Author's Note: For those of you who enjoy detailed world-building and lore, today's chapter might be an engaging read. However, for those who do not, it contains the contents of a constitution and may be quite dry.
I intended to finish these types of chapters today, so I have removed almost all humor to keep it as concise as possible.
Furthermore, as it exceeds 7,000 characters, the tedium may seem never-ending. This will likely be the last chapter of this nature for the foreseeable future.
I ask for your understanding in advance.
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I set down the gavel and exhaled a long, heavy breath.
My declaration—that the motion to dissolve the Central Revolutionary Committee had been ratified—seemed to still echo against the walls of the assembly hall.
Relinquishing the blood-stained banner of the revolution to begin the transition toward a formal government, I felt a surge of exhilaration tempered by the sheer weight of the silence permeating the chamber.
Then, breaking that stillness, someone quietly raised a hand.
"Comrade Chairman, we require a discussion regarding the official name of the state."
The speaker was a mid-level deputy belonging to the Liberty League.
With my nod of approval, she ascended the rostrum and spoke in a solemn tone.
"Now that the central administration has been reorganized, and the drafting of the constitution and the establishment of the government are imminent... we must decide what we shall call this nation of our own making."
I nodded. She was correct.
In this place, we forge laws, debate diplomacy, and issue commands in the name of the people.
Just as new wine requires new wineskins, we naturally required a new national title.
"Very well," I said into the microphone.
"I hereby place the motion to select a state title on the floor. I invite your proposals."
The moment I finished, Maxim bolted upright and approached the rostrum.
"We did not seek to destroy the essence of Victoria itself. Rather, we are the successors to the spirit of liberty held by our true ancestors. Therefore, what of the 'Victoria Free State'? We shall liberate the name once monopolized by the monarchy and reclaim it for ourselves."
Across the hall, several deputies nodded in agreement. These were Soviet deputies from the middle class, defectors from the bourgeoisie, and a few cautious moderates who still desired compromise with the nobility.
However, opposing voices erupted almost immediately.
A deputy who had been a miner from the Mining Soviet ascended the platform.
Still wearing his grime-stained work clothes, he stood and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Liberty? What is that? Liberty? Isn't that being far too timid? Are you holding back because your party is full of bourgeois liberals? We did not fight solely for the 'liberty' of the people; we fought for their equality and their very survival. We ground our bones, spilled our blood, and lost our loved ones to reach this point. For that reason, I believe 'Victorian People's Republic' is far more fitting than any 'Free State'."
The assembly hall buzzed with tension.
The former liberal intellectuals sitting near Maxim trembled with indignation, pointing fingers at the miner.
The opposing faction consisted mainly of radical labor Soviets, as well as representatives from the Infected workshop and soldier Soviets.
I lowered my head for a moment, tapping the podium with my finger.
Politics was always the art of managing symbols.
But the next voice to speak was even heavier and older than the last.
"It was the Soviets that made the sacrifice of all these people possible."
It was Pyotr.
He walked forward slowly as he continued.
"Long before we took up rifles, we were already fighting the oppressors. The all-night meetings, the strikes, the labor disputes, the secret organizations within the factories... all of it was the Soviet. Therefore, I believe the 'Victorian Soviet Federative Republic' is the name that most clearly defines our identity."
A silent wave of approval spread among the labor delegates.
Wavering conviction rippled through both the Liberty League and the Social Revolutionary Workers' League.
At that moment, I knew she would speak up.
Alexandra.
She stepped onto the platform, raised her hand, and spoke.
"Comrades, we must look beyond this land. This revolution was not merely about overhauling the Victorian nobility. The Infected, the immigrants, the peasants, the workers, the intellectuals—everyone fought under the banners of liberty and equality. They are not just 'Victorians'. Some are from Kazdel, some from Ursus, others carry the blood of Gaul. The state we build must no longer be bound by a single border."
She slowly uttered the name she had envisioned.
"Furthermore, we should not be satisfied with northern Victoria. We shall build a gargantuan state that spans all of Victoria, and beyond—from Sargon to Sami, from Bolivar to Yan. Yes, we shall become a union of countless sister republics. Therefore, the 'Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics' must be the name of this great nation."
For a moment, I was speechless.
I didn't think it would come out, yet there it was. I never imagined those specific words would be spoken.
Aside from 'Terra', it was exactly the name of the Soviet Union.
Regardless, the assembly was in an uproar, so I rang the bell again.
"Four names have been proposed. Distribute the ballots."
I placed my hand on the ballot paper and picked up a pen.
Honestly, I hesitated until the very end.
Was I inviting the same fate as the historical USSR by choosing the name 'Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics'?
But in the final second, my hand stamped the seal upon the 'Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics'.
It felt as though my hand were guided by an invisible magnet.
Fifteen minutes later, I read the results of the tally.
"Victoria Free State: 41 votes. Victorian People's Republic: 56 votes. Victorian Soviet Federative Republic: 64 votes. Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics: 123 votes."
Silence.
Amidst that profound stillness, I rose from my seat.
"As Chairman, I declare that by majority vote, the Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics has been officially adopted as the name of the state established by this Soviet."
And so, the Republic that would shake all of Terra for centuries to come was born.
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The next order of business after naming the state was the Constitution.
"Now, based on the name we have just established, I shall read the Preamble of the Constitution. 'The Revolution of April, achieved by the workers and peasants under the guidance of the International Communist Party, has overthrown the power of the nobility, capitalists, and landlords, breaking the chains of oppression to establish a Proletarian Democracy—a new form of state. It has founded the Soviet State, the fundamental instrument for safeguarding the fruits of the revolution and constructing socialism and communism. The worldwide transition of humanity from capitalism to socialism has begun.' Do any of you have objections to this wording? If not, please state, 'I second the motion'."
"I second the motion."
"I second the motion."
"Excellent. This wording shall be included in the final draft. I shall read the next passage. 'Soviet power, having emerged victorious from war and repelled the interference of the feudal nobility, has realized thorough social and economic transformations, eternally ending the exploitation of man by man, class antagonism, and national enmity. The establishment of the Soviet Republic has increased the strength and possibilities of the various nationalities within the country in building socialism. Social ownership of the means of production and true democracy for the working masses have been established, and for the first time in human history, a socialist society has been created.'"
"'The immortal achievements of the Soviet people and their army, who secured a historic victory in the Great Patriotic War, are a testament to the shining power of socialism. This victory strengthened the authority and international standing of the Soviet state and opened new, promising possibilities for the growth of socialism, national liberation, and democracy throughout the world.'"
"'The workers of the Union, continuing their creative endeavors, have ensured the rapid and comprehensive development of the state and the fulfillment of the socialist system. The alliance of workers, peasants, and intellectuals, and the friendship among the great and small nations of the Union, have been strengthened. Social, political, and ideological unity has been forged in Soviet society, with the working class as its leading force.'"
"'This is a society where powerful productive forces and advanced science and culture have been created, where the welfare of the people is constantly improving, and where favorable conditions are being formed for the all-round development of the individual. This is a society of mature socialist relations, in which a new historical community of people—the Soviet people—has been formed on the basis of the drawing together of all classes and social strata and the legal and factual equality of all nations, great and small, and their fraternal cooperation.'"
"'This is a society of workers who are internationalists, possessing a high degree of organization, ideological commitment, and consciousness. This is a society where the concern of all for the welfare of each and the concern of each for the welfare of all has become the norm of life. This is a society of true democracy, whose political system ensures the effective management of all social affairs, the increasingly active participation of workers in state life, and the combination of real citizen rights and freedoms with social responsibilities and duties.'"
"'A developed socialist society is a legitimate stage on the path to communism. The supreme goal of the Soviet state is the construction of a classless communist society in which communist self-government develops. The primary missions of the socialist state of the whole people are: the creation of the material and technical basis of communism; the perfection of socialist social relations and their transformation into communist relations; the upbringing of the individual for a communist society; the raising of the material and cultural living standards of the workers; the safeguarding of national security; and the promotion of the expansion of the revolution and international cooperation.'"
"'The Soviet people, guided by the ideas of scientific communism and remaining faithful to their revolutionary traditions, further promote the development of socialist democracy through the great social, economic, and political achievements of socialism. Conscious of their internationalist responsibilities as a component part of the world socialist system, and inheriting the ideas and principles of the Communist Party, they hereby codify the foundations of the social system and policy of the community, defining the rights, freedoms, and duties of citizens and the principles and goals of the organization of the socialist state of the whole people, and proclaim them in this Constitution.' I have finished reading the Preamble. Are there any objections?"
"None."
"I second the motion."
"Very well. With this, the Preamble of the Constitution is finalized. Next, we shall proceed with the reading of the Articles of the Constitution."
"Article 1: The Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics is a socialist state of the whole people, representing the will and interests of the workers, peasants, intellectuals, and all people and nationalities within the country."
"I second the motion."
"Article 2: All power in the Union belongs to the people. The people exercise state power through the Supreme Soviet, which constitutes the political foundation of the Union. All other state organs are under the supervision of the Supreme Soviet and have the duty to report to it."
"Article 3: The organization and activities of the Soviet state shall be conducted through democratic principles, namely the elective nature of all state power organs from bottom to top, and the accountability of such organs to the people. While autonomy of lower organs is the principle, the binding nature of the decisions of higher organs upon lower ones may be enforced according to law."
"Article 4: The Soviet state and all its organs operate on the basis of socialist legality and ensure the maintenance of law and order, the interests of society, and the rights and freedoms of citizens. State and social organizations and officials have the duty to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Union."
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"Article 7: All political parties, social organizations, and mass movements perform their duties in accordance with their programs and statutes, and operate within the framework of the Constitution and laws of the Union. The creation and activity of parties, organizations, or movements aimed at the overthrow or destruction of the constitutional order and unity of the socialist state by violence, its security, or the incitement of social, national, or religious strife, are prohibited."
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"Article 9: The fundamental direction of the development of the political system of Soviet society is the further extension of socialist democracy, namely: the increasingly broad participation of citizens in the management of state and social affairs; the improvement of the state apparatus; the enhancement of the activity of social organizations; the strengthening of people's control; the consolidation of the legal basis of state and social life; and the expansion of publicity and constant respect for public opinion."
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"Article 28: The foreign policy of the Union is aimed at: ensuring favorable international conditions for the building of communism in the Union; strengthening the positions of world socialism; supporting the struggle of all peoples for national liberation and social progress; preventing aggressive wars; achieving a comprehensive and total revolution; and consistently implementing the principle of peaceful coexistence among all socialist and communist states."
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"Article 31: The defense of the Union is one of the most important functions of the state and is the concern of the whole people. For the purpose of defending socialist gains, the peaceful labor of the people of the Union, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, the Red Army of Workers and Peasants is established, with a system of voluntary recruitment in peacetime and conscription during wartime. The duty of the Red Army to the people is to faithfully defend the socialist Motherland and to maintain constant combat readiness to repel any aggressor instantly."
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"Article 33: A uniform federal citizenship is established in the Union. Every citizen of a constituent Republic is a citizen of the Union. The grounds and procedure for acquiring or losing Union citizenship are defined by the Citizenship Law of the Union. Citizens of the Union abroad enjoy the protection and patronage of the Soviet state."
"Article 34: Citizens of the Union are equal before the law, regardless of origin, social or property status, race or nationality, sex, education, language, attitude toward religion, type and nature of occupation, place of residence, or other circumstances. The equal rights of Union citizens are guaranteed in all fields of economic, political, social, and cultural life."
"Article 35: Women and men have equal rights in the Union. The realization of these rights is guaranteed by providing women with opportunities equal to those of men in education and vocational training, labor, remuneration, and promotion in employment, and in social, political, and cultural activity; special measures for the protection of women's labor and health; creation of conditions enabling women to combine work with motherhood; legal protection and material and moral support for mother and child, including the provision of paid leave and other benefits to pregnant women and mothers, and gradual reduction of working time for women with small children."
"Article 36: Citizens of different races and nationalities in the Union have equal rights. The realization of these rights is ensured by the policy of the all-round development and drawing together of all nations and ethnic groups of the Union, the education of citizens in the spirit of communism and socialist internationalism, and the possibility of using one's mother tongue and the languages of other peoples of the Union. Any direct or indirect limitation of the rights of citizens or establishment of direct or indirect privileges on grounds of racial or national features, as well as any advocacy of racial or national exclusivity, hostility, or contempt, shall be punishable by law."
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"Article 38: The Union grants the right of asylum to foreigners persecuted for defending the interests of the workers and the cause of peace, for participating in the revolutionary and national liberation movements, for progressive social and political activities, or other creative endeavors."
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"Article 45: Citizens of the Union have the right to education. This right is ensured by the free provision of all types of education; the implementation of universal compulsory primary and secondary education for youth; the broad development of vocational-technical, specialized secondary, and higher education based on the linking of studies with real life and production; the granting of state scholarships and benefits to students; the free issue of school textbooks; the opportunity to receive schooling in one's mother tongue; and the creation of conditions for self-education."
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"Article 48: Citizens of the Union have the right to participate in the management of state and social affairs and in the discussion and adoption of laws and decisions of all-state and local significance. This right is ensured by the possibility to elect and be elected to Soviets and other elective state organs; by participation in nationwide discussions and referendums, in people's control, in the work of state organs, social organizations, and voluntary social groups, and in meetings of labor collectives and meetings at places of residence."
"Article 49: Every citizen of the Union has the right to submit proposals to state organs and social organizations for improving their activity, and to criticize shortcomings in their work. Officials have the duty to examine citizens' proposals and applications within the prescribed period, to reply to them, and to take the necessary measures. Persecution for criticism is prohibited. Persons guilty of persecution for criticism shall be called to account."
"Article 50: In accordance with the interests of the people and in order to strengthen and develop the socialist system, citizens of the Union are guaranteed freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly, mass meetings, street processions, and demonstrations. Exercise of these political freedoms is ensured by putting public buildings, streets, and squares at the disposal of workers and their organizations, by the broad dissemination of information, and by the opportunity to use the press, television, and radio."
"Article 51: Citizens of the Union have the right to form political parties and social organizations, and the right to participate in mass movements which support the development of political activity and initiative and the satisfaction of their diverse interests. Social organizations are guaranteed conditions for the successful performance of the functions defined in their statutes."
"Article 52: Citizens of the Union are guaranteed freedom of conscience, that is, the right to profess any religion and perform religious rites, or not to profess any religion and to conduct atheistic propaganda. Incitement of hostility or hatred in connection with religious beliefs is prohibited. In the Union, the church is separated from the state, and the school from the church."
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"Article 54: Citizens of the Union are guaranteed inviolability of the person. No one may be arrested except by a court decision or on the warrant of a procurator."
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"Article 56: The privacy of citizens, and of their correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications, is protected by law."
"Article 57: Respect for the individual and protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens are the duty of all state organs, social organizations, and officials. Citizens of the Union have the right to protection by the courts against encroachments on their honor and dignity, life and health, and personal freedom and property."
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"Article 70: The Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics is a unitary, federal, multi-national state formed on the basis of the principle of socialist federalism as a result of the free self-determination of nations and the voluntary association of equal Soviet Socialist Republics. The Union embodies the state unity of the Soviet people and unites all nations and nationalities for the purpose of the common construction of communism."
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"Article 90: The term of the Supreme Soviet is three years. Elections to the Supreme Soviet shall be called no later than four months before the expiry of the term of the corresponding state power organs."
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"Article 97: Elections of People's Deputies from electoral districts are held on the basis of equal suffrage. Each voter has one vote; all voters participate in elections on an equal footing."
"Article 98: Elections of People's Deputies from electoral districts are direct; People's Deputies are elected directly by the people."
"Article 99: Voting at elections for People's Deputies is secret; control over the expression of the voters' will is not allowed."
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"Article 109: The Supreme Soviet of the Union consists of 300 deputies."
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"Article 127: The head of state of the Soviet state, that is, the Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics, is the Chairman of the Central People's Committee."
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"Article 151: In the Union, justice is administered only by the courts."
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"Article 160: No one may be adjudged guilty of a crime and subjected to punishment as a criminal except by the sentence of a court and in conformity with the law."
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"Article 169: The State Coat of Arms of the Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics features a hammer and sickle depicted against a globe of Terra in the rays of the sun and framed by ears of wheat, with the inscription 'Proletarians of all worlds, unite!' in the languages of the constituent Republics. At the top of the coat of arms is a five-pointed star."
"Article 170: The State Flag of the Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics is a rectangular red cloth with a gold hammer and sickle in the upper corner near the staff, and above them a five-pointed red star bordered with gold. The ratio of width to length of the flag is 1:2."
"Article 171: The National Anthem of the Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics is approved by the Supreme Soviet."
"Article 172: The capital of the Union of Terra Soviet Socialist Republics is Birmingham."
"Article 173: The Constitution has supreme legal force. All laws and other acts of state organs shall be promulgated on the basis of and in conformity with the Constitution."
Up to Article 173, we endured a five-day marathon of debate.
For over 120 hours, we ate, slept, and worked within this grand assembly hall without pause.
As a result, 25% of the deputies had either collapsed from exhaustion or been rushed to the hospital.
But the end was finally in sight.
The next article was the last.
I forced my heavy eyelids open and, with a throat that had long since gone hoarse, recited the final article as clearly as I could manage.
"...Article 174: Amendments to the Constitution shall be decided by the Supreme Soviet by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total number of deputies of the Supreme Soviet."
Then, the weary voices of the deputies—sounding more like groans than proclamations—echoed back.
"I second... the motion..."
"Five days of no sleep... ugh..."
"Snore... mmm-njam..."
"...I hereby proclaim that the Constitution of the Union has been ratified."
My vision began to fade.
I thought I could feel blood trickling from my nose.
Haah... so sleepy.
And with my arms wrapped around the rostrum, I fell into a deep, heavy slumber right then and there.