DIPLOMATIC EFFECTS / CH. 21:RIPPLES
NEWS REPORT, 21ST APRIL 2278, INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Shock Imperial Hand-over of Taiwan
Shocks are reverberating around the world following the formal incorporation of the Kingdom of Taiwan into the Russian Empire. The hand-over has been accompanied by a marked reduction in military presence along the Russo-China boarder and seeming resumption of trade between the two empires.
At 9am the Tsar accepted title to Taiwan from the Chinese ambassador in St Petersburg, and immediately afterwards Tsarevna Svetlana handed the King of Taiwan a declaration that Russia had no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of the kingdom as long as certain human rights were observed, and no move towards full independence was considered. The King of Taiwan himself raised the imperial flag alongside his own, in a brief ceremony in which he rejoiced in his hope that, as part of the Russian empire, and with the full force of the Russian army to ensure peace, the long-standing tensions between his nation and the mainland could now pass into history.
Speculation has of course continued today in the world's press about what has been going on between Russia and China, and it seems unlikely that we will find out what was actually going on in the near future. For our reader's information we present the theories that have gained the most support:
1) That Russia was reacting to some kind of military threat to Taiwan, resolved in this transfer of power;
2) That negotiations between Russia and China over a Taiwanese handover have been on-going, but stalled because of Tsarevna Svetlana's involvement in events of Mars, and the trade embargo was Russia's response to that stalling of negotiations;
3) That there was disapproval from St Petersburg regarding a liaison between Prince Han and the Tsarevna (a view that while vigorously promoted in certain quarters is unlikely given the Tsarevna's faith.)
4) (even more far-fetched) that Russia was objecting to the prince's relationship to another woman while pursuing the Tsarevna's affection.
It is generally felt that this news means that the rumours regarding an assassination plot on Mars can now be totally discounted, as it seems entirely unlikely that the transfer of Taiwan to become a Russian protectorate could have been negotiated in anything less than a year. Our commentators further consider that the Tsarevna's stated distrust of China was clearly a reflection of frustration at stalled negotiations over Taiwan.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF INTERNATIONAL NEWS, 21ST APRIL
Dear Sir,
As a regular reader of your normally excellently well-informed paper, I feel that I must write regarding the latter half of today's article on Taiwan, which seemed remarkably full of unsubstantiated speculation. Let me assure you and your readers that what I said on Mars was purely in connection with Mars; that there had been no discussion regarding Taiwan joining my father's empire before I returned from Mars, that China recognised our casus belli as just, though it must remain unrecorded; and that the credit for reestablishment of peaceful relations should be firmly laid at feet of King Travis of Taiwan, long may he reign wisely over his people. I take this opportunity to encourage both his own people and others to call him King Travis the peacemaker.
Her Imperial Highness, Tsarevna Svetlana of Russia
Editor's note: The above letter was delivered to us by his excellency the Russian ambassador and the Tsarevna's staff have confirmed to us that the letter is genuine. Asked for comment, our own palace have stated that they are glad that Her Imperial Highness has chosen to set the record straight.
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EDITORIAL, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, 22ND APRIL 2278
Was there a chance of war?
The term casus belli (perhaps best translated as a legal justification for war) by Tsarvna Svetlana in her letter to this paper yesterday is either uncharacteristically inflammatory or evidence that, within the highest levels of their government, there was a serious possibility that Russia might invade China, or consider some more limited military action which might give rise to an outbreak of war.
The fact the situation was diffused by China renouncing its claim on Taiwan and giving it to Russia, does not necessarily indicate that the kingdom was in any way linked to Russia's case against China, and the Tsarevna's declaration that King Travis should be named King Travis the peacemaker strongly suggests the opposite: King Travis appears to have given up his country's de-facto independence from China to become an autonomous kingdom within the Russian Empire, purely in order to prevent a war. The guarantees signed by the Tsar, recognising the status quo in so many areas, clearly indicate that in no way is Russia planning to exert any significant influence over Taiwan, which is surely a mark of Russia's respect for King Travis.
The Russian position is clearly that China did something very seriously wrong, and it took a transfer of territory before war could be averted. Although China has only rarely had de-facto control over Taiwan that does not change the fact that China has lost territory in this transfer. It has lost mineral rights, fishing grounds and granted its powerful northern neighbour a sphere of influence and even a potential naval base right on its doorstep. Clearly, China would not have agreed to this, unless, as the Tsarevna stated, they recognised that Russia had a genuine grievance.
The conclusion we must draw, then, is that war was indeed likely. Likely enough that the emperor of China felt compelled to cede land for peace. The refusal of any nation to name the cause leaves a vacuum which will no doubt be filled by many conspiracy theories.
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PRESS RELEASE, FROM THE OFFICE OF PRINCE HAN OF CHINA, 24TH APRIL 2278.
Dear Members of the press,
I would like to place it on record that my foolish mention of going on a date with Tsarevna Svetlana was intended to both diffuse tensions between our nations and allow a confidential discussion on matters of state. However, I failed to consider the feelings of the ladies concerned. My utter devotion to my fiancée, Yin Li, has remained unchanged throughout this tense episode, and Tsarevna Svetlana is fully aware of this. I hereby publicly apologise for any embarrassment or distress caused.
Regarding the Tsarevna's recent use of the term casus belli. In some ways her use is not fully appropriate. As no declaration of just war was made, and as my honourable father immediately accepted the solution that did not result in bloodshed, the circumstances required for a just war were not met. Nevertheless, the genius of that solution should not be underestimated and while I add my support for the Tsarevna's call for King Travis to be named peacemaker, I also call for the Tsarevna's own name to be similarly extended. I do not like to contemplate where we would be had she not pleaded with her father for patience, or if others who knew of Russia's cause had spoken of it in the hearing of those who are swift to act and slow to think.
Sometimes, such as this, the most powerful weapons of peace are discretion and quiet diplomacy.
I only hope I can myself learn these skills from my beloved Yin Li and others before I assume the throne.
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IMPERIAL PALACE, BEIJING. 25TH APRIL, 2278
“You know my view, but yet you defy me?” the emperor roared at his son, waving a copy of the press release.
“I do not defy you, father; still we are unwed, despite it having been my unswerving desire from since before I spoke to you until now.”
“You do not defy me, yet, you publicly name her your fiancée?”
“That she has been these past three months, father. But I named her that to stop those in the press who are still associating my name with the Tsarevna. Her highness has not been impressed with that at all father, and said either I should speak of Yin Li, or she would. Father, I add that Yin Li was greeted as future Empress of China by the ambassador of Taiwan to Russia, and by the Tsar and Tsarina of Russia, unprompted by either myself or as far as I know the Tsarevna.”
“Hmm. Your grandmother says she argued very forcefully against the message, and it was only her position and the sword that ensured it was sent.”
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“Sword father? I thought it was a knife.”
“Where would your grandmother get a knife? She held my father's sword at her throat, and even then your chosen argued.”
“Should she have done otherwise, honourable father?”
“She could have killed herself,” the emperor said, thinking that most wouldn't have argued at all.
“What does my honorable grandmother say to that?” prince Han asked, curious.
“That it would be a great crime for a commoner to cause the death of the royal child she carries. She makes an inappropriate suggestion, as well, that you be allowed to run away to marry, so the world knows it is not my will.”
“I would not bring such shame on my parents!” Prince Han protested.
“Good. Who wins when you argue?”
“She has good ideas, father. I try to listen to them.”
“She does, you mean?”
“Not on everything father.”
The emperor mulled it over. A girl who could stand up to his mother was a rare treasure, after all. So, she had risen from the ranks, it would upset the nobles, but the people would be so much happier. Her father and brother were also military, of course, which was even better. And she'd already made friends with the Tsarevna, it seemed. That had shown boldness, there, too, handing herself to Russia like that. Yes, she could make a strong empress, and his son was obviously not interested in any of the noble lilies that decorated royal events, which would no doubt make their suitors happy. “Take Yin Li to talk to your mother.”
“Father?”
“Foolish boy! An imperial bride does not marry in jeans and a tee-shirt. If you are determined to have her as wife then there is much planning to do, is there not? Make sure the invitations go out tomorrow. Including to our newly Russian neighbour, the King of Taiwan. I sense additional trade opportunities.”
“Thank you, Father. Thank you!” Prince Han almost danced out of the room.
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EMBASSY OF THE RESTORED KINGDOM, 1ST AUGUST 2278
Alice finished talking to one of the embassy guards who'd been playing child-minder while Alice had been in a series of meetings, and as soon as he'd left, Heather stopped walking up and down with a serious expression on her face and clung to her mother.
“Mummy! Svetlana's coming to play with me!” Heather announced.
“Do I know Svetlana?” Alice asked, sure she hadn't met any children of that name.
“Of course you do, silly mummy! The one with the space ship who got sick. She's coming and she'll play with me and maybe she'll bring Mr Reindeer too.” She pulled a face. “He doesn't look much like a reindeer, maybe he's in disguise.”
“Maybe, dear. Do I know Mr Reindeer?”
“He's the one Svetlana's going to marry, mummy. You know that, Prince Rudolph the Reindeer.”
[I don't think they've decided that yet, Heather.] Alice thought to her daughter, [And nearly everybody doesn't know that Svetlana and Princess Claire are the same person, so don't tell, it's a secret.]
“But, Mummy, it's obvious!” Heather wasn't very good at not speaking her thoughts when she was excited.
[Heather, think to me, please. It's an important secret, Heather. Like when the seconders had to hide. Princess Svetlana has to go everywhere at home with lots of body-guards. When she's being Princess Claire, she walks differently, she talks differently, she puts on different clothes, and she doesn't need as many body-guards, because it's not as dangerous to be Princess Clare as it is to be Princess Svetlana. So don't tell anyone.]
[Sorry, Mummy. So she won't bring Prince Reindeer?]
[Probably not, Heather love. He's Princess Claire's boyfriend, after all. And it'd be very difficult for her to be Svetlana and Claire at the same time, and both talk to the cameras together, wouldn't it?]
Heather nodded solemnly, “Very.”
“And Heather, Prince Rudolph isn't really a reindeer, you know. Just like I'm not the Alice that Christopher Robin went to the palace with.”
“Of course you're not, Mummy. You're not that old.”
“Nor is Prince Rudolph. He's younger than me or Daddy, and I think people have been telling stories about Rudolph for long as they have about Christopher Robin going to the palace.”
“And the guards in the century box.” Heather said.
A familiar voice from the hallway said “'One of the sergeants looks after their socks', said Alice.”
“Daddy!” Heather ran to greet her father, “Svetlana's coming to play with me!”
“That's nice dear, when?”
“Auntie Karella said tomorrow, and I need to tell Mummy and Daddy and Auntie Yuliya before I go and play. But I don't know how to tell Auntie Yuliya.”
“That's OK, Heather, I'll tell Yuliya,” Alice said.
“Then I can play now?”
“Yes dear. Did Karella say why she didn't talk to me?”
“You were busy, and she wanted to go to sleep. Oh, she said she'd talk to Margaret too.”
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MARS SPACEPORT, 2ND AUGUST
“Tsarevna,” Mack greeted Svetlana, “Thank you for your flight plan, but... don't you think it could have arrived a little earlier?”
“That's my fault, I thought I'd told you, Mack,” Eloise admitted, as Svetlana looked confused. “I got it a few weeks ago but was asked to sit on it for as long as possible.”
“Oh, well. No harm done,” Mack said. “I presume this visit's not going to be as eventful as the last one?”
“I most certainly hope not,” Svetlana agreed. “Mack, Eloise, let me present Yuliya's parents, Alexandr and Yevgeniya. Mack Fisher is the chairman of the Mars Council — we might call him the President of Mars — and Eloise Maugh is Council Secretary, which I believe makes her the most significant civil servant.
“You've met Anna and Leonid, my body guards, my other two passengers are my cousin Grand Duchess Nadiya of Kaliningrad and last but certainly not least, my mother.”
“Since Svetlana was bringing Yevgeniya anyway, I thought it might be the ideal time to come,” the Tsarina said.
“Your majesty! Welcome! I thought you never travelled.”
“Oh, I'm well known for never travelling. Which is much more convenient when I do. Please do call me Anna, and think of me as just someone who's known Yuliya all her life, who begged Svetlana for a lift so I could come for her wedding.”
“But, surprise surprise, we'd rather mother's presence wasn't advertised any time before we're safely back in St Petersburg.”
“In other words,” the Tsarina said, “If not showing up in anyone's database means I don't get a claim, I'll forego that pleasure.”
“You're on Mars, you get a claim, Anna. What we won't do is require you to go anywhere near the MarsCorp machines. While you're not here officially, I am going to take your presence as confirming your daughter's statement that she considers good relationships with Mars as a high priority.” Mack said.
“Far be it from me to tell any head of state what to think. Except my husband, of course, that's different.”
“So I understand, Anna.”
“You're not married, Mr Fischer?” the Tsarina asked.
“No, Maam.”
“Before you ask,” Eloise said, “I'm not either, but Mack is sensible enough to know that he's not getting anywhere with me unless he stops being such a stick in the mud atheist, and I'm not sure he'll get anywhere even then.”
“Hey! Who said I was interested?” Mack protested.
“Oh, just about everyone who knows you, Mack.” Eloise said. “But it's OK. I promise I'm not going to take unfair advantage of any poor doomed hopes you might still be cherishing.”
“Oh, thanks,” he said, in a tone dripping sarcasm.
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RUSSIAN EMBASSY ON MARS
“And what's your name, little one?” Anna asked the small girl who'd been jumping up and down holding on the Svetlana's hands.
“I'm Heather,” and looking between her and Svetlana she smiled and asked “Is it a big secret or a little secret?”
“It's a medium secret, Heather,” Svetlana supplied while her mother looked confused. “You can tell people after we've got all the way home.”
“Oh. Not like you and Mr Reindeer.”
“Shh, Heather,” Alice said. “Sorry that her perceptions are so far ahead of her ability to hold her tongue, your highness.”
“I'm glad for her perceptions, based on my last visit. But I'm not actually sure who she's talking about.”
“Mummy said he's not really a reindeer, like she didn't take Christopher Robin to the Buckyingham palace.”
“Yes, dear, there are lots of people called Alice, and lots of people called the same name as a famous reindeer.” Alice turned to Svetlana and her mother and said “But speaking of things that it's sometimes prudent to pretend we don't know, I thought I'd let you know officially that there's another Guillemot coming.”
“Prince Albert,” Svetlana said, knowingly.
“And family, yes.”
“And another royal threesome are on their way, too” Ruth said, getting her arrival time perfectly. “There won't be a treaty negotiated, but having spotted who was coming with you, Tsarevna, my queen thought that Jake and Karella ought to take the opportunity to say hello.”
“They could have just come and visit us in St Petersburg,” Svetlana pointed out, “It's a bit closer.”
“But that would make it all formal and so on. Whereas this way it's just a friendly chat. Queen Karella sends you both her congratulations on your handling of the Taiwan handover, by the way.”
“Auntie Ruth?” Heather asked thoughtfully.
“Yes, Heather?”
“I shouldn't tell uncle Boris he's wrong, should I? Not yet.”
“What's he wrong about, love?”
“Gravytrees. He said he'd made Guilimots fly by gravytrees, but I looked really hard, and there's no gravytrees, not really. Like he's not really my uncle but he is in another way.”
“You know Heather,” Ruth said with an indulgent smile on her face, “I think you're right, you should wait until you can show uncle Boris what's really there, before you tell him there's no gravytrees.”
“Oh! I'll do that when I'm big!” Heather declared, and ran off to try to persuade Yuliya to play with her.
“Thank you, Ruth.” Alice said.
“What for?” Ruth asked.
“That bit of careers advice. She's been worried about how she could tell Boris for a while.”
“What?”
“He explained to her a while ago how the antigravity drive works, and because she can't see the gravitons, she thinks he's got it wrong.”
“What was that about him not really being her uncle?”
“Well, he's not, is he?” Alice said.
“Of course not. But... oh, never mind. If anyone ought to understand your daughter's mind it's you.”
“Me? Understand Heather?” Alice said, “You must be mad! She's got at least fifty things bothering her at any one time, ranging from 'If unicorns eat grass like horses, why don't stories ever talk about unicorn poo?' to 'How do the seeds get into tomatoes', and 'What stops light from going round corners?' and she flits from one to another faster than you can say slippery fish. I just love her, feed her, and make sure all her questions about quantum theory go to Simon.”
“Alice, she's not old enough to ask questions about quantum theory,” Svetlana chided.
“Oh, I whole-heartedly agree. It doesn't seem to stop her though.”