Cavour

With the establishment of the Slavic Institute in Kiev, the Hetman and his cultural advisor, Igor Raska, set in motion a plan to enhance Ukrainian culture and export Ukrainian music, dance, writing, and art to Europe and the world. They decided on the idea of having a grand tour across Europe led by a young and prominent composer, Josef Sarov. Sarov had distinguished himself in the concert halls in Kiev through the publication of several symphonies and trio sonatas, creating a mixture of the structured Baroque and the flowing Romantic eras of music into his own personal style. In a late meeting between Hetman Malinovsky, Chancellor Raska, and Sarov, the three men contemplated the future of Ukrainian culture. Together, the three men sat by a roaring fire, glasses of vodka in their hands, taking turns poking the burning logs with metal sticks. "We will sent petitions out," said Malinovsky finally, "Courts looking for music maestros, ballerina dancers, artists, sculptors, poets, and all other kinds of artists. You, Sarov," he laughed, "Will be like a traveling gypsy across Europe, showing what talents you have." "If it helps further establish Ukraine, Hetman, I am glad to do so." Sarov nodded, "And I can't complain, traveling with the beautiful Elena Wasikowska, I have few complaints." "A prima ballerina and a writer in her own right should be attractive to many courts in Europe and I bid you to travel as often as possible, Sarov," said Raska, "The courts can be extremely flaky in constant employment. And if employment comes from the Americas, Africa, or Asia, be sure to respond as well." "Of course, Master Chancellor, I would be happy to see lands outside of Europe." "Well then," Malinovsky said, raising his glass, "I look forward to seeing what courts answer our petitions for employment." The three continued to drink well into the night, exchanging stories and hopes.

Just seems odd to me to have time just freeze and no consequences come from that. And Markus, yes, but then going back to the IC point, were there not massive consequences of government shut down both domestically and internationally? Especially in the realm of economics?

If I may be able to weight in. A lot of these events seem to have happened before I joined, but I've read a lot about the discussion of France being locked and people crossing OOC/IC lines. My question would be that, given the amount of time that apparently proceeded from her wouldn't it also make sense for those countries supporting France to begin questioning the stability of the country. I guess from an IC perspective a country's public might be concerned with a government supporting another government that really doesn't exist. I can't think of any kind of parallel in the real world, because if a government shut down for a long period of time, the nation would just collapse. So if you wanted to look at this from a purely IC standpoint, a lock shouldn't be that long because the government/nation in question would lose all credibility. From a realistic aspect from the nations supporting France. If you see Britain postulating against France as unfair. Isn't it equally unfair that your country's popular opinion doesn't question pro-French movements? Even in dictatorships, there is still underground press.

Goncharov laughed at the surprised look on the Romanian's face and leaned back. "What I mean, Minister, is that Ukraine will be involved in the complexities of Russo-Romanian relations whether the Hetmanate wants it or not. Our sea trade is based solely on the Black Sea, our country lays nestled between Russia and Romania and we could easily become a battlefield in the fight between your two great powers. What Ukraine desires, given that both Russia and Romania are our friends, is to bring your countries together and solve the crisis that is happening. When I say that Ukraine is tied to Romanian movements, war is detrimental to us as well." He placed both his hands on the arm rests of his chair and leaned forward. "If Ukraine sits completely neutral in Eastern European affairs we will not grow as a nation. We will sit in utter backwardness. Either way, you have one hundred thousand soldiers on our border, that is daunting to begin with. We would like to do our part to lessen hostilities to alleviate tensions. If that doesn't work then an alliance with Romania will most likely do more to secure our interests, given the force of your strength."

Goronchov nodded, he bit his thumb for a moment going over the minister's words in his head before speaking. "Ukraine would of course be extremely interested in acquiring both Odessa and the Crimea to administer, most likely at a later date, when the Eastern European community is convinced that the Hetmanate will not be a pariah like our former past governments. Given the precarious state of the Crimea in European politics, something more tangible is perhaps needed to show Ukrainian support for Romanian efforts abroad so as to give a greater guarantee for eventual Ukrainian ascendency on the peninsula. Given that the Crimea is important to Romania that it stays out of Russian hands, we would be interested in pursuing a formal alliance with Romania, one of mutual defense against aggressors? This way Ukraine can make good our boasts not only in Eastern Europe, but anywhere that Romania comes under fire."

"Yes, there is one more thing that my government would like clarification one, Mihaela," began Goncharov, "When the referendum was passed, giving Ukraine independence from the protection of yourselves, Hungary-Slovakia, and Belarus, the elections did not concern the Crimea and Odessa. The Hetman is under the assumption that these areas are being held until Ukraine can properly administer itself and show to the world that the Hetmanate will not be a failed government. Then that a referendum would be passed in those areas." He smiled, "Could you enlighten me on what is to become of the Crimea and Odessa?"

"I agree, Mikhail," said Malinovsky, listening in on the voivode's question. "If Slavism and neutralism do go hand in hand, Ukraine has no business right now in an Eastern Bloc until we figure out the initial goals of our country. The voivode of Lviv inhaled and sent a line of smoke up to the ceiling of the palace. "What may be more interesting is the establishment of a closer alliance between Belarus, ourselves, and Russia. Hungary-Slovakia complicates things. Yet, the formation of an alliance for the purpose of uniting all Slavdom for economic growth and power projection, I think it would work well." "The voivode of course," laughed the Hetman, "Has great dreams. A united Slavdom may well be in Ukraine's future goals. But we will be continuing our diplomatic efforts, with Belarus and then we the rest of Europe."

The dispatch would be returned to the Landfallers by a Cossack envoy with the offer by the Ukrainian government: Comrade! The government of Ukraine would gladly aid in your efforts to procure the helicopters, especially if you are only looking for the mechanics from the old USSR. In the hopes of both making money and securing better relations with you people, we believe we could gain transportation rights through Belarus and the Russian protectorate of Livonia. Let us first get you your equipment then speak about monetary prices. We look forward to working with Landfall. Gregor Semonovich, Minister of Defense of the Ukraine.

Slavic Dreams It was during the meeting with Tsar Mikhail Romonov of Russia that Hetman Pyotr Malinovsky realized the first great goal of the reborn Ukrainian nation, a restoration of Slavdom across Eastern Europe and to make Slavic culture known across the world. The Hetman understood, and told the Council of Voivodes, military prowess and financial expansion could not be the Ukrainian routes to power. The Cossacks had the strength to defend their homelands, but waging great wars of glory across the sea or beyond the borders of Ukraine would be impossible. Their military force numbered just a bit above fifty-thousand and the economic situation was still unstable. Malinovsky hoped that once construction on the railroad linking Ukraine and Hungary-Slovakia finished and other trade routes in the east were established, business in Kiev would grow. In the meantime, the Hetman poured money, some of his personal wealth, into cultural augmentation and exchange programs. Government agents rode around Ukraine, interviewing aspiring writers, musicians, artists, historians, and anthropologists to come to the capital and aid in the construction of a school. With state funding, the artists constructed the Slavic Institute of Kiev. The Hetman hoped that under the supervision of the novelist Igor Raksa, the Institute would delve deep into Slavic music, art, and mythology to create a corpus that could be exported to the world. In lieu of great cultural contributions coming from Kiev, the government subsidized the arts in Kiev and even passed an "Art Tax," placing students in the Institute on the government's payroll. Only time would tell if the material produced by the Institute would have positive effects both within Ukraine and beyond her borders. If successful, the Institute would prove the first step in Malinovsky's dream of making Ukraine and Kiev the center of Slavic culture once again.

"I shall keep an open ear towards what transpires between Moscow and Bucharest and will hope for the best that your relations improve with Queen Maria." Taking the Tsar by the shoulder again, Malinovsky directed him inside, finishing his wine. "But on positive conversations, Ukraine and Russia will be friends, I assure it. You talked about cultural exchange and I think that would be a splendid idea. The best cultural accomplishments that Moscow and St. Petersburg has to offer should come to Kiev, the ballet, the symphony orchestras. We will create a new generation of composers and dancers, the classical tradition of Moscow, merged with the folk traditions of Kiev. I sense art in the making, Mikhail!" When they returned to the table, the Hetman chuckled, "Not that I know much about art!" The voivodes laughed with the Hetman and another round of vodka was brought out with yet another toast to the Tsar's health and Russia's long lasting stability. After the toast, the Voivode of Lviv turned to the Tsar and smiled, taking out a cigar from his coat. "Honored Tsar, do you smoke? I have a cigar for you if you do and I was curious, Russia is presumably the leader of the Slavic people, but as a neutral country, do you see Slavdom and neutrality ever conflicting in your mind. The strength of the Germans and others, does that threaten Russia?"

"The Hetmanate plans on surviving, on stabilizing, and like you, becoming known outside of our borders again. We do not have the military arms of any country around us, nor the economic power, but we will make our footprint in other ways. Cultural pursuits, scientific pursuits, opening our doors to the world and seeing what the world can teach Ukraine, and what Ukraine can teach the world." Goncharov laughed as he thought about his statement. "This is of course, rather uncharacteristic of me, to sound so serious, but it is true, we are coming from a long line of regimes co-opted by Russia, by Poland, and other countries. Independence is most important to us." He leaned forward, looking into Mihaela's eyes, "We want to be friends, Michaela, and by the looks of it, of our promises to each other, Ukraine and Romania will be friends. Perhaps, strong Ukrainian-Romanian relations will help us achieve our goals. A Romania respected in Europe and the world and a Ukraine recognized as a legitimate country and an up and coming power. How our friendship grows will determine much of Ukraine's position in Eastern Europe."

"Yes, my ambassador in Bucharest has relayed to me that relations between Russia and Romania are not exactly pristine. Ambassador Goronchov mentioned 'spats.' Though I hope nothing hostile breaks out between the Tsardom and Romania, it would put Ukraine into a very complicated situation. Romania protected us after the fall of more dismal Ukrainian governments and of course, we are culturally tied to Russia in ancient ways. From a more practical manner," the Hetman smiled and laughed, "Ukraine is directly between you both, our lands could become the battleground of Eastern Europe. I do not want that for my people." Malinovsky chewed a piece of lamb off the bone before continuing. "I have also heard," then he gulped the meat down, "Of various alliance blocs, but for now, Ukraine will steer its own destiny. We know our friends, but even friendship led to complications in the political arena. Ukraine will wait to see who she support in the world of European politics." The change of conversation to more intra-national issues and domestic affairs pleased the Hetman and he smiled at the Tsar. "Come with me, Mikhail, and I will show you." He took his wine and led the Tsar up to the balcony at the top of the palace that looked out over the city of Kiev. "Centuries ago traders and warriors came to this very spot to found Kiev, to found Kievan Rus, a bulwark of Slavdom in Europe. If it were not for the Mongol Hordes, Kiev would be the greatest city in the world. It would attract all manners of writers, artists, poets, bankers, statesmen, adventurers, and so on. People perceive Eastern Europe as poor, but nothing could be further from the truth. Ukraine has been set upon by horrible governments, that ends with the Hetmanate. I plan on making Kiev a center of the Slavic people, a model city of Eastern Europe. Kiev and Moscow, Mikhail, they can shine like no other cities." Malinovsky turned back and drank a long sip of his wine. "That is what I plan to do. Any one who gets in my way, will die." He grinned and took the Tsar's arm and shook him. "Greatness awaits, Comrade! Come let us join the others!"

"Good! Brother! Come! Let us eat!" Malinovsky, the Tsar, and the many voivodes entered the palace and in a large dining room began the feast. Maids brought out the beef and lamb, heavily spiced, the blood still dripped from the meat. Glasses of wine and water crowded the table, but once everyone was seated, the largely male table, except for a few wives of the voivodes, slammed on the table as glasses of vodka were brought out. Everyone seated got a glass and Malinovsky rose to his feet with the Tsar and raised his drink. "We drink for good relations between Russia and Ukraine, may we both serve each other!" Then the voivodes cheered as everyone downed their vodka, slamming the glasses against the wooded table again. "Now that formalities are done, there is lamb to eat!" said the Hetman as everyone began to eat. In the middle of the meal, Malinovsky took a long gulp of wine and cleared his throat. "So tell me, Honored Tsar, what are Russia's perceptions of Europe? Ukraine sits between great powers, yourself, Queen Maria's Romania, Belarus, and Hungary-Slovakia. Beyond that other powers that Ukraine has not even thought of making contact as we are too young, but I would like to hear your opinion. I am slowly getting reports of Romanian and Hungarian-Slovakian perspectives on Europe and I am building my knowledge. What are Russia's ambitions in Europe and in the world and where do you see Russian-Ukrainian relations in the future? How can our peoples help one another?"

The arrival of Tsar to Kiev would accompany great celebration from the population as commanded by the Hetman. This would be the first state visit of a foreign leader to the Hetmanate and everything needed to go as ordered. On the day when the Tsar would arrive, a contingent of heavily armed Cossack riders waited at the Ukrainian border to bring the Tsar and his entourage to the capital. Meanwhile in the capital, the great seals of the Tsardom and the Hetmanate draped over windows and lampposts. Decorated soldiers and riders patrolled and paraded around the capital, while women with flowers in their hair and in their arms, covered the roads. At the gates of Mariyinsky Palace, the Hetman waited along with the various voivodes of Ukraine. They wore their most decorated and flamboyant outfits, brilliant reds and golds with high hats sporting raven black feathers. When the Tsar arrived, Hetman Malinovsky was the first to approach, followed by the voivodes. "Honored Tsar! Brother!" said the Hetman, taking the Tsar's hands. "It is an honor to serve as your host today. Come with me, into the palace. The feast is ready." He said and the doors to the palace opened, the aroma of food and alcohol gently flowing out.

An envoy of Cossack riders, sent by Hetman Malinovsky would deliver an invitation to the Tsar of Russia: Honored Tsar, While in times past the Russian and Ukrainian peoples have had their problems, no two cultures have such ancient ties as ours. As our Hetmanate grows into the world, we cannot imagine Russia being absent from our foreign affairs. Please, I invite you to come to Kiev and dine with me one night. We will have quality beef and lamb and freshly distilled vodka for both of us to have a good time. We will talk politics, economics, and the ambitions of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples. Hopefully, those ambitions will be similar. I am ever, your humble servant. Pyotr Malinovsky