After waiting and waiting, they had finally gotten an excuse to intervene. Without any hesitation, Governor Hummel immediately ordered troops into Mexico, naturally under the pretext of "investigating the cause of the Austrian soldiers' deaths."
Using tens of thousands of troops to investigate a case meant the outcome had been decided from the very beginning. The final answer would certainly be the one Austria wanted, and Governor Hummel firmly believed this.
By the time news that "Austria has sent troops" reached Mexico City, Austrian forces had already landed at Veracruz.
The Mexican Republican Government had descended into chaos. Should they resist? That was a question worth considering.
Balsky, leader of the radicals, said indignantly, "Mr. President, Austria has gone too far. This is an open trampling of our sovereignty—we absolutely cannot let this pass.
"I propose that we immediately disarm the Austrian Embassy and seize its staff as hostages. At the same time, order the troops along the route to intercept the Austrian army and slow its advance, buying time to gather forces from across the country and fight them to the death."
Vice President Anakin immediately retorted, "Balsky, you reckless brute. If we do that, there will be no room left for reconciliation.
"At a time like this, we have no chance whatsoever of winning a war against Austria. You are destroying Mexico!"
Cristanel, leader of the conservatives, spoke up. "That is not quite right. Mr. Balsky does have a point.
"The Austrians have come knocking at our door. Mr. Anakin, surely you do not think these tens of thousands of Austrian troops came here to sightsee? What sort of case requires tens of thousands of soldiers to investigate?
"The Austrians clearly mean us no good. If we do not send troops to intercept them now, it will not