The race has begun

Earth has experienced for several decades, peace. The continents hadn’t been quiet for so long as for now. It was an unexpected record though, as there were two governments, who were opposed to each other. Complots happened, but very subtle. Nobody knew for real what was going on. There were these crazy stories about spies from Carthage, disguised as traders or economists or secret agents from Moche. The world where the Moche Empire and the Carthaginian League existed was a world of contradiction.

Few decades ago the last war happened. The industrial superpower Song China, the maritime Alba Confederation and the Plains dominions (mostly lead by Iroquois, Cree and Navajo peoples) founded with their satellite states an alliance. Socioeconomic changes brought also political changes and these three powers sought aggressive expansion. Moche and Carthage with their smaller partners had to cooperate during the war. The Moche Empire was a classic land power, with the biggest land army in the world since 100s of years, whereas Carthage always had the biggest fleet. The Moche Empire had a complicated political system, but it can summarize it as following, the military and the ‘priests’ have the power. It is true that firstly they worshipped Ai Apaec mostly, however when they incorporated Mayan and Teothiuacanian philosophy and gods, they changed his attributes very often. At the end however, when Carthage and Alba traded with Moche the priests analysed the new technology. Contrary to our timeline, they praised technology and saw it as divine manifestation and it became part of their warrior cult. As such, the Moche Empire caught up pretty fast and became the most advanced country on Earth.

As for Carthage; they were interested in trade and economy. During their battles with Rome and other emerging empires of the Near East, they also developed their land policies. Their main point however was the sea…that was their strength. It is true Carthage has a high culture, high technology and a very advanced society, yet still Carthage is very self-sufficient and most ‘leaders’ are corrupt. People in Carthage never learn to care for their country or their roots. Their state ideology is to make good money and have great knowledge of trade and economy. Science in there is just a tool for the economy. The marine as well, as are the land forces. You are not seen as great compatriot when you protect and fight for your land, but rather when you have business contacts with Carthage City and allow some people from the colonies to establish contact with these people from the capital.

Yet they were temporarily allies… the war was heavy, long, sucked all the resources that were needed. Carthage won with Moche, but they did it for a heavy price. Yes, they preferred to spend their resources on economic activities and as such just send more manpower, with ill-equipped material. Many men and women died for these ill-thought war policies. Moche on the other hand, motivated their population and called on their Manifest destiny to own all of the Americas and Pacific. In some months all of Alba’s presence was gone in the Americas. The Plain Dominion were retreating, retreating until they were caught by the mighty and fierce warriors of Moche. They spend more resources, were better prepared, conquered more and as such had the better cards at the end. They were never self-sufficient, wished for more, pushed harder and taught ambition as core value. The huge differences after the war, created the current situation; a self-sufficient Carthage against an ambitious and hungry Moche Empire.

It was known for a longer time, that the Moche administration planned on creating a vast empire from North to South America. There are even declarations guarantees, that explicitly state that Moche won’t take any Brazilian cities of Carthage. Whether these documents have a value or not…is to be determined really soon… Heshmunkitz a diplomat and high representative of Carthdarik (means literally from Punic; city and travel). Carthdarik is the oldest settlement of Carthage in Brazil. There are also other ones such as Carthmien, Malhamitanim, Hemyetmekir etc. The cities in Brazil are since the end of the World War heavily fortified, as the Cold War between Moche and Carthage started. The city walls became higher and higher. Behind the walls commerce activities and trade increased, as it was promoted and part of Carthage’s identity. Each centre of each city within the Carthaginian League has a Hannibal-Square with a huge Hannibal statue. Hannibal complexes are also very frequent. Headquarters of trade are also to be found in the centre. Signs with most quotes of Hannibal or other important people are spread restlessly throughout the League. Publicity was to be seen everywhere and people traded and networked their trade contacts frequently through it.

Heshmunkitz went out of his villa in a rush, he had to take a taxi and go to the city walls of Carthdarik. He was requested to be present within 2 days in the Moche Empire’s capital. He took his documents with him and headed forward. When he was in the street, poor traders tried to sell their connections to him, which he hectically refused. Heshmunkitz was a very busy person and his motto was ‘I will either find a way, or make one’. This very same sentence was used by Hannibal and it became almost the golden rule of Carthage. However, ironically enough, the word ‘way’ became also exploited commercially, so that the militaristic meaning became somewhat forgotten. Heshmunkitz was very profound in historical knowledge, but also political, as well as cultural. He spoke Punic, Celtic, Mochica, Chinese and his own dialect, which was Darikian. His rhetoric skills are unmatched and he always had good results at it when he was younger. Economy, finances, trade studies were not his strength, but he respected it very much as part of Carthage’s culture.

The nature of the request of his presence was very untraditional. Usually he would never be requested to go to any place by a deadline, less likely be asked by a foreign government. As diplomat he would have missions from his government to follow. As there were however some old-fashioned rules, that gave diplomats the possibility to go to foreign countries, when invited by foreign powers, Heshmunkitz was in this grey zone, where he could actually just go, without any fear, which he did. Heshmunkitz apparently had a good name within government circles, as the simple person in the Carthaginian League doesn’t care about politics.

After two hours he came to the city border…the enormous city walls were astonishing, they were big, but also quiet intimidating and grey. They ranked almost up to the sky and covered a good amount of the sky. They are even part of the top10 highest buildings in the world, including the other city walls of the Carthaginian cities in Brazil! The border control never has a lot of work and the controllers were mumbling between themselves, why someone had to pass the border today.

‘Okay Mister Heshmunkitz, under the Hannibalian legislation code, I must ask you to swear to, that you will respect your duty and not commit acts against the Carthaginian League’, said the border controller.

‘I, Heshmunkitz, swear, under Hannibal’s name, to be loyal to my cause, to work for the Carthaginian League and that I won’t commit hostile actions’, pleaded Heshmunkitz.

In that world, signatures don’t exist per se, they are replaced by recorded oath. It was very unusual for Carthaginians to go to other countries, except if it was for trade or in that case for diplomacy, which was still needed. Carthage saw itself as pinnacle of human civilization and that only trade and richness could make a country great. Carthage underwent several political reformations that made them firm for the last centuries. The first one to introduce a complete change was Hannibal, later the Barca family and their descendants continued these policies. Hannibal after defeating Rome, tried to centralize Carthage and switch priorities. This was good for some moments. Whenever there was no concurrent country to Carthaginian trade routes, they would turn inward. When a new big player arrived, chances were really bad for the Carthaginian League, but out of nowhere another Hannibalesque figure arrived and changed everything again. They were this little stitches that revived Carthage from time to time. Heshmunkitz had long debates with himself about it and always wondered if Carthage wasn’t already long overdue and how long they could keep their social order. He respected trade and all, but didn’t see the long promised focus on other parts. Education was very superficial and only interested people would get more knowledge, if they wanted to and had the resources for it. It is true that the economy boomed in Carthage and everyone somehow had jobs, but the money accumulated by the society wasn’t spend on almost anything.

‘Yes no wall will protect us when Moche will raise their arms against us and what are we going to do? Buy them? Bribe them? People with such a different systems of value…they will crush us,’ Heshmunkitz was frustrated about this. The military was nearly non-present, except for the strong marine, but they would protect the holdings of the Old World. The Brazilian cities were on the worst spots and got higher walls only.

Heshmunkitz passed several passages through the wall and came to the Moche border. The officials highly suspicious of the Carthaginian people saw him with distrust. Once he showed his diplomatic papers and repeated his oath, they let him pass. In the Eastern parts the cities were very sparse and most bigger agglomerations existed on the Western part of South America. Heshmunkitz rushed out of the border station and read through all the signs of Moche. He then continued his walk to take the train to the capital. Within 20 years it changed a lot here. He remembered how the Moche used old locomotives they captured from their enemies during the war and now they use the most advanced ones. Their fast development and technological advancement was due to their state ideology. Technology and progress was blessed as divine and god given. This new understanding of technology and religion, completely foreign to us, made it possible for religion and technology to interact and to be inclusive in many unknown ways.

Everyone since childhood in the Moche Empire was taught knowledge, technological as well as social one. People were pushed by the state to know as much as possible. In fact, with the discovery of genetics, the Moche since some years created huge sperm banks of the strongest, smartest and most talented citizens. The mothers were also selected carefully. Everything in there was based on strength, intelligence and your own merits. It could be regarded in our world as theocratic meritocracy. Babies with defects or weak people were considered unworthy and impure and therefore eliminated. The state involvement was huge in Moche and also in a very disgusting sense. In Carthage one could hardly speak about a state… Heshmunkitz was of course against by these foreign customs of Moche, however he acknowledged that Moche was moving soon beyond his understanding.

Every time he passes through Moche, something new is being built and every time it becomes more and more advanced. In the train he noticed that everything was new, clean and optimized. The seats adjusted themselves to his size and the speed was incredibly huge. 300km/h as the publicity in the seat says. The Mochica people managed to build completely new cities out of nowhere. The newest city was Chonkikcharku (proud star) built in order to honour the brightest star in the sky and the victory after the World War. It was placed on the middle of Moche and Carthdarik. In Chonkikcharku he had to change the train and with his diplomatic papers he got of course special treatment by the Moche officials. There was a very new restaurant in the main city area of Chonkikcharku especially for high guests from foreign places. People in there were multilingual and this wasn’t an exception. It was usus, whereas Heshmunkitz was the exception of Carthage. While watching the screen box of there, he saw how pictures and films were shown of a flying iron bottle? He couldn’t recognize it but he could translate it from the Moche language. It stated that: ‘By the will power of the supreme gods, the Moche people are now able to dominate the sky and reach closer to the stars and their Gods. A glorious day of for the master engineers of the marvellous Moche nation.’

His neighbours talked between themselves and were proud of Moche. People started to sing their traditional song, which they only sing after a very important victory. The foreigners, including Heshmunkitz, just sat there and felt awkward. He didn’t get them what was so special about this flying iron bottle? What about the trains they have? Or was it some kind of plane? However, planes never reached spectacular speed maximum 200km/h and were fast forgotten by the world or not? There was something up there and he was sure it was nothing good…

The security guards took Heshmunkitz after some more time out of the restaurant and took him to the second train station of Chonkikcharku. In there he would have another train that would bring him to Moche capital. While going out, everywhere there was a patriotic sounding music to hear and people put out their banners and flags. He asked the security guards what happened or if there was a new national holiday.

‘Our glorious researchers managed it to outclass the world finally and put us above everyone…’ the guard wanted to continue and the other interrupted him.

‘Sorry instructions from our priests and scientist government doesn’t allow foreigners to get more details, including diplomats or traders.’

‘Sorry to say it like this, but I don’t see why, I just want to know what happened, why people are so much celebrating? I should respect your customs and traditions and I must be aware of it…and this is new to me’, said Heshmunkitz.

The two guards discussed, while Heshmunkitz watched how the TV chains and radio turned all loud, with people screaming and singing. They continued their walk, until one guard decided to break the silence, by saying that the Moche Empire continuously tried to outtech their enemies. With this invention, they’d be even able to go to the moon and not to mention (and this is what Heshmunkitz though) attack and destroy Carthage’s Brazilian cities.

‘It was officially declared as technology, that launches a new period of prosperity and our government declared sharing this prosperity with the world.’

Heshmunkitz didn’t know how to react, if it was true or if the government used euphemism after euphemism. As diplomat he had to keep his cold, otherwise it could be bad for Carthage. The Moche Empire right now was not playing anymore games. He feared this since long and now is the day, where they are actually able to wipe off the Carthaginian League AND he was requested to BY the Moche Empire. When the guards left him in the train station and he moved forward to the train, he put one and one together; the Moche Empire would make DEMANDS and ask for CONCESSIONS. Why did they however choose him, Heshmunkitz? Was it just because of his excellent Mochica command or did they consider him weak or are they for real interested in something constructive. These questions, while looking outside at the jungle, kept his mind busy. The train moved really fast and he couldn’t enjoy every detail of the Amazonas. He enjoyed it however more than he thought. The train was also playing all the time strong patriotic music, but the tune was quiet enjoyable and the lyrics really motivating. Heshmunkitz found himself sometimes even humming the songs. The songs were for the most part about how ‘glorious’ the Moche Empire was built, how the divine advices were accepted by the government, how technological progress is praised and the perfect society is sought. One more recent song was about how Moche always was an outsider and finally managed to grow as biggest world power. The locals and Moche nationals sang quiet often and really loud the songs that were played. They showed great pride and the Carthaginian diplomat appreciated it, they had different values and even so he liked them. He was having an inner monologue if their values at the end were not better than the Carthaginian values?

In between, food arrived and it tasted really delicious. It was a fusion of jungle fruits and sea fruits with some additional things from the Pacific islands. The Moche dishes were healthier than the Carthaginian ones and tasted better. For Moche it was important to be healthy, whereas Carthage’s society just thought one could buy health with money… Heshmunkitz asked later for a second plate, it was a Quinua soup, with sugar and coconut milk added in it and some vanilla and natural sweeteners from the jungle. The Quinua soup, even considered by our standards as dessert, was for real a dish designed for the soldiers of Moche. As more people were drafted in the military and became older, the Quinua soup started to become popular, even beyond Moche’s border. Heshmunkitz left a big tip but the waitress said he shouldn’t tip her. When he asked why, she replied to him, that too much money can corrupt her values. However, she didn’t become angry, as she understood that he was a foreigner. Although he knew about Moche culture it came to him as a surprise…Perhaps he never was aware of it or she truly believed in this value?

After a good while he finally arrived in Moche, a city of almost 30 million people, counting the metropolitan area as well. Moche City underwent since the last 100 year enormous transformations. As Heshmunkitz already noticed before, he also noticed in here many changes and was impressed how fast and efficient they improved. He was actually surprised so far. When he went outside the train station district he saw how almost all building were renovated. All streets were freshly done. The places were clean, even for such a busy area it was spotless. Everything was so much in order that he was even frightened for a moment. He called a taxi, who brought him for a good price to the building of the Foreign Ministry. He used the bell and gave his name and was immediately let in. The building was huge, of about 50 levels and he had to take the elevator. People came in and out…until he reached the top floor. Usually the top floor is used for huge diplomatic talks in Moche. The inside building was decorated with their main god Ai Apaec, but also in red as well as blue, the dominant colours of the Mochican people.

Heshmunkitz was received by the Foreign Minister of the Moche Empire and few high officials. They greeted him and gave him presents from all parts of the Moche Empire, from a simple coconut to old pottery from the first years of the Moche culture. He had actually nothing, as he was surprised to be so well received, wasn’t he just a diplomat and not the Foreign Minister?

The Moche Empire delegation started to talk and said:

‘Dear Mister Heshmunkitz. We are happy to receive you in our proud and glorious country. We are happy you came in such an important day as this one here, where we finally could claim the heavens for ourselves and even reach the moon within the next years. We as Moche Empire want to always share our prosperity with the world, as we did just after the World War, with your country, honourable diplomat Heshmunkitz,’ said the minister.

‘Honourable minister, why was I requested by you and not the League’s Foreign Minister? Why is not your counterpart here?’

‘We are lastly having difficulties…concerning the communication between our two great countries…but we know, you are an equally talented person as the Foreign Minister. I’d even go so far and claim, that your presence is well received among the Moche people. You know that our relations froze over time or as some experts say; we are in a Cold War.’

‘That’s really unfortunate, but we have all rules we should respect and I am afraid I don’t have the same power as the League’s Foreign Minister.’

‘You have a remarkable power, trust me. We paid carefully attention to you over the last years and we saw…that you were the only one, who considered to make compromises. At the end, as we know, we must take compromises to ensure the survival of humanity, right? And well…your government is busier about economics and trade, so that sometimes we feel like talking to a wall. There is no cooperation in international issues, even if we try to press them. To make it short. You prevented countless times direct wars between our two countries and at the end you acted truly on behalf for all of humanity…’

‘Thank you a lot honourable minister, I just did my part of the work. I sincerely always opt for peace. The last World War was too tragic and I hope it never repeat itself…’

‘And that is exactly why we like you…We have a common founding for our negotiations. PEACE!’

‘Hmmm yes we should all care for peace, but I am not in any ministry nothing. What is my voice going to change?’

‘Look basically what we want is fleet basing rights in your cities on the coast and access to your Brazilian markets. We want to connect with you, so that in one way or another, war would be a loss for the two of us…Right now we are still really independent from each other…So a war would hurt less in economic terms and especially for us.’

‘But how am I going to help you?’

‘You will sign a paper…and our military will make sure that you will have the upper hand…if anyone, including you, refuses…we see ourselves forced to use stronger weapons… Remember we are driven by the Manifest Destination and actually this land here including Brazil, belongs to us, people who are native here…

Dear Mister Diplomat I offer you this…sign the papers we ask you or else we use our rockets to attack your cities from the sky…It is in your hands…Peace or War?’

Heshmunkitz was prepared to this kind of talk. Even so, he was afraid to say something wrong. Will he regret it or not?

Status Quo reversed; an alternate, science-fiction history of the Portuguese Empire

Sandra Malheiro woke up quiet early at 6:30 am. She was still tired but had a lot of thoughts that woke her up. She moved two months ago from Cidade Mars de Salazar to the new city of Conglomerado de Ricardo Almeira. She is in her early 30’s and spent a good amount of her life in the Portuguese military. The sun on the moon of Europa is like a tiny dot, but Jupiter appears really astonishing. It was one of few pros of why she liked to live on Europa. For the rest she didn’t like it. In general, she hated her life.

Yes, she had a good career in the military, she was even member of the interplanetary body of the Partido Regenerador Portugues, but she saw that she was never enough. She was a unique exception among all these men who were part of the military and the party. Usually women didn’t make a career in the military as this was despised by men and women equally. In the doctrine of the Portuguese Empire, it was stated that each sex had their own role to fulfil, ‘in order to guarantee prosperity and equal opportunity for the Portuguese citizen’. In the military, she was schooled in detail for a year about ‘state loyalty’ and ‘History of Portuguese doctrines and principles’ as well as ‘Functioning of the Estado Novo’. Many of the things that were said there were almost against her own self…as woman. It was suggested that women go and take ‘social jobs’ and that men take ‘responsibility jobs’. Men couldn’t take ‘social jobs’ and women were mostly not allowed to take ‘responsibility jobs’ and yet she was part of the military and the PRP. She swallowed all her life things that were said about women being like this and men like that and had enough of it. However, she was unsure how to address it.
When she walked out in the main avenue of the Conglomerado de Ricardo Almeira, she saw how the construction workers erected a huge 200m statue of Salazar and Sidonio Pais next to each other. This were preparations for the celebration of 1500 year Portugal. The hologram TV and ads talked about how magnificent and glorious the Portuguese cities were. Lisbon with 20 million people, Rio de Janeiro with 15 million, São Paulo da Assunção de Loanda with 13 million, Macau with 13 million as well and the moon city Vila Nova de Lua with 12 million. The TV talked about Portuguese master engineering and how the Portuguese Empire’s doctrine promoted human progress. Free drinks were also given on the street while she walked.

‘Here lady, take a free Sagres to our heroes, Portuguese Empire and doctrines’, said the advertiser.

‘Obrigado’, nodded Sandra politely.

‘Oh, you are in the army?’, the man looked at her with sceptical eyes and Sandra just gave a short ‘Sim’ as answer. Unfortunately, she was used at these questions and stares. She didn’t feel respected for what she was and her personality. Nevertheless, she promised to herself, that no matter what she would fight to keep her dream job.  She didn’t like beer much, but thought since it’s free she will just drink it. On the corner she came across ticket sellers. They sold tickets for the solar football match between Benfica and Sporting, the two biggest sports clubs in the Portuguese Empire. They had billions of members, in particular in football.
‘Oiiiiila, here are tickets for you too lady! It was sponsored by our great Empire and is a match also in honour of Ricardo Almeira. Take it and let the Empire make you happy with bola!’, said the guy enthusiastically. Football was a big deal in the Portuguese Empire and the main sports. Even on the moon, Mars and Europa (moon), football knew no boundaries. She sometimes went there, but mostly for representative matches, where high officials had to be present. If you were not present in the match, you’d be seen as traitor to Portuguese values and then again sports were predominantly male… such an irony she always thought to herself.

Sandra continued her walk and enjoyed looking up at the sky seeing Jupiter. Jupiter maybe will make her life one day better? Nah, these thoughts are now nonsense. She was having many inner monologues, as not many people could relate to her. She was very introvert too, but not shy. She could stand her own ground, but within the conditions of the doctrines. She wished for controversial debates about these doctrines and she surely disagreed on the continuous improvement and progress in the Portuguese Empire. Social progress was stuck and even split men and women more than ever apart. Men who took social jobs, did they exist? She wasn’t sure, but hoped to meet one of these men maybe here in the Conglomerado? Before she could continue her thoughts general da Silva came across and greeted her.
‘General Malheiro, I greet you!’, he looked at her with respect and gave her a strong handshake.

‘I greet you back honourable General da Silva, may our glorious day as Portuguese Empire continue’, she said and then she moved in the military office.

When she came there, the receptionist Manuel Ferreira da Cruz informed her that Marshal-Salazarissimo Peixoto ordered the whole division of the city to take part of a drill tomorrow. It was one of a spontaneous nature and ensured that his division was in permanent red alert. She took note of it on her medium.
‘Be sure that nothing goes wrong, as it’s part of the celebration of our Empire. You have my full servitude in case of questions. Have a very prosperous day!’, said the receptionist.

A cold obrigado slipped from her lips and she headed towards the instant transmission machine. She gave her coordinates and went there in one second. Everything seemed very hectic today, because of the celebration. And since the doctrine teaches them to be foremost loyal to Portugal, it was a very logic consequence. Her face went from enthusiastic to even more enthusiastic…not at all. She took a huge breath and thought to herself ‘stay calm’. The more she thought about what the state taught them, the more she found it artificial and constructed from above. She was merely a soldier, because she wanted to protect her loved ones and not because she liked the doctrine. Despite her being a woman and where it was said that she can’t protect people, her uncle helped her to get a position. He was in the second-highest rank within the military and a very important party member as well. He never had kids himself, so treated Sandra as his own daughter instead. When Sandra told him since a little girl, that she wanted to be in the military, contrary to the doctrine, under which he worked for, he made the contrary. After she finished an all-female school, she didn’t go to study social sciences, but she gave her application to become a soldier. Her uncle managed to convince the staff about her abilities and argued that she was the exception and the exception confirms the rule. A minority disagreed and argued with the doctrine, but most generals, marshals etc were actually very satisfied with Sandra. Sandra presented herself as uttermost loyal to the Portuguese cause and had great knowledge of Portuguese history as well as the space expansion program. She wished to be stationed outside the Earth, where she had more opportunities. At that time the army was happy to receive people for posts outside Earth, as there was a general shortage. Immigration was therefore also encouraged by the Portuguese Empire as well, with many financial benefits. Sandra came first to Vila Nova de Lua, twelve years ago and was absolving her formation there. She did exceptionally well and instead of 4 years, was already taken after 3 with an honorary degree. She enjoyed certain privileges, like living in her own place, 8-hours-day and could come and go without much administrative work. People never questioned her and saw her as her uncle’s successor. But this and also the doctrine and mostly the doctrine made her resent her life. She didn’t want to be an exception, she wanted to be normal and treated like everyone else and neither have privileges or be treated less. She didn’t understand these contrary behaviours she experienced. On one hand, she was not enough, she was just a woman, on the other hand, she was treated better than most other soldiers. 'This doctrine...why does it even exist?...Salazar and Pais...did you intent this? Was this your vision of Portugal', she thought to herself.

She then revised the plans of how everything should be followed during the drill, which people are assigned to her and mostly other technical details. She was getting tired of that. She was a soldier to protect her loved ones and not to maintain and propagate the doctrine. Salazarismo-Marshal Peixoto came unannounced at her place.

'Well, well how are we doing General Malheiro?', he asked.

She was caught with intern surprise. Her face stayed normally neutral.

'Honourable Salazarismo-Marshal Peixoto, which pleasure to see you personally in my department. I'm doing well and analysing with greatest attention the plans for tomorrow. Moreover, I am greatly thankful to always serve the imperial Portuguese forces!', she said in almost shouting voice.

She looked petite but she certainly wasn't weak. She was skilled and fast, most importantly very courageous.

'That's fantastic dear general. I hear that you are as good as your uncle. He made himself an eternal name within our forces. Many of my comrades are saying only good things about you and how skilled you are... well I was thinking, we should consider your achievements, your loyalty and your brave attitude dear general. In fact, the high military commission ordered to see you tomorrow! We all think that it's time that you will be declared a Salazarismo-General!,' said Salazarismo-Marshal Peixoto.

Sandra was certainly surprised and was even feeling proud... But then she thought to herself for what? Proud to follow the doctrine by every step? To swallow every letter of it against her own dissatisfaction?

'So?' evoked Salazarismo-General Peixoto.

'Sorry I was just taken apart for a moment as I couldn’t believe my own ears', she replied.

'Hahaha it is okay General! Or should I say Salazarismo-General Malheiro. In fact, though I’m a bit longer then you in service I always stand with great pleasure in front of you. I’m proud of Portugal and proud of the Portuguese people and you contribute to this pride. Billions of Portuguese are proud of you!'

She faked her smile and tried to convince herself just for that moment to be happy. Deep within she felt some pride, but it faded quickly away and was blown like the sand in the Sahara. She shakes hands with Peixoto. She always noticed his moustache and his old-fashioned general hat. She didn’t blame him for the doctrine. He was just filling his role and convinced by all sides to fulfil a role. Who knows maybe he was a man who wanted to do social jobs, but never had the opportunity?

'Oh and by the way...before I forget you are a candidate for a new position within the party. This will allow you to have more mobile hours so you can dedicate as much time needed for your positions. I know I say candidate but it is almost clear you'll be elected. I bet my moustache to that hehe', and the general started to laugh foolishly. 'Really and which position exactly?', asked Sandra.

'To be honest I forgot it now or wait... it was to become member of the upper committee of ALL the party', said Peixoto with a fierce voice. 'In any case be prepared, but I think you know that as you are one of the best Portuguese. The Portuguese Empire can be proud to have you as their citizen!

'Thanks Salazarismo-Marshal Peixoto. I take all your compliments with great pleasure, especially from someone as important and with such a remarkable and gifted leadership as you. The message is equally received with great happiness and pride. Thank you!' said Sandra.

She hates it how artificial these speeches were, but somehow this was usus within the Portuguese Empire.

Peixoto gave his farewells and left the office through the teleporter. Sandra thought whether she should accept the positions or not. She thought of it all day long. She went back home after finishing work several hours later, still thinking on that one issue. Whether to take the positions or not. All this thinking made her feel heavy. On her way back home she sat on a bench thinking and was noticed by a stranger. Without much nervousness this stranger approached her and was certainly surprised by Sandra's military decoration. He first sat next to her and watched her for few seconds. Sandra was too much self-absorbed in her own thoughts, however she could never ever refuse this offer...nobody did so and she would just cause attention towards her. So without further ado she thought she is going to accept the positions but very self-critical of course. It wasn't until then when she finished to worry about that, that the stranger asked her something.

'Are you a member of the Portuguese forces?', he asked.

'Yes a very proud and confident member. My rank is that of a general!'

'Oh wow I'm surprised and sorry I didn’t talk to you with respect.'

'It is okay; I think for today to be honest I have enough of respectful talking.'

'Oh I see, why? If I may ask?'

'Now I want to be myself. I'm Sandra Malheiro. Not just a general or member of the army, I am a person as everyone else.'

'My manners where are they? I am Nuno Delgado and well I work in a social job as you can see on my sign here in my chest.'

Sandra was literally surprised to meet under such circumstances someone as random and almost as her but on the opposite side. How come he made a social job?
‘I see, I am sorry but I am unused to see a man working in a social job? How come?’, she asked.

‘That’s a typical question, but I won’t take it badly, as I was also surprised to see a woman in the army, though our superior and almost godly doctrine says the contrary’, he mocked in front of her.

She was surprised he mocked about the doctrine in front of her. Was he a spy or an agent in disguise? Was he testing waters to see if Sandra was as loyal as her façade always portrayed it? Her gut feeling told her otherwise and she opened up a little more.

‘There are exceptions to the doctrine I suppose, I guess I am one of them somehow. However, I was lucky as my family was involved in the military and I was one of the few children. I always wanted to be part of the military, since I was young, you know. How did you come to take a social job?’, Sandra demanded.

‘Well, my family was one of the first to come to the Conglomerado of Ricardo Almeira, like 100 years ago. My grandfather and father worked on the construction and all, but once it became finalized and less people were needed in construction, they were left with their family. And of course there are children who need to go to school. So about 20 years ago the shortage of teaching staff was countered by ‘special measures’. Yes, I am one of the few men employed as teacher and I am lucky, because I wished for that, since I was small. I just never understood, why as men we must do the other jobs and not social jobs as well,’ he said.

Both talked more and started to appreciate each other in some way and stayed in touch.

A year passed, after Sandra accepted the newly acquired positions and meeting Nuno Delgado. Nuno and her became friends. They regularly talked about what was wrong according to them and consequently formed an underground group of 100 people. They became quickly dynamic and had ambitious plans. The first one was to deactivate or change the doctrine for good. The doctrine was seen as ‘burden to all Portuguese’ and as ‘lie for-shadowing Portuguese master engineering’. The Portuguese society had, according to them finally, to be emancipated from an old doctrine and changes had to be adapted. Otherwise the Portuguese Empire would utterly fail. There was no true head in this group and there was even not really a name, as they just wanted to force a change in the doctrine. They didn’t fight for revolution or saw themselves as such, they were opposed to the doctrine and that kept them together.

Today, for the annual imperial celebration, Sandra and Nuno planned on paralyzing the military and the government as well and force a change in the doctrine or at least a solar referendum. Their plan was straight forward and Sandra would exploit all her knowledge and powers she had. In fact, she had military and political power and could act without much restriction.

Usually, the Portuguese law is like that, that when all high officials leave, the highest one who remains is in charge. Without much suspicion, she asked to be part of the latest division, who would show up in the parade. The parade, on Sandra’s demand, was planned to be held on the exosphere of Europa, so the celebrations on Mars, Lua and Earth could be spotted as well, who were on the exosphere as well. Now, she would remain as the last one Europa, with the highest position. Nuno Delgado, would take with him about 10 men and women, different ships and initiate attacks on Ganymede. Sandra gave them the needed papers, so they could pass the guards. Ganymede, as other moons were strictly restricted to enter and an attack would cause furious reactions from the Portuguese Empire. While, the parade starts, Sandra would then give the orders to her military staff to fly out to Ganymede and take Nuno and his companions, but not kill them. They would entrench themselves for some time and then surrender and destroy every evidence of these papers handed by Sandra.

Sandra on the mean time would take herself control of Europa and ask the other forces to cut communication media and activate Europa’s self-defence program. This would buy them a lot of time, as every ship or person closer than 50km to Europa, would be shot. A forced retreat of the military would be sure. She would then transmit messages to the HQ of the police department of Europa and the ministries, where she declared that she was now in charge, how the self-defence program became manipulated by some intern military staff and that there was a fifth column inside the Portuguese Empire. She would instantly make transmissions to the people of Europa and try to raise as many people as possible as soldiers. An encoded message, which would appear on the HQ of the Portuguese Empire, on Earth, would demand the change of the doctrine or possibly a referendum.

‘Sandra, I hope we can do that…we need to do that for our future, for the children. I am great and thankful of knowing you and in case we will never see us again… I’d like to say it was a great time knowing you and that I love you and trust you…bye Sandra.’ Nuno left with some tears, but also with a smile of trust. Sandra looked down on the floor, where her long hair would hide her face. She couldn’t handle emotions very well, but deep down, she knew Nuno was a good man and that she wanted to be with him. She had now more courage, as she didn’t want to upset Nuno… In the following hours the plan was finally proceeded. Nuno’s message came that he passed the guards and they accepted the documents. Sandra was glad and now hoped, that all the military staff would leave for space. After she came to the headquarters, she confirmed to the highest military ranks her arrival and watched them leave. She saluted them as it was usual for a soldier to do. After waiting half an hour, she received the message of Nuno, who together with his companions launched their fake attack on Ganymede.

‘Soldiers…I have bad news…Ganymede our outpost of space interest is attacked. I order you to go now and take them down. I order you to take them and imprison them and question their motifs. Don’t kill, I repeat, don’t kill them…we need to find out who is behind that! For our Portuguese Empire! Força Portugal!’, she shouted and a força Portugal echoed back from the ranks. The soldiers did as they were told. She also persuaded the generals who were left with her to go with them.

Sandra now prepared the other steps and communicated them to her fellow companions, without much suspicion. They cut the communication with the other planets and moons within seconds and the self-defence program was activated within a matter of minutes. ‘She got a last message before from Salazarismo-Marshal Peixoto’ who told her in the transmission that she was in charge of Europa temporarily. That was unexpected, but strengthened her position now. So far there was no suspicion against her, which delighted her. Sirens were to be heard all over Europa and the streets in the Conglomerado de Ricardo Almeira became full of people, who left their working places or houses. Sandra used all hologram TV and other planetary communication devices and transmitted her speech in there. She asked people to go home, gave the police the command to bring those people safe to their houses and explained that she was now in charge of Europa. She said that a fifth column attacked important military facilities on Ganymede and that she activated the defence system, so that no terrorists could enter Europa:
‘Rest assured, dear Portuguese. We had difficult times and each time we came stronger out of it, but also changed, what we had to change. I declare now myself as the provisional ruler of Europa and I will form a commissioner government. The duration will be unlimited, until we are freed by the Imperial Portuguese forces. Any laws that will be changed, will affect Europa from this day on; for the sake of your own safety and Europa’s stability. Restructuration within the jobs will happen, as we now need to create a good provisional military force, until the Portuguese Empire frees us. This will be my first decree, which will allow also women to join the military forces. Sick men and men with good excuses are to exempt of the military draft. They are, under specific revisions, allowed to join social jobs, for the benefit of our children. The second decree which will be passed, will be the temporary abolishment of the Partido Regenerador Portugues de Europa, until we find out more about the fifth column. Honourable Portuguese citizens, show your courage, I reach my hand to you and together we can dismantle all the dangers. Força Portugal!’ That’s how her speech ended.

She was sure not everyone would respond positively to her proposals and the changes. She would especially have to get rid of loyalists to the doctrine and reactionaries within the ranks. Nuno was in great danger and she had no communication with him. His fate was now uncertain. She walked around her office in circles and ordered the receptionist to come to her.
‘Dear Salazarismo-Gene… I mean, dear provisional ruler Malheiro, how can I assist you?’
‘Manuel, I want you to address this what I am going to dictate to you, to all police buildings of Europa’

She took a breath and Manuel listened.
‘Dear Imperial Police, as provisional ruler and referring myself to the constitutional right of safety as well as rule 144 paragraph B of the police rules, I ask you to close, all offices of the the Partido Regenerador Portugues and to put the highest remaining members under protective custody. This will remain for an unlimited period of time until Europa is freed by the Imperial forces. Search all offices of the Partido Regenerador Portugues for hints of the fifth column and for hints of treason. With best regards, provisional ruler Malheiro.’
Manuel Ferreira de Cruz checked everything on his device and edited a few words or replaced some words.
‘Okay I will send it by now, your order will be received in any moment.’
She gave a nice obrigado to Manuel and ordered him to go back to his place. She hoped, that her companions placed the fake hints of terrorism, within the party offices. Like this, the whole committee of a section could already be imprisoned for a short amount of time and buy her more time internally, to push for her reforms. She had no time to lose and fabricate other fake proofs. Her next plan was to play each party member off against each other and then she also needed to solidify her provisional army. Will she succeed?

Eternal Gothic Empire in threat

The bright days turned black, when the news spread from one corner to the other throughout the Eternal Gothic Empire. Alaric the Supreme Emperor was frowning and in the most miserable state since long. He thought of his Empire…being strong united and never expected terrorist complots in one of his farthest planets. These terrorists tried to make a coup on the planet. They were able to paralyze the military over there and cut most of the communication with the central planet of the Eternal Gothic Empire. The Far Beyond Telling Horizon, the place where that happened, was never considered as important region to Alaric. The further the place, the less he actually cared for it. But he thought of himself as good, kind and strong emperor. He subconsciously used these far regions to let his prestige skyrocket. Commoners never had the glimpse of a chance to go so far…or well they’d spend a huge amount of time travelling there.

Alaric was in his black clothes and his imperial cape waiting for the generals Siegfried and Winfried. They’d probably already be in his gigantic palace. The palace was a huge place. It was grey outside and had a very Roman, yet modern look. It encompassed the size of 100km2. It was a megalomaniac building and it took more than 100 years to build it. Inside the palace there are almost 200’000 people living inside. Only a minority is the imperial staff per se. Others who live there are family members from nearby and far away. Other people are employed by staff or needed by them. It’s like a self-sustaining small economy. The top administration resides in there. You need to get driven through the palace structure. There were gardens, polar, tropical, beach, wooden, hill and mountainous areas. There was EVERYTHING… The palace marked the most prestigious era of the Gothic time and was the peak moment of it. As usual all visitors get impressed by the monstrous sight and the generals had few opportunities to spend time in there. But when they had to spend time, it was for important orders.

When Alaric got the news he had to contact his best generals. They were the two highest generals in the ranks of the Gothic Army. The Emperor Alaric prided himself with their prestige. Obviously he could do so as it was since eternity where the Emperor pf the Goths could do so. It was a tradition dating further back than even the birth of Theodoric the Great. Every emperor could take credit from others, but in return these people were compensated. This system eventually became accepted, spread globally and later was introduced to new planets. And nobody complained so far.

The Supreme Emperor went in circles with his hands behind his back and thought of this situation quiet thoroughly. He looked at one of many portraits of his dynasty; the Amal dynasty which ruled for a legendary and long time. They were true rulers and in times of need he looked up at them.

The generals came and Alaric gave them his order and discussed in detail about the situation. He was a very independent ruler; he tried to make his own picture of the situation, which made him quiet popular. Many people could identify with that, since they never liked emperors who used too many advisors or never showed off at any place. After the discussion was almost over, Alaric made some things very clear.

'Sigh Generals, you have my utter trust.' He smiled at them,' I put my confidence in your hands and if it wasn't for you, the word 'Eternal' would be removed from the Eternal Gothic Empire. So you can assume I have high expectations. Meet them and I’ll reward you and you'll be the prime example of deepest loyalty within my realm. Fail and you will disappoint billions of people.'

'Yes Supreme Emperor, we won't let you down.'

'Show them what it means to insult the empire and show them that the word eternal has its rightful place within my realm'.

The Emperor truly believed in everything he said. For him, his reign was equal to prosperity. The continuous struggle for global dominance since long was the motor that drove Gothic expansion. After the colonization of the Alpha Centauri system by his ancestor Wilgiric the Glorious, the Gothic Empire saw a new age of prosperity never seen and never recorded before! They never suffered from rebellions and the most serious rebellions dates back long ago when the Gothic Empire was divided. Then Alaric got taken back the reality after general Winfried spoke.

'Supreme Emperor! May I allow myself to ask you about the provision, supply and how many divisions and ships will be assigned under our order?', asked Winfried.

'You will order a big fleet of about 5'000 interplanetary ships, about 2'000 interstellar chasers and I will personally hand over to you about one fourth of the imperial elite fortresses. Manpower? I'd say one billion including 10% of our elite warriors.'

'Thanks for your great planning supreme emperor. We won't let you down and destroy the enemy without mercy,' announced Siegfried with fake enthusiasm.

'No, listen...first I want you to infiltrate with some of our men...I already have some spies in the place and once you are on your way you will get further instructions from them...However if you think of them as not good or even as stupid I allow you to act against them. You will be excused for all losses as I prepared a temporary imperial decree.

Oftrehn!,' ordered Alaric.

A fierce yes supreme emperor was shouted and both generals marched off. They were immediately brought to the Imperial Head Quarters where some parts of the forces and ships were prepared.

'Generals, our brothers and sisters from the other systems will meet you halfway to The Far Beyond Telling Horizon. Please notice that there are about 10-12 stony clouds and one nebula also notice that our knowledge from the far beyond telling horizon is not concluded to 100% be cautious.', informed the military leader advisor.

'Hmmm I see we can choose the faster risky way or the other longer less risky way...too bad we don't have teleportation yet...arghhh.' Complained Winfried

'Listen Winfried if my estimation from previous experiences may be right we are there in like one week. Every ship has now the faster than imaginary matter speed module.', argued Siegfried.

'I am aware of it... but remember one day, two days can be quiet long and if the loyalists lose ground over there I don't want to know what could happen. We must save our Gothic brothers and sisters from these terrorists, they already paralyzed parts of the military there and we can’t let them down!'

Winfried became quiet angry and saw his job actually more in a way of taking responsibility of the people. He saw the role as a warrior and general to protect the innocent and weak. It was in tradition to the old legends that the Goths teach at school and still talk about until these days.

After preparations were done Winfried, Siegfried and a big number of Earth forces flew out. After they reached Pluto, which acted as sector station, they took more equipment and made last checks until some minutes later the green light was given and they could maximize their speed. During this travel their boarding computer calculated all possible ways in order to avoid objects or just destroyed them. The magnetic field could also just push or destroy any obstacle. The forces from the Theodoric, Alpha Centauri, New Gothia and Amalsuntha stellar system all met them during their way. So far everything went as planned and both generals had nothing to worry about. However, their concern was, why would the Supreme Emperor send such a huge fleet and so many warriors?

'Hmmmpf I guess he wants to make a show again... God he really likes to show off doesn't he?', asked Winfried.

Siegfried replied that he agreed and he couldn’t understand it but at the end he is the emperor and these terrorists were not to underestimate. Indeed, they have the advantage to be so far away, to have less infrastructure then other planets. The terrorists have their advantage. Communication was very thin and sporadic.

This question was something that kept him awake all these nights. He also went to the simulator room to check where and how the terrorists advanced. Based on several outcomes and discussions with the military staff they agreed on a first plan. The emperor’s ideas, though questioned, were included in the first plan. This first plan saw the split of the forces, first there would be an infiltration attempt for several hours, the other ships would use anti-sensor technology to suppress any trace of them. Later on loyalists would be regrouped, people in need temporarily deported to a safer spot and the rest of the forces would then come in several waves.

However, some parts had to be changed. As stated by supreme Emperor Alaric they got messages from his spies. The imperial spies explained how the faction was very sovereigntist and seeking independence by all means from the Eternal Gothic Empire. The loyalist forces were not only paralyzed but almost completely wiped out. Some deserted, out of opportunism or because they actually believed in these ideas.  The spies gave them some coordination over time, which were still largely controlled by loyalist forces. Nonetheless supply was cut as was communication as well.

‘Warriors! Listen up. As I see it…it will be worthless to send such a huge army. I propose that only the elite as well as some of our staff will go first and then try to annex key points and try to dismantle or block sensors from the planet. Unfortunately, our brothers and sisters report that there are only few places…that are hold by the loyalists. The rest is totally conquered and the forces were wiped out or deserted. Dear warriors…we have a very unique situation here and we can’t just send all our army without knowing for real what’s going on. The spies can’t do more, because they might get caught if they communicate extensively and they are right now in their first stage of undercover process. ANY communication right now with them is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN!’

The words of Siegfried were tough to swallow.

‘Warriors! I require half of the elite troops going with me. Moreover, I order their staff to come with us. We will take the undercover ship and try to land on loyalist ground. For the rest I announce that you will listen to what our brother Fritighern. He will lead you in case we all die, understood?’, shouted Winfried.

A storm of yes sir shouts echoed on all the ship and through the communication devices. Siegfried and Winfried asked all the ships to stay behind two stellar systems, that were covered by the nebula. They took a small percentage of the fleet and the fiercest and strongest warriors with them. As they were more flexible now they reached a last (surprising) message of a spy.
‘Coordination 49 45 N, 6 10 E is safe, land on there…the rest is a disaster… brothers and sisters are…ped or t…rtured or even mu…ered. We have even traitors in our OWN ranks. A fifth column be careful my brave brothers. BOOOOOOOM…ttttrsssshhhhhhhhshshshshshshshsshhshsshshh…’
Though, the elite was the best army of the known universe so far, they learned what the word fear means. They never were truly confronted with such a moment and never thought of having 5^th column in their own ranks. It was highly demotivating and building distrust, as well as anger.

The main forces were now two star systems behind and slowly but surely tried to encircle the Far Beyond Telling Horizon. They could be detected or not…at this point nobody really knew what they had to await. After a signal the main forces would then advance. When communication fails for 1 week, they would be required to go on their offensive mode and bomb, ravage and attack ruthlessly as Alaric legalised that for this specific situation.
The ships could land after some time undetected on the location which was given by the spy. The ships had a specific option build which allowed them to be undetected. They became way slower than imaginary matter speed as a consequence, but could land very safely without losses. Remaining planetary loyalist forces gathered around. The spy, who goes by the name Ricimar, was awaiting them.
‘Golein! Golein! Great you are here. I’m so glad our Supreme Emperor gave the command for you to come here. Such a relief to see you here brothers. Our brothers and sisters beyond some hundred kilometres… they are totally overrun by these filthy terrorists! Our enemy was even within our own group…within our own group…it is horrible!’, explained Ricimar.

‘Golein, brother Ricimar. We must stop from being too emotional, it will just weaken us within right now. Please give our elite troops all information you have. Where is the simulation room over here? We absolutely have to neutralize key points…the terrorists spread too fast and we must take them extremely serious’, said Winfried.

‘Alright… this situation is even for me, with all my experiences and my current rank too difficult to understand. I can just say…it took everyone by surprise. Funnily enough, a big amount of the civil population supports it as well, which I never saw before. Many of our planetary elite soldiers joined their cause…I can’t understand.’
‘Right, right, we are not here to understand anything now. We must now neutralize key points and advance as fast as possible with our plans. People are dying there in this chaos caused by these anarchists. We have to save them and never forget the Supreme Emperor and billions of people are putting all their hopes in our hands.’

Everyone went straight to the point to the simulation room. High ranking military leaders were discussing the issue and under constant time pressure. Many messages passed about frontlines falling down, ships being stolen, not working, lack of ammunition etc.

Thereupon a soldier arrived, all devastated and totally exhausted. He was without any permission and screamed he had an important message and had to deliver it fast. When he came he fell with his head on the table, leaving a blood mark on it. The warriors took him and asked him if he was okay.
‘Brothers we have a serious problem. I’m afraid that…this was just the beginning…’

Gothia/Amalingian Empire

The first turning point for Gothia was the battle of Vouillé in 507. The Visigoths fought against the Franks. With the help of Burgundy and the Ostrogoth, the war turned into white peace. Alaric II and his son survived. The Ostrogoth launched a surprise attack through the Alps, which forced the Franks to retreat. After the death of Theodoric a regency was formed for his grandson. The mother Amalasuntha and the king of the Visigoths Alaric II were part of the regency. Sine Alaric II was respected and since Theodoric wished Amalasuntha to be part of the regency, there was little to no opposition leaving both Gothic kingdoms stable. First step for the unification was done. The Byzantines, only retook Exarchatus Africa, continued their endless wars with the Sassanid Empire and left Italy alone.

The 530s brought many changes. The pope, as well as the Senate, feared Justinian the Great and saw him as threat. Alaric II understood this and tried to use the pope and the Senate in his favour. Alaric tried to adopt Catholicism step by step to win the pope and the Latin majority in both kingdoms for himself. It was met with opposition by many Arian Gothic nobles. The Goths lost wars and were in intern trouble for some years. Eventually in the 540s they united and the plague was less devastating for the Italian peninsula, as there never was a war with Byzantium to begin with.

Around 550s-570s the unified kingdom of Gothia conquered almost all of Iberia. The new Gothic king would be officially proclaimed Emperor; thus the Gothia/Amalingian Empire (Amal = his dynasty) was born. In the 590s Gothia participated in a war against Byzantium, which made them a dominant power in the Western Mediterranean. Years later they allied themselves with Breton kingdoms and took on the Franks. Through extensive fights and an alliance with Heraclius (who ruled separated from Constantinople’s authority), the Amalingian Empire made considerable improvements in warfare technology. During the Arab invasions (much smaller than in our timeline), they were able to repel them by the use of Greek fire. From the 680’s onwards to 700’s they took more or less indirect control of North Africa. They promised to protect the Exarchate of Africa from the Arabs.

The Vikings in the North didn’t bother the Amalingian Empire too much. The Gothic marine could handle them with ease, as they continuously improved Greek fire methods on sea. But the power grip on the Frankish/Celtic/Slavic borderlands weakened, resulting in powerful local dukes and a feudalism-like system for these regions. The rest stayed very centralized, much as Byzantium. Despite their stable situation, their army was never neglected, as it was the duty of almost every subject to be a good soldier. Cavalry was largely used, which helped them to fend off the Hungarians, Pechengs, spontaneous Arab mercenaries or the Mongols from their Empire. Their core land could evolve continuously and technology advanced in many areas. Intern trade was never interrupted and there were continuous international routes from the British Isles to Sahara.

Due to constant wars between Byzantium and New Persia, trade from Asia was very limited. This lead the Gothia in 1200s and 1300s to expand on the seas. Hearing from ‘Vinland’ and retaining many maps from antiquity, they established a trade system similar to the one of OTL Portugal. They competed with Great Brittany, Jutiea and Norse kingdom for colonies. In the Old World, they were in a permanent Cold War with Byzantium and the Franks, who solidified in the 1500’s, became a strong rival.

Gothic allies were mostly found eastwards, like New Persia or Polska-Rus. The Americas were never totally conquered, comparable to today’s India, but the Goths established Fidusism in there (similar to feudalism). Native countries promised to pay the Goths, while getting protection in return.

There were less wars, then in our world but more devastating ones. The worst wars, were World War 1 and World War 2 mostly initiated by the Franks, who lost. The Amalingian Empire expanded steadily. A multipolar Cold War followed, where Byzantium, Polsko-Rus, New Persia and the Amalingian Empire lead loose alliances. In the 2000’s Gothia saw violent political tensions, between Loyalists, Christian Fanatics, Democrats, Fascists, Imperialists, Republicans, Latin/Germanic/Celtic separatists and technocrats. Afterwards, it became clear that the Fascists, Imperialists and technocrats ‘won’ the tensions, which lead the Amalingian Empire to an unknown path. People predict, that the Amalingian Empire will conquer the world and become an interstellar empire in the far future.

A ‚what if ‘the Central Powers won the Great War?

The shift of predestination

A ‚what if ‘the Central Powers won the Great War?

Disclaimer: The world as we know isn’t necessarily the only one that exists. We have theories propagated by numerous serious scientists that suggest that our world, universe, is one of many others. So how about a world where the Central Powers won World War One? For the matter of fact, we call this war the First World War, though there is a high chance that in another timeline people could call it the Great War. There are also other consequences, possibly some which I won’t cover or even can’t cover, however the best will be done to ensure an authentic ‘kaiserliche’ timeline.

Professor Eisenmann was invited to give a lecture about a very important topic. It was mainly about the construction of the KMGMB. The lecture would be given in the auditorium of the Kaiserliche Universität der Hauptstadt Berlin (KUHB) which was founded 1918 under a different name. He woke up as usually and read the news on the Weltnetz; the still young Kaiser Wilhelm VII was determined to support further exploration in space, in order to ensure the economic dominance of the KMGMB. Ceremonies about Axis atrocities on civilians during the Second Great War were to be held this time in Paris, with speeches of all monarchs of Europe, especially of the French king. Furthermore the United Kingdom of Yugoslavia prepared huge festivities in order to celebrate 50 years of reunification between their Western and Eastern part, formerly known as Bulgaria.

Professor Eisenmann was of course interested in all these events. As historian, politics and history weren’t exclusive. Philosophy as well was not exclusive to philosophers, according to him. He however objected these great terms or Epochen as the world for him wasn’t black and white; in fact grey was the predominant colour. After the Second Great War, philosophers talked about the Zweite Wilheminische Welle (second Wilhelmian wave) and after the fall of Communism of Postwilheminismus. Nowadays people refer to the Neuwilhelminismus.

These are usual thoughts that flow through his mind in the morning. He normally takes the bus and sometimes drives with his car to work. The bus price is only 2 Mark although it may increase in the next months. The Kaiserliche Reichsinstitut für Preiskontrolle und Verbraucherschutz (KRPV) published a paper were they asked for popular support in order to collect enough signatures for an Antragsschrift. Professor Eisenmann also signed this paper. The inflation is quiet moderate and the Germans enjoy a good life compared to other peoples. The KMGMB an economic as well as political space in most of Europe contributed to it, that’s the wide-spread opinion of many authorities.

The bus was full as always and many people with imperial and handlebar moustaches and with new Pickelhauben. They were not anymore of iron but consisted now mainly of cotton and found their way in fashion. Anyone could get them for cheap prices. Long coats were also in use. Dark blue and grey were the predominant colours. The women used nowadays pants as well; however hats and skirts were had their place. Red and black were the newest trend. Professor Eisenmann didn’t like the Pickelhauben so much and during summer he preferred to use a Kappe, which could cover his face from sun rays. It was slim, quiet long and black. His coat was grey and he used male boots, which were reused very often again and again. The fashion of male boots never died. After some 30 minutes he came now in the campus of the university, which was newly built in the part of Berlin-Wilhelmstadt. It used to be an outskirt of Berlin but through careful planning it slowly became one of few other city centres of Berlin. Berlin is one of the world metropolises to be found. Moreover Berlin was planning to expand their city borders as with 10 Million people they reached a high amount of population and became inflexible in urban planning. Wilhelm VII guaranteed the Stadtverwaltung an imperial decree where in the next months the neighbouring municipalities were to find an agreement; otherwise the Emperor himself would interfere in the regional affairs.

Students, non-students and various academics came from all the Reichsländer. The ones who came from the West such as Elsass-Lothringen, Baden, Württemberg and so on took the Kemperbahn, which we know as Maglev Train. Germany didn’t only advance as economic powerhouse, but most of all as principle leader in science and technology. The Kemperbahn was first only using magnetic technology until it also switched to the Hyperloop system. Travels in this timeline were mostly made by train as they were faster, cheaper and more advanced than planes for instance. Zeppelins were also still spotted, though not as efficient as trains.

Mister Eisenmann hurried to not miss any minute and also to avoid the mass of students and teachers blocking his way. Though the halls were huge, the university was still too small according to him. The university’s administration fought to have the authorization to build huger halls or annexes, but was refused by the imperial government. Eisenmann couldn’t get their decision, wasn’t it this university who brought up the new imperial elite that made Germany so great. He hoped that Wilhelm VII would sooner or later change his focus from extern policies to intern policies. After the lecture he would prepare a letter that would be addressed to ‘Eure Kaiserliche und Königliche Majestät.

The sounds of students echoed in the halls. Professor Eisenmann ran for few meters until he stopped before the doors. When he opened them the bright lights almost made him blind. He didn’t like the lights used at university. The students still continued to talk, whereas the academics prepared some sheets and took them from their folders. Some were also using their technological devices. Professor Eisenmann as well would use his devices while presenting his ideas and illustrating them by key examples on the huge board. There must have been at least 1000 people and most likely the best of the best from the history faculty. The history faculty was heavily supported and could grow in number as well as in research progress. It grew so much, that even parts of economy, politics and law became closely related to the history faculty. Mister Eisenmann opened his suitcase and prepared his material for the lecture. Slowly but surely the hall became more silent, though some voices were still to be heard.

After he packed out all of his things and made everything ready, he started with his most beloved topic, the European construction and the initiators behind it. In this world the European idea has nothing to do with our European Union. An EU was unheard of in that timeline and most likely despised due to the differences.

‘Hello first let me introduce myself I am Professor Eisenmann and I work for this university since many years. I am always proud to ensure that our future generation will have the best knowledge and I will try to give my contribution to it. Now let's see, many things in our world are difficult to understand and even specialists like me struggle to understand them. It becomes even more difficult to explain them. Now this lecture should give you some background information on how Europe works today mainly the GMKMB. We all hear and read about it and it is a reality in our routine life however the simple citizen doesn’t mainly know about it. So let’s get started.

We all know what the First Great War is and if not I beg you to leave’. The class started to laugh as they got the irony of the very motivated scholar.

‘Well it isn’t that easy but I mean it is a fixed term that every one of us came across. And if you want to debate about it; please take the liberty to visit the classes of my esteemed and highly-respected colleague Doctor Otto von Spiegelfeld!

Good most of the time it is around the First Great War where traditional historians say that the construction of the GMKMB started. Some say it was already starting with Bismarck others say it started only before the Second Great War. To be honest the only term, that allows us to make the assumption that the construction started around the First Great War, is the term of Middle Power (Mittelmächte). The Middle Powers were mainly the Second Reich and Austria-Hungary, in numbers, in economic strength, influence, to name only a few areas. The Ottomans and Bulgaria were also part. Portugal was also for a short time yes, but later they sided with the Axis powers. Anyways, the nucleus of the GMKMB was during that time to SOME extent every historian agrees on this point. Now don't think that the Middle Powers were actually an institution.'

'Professor Eisenmann!', a student of the public raised his hand and had a question.

'Pass the microphone to the student please', the assistant went up to the student who sit in the tenth row, which was somewhere in the middle.

After some tumult the micro found its way and the student’s voice was echoing throughout the medium.

'I had a comment to make. Weren't the Middle Powers actually rather a tool of The Reich's supremacy as well as an alliance of convenience during that moment? The Ottomans were on one front against Russia and some British belongings, whereas Bulgaria was more like a mere puffer state? Wasn't it to the mere interest of the Germans mainly?'

'Yes you made a good point, however it is more complicated than that. Historians still debate if Bulgaria was actually a mere puffer state in this war or if they made a clever step. By percentages Bulgaria won a lot for what they contributed, first in 1918 and later in 1925 with the Austrian-Hungarian reform. If it wasn't for Bulgaria being part of the Middle Powers, the United Kingdom of Yugoslavia might have ended up 1) totally Austrian 2) partially Austrian/Ottoman or 3) there would be a Pakistanisation process with smaller states gaining eventually their independence like Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria even Montenegro. We don't really know.

During the First Great War we had the 4-5 powers. Later on when the war ended the situation changed and it did to the favour of Germans but also in particular for oppressed people such as the Irish, Bretons, Corsicans, Baltic peoples and so on. Many Russians could escape thanks to this outcome the atrocities of early Bolshevism, while the Germans spread their understanding of law and order in Eastern Europe. Moreover our relations with Poland could be revised and there was the famous Empire and Kingdom of Germany-Poland. With the coronation of Wilhelm II as king of Poland and the right to self-determination, this union could live without greater disturbances up until 1939. And the interwar period is now the second part of our analysis.

It is during this time where real treaties came to life. It was however merely of economic nature. There were smaller military treaties shortly after the First Great War.'

'Professor?' a fellow academic wanted to comment something.

'Let me rapidly introduce myself, I am professor Elsässer and as my name indicated it from Reichsland Elsass-Lothringen. I wanted to add some facts to our discussion. Actually for the Middle Powers as we now call them, having a Union or some sort of commonwealth wasn’t important at all. Only with the rise of London, Paris, Rome, Lisbon and Athens it was seen as necessity. The Union itself was firstly a reaction to the Axis powers, that's what my colleagues and I found out in recent studies.'

'You are absolutely right that the military aspect became more important later on. However one example in history shows us that the Middle Powers already acted several times as union.

1) The reform of Austria-Hungary, Austria and Bohemia united with Germany-Poland, Hungary was declared as Empire, with Croatia being declared as kingdom. Bulgaria assumed power over Bosnia, Serbia BECAUSE of their participation in 1.Great War.

2) When the Ottoman faced intern struggle the Middle Powers intervened. Germany-Poland sent a contingent of 100.000 soldiers, Hungary some 30.000 Bulgaria 15'000. Moreover there is data available of some 10'000 Baltic soldiers, some 10'000 Belarusian soldiers, 20'000 Ukrainian soldiers and so on.

Now speaking about them, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine... They had important economic treaties with Germany-Poland, military ones and also political. Finland and Ireland had some economic treaties with Germany-Poland and were guaranteed independence, as Corsica and Brittany too! Belgium and the Netherlands later on changed their policies and became also closer to the Middle Powers. With Luxembourg, Austria and Bohemia, Germany was united and the Großdeutsche Lösung was finally achieved. With that in mind absorbing Poland wasn’t a problem anymore.

Romania, Albania, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan were not closely related by indirectly, through the alliance system which after Bismarck and after the First Great War was revised. Portugal jumped off the boat.  So the main members were Germany-Poland, Hungary, United Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Ottoman Empire, secondly came the closely aligned countries like Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Albania, Romania and then came the countries in development like Corsica, Ireland, Finland and Brittany. Belgium and Netherlands to some extent could also be counted but that would be too much. Crimea at that moment became independent but co-ruled by Germany-Poland and the local population. In order to prevent destabilization of Ukraine it was preferred to give Crimea this unique and special status, which for that time was actually advanced as I must add. But it is true that Germany-Poland had economic advantages in there, but also other countries, not only Germany-Poland.

Well and when the Axis formed, the Middle Powers gave themselves the name we know today GMKMB. Germany-Poland, Hungary, United Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Ottoman Empire, Belgium, Netherlands, Romania, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine all became members in there. Ireland was nominated protégé; Spain later joined them thanks to the support that was given by the GMKMB.

Now Spain is a very interesting country. Do you remember some details of the Spanish Civil War? There were the republicans, the militarists and monarchists who fought for power. We can count Spain as first proxy war between the GMKMB, Komintern and the Axis. As we know Spain was in a Civil War and the Axis supported Franco, whereas GMKMB supported the monarchists and intervened with free battalions. Often forgotten is the role that the Soviets played and they also intervened aiding the republicans. For the Axis it was a good test, as under the French leadership they could test their new military strength, new tactics, new technology and logistic warfare. France wasn’t interested to win Spain over for the Axis, in fact France didn’t care. The Axis didn’t care for Spain. They knew that Spain was in one way or another already doomed, as they had no money and the reconstruction of their country would take years. The Axis powers were not able to finance Spain and had no interest in wining Spain for themselves.’

‘Professor Eisenmann, I must contradict you unfortunately. I think the Axis had very much a reason to win Spain for them. They even called themselves the new Roman alliance, as reference to the member states, as well their relatively closeness to the Roman Empire,’ commented a student from the first rows.

‘Yes the Axis had of course reasons to win Spain as potential ally. It is true that there was this reference of the old Roman Empire, but the money came mostly from Germany-Poland, the main assistance was done by Germany-Poland and the rest of the GMKMB. The Axis used Spain as test field, yes we could even say as laboratory. They actually wanted the other powers to intervene. In a secret meeting between Italy, Portugal, France and the UK it was concluded that one should intervene to a certain extent in the Spanish Civil war, true. BUT the aim was to provoke the former Middle Powers to spend money, to spread popular unrest and so on.’

‘I see, but the Axis had as we were always taught the main aim to get Spain in their camp, at least we were always told so,’ replied the student, who was standing up for his point, but had no argument anymore to underline his position.

‘I am afraid to say that you were taught wrong or well the old position of academia. Nowadays the tendency goes more to my point. However you are very right to claim your position as the right one, under the conditions that you bring valid proves and sources. So I will be glad to read your next work about it;’ the professor had a little smile in his face and some students were laughing about his remark.

Professor Eisenmann was serious in his job, but always had some kind of humour. He loved irony and it was the irony that made him more different than other teachers. However he wasn’t now the typical popular teacher nor considered as in our timeline it was once said ‘cool’. He was just a good teacher, with a sense of irony following his job.

‘Oh and by the way, sorry for my mistake, but it was at that time called the Greater Middle Powers. It was only after the Second Great War, where they were called GMKMB. You see even I get confused about it, I can be glad I came with my head today,’ exclaimed the teacher.

‘Where was I?’

‘You talked about the Spanish Civil War, Professor,’ said a fellow colleague in the audience.

‘Yes exactly, thank you a lot!

Now about Spain we must recognize as historians that it was in there were the Greater Middle Powers reacted as union. That’s why I also said in the beginning, that some colleagues, especially young ones, trace the construction of the GMKMB back to the Spanish Civil War and not further. They have a good point, but there are as we said before, documents and proofs that show otherwise. Anyways, the former Middle Powers had Ireland as protégé, Germany-Poland signed specific contracts with them stating that if the Irish independence was violated, Germany-Poland would see themselves (and their allies as well!) in the position to intervene by all means, to secure Irish independence and freedom. Now this is crucial. There is a misconception about Corsica, Brittany on one hand and Ireland on the other one. The difference was, Ireland had treaties and Corsica and Brittany didn’t at all. So when France annexed them, there was no possibility for the Greater Middle Power to intervene.

Any mission or any contact was despised by Corsica and Brittany, due to
1) Pro-French elements in society

2) Due to the fear of annexation by the ones who supported the independence

They wanted to go a Swiss way, Switzerland itself failed, as it was proven 1year before when the treaty of Marseille was signed. Switzerland was split according to its linguistic lines. Romandie became French; the Italian communes were to be incorporated by Italy. This was an incredible win for Italy. Not only did Italy acquire Venice region in 1925 but also now in 1938 parts of Switzerland. The hardly defensive country was broken and there was now no way a direct confrontation between the Axis and the former Middle Powers could be stopped.

‘…I have a question…, why did Germany-Poland and her allies allow Switzerland to be split, I mean wasn’t it obvious that the fascist powers would demand more afterward?’ asked a student from some of the last row. She was hesitating a bit, but probably she was afraid that the microphone would be too loud.

‘Excellent question! That’s where I wanted to continue. You may remember that our highly appreciated majesty Kaiser Wilhelm II reigned during the First Great War until 1938? Yes that’s a significant date. Wilhelm III took power and he was quiet inexperienced and labelled as someone who would sell Europe to the Axis without thinking twice. He however had his own personal convictions which were his so-called Friedenspolitik, which utterly failed. This marks us still today, in many aspects. Anyways, he wanted to negotiate with the Axis, but they misused it for their own short-term goals and when Ireland was finally attacked by 1939 Wilhelm III was forced by his generals to declare war! Imagine, you have a treaty with a country promising you protect their sovereignty, but the first moment they get attacked you don’t want to fulfil the conditions and ditch them. This could have bad side effects to Germany-Poland, her allies would turn their backs and the construction of Europe would never have taken place, because the word, the paper of Germany-Poland had the value of emptiness. Senior counsellors really pushed the new emperor to declare war; in fact the generals started mobilizing the army without his permission. After the declaration, all the allies followed and that’s how we know the Second Great War broke out.

Now I won’t explain the Second Great War as well, as this is again off-topic and a field which requires more specialized individuals than me. Nevertheless I will enter into the very end of the Second Great War. This phase was a fourth step and the most decisive one in the construction of Europe. Now in there we have finally the GMKMB, Groß-,Mittel-und Kleinmächtbund; Great, Middle, Small power confederation. What happened in there smaller, middle and great powers were part in there. Luxembourg and Austria became independent, Corsica, Brittany and Ireland were now part, Belgium and the Netherlands became part, but also France, Italy, the UK, Portugal, Czech Kingdom, Spain as well as Westernyugoslavia.

As we know French fascist policies tended to divide and conquer, German regionalisms were enforced and endured for some years and it is also no secret that the US who is still great allies of us, didn’t support a huge German Empire dominating everyone. So that’s why many smaller states just stayed and others weren’t totally unified. It was also not possible in another point, as the Great Line of ideologies divided the former German-Polish Empire-kingdom in the Oder-Neisse. On the East monarchies were abolished and on the West monarchies all had to gather around and join forces in order to survive the next fight. Wilhelm III was also quickly replaced by a more diplomatic and capable emperor, mainly Wilhelm IV. Thanks to his capacities, as well of the influence of monarchism and the abolishment of fascism, the GMKMB could become step by step a military union, political union as well as imperial union. As you know the Emperor of the GMKMB is elected every 5 years by 7 member states that after 5 years change as well? That’s all happening just after the Second Great War.

The Soviet Union somehow was the key for the European construction, that’s what I wrote in my last publication, ‘That’s why Bolshevism saved Europe!’. Without the threat of communism, perhaps we would still have Germany-Poland existing, but there wouldn’t be any union such as the GMKMB. Remember that almost every state is now member in here, that it encompassed the non-communist European states and now all of Europe, except for Switzerland.’

‘But professor, didn’t you say that the GMKMB actually formed because of the Axis?’ the student paused and took a breath. ‘And you also stated points about them forming as early as during the First Great War?’

 ‘Look every evolution has a starting point and then there comes a process where different paths are rejected or don’t evolve further. That would be the case without the Soviet Union, but since the First Great War happened, since there were troubles in the camp of the former Middle Power, since the Second Great War happened and the Cold War especially with the Soviet Union, that’s how we came to the GMKMB. The Cold War, remember took almost 50 years, 50 years that shaped, sharpened but also changed the monarchies and the construction of Europe. Economically the GMKMB was more successful and communism left the countries in a bad shape, which lead to popular anger and frustration. Monarchies were seen as more prosperous and are still indeed a very attractive model for most people on planet Earth.’

‘Dear Professor, I have a more speculative question,’ a student stood up. ’You said without the First Great Warm Second Great War and so on there wouldn’t be this process of the European construction, but what could happen if the Middle Powers lost the First Great War and let’s say the USA would intervene for some economic reasons?’

‘That’s now really speculative, it is hard to say, but I read once a serious analysis which claimed that there would probably be more states in Europe and also the economy would be much weaker as more of Europe would be devastated. Would there be a European process? Eventually? Which one? I can’t tell that’s too far for a historian, maybe a novel writer can give interesting answers’ he smiled and then pointed out at the class with both hands and continued,’ who knows one of you might give an answer to that, please I encourage you! Even you don’t find an answer, but you can get across documents that will lead to other analysis or subjects that you can pursue. We are historians and should always analyse every document and take everything in all its seriousness and not just put it away, that’s unscientific to do!’

The room applauded to that and shared his statements about scientific approach. People were fed up that some documents or some papers were never seen as serious, while they could serve science. This was still due to the conservatism of the post-war time.

‘Anyways let me conclude with the following sentences. The European construction came into place, because the Middle Powers won, because Germany-Poland made contracts with their allies, which in turn tightened the economy, because the Axis rose, because the Greater Middle Powers gathered together, because the Second Great War was won and ultimately because of the Cold War with Bolshevism which was ultimately won as well. Economy was first, military secondly and finally the political aspect came too. Thank you for your attention.’

Applause came like a storm and the professor himself was surprised by it, how loud it was! He thought to himself. The applause echoed most likely to the other rooms of the university. He felt honoured to have spoken to so many students, but also to guests from far, as well as to colleagues from his domain. It was always relieving to have this days, where something different happened. Normally his classes are much smaller and there isn’t everyday a guest from Elsass-Lothringen, expect for exchange students. After the classes Professor Eisenmann likes to sit on his chair in his office and make further researches or just to read up upon new topics that crossed his mind. He remembered an old work of one of his colleagues. His work was about the soldiers of the Greater Middle Powers, who went to the Ottoman Empire and who stayed and founded families in there. Many of them were Germans, Polish or even Estonian. The Turkish communist leader was called Cemil Urbanczyk, which was a surprising yet interesting fact. There are still so many things that have to be analysed and covered, thought Professor Eisenmann to himself. It will never finish and people will never cease to be amazed of how history can turn out to be.