Disaster Loomed

The Russians suddenly closed the border. Some people breathed a long sigh of relief, finally able to relax; others were heartbroken, for fate had played a cruel trick on them. They had once had hope, but were powerless before the might of the state. Still others were hysterical, hoping they could save a few more people.

The refugees struggled to survive by any means necessary. Some abandoned their parents, wives, and children and crossed the fences alone. Others desperately hurled their children over the fences, then used their bodies to shield them from the Russian soldiers' bayonets. Most simply shoved their way forward, hoping to make it through among the last few spots.

People crowded together in a frenzy, cursing. No words of condemnation could do justice to the greed of human nature at that moment, and no words of praise could capture its brilliance and greatness.

Muskets, bayonets, and a heavy wooden door brought it all to an end.

The barrier along the Russo-Austrian border was officially established. Governor Venyabetlovsky and Governor Stadion met at the border wall.

When the refugee crisis arose, the Austrian side had built a 1.5-meter-high barrier. But calling it a barrier was generous; in truth, it was little more than a row of fences.

Now the Russian side planned to build a three-meter-high barrier, completely stopping smuggling and the outflow of people across the border.

After meeting, Venyabetlovsky and Stadion exchanged brief greetings and the usual diplomatic pleasantries.

Although Venyabetlovsky had come to stir up trouble, Russia and Austria were still allies, so they had to observe the necessary courtesies.

"Governor, some of my property has been stolen. Do you have any leads?"

Count Stadion had heard that the other man was a rare Russian poet-general and had expected him to be different. He