Chapter 4: A Voice that Rings Around the World

May 4th, 1910: The Admiralty Building

Everything happened so fast. In two short months, young Prince Albert’s life had been turned upside down. His father, Albert Victor, the Prince of Wales had died of tuberculosis, and then a month later his grandfather King Edward VII was dead. Young Albert was thrust into the position of King decades before he had expected to rule, and now, just as his reign began, the world was on fire.

It was a well-known fact that France had organized an Entente with Russia and Italy, to squeeze out Britain and Germany. The alliance between the greatest powers in Europe was always a bitter thorn on the side of the Bourbon Emperor, but now Britain’s alliance was at risk, Frederick III had always been a steady hand, liberalizing the German Empire and ensuring close ties, however at 79 he was growing old. Crown Prince Wilhelm was a hot head, and his expansionist tendencies threatened to strain the Anglo-Teutonic Alliance. Now reports of strange new lands flooded in and the young King was forced not only to juggle European affairs but the emergence of new intelligent creatures.

The room was large, the windows decorated in thick drapery, however over the fine yellow wallpaper maps were pinned all over the walls. Large globes and bookshelves flanked the double doors guarded by two Royal Marines. He stood looking down at the long Mahogany table that dominated the room, covered in maps of the World, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Surrounding the table were the most senior Admirals of the Royal Navy, to his right stood the Prime Minister, Lord Brighton, and to his left was the First Sea Lord, Lord Haddington. The Admirals all had pens and croupier sticks, the maps were covered in pins, notes, and string.

“Your Majesty, using the signatures of telegram transmissions from ships on the Atlantic, Naval Intelligence has pinpointed the general dimensions and shape of the landmass reported by our merchant marine,” said the First Sea Lord as he pointed to the red pins on the map unfurled on the large oak table.

“Rear Admiral Morrison has also reported that his fleet of cruisers has found a southern passage around the new landmass. He is currently attempting to find a possibly shorter northern passage, your Majesty,” Added Admiral Pennington as he drew a line across the map with a red pencil.

“Are the reports of intelligent life other than humans true?” Asked Lord Brighton as he pointed to the ocean surrounded by dots and lines, “Parliament is already preparing hearings with the captains that have returned from the encounter,”

“Prime Minister, all reports of the equines are consistent, they all report small colorful equines that can speak English. The only differences in the reports are the exact appearance of these so-called Ponies, some reports have mentioned unicorns capable of telekenisis and other magical feats. Others have reported pegasi or simple ponies, however, all reports have mentioned at least two of the races,” Replied the First Sea Lord before he pointed to one of the eastern dots on the map, “Reports from this so-called city of Manehattan have mentioned all three races,”

“Lord Haddington, what of the landmass in the Pacific?” Asked King Albert as he looked up from the map.

“Your Majesty, reports from the Pacific landmass are far more varied, however, the Americans and Japanese have helped us form a more complete picture of this other continent. It appears that while the landmass on the Atlantic is dominated by English-speaking ponies, the one in the Pacific is shared between German-speaking griffons, and French-speaking deer, along with some settlements of ponies that also speak German, French, and Russian. However, unlike the ponies, the deer and the griffons appear to not be separated by races, sharing common characteristics, and do not appear to be able to directly manipulate this so-called magic,” Answered the First Sea Lord as he pushed aside the map of the Atlantic and dragged a map of the Pacific before the two men.

“And what of the diplomatic fleets sent?”

“Your Majesty, both fleets have yet to arrive, but the Mauritania has been ordered to vacate its passengers and remain in Manehattan to serve as a diplomatic outpost of your Majesty’s Government in Equestria. As for the Griffins and Deer, we hope to have the fleet arrive in two days,”

“Thank you, Lord Haddington, but please drop such formalities. I owe a duty to every Britton, but I am not the state,” King Albert smiled at the senior Admiral, “Why has Mauritania been selected for this role?”

“As the largest vessel in the world, The Mauritania serves as a prime example of the might of the British Empire. The Admiralty felt it was prudent to showcase to these ponies the feats of our great nation,” replied the First Sea Lord as the rest of the Admirals in the room nodded.

Suddenly the Royal Marines opened the large double doors, and an officer entered with a note in his hand. The doors promptly closed as the officer bowed, “Your Majesty, My Lords, Commodore Lighthauler of Mauritania and Captain Bradley of Carmania have made contact with the ruler of the new land. Mauritania has transmitted a letter sent by this ruler addressed to your Majesty,” the officer rose from his bow before unfurling the transcribed letter, “To His Imperial Majesty, The Kingdom of Equestria cordially invites your Imperial Majesty of the British Empire to partake in a summit of nations to be held in the port city of Manehattan on May 30th, 1910. Its coordinates are 46 degrees 27’ North and 21 degrees 46’ West. I hope that through this Summit, the Kingdom of Equestria and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland can form a lasting relationship. The Equestrian government eagerly awaits your reply. Graciously, Princess Twilight Sparkle,”

The Admirals turned to look at the King who glanced at the Prime Minister and then the First Sea Lord. He cleared his throat, “Thank you, Lieutenant, please tell the radio officer to send a telegram to the Mauritania and the diplomatic fleet, I intend to participate in the Princess' summit,”

The Lieutenant bowed once more, “Yes your Majesty,”

“Your Majesty, do you not think it would be wise to send an emissary in your place, we have yet to gain a full understanding of this new land. You can send your uncle Prince George,” Lord Brighton said as he looked at the King with a surprised face.

“I have been personally summoned by the ruler of this land of “Equestria” as a sign of friendship and cooperation, I intend to grant her request personally,”

“A fleet will be prepared for your transit, your Majesty,” replied Lord Haddington as he looked at the other admirals expectantly.

As Lieutenant stood expectantly for any further instructions, Albert smiled, “One last thing, please send a telegram to France and Germany, I want more leaders to join me in this summit. Thank you, Lieutenant, you are dismissed,”

“Thank you, your Majesty,” replied the Lieutenant as he walked away, the marines closing the door behind him, as the King, Prime Minister, and Admirals continued their discussions.

Le Château de Versailles

The room was lit with the soft warm glow of the massive crystal candelabra that hung from the plaster and golden leaf ceiling. A plate of half-eaten duck and pate pie sat on the ornate dining table of Charles XII’s private dining room. Sipping on a glass of wine, the Bourbon Emperor looked over the pile of reports on his desk. On the far end of the table, his wife sat quietly eating her dinner.

The reports had flooded in the last three days regarding the presence of two new continents in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Possessing a much less developed merchant marine when compared to the British, Germans, and Americans, the disruption in shipping that had resulted from the continent's appearance had caused a few headaches, but not to the same degree as the utter disaster it was for the British and Americans. With shipping traffic across the North Atlantic all but halted, the biggest issue had been the isolation between the French Caribbean colonies and Versailles. While self-sufficient the colonies were still under his absolute control and the disconnect between his seat of power and the islands was troubling. Telegram communication still worked but the presence of the new continent would delay any military response to a revolt. Time that could allow the U.S. government to put its grimy little fingers all over his islands.

Ever since the humiliating war of 1861, the French relationship with the United States had been strained. During his grandfather's ill-advised invasion of the German Confederation and the subsequent total annihilation of his Grand Army of the Rhine, the Breckenridge Administration had taken the liberty to seize Cuba and Hispaniola. With the Bourbon forces in shambles and the rest of its army split between defending against the German advance towards Paris and desperately trying to hold on to Naples and the Vatican in Italy, the French could only watch as their two most prized Caribbean colonies were swept up by the Americans. On their part, the Americans would be plunged into a civil war shortly after their acquisitions.

Much more interestingly were the reports of the continent's inhabitants. The Atlantic continent was inhabited by a race of intelligent equines that reportedly spoke English. Not only were they intelligent but reports described three different races, one that was simply an intelligent pony, then the pegasi that could fly, and the unicorns that could perform feats of magic such as telekinesis. Overall, the Pony Nation seemed to be quite powerful although reports also described their use of antiquated technologies. In the Pacific continent, the griffons and deer did not seem to possess the same magical abilities as the ponies, however, they also appeared to be intelligent and lived in cities. Reports also indicated that the deer spoke French which could help in forming relations with them.

French ocean liners such as the Parie were already being used as diplomatic outposts in Equestria and ships were being sent out to the Pacific continent to establish formal relations with the griffons and deer. The big issue now was ensuring that negotiations between the new nations and the Bourbon Government would help improve France's geopolitical situation.

The door to the dining room opened and a courier walked in bowing deeply to the Emperor and Empress, “Your Majesties, pardon my interruption but I have two urgent messages from the Equestrian continent and London,”

“Go on,” replied Charles as he set down his wine glass and gestured to the courier to continue. His wife glanced at the new visitor.

“Yes, your Majesty, the Captains of the Parie and the Rochambeau have made contact with the ruler of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Her Majesty invites your Majesties to attend a summit of nations in the Equestrian city of Manehattan. The Navy already has the coordinates of this city and is prepared to have Your Majesties transported to the summit if you wish to attend. His Majesty King Albert intends to go to the summit and is encouraging you to also attend,”

“Interesting, we will attend this summit. Please see to it that King Albert and the Princess are informed, and notify the Navy to have a ship prepared for myself and the Empress,” replied the Emperor as his wife glared at him.

“Yes your Majesty, the arrangements will be made promptly,”

“You are dismissed,”

The courier bowed deeply once again before leaving the room. Empress Catherine cleared her throat, “When were you going to ask my opinion on this?”

“As consort, your opinions do not concern the matters of the state. This summit is an important opportunity to gain a valuable ally, and your presence will help court friendly relations,”

The Empress harrumphed in dissatisfaction as Charles once again began to read the reports piled on the table while nursing his wine.

Das Heldenplatz

There was a blare of trumpets and then the rolling of the drums as the military band began to play the Presentation March of the German Army. Hundreds of soldiers resplendent in dark blue uniforms and wearing pickelhaubes were lined up in formation, the bayonets of their rifles reflecting the light of the sun. The flags of the various kingdoms of the empire flying under the Imperial tricolor.

Tensions were flaring up as the Italians and Russians made moves to carve up the Balkans as Ottoman influence waned. The Germans and the British had attempted to prop up the Ottomans, but the reality was that the Turks could no longer even control the Arabs, and the Balkan Christians were now in open revolt. Ultimately, even Britain participated in the Ottoman’s partition as they conquered the Egyptian Sultanate and reorganized it into their second Imperial Crown. Intelligence reports had surfaced of a planned Italian invasion of Ottoman Tripolitania, and the Russians were rapidly mobilizing troops in Ukraine, Bessarabia, and Galicia. In response, the Germans had raised an additional 200 thousand troops for the Imperial Army and another 100 thousand soldiers were raised for the regional armies of Austria and Bavaria.

Then came the reports of the new continents in the Atlantic and Pacific, and word of the supposedly magical ponies spread like wildfire across Europe. As far as German intelligence could gather, the Russian mobilizations stopped while the Italians ramped up troop movements. The Bourbon Empire and the Dutch had also started to move divisions along the border, everyone was on edge, but no one knew how these creatures would affect global politics. Should they be a weak race and their lands rich in resources, there would surely be a rush to colonize the new territories, that would in turn flare up an already tense environment. However, reports of large and well-developed cities, and the reported supernatural abilities of the ponies, pointed to a powerful new nation that could prove a vital ally to either the Anglo-Teutonic Alliance or the Entente.

Reports on the griffins were much sparser, the Pacific continent being located in a more isolated area. The fact that the Americans and Japanese had first made contact also led to a language barrier between them and the German-speaking griffins. A German fleet had been sent out of New Guinea to further connect with the griffons, but with the ponies speaking English and the griffins German, it would be easier to court these nations into a relationship with Germany and Britain. On the other hand, the Deer spoke French and thus would probably be more inclined to collaborate with the Entente. Whatever the case, the ponies did seem to be more developed and their access to magic could make them a formidable force.

Kaiser Fredrick III now rode down the great plaza, a reign in his left hand as he saluted the troops with his right. Behind him rode the Kings of Austria and Bavaria on white stallions, the generals riding beside the monarchs. He was getting old, but he could still ride a horse, and the slight jostling was ten times better than walking along the massive line of troops with arthritis in his legs. The young soldiers reminded him of his glory days as the Crown Prince when he served as a general and rode into battle in the 1861 war against the Bourbon Empire. Now the years hung heavy as his joints ached, but his spirit remained. As King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany, military service was in his blood, and he would personally review his troops until the day he died.

As the march of the 47th Regiment sounded out from the military band, the men approached the new Austrian units. Their uniforms were sand blue, and they wore kepi hats rather than the Imperial Pickelhaube, the standard of Germany, Austria, and the Virgin Mary flying above them. The different regional armies of the Empire were some of the reminders of the legacy of the German Confederation and the collapse of the Austrian and Holy Roman Empire. In reality, even the Imperial Army was not a valid representation of a united German army, simply being the Prussian Army, but with troops from all corners of the Empire.

“Your Majesty, all 17 divisions authorized by the Reichstag have been raised and are ready to deploy with two days' notice. Defensive works are being reinforced along the French border with an additional 1500 heavy artillery pieces and ammunition stockpiles have been expanded,” stated General Galtz as he pointed out the troops standing at attention.

“I would advise your Majesty to put forward a motion to the Reichstag to raise an additional 8 divisions. Tensions may flare up with the presence of the two new landmasses. Should the Entente use the presence of these new creatures and territories as a pretext for war, it would be prudent to have enough troops to defend the Reich,” added General Claussen.

Then an aide ran up to him, his breath labored from running across the plaza, “Your Majesty, we have a telegram from the new land in the Atlantic!”

The Kaiser stopped his horse and with the help of the aid dismounted the white stallion, the military band pausing the march they were playing as the generals also dismounted. Both Kings were also quickly helped off their horses as soldiers ran up to clear the rest of the steeds. Once the Kaiser was on the ground he turned back to the aid, “Thank you. Please tell me more about this report,”

The aid performed a bow, “Yes your Majesty. Captain Holleck and Polack have contacted the leader of the “Equestrian” Nation, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Her Majesty has invited your Majesty to participate in a summit of nations in the city of Manehattan, where the Kronprinzessin Cecilie is currently moored,” Pulling out a letter from his uniform and handing it to the Kaiser, the aid continued, “Enclosed in this letter are the specifics about the summit. There is also a telegram from His Majesty King Albert who has stated that he will be attending the Princess’ summit and wishes that you join him,”

“Thank you, please have a telegram sent to London and Equestria informing her and his Majesty that I intend to join him in this summit,”

“Yes your Majesty,” the aid bowed before taking his leave, the generals looking

Turning to King Franz Joseph Austria, he smiled, “Thank you for having this troop review organized, your Majesty,”

“Yes your Majesty, thank you for your presence,” replied the old King as he bowed before his Emperor.

The Kaiser then bid his farewell to the King of Bavaria and then walked over to the generals standing at attention. General Donner, the Kaiser’s chief of staff, walked up to him, “Your Majesty, would you like your train prepared to head back to Berlin?”

“Yes thank you, General,”

Turning back to the troops lined up in the plaza he saluted. The soldiers presented their rifles and cried out in unison, “Für Gott, Kaiser und Vaterland!”

Зимний дворец

To say that the political landscape in Russia was tenuous was an understatement. Ever since the humiliating defeat against the Japanese, the masses had been clamoring for political reform. The first domino fell in 1905 when the October Revolution forced the Tzar to relinquish his domestic executive powers to a freely elected parliament. In every election since then, the Imperial Duma had become more and more radical, with leftist parties winning more and more seats. Even the fringe Communist party had begun to win seats in an electoral system that heavily favored the conservative parties loyal to the Tzar. In just five short years, he had gone from the most powerful autocrat in the world to a monarch in danger of losing his throne.

Now more than ever Tzar Nicholas needed a political victory more than ever, and that victory was quickly manifesting itself in a successful assault against the Ottoman Empire. Should the Russians successfully conquer new territories especially if they manage to finally capture Constantinople then the national pride of the victory could restore his reputation among the populace. In addition, a victory could also distract the peasantry from their grievances with the imperial government. To this end, the Russian army had been rapidly mobilizing with nearly two million soldiers prepared for a potential war with the Ottomans and the forces of the Anglo-Teutonic Alliance, should they uphold their promise to defend the Turks.

Then news of the new continents arrived at the Kremlin and everything changed, news quickly spread across the Empire and the superstitious Russians had mostly stopped demonstrating. News of magic-wielding equines not only intrigued the Russian government but spooked the populace, giving the Tzar some respite from the mounting pressure to relinquish more of his control over the state. The Griffons and deer had also proven slurring with the presence of three major populations of different intelligent creatures.

“General Mikalov, what brings you to my study?” Asked the Tzar as he looked up from the desk of his study, doodles of horses decorating the papers scattered on his desk.

“Your Majesty, I come with an urgent telegram from Paris and London. The French, English, Americans, and Germans have made contact with the Princess of the Equine Nation. Her Majesty invites your Majesty to partake in a Summit of Nations to be held in the continent's port city of Manehattan. Their Majesties King Albert, Kaiser Fredrick, and Emperor Charles have expressed their intentions to participate in the summit and encourage you to head the Princess’ request. All arrangements can be prepared promptly should you agree to attend,”

“Thank you, General, have the arrangements made, I intend to go to this summit,”

“Yes your Majesty,” the general bowed before vacating the Tzar’s study.

This was it, the walls may not be closing in after all. If positive relations could be made with the ponies then the state press could spin that as a worthy achievement that could help legitimize his position as monarch. A war would prove much more risky, a defeat in the same manner as the one suffered in the war with Japan could lead to a revolution that could have him deposed. The Communists were already drumming up far too much support, and any further questions on his ability to rule could spell his doom. Even if the summit didn’t play out in his favor, the plans for an Ottoman invasion were already set.

The White House

To say that the last three days had been hectic was an understatement, President Macmillan had slept a little more than four hours since the appearance of the strange new lands. Vice President Richardson had dubbed it Atlantis when the first reports of the Atlantic landmass had filtered into the Oval Office. Since then, reports of contact with the “ponies” had revealed the true name as Equestria, but the map on his desk still had Atlantis written out in red ink. Soon after, reports began to appear regarding the “griffon” lands in the Pacific.

The first major issue had been all the stranded Americans whose journeys had been interrupted by the sudden appearance of the two new continents. It had taken the coordination of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the shipping companies, and other national Intelligence agencies to locate all of the Americans on the Transatlantic and Transpacific routes. Getting them home however was a different story, this new landmass had bisected all of the traditional Northern routes. The South Atlantic was still clear, however, many ships did not have enough fuel to make the massive diversion, thus many Americans were stuck in Europe. On the other hand, there was less passenger traffic in the Pacific and Hawaii had been left unobstructed, as a major coaling stop most of the shipping traffic could be easily rerouted.

The second major issue was the corporate one. Exports screeched to a halt as Equestria rose out from the sea. Now congressmen were constantly nagging him to do something about it, as if he could make the new continent suddenly disappear. They cried about the loss of jobs in their districts, but in reality, they were afraid of losing their precious donation money, as the midterm elections were only six months away. Party bosses were already clamoring to meet with him as the Republican Party feared losing seats to the Democrats if they could not appease the industrialists. The new Minority Leader, William Crawford, had been distancing the Democratic Party's image away from its Southern roots and embracing the new progressive movement that was taking hold in both parties.

Now he sat in the Resolute Desk looking over the reports stacked high in the corner. The Oval Office was an absolute mess apart from the map on his desk, maps had been pinned to all the walls, and the table before him was also covered in ship manifests and reports. The Secretary of State, Secretary of War, Secretary of the Navy, and President of the International Mercantile Marine all sat before him.

“Mr. President the situation in the Pacific is as of yet under control, all ships merchant ships have been ordered to transit to Honolulu, and the Territorial Governor has already been informed about the influx of vessels,” Stated Secretary of War Harding as he pointed out the Hawaiian islands, the general shape of the Griffin Continent outlined in red north of the islands.

“The navy has already sent out tenders to help supply the Hawaiian Islands with the extra coal required,” pointed out Secretary of the Navy Chase as he moved small wooden dowels from the California coast over to Hawaii with his croupier stick.

“So that’s under control. Peterson, what can you tell me about the diplomatic efforts with these new intelligent creatures?” Asked President Macmillan as he glanced away from the map and up to the Secretary of State.

“Mr. President, the State Department has already sent a fleet with diplomats to the west coast of the Equestrian continent and should arrive later today. So far, first contact reports with the ponies have been positive, and from our current intelligence, we believe that Equestria is ruled by a Princess,” The Secretary of State pointed to the map of the Atlantic before moving his hand over to the map of the Pacific, “Unfortunately due to the language barrier we have been unable to gather much information about the Griffons and Deer as of yet, apart from a conformation that the Griffins do indeed speak German and the Deer speak French. The ponies of this Pacific continent were very helpful in gathering this information and the State Department has been collaborating with the Germans and the French Governments along with gathering translators to help make formal diplomatic inroads with these creatures,”

“And reports of dragons and yacks in the northern reaches of both continents?”

“We have yet to gather much information on them, but we do believe they live in much more primitive conditions when compared to the ponies, griffons, or deer,”

“Mr. Franklin, what is the status of the American passengers?” Asked the President as he looked at the finely dressed executive before him.

“Mr. President, the International Mercantile Marine has done a complete assessment of all ships in the American, White Star, Layland, Red Star, Dominion, Holland America, and Atlantic Transport Lines. So far there are about 5,500 Americans still left in Europe, but our subsidiaries are quickly working to fuel the remaining ships and have them take the southern route around the Equestrian Continent to take these Americans back home.”

President Macmillan was about to reply when the doors of the Oval Office opened, and a Secret Service Agent briskly walked into the room, saluting, “Mr. President, Secretary Peterson, Secretary Clarkson, and Secretary Davidson, I have a telegram from London. A group of ten Captains from America, Britain, France, and Germany have made contact with Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria. The Princess is inviting you, Mr. President and other world leaders to travel to the city of Manehatten in Eastern Equestria to participate in a Summit of Nations. King Albert and Kaiser Fredrick III have also sent telegrams stating their intention to participate in the summit and encourage you to do so as well. Details of the summit are enclosed in this letter,”

The Secret Service agent walked up to the President’s desk and handed the envelope to President Macmillan, who had gotten up from his seat. Backing away, the Secret Service agent saluted once again before the President returned the salute, “Thank you, Agent Schrader, please have a telegram sent informing the Princess of my intention to represent America at the Summit. May you also have the Vice President come to the Oval Office, you are dismissed,”

“Yes, Mr. President,” Saluted Agent Schaefer before turning and leaving the office.

“Mr. President, I do not want to impose, but what about the $100 million aid package in the House, you promised the IMM relief for the loss of revenue suffered with the shipping pause,” objected the executive wide eyed.

“Mr. Franklin, calm yourself, Vice President Richardson is privy to the nature of the aid package and will be given authority to sign it into law,”

“Mr. President, what about the campaigning you had scheduled with the congressmen from California?” Asked the Secretary of State with an apprehensive look.

“It is the authority of Congress to deal with the domestic issues of the country. I do not believe that a week's absence will plunge the government into chaos, and I don’t need to baby every Congressman’s hand in this election. Our Republican platform is strong, Crawford and the Democrats be damned!” The President cried out as he slammed his fist on the desk.

“Yes Mr. President,” replied the secretaries and executives as they averted their glances.

“Pardon my outburst, I will have Tompson rearrange my schedule,”

He honestly found Mr. Franklin insufferable, the absolute gal to continue pestering him for a taxpayer bailout. He only agreed to sign it to maintain the American grip on global trade and because he would not hear the end of it from Speaker Harrison if the Republicans lost seats in the house due to Franklin pulling campaign donations. Phillip Franklin was the caricature of a greedy tycoon, having inherited his position as Corporate President from his father's dealings with Mr. Morgan, the man responsible for building the largest conglomerate of international shipping companies in the world. Anyways, he hoped that the meeting with the Equestrians would prove to be a success.

Author's Note

World Map

Bourbon Empire

German Empire

Country Panels

I didn't quite get to finish all the panels, but by the next chapter, I will finish them up and have some more panels for the Gryphons, Deer, Japanese, and Dutch. Sorry for the wait, trying to write a chapter and draw at the same time took more time than I expected.