"One which 19th century France knew well," Kane says. "It was even called the Soviet Thermidor."

Even so, their defeat was something of a setback at the time. He had believed that a unitary state would set the stage more easily for the real revolution to come. He'd been forced to adjust, as he often had. Even Kane can't control all of history.

"Such seems to be the way of all countries, if they last long enough. Call me an idealist, but I hope to one day see a world that has no need of nations or banners."