Chapter 19: The New Order
"If I cannot bend the will of Heaven, I shall move Hell."
~ Virgil
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Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, September 1894
The room was warm with the glow of gas lamps. Outside, the autumn chill settled over St. Petersburg, but inside, Nicholas' chosen men sat ready to chart a new course for Russia's future. The group was small, handpicked for their loyalty and vision rather than adherence to traditions or bloodline.
Ivan Pavlovich Fedorov, the young and talented organizer who had risen under Mendeleev's guidance, say with a notebook open. His youthful energy contrasted with the composed demeanor of Dmitri Mendeleev, who calmly adjusted his glasses. General Alexei Brusilov say with a rigid posture, his piercing eyes betraying a hunger for progress on the military front. Sergei Witte, with his ususl air of confidence, waited patiently, a shef of papers in his hand.
Brusilov couldn't take this anymore and finally asked:
"Sergei, you must know. What is this meeting about? We have never assembled so openly."
Witte rose his eyes, meeting Brusilov's gaze. Then, he smiled, saying:
"Be patient, Alexei. His Highness should be here soon. I don't want to spoil the fun for you."
Brusilov sneered, saying:
"Do as you want." 'Bean counter' he added inwardly.
The last insult was actually a friendly one. One might call it friendly banter as Brusilov had a lot of respect for Sergei and what he was doing.
At that moment, the door opened and Nicholas walked in.
Everyone rose to their feet and bowed respectfully.
Nicholas raised his hand, gesturing "everyone, sit down." He said
Then he walked to his seat and confidently sat down.
He surveyed the room, his face serious but calm.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming. What we discuss tonight must remain within this circle until I announce it tomorrow."
Nicholas took a deep breath and confidently stated: "I have decided it's time to reform the Okhrana."
The air seemed to still for a moment.
Everyone in the room understood the implications of this move.
"You're planning to reform the secret police??" Brusilov asked, breaking the silence, his voice tinged with curiosity and apprehension.
"Not just reform," Nicholas replied. "Purge and rebuild. The Okhrana has become a den of inefficiency and disloyal opportunists.
I have the support of Father and his power to back me. But it is now enough.
Tomorrow, I will formally announce my decision to the cabinet. Tonight, I need you all to understand your roles in this undertaking."
'This guy is insane! I understand why he is doing this but going against the nobles now... how will this end up?' Brusilov had a hesitant smile on his face while thinking 'I am already on his side and everyone knows that now. I'm on his boat we either sink together or see it to the end. Even if I back down now, no noble will want me by their side anymore...'
He sighed inwardly, strengthening his resolve. He actually had a lot to lose but the Tsarevich had even more to lose than Brusilov himself had... And ultimately, he had begun trusting his capabilities.
Witte was the first to speak:
"Your Highness, the fiscal part of this endeavor has already been prepared. The loan will be fully used to rebuild the Okhrana. Also, the riches and property confiscated from the different officials will be redirected into the Okhrana creating a quite vicious cycle until we can upkeep it healthily."
"I understand." Nicholas said, "Make sure the left-over money is back into my coffers. I will personally use it to invest into industry and enterprise."
Sergei was reluctant to put the money back into Nicholas' pocket instead of using it himself to advance Russia's economy. But Nicholas promised he would invest himself so he had no other choice.
"Of course, Your Highness." He said, "However, it's essential that we act quickly. The conservatives will undoubtedly see this as a direct attack on their influence and interests."
Nicholas smiled and turned to Brusilov.
"That's why Brusilov's role is crucial. Alexei, I need you to ensure the army is ready to step in if the nobility tries to disrupt this process. Your men will need to be discreet but firm."
Brusilov nodded confidently.
"Consider it done, Your Highness. I'll position loyal officers in key areas to prevent any interference."
Then, Nicholas' gaze met Fedorov's.
"Ivan, I am thereby appointing you as head of the new Inspection Department. Your task will be to spearhead the purge. I want a full investigation of every individual within the Okhrana. Identify those who are competent and loyal, and remove the rest.
I want this to be a mid-sized purge. I don't want to throw the Okhrana into disarray but I want to remove the corrupted officers and instill fear on the rest. This will be a monumental task, but I trust you're up to it."
Fedorov's eyes widened slightly,
'What? Me?' He thought
But he quickly recomposed himself and straightened his back, saying:
"I won't let you down, Your Highness. I'll begin drafting a framework for the investigation immediately. With your permission I'll also assemble a team of trusted individuals to assist me."
"Do it," Nicholas firmly ordered, "Your success will determine whether the new Okhrana becomes the weapon we need to secure this empire."
Mendeleev cleared his throat, drawing the room's attention. He had noticed he wasn't included in the Okhrana reform but he had to say something, somehow, otherwise, what was he doing in this meeting?
"Your Highness, I would also like to update you on our scientific progress. With Witte's assistance, we've secured a significant number of foreign technicians, especially from the United States. The economic crisis there has made many skilled workers eager to relocate and that is working in our favor.
By my estimates, we've brought in at least 150 technicians in the past months, with more on the way."
Nicholas's eyes lit up. "Excellent, Dmitri!!
Their expertise will be invaluable as we advance our industrial and technological goals. Ensure they are treated well and intergrated into our projects efficiently.
Ah- make sure they begin learning Russian and integrate into society as soon as possible. As long as they integrate, I don't care about the cost. Have them take Russian lessons within working hours, getting paid. They have no reason to refuse."
'He sure is ambitious and bold even.' Mendeleev thought to himself.
"Of course," he said, his tone brimming with confidence.
Nicholas got on his feet and leaned forward, his voice steady and commanding.
"Gentlemen, tomorrow will mark the beginning of a new era for Russia. The Okhrana, once a symbol of corruption, will become a tool of precision and loyalty. This is not just about power. It's about survival. And not just our personal survival... But that of the whole Russian Empire!
Together, we will ensure that no force, internal or external, can derail the future we are building."
The men exchanged determined nods, their roles clear. As the meeting adjourned, each of them left the room with a sense of purpose. Nicholas, alone once more, allowed himself a brief moment of reflection. The path ahead would be treacherous, but with these men by his side, he felt the weight of the empire resting a little lighter on his shoulders.
'God, if you're there, help me realize the goal you brought me here for.
For I will try my best to fulfill your wish.
So help me God.' Thought Nicholas to himself before performing an Orthodox cross on his chest.
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