Konstantine Vostokov Apartment - January 8, 1905

Ivan Novikov knew what Konstatine Vostokov wanted. He wanted him to formally declare himself a Bolshevik. In truth it was what Ivan wanted as well. Yet for some reason he had not committed to the cause yet. In quiet moments of self honesty it was because he didn’t want to be exiled from the country or shipped off to Siberia. He enjoyed the capital and the few luxuries he could occasionally afford.

Yet at the same time there was something inherently exciting in being the vanguard of the proletariat. Acting early could prove vital in actually climbing within the party hierarchy. The Bolsheviks could actually change Russia and he could be one of the leaders in that reform movement. The allure of power applied to alleviate affliction appealed to Novikov.

The Tzar could never reform. Without question he had to be removed from power. Lenin would usher in the Soviet century. The capitalist class would wither away and the workers would be their own masters. There would be no end to human flourishing. The Soviet Century would see dozens of new Dostoevsky’s or Tchaikovsky’s. The only obstacle was the Tzar and his lackeys who preserved the autocracy.

“Vostokov, if you can answer one question satisfactorily, I will join the party.” Novikov began once they were settled in the apartment.

Vostokov grinned, he knew that he would be able to answer any question that Novikov presented. “What is your question?”

“Can the Bolsheviks succeed where the Jacobins failed?”

The grin instantly faded from Vostokov’s face. This was going to be a much longer conversation than he had expected. Novikov desired to be seen as an intellectual so the question should not have come as such a great surprise as it did. Naturally the first step was to set the parameters of the discussion Vostokov thought.

“How did the Jacobins fail?”

“Their actions led to the rise of Napoleon and then to a restoration of the monarchy. There was no fraternity, equality, and liberty. They took control of the government, ushered in a reign of terror, were killed themselves and then ended up right back where they started.”

“They did not fail. They showed Louie he was just a man. No better than any other. First they took his crown and then they took his head.”

“But the monarchy returned.”

“Yes, but it could never be like it was prior to 1789. They may not have been ready to lead. But their actions set the stage for 1848 and then the democratic system they have now. Next will come socialism before yielding to communism. The Jacobins are the precursors to our movement. They did not have the illustrious writings of Marx, Engels, or Lenin that we have.”

“But isn’t our country closer to a 1789 France than a 1848?”

“Yes, but those experiences from the past guide our steps.”

“Is communism actually achievable?” Novikov asked.

“Of course it is.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I long for the day when the state has ceased to exist and all men are able to live in perfect harmony. I just don’t see how we can get there from here.” Novikov truthfully stated.

“At some point the Tzar will show his true colors and all support for him will vanish.”

“Oh I have no doubts or illusions about that. But he is a minor concern.”

Vostokov laughed “the most powerful man in the country is only a minor concern.”

“Once a snake has been exposed as a snake everyone will rally together to kill the snake. But once the snake is gone everyone will have their own plan.”

“And our plan will win.”

“Why?”

“Because it is the best, and we have Lenin, and you and me.”

“People will resist radical changes.”

“We will lead them.”

“Yes, but most will be content with far less. A constituent assembly or parliament will placate most and the opportunity for communism will be lost.”

“It will be a glorious struggle, no doubt. But let me ask you this. Are some causes worth dying for?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“Of course we both know that is true. Now perhaps a harder question. Are some causes worth killing for?”

“Intrinsically the answer also has to be yes.”

“Now for a harder yet question. Are you willing to die to see communism achieved?”

“Naturally I would prefer to avoid that outcome. But the cause is worth it.”

“Ok alternatively, are you willing to kill for it?”

“Not indiscriminately. It is a far different question to ask about self sacrifice and actually killing another man.”

“I don’t dispute it. Is the cause worth it? Could you take up arms against your father and sentence him to death.”

“I hate my father I could see him executed in a heartbeat.”

“I assume the same goes for the tzar.”

“Of course.”

“Ok what about Dima down at the factory. You know he is a hard worker but if he opposes the Bolsheviks and wages war against us.”

“Naturally in combat one must kill his enemies.”

“So you would kill to establish a communist system.”

“Yes, if there is just cause for the killing.”

“What constitutes just cause?”

“They must be given a chance to renounce the old and embrace the new communist system.”

“Ivan there will always be reasons not to act. But we live in historic times. We can write a new glorious chapter. War and suffering will become a thing of the past. Peace, harmony, and equality will prevail. Avarice and exploitation will be relegated to memories of a darker less enlightened time. We are on the cusp of history. Join with us and play your part. For the good of your fellow man forget about the pain and suffering you will have to endure. The struggle will be won and humanity will remember fondly those who risked everything to make it happen.”

“Comrade from this day forward I will be known only as a Bolshevik.”

“Welcome to the struggle.”