From the Ashes: Rebirth of the Two-Headed Phoenix

[Rudolph]

KRALJ ALEKSANDAR I GUNNED DOWN!
_{Issue 1E.Y Feb 7, 19XX}

Aleksandar was present in Marseilles to start a state visit to France, to strengthen the relationship between the French and Yugoslavs, slowly being driven with the French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou in a procession worthy the respect of our Kralj. Reports indicate that from the sidewalk a hooded gunman jumped out, shooting the dear Kralj thrice and the chauffeur and successfully assassinating the Kralj in a most heinous fashion.

The gunman was cut down by a valiant mounted French Policeman before swiftly being apprehended before the mob could have its crazed vengeance. No word on whether the gunman is alive following his capture but it was confirmed by the French Government that the Kralj had died from the gunshot wounds he had received.

The Kralj's body will be delivered as soon as possible by the French government.

[hr]
 

ROYAL PALACE BURNED DOWN! ROYAL FAMILY NOWHERE TO BE LOCATED!
_{Issue 1EE.Y Feb 7, 19XX}

The Royal Palace located in the Royal Compound where the Royal House of Karađorđević lived was found to be bathed in intense flames, with all attempts to extinguish the inferno failing under the onslaught of the fiery blaze. Police, security and first responders were left in anguish as they did all they could, gaze and watch as the flames ate away the glorious Palace built, nary a decade had it existed before turning into a burnt out husk of its former glory. Following the assassination of our Kralj, the Royal Family is nowhere to be found.

Our prayers are with the royal family, hoping that they are found safe and sound.

[hr]
 

ROYAL FAMILY SLAIN!
_{Issue 2.Y Feb 12, 19XX}

It is an extremely sad day to report that the officials investigating the arson of the Royal Compound have finally divulged their current findings to the press, along with their findings pointing to the deaths of the entirety of the Royal House of Karađorđević. The charred remains found buried in the burnt out husk of the Royal Compound were able to be identified, most if not all of the staff working in the Compound alongside the Royal Family perished at the hands of his insidious fire.

Alongside the depressing news, the police have stated that several cadavers had what appeared to be wound marks resembling slashes from a sword and will announce more when they finally finish their investigations.

[hr]
 

VMRO AND USTASHE BLAMED FOR MURDER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY BY RESURFACED SERB HOUSE, THE BELOJEVIĆ!
_{Issue 3.Y Feb 19, 19XX}

In an astounding revelation that was called upon by the investigators, they had concluded that the arson, murders and assassination of the Royal House were all inter-connected. These allegations were confirmed by an absolute newcomer who claimed to be a true descendant and member of the ancient House of Belojević, named Dragojev. The documents and outright confession the Serb noble had gained from the gunman, now identified as Vlado Chernozemski, an infamous terrorist and member of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization. The terrorist was promptly escorted into the news conference in chains, claiming to all that he renounced his past ways, wanting an execution to redeem himself in the eyes of the Kingdom as he sobbed.

It was then that the supposed noble embraced the terrorist in a hug, proclaiming that "The Kingdom is a family, we are all brothers and sisters in unity. Yes, we may bicker and disagree but we must not forget that we are still a family." Vlado Chernozemski seemed more shaken from the words of the Belojević before he was escorted back into the precinct.

"Killings and killing in vengeance only serves to drive a vicious cycle of hatred, one that we should all endeavor to avoid by acting like a true family should. Thus, it is my official opinion that the known terrorist should not be executed but be allowed to serve his time in jail to redeem himself in the eyes of the Kingdom with the help of the actual Kingdom as we should be civilized enough to recognize as such," the Noble was reported to say before he continued on the topic of the supposed blame and where it lied for the heinous murders.

"With regards to the VMRO and Ustashe. Yes, they are family and we should not kill our own brethren but sadly, reality does not allow such a thing when it comes to extremists and there are those who do not consider themselves part of our family, regardless of how much we may wish it to avoid unnecessary bloodshed," he stated as silence rapidly fell on the conference before he continued, "To survive as a proper nation, these two groups must be made an example of before they can further damage our unique family with their bigotry and hatred. It is one thing to attack in rage, anger or a perceived notion of vengeance, it is another for one to defend itself from a known threat," he stated before answering several questions on his legitimacy as being a proper noble and lineage, afterwards he stepped down to allow the investigators to quickly wrap up their findings from the documents provided by the Noble and the confession of Vlad Chernozemski.

[hr]

Several months would pass as a harsh military crackdown on strongholds of both the VMRO and Ustashe occurred throughout the Kingdom, ensuring that their relevance and influence would forevermore be minimal. A month later would pass before the world at large received the following declaration:
 

 

Official Declaration from the Socijalistička Kraljevina Jugoslavija (Socialist Kingdom of Yugoslavia)

Citizens of the world,

Rejoice, for today marks a new day in the Balkans. After months of discussion, purging and debates after the dissolution of the previous Kingdom, the South Slavic and Albanian peoples have finally come to a new consensus. The state of Yugoslavia will be reformed under a Socialist Monarchy to be headed by a new Monarch, Kralj Dragojev Belojevic. Our new kingdom will work hard to provide the basic necessities for its people, and we will work endlessly to become an active member of the international community.

Our people look forward, hopeful and filled with joy as they walk upon their new path.


Sincerely,
HM Kralj Dragojev Belojevic

[Centurius]

 

Kralj Dragojev Belojevic,

 

First of all let me say it brings me great sadness to hear of the faith that has befallen your predecessor. I myself know perfectly well the impact of terrorists on a nation state and the damage it does not only to the state itself but the very people within it. I am also quite familiar with being the last of a house and am glad to see your ancient one has managed to survive.

 

Throughout the ages Russia and the South Slavs have had a special relationship, it is due to this relationship and our shared recent histories that I wish to invite you to the Winter Palace to discuss the future of both our states.

 

Yours sincerely,

Natalia I, Empress and Autocrat of all the Russias

 

[Uberstein]

The Austro-Hungarian Empire recognizes Yugoslavia's change in government, and offers its condolences at the loss of the previous monarch and his family.

[Hereno]

[Private]

"Well, that's certainly a change for the better..." thought Umar, stroking his beard with curiosity.

Umar himself had always thought of himself as a philosopher King, despite the non-hereditary system his predecessors had established for him. This was for the best, he thought, for we could never predict the circumstances which would lead to the creation of a sovereign for that time. He himself was the son of a carpenter, who had taken the job to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, regardless of the inherent hypocrisy. With a quick eye and a firm handshake, he manipulated his way to the top of the chain, becoming the Supreme General of the entire Empire. His state socialism had turned the Empire into an extremely advanced state, with a relatively flat hierarchy and a specially-designed system of checks and balances between powerful individuals.

While the Yugoslav change in leadership hardly made the states friends, the similarity of their governing philosophies and enlightened autocracy gave them a special place in the mind and heart of Umar. Perhaps Yugoslavia and Egypt would find that they were, in fact, kindred spirits in the world. Or maybe Umar's delusions would be shattered.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"France expresses its condolences to Yugoslavia and hopes this incident will not be a looming shadow over our relations. We are thoroughly investigating the case and the remains of the former monarch shall be transferred to you shortly."

-Pierre Laval, Ministre des Affaires étrangères

[Markus Wilding]

Although the Ottoman Empire is saddened at the loss of life within Yugoslavia, it sends well wishes and prayers of prosperity to its northern brothers and hopes for peaceful relations.

 

- Sultan Sadik

[Euphaia]

Poland and the Polish Governing Junta recognizes Yugoslavia's change of government and invites it to set up an embassy in Warsaw.

Poland, too, has recently had its own change in government...

[Rudolph]

Kralj Dragojev Belojevic,
 
First of all let me say it brings me great sadness to hear of the faith that has befallen your predecessor. I myself know perfectly well the impact of terrorists on a nation state and the damage it does not only to the state itself but the very people within it. I am also quite familiar with being the last of a house and am glad to see your ancient one has managed to survive.
 
Throughout the ages Russia and the South Slavs have had a special relationship, it is due to this relationship and our shared recent histories that I wish to invite you to the Winter Palace to discuss the future of both our states.

Yours sincerely,
Natalia I, Empress and Autocrat of all the Russias

To Natalia I, Empress of Russia,

"Firstly, I, personally wish to send thanks for the heartfelt words. They certainly brought a smile to my face. That said, your words ring true as we are all Slavs in the end and it is our unity, heritage and culture that binds us together.

The Kingdom will accept the gracious invitation and we shall travel towards the Winter Palace. Respond to what date in specific and we shall be there."

Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic
 

The Austro-Hungarian Empire recognizes Yugoslavia's change in government, and offers its condolences at the loss of the previous monarch and his family.

To the Austo-Hungarian Empire

"While the South Slav peoples may have been at odds in several points in time with the Austrians and Hungarians, we send thanks for the heartfelt condolences."

Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic
 

"France expresses its condolences to Yugoslavia and hopes this incident will not be a looming shadow over our relations. We are thoroughly investigating the case and the remains of the former monarch shall be transferred to you shortly."
-Pierre Laval, Ministre des Affaires étrangères

To Pierre Laval, Ministre des Affaires étrangères,

"The Kingdom wishes to assure the French Republic that the incident while regrettable, the blame for it cannot and does not fall on the shoulders of the good French people. We simply ask an additional thing on top of the former monarch's remains, and that is the identity of the good Frenchman who bravely struck down the assassin for capture. Aside from that, we wish and remain hopeful for a return to normality regarding relations between our two countries.

May the French Republic live long and prosper in these coming times."

Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic
 

Although the Ottoman Empire is saddened at the loss of life within Yugoslavia, it sends well wishes and prayers of prosperity to its northern brothers and hopes for peaceful relations.
 
- Sultan Sadik

To Sultan Sadik, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire,

"While the Kingdom and its peoples may have been at odds or cruelly subjected under Turkish rule, we send thanks for the well wishes and prayers."

Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic
 

Poland and the Polish Governing Junta recognizes Yugoslavia's change of government and invites it to set up an embassy in Warsaw.

Poland, too, has recently had its own change in government...

To the Polish Governing Junta,

"The Kingdom sends its thanks to the Polish for its recognition and we shall send a diplomatic envoy to establish our embassy in Warsaw, posthaste."

Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic