Patricians: Power Politics (2 of 9)

Chapter 5: Corporate Warfare

Hovering over the compound surrounding the massive Palace in Moscow, the shuttle came to a rest. Swinging open the door, Ivan marched out of the shuttle with his personal guards still dressed from the party. Romanov troops were lined up and standing at attention. They saluted their commander as he disembarked. In the distance, the giant magnetic railway of Romanov's transportation industry was visible. Monolithic magnetic railways were a testament to Ivan's work. Romanov Industries had revitalized Russia's failing economy over a decade ago, along with extending military power through rapid mobilization. In many ways, Hitler had given Ivan the idea from the creation of the autobahn.

"Sir, what is your plan now that your neural hacking attempt has succeeded?" Alexei was Ivan's head of security for Romanov Industries, and concern was plain across the man's face.

"It's a new year, Alexei, and this year will see the rise of Romanov and the defeat of Muse." Despite the confidence in Ivan's declaration, Alexei remained sceptical.

"What do you think Henry's reprisal will be?"

"Henry is far too strategic to act against me without proof, and the beauty of the neural hacking is that it left no proof. All Henry will find is a virus code. The coder and all evidence have been erased from history. Henry will search for evidence, and while he does, we'll move upon him with the ferocity of a lion taking down a gazelle. Together, we will bring glory and power to Romanov industries and to Russia, and remind the world why we are to be respected."

Ivan's boisterous proclamation did little to ease the worries eating at Alexei.

Walking towards the main entrance of the Romanov palace, Ivan drank in the sight of his beautiful home. Ivan had constructed the palace to remind the people of his lineage. Romanovs had once ruled over all of Russia until the February Revolution saw to their overthrow. When Vladimir Putin came to power, his actions had caused the resurrection of Russian Imperial dreams. Putin's reforms had made it possible for Ivan to revive the glory of his family name. The palace was fit for any king, tsar, or emperor. The compound held a small army. Romanov Industries functioned at the central hub of the Moscow Palace.

Walking across the large gardens outside the Palace took several minutes. Ivan had built the palace outside of Moscow, and bought thousands of acres of land to house the massive structure. Hidden within the compound were all the military weapon systems needed to keep it safe from any attack. Ivan had constructed the grand palace in a modern image of the great palace of his ancestor, Catherine the Great. The seamless blending of modern convention and ancient design spoke to the people of Ivan's intentions for the future of Russia. Russia would become a great, modern, imperial power tied to the glorious past from which it descended.

"Sir, I am getting a report from the Command Center, and everything has been prepared for your arrival."

Thoughts raced through Ivan's mind at the possibilities his plans would yield for him. Russia would side with IRME in the conflict and provide military support. Romanov Industries could move the Russian army at speeds unheard of, and that would shame even Germany's infrastructure in the Second World War. Soon, the whole world would be at Ivan and Russia's feet, begging them for mercy.

Two guards opened the large doors to the main entrance. Cathedral ceiling loomed above with a painted mural. God and all his angels looked down upon Ivan, who had instructed the painter to imitate the great works of Michelangelo. When the Pope had visited, he had complimented Ivan on his pious devotion to art and Christianity. Russia's leaders envied the grand home and its vast collection of priceless works of art. Walking across the large, empty room, the two approached a wall. Alexei ordered his men to open the door with the passcode.