occupation more in this Empire follow than anything else, agriculture. The days of horse drawn wooden plows are coming to an end. Metal plows are the way forward, machinery such as traction engines and then proper agricultural tractors."

"Yes, I was thinking that as well, but where to start?"

"Well I was thinking that perhaps many smaller farmers would benefit from 'agricultural collectives' where modern equipment and machinery could be provided to a collective group on a fee for service basis. Of course, it does not solve the other huge issue, the fact that so much land and the best of it at that is in the hands of small groups of noble families."

"It sounds a little...socialist."

"Well not all socialist ideas are flawed and these people, these peasants, often have too small a plot of land in nearly every case and need some way of maximizing their yield by way of compensation, which in turn may give them extra money to expand their holdings. It's a small start, though again likely to be initially expensive for the state. In terms of land ownership, we could introduce a land tax on large holdings of agricultural land with tax breaks for sales to small landholders, of course, it is a method your father would not be likely to approve of."

"It's a possibility for later. For now, I need you to come with me. I have a ride and then a short walk I would like you to come on."

"At night in the snow?"

"Yes, yes."

"Alright, give me five minutes."

It was only a short trip to the Neugebäude and Stephanie was mystified as he opened up the outer door of the newly painted building. I was when they went inside that she saw the fully formed and completed indoor tennis court.

"I tried to get it done before Christmas and I have another present as well." He pulled out the jewellery box and opened it to show the delicate flower. "It is an edelweiss. Beautiful and delicate but hardy and tough to. I would like to think it reminded me of you. These last two months to have someone else, to not be alone..."

He stopped as she pressed her lips to his. "Come. I have a proper present for you tomorrow. However, I think it is time you received another one tonight. Lets go back to my chambers."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#289

Threadmarks December 1888- Intimacy, foreign policy thoughts, Reindorf situational acceptance

johnboy

25 December 1888, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He awoke to the feeling of the warmth of a body pressed against his own and then allowed his mind to drift back to last night. It was a most…remarkable experience.

It was not long after they had gotten back to the room that Stephanie had started tearing at his clothing, leaving him unclothed in no time at all. The first surprise had been the tying of his hands behind his back as she had then leapt back off the bed, commencing removing her clothes button by button ever so slowly until she was left only in her silk undergarments. It was then that she had climbed up him like a ladder, slowly and rhythmically moving against him.

Then it was finally happening as she slowly rocked backwards and forward on top of him. "Close your eyes, liebchen". He closed his eyes and picked up the rhythm. Next he felt his wife lift off him and a pressure. She had tied a ribbon tightly around him!

"Can't have things happening too soon, only when I am ready, liebchen, only when I am ready." It had taken 15-20 minutes for her to move to completion, her body covered in sweat and hair loose. Finally she had whipped off the ribbon and he had completed. "Oh, there is a good boy, that's it."

It was half an hour later that she had motivated him to another session of slow, much more conventional love making. It had been a remarkable night. He had never known a women could be so bold, so in charge. It was a complete role reversal for someone used to being in charge and giving, rather than receiving, orders; in both previous lives. Like this remarkable move back to 1888 and Rudolf's position as Crown Prince, it was an exciting prospect.

He moved back to the warmth. He had always wanted to reach the heights of senior service in the Navy. Here, he had a chance to go right to the top, influencing design, policy, everything - and that in a service bigger than Weimar Germany's small Navy. In addition, he could use his own and his wife's future knowledge to try and drive the country to a leading position in regards science, technology and medicine. Plus, there was always the fact that he was only one step away from supreme political power, if he could make the changes necessary to stop this ethnically diverse entity from flying apart. As of yet, he had made no real approaches to the Hungarians. They could be the key, if only he could get them to see sense. He needed to investigate the best methods and people to approach.

In the meantime, war needed to be avoided, at least until he could make sure there was some chance of winning such an adventure. Was a revival of the seemingly stale Drei Kaiserbund the best option? It was best not to overthink things either. If he was planning on not assuming control until 1892-96, who knows how things may have changed diplomatically in that time? It was probably best to just maintain friendly relations with each of the Great Powers, be seen as a serious successor to his father. 1889 would see trips to France, Italy and the UK. That left only the Ottomans and the Romanovs. When he did take power, he would then need to make assessments on things as they then stood in terms of foreign relations, chart his own course as it were.

Plus then there was the succession. He needed to be in power by 1896 at the latest so if he was unable to have any further children, which was possible after gonorrhea, he could alter House Law to allow succession of Erzsi. His father would never agree to educating a female for the reigns of power, but if he had no other option, if he did not have a son, he would have to commence doing so at some stage.

Either way, he had come to the realization that he was better off here, with so much more in the way of positives than 1931, of which he missed very little. 1889 was something he was looking forward to, 1931 was just a memory and not that pleasant a one at that.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#299

Threadmarks January 1889-Whitehead and torpedos, tennis, Horthy

johnboy

16 January 1889, Whitehead Torpedo Production and Testing Facility, Fiume, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He looked again at the prototype Whitehead was showing him. "Yes, with the inclusion of the new flywheel technology we have obtained from Howell, we anticipate a performance of 30 knots and a range of 900-1000 yards. This model should be ready for full testing in the summer and then would be available for purchase next year" said Robert Whitehead.

He looked again at the plans, studying them for a full five minutes or more.

"You seem to be thinking deeply Your Highness, you have some thoughts?"

"Yes, actually. This is your standard flask body, correct? Plus you use normal compressed air?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"Well I was thinking that instead of using bronze for the main chamber that instead you use instead Aich's alloy, which is being smelted and used right here in Austria. It is stronger, lighter and more resistant to seawater's corrosive effects, all of which should prove useful. The weight saving should increase range slightly. At the same time, I was thinking that perhaps instead of using normal compressed air, you use a mixture enriched with commercial 'dirty' oxygen in a 20/80 or 25/75 mix which should increase your normal oxygen percentage to around 32-35% rather than 21% and this would serve to increase both the potential speed of your torpedo and consequently range as well. Of course, there will be extra expense and whilst the 32% mix should not be dangerous the 'dirty oxygen' itself will need some precautions prior to mixing.

I was also considering speed. If, which seems likely, you achieve a speed in the range of 30-35 knots, this will be more than sufficient to "run down" all known current ships. The next question then is range. The greater the better. What if it was possible to limit the speed or set the speed, gaining extra range by sacrificing speed? This could be accomplished by physically changing the reducing valve plug or varying its setting within the reducing valve, controlling the pressure/flow of air and fuel to the combustion pot, could it not? A slower speed would lower the burn rate and increase range. At 20 knots the range would likely double from that at 30."

Whitehead thought about the outcomes of this what was seemingly at the time, a likely time wasting visit. Now it seemed far from such a thing. "Forgive me Your Highness, I was quite unaware of the breadth of your technical knowledge. All three suggestions are very interesting and perhaps technically feasible. We will investigate and I can send you updates perhaps?"

"That would be good. I understand that you are considering opening another facility at St Tropez, however, we would be keen to maintain your presence here if possible, with manufacturing facilities both here and of course in England. Will you give this some thought? I am sure we can come up with a more attractive proposition than the French, after all."

You seem remarkably well informed thought Whitehead. Then again, Austria had been good for both himself and his family, as well as his business. "Indeed I will Sir."

He had finished his meeting and was now due to pick up his wife from the Naval Academy where he had left her in the care of officers. She had seemed delighted to find a tennis court combined with a fine, if somewhat cold day. It was there that he found her, a large crowd of officers and Cadets having gathered around the scene. The Crown Princess tossed the ball in the air, the racket emitting a solid thunk as the overarm serve, a novelty in women's tennis at the time, propelled the ball at a surprising velocity towards the other end of the court, where a young man with dark hair waited. The ball reared and spun upon bouncing, causing a subsequent mishit that veered off court and a buzz of conversation among the cadets and junior officers that had gathered to watch.

It was ten minutes later that both protagonists came up towards him, the crowd parting to make way.

"Rudolf", his wife said, covered in a sheen of sweat.

"Finished I take it?" Stephanie nodded. "This young man has been giving me a solid game. He said he reached the semi finals of the Croatian Cup last year."

He looked at the dapper young man. "Nice to see you have been keeping my wife occupied. I hope you did not let her win?"

"No, err Your Highness, sir, I did not LET her win. The Kronprinzcessin is remarkable..err a remarkable player. For a, a lady. Of course."

"There you go Rudolf, I am remarkable. This young man is Fähnrich zur See Miklos Horthy. Apparently he is the best player on the base."

"Miklos Horthy!?" It clearly meant nothing to Stephanie. So this was the potential future Hungarian dictator. At the moment he seemed only like a young man eager to please. Perhaps a later stint as a ADC in a few years would allow him to keep an eye on him and see how he progressed. For the moment he was still a cadet. "Yes, nice to meet you young man, nice to meet you."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#303

Threadmarks January 1889- Ethnic map, boundary change thoughts

johnboy

17 January 1889, Laibach, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He had met with Ivan Hribar and made the assurance that it was his own personal wish, if not currently official policy, that he would like to see as much as possible all Slovenian territory within the Empire itself gathered together under one state, thereby changing the current boundaries of the South Western areas of Styria, Carinthia and Carnolia. He had not actually drawn lines on a map as such, simply expressed this as his own personal policy. The Slovenes were one of the more loyal groups in the ethnic patchwork that was the Empire, in fact in many ways less fractious than the Germans, who were always intent on protecting what was seen as their own privileged position within it's structure.

He looked back down at the map showing the various ethnic groups that made up the Empire that he had created. His wife came over to him, picking the map out of his hands. "Rudolf you can not look at this forever and it is very unwise to keep flashing it around. If it ever became public things would get very difficult."

"Yes, I know." He looked down again. He had written in thick black lines the changes he would like to make between the borders of the Hungarian Kingdom and the Austrian Empire. Drawn in new state borders in purple. Partially rubbed out the old borders that would no longer apply in white dots. The blue area would constitute the third Kingdom, a new one of Bohemia that would be overwhelmingly ethnically Czech.

"This sort of thing is only a first step, there will need to be other changes, plus to get the Hungarians to change the border in favour of Austria we will need to offer them something, the question is what? Eventually there will have to be a resolution of the Bosnian issue, it could be that or perhaps parts of Dalmatia."

"It's difficult isn't it? There is such a fine line. All of a sudden you have no peers, you are apart from everyone, yet at the same time you do not actually have the power to make binding decision, be an autocrat when needed."

"It's going to be a matter of gathering support, allies. That will take time."

"Yes, I suppose so." He looked again at the map and slid it back into the lockable soft case, adding the key to his fob chain before sighing. "We can talk about things tomorrow." Austro-Hungarian Empire border thoughts.PNG

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#314

Threadmarks January 1889-Chinese purchases

johnboy

26 January 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He scanned the telegram again. It was a good result, at least in his own mind. Li Hongzhang had accepted the offer to sell the ships to the Qing Empire. They had purchased them for a total price of 400,000 florins, more than fair considering not so much the age of the ships but their lack of fighting utility. It was to consist of the turret ships Lissa, Erzherzog Albrecht and Curtzosa, as well as the four torpedo cruisers of the Zara Class. Not a single ship was capable of more than 13 knots.

The ships had left Pola on the way to their final voyage under the KuK flag to Alexandria, where they would await the arrival of their new Chinese crews. If history still followed it's former stream, they may be at war against Japan in five years or so. He had also ordered the scrapping of three other ironclads, which would give him a war chest of more than 425,000 florins to put toward new construction.

The other information was also interesting. Fisher had arrived in Pola. Tomorrow he would travel to meet him.

Last edited: Jun 7, 2017

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#318

Threadmarks January 1889- Fisher, Rudolf at Pola

johnboy

28 January 1889, Villa Margharita, Pola, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Stephanie eased herself up off the Ottoman. It had been pleasant chatting with the four Fisher women. The mother, Frances, who called herself Kitty was a handsome, thin faced women, her daughters all brunettes and all quite attractive, the oldest Beatrix 21, the youngest Pamela only 12. The villa was more than comfortable and came with it's own cook and housekeeper. The youngest Pamela had an interest in tennis and there had been some conversation on that. All were well read. It was during the ensuing games of cards that she had finally detected the sounds of raised voices.

It was Frances Fisher that had rolled her eyes and then stood up. "I am sorry Your Highness, I wish to apologize in advance for him. It is just the way he is."

She had followed the Austrian Crown Princess into the salon where spread over the table was a profusion of paperwork. Stephanie waited at the double doors, both men having their back to her, just watching.

"By God, it's an interesting concept to be sure. Are you certain that Whitehead can improve the performance to more than 30 knots?"

"Yes, but have a look at this.." Rudolf said, dragging what seemed like the detailed plan of a ship across the table.

She turned back to Frances Fisher and whispered "It looks like love at first sight." The braying snort of laughter from Pamela Fisher, the youngest, was enough to turn both men around. Fisher was a seemingly unimposing figure to her own eye, yet Rudolf had seemingly not picked him at random. His eyes were lively, flitting here and there like a nervous cat and he seemed almost thrumming with energy. Where as his wife and daughters were quite tall and attractive, he had a round, plain face, aside from his expressive and animated eyes.

"Captain, or should I say Admiral Fisher, I see you are having fun with my husband."

"Yes, Your Highness, some of his ideas are fascinating, quite fascinating. I look forward to discussing them further."

Well my dear Captain, you commence with our navy in four days, I look forward to seeing you in the white uniform. You have a beautiful wife and daughters."

"Well, I am not sure that myself in a white uniform is that much to look forward to. My wife and daughters are a treasure. As for myself, well my mother was a most magnificent and handsome woman...my father was 6 feet 2 inches..., also especially handsome. Why I am ugly is one of those puzzles of physiology which are beyond finding out I would suppose. Not that you would know anything about being ugly maam, of course."

She laughed. "Well Admiral Fisher, you will fit in well here you flatterer."

It was later that night that Fisher sat down to write a letter to his brother.

To: Lt Commander Frederick Fisher, HMS Warspite, Portsmouth

Dear Fred,

We have duly arrived at Pola for my two year sabbatical. Kitty and the girls appear settled and our villa is in both a convenient location and has a delightful view. There is, as always, much work to be done in regards to a fleet that until very recently seems to have been starved for both funds and sea time.

What has been the greatest surprise is the Hapsburg Crown Prince, who is also the Minister for the Navy. He has shown me some radical new designs both in relation to fast, all big gun ships of the line, in addition to what promises to be more than incremental performance improvements in regards to torpedoes, as well as ideas in regards to improvements for magazine protection and new armouring schemes. He is an intense man, not one to suffer fools gladly, but then you know I fall into a similar boat. His wife is witty and charming. Of course, I will reports developments as they occur back to London.

I had initially thought that my time here would season me with command and leadership experience and little else aside from perhaps a good bronzing of the skin, however, perhaps I may the one to do some learning after all. In four days time, I will don the KuK white uniform, where I am certain I will look like a pudgy ice cream salesman. Anyway, it is just early days as yet and I will write in more detail at a later stage.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#359

Threadmarks February 1889-Reindolf, Stephpova discussion on Fisher, plans

johnboy

1 February 1889, Pola Naval Base, Austro-Hungarian Empire

His wife sat up in bed, a folder of letters, reports and a few photographs spread out upon the bed. "Well, the first day seemed to go well. What I haven't asked, because it is not my area of expertise, is what is the plan?"

"The plan?"

"Yes my dear Rudolf, the plan. If there is one thing I have learned so far it is that you are a planner. You plan everything and you do not like deviations from your plans. I am quite sure you even planned me back into your bed. What is the plan for Fisher, why him?"

He blinked in surprise. "Oh, plan...yes. Well, overall there are a huge amount of things that need to be done to try and re-glue together this ramshackle Empire, however, one thing we do have, at least I hope we have, is time. I think we agreed that an appropriate time to take control was the 1892-94 period, after we have learned the levers of power and established a reputation for competence, so until that time we only have as much power as we are able to obtain through our own efforts. There are so many things that need doing, but most we cannot directly effect until such time as we are firmly ensconced into the seats of power.

In the meantime, we need to gather together as much power and influence as possible, to be seen as serious figures in this country's future. To do that we need to have successes in areas and raise our profiles, be seen as serious people. To get, as Fisher called it 'runs on the board', whatever that means.

He walked over to the sideboard and downed his medicine in one go with a grimace. "You know this stuff is not so bad now that I know it's fixing things. Anyway, back to the subject at hand. I have been given the Navy and Science and Technology portfolios to deal with. Firstly, the Navy. This is something I actually know about, something I enjoy. The Navy has been starved for funds for many years, due mainly to two reasons, it's lack of importance compared to the Army and also the Hungarian parliament. Hungary have never had a seagoing tradition and have always viewed the Navy as a poor cousin at best, an unnecessary annoyance at worst.

Because it has been starved for funds, the Navy has tended to build a 'fleet of samples', ships have little sea time, morale consequently is indifferent since sea time builds cooperation and esprit de corps and for those reasons alone these factors are at a low ebb. So, to come back to your original question as to 'why Fisher'. A number of reasons, really. Firstly, he is a man of indescribable energy, drive and ideas. He will shake the Navy out of it's comfortable port bound existence and drive them to strive for not only sea time but excellence. Just because it will be a small service, it does not mean it cannot be a beautiful one. Secondly, he comes from a technical background and he will have ideas and new technologies that we can apply to developments here and improve everything from our shore facilities, our training, our ship designs and our hardware. To tease that information out of him will require some quid pro quo and for that reason I have floated some 'new' ideas of my own to him, such as torpedo improvements, all big gun ships, magazine sprinklers, sloped armour and the like. Others I continue to hold back such as turbines, oil burning, all or nothing amour, super-firing mounts, propellant, Dreyer Fire control and the like that I still retain in my head as the time is not yet right. Thirdly, it will establish more solid ties between both navies and, since the RN is so important to Britain. I am far from convinced that like in our remembered timelines, we should fall into Germany and her unstable Kaiser's orbit. That being the case, we may need another option. The British could supply that and possibly bring the French with them. Lastly, profile raising. Appointing Fisher has already made people look up and notice the Navy, even in Hungary. Whether they regard it as a good idea or an insult, they are noticing us. Now we need to make sure they are noticing us for the right reasons.

I have already given Fisher carte blanche to to assess and remove, if necessary, those officers that are not up to standard. Those that are incompetent will not remain. This will be made easier by the fact that at the moment we have actually reduced the fleet by the sales to China. Those that are so highly placed that they cannot be removed can be placed where they will do no damage. Expanding the Navy is needed to stimulate heavy industry as well. However, there is a limit. Ultimately, it is the Army that is more important. However, I am not going to be able to get my hands on the Army unless I succeed somewhere else first, no matter what fancy innovations I show at the summer Army maneuvers.

In regards to Science and Technology I do not have the technical knowledge I have of Navy, especially gunnery, which was my forte. That being the case, to some extent I have had to resort to simply obtaining funding, placing those that are seemingly competent in charge and perhaps giving a few gentle suggestions such as you did with penicillin. I can also attract back the best of minds, such as Tesla by offering state support. By the way, he has written to say he will be here within weeks having concluded his American business.

Aside from the Czech question, which we will not be likely to address until actually in power, the other changes I would like to make are agricultural via the collective machinery rings we talked about. Agriculture has always been dominated by Hungarian ministers and to make these changes we would need support from that quarter. However, I think you can help me here."

"How so?"

"Well, the Congo. If we are to obtain the Congo then this will be a stunning development, a profitable one to if rubber skyrockets in price in the 1890's like it did in my knowledge. This will give us the profile to then go to the ministry and push for this development. Which will increase yields so should be self funding, but more importantly it will provide a huge difference to the average peasant. It is a not unimportant point when one remembers the lessons of 1917-18. How are you going with your Congo project?"

"These papers are my Congo project. Letters, testimony, photographs are now starting to arrive. Our friend has three men on the job, all with the relevant credentials. Apparently a film is also on the way. When we visit in March I will obtain a portion of my father's personal correspondence. Then we go back in early May and ask for the transfer to be made on my birthday, 21st May. I have thought long and hard about trying to prepare, but I think it need to come as a 'bolt from the blue'. We cannot afford any prior plans to tip anyone or anything off as to what we are doing here. If there is a delay in our forces talking possession then so be it. Once we have it, we can then arrange another Polar Expedition, claim those desolate islands and then approach Denmark.

It should see a greater need for a Navy as well, so it helps your position. You are correct, I should give you more kudos for your agricultural project and the Agricultural Ministry would obviously have powers in the Congo as well, although I believe we will get excellent returns by involving the natives in profit sharing. We need to turn 180 degrees away from my father's policies."

"If you think so. We also need to discuss something we have raised before but done nothing with. Bodyguards. You will especially need them in May."

"You think my father will try and kill me?"

"Well, I would certainly consider it and from what you have told me of him and my own memories, I would not put it beyond the range of possibility. After all, the Congo seems to be his favorite project, aside from his mistresses of course."

"Very well, let me take care of it. I have recruited bodyguards before. You err...would not consider killing your own daughter under any circumstances would you?"

"Oh God no." He thought about the energetic young girl, as mass of dark hair. "I have become...attached. Even though a part of me said she is not your daughter, that has quickly faded away."

"Yes, I feel the same way. Curious to be a mother without being a mother. I think every women is born with maternal instinct, although some express it through work, babying their spouse or even pets. Anyway, so Fisher was important then?"

"Well I like him. However, he is just a cog in the wheel, one that will eventually leave. That is why I have detailed Kapitan Spaun to follow Fisher and learn as much as possible from him. I have assigned your young admirer Horthy as his liaison. But without cogs wheels cease to turn."

Stephanie laughed. "It is not young boys but young men that interest me. Thanks you for sharing your plans, it was an in depth and oh so pretty speech." Stephanie moved the covers aside, freeing her legs and with bottom half largely uncovered. "Perhaps we can find another use for that pretty tongue of yours.."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#379

Threadmarks February 1889-Budapest, Ganz, shipbuilding, Tesla, Plural voting

johnboy

24 February 1889, Ganz Works, Budapest, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He sat across from András Mechwart and attempted to summarize what he had come to say.

"So in brief I suppose what I am trying to say is you have been here long enough to know how things are done here. The Navy is not well funded and attempts to obtain new ships are invariably blocked by the Hungarian parliament, both because they in many cases have no understanding of the Navy but also because the contracts to build Navy ships go exclusively to Austrian firms. Not because of any sinister purpose mind you, simply because there are no Hungarian shipyards.

However, changes may well be afoot. I will say nothing now, but the time may come when Austria-Hungary seizes the mantle of overseas trade, requiring ships, port facilities, storage houses. As I have already discussed, the Navy will go through a renewal no matter what. This will involve an expansion of existing ship contracts. It has always been easier to gain money for rebuilds of existing ships rather than new construction, hence our plan for two large ships and three cruisers, as well as eight torpedo boats, these will be couched as "rebuilds" when in actual fact they are new ships. More will follow. For that reason alone, I would think it prudent to purchase the vacant land next to the Whitehead torpedo factory in Fiume. If, as I say, you foresee the need for future expansion in a naval sense, you will already own the land and have a jump on competitors in terms of construction of a Hungarian shipyard. As the only Hungarian shipyard, orders are sure to then follow."

András Mechwart replied. "Yes, I can see your point. The company has done well enough these last few years so there is enough cash to make such a modest purchase of land no questions asked, although some will ask why.

On another note, Your Highness, what am I to make of this Nicola Tesla you have brought with you?"

"I have entered into an agreement with Mr Tesla to fund his research in it's initial stages and give him access to facilities to pursue his ideas. I am quite convinced he has only scratched the surface of potential breakthroughs. Towards that end we have advanced him 100,000 guldens, if you can provide him technical expertise and facilities, as well as access to the necessary equipment, then Ganz can be guaranteed a cut of the deal we have negotiated in the event of patent revenues, which is 20% of total. Tesla himself retains 60%. As you are no doubt also aware, I am the Chairman of the Budapest Underground Railway committee. I am sure Ganz would be a fine firm to be involved in it's construction."

András Mechwart sighed. "Well then, it seems we are in agreement. Now, I have that other small item for you as requested."

"Good, I shall summon my wife and daughter." They walked through the factory, picking up both females on the way until he came to a small shed.

"Erzsi, Mr Merchwart has something for you, make sure to say thank you when he shows you."

"What is it papa?"

He opened the shed door revealing the contraption. "It is a quadracycle. You see, you sit here and peddle..."

25 February 1889, Royal Garden Pavilion, Budapest, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Stephanie reached over and took the pancake, coating it with lemon juice and sugar.

"You said you did not want any more. now you are eating mine."

"What's yours is mine, remember? So, it went well?"

"Yes, a lot of carrot and a tiny hint of stick. Plus Daimler and Maybach have accepted and will have relocated here by April, so all is well there."

"That being the case, we probably can let things drift until we go to Brussels in mid March. We then travel to Paris for the exhibition in May, back to Belgium to confront your father and then on to England. You know the Kaiser will be paying a state visit in September on his way to Athens for Sossy's wedding, which we will also be expected to go to."

"Yes, by that stage hopefully our colonial adventures will have been tied up. I have already arranged an expedition North via the Navy to take place in June."

"Well, I have been thinking about our other conversations, about women's voting, for that matter about all men voting and have had some preliminary talks with a few interested parties. It has been raised before in Austria and seems to be only a matter of time, after all it already exists in Germany, Greece, Spain, Portugal. Again, most of the resistance will come from here in Hungary, but in all fairness, they also have the most fractious minorities."

"I am sure you have a point."

"The point is we need to defray the concerns that the elite have in regards to granting universal voting rights, including women's voting rights."

"How would you do that?"

"Well, I was thinking the best way to approach it might be plural voting. That way you can approach it from the other side. It can be pitched as unlikely to impinge hugely on the power of the current magnates, whilst at the same time giving the disaffected a voice. Then you can chip away at the reasons for plural voting later on, after others have firstly been given the vote."

"What is plural voting anyway?"

"It's where one person can cast more than one vote. In this instance, I would suggest something along these lines: one vote normally, you gain an extra vote for each of the following: having completed a school diploma, a second for being a property owner, a third for having a bank account with more than 1000 florins and a fourth for paying poll tax of over 10 florins. Something like that. That would alleviate some of the current fears and promote the opportunity for a gradual change to one man(or woman) one vote."

"Well it's certainly interesting but getting it past my father even will be hard work, let alone both, or all four, parliaments."

"Well, we have to start somewhere."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#388

Threadmarks March 1889-Bodyguards, contemplations of Prague and Brussels

johnboy

8 March 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Well he had recruited the permanent bodyguards. His pick to head the team of them, Hauptmann Wenzel von Wurm, was quite shocked when he had indicated what he required from the other five members of his team. Four men, loyal but from the NCO ranks, men who had gotten into trouble for brawling were no problem, as long as they do not have a reputation for abusing either alcohol or women. Men who would not mind travel and appreciate a promotion to Feldwebel or Zugsfuhrer.

The last position had been more difficult to fill, however, eventually von Wurm had come up with Maria Mosconi, a small petite women with unusual and striking red hair whose father and grandfather were both Austrian colonels even though her family was ethnically Italian they had settled in Austria 100 years ago. Growing up a tomboy as the only one of two girls in nine children, she had learned to ride, fence and shoot well.

In two days he was to leave for Prague and a private meeting with Eduard Grégr from the Young Czech Party, before departing for Brussels and an unwanted but important sojourn with his father-in-law and in-laws in general. It would be the second stage, and a crucial stage at that, of the Congo strategy.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#392

Threadmarks March 1889-Grégr, Federated Empire discussions

johnboy

12 March 1889, Private salon, Grand Hotel Prague, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf leaned forward towards Eduard Grégr as he started to sum up. "I brought my wife to this meeting with me to further indicate that we are in this together, of one mind as it were.

There is no doubt in my own mind, nor I am sure in the logical part of your own, that a proposal for a separate Bohemia along the current border lines is doomed to failure, at least in the foreseeable future. It will be staunchly opposed by ethnic Germans and for that reason we need to move away from historic borders that are tied to former crown inheritances that no longer apply and look at what bests suits the ethnic and demographic realities of this diverse Empire we all live in.

To that end, these three possible border variations each contain a state that is overwhelmingly Czech. With any of these proposals, but particularly the last, the backlash from the creation of a third and separate Kingdom would largely be ameliorated and the governability of such an ethnically homogeneous entity would be greatly eased. Hence the proposal for two new Austrian entities that will come under the Austrian crown, Sudetenland and Moravia. The balance of former Bohemian and Moravian lands would all come under the banner of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

I can give you now both my own and my wife's word that if we are in a position to do so, that the creation of a separate Kingdom of Bohemia will be among our most immediate priorities along the path of the long term vision we have, which would be for a Federal Empire where all ethnic groups have a voice. However, as the third largest such group, you have my personal commitment that the Czechs are top of the tree, the first to benefit from such a change."

Eduard Grégr sat back to digest the conversation of the last hour fully. "Well there will be those that are opposed to such changes to traditional borders, but...I do not not count myself among them. Can you let me know again what powers would be retained by Vienna in such a Federal Empire?"

It was Stephanie who broke in. "I think this needs to be the sort of thing where progress is obtained one step at a time. Firstly Bohemia, then we can look to the Poles, Slovaks, Croatians and the like, splitting up the current Kingdoms into smaller entities, Kingdoms and Duchies of their own.

Most powers will lie with these states, however, certain powers will lie with Vienna. Firstly, the Head of State, secondly Defense and Foreign Affairs, lastly we envisage the creation of a basic bill of rights, not dissimilar to our idealistic American friends. This would guarantee universal suffrage, basic civil and criminal rights, allow the pursuit of criminals into different state based areas, freedom of language and religion and the like. In addition, taxation would be two paced, giving both the States and Federal governments a revenue stream, solving the strangling of budgets items for defense in particular by either parliament as can happen now."

Rudolf recommenced. "We see it as giving each group the voice it needs whilst at the same time avoiding the creation of large amounts of small, squabbling states that will be at loggerheads with each other and at the mercy of larger powers such as the Ottomans, the Italians, the Serbs, even the Germans."

"Well, your Royal Highness, these are certainly interesting, as well as radical proposals. They will be hard to push past the huge conservative faction at court in Vienna, as well as opposed by many minorities, who will see devil in the detail, however, I am happy to start quietly advocating for such things in 12 months time, as you suggested. It is...interesting and may I say unexpected. Of course you would actually need to BE Kaiser for such a plan to come to fruition, unless you could convince your father to change his current position."

"Yes, of course, however, planning for the future is always a good idea, that is all we can leave our children, is it not? Thank you for your time Eduard, I would like to make another appointment when the time is right."

"I look forward to it sir."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jun 15, 2017

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126

#410

Threadmarks March 1889- Stephpova musings, preparing for Leopold

johnboy

18 March 1889, approaching Brussels South Railway Station, Kingdom of Belgium

Stephanie had gotten Maria to assist her in getting ready and was now dressed in all the uncomfortable finery that embodied an 1880's Imperial Crown Princess, uncomfortable corset lacing, hair swept up and kept in place with a multitude of pins.

The last three days had been torture to be honest, spent with her sister Louise, who had briefly co-habited with her husband Philipp during the three tense days she had spent in Hungary. Her sister, so determined to marry in 1875, most likely to escape her own father, who constantly picked on her when he wasn't ignoring her completely and indeed banning her completely from Belgium after her marriage. The marriage had rapidly become unhappy, trading an authoritarian father for an authoritarian husband and after the birth of her daughter they had separated. Since 1882 she had been living permanently in Vienna whilst her husband, a Honved colonel, dwelt in Budapest, whilst Louise, the plainest of the three Belgian princesses, had commenced taking lovers.

She had not enjoyed the three days at all. Her sister was empty headed, flighty and a spendthrift to boot. Additionally, obsessed with gossip, she has force fed Stephanie as much of that as possible, whilst attempting to question her in depth about her reconciliation with Rudolf.

It was an uncomfortable topic for two reasons. Firstly, she was not the sister that Louise knew, at least not fully. Sure she had all those memories, could answer questions as required. She had always been the most intelligent by far of the three, so that helped.

However, ultimately there was a subterfuge here and maintaining it for three days in the face of constant questions and gossip was bad enough. Secondly, her 'reconciliation' with Rudolf was an uncertain subject for her in any case. This Reinhard/Rudolf was someone she needed badly to stay afloat in this universe and most of the time she was comfortable with that. She had always been a pragmatist, after all. Yet her husband was a complex man. He had a very hard edge, a dangerous edge perhaps. Someone who had isolated himself from feelings, he was at times like an island where she could not quite land. Yet at other times, he seemed like he desperately craved not only affection but validation. To get close to him was like approaching a furnace, watching it open, scared at being burned but at the same time comforted by the warmth. She had done her best to supply that affection, that validation, for when it was supplied he was capable of affection and loyalty in return aplenty. He was, in short, a conundrum. Like most men, she supposed.

As for her sister, she felt sorry for her two children, the ten year old boy and eight year old girl both largely ignored, particularly the later.

The one thing about having bodyguards, in addition to lady's maids, was that privacy was hard to come by. Unfortunately, it was something they badly needed to discuss plans and she had taken the time to clear the carriage for a last talk.

She lay down on the lounge seat, putting her head into Rudolf's lap. "Now you realise that we will have to be very careful here and that we will be virtually obliged to eat shit?"

"Eat shit?"

"Be humble. Take provocations and insults without responding, be subservient."

"I trust this is another one of your modern expressions?"

"Yes, actually. This visit has to just sail through with no one suspecting anything."

She started to doze. "This may give your father a heart attack when it all happens."

"Obnohuystvenno."

"What?"

"Sorry I slipped into Russian. It's an expression, it literally means all penis's are the same, but roughly I suppose it means it's all the same to me."

"They must have a charming turn of phrase in this 2017."

"Hmm. We need to make sure our girl is kept away from any conflict, although if nothing is discovered I am sure it won't be too bad. Father will be too busy with his mistresses, more than likely, to bother with his granddaughter."

"It's your family, I will let you take the lead."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jun 15, 2017

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#412

Threadmarks March 1889-Cards, Congo, slavery

johnboy

24 March 1889, Royal Castle, Laeken, Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium

Her father actually laughed out loud. He had just over-trumped her left bower with his right to take the trick and win the game, give him and her sister Clementine a 3-1 victory in their euchre match. Goddammit she thought, she had not been able to draw a single card that was any good all night. Laugh it up you sadistic, hedonistic bastard, she thought, when I am finished with you it will fell like you have been fucked by a train. It was certainly one of her failings compared to Rudolf, who seemed to be able to compose himself whatever the situation. As for herself, she was much less able to bring her emotions, particularly anger, under control.

Cards were of little matter in any case. With the knowledge she had, obtaining the documents that she had required had been far easier than she had thought. This was their last night in Belgium and one of only two her father had deigned to be present, spending the rest of his nights at the apartments of his favorites. Her father's personal study was attended only by a footman and she had been able to get Maria to distract the one on duty long enough to slip in, obtain her father's key to his huge working desk from it's usual place in the bottom of a small toilet kit and then obtain the needed files before slipping out and back to her own apartments.

The material within was dynamite. Letters from Camille Janssens detailing measures to be taken by the Force Publique to ensure rubber quotas were obtained, including executions, lists of deaths at their hands, all quietly initialed as received and replies noted, including a specific inquiry a month ago asking that the implementation of such measures be enforced in more remote areas "with all possible speed."

Perhaps the most damning of all was numerous letters prior to 1887 advising him that Tippu Tip was a slave trader on an enormous scale with 10,000 personal slaves and was actively procuring slaves from the Congo and selling them to fund a trade of 50,000 per annum into the Arab states and Ottoman Empire, 10 to 20,000 of these Congolese. Yet it had not stopped her father from appointing him governor of the Stanley Falls District, covering the Far East of Congo less than a month later. It was not beyond the bounds of possibility that a deal had been struck there, although she could not find any proof of such on a brief search.

Either way, there was more than enough, especially for a Head of State that gained control of such a land on a promise to end slavery. Now the implication was that he was actively supporting it. Together with the overwhelming numbers of photographs and testimony that were now regularly coming, even film, she should have enough by May.

From there, quickness of response would be the key. Both to stop what was happening and assume control before any muted initial objections consolidated into anything more. It was always best and generated the least amount of objections when something was presented as a fait accompli.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#413

Threadmarks March 1889-Wimbledon

johnboy

28 March 1889, Plombières-les-Bains spa, French Republic

The three day spa treatment had done much to relieve the stress of the previous week and they were due to leave to go back to Vienna on the morrow. She sat back and scanned the telegram again.

To: Crown Princess Stephanie, et all

From: Secretary, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Your Royal Highness,

We were surprised to receive your application to play in this years Open All England Tennis Championship whilst in Britain for the July Royal wedding. We were unaware that you had a recognized proficiency in the game. I have noted that you have expressed a wish to enter the Open section of the tournament, however, this is, of course, only open to gentleman. For this reason I have taken the liberty of entering you in this years Ladies Singles tournament.

I remain madam, your obedient servant,

Cecil. C Bromley

Secretary

Well, now the battle had began. Could she convince them to enter her in the men's tournament? Unlikely, but worth a try.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#424

Threadmarks April 1889-Arctic, West Indies, Danes, American, Navy plans

johnboy

4 April 1889, Navy Department Offices, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He sat across from the man, who was decked out in his newly created rank of Captain. "So, Captain von Payer, you understand the parameters for this mission?"

"Yes, Your Highness, indeed I do."

"So, to go over the route again, once you reach Tromso, you are to head due North to Svalbard, make a landing in the main bay and then drop off not only the shore party including Governor Capodilista and all their supplies. Ideally make a landing late June, leaving the bulk of the summer to build a permanent settlement. There is an abandoned coal scrape in the bay, so you may be able to use this to restock, but I would not count on it. From there make you way back to Jan Mayen and reestablish the weather station and finally back to England via Iceland. Once you reach London you are to cable me and I can confirm the announcement, the text of which I have already given you. Is that clear?"

"Well I have no doubt that we will encounter difficulties, however, it is a less difficult task that that of 15 years ago and the ship you have given me, the Aurora, is both larger, longer ranged and faster than in 1874. Even more so after we have stripped the main armament, reduced the navy crew and increased the bunkerage. I am confident and I will not let you or Count Wilczek down I am sure."

"Well then Captain, I wish you the best of luck indeed. The eyes of the Empire will be upon you. Again, I emphasize that the documents that I have given you are to remain completely confidential between only yourself and Governor Capodilista until such time as you have left Tromso."

"Of course Your Highness."

He sat musing after von Payer had left. It had taken some time and effort to renew old enthusiasms in regards to Polar Exploration, but Count Wilczek had been an enthusiastic backer yet again, among others, and the Navy had been happy enough to use it as a training exercise, although Fisher had been less than keen.

The Danish would be less than pleased when he announced the annexation of Svalbard, Franz Joseph Land and Jan Mayan as "Northern provinces" via terra nullis, confirmed by Austrian occupation and the application of law. Of course, he could then make an approach back to the Danes to transfer them the Northern islands in exchange for something else, perhaps a colony such as the West Indies which had become unprofitable and a drain on the Danish purse since the demise of the immensely profitable triangle trade.

Of course then the Americans would be horrified at another major foreign power gaining a foothold on their doorstep, but if they were prepared to stump up the cash in excess of what was offered in 1868 then perhaps a deal could be struck that might ultimately see American money and know how funding railways in the Congo, as well as perhaps a couple more large cruisers. Benjamin Harrison was a large taxing, big spending President after all and the tariffs he had placed on the imports of sugar were especially reviled. Of course, this criticism would be alleviated if the Americans had their own source of sugar, the one staple the Danish West Indies were abundant in. Plus, he supposed, it would be better for the locals and the island economy. Wheels within wheels.

In regards to the Navy, his basic sketches for a large torpedo boat of 56m in length and 260 tons had been finalized, with eight to be built in 1889, as well as that of the 2510 ton schnellkruiser that was quite light but should be capable of 24 knots and be used as an escort or with torpedo boats. One of these would also commence in 1889. One advantage of building a fleet for the Adriatic was it need not be long ranged and the weight and space saving could be devoted to speed or armour. For the larger design he had in mind, domestic guns were as yet unavailable and the most reliable method was to use the British 9.2 inch gun as the main caliber. For the 1890 budget he hoped to build two more schnellkruisers. He would spread the purchase of the main armament for the larger ships over both years and then lay both down in 1891, allowing the use of Harvey amour rather than nickel steel as was currently the fashion, also giving a weight saving.

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hnboy

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#427

Threadmarks April 1889-Maria Mosconi on Stephpova routines

johnboy

8 April 1889, Ballspielhaus, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Perhaps this job was not going to be quite as easy as she had first anticipated, thought Maria Mosconi. She had always considered herself fit, indulging in a number of non ladylike pursuits such as fencing and shooting. However, days when they were in Vienna seemed to follow a punishing routine. An early morning run of at least 5km, often with Crown Prince Rudolf as well. Breakfast, time with her daughter, then, in late morning, a ride to the Ballspielhaus, the Crown Princess always sitting astride. Then an hour each day of tennis, always with a male practice partner, followed by stretching and then half an hour of picking up weights, of all things.

Then a gallop back to the Hofburg, lunch with her family, meetings almost all afternoons, then dinner, sometimes the opera or music performances, but mostly more work. She spent much time closeted with her husband and it was pleasing to see what seemed like genuine affection between them.

However, the Crown Princess seemed to have endless energy and a penchant for hard physical exercise that seemed only matched by an interest in clothing, as well as an irreverent lack of concern for the protocols of a well bred women in relation to dress and even speech on occasion. It was all very different to what she had been told before accepting the position, where the portrait of an intelligent but shy and not forceful personality was given.

The ultimate shock had occurred when she had gone back to Stephanie's private exercise area and encountered her lifting herself up on a metal bar, dressed in only a short camisole and more scandalously, what looked like a pair of fitted boys shorts.

"Your Imperial Highness, what are you doing?"

"Exercising. You are welcome to join in my dear Maria."

"I..umm."

"Oh Maria, the look on your face. You will get used to this, trust me."

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Jun 17, 2017

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#443

Threadmarks April 1889-Mannlicher

johnboy

14 April 1889, Steyr Mannlicher, Steyr, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"So, these are the 1885's?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Ferdinand, without talking new designs at all, or perhaps only minor modifications, what technical innovations have come along that may make this more feasible?"

"Well, the move to the better machined and finished rounds, such as we have here with the new smokeless power will certainly assist, as would access to stronger and more flexible steel springs that the recent addition of 1% chromium to steel could provide."

"I am conducting a series of small unit demonstrations in platoon to company size at this year's army maneuvers in Hungary. Some of the things I hope to demonstrate are unusual and useful new technologies. Would it be possible to obtain say six of these modified to fire the new cartridges by say, July?"

"Well, it would not be a massive change and may provide a decent test bed for further developments, although we are flat out with the changeover to the new round. The older 1885-88 model rifles weaker bar-locks could not withstand the pressures generated by the new high velocity cartridges." Mannlicher walked over to the bench. "These two", he said, as he picked up two weapons, "represent transitional designs as it were, one a cavalry carbine, the other an infantry rifle, both with a straight pull bolt. If they show some promise and the bolt action is a success, I will go on to produce a proper successor designed for the new round."

Rudolf picked up the rifle, flipping it over and looking at the design. "I know it may be slightly more expensive, but what about provision of a ladder sight-it would be better at longer distance."

"Fiddly and prone to breakage but for longer ranges you may be right, although surely that should be the role of the officer, to call the range?"

"Perhaps. I was also wondering about the magazine. Would it be possible to enlarge the number of bullets before needing to reload another clip?"

"Possibly, although any more than six would likely affect the cleanness of the rifle. It certainly would not be a problem to try a six round magazine instead of five, I suppose."

"I was just thinking the less 'down time' from firing the better for magazine changes. So Ferdinand, the M1885, can you have 4-6 ready by July?" he said, looking over at the thoroughly unusual bull-pup design.

"Yes, we will attempt to do Your Majesty."

"Excellent, well the new design for the new cartridge is the most important thing, but if you can do this I will be most grateful."

"Of course." Well, he actually sounded much more interested than when he visited last some two years ago, thought Mannlicher. Perhaps his father's sense of duty was rubbing off after all. In addition, the patronage of the heir may prove useful.

Mannlicher M1885

MannlicherM85LMG.gif

Last edited: Sep 25, 2018

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Jun 18, 2017

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156

#447

Threadmarks April 1889-Preparing for Leopold, New Free Press, Auguste Fickert

johnboy

27 April 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Well, it was Thursday and she was due to leave for Belgium for her "surprise visit" on the Monday. The amount of material that she had now accumulated was enormous and she had more than enough in the way of duplicate material to confront her father with. It was in all likelihood going to be an explosive meeting, no doubt fueled by bitterness on both sides. Hence why she would at all times stick close to both Rudolf and the five that had been hired to protect them. It promised to be a very nasty meeting indeed. However, the wheels were already in motion.

She looked gain back at the newspaper. What the hell? May as well create chaos in two locations as one. When this came out Franz Joseph, whom she had heard had become deeply unhappy with reports of her 'unladylike' activities recently, would be even more outraged at her foray into politics. None the less, she picked up the telephone that had been provided to her private suite. Going through to the dedicated operator at the palace switchboard, she quickly asked "St Sophia's Christian Ladies School."

27 April 1889, Neue Freie Presse, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Adolf Werthner looked over the documents and small cache of photographs that had arrived autonomously in the post. He turned over the envelope to look at the postmark. Sankt Andra-Worden. Nothing remarkable there, a riverside hamlet 13 kilometers from Vienna.

Could this really be happening in Leopold II's Congo Free State?

27 April 1889, St Sophia's Christian Ladies School, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Auguste Fickert hurried down the hall towards the school's main offices and the headmasters. Professor Thaller, the Schullleiter, had already made it quite plain that she was his least favorite teacher, especially after becoming aware of her recent political activities. When she had arrived at his office, which contained the school's only telephone, he looked furious.

"Telephone for you, it is from the palace. Before you ask, it is no joke. Why would someone from the palace be calling for you, answer me that eh?" he ground out, thrusting the receiver at her like a weapon.

"I don't know Herr Thaller, i don't know.." She picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"A minute madam." There was a few clicks and a pause and then another voice came on the line, a women's.

"Fraulein Auguste Fickert?"

"Yes."

"This is Crown Princess Stephanie from the Hofburg. I understand from some of my reading today that you are organizing a petition against the disfranchisement of women voters in local government elections in Lower Austria, is this correct?"

Dear God, she thought, the shit has hit the fan at the highest levels now. She sighed. "Yes, it is true, Your Imperial Highness."

"Well, I am a women living in Lower Austria. It just so happens I would very much like to sign your petition."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#467

Threadmarks April 1889-Thoughts on Ministries

johnboy

29 April 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Well that was another meeting out of the way. His father had indicated that he wished to talk to him about his wife, however, he had indicated that he would rather do so after his return from a brief trip to Brussels.

In a strange arrangement typical of Austro-Hungary and the spirit of 1867. Until recently there were only three ministers that were common to both Austria and Hungary, those being Foreign Affairs, Finance and War. Of course, with the exception of Foreign Affairs, these departments were also duplicated at the levels of the Austrian and Hungarian governments as well. What had recently changed was the addition of a fourth minister, himself. The War Ministry had become the Army Ministry and he had taken control of two quite tiny ministries, Science and Technology and Navy. Both were common to Austria and Hungary and like all Federal Ministries, were resented as money that could be spent at the State level instead. Gustav Kálnoky was friendly enough, perhaps he felt he could afford to be since the new arrangements did not impinge on Foreign Affairs. Ferdinand von Bauer was not overtly hostile, even if he had been against the initial separation of the Navy into it's own department and he finally confessed some relief at having to fight battles on behalf of the Navy for money. He had been at pains to explain to him his reason for separating from the War Department and the hope that the Navy would no longer be a Cinderella service. Gyula Szapary, the Finance Minister, was hostile straight from the start. Despite Science and Technology only being guaranteed a 1 to 1.5% share of the total finance budget, he was clearly resentful of the loss of even a small part of his authority.

Well if things went according to plan there may soon have to be another Ministry, Colonial Affairs. That would provoke an unusual set up in the fact that any people from such a department would have to report directly to his wife as head of state instead of his father, at least in regards to the Congo. Sadly, that would likely result in a whole new round of ruffled feathers and would no doubt be dealt with in as complicated a way as possible, it was after all, the way things were done in the Dual Monarchy. Oh well, there are always eggs broken when making an omelette.

If this all went as planned, he would then have to face his father over the fallout, as no doubt would Stephanie. Not something he was really looking forward to. For now, he was just going to take a picnic and then relax tomorrow. Monday would see him on the train to Brussels, where there would be stresses enough.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#469

Threadmarks May 1889- Violence over the Congo

johnboy

3 May 1889, Laeken Castle, Laeken, Kingdom of Belgium

She had been half expecting it but when it had arrived it had still shocked her both by the act and the sheer force of it. The blow from her father had knocked her back onto the chaise lounge, leaving her momentarily dazed. When she looked up it was to see Rudolf stalking across the room with murder in his eyes. When she gathered herself together her husband was choking her father on the huge Turkish carpet that covered the floor of the private salon. Thank God they had cleared the private wing of people prior. Moving forward, she pulled out the tiny pocket pistol and shook Rudolf off her father with difficulty, finally leveling the gun at Leopold's groin as he lay on the ground.

"Now father, we don't want any accidents do we? I would hate to deprive your whores of your most used possession."

He looked back at her with true revulsion, still gasping for air. "You are no daughter of mine, you she-bitch."

"On the contrary father, I think I am just like you. Just like you I am prepared to do anything I need to get what I want. That also involves trampling over whoever I have to trample on to achieve my desired outcome. Doesn't that sound oh so familiar? Mother living a life of virtual exile so you can parade around your whores. Clementine refused permission to marry for no other reason than you needed a 'first lady'. Exploiting and mutilating natives in the Congo so you can grow fat and wealthy."

"It's only a few niggers. Grist for the mill on the progression to civilization. Who cares? The world most certainly does not."

"Oh, I think the world will care enough that you are sanctioning and profiting from slavery, the trade you promised to stamp out. I think that they will care that you order personally the mutilation and killing of natives because they are unable to fulfill rubber quotas set at far too high a level. I think they will care that you support tribes that practice cannibalism to spread fear into your enemies. I think that they will care that you allow girls as young as 12 to work in brothels to service your troops of the Force Publique. I think they will care about all those things, once more than just the tip of the evidence iceberg surfaces. The papers a few days ago were just a taster. Of course, I will be forced to distance myself from such a wicked man by detailing in excruciating detail just how difficult and abusive a father and husband to my mother and my sisters you were, just to cream the cake as it were. Yes, I think the world at large and the Belgian people and government will very much care that their King is a mutilator, a pedophile, a pimp, a murderer and a slaver.

When that happens father, it will not just be the Congo you lose. Better get ready for a regency, as cousin Albert will have to be your replacement. The scandal would not do well for a King in such troubled times and you will be removed, of that I have no doubt. It will be goodbye to the gravy train then, kicked out in disgrace like a dog that piddled on the carpet. No favorites, no jewels, no sycophants, no palaces. Are you ready for that?"

Leopold raised himself slowly, still face to face with the Menz 4.25mm Liliput handgun. "You must be mad to think that you can run the Congo, you, a stupid girl."

"You really are a complete fool father. Extracting as much wealth as possible at the cost of untold suffering is not my only aim, perhaps you never thought of that? When you look at it from that perspective, a walrus could run things better than you."

"I cannot just sign over a Belgian possession like that to you. The Belgian people would not stand for it."

"Ah, but it is not a Belgian possession, it's YOUR personal possession, as you have always been at pains to point out. I am sure there will be some condemnation father, yes I am sure of that, however, it will be relatively muted and possible to get through. It's not like your own government even wants the colony, after all. Plus, at the moment, you are losing money so perhaps I am doing you a favour. So you WILL do this, exactly as I have laid out. Announcement of this gift to your beloved daughter and therefore your personal property heir on the 21st May, then the transfer to occur officially on the 1st July, just like the documents I will leave, in that exact wording, are we clear? Or is the next person I need to talk to the Editor of "The Times" in London?"

Leopold sat there a long time. "Yes. On one condition."

"And what is it?"

"When it's done I never want to see you again. Ever."

"Well, that is fine father. I will consider it a bonus for both of us. Like I indicated, I will destroy all the evidence after twelve months without issues from you, you have my word on that. Unlike yours, my word may actually mean something. So, you agree?"

Leopold looked much older than his 54 years, still white and his voice low from the vicious choking administered minutes before. "Yes, I agree. Now get out of this palace and do not return. And take that bastard with you."

"By all means father, we will be out of the country before the night is over. Enjoy the folder of photos. I have many more."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#484

Threadmarks Aftermath, declarations

johnboy

4 May 1889, Kandein Inn, Terneuzen, Kingdom of the Netherlands

It had been a long night. Departing from Laeken at 10.30pm, they had traveled in two carriages, following the road North to Antwerp before veering North-West at Willebroek and finally crossing the frontier at just after 2.30am in the following morning. To say the innkeeper was unhappy to be woken at half past 3 in the morning was an understatement, however, eight gulden gold coins from Rudolf had quickly gained his attention. He had used two more earlier to thank the customs officials for facilitating such a late night border crossing. She had let Rudolf do the negotiations. Thankfully it was dark enough that the innkeeper was not able to see the wreck that was her face.

Well, it was over, and successfully too or so it seemed. She looked again at her face in the mirror. The right eye was swollen shut, a livid purple bruise on her cheek. Now that the adrenaline had finally drained away all that was left was nervous exhaustion. The whole right side of her face produced a fierce dull ache. She reached out and took another sip from the glass of the only ersatz medicine that had happened to be in the carriages, a half bottle of Himbeergeist. The clear, fiery raspberry liquor had somewhat dulled the pain and now she just felt exhausted. It would take a week or more for the bruising to go down she thought as she started to cry.

It was Maria who came in and found her crying uncontrollably and eventually got her undressed and into bed, where she quickly fell asleep. The next morning she felt the full force of the blow, her right eye closed and her face really in pain. Rudolf had let her spend the night with the bodyguards, before coming early in the morning and sitting with her as the others went to breakfast.

"We will stay another day or two, until you feel better. It is Saturday now. We can rest here today and tomorrow. On Monday take the ferry to Hoedekenskerke, rest overnight and take a private carriage on the train back to Vienna on the Tuesday from Germany, that way we will be back by Wednesday night. Hopefully by Thursday next week the bruising will be down."

"I don't want to waste any time, we have so little. It is only just over eight weeks and we will have to put an administration in place in the Congo, as well as convincing your father that this is all a beneficial cause. We have so much to do now."

"That does not matter just as yet. Until we get back to Vienna we cannot start things in motion. Therefore, you just need to rest, let myself and Maria take care of your needs. I am sure people that see your face will think I did it, but oh well, over the years the amount of speculation about me has been abominable in any case, one more thing will not matter. I feel like killing that bastard, I wish I had killed him."

"Don't worry, I am sure he is dying a little on the inside in any case after the loss of what was always his favorite child. Rudolf, thank you for getting him off me. I have just...never been physically hit before. It was a shock I suppose. I was ready for it but not really ready, you know? However, it was worth it. We need to change things there, do something for those people."

"Yes, I suppose so. Let me tell you something and I can say with implacable certainty now that it is true. I felt it as strongly as I have ever felt anything in so very long a time, since I was a teenager, in fact. I, well, I love you. It's crazy, this whole thing is crazy, but if I lost you I am not sure what I would do in this here and now and I realised that after that bastard starting beating you."

"Don't know how you can say that, I must look frightful. The frightful Queen of the Congo."

"You look like the brave victor of a terrible battle to me, a Valkyrie. We can stand up to my father as well. Now you are of equal rank to him, a head of state in your own right. He will hate it but will not be able to ignore it."

She sighed. "I still feel tired. Can you slide into bed with me and perhaps I will sleep some more?"

"Of course."

Stephanie lay there, the good side of her face on the pillow. I may be staring to fall for you as well, she thought, before eventually drifting off.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#497

Threadmarks May 1889- Hofburg disagreements

johnboy

12 May 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

It was over a week since the punch to the face and now the meeting could be delayed no longer. Rudolf had begged off on account of her "sickness" and had delayed the meeting to this Saturday morning, however, it could not be delayed any longer. Concerned about her, he had spent most of his time back fiddling with designs for a three or even four Kingdom flag. Thankfully the effects of the blow were now going down and concealer was now able to disguise the residual bruising. It felt like being summoned to the headmaster's office. She had carefully selected the silk dress, white with alternating red and green lines in Austro-Hungarian colours, along with a small enameled tiara. Appearance could count for much at these sort of meetings and served to underline that she considered the meeting important, but was no mere underling to be ordered around. Rudolf had worn his uniform as a full major general in the Army.

They had been shown into Franz Joseph's personal study. The older man quickly got the ball rolling.

"I have called you both here as I have become alarmed at a number of reports over the last six months that have reached my ears until such a cacophony of tales has built up that I feel things can go on no further without me raising the very real concerns I have. Let me go through these with you both one by one. Keep in mind that I have done you both the service of not bringing forth many of the direct complainants that have beaten a path to my door and instead decided to talk privately about these issues with both of you.

Firstly, Rudolf, let us deal with you. It seems you have fallen back in love with your wife, since you two have been virtually inseparable, and I thank God for that. You have given up your favorites, drinking to excess and other activities. For that, I am also grateful. You have taken an interest in the running of these domains, also commendable.

Now let me move onto some of the less seemly issues. I let you have your head with Science and Technology and in particular, the Navy, as I was desperate to try and focus you on something and you came to me with a seeming clarity of vision. You placed an Englishman as the operational head of the Navy and the man has been making himself terribly unpopular in certain circles as I am sure you well know, removing many from the Navy and redeploying others. Some of these have been beating a path to my door with a litany of complaints, including one that a so called schnell kruiser laid down a week or two ago is a completely new ship, but put through in the naval budget as a rebuild of a ship that has actually been sold to China! How do I answer such questions?"

"Father, I am sorry if this places you in a difficult situation, however, this is not the first time such a subterfuge has been done to enable construction to be started on new ships due to the intransigence of the Hungarian parliament in regards new builds. I have been in discussion with Ganz and Co in regards to construction of a shipyard at Fiume under Hungarian control. If this comes about, as I believe it will, then the difficulty of getting new construction approved will, I believe, be relieved. In regards to Fisher, I have given him carte blanche to remove those he deems incompetent after consultations with myself. Those that I have thought too influential I have transferred. Some have, of course, been resentful. However, I believe that this is ultimately to the benefit of the service to weed out the unsuitable. We will never be able to afford a Navy the size of Britain and we need to make sure the dagger we do have is sharp, not dulled. You know how many political appointments there are in the Navy.

Already we are making progress. Men are spending more time at sea and whilst there are issues with some within the officer corps, others are energized and the men's morale is at an all time high with these new developments. I beg you not to change that. In addition, in regards to Science and Technology, I have a number of new developments I wish to show at this year's Army maneuvers, I would very much like you to attend to view their demonstration."

"I will see what I can do. Truth be told, my main concerns are with your wife here, in any case, although you bear part of the blame as clearly you have been unable to bring her into line as befits an Imperial Princess. I am also aware of the fact that you intend to claim these piles of frozen shore in the far North for this Empire, yet have neglected to inform me, it's sovereign, of just such a plan, yet I will get to that when I talk about your wife."

Fuck, thought Rudolf. Here we go, thought Stephanie.

"In regards your wife, several reports have reached my ears of a most alarming nature. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, Stephanie, I have received a letter from your father Leopold to the effect that he intends to move personal ownership of the Congo Free State effective 1.7.1889 but to be announced on your birthday to you. Yet I, as your sovereign and head of your house know nothing of this? Why? Who is going to administer this backward, savage realm? Leopold confided to me that it currently a large drain on his finances. Do you expect the state to pay for it's upkeep? Along with Rudolf's frozen rocks? Answer me that."

Stephanie took a deep breath before plunging in. Fuck Leopold. "Firstly, we only found out when I was in Belgium and whilst it is true that Rudolf has approached a few people in regards to this, I wanted to tell you personally as the future Head of State of such a region what was to occur, but have been quite sick and indisposed. This would have been my first opportunity to do so. As it is, we are not even at the announcement stage and it is only just over a week since my father confided such a plan. Be that as it may, we have not been idle. Your Majesty, my own father has been criminally negligent in his running of the colony. It is located in an area of Africa where riches abound, there are large deposits of copper, gold and diamonds, especially the later can be easily exploited and not under the horrific conditions that currently prevail there. If confirmed as Head of State, I would hope that the territory could be administered by citizens of this Empire, who could then share in the profits in conjunction with those that reside locally.

It shames me to admit it, but my own father has been party to a number of horrific practices in regards the running of the colony and I feel it my duty as a good Catholic to seize this opportunity to reverse such policies and bring enlightenment to the native people." Hopefully that sounded good, she thought.

"You should have come to this immediately", Franz Joseph grated out. "It is unacceptable."

"Yes, but also an opportunity for this Empire and yourself to seize the mantle of colonialism, to show how much better we can be than the British, the French, the Italians and so on. To hugely increase the prestige of our Empire, to be seen as a player in the great game world wide. In regards to Rudolf's Northern expedition, I believe he intends to sell the lands that are claimed."

"Sell them, who would want a frozen waste?"

Rudolf chimed back in. "Well father, to the only two powers that are close and maintain an interest in sealing and whaling, Denmark and Sweden. I would think the Danes will be shocked by our claim. Claiming the islands will provide not only an excellent instructional exercise for those naval personnel involved, but also can be done at minimal expense. If we then on sell to the Danes, we can make some money or perhaps the islands can be part exchanged for the Danish West Indies, which Copenhagen have been trying to sell to a foreign power for some time."

"Make a profit? For God's sake, what are we, grocers?"

"No, I am solely interested in increasing our international prestige and reputation. Colonies do such a thing. That is an undeniable fact."

"Dear God, all this will create a firestorm. And so little time. Of course, there are other matters as concerning your wife."

"Such as?" Stephanie asked.

"Let's start with your little stunt where both of you, I am sure Rudolf at your connivance, signed that petition against the disenfranchisement of women voters."

"What of it?"

"Don't get clever with me girl, it's clearly a political statement and therefore quite at odds with the stance we have chosen to take to stay out of such matters. You should not have signed it at all and if you wished to do so you quite clearly should have come to me first to ask permission, which you just as clearly did not do, instead you convinced your husband to sign as well to compound the problem."

"You know that my position is that women should have the vote in any case, however, I was certainly going to object to it's removal in one of the rare cases where it has been bestowed. Whilst I will concede I should have spoken to you first I am not going to apologize for conforming to my own beliefs."

"Sometimes in our position we cannot always follow our beliefs, but instead knuckle under to duty. Don't be a silly girl."

"I am many things but a silly girl is no longer one of them and I will take the opportunity to remind you of such."

"Well I don't know what else you would call charging around the city on runs with Rudolf, let alone your scandalous attempt to play tennis with men in England, finally entering the women's tournament. For heavens sake, you are not a tennis player or anything so common, you are a royal princess of the House of Hapsburg and you would do well to remind yourself of such a fact."

"I am well aware of who I am. I have entered such a tournament, not only that but I will undertake to win it, so we will see whether I am a tennis player or not. You let your wife swan around Europe and do what she wants when she wants to and as far as this goes I do not care what your view on the matter are, it leaves me completely unmoved."

Franz Joseph raised his voice. "You should be concentrating on producing an heir that this empire needs."

"I already have produced one in case you have not noticed."

The Emperor was now red with anger. "Don't be stupid girl. You have failed your husband and this dynasty."

"Father, this is too much." said Rudolf.

This had all gone too far, thought Stephanie and she had let her own anger drive her in the last couple of sentences. It was time to reverse course.

Franz Joseph's own anger ebbed away gradually as the young women was reduced to sitting there, tears leaking out of her eyes. This had gone too far. Unlike his wife, he had always had a soft spot for the young girl that had married so young and come to a foreign country. Timid, she had rapidly become pregnant and as she and Rudolf had drifted apart she had become alone as he had pursued his affairs, becoming haughty and conscious of her position, as it was the only thing she had left to her. Now it seemed she had discovered a backbone in a large way. Maybe that is what had won his wayward son back into her bed and at the same time she had started to re-engage with her own daughter. He could not afford to lose that, he needed an heir, in both generations. Somehow she had succeeded in turning his son away from a self destructive path that usually had only one end. The possibility of future children and an heir to his son also loomed. These were things of vital importance. All were needed to hold this monolithic yet oh so fragile Empire in balance.

"Alright, I have nothing more to say. All I ask is that you BOTH consult me before any further major decisions are made that you know should need my approval. Can you agree?"

"Yes."

"Yes"

"Well, be off with you then" said the Kaiser.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#498

Threadmarks Possible Three Kingdom flag

johnboy

Possible three Kingdom flag

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#514

Threadmarks May 1889- Shipping thoughts with Austro-Lloyds

johnboy

16 May 1889, Palazzo del Lloyd Austria, Trieste, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Octavio Cosulich was at a loss as to the reasons for the requested meeting but as Chairman of Österreichischer Lloyd he was not like to refuse the Hapsburg Crown Prince a meeting if he requested one, especially now that he also controlled the naval policy of the Dual monarchy. Cosulich was Croatian, like some 70% of the staff at Österreichischer Lloyd, with another 15% being Italians with a few Germans and Hungarians. He had started his career in South America before moving back to Trieste.

"Herr Cosulich, thank you for seeing me and I apologize for the veil of secrecy but I had some information I wished to pass onto you that may be significant. As I am sure we are both aware, Österreichischer Lloyd is the only large shipping company in the Empire and you operate 86 ships?"

"88"

"88, yes. And your two flagships, Imperator and Imperatrix are the only vessels over 4,000 tons at at 4,140 tons with three more at over 3,000 tons, correct?"

"Yes." Where was he going with this?

"Would you say your ships are fully committed at present?"

"Your Highness, if they are not fully committed you are not running a successful enterprise."

"Quite. You see the reason I ask is that there is a company in Britain for sale, the African Steamship Company, due to poor finances of the company's directors and a rumored inability to pay for their new 3,196 ton flagship Plassey."

"Yes, I am aware Your Highness. They run West African routes from Banjul to Luanda. Not really the sort of thing that falls within our purview."

"Yes, or so it seems at present. They run a fleet of 19 ships, not including hulks and coal barges, from 288 to 2078 tons, plus their almost completed flagship. In all 29 vessels. All modified for African service. The price that is asked seems more than reasonable and they would likely settle for less. I mention this because you have large cash reserves yourself, both from profitable operations here and your own sale of your interests in Nicolás Mihanovich y Compañía when you moved back from Argentina. Those reserves spent on such an enterprise could be used to raise your own personal stake in Österreichischer Lloyd if they were used towards such an acquisition."

"Your Highness, what would be the purpose of such an exercise? Running cargo that is currently run to London to Trieste instead, at an extra distance of 700 sea miles. Forgive me, but I can see no future in such a scheme."

"Yes, in normal circumstances I would concede that this would be true, however, these may not be normal circumstances. What if I was to tell you that in a mere five days that Leopold II will cede sovereignty over the Congo Free State to my own wife and his daughter Stephanie and that afterwards the territory will be administered by the Austro-Hungarian authorities under her direction? If I also told you that the struggling German South West Africa Company Ltd, who are desperate for regular shipping contacts that British companies will not touch, would sign an exclusive contract to use Österreichischer Lloyd if the price was half way reasonable, along with the new Congo Free State administration? None of these things mean that you necessarily lose the current contract on the Niger the African Steamship Company possesses. The motto of your company is 'Vorwarts', is it not?"

Dear sweet God, if this was true, then there were possibilities previously unseen. In those terms, there was great potential indeed, including to use the initial part of the journey to connect through to Cadiz onto Compañía Transatlántica Española routes to New York and South America, perhaps even via Athens. Carrying passengers on the way out and goods on the way back.

"Your Highness, what an interesting thought. Vorwarts, yes it is." And to think he had dismissed this meeting as likely unimportant.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#515

Threadmarks May 1889- Congo Governor

johnboy

19 May 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Johann Salvator sat and listened to his friend and his wife go over the details again. It had been a quick journey from London and then via the Orient Express from Calais. Stephanie commenced again.

"In the finish, to escape an almost otherworldly miasma of difficulties and objections, we have agreed to the Kaiser's requests in nearly every instance. I will remain Head of State for the Free State, however, it will be administered by the yet to be established Austro-Hungarian Colonial Office, who will submit reports both to the Kaiser and myself. The real local authority will be the Governor who will report again to both Franz Joseph and myself. That is where you come in.

It has been agreed that both troops and administrators will deport for the capital on or about the 10th June, short notice I know, ready for an official handover on the night of the 30th June. I will be able to provide you detailed reports in regards what has been going on there these last few years prior to commencing. Standard Austrian law will apply and the main priorities will be fourfold, firstly convincing the locals that this occupation is not just more of the same, secondly co-operating with local people to keep up production of rubber and, for the moment, ivory. Thirdly, secure the diamond mines and commence production and lastly an expedition to secure Katanga and it's copper resources to stave off the English and their ambitions. By the way, I am thinking of naming the capital Marianburg, in honor of, umm, Maria Theresa.

Would you be willing to accept the post of Governor? Not only would it give you the opportunity to pursue good deeds but it will go a long way towards solving your issues with Ludmilla Stuber. In such a remote location, your domestic arrangements will be no one's concern but your own and if Rudolf ever replaces his father he will confirm what has already been done in secret. In regards the financial rewards due to me personally, I am happy to plow most if not all of them back into the development of the country as a whole. What are your thoughts?"

Archduke Johann Salvator of Austria sat and thought. Not only would he be performing a service for his friend and his wife, he could get what he wanted after all, or perhaps so.

"I think yes, but I will need to confirm with you probably tomorrow."

"Well then, until tomorrow."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 2, 2017

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#519

Threadmarks May 1889 - Congo thoughts and planning

johnboy

22 May 1889, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The front page headline from the Brussels daily newspaper summed it up fairly well I suppose. "Qu'est-ce qui se passe?" What is happening indeed. Well the fat was in the fire now and the Congo issue was done and run. Her lovely father would no doubt be squirming now and would be for some time. Now the scramble to make the plans needed would ensue, not helped by the fact that the expedition to the Congo would leave on the 12th June, calling at Cadiz on the 15th, where both herself and Rudolf would disembark to make their way firstly to Paris for the Great Exhibition and then to London for both Wimbledon and the British Fife Royal Wedding, where the Kaiser would no doubt also be present, along with the Danish royal family. Austro-Hungary needed to gain another firm ally aside from Germany. The shock abdication of King Milan in Serbia had scarcely improved the situation there and was the first step in the road to a more aggressive policy that led to war OTL. In truth, both Rudolf and herself did not even know about it from foreknowledge, which just went to show again that historical knowledge was useful, but not the be all and end all. It was not like either of them were historians, after all.

So, Cosulich had moved quickly and Johann Salvator had accepted the governorship. As a military expedition, the first deployment would leave on the newly commissioned small battleship SMS Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stephanie, which was quite appropriate, accompanied by two torpedo cruisers. They would carry over 200 civilians and two battalions of the 87th Regiment, each consisting of a commander, 18 officers, two medical doctors, 656 NCOs and men and seven horses. There would also be a headquarters staff consisting of a further overall military commander, eight officers, two more medical doctors, 21 NCO's and men plus six horses.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 6, 2017

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#545

Threadmarks May 1889-Rumblings in Whitehall

johnboy

30 May 1889, Marlborough House, Great Britain

The Prime Minister levered his portly frame off the ottoman and stood to meet the equally portly Bertie.

"Thank you for meeting me sir."

"No thank you for asking me to do so Prime Minister. How may I assist you?"

"Well sir, it comes on the back of the extraordinary announcement in regards the Congo and I wanted to come to you and ask firstly what you know about this Rudolf and his wife. Obviously we are concerned not only with our own African interests but also potential interest in Katanga, within Southern Congo. What do you make of the situation and indeed this couple that seem to be at the center of it?"

"Well, I have met him a number of times, five I think including his wedding, however, as Catholics, they are not close family as such. Probably the greatest amount of time we have spent together was last year in Hungary. He is politically liberal, at least for Austria, and is quite anti German, at least in the sense that he dislikes the Kaiser with his heel clicking arrogance and resents the Dual Monarchy's dependence on Germany to take the lead in foreign policy. He also introduced me to the financier Maurice de Hirsch. In regards his wife, as you are no doubt aware, we are related via my father's side of the family, however, when I met Rudolf in 1888 she was not in attendance and I had gained the impression that the marriage was in trouble. Quiet girl, self contained, from my impressions."

"Well, reports from a man we have in Pola, a Captain Fisher, observations only mind you, seem to indicate that whatever problems they had with their marriage, they are now in the past. In addition, the impressions written by him are very much to the effect she has a great deal of influence with Rudolf."

"Well that would seem to be a change. I presume today's meeting is not only about my personal impressions of the Crown Prince and his wife?"

"Yes, yes it is. Are you aware that Stephanie has entered this year's Wimbledon tennis championships?"

Bertie was momentarily taken aback. "Well that is most uncharacteristic I would have to say."

"Yes well, you are correct Your Royal Highness. Both will be present at your daughter's wedding, correct?"

"Yes, they will be staying here at Marlborough House, in fact."

"Both the Foreign Office and the Colonial Office would very much like to know not only their intentions in regards the Congo but this abrupt about face in terms of colonial aspirations in terms the Dual Monarchy as a whole. Overseas colonies are something that they have previously eschewed, now it seems that they are moving in a different direction. The appointment of Fisher with a brief to modernize their Navy also seems to indicate they have an interest in seizing Neptune's trident as well. The fact that all these things seem to point to a change of position indicate we may have another player on the international stage, rather than just the Balkans. For that reason, it would be appreciated if, during the course of the wedding festivities and the time afterwards, you could make an efforts to find out all you could in regards to the policies of the couple, especially the Crown Princess, who will now be directly in charge of the Congo."

"Well Prime Minister, I will endeavor to do my best."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#557

Threadmarks June 1889-First voyage of the Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stephanie

johnboy

2 June 1889, Pola Naval Base, aboard SMS Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stephanie, Austro Hungarian Empire

Fisher stood next to his sea chair on the bridge of the bridge as the bustle surrounded him on board the newest addition to the Austro-Hungarian fleet. She was a strange looking ship, her main armament of two 12 inch guns both being mounted singly in barbette sponsons to port and starboard forwards on the ship, with a secondary armament of six 5.9 inch guns on the broadside. It gave the ship a broadside of only one 12 inch and three 5.9 inch guns, ridiculously low for a 5025 ton ironclad. She had simply been too far along for Rudolf or himself to make any meaningful changes to her design, other than removing the useless rear torpedo tube and fitting a new, much less heavier, forward mast. With a five year build time, even with recent urging to speed the process, she was likely already obsolete, especially compared to Rudolf's remarkable new designs. It was an era where naval technology was changing at a frightening rate.

Fisher was now used to having the young Ensign Hans-Adam von Albori hovering beside him to translate and scarcely noticed his presence anymore.

"Hans-Adam, what is the forecast?"

"Clear with a gentle breeze of 5 knots only, scattered cloud."

"Splendid!" That should keep the Crown Princess from being sick he though, looking at Stephanie ensconced in his sea chair with Rudolf standing and looking eager on the other wing of the bridge.

"Captain, what is the ship's state?" he asked Captain Ivo Vizin, unusually for someone of his rank, a Croat from Cattaro, but a man Fisher had every confidence in.

"Ship secured for sea sir. Full compliment on board, boilers are flashed up."

"Well then Ivo, we had better take her to sea and put her through her paces."

The Adriatic was near to flat by the time they had reached the exercise area yet even at full power the small barbette battleship did not achieve 18 knots. Too slow thought Fisher. Speed was an armour all of itself and this ship was too small to engage her foreign counterparts and too slow to run from them. Fisher had enjoyed his time in Pola so far. He had received solid support from Rudolf and Stephanie and it had been a learning experience. He had forced himself to be ruthless and remove those that were not competent, give the ships themselves sea time and he was now starting to see the benefits of such a move. He hoped that by the time he left Austrian service in 1891 that new, more modern ships would be well on the way to delivery and that the service would be able to build a modern battle line capable of more than the 12-13 knot ships it mostly possessed at present.

There were some surprising areas that the Dual Monarchy's Navy excelled at. They were probably ahead of the Royal Navy in terms of both mine and torpedo development, something of vital importance to a Navy mainly operating in the shallower waters of the Adriatic. With the acquisition of the Congo and Austro-Lloyd buying the African Steamship Company, adding at a stroke over 30 ships and 30,000 tons to the Dual Monarchy's small Merchant Marine, it may not be just the the Adriatic that the Navy was to be concerned with. Last night Rudolf over cards had asked if possession of a coaling port West of Malta would be useful to the navy. It would be more than useful, thought Fisher.

Finally it was time for gunnery practice on the old ship Kaiser. Behind each breech a 450kg shell waited at the top of the hoist, only it's pointed, yellow painted armour capped nose showing. Below it, held on pawls, other shells waited to feed feed the guns, all the way down to the shell handling rooms and the feed root. Once firing commenced, there should be no empty spaces on the feed link lest the gun fall silent.

Fisher nodded and the Captain gave the command.

"All guns with armour piercing shell and full charge, load, load, load."

The gun captain stared at the charge number. He could not load until the brown powder had been shoved into the rammer. It was more than 140kg of propellant. He saw he had powder and pulled his breech lever towards him. The rammer swung over and stopped in line with the open breech. With a rattle both shell and charge rammed into the hole. His assistant hand shot up, indicating readiness and the new polished breech block swing shut, locked into place.

"Left gun loaded."

"Open fire."

"200 meters over. Corrections."

It had been a good day's shoot thought Fisher. The ship had gone through her paces and performed as well as expected but what had really gratified Fisher had been the smooth efficiency of the crew on board such a brand new vessel. It looked like the little battleship was ready for her first mission, to Africa of all places. Yes, it had so far been an enjoyable posting to Austria and although there was some unpleasantness with the dismissals, his wife had fared well and his girls seemed to enjoy the attention of so many young naval officers, perhaps too much he mused.

Rudolf came over. "She seemed to go well enough?"

"Yes, I was very pleased with the crew in particular. Vizin seems to have them at a high state of efficiency."

"We both appreciate your work. You were the ADC to Her Majesty at one stage I understand?"

"Yes I had that honor."

"I will be sure to mention your good work here."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#558

Threadmarks June 1889-Head North young man

johnboy

10 June 1889, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He had been strolling through the magnificent grounds of the palace and had just returned when the footman brought the telegram that had arrived via the private box at the main Vienna General Post Office, addressed to the nom de plume he had created, Miss Henrietta Krause. His wife was still sweating and straining on her tennis court; last minute practice she called it. The message was both short and to the point.

"Departed Reykjavic. Enjoyed our stay. Plans have remained unchanged to call on Uncle Jan and hope to see the matinee performance of the Bard. Cousin Julius."

So, the Northern Expedition under von Payer was at sea. By the end of the month they should have their flag on the terra nullius that constituted Jan Mayen, Svalbard and Franz Joseph Land. July would be an interesting time to be in England with the Danish King, Christian IX, who would also be present at the wedding, as would the Kaiser, Tsarevich Nicholas of Russia, as well as Crown Prince Constantine of Greece.

Interesting times indeed. It would be an excellent opportunity to gauge how much Denmark wanted these lands and how little they valued their West Indian colony.

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#563

Threadmarks JUne 1889- A few Von Goghs are in your luggage madam...

johnboy

24 June 1889, Paris, Republic of France

Stephanie rather hoped that much like had happened in her meories, they would not follow their original plan to pull down the Eiffel Tower as they walked under the archway for their last day at the Great Exhibition. She had received a telegram that morning from the small battleship they had departed Pola in, she had weighed anchor at Sierra Leone for the final part of the journey to the Congo. Leopold's officials would remain in place until replaced by her own functionaries, which might take months in the wild interior of the colony. They would, however, make the time-frame for the official handover to her control on the night of the 30th June.

She had quite literally bumped into the small, brown haired young man whilst admiring some of the paintings on display and Maria had taken care to place herself between Stephanie and the mustachioed man.

"Pardon madam."

"That is quite alright, I was not watching where I was going."

"You like this painting by Whistler madam?"

"Yes, I think I do. I am no great art expert, however. My husband knows more about music, in particular, but also art, than I do."

"It reminds me of some of the work of my dear brother."

"You have a brother who paints?"

"Yes, Vincent. Sadly he is institutionalized at present."

"Vincent?"

"Van Gogh."

"I see. Umm...do you have some of these painting for sale at all?"

"I do have a little studio by the Seine if you wish to make the time to see, with some 60 to 70 works, some half of those in oils."

"I am leaving for London tonight, but if you give me the address say 3pm today? I will bring my husband. Mister?"

"Theodorus. Theodorus Van Gogh. I look forward to it. Each painting sold alleviates my brother's financial plight to a small degree."

24 June 1889, Galite Island, Mediterranean Sea

The gunboat Albatros remained at anchor in the small harbour as they docked the two longboats at the stone pier. There was a collection of six houses near the bay, a smaller stone building right near the pier and one larger stone building further up. Not exactly a bustling metropolis. A smaller party of three were there to greet them.

"Who the hell are you lot" the lead figure said in rough Italian.

"Lieutenant Gustav Weindorfer, His Majesty's Austro-Hungarian navy. We intend to occupy the island, set up a weather reporting and coaling station and claim it in the name of His Imperial Majesty."

The grizzled seaman looked back and the youthful officer. "Well fuck me. You had better see the Mayor."

The trip up to the cottage, slightly larger than the others, took but a matter of minutes and in no time at all he was sitting with an older man in his 50's, sipping a fiery honey based liquid.

"So, you are Austrians?"

"Yes. Are there many on the island?"

"Four French, 17 Italians, 1 Portuguese. All men. Most are fisherman. Three shepherds. A butcher. Most are men who have wanted to disappear. They will not welcome authority but at least your come from a location where most are not wanted for one thing or another."

24 June 1889, Paris, Republic of France

"I do not wish to take all of your stock, however, I have picked out 37, some 24 of them oils on canvas, if you would like to set a price."

"Thank you madam?"

"Von Hapsburg."

"Hapsburg?"

She smiled. "Yes, that Hapsburg. Here is the address for delivery, just send them to the Embassy, they will have payment in full for you."

"Yes, of course."

"If your brother ever recovers sufficiently, my husband and myself would be interested in having him paint in particular four locations, Split, Plitvice, Bled and Piran. We would be happy to arrange accommodation, transport, food and a commission."

We can only hope, your...err...madam."

"Thank you Mr Van Gogh."

Rudolf had been less keen, arguing that if he did not commit suicide as per his previous life's memories, then he may not become famous, but that seemed a bit bloodless for her. Hopefully he could come to the Dual Monarchy and find some peace. Or perhaps what had occurred in her previous memories was unavoidable.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#571

Threadmarks June 1889- Wimbledon, annexations, filling a newspaper

johnboy

30 June 1889, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, Great Britain

Whilst she had not sought out the interview, the level of interest had been so high when she had arrived in England that she had indicated to "The Times", as a suitable publication, that she would be willing to grant a small interview to a senior journalist if they were interested. In fact, she had gotten the Editor of the publication, a Mr Charles Bell, a small, dapper man and they sat outside in the balmy summer sunshine with only Maria Moskoni in attendance.

"Your Imperial Highness, you must understand that even a foreign player would generate interest, let alone an international figure such as yourself, let alone a personage from one of Europe's great crowned families."

"Yes, of course, however, my lovely husband was wholly supportive and we were, of course, coming to England in any case, so I thought, why not do this?"

"Most people were not aware that you had any tennis proficiency at all yet your very entry has seemingly raised the profile of the event and there are now 20 entries, including I note your companion, a Maria Mosconi he indicated, nodding at Maria. The number of entries in the gentleman's has also shown a late surge, so there is certainly unprecedented interest."

"Well I don't really know if you are aware of this Charles, but I follow a very simple creed. There is nothing that a man can do that a women cannot do. I fact, I have some expertise in lawn tennis and look forward to the tournament as a chance to show that."

"Forgive me for asking, but there is rumour that has gained some momentum that you actually tried to enter the gentleman's draw."

"Charles, surely not." Stephanie let out a high pitched laugh. "However, in all seriousness, let's say I was to win the Wimbledon ladies tournament, current betting is 100-1 that I will not, would it not be interesting to play a game versus the men's and women's champions? If I were to win, I would certainly be interested in playing in such a contest. So many view women as helpless, people that should be cloistered. I think we need to challenge that world view."

"That is a ...remarkable point of view from a dynast from what many say is one of the more conservative dynasties in Europe."

"Well perhaps so but I think that it is time not only for myself but also for Austro-Hungary to take her place in the sun. Now, as you are no doubt aware, thanks to an act of great generosity from my own beloved father, I shall be Queen of the Congo, in...umm, 7 hours. When I take over the administration of this territory, I intend to make a number of changes to ensure that said administration benefits not only myself, but also Austria and the native inhabitants of this land. However, I would like to take this very opportunity to announce both to yourself and via your fine newspaper that the Austro-Hungarian Empire has formally taken possession of not only the administration of the Congo on my behalf, but also the Galite Islands in the Mediterranean, Jan Mayan Island in the Arctic, the Svalbard chain including Bear Island, again in the Arctic, and finally Franz Joseph Land, also in the Arctic and named for our own august Emperor."

Charles Bell was stunned. Things were simply not done that way, not via a newspaper, surely this could not be true? "What basis does Austro-Hungary have for the assertion of such a claim Your Highness?"

"Well, we have established a Military Governor and weather reporting station on the Galite Islands. Likewise at Jan Mayen. At Svalbard, we have established a settlement and coal mine. For the Franz Joseph Islands you must be aware that it was an Austrian expedition that discovered them and whilst I am no international lawyer there is the well established concept of Terra Nullius."

She was serious, by her expression deadly serious. Tomorrow's edition would be front page news and it more than vindicated his decision to make this interview personally. It was time to change tack.

"So, you are here for the wedding of Princess Louise?" It was like someone had flicked a switch in the Crown Princess.

"Yes well ,what girl does not like a wedding? I am very much looking forward to renewing friendships established between my husband and the Prince of Wales and seeing more of England, as well as conversing with other members of Louise's family that have arrived for the wedding."

"Did you enjoy your trip here and the exhibition in Paris?"

"Indeed I did. I was able to discover works from a most remarkable painter, a certain Vincent Van Gogh. Mr Bell, if you intend to publish the results of our talk here today, can I formally request that you include a by-line to the effect that I regard Mr Van Gogh's work as remarkable in regards it's use of colours and expression."

"Most assuredly. Thank you Your Highness for being so candid. Now your first match is the day after tomorrow?"

"Yes, against a Miss Edith Cole. I would encourage as many as possible to give patronage to the event."

Remarkable thought Bell. This would be front page news in regards the annexations, likely also back page news in regards the tennis. Remarkable.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#576

Threadmarks July 1889-Bertie, Alix reflections

johnboy

6 July 1889, Marlborough House, London, Great Britain

"Well you have certainly added some colour with your visit my dear. I am not sure whether the press know whether to be shocked, outraged or admiring."

The Princess of Wales picked up the copy of "The Guardian", slightly shop soiled by being handled with wet hands from the ladies that were currently enjoying the surrounds of the pool that had been added to Marlborough house for the Princess some ten or more years ago. "Austrian African Queen crushes convention as well as opponent Annie Dod 6-1, 6-0 at Wimbledon to reach last 8-there is nothing a man can do that a women cannot says Stephanie."

"In my limited time with the press it would seem they are much like men, they need to be teased and kept begging for more, until such time as you are ready to surrender fully to them."

Alexandra laughed out loud. "Yes, an excellent analogy."

"Mother!" exclaimed Victoria.

"You will see Toria. Your sister will see even sooner."

"Mother!"

Alexandra had liked the independent young women that had come to stay some six days ago and she had quickly formed a bond of friendship that had been similar to the one her husband had mentioned he had established with Rudolf some time before. It was something she had not necessarily been prepared to do considering Austria's closeness to Germany, which represented all that she despised. Yet the young women had been affable, interested in women's issues, a suffragette, as Alexandra was secretly herself, and engaging.

"What are your plans for this African backwater that your have inherited and indeed these other desolate rocks?"

"Well, I think we owe the people there to administer the territory fairly so that if there is wealth to be exploited that all may benefit from it. Rudolf has his doubts about this approach but I will win him over and I think it for the best. To that end although I have not told Rudolf as yet I plan to visit the territory later this year and in the meantime I have appointed a Governor I have confidence in.

In regards the Northern islands, we simply followed up as a logical extension of the previous Austro-Hungarian polar mission some years earlier. The thought was that if we are going into the business of colonialism, then we may as well jump in with both feet. In truth, however, I would have thought the islands would be of more value to either Denmark, Norway or even Russia. I would prefer to exchange such to one of these countries in exchange for concessions, or alternate territories, such as in Denmark's case the Danish West Indies."

"That would be an interesting suggestion that certainly deserves some thought."

"Your brother and the Kaiser arrive in a couple of weeks I gather?"

"Yes, one welcome, the other less so."

"I have heard he is a difficult one to get along with."

"Yes, as vain as a peacock and a typical pickle helmeted Prussian."

"Oh well" said Stephanie. She finished her gin and moved back to the pool, swimming with slow, lazy overarm strokes, flipping and dolphin kicking out of a turn. When she surfaced the other ladies were looking at her.

"What on earth are you doing?" said Alexandra.

"Swimming."

"I have never seen swimming like that."

--

Bertie looked over at his young guest as he bent to take a shot on the green. "You seem changed since we spent so much time shooting in Hungary last year. Less…tightly coiled. I mean you have not lost your serious nature yet you seem less, well, melancholy I suppose." He potted and then replaced the green and then leaned his portly frame over the table to line up another red. "Yet it is your wife that seems to me to be the most changed. From a nervous, highly strung and insecure girl to a women who seems confident with who she is."

Rudolf sighed. The last six months had been an interesting period, without doubt the most pivotal in his life so far. He was happy. It was a startling revelation to a fusion of two personalities, neither of which had experienced happiness for any prolonged period of time in their lives before. "It was, I suppose, an understanding between both of us. We were both unhappy and unfulfilled. We had a child together and we both thought that she deserved the best. That could not happen with the way we were before. But it was a surprise to me what occurred."

"How so?"

"To put it simply, when we spent the time together, when I took the time to support my wife and let her come out into her own as a person, then all of a sudden, she blossomed as a personality, she became fierce, independent and funny, as well as infuriating and stubborn. It was all too easy to fall in love with that person."

"I love my Alix as well. Perhaps I have not always shown it as well as I might but I do."

"Yet there have been some remarkable happenings in the last month or two in regards the Congo and now these Northern islands."

"It was felt that if we were to acquire colonies then we may as well become a player as such."

"What are the intentions in regards to the Congo?"

"Well it is more my wife's project you understand, but we want to invest fully in the colony itself and ensure it's prosperity and secure it's borders. I know that we intend to aggressively push out, secure outposts, remove Belgian administrators and ensure the rule of law. We are certainly very open to infrastructure investment from other powers if it is beneficial. For instance we would not be opposed to a bilateral approach to Katanga under Austrian sovereignty if investment was on hand to extend such infrastructure as railways to Livingstone and then across Northern Rhodesia into the Congo."

"Interesting. And your own thoughts on Austria's foreign policy?"

"It's not the same as my father's. It is a difficult situation you see. For Austria Germany is a natural ally, as to alienate Germany is to open the way for appeals to German nationalism, as we could lose all of the Austrian part of our Empire to a pan Germanic movement that would answer to Berlin. If that occurs, the remainder of the monarchy will fly apart like a coiled spring, for it is only the influence of the Crown and Vienna that holds it all in check. Yet it is a dangerous precedent that would see England break from Germany. If in opposition, then France will gravitate to England in opposition to Germany, likely bringing Russia with them. Yet if Germany, Austria and Great Britain were to maintain a friendship, then peace on the continent could be guaranteed. The only other power that could guarantee peace is a renewal of the dreikaiserbund, and, as you well know, that was designed to lock England out of continental influence."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#584

Threadmarks July 1889- Serbian musings

johnboy

13 July 1889, Marlborough House, London, Great Britain

Rudolf had carried around the bloody putter all day as a symbol of his victory on the golf course as he flopped down onto the bed they both shared and starting tracing a line in the curtain at the top of the canopy.

"What is on your mind?"

"Who says anything is on my mind?"

Stephanie simply gave him a withering stare.

"Well I was thinking about Serbia. We missed our chance to try and keep Milan in power."

"Yes, go on."

"Well eventually if we go on as we are, it will see the growth of the Black Hand and similar organizations, dedicated to things like what happened to poor old Franz Ferdinand. The Serbs will never be happy and will always be plotting as long as they maintain their own Kingdom yet more than half of the Serbian demographic live inside Austrian administered territory."

"What are you suggesting as a solution?"

"Well I suppose there are two possible solutions. What we cannot have is an extended continuation of the current situation. It's dangerous to you, me, our daughter. The first solution is simple enough. We crush Serbia and include it in the Empire, annexing all it's land and peoples, thus allowing us to use our own police to crush revolutionary movements from within. It has it's problems, most notably Russia, which will likely go to war over such a happening unless an understanding can in some way be reached. In addition, it would have to also involve the annexation of Bosnia, which would also draw the ire of the Sultan. The second option is to formally take full possession of Bosnia Herzegovina in defiance of Constantinople and carve it up on ethnic lines between ourselves and Serbia in a treaty of understanding that would hopefully mean a stable border. We keep the Croats as Catholics, they get the Serbs, maybe mixed areas are jointly administered or we create a buffer state. The Ottomans would be offended but if Serbia are in agreement Russia would tag along. It would be a hard sell to our own people, however. I am not even sure I like it."

"Sometimes we need to do what others will not like. Wilhelm will be here in a week. He would be furious if he know what I had ordered in the Congo. The Lake Tanganyika Expedition has departed with 450 men and 1000 Askaris to remove Tippu Tip as governor, although most do not know that that is the purpose."

"What do you intend to do with him?"

"Hang him as a slave trader."

"You are right, the Germans will not like it, he is a cousin of the Sultan of Zanzibar."

"Too bad, so sad. He deserves it."

"We need to get to bed, I have the final tomorrow."

"You destroyed Blanche Hillyard. 'Playing with unprecedented power for a women and using a wicked swerve on her overarm serve they called it.' There were 3500 people there for heavens sake."

"6-2, 6-3 is no destruction and I did not play well. Plus Lottie Dod will be hard, even if she does serve underarm still. These players know these old racquets better than me and are likely more match fit as well. I have worked more on strength and power, as well as serve. God it's so hard to remain quiet out there, no effort exclamations, no talking to any degree. And the costume, so restrictive. Come on we need to be up early and you still need to stick to the routine we established."

"If I win we will have to send Werner to collect the winnings. There may be some persuasion required."

"6000 pounds at 100-1 across five bookmakers. Gambling, you are such a bad girl."

"Perhaps you would like to spank me then?"

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 14, 2017

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#608

Threadmarks July 1889- Wimbledon

johnboy

14 July 1889, All England Tennis Championships, Wimbledon, Great Britain

Lottie Dod watched the receiver as the ball was delivered. Aside from her opponent's considerable power in both ground-strokes or the serve, the biggest aspect of her game that both her and indeed all of Stephanie von Hapsburg's opponents had problems with were the vicious kick of her serves, which generated unprecedented drop on the ball and then bounce. Who was this person, this foreign born princess of all things, that had come from nowhere in terms of tennis to so completely dominate the tournament?

Stephanie looked again at the court after the fault. Flexing her back she brought the racquet back and hit the ball. The American Twist serve dropped and then fizzed off the court, cutting away from the other player in complete contrast to the normal serve delivered with topspin. It was enough to cause her opponent to merely strike the serve on the outer edge of her racquet, resulting in the ball shooting off at right angles along the ground.

"Game, set and match to Mrs Von Hapsburg 6-3, 6-3. Thank you ladies."

Stephanie walked forward to be congratulated by her opponent. 115 years before her first Wimbledon Championship, she had won another. There was a record that would likely stand forever, even if she and Rudolf were the only ones aware of it. Remarkable. Her semi final against the fancied Blanche Hillyard had gained 3500 spectators. Today there were over 5000, more than the men's match. Remarkable indeed.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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johnboy

18 July 1889, Somerset House, London, Great Britain

Stephanie sat across from Albert Thys. "I wish to gain thank you for this meeting and just to summarise, let us go over the salient points yet again.

Firstly, the Compagnie du Congo pour le Commerce et l'Industrie will continue to exist and trade much as before. There will be no question of it's nationalisation by Austrian authorities or indeed my own, thereby consolidating your business interests and making sure that the investments you have made so far will not become null and void.

Secondly, over the next 6 months maximum, in other words by the end of 1889, the forcing of native labour without paying wages will cease, indeed I will announce this from Marienburg later this year personally.

Thirdly, as you are already aware from recent announcements from the Governor, the extortionate activities of the Force Publique will also cease as district officials are replaced during the course of this calendar year. Villages will receive a drop in their rubber quotas to 10 percent of current levels, equating to taxation essentially. All rubber and ivory beyond these amounts is to be paid for with either food or currency at fair market value.

Fourthly, the railway between Matadi and Marienburg will commence within three months, the workers, of all colours, to be paid fair wages. The Compagnie du Congo pour le Commerce et l'Industrie and it's subsidiaries will contribute 900,000 pounds towards the estimated cost of 1,350,000 pounds. I will contribute some 450,000 pounds I happen to have at hand.

Lastly, the Compagnie du Congo pour le Commerce et l'Industrie will contribute 50,000 pounds, to be matched by 50,000 pounds from myself towards the establishment of schools and medical centres for native people, both at Marienburg and Matidi, as well as Stanleyville.

Do you agree?"

"Yes Your Highness." I have little choice thought Thyss. It was either that or lose all investments made so far and that was simply unacceptable.

Stephanie was pleased. She could see no better way to invest the half a million pounds that had come out of the pockets of rich British aristocrats in most cases. The son of the Duke of Marlborough, Earl Cadogen, plus others, including William Astor. None would miss the 450,000 pounds. The remainder of the bet she had been able to reclaim 50,000 pounds of the 150,000 pounds owed.

Last edited: Jul 15, 2017

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Jul 16, 2017

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#626

Threadmarks July 1889- A royal swap meet

johnboy

22 July 1889, Marlborough House Grounds, Great Britain

Crown Prince Frederick took a seat and looked up at the tall Austrian Crown Princess and her husband. "You must understand Austria won no friends in 1865 and that still exists in Danish society even now."

"Yes, but we are not talking about Holstein now, we are talking about an island chain that Denmark have already agreed to sell twice over. With the abolition of the slave trade, they have become more and more of a financial burden on Denmark and are so far away from your own Kingdom's sphere of influence" said Rudolf. "I suppose what we are offering is simple enough, a restoration of Denmark's pride of place in the Arctic as a Nordic nation, the exchange of 78,000 square kilometers for less than 350, plus a cash settlement as well."

"One has people and business interests, the other is a wilderness. What are you offering exactly?"

"The transfer of all Austro-Hungarian Empire territories in the North plus a cash amount of 2.2 million Danish Krone, no small amount. Or I know Denmark are struggling to pay for new, updated naval designs. We have a ship just completing, namely one named after myself. We could instead exchange a 7,000 ton battleship in place of money, with perhaps a brace of torpedo boats."

"Well I can put it to His Majesty and our government and gain an answer. It is quite a hornet's nest that has been stirred, not only in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, but also Belgium."

Stephanie answered. "Yes, my father has been savaged in the press and has faced demonstrations, however, you will note I have not removed the assets of Belgian Companies and that has mollified many of the more prominent members of society, although I am sure many are concerned with these rapid changes. In regards to these Northern possessions, if you desire them, then we offer them to you only in exchange for something of little value to Denmark."

"Very well, I will gain you a reply."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 17, 2017

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#642

Threadmarks July 1889-Conundrum in the Congo

johnboy

23 July 1889, Governor's House, Marienburg, Congo State

Johann Salvator could scarcely believe the accounts he had heard in person from some of the native inhabitants of the Congo. He had been briefed by his cousin and his wife of course, but the reality of hearing it first hand was another matter altogether. He had talked to a woman called Ilanga. She described life in her village as peaceful, hardworking and prosperous. When soldiers came, the people put out food for them, hoping to be left unharmed. The first time they were. The second time, the soldiers stole their fowl and goats, and tore up their cassava. The third time, Ilanga and others were seized, tied together with cords around their necks, and marched off. On the march she saw babies thrown into the grass to die, and her own husband was bayoneted to death when he refused to march any further. Obedience was enforced by use of the chicotte, a hippopotamus hide whip, and by these sort of outright killings, she had said.

Force Publique soldiers had attacked another village because the rubber brought by the villagers to the State was not of the enough or not the best quality. Forty natives were killed and 28 taken prisoners. Eight women were hung in a gruesome parody of a star. All the bodies of those who were killed had the right hand cut off. In another location the natives had collected the quantity of rubber required of them, but had been prevented from delivering it at the Government Post through finding an intermediate town at war with the another. A missionary undertook to write to the Commissionaire to explain the delay. Instead of a reply to his letter a party of soldiers arrived, spreading through the village and opening fire.

It was horrific and had to stop, that much was clear. Already he had 28 former government officials in custody, as well as 67 native and seven European members of the Force Publique. The former Governor, Camille Jansenn, has left the day after the transfer, seemingly knowing what was coming. The question remained, what was he to do with those he did have?

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 21, 2017

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#656

Threadmarks July 1889- Big Willie-Britain or Russia?

johnboy

25 July 1889, Blue and Yellow Suite, Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom

"But why? I do not understand why I am so disliked and distrusted? I travel here to this wedding to yet again show my place as a loyal member of this family, yet secretly I know my Uncle despises me, resents that I am already more than he is."

Rudolf looked at his wife and sighed. It was like trying to herd cats to get the Kaiser to stay on track. Some of his insights were pertinent and quick witted, others positively inane. "My dear Willie, we need to talk about the Triple Alliance and our place in it."

"What of it?"

"It is not going to work in it's current format. I see a time when, God forbid, war may come. With so many of the Great Powers in competition with each other, it seems inevitable. Yet currently we are at the center of a four power coalition that contains not only Italy, a power that will always be opposed to us in Austria, but by secret treaty Romania, a power that will never fight on our side under any circumstances despite the friendliness of her King.

I know you think that the presence of Bismarck is stifling and that can perhaps strike out on your own and influence foreign policy, but let us look what Bismarck has created. The DreiKaiserbund left France, the power most wanting a rematch of 1870, isolated and friendless and locked Great Britain out of influence on the continent. It was a masterstroke and achieved a perfect outcome for Germany. When it lapsed it was replaced by the Reinsurance Treaty. This cannot under any circumstances be allowed to lapse. For the Triple Alliance to truly mean something, it must contain three Great Powers, two of which must come from a grouping of Great Britain, Germany and Russia. If Great Britain or Russia are not our allies, then they may drift into the orbit of France. That would leave Germany squeezed to the North, West and East, a disastrous circumstance for a country not agriculturally self sufficient. Yet a strong Triple Alliance will act as a deterrent to war."

"In Germany we have done nothing to provoke the English, also I know Alexander III and I support his policies and the autocracy in Russia. He knows this."

The autocracy in Russia will not last forever, he thought. "Things change Willie. I know you fancy the concept of Germany becoming a world class power, challenging England."

"Do we not have a right to show our might, to protect our increasingly far flung interests? Should I deny the German people their place in the sun?"

"It is not about that" said Rudolf in a low, serious voice. "Great Britain have always applied the dual power protocol to her navy, so that she always maintains enough ships to match at least the two strongest other naval powers. Now Germany is economically strong enough that if you decide to grasp Neptune's Trident then whilst you may not be able to out-build the British, you can build enough ships so as to invalidate the two power position of the Royal Navy. What do you think will happen then?"

"If we become strong enough then that will threaten the British enough that they will avoid a confrontation with us."

"No, I don't believe that for a moment. What I think is far more likely is that Britain will abandon 'splendid isolation' and modify the two power strategy. The necessity to concentrate their fleet against this threat will involve Britain making arrangements with other powers that enable her to return the bulk of her naval forces to Britain itself by reducing threats elsewhere. The way this will occur is Britain seeking allies, which in the Mediterranean must mean France and lo and behold immediately you have a problem."

"Why would they do such a thing? We are no threat."

It was Stephanie who spoke next. "They have no quarrel with Germany, but they will not understand a reluctance to have your overseas trade and colonial empire dependent on British goodwill. They will not be able to find a rational explanation for Germany's building a huge navy-only in hostile intent. Britain has only two ongoing foreign policy decisions that are non negotiable- fear of any other power's naval expansions and encircling and limiting Russia."

"Well I suppose it bears thinking about. You are a strange one my dear. I though you much like my own dear Dona, but seemingly your are quite different. Tennis, descending into the realms of men in regards politics."

"Oh Willie, you know not how different I really am."

Rudolf quickly recommenced. "It does bear thinking about, it does. We need either the British or the Russians and at some stage we are going to have to sit down and think: which one and how do we go about getting them?"

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 23, 2017

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#667

Threadmarks August 1889- Sailing, Danish sale, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia thoughts

johnboy

9 August 1889, Villa Angiolina, Opatija, Austro-Hungarian Empire

I was a pleasure to have her daughter with her again and to have a lazy sail on the small yacht with Rudolf. This was the location they had spent their first extended holiday over the summer in 1881, some eight years before. It was only a small town and she had been able to swim lazily by the yacht wearing only a bikini that she had roughly fashioned herself that had made Rudolf's eyes almost pop out of his head.

It was later that night that she was still buzzing from the three hits she had taken of Fiori Alpini, which had to be one of the most concentrated liquors on the planet. She sat up on the bed when Rudolf reappeared in their bedroom. "So, she has gone to sleep?"

"Yes." Rudolf moved over and lay down next to his wife, who scooted over and laid her head in his lap, looking upwards at him.

"So, our Danish friends gave us a quick answer."

"Yes, the outcry over the annexation of a pile of desolate rocks among the Scandinavian sisters was quite profound and at the end of the day the Danish have been wanting to unload those islands in the Caribbean for over 20 years. It really was a deal that sold itself and it was hardly like we pushed them into something unfair or that they did not want. No money need to change hands, just the ship, which I count as nigh on useless in as little as ten years time. It will traverse the Danish Parliament and become official by October I would think and then we can talk about a deal with the Americans to get what we want."

"What do we want again?"

"Money mainly, but also investment and loans, as well as foreign contacts and prestige. The former mainly for the Congo, but possibly also for the Navy. One of the best current cruiser designs on the drawing board is American, the soon to be built USS Olympia.

I have also been thinking about other things. I know we said nine months ago 3-5 years but that seems like a long way away. Anyhow, for now I need to think about the Army maneuvers that are coming up at the end of this month and the application of the flamethrowers and mortars that have been developed, as well as review the new rifle.

Two of the most important things that seem almost fated to happen outside Austria-Hungary itself are the assassination of the King and the ending of the Obrenović dynasty in Serbia with the attendant rise of the Black Hand and secondly the Balkan Wars against the Ottomans.

If we can keep the Obrenović dynasty in power in Serbia then the radical elements of Pan-Slavism may be snuffed out. Obviously we can alert the King when the time comes to our friend Apis and his circle of cutthroats, but they don't even form for another 12 years. I could have him killed now, in fact I have moved a man in place to do just that, however, it does not remove the fact that someone else may just take his place in history. Now if we can keep a more pliable dynasty in power in Serbia, then when the Balkan Wars come, which they surely must, we can reach a compromise with the Serbs that leaves both sides content."

"Such as?"

"Well currently we administer Bosnia Herzegovina yet it is still technically a part of the Ottoman Empire. Currently we also maintain garrisons in the Sanjak of Novi Pazar. In a Balkan War we could seize both with no difficulty, carve off the Croat majority areas in the North and South-West and integrate them into Dalmatia and Croatia-Slavonia. We could then allocate the primarily Serbian and Montenegrin areas in the South to those two states and then organize a joint administration, like a condominium, for the remainder, with diplomatic and police administration shared between Vienna and Belgrade but a high degree of local autonomy. It's risky and would need a co-operative government in Belgrade. Also, in the event of a Balkan War this sort of deal, along with a possible tacit approval of Russian occupation of the Straits, could seal a permanent deal with Russia, creating a Russo-German-Austrian alliance if a British-German detente can not be engineered."

"Well it is certainly interesting. I have made up my mind in regards my father's former men languishing in the Congo as well."

"Yes?"

"It's probably not my first choice but I think the smart play is to let them buy their way to freedom. Not very satisfying I know, however, I plan to let them work as forced labourers on the portage railway for two weeks and then offer them the chance to buy their way home to Belgium in exchange for the forfeiture of 100% of their ill gotten gains. Two weeks of that hell will gain a response in the affirmative, I am sure. We can then use the considerable amount of money to combat starvation and assist those in need of medical help, as well as purchase equipment that will make lives easier. Ultimately this will save lives that simply hanging them as criminals will not. It will also minimize the scandal and remove chances for English opportunism."

"It sounds like the best option. I hear our not seen friend will be visiting?"

"Yes, Mr Van Gogh wrote on behalf of his brother to accept the invitation to spend the time over the winter in Cavtat. I can think of no prettier location for a winter season. His paintings have assumed a shockingly quick popularity. Rudolf, I also wanted to talk about Erszi."

"What about her?"

"She is a clever one and I don't want her educated here, via the Court in this stifling atmosphere that will reinforce that she can never achieve anything in life simply because she has a pair of tits."

"Darling, really!"

"Well, it's true. I want her to go to a regular school, learn something of regular life."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well, I have a teacher in mind. I have already met her, in fact."

"Oh no, my father won't like that."

Stephanie smiled. "No, I don't suppose he will."

"Why her?"

"She is progressive and forward thinking. Plus, I like her. Rudolf, in another six months we will cease this treatment. I know you feel much improved already. The stark reality is that you have been mounting me almost as regularly as your horse these last six months or so and yet to my current knowledge I am not pregnant. It could be the damage has already been done. I know you want a son. I want a son. But if it does not happen Erszi will have to be our heir. Either that or we rely on others, but I really do not want to pass over her birthright just because of her sex. If we are going to keep this creaking country together, I want to pass it to someone I love."

"The things I have come to do for you I would never have thought I would do for anyone. Alright, if that is the way it must be."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 23, 2017

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#677

Threadmarks August 1889-New weapons, Can't see me suit

johnboy

15 August 1889, G Roth Factory, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Well here we are Your Highness." said Karel Krnka, placing the flamethrower and next to the 47mm mortar, of which some five others were scattered around the workshop. The 47mm mortar was man portable at a total of 42.5kg that could be broken into three parts, was able to fire a ecracite or smoke filled shell some 100 to 500 meters. "I have six examples each of the mortars and the flamethrowers. The flamethrowers have an effective range of 20-25 meters and I do not mind telling you Your Highness we had a number of very nervous men testing them. I did the first test myself and had to check my trousers afterwards."

"Fearsome at short range, however. The sort of thing that men will run from. Have you had a look at the new rifles from Steyr?"

"Yes, most interesting but unfortunately prone to jamming. I am thinking that this could eventually be something one may solve by employing a smaller bullet with less muzzle velocity. It is perhaps something we can think of later. Well for the moment we have six each of the three new weapons. That will do to gain interest. Plus, I have these" said Rudolf, dumping the large box from the Von Pacher textile factories in Prague.

Karel Krnka pulled off the top of the small crate with a claw hammer. Inside were a series of smocks and trousers in a strange pattern of colours, a riot of dark and light green, a dark brown and tan and finally black and a sort of dull violet. "What are these?"

"Well my dear Karel, they are an idea my wife gave me. If they can't see you they can't shoot you. Hopefully, this will be the final piece to make an impression at this year's manoeuvres with my Jaeger battalion."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 24, 2017

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#698

Threadmarks August 1889- A school visit

johnboy

16 August 1889, St Sophia's Christian Ladies School, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Stephanie looked over the two men again. With their dark blue uniforms and red piping as Stabsfelwebel in the life guards, complete with full medal bars they looked every inch soldiers, both 185 plus centimeters of muscle. No, today was all about overawing the opposition and with that in mind she had selected a large necklace of peridots and a bottle green silk dress.

Professor Thaller, the Schullleiter, had been off balance right from the start when the Crown Princess had arrived at the school with the two bodyguards without announcement. He had rapidly thrown out the other teachers he had been in conference with, ushering in the Crown Princess and her companions. She has quickly gotten down to business.

"Professor, I understand you still accepting applications for students for this coming year, is that correct?"

"Yes I am indeed Your Highness, are you thinking of a young lady you wished the school to accommodate?"

"Indeed I am my dear Professor. My own daughter, Elizabeth in fact."

"The Crown Prince's daughter?" uttered Thaller in a small croak.

"Mine to I believe. Yes, the very one. Obviously I would not be looking to have her as a boarder, only a day student. I addition, there are certain levels of instruction in relation to not only languages but also the nuances of politics and government as a whole that as a potential future Empress she will require that cannot be provided by the school and this will require her to be absent approximately one and a half to two days per week, however, I feel it would be beneficial for her to have exposure to the real world and other children."

"Future Empress? Well, err surely ..umm.."

"I have a teacher in mind if you still follow the same practice of having teachers follow their students for at least three years."

"Yes, we umm... do. Who do you have in mind?"

"Auguste Fickert actually."

"But she is a most unconventional teacher, someone I myself have had issues with, with difficult social opinions to boot. Your Highness, I am not sure I would feel comfortable with..I addition, the Court may think.."

"Professor, I have my heart set on this and I am not one that is generally accustomed to having her wishes contradicted as I am sure others including my husband will tell you. Obviously I am cognisant of the Court's wishes, I form a member of it. Now, are we in agreement on the matter?"

"Well, err, of course. I will speak to Miss Flickert, of course and we can expect the Archduchess on the 5th of September. In the meantime, the school will send a book list via letter."

"Very well then. I thank you Professor. There will be some security arrangements, but you should not find them too onerous. In thank you."

Excellent, she thought, she had bulldozed through what she had wanted.

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Mitteleuropa: A Hapsburg Story - Rudolf will Reign - https/dp/B09FZW4ZNP

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Jul 25, 2017

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#699

Threadmarks August 1889-Rudolf, new weapons at army exercises

johnboy

28 August 1889, near Velika, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The first success of his troops on the annual army manoeuvres had come conventionally enough. His opponent had clearly expected him to deploy his troops on the edge of the forest line and had used that expectation to employ artillery against the forest ridge. Instead, he had placed them further back into the woods, digging them in some 50 to 100 meters inside the tree line, relying on his own troop's camouflaged positions and uniforms to prevent them being spotted until it was too late. He had no concern about his opponents also gaining the wood, the thin wooded apron short of his defensive positions was too small and lightly forested to shelter enemy troops.

It was then that his troops had opened up on the enemy, the heavy machine guns dispersing and scattering the opposing force. Fire from his small mortars that had already been zeroed had then decimated the retreating force as they crossed clear ground.

His second operation had been more interesting. Tasked to take an enemy position based on a small farmhouse on the edge of small wood, he had used the mortars and heavy machine guns to suppress the enemy, the mortars firing a weakish smoke bomb that gave partial cover to what turned out to be a diversionary force.

He deployed an outflanking force that had swept over the opposing Company courtesy of an attack from the wood. Three of the Mannlichter rifles were to eventually jam, however, the others kept going and these, combined with his flamethrowers, put many of his opponent's troops to their heels. Many who faced the flamethrowers simply ran, even though on exercises the flame was directed above their heads.

It was not without it's problems, as one operator had been badly burnt by mishandling the weapon, probably due to the short training time. In addition, the Hungarian Honved Colonel had all but accused him of cheating in the use of his new weapons. He had not appreciated his retort. "This is war we are playing at here, and in war there is no cheating, only chances to save your men's lives."

Overall, these new "Storm" attack methods had succeeded twice and only failed once, when he had ran his own troops into a well-crafted ambush. He had succeeded twice on the defensive. All in all, it had created a furor, which was his original purpose. Hopefully it would stimulate an interest in new tactics and weapons, tactics and weapons that may be possible to break the incredible stalemate that trench warfare and machine guns provided in the future.

Last edited: Sep 25, 2018

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Jul 26, 2017

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#703

Threadmarks September 1889- Plots, murders, completing the family tree

johnboy

3 September 1889, Cumberlandstrasse 16, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He was feeling a odd detached calm, happy now with the path he had set himself, having pushed down the cold fury he had initially felt. The Army maneuvers had been a great success and he had established a strong friendship with Lt Colonel Karl Pflanzer-Baltiny, who had ambushed his men so effectively, having dined with his officers the final night, toasting with wine he had purchased himself. If had gone a long way to proving his trialed weapons, if he could only convince the more conservative elements of the Army to test, perfect and put into production some of them.

The reports he had received when he had returned had been another matter. So, his father was considering removing him from Science and Technology and scrapping the Ministry. This would be made more difficult now with Tesla, in conjunction with the Ganz works and the "ZBD" Hungarian electrical engineers that worked out of the factory perfecting the induction motor in the last month.

In addition, his father did not approve of the way his granddaughter was being raised and has made discreet inquiries in regards to the possibility of getting his daughter in law institutionalized if needed. Now that possession of the Congo was in his wife's hands that would be a difficult and complicated minefield to navigate, even for the Kaiser, but now he needed some ammunition of his own so he had set about getting it.

Stepping up the the front door of the elegant townhouse, he rapped on the door with his cane. The trip to Lanzendorf earlier today had been simple enough to arrange. Katharina Abel had retained her ballerina figure. Her husband Graf Georg von Slavetich had been present at the same military maneuvers he was and in fact was still there. Both a hard drinker and gambler, he was ten years younger than his wife at 24 years old and was most certainly not the father of her 13 year old daughter. It seemed Katherina had assumed he may be visiting her for the same reason his father had been some years ago, but no, it was the girl he had come to see, not a sexual liaison. He had no shortage of inventiveness in that quarter in his own bed.

Now he was closer to home, only two streets from Schonnbrunn. He was escorted into the cozy little drawing room, traces of feminine decorating fully on show. The mistress of the house was quick to appear.

"Your Imperial Highness, this is an honor, what can I do for you?"

"Madam Nahowski, I am desirous of seeing my sister."

--

3 September 1889, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"So, how did you go today?"

Rudolf looked up from his writing desk at his wife, who seated herself in the chair in front of him in a rustle of red and white silk.

"Good. Katharina Abel is no fool even if her husband is a complete idiot. I have no doubt at all she deduced the reason for this visit. Her husband burns through money like it is going out of fashion yet his debts are always paid. The girl, Maria Katarina, was eventually presented. Not much doubt there, not that I ever thought there was. With Anna Nahowski, there as never any doubt. The girl, Helene, looks so very like Erszi. Charming little thing. I was aware for some time of my father's routine until he threw her over in favour of Miss Schratt. He usually visited her at her house in the Maxingstrasse, appearing at four to five in the morning. He came in, made love to her and then quickly disappeared. He paid her 100,000 guldens when he terminated the relationship. She will need it. Yet another with a second husband who's gambling exceeds his income. As for the third one, Rosa Moskowitz, I am not sure. I did not visit her. Her daughter Margaret is 19, does not have the look, but the women receives regular money from the palace, yet has not worked her as a maid in almost 20 years. Draw your own conclusions."

"Randy old goat. I still feel uncomfortable doing this. The man seems adored by history, with an unblemished reputation."

"Yes, it has always struck me as strange that here we have a man who, as much as Aspis, if not more, was responsible for the Great War and the slaughter of millions, yet it is the Kaiser for all his faults that bears the blame. My father could have stopped things with a single word, yet did not. This is a man who cared so little for the notional cause of the war that he ordered his officers to turn their backs on the coffin of his nephew as the funeral train passed the stations on it's way back to Vienna after the assassination. It just does not get much more callous than that. This is a man who parades his moral rectitude, and yes, had a wife who did not love him. Yet his morals did not preclude him taking numerous mistresses. I have not two sisters but likely five. It is an enduring mystery to me as to why history has been so kind to the man.

I feel some strange residual affections for the man, but at the end of the day his welfare is immaterial to me in relation to your own. I promised to protect you and our child from any kind of threat, any at all, That is why, eventually, this must be done. I owe it to you first and foremost, but also to this Empire, to hopefully stopping Bolshevism, but also the 15 million people that his bungling and weak will helped to get slaughtered.

That is why a 13 year old boy named Dragutin Dimitrijević was murdered in the back streets of Belgrade on his way home from school. He was murdered because I made you a promise and I will keep it, whatever the cost. In any case, what is one life, even a boy's, compared to some 15 million?

However, for all that, there is no need to hurry just yet. My father may be an old reactionary, but he is not stupid. He knows that I am now putting together a dirt file and probably already have too much information that he cannot afford to see the light of day if it was to come from as prominent a source as me, or indeed you. Like a chess game, for the moment we are stalemated. We can pick a time of our own choosing to break that stalemate. In the meantime, expect sniping around the edges. Subtle snubs and insults, suggested appointments refused if possible.

Thankfully the Danish sale is to go through as soon as the 18th of this month, so that will be unimpaired and we have enough control in colonial affairs to make a good deal with the Americans almost impossible to refuse if we can get it to come our way. No, for all his power, my father cannot afford to make himself as unpopular with his people as yours has with his."

Stephanie laughed out loud. "Yes, it's a storm he is having trouble navigating. I think he will squeak through only due to the support of the government. He is getting pilloried in the press."

"No, I suspect my father would have been expecting the old, apathetic Rudolf, who would just roll over and accept things packaged as himself and his courtiers expect. Now he has realised that I am just not going to accept poor treatment of myself or you, he will look to probe me to ascertain my intentions, probably by dispatching either my mother or my sister to me."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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#710

Threadmarks September 1889- Family business

johnboy

5 September 1889, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"M.V" said Rudolf, leaning back in his chair as his sister came into his study.

"Rudi, what are you doing?" Straight down to business then.

"Well at the moment M.V, I am reading about the new development in ships armour, called Harvey steel and wondering whether the application of small quantities of Chromium would strengthen the armour plate. In addition, I am reviewing the reports on Tesler's new engine from Budapest, in the process of writing letters to negotiate the buying of a live flock of 120 Passenger Pigeons from America, where I believe they will go extinct and settling them in Croatia and finally I am wondering when my wife will return from walking my daughter to her first day at school."

"You know what I mean, why the visits?"

"M.V, I have changed. No one seems to quite realise the fact as yet, or so it seems. I have always been shunned in this family in any case. But before I go on I would like to take the opportunity to say I am deeply sorry to you personally."

"To me. Why? Are you talking about last year?"

"No, not really. To be completely honest I am still not certain Franz Salvador deserves you. However, I am prepared to admit that maybe that is because you are my sister and I probably think no one deserves you. No, I am talking about me. For years I treated you poorly and I had no reason to do so. I was jealous that you had mother's affections whilst I did not. Likewise father, who doted on you but was always happy enough to find any excuse to ignore me, unless he felt I had I had mucked up badly enough. I was jealous of you. You had freedoms, did not get inflicted with a monster like Gondrecourt like I did. I unfairly treated you and for that I am sorry. I receive no affection from my father and none from my mother, hence my dissolute lifestyle for so long. Yet now that I have established affection, nay love with my wife, they hasten to try and tear that down as well.

"Rudi, I don't know what to say. I never asked for my parents affections, just assumed it, but I am sorry you felt that way. However, thank you. I wasn't aware of some of the things that happened, I mean the ten year age gap. I am sure mother loves you, father as well."

"Do they? Father has never shown it. Mother not since I was 12 or so. The whole family treats me like an outsider, whether due to my supposed liberal opinions or my wasted years I know not. As for mother, I cannot stomach the way she treats my wife. Don't pretend for a moment that you don't know. "The beggar girl". "The mighty bumpkin." "The clumsy elephant." "Her long, fake tresses and her cunning oriental eyes." All in those ridiculous poems of hers, which by the way are shit. I never hear from the women as she gallivants around parading herself as the most beautiful women in Europe at 51 whilst my wife, the women she despises, does most of her Imperial and Royal duties for her. Doesn't sound like gratitude to me. I would suggest that you tell her from me that if she wants to prove that she cares for me and is something other than a typical Wittelsbach, then she should trouble herself to come here, see me, see her Granddaughter and spend some time."

Rudolf surprised himself at his own level of pent up rage that had allowed all of this to bubble forth. As the dominant personality, the more self-contained of the two men in the fusion that represented his new personality, it was Heydrich that formed his greater part, or so it seemed. Yet this had come from deep down in the soul of Rudolf, memories of crying after drill instruction that had involved hours of screaming and abuse from von Grondrecourt. He had the memories of two separate childhoods, both staggeringly free of parental affection.

"Yes, that is all very well, but what on earth motivated you to visit fathers old…friends."

"M.V, aren't you curious? These girls are our sisters, after all."

"No Rudolf, frankly I am not. I love papa and I have no desire to go there."

"Papa. Krauss, the police commissioner, has a file on me. Surveillance is conducted on me routinely. They check my telegrams and letters and submit them to father as required. This is our father. This is how he treats me. Yes, I am bitter. Yes, I am angry and you know what? I think I have every right to be. I went to see the girls because I was curious. The little four year old, in particular, was delightful. There is no harm intended." Or so you need to know, he thought. "So that is what you can tell father. I presume he sent you."

Marie-Valerie sighed. "Yes, he did send me."

"Indulge your curiosity MV, it will do you no harm. You should come and dine with my wife, I think you will find her much changed as well."

"Very well."

Last edited: Sep 14, 2018

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Jul 27, 2017

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116

#712

Threadmarks September 1889- Colonial musical chairs

johnboy

18 September 1889, aboard, Austro Lloyd Line ship, SS Elmina, Pyramiden, Svalbard, Kingdom of Denmark

The captain watched the last of the party of 45 to come aboard. The miserable 166 tons of coal that represented the harvest of Svalbard was already aboard. His own ship had been chartered by the KuK admiralty to pick up officials from Svalbard and would call at Jan Mayen to pick up six more before starting her long voyage back to Trieste. It marked the end of what must have been the shortest colonial occupation in history, less than three months.

Some 5000 nautical miles away, the Austro-Hungarian flag flew for the first day over Marie-Amalie in the Caribbean.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#718

Threadmarks September 1889-Cruisers for colonies

johnboy

22 September 1889, United States Embassy, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Frederick Dent Grant looked at the tall spare man in front of him. Intelligence reports indicated that he, surprisingly enough in conjunction with his wife, had almost elbowed their way into a position of influence in Vienna. He was a very different man from his father, that much was clear and if he was to succeed to the position of Kaiser it would clearly be a major change in direction for the Vienna regime. Not that that would necessarily be a bad thing for such a staid institution.

"We received these islands from Denmark almost as an afterthought in the deal for the Northern possessions. Now the island's main industry is sugar, followed by fishing. The islanders are English speakers. It has a good harbour, suitable for a military base. The United States have wished to purchase the islands in the past and what's more I believe it would be in the best interests of the islanders themselves.

We have little real interest in these islands, they are so far from our desired sphere of influence, however, we could always lease them to Germany as a naval base I suppose. However, bearing in mind the likely wishes of the inhabitants themselves, as well as the previous interest in the islands of your government, we have decided to come to you first and ask if you would be interested in renewing your sentiments in regards their purchase Mr Ambassador.

President Harrison is your friend, as he was your father the late President's. His sugar tariffs have greatly increased the price of the product to the detriment of unpopularity in some quarters. A large supply of domestic sugar would do much to ameliorate that and at the same time the large surpluses produced by the Presidents recent measures would allow funds for such a purchase to be easily allocated."

"What would you be looking for in regards to price, Your Imperial Highness?"

"Well, I was possibly thinking of a deal that may provide the maximum amount of benefit to both our countries. We are interested in building up our Navy and some of those orders could go to American yards. I am aware you have a new cruiser design, cruiser number six I believe, that you are about to tender. It would reduce the cost of such a ship if three were to be ordered, rather than one and at the same time stimulate your shipbuilding industry. At the same time I was thinking of a payment of 7 million dollars in cash and some 10 million dollars in 1% per annum loans through the U.S Treasury. So, in all, two cruisers, 7 million and the provision of the loans, which will of course be repaid.

In exchange for this, American firms gain shipbuilding contracts, my wife is prepared to allocate preferential treatment for United States firms contracting for business in the Congo and any work conducted by such firms will be tax free for the first two years of operation. Plus, of course, the islands. I have only one condition."

"What would that be?"

"The islanders must be accepted as American citizens and no import duties applied to products from the islands onto the U.S mainland. It has to be a good deal for them as well."

"Very well Your Highness, I will take this proposition to the President, and, as we discussed, I will guarantee an answer by the end of November."

"Excellent, thank you Mr Ambassador."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#734

Threadmarks September 1889- Galite Islands coaling station

johnboy

24 September 1889, Pedroberg, Galite Islands

The 1,352 ton Galatea nosed her way into the newly built breakwater and wooden pier, bringing more modern equipment for the newly commenced coaling station. The island was now home to some 188 men, in addition to a military garrison of 52 more and construction of extra houses was well underway to supplement the small number of spare stone cottages that had been there previously.

It provided a nicely convenient coaling station in the very center of the Mediterranean, albeit not a harbour the size of Valetta in Malta, it could accommodate vessels up to 2,000 tons or so. It was also directly on the route that vessels plying the new Congo trade would take.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#742

Threadmarks October 1889- Spanish solutions

johnboy

1 October 1889, Schonbrunn Palace, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The place was abuzz with the move back to the Hofburg for the winter as Rudolf studied the telegram from Benjamin Harrison. So, the U.S president was in agreement and would submit the purchase of the islands to the House for a vote on the 13th of this month, with a nominal transfer date of 1st January 1890. If it passed the House, then it would almost be the final part of his "colonial" strategy in place.

The other part lay in front of him in the form of a letter he had written.

To: His most Catholic Majesty Alfonso XIII via his Regent Queen Maria Christina

Dear Cousin,

(Preamble)

I also write to you in regards our African adventures in the Congo. Stephanie's recent possession of such lands and their administration by Austrian authorities have made clear the desirability of possessing coaling facilities to service such a colony. We have taken possession of the Galite Islands, however, it is a long haul for smaller vessels from there to the mouth of the Congo River and for that purpose we are desirous of obtaining possession of a further such facility to ease the passage of our merchant sea traffic to the Congo.

To that end, I would be interested to discover if Spain in it's generosity would be inclined to sell the Capo Blanco Peninsula to Austro-Hungary for use only as a fort and civilian coaling station. Specifically, this would involve the border from French Mauritania and the Rio de Oro to continue to the sea on the 21 degree parallel and that all Spanish territory South of this on the Cape would go to Austria, consisting of some 130 square kilometers of land that is currently completely uninhabited even by natives.

This is, of course, merely a suggestion, a suggestion of course that may bring Spain a generous financial settlement for a wilderness that remains untouched by the hands of man and at the same time would seemingly remove any impediments to the codifying of a final border with France in the region.

I await your response,

Your loving Cousin,

Rudolf et all.

If successful, this would establish a series of coaling stations that would enable trade to proceed to The Congo independent of either British or French stations, not a great concern to Britain, but an annoyance none the less. If up and running, it was bound to attract the attention of the Germans with their ambitions in South West Africa as well, therefore, likely to turn a profit so as not to be a financial drain, either.

Soon he would have to take the carriage. His mother awaited at the Hofburg in what promised to be an interesting meeting.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#745

Threadmarks October 1889-A talk with Sissi

johnboy

2 October 1889, Hofburg, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Mother, you should be so grateful. To be honest my life was so utterly dissolute some 12 months ago that I had considered suicide very seriously a number of times. I had all I could take of the life at court here, the lack of affection from both yourself and father, the utter lack of anything worthwhile to do. The drugs, the alcohol, the women, the endless, utterly pointless parties.

It was reconnecting with my wife that saved me from that, finding that in the intervening period that she had changed as well. Dear God, she came here as a frightened 15 year old girl, the product of an abusive father. Yet you chided her for her supposed inferior birth, the fact that she was stiff and formal. How else was she to cover her lack of self confidence and fear of a strange and friendless place except beneath a veneer of formality? For God sake, she had to be sent home for a year initially as she did not even know that facts of life, yet another humiliation which you aided and abetted."

"I know the facts of life now though", said Stephanie, as she slipped into the private study and settled herself on the chaise lounge. She looked right into Elizabeth's eyes with a challenging gaze, as cool as the blue of the sea.

"I confess Rudolf, I had no idea that things had gotten that bad."

"Forgive me mother, that is because you are never here. You rely on MV to provide you updates, yet when she marries in the next few months and moves away, you will not even receive those. Other than that, all you obtain are father's slanted views. The fact of the matter is I am trying now, really trying, and I have found a purpose in life. My old ways are behind me. Aside from formal occasions, no more than two drinks a day. I have given up smoking. I have given up drugs. We rise each morning at 6am and run at least six kilometers together. We have started to do a lot of things together, including actively parenting our daughter. My life is actively back on track. I have rediscovered my wife and, to my surprise, I am hopelessly and deeply in love with her. She is not the same frightened girl that came her, as is evidenced by her standing against father a number of times recently, which is more than I was ever able to do. You get letters from MV, who we have spent quite a bit of time with recently, you know what I say is true."

"Well, perhaps she and you will be able to do your duty to the dynasty now."

"The reason we cannot 'do our duty to the dynasty' is entirely my fault mother, as I am sure your spies have made you aware. None the less, we are hopefully taking steps to try and remedy that. However, every day we are now 'doing our duty' to this dynasty. We are working at 100% capacity and Stephanie has been doing many of the duties that you, as Empress, should undertake. That, at the very least, should merit gratitude."

Stephanie spoke next. "He is not the only one that has fallen back in love. We have a plan here to modernize Austria, to bring her into the modern age and we want to work hard to ensure that. Likewise the Congo, who's stewardship has fallen to me. I will be brutally honest. I don't like you. You have never given me any reason to do so. Yet I love your son and he loves me. All though my early years, I grew up being pushed down, being told I was worthless.

That will never happen again. What I want I work for and I take. What I want is to be respected. What I want is your son. What I want is to be respected for who I am, not as your son's wife, not limited by the fact that I am a women. I want to be respected for what I have done and for who I am. And I want that for my daughter, your granddaughter, as well. You can either help those things or hinder them, that is up to you."

Elizabeth was used to dominating a room just by her presence, but there was something about the young woman's direct gaze that was unnerving, perhaps it's very earnestness. When she turned Rudolf was fixing her with a piercing, unblinking gaze, one so much more disconcerting as it was so unlike her normally easy going son.

"We need your help with father. I have been honest with you as to how bad it was before our reconciliation last year. We have no ill intent towards Austria. I need you to gain father's support for the changes we need to make. At the moment they are cosmetic, but one day it will be us in those chairs and you know full well the burden. We cannot come to it unprepared."

"Very well, I will talk to your father. Have dinner with myself and MV later this week. In the meantime you must come riding with me girl. Tomorrow morning after your 'run'? Then perhaps we can see this child you are raising and controversially sending to a public school."

"Very well."

"Thank you mother. I means a lot."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#746

Threadmarks October 1889- Sold to Uncle Sam

johnboy

15 October 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

It was a Tuesday and on Tuesday morning his wife always went to her second "studio", the tennis court. He rode rapidly across to the court, pushing past Kurt the man on guard at the entrance after an acknowledgement, and was surprised to see his wife alone, levering herself up and down on a metal bar.

"Rudi, what is it?"

"The Americans have said yes! Transfer on the 1st January. That means that after we return some 3.5 million gulden to Treasury, which will leave them well into net profit, as per my agreement with father. It leaves some 14 million gulden of our money and 25 million on loan that we can invest in the Congo or other projects."

"Rudi, that is wonderful!"

"If only that was all! Although the Army have rejected Mannliechter's automatic rifle, they have agreed to place the small mortars and flamethrowers into production, the second as a trial only, but still."

"Well, things are looking up."

"Indeed" he said, taking his sweaty wife in his arms and kissing her.

"Mmm." Let me finish up here and then we can head back to the Hofburg and indulge that interest you had in getting all tied up in a different way, yes?"

"I await with bated breath."

"Thank you for dealing with your mother by the way. It's still a bit tense but I can deal with that and I sense a pretense at trying at least and she was good with Erszi, even if she still refuses to be called grandmother."

"Yes well, she is vain, like most women."

"You might have to pay for that when you are at my mercy."

"I am always at your mercy, my love."

"Oh Rudi, you are in a good mood."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#747

Threadmarks October 1889- Diamonds are a girls best friend

johnboy

20 October 1889, Wharf Number 7, Trieste, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Enrico Barnabillio watched as the 1474 ton Lorna docked. The Engineering officer had watched her come in. A solid ship, but, like all of Austro-Lloyds purchases from the former African Steamship Company, she suffered from the fact that all maintenance required the use of imperial tools rather than metric. The fact was that his maintenance staff were really run off their feet, even with the addition of two English engineers that were experts on the former English ships that had come out along with a battery of tools earlier that year. Thankfully one of those spoke Italian and the other German, although most of Austro-Lloyd's business was conducted in Croatian, except at the executive level. She had departed with grains, building materials and tools and was coming back laden with primarily palm oil.

It was the small chest, padlocked, carried by two men and escorted by an officer that attracted his attention. It was quickly moved off the ship and carried the less than 500 meters to the main offices of Austro-Lloyd. What was that?

--

20 October 1889, Austro-Lloyd Shipping Building, Trieste, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Stephanie took the key from the Hussars Captain in charge of the consignment. "Thank you Captain Skorzeny. can you please take this and head to the Palace Hotel? It authorizes three days of leave in addition to your normal allocation and the run of the hotel, expenses to be paid by me."

"Thank you, Your Highness." The two NCO's behind him grinned in anticipation.

Afterwards the older man with the pince-nez came forward and she signed the simple registration form for the receipt of a registered article, paying 24 gulden taxed at double deficiency and receiving change from her 50 gulden note. It was a mandatory requirement for small cargo as Österreichischer Lloyd was part of the KuK postal service. It was after the man's departure that Stephanie turned and looked at Maria Moskoni, the only remaining person in the room. She turned the key and looked at the small trays within, each one covered by a glassed in top. Within lay a large quantity of uncut diamonds, most either clear, with an occasional grey or very pale yellow. It was the small velvet bag that drew her eye. Out tumbled four uncut diamonds, one quite large and each one polished enough to promise a fiery orange colour. There was a second bag, containing a single small moss green coloured stone.

So, the expedition to Tshikapa and the establishment of a semi sophisticated mine there has worked out as expected. Her original engagement ring from Sasha Vujevic had been an orange diamond and she had done quite extensive research on conflict diamonds at that time, rather more than simply watching "Blood Diamond", although she had done that as well. There were now two real keys. Firstly, making sure that the natives were not screwed over, let alone rape and pillaged in the process of chasing such riches. Secondly, how to promote such coloured diamonds so as to ensure maximum value from the well heeled that could afford them, a class of people in ample supply in 1889.

Maria was staring at the contents. "Are these..."

"Diamonds yes."

"But these fiery orange ones...surely they are not..."

"Oh, yes they are. Now we need to convince people they are impossibly rare."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#753

Threadmarks October 1889- Acropolis reflections, Van Gogh

johnboy

26 October 1889, Acropolis, Athens, Kingdom of Greece

The view from up at the summit over Athens was really quite spectacular, as was the partly lit Acropolis itself, cleaned and prepared for the ceremonies on the morrow. This was further proof that men had strictly limited roles in weddings, even royal ones.

What he had told his mother was true, he had kept away from drinking for some 12 months now. Yet as he looked at the young man next to him, he really wondered what the hell he should do. There was not a person alive that did not know about the death of Nicholas II, his wife and children in a hail of bullets in a dingy cellar Yekaterinburg in 1918. Yet the young man next to him seemed personable, yet with an undercurrent of sadness, so very happy to away from the pressures of St Petersburg.

What the hell could he do to change this and indeed would it be in his interests to do so? Should he dissuade Prince George of Greece from taking his 1890 trip with Nicholas, possibly seeing this seemingly sad and lost young man being killed? This was hard, harder than one could possibly imagine, because of some of the changes made, maybe history had already diverged from that point in time. At some stage on this trip for tomorrow's royal wedding, he would have to make some sort of a pitch to Nicholas and via him Russia. Not that he could make any alliances, after all he was still a powerless Crown Prince, not an Emperor. The fact is, he was feeling introspective. He was better off here, but he did miss his brother.

He passed the bottle of ouzo to Nicholas. Fuck it, he would do it after the wedding. One could not be "on duty" for every day and every hour of the week.

--

26 October 1889, Diadochus Palace, Athens, Kingdom of Greece

Stephanie passed over the necklace to the Kaiser's sister Sophie, tomorrow's bride. The necklace itself was full of small brilliants, not ostentatious but a pleasant official gift none the less. She had had to get the court jeweler to prize out the centerpiece diamond and replace it with the orange.

"My dear Sophie, a little gift from Franz Joseph, Austro-Hungary and in particular Rudolf and myself."

"Thank you Stephanie. That center stone, is it a jacinth?"

"No, a proper diamond, it's a very rare orange. Almost impossible to obtain. I thought you might like it."

"An orange? An orange diamond. Let me see." A veritable stampede of ladies strained to look at the necklace in it's case.

Yes, diamonds are a girl's best friend, she thought. There was no greater gossip network than among European royals and what one had, the other wanted.

--

26 October 1889, Plitvice, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Vincent Van Gogh sat in front of the cascading waterfalls. It was possibly the most beautiful scene he had ever seen and had moved him to tears. He looked down as his sketchbook and back up again. The sound of the rushing water was almost intoxicating. He reached over and squeezed his brother's hand.

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#767

Threadmarks October 1889- A package in the mail

johnboy

26 October 1889, 12 Durham House Street, Charring Cross, London, Great Britain

Francesco Saverio Merlino flipped the envelope over. Who did he know in Vienna? Krauss? It was reasonable quantity of papers inside, all typed in German. Thankfully he was proficient in German. It was a typed outline for Franz Joseph of the Dual Monarchy for a visit to Zagreb in early December.

It included the route, security arrangements everything! Merlino was wavering in his commitment to "propaganda by the deed", however, he had many friends who would welcome this sort of information. If it was not some sort of trap. That was the real question. It all seemed just a bit too convenient to have this information just dumped in his lap. Far too convenient.

It may pay to just watch and wait for now, to verify whether the information was correct. In addition, it may be possible to identify the sender. That would quickly confirm the likely veracity.

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#778

Threadmarks October 1889-Wedding conversations

johnboy

27 October 1889, Royal Palace, Athens, Kingdom of Greece

"I am surprised your husband has not asked you to dance more, you look stunning my dear."

Stephanie smiled at the older lady next to her. Dowager Empress Victoria of Germany still wore black normally in memory of her late husband, but had compromised by wearing a dark green gown in honor of her daughter's wedding. "It's not him, he is actually an excellent dancer. Truth be told I am of only some moderate skill in that area and dancing is never something I have really enjoyed, shocking for a lady I know."

"I am very pleased that she seems so happy with Tino. Both of my younger daughters are good girls, such a comfort to have. Yet I despair of my oldest son and daughter. Do you know Wilhelm had our chambers surrounded by soldiers after my husband's death, so he could search for fictional plots against him? Such is my relationship with my son."

You have brought this outcome upon yourself by obsessing about his arm, emphasizing his inadequacies, withholding praise when deserved, she thought. Now the damage was done and unlikely to be fixed. How much could have been changed if Frederick had not died from throat cancer? Oh well it was all speculation. "I think half the problem is that he holds himself to impossibly high standards. He has been taught that he must not fail at anything, that failure is unthinkable, therefore, he charts safe courses at all time, does not try the hard roads, dismisses objections to his opinions. People over emphasizing his disability has probably not helped. Just tell him you love him, what else can you do? Someone in there is still that insecure little boy, hard though that is to imagine."

"That is the problem, I am not sure I can tell him that and be sincere. My son hates me, I am sure, as do the clique he surrounds himself with. I fear there is nothing to do."

"Well, recent personal experiences between Rudolf and me have taught me that there is never a time that is too late, no matter the seeming impossibility of the task."

--

"They look lovely dancing together." said Rudolf

George I of Greece spun around. "Yes indeed."

"I am glad we have had the opportunity to talk earlier so that I was able to reiterate yet again our full support for your position in relation to Crete. The current situation is half mad. Four Admirals from four different countries running the island, which is mainly full of Greeks? It's crazy. What happens when they disagree-as has occurred in recent events?"

"Yes, I agree."

"At some stage it will come to war, sad to say. I know many in your own government would want war now, but even though the Ottomans are supposedly the sick man of Europe, there remains no hope of winning any war with them unless in a coalition with another major power or a combination of small powers. Whilst Austro-Hungary, because of our German alliance, cannot actively enter a war against the Ottomans unless given a solid gold pretext, I think it fair to say that if I was Kaiser, I would not be supportive of the Ottomans in the event of a major war with other Balkan powers."

"Well it is all hypothetical at the moment. Ultimately it will depend on the wishes of my government." said George.

"Indeed."

--

"Nicholas."

The Tsarevitch turned towards him. "Oh hello. How are you feeling after last night?"

"Just. I received a scolding this morning."

"Yes, I felt slightly owlish to. You should be dancing."

"Can't. My wife has two left feet."

"Surely not this years tennis champion? Better not let her hear that."

"It's true I swear. Nicholas. Look, Steffi and myself intend to take a little cruise to the island of Santorini and swim in the volcanic seas. Will you come with us and afford us the opportunity to talk?"

"Well, I really shouldn't you see..."

"Don't worry, you can bring your creepy bodyguards and it will only be a five day trip."

"Well...oh alright, what the hell."

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johnboy

28 October 1889, Diadochus Palace, Athens, Kingdom of Greece

"What are you up to?"

"Just finishing off a little correspondence."

"Oh, who to?" said Rudolf as he came forward and placed his hand on his wife's shoulders, who was still in her bathrobe.

"Barney Barnato."

"Who the hell is Barney Barnato? Sounds like a circus clown."

"You haven't started reading newspapers about Africa. He is a London based Jewish entrepreneur who sold out his diamond interests to De Beers Consolidated for 5,338,650. Supposedly the biggest cheque ever written. He is a diamond man mostly and has been busy looking at places to invest his money to make it grow further. I thought I could give him a few ideas. It has the added bonus that even though he sold out to De Beers and Cecil Rhodes, he despises the man."

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing. I thought we could go for a walk."

"Give me half an hour and we can walk down to the Embassy who can take care of this letter for me. I thought you were going to look at ships?"

"Well yes, the U.S government have sent over plans for their latest cruiser designs but they were not what I was looking for. These ones are for 7,300 ton ships that are lightly armed but fast and have the incredible range of 26,000 nautical miles. They are a three screw design, which is really novel. They have many novel features in fact, however, we do not require a vessel with such range and I have been thinking on ways we can "cut down" the design to reduce the endurance and increase the speed still further. However, I need to be back home and consult with Fisher and others. In addition, Daimler has written to me and they have built their first motor cars at the Ostrau factory. I wish to have a look."

"Well we will be home soon enough. We leave on the cruise tomorrow and will be in Vienna on the 6th November. In the meantime you need to consider what to say to Nicholas. Plus, you are aware that I leave for the Congo on the 10th November and will not return for six weeks. First time we will have been apart since IT happened."

"Yes, I know. I will miss you."

"Alright, find yourself something to keep busy with for half an hour and then we can go for a walk."

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138

#781

Threadmarks November 1889-Santorini and seriousness

johnboy

1 November 1889, off the island of Santorini, Kingdom of Greece

It had been a blissful few days for Nicholas, who had confided his thoughts on Alix of Hesse, as well as those that involved being in the shadow of his mighty father. It had been a pleasant distraction to spend a few days simply swimming in the blue waters, heated by volcanic emissions, eating well, talking and drinking and playing Black Maria at night. He had not spent time with Rudolf's wife before, but she was somewhat of a revelation to the shy Tsarevitch, she had proven to be a very sly card player and her habit of diving off the boat and swimming so very fast in a lazy, overarm stroke he had not seen before was surprising, as well as her confident, engaging manner.

Now she had sat down next to him, with Rudolf across the table they would have lunch at.

"You know The Exodus depicts the great escape of the Jews from Egypt. Moses ultimately divided the Red Sea and permitted the Jews to traverse to Sinai while the Egyptians were drowned in the surging waves, or so it says. It is thought by some that the story line in Exodus is primarily based on this volcano's eruption and the wave it created. Also, it may be the basis of the twelve plagues depicted in the Exodus. Post eruption, nearby would have endured sufferings and tribulations like deluge, drought and firestorm etc. Not even places on higher platforms could escape the wrath of the devastating earthquakes. Molten ash in all likelihood would have completely blackened the atmosphere and the wind mainly goes to Egypt. It's part of the reason we came here, wanted you to come here."

"Well, it's an interesting possibility," said Nicholas.

Rudolf then spoke. "Nicholas, I would like you to remember your time here and to not sully it with politics. However, remember this. We are both our father's heirs. Perhaps all too soon we will both bear the crushing responsibility of ruling nations with multi millions of inhabitants. We owe it to them to do our very best and I wish to tell you this now. Never assume that whilst I am here that Austria is not and cannot be your friend. I abhor the collapse of the DreiKaiserbund. To me it assured peace in Europe and I would be willing to put this platform as a policy to Germany and the Kaiser.

You asked my opinion of Alix of Hesse. A lovely girl, good manners, very pretty. 'Hot", I believe is the term I have heard my wife use. However, whilst sweet, and beautiful, she is also painfully shy in new company. You must consider whether the poor girl will be traumatized by the pressures of being Empress of such a vast country. As you know yourself, Russian court life is harsh and judgemental. Is it fair on such a sweet girl? The other concern is something that has plagued us. Fertility. Her sister, Elizabeth, has been married some six years to your Uncle with no children. Her brother was a hemophiliac and died young. It does run in that family. Can you afford for it to run in yours? Plus, there is religion. Ultimately you must place not only your own feelings in paramount thought, but would it be best for her and would it be best for Russia and the dynasty?

The next monarch to follow your father and mine will have a difficult time. It may not seem so now, but the more education and modern communications reach the masses, the more freedoms they will want. The age of absolutism is coming to an end and that is something both you and I will have to deal with, so being Tsar or Tsarina will be a difficult role indeed. Pick your partner well. I know full well the difference a supportive spouse can make.

Now, to much seriousness. Let us try this. It is called Goldwasser."

"Then we can swim again. Just imagine if this volcano erupted now. That would cause a crimp in European politics. 'Two heirs blown to smithereens.' Should make the front page." said Stephanie.

"Well that would have wasted this serious conversation." said Rudolf.

"Just a bit." laughed Nicholas. Was he right, he thought. Was he really doing Alix a favour by pursuing her, no matter his thoughts and needs?

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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116

#808

Threadmarks November 1889-Naval thoughts in bed

johnboy

9 November 1889, Villa Margharita, Pola, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf collapsed onto his wife's sweaty back and rolled over to spooning.

"I'm going to miss you, you know. Terribly."

"I know, so will I. It has to be done, though. I have to show a real, tangible interest in this. At the very least I owe it to the native people, as well as those trying to perform the tasks I have broadly given them. Plus I need to back up your cousin. You could have been a little quieter you know. It was your idea that we stay with the Fisher's and they are just down the hall."

"Well, it was the first time we had done…that. Besides, what conclusions will they draw but that I enjoy making love to my wife?"

"You know it is likely that Fisher is sending intelligence reports back to London."

"Oh, I am counting on it."

"So, you seemed to reach an agreement last night?" inquired Stephanie.

"Yes, they have done a great deal of work on the American designs prior to me returning. Kept the same propulsion plant. She will have a light armament of two 9.2 inch guns and six 4.1 inch, as well as some anti boat guns, torpedo tubes reduced to two. Displacement drops from 7,400 tons to 6,150 tons and they should be capable of 24-25 knots or more, an unprecedented speed. It will allow us to trial the triple screw arrangement and the single 9.2 inch turrets should present less challenges than the twins we have planned for the ships we plan to lay down here, so we may learn some lessons there, hopefully.

It also serves the benefit that whilst we contracted to have the ships built at a total cost of 5.35 million dollars, which is their value minus the main armament and some anti boat guns, which will be made here, these ships will only cost 4.7 million, allowing me to order two modern 1,025 ton colliers as well. Also, there is the 2,320 ton liner Sacrobosso. She has been salvaged by the Americans after running aground and is for sale for 400,000 dollars. We can obtain all these and the only cost will be the refitting of the liner.

Besides, we also had the Spanish offer to consider. They agreed to lease the Capo Blanco Peninsula for the purposes of a coaling station. 250,000 gulden. I think on balance it is worth accepting."

"Colliers?"

"Ships that transport coal. They allow you to refuel your own warships. This really is over your head, isn't it?"

"I will get it eventually. I already know quick firing, gyroscopes, aft, stern, bow, starboard, port and I have absorbed sailing terminology."

"But to answer your question, yes, Fisher is very keen and thinks we should obtain a modern training ship as well. Hence my thoughts on the small liner, which would be ideal as a companion to the sail trainer we already have."

"I swear you two are two peas in a pod. Perhaps you may get married whilst I am away."

"I think he may be offended at the suggestion of my doing what I just did to you."

Stephanie laughed. "Well that was a special treat for the fact that I am going away. Look after our girl while I am away, take her with you if you are away for a period of time."

"I will. Come on my love, we had better doze at least. The ship leaves at eight bells on the dot and you know the KuK navy-so very efficient."

"I should get some latitude as the wife of their Commander in Chief. When I come back we need to have a serious talk about your father."

"Yes, I know that too."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#810

Threadmarks November 1889 - Empire

johnboy

Austro-Hungarian colonial empire(in light purple) as at 1.1.1890

1) Galite Islands

2) Capo Weiss

3) Bosnia and Herzegovina(under A-H administration and occupation but still technically part of the Ottoman Empire

4) Sanjak of Novi-Pasar(under A-H occupation but part of the Ottoman Empire)

5) Kingdom of the Congo(under A-H administration but in fact a personal possession of Crown Princess Stephanie)

World_map.png

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#822

Threadmarks November- Cruising, friendship, political thoughts

johnboy

20 November 1889, off the Saharan Coast, SS Plassey

The two women could see the lights of Dakhla as the ship glided by, the only other illumination provided by the cruiser Tiger. Both ships were running with full lights and the air was warm and dry. The merchantman contained construction crews and materials, as well as the men that would constitute the garrison in the new colonial outpost at Kap Weiss. In terms of the passenger facilities, they had virtually all of the small first class section to themselves and sat on deckchairs and admired the view.

"Maria, I just wanted to say thank you-for becoming my friend. Sometimes one needs a women to talk to."

"No, thank you. You have taught me so much. In fact, I am still trying to figure you out-mother, wife, ruler, sportswoman, politician. I am not sure where one starts and the other ends. I had always thought I could not be one without the other, but you combine them all."

"I think maybe in 100 years time or more that will be the expectation of a women."

"Can you teach me some of it? I know nothing of international politics at all, really."

"Yes, I can. You see that is what makes international diplomacy so easy yet at the same time so difficult in this era. Power is concentrated in the hands of such a small group of people and it is all about relationships and positions as the dance of diplomacy goes on between the six great powers Russia, ourselves, the British, France, Germany and Italy. Add in the two fading from the scene, the Ottomans and Spain and the new kid on the block, the Americans."

"So, what is happening now?"

"Well, one could be tempted to think that the days of European upheaval were over. Industrial expansion has made many of the Great Powers pacifistic, it is true, as they have concentrated on growing internally and the social unrest a growing middle class demanding a voice have created, as well as growing their interests externally of Europe as the latest scramble in Africa has shown. This will end soon enough as colonialism reaches it's peak. Currently no one feels strong enough to challenge the balance that was established by the Congress of Berlin. Will a power change that? Yes, I think so and it is likely to be Germany.

Since 1871, Bismarck has followed a policy of restraint. His motive has always been to instill fear of Germany, but not conquest. This new Germany has been conscious of her strength, not fearful of dangers and for that reason German explorers, scientists and bankers have spread around the world from the Balkans and Africa to China. This system worked well with such a man at the reigns. I fear it is doomed with Wilhelm II on the throne and that Bismarck's days are numbered. Bismarck in office meant to other powers a guarantee of peace, even if a peace enforced by Germany herself. With Wilhelm II in power, backed by people with vastly different ideas, I fear the other Great Powers will seek other guarantees, which will translate into other guarantees against Germany herself.

The French will likely be driven into the arms of Russia. It is not their natural policy and it will be against their will. Their heavy investments in the Ottoman Empire make such a policy unpleasant for them. They would much prefer an English alliance, but Britain still see themselves sailing free and clear, alone. They have already made an approach via the Italians to the English that has been rebuffed. Germany have already sounded out the making of secret plans to invade Russian Galacia in the event of war with our own War Department and their new Army Chief of Staff Waldersee is, in my opinion, a warmonger. In August when Wilhelm visited he stated clearly to my father-in-law that in the event of Austrian mobilization, Germany would automatically follow. That places a grave amount of trust in Franz Joseph. Trust I hope that is not misplaced.

William II is like a weather-vane. He wishes to be both modern and popular; hence he favours nationalistic association with us, democratic association with England and therefore a breach of the formerly conservative association with Russia. Hence why he is in Constantinople at present. This will likely doom an extension of the Reinsurance Treaty, although I sincerely hope not, as this will drive Russia to France in the same way France is being driven to Russia.

We cannot afford to be in alliance just with Germany. We must either bring Russia to our side via taking up the cudgels of alliance Germany has dropped and leading the German Kaiser by the nose to an accommodation or somehow gain England as our third ally. Again, in the latter case we will likely have to do much of the work, as Wilhelm may pursue policies that alienate them.

All this is made more difficult due to the fact that whilst Rudolf and I hold these views, we are in no positions of power, at least yet."

"Sounds like picking your way over a minefield."

"That is a fair analogy. Come on, we had better get to our beds. Tomorrow I will be shifting some earth early at Kap Weiss."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#827

Threadmarks November 1889-Kap Weiss

johnboy

21 November 1889, Kap Weiss Colony

Well there were some natives after all, a tiny native fishing hamlet with some 30 people some 10km further up the Cape that had a small freshwater stream, a rarity in the region. All that the location selected for the lighthouse, telegraph station, coaling depot and fort had so far was a well and an abandoned stone hall. It would take a lot of work to make something of the area, but time was on their side. There was a natural rocky outcrop that would do for a pier and breakwater if extended.

It would be a great deal of work for the 200 men that had been brought to what was essentially the middle of absolutely nowhere. They would finish unloading today and then proceed to the Congo. On the way back, some native labourers would be dropped off to assist. She had already made it very clear to Commander Schaubert, the Governor, that they were to be well treated.

She looked again at the task at hard and dived the shovel into the sandy soil. It was a pleasant diversion to the physical inactivity of being on board ship. Things were coming together, but oh so very slowly. Part of her missed the glitz and glamour of her former life, but here at least she had people who loved her. That was in short supply in her former life. There was little doubt now that this change was permanent. Plus in her old life, she was dead, wasn't she? Yet what was happening in 2016? Would what was happening here now change it? Could they avoid World Wars? Or change the outcome? If they changed the outcome would she still exist in the future and thence here? Nothing about temporal matters made sense, maybe that was why it violated the prime directive in Star Trek. She felt a touch.

"Your Highness. Maam. Stephanie!" Maria had her hand on her shoulder. "You are just supposed to lay the first shovel of dirt, not the whole foundation."

"Err, yes, yes of course. Well, thank you Governor. Good luck in this grand endeavor."

I will need it thought Schaubert. 118 square kilometers of total wilderness.

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#828

Threadmarks November 1889-Cars, trucks and tyres

johnboy

24 November 1889, Ostrau, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The motor car was crude for sure, compared to what he was used to, but then again the internal combustion engine was well and truly in its infancy. Horsepower was not that much more than that of a horse itself at this stage. This machine was powered by a two horsepower engine, but could maintain a good clip on level ground. It had four wheels, but looked more like a carriage than a motor vehicle in layout.

"How does it work papa? Where are the horses?"

"Well my girl, it does not use horses. The horses are in the mechanical engine, you see."

"How does that work?"

"It uses energy. Remember earlier when I showed you how the fuel can catch fire, well it is that energy, burned just a little bit at a time, well that energy drives the wheels."

"That is certainly very clever."

"Yes, it is very clever my sweet. These two gentlemen are very clever indeed. Are you not?" said Rudolf as he lifted the girl down next to the two engineers.

"Thank you sir" said Gottlieb Daimler. I would like to say that the facilities here are perfect, next to two other industrial works, including a leather-works and a foundry. "We appreciate the opportunity, for it allowed us to maintain control of own company and therefore our own research."

"It was the least I could do for men willing to make the leap of faith and move here. Now, I don't know if you are aware, but next year there is a major agricultural exhibition in Budapest. Would it be possible to design an automobile that could carry a load rather than passengers, for either a factory or a farm?"

"Well, more horsepower would be the key", replied Maybach. "It may be possible to have a motor driving each set of wheels rather than just one."

"Have you considered rubber tyres, to gain greater traction and to smooth the ride? I have been reading a lot on the practical applications of rubber after my wife's association with the Congo." More rubber consumption would do no harm to his and his wife's ventures, thought Rudolf.

"Well, that is something to think on. It would indeed gain greater traction. Hmm."

"It was just a thought. Plus, if you exhibit at the exhibition, it gives you exposure not only to all this country, but the world at large. Now, come on little lady, I promised you a scientific demonstration in Mr Maybach's factory."

They sat back from the fire, burning merrily with pretty green flames.

"How is the flame from the wood green papa? Is it wood from hell?"

All three men laughed. "No my darling Erszi, you saw we coated the wood before we started the fire. The liquid we coated the wood with had copper in it and the copper burns green."

"I think my explanation is funnier."

Rudolf laughed again. "You may be right at that."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#841

Threadmarks November 1889-Army budgets

johnboy

27 November 1889, KuK Club, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Friedrich von Beck-Rzikowsky bowed and then held out his hand as Rudolf. "Kronprinz Rudolf, it is a pleasure."

"The pleasure is all mine General. As I covered in my note I think there are a number of items that need to be sorted out before we renew this year's defense funding and for that reason alone I requested a delay in the final decision making process until after the summer Army maneuvers and we now have little time left."

"Yes, that was an interesting series of tricks that you pulled at this year's exercises, to say the least."

"Well, I am not sure I would call them 'tricks' as such but I have had little success with my father in terms of my ideas so I thought I would come to you."

"Your Highness, with all due respect, why would I do anything for you? You have crafted a separate Navy Ministry and are clearly after extra funding for that and where there goes separate Navy funding does not go guldens for the Army."

"Also with all due respect, this is about far more than the funding of the Navy. Hear me out and I will try and make my points. In terms of British pounds, lets say, they are proposing Army estimates for the coming year of 11.7 million pounds after a 'generous' 100,000 pounds extra was provisionally allocated for our African adventures. This is 700,000 pounds less than similar estimates ten years ago in 1880! Considering naval estimates are only 550,000 pounds above 1880, where has this extra money gone? During that time the country has grown economically by 30 percent, population by 10% more, yet our combined Army/Navy budget is set to 2% less! I fail to see how this can be the case. France and Great Britain have increased their defense expenditure by 20%, Italy and Germany by 40 percent. Yet we propose to cut ours? It seems like madness to me.

The Army is clearly struggling for modern equipment and the proposed annual conscription intake to the combined Army is too low at 102,000. In the event of any war, we need more men trained and for that reason alone we should be cutting the conscription period from 3 to 2 years. Yes, it will cost more to conscript the extra men but will provide a larger base with military training if a conflict occurs and will cycle more men through the Army, some of whom will pursue a long term career, but more importantly will leave us a larger reserve of trained men.

For those reasons alone I propose an increase in the overall budget from a proposed 11.6 million pounds to 13.6 million, all but 200,000 of the increase to go to the Army. The annual conscription number should be raised to 110,000. These extra funds will obviously need to be found somewhere but there is capacity in the system, we are running surplus budgets after all, especially in Hungary. It will also make both Hungary and Austria trim some fat from the Landwehr and the Honved-both will not be the major Army in the event of a full scale war in any case.

The Army needs new uniforms. My use of camouflage for my troops during the maneuvers was simply to point out how easy the current blue tunic is to see. We need a neutral, drab colour for uniforms, something hard to see. A drab grey, brown or green perhaps. This would take money as well, but would be worthwhile. Aside from the Army itself, we have a limited armaments industry. If fully at war, how long would it take to deplete existing shell reserves for artillery?

Mannleicher's new rifle would also be an improvement, if we can get it into production plus we desperately need more machine gins, preferably a home grown design. Our iron production is a tenth that of England, our steel production a seventh. This with the dawning of a new industrial age. The lessons we teach our soldiers now are important, the days of amateur volunteers on the battlefield are gone. This makes it even more important to retain long term enlisted men and for that reason I would recommend the creation of two ranks senior to Stabsfelwebel to give long term enlisted a career path, to encourage them to stay in the Army.

Finally, defense funding split up. The Kingdom of Hungary have been paying only 30% of the combined defense budget. This is too low. Austria pays far too much at 70%. They have offered 31.4%, but I think it should be 1/3rd and even then they have a good deal. This will ease the strain on Austria, as well.

These are just thoughts but all will require one thing, more money. I have come to you as I know I have little influence with my father, yet you do. Contrary to much opinion in the Army, I did not create a Navy Ministry to bleed the Army. The Army is our main bulwark, always will be. You are being underfunded, more by the will of the two parliaments. But increased budgets are desperately needed."

"Well I had thought you had come to plead for more naval funds, so I am pleasantly surprised. I am in general agreement with your broad aims, so I will see what I can do."

"One cannot ask more than that."

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#844

Threadmarks November 1889-Arrival, Tippu Tip, Cabinda

johnboy

29 November 1889, Governor's House, Marienburg, Congo State

Johann Salvator watched as the ship maneuvered to pull up at the pier. It had been a bloody campaign to capture and evict Tippu Tip's men from the Lake Tanganyika area and secure the far East of the Congo. The hanging of the old slave trader had brought howls of protest from the Germans, who supported the Sultan of Zanzibar and secretly turned a blind eye to his support of slaving.

Well, that was just too bad. Soon he could go over developments with Stephanie in person during the course of what would be only a very brief visit, but in such an isolated outpost face to face contact of any sort was inevitable. His main concern now as Katanga and the desires of the British South Africa Company to potentially colonize it. It would require an expedition as well in 1890 and there would need to be discussion on that.

In the meantime, they could review the German protest note from Zanzibar. Steady digging had unearthed another large cache of diamonds and he was also interested to discuss Stephanie's plans for those. The very last of the Belgian colonial officials had now gone, although much in the way of Belgian investment was still present in the colony.

29 November 1889, on the Congo River, SS Plassey

Stephanie was finally in spitting distance of Marienburg. She looked own again at the telegram that had been waiting for her at Cadiz. It seemed like not only Barney Barnardo was interested, in fact very interested, but that here little venture had also attracted the interest of Sir Ernest Cassel, a fellow Jewish multi millionaire. There were interesting possibilities there to be sure, made even more so by the fact that shortly Portugal would be humiliated in Africa by their old allies, the British. That represented another possibility, a possibility that could lead to the acquisition of Cabinda, the now virtually useless Portuguese enclave divided as it was from Angola. Of course, it was only useless if you did not know about the oil...

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#853

Threadmarks December 1889-1889 'long lances'

johnboy

1 December 1889, Whitehead Torpedo Production and Testing Facility, Fiume, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Robert Whitehead took the canvas off the enormous workbench. "As you are aware, we have finalised the designs and they are ready for commercial sale. This one is the standard Mark 1. As you can see it uses Aich's alloy as per your suggestion, which has provided some nice work for foundries here. It has a range of 880 meters at 26.5 knots with a 54kg warhead. This is the Mark 1B. Same diameter, but longer. Same range as well, but slightly faster at 27.5 knots and with a 100kg warhead. As per your earlier suggestion, there are two settings that can be applied to both, the second setting reducing the speed to 19 knots and increasing the range to 1400-1500 meters in both cases.

Now this is the torpedo made specifically as per your suggestion. It is more expensive to make and required some technical challenges and in lieu of taking credit for your earlier suggestion, we have not made this available for sale abroad. The Mark 1A runs on a 32% oxygen mix and is capable of a range of 1100 meters at 33 knots or 2000 meters at 20 knots. Despite the increased expense, it has a drastically increased range."

Yes, thought Rudolf, it certainly has and would provide a large force multiplier for light forces and also submarines when they arrive on the scene. It also revived the possibility of what had been a dying concept, the torpedo cruiser. A 2000 ton cruiser with little in the way of gun armament but 6-8 torpedo tubes could threaten any major vessel seriously. It might be a good contract for Ganz, who had demolished part of the cliffs here and were busy laying two slips of 130 meters each in preparation for contracts. They would be the first Hungarian shipyard and he had promised them orders, after all. A dry dock already existed and the naval academy was here, so shipbuilding made sense and now with the colonial endeavors underway, contracts would likely come from civilian shipping firms as well.

He was missing his wife, but she was scheduled to depart late the following day to be back in Pola on the 20th or 21st December. He would have to make do until then.

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#855

Threadmarks December 1889- Attempted matchmaking

johnboy

2 December 1889, Rathaus, Oszek, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He had expected the function itself to be more than slightly boring, however, there were many of these sort of functions that invitations were received to and some had to be accepted. The purpose was to showcase Dalmatian, Hungarian and Croatian wines and the event had garnered an international cast. It was when he was introduced to Pavel Okropirovich Gruzinsky, who was a direct male line grandson of the last Georgian King, that he first noticed her.

"My Dear, let me introduce you to Crown Prince Rudolf, this is my daughter Nina."

She was a vision, perfect complexion, pert figure and huge brown eyes. He danced with her three times at the reception, eliciting gossip from many. The conversation was of a high standard to, the girl was clever, clearly intelligent, witty and only 22. Still unmarried, despite a seeming avalanche of offers. It was enough to set him wondering, not for himself, God knows women such as this were simply too much of a distraction. But still.

"Do you get to St Petersburg often madam?"

"No, my father prefers to stay on his estates, however, we will be returning to Russia in March, after spending the winter in France looking at new techniques for pressing. My father is very much enthused by vineyards and the wine-making process and we have much land under vines."

"I found your Mtsvane variety exquisite. You must visit my friend the Tsarevitch in St Petersburg and take him a case. If you like I will arrange an introduction for your father and yourself."

"I am sure we would be delighted."

upload_2017-8-6_12-47-42.png

Perhaps Nicholas will be as well, thought Rudolf.

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#861

Threadmarks December 1889-Leaving the Congo, thoughts

johnboy

2 December 1889, Marienburg, Kingdom of the Congo

As a Russian she was already aware that she was racist to a degree, at least in thought and most people paid attention to their parents, no matter their desire to say they did not. It was almost mother's milk, after all. But to see what had happened here and to envisage how bad it would be have been if this had been allowed to go on for another 20 years overcame all that. She had seen the mutilations, seen the aftermath where those that had been mutilated had been unable to fend for themselves and therefore generally starved to death. The orphan children, the burning of villages. This after only visiting the surrounds of both major towns, Boma and Marienburg. It was bound to be much worse in the interior. In short, it was sickening.

What had happened was all too obvious. Curiously enough, all this had been brought on by the death of the slave trade, horrific though that concept was to think. With the slave trade having been abolished and slaves having been emancipated, the easiest way to exploit black labour was to then occupy the countries in which the black men lived, and it conveniently happened that these countries contained various valuable raw materials. Greed was only one, though the most important, of the motives to African imperialism, but in the case of her father's Congo "Free" State, one in which it appeared to have been the sole motive. Exploiting these raw materials would have been acceptable if the money so created had been put towards the provision of modern medical care, infrastructure and facilities that would make the lives of local people easier, however, this had not been the case, simply a reign of terror.

After winning the approval of the world by supposedly suppressing Arab slave-raiders, her father had set to work to introduce orderly government into his dominion. He issued decrees by which all the land, all the rubber, and all the ivory was to be the property of the State – which was of course himself. Currently that still remained the case.

Leopold had made it illegal for natives to sell rubber or ivory to Europeans, and for Europeans to buy from natives. This had been immediately reversed, but there was a long way to go. Leopold had also sent a secret circular to his officials, explaining that they "must neglect no means of exploiting the produce of the forests," and that they would receive a bonus on all rubber and ivory, which would be great when the cost of collection was small, and small when it was great. For example, if the cost of collection was thirty centimes or less per kilo, the official received fifteen centimes per kilo; while if the cost was over seventy centimes per kilo, the official received only four centimes. The financial results were all that could have been hoped by him. This had also been reversed and 'fair market prices' introduced. The Congo had it's own postage stamps and currency, coins from the 5 franc silver down to 1c copper. Whilst the natives would sometimes accept coins, notes if introduced were likely to be refused. Accepting money as a means of payment was therefore by no means easy for the local people. The chicken was a widely-used barter unit. It had created another issue in terms of the recovery of said coins and also postage stamps, with Austrian coins having to be substituted as like for like and the stamps overprinted Congo Kingdom in German. It had also created a legal battle with London-based company Waterlow & Sons Ltd when a shipment of coins had been seized and re-melted for their silver content, leaving an account her father had refused to pay.

Parts of the Congo were worked directly for the former King, parts for companies in which he was a large shareholder. She was still in the process of trying to weed out which Belgian companies her father had major shareholdings in and suppressing their activities. It was a tireless, thankless task involving a combination of lawyers, paperwork and leaning on their officials within the Congo itself.

The methods by which these vast profits were accumulated were very simple. Each village was ordered by the authorities to collect and bring in a certain amount of rubber – as much as the men could collect and bring in by neglecting all work for their own maintenance. If they failed to bring the required amount, their women were taken away and kept as hostages in compounds or in the harems of government employees. If this method failed, native troops, many of them cannibals, were sent into the village to spread terror, if necessary by killing some of the men; but in order to prevent a waste of cartridges, they were ordered to bring one right hand for every cartridge used. If they missed, or used cartridges on big game, they cut off the hands of living people to make up the necessary number. However, the colonizers didn't stop there. The officers of the Force Publique kidnapped Congolese people and held them captive so as to coerce their other family members into working harder. If villagers didn't produce their quotas, then their loved ones would be killed.

One Army officer had reported that he'd cut off the heads of a hundred villagers, for failing to provide the Army with enough food. He reasoned that it was a humanitarian act, as once he'd committed it there had been plenty of supplies provided. This was what she had to deal with. Her father had even accepted 12,000 pounds of international money from charity organizations to supposedly alleviate sleeping sickness. There was no evidence that a penny of it had been spent in the Congo or indeed anywhere in Africa.

It was horrific, there was no other word for it. Her ship had brought more specific rubber tapping tools that would make the collection of rubber far easier. These were all measures her father could have introduced at minimal cost. What was needed was an influx of money and investment, to build infrastructure so that resources could be exploited and then reinvested into the country as a whole. Yes, building infrastructure would cost lives as well, hell building railways even in Austria did that but they were none the less necessary. Eventually a profit could be achieved, probably based initially on rubber and diamonds, but the huge copper reserves and the onshore oil were also natural targets.

Her talks with Johann Salvatore had initially focused on infrastructure spending and when the American money became available on the 1st January, it could then be targeted at projects they had discussed. Barney Barnardo, if he was interested, may well provide another income stream.

The final piece of the puzzle was Cabinda. Originally part of Angola, it was now an isolated enclave. A land exchange in Portugal's favour that saw the border divided more naturally, with all of the Lunda and Holo lands slated to be in Angola, in exchange for Cabinda, would be more than fair and give the Portuguese some saving grace in the face of upcoming humiliations from Britain in Southern Africa, possibly helping to cement a friend to the South. Once Cabinda had been obtained, then the oil could be looked at. In addition, anything that added to the tiny coastal strip Congo had been given was also useful. Currently, transportation via sea and inland rivers was the only reliable method to move anything in the country.

It was time to go back, but she would not forget what she had seen and would return, next time hopefully with Rudolf. He needed to see this as well.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#864

Threadmarks December 1889- Army budgets and discussions

johnboy

20 December 1889, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Friedrich von Beck-Rzikowsky sat sipping the Tokay. "Well, it seems we have at least some of our extra money. Army budget increased to 12.6 million pound equivalent, Navy to 1.5 million. Not what we had asked for, but, considering the starting point, perhaps not a bad result. The draft number has been moved to 105,000 from 102,000, not what we wanted either but the lower numbers do give us some room to investigate some of your suggestions. I also note the increase in Hungarian contribution to 32.75%, not that far off the figure we asked for.

I think it only fair to say that your father was responsible for a number of these changes, so he is open to reasoned argument."

"Perhaps to you."

"Hmm, well, firstly, we are going to investigate what the potential extra costs may be of a two year enlistment cycle. I can see what you are trying to say and to some extent I agree. There is little that can be taught in the thirdyear to rankers that they do not know already. Of course, for artillery conscription's, we would stay at three years and cavalry would be unchanged. The fact that we pay higher for cavalry recruits offsets the doubled length of recruitment.

We had already planned to acquire Mannleicher's new rifle now that the design is finalized but we will likely increase procurement amounts to double previous targets and plan to reequip all Common Army units over a eight year period.

I have had a look at uniforms and it would be too expensive a task at this stage. We will trial a number of new patterns at next years summer exercises and see what people think, but it does not have broad support. Also, the artillery battalion commanders assure me we have ample reserves for a war situation."

"Well, I guess that will have to do for now."

"Oh, I am also in broad agreement about the need to maintain long serving NCO's, so we will be introducing the rank of Offiziersstellvertereter as the highest non commissioned officer post for long term NCO to help retention and career paths. I would recommend you do a similar thing in the Navy."

"I intend to."

"Well then, to a new decade Your Highness."

"To a new decade indeed."

Rudolf sat back. In two days his wife would return, then it would start to feel like Christmas, a remarkable one that would actually see all his family together in the same place for the first time in a long time.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#893

Threadmarks December 1889- Christmas and anarchists

johnboy

25 December 1889, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro Hungarian Empire

Rudolf seemed so much happier to have his sister here from Bavaria. It had not happened for years that all of the family had gotten together and she had spent part of the morning skating with Gisela and her children, along with Erszi. Gisela seemed intelligent and compassionate and it was not hard to see why she had been so close to Rudolf growing up. Sticking together had been mandatory for the two children growing up more than likely, as both had harsh upbringings.

It was a day where she could afford to over-eat and so she indulged herself, eating large amounts of pudding with cream. It was a pleasure to be happy. She was all to well aware from her recent travels as to how many were not. She was even seemingly on cordial speaking terms with her mother-in-law. In was curious to see her interact with her two daughters. Marie Valerie was so clearly the favourite it was not funny.

--

Rudolf stepped out onto the balcony. It had been a great day so far. Stephanie was back, his sister was here with her children. Even his mother was here. He contemplated the night sky, itself so clear. Yes, things were going well, he felt content in a way he had not really found in a long time. The job itself was frustrating, plus he had pressures, of course. These came with the job and must be accepted. Plus what he would like to put in place was stymied by others, and,of course his father. As he looked around said father came onto the balcony.

"Rudolf, I just wanted to come out and say that despite our many disagreements I have been more than pleasantly surprised by the efforts you have made this year. Whist I do not agree with a number of your philosophies, you have kept to your word. You have given up all your vices, reconciled with your wife and knuckled down and worked hard, no one could deny that you have worked hard. Some of your technological ideas are bearing fruit. The Navy Office raves about you."

"Thank you father, I have tried to do my best."

"You need to be mindful, however, that gaining influence always gains you enemies as well. The Hungarians fear your desire for reform. Both Parliaments resent you meddling in military budgets and the increase spending thus entailed. One thing I have learnt is that when you take any decision, there will always be enemies created from those that are opposed, in some cases implacably opposed."

"Burden of command. I may not know it all father, not to the extent you do, but I am familiar with the concept."

"The turn around with your wife, it is remarkable. Do you love her?"

"I do. I am not quite sure how that happened, really. There was affection before, but yes, now I do love her. She is free spirited, fierce, protective of those she loves, clever, determined, all of those things. She challenges me, sees herself in every way my equal. I am not quite sure how I did not see that before, but perhaps she changed as well as she grew older and more confident. I think perhaps in this business we marry our women too young. What about yourself and mother? I know you love her, yet how do you cope with her being away so long, why do you tolerate it?"

"For the same reason that you mentioned. Love. I do so love your mother, I always have. Perhaps it is better to say I am infatuated with her. God knows, I have never been able to deny her anything. Yes she is...delicate. Court life disagrees with her, she hates the rigidity of it, being under the microscope."

Does court life agree with anyone? At times I feel like a bug in a catcher."

"True. Rudolf, I have something I am afraid I must ask you."

"Go ahead."

"As you are aware, I receive weekly reports from the Evidenzbureau. A week ago the apartment of prominent anarchist Errico Malatesta was raided after the Evidenzbureau received an anonymous tip and passed this on to the French. In his apartment they found a copy of my private movement schedule. Von Wallerstein seems to think this leak is you. Is it you? I have to ask."

So, someone at the Evidenzbureau has an axe to grind. You are right father, enemies appear without you even knowing of their existence. Clearly the Evidenzbureau will have to be renewed root and branch when the time came to do so. The funny part about the whole thing was that although he had thought many times of ways to remove his father when the time came, he had not done this. Not at all. "No, it was not me. I swear it on my daughter's head. Besides, the allegation itself is insane. If I really wanted to kill you, I could have poisoned the wine in your study. It's not like I do not have access after all. Or put strychnine in your plum pudding half an hour ago. It is utterly fanciful. We are family, after all. Also, why would anyone in my position assist and encourage those maniacs?"

"In truth I had my doubts, however, they were quite insistent even though they had no evidence of such activities. I just wanted to say that despite me having to raise this I am proud of what you have accomplished this year. I should have recognized your abilities earlier. Also those of your wife, despite her at times difficult behavior. This last year, it seems the eyes of the world have been upon us; mostly for the right reasons. I will talk to von Wallerstein and this will go no further."

And I will deal with von Wallerstein when the right opportunity presents itself, thought Rudolf. Permanently. Bad enough to be involved in a failed plot. Being hanged for one he had no involvement with was far worse.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#894

Threadmarks January 1890- An offer to Portugal

johnboy

11 January 1890, Sintra, Kingdom of Portugal

Carlos I looked again at the two letters, so very different in their content. Both had arrived the same day, likely be co-incidence. The first was from Portugal's long term supposed allies, the British.

"What Her Majesty's Government require and insist upon is the following: that telegraphic instructions shall be sent to the governor of Mozambique at once to the effect that all and any Portuguese military forces which are actually on the Shire or in the Makololo or in the Mashona Territory are to be withdrawn. Her Majesty's Government considers that without this the assurances given by the Portuguese Government are illusory. Mr. Petre is compelled by his instruction to leave Lisbon at once with all the members of his legation unless a satisfactory answer to this foregoing intimation is received by him in, the course of this evening, and Her Majesty's ship Enchantress is now at Vigo waiting for his orders."

It was to be total humiliation, the sort of humiliation that would be hard to pass off under any circumstances. It was a breach of the Treaty of Windsor and the British had clearly been influenced by Rhodes and his gang. It meant that the British were now claiming sovereignty over territories, some of which had been treated as Portuguese for centuries. This would be a stain on the dynasty that would take much time to erase, yet for all that, there was little that Portugal could do. The British had already refused arbitration and were demanding an answer this very night.

The second letter from Queen Stephanie as regards the Congo was more promising. It proposed the effective swap of the now almost useless enclave of Cabinda for an area in Southern Congo three times the size. It seemed like a an excellent deal to Carlos I and may go some small way, if announced quickly with British ultimatum, towards quelling to a small degree the outrage the British ultimatum would engender in the general public.

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#895

Threadmarks Border changes map 1890

johnboy

Proposed Congo gains yellow, proposed Congo loses red

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#897

Threadmarks February 1890-Rudolf thinks on the Congo, diamonds, oil and Rockefeller

johnboy

1 February 1890, Hofburg, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf contemplated the situation. They had 15.6 million United States dollars to spend on projects for the Congo. It was a weighty amount. Railway and communications projects were important, without a doubt. So to increasing the river traffic via small steamers. So to medical assistance, establishing towns with basic sanitation. The most immediate need was an expedition to secure Katanga and it's vast copper resources.

Portugal had jumped at the deal on Cabinda and the transfer would go through in one month. They had what they had laboured all 1889 to produce-investment capital. Now the question was where to employ it.

In terms of Cabinda, the other question was oil. In the United States, indeed the world, John. D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil dominated the competition. Despite the fact that, as the New York magazines called it "the most cruel, impudent, pitiless, and grasping monopoly that ever fastened upon a country", the fact was that Standard Oil had no facilities in Africa, no real penetration in Austria or for that matter Germany and, more importantly, vast money to invest. If they could be interested in the possibilities.

Also from America had come a letter from Ernst Ritter Schmit von Tavera, the United States ambassador. Both ships had been started at Cramp in Philadelphia, within one day of each other in late January. It would likely be a two to two and a half year build time for both vessels. When they finally arrived, along with his new torpedo boats and schnellkruisers, some of the more obsolete ships could be scrapped. Next year he would lay down his two large 'battlecruisers' and that would be the death knell for the last of the obsolete ships, some of whom he hoped to unload to third rate naval powers in Asia or South America.

Von Wallerstein had also consumed his thoughts. The man, he had thought, used to be his friend. Now the evidence pointed to exactly the opposite. It was far too early for any precipitative action, much as he would have liked to undertake it. He reached across the desk for his tonic. Twelve months he had been taking the foul tasting concoction and now his wife insisted he take another, developed from some mold that grew on cantaloupes of all things. For another four months and a month of weaning. It did not bear thinking about.

The Congo occupied his wife's thoughts to. Where to spend the money was the big question. In the meantime, his wife had come back with a small chest of diamonds. Another had just arrived today. Stephanie had a meeting with Barney Barnardo four days hence. That should resolve the diamond issue at least. If the diamonds could be sold well, the amount of ivory production could be cut in compensation, even taking into account the dip in rubber production engendered by cutting the quota system by 90%. Yes, it had dipped, but not be 90% as natives remained keen to exchange food and even coins, but mainly staple foods like corn and wheat for rubber. Production had fallen to 20% of former levels but recovered to 40% and was seemingly rising.

The most pressing immediate need was an expedition to secure Katanga and establishing a series of military outposts, firstly so that copper mining could be looked at but mainly to prevent a repeat of Rhodes' little stunt with Portugal. Such an expedition would run up against Msiri, the local despot, who, much like the late Tippu Tip, was also a slave trader. Yet he certainly had his supporters, so bloodshed was very likely. Bloodshed had occurred in the aftermath of the Tippu Tip hanging, with many of his former supporters crossing from German East Africa, likely with the connivance of German officials who were still angry about the summary justice dealt to the man and how it had made their own situation in Zanzibar precarious at a bad time. It was a mess and likely to remain so for some time.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#908

Threadmarks February 1890- Barney Barnardo

johnboy

5 February 1890, Hofburg, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Barney Barnardo looked over the stones as he sat in the Crown Princess' private study. Yes, there were a good quantity of diamonds. However, many places had a good quantity of diamonds. Many of the stones were only industrial grade diamonds. However, some were not. What were remarkable were the small quantity of fiery orange stones. He had not seen stones like these before. In South Africa, blue or yellow stones, yes, much like Indian deposits, plus the occasional rarer green, a few of which were here as well. But these were a fiery orange and four small stones were an intense pink.

"Your Majesty, I see these as being very saleable indeed. Obviously, you use A. E. Köchert here in Vienna but I have contacts in London and also at Tiffany's in New York. Those are the three cities we should use. Stockpile the stones a while longer and I will contact you in regards a plan to market them as specials, freaks of nature. Aristocrats and rich Americans would be the targets."

"Very well, then we have a deal in regards your cut for distribution, sales and marketing?"

"Yes indeed, I think they represent a terrific opportunity and I find it exciting to be going back into the diamond business so soon after selling my former interests."

That's a big fuck you Cecil, thought Bernardo. When this hit the news Cecil Rhodes would hopefully have a conniption.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#910

Threadmarks February 1890- Standard Oil and black gold

johnboy

10 February 1890, Hotel Maratime, Cherbourg, French Republic

"It was primarily the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in the Congo, which as you are no doubt aware is administered by my wife, that I wished to talk to you about Mr Archbold. After this recent discovery we are, of course, looking for investors that may wish to take advantage of the find and what better company than Standard Oil? You do, after all, control 80 percent plus of her world supply. We will have more work to do to explore more fully potential drilling sites and the like, but I wished to float whether Standard Oil would have an interest."

John Archbold had been intrigued when he had been asked by his boss John.D.Rockefeller to make this detour to meet the Austrian Crown Prince. He had read the paperwork provided. It was an interesting proposal but one that would require much investment and there were probably easier ways to make money at present.

"The very remoteness of the territory make such an investment possibly worthwhile but unlikely to be something we would look at Your Highness, we can make other investments closer to home that would seemingly on the surface produce greater returns."

"Mr Archbold, Standard Oil is currently building up her fleet of oil tankers after your first purchase of such a vessel five or so years ago, correct?"

"Yes, indeed we are. It allows us to expand our European operations exponentially."

"Yet at the same time you have had little success in selling outside of the British and French. Oil is the future Mr Archbold, it will be come the currency of choice in the next century with the evolution of the internal combustion engine, I am sure you to are aware of this. The market you are trying to break into is Germany more than any other. Russia have Nobel already, so have no need for your product. Germany and especially von Boetticher abhor your monopoly and will not deal with Standard Oil, instead buying from us. In addition, we have recently started supplying Italy as well, a supply that must continue. These are all from our Galacian fields where we can supply cheaper than Standard Oil. However, what if I could break you into the German market?"

"How would that be possible?"

"Well, if you were to invest in the Congo, build a proper port at Cabinda and connecting railways, then provide similar facilities at Kap Weiss in the Sahara, you could then use Kap Weiss as a connection port not only for tankers from Cabinda, but also those crossing the Atlantic for Southern continental Europe and the Mediterranean. Once tankers coming from two different sources arrive at the same spot, who is to say if it is Standard Oil from America or oil from say West African Oil Co, for example? It can then be sold onto our markets in Germany, Austro-Hungary, Switzerland and Italy."

"Well, that is an interesting proposal to be sure. I will need to undertake some discussion and come back to you with an answer."

That is quite alright, we have some work to do ourselves in terms of exploration."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Aug 10, 2017

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#916

Threadmarks Austro-Hungarian Navy on 1.4.1890

johnboy

I still have an hour to kill and can't nap so, State of the Austro-Hungarian Navy April 1 1890(changes noted from November 1888-ships no longer in service in red, new ships in violet):

Capital Ships:

5720 ton Kaiser Centre Battery ship - hulked 1889

5980 ton Erzherzog Albrecht centre battery ship -sold to China 1889

7610 ton Custoza centre battery ship-sold to China 1889

3x 3550 ton Kaiser Max centre battery ships

7430 ton Tegettoff centre battery ship

5080 ton Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stefanie centre battery ship

6830 ton Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf centre battery ship-sold to Denmark

Planned to commence 1891 two 11,000 ton armoured cruisers with 6x9.2 inch guns to replace ships in green

Cruisers:

2x 3400 ton Radetsky Class armoured frigates

2660 ton Saida armoured corvette

3x 1600ton Panther Class protected cruisers

2x 3970 ton Kaiser Franz Joseph I Class protected cruisers(one launched, one on the stocks)

3x 2580 ton Pula Class light cruisers(one laid 1889, two 1890)

2300 ton Donau corvette-scrapped before launch

3x 1350 ton Zrinyi Class armoured sloops

3x 850 ton torpedo cruisers -sold to China 1889

2x 6350 ton as yet unnamed protected cruisers under construction in the U.S, commenced Jan 1890, these will replace ships shown in green

Destroyers:

4x 350 ton torpedo boat destroyers Blitz, Komet, Planet, Meteor

10x 260 ton torpedo boats(new design) 6 now launched, 2 more laid in 1890, 2 planned for later in 1890

Torpedo Boats:

4 prototype torpedo boats from the late 1870s, I (10t); II (30t); III, IV (30t)-scrapped

5 torpedo boats from the early 1880s, V-VIII (30t); IX, X (47t)-sold to China 1889

47 torpedo boats, XI-XXVI (55t); Adler, Falke (100t); Sperber, Habicht (90t); Bussard, Condor, Geier, Uhu, Würger, Kranich, Reiher, Ibis, Rabe, Elster (80t); XXVII-XXXII (55t); XXXIII-IV (70t)

Kukuk, Staar, Krähe, Flamingo, Sekretär, Weihe, Marabu, Gaukler, Harpie(80t)

6 torpedo boats launched and fitting out, Kibitz (90t); XXXV-XXXIX (70t)

Gunboats:

1 gunboat, recently refitted as a sail training ship, Möwe (400t)

3 600 ton gunboats Kerka, Hum, Narenta (600t) - all scrapped

2 600 ton gunboats Albatros, Nautilus -both under conversion to minelayers

Plus various river monitors

Miscellaneous:

1x 3500 ton small liner for use in cadet training, under refit in the US

2x 980 ton colliers under construction in the US

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24 February 1890, Hofburg, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf downed the foul smelling mixture, his face contorting into a mixture of disgust. "I swear this new stuff is worse than the old. How long this time?"

"Stop being such a man. Another four months and then a weaning period of three more on half and then quarter dosage. It had arrested the more malevolent systems of the infection, has it not?"

"Well, yes."

"Well my dear, I gauge it has been worth it, so stop whinging like a little bitch then."

"What an interesting turn of phrase. You really have some fascinating terms of phrase at times. This 2016 must be an interesting era, one without decorum, of course, but still."

"You could say that my love."

"Anyway, back on track", said Rudolf. "We promised ourselves a review of our progress so far, but more importantly a planning session in regards the future five years. Are you ready to commence?"

"Yes, we have a free hour before Erszi comes back for lunch with us."

"Alright then. Let us commence. What we have done so far:

1) Colonial strategy. This has been one that had worked perfectly. We now have a resource rich colony in Africa and two coaling stations that service it on the way. In addition, the Americans are kindly building two large, powerful cruisers for us gratis and we have up to 15 million dollars to invest in infrastructure and development. It had also helped to create a colonial office that is mainly answerable to you. Things are happening now in Congo that should be benefit us and it's inhabitants eventually. Eventually if you take the line that at some stage the area will be colonised and it may as well be done in a humane way."

"Correct", said Stephanie. "You neglected to mention that it also had the added bonus of saving millions of natives from the horrific acts of my father, as well as the added bonus of humiliating said father."

"Yes my love, of course."

2) "Navy. I feel this one is under control. The efficiency of the service has jumped this last fifteen months, there is no doubt about this at all. Fisher has been pushing them hard and in terms of officers, those that have not cut the mustard have not remained, as per my instructions. This has made him, and by extension me, less than popular in some more aristocratic circles. However, this is just the price of doing business. We will always have a small navy, so we need to make sure what we do have is the best. In regards ships, things will not really be where I want them to be until the mid 1890's. A building program takes time. By 1895 the obsolete rubbish should be scrapped and what we do have should reflect what we have need to work with. A dagger rather than a sword, but a very sharp one. Again, although I cannot say this has worked well as yet I think we are on the right track."

"Well, I don't know anything much about the navy, as you well know, so I am happy to take your word on that."

3) "Science and Technology. This one has presented more problems. First of all, we are operating on the budgetary shoestring my father has allocated the department. It is viewed negatively by many in both the Imperial Council and the Hungarian Diet, although those that do support it are strong in their views. This has in many ways restricted what we can do. It's not all doom and gloom. Daimler and Maybach are doing sterling work and are happy. This will be long term a massive boon to Austro-Hungary that should have gone to Germany. However, at this stage the automobile is in it's infancy. It will take time to see what a coup this is. Tesla and his three phase induction motor are also a boon, however, since I mentioned wireless technology to him for communication he has drifted, seemingly hard to keep on track according to reports. Likewise, in regards to your own project on penicillin. Some progress, but no concrete breakthrough as yet. Overall, it's been a mixed batch and our main priority should be to ensure that enthusiasm and therefore funding is still present. It could be a battle. Our one main advantage is also our disadvantage. Our funding is so small that ending it is not seen as that much of a priority."

"These things take time. In my experience, scientific breakthroughs always do. Remember what I told you about the Manhattan project? Even with colossal funding, it still took years to develop a successful bomb, this in wartime with A1 priority. Science requires time, patience and money to achieve success. All we can do is use our own knowledge to keep chipping away that things, picking on areas we think will be useful. Flight will be another once suitably powerful engine is developed. When Marconi needs funding for his research in another four years, he is another we could look to lure."

"Good points. I think we can rate ourselves only fairly on this, however."

4) "Army. This is a tough one. I have managed to get funding increased, made a few cosmetic changes to the rank structure and career progression. A bigger progression was the demonstration at maneuvers of the small mortars and flamethrowers, as well as the automatic rifle and the application of camouflage. Aside from the latter, all have received small production orders. Getting the funding increased and drawing a greater share of that funding from Hungary are the biggest contribution, however. The problem here is the same as we face in most areas. No control. I am not yet the Kaiser. Nor the Minister for War. We have no control and can only influence. Overall I have done nowhere near what I would like to do but probably as much as I can. What we will also eventually need to a quality light machine gun. This can more than likely be obtained using Madsen or Lewis's designs, but both are ten plus years away."

"I would agree with your assessment."

5) "Foreign Policy. This has been largely a failure so far. We need two things here. To establish a solid alliance with either Russia or England. Nothing has been achieved in relation to this. We have used our trip to England to further our cause somewhat, as well as creating some ties via Fisher. However, our Congo coup would have disturbed many in the UK, who generally sided with her old ally Belgium in regards sympathy. In regards Russia, I have done nothing, aside from a vague attempt to alter history recently. Again, I am not the Kaiser or the Foreign Minister, so how much can one do? We do need to make a trip to Russia, however. This is where Rudolf the Former's previous dissolute bad behaviors have not helped. I am not viewed by many in a good light. The second thing we need to do is make Germany well aware that an alliance does not mean automatic support in the case of expansionist endeavors, just to forestall something crazy out of the box from Willie. Zero progress there as well. Overall, we have made no gains in this area at all."

"How much can we really make unless we can obtain the levers of power? Everyone knows your father has only limited trust in you, so he feels more than free to ignore your opinions if it suits him on most matters."

and lastly 6) " Domestic policy. Again, little real progress. I am worried that we have spent little time in or on Hungary aside from our patronage of the Budapest underground. Considering they will be our major stumbling block for the changes we wish to make we need to do more in this area. Perhaps my mother can help here now that we seem to have achieved an understanding? As we discussed, we favoured setting up a third Kingdom and went to my father with this in regards to the Czechs. His refusal was all too glaring. Little has been done in the area either. It's depressing to think what needs to be done, in fact."

"Rudolf, you are being to hard on yourself, indeed on us. Yes, there is much to be done. Yet there has been much done as well. You need to see the forest for the trees my love. How much progress can one expect within 18 months with us not holding the ultimate reigns of power? You are also forgetting the most important point,namely,

7) Health and family. You entered this as a man with a broken relationship with his wife, a daughter he did not see, a father that ignored him and a mother that hardly saw or spoke to him, all with a disease that was likely to eventually kill him. We have arrested that disease, you have a wife and daughter that loves you, a father that is now not quite so dismissive, a mother that is partly reconciled. These are no small things. Indeed, I say that without these things the chances of successfully achieving points 1) to 6) are very low indeed.

Yes, I think that overall we have done very well. Yes, it has only been a scratching of the surface in some areas. How can it be else without control? You know I am right surely, you are to logical and analytical not to?"

"Yes, you probably are correct. I love you so much you know I feel quite unable to describe it. Without you I sometimes think if would be a mindless, heartless automaton, carrying out plans just for the sake of self gratification."

"Right? Of course I am. We can and will achieve more. We owe it to the 50 million in Austro-Hungary and the 20 million in the Congo. Indeed, we owe it to the 18 million killed in the Great War. If you figure the 1918 flu pandemic was also caused by the war, you can raise that to maybe 100 million. Just how different will history be if these people do not die and the social structures that existed in 1914 do not collapse in revolution but perhaps in evolution. It is a fascinating question no?

It also brings me to another point. Eventually, your father will have to be removed for us to put this fully into place. For the children to flourish, the parents must move off centre stage. We also need to talk about that, but that comes under future planning. I propose we end things here for now. It's only 15 minutes to lunch. How about I teach you another 2016 term? It's called the 'quickie.' Universal declarations of love do so get my blood up after all."

Last edited: Sep 17, 2017

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Sep 18, 2017

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134

#977

Threadmarks February 1890-Conversations on the future

johnboy

25 February 1890, Hofburg, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She had powered away again on their usual morning run yet he had regained his composure and now they sat in their joint drawing room that was in the middle of the two chambers they both used for offices. He recalled again the exchange that had occurred this morning with amusement. It was unfortunate for the lady in question, Princess Eleonore Breunner-Enkevoirth, that she had been talking so loudly in the corridor when Stephanie had rounded the corner, her tread silent in the special running shoes she had made. All it took was overhearing the one phrase.

"I hear the Flemish peasant is still in the process of taking morning runs in skimpy costumes with her husband?"

Her companion, seeing said 'Flemish peasant' moving up from behind, was struck speechless. It was only when Stephanie was on top of her, her 5 foot 9 1/2 inches frame looming over the small 5 foot 2 inches talker and Rudolf had also turned the corner that Princess Eleonore was aware of her presence.

"Why hello Princess, Countess. Princess, you were saying?"

"Oh, nothing, just some idle banter Your Imperial Highness."

"Just some idle banter? Princess, do you know the difference between you and me?"

"I am Austrian?"

"No, the main difference is this. Whilst you are spending all your time sitting on your privileged rear, spreading gossip you know to be untrue, acting like you are entitled to everything in the world and avoiding any thought of work like the plague, I am busy running one country and helping to run another, trying to improve the lives of some 70 million people. That means I need to stay physically fit so I can work long hours. Work, you know that thing you know nothing about?

Eventually Rudolf and I will be running this country as well. When we do I will see if I can find a suitable position for your husbands talents. The city sewers need a lot of planning work I hear. You see my routine involves more than wondering when the servants will next bring cakes or when I will next be required to do my duty by my husband."

Stephanie proceeded to push past the shocked Princess, but not without a parting shot. "Judging by the size of that derriere it seems more of the former and less of the latter. I am happy for you to join us on our runs if you can find a suitable 'skimpy costume' and get up at 5am. Goodbye, dear Princess."

Stephanie muttered when she had turned the corner away "Honestly, the nerve of that women."

"Let it go love. Remember, future plans."

"Yes, alright then, you start whilst I compose my thoughts."

"Alright, lets start with something we have done little in the way of reform with. The internal affairs of the Empire itself. You know my favoured model. A Federal system like we have now with the Empire having sway over defense, foreign policy and projects of national significance, as well as finance for such. Other powers to be devolved to the various constituent parts of the Empire. Currently we have Austria and Hungary, as well as the Bosnian and Herzegovina Condominium. As you know, I favour the breakup of Bosnia and Herzegovina when the time is right to reconcile with Serbia, with both parties taking a portion and the creation of an intermediate buffer state. As far as the Federal model is concerned, the first step in leading the way is letting the Czechs go their own way in an independent Kingdom of Bohemia. The Croatians are the obvious next step if and only if we can ever find a way around the Hungarians. Lastly Galicia can follow as a separate Polish/Ruthenian entity perhaps. That is what I would like to do.

Croatia will be very difficult. Perhaps the first step would be to at least stop the Magyarization of their schools and the suppressing of their language that has commenced some few years ago. Or perhaps a hierarchy of where Croatia sits as independent but some functions such as Justice, Transport and maybe Agriculture still sit within the Hungarian purview. Certainly what I am keen not to see is more independent armies like the Honved. Or the Landwehr for that matter. It's going to be messy for sure. I also favour a one man, one vote electoral system, but again the Hungarian aristocracy will bitterly resist this. Changes will mean a series of bitter campaigns. Campaigns we need to be in power to fight. That means Franz Joseph must go, as soon as we are ready to do so. These are not battles we can fight via the whims of another person. Besides, these are reforms that would shock my father."

"I agree, there needs to be a time-frame for removal, perhaps sometime about 1893-94. I will let you work on that. You know I also favour suffrage for women at the earliest possible time. It only makes sense after all. There are so many things about the economy of both Hungary and Austria, particularly Hungary, that need work. The price of grain in Europe has dropped by 20% in the 1880's. It will drop still further. It has to. Increased transportation links between Europe and America using faster and larger, more reliable ships will become the norm, dropping huge surpluses of American grains into European ports and forcing the buying price down as a consequence. I see prices dropping to 50% of that of 1880. Yet what work has been done to prepare the agricultural sector for this? None that I can see. Do we want our peasants to be as poor as Russia's restive masses?

Our funding for transport and communications, especially railways, is adequate. Yet provision of health and medical services, encouragement for sport and fitness is almost non existent. We also need to think about the new big thing. Electrification."

"Well, secondly Foreign Policy. Again, something we cannot yet influence. I think we need to travel, make ties and decide on which horse to back when we have our hands on the levers of power. As we said before, Britain or Russia. My father has not bothered to build close ties to either. We must court at least one and bring them to an understanding. Neither will be easy. If we wait until 1893 Russia will likely be moving in lock step with France and England will still be thinking in terms of splendid isolation. We must at least build those relationships that would allow us to have and exploit those personal relationships when the time comes to do so."

"Look, it is a fair assumption. We are locked out of policy here unless we assume power but we can still influence by personal contact. The Congo business may move us much closer to the Americans and perhaps draw them away from their own isolation. Closer relations with Bulgaria and/or Greece are also possible and desirable. A detente with Serbia would help. No events of 1903 would help there. Your friend Aspis already rests in the woods but others will follow must assuredly."

"Thirdly, the Congo. The money we have obtained needs to be spent wisely. The most obvious method here is to spend the money on infrastructure that allows for the extraction of resources. With less rubber and ivory then diamonds and copper, as well as possibly oil will need to take their place. We need to work on a plan as to what infrastructure would be best. Railways likely, and this will prove expensive, both in terms of money and lives, but must be done.

I know you want to spend more money on medical services, especially. By all means spend some. But without infrastructure and resource extraction it can all fall in a financial heap and then the profits cannot be plowed back at a later stage to assist anyone. We also need to establish control and open up Katanga, not only for the copper but also to keep the British and Rhodes' South Africa Company out.

"Yes, I agree with all of that. There is not much point talking about the Army and Navy, I can leave that to you as I know far too little to assist.

Now finally Science and Technology. I have put together this folio of the technological advances that I am aware of over the last 125 years, what, if anything, I know of the specifics and the inventor(s) if I am aware if them. I suggest you do the same. Then we can prioritize what we think is reasonable research that may be achievable with what limited funding we currently have at hand. Does that sound sensible?"

"Indeed it does. You gave the 'dear' Princess a fair scare."

"Yes, lost my temper a bit. I think she still sees the shy girl, not the woman. She is a bitch in any case, that much is certain. Better still, since how the conversation started, she cannot run to your father and complain."

Rudolf laughed. "Yes, there is that."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Sep 20, 2017

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125

#996

Threadmarks March 1890-Lust in St Petersburg

johnboy

2 March 1890, Mayerling, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf read the last part of the letter again.

"I have talked to my father who has agreed that a visit to St Petersburg would be appropriate during the summer period. I must warn you that some of Austria's Northern adventures of last year have left him less than pleased, however, he is not ill disposed towards a visit and hopes still for closer ties and pathways of mutual interest.

Now that the boring parts of this letter have addressed as part of our ever present duty, let me move on to the young lady that came back to the capital a month ago, namely Princess Nina Gruzinsky. I have no idea how she has not come to St Petersburg earlier. She had made her apologies in terms of moving back to the wilds of Georgia and I can honestly say I have thought of little else since our first meeting. I crave attendance on her and pine terribly when she is not there. Intelligent, witty, oh so very beautiful.

Although there are many barriers I cannot thank you enough for thinking of me when introducing this angel to me.

Your friend,

Nicky"

Well, it appeared that Nicholas may be heading down another path than Alix of Hesse. It was only a random act yet may change a great many things. Was it a mistake? Only time would tell.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Sep 21, 2017

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136

#1,003

Threadmarks March 1890- Bottletops and bullets

johnboy

6 March 1890, Csepel Island, near Budapest, Austro Hungarian Empire

Manfréd Weiss looked at the Crown Prince again. Both him and his wife had seemed interested in all aspects of the plant's manufacturing and he had judged the visit a success. The main source of his income came from the Austro-Hungarian Common Army and the Honved, mainly via the production of shells and rifle ammunition, although he also manufactured pots, pans and cups, as well as tools and the like for both military and civilian aspects. It was Rudolf who spoke next.

"Herr Weiss, I was wondering if you would be interested in something I have invented myself?"

"Of course Your Highness."

Rudolf was only too glad to stay on site talking to Weiss, his engineers and the workers at the factory. Tomorrow night a civic reception in Budapest beckoned and with in the very prospect of an immediate confrontation with many of the problems he had with the administration of the Hungarian part of the Empire. This little project he had fiddled with for just on a week after he had realised no such thing existed in 1890. He pulled out the press and the long-neck of beer.

Weiss was looking at him curiously when he slipped the crown cork bottle cap out of his pocket and duly applied it to the bottle, sealing it. He passed the long-neck to Weiss, who duly inspected it. When he passed it back, Rudolf extracted the bottle opener from his pocket and flipped the cap off.

"That is...remarkable Your Highness. As you are aware we drink just a bit of beer here in the Empire, also in Germany."

"I was also thinking of carbonated mineral water, tonic water and the like."

"Yes. What do you wish to do with this little invention?"

"Well, if you are interested, I would propose that you take the idea, patent it and run with it. In return, as you are well aware, my wife runs an institution devoted to charitable works in the Congo. A donation of say 100,000 guldens a year would not go astray. I see no need for contracts or patents and the like. Just a handshake and a gentleman's agreement would be fine Baron."

Weiss looked again at the bottle and it's top. How had something so simple not been done? How had a layman like Rudolf invented such a proposition? "That seems fair enough to me Your Highness." He stretched out his hand and Rudolf took it.

Rudolf smiled. "I have something else to consider." He took two pieces of paper, folding one into a sleek arrow, throwing it across the room. He then took a second, making a larger and stubbier looking contraption. It did not fly so well. "Herr Weiss, it seems to me that a more streamlined shape would create less wind resistance and therefore travel faster and therefore further and longer. Now I was wondering if a similar proposition could be applied to our rifle ammunition..."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Sep 22, 2017

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136

#1,004

Threadmarks March 1890- Congo and Teff

johnboy

6 March 1890, Governor's House, Marienburg, Congo State

Governor Archduke Johann Salvator looked again at the letter that had accompanied the sacks of seeds.

"Johann, I believe that this would be an ideal crop. I know it as Teff, you may know it as William's Lovegrass. The fact that it is frost sensitive will not be an issue in the climate, and, as long as the soil can be drained, it will grow well in all warmer climes. What is more, it can be planted late and has a short germination cycle. Also beneficial is that it requires little in the way of heat to cook through. It is an excellent food source. Lastly, it has the advantage that because of it's small seeds, a handful is enough to thoroughly sow a large area yet is easy enough to harvest.

I have obtained these samples from Ethiopia in exchange for weapons and I recommend we trial the introduction of this as a potential staple grain source. After all, we have more than enough mouths to feed as a consequence of my father's previous policies.

I was gratified to receive your last letter that you had assembled a force to deal with Msiri that would depart in May near the end of the rains. Although a legitimate native chief, I view him as just another slaver worthy of all contempt and he is suitably off balance with the demise of Tippu Tipp. Take whatever measures you see fit to crush any armed resistance he offers and take pains to establish not only control of the copper mines at Likasi but all of Katanga. I would also recommend the establishment of a couple of rudimentary border posts to forestall an British adventures in the area.

Stephanie."

Well, he had on hand two tonnes of the seeds. Now it remained to be seen what could be done with them.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Sep 22, 2017

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127

#1,007

Threadmarks March 1890-Talks with the new Hungarian broom

johnboy

7 March 1890, Grand Ballroom, Royal Palace, Budapest, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She was swept around to the sound of the "Blue Danube", her long train, consisting of a green silk gown with red and white flowers, a note to Hungarian national colours. Her partner was in himself controversial, Tivadar Andrássy was the son of the recently deceased Count Gyula Andrássy, her mother-in-law's rumoured lover. It was easy to see when one viewed a function like this how many viewed this as an era of romance. All one had to do was close your mind to the plight of many of the poor to do so, not a hard task when swept up in the pageantry of this type of event. It appeared Tivadar Andrássy was also caught up in the fever, holding her a little closer than protocol would strictly dictate before the strains of the orchestra died away and her husband appeared to claim her. Events like this were nothing if not predictable and the last two numbers to be played never varied. Second last, the "Blue Danube". Last the "Radetzky March".

Rudolf held her close as they twirled around the dance floor, he had been taught to dance from an early age in both alter egos so was a fast, graceful dancer. Likewise herself, so she was aware they would make a good impression and leaned into his shoulder to show intimacy to the outside world but also to ensure private conversation. Rudolf as aware of what she wanted and replied without asking the question.

"I have arranged the meeting with Gyula Szapáry. Tisza will resign within days so his will be the way forward."

"From what I have heard his is more Liberal than his predecessor, although how much that counts for I do not know. Certainly he is in favour of reduced powers for the church, that is a start after all."

"Well, we shall see", said Rudolf.

Szapáry had lively eyes, physically only average height and so shorter than her, muddy brown hair, a moon face and a shaggy mustache and what in 2016 would be called a 'clit tickler' underneath on his chin.

"Your Imperial Highness's." Szapáry bowed from the waist. It was Stephanie who spoke. "My dear Count, this is just an informal chat. Take a seat, a glass of port and take your ease. I don't know about you but the amount of dancing has raised my thirst."

Szapáry seemed surprised she intended to stay but took a seat none the less.

"You had requested a meeting Your Highness, how can I be of service?"

"First of all you must accept our apologies, whilst I have, of course, had much contact with Hungarian companies during my stint so far as Navy Minister and also as Science and Technology Minister, we have not involved ourselves in Hungarian affairs to any great degree. I am aware that you plan a series of ecclesiastical reforms, however, I wished to also flag with you my own, indeed our own, desire for change as well and at the same time take up with you our concerns in regards one issue in the governance of Transleithania, especially the Croatian part."

"What would that be?"

"I think the events of your own revolution in Hungary and the compromise of 1867 show quite clearly that people cannot be suppressed altogether in terms of their ethnicity, but in particular the element that is most strong in regards nationalism, their language. This is the situation at present in Croatia with a Hungarian Ban like Khuen-Héderváry in charge of an increasing policy of Magyarization that has resulted in the closing of Croatian language schools in record numbers. It makes a mockery of the position of Ban to have a Hungarian in it following policies that are deeply locally unpopular. This cannot continue without a backlash. Put yourselves in this position of Croatians, as indeed you were as a Hungarian not so many years ago. Regardless of the need to run an Empire and provide a language of administration, every single person in the Empire deserves the right to speak and learn their native tongue.

It is a policy that both myself and my wife will follow very firmly when the time comes for us to assume leadership of this Empire as it represents man's most basic dignity. Freedom of language and religion. In three to four months I have to open a park in Zagreb in honor of Nikola Šubić Zrinski. It will make a mockery of the event to have a Hungarian Ban by my side."

Szapáry was shocked at the directness of the Crown Prince. Talk about being hit between the eyes even before he had started as Prime Minister. Maybe he had a point, however, he was not going to be bullied in any case. "This is something I must refer to my own Government when we meet."

Rudolf smiled. "I would expect nothing less."

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Sep 25, 2017

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112

#1,013

Threadmarks March 1890-Army knives, family detente and oil

johnboy

28 March 1890, Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf looked again at the knife. It was well weighted from throwing, could be attached as a bayonet via the curved lug, had a standard knife blade on one side and a serrated edge on the other and the handle could flip out into a screwdriver as required. It was to have a standard hardwood handle, although deluxe versions could be made from bone or ivory or even silver by special order. It had not won the Swiss competition for an Army knife that he had hoped for, however, this was a more than acceptable compromise for the Austro-Hungarian army, likely a bigger order in any case.

It was all very good news, made even more palatable by two happy events this morning. Firstly his mother, of all people, had asked to go for run with his wife this morning. Incredibly, they had arrived back smiling. Secondly, his wife had received a telegram from Rockefeller Sr that indicated that he would be sending a representative directly to Marienburg in the Congo for the purposes of investigation of the possibilities of oil in the region. It was excellent news.

He turned back to Arthur Krupp. "I think this is excellent. Much like the Swiss we are going to ask for an Army knife this year. This is the design I want so I will make all efforts to push for it."

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Sep 25, 2017

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105

#1,017

Threadmarks March 1890- Philadelpia thoughts

johnboy

31 March 1890, William Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, United States of America

Ernst Ritter Schmit von Tavera watched as his wife Danika drove the first somewhat symbolic rivet into the plate of what would be the hull of the new cruiser Wien. He had performed a similar function for her sister ship Budapest. In fact, there were already bare bones of one ship on the slip, which had been started some four weeks ago. With a likely build time of some three years, they incorporated many new innovations, especially the new Harvey armour, as well as the use of turrets for the main armament.

Across the yard was the small liner Sacrobosso, which was only two months or so away from completion as a cadets training ship, in fact just being repainted in grey at present. He was also aware that at bath Iron Works in Maine, two colliers were currently under construction having commenced two months ago. Build time would be 12 months only.

It amounted to almost 17,000 tons of metal, large contracts indeed. It had stimulated interest and ties between the countries and he had been contacted only a week ago of Standard Oil to arrange shipping details for a team to visit Marianburg in the Congo. It seemed that commercial activity had multiplied between the two states by a factor of five since the start of the year and the level of inquiries his own staff had handled had gone up by the same amount. I fact, he had telegraphed Vienna asking for two additional people.

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Sep 26, 2017

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143

#1,030

Threadmarks April 1890-The fall of Bismarck, Czechs

johnboy

14 April 1890, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The meeting had been a long one, two main items being on the agenda. Firstly, Sándor Wekerle's plan to move Austro-Hungary to the gold standard based on a new currency, the Krone, or crown. It would require quite a bit of preparation and it was agreed to set a date of 1 January 1892 for implementation. It was a path that most major powers had already followed, moving away from silver based economies. Silver had declined in Europe, increased Chinese trade, indeed trade with Asia as a whole, emptying coffers of many powers since the Chinese economy demanded cash in silver in most cases rather than goods in return.

The second item was a discussion on the removal of Bismarck as Chancellor. Despite his words to Wilhelm II, the 75 year old had lasted not more than 17 days longer than OTL, being dismissed on the 6th. It was a bad sign. The new Chancellor, Caprivi, knew nothing of foreign policy, the new Secretary of State, Marschall, very little more. From previous dealings with Caprivi, Rudolf was well aware that he would likely approach foreign policy initiatives in secret, a mistake in a modern era where public opinion had to be increasingly considered. Indeed, it was a lesson he could himself absorb after his 1889 adventures.

Caprivi had close links with the German General Staff, who for years had been urging Austria to resist Russia, the exact opposite of Bismarck's policy, which favoured conciliation. The new note from Berlin expounded such a more aggressive policy. It made it more urgent to get to St Petersburg in early June to try and establish ties before Russia was inexorably pushed into the orbit of France. Caprivi was a proponent of an alliance with England, yet would likely not have the strength of will like Bismarck to change the Kaiser's dreams of overseas expansion and lines of grey funnels, making such dreams pointless. The former was almost certain to doom the Reinsurance Treaty as well, lest the English find out it's secret clauses, especially those directed at the Straits. It was a mess with no clear way forward in terms of benefits to Austro-Hungary.

After Wekerle and Kálnoky had both departed, he took the opportunity to take up the cudgels with his father again. After all, it was proof of his increased trust that he was invited to today's meeting at all. He was quite sure two years ago his presence would not even have been considered.

"Father can we again talk about a solution for the Czechs? I know you think I am badgering you and maybe I am, however, this is one of the most strategically important areas of Empire. It contains much of our munitions manufacturing and is a major industrial area. The Czechs have been loyal, yes, but will not remain so for ever if not given a say in their own affairs. We reached a solution with the Hungarians in 1867 that saw things settle down into a moderately happy compromise. I see no reason why a similar scheme could not placate what is increasing unrest and division. The plan I have in mind should placate most ethnic Germans in Bohemia and at the same time mollify the Hungarians in regards to their 'superior' status."

"What do you have in mind?"

"The basic tenants of my previous plan. We need to ignore historical divisions between lander and go with what works. This is how I would divide the two areas, the remainder would fall back to Austria as they contain German majority areas. Those that are left would form not a Kingdom but a Principality, it would still have it's own parliament but no capacity for an army of it's own, circumventing many of the issues we have with the Honved and allowing us to keep a strong Common Army."

"All right, I will look at it. I can promise no more at this stage. By the way, thank you to both yourself and your sister for bringing your mother back into the fold. It seems your wife has helped as well. Plus you have been working hard as well. In addition, this Congo business is so far not the disaster I thought it may be."

Well, I guess that is some sort of praise, he thought. "Yes father, we have tried. I think Stephanie and mother have more in common than either would care to admit to be honest."

His father actually laughed. "Yes, perhaps so."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Sep 29, 2017

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124

#1,035

Threadmarks April 1890 - Oil

johnboy

17 April 1890, Cabinda Port, Kingdom of Congo

Johann Salvator and his wife had had a quiet day trailing around after the two engineers, one of his own, Gabor Janjic and the visitor, Harold Planchard II from Standard Oil. The common language was English, so he had followed along with the conversation.

"As you can see, unlike Muanda, there is actually seepage of raw product here just beyond the line of the dunes. All three exploratory drills have hit oil at shallow depths, less than 200 meters, less than 50 in one case. I am quite convinced that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Deposits likely exist at sea as well and I have a number of local reports of "black water and bubbles" being released in the shallows after large storms. Deposits at depths of less than 10 meters should be easy enough to access with the new technology. It is more a matter of infrastructure and the cost of building it."

Harold Planchard considered what had been said and what he had seen. "Well, purely from an oil-man's point of view, I have no doubt at all that we have viable potential fields here. I have seen enough to know that. I guess the question is location and the provision of skilled labour, which drives costs. Thankfully these deposits are not inland, so transport will be much less of an issue. Of course, these are decisions I cannot make, all I can provide is a technical report and recommendations."

Johann Salvator stepped back into the conversation. "In many ways it is a matter of scale Mr Planchard. If Standard Oil were to invest, then the funds from the royalties would then be used to assist in infrastructure development that could help the make the project even more attractive, both here and at Kap Weiss. Of course, we have already indicated that we would be prepared to drop the normal royalties from 1/8 to 1/20, a not inconsiderable saving. I have also provided Mr Rockefeller with certain other...incentives."

"Indeed. Well, I have been instructed in indicate we will provide a response within a month of my return. Thanks you for spending these last two days traipsing the wilderness with me gentleman and of course lady."

Johann Salvator looked again at his wife, the former Milli Stubel. In Vienna, the chance of such a marriage coming to pass under the nose of the court and him still retaining his title would be next to none, however here such a thing was possible. Of course, it was considered a morganatic marriage, but that was of little concern. At least he was able to retain his own privilege and marry the women he chose. For these reasons, he had to make this grand scheme work in this African wilderness. Going back to Vienna was not an option, at least not for many years.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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127

#1,039

Threadmarks April 1890 - Two Van Goghs visit

johnboy

30 April 1890, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"It is lovely to see you both again. Vincent, how did you enjoy your stay?"

"Very well thank you, Your Highness."

It was Theo Van Gogh who spoke next. "I think it has been good for my brother Your Highness. He seems to have improved somewhat and was nothing if not industrious, completing some 236 oils during his time here at the various locations we lodged at. Now that we head back to Utrecht, I offer you our thanks and by way of that thanks I invite you to avail yourself of ten of the paintings that Vincent has produced. Some 22 have already sold, leaving 214 to choose from. We leave via train on Saturday, I am anxious to return to my wife and son, but perhaps you could come and select ten paintings tomorrow before they are packed for transport on Friday afternoon?"

"Indeed, I would be delighted to do so. We visit Russia in a month's time, so perhaps you would allow me to purchase four more for the Hermitage collection as a gift to the Tsar."

"Your Highness, we would be honored."

Stephanie looked at the two brothers. Now the situation seemed almost reversed. It was Theo that looked pale and unwell. Vincent retained his nervous demeanor and unhealthy look, yet did not look quite so haunted. Perhaps both had demons that would be hard to excise by more than the application of simple kindness.

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#1,040

Threadmarks May 1890 - A warming in relations, a bonding over sweat raised

johnboy

6 May 1890, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Sisi watched Stephanie perform the ten repetitions for chin ups before swinging around the bar and landing on her feet. "That was quite...remarkable. How do you get the strength to repeat the repetitions? I do strength work on my own workouts but not to this extent."

"I have always had an interest in exercise. Now that I am in a happier state emotionally I have felt free to pursue that interest. Besides, I have always been interested in tennis and winning at tennis requires power as much as finesse. We come back from Russia via St Petersburg and London so I intend to prove that 1889 was not a fluke by repeating last years win, if I can. Rudolf has been helping me when he can. He has changed as well, he is settled and a good man, a good husband and father."

"Yes, I can see the changes. I am...not so vain that I can credit them to myself. Both of you have changed and both deserve the credit for such. I wish...I could spend more time here, yet I hate the court and all it represents. My husband will never change. Duty is his wife. I am merely his mistress, an object of passion and love, but not his FIRST love, I fear."

"I am sorry to hear that."

"I am sorry...I have been...harsh. I like to think I am protective of my son. I can give you some beauty tips if you like, my dear."

"That would be appreciated. There is not as much to work with as there...once was." Stephanie thought of her former life. She missed her former..charms at times, but her life here was, on balance, so much superior. "I suppose we had better get back? Perhaps just a walk on the way back. We can stop at Demel...they should just be opening."

Sisi laughed. "Yes, I suppose we can."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Sep 30, 2017

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132

#1,041

Threadmarks May 1890 - Tiffany comes up trumps

johnboy

16 May 1890, 15 Union Square West, Manhattan, United States of America

Barney Barnardo stood with Charles Tiffany. The level of response for the little show he had put on had been extraordinary, beyond what he could possibly have hoped for. Beyond the presentation of what for the time was a record numbers of coloured diamonds. There were three other points of attraction.

He had been allowed to bring with him the Florentine diamond from Vienna under guard to be displayed against the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, bringing the two largest examples in the world together. Secondly, invitations were exclusively sent to America's most wealthy families, creating a spirit of competition as each strove to possess what the other did not. Lastly, the origin of the diamonds was of course exotic, so the store as a whole had been decorated into what some fondly thought was an African theme, complete with men who, whilst they had black skin, had likely never seen Africa.

It had been a most worthwhile venture and had vastly exceeded the success of what was a modest event in Vienna some five weeks before. His hunch that America would provide much of the sales for the coloured diamonds, of which he now had a good supply, was coming up trumps.

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122

#1,042

Threadmarks June 1890 - To Russia and love

johnboy

2 June 1890, Livadia Palace, Russian Empire

The trip had not been without it's dramas. Her namesake ship, Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stephanie had developed engine problems and they had been forced to change ship to the escorting destroyer for the trip to Constanza, cutting that visit slightly short. The Romanian formal state visit itself had been cordial enough, Rudolf had met Carol I before, but Stephanie had not. To Stephanie, he seemed like a cold man, wedded to his duty and devoid of much in the way of feeling. His wife was estranged and his heir, his nephew Ferdinand, had actually brought his mistress, with whom he seemed besotted, to the meeting in an incredible breach of protocol.

The meeting itself had confirmed the loyalty of the Romanian King to the German-Austrian alliance, however, Stephanie feared that it was not a loyalty shared by Romanians as a whole. Carol had been gratified by Rudolf's promises to try and end the closure of Romanian language schools in Hungary, but the prospect of this policy of Magyarization being changed soon were slim. Whilst Hungary possessed Transylvania with it's large numbers of Romanians, the alliance would always be paper thin.

What lay ahead would be infinitely more challenging. The next two months would be a whirl. A week in Livadia informally with Nicholas would be easy enough. Then a long trip to St Petersburg to meet the Tsar Alexander III and a series of formal meetings. Then on to London, Wimbledon and then back to Vienna for Rudolf's sisters wedding at the end of July. Many kilometers to be covered.

The first of the surprises was to occur very rapidly. She had been excited to see the beautiful seaside palace, the lighting making it seem pink in the late of the summer day. They had been met by Nicholas at the private jetty and after the anthems and the usual Te Deum, had traveled up to the Palace by carriage. It was at the palace that it them became obvious that Nicholas was not, in fact, alone. Rudolf was so very right. Princess Nina Pavelovich Gruzinsky was indeed a beauty, with a perfect figure and complexion, raven hair and limpid dark eyes. In fact, the sort of woman that she had often felt herself attracted to...in a past life. It was small wonder that Nicholas was besotted. One look at how the Tsarevich looked at the girl confirmed that.

I would be an interesting week.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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133

#1,043

Threadmarks June 1890 - Nicholas ponders

johnboy

10 June 1890, Livadia Palace, Russian Empire

Nicholas' eyes flicker open a long time later, when the room is bathed in the barest light from the rising sun. She is warm and soft against him, her body nested in the circle of his arms. He stared down at her, careful not to move or make a sound.

She is softer in sleep, as most people are. Her hair was loose and splayed out beneath her, and Nicholas reached up a hand to run his fingers through it. The faint scent of roses wafts out from the dark, silky-smooth strands. She frowned in her sleep, her eyebrows drawing together, and he pulled her closer, arms tight and protective around her.

Christ, this was a bad idea. He can already feel it in him, just so much stronger than with Alix. It's starker now, and sadder. A reckless devotion; the same impulse to do anything and everything to preserve the person lying inside his arms.

"You're staring." The voice is quiet and so unexpected that he jumped. Her lips curved into a smile, her eyes still closed.

"You're just so beautiful," he answers. He has a hazy memory of telling her that last night, when the desire was warm and close.

Her eyelids crack open. "Flattery is unnecessary at this point, no?"

He pulls away from her, sitting up and throwing his legs over the side of the bed.

"Nicholas—"

"We shouldn't have done this."

Her answer comes slowly. "Regret it if you must. I don't."

When he looks back at her, he's almost lost again. She lies on her side, her head braced on her elbow and one knee bent upward. The bed-covers have slipped off of her, but she doesn't seem to notice.

Slowly, she sits up, giving him a full view of her breasts, perfect champagne glass size.

"You're unhappy," she says.

He presses the palms of his hands into his eyes, trying to regain some semblance of sense, of control. "This makes things more complicated. Yet I love you."

"I know."

She moves back down into the bed again and he moves back to embrace her. Ten minutes later her breathing is again steady. Nicholas thinks back two days to what Rudolf was saying as they sat on the beach, the women, including Rudolf's small daughter, having walked way down the beach to the lighthouse.

"You only get one life, my friend. Because of who you are, much of will not be your life as such, but in fact will be shared by others. Take as much of it for your own as prudence and duty allows."

"The marriage laws……"

"Require you to marry the someone of equal rank from a dynastic or former dynastic house. She is the granddaughter through the direct male line of a reigning King."

"It is a little bit more complicated when said King was deposed by my own dynasty."

Rudolf smiled. "Complicated. I think all our lives are that. If the events of the last two years have taught me anything it is that complicated and impossible are a long way apart."

Yes, thought Nicholas as sleep started to claim him, I need to be strong for once, stronger than I have ever been to influence my father. With his brother George now sick, he would have to summon all his reserves of courage to face his father. Yet he was convinced it was worth it. This afternoon they were to leave via train for St Petersburg, he thought as he drifted.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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117

#1,046

Threadmarks June 1890- Fisher and battlecruisers

johnboy

13 June 1890, Pola Naval Base, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The young Lieutenant saluted and gave Fisher the telegram from von Sterneck. The finance for the building of the two battlecruisers had been approved. That meant the 9.2 inch mounts could be ordered from England. As for the hulls of the ships themselves, the designs specifications, consistently worked on and updated these last twelve months would now go out to the shipyards concerned, STT at Trieste and another to the naval arsenal at Pola.

Interestingly enough, the Hungarian contingent had indicated that they may be willing to push funding for a third ship if it could be built at the still under construction Ganz Yard at Fiume. This was not likely to be completed until 18 months-two years time, but certainly bore thinking about. By that time, his tenure here would be finished, he realised with some regret.

This Navy had moved from one of some institutional lethargy to one of high efficiency, even if it's tools of trade were currently not all they might be. Given five years or so the Italians may well be in for a surprise.

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#1,088

Threadmarks June 1890 - Yellowcake

johnboy

14 June 1890, Jáchymov, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Anton Haslov looked at the government letter from Vienna again.

"...as a consequence of involvement at higher levels, we are willing to make a more than satisfactory offer of 25% above commercial value in the compulsory acquisition of your mines in the area. We deem this to be more than fair based on the fact that most of the silver content of the mines themselves are mostly played out, as are cobalt, lead, bismuth and nickel and the fact that most ore left on site is Uranite, which has more limited applications."

Only two months before he had shipped to Vienna a two kilogram lead tub of Uranite concentrate, to the Hofburg of all places. He was not that attached to the mines, which worked at a very small margin and seemed to result in many complaints from his workers of sickness, so selling would be no chore, especially for more than the mines were worth. The survey appeared to have overestimated the reserves of silver, which were not far from being played out. Also, Cobalt, of which only a scratching was left.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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125

#1,098

Threadmarks June 1890 - Meeting the Russian bear

johnboy

15 June 1890, Gatchina Palace, near St Petersburg, Russian Empire

The small chamber recital to be followed by a private dinner later was dominated by the Tsar puffing on his bassoon. Her first impression had been quite simple, 'fuck, he is enormous'. At 195cm and weighing between 135 and 140 kilograms Alexander III looked literally like a Russian bear. He was loud, gruff and straight to the point, almost making some frightened guests feel like he was on the verge of hitting them by the look on their faces. Yet he seemed easily charmed by his vivacious wife, so there remained options open to her. They had a series of meetings spread over the next two days with Bunge and the Foreign Minister, de Giers. The visit would finish the following day with a full formal ball at the Winter Palace. It was strange, oh so very strange as a Russian to be back here in a completely different era, talking to a Romanov Tsar of all things.

It was after the simple meal that they retired to a sitting room that she made a move to get up.

"Your Majesty, I have a present for you and your wife. I know you both enjoy art, after all."

Alexander III's expression changed, his interest clearly piqued. "We have already exchanged official gifts Princess."

Stephanie sighed inwardly, noting Rudolf had already gone to get the crates carried in. Oh well, here we go she thought. "Yes, the boring and oh so expected official gifts that neither you, I, or anyone else really cares about. I am talking about a private gift from Rudi and myself to you. We have discovered a painter that both of us have fallen in love with and wanted to gift you both, as art enthusiasts, some copies of his work. Five copies, in fact. Now, whilst we are in private, can we possibly dispense with the formalities of titles? I don't feel the need for them in private, I am not that self important. Odnohuystvenno."

For a moment Alexander III looked stunned. His wife as well. Nicholas, the only other person in the room looked fearful. Then the Tsar burst into laughter. "Well, you really are something. Stephanie it is."

It was then that two servants and Rudolf reappeared with the crate and spent the next minute opening it. Rudolf proceeded to lay out the five paintings contained within.

Both Alexander and Maria rose and looked over the paintings, the most striking of which was a simple vase with sunflowers.

Alexander III looked at the paintings more closely. Yes, I do love them. Who did this work?"

She smiled. "An artist I have come to know, a Vincent Van Gogh."

"Thank you, this is the sort of present that does make me happy."

Alexander III brought his gaze to Stephanie. "I understand you play the piano?" he asked with a smile.

"Poorly, I have had far to little practice these last two years."

"No need to be so modest my dear."

I am not being modest she thought, seating herself at the piano. Oh well, what the hell she thought and cleared her throat for the opening bars.

"When you're weary, feeling small

When tears are in your eyes, I'll dry them all

I'm on your side when times get rough

And friends just can't be found

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down..."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#1,106

Threadmarks June 1890- St Petersburg balls

johnboy

17 June 1890, Winter Palace, Russian Empire

She was no red revolutionary, about as far as possible from such a thing in fact, yet it was not difficult to see what had ended this era. The sheer opulence of the function was indescribable unless one was here to witness it. Alexander III himself seemed uncomfortable in the extreme and had privately let her know that he despised such affairs as a waste of time and money. He was a man she had come to have an admiration for. Autocratic true, but at the same time fearfully nationalistic and a leader of a spartan, simple life by choice.

Case after case of Bollinger, Krug and similar champagne. Vodkas of all sorts- peppered, lemon flavoured and lastly Rudolf's new favourite, Starka, a fearful mix of brandy, vodka and port. The sheer amount of jewels on the women present was stupendous, yet she had dressed simply deliberately, her only jewels a net of sapphires in her hair. She had seen the court in Belgium, in Vienna and in London. Nothing compared to this in terms of sheer opulence. It was frankly distasteful when one saw the poverty of certain areas of the streets. Unless changes were made, revolution could only be postponed, not avoided.

Nicholas had avoided his father as much as possible, that much was painfully obvious, dancing most of the night with Nina. During his dance with her he had indicated that he intended to screw up his courage and approach his parents immediately post their visit. She had encouraged him to start with his mother. God knows, she thought, it could not work out worse than what happened in her previous memories.

Alexander III and his Ministers had obviously been surprised when she had sat in on some of the meetings. It was difficult, as Rudolf could not comment on Austria's official position, only comment on his own opinions. She recalled parts of the conversation.

"I strongly favour a negotiated settlement with Serbia in regards to not only Bosnia-Herzegovina but also Novi-Pasar. This could potentially involve annexation of both areas and breakups along ethnic lines, as well as the creation of a buffer state between both powers.

The breakup of the Ottoman Empire in Europe I regard as almost inevitable. The real question is how that occurs."

This has piqued the Russian's interest and provoked the inevitable question of the Straits. Rudolf had been careful in his answer.

"For myself, I do not oppose Russia's ambitions at the straits, which would obviously safeguard your own Black Sea security and ensure the passage of trade. In return, of course, Austria would require guarantees in regards the current border in Galicia and a measure of control in regards the breakup of nearby areas, such as Albania. Of course, it is not just a matter of OUR opinion. The British and French have substantial investments, the Germans increasing ties."

Rudolf had also spoken about his own thoughts on the League of the Three Emperors, indicating he favoured a return to such a policy. The Russians seemed interested. The question would be Wilhelm II. It would likely come to nothing but he indicated he would be happy to lobby for a renewal of such a treaty both in Vienna and Berlin."

It all came down to what Rudolf had said earlier, Russia or England. They must have at least one.

She had earlier provided an update on the Congo in terms of some raw materials that may be able to be supplied. She had delivered this wholly in fluent Russian, a delivery that she could see impressed Alexander III. One thing was quite obvious, Nicholas was excluded from such meetings.

It as they danced the final dance to Tchaikovsky and she was in Alexander's huge arms, she asked the question.

"I notice Nicholas did not sit in on our meetings?"

"He is still a child in so many ways, not ready to govern yet I think."

"Yet none of us live forever. We need to do our duty to our dynasties and for that reason I know Rudolf is doing some work in preparing HIS successor and he is not yet the sovereign. It is awful, awful to think about, but look what happened to your own father. If Nicholas is unprepared, he will be overwhelmed and where will that leave Russia? He does not have your strength of personality. Yet we spent time in the Crimea. He is an engaging personality and dreams of doing the right thing. He needs encouragement and support."

Alexander swept her into a dip and then straightened and bowed.

"I will think on it."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#1,113

Threadmarks June 1890- Eyes on the Congo

johnboy

22 June 1890, Marienburg, Kingdom of the Congo

Awax Schwarz was nervous. In only two more weeks he would have a final test of his German language skills and then most of his class of 80 students would disperse. The need for interpreters had been quickly recognised and efforts had been made to correct the shortfall. Some had been people previously fluent in French, others had been new faces. Many had been previous victims of mutilation he thought, as he looked at his missing left hand. He had worked hard. How could he not? What other use did a man with one hand have?

It was for that reason that he hoped to finish near the top of his class. The top eight students would go to Vienna for a trip and attend the wedding of the Queen's sister-in-law. It was a place he wanted to see. His homeland had provided little in the way of joy these last few years. In Austria he may be a stranger in a strange land, however, he had been led to believe that it would be one free of the all too frequent horrors of home.

At least there should be work in ample supply for a successful translator and, unlike the previous regime, that meant access to food and basic shelter. Especially since construction of the railway had commenced in April from Matadi to Marienburg. Now there was talk of another from Boma to Cabinda. Once an official interpreter he would be provided with a uniform and a paid position in the Congo Colonial office. He had had to take a last name, something the Belgian authorities never bothered with. Schwarz was just his own little joke.

Things had improved this last year, there was little question of that. The hated Belgians were(mostly) gone and the legacy of the Force Publique was still very much on show, however, whilst things were a long way from perfect, at least the terrors of the rubber quota, now only 10% of what it once was. Many villages production of rubber, funnily enough, had not dropped much at all with the lure of proper payment. No, things were not perfect, but they were better. Many villages were being visited more frequently courtesy of more than 100 'Necker' boats that had been brought out by ship some three months ago.

Atrocities were seemingly a thing of the past, at least from troops of the new regime. There were only ten reports of excesses in the last ten months, a vast improvement on the previous circumstances where there was no mechanism to complain to authorities at all about poor treatment. The main perpetrators of massacres or abuses now were reports of Arab slavers out of Zanzibar to the East, bandits from Sudan to the North East and slavers in Katanga to the South.

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johnboy

6 July 1890, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, United Kingdom

It was one advantage of having a tall build, not as tall as before, true, but tall by the standards of women in 1890 for sure. It had been a small field in 1890, only eight competitors, brought up to ten by two of those spaces being taken by herself and Maria Moskoni, the latter of which had actually won her first round match. In fact, she had not dropped a game until facing Helena Rice in the final. This had proven to be a much harder match and she had lost the first set 4-6, courtesy of a misfiring serve. She had won the next 6-3 and was finally able to crash a first serve down the line to secure the last 6-1 against an opponent that appeared to be tiring.

She was not the only one thought Stephanie. She had been nauseous these last two days and felt somewhat bloated. None the less, as she looked at Rudolf and the Prince and Princess of Wales, she had done what she had been unable to do over 100 years later-win two Wimbledon's in a row. It had not been a difficult draw with Lottie Dodd away and Blanche Hillyard pregnant, but at the end of the day you could only beat who you played. Now for the journey home.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#1,127

Threadmarks July 1890 - Miscarriage

johnboy

22 July 1890, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

He had insisted on being there. His eyes are fixed vaguely upon the pile of bloody cotton wool beside the bed, the steel instruments lined up that seem too cruel, too cold, too sharp to be near his wife's soft skin. The doctors are performing their tampering with less urgency now and it is drawing to an end. He's holding her hand as tightly as he can. She's shining with sweat.

The nurse touches her shoulder with a hand and tells her it's almost over. The coppery smell of blood and the reek of disinfectant settle at the back of his throat as he breathes in, heavy and cloying; he will associate both odours with this moment for as long as he lives. It's just a mess, a bloody mess.

Stephanie begins to cry. She cries and screams until he's sure she's torn her lungs to pieces, and then she lies still. The tiniest uneven fluttery breaths, tiny as the beating of butterfly wings, are all that betray she is awake.

The doctors burn the blankets the same day. All those pieces of you and I, all those fond dreams of the future, reduced to dust, to disappointment, seemingly never meant to be, he thought. Stephanie's grief seems to fill the whole room. No one has asked about his own. Yet for her sake as much as his, he represses his own grief.

Later that night he finds himself drawn to the palace chapel, despite the fact that he knows he is a poor Catholic at best. The door is slightly ajar. Puzzled, he enters. Several candles glow softly. Lilies perfume the scene. At the edges of hearing there is a sound like low breathing, or sobbing.

He discerns a heap of orange silks upon the step. It is his Stephanie, prostrate beneath the shadow of the arch. He says her name, and she startles upright. He kneels beside her and throws his arms around her. Neither of them speak. He draws Stephanie back, cups her face in both hands and wipes her cheeks with his thumbs. She doesn't need to explain to him. He knows why she came here.

He has knelt and done his penance to, in fact that very afternoon.

Finally she speaks. "Well, now we know. For whatever reason, we have lost this one. Yet, we have not wasted our time in drinking those solutions these last 18 months. It may be more difficult than normal, but I can get pregnant."

"Yes, there is that my love".

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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122

#1,144

Threadmarks July 1890 - A file extracted

johnboy

28 July 1890, Evidenzbureau, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Laura Tratiani finished her work as a typist for the day. The offending file was tight under her corset as she left the building, turned left and started to walk towards her sister at the Hofburg. It had not been that hard to secure a position within the organisation itself. As a linguist, she had quickly learned to type, a skill not all that common in 1890. She was also familiar with shorthand for her own position as an educator.

Her sister had made the approach and whilst she was initially reluctant, Laura Tratiani, ala Laura Mosconi eventually was talked around. In fact it was laughably easy to gain the appointment, typists were not given background checks, as Rudolf's handsome friend Arthur von Gieslingen had indicated. This would be her final day at the Evidenzbureau, the file extracted this very afternoon from archives during routine filing. It contained everything from notes compiled by Krauss, the Vienna police chief to reports from field agents on Rudolf's movements. This was intrusive but routine. However, it also noted the placement of the Kaiser's daily private schedule with Merlino the Italian anarchist, arranged by von Wallerstein himself.

Yes, this was what they had indicated they were looking for and if the conspirators thought writing the notes about Merlino in Spanish was in some part of protection they were woefully foolish. In any case, they had been overly efficient with who had seen the completed report- von Wallerstein, then all the way up to Ferdinand Freiherr von Bauer and lastly and most damning, Archduke Albrecht, Duke of Teschen, Rudolf's arch conservative cousin and Army Chief and therefore superior.

The guards were quite used to her visiting her sister at the Hofburg and she had the file in Stephenie's hands within the hour.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 9, 2017

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135

#1,160

Threadmarks July 1889 - Counter plans

johnboy

29 July 1890, approaching Bad Ischl Railway Station, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"I can hardly believe it! From a Hapsburg Archduke for Gods sake! I can accept many things, even foolish Johann Salvador, I mean that was love and as you know, love is the death of duty. But for simple self interest, to simply further an agenda. It is repugnant. In addition the man will be here, he will be here for your sister's wedding!"

Rudolf looked at Franz Joseph, who was beet red.

"We cannot afford a scandal for the dynasty and MV's wedding is in two days. I recommend we do nothing for now."

"Do nothing?" Franz Joseph spluttered.

"Do nothing for now. Not quite the same as doing nothing at all. One day after the wedding all the protagonists will be back in Vienna. Then we need to make a move. von Gieslingen can secure the Evidenzbureau under a warrant from yourself. The other two can simply be summoned under the guise of a regular meeting. Then we can see just how far and how deep this goes, whether the three are all that are involved or whether it extends further. If you approve, I would have von Gieslingen take control of the Evidenzbureau for now. There are obviously serious security problems there even excluding these sad events. I can take over as Army Commander-in-Chief in a temporary capacity until a permanent appointment is made, until we know who is safe to appoint."

"Yes, well...I suppose that could work."

You are going to be much busier than me in these next two days. If you give me the authority, I can make the arrangements and submit the orders for what needs to be drawn up in writing tonight."

Franz Joseph gave a weary sigh. "Very well. It makes me sick to my stomach. Handle it."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 11, 2017

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136

#1,179

Threadmarks July 1890-Preparing to move

johnboy

31 July 1890, Kaiservilla, Bad Ischl, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf and Stephanie moved forward towards his sister, who looked very happy on her wedding day. "Congratulations MV."

"Thank you Rudi."

Rudolf found his sister's husband neither handsome or particularly intelligent to be honest, but she clearly saw something in him he did not. "Stolid', would be the best he could call him. His wife was sticking close by, sensing his tenseness, but they could talk later. His father seemed distracted now that the ceremony was over as well. The hardest part had been when Albrecht had came forward to offer his congratulations. He had thought his father would explode he had reddened so much in the face, but thankfully nothing further had occurred.

--

Later that night he had contended himself with watching his wife brush her long, sandy tresses, seeing her long legs peak out of the short robe she wore. Finally she settled onto the bed next to him.

"Erszi certainly enjoyed herself today playing with the other flower-girls."

"Indeed she did. She went out like a light when I took her to bed."

"What time?"

"Early, I have a special train that has priority ready to go at 4am. I should be in the capital by 9am at the latest."

"Well then we need to get up early."

"We? You are not going."

"Why should I not go? Who was it who provided your mole in the first place?" Rudolf saw that his wife was starting to cock her eyebrow, a sure sign of anger and decided to adopt a more diplomatic approach.

"I need to do this so that my status a the new Head of the Army is doubly reinforced. That is the reason I need to do it alone, not because I have no confidence in your abilities or because I am scared you may be hurt."

Stephanie deflated. "Very well, make sure you telephone as soon as you are able. You know you father will be tardy in letting me know, if he deigns to tell me at all."

"Very well."

"So, the arrangements?"

Rudolf leaned back against his wife. "Alright. Tomorrow will be a Friday so it is imperative that we move in the morning, ideally close to lunchtime. I have telephoned and activated Infanterieregiment No1 and Dragonerregiment No 13 plus I also have Landwehr artillery on standby if required. I have spoken to all three commanders personally. I do not actually think any of this will be required. I strongly suspect that the four we have mentioned comprise they key people and that any others are further down the line. Father has already telephoned Beck to ensure his loyalty and has told him to meet me at the Zentralbahnhof. I see him and present what we have a what we need to do. Our objectives are simple enough. We will occupy the War Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically the Evidenzbureau and Kundschaftsbüro.

This has all been made much easier by the simple fact that after the troubles of 1848-50, plans were drawn up for just such an action in 16 major cities around the Empire. Which also means that we can pass this off as exercises in readiness, although it will be a thin smokescreen, it will suffice. The three main men will go to Mayerling, where I have guards. Any others can go to the Rudolf Barracks."

"Sounds like you are well prepared. Take all five guards with you, I will be fine here with Maria."

"Of course."

"Well, we had better get some sleep. To tomorrow."

"Indeed. At the completion of the day we will hopefully have control of the Army, Navy, Science and Technology, Colonial Office, Evidenzbureau and Kundschaftsbüro. That is a substantial step forward."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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141

#1,186

Threadmarks August 1890- Two suicides and a murder

johnboy

1 August 1890, Mayerling, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf entered to find Albrecht sitting in front of the desk awaiting him. He nodded to the guard that he could wait outside, leaving him alone with his soon to be former superior.

"So Duke, it has all come out in the wash, yes? Dear Colonel von Wallerstein has been only too accommodating in terms of naming those involved. It turns out quite a small group, but I suppose all things considered it was a small plot. Just the three of you, plus a series of underlings following orders. I suppose the main question is why?"

"I am aware of your thought on a Czech compromise, your thoughts on universal suffrage. One cannot afford, this Empire cannot afford to have someone like yourself in a position of influence."

"Would not have helped much my father had been assassinated by anarchists, however, would it?"

"There was a limited chance of that. It was worth the risk."

"Was it now, sitting here? Oh well, we shall see at your treason trial."

The Duke of Teschen went pasty. "Your could not. I am a Hapsburg."

"My father gave me full authority to act in any way I saw fit to resolve this. I think that is a fitting punishment. Unless, of course, you were to sign a full confession, which would be for my father only and remain a secret, in which case, under certain circumstances, I would be prepared to offer you the honorable way out."

"What 'certain circumstances' are you talking about."

"Well I would allow the Teschen name and your Austrian estates to pass to your nephew, of course, as well as any personal items you wish to leave to your daughter, however, you will sign over your Hungarian estates and your accumulated bank accounts to this nominated charity. It assists the poor on one hand and also helps in providing cheap land to peasants to establish their own farms. Your art collection will be willed to the State. I have taken the liberty of having the needed documents drawn up whilst we have chatted to your two friends. You are already known as Engelsherz, are you not? This will merely confirm your generosity, elevating your reputation after death, no? In your confession, you will also add the following name to those involved in the conspiracy alongside von Wallenstein and von Bauer."

"Oskar Potiorek? That fool was not involved."

"No, but to achieve this deal you will add his name in any case."

"Very well. I will write out the confession."

"I think that a wise choice. One von Bauer has already taken." He threw Albrecht a key. "Top draw on the bureau. You will find a pistol with a single bullet. Not on the carpet please."

"What story do you hope to tell?"

"You met, fought over policy. von Bauer shot you and out of guilt then shot himself. Tragic."

"Von Wallerstein?"

"Killed in a street brawl near a brothel on Sunday. You see, there will be no hint of scandal, or treasonous scandal at least."

"Very well."

Rudolf waited. It was to be 50 minutes before a shot rang out. He moved rapidly to check on the Archduke. Yes, everything was in order. Von Bauer's bloody corpse was brought in and positioned.

He could trust his other men to take care of von Wallenstein until the Saturday night, where he would likely be found the following morning. Potiorek he could simply say was aware of the full reach of the plot rather than actively involved. That would be enough to get him cashiered from the Army, there would be no need to go into the reason why if it was under his father's signature.

Yes, there would be suspicions and likely conspiracy theories, but nothing that could be proven and no treasonous scandal to stain the Hapsburg name, just like his father had wanted.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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137

#1,190

Threadmarks August 1890- Unexpected progressions

johnboy

12 August 1890, Schonbrunn, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Well, it is a scandal of sorts, but none of it splashes back to us or the family."

"Yes, I suppose it is the best we could have hoped for. The Army?"

"Well I think the only real candidate for Supreme Commander is Beck, he has the necessary level of both experience and respect. I have worked well with him in relation to the funding for last year's budget and he seems well able to recognize how poorly funded we actually are compared to other powers, especially given our own unique threat level both internally and externally. I worked with him previously on Plan U as well. He is competent and committed to the Army as a career. What I would like to do, in addition to my Navy post, is finish off my own education in regards the Army's policy. To that end, I would like to take up a post as "zur Disposition des Allerhöchsten Oberbefehles" after Beck takes over. It will mean exactly what it says, "At the disposal of the Supreme Commander" and allow me to be actively involved in Army matters as well. I think at this stage we wait a month to show we have not been rushed and appoint Beck to the position."

"Very well then. The Evidenzbureau?"

"I would never have broken this open without Arthur von Gieslingen. He is young yes and junior, yes, but is not the work itself a young man's game? I think he deserves a chance at the appointment. With our plans to increase the staff of the Evidenzbureau in any case after this, as well as a total overhaul, I believe he could be the man to do the job. To that end, I also support both the separation of the Kundschaftsbüro, which means a smaller portfolio in any case, as well as the removal of both from the Foreign Ministry and their placement back under the Ministry of War. It only makes sense."

"I agree. Von Gieslingen is your friend, no?"

"Yes, but..."

"A trial. We will give the appointment a trial. We will also have to find someone for the Kundschaftsbüro role."

"Yes, I will speak to Beck."

"Well, I have to say it. You have done as well as can be expected considering the circumstances. I am...sorry about what happened with your wife."

"Thank you father. Well I does at least confirm such a happening is possible."

"Rudolf?"

"Yes?"

"Take a break for a couple of days with your wife. Go to Prague. Come back to me in two weeks with your Bohemian plans. I will have a more detailed look at them."

"Again, thank you father."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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#1,194

Threadmarks August 1890- Russian news, Bohemian plans

johnboy

16 August 1890, Schonbrunn Place, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Even three days away produced a flurry of correspondence but it was the gaudy one ruble orange and violet double headed eagle and the Cyrillic writing addressed to the Russian embassy that made her select the letter first. It was short and to the point.

"My Dearest Stephanie,

I cannot express enough my thankfulness for the support and encouragement that you offered both Nicholas and myself as well as the friendship you offered me. during your recent visit. Despite what seemed like insurmountable obstacles my darling Nikolasha held firm and his parents have acquiesced to the match. I can hardly believe that not only will I get my heart's desire but that I will also one day be Empress of this huge country and that the Georgian Royal line will rise again.

Oh, how I wish everyone could have such happiness.. I could not wait to dash off a line to you my dear friend to share the news.

Nina"

Stephanie smiled. Well that situation seemed to have resolved itself. As a person with Russian heritage it was hard to see that things could go any worse than happened in her own memories, so hopefully a better outcome beckoned.

However, she was under a crushing burden of work. Whilst Rudolf planned a detailed submission in regards the split of Bohemia and Moravia into a Czech State and Parliament under a version of the previous defunct Fundamental Principles in conjunction with others, she had taken on the task of not only considering the mix of how a Czech Parliament would be elected but also at the same time a revision of the Imperial Council here in Cisleithania. With the Czechs no longer sending Deputies this would also be required, firstly to start the shift of the power away from the nobility and take the first step to one man, one vote or at least something similar but also to balance the power of the German Nationalists, who's traditional opponents had been the Czechs. This was to grant the vote to all men over 22, those previously excluded under the five gulden threshold were to vote for a fifth and sixth Curia, electing rural and urban poor respectively, numbers set at half those elected by those that made the threshold. One enemy would need to be replaced with another to keep such people occupied and this would introduce a new element to Parliament that would have to be worked with. It may make it more fractious and difficult, but at the same time this was something that simply must occur. Best it occurred in increments.

Whilst talking about the Czech Parliament, her plans were quite simple and since she could start from scratch more radical. Full universal suffrage for both men and women, a proposal that would hopefully lead the way for Austria and perhaps Hungary in years to come. There had to be some concessions to the older elites, however, and that was twofold. Plural voting was one, where a person could cast up to ten votes depending on his landownings and tax scale. However, each person received at least one vote. There would also be a House of Lords, similar to Vienna. It required much work as yet, however, the bare bones were coming together.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 16, 2017

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#1,201

Threadmarks August 1890- Pipelines of Oil, money and deception

johnboy

16 August 1890, Cabinda Town, Kingdom of the Congo

Peter McAllister looked at the well. It was an easy build, in fact all three of the wells were. Two were right on the beach, the third no more than 100 yards inland. All three had been shallow drills and were, as of two weeks ago in the first instance, producing oil.

He had already drilled a substantial deposit via a test drill actually inside the old borders of the Congo, some three miles from the sea. The question was how best to exploit it, but the likely solution was a railway to cover the 15 miles required. The three current wells were only two miles at most from the newly constructed jetty and the tanker Bellbird was already docked.

The African Queen Oil Company would soon set sail with it's first quantity of fine crude oil. At the upgraded Kapa Weiss port another tanker would join in AQO colours would join the Bellbird on the voyage to Hamburg.

Africa had it's first oil industry and Standard Oil had their markets in Germany and Central Europe.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 16, 2017

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#1,206

Threadmarks August 1890- Awax's impressions of Vienna

johnboy

18 August 1890, Vienna State Opera House, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

For Awax Schwarz it had been an education. He had spent fully a month in Europe so far, visiting sights as varied as the naval base at Pola to St Stephens Cathedral. He had met Queen Stephanie, or the Schneekönigin as she was starting to be known as in the Congo twice and this would be his final night in Vienna. It was hard to comprehend how such things existed when his own experiences were of a country which lived in such simplicity.

It was less about poverty and deprivation, for he had seen some of that here as well, although the everyday atrocities of the last few years of Belgian rule were obviously not present here in Europe. His level of fluency in German, proven to be good after finishing top of his language class, had been further honed this last month. He had always thought of himself as a student of human nature and he had experienced the full range of human emotions during his time in Europe meeting people. Aversion, acceptance, curiosity perhaps most of all, the two rarest disgust and friendship.

The Queen had been pleasant but inquisitive more than anything and tonight had apologized for spending so little time with him due to being so busy. Yet here he was, dressed in formal wear, sitting in the "bodyguard box' next to the Queens', in fact sitting next to Laura Mosconi, the sister of the Queen's friend Maria Mosconi. His eyes flickered from his newly fitted prosthetic arm to the women in rose silk next to him to her sister in blue at the front row to the two other bodyguards next to him, Hans and Edvard. He had spent much time with Laura Mosconi this last month as she explored her own interest in languages by learning some of his own, disabusing him of the notion that most white women in Vienna cared only for fashion and gossip. Besides, it was pleasant to teach rather than learn for a change.

He had seen many wonders yet none had moved him, yet whilst he had no idea what the two ladies were singing about, it affected him. He did not need to know. Some things were best left unsaid. It seemed like they were singing about something so beautiful that it could not be expressed in words alone and made your heart ache just because of it. It made him feel free. Yes, he was a free man. Now he owed it to himself and his people to try and work towards something better than what existed before. Tomorrow he would leave Vienna and in two days he would be aboard ship, heading home to Africa. When he returned, he would have a purpose.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 17, 2017

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#1,220

Threadmarks August 1890- Preparing for war in the Congo

johnboy

25 August 1890, near Bunkeya, Katanga, Kingdom of the Congo

It had been a long march to get to where they were, even though most of the passage had been by boat via the rivers, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Mweru. Oberst Johann Butterweck's forces were widely disparate. A battalion of regulars, consisting nominally of 21 officers and 661 men, however, reduced by some 80-100 men due to sickness and various other maladies. In addition there were 7 officers and 390 native troops from the former Force Publique, now renamed the Queen's Congolese Rifles. All were armed with rifles, the regulars with Mannlichers. There was also a small force of 20 local adventurers and some 1200 camp porters, camp followers and traditional weapon armed local tribesman. The later some 300 mainly Wasanga's that had flocked to his banner. He had little in the way of heavy weaponry due to the difficulty in transporting it. One Maxim Gun that had somehow been found at Kalemie, having been used previously in Sudan and left behind. There was limited ammunition for the gun, less than 500 rounds. In addition, some Congreve rockets were also on hand.

They could face between five and six thousand indifferently equipped native troops loyal to the local despot, Msiri. No rifles but muskets were likely present. His instructions via Johann Salvator and again via the Queen were clear enough. In the event of Msiri refusing the sovereignty of the Queen and in addition refusing to free all current slaves and repudiate the practice of slavery, he was to eliminate the despot and his army by any means possible. Butterweck had been fully briefed. If he was able to achieve a victory, he was to restore power to the Wasanga chiefs that had chaffed under Msiri for nigh on 30 years and gain their signature acknowledging government sovereignty and permitting local police and administrators. This would then satisfy the requirements of the Principles of Effectivity initiated in Berlin in 1885 and lock the English out of the Congo. Post victory, all slaves were to be freed. Since a number were meant to be mulattoes, likely mainly from Zanzibar or Angola, they were to be offered the chance to return with him to Marienburg and decide their own fate.

He looked again at the letter he had been given via Johann Salvador from the Queen.

"This expedition will likely face armed resistance, much as I wish it were not so. That being the case, it will also likely be a bad business. Yet I see no other option. We cannot allow a native despot to reign over a self proclaimed Kingdom based on slavery and terror within the designated borders of the state given over firstly to my father and latterly myself in Berlin in 1885. Msiri rules by terror and slavery, things I have sworn to eliminate as much as possible within the borders I have control over.

I have no doubt that like all wars innocent people will be caught up in the fighting and lose their lives. We impose our will not only on Msiri but the Wasanga chiefs as we feel that any solution would be better than that currently in place in Katanga. I cannot say in all honesty it is a just war. However, I can say that it is just war and for that reason alone I have every confidence that you will do your duty as a KuK officer and a Christian.

Stephanie R"

Finally he looked through his glass at the large boma, or palisade fort then back at the Kingdom of the Congo flag. He had reached his objective.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 17, 2017

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#1,223

Threadmarks Kingdom of the Congo Flag

johnboy

Kingdom of the Congo Flag

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Oct 17, 2017

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#1,232

Threadmarks August 1890- Battlecruiser guns

johnboy

26 August 1890, Elswick Ordinance Company, Newcastle on Tyne, United Kingdom

Andrew Noble looked at the telegram from Vienna. So, the order for 12 9.2 inch guns had been increased to 20. They would be a new Type, the Mark VIII, some 40 calibre in length as opposed to the 31.5 of the Mark VII. The most challenging build would be to fulfill the capacity to range to 30 degrees and that required much work on the design of the turrets, a relatively new concept themselves. Still he was grateful for the orders and hoped for more rather than such work going to the Americans, who he was aware were building two cruisers for the Austrians currently.

Last edited: Oct 17, 2017

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Oct 18, 2017

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#1,244

Threadmarks August 1890- Naval auxiliaries

johnboy

27 August 1890, Brooklyn Navy Yard, United States of America

All three vessels readied for departure. The small 2,650 ton liner Sacrobosso had been converted to a training ship earlier that same year, with Rudolf specifying that she should also have the capability of troop transport and landing. She had come back to the USA to transport crews for the two newly built 1,080 ton colliers Mars and Jupiter. With the two smaller colliers currently in service, they would allow the navy to create a supply line to the Congo ports via the Galite Islands and Kap Weiss.

Trade from the Congo was increasing steadily and it was not only military vessels that required increases in service, but also Austro-Lloyd. These vessels would do much to alleviate the logistical issues and already a third was likely to be laid in the following year, to be built in Austro-Hungary using the same design.

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Oct 18, 2017

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130

#1,253

Threadmarks August 1890- A bloody victory

johnboy

29 August 1890, Bunkeya, Katanga, Kingdom of the Congo

It was ugly in the aftermath, as all battles were. Initially he had his doubts as to how victory may be possible. Msiwi in the finish had mustered and estimated 4000 troops near his compound, 1200 or more having been dispatched to other areas to quell rebellions. He had stubbornly refused to leave the compound and Johann Butterweck did not have the numbers to force a defensive position.

His ploy to encourage them to come out and fight on the open ground that favoured his rifleman had worked, firing rockets into the compound, however, this had started fires and a number of people had perished as a result. Msiwi had then sallied forth, leading his own forces in an attack on his line and this had been repulsed with heavy losses, the machine gun and aimed rifle causing terrible casualties among the native troops of the despot.

Despite an attack from the rear by about 100 men he had advanced steadily on the burning compound that Msiwi's troops were retreating to and a rout had become a slaughter. Unfortunately, news that some of Msiwi's troops had attacked the makeshift hospital and slaughtered his two doctors and many of the sick men left behind had gotten out to his own men. With their blood up, many of not only his black soldiers but white as well had gone on a rampage, not only killing indiscriminately but raping as well. It had taken some time before he had gotten his men back under control and only then by summarily executing eight of them.

He had thought it would be ugly and indeed it was. Smoke still rose from the compound, 75% of which was destroyed. Now remained the grim task of burial. More than 1600 of Msiwi's troops lay dead, another 700 captured, the remainder fled. The warlord himself was dead, as were all four of his sons. Another 592 from the compound also lay dead, some due to burns, others post the battle.

His own troops had also suffered. Seven officers and 128 men, as well as 72 from the Congolese Rifles and 91 others, a not insignificant amount. He had executed eight more himself. For all it's failures, the power of Msiwi was broken. As for the crimes committed by his own troops, nothing more could be done. He was not so overburdened with troops that he could afford to not use the remainder of the men under his command. Some 2000 of Msiwi's former troops were still at large and even now, leaderless, they could still pose a threat.

All he could now do was establish a form of government control in Katanga and make arrangements to send the wounded and those slaves that wished to go back to Marienburg. It was not all a negative. They had achieved their objective and in addition freed some 900 slaves, some 700 plus of them local Wasanga, the Chief's of which would sign today a treaty granting control of Katanga formally to Congo. Yes, for all the fact that it left a bitter taste in his mouth, it had been a victory of sorts.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 19, 2017

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105

#1,266

Threadmarks September 1890- Mannlicher M1891

johnboy

2 September 1890, Austrian Arms Factory, Steyr, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf had come to see the test batch of three guns fire their reliability tests with the new more powerful spitzer 8x56 round. Mannlicher had accepted his recommendation that the power and increased range of the bullet would leave room to lighten the rifle itself by cutting the length by more than 10cm to 111cm, making a less cumbersome weapon that was also 200g lighter. There were no significant issues at all and the gun's performance exceeded it's recent predecessor's quite significantly and was deemed "easy to handle' by the testers he had specified, all long term Army senior NCO's.

There were still changes to be worked on, however, the rifle would likely go into production as the standard type for both infantry and cavalry in 1891, ensuring a commonality of weapon that could be mass produced and replacing the M1888 and M1890, although the M1890's would be upgraded and re-chambered for the new round, the M1888's would likely be not and instead moved over the next ten years to reserve, colonial or naval troops. Rudolf calculated it would take ten years to completely phase out the older weapons from the Common Army, as well as the Landwehr and Honved.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 20, 2017

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117

#1,272

Threadmarks September 1890- Not quite Bohemian Rhapsody

johnboy

8 September 1890, Prague Castle, Prague, Austro-Hungarian Empire

They were all there thought Stephanie, both Gregr brothers, Alois Trojan, Josef Kaiszl plus others. Coming from Stephanie this was something that could be passed off as an informal discussion, although all present were well aware of that it was likely more than that.

"What in general terms would be proposed was the creation of a not Bohemian or Moravian or even Bohemian and Moravian State, but rather a Czech one. This would be based on the Fundamental Principles but go further in the fact that these Czech lands would have an equal status to Austria and Hungary within the Empire. Their own parliament, own House of Lords, in exactly the same way that Austria and Hungary do now based on the agreement of 1867. The only areas outside domestic Czech control would be those outside Regional Government control now, ie Foreign Affairs, a small budget for Science and Technology and the military. So essentially full independence within the Empire.

Broadly speaking, we are talking about a House of Lords based on removing the 11 Czech peers and two Lords Spiritual, as well as the current 16 Czech peers for life to create a 35-45 member House of Lords. The remainder to make up numbers can be appointed by the Kaiser. However, the House of Lords would only have to power to make recommendations. The real power would be would lie with the House of Deputies. The House of Deputies I envisage to number around 100 members who would be elected by a system whereby the lands of the Czechs would be divided into say 100 separate areas based on equal population. Each area would elect a representative based on a first past the post system and these representatives would form a Parliament to govern. The powers of the monarch would remain the same and Franz Joseph would be crowned in Prague with the Crown of Saint Wenceslas.

In regards who could actually vote, I would propose that this Czech parliament leads the way in becoming the first to grant women the right to vote. In fact, the proposal is to allow all citizens over the age of 22 that are sound of mind the right to vote. However, some people may be able to vote more than once, based on certain qualifications. You will see a list of these in Appendix 2.

Now, the other part of the issue we have tried to implement is to make this is very much a Czech solution. It is to ensure and enshrine the rights of the Czech people as a proud and integral part of this Empire. It is not to punish Germans by forcing them to undergo a policy of Czechisation much like others have had to endure in the past. For that reason, it has been important to look at demographics. The reality is that means the Kingdom of Bohemia can be no more, neither the Margraviate of Moravia. Make no mistake, this is a radical change and hundreds of years of history are not so easily cast aside. However, we stand on the edge of a new modern era and for those reasons need to look to the present more than the past. This new entity can be called the Kingdom of Czechia or whatever you desire, even the new Kingdom of Bohemia, but it will be brand new entity. The potential new borders are shown on the last page.

Julius Grégr stood up. "This is an outrage, much of Bohemia has been lost."

Stephanie sighed. "Julius, what do you really want here?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you want what is best for Czech interests? If so, you see over 92% of the Czech population within the borders of this new state where you can have these people lead a life free of outside interference, where they can chart their own domestic course. Or is what you are really saying is that you wish to trap the agitation of ethnic Germans, concerned they have lost their traditional privileges, within the borders of your new state, provoking demonstrations, condemnation, the ire of he German Kaiser and anti Czech and anti government protests, not only in Vienna but Prague as well? For make no mistake, this will be unpopular on a wide scale. Germans will hate it, Czechs will not like these borders.

Without your support, this does not happen. Then there is no way forward. The basis of any fair comprise is an agreement that leaves both parties a little bit unhappy. Or is your real objection an unhappiness at not being able to lord a reverse of the situation now over ethnic Germans inside Bohemia and Moravia?"

Eduard Grégr pulled his brother down in his seat. "It is a lot to think about for certain Your Highness."

"I am here for four days. I recommend we meet for all of them but my door is open to any of your each and every day. Of course you also need to understand these are only suggestions, recommendations. Nothing is guaranteed and even if approved a time-frame will be required."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 20, 2017

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#1,273

Threadmarks September 1890 - Czechia proposed borders

johnboy

Proposed borders

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Oct 21, 2017

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#1,284

Threadmarks September 1890 - Kingdom of Czechia?, interludes

johnboy

12 September 1890, Prague Castle, Prague, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"Before we summarize our discussions, let me share some personal thoughts with you that may be more insightful in regards the future than any of you may be aware. The world, this world, is changing. Better medicines will mean longer life spans and the poor no longer dying young. Better communications means decisions will be scrutinized as never before. Better education will mean the disenfranchised and poor will demand a say in how their lives are governed. Increased urbanization will mean more government involvement in everyday lives. We need to be ready for these challenges. We need to provide a government of the people, for the people, to borrow a slight catchphrase from our American friends.

Here I quite clearly state that government must be for all people of this new entity we have agreed, the Kingdom of Czechia. By all people I mean all people, Czech and German. That means institutions like the University of Prague should still continue to teach in German as well as Czech, after all German will still be the lingua franca of this Empire. That leads us on the the next logical question, why remain part of such an Empire? I am not so naive that I cannot think it has not entered your minds.

Let us consider those areas that would be under the control of Vienna. Foreign Affairs. Defense. Now, here in Prague you have an unfortunate location. Next to two huge Empires, Russia and Germany. I feel I need to delve little into the ways Poles are dealt with within the Russian Empire, it's little secret they are better off here in the Hapsburg lands. Would you like to be part of Russia? Then Germany. Again, let us take the Poles as an example. The Kulturkammpf laws, the Prussian deportations that are still going on, as we take the ethnic floor sweepings that Germany have wished to expel. That is the way that Germany has dealt with their minorities, not by inclusiveness, but by quite the opposite. I need not even touch on religion.

Small nations have always been the playthings of the large. We are unfortunate in our geography. There is no sea at our back, instead we are adrift in Central Europe and surrounded on all sides. How long would a Czech state last in Central Europe? Oh, but together, together we are strong and united in a purpose. Who is to say that these future governments of countries that have always been nationalist in thought, both Russia and Germany, may not get worse than those currently in power? When you are looking for protection, the fact that Foreign Affairs and Defense are in Vienna and that the Austrians, the Croats, the Hungarians, the Austrian Poles, all stand side to side with you will be a matter of great comfort. Great comfort indeed, as in war it is the big battalions that win. Increasingly what we, both Rudolf and myself, wish to see for a purpose is dignity and equality for all men and women. It is a hackneyed phrase, one often abused, but it makes striving for it no less desirable.

All I ask is that you take the first steps to strive for it to."

--

13 September 1890, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

She swirled around the mixture and drank it in one gulp. As usual, it had a bitter and acrid taste that required a shot of sweet Spanish sherry to wash it down. At the end of September, the treatment she and Rudolf had been using, now down to once every second day, would cease. Then they would see. They had not been intimate since the miscarriage and part of her could not bear the thought of a similar event happening again. Yet, it was time and she had missed the intimacy. She dried off her hair from the henna she had been using and swept it over her shoulder loose in a blonde wave. Pulling off the robe, she put on a simple red satin robe that went only to her thigh, one of a series she had had made, rose and moved to the double doors. She found him at his desk, working as usual, probably also on the Czech issue. He looked up and she could see his eyes widen.

Afterwards, he drew her to him.

"So, spooning, that is what this is called?"

"Yes."

"Prague?"

"Yes, there were a couple of dissenters, but broadly speaking we have their support. The names that are on board with what we wish are the ones that matter. Of course, there will be objectors, but I am confident most will not be from Prague. I cannot speak for here of course, but there will be issues. Major ones no doubt. Yet nothing worthwhile is ever easy, or so I have found."

"You understand it had to be you, not me at this stage, until we have father's approval and it's in play for real?"

"Yes of course."

"Good, very good. Now we just need to mate it with the proposals for a fifth and sixth voting curia for those previously unable to vote here in Austria."

"Umm. Rudi?"

"Hmm?"

She kicked off the sheet and switched to lay on her stomach, her hair fanned down her back her only adornment. "I'm still not tired."

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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Oct 22, 2017

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117

#1,286

Threadmarks September 1890-Musing on changes and Russians

johnboy

14 September 1890, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf read through the report from von Gieslingen. Currently no permanent head had been found for the Kundschaftsbüro. It had been delivered by both himself and Laura Mosconi, who now seemed..close. So, the visit of Wilhelm II to Peterhof in August had come to naught, at least as far as the Russians had been concerned. Reportedly the fool Caprivi had even said out loud that a Russian solution to the straits questions was "quite impossible" and that no changes in the near East could be possible without the agreement of Germany and Austro-Hungary. Caprivi clearly believed he had solved the problem that had defeated Bismarck and that by associating themselves wholly in support of Austro-Hungary that they would secure British support for her as well. Whilst Anglo-German relations were at an all time high after the treaties for Zanzibar and Heligoland, this was a dangerous illusion. None the less, there was no doubt it did increase the value of his hand with the Russians when he cared to show it. There would be chances to do so. Nicholas and Nadia were coming to Vienna in December and he knew from Nicholas there would be a wedding in May 1891.

He transferred his attention to the proposals for the changes to the Imperial Council. The voting age had been pushed back up by the Czech amendments to 25 and the proposed changes to the Cisleithanian part of Empire were simple enough. A House of Lords that would be reduced to 95 noble families, the Czech nobility such as the Lobkowitz's, the Kinskys and nine others would move to the Czechia House of Lords, reducing Cisleithanian numbers to 95. Lords Spiritual likewise would reduce to 16. Life peers would reduce by 16 after the Czech lords were removed, numbers dropping to 143 of a target of 135 to 145.

The House of Deputies would be elected via the Curia system currently in place. Almost immediately in 1891 a further 30 members would be elected for a Fifth Curia, urban dwellers who did not vote in the last election and a Sixth Curia of rural voters likewise. These would elect 30 and 53 members additionally, respectively, in the nearby early 1891 elections. Then, at the next election, not until 1897 considering the six year terms, numbers per Curia would move to 55 landowners, 14 commercial, 79 cities, 81 rural, 45 urban(poor) and 79 rural(poor), transferring more power to the people on lesser incomes. It may be flawed democracy, but it was a start and had already produced a furious response from Rudolf's cousin Franz Ferdinand, who showed his displeasure at the idea with an expletive filled rant that accused his wife of an "insidious influence" on himself. He did not seem to realise that one could not order back the tide, as Canute had found to his detriment.

It had been weeks of exhausting work to pull everything together. Now he needed all the ideas therein to be completed and made pretty before being presented to his father on the 30th September, however, the thinking and consulting part had been completed. In the meantime he had a trip to Pola for a ship launch and an opening of the new facilities built by Ganz at Rijeka. He would take his family with him, they needed a break and a few days at the villa that no one knew he owned on Brijuni Island would refresh them all.

Last edited: Sep 15, 2018

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ohnboy

30 September 1890, Villa Gelb, Brijuni Islands, Austro-Hungarian Empire

It had been a pleasant few days bathing and relaxing with his wife and daughter, teaching Erszi how to fish for Common Pandora from a small boat and, overruling his wife, had taken her at a night to fish for Blackhand Sole using a spear. The seven year old girl had loved it and he reflected even more on the fact that he would need to start teaching her politics in the next few years. She was a strong swimmer in any case, her mother teaching her the strange overarm style she seemed proficient at. He sat at night on the terrace, going over his telegrams.

In France, recent moves had underlined the drift to war under de Freycinet. The former Minister of War had introduced the three-years' service and approved the establishment of a general staff and a Supreme Council of War. More worryingly, he had started to canvas the possibility of French loans to Russia and this most recent report indicated the government in Paris was considering moving on exiled Russian Nihilists. This would be a complete about face and signaled a change of policy to bring the two regimes formerly the furthest apart in Europe closer together in common cause as France sought to remove the isolation Bismarck's former policies had imposed on her. It was not only Russia that she had her eyes upon. Italy, short of money and with the Banco Romana in trouble was courting loans from abroad as the former strongman Crispi, worn down by age and pressure, stumbled from one crisis to another. France's price for such loans was a detachment from the Triple Alliance.

They had been here five days, a significant break considering the whirlwind of activity his life usually consisted of. They had attended the opening of the Ganz shipyard in Fiume. The first of the smaller slips was ready for production and would receive contracts for destroyers as he had promised. Construction of a 200m slip designed for capital ship production had commenced. They had then been present at the launching of the cruiser named after his mother. In his own mind, she was already obsolescent, even with his changing the original design so she mounted 10x5.9 inch rather than the slow firing single 9.4 inch guns originally proposed. These would go to coastal artillery. This second ship he had modified to test the spraying of oil on coal in her power plant. This and being 113 tons lighter had made her 1.5 knots faster than her sister on trials.

It was the third telegram that had cut his visit short, indicating that his father had been given the Czech information on schedule on the 30th. It would be time to head back to Vienna in the morning.

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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Oct 27, 2017

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121

#1,337

Threadmarks October 1890- 1st November announcement, financial negotiations

johnboy

15 October 1890, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Interested parties usually came to Franz Joseph, not the other way around and so it was to prove again. Both Gregr brothers and Alois Trojan headed the Czech delegation. Whilst his father may be a reactionary in regards thought, he was by no means stupid, even if his judgements of character were sometimes lacking. He fired a series of questions at the Czech delegation, many related to their proposed treatment of the ethnic German minority, likely to number only 6.8% under the proposed borders but up to 10% in Prague. This number would likely fall with some functions administered from Vienna moving to Prague permanently.

All had given assurances in regards the continuation of German language education at all levels, including University. Lobkowitz Palace would house the Czech House of Assembly after purchase from the State, the House of Nobles would be housed in the New Provost Residence.

The most contentious decision was, of course, the split of income between Czechia, the remainder of Cisleithania and Hungary. Recent changes negotiated by Rudolf had seen Hungary's share increase from 30% of common revenues to 32.75%, fixed for ten years until 1.1.1900, when a new joint treaty would be signed. That left Cisleithania with 67.25% to contribute. Common Expenditure was over six areas: Army, Navy, Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, Finance and the Supreme Court. Revenue outside of the proportional contributions came almost entirely from Customs, with small amounts generated by weapon sales. Customs revenues had jumped after acquisition of the Congo with revenues going heavily to Cisleithania, mainly via the ports of Pola and Trieste, especially the later.

It had taken much negotiation, but eventually the percentages had been fixed at:

Cisleithania 52%

Hungary 32.75%

Czechia 15.25%

Rudolf was pleased that his father now seemed committed, even bearing in mind the obvious problems when such a scheme was broadly announced. There was little question that such support would be needed. It would be an unpopular measure that would be in all likelihood be resisted by the House of Deputies, certainly by the House of Lords. If support could be obtained on bloc from the the Czech and the Polish Club, it may get through, but it would be likely it would have to be enacted as Franz Joseph's will as Kaiser rather than via the support of the Imperial Council. That made it dangerous, but his father had seemingly seen the need now and these changes, along with the changes to liberalize voting, would be announced on the 4th November.

In late March, for the first time, all Austrians 24 and over, including women, would go to the polls. It was one of the main platforms of the SPD and their newspaper, the Arbeiter Zeitung. If only they knew how close they were to it's being granted.

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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Oct 28, 2017

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123

#1,344

Threadmarks October 1890- The downfall of the first Fuhrer

johnboy

17 October 1890, Die Bergsteiger, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

The man had been under watch even before the resources of the Evidenzbureau had been so drastically stepped up. That had included a double agent inside his own Pan Germanic Movement. His weaknesses were there for all to see, alcohol and women and Karl Hoss had not found it overly difficult to exploit either. A number of times he had walked away to "greet friends" and had disposed of his own schnapps down the toilet or by the simple expedient of leaving the glass in an alcove, remaining sober whilst von Schönerer drank at the tavern. Georg von Schönerer had not failed to indulge and by midnight was more than ready to acquiesce to his suggestion that they visit a house containing a number of "friendly" young ladies.

The Evidenzbureau had brought a number of the new KODAK cameras in the last month and Karl Hoss was well trained in it's use. George von Schönerer of course had no idea that the young lady that received his attention so extensively real name was not Gerda Muller at all but in fact Rebekah Grunebaum, a 'lady' from Sibenico. von Schönerer had been so drunk he had not even realised that he had been photographed at all more than likely. He had two quite distinctive photos showing his beard, waxed mustache and corpulent figure.

18 October 1890, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf looked over the photos again. Yes, they would do nicely and could be 'leaked' to the press later today, at the same time that the tearful girl would announce that yes, she had been in the photo and that her "dear Georgi" had been such a regular customer and a "generous father" to his "love child" little Sarah. It would blow the mans Pan Germanic and anti Semitic rhetoric to pieces and shatter the belief that his supporters had in "Their Fuhrer" and likely splinter them as a force. The girl and her daughter he would pay to relocate afterwards.

The palace would put their seal on his disgrace but reviving his extinct title, lost after his first criminal conviction, and give it instead to his sister Alexandrine, a theater director and heavy critic of her brother's policies. Doing such a thing was unprecedented and would underline the Emperor's displeasure and disapproval of not only George von Schönerer but his views in general.

Once this was finished he then needed to move onto a bit of carrot with Victor Adler in regards the truck system and stick in regards the Linz Program and it's new association with the disgraced Georg von Schönerer. Adler's party would undoubtedly win seats in an election in 1891 when one was called so it may be time to lay some cards on the table, at least some of them.

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Threadmarks October 1890- A meeting on minds on Marxism

johnboy

20 October 1890, Trattnerhof 2, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

If Victor Adler was mystified by the summons, he was even more so by the address. He supposed he could have refused, indeed, he had considered doing exactly that, however, the missive had indicated it was not only in his best interests and also the best interests of the SDP to come. The most compelling reason to come, of course, was the simple fact that he was curious as to what Laura Mosconi, who's apartment he was walking to, could want? Her sister worked in the Hofburg with the Crown Princess. Was it a leak? Well, it would soon be found out. He passed the beggar at the front entrance and climbed the stairs, finally knocking on the door of the apartment.

He was quickly shown in and into a large living area. It was then that two figures rose from the settee and he recognized both the Crown Prince and his wife. It was all a little surreal. A few minutes later he was seated and drinking coffee served he guessed by one of the two Mosconi sisters. It was Rudolf who spoke first.

"Dr Alder, I hope you will forgive the deception that brought you here today. I, or indeed we, wanted to bring you here to ask you a few simple questions."

"Well I retain the right to refuse to answer, but go ahead."

Rudolf laughed. "Of course. Now, if I can begin. One of the main platforms of the SDP and indeed yourself is universal suffrage and increasing the rights and roles of women. Correct?"

"Yes, of course."

"Your position also involves a loose United States of Greater Austria rather than the 1867 compromise. Is this correct?"

"Yes, these positions are no secret after all."

"What if I was to tell you that it is in my power to bring about Universal Suffrage for not only men but also women? This is not only something that would be ticking the boxes of the SDP agenda but also potentially transform the amount of power your party would hold in such a revised parliament. What would you say to such a thing?"

"Well I would say you are an enlightened man sir."

"Well, I do have such power. I potentially also have the power to take the first step towards your United States of Greater Austria as well, just the first step mind. I now enjoy my father's ear and confidence and such an arrangement could be put in place, has been discussed."

You are not telling me this for nothing thought Alder, viewing the Kronprinz's emotionless face. "You are saying this in such a way that you want something from me."

"Exactly, I do."

"What is it?" said Alder.

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Well, nothing more than the truth. If I enact these reforms then I expect the truth from you, stated to your colleagues and printed in your newspaper."

"What truth would that be?"

"That although you are free to criticize the government and indeed the Hofburg over what you see as perceived failings, you criticize fairly. If the government introduces the start of Universal Suffrage, you acknowledge their support and indeed mine. I simply ask you to support what you agree with and do not attempt to undermine simply because of perceived shortfalls or because, initially, it does not go far enough."

This was enormous, mind boggling, thought Alder. Reforms that would give a huge voice to the SDP that he thought would take years of evolutionary and likely revolutionary struggle. "You see me as a dictator in my own party. I cannot enforce such actions."

"Oh, I think you have the influence, at least I trust you do."

"And if I refuse?"

"Well, of course that is your right. However, that means reforms such as these may be delayed, may not happen at all. I take it you saw the disgrace of Georg von Schönerer. Sad business. I had heard that you may have known him and supported the German national movement, even signed the Linz Program that favoured removing Austrian citizenship for Slavic peoples. Best to keep your distance from the man now. It would be unfortunate if your name was to come into the spotlight in such a matter when von Schönerer's anti-Semitic activities were investigated. It would lead to people to assume all sorts of links that may not in fact exist."

So, thought Alder. It was to be a velvet sledgehammer. "Of course I will not refuse. These reforms are too important to our cause not to do so. You have my agreement."

The Kronprinz was starting at him intently. "Well then we have an agreement, let us shake on it like gentleman."

He had little option and, besides, it was a deal far to good to refuse, if he was telling the truth. Finally, he reached for a slice of Sachertorte, a weakness he indulged, before he left. It was then that the Crown Princess spoke.

"Believe it or not Dr Alder, we to are an ordinary family, or perhaps not quite so ordinary, but one that has wishes, agendas and dreams. One of those is to improve the lives of all that live in this Empire. Do you consider yourself a communist?"

"Well, I follow the teachings of Marx and Engels, Your...Highness."

"No doubt you believe such things as well. That is your right. People say many things about communism, indeed socialism. Some call it Godless. Others unnatural. Still others treasonous. I care little for those explanations. I may be a layman but I read and I would like to think I know something of communism. There are two main criticisms of communism.

First there is the thought that with guaranteed equal compensation, there isn't any incentive to work hard or to produce basic necessities and that these factors will be reflected in a country's output. That individualism, indeed creativity and free thought will be crushed. Secondly, communism and indeed socialism are political philosophies built upon the idea of making the economic system fair. Capitalism is an economic system with no political agenda. The former tries to impose limitations on human nature such as greed or materialism in order to enforce fairness. Because communism tries to impose those limitations on human nature by force, there will always be resentment, hence authoritarianism and dictatorships will be the norm. However, I think a third factor is also a key. A fully communist economic system bans all free-market exchange, therefore prices of goods and services cannot be determined. This leaves said government with no way to determine the costs and benefits of allocating resources, a hopeless situation.

It is only my opinion, but socialism can only work and gain traction in a society that also practices capitalism to enable wealth to be generated and then spread via social programs and progressive taxation. Anyway, we could sit here all day I suppose..."

"I had no thought that you were so well informed and indeed practiced...political opinions Your Highness."

"I had thought a socialist such as yourself would not be so dismissive of a women's intelligence Dr Alder."

"Yes, err well..."

"Thank you for your time. Please, take another piece of cake before you go..."

If was after the man had gone that Stephanie turned to Rudolf. "How do you think that went?"

"As well as can be expected. The man is dangerous, as are his philosophies as they currently stand. Hence the need to keep this meeting secret. However, turning your back on danger never made it any less dangerous."

"Agreed."

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Threadmarks November 1890- Counts and Zeppelins

johnboy

1 November 1890, Ostrau, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Maybach looked again at the old Count. "Is there any reason why the engine could not run in the air? How would it get into the air for God's sake?"

"Airship." replied von Zeppelin. I have come to you as you are the leading people in terms of engine development. You have shown me your new engine and how it works on petroleum. Now, can it work at heights?"

"Can you build an airship? I thought you were still an Army officer?"

Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin sighed. "Yes, I am still a German Army officer, but not for much longer. Fuck the Army after the Autumn maneuvers is all I can say. I want to attract investors and build an airship. Now, for the third time, can your engines power it?"

"I have no idea."

"No idea?"

"No, but I guess if you can raise to money to build a frame, we could contribute the engines." The publicity alone would help sell cars and a new model based on the Phoenix engine was under design and development.

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Oct 30, 2017

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#1,361

Threadmarks November 1890-Congo economics

johnboy

4 November 1890, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Well, she thought, it had been announced and after the news hit the papers the following morning then the agitation would start. The Czech move would be unpopular with ethnic Germans, Hungarians to more than likely since it would point directly to their own shortcomings in regards to the Kingdom of Croatia and would likely place intolerable pressure on their own appointment as Ban, a Hungarian in breach of the spirit of the 1867 protocols if not the letter.

Oh well, on to other items. She returned her gaze to the figures for September for the Congo. Revenue was up significantly in other areas, rubber showing another rise to almost 70% of pre Leopold level, helped by the rise in international demand.

Figures were:

Ivory 180,300

Diamonds 126,100

Rubber 88,900

Crude Oil 76,000

Palm Oil 28,200

Palm Nuts 26,600

Philatelic and Numismatic Sales 920

Port Fees 830

Company Taxes 9,818

Miscellaneous 3,120

TOTAL 560,000 Florins approximately

It was clear already that revenue figures were on the rise and the annual revenue over the next twelve months could reach in excess of 6.5 to 7.5 million florins. Expenditure was 6.7 million. More, if one counted the cost of the Colonial Ministry and the need to deploy a regiment of troops, in that case closer to 7.5 million. However, revenue figures were increasing and now that Katanga had been secured copper mining could add to revenues, as could cocoa, crops of which had been started last year. Coffee and Acacias were also projects to consider. The problem with the former would remain transportation of product. Increased oil production was more likely, the main barrier only the provision of more ships.

For the port of Trieste and indeed Customs duties, it had been a major boon, flowing revenues back to government and also to Austro-Lloyd, a largely government owned company in any case. There was much cause for optimism after a short period of time, especially since expenditures included not only railway and port projects but also, for the first time, healthcare.

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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Oct 31, 2017

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#1,364

Threadmarks November 1890-Melees in Prague

johnboy

16 November 1890, Prague, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Captain Vaclav Primosrki watched as the protestors moved towards Brusnice Bridge. It had not been that violent a protest as yet, although a couple of hecklers had been set upon, unlike in Iglau when a large mob had set a fire near the town hall that had burned quickly, burning down three buildings in the town center and requiring a call out of the local Moravian garrisons stationed in the town, resulting in three shootings before the crowd would disperse.

Here he was more worried about his own men and what was coming from the other side. A large mob of workers moved towards the anti Czechia protest, made up of almost entirely ethnic Germans. The workers carried no Czech placards, only one man one vote signs.

It quickly became an ugly melee, one his small group of men were loath to control.

--

A quietness befell the two mobs before they intermingled as Otto unwittingly faced what seemed to be his opponent, who looked more than 1.85 meters tall and very broad and just waited. He would let him make the first move. The large roughly dressed man moved towards him.

Otto jerked back and aside. The blow meant for his jaw whizzed by in a blur of knuckles. From the corner of his eye, he saw his opponent's other arm begin an upward trajectory. He ducked this time, and felt his hair ruffle with the force of it. He dropped to the ground, rolled and stood, buffeted by others in the crowd. Don't let him connect, he thought. The man charged with a roar like a enraged bull. He sidestepped, whirled to face him. His opponent lunged. He avoided one flying fist, only to collide with another. The blow glanced off his rib-cage, a sharp sting fading fast.

Block. Shove away. Back off. Avoidance was simple, but it couldn't last forever. Otto went on the offensive. He lashed out, aiming for his opponent's gut. However, he proved equally effective at defense, and his fist met a meaty forearm. He tried again with both hands—one-two, and this time connected. It felt like punching flesh-covered iron. Then he saw a huge fist coming and that was his last memory before a gendarme shook him awake, aching and bleeding, his nose broken.

--

Vaclav Primosrki looked over the scene. It was a mess. One dead of a knife wound, over 20 injured, mainly broken bones and the like. His men had tried to separate them, but it was a hopeless task. The factory workers had quickly won a decisive victory, if one could call it that, scattering the protest and taking possession of the road leading to Prague Castle. It had been a scene repeated a few times over the last fortnight. Ethnic German protests, both inside and outside Bohemia and Moravia, some peaceful, some not. These had stirred two main oppositions, Czech nationalists in Bohemia and Moravia and, outside Czech lands, peasants and workers keen to finally avail themselves of the franchise. German nationalists were losing battles to both when they had taken to the streets and the early anger seemed to be settling somewhat despite today's events. Both rival groups regarded the ethnic German protestors as their enemy. Thankfully whilst it was unpleasant, with a couple of exceptions it had been able to be handled by the Gendamarie and not the army.

The opposition of the House of Lords to the new measures had not helped, nor had the fact that on it's last day before dissolving for winter the House of Deputies voted 128 to 125 against such an arrangement, much closer than many had thought. Not that it mattered in any case, as it was the Kaiser's will that such a thing happen. It only remained now to see how such an arrangement played out. The genie was out of the bottle now and could not be put in and even Minister-President Taaffe had made that clear in an interview, expressing the view that a vote now by the House of Deputies would likely be in favour. In foreign newspapers the country was already being referred to as the Triple Monarchy.

New elections would be held in early March, the Kaiser would be crowned as King of Czechia on the 4th April 1891 and the Czech Parliament would open on the 1st May 1891 by self same Kaiser or his son. KuK would remain the designation for the empire as a whole, kk for the remainder of Cisleithania, mk for Hungary and ck for the new Kingdom. His brother had already been asked to assist in the formation of an Armada Královský, or Royal Army, restricted to one infantry division, two independent infantry and two independent cavalry brigades. It would be large task from scratch. In Hungary, here was criticism of a third Kingdom from many in Budapest, but the average Hungarian themselves could not seemingly care much. It would be a busy six months, he thought.

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#1,377

Threadmarks November 1890 - Post Offices, stamps and Empire names

johnboy

18 November 1890, Kap Weiss Colony

Commander Schaubert looked again at the surely most unusual package he had received in his time here. The crate had the seal of the Austrian State Printing Office and inside were sheets of stamps with various values to one gulden, each bearing a picture of the port, a palm plant of all things(there were none at Kap Weiss), a fishing boat or a camel(something also in absence). Also enclosed was a date stamp for cancelling stamps and a letter inviting him to appoint a local Postmaster. Previously letters had simply gone under cover via Austro-Lloyd. His 304 square kilometer province contained only two towns, although the largest, Kap Weiss itself, was now home to 400 or so people, an eclectic mix of local tribesman, sailors, labourers and women from the Congo, a few soldiers and administration staff and port workers. There was also a small fishing village along the coast containing 30-40 souls.

--

18 November 1890, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Stephanie looked at the stamps, so different to the normal stamps of Austria. The colonies had only 304 square kilometers and 500 population and eight square kilometers and 260 population in the case of the Galite Islands, but the stamps would be popular with collectors and should bring in a nice side income and, in any case, both settlements needed a Post Office. The Congo already had 17. It had been a difficult month with the unrest the announcement on the 4th had brought. It was now just time to ride it out.

With all the well laid plans it had remarkably occurred only the day before the announcement what this new Triple Monarchy would be called in response to questions asked. That had produced a frantic rush to come up with such a name. Both the United States of Austria and the United Kingdoms of Austria were rejected out of hand by the Hungarians, likely looking for an excuse to vent their spleen in any case. Other possibilities mooted were The Empire of Danubia, the Empire of Illyria and finally the Empire and Kingdom of the Austrians, Hungarians and Czechs. Remarkably, it was the later that had been adopted, despite it's hopelessly unwieldy moniker. The Hungarians had been firm in not adopting anything else and it was an easy battle to concede at this stage. What was surprising was how popular in some quarters the Empire of Illyria was.

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#1,427

Threadmarks December 1890-The Iron Ring and electroral musings in Cisleithania

johnboy

1 December 1890, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Minister-President Eduard Taaffe's thinking had moved away from the recent disturbances to the new reality of things. His position had been held by virtue of his so called "Iron Ring" coalition between the 59 seats of the Hohenwarts or conservatives, 59 more of Conservative Bohemian and Moravian landowners(or Czech club), 5 of the Moravian Middle Party, 58 of the Polish Club and 7 of the Trentino or Italian Club, which helped to establish a majority in the 343 seat House of Deputies. 64 of those seats would likely move to the new Czechia House of Assembly.

His Iron Ring had been blown apart and he needed new alliances to ensure his major political opponents, the United German Left, consisting of the Liberal and Progressive Party's did not come to power. Plus there was the new specter of the Social Democratic Party, which would no doubt attract votes from the new fifth and sixth curia. In fact, most of the 83 new seats from the two new curia would be filled by the SDP, the German left or nationalist parties. He could not afford to approach the other new party likely to win seats, the Anti Semitic League. The other far right party, the German Nationalists would win votes, even after their founder's disgrace. He could approach the Ruthenians but it was hard to see where the required 172 seats would come from unless he was able to attract low income voters or he was able to split United Left in some way, perhaps by offering government to the Progressives and excluding the Liberals. It was a conundrum, made perhaps more difficult by the fact that with the addition of low income voters, even on a smaller proportional scale, the national parties would drift towards being truly nationalistic rather than being dominated by rich landowners whose preference was to maintain the status quo. April next year would be an interesting month.

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#1,446

Threadmarks December 1890- The laying of battlecruisers

johnboy

16 December 1890, STT, Trieste, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf had performed the ceremony earlier in the day that saw the first bones of what would be the battlecruiser(although it was still called an armoured cruiser) Viribus Unitis. Two days earlier her sister Prinz Eugen had also been laid. The third and final ship of the class, to be named Lissa, would not be laid until such time Ganz had finished the slip at Fiume to accommodate her, likely late next year. Both ships would use what was supposedly Harvey armour, but in fact with the addition of 1% Chromium was in actuality nearer Krupp armour. The three, when completed and added to the two cruisers building in America, would allow the retirement of the remainder of his obsolete vessels, unless markets to third grade powers such as China or South American navies could be found to dispose of them.

The secret of the ship's armour was one of the few that the man standing beside him did not know.

"Well admiral, we are finally on our way. These will be the largest ships ever constructed for the dual or should I call it triple monarchy Navy."

"Yes indeed, they should be the first step in the Navy becoming something more than a coastal protection force, something that with your wife's possession of the Congo will be an asset the country badly needs for showing the flag purposes at the very least."

"Have you been in contact with London?"

"Yes indeed I have. I have been offered an appointment to H.M Dockyard to take effect from September to I am afraid I will have to leave in late July. It is an extra four months and I cannot say I will regret spending part of the summer here rather than at home, but that will be it. I must say I have enjoyed my time here. The girls to."

"Jackie, it has been a pleasure, as you English say. I know Stephanie feels the same way. The changes you have wrought have been profound in regards the readiness and competence of not only officers but especially the men."

"Well, I have done what I can. I have always thought that when you are told a thing is impossible, that there are insuperable objections, then is the time to fight like the devil to prove this incorrect."

"I suppose we had better get back to the ladies, however, I know you are due leave. We are having a ball at the Hofburg, the Fete Imperiale on the 3rd July. It happens every year. Finish here at the end of June, take your leave and come to Vienna. We will need to decide on an energetic and competent successor in any case. Come to the ball and I was going to ask whether you would like Pamela to formally come out at the event."

Fisher demurred. "Well, she will only be 15 but I think that would be fine, girl speaks German as fluently as English now. Poor thing will be in a tizz. Thank you. For your support but also your friendship. Without that extra funding we would not have gained the sea time needed to sharpen this dull knife."

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#1,450

Threadmarks December 1890- Troubles in Croatia

johnboy

21 December 1890, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Stephanie stepped into see her daughter and husband with their heads together over a map.

"What are you doing liebchen?"

"Papa is teaching me more about our lands."

Good she thought, it was time the girl was taken in hand to prepare for the role she may one day have to take up. "So, the disturbances have died down?"

Rudolf sighed. "Here yes. In Prague, mostly. As per your suggestion we have taken what many railed against and published the full scale notices in newspapers guaranteeing that there will be no closure of German schools in Czechia and that government business will still be done in German as well as Czech. It has gone a long way to soothing sensibilities although of course there have been some Czech demonstrations against that, although these have been muted and small. However, the disturbances in other areas have picked up, specifically Croatia."

"Oh? Worse?"

"Yes, demonstrations against the Ban de Belás have accelerated in frequency and violence, protests against Magyarization, the fact that for the first time in 45 years they have a Hungarian and not a Croatian as Ban. What is more dangerous is that now the Croatian nobility have started to take up the call. Last night the Hungarian flag was burned before the opera house in Zagreb."

"Well you did want a separate Kingdom for the Croatians as your eventual aim."

"Yes, but too soon, too soon."

"So, what will happen?"

"Well, this is one we have to stay out of. Many will view us as being the cause in any case, as the leaders of the Czechia reforms. There is little doubt the Czechs gaining their own state has brought home to the Croatians just what they are missing. The Croatians and Serbs, the Slovenes as well I suppose you could say are the next biggest group. The Poles are not restive. They know they have no chance of a national state whilst Germany and Russia sit astride their lands. The Ruthenians just want to improve their lot. The Croats are already a separate Kingdom, they just lack political control over it."

"So, what are we to do?"

"Nothing. We are already too far into the limelight as what many see as radical reformers and we cannot afford to totally split with the conservatives or the family. Franz Ferdinand has been so antagonistic I have secretly had him appointed as the Arch-ducal representative to the Czech Parliament and ordered him to Prague just to get rid of him. He just does not know it as yet. We must let father solve it and indeed he has already come to a decision. He will ask de Belás to resign so that a Croatian can be appointed. For now, that will hopefully be enough."

"Very well."

"I take it you have news by the letter in your hand?"

"Yes, as well as the official invitation to the court to send a representative to Nicholas and Nadia's wedding in mid May, we have a personal invitation inviting us."

"That should be fine. We can open the Parliament in Prague on the 1st May, then travel on to Berlin and then onward to Petersburg via rail. God knows we need to open a dialogue with the Russians before the French get the claws too far in."

"Very well."

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Threadmarks January 1891- Prague election preparations

johnboy

17 January 1891, Prague Castle, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Karol Kriajik sighed. Today was the last day for political parties to register their party for the historic elections to be held on the 28th March and then the following week the Kaiser was to be crowned right here at Prague Castle. He was excited, but also exhausted. As to be expected, he supposed, most parties had left it until the last moment to register their nomination. They had another fortnight to name candidates and then the printing of ballot papers would commence, providing an unexpected boon to Prague's printers. Then a Government was to be formed from 1st May. It would require that many of the Kingdom's new Government Departments co-locate with their old provincial officials in shared offices until all the accommodation issues were sorted. Already a new structure on Staroměstské náměstí had been approved, a large building for Government offices. With the level of excitement present in Prague, he was sure this would be a prospect cheerfully faced. Some senior career public servants would no doubt return to Vienna, offering opportunities for ambitious and loyal young men such as himself to climb the ladder. Things were changing, as the appointment of a new Ban in Croatia, Teodor Pejačević, the son of the previous Croatian Ban. Of course, he had a Hungarian mother so it was to some extent a compromise.

He looked at the clock. It was almost 3pm, time to close the doors. There were six party's that had registered:

The National Party, or old Czechs

The Liberal Party, or new Czechs

The Social Democratic Party of Czechia

German People's Party

Catholic People's Party

Moravian Agrarian Party

It would be a busy time between now and the 1st of May, likely for some time after in fact.

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#1,461

Threadmarks January 1891-Congo railways and resources

johnboy

28 January 1891, Cabinda Town, Kingdom of the Congo

Awax Schwarz had settled into a job he was comfortable with. He had worked for a short time on the Matadi-Marienburg railway. This had been under construction for a year now and 72 kilometers of track towards it's needed 370 kilometers length. Progress at Matadi had been the fastest of the two but Marienburg had been boosted by the influx of over 1000 men, all former warriors of the slave King Msiri. All had been told that they had been sentenced to six months hard labour for their support of the old slaver and would then be able to return home. Some had run off, but most had stayed. They had little other way of returning home. He had felt sorry for them in many cases. In others, he sensed bad thoughts and feelings.

Building the railway was a brutal business. The men laboured nine hours per day in the heat and jungle. Yes, they were paid and food was plentiful but the work itself was heavy and dangerous. 39 men had died already in accidents, not all of them black. Yet he now understood what a railway would mean in terms of bridging the communication gap and dispensing from using the walking track, a dangerous event in itself for native bearers.

Yet he had felt the railway itself was not the place for him and had moved from Marienburg to Cabinda. The port town was thriving and construction had started on another railway, a less than 30km stretch from Cabinda port to the mouth of the Congo, past all five oil wells now operated by African Queen. The port was now receiving two ships per week and the town was growing not only with Austrians but also some Americans. It had also become a stop on the regular Austro-Lloyd service, who's route now went Trieste-Pola-Split-Gaite Islands-Kap Weiss-Cabinda-Matadi. The latest Austro-Lloyds ship had taken back to Trieste some 22 mulatto orphans, mostly from the Katanga conflict.

The railway here had already been extended 3km to accommodate three wells and would move further in the coming six to nine months it would take to complete. Some had objected to the black labourers being paid the same wage as whites, but it had been made clear that this was African Queen's official company position and nothing would change it. Of course, all of the technical and supervision jobs had been filled by whites but Awax himself was paid the same wage as a supervisor for his translation skills. He had seemingly found his niche. Perhaps it would be possible for a one armed man to attract the opposite sex after all.

--

28 January 1891, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungaran Empire

Stephanie sighed. There was little else in the way of options. The only way to exploit the copper mines of Katanga properly was via connection to a rail head. The province was too far inland and too isolated to construct one herself. No, it would have to connect to an existing rail head and the only real possibility was to the South where Cecil Rhodes British South Africa Company was labouring to extend their own rail head to Bulawayo.

At least if she was to commence negotiations for the potential exploitation of mineral rights in Katanga she could now do so from a comfortable position of strength. Katanga was now fully controlled and, in addition, Rhodes had been wild with jealousy in regards the coloured diamonds market that had been created. It was a deal with the devil but essential in any case. It was time to summon her Private Secretary and dictate a telegram.

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#1,464

Threadmarks February 1891-Filing cabinets, diamonds and orphans

johnboy

15 February 1891, Evidenzbureau, Am Hof Square, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

They proceeded down the long aisles in the bowels of the small building near the War Ministry that housed the Evidenzbureau behind Arthur von Gieslingen.

"You can see the filing tasks are immense as nothing is ever thrown out and all of the files need to be catalogued and centrally indexed. I appreciate that you have appointed Emil von Belobresk to the Kundschaftsbüro. Good man, seems very competent. Croatian, so has had to struggle to obtain what he has in life. However, I need more filers and judging by what Laura pulled off recently they will need to be extensively vetted."

Stephanie was quick to ask "What about filing cabinets?"

"Filing cabinets?"

Rudolf was shaking his head at Stephanie behind Arthur von Gieslingen. "Errrr, well, it is an idea that Rudolf came up with you...err...see."

Rudolf took up the conversation. "Ummm, yes. Well, it is like a rectangular metal box that can hold files in hangers that have the subject written on them. They can be numbered on the outside so you know which cabinet you are looking at."

Arthur von Gieslingen spoke again. "I can't really envisage it but I know you have a track record of innovative ideas."

Stephanie spoke again. "Well Rudi will design one for you and get a sample made, won't you my love?"

Rudolf sighed. "Yes, of course I will Arthur." They were walking back to the anteroom where Laura Mosconi and her sister waited. "Now I understand you have other news for us?"

Arthur von Gieslingen broke into a large smile. "Well, Laura and I have only known each other a short time, however, yes, we are to be married."

Stephanie laughed. "Oh Arthur, I am so very happy for you. How could she say no to that lovely little diamond I gave you a few weeks ago."

"Indeed Your Highness and again, thank you."

Stephanie thought back to the other small batch of diamonds she had had placed into the Uranium filled lead container that was kept in a sealed truck at Rudolf's Brijuni Island estate. On their next visit she would get the diamonds extracted and see if there had been a colour change by the application of such radiation for the proximity to the Uranium. She was no scientist but the concept was worth testing. Unfortunately she had no idea if a years application of radiation was enough. It could require millions of years to effect a colour change. Time would tell. Indeed the island should have acquired some new residents by now, 20 or so mulatto orphans, mainly girls, from Congo that she had decided to fund and accommodate since they had no relations. She would fund their education as they would likely be subject to predators if they stayed in the Congo frontier towns.

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#1,465

Threadmarks March 1891- The end of a tortured genius

johnboy

7 March 1891, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Rudolf walked into his wife's rooms to hear her crying, holding a letter in her hand.

"My darling, what is the matter?"

Stephanie wordlessly passed the letter over.

'Utrecht, Netherlands, 1 March 1891

My Dear Majesty,

know that by the time you have received this letter, I will have departed this existence that at times has proven to be so painful. My brother has supported me at all times during my life, I must now support him in death. Theo departed this life on the 24th of last month and I have hung on, in the space between life and death this last week. I have now reconciled myself to what needs to be done, in fact I even went to church on Sunday for the first time in many years and arose with the greatest of sureness in my heart.

I write today to you to simply say to yourself that I thank you for the kindness that was shown me and have happy memories from my time in Croatia and Vienna. There is no greater mark of a better class of person that those who fight to enrich the lives of others for no outward gain beyond the satisfaction a kind deed can give. To that end expect another package via ship containing a further five paintings I have picked out for you and my final painting that I complete tonight and dispatch tomorrow. I have called it "Twilight's Last Gleaming."

Do not grieve for me. My fate was tied to that of Theo from birth, as it will be in death. I have bequeathed my paintings that remain unsold and my estate, such as it is and larger than expected, to my brother's wife in trust for his son. Considering how popular my paintings have become, much through your own patronage, that should see her quite well though any difficulties. It was a blessing to know my art, which was my life, was seen as important.

Always yours

Vincent Van Gogh'

"It has been confirmed. He shot himself on the morning of the 3rd and was found on the afternoon of the 4th."

Rudolf just put his arm around and held his wife.

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#1,468

Threadmarks March 1891- Triple alliance

johnboy

22 March 1891, Hofburg, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

"You have been working late much."

Rudolf sighed. "Yes, I am sorry, but my father has dropped the renewal of the Triple Alliance negotiations into my lap since he has enough on his plate with the Corination in Prague on the 4th of next month."

"I thought it was not due for renewal until next year."

"That is the problem. In Italy Crispi has fallen and been replaced by Rudini. He has a shaky spot in Parliament and seeks to do great deeds to strengthen his position. He seeks I think to lure Britain into the Triple Alliance, a noble enough aim to be sure, but unlikely to be performed by his strategy."

"How so?"

"He seeks German support to take Tripoli. Caprivi hates the idea and views Italy as merely a link to attract England into the alliance. The Italians have told him they can get England if the Triple Alliance is renewed. Hence, we all do this dance for no real reason. He had drafted an agreement whereby the British would promise to support both Italy and Germany in exchange for diplomatic support in Egypt, leaving France to object alone. The Germans realise that this is largely a fantasy and that the English will not allow themselves to be drawn into a continental war with so little gain. As for us, of course, the Italians offer us nothing, not even consultation. They will not get England at all of course. Salisbury will not venture a war on so little inducement and knows full well that as long as France fears Germany she can and will do nothing to injure England, no matter her frustrations. So, at the end of the day Rudini can still trumpet that at least he has renewed the Triple Alliance.

If anyone is going to benefit from the destruction of the Ottomans it must be us, or, if we can obtain a Russian alliance, us and the Russians. Not Italy, although I care not if they take Tripoli or not. In fact, when the time comes, that may be a fine inducement to start the moves that we want in the Balkans if the Italians can be led to into it. That way we can be seen to be merely taking a side to protect our legitimate national interests rather than actually starting a war. If we can get our cards in place to fall the correct way, of course. The one advantage we have with the Russians is that for all France's need for an ally, she will support Russia in all aspects, except at the straits. She has too much invested in Istanbul in terms of bank loans to let the Ottomans fall. We have no such qualms as long as we can obtain the concessions we require from the Russians."

"Of course. So all it requires is a power spark then. Yes, and ideally the Italians will provide it, much like they did in 1911. Only this time, we collect the result we want, not sit by on the sidelines fulminating. We just need to wait until ready, perhaps 1895 or so and then hopefully set the wheels in motion."

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#1,472

Threadmarks April 1891- Election aftermaths

johnboy

3 April 1891, Prague Castle, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Stephanie propped herself up in bed. "Rudolf, pass the Wiener Zeitung."

"It's the only copy we have."

"Yes and I want it. You have been monopolising it and in any case you read Czech, you can read the Dnes, you know I don't read Czech."

"Yes, but it has nothing much about the Cisleithanian election, only here locally."

"You have read the other from cover to cover for God's sake."

"Oh, all right. Christ."

"Why are you so snippy?"

"Just a bit nervous I suppose. Tomorrow father gets crowned. It has happened. In addition, I will have to make ready, play the Imperial Prince. It is not really a role I enjoy."

"I know. Just remember, you do not have to have your hair twisted and pulled into place, before being pinned and glued, a tiara placed on your head, makeup put on and then laced into a corset, a swath of silks, stockings, suspenders and high heels and then forced to stand for hours before finally effecting a curtsy and oath of allegiance to your mother and father."

"Hmm. Anyway here is the paper. Perhaps we can go for a run later?"

"Unlikely. Security concerns so close to the coronation and also too much to do. Unless you wish to rise around 2am and try it. Anyway, what is the consensus on our dual elections?"

"Well, here we have a 105 seat parliament based on a first past the post electoral system. It is quite different to the remainder of the country. To be able to hold at least one vote one must be able to read, to be of sound mind, not in jail and be over 24 and a resident of Czechia for at least 6 months. Those are the only qualifications. The results are interesting:

The National Party had obtained only 9 seats, mainly in Prague

The Liberal Party 51 seats

The Social Democratic Party of Czechia 17 seats

German People's Party 5 seats

Catholic People's Party 13 seats

Moravian Agaraian Party 9 seats

Only one seat remains in doubt between the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party. It seems likely that the Liberals will find the National Party the least offensive and likely form a government in coalition with them, which means Eduard Grégr will be the new Minister-President from the 1st May."

"Cisleithania?"

"Elected via the curia system. 353 seats, so 177 needed to govern.

Results are fairly mixed. They are:

German conservatives, mainly German People's Party 106

German liberals, Progressive and Constitution Party's(United Left) 67

Polish Club 64

Pan German League 30

Italian Club 20

Croatian-Slovenian Club 18

Social Democratic Party 17

Ruthenian Club 10

Romanian Club 6

Anti Semetic League 3

Independents 12

Now it remains to be seen what Taaffe, who will likely retain government, will do. With the conservative vote at 106, he can add his old allies from the Polish and Italian Clubs and pass the 177 threshold so for him it has been a very good result. Much of the so called low income support the SDP likely expected actually went to minority National Parties. Considering Taaffe is a proponent of equal rights for minorities, this is likely a triumph for us as well as it makes our path much easier and eases the way to increased representation in the fifth and 6th curia in 1897 without undue panic from conservatives."

"Well then, to tomorrow and all it brings."

"Indeed."

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Threadmarks April 1891- A corination in Prague

johnboy

5 April 1891, Prague Castle, Prague, Triple Monarchy

Czechia had officially come into existence with the crowning of her father and mother-in-law at St Vitus Cathedral that very afternoon. It had been a long day, getting ready, moving through the crowds via carriage and then finally walking to the cathedral, standing through the service. Finally Franz Joseph had been crowned with the Crown of St Wenceslas and received the orb and scepter. Rudolf had looked most handsome in his Grossadmiral's uniform as he carried forward the Sword of St Wenceslas and presented it to his father during his Oath of Allegiance.

It was a lengthy procedure, yet shorter than it may otherwise have been by the sheer shortness of time given to prepare for the ceremony. After the hymns, simply the recognition and oath, the annotating and investing, finally the crowning and enthronement. Then, after the enthronement, a short period of homage. First the Church, with the Archbishop of Prague, von Schonborn, Moritz of Lobkowicz on behalf of the House of Lords and the man who would be Minister-President, Eduard Grégr, on behalf of the House of Assembly. Finally it was the turn of the family. Franz Ferdinand was first, followed by her dear Erszi, then it was her turn, what she had feared most, the departure of the large peridot encrusted tiara from her head, had thankfully not occurred. The Empress, concerned by outwards appearances as usual, had insisted they should outshine all other ladies present and to that end she had worn the tiara, a huge necklace, two earrings and a drop pendant containing 22 huge peridots and diamonds. Finally Rudolf had come forward and presented the sword to his father.

Then the Empress was similarly anointed and crowned using a simple gold and diamond circlet made for the ceremony. Finally they left the church to the strains of the anthem. It was all followed by a banquet and then a small ball.

The day had only been slightly marred by the shooting and wounding of an innocent bystander by known anarchist Otto Gross, who had himself been shot dead by a gendarme. Thankfully the man had survived and she intended to visit him tomorrow. He had tackled the gun man, who had apparently attempted to fire at her and Rudolf's carriage, although she had not even been aware of the attempt at the time.

It was now past midnight and she was finally able to think about her bed. Her ears, back and neck were killing her. Finally he first significant reform in the Empire political system had been completed. Both herself and Rudolf would be be required to return in four weeks for the opening of the Czechia Imperial Council. Then on to Berlin and finally St Petersburg for the wedding of Nicholas.

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Threadmarks April 1891- Uniforms and Waffenfarbe

johnboy

29 April 1891, on board Imperial and Royal train departing Vienna, Triple Monarchy

"Here, what do you think of this?"

"Ugly is the best word I can describe, would not be seen dead in it."

"Stephanie, stop pulling my leg. You know full well I have been looking at army uniforms. Ruthless standardization is required, not only in the common army but also the Landwehr, the Honved and now the Armada. We need a common uniform, one that provides some basic camouflage. Every man should have a steel helmet to protect from enemy fire and shrapnel. I have spent some time looking at the colours for such a uniform and have decided on two potential materials, this one, called Grüngrau and this other material, called Hechtgrau for use with alpine troops.

Now, whilst the basic colour will be the same for both the tunic and trousers, piping will be sown on the trouser sides to denote which Army the person belongs to. Red for the Landwehr, green the Honved, blue the Armada, orange the Common Army and finally purple for generals."

"What about the Congo Askari's?"

"Black?"

"Now look who is being funny."

"I would also like to bring in a system of Waffenfarbe to denote the branch of service that a soldier belongs to using a system where these coloured strip of cotton are attached to the cuffs of the soldier or officer in question. The Branches I have in mind are:

Infantry

Cavalry

Field Artillery

Coastal Artillery

Signals

Military Police

Jagers/Mountain Troops

Engineers

Supply and Ordinance

Medical

Veterinary

Transport

Judicial

Chaplains

Intelligence

Pioneers

Musical, Finance and Administrative

General Staff Officers

I have already decided General staff officers will be royal purple. You can decide the other colours of you wish" said Rudolf, throwing down a heap of coloured cotton on the table. "I will write them down and we will keep this for a rainy day until such time it is are ready to implement, when we have the power and influence to do so. Whilst in the short term it will cost, in the long term it will be a money saver as the basic uniform will be used for all services and, with some modification, all ranks."

"Very well. Let me see then. We can use two types of red and pink for Infantry, Jagers and Pioneers. Two blues for artillery, brown for engineers, tan for signals, orange for cavalry, white for chaplains of course..."

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Threadmarks May 1891- A Czech parliament

johnboy

1 May 1891, Prague Castle, Prague, Triple Monarchy

It had been worth the time taken to to dress carefully for the ceremony as she sat carefully listening to her husband's speech. The striped red, blue and white silk dress was certainly eye-catching and provoked roars to acclaim when she had dismounted from the carriage to go inside Prague Castle. It was a sign of her better relationship with the Empress that Elizabeth had insisted she wear the Hapsburg Swords tiara for the ceremony. Rudolf was finishing up and she again tuned back into his words.

"I will not stand here and lie to you and say that achieving this opportunity of a separate Kingdom of Czechia was easy, 700 years of history are not so easily cast aside, of course there we those who ever disagreed, but I would also say that we are committed to achieving outcomes that strive to meet the needs of those that live within the borders of not only this Kingdom but most areas within the borders of our Empire.

Think for a moment on what we have achieved. Here we have 39 members of the House of Lords, 105 of the House of Assembly. Elected by all men over 24 but also all women. We are the first country on earth to grant voting rights to not only men but women and lo, the sky did not fall by giving each man and woman a say in this noble endeavour.

Therefore, I charge these 144 men to not only uphold the power of the ancient Bohemian lion, but also to govern within this Kingdom and do what is right for all citizens, no matter their origin, to do right by the Empire as a whole and to be ever faithful subjects of the proud Kaiser on who's behalf I declare this Parliament to be open."

--

It was after that the small numbers of guests mingled they had finally retired to a private room the Gregr brothers and others came came up as a delegation to both of them. "Mr Minister-President", Rudolf said to Eduard Gregr.

"Your Highness", replied Gregr. "I just wished to say thank you. I am aware from where the impetus for this came from and for that I, and indeed most here, are grateful."

"It was not just myself, it was Stephanie as well. It was a bit of a battle, but we got there in the end and at the end of the day that is what is important. My father and I handpicked the five new life peers to provide as little trouble as possible and whilst you will find Franz Ferdinand perhaps a prickly man he is by no means a stupid one and he is capable of quite insightful opinions."

"Yes, I am aware. Your wife spoke so eloquently some months ago to us all, changed a few men's mind, including my brother. Well then, let me introduce you to my Ministers. My brother as Interior, Alois Trojan you know as Justice, Josef Kaizl as Finance, Dr. Karl Kramarsch as Education, Jan Gebauer as Transport, František Rieger as Agriculture and I don't believe your know Thomas Masaryk who will do Industry. We have still to decide on a War Minster but I hope to have that finalised by the end of the week."

This is a lot more pleasant than the next few days, thought Stephanie, sipping her champagne. Four days with the Kaiser will likely be a trial. At least they had a wedding to attend after that in St Petersburg, although even that had a deep political agenda. It was time to place some cards on the table and discuss the Straits.

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johnboy

3 May 1891, Stadtschloss, Berlin, German Empire

"So, they call you the Czech-liberator now."

Rudolf knew this was going to be difficult, but it seemed even more so. "Yes Willy, we have made some changes. Before we finish we may have to make some more."

"What of the Poles?"

"At this stage we have no further plans and if we were to initiate any, it would likely be for Croatia. We have no plans for an independent Polish Kingdom within the Monarchy and would certainly consult yourself if such plans existed."

"Very well."

"I have noticed that you have laid down some battleships."

"Yes, I am so enthusiastic about this. The fleet is necessary to show that Germany is as involved in naval matters as much as Britain."

"I think that the British will not be alarmed by the laying of four ships, much like they are not alarmed by us building a couple of armoured cruisers. However, in the long term they will not understand if you attempt to match them in a naval sense. They will not be able to see why you view the safekeeping of your shipping as not dependent on their goodwill as a problem and will drift to viewing such actions as instead hostile intent."

"Perhaps. I am not a man who believes that we Germans bled and conquered 25 years ago...in order to be pushed to one side when great international decisions call to be made. If that were to happen, the place of Germany as a world power would be gone for ever, and I am not prepared to let that happen."

Thanks for reminding me of the Austro-German war Willy he thought. It is almost as thoughtless as sending your mother to Paris and then have her visit Versailles and scenes of other French humiliations in 1871, the visit having to be cut short due to protests, as had happened recently. "Well, Willy, if we are to have a valid alliance, we need either the English or the Russians."

"Yes, I do know that. One a hotbed of Slavic and socialist unrest. The other a place where socialists can run the country. There is only one person who is master in this Empire and I am not going to tolerate any other. I regard every Social Democrat as an enemy of the Empire and Fatherland. I cannot conceive how you let such men get elected to positions in your own country."

"Well, I did not elect them Willy, the general public did. We need to move with the times, to remain in all ways relevant to everyday people. To do that we need to trust our own people, allow them freedoms, or at least freedoms within a framework of limitations. Like wood if you do not flex you break. The trick is how far to allow yourself flex, an admittedly difficult calculation. Now, Russia?"

"Yes, I fundamentally agree. We need them or England, preferably friendly relations with both. I favour the English, Russia's aim will always be at the Straits and only last year I pledged German friendship and loans to Abdul Hamid. However, if we can get the Russians without too high a price then I shall be well pleased. All of us, after all, recognise the divine right of Kings, Alexander III more so than most."

And if you support and encourage Russia's ambitions, what then Rudolf thought. Nothing else was likely to bring an alliance after the rebuff of the League of the Three Emperors and the termination of the Reinsurance Treaty. Best the initial part of the negotiations be conducted without your knowledge Willy. You are more likely to accept a fait accompli but first the waters simply needed to be tested.

"What about German minorities in Czechia?" asked the Kaiser.

"We have formal agreements from the new government that German language schools will not be closed where they exist and that all University courses will be available in German and Czech. In addition, all government business will be conducted in both languages. German will, of course, remain the language of the Central Government."

"Very well. The English? I, of course, have family ties via my beloved Grandmother. What can we do to foster closer relations?"

"The English will likely clash at some stage with the French in Africa, where both are carving out huge swathes of land. We need to not alarm them with large naval programs, support them against French ambitions when clashes do occur, assure them of our amity and at the same time sign trade agreements, especially the later. As Napoleon had said, they are a nation of shopkeepers after all."

Wilhelm laughed. "Yes, very good. Now perhaps we rejoin the ladies."

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Threadmarks May 1891- An approach to the bear for a Balkan solution

johnboy

12 May 1891, Olga's Pavilion, Peterhof, Russian Empire

Tsar Alexander III sat next to his son and was, as ever, never one to mince words. "You wished to talk to me about foreign policy, my son says you are a good man but it is Russia's interests I need to look after, not my own. You talk vaguely of interests and a desire for peace and flowery words of friendship, but are like a blushing maid, unwilling to commit or say anything definite. What can you offer Russia in return for her support, in return for her saying those Little Russians inside your borders are well looked after."

"For as long as I can remember the Russian Empire's foreign policy has been centered on the Straits. It is the perennial vexed question. It is no bad thing to have the Straits held by the Ottomans as it gives Russia control of the Black Sea by locking foreign powers, particularly the British, out. However, this is all predicated on the fact that this task is performed adequately by the Ottomans. Moreover, the growing issue is trade. With Russia shipping enormous grain exports, any closure of the Straits will be disastrous economically. It seems to me that after so many wars against the Ottomans that you cannot expect them to reliably close or open the Straits as required to suit Russian policy. Obviously you have ambitions there. Equally obviously they have been frustrated repeatedly, mainly by the English but also the French and also ourselves and therefore the Germans. The French want an alliance with Russia, but not at the cost of the Straits as they are too deeply involved with financing projects in the Levant.

However, given the right circumstances, we would perhaps be prepared to agree on a Russian seizure of the Straits, or at least the European sides of such. As I am sure you are aware it is ethnically Orthodox in majority in any case." Greek, not Russian thought Rudolf, but what the hell.

Alexander III sat back in his chair, looking out over the private pavilion in the middle of a lake at Peterhof. They were the only three people on the island. "Tell me more of these "circumstances."

"Well, in the event of such a war it would be best to be seen as being dragged in by necessity, rather than being the aggressor. There are two ways this could possibly be accomplished. Firstly, the Armenian Question via Article 16, secondly, the Italians have been coveting Tripoli for quite some time. With the right encouragement such ambitions could easily be fanned and then, if victories are forthcoming, as they likely will, the smaller Balkan powers will likely act in concert. Better some part of the corpse than nothing at all. As their natural protectors and guarantors of Balkan peace, we would of course, be forced to intervene as well.

Now Germany will hate the idea, fancying themselves as Ottoman allies. However, if we side with Russia, Germany will do nothing as they cannot risk casting us aside as an ally. The British will be horrified by Russia's increased influence but will be able to do nothing to stop a short war. The French likewise, too afraid of Germany to commit large forces elsewhere. If the Ottomans are on the verge of collapse, the small powers will pile on to take their spoils as I said before. l do not for a moment propose extra lands for us in the Triple Monarchy, instead I propose that we let the small powers have the lands that are ethnically theirs in any case. In broad terms", said Rudolf, pulling out a map and starting to draw lines, "something like this:

Area I would be a new state born out of Bosnia Herzegovina, likely a protectorate of ourselves, let us call it Bosnia

Area II would also be a new state, a homeland for the oppressed Albanian people. I would, of course, like to retain the right to appoint a suitable King from Vienna

Area III would be gained by Serbia, including half the current Sanjak of Novi Pasar and areas generally North of Salonkia

Area IV would be gained by Bulgaria, including Adrianople and Macedonia

Area V would be annexed to Greece, all South of Salonkia and East to the Fingers

Area VI, which would include the European side of Istanbul, would go to Russia

Area VII, including half the current Sanjak of Novi Pasar would go to Montenegro

Italy would of course take Tripoli and the surrounds if they commence this war for us."

"Well, you are nothing if not ambitious, I will give you that. It relies on a awful lot of things falling into place and could embroil us in a war with both Britain and France, as well as the Ottomans."

"Hence the need to draw in the smaller countries. The British have always fancied themselves as the supporters of ethnic self determination. It will make it that much harder for them to go to war to oppose Bulgaria reclaiming lands inhabited almost solely by Bulgarians and the like. In England, public opinion is a very strong force, one not easily gainsaid."

"Yes, I can see that I suppose. I am confident the French will not intervene, not without British support. They desperately need an ally and the Ottomans will not do."

"Of course, this would have to be the precursor to a formal alliance, an alliance that guarantees the current Galacian border status, an alliance that will likely include Germany and perhaps Italy.

"It sounds like a return to the League of the Three Emperors."

"Perhaps it is."

"Very well, let me consult. These things take time and we will, of course, need more detail than very rough lines drawn on a map. It would pay to talk to some of the other countries so involved in a general rather than specific sense as well."

"Yes, well for us the start of this must be Serbia, much like it would be Bulgaria for yourselves. I have secured an invitation for a such a meeting from Alexander later this year."

"Very well, we can talk on this at a later stage. Your father knows?"

"Yes, it has been discussed without proceeding further." That is code for saying he has no idea I am making this approach at all, he thought, although it is true to say it has been discussed at least. "He wanted to run all discussion, which naturally must remain secret, through me."

"Very well then. This will likely take many months, but we will be in contact. Now, I will let you go with my son. You are here for the whole wedding?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Well, let us hope you have the stamina. Russian weddings are a two day affair with much celebration-and much drinking."

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#1,531

Threadmarks May 1891 - Possible Balkans map

johnboy

Prima_guerra_balcanica_bg.png Maps of proposed Balkan Changes. Map1. Area VI to go to Russia in light violet. Area VII in biscuit to go to Montenegro. Area V to Greece in blue. Area IV to in light orange to Bulgaria, Area III in light green to Serbia, Area II Albanian state

View attachment 353614

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#1,533

Threadmarks May 1891 - Possible Bosniak map

johnboy

Map 2 - Possibles split of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Red areas annexed to Triple Monarchy. Crimson to Montenegro. Black to Serbia. Remainder Bosniak Protectorate.

Bosnia.png

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Nov 9, 2017

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124

#1,553

Threadmarks May 1891- A Russian wedding

johnboy

18 May 1891, Grand Hall of the Winter Palace, St Petersburg, Russian Empire

It had been an exhausting day thought Stephanie. Because Nina had no mother or sisters and only an Aunt in Paris, she had assisted her to get ready for the ceremony. It was not hard to see why Nicholas was so taken with the girl. She was graceful, funny and yet with an inner strength. While she was helping her get ready it was all too obvious that she had the body of a modern athlete. That in itself was difficult enough and in the finish she had woken at 4am and gone for a run to clear her head, pursued somewhat reluctantly by Maria Mosconi and Hans. The afternoon and night before the wedding had been bad enough. Nina's father owned a small house in St Peterburg and they had crammed into that for the traditional paying the ransom. It was unfortunate, but some of the people knew only Russian and Georgian so much conversation was in Russian, although some in French, and Rudolf was somewhat excluded.

Much drinking had occurred. Firstly Nina had been hidden and Nicholas had asked to see his bride, giving the family a pouch of 100 5 ruble gold coins. This resulted in her being brought out under a heavy veil. Eventually, upon presentation of the sapphire and gold necklace Nina would wear at her wedding the bride was brought out and many toast drunk until after midnight.

The wedding had consisted of the traditional two stages. Firstly, the ceremony in the Grand Church of the Winter Palace, resplendent in white, gold and flowers, incense heavy in the air during the Orthodox ceremony, so much like she remembered. Then the crowning, traditionally the center piece of a Russian wedding. Finally bread and salt were offered and then whilst the couple themselves went up and down the Neva on the destroyer Kazarskiy, they had retired to the Grand Hall, the couple returning two hours later. Again, toasts were widely made, then dancing, singing and yet more toasts.

Stephanie was wasted and there was no way she was returning for the post wedding day of celebration, post the bride and groom leaving for their honeymoon, which would be in Greece. Being Russian, she had drank vodka before, but there were limits.

Finally the couple came up to her and Rudolf, who seemed remarkably sober.

Nicholas offered him his hand. "Thank you Rudolf. I am not sure how I can ever repay you."

"I know what it is like to find your perfect mate now, even if she is currently drunk. What sort of man would I be if I was to deny you such an opportunity as well."

"Again, thank you."

Nina came forward to hug Stephanie. "Thanks for being 'mum'. Nicholas' is scary-I would much rather you."

Stephanie hugged the girl back. "That is alright. Remember what I told you, you have not only your own happiness in the palm of your hand, but also Nicky's. Sometimes you may have his happiness in your mouth as well." Stephanie said, giggling loud enough for the men to hear.

"Well on that note", said Rudolf. "I will take my wife and retire. Goodbye for now, good friends."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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Nov 10, 2017

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124

#1,577

Threadmarks January 1892- Reflecting on troubles at Sandringham

johnboy

10 January 1892, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

The two men sat inside in the well warmed room, both dressed in black and with an air of resignation. Mournfulness seemed to seep into the very walls, helped along by the sleet blowing against the window by the brisk breeze.

"So how bad is it?" asked the second man, Charles Stewart Hardinge, 2nd Viscount Hardinge. He looked across at his friend of many years, as their fathers had been, and fellow Conservative politician Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury and Prime Minister of Great Britain.

"It's about as bad as it can be. Francis Joseph the First, by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Czechia, Duke of Bohemia, King of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galacia and Lodomeria and Illyria, King of Jerusalem etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carnolia and of Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Oswiecm, Zator and Ceszyn, Friuli, Ragusa and Zara; Princely Count of Hapsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Lord of Trieste, of Cattaro, and over the Windic March; Grand Voivode of the Voivodship of Serbia seemingly lies dying at Sandringham alongside the son of our own Prince of Wales. There is little doubt the death of the Triple Monarchy Kaiser on British soil would be a disaster of the first order. Prince's sons we have plenty but we are in a no win situation here. If he dies on English soil we will bear the blame. Some will call it poisoning no doubt, it matters not that the man obviously has pneumonia. Yet if we attempt to move him and he dies, we risk saying it was our callousness and lack of care that killed the man. No win either way, unless he somehow recovers. Unlikely as the doctors are saying he is worse than Albert Victor."

"Sometimes these things are simply the will of God. There is little you can do."

"Spoken like the Grandson of a Minister, however that is horseshit. This could be a diplomatic disaster of the first order and will effect our relationship for years afterwards. It's bad enough that the Austrians of all people appear to be sniffing around Russia looking to revive the League of the Three Emperors. That is not in the interests of this Empire at all."

"Well what can you do?"

"Oh, enough! Nothing but continue to watch the papers I suppose. Hope. Princess Victoria recovered, after all. If worst comes to worst, Her Majesty's government will have some serious apologies to make and it will unfortunately be me that has to make them. Now, on a more personal note, I received a letter from Tasmania..."

"I do not wish to know, none of my siblings know at all and that is the way it must stay."

"Very well."

Last edited: Nov 10, 2017

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136

#1,588

Threadmarks January 1892 - Arise as Kaiser

johnboy

14 January 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

Gustav Siegmund Kálnoky came into the room quickly, not even waiting to be announced. He appeared to be shaking and had a tremor in his voice. The Foreign Minister knelt before Rudolf.

"Your Majesty."

So, thought Rudolf, it had happened. Fourty-four years on the throne had come to an end. Had he known that there was a chance of this happening when he suggested to his father that he go to England after Christmas. Well yes in truth, but the chance seemed so low. It was strange, he had thought of many ways he could succeed his father yet it was only after he had moved it from his mind for a while that it had actually happened. Now he had dominion over 44 million people with 18 million more in the Congo. His father had been a good man with backward opinions, much like his other father in Germany. It was a strange situation, a man half a German Naval officer with a wife that was half a Russian athlete had risen as far as one could possibly rise in this world. He was drawn back to the present.

"Your Majesty."

Kálnoky was still kneeling. "So it's happened then? Confirmed?"

"Yes sire. Within an hour of the Duke of Clarence."

"Well Gustav, rise then, it looks like we have work to do. The first order of business is to get my father back from England."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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Nov 11, 2017

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136

#1,595

Threadmarks January 1892- Body in a battleship

johnboy

16 January 1892, Admiralty, London, Great Britain

Rear Admiral John Fisher had been quick to respond to the urgent summons that had given away nothing more than a need to report to London immediately. Now he sat in front of the First Lord, Sir Anthony Hoskins.

"Do you have any idea why I have summoned you Jackie?"

"No Sir I cannot say that I do."

"It's the Franz Joseph thing. Whitehall have lost it and are in a panic as to what to do. With the Duke of Clarence dead obviously no members of the Royal family can be spared to escort the body so it was felt it was best to go for a personal connection. You do know the new Kaiser personally do you not?"

"Yes sir I would consider us friends."

"Well in that case there is an assignment for you. The late Kaiser will sail via the fast new cruiser Blake under your command tomorrow from Sheerness. At Malta you will meet your old command Inflexible and deliver both the body and the battleship itself to the Austrians and assume the duty as Her Majesty's representative at the funeral. You are to be promoted immediately to Vice Admiral."

"Sir, the old Inflexible, well, she is obsolete sir."

"London wanted a ship of the line sent, that is what they will get. I would hardly give away one of of new builds, now would I?"

"No, of course not, but the new Kaiser knows about naval matters and..."

"It matters not, it is how Whitehall want to play it in the press. Grand gesture and all that."

"Now, they have also asked what you know about the new man. Can you take the time to submit a report similar to what you did on the KuK navy. Compile it whilst you are away, submit it when you return."

Jackie Fisher sighed inwardly. "Of course."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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#1,619

Threadmarks January 1892 - Thoughts on changes, a Russian reply

johnboy

17 January 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

Stephanie lay her head on her husbands chest. "This is getting exhausting, very exhausting."

"Yes, I know. So, sooner than expected, where do we go from here?"

"I say we move fast, although out of respect we will obviously need to wait some time; until say a month after the funeral at least. There is much to do even in the short term. The Navy Department will need a new head who will need to be fully briefed, likewise Science and Technology. You cannot continue in those roles. Likewise your Army post. Dare I say the coronation is also important and will take up much time, since it will be required to be performed three separate times and we will have to deal with three separate administrations, but it will serve to cement the legitimacy of the succession. Now in regards to that, would it be best to make changes to the Imperial Family Statue before the coronation or after?"

"Well, I certainly have some thoughts. With Johann Salvator in the Congo and Karl Salvator on his death bed, I took personal oaths of fealty from all other 17 Archdukes tonight. Karl Ludwig came to me tonight to request permission for his son to marry a Czech Countess, Sophie Chotek. Apparently he is obsessed with the girl. Of course, such a marriage is completely outside the Family Statute. However, the statute can be changed by the Head of the House. If, as you say we change the statute to allow male preference primogeniture, then the time to do will be now. Franz Ferdinand would have been the most difficult opponent. Relaxing of the marriage laws will bring him and his father to our side, his brothers as well. The Teschens will do what they are told after their recent scandal, happy to retain their positions at all. The Tuscans will fancy that this will help Johann Salvator. The remainder can complain but will be able to do little without solid family support. What else?"

"Well we have already set the tone so I think we need to be seen as modern, as setting the pace for change. That being the case, I think we need to look at some aspects of the Court and the way it functions and open it up more. Much of the old Spanish Court protocol needs to go, in this instance we could learn something from, believe it or not, my father and the Belgian Court. I would also seek to economize of the Crown Estate, use the money saved to fund worthwhile charitable grants, such as school, orphanages, scholarships.

However, after the funeral the most immediate need will be to address the reply from the Russians you received a fortnight ago. Yes,I know it does not seem to be too eager and it took them eight months to reply, but we will need an answer soon. Your father's trip to England to investigate the other side of the coin did not go as planned. Yet we must still provide an answer at some stage."

"Yes, I am aware. If we answer in the affirmative then we will need further talks and agreement from Serbia, as I understand Russia have done with Bulgaria."

"What about the Russian's desire for loans? I am not sure we are in a position to supply them."

"Bonds yes we can do, made easier now that we are on the gold standard. Large scale State Loans less so. No, we must convince the Germans to supply them."

"Surely they would not be so stupid? There is only two powers that such increased rail infrastructure can threaten. Even Willy would not be that stupid."

"Mmm, it's not quite that simple. Russia are building the Trans-Siberian. If the Straits are resolved to her satisfaction, I fancy her main interests will lay to the East after the completion of such a line. There, with China prostrate, the rewards lie thick on the ground. The Russians have no commercial interests in the Balkans even now, however, the possibilities in the Far East are endless. Of course, that interest could be, well, directed by offering lower interest loans for Far East or Persian lines as opposed to European ones. Further success will breed further expansion and eventually she will be addicted to our loans like an addict on opium."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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#1,620

Threadmarks January 1892-Navy Changes,sale to China(again)

johnboy

19 January 1892, Pola, Triple Monarchy

Rudolf Montecuccoli looked out over the vessels that had been made ready for such a long journey. The death of of the Kaiser had already produced major changes for the Navy. Von Sterneck to move to the position as Navy Minister, Von Spaun to Commander in Chief and himself to Fleet Commander. The new Kaiser had made so many changes. Making ready were all three Zrinyi Class sloops. All three had been sold to China, where tensions with Japan continued to rise and a good relationship existed. 180,000 Krone was nothing to write home about, but was at least something. The crews would sail the ships to China, then cross the Pacific to the United States and pick up their two new large cruisers in Philadelphia, along with a third collier and return to Pola.

Gradually the obsolete ships were going, both Radetsky Class frigates being hulked these last six months. Once the large armoured cruisers were completed, the remainder of the obsolete centre battery ships would also go. Supposedly the Royal Navy were gifting the navy a battleship, although he held no great hopes there. Smaller torpedo ships were all the rage after the success of the torpedo in the Chilean Civil War, but he was also interested in more minelayers. In any case, it left the Navy with:

Battleships:

3 3550 ton Kaiser Max centre battery ships

7430 ton Tegettoff centre battery ship

5080 ton Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stefanie centre battery ship

Cruisers:

3 11,400 ton Veribus Unitus Class armoured cruisers with 6x9.2inch guns, two commenced December 1890, a third just laid down two weeks ago

2660 ton Saida armoured corvette

3 1600 ton Panther Class protected cruisers

2 3970 ton Kaiser Franz Joseph I Class protected cruisers

12 2580 ton Pula Class light cruisers(two still fitting out-one due March, the other July)

2 6350 ton Budapest Class protected cruisers (under construction in the U.S, due July)

Destroyers:

4 350 ton torpedo boat destroyers Blitz, Komet, Planet, Meteor

102 260 ton torpedo boat destroyers Mars Class

Torpedo Boats:

53 torpedo boats, XI-XXVI (55t); Adler, Falke (100t); Sperber, Habicht (90t); Bussard, Condor, Geier, Uhu, Würger, Kranich, Reiher, Ibis, Rabe, Elster (80t); XXVII-XXXII (55t); XXXIII-IV (70t)

Kukuk, Staar, Krähe, Flamingo, Sekretär, Weihe, Marabu, Gaukler, Harpie(80t), Kibitz (90t); XXXV-XXXIX (70t)

Others:

1 sail training ship, Möwe (400t)

2 600 ton minelayers Albatros, Nautilus

4 large river monitors

1 3500 ton small liner for use in cadet training, under refit in the US

21 1080 ton colliers, a third under construction in the US

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#1,623

Threadmarks January 1892- Cecil Rhodes, Cape to Cairo and the bloody woman

johnboy

20 January 1892, Cape Town, Cape Colony

So, the reports were correct, verified independently. The women was sitting on a bloody mountain of Copper at greater than 5% grade for God's sake. Not only that, the ore was mixed heavily with Cobalt as well. Plus the diamonds and oil. Curse the woman, who would only be more powerful now. The Americans had gotten the oil, Barney Barnarto, who he had assumed he had removed from the picture, had the diamonds. With both slavers broken, there was little chance of an uprising, indeed the twice damned blacks seemed to like the change in administration. Well, no matter, the offer on the wealth of Katanga had been made and no matter the cost it now had to be exploited. His dream for a Cape to Cairo railway had been frustrated by the bloody woman, but perhaps it could still be realised, if not all on British soil. To the North Egypt was practically spanned. If the Mahdist War could be stopped the line from the Sudan border 54km South could be extended.

Currently the railway was labouring on being brought forward to Bulawayo, from there it's planned path to Victoria Falls. From there it was a 350km run to Katanga and the border. Another 400km awaited for a route to be found through Katanga to the agreed terminus on Lake Tanganyika. It was a hard deal, he financed 100% of the railway to Victoria Falls and then 80% of the cost afterwards. In return, the British South African Company would reap 30% of the profits from minerals transported by the railway, royalty free for ten years after the first shipment. It saddled him with at least 4-6 years of expenditure before any profits were likely, but it was needed if some measure of consolation for the loss of the riches of Katanga was to be obtained.

For Africa, his premise remained the same. He must find new lands from which he could easily obtain raw materials and at the same time exploit the cheap labor that is available from the natives of the colonies. The colonies could also provide a dumping ground for the surplus goods produced in British factories. The world was nearly all parcelled out, and what there was left of it was being divided up, conquered and colonised. He thought of the stars that you see overhead at night, these vast worlds which he could never reach. He would annex the planets if he could.

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#1,646

Threadmarks January 1892-Paving the way with Franz Ferdinand

johnboy

22 January 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

The two men sat across from one another, the warmth from the wood stove heating the room. "So, you wish to marry Sophie Chotek. You are aware that under the current House Laws as designated by Joseph and codified by my father that such a marriage cannot possibly take place."

"Yes, of course. I am also aware that the Kaiser can give permission outside such rules. Look, I know we have disagreed in the past both on the Czech changes and also the introduction of a fifth and sixth Curia, however, if I received your support on this then I will publicly support your changes."

"Those changes are already in place. Tell me, what have been their outcomes?"

"Well in Czechia, indeed in Prague events have settled."

"And women voting, what has been the impact?"

"We have socialists to deal with, but I suppose it fair to say most vote according to their husband's preferences in any case. It was not women who elected the SDP any more than men."

"There, two crisis but no disaster. Now, on to your request. Firstly, I will not be altering the House Laws to make an exception for your marriage."

"What..?"

"I wish to overhaul the House Laws in regards not only marriage, implement changes that will allow your proposed union to go ahead and give your wife equal status plus any children proper rank but also to change the rules and laws of succession."

"How?"

"By adopting the English system of male preference primogeniture."

"This is your wife again, is it not? You wish to protect your daughter's rights."

"It is nothing to do with my wife. As to my daughter,of course I wish to protect her rights. Why would I not? However, this is nothing more than a logical extension of the right to vote. For God's sake our greatest monarch was a woman. Now,as for your own situation I have proposed changes that will allow a marriage to take place between anyone in the family and a second party that has a noble title. This would, of course, make your marriage dynastic and enable you to keep your own place in the succession and indeed within the family. Do you agree?"

"Very well, you have my support."

"I will need it publicly and inside the family. Your father's as well."

"Very well, it shall be done."

"I know we disagree on much, but I am trying to do what I see is best for a modern Austria. I know you have ideas about ways to give more autonomy to Regional areas of the Empire and also on Army reforms. Once this is over, come to me and we shall talk."

"Very well, you have my support."

"These changes to House Laws will have to wait some 6-12 months out of respect for my father you understand? However, with your father on side we will have the support of the heir and second in line and the Teschen's agree."

Of course they do thought Franz Ferdinand. Oh well, it was not like he ever wanted the position of Kaiser in any case and under current house rules he could be expelled from the family altogether. "Of course. Six to twelve months then."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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#1,665

Threadmarks January 1892-Economic cake cutting, not enough coins and crushing responsibility

johnboy

24 January 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

It was seemingly an endless series of meetings, all requiring decisions and he was already wondering how he could have wished for this; indeed how his father had stood the strain and workload. The Kaiser really was the centre of all that happened across three separate Kingdoms.

He recalled his first meeting with a Herr Anton Gaskell, an economist and accountant from the Interior Ministry.

"Thank you for coming Herr Gaskell."

"Thank you Your Imperial Majesty for summoning me."

"Herr Gaskell, I will get straight down to business. Now your superiors assure me you do excellent work. I now have a task for you. As you are aware, we have signed a six year funding agreement between the three kingdoms with a split of Cisleithania 52%, Hungary 32.75%, Czechia 15.25%. Using not only population data from the 1890 census, but also a model showing per capita income, in fact I wish you to assume the following changes these current models. From Cisleithania remove the Condominium of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Dalmatia, from Hungary remove the entirety of the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia, leave Czechia as is. Add a new fourth entity, Croatia-Slavonia,consisting not only of it's current borders, but in addition add Dalmatia, plus the following provinces from Bosnia-Herzegovina: Stolac, Mostar, Zupanjac, Prozor, Livno, Bugojno, Travnik, Fojnika, Brcka, Dervent and Gradacak. Then do a second model and add these 18 provinces to Croatia-Slavonia as well. This should produce a population of 3 million to 3.6 million people approximate, similar to Switzerland. You will also need to take into account increases or decreases in customs revenue via the affected ports."

"Yes, of course."

"Now there is one very important point Herr Gaskell,this report is only for my eyes, not to be disclosed to anyone else,even your superiors, am I quite clear?"

"Err, quite clear Your Majesty."

"Well then, thank you for your time, I have written some notes on my request,pick them up from my Private Secretary and you may go."

"Of course."

--

Secondly with a panicked Head of the Mint, Ludwig Giskra. "My dear Director, your request was of a crisis, what has occurred?"

"Sire, your late father died at a difficult time in terms of currency. As you are aware, we have moved to the gold Krone, made up of 100 Heller here in Austria, 100 Filler in Hungary and 100 Haller in Czechia. Now, whilst all three Kingdoms have common banknotes, the coinage, as I am sure you are also aware, is minted separately. Different coins for all three realms."

"Yes, of course."

"Well the mint locations are here in Wien and at Kremnitz in Hungary. Now, we have notes printed at the State Printing Works at Vienna and also in Budapest. I am sure you know all this but..."

"Just tell me the problem Herr Director."

"Whilst our supply of the notes is adequate, ranging from 1k to 10,000k, the need to mint three types of coins, the Czechs having no mint, means that their coins have to be minted here in Vienna. In addition, the Congo coinage is struck in Wien as well. Frankly, we are not keeping up. In addition, we have already struck huge stocks of coins with your fathers portrait, however, more are required and with his death will will need to rework the dies with your own portrait. I cannot see how all this can be accomplished."

"Well, firstly, what about the mint in Karlsburg?"

"Closed 1872, the equipment transferred and the building now used for other purposes."

"We still have large stocks of the old gulden banknotes, do we not?"

"Yes, these have been accumulated to be burnt."

"So, our main shortage is 1, 2, 10 and 20 low value coins since the higher value 1, 2, 10, 20 and 100k coins in gold or silver can be replaced short term by notes?"

"Yes, however, strictly speaking we are obliged to redeem for gold upon request."

"Well, it may be a short term solution, but why not take the pressure of the number of small coins required by overprinting surplus Gulden notes as 1/4 and 1/2 krone as an interim measure. In the meantime, I will talk to my wife and place some orders for Congo coinage via the British, Germans or Americans. If needed, we can get some regular 1 and 2k silver coins done in this manner to make up the shortfall. In regards to the obverse of the coins, use my father's portrait for all 1892 coins. It will simplify the process and we can change the dies for 1893. Will these measures help?"

"Well, normally I would say overprinting the old notes would open the door to forgery, however, the denominations of such overprints would be so small that it is of minimal concern."

"Excellent. After the need has passed and adequate stocks of coins on hand, recall and burn the overprint notes with the rest of the old stock. Now, the conversation does lead us onto to other things."

"Such as Your Majesty?"

"Well, it is clear we need a mint in Prague. Find what we need to make a start and I will take to the Czechian government about the necessity."

"Very well."

"Secondly, now that we have three Kingdoms I have been thinking hard about what offices and responsibilities the Imperial Administration has and the fact that no law enforcement agency functions in that role. To that end I have been thinking about creating an agency responsible to myself for the protection of Federal buildings- embassies, the Supreme Court, customs buildings, palaces, the Imperial family and the like. One of it's other functions would be currency fraud and counterfeiting, since this spans all three realms."

"Well, it would make some cases less cumbersome where the person had committed crimes in more than one location."

"Exactly."

--

If only those meetings were the grand sum of his day thought Rudolf. There were endless meetings not only about the protocol of his own father's funeral but also the personal dispersion of his estate, all three coronations, what to do with the late Kaisers personal correspondence. It was seemingly endless.

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#1,700

Threadmarks January 1892-Fisher arrives

johnboy

25 January 1892, Pola Naval Base, Triple Monarchy

HMS Inflexible took the salute as she sailed into Pola harbour. Vice Admiral John Fisher confessed himself somewhat misty eyed at the prospect that in less than 30 minutes she would haul down the white ensign and never raise it again, to be replaced with the triple crowned jack. He would be sad to see the old girl go, even if she was past her time. At 11,800 tons she would be the biggest ship in the Austrian Navy, even if likely not destined for a long life.

She had seen many innovations in her day, in particular being the first ship to have her own electricity. However, her main claim to fame was her incredible armour, fully 41 inches or over a meter thick. He had no idea what the Austrians may use her for.

Whilst his men would go back to Malta, he would go on to Vienna to attend the funeral of the late Kaiser on the 30th January at St Stephens and afterwards at the Capuchin Church. Afterwards he would travel back to London by train. Britain had been savaged in the Austrian and German press, although he knew Rudolf held him or Britain no ill will, although it would be with a heavy heart he greeted Rudolf again. With the old Kaiser gone he sensed an era of change in the Triple Monarchy and had made that quite clear in his own intelligence briefings for the fools in Whitehall.

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#1,713

Threadmarks January 1892 - Lastkraftwagons

johnboy

26 January 1892, Schloss Hetzendorf, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

"Rudolf had badly wanted to come today to see your inventions, however, as I am sure you can understand, matters are just a little pressing at present and will be for the next week. Now, these are the two machines?"

"Yes, they are Your Majesty." said Wilhelm Maybach. "They have come down on the train. May I say your husband's idea to use the large 12hp 4 cylinder engine was indeed an inspired one. The larger size necessitated the engine going at the front of the vehicle but I think that this had actually helped balance the weight in any case. It really was quite inspired, now we had some concerns about using the larger engine, however, it has come out well. As you can see, we have packed the outside of the wheels with a layer of your Congo rubber but we are thinking about the pneumatic wheels of Mr Dunlop for future construction."

"Yes, of course. You realise you are quite a hit in our home? Erszi loved your last experiment of the erupting apples and you are popularly known as the 'green fire man'."

Maybach laughed. "It is but a small reward to please the child of a man who had helped us so."

"You understand your role in Saturday's proceedings?"

"Yes, the two, it is lastkraftwagons we call them." Maybach nodded. "The two lastkraftwagons will be last in the parade, in case of any breakdowns. The second last wagon will carry a selection of older and wounded veterans from here in Vienna who fought for the old Kaiser, including a man who supposedly fought against Napoleon. The last will carry a selection of girls from the Congo and two of their tutors. Since they will never have seen such a thing, you can perhaps let them aboard at some stage today when you do tests. I will send their tutor to you, a Mr Awax Schwarz. I presume you have drivers?"

"Yes, two mechanics, although I will likely drive one myself."

"Very well then. This should provide nothing if not a large publicity boost for your products as not only will their be huge crowds on the day, but we have made arrangements for most of the procession to be taken in moving pictures so others who could not be in Vienna can watch the last Kaiser's funeral."

"A remarkable innovation."

"I hope the accommodations are sufficient?"

It's a palace thought Maybach. "Yes, quite sufficient."

"Very good. Ah, here is Herr Schwarz now."

Maybach was confronted by, of all things, a well dressed one armed negro. It had been a strange week, the death of Franz Joseph, the summons to Vienna and it's attendant excitement, putting the vehicles on trains, being accommodated at a palace, meeting Stephanie, now a one armed negro. Schicksal. Best just to surrender to it's whims and hope for no breakdowns in four days time."

"Herr Schwarz."

"Herr Maybach."

"I understand your charges will be rising with us?"

"Yes indeed."

"How many and who? During the procession they will need to sit still in the vehicle."

"All the girls are orphans from Africa. All have white fathers. They are just like any other teenage girls. Silly, but not so silly that they will not do as instructed, do not worry on that score."

Well, he spoke perfect German if slightly accented German thought Maybach. Perhaps he was not such a bad fellow. "Would you like to see how the lastkraftwagon works?"

Awax Schwarz smiled. "Well of course."

2006-51143-daimler-with-front-two-cylinder-phoenix-engine1.jpg

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#1,720

Threadmarks January 1892-Standard Oil and tankers

johnboy

29 January 1892, Standard Oil, 26 Broadway, New York, United States of America

Standard Oil's investments in the Congo could well be a fortunate circumstance, thought John Archbold. Oil prices had gone up were moving upwards and it was clear that Standard Oil must follow the example set by Branobel and the Tank Group. The oil tanker was the future, there was no way to break into the European market in a large way without it. America had far too much oil than she could ever consume herself and to that end transportation by sea was a necessity. Standard Oil had no operational tankers in 1885, now they had 38 with 12 more building.

They would be needed. There was a crying need for more tankers to export U.S oil and currently much oil was flowing from New York to Kap Weiss coaling station, approximately six tankers a week, all badged with the African Queen registration, made easier by their ability to use Congolese registration at nominal fees, yet another advantage. Three of those tankers carried Pennsylvania oil, three more oil from the Congo.

In truth they could use another 50 tankers right now, that, or larger ships than the current 3000 to 5000 tonners. The current tanker schedule at Cabinda Town collected 40,000 barrels for export. This was the net result of four fields. But seven more had been explored, four more of those drilled and capped. Production could be expanded to likely triple current levels if only the carrying capacity was available to transport it. That was the key.

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#1,722

Threadmarks January 1892-Funeral of a Kaiser, start of a new era

johnboy

30 January 1892, St Stephens Cathedral, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

It had been an exhausting day, the planning, the procession, even a photograph of all the Kings and Emperors gathered for the funeral, Portugal, Germany, Russia, Serbia, Denmark, Holland, Greece, Italy, Romania and himself, ten in all. Typically Stephanie's father had not presented himself. Stephanie had been so busy that he had missed her support. Thankfully all had gone well and their had been no disturbances in the huge crowd that had come to witness the last procession of Franz Joseph. He looked down to the Hapsburg's in the front row, across to the left the reigning monarchs, Willy openly crying, Nina, now clearly pregnant, sitting next to Nicholas, Alexander of Serbia, who he was due to visit in March. Finally his sisters, his mother and lastly his wife and daughter. An upsurge of emotion came as he prepared to go on with his own speech.

What was it about the death of a parent, even one that you were not that close to, that provoked such emotion? Was it sadness borne of missed opportunities? Things not said or asked? Nostalgia for the more carefree days of childhood when it seemed your parents were Gods written large on Earth? Or a simple realisation that with the death of a sire one's own mortality was inching ever closer? No matter, he choked things down and moved on with the remainder of his eulogy.

"When the death of my father was announced to me it struck a deep and solemn note in my life, no doubt all our lives which, as it resounded far and wide, indeed stilled the flow of the river of life in many lands, and made countless millions of human beings pause and look around them. The peculiar vagaries of human existence presented itself at the that moment in its serenity and in its sorrow, in its splendor and in its pain, in its fortitude and in its suffering.

The Kaiser was greatly loved by his peoples. He was respected as a man and as a ruler far beyond the many parts of this realm over which he reigned. The simple dignity of his life, his virtues, his sense of duty over the vast number of communities for which he bore responsibility. His example as a husband and a father in his own family circle, his courage in peace or war.

We thought of him as a young man with so much responsibility thrust upon him. We thought of him when calmly he assumed the heavy burden of the Crown. We thought of him, so faithful in his discharge of State affairs, so strong in his devotion to the enduring honour of our country. Well balanced in his judgments of men and affairs, yet wise and shrewd in judging between what matters and what does not merit attention.

All this we saw and admired. Therefore the nature of his passing, suddenly and with little pain, is in at least that small way a blessed relief. He did not suffer. He was at all times sustained by the sincerity of his Christian faith. It is a shame he was not able to spend his final days in his own beloved country, yet I am sure he held us all in his heart and I know all efforts were made to save him by the medical practitioners and indeed the government of Britain.

For 44 years Franz Joseph was Kaiser. Never at any moment in all the perplexities of his office, in public or in private, did he fail in his duties. Well does he deserve the farewell salute of all his governments and peoples.

It is at this time that our compassion and sympathy go out to his consort and widow, my beloved mother. Their marriage was a love match, that much was so clear in my father's eyes. My sympathies go to my mother and indeed my sisters, as well as all of you gathered here today. We have all lost a father.

Now I must leave the treasures of the past and turn to the future. There is no doubt that of all the institutions which have grown up among us over the centuries the monarchy is the most deeply founded and dearly cherished by the whole association of our peoples. My father and your Kaiser embodied that and I swear I will not stray from it's path in the years to come.

Thank you."

He would be exhausted yet again when he reached his bed tonight. Today marked the end of the reign of Franz Joseph, tomorrow the commencement of his own. Serbia, a reply to Russia and Army reform would be the first three items. When he could get through the next week, when all his guests had left, then he would take a few days at the Kaiservilla with his family before turning his focus to such matters.

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#1,735

Threadmarks February 1892-Young guns

johnboy

16 February 1892, H. Gruson and Son, Magdeburg, German Empire

"So, Mr Gruson, you hold the patent rights of Herr Haussner. I am interested in buying the patent rights for his novel recall system and will not even quibble over the price, yet young Haussner seems to be full of good ideas. I was wondering if he would be interested in moving to Vienna to take up employment with us at the Artillerie Zuegfabrik. I am sure a suitable offer could be made that handily exceeded his current salary at Ingolstadt."

"I will pass on your offer Herr Kraus and telegraph you a reply."

"Very well."

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#1,736

Threadmarks February 1892- Military budgets and the Hungarian Diet

johnboy

22 February 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

Stephanie relaxed back into Rudolf, resting her back on his torso. "You look troubled by something more than our new found status. Your Army meeting with Beck tomorrow?"

"Yes, in part. I wish to have a series of meetings with him. There are so many issues to deal with. Firstly, standardised uniforms, you remember discussing that with me?"

"Of course"

"Secondly, artillery. We have pieces on inventory that pre date the Austro-German war. In addition, the only two suppliers we have are here in Vienna or via Skoda. There is no Hungarian supplier as the Honved have been forbidden artillery since the Ausgleich. Our pig iron production figures are less than 3/4 of a million tons per year, our steel production only half a million tons. That is less than any other major power. Our field artillery pieces are cast in bronze. Why is this, you ask? The answer is because other country's steel production is driven by their military and here in Austria we cannot get our military, especially the Common Army, funded adequately. Why are our military budgets so small? God, I would prefer a smaller military, there are other things we could use the money for here, but we both know we will need that military power at some stage. So, again, why are our military budgets so small? The Honved is why.

It is meant to be just a home guard, that is how it was originally authorised by father. Yet he and his advisors failed to set ratios of how many troops would serve in the Honved via-a-vis the Common Army, who's language of command is of course German. Efforts to direct Hungarian conscripts in any numbers to the Common Army by the War Ministry here are routinely defeated in Budapest. Defence budgets have to be approved by both the Imperial Council in Vienna and the Diet in Hungary, now by the Czechs as well. Since the 1880's the Hungarians have been blocking any moves to expand and better equip the Common Army. From their perspective the Common Army is an enemy. It teaches loyalty to the Kaiser and the German language. They see this as denationalising Hungarians. It unifies us all, hence they attack it as infringing on their carefully gained rights. This is why we can get neither recruits or funding.

There are so many things we could be doing. For artillery, hydraulic recalls, split carriages, better coastal artillery, steel tubed guns, trench mortars, proper divisional artillery, decent mountain guns. All this would, however, require funding.

It's not only artillery and uniforms. Better communications, a better rail network to facilitate troops movements, armoured trains, medical services including ambulances, field kitchens, larger stocks of munitions, earlier roll out of the M1891, machine guns in particular, storm troops using the flamethrowers and more. Much could be done, if only we could find the funds to do so. Our defence expenditure for this year is 2% more than it was 22 years ago. Germany, even Italy, is 50% more. How can we achieve these things in the face of such intransigence?"

"You must make them increase the military budgets. Make Csáky and his followers see this. If they will not see it, then take steps to force them to compromise."

"Whats steps can I take to do such a thing?"

"Well I can think of two for a start. Abolish the Honved and roll the units into the Common Army, or more importantly imply you may. Do the same with the Landwehr and the Czech Armada."

"That will create an uprising."

"Well, first I would threaten to abolish it. That may be shock enough that you are willing to take such a measure. If there is an uprising, then what was done in 1848 may need to be done again, but let us hope it does not come to that. Abolishing it is the stick. The carrot for compliance and a reasonable budget that can be tied to inflation and population increase at the very least would be removing the restriction on artillery for the Honved, which will stimulate production and design efforts inside the country."

"Perhaps."

"Now I said two measures. The second is taxation. Currently there is no capacity to tax citizens at a Federal level. Threaten such a tax, which would force a lowering of Hungarian taxes in all likelihood. It is the one thing that will impinge on their budgets, one measure they are both terrified of and will resist by all means. If you let it be known you are quite resolute unless proper funding and recruitment methods are forthcoming, they will likely buckle. They will have to. 1848 is well within memory for many and in Budapest there are many who think themselves bulletproof. It would pay to disabuse some of those notions."

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#1,756

Threadmarks February 1892-Last of the centre battery ships

johnboy

24 February 1892, Pola, Triple Monarchy

Rudolf Montecuccoli looked over the older ex RN battleship. Decisions had been made in relation to relation to the ship. She had just been fully refitted in 1890 for Mediterranean service and would become the new flagship of the Austro-Hungarian navy. All three of the old Kaiser Max Class centre battery ships would all go to Spain, which was looking for flagships for both the Philippines and Cuban Stations. Originally a price of some 300,000 Krone had been agreed, but in return Spain had offered the one off torpedo boat Destruktor and this had been accepted with a new price of 250,000 Krone.

With the exception of the old Tegetthoff, earmarked as a repair ship when the new battlecruisers commissioned, this would see the last of the older ships gone. It was in many ways a blessed relief as naval technology was changing so rapidly that keeping centre battery ironclads was little more than a death sentence for the crews involved due to their lack of offensive power, age, poor sea keeping and slow speed.

Things were changing and whilst the Navy was not getting substantially bigger, it was getting both more modern and far more capable.

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26 February 1892, Royal Palace, Budapest, Triple Monarchy

Rudolf looked over the men, taking comfort from his wife's position at his side, Eugen von Bawerk on the other. This was a crucial meeting in so many ways, so as to gain the extra money needed for the Army budgets and other reforms. He had to engage the members here, all from the ruling Hungarian Liberal Party. Whilst the nominal leader was Csáky, in reality the real power behind the throne was still Kálmán Tisza. After the usual pleasantries and congratulations on his elevation, as well as questions regarding the coronation, it was time to commence.

"Gentleman, I thank you all for coming. I come to you today to fulfill my own agenda, I will not lie to you in regards to that. I suppose the real question is then, how can I assist you to achieve the objectives that you desire in concert?

First, let me talk about what I see our joint needs as. Why are we in this Triple Kingdom? I would like to think the reasons are loyalty to the Kaiser, because of ties fostered in some cases over a thousand years. We have grown up in the same household and, like all siblings, may not always like each other, but deep down love each other and will not let others, outsiders, bully or mistreat us. Some of you may think an independent Hungary a great thing, yet deep down you know that Russia lies just across the border, German nationalism behind another, Pan-Slavism from Serbia behind another and finally Romania, desperate to establish a coalition of other willing powers that can help her take Transylvania. All these threats exist now. Yet together we can see them off, as indeed we have always done.

Yet to do so requires a military capable of performing such action. Let us not fool ourselves, the loss of Lombardy and Venetia in the 1860's hurt us badly, these two provinces contributed 18% of our total taxation revenue and their loss has only bolstered a state who is still not satisfied with the current border, Italy. We have a poor geographical situation in Europe, surrounded by those whom covet what we have. They see in disunity a chance to take it as well, mark my words. Our front line of defence against such ambitions will always be a strong a unified military, at all levels. We can no longer afford to be suspicious of each other and assume agendas that do not exist.

In broad terms our Army budgets need to be sufficient to protect the lands we all live in. We need to move away from the politics of confrontation, where every year to achieve a military budget for the Common Army and Navy, they need to go cap in hand to not only two but now three Parliaments to achieve funding and have all three agree. What is required instead is a baseline figure in relation to defence expenditure, approval of which is automatic, not requiring Parliamentary approval. This in turn needs to be tied to population increases, the later pegged at 1% per annum based on current demographic modelling. Any increases beyond that in real terms can require funding via Parliamentary approval, but not the base amount. What do we base those figures on? In 1880 we had a budget for the army of 12.4 million British Pounds. This should require a budget in today's terms of 14.525 million Pounds or 73.5 million Krone. This is above the current 63.8 million Krone, of course. This not include the Kingdom based budgets for the Honved and Landwehr or Armada, of course, which are separate and not funded from common revenue.

In regards the Navy, with our increased and profitable commitments overseas, I believe an increase of the current 1.6 million pounds, or 8.1 million Krone should be expanded to 1.825 million Pounds or 9.2 million Krone.

It is not the only item I wish to fund. I would like to introduce an old age pension to look after disadvantaged, poorer old citizens who cannot look after themselves. Such a state based benefit would pay 60 Krone per annum to those aged over 70 who's current annual means are less than 150 Krone. I have done some costings on this with the help of Herr von Bawerk and would calculate the cost of such a scheme, likely to assist 500,000 people as 3 million Krone with an additional 600,000 in administration.

Yes, I know the first things you are thinking is where will we be able to come up with 14.4 million Krone, a not inconsiderable amount. One off the most idiotic decisions ever made in this country was the sale of the state owned railways systems in 1854 onward. We have been trying ever since to buy them back. 20% of the debt in the Lands of St Stephen's Crown is railway debt. Don't worry, the situation is similar in Austria and Czechia, as I am sure most of you are aware. Yet we still have more lines we need to buy back, this will be an ongoing process that we cannot afford to stop as rail infrastructure will be our lifeblood. Yet we still only own 38% of our own railways, even now. Increased state ownership of the railways will reduce the subsidies we pay to foreign firms as well. So, how do we, as Hungarians, service such additional debt? Let us look at options we can perhaps pursue across all three kingdoms.

The most obvious step to increase revenue that directly affects much of our debt would be to introduce a railway land usage tax of say 100 Krone per annum per kilometer of track. This would likely net around a million Krone. It would also make the current owners more liable to sell existing networks at a more reasonable price, especially if it was hinted that such a tax, once introduced, may go up.

We currently have state monopolies on salt, tobacco, lotteries and postal and telegraphic services. The former and later are basic necessities. However, increasing tax by 10% on both lotteries and tobacco would garner an additional 9.5 million crowns. Lastly, the middle class is growing at all levels in the state and they to need to be able to contribute to the taxation system as well. Currently we have a progressive income taxation system that applies to all that earn over 1260 Krone per annum, with two rates, at 2% until 10,000 Krone then at 3.5% until 20,000 Krone then at 5%. I propose to change this to a 1% tax for 780 to 1,260 Krone, then 2% to 5,000, 3% to 10,000, 4% at 10,000, 6% at 20,000, then 8% over 100,000. These simple changes will net us in the region of 15 million Krone.

Finally, I have used these potential tax changes to develop an agreement with Germany that reflects our status as close allies. It would eliminate not only double taxation but also, more importantly, tariffs. I need not remind you what that would mean for Hungarian agricultural products given Germany's hunger for grain and her ever present agricultural shortfall if German tariffs were abolished.

I have talked enough. I will let my wife say her piece as Queen of the Congo.

Stephanie commenced. "As you are aware, revenue from African Queen have risen sharply and will no doubt continue to do so as we are constrained only by the capacity of ships to carry oil. Currently such shipping goes through Trieste, providing a substantial boost to their customs and excise incomes. It is a solution that is adequate without being perfect. There are no dedicated facilities for unloading oil tankers. However, if such facilities were to be built at another port, say Fiume, well that could become a preferred option. Of course, that would shift said customs revenues."

Kálmán Tisza spoke up. "There have been rumors you intend for a separate Kingdom of Croatia..."

Here we go, thought Stephanie. "I think we need a long evaluation process to see how the Czechia experiment goes before any such thoughts can be turned to such a problem. And lately it has been a problem, has it not? Regular riots and demonstrations that have only subsided with the appointment of the new Ban. In any case, if such facilities were built by a Hungarian company, any profits flowing from such an enterprise, as indeed that of Ganz in Fiume, would flow back to the Kingdom that had the headquarters of such a company under our dual taxing arrangements, Hungary."

It was Rudolf who spoke again. "Now, if the plan I have outlined is adopted, it would do two things, allow you to post much larger surplus and retire your debt that much faster, as well as assist in repurchasing railway infrastructure and to lay new track. One thing we are desperately short of, even more so in Hungary, is iron and steel production. Military spending assists that and to that end I think it would be time, in such circumstances, to remove the ban on the Honved using and deploying artillery, creating the need for a state arsenal to produce such. 1848 was such a long time ago and the memories of it need to be put to bed. We need to trust one another, gentleman. Who can ask for more than that? I am sure you have more questions. Let us address them so we can hopefully arrive at a consensus by the end of the week."

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128

#1,779

Threadmarks March 1892-Hungarian thoughts

johnboy

2 March 1892, 16 Landfill Square, Budapest, Triple Monarchy

Minister President Csáky looked Kalman Tisza directly in the eye. "So what do we do about this mess? We have been going back and forwards for days, looking at figures. Yet he is like a police inspector, I think he knows he has us and is just patiently waiting for us to come to the same conclusion."

Tisza smiled. "Well, there are some large benefits for us here. His plan actually gives us larger surpluses which we may well need. Already there are rumours that Erste Ungarisch-Galizische Eisenbahn are prepared to sell, even before this meeting. If they sell likely DBE will follow. These will be expensive purchases and we will need the extra money to pay off the loans. I would, of course, prefer not to fund the Common Army, however, the concession of having the Honved gain it's artillery back is almost worth the cost. His idea to tax the lines the private railways run on is actually quite ingenious and he may well be correct in asserting that it will make companies more likely to sell.

The idea of a state based pension I support. This will gain us popularity and even the nobility will not want to be seen as against such a project, one that has been mooted for some time and already exists in Germany. The income tax changes are...regrettable, however, of a necessity if the funds wish to be raised for these agendas. In any case, they represent no more than a 1% increase unless one earns over 100,000 Krone per annum. Since those that do are usually highly influential, I say we stick with our position of a lower income threshold, 80,000 Krone, but a lowering to 7% as the tax rate.

However, the biggest thing that can potentially come out of this for ourselves is the potential for a removal of excise on product exports to Germany. Instead of the French profiting, with the removal of excise our grain will be the cheapest on the market in Europe. It has huge potential to grow our agricultural sector and make it far more profitable. Export prices have always been much higher than domestic. Mind you, it only further empathizes the need to own and expand our railway system. The potential to use Fiume as a port for oil will also further increase of revenues.

To sum up, I would say that with some of the minor amendments we have been able to gain agreement on, that this is a deal we must accept."'

Minister President Csáky sighed. "Yes, it is a good argument. I recognise this. "However, they have virtually conceded that they wish to see Croatia independent of the Hungarian Crown 'at some later stage'. How do we combat this?"

"They are not proposing that now, so I say we do not combat it now. We go to his mother, who has always been sympathetic to our cause. Let her use her influence. These considerations are separate to this agreement. We need to do what is right for us now. This agreement will help us. If worse comes to worse giving the Honved back artillery means we will be better prepared as well."

"Yes, I can see that."

"The other issue is one of personalities. This man is not his father, that much is clear. I cannot conceive how he, and for that matter his little wife, have changed so much. With his father it was all about duty and constitutional precedents. I sense that this man would step well over any line to get what he wants and his wife may seem innocuous but is very much the power behind the throne. He is not wrong on one point. Whilst we harbour no interests in the Russians, Italians or German, the Romanians, given a solid ally, would love to take the Transylvanian lands from us. In any war with Vienna, I am quite sure they will attempt to take such a chance.

In regards to Croatia, we need a strategy, one that no matter what at least guarantees us the port of Fiume, as we need an outlet to the sea for Hungary's sake. In any case, that is where 4,000 of the 30,000 Hungarians in Croatia-Slavonia live, the largest single concentration."

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#1,780

Threadmarks April 1892- Trouble in China?

johnboy

1 April 1892, Admiral Ding Ruchang, Weihaiwei, Imperial China

So, the three vessels from the Austrians had arrived. In two days their crews would leave aboard the American chartered liner Philadelphian to cross the Pacific and crew two new cruisers that had been American built for them.

It was all to the well that such ships had arrived. It would allow him to detach two current cruisers he had to the Nanyang Fleet, itself decimated by the 1884 confrontation with the French, yet still leave him with a solid core of four battleships and these eight cruisers, six gunboats and 12 torpedo boats.

They may be needed all too soon as tensions with Japan over Korea were high. The Japanese had demanded compensation for Korea not exporting soybeans after last year's harvest failure. They had demanded compensation for their importers, compensation that Korea had so far refused to pay, turning to their former overlords, the Qing, for support.

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Nov 18, 2017

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111

#1,784

Threadmarks April 1892- Ethiopian adventures

johnboy

24 April 1892, Old harbour, Dubrovnik, Triple Monarchy

The 350 ton tramp steamer was well past her prime, but looked very much like the sort of vessel that plied her trade in the more sheltered waters of the Red Sea. Major August von Spiess looked at her again as the 16 man crew made her ready. They were all naval ratings, hard to believe that they were under the command of such a youthful look man. 24 year old Frigate Lieutenant Miklos Horthy had been selected for much the same reason that he had, fluency in English.

For after journeying to Berbera, they would pose as English traders before making there way to Addis Ababba to meet Menelik II to discuss mutual military ties and co-operation. It was simply feeling the water at this stage.

Now all they had to do was wait for the Russians. Exactly how or why they were involved he had no idea, but his orders had "come from the top" and indicated that he was to give them every courtesy.

He was to wait only an extra hour before three figures were to move down the wharf, eventually making there way to their little cafe table sheltered from the Spring sun. The older man stepped forward and offered his hand "Hello, my name is Bronislav Grombchevsky" he said in perfect German.

"A pleasure to meet you" said von Spiess in English. "Likewise", was the Russian's reply, a crinkle of amusement in his voice. "This is Oleg, Oleg Planov, he indicated to a 195cm giant of a man. He does not speak English. Or indeed anything but Russian. However, he does have some useful skills, trust me."

"I thought there were only going to be two of you?"

"Well yes, I picked this young man up in Odessa when he saved me from a gang of dockyard thugs when Oleg was away. He was unemployed and at a low ebb and can speak English so I brought him along as my batman. Come forward and say hello Sigmund. This is Sigmund Rosenblum."

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Nov 18, 2017

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122

#1,788

Threadmarks May 1892-Balkan machinations, edging to a Russian agreement

johnboy

1 May 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

His eyed the telegram again. Discussions with ex King Milan of Serbia had been fruitful and that he was in favour of the Balkans proposal. To that end, he was attempting to reconcile with his wife and return to Serbia to assist his son in the running of the country and dismiss the Regency Council put in place after his departure. When this occurred, hopefully within the next few months, everything would be in place for the implementation of such a strategy when the time was ripe, although no doubt more discussions would be needed.

It seemed only a matter of time with Ottoman Hamidiye cavalry essentially given free reign in Eastern Anatolia. With Bulgaria and Serbia on side, the involvement of Greece would eventually be a fait accompli if the Greeks wished to obtain any of their own objectives. Alexander III was coming to Vienna in August, supposedly on an official State Visit, but in reality to sign the secret Straits Treaty as an official precursor to a proposal for the renewal of the League of the Three Emperors, the carrot that would hopefully mollify Germany, who remained in the dark as to the extent of his Russian alliance and it's effects and target.

He had not been idle in regards the ambitions of the Italians in Tripoli, either, placing a man as a journalist at La Nazione in Florence, who had started dribbling out stories in regards to rapes of Italian women in Tripoli among the small Italian population there and anti-Ottoman propaganda in general. The Navy picking up four Italian smugglers out of Tripoli on their way to Sicily near the Galite Islands had also been a useful boon. They would serve their own purpose when the time came to do so.

That was in place, as was the Hungarian agreement to his funding model for military budgets and tax reform, all set to take effect very soon. There had been some minor changes, but nothing he could not live with. It was important that budgets returned to surplus, as this would enable the State to spend money on re-purchase and expansion of the railway network, so necessary in the event of any war. It would also be needed to potentially assist Russia in the event of a full scale alliance and France withdrawing funding from Russia, although one would question whether France were in too deep to do so without causing their own financial crisis. That remained to be seen.

He looked over his other telegrams. One from von Spiess in Dubrovnik to indicate imminent departure. Russia were keen to assist their fellow Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia and as a gesture of goodwill they had jumped at the chance to assist to help cement the relationship.

Another telegram was from from Rear Admiral Krauss to indicate he would soon leave San Fransisco to take possession of the two large cruisers in Philadelphia. A fourth from Nicholas and Nina to celebrate the birth of a daughter, Maria, on the 29th April. If only his own wife was so fecund, although he bore much of the blame there. To that end, he would announce the changes to the Laws of the House of Hapsburg within the week so that the fallout did not effect any later changes that may occur in regards to the Russian relationship in case something happened in Anatolia and the timeline of events needed to be moved up. The changes would propel Erszi to Heir.

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Nov 19, 2017

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131

#1,796

Threadmarks May 1892- Profitable Congo

johnboy

3 May 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

Oil was making a huge difference, there was little doubt in that regard and with not only petroleum but oil fired devices on the upsurge, it was a product in demand. She looked over the reports from, Johann Salvator. He had done an incredible job as Governor and was now asking for reassignment back to Vienna before his fortieth birthday. It was far from an unreasonable request and she now had to find another replacement. It would be a difficult task. The revenue report from March made startling reading, especially with rubber prices also rising.

Figures were:

Crude Oil 172,800

Ivory 94,100

Diamonds 79,100

Rubber 58,400

Palm Oil 16,300

Palm Nuts 14,100

Port Fees 890

Philatelic and Numismatic Sales 380

Company Taxes 4,616

Miscellaneous 1,810

TOTAL 442,500 Krone approximately

Expenditure was 388,000 Krone per month and in each month of so far in 1892 a surplus of some 60,000 Krone or greater had been created. Her own personal bank account had swelled to over 350,000 Krone. With the Matadi to Marienburg railways 226 kilometers into it's 380km journey the next big question was what to spend such a sum on. Already the expenditure figures in the Congo were four to five times what they had been under her father's administration in 1887, spent on salaries rather than slavery, infrastructure, education, healthcare and food, as well as a military presence and the raising of the first native regiment, consisting of five battalions, mainly armed with the old M1867 Werndl–Holub, for which substantial ammunition stock remained. After railway expenditures dropped, the production of ivory could be scaled back as well.

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Nov 19, 2017

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133

#1,805

Threadmarks May 1892- Affirmation of the heir

johnboy

18 May 1892, Throne Room, Hofburg, Triple Monarchy

It was a short and brief ceremony that was to last no more than 30 minutes from start to finish. In all Triple Monarchy lands there was no formal requirement for children under the age of 16 to swear an oath of allegiance to the Kaiser unless they joined the Armed Forces or Civil Service before such time.

Rudolf had made quite sure that it was a ceremony watched by all three Minister-Presidents in the presence of both Karl Franz and Franz Ferdinand. He had felt proud as the eight year old girl, obviously nervous and overawed yet taking pains not to show it, had come forward before her parents, fully dressed in the imperial regalia and seated on the thrones before some 150 people, dressed in a specially tailored uniform denoting her as Colonel in Chief of the Trabantenleibgarde.

She had in turn knelt before her parents and recited the oath that she had practiced with her mother for some time before. "I swear by Holy God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Austria, the Apostolic King of Hungary and Serene King of Czechia Rudolf III, His Heirs and Successors of body, and that I will, as my duty, honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, and of those that may be able to give me lawful orders as per his direction."

Ten minutes later she was to reappear to make a similar pledge yet again, her parents, she had noted, having shifted seats and her mother now wearing a much less elaborate crown than before. Again she knelt.

"I swear by Holy God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen of Congo Stephanie, Her Heirs and Successors of body, and that I will, as my duty, honestly and faithfully defend Her Majesty, Her Heirs and Successors and her loyal subjects against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of Her Majesty, Her Heirs and Successors, and of those that may be able to give me lawful orders as per her direction."

When it was all over she had broken into a large grin and ran to her father.

"Excellent my girl. Very well done. All that practicing with mama worked well eh?"

"Yes papa." She lowered her head and whispered in her father's ear. "So...if anything happened to you I would be Empress?"

"Errr...yes."

"Well be careful then. I would surely do my best you see, but I really don't want to spend all day with all these old men."

Rudolf laughed and ruffled her chocolate hair. Hazard of the job, he thought. "I will be here for many years yet liebchen."

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Nov 19, 2017

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125

#1,827

Threadmarks May 1892-Army funding agendas, uniforms, conscription lengths, machine guns, artillery

johnboy

19 May 1892, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Friedrich von Beck-Rzikowsky sat across from the Kaiser.

Rudolf spoke first. "Well, it is done, the budget approved from the 1893 calendar year and increases pegged with population growth for the next ten years. The only stipulation is that is we wish to get increases above and beyond those figures we need to go back through the process again."

"I really don't know how you did this."

"It does not matter now Friedrich. Now all that matters is how we are going to spend it. New uniforms over a five year period, I would suggest the new machine gun and lastly we need to do a power of work on artillery. The move to a two year conscription period will also eat up some of the funds, as will the creation of what is effectively an extra Corps. Draw up some of the plans we have discussed, mainly in regards to the former two items. I will come back to you with some ideas I have had passed on to me in regards to avenues we may explore in regards to modern artillery. I have a young man coming that has some interesting patented ideas that we may wish to follow up and fund."

"Very well."

"How is your son getting along?"

"Still can't believe he joined the Navy Sire."

Rudolf laughed. "Surely a bit of inter service rivalry is good in any household. My wife invited me to tour the Congo with her later this year, saying that I would be more than welcome as long as I walked one step behind her. I am fairly sure she was joking."

Beck-Rzikowsky was not quite sure what to say, whether to be shocked, scandalised or amused. The Kaiser seemed amused so perhaps a simple change of subject would work best.

"Yes, he is going well Your Majesty. A full Lieutenant now. He telegraphed a message just two days ago to say that they are now in Philadelphia and that both ships had been commissioned and are currently undergoing final trails and that he should be home early July. He indicated that all have the most modern features, full electrical power, flushing toilets and that the speed is quite remarkable."

"Excellent. Well, shall we say a month and then we shall reconvene?"

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Nov 20, 2017

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132

#1,845

Threadmarks May 1892- Preparing for a return to the Congo

johnboy

26 May 1892, Villa Hapsburg, Brijuni Islands, Triple Monarchy

"Herr Schwarz, it is lovely to see you yet again, how is your work at the orphanage going?"

"It goes very well indeed Your Majesty. There is a quiet contentment here on the island that can easily be filled by the voluminous library that we have present and working with the girls gives me great satisfaction. There is great joy to be found in assisting those that life has not been kind to."

"I am very glad to hear you say so. Now, one of the things that has been at the forefront of my mind is what do do with such girls when the reach an age when they are no longer able to reside in the orphanage at age 18."

"What to do with them Your Highness?"

"Yes. At some stage we must all take our place in society, after all. I had envisaged that many would go back to the Congo to use their language skills to work as translators, officials and the like. However, recently my husband has been keeping me up at night rigorously pouring over plans to make reforms to the Army. I felt I had little to contribute, aside from the fact that he was also planning reforms to our own private bodyguard unit that he wished to amalgamate with some units already in place. I am getting to the point, I promise."

Awax Schwarz laughed.

"Well, on with the story. Now because of Maria here's position" she indicated her companion, "that would possibly involve a military commission, and I thought to myself, why could women, some of whom are doctors and nurses, why could women not serve in administrative function and medical ones?"

"Well, I suppose, they could serve perhaps in those areas."

"Huh, do not overwhelm me with your enthusiasm Awax. I was thinking that perhaps for the girls that do not wish to go back to the Congo there would be an opportunity to join the Army as nurses to learn an occupation that may equip them for civilian life. I am under no illusions that for those that wish to stay in Austria, if indeed there are many, life will not be easy and security of occupation may at least assist in some way. For many of these girls life will be hard. They are neither black nor white and in many cases have no home and in all cases no ties. Some may be adopted, but most will not and will therefore have to make their own way in this world."

"True indeed."

"Now, on a brighter note, are you ready to accompany me to London, Cabinda and Marienburg in June?"

"I am looking forward to it immensely."

"That is good, as I have another task for you."

"Another task?"

"Yes, not all of my ladies will accompany me on the trip, therefore, I will need extras. I wish for you to pick a suitable young lady with an adequate level of fluency in German to accompany me on said trip. She is to come to Vienna two weeks prior with you where she will receive a full wardrobe and we will ready to depart. Afterwards, she can stay with me permanently if desired."

"I...well of course." Awax Schwarz smiled.

"Lunch will be fine. I will be having it down near the beach."

"Today?"

"Short notice I know, but I am sure you will manage. I have every confidence in you."

It was later that afternoon that he returned, a young girl in a simple green cotton dress accompanying him.

"Your Majesty, this is Laura." The girl sunk to her knees in the sand in front of Stephanie.

"My dear girl, there is no bowing and scraping here. That is purely for formal occasions." She went over and looked at the girl, raising her to her feet. She looked into her face, a light caramel colour with pleasing, regular features and a riotous mass of dark curly hair.

"My goodness you have beautiful green eyes. You have the same name as my friend's sister. You know German well?"

"Yes Your Majesty, I have worked hard to become fluent. I also know Portuguese and a small amount of Latin plus some English. Plus my mother's tongue."

"Excellent. What of your parents, your home?"

"I lived with my mother, but she died some years ago. We lived with my father at Cabinda, he was Scottish but worked for the Portuguese as the harbour master. When my mother died two months later we heard the territory was to be sold to Austria. Two weeks later he told me he had sold the house and left to go back to Portugal. Or England. Back to Europe. He just...left me. I...had a difficult time of it after he left as I had no place to go, no income...no real friends. No relations. I ran away."

The girl looked ready to cry, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She looked over the petite girl's head at Awax Schwarz, who shook his head. It was all too obvious how the poor girl had likely earned her living for the six months before she was brought into care, sadly not surprising with her pretty features. "Well then, we must become your family must we not. Sit, Maria and I have cake. Have some, tell me of your studies and in two months time we will depart on a small adventure. Later, we will go swimming. Do you know how to swim?"

"No, Your Majesty."

"Well, wading then in your case. There is always time to learn. Anything. Don't worry my dear, no one is going to hurt you again. We will give you the tools to make sure such a thing does not happen again. You have my word on that."

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Nov 21, 2017

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122

#1,856

Threadmarks June 1892- Ship trials in America

johnboy

8 June 1892, off Avalon Beach, mouth of Delaware Bay, United Status of America

The ship bucked and shook as she plowed through waves. Captain Schmidt looked again at the dial. 23.1 knots, a respectable speed in the conditions. He went again to the port wing of the bridge. Her sister ship, Wien, was perhaps 500 meters astern as the two ships raced parallel to the beach that was some 1-2 nautical miles away. His own ship, Budapest, had proven herself the master on trials, hitting 24.8 knots on full power trials as opposed to her sister's 24.5. Both ships were now fully ready and would formally commission within days.

It had been an interesting visit and illuminating to talk to other naval officers. Schmidt had never been to America, likely would not go again, so he had been at pains to learn as much as possible. The United States Navy was larger, but still nowhere near the power or size of the Royal Navy and in between readying the ship he had been pleased at the social engagements that had allowed much 'shop talk'. The crews of both ships had been well behaved and no incidents had thankfully occurred.

Both ships were now ready to depart within days. They would cross the Atlantic along with the new built collier Arpad and then dock at Gibraltar. Budapest would then embark the Kaiserin and go on to London and eventually the Congo, her two companions instead proceeding on to Pola.

Captain Schmidt wondered if whilst in London he could see Admiral Fisher whilst the Kaiserin attempted to reverse last years loss in the tennis tournament at Wimbledon to Lottie Dodd, described in the newspapers as "one of the greatest matches ever played." Schmidt owed Fisher for his time in the Triple Monarchy Navy. Schmidt himself had come up through the Navy and had risen to Engineering officer but would likely have never gone further in the old Navy, where birth played such a large role in appointments and the son of a simple school headmaster would be unlikely to progress to the top of the commissioned ranks. With the changes initiated by the Kaiser and Fisher, now such things were possible.

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Nov 21, 2017

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125

#1,861

Threadmarks June 1892-Army reforms(part 1 of 2)

johnboy

12 June 1892, Hofburg Palace, Triple Monarchy

Rudolf looked at Friedrich von Beck-Rzikowsky before he slid the voluminous pile of papers over. "I tried to be as concise as possible, but I afraid it is still 162 pages."

Beck-Rzikowsky looked at the papers again. "Any extra surprises?"

Rudolf gave a tight lipped smile. "Well, I suppose there are recommendations across the board."

"Firstly, there are the changes to the Military dDstricts to reflect the changes made with Czechia. This will effect Military Districts I, II, VIII and IX. IX's headquarters will move from Josefstadt to Olmutz. The maps of the various changes are fully attached.

In regards to the uniforms all parties are now agreed and we can commence orders from next year's budget to gradually reequip units commencing next year and spread over a five year procurement. Branches of service have been finalised as well. These will be:

Infantry Red

Cavalry Dark Green

Field Artillery China blue

Coastal Artillery Navy blue

Fortress Artillery/Trains Light blue

Signals Brown

Military Police Lime Green

Jagers/Mountain Troops Crimson

Engineers Pink

Supply, Transport and Ordinance Buff

Medical Yellow

Veterinary Lemon

Judicial Orange

Chaplains White

Intelligence Lilac

Finance and Administrative Grey

Musical Tan

General Staff Officers Royal Purple

As I have already indicated, I wish to abolish the current system of seniority altogether. The idea that out of two Colonels, one is senior due to his branch of service is frankly ridiculous. Under the proposed new system, seniority will be based purely on length of service in the current rank, no more no less.

In regards to conscription, we keep the same system as we currently have in place, in that from 1st January of the year in which a conscript's 19th birthday falls until 31st December of the year in which he becomes 42, he can be liable for military service. Men found fit and suitable from each Erganzungsbezirk are to be selected for full time service to begin on the 1st January of the year in which their 21st birthday falls. With the exception of those who go to the cavalry or artillery (who will still do three years), all others will have two years full time service with one part or another of the Army. Once a man has completed his full time service, he will be placed on the reserve for 10 years (7 in the case of the cavalry and artillery). This is no different except for our greater call up numbers. At the end of the period on the reserve the man will placed on the Landsturm rolls of his district and there do no further training but will be available up to the age of 42. I have looked into the current system of one years volunteers but these seems to work well enough in practice. For those who are not called(currently 80% but likely to drop 65-70% under the new arrangements for recruitment numbers, they will instead do a standard military skills course consisting of only 13 weeks, in other words three weeks longer than current practice, and then drop down to the Landsturm roles until 42.

This is not where we are failing. Where we are failing is that we are not retaining or attracting lower ranks and non commissioned ranks to the Army as a career. We are losing our experts and those we have identified as having what we require. We have officers drawing a salary, which may or may not be adequate in some cases, yet for others the situation is much worse. Officer Cadets, Ensigns, NCO's and men draw only a daily wage. In these circumstances it is hardly surprising that the Army is desperately short of experienced NCO's. Even taking into account the recent expansion of promotion possibilities for senior NCO's, we are still well short of where we need to be. The same applies to Officer Cadets, who receive only the status of NCO's, are only on a daily wage, and worse still are treated like conscripts.

We need new avenues for the recruitment, attraction and retention of Officer Aspirants. We also need to identify good men during their conscription service and fill NCO billets in the army above Zugsfuhrer with men who wish to make a career in the Army, not merely cycle through it. For that reason, after their two year conscription, those that wish to remain in the service should be moved onto designed salaries. I have outlined what I believe are appropriate pay rates in the folio, but it would need to be run past the accountants.

Currently non-commissioned officers can not marry without the permission of their Commanding Officer. This permission is often not granted unless the marriage will improve the material situation of the individual in question. If we wish experienced people to remain these restrictive provisions must be removed.

Look over some of the pertinent points, must of these are covered in Pages 1 to, umm 78, as well as Appendix 1-17. I have to travel to Pola and then see my wife off in the next week. If we can reconvene in ten days time and I will go over the balance, namely, ranks, regimental organisation, officer promotion and selection, nco promotion and selection, military academy's, medical and support services, the bodyguard formations and the like, as well as some thoughts not contained in here in relation to equipment and doctrine.

Beck-Rzikowsky looked at the tome. Judging from the conversation so far it was not only wide ranging but significant changes. It looked like he had much reading to do, then likely much work.

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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130

#1,884

Threadmarks June 1892-Drabbles

johnboy

14 June 1892, 155 kilometres Northeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Kingdom

Miklos Horthy aimed and cursed as his shot went wild. To his left Sigmund Rosenblum squeezed off a shot and yet again a man fell from his saddle. His was proving to be a useful man to have on the expedition, thought Horthy. They had travelled into the interior of the country but had been pursued by, of all things, Arab slavers. Some had been shot but eventually a larger group had arrived. A couple had made it into the camp but had been killed by the huge Russian, Oleg Planov. Others had been shot, young Sigmund proving himself quite adept with the Lee-Metford rifle, killing at least eight personally.

"Excellent shot Sigi."

The intense young man smiled. "I think they have called it a day."

Horthy smiled. "Thank God for that. I did not fancy clanking around in chains."

It was only two hours later that they were to meet regular Ethiopian Army soldiers.

--

14 June 1892, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

Laura Paton gasped as Maria Mosconi placed her elbow in her back and used her hands to tighten the corset around her still more. Finally she tied it off and Laura proceeded to slip on the gold silk dress. When it was all in place there was little doubt it looked magnificent she thought as she gazed into the mirror, far more so than she ever thought she could look. But God, was it tight. It was then that the Kaiserin came into the room.

"How do you think she looks Your Majesty?" asked Maria Mosconi.

"Beautiful, the duckling is now a swan. I thought she may like this one. I have not worn it for some time."

"This.. is your dress?"

"Altered. It was, now it is yours. You will need it for the ball when we return."

"A ball?"

Stephanie laughed. "This is Austria. There is always music and a ball."

Now it is time to take off this dress and put on something rather less restrictive. Maria will be teaching you how to defend yourself."

"With what Your Majesty?"

"Show her Maria."

Maria Mosconi picked up the lady's walking cane and touched the side of the wood. It allowed a thin rapier like blade to be drawn free of the outer casing.

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Nov 24, 2017

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125

#1,900

Threadmarks June 1892- Army reforms part 2 of 2

johnboy

22 June 1892, Hofburg Palace, Triple Monarchy

Rudolf thought back on his visit to Trieste. It would be hard not seeing Stephanie for over two months and much like last time, the parting was bittersweet as they lay in bed together until the last possible moment. She had taken the normal Austro-Lloyd service to Barcelona and then the new cruiser Budapest to London, where she would no doubt be preparing for the tennis tournament that commenced in some five days.

"This may be the last time and, if it is, I want to win once as a incumbent Empress. I cannot see myself having the time in future, although, who knows?"

His thoughts drifted back to the present and Friedrich von Beck-Rzikowsky. "Have you had a look at what is proposed so far Marshal? "What are your thoughts?"

"I am in broad agreement Your Majesty. There will be those who are not in agreement with the changes to the seniority system, but in general terms I agree and they will just have to live with it. In regards to the changes in payment to NCO's to a salaried arrangement rather than at daily rate, extra expense will no doubt be incurred."

"This is part of the reason why we have obtained a larger budget, it is not all based on new hardware and the like. Now, should we address the remainder?"

"Please go on."

"Very well. Let us look at ranks. Firstly commissioned officers. The first thing that strikes me as incongruous is that in wartime a Division will consist of likely two Brigades, yet we have no rank equivalent for Brigade commanders. I think we need to differentiate between these functions and command of a Regiment, therefore I would like to introduce the rank of Ranghöher Colonel as the senior field grade position. Secondly, we also face the problem of Cadets from the military schools and also one year volunteers passing into military units as Fahnrich yet not receiving the status of commissioned officers or access to the mess, which helps to retard their development by learning off senior officers. For that reason, I think we need to introduce the rank of Oberfahnrich, which will be a proper commissioned rank much like Ensign.

Secondly, non-commissioned officers and soldiers. I believe our current structure is generally adequate. However, at the Battalion level I would like to see a position as a senior non commissioned officer and I think we could do with introducing the rank of Stabsfeldwebel directly above Feldwebel. Again, this will hopefully help retain long term NCO's. Likewise the rank of Stabsgefreiter for much the same reason, although also to do with proposed changes at small unit levels.

In regards to Regimental organisation, I would like to see the current four Platoons per Company, four Companies per Battalion, four Battalions per Regiment structure to change. At the Platoon level, I would like to see the numbers of men increased from the current 30 to 36, each Platoon divided into three teams of 11 men, each team of 11 led by a Corporal and also containing a Stabsgefreiter.

At the Company level, I would like each Company to be equipped with two machine guns. This is I believe the way of the future. Here we have the brand new design by Karl Salvador and George von Dormus, a design that will require some changes for field service but which should be ready for orders next year. Plus the Maxim. We are going to have to make these investments to have a modern Army. At the Regimental level, I would also like to add an one Assault Technical Company equipped with not only the light trench mortars but flamethrowers as well, possibly also a searchlight for night operations.

It will be expensive and this part of the changes will have to be delayed at least two years until some of the hardware is purchased, training delivered and the like, as well as more senior NCO's being in the ranks. But I think it feasible to start such moves by 1895.

In regards promotion of officers, currently, promotion goes by seniority up to and including the rank of Major; by selection and seniority for higher ranks up to the rank of Generalmajor; and by selection entirely above that rank. Before an officer can be promoted to the rank of captain he must first pass satisfactorily through a course at a Korpsoffiziersschule. Before promotion to Major an officer must pass successfully a test in tactical fitness (Stabsoffizierprufing), of course if he belongs to the K.K. Landwehr or the Honvéd, he must have passed a similar course held at Wien or Budapest. I am not unhappy with the current system, although we need to make doubly sure that the required promotion courses for Captain and Major are as rigorous as they need to be. Currently there is no upper limit in regard retirement age. I propose we enact one. 60 for officers below General, 65 for Generals, 70 for Marshals.

For NCO's, promotion to Corporal shall be at the discretion of the Company commander, to Stabsfeldwebel of the Battalion commander and to Offiziersstellvertreter by the Regimental commander.

In regards the military academies, I have no real problem with our current system, aside from the fact that currently there is no academy for training officers for the Armada. This would be smaller than the other four and for this reason I wish to establish a joint facility, one which can prepare officers for the Armada but also a location where identified suitable NCO's from the KuK army can go to complete a one year course to train as officers. This is something we lack to present. We need to identify suitable men from the ranks and make use of their talents and not be blinded entirely by birth. The Czechia government have already offered the former Hradisko Monastery as a site for such a joint facility.

In regards to medical and support services, I see no reason why women could not join the Army to work in such areas, not by conscription but by volunteering."

"Women", spluttered Beck-Rzikowsky, "in the Army?"

"Well, yes" said Rudolf. Currently in the War Ministry, we recruit men and train them from scratch to be typists. Why not just recruit women typists if they wish to join and be paid a daily wage? Surely that would be easier, cheaper and more cost efficient? The areas I would be looking at are administrative tasks in the Central Army and Regional Headquarters and the Medical and Nursing corps, where such tasks are in some cases already provided external to the Army at cost."

"Well, it is radical, but I suppose if it is restricted to these two areas it may be feasible."

"Lastly, I wish to create a further small unit, namely a Schließenleibgarde, or close life guard of individuals that will directly protect as bodyguards the immediate family of the Kaiser. It will number less than 50 I would think.

Marshall, that is all I have. What are your thoughts?"

"Well Sire, there is nothing there that is out of the question, as you say, the Regimental structure changes will take time, as will what you mentioned in regards to women volunteers, however, yes, all these things can be done and I can see how many would be improvements. Let me look at things further and we can meet again next week."

"Excellent."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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123

#1,911

Threadmarks June 1892- Grenades for grenadiers

johnboy

29 June 1892, Hirtenburg, Triple Monarchy

Rudolf stepped into the office of Dr Ludwig Mandl. He was young to be the Chairman and part owner of an armaments concern, but HPF were a strictly small time company. What had first attracted his attention was a letter written to the War Ministry talking about the manufacture of rockets. The design was too cumbersome to be of any use but Rudolf had noted that the owner had a Doctorate in Chemistry, as did his brother whilst the third brother was also an engineer. The family originally hailed from Transylvania but had pooled their funds to purchase the Hirtenburg facility some years before.

"So, Dr Mandel, can you show me what you have so far?"

"Yes, of course Your Majesty." He led Rudolf over to a work bench that contained three devices, all showing a shape similar to a large egg. "These are the three basic designs."

"How is it going with them?"

"Well, our original projections have proven incorrect. It is the basic explosive version we have had the most problem with. The issue is, of course, to be able to throw the device far enough away that when it detonates, you are out of the blast radius. It had proven challenging to create a fuse that can reliably burn for the correct amount of time before detonation. Fragmentation of the body and blast are as desired and we have mastered the mechanics of igniting the fuse, all we need now is a reliable burn time. Unfortunately, trying to obtain such a result has seen some...unfortunate accidents. However, we are preparing to try some new ideas and I believe, in time, this can be solved."

"I appreciate your efforts, but we must have a perfectly reliable product otherwise there is no chance soldiers will use such a weapon in the field if there is even the slightest hint that they themselves may be the ones blown up."

"Of course, of course."

"What about the other two?"

"These have proven to be less difficult to perfect, against my earlier judgement. This fellow's contents are freed by the removal of the pin and clip followed by the lever, which falls free in the throwing action. Thick, white smoke can then be generated from the solution of potassium chlorate, sodium bicarbonate and milk sugar. It is possible to colour these for signalling as you suggested, by the application of derivatives of simple fabric dyes. The second unit is filled with white phosphorus that is ignited on a short fuse after removal of the lever. There is no explosive component so it is not a direct weapon as such, however, it can burn at 2800 degrees centigrade and can therefore easily be used to destroy ammunition stores, burn through gun breeches and barrels and the like."

"Well Dr Mandel, some excellent progress indeed. Why the different colours?"

"Just so we know what is what in case of mistakes, which would be disastrous. The grey of the basic device is the same colour as you specified. The dull blue is the smoke device. If they are flavored with dye, a green or red strip will show this. The green devices are the phosphorus ones."

"Contact me as soon as you have perfected the explosive device and I can assure you of substantial Army contracts. I must caution you again of the need for complete secrecy. This is why such a small town and your organization was selected to pursue this research."

"I am aware and thank you Your Majesty."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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146

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Threadmarks July 1892- Three out of four ain't bad

johnboy

6 July 1892, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Great Britain

She had been flown through the tournament, getting a dream run really. Winning both in the First Round and Quarter Finals to love. The Semi Final against Annabelle Martin she also won easily 6-2, 6-2, yet so had her opponent in destroying Blanche Hillyard 6-1, 6-1. The kerfuffle at the gate this very morning had only served to fire her anger and she had taken that out on court. She remembered the words again.

"I am sorry madam but your...lady cannot go in with you."

"And why not?"

"Well, she is...black."

"Oh my God, ...I have just noticed! You are aware that I am here to play the ladies final and that these women are my ladies in waiting?" She turned to Karl Hartmann, one of her bodyguards. "Karl, this man.."

Thankfully at that time William Renshaw the President appeared. "Is there a problem Your Majesty?"

"It seems your man here won't let my ladies into the arena Billy. I would hate not to be able to play when you have 7000 expecting a rematch of last year."

"Smith you fool, let the Empress and her ladies into the arena now man."

"But..."

"Get out of my sight man!"

Now it had all come to the final set. Dodd had been slow to get going and she had breezed through the first set fueled by anger and adrenalin 6-1 before her opponent had started to come back, finding a rhythm of her own in taking the second 6-4. Now it was an arm wrestle and she had finally manged to coax the advantage, serving at nine games to eight. Her opponent was far more skilled with the older racket, likely played games far more regularly as well. Yet she had greater power and greater reach and she could sense her opponent tiring. A drop shot caught Lottie Dodd short and tired her further, only to be offset by a double fault. An excellent return that caused her to net her shot left her down 15-30 before a forehand winner saw it even. Finally a baseline exchange saw an unforced error by Dodd and herself up 40-30. She mustered up all her anger, at the gateman, at her opponent, even at Rudolf for not coming with her and channeled it into power and focus. The serve was a thing of perfection, cutting the line and taking the championship for the third time in four years.

She looked up at Maria Mosoni, Laura Paton, her other ladies. She had won it, reversed last years result. It was likely the last time. Massively increased duties would preclude participation in such frivolities in future as it was time to place away whom she had been and embrace who she was, a Sovereign and a mother. It was a pleasant way to round out such activities, however.

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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#1,923

Threadmarks July 1892-Royal marriages, changes of governor

johnboy

8 July 1892, Hofburg, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

Rudolf was gratified to receive the telegram from his wife to indicate not only that she has won, but that her departure for the Congo was near. Very near, since the point of origin was Sheerness, where the ship was docked. It was early morning and it would be a busy day. Firstly he would receive Franz Ferdinand who would be present as his wife was elevated to the status of Duchess of Langau, clearing the way for a marriage later in the year.

Earlier this same year he had performed a similar service for Milli Stubel, elevating her to Baroness Lavant and legitimising the secret marriage that had occurred in 1890. With his wife pregnant and nigh on 40, Johann Salvador was concerned and desired a return as soon as possible, therefore Rudolf had recommended his old friend Count Sámuel Teleki de Szék, a man of sound financial mind and an old African hand to his wife. Rudolf was to meet him today and he would sail from Pola two days hence for Marienburg to take up his new post as Governor. He would be accompanied by his former friend and companion Lieutenant Ludwig von Höhnel who would take charge of what would be a permanent naval base at Cabinda, consisting of four torpedo boats and the gunboat/minelayer Dromedar. The value of the oil in the area, as well as other items more than warranted a small naval presence.

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110

#1,924

Threadmarks August 1892- Popper and the sisters

johnboy

20 August 1892, STT Yards, Trieste, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Captain Siegfried Popper was deep in the bowels of what would be the large armoured cruiser Viribus Unitis, as he had been in her sister Prinz Eugen a few days before. The ship's building was proceeding at a sedate pace, slowed by the newness of the systems that were being put in place, however, the shipyards was buzzing with activity and there was no reason to suspect that both ships would not be launched in the first quarter of 1893, when fit out would then commence.

There were large numbers of new systems, electric generators were not new, neither was the unusual fact that neither ship was equipped with torpedo tubes. However, electric pumps were, as was the combination coal and sprayed oil power plant, as was the all 9.2 inch gun main armament, the new design bulkheads, even the new external cuprous oxide paint that had been developed for her hull.

The Kaiser had been most involved every step of the way in terms of much of the new innovation, firing off notes to his office at least once per week. At 11,600 tons, they were very large ships, more than 50% bigger than anything built before. Fast as well as 25 knots. The fitting out process should take less time with the turrets and also the hoist and other gunnery technical equipment already on site and awaiting launch. That should see the ships commission in mid 1894, their third sister that had commenced seven months ago at Ganz in Fiume would of course take longer.

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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130

#1,940

Threadmarks August 1892-Preparing to catch a Tsar and a mouse

johnboy

25 August 1892, Schonbrunn Place, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

It had been a most satisfying trip to the Congo. She had only visited Cabinda and Marienburg, but it was enough to gain the sense that for the colony and indeed the people at large, things were turning around. Cabinda in particular was growing rapidly in size, as was the refuelling station and port at Kap Weiss. Johann Salvator had performed an excellent job and she had high hopes for the new Governor, who seemed a sensible man who would not be overawed. He was not indifferent to the fates of the native inhabitants on one had, yet was aware of the need for development for the good of all from the other. One thing seemed clear and that was that the affection that some of the native peoples showed her was not feigned.

To that end she had pledged 160,000 Krone for a modern hospital at Cabinda, a second 120,000 for a smaller facility in Katanga, which lacked any real infrastructure at all. The railway construction was still ongoing, now 237 kilometres into it's 366 kilometre journey. The project was now at a stage where it's likely completion would be towards the end of 1893. It made little sense to then break up the skilled railway constructions crews that had been assembled and she was already planning a second portage railway between Kisankani and Ubundu. At half the distance of the current construction, it should be a 30 month or more project but would allow yet further penetration into the interior of the country and bridge the block that the Stanley Falls provided.

There had been little in the way of a break, back less than a day and already preparations were well underway for the visit of Alexander III in six days' time. Her eyesight was taken yet again by the small distraction of movement. That was the second one she had seen today. Honestly. The hot weather seemed to be bringing the animals into the palace.

--

It was later that night that the Kaiser had come back to the palace after a day of full discussions at the War Ministry to see his wife busy at an old sewing table with a hammer and some bits of metal, as well as a wooden block.

"What on earth are you doing Steffi?"

"Can you believe they do not have any bloody mousetraps in this day and age? I had fancied I could make one myself, however, I don't think my metalworking skills are quite up to snuff, even though I did get a spring manufactured. You get the general idea though?"

"Yes, of course I get the general idea, should have thought of it myself really."

"Don't worry my sweet, not everyone can be as brilliant as your wife. Rudi, how about we patent this one? We can use the money for a couple of charitable causes, it is not like we need it after all."

"Yes, of course. I hope you are well into the swing of things, we have the Tsar here in six days and he is a very prickly customer in terms of protocol and the like. You know you are better at that stuff than I am."

"Yes, I am on it, don't worry."

"On it? I gather that is another one of your charming little 'modernities'?"

"Indeed it is. I am tired and am longing for bed. I have missed you while I have been away. How about you get on something else? Like me."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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Nov 27, 2017

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136

#1,950

Threadmarks August 1892-A very secret treaty

johnboy

31 August 1892, Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Triple Monarchy

Every effort had been made to fete the Tsar as his train steamed into Vienna early that Wednesday morning. Golubtsy for lunch, afterwards they had broken into a small group and played a few games of boules to help lighten the mood. She had partnered with Alexander III and had kept up a solid stream of chatter in Russian to both flatter and hopefully charm the gruff Russian monarch whist Rudolf partnered his wife. She had asked about Nicholas and seemingly Alexander III was coming around towards giving his son some duties in relation to the Empire and he seemed charmed by his new daughter-in-law.

They had gone over last night together the tack to take with Alexander III, who was still smarting from the termination of the Reinsurance Treaty, was an Anglophobe and also had a virulent personal hatred of Wilhelm II. The Tsar was gruff and direct and it was easy to see why Queen Victoria classified him as a "monarch who is not a gentleman." Yet for all those features, Alexander III was exactly that, direct. He said exactly what he meant, no diplomatic double talk. The current Russian ambassador, Anton Graf von Wolkenstein-Trostburg, had once suggested in 1885 when eating with the Tsar that Austria may move up two Army Corps to the frontier in response to some of the uncertainties of the Panjdeh Incident. Alexander III's response had been quick and decisive. He had actually used his enormous strength to quickly tie a silver fork in a knot, flinging it in front of Von Wolkenstein-Trostburg with the words "that is what I will do to your two Army Corps." His very directness meant that you could at least be sure of his intentions. He liked Russian things, family and the simple life, yet was sensitive to slights none the less.

It was later that night that they settled to discuss the secret treaty that Alexander III had come to sign. He was typically straight to the point. "So, Serbia, Bosnia and Albania in your sphere of influence, in return Tsargrad to Russia, Romania and Bulgaria in our sphere of influence?"

Rudolf replied. "Yes, in return you assist in restraining Romania's Transylvanian aspirations, whilst we solidly support your possession of Tsargrad. You support the creation of an Albania and the elevation of a Hapsburg King and confirm the current Galician border."

"Do you have such a candidate for King?"

"Yes, indeed I do. Young Peter Ferdinand, more sensible than his older brothers and as a third son in line for nothing at all. He will need a wife, of course."

"That can be arranged. I have someone tucked away in France when the time comes."

"What about Germany and Wilhelm II?"

"Well dear Willy will no doubt be furious, however, it will eventually come down to who he and the German Foreign Ministry see as the most viable ally, ourselves or the Ottomans. I think we both know the answer to that. They cannot move against us militarily as it would mean fighting us, you and the French. What of the French?"

"They want and indeed need this alliance more than we in Russia do. There are advantages but not so many that they cancel out gaining the Straits. What I fear is a Franco-British alliance or a Franco-German one to oppose us as I do not want war to spread beyond where we desire it."

"The biggest threat to peace is a Franco-Russian alliance. The French desire an ally, to end the diplomatic isolation enforced by Bismarck. The reason for this is quite clear. They crave a rematch of 1870 and see themselves this time as the victors whilst they hold their ground and the great Russian steamroller crushes Prussia and takes Berlin. This would be a war that would draw in other powers, indeed, we could hardly refuse a request for assistance from Germany against a totally unprovoked attack. It is a recipe for disaster for all sides."

"Yet the French provide badly needed loans for development within Russia."

"There is little to say that we could not finance such loans here and of course the very taking of the Straits would provide an a huge wealth boost to Russia itself, not to mention the fact it will be the crowing achievement of your reign to retake Constantinople for Christianity."

"And if we are opposed by a Franco-British or Franco-German alliance?"

"Germany will not come against us militarily, nor against you without our support. That they will not have. As for a Franco-English alliance, if all Balkans states are with us, who are they to assist? Plus to go against all the small powers will remove any influence of both France and Britain from the region for years to come. No, I think not. Diplomatic maneuvering, protests, yes. War, no. The French will see they still need you, perhaps more than ever if you assume a more powerful position. The English may be inclined to war, but not by themselves, never by themselves. They like others to fight their wars for them. With Gladstone now in power that will be doubly true. They have already come to us and asked us to assist them in the Sudan, where they have been evicted post haste.

There in the Sudan I say we can assist in conjunction with helping Abyssinia both to mollify the British for what may come later and to gain influence within Abyssinia itself."

"Should we take steps to move this timetable up?"

"I think not, best to let things take their course naturally. Things in Eastern Anatolia will splutter into flame sooner rather than later and in the meantime, I have commenced some work to encourage Italian ambitions in relation to Tripoli. The flame may burn for sometime but eventually a power keg will be found."

"Well then, we wait. I will consult and maybe tomorrow we sign what must, of course, be a secret treaty."

"Naturally, naturally."

"Of course, for the implementation of such a strategy both of us must be in agreement that it is the right time."

"Naturally."

"The Greeks?"

"I think we let them know only at the time that there is a portion of the cake waiting and that all they need to do is avail themselves of it."

"Very well."

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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122

#1,961

Threadmarks September 1892- Rearming an old lady

johnboy

12 September 1892, Pola, Triple Monarchy

The old battleship, now renamed Hapsburg, was finally docked and ready to begin her transformation. The ship itself was not in bad condition, having been refitted in 1890 and for that reason Rudolf had decided to keep her, as well as the diplomatic aspects of scrapping a gift too soon. The primary change would be quite drastic, the removal of the huge 750 ton 16 inch turrets that took a minute to train and up to four minutes to load and fire. The range on the short barrelled 16 inch guns was nothing to write home about either, some 7000 meters only.

No, the Navy had supplies already of the 9.2 inch gun and so five would be fitted in the old battleship, all five able to fire on the broadside and all of which had a range superior to the old 16 inch guns. the two torpedo carriages would also be removed. It was a light armament for such a large ship but would serve to drop her displacement a full thousand tons or more and her crew numbers to just over 400, leaving her with good accommodations and capacity to maintain a speed of between 15 and 16 knots, as well as increased stability. Her incredible armour would be maintained.

It would require ordering two more twin 9.2 inch turrets from Britain but that could be arranged easily enough. She would likely come out of refit and reconstruction in mid 1893, which would be on the cusp of when the new battlecruisers arrived as well. At that time the old Tegettoff would be retired or likely sold to Spain.

At best the old ex Royal Navy vessel would be a second line ship, yet her huge armour made her suitable for coastal bombardment as well as shore protection duties.

Last edited: Sep 16, 2018

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