It's Beginning

"What? You can't contact Mikhail? Not even the other countries' legation?" Alexander's voice was raised reflexively after receiving the information.

"Unfortunately, Your Majesty, it seems as though the Boxers have probably cut off their communication lines. Sergei was the last person in contact with Mikhail and he too was surprised when the line suddenly cut. Your Majesty, we have no way of reaching the International Legation Quarter until the special forces arrive in Beijing. But we can still see what's happening through the surveillance aircraft flying over the International Legation Quarter. Although the resolution is low, we can tell from thermal imaging that they are preparing for the siege." 

"I see, so they'll be without contact for the next forty-five minutes, is that right?" Alexander asked.