Deus Nos Ducit Ad Astra Per Aspera

While Anastasia made her way to her estate to get some rest from the journey, within the the Central Asian Governorate, Turkmen Sub-Governorate, two men are seen talking.

"Another border incursion? How many is it this time?"

The border trooper asked his teammate.

*Kick*

"I believe this one is six." answered the Soldier as he kicked a body before him.

"Why are the Afghans doing this, this makes no sense."

The first soldier said begrudgingly as he saw a man crawling away from him. He neared him and pointed his firearm at him.

The man on the ground turned around and pleaded.

"Mercy, please."

*BANG*

*SPLATER*

"No mercy for invaders."

The Soldier walked back to his squad as hey continued to check body's for any life.

-Ashgabad, Turkmen Sub-Governorate Capital-

A meeting is held between administrative personnel of the Sub-Governorate as they discussed about the border incursions.

"We should notify St.Petersburg about this, the Afghans need to be punished for their crimes."

The Governor of the Turkmen Sub-Governorate said as he looked at his men.

The General in charge of the border stood up and said.

"I agree with the Governor, we should notify the Duma and tell them how invaders tried to sully our Saints land and harm her people!"

The rest of the men in the meeting agreed quickly as the general is right. How dare the Afghans even try to take land that belongs to their Saint. This is an unforgivable crime that is only punishable by death.

"Then it's decided, we notify the Emporor of this event and wait for their orders. Those who agree raise your hand."

The Governor said as everyone put their hand in the air to signal their agreement.

-St.Petersburg-

A meeting is called and ordered all Ministers to attend. As everyone took their seats the Prime Minister spoke up.

"We have received a message from the Central Asian Governorate of an border incursion between our border with the Afghans and the Turkmen Sub-Governorate.

I have notified the Emporor and he orders you too decide our course of action."

The Ministers and members of the Duma are bewildered. A border incursion by the Afghans?

The Minister of the Exterior stood up and spoke up.

"I suggest that we send in Agents to find out the cause of these incursions, depending on the cause we take appropriate action."

The Prime Minister nodded as he looked at everyone within the meeting.

"Does anyone object or have better plans?"

The Defense Minister raised his hand as the Prime Minister gave him permission to speak.

"I want to add on more on the current plan. I say while we follow the Exterior Ministers plan, we should also ready our Troops in case this turns out to be a plot of our enemies."

The Prime Minister nodded as he said.

"Alright, with no objections we follow both plans. Ready our Troops while our Agents find the cause of these incursions. All in favor say Aye."

"""Aye!"""

"Alright, we notify the Emporor of our decision and put our plan to action. The Meeting is adjourned."

With the Duma deciding on a course of action the Emporor was notified of their plan and has no objections.

Russian Agents entered Afghanistan from the East as the incursions happened in the Western point. They infiltrated any place that could give them any leads to their cause.

Meanwhile the Russian Southern District Army was readying itself for a potential War against Afghanistan. Mountaineer troops got ready as the High Command drew up plans to invade Afghanistan.

Naturally, Anastasia as the Crown Princess was notified of this.

-Warsaw, Polish Governorate, Anastasias Estate-

Anastasia is sitting on a sofa as she drank her tea with Constantine who sat before her.

"Your Highness, is it appropriate for me to share your dessert with you?"

Anastasia opened one eye and smiled.

"What fun would it be to enjoy this sweet cake and tea without any company, surely you wont object to my invitation to join me, right?"

Constantine smiled back as his shoulders relaxed.

"I don't object, thank you for inviting me to join you."

As they enjoyed the dessert a knock interrupted the peaceful atmosphere.

Knock Knock

"Enter."

Click

A servant entered and gave a bow.

"Sorry to interrupt your Highness, but a message from St.Petersburg has arrived."

Anastasia put her cup down and looked at the letter the servant carried.

She nodded as the servant gave the message and left.

Anastasia opened the letter and read its contents.

"Hmm, our southern borders were invaded."

Constantine eyes blared up as he stood up.

"Let me rephrase that, our border with Afghanistan got some minor incursions. They were repelled, but the Duma has ordered the Army to get ready for war in case our Agents find incriminating evidence against the Afghan Government."

Constantine relaxed a bit but is still on edge.

"Should we return your Highness?"

Anastasia stood up as she replied.

"Yes, me must return with haste, inform the Governor of my leave."

The Butler at the door nodded and left the room.

-St.Petersburg-

Anastasia entered her father's office without knocking.

"Father, I have arrived."

Nicolas took off his glasses and smiled at his daughter.

"Welcome home Anastasia, take a seat."

As she sat down Nicolas began to speak.

"As you should already know, the Afghans have invaded. But we have yet to find out if their leadership is responsible. So as of right now, we are in a unofficial state of war."

Anastasia was confused.

"Why didn't we speak with the Afghan Government?"

Nicolas crossed his arms as he thought.

"We cant trust them, if their at fault they will deny and put the blame someone else. There is also the possibility that it's not them but a different Nation responsible. If we do talk, those responsible will go into hiding. "

Anastasia nodded, she spoke up.

"The only one who could be responsible if it's not them are the British from India and the Persians."

Nicolas spoke as he leaned back.

"That's why, I have also ordered the Agency to send out Agents in those two as well. But I think we won't find much from the British."

Anastasia questioned.

"Why so?"

"Because they also suffered border incursions from Afghanistan, right now I'm in contact with your Uncle to find out the cause as invading will be difficult, especially Afghanistan with its rough mountains."

Anastasia frowned, this changes things.

If it's not the British, then it's either the Afghans, or the Persians collaborating with them.

While father and daughter discuss the current event, a Dark Shadow emerges from the mountains.