A Rude Awakening

Chapter 7

August 9, 2022

Washington D.C, United States

8:00 A.M

"Mister President, should we host a referendum in the UN about how to treat the... risen figures?" the Secretary of State asked, glancing around at the other Cabinet members.

"We can... take them out of the equation," the CIA director suggested.

"Well... It would not be good to enrage the Russians. Many of them, if I am right, revere the women as saints," Biden said, shaking his head.

"If worse comes to worse, we may have no other options but to stage an accident."

"No, Director. I cannot excuse what the Russians have done, but they have the best cards of the game," the president replied, then sipping from his coffee cup.

Biden sighed. For almost a month, the bombardment of questions, internet trolls, and media attention had bothered him... Almost every day. He felt frustrated that he could not have much peace and time with his family as much, and the irritation of seeing the Republicans and Democrats bickering without lulls about the religious and moral implications of the resurrections also did not help. America, officially a nation with a theoretically impartial and secular government, would have to face this surprising and shocking occurrence. America was still as "divided" as ever on political and moral issues. The government had shut down not long ago.

The fear that the resurrected "OTMA" sisters would catalyze a Russian comeback had begun to come true. Although the four princesses only did charitable works and small speeches for Putin's regime, the effect of their appearance had taken root. Already, the threefold increase in Russian recruits and the revived morale of the Russian Armed Forces had caused greater casualties in the Ukrainian-Russian War. The Ukrainians were already being pushed back from the middle southern oblasts, and Belarus and Iran had sent weapon supplies and technologies to Russia...

Especially a small array of manufactured nuclear weapons from Iranian nuclear facilities. The Iranians had been pressured by Russia for the weapons, and they had little choice but to aid their ally. The reports by the Special Representative for Iran grew more dire, and to the American president, it was clear that affairs had taken a turn... Descending closer to an Armageddon.

"I do not feel all comfortable with saying this, but I think that we may have to compromise with the Russians."

Tokyo, Japan

The Kantei Residence

"Ah, Your Majesty... Affairs are getting worse in our region. The council is desperate! What do you suggest we do?"

"I am well aware of the Chinese and Russian naval forces patrolling more by their national shorelines. There is great danger ahead for our land."

"Certainly, the Chinese may use their northern ally's uprising as a morale boost and tactical advantage, given the distraction it caused. The Americans have been politically gridlocked for a month."

"Yes. It may sound strange, even ridiculous... But I have been reflecting on Japan's complex history with Russia, and I have decided that easing tensions with Russia is the best option for our security and safety."

"What? Your Majesty-"

"Do not argue. I was the one who appointed you. Yes, I have studied the history texts and news very much... I believe that we should reconcile with the Romanovs again. Our cultures under imperial rule were once quite close and similar. We must not provoke the bear! That is final!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Japanese Prime Minister let out a shuddering breath as the hang up tone droned. He clenched his fists, muttering profanities as quietly as he could. Nothing should have been like this. Neither was the timing so ideal either.