What If: The Great War

Posted on Thu Jul 7th, 2022 @ 2:26am by Kyle Cragen [Reece] & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: England - Alternate Timeline
Timeline: 1914
1345 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

***Welcome, my friends, to another look at the other side of the looking glass. We have returned to watch over Kyle and Arrianna. When last we saw them, they were about to see the Earth experience revolutions in Paris and the American Colonies. Having survived both crisis, we now move onto their next challenge...their own children!!***

Arrianna looked towards her Son and Daughter. Staring at both of them. "And what do you expect to accomplish by throwing yourselves into the breach to stop a war?" The elegant wife of Lord Cragen noted. "Have you pondered why this war is starting? It is a manipulation. This war is going to be a tavern brawl." Arrianna circled them. "Everyone in Austria-Hungary wants to have their own nation. Franz Joseph tries to hold together multiple groups of people who would not give a single damn about each other.

Andromeda spoke. "Mother... Maybe a better world would be made if this war was not allowed to begin."

James responded. "A better world, mother.. Isn't that what Empress Tirielle wanted."

"Tirielle dealt with the world as it was.. not as she wanted it to be, son." Arrianna mentioned. "The stories of her are often inflated. The truth was she had a hard life. Finding common ground between our kin. She suffered from her failures. Alindar's people were united, but our world was not truly united until the reign of Cassidor I Althir. And radiation sickness from the wars shortened Tirielle's life. El-Auria struggled with a similar transition and so will the humans struggle with theirs. It's how we all grow up."

"And grow up, we all must," Kyle added as he entered the room, smiling lovingly at his beautiful family. "Though," he said with bigger grin as he.looked at Andromeda and James. "I had hoped that you could remain children for a bit longer." He moved to embrace and kiss Arrianna. "Beloved."

Andromeda spoke. "This war could easily spiral out of control. And it would end with the entire world being at war. What about the people you spoke of? The ones manipularing this world."

Arri spoke. "It's been years since we spoke with the Supervisors, Andromeda. But I understand your concerns. Thus war could easily escalate into Africa and the Middle East, and from there into Caucasia and Asia. Depending on who begins fighting who in Arabia. Your thoughts, husband?"

Kyle frowned and shook his head slowly. "The humans are still far too primitive to avoid conflicts among themselves. There are far too few lines of communication, the majority of the population is basically illiterate. The masses all look to their leaders in near-total nation-state loyalty. I fear the Humans will go through many more wars, their weapons and tactics becoming more deadly and efficient as they advance. In the end, there are only two outcomes. One, they completely annihilate one another, or two, achieve such a high level of warfare that they nearly put themselves back into their stone age."

"We require a third option. Kaiser Wilhelm continues to make provocative moves towards France. Nicholas of Russia ignores his people's problems, allowing Rasputin to create intrigues within Russia's courtiers. And Franz Joseph is losing the battle to keep Austria-Hungary from falling apart." Arrianna noted. "Also, people read Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' and consider it scripture. We can't stop this great war.. but we can remove those who are trying to escalate this into the complete destruction of humanity. The last Supervisor that spoke to us, spoke of elements attempting to destroy this world." Arrianna mentioned.

Kyle was thoughtful for a moment. "Perhaps. So long as our actions don't influence the natural course of Humanity's evolution. My parents b ay have been killed by the humans, however, I will still uphold their oath of non-interfeirence that the El Aurians have."

Arrianna spoke. "I do not like that the Supervirsors have not contacted us concerning this world war, Kyle. This is irregular. I did have an address for contacting them at a residence in Kensington. Perhaps they are still there." Arrianna stood and moved towards a weapons locker. Pulling out an M1911 Pistol. Perhaps it is time to go to the Supervisors and find out why they've been so silent. This is not like Gary Five."

Kyle nodded. "Agreed. However, I'll go. I want you and the children safely secured in the bunker, just in case the worst happens." He extended his hand for the pistol.

Arrianna spoke. "No.. I have a terrible feeling something wants us isolated. We all need back each other up this time." The maid walked in. "Lady Arrianna.." Carol handed Arrianna a paper. "Glorious ascendants have mercy. Archduke Franz Fernandad has been shot."

This news gave Kyle pause. While their castle was in the far north country, he knew that they were about to experience war. "Carol," he spoke to their maid, "Please ask Mr Morris and Miss Hendershaw to bring the entire house and grounds staff to the formal ballroom. I wish to address everyone in ten minutes.

"Yes, My lord." Carol noted.

===

Arrianna spoke. "Ladies and Gentlemen. A critical occurence has taken place. I and my husband were informed by way of the press that Archduke Francis Fernandad has been assassinated." She noted. "This brazen act has enraged Franz Joseph. And the... warmongers have taken this situation to impossible heights. They've presented the serbs with a list of impossible demands for peace. But I think the damage has been done."

Kyle spoke up. "The days ahead will be quite dangerous, for us all. Even though we are far north, the King will call on all of his subjects to defend the Crown and our interests overseas. We must all begin preparing for the worst outcome of this assassination."

"The problem is the web of alliances that now exist in Europe. Austria-Hungrary attacks Serbia which activates their alliance with Russia. I have a feeling the Ottomans might get involved. More alliances Germany will certainly flock to the Empire's aid. Meanwhile Russia will activate it's alliance with France and Britian." Arrianna noted. "And this war will not be like the ones we've seen." Arrianna holds up a tin can. "This one simple thing will change war forever. A tin can yes.. But now it is possible for nations to preserve tons of food for armies numbering hundreds of thousands across a hundred mile front."

"It will be the war to end all wars." One of the house staff noted.

Nodding, Kyle replied. "Yes. Yes it will be. I have no doubt that the King will conscript every able-bodied man into the Army. As a Knight of the Realm, I will more than likely bee called to lead one of His Majesty's regiments." He let that sink in before continuing. "For now, I want everything made ready for war. I will be contacting the Home Secretary today, to see what role this estate shall play. As we know more, we will pass it on to you."

Arrianna spoke. "if any of you have family from Belgium, France, and other places in Europe that may become battlefields, I and Lord Cragen will do our utmost to get them out of the battle zone before Wilhelm unleashes this war upon us. We will do what we can to create new lives either here or in America for them so they don't have to see the ravages of this war. But I have to say... Trying times are ahead. You do not know how much we appreciate your service to our house. You are indeed a asset to our manor. And an extension of our family." The Staff adored their Lord and Lady. "Difficult times are ahead."

Kyle stepped over and took Arri's hand in his. "Together, we will overcome the dark days ahead of us, to once more stand in the warm sunlight of peace and freedom again. God save the King, and God save England!!"

The gathered staffed erupted in cheers and echoed their Lord's salute to King and Country.

~TBC~

 

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