Chapter 2: The First Step
Note: This work is entirely fictional and belongs to the Alternate History genre, using historical characters and events in a fictional context. All content is a product of imagination and does not reflect reality or any political or military stance.
The story contains sensitive elements such as violence, large-scale warfare, tense political conflicts, and alternative historical depictions. It is not suitable for readers under 16 years of age or those who may be psychologically affected.
Continuing to read implies acceptance of all controversial elements within the work.
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After a long period, they finally set foot in the capital. From a distance, the city did not seem grand, but in their hearts, the expectation for the development of this place had faded. The two of them, along with an infantry soldier, disembarked from the ship, leaving it anchored. A mix of excitement and anxiety filled them, knowing that this mission was not just a simple trip, but a significant turning point in the relationship between the two nations.
They followed Admiral Adsado, who led them to an old, dilapidated carriage. Adsado explained that the security situation on the streets was not good, and therefore, they had to travel in this carriage. Inside, they felt a vague sense of worry. Would this journey be safe? Would they be able to achieve their goals?
As the carriage swayed through the narrow streets, they could not help but feel the difference between this place and their homeland. A sense of alienation and loneliness enveloped them. Finally, they arrived at the royal palace. Upon entering, they saw a handsome man waiting, exuding confidence. He was the representative of the Mamluk Kingdom, awaiting the figures mentioned in the report.
"I hope this meeting will lead to a positive outcome, or at least no conflict," Stalin said, but in his eyes, a hint of anxiety was visible.
When the carriage stopped, Admiral Adsado was the first to step down, followed by two men in black, their youthful faces leaving no particular impression. Finally, a tall man in white stepped down, holding a black cane. His presence made the atmosphere even more tense. He was a head taller than Adsado, which made everyone feel a bit intimidated.
The four of them approached Borum, and Adsado began the introduction. "This is Borum, the representative of the kingdom. Mr. Borum, this is Stalin, and this is Ikanovih."
"Very pleased to have you in this country. Please come inside to discuss further," Borum said, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
The two nodded and followed Borum inside. The architecture inside bore the marks of the Renaissance period, but also had modern touches of the 19th century. They were led into a luxurious room, where four servants stood waiting: one female and three males. They did not pay much attention to the gender ratio, only sensing the formality of the space.
The servants offered them pastries, and although this country was very hospitable, it felt a bit excessive. The soldier who accompanied them stood right behind the chair, like a shadow, always ready to protect. Looking at Borum's face, they saw he was very anxious. What was making him so restless? They needed to get to the main topic.
"Sir, we from the Russian Federation have come here to establish diplomatic relations. If possible, we would like to set up a trade route," Stalin said, his tone confident, but inside he could not help but feel worried. Borum seemed to have calmed down somewhat, but still could not hide his tension.
A country being displaced was a far-fetched idea, but according to him, Russia was the owner of that nameless aircraft. That was a warning signal. A country owning an aircraft indicated that they were highly regarded by the great powers. Borum could not afford to offend them.
"Yes, young gentlemen, the Mamluk Kingdom always welcomes other nations," Borum said, but he did not forget to ask further. "But is it realistic for an entire country or a region to be displaced to another world?"
Borum's question made Stalin and Ikanovih feel as if they had touched upon a deep-seated anxiety. They looked at each other, unsure of how to respond. How could they convince someone who had never experienced such a thing? Borum also sensed their confusion and continued to explain. "I apologize, but Admiral Adsado has contacted me about you. I just want to understand better."
Ikanovih suddenly remembered that they had talked about the concept of aircraft, which meant that Borum must also be aware of things like telephones or similar technologies. They felt a bit relieved knowing they might not be eavesdropped on. But they still needed to explain more clearly.
"Yes, we indeed have been displaced here," Stalin said, but Borum's gaze still did not fully trust.
"But aren't you using a common language?" Borum asked, stroking his chin with skepticism.
"No, this is our language. I also find the 'common language' quite interesting. Could you tell us a bit about its history?" Stalin did not ask much more, just wanting to create a pleasant atmosphere for the other party to speak more easily.
Borum nodded, seeming somewhat relieved by Stalin's politeness. He stepped towards a large map hanging on the wall, where the borders were clearly drawn, each region and empire labeled in the "common language" that Stalin had just mentioned.
"The common language you are referring to originates from the Holy Milishial Empire," Borum began, pointing to the south of the map. "They were a powerful empire that dominated continents for centuries, both militarily and culturally. With the goal of unifying the world, they imposed this language as a standard for all nations. Over time, this language was accepted and widely used, to the point where no one remembers its true origin anymore."
"But," Borum continued, "there is a legend about the origin of this language, which is also considered orthodox but is quite vague. It is the legend of the 'red people,' a tale of a powerful civilization in ancient times at the end of the Second Age that fought against dark forces but then left because they did not come from this world. They came and helped the world in moments of doom."
"That is all, but it is not very accurate as it has been passed down orally over a long time. So do you have any familiarity with that?"
"No, it is really too vague to recognize, and our history has never recorded anything similar, so it cannot be related to us. From that, we can affirm that we do not come from this world," Stalin said, affirming once again.
"That is still not credible, but since you are very assertive about it, we will take it as you are telling the truth," Borum said, his tone somewhat conceding.
Hearing Borum say that, Stalin felt a bit of joy. He took out some documents and placed them in front of Borum, all containing information about Russia, to help the other party understand better. At the same time, he wanted to know more about this world, such as measurement methods, common currency units, and their political level. "Here are some basic introductions about Russia. If we want to establish diplomatic relations, we must understand each other first."
Borum picked up the documents and glanced through them. Overall, there was nothing special except for the high-quality paper, but what was noteworthy was the information inside.
First was a fairly detailed map. It clearly showed other countries, such as the Russian Federation - which was them, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. All were democracies, indicating their level of civilization.
He looked at it and was very pleased. He turned to the next page to see. The next page truly surprised him; the area of Russia was enormous, over 17.1 million km², while the other countries were also quite large, with Kazakhstan being the next largest. Overall, this was incredibly hard to believe. Papaldia did not even have an area comparable to Russia. And the population too, nearly 146 million people. It was unbelievable how a country could have such a large population. This meant that Russia must be very strong to have such vast territory and population, but that also raised another fear in him.
Could Russia be a hegemonic power? As he thought about it, he unconsciously turned to another page. It was information about...
"CSTO? What is that?" he blurted out.
Stalin saw an opportunity and immediately spoke up. "CSTO stands for Collective Security Treaty Organization. It is an international military and security alliance tasked with ensuring the security and stability of member states. Currently, only Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are members, including us. But if your country wishes, we are ready to allow you to join to enhance our relationship."
Each member has an obligation to assist other countries if one of them faces security issues. Borum felt intrigued by this idea, but he still had many doubts in his heart. He could not help but think about the power of Russia and what a large country like that could bring to Mamluk.
"So, if Mamluk joins CSTO, we will receive protection from other countries in the alliance, right?" Borum asked, trying to understand more about the benefits this organization could bring.
"Exactly," Stalin replied, his eyes lighting up with hope. "We will cooperate in military activities, share intelligence, and support each other in case of external threats."
Borum nodded, but in his heart, he still had many things to consider. He could not help but think about the potential risks if Mamluk decided to join an alliance where Russia was a key member. Would that make Mamluk a target for Russia's enemies?
He recalled what had happened: Mamluk had a long and proud history. But in recent years, when the Rowlian Kingdom launched a great conquest, his country had sent troops to support the old conquered nations, only to be ruthlessly destroyed. This had brought Mamluk to its current state, even though they had tried many times to reconcile the tense relationship, all efforts had become meaningless as Rowlia's ambitions had grown to the point of disregarding everything to achieve their goals. It was a tragedy they would never be able to fix; yet now, before them lay a beautiful opportunity, making Borum unable to shake off his doubts.
"But I still have one question," Borum said, his tone serious. "Does Russia truly value the security of the member states in CSTO? Or is it merely a way to expand its influence?"
Stalin felt a bit of tension in the air. He understood that Borum was worried about Mamluk's independence. "We value this relationship, sir. Russia has no intention of invading or imposing power on any nation. We want to build a relationship based on mutual respect."
Borum looked directly into Stalin's eyes, searching for sincerity in his words. He felt a bit reassured, but still could not fully trust. "I hope what you say is true. Mamluk needs a reliable partner in this difficult time."
The conversation continued, and gradually, Borum felt the tension in his heart ease. Initial questions and worries were slowly replaced by ideas and hopes. They discussed trade issues, security, and the benefits both sides could achieve. Borum sensed sincerity in Stalin's words, and that made him feel more at ease. In his heart, a part still held doubts, but another part began to form positive thoughts about the future.
Time passed, and the atmosphere in the room became more comfortable. Smiles and friendly glances between them gradually blurred the distance between the two different cultures. Borum could not help but think of the opportunities this relationship could bring to Mamluk. He envisioned a future where his country could thrive, protected by a solid alliance. But deep down, he also worried about the potential risks. Could Mamluk maintain its independence in an alliance where Russia was a key member?
Stalin nodded, feeling satisfied with Borum's response. "We will wait. Hopefully, we can build a good relationship in the future." He felt a new hope budding in his heart. This relationship could open new doors for both sides, and he could not wait to see that become a reality.
As the meeting concluded, Borum led them outside, where a feast had been prepared to celebrate the presence of the Russian representatives. Although they did not want to participate in a lavish banquet, they understood that this was part of diplomatic protocol, and they needed to show respect to their hosts. Borum could feel the excitement in his heart, but he also knew that this was an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.
In the hallway, Stalin and Ikanovih exchanged thoughts about what had transpired. "I feel like there is a real opportunity here," Ikanovih said, his eyes filled with hope. "If we can convince Mamluk to join CSTO, it will bring great benefits to both sides." He felt like a glimmer of light in the darkness, a ray of hope for the future.
"Indeed," Stalin agreed, but in his heart, he also had concerns. "But we also need to be careful. This relationship could bring many risks, and we need to ensure that Mamluk does not feel pressured and is also cautious in military actions. The process of this nation officially becoming a member will take time, but we can let them see this as just one option among many others. I also do not hope they will become an official member of CSTO because their capabilities seem too low to achieve much," he could not help but think of the potential consequences if things did not go as expected. "But ultimately, this world is too new; having a bound nation will be easier for us."
As they entered the main hall, the atmosphere in the room was filled with laughter and music. Guests from all over were gathering, welcoming them with friendly smiles. Borum led them to a large banquet table, where a variety of rich dishes were laid out. The fragrant aroma of the food made Stalin's stomach growl, but he also felt a bit anxious seeing the unfamiliar dishes. He did not know if he would be able to enjoy them, but he decided he would try.
In his heart, he reminded himself that this was part of the culture, and participating in this banquet was not just an obligation but also an opportunity to understand more about the country they were trying to establish a relationship with. He took a deep breath, trying to dispel his worries and anxieties, and stepped into the banquet space with a smile on his face.
As they entered the hall, the twinkling lights reflected off the elegantly set tables, creating a formal yet cozy atmosphere. Other guests were engaged in lively conversations, laughter echoing everywhere, making the atmosphere even more vibrant. Borum led them to a large banquet table, where a variety of rich dishes were displayed, from fragrant grilled meats to fresh vegetables, and colorful desserts.
Stalin looked around, sensing the difference in culinary culture. Each dish carried its own story, and he felt as if he were standing in the midst of a vibrant painting of Mamluk culture. He could not help but feel excited at the thought of exploring new flavors, but he also worried about whether he could adapt to them.
As Borum introduced them to some local officials, Stalin felt a gradual connection forming. Firm handshakes, friendly glances, and questions about their homeland made him feel welcomed. "We are very glad to have you here," one of the officials said, a smile on his face shining like sunlight. "We hope that the relationship between our two nations will grow strong."
Ikanovih stood beside him, sensing the warmth in the atmosphere. He also joined the conversation, sharing interesting things about Russia, from culture to history. He felt proud to talk about his homeland, and that made him more confident. "We have so much to learn from each other," he said, his eyes sparkling with hope.
Borum listened, and in his heart, a sense of optimism began to take root. He realized that this relationship was not just a political agreement, but also an opportunity for two cultures to intersect, learn, and grow together. He felt as if he were standing at an important crossroads, where his decisions could shape the future of the entire country.
As the banquet continued, dishes were continuously brought out, and Stalin decided to try a peculiar-looking dish. He carefully lifted his fork, savoring the first taste on his tongue. A fresh sensation flooded his mouth, and he could not help but smile as he realized he actually liked this dish. "This is wonderful!" he exclaimed, and those around him laughed joyfully, creating an even friendlier atmosphere.
The banquet gradually came to a close, but the atmosphere remained filled with excitement. Conversations continued, and Borum felt as if he had found common ground with the Russian representatives. He knew this was just the beginning, but the optimistic feeling in his heart was enough to make him believe in a brighter future for Mamluk.
As other guests began to leave, the Russian delegation was escorted back to their room to rest. Stalin and Ikanovih exchanged glances, both sensing that they had made significant progress in their relationship with Mamluk. "We accomplished something today," Stalin said, his voice filled with excitement. "I feel like we have opened a new door."
"Indeed," Ikanovih agreed, his heart full of hope. "And we will continue to strive to turn these opportunities into reality." They walked into the room together, their minds filled with thoughts about the future, about what they could achieve, and about the relationship they were building with the Mamluk Kingdom.
As the door closed, the space in the room became quieter, but in their hearts, emotions were still surging. Stalin sat down in a chair, relaxing his body after a long, tense day. He looked out the window, where the city lights twinkled like stars in the night sky. "Do you think we made a good impression?" he asked, his tone somewhat anxious.
Ikanovih nodded, but in his eyes, there was still a hint of doubt. "I think we did well, but there is still much to be done. Borum seems to still be hesitant. He needs time to convince others in his government."
Stalin sighed, feeling the weight return. "That's true. Every decision can impact Mamluk's future. They cannot rush, and we cannot pressure them." He felt a vague worry about whether Mamluk was truly ready for such a relationship. Could they trust Russia, a powerful nation with unpredictable ambitions?
Ikanovih agreed, and the two began discussing potential strategies to persuade Mamluk. They talked about organizing future meetings, providing more information about CSTO and the benefits Mamluk could receive. They also discussed creating cultural exchange opportunities to help both sides understand each other better.
As the conversation continued, a sense of excitement gradually spread in their hearts. They realized that this was not just a political mission, but also an opportunity to build personal relationships, to create deeper connections between two different cultures. They felt as if they were standing at an important crossroads, where their decisions could shape not only Mamluk's future but also that of the entire region.
Finally, as the night grew late, they decided to rest. Stalin lay on the bed but could not fall asleep. Thoughts about the meeting, the opportunities, and the challenges ahead kept repeating in his mind. He wondered if he had the ability to lead Russia in such a complex relationship. Could they overcome cultural and political barriers to build a sustainable relationship?
Meanwhile, Ikanovih also could not sleep. He sat by the window, looking outside, where the city lights flickered in the dark. He felt a strong desire to create change, to build a better future for both nations. He knew the road ahead would not be easy, but he also believed that if they worked together, they could overcome any difficulties.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight shone through the window, both felt energized. They knew a new day had begun, and with it, new opportunities. They were determined not to miss any chance to persuade Mamluk to join CSTO and would do everything possible to build a good relationship between the two nations.
As they prepared for the next meeting, their hearts were filled with hope and determination. They knew that the future of both nations lay in their hands, and every decision, every action could have profound impacts.
When they arrived at Borum's office, the atmosphere in the room was somewhat tense. Borum was sitting at his desk, looking a bit tired, as if he had been thinking a lot about what had transpired in the previous meeting. When he saw Stalin and Ikanovih enter, he looked up, his eyes revealing some worry.
"Hello, gentlemen," Borum said, his voice somewhat subdued. "I have been thinking a lot about what we discussed. The relationship between Mamluk and Russia is a complex issue."
Stalin sensed the seriousness in Borum's words. He stepped closer, trying to create a more friendly atmosphere. "We understand that this is a big decision for you and your country. We do not want to pressure you, but we also want you to know that we are ready to support Mamluk in every possible way."
Borum nodded, but in his eyes, there was still a hint of hesitation. "I truly appreciate your sincerity. However, I need to discuss this with other members of my government. They may not easily accept a close relationship with Russia."
Ikanovih felt a surge of anxiety. "We understand that. But we also want to emphasize that joining CSTO will not only benefit Russia but also Mamluk. Security and stability are things both sides need."
Borum looked directly into Ikanovih's eyes, and in that moment, they felt a connection. "I know that. But I also have to protect the interests of my country. Mamluk has gone through many upheavals in the past, and we cannot easily place our trust in a powerful nation like Russia."
Stalin felt the need to persuade Borum further. "We do not want Mamluk to become a pawn in a political game. We want to build a relationship based on mutual respect. If Mamluk joins CSTO, we will protect the interests of both sides together."
Borum fell silent, contemplating what Stalin had just said. He felt a part of him wanting to trust their promises, but another part was worried about the potential risks. He had witnessed too many wars and conflicts in the past, and he did not want his country to become a victim of political ambitions.
"Let me think it over," Borum finally said, his tone softer. "I will discuss this with the members of my government and will get back to you."
Stalin and Ikanovih nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Borum. We will await your news," Stalin said, and in his heart, a new belief began to take shape. They knew they had done their best to persuade Borum, and now they could only wait.
As they left the office, Ikanovih felt a sense of relief. "I think we did well. Borum seems more open than before."
"Indeed," Stalin agreed, but he could not shake off the worries in his heart completely. "But we also need to prepare for every scenario. If Mamluk declines, we will implement our backup plan."
They continued discussing potential strategies, from strengthening trade relations to organizing cultural exchange events to create deeper connections between the two nations. They knew that building trust was not just a conversation, but a long-term process that required patience and effort from both sides.
Before long, the two were informed that they could meet Borum to finalize the decision. When they entered Borum's office, the atmosphere was tense but also filled with hope. Borum was sitting at his desk, his expression serious. "Hello, gentlemen," he said, his eyes sparkling with a hint of curiosity. "I have been thinking about what you proposed."
Stalin and Ikanovih looked at each other, sensing the excitement in the air. "We believe you have made your choice and will soon make a decision," Stalin began, his voice filled with confidence. "It will not only help us connect with each other but also show that Mamluk can trust Russia as a partner."
Borum listened, and in his heart, a sense of optimism began to take root. He had seen sincerity in their eyes, and that made him feel more at ease. "I agree that a treaty would be necessary for both sides. But I also need to ensure that my government will support it."
Stalin nodded, sensing progress in the conversation. "We completely understand that, Mr. Borum. We are ready to provide any information and support necessary to help your government make the right decision."
Borum looked directly into their eyes, and in his gaze, there was a glimmer of hope. "I will organize a meeting with the members of the government tomorrow. If everyone agrees, we can proceed to sign an official agreement."
Ikanovih could not contain his excitement. "That is wonderful news! We will prepare everything necessary to ensure that the meeting goes smoothly."
As they left the office, their hearts were filled with hope. They knew this was a significant step in establishing the relationship between Russia and Mamluk. "I feel like we are very close," Stalin said, his eyes sparkling. "If everything goes well, we could create a strong alliance."
Ikanovih nodded, but in his heart, there was still a hint of worry. "But we also need to prepare for reactions from other countries. A close relationship between Russia and Mamluk could make some nations uncomfortable."
"Indeed," Stalin agreed. "We need to be cautious with every step. But I believe that if we work together, we can overcome any obstacles."
The next day, Borum held a meeting with the members of the government. The atmosphere in the room was tense but also filled with hope. Borum stood up, beginning to present the meeting with the Russian representatives and the benefits that joining CSTO could bring to Mamluk.
"We are standing before a great opportunity," Borum said, his voice filled with determination. "A relationship with Russia could help us strengthen security and stability for our country. However, we also need to carefully consider the potential risks."
One of the older members of the government stood up, his serious expression evident. "I agree that joining CSTO could bring benefits, but we also need to consider the impact on Mamluk's independence. Can we maintain our autonomy in our decisions?"
Borum nodded, understanding that this was a legitimate concern. "That is true, but we also need to remember that security is our top priority. If we do not have protection, we could become targets for external enemies."
The discussion was lively, with many differing opinions. Some supported joining CSTO, while others were concerned about dependence on Russia. Ultimately, Borum decided that they needed more time to think and discuss further.
As the meeting concluded, Borum felt a bit tired but also hopeful. He knew that this decision would not be easy, but he also believed that this was an opportunity Mamluk could not afford to miss.
In the following days, Borum continued to discuss with the members of the government, and gradually, he felt a consensus forming. They began to realize that joining CSTO was not just a political decision, but a necessary step to protect the country.
Finally, on a beautiful morning, Borum met with Stalin and Ikanovih. "I have made a decision," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "We are ready to proceed with signing the agreement to join CSTO."
Stalin and Ikanovih could not contain their excitement. "That is wonderful news! We will prepare for the signing ceremony immediately," Stalin said, his heart filled with joy.
As the signing ceremony took place, the atmosphere in the room was filled with excitement. Borum and the Russian representatives.
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