Italy 1936 /An Empire Reborn

[James G]

Wow, this was quite the read. Very enjoyable!

[lordroel]

Mar 12, 2018 18:38:20 GMT James G said:

Wow, this was quite the read. Very enjoyable!

It is not over yet, several more updates are to come.

[lordroel]

Chapter XV (June 8th 1960 to April 19th 1961)

June 8th 1960

Medici is recalled from his post as Viceroy following his appointment as Minister of Industry.

The new Viceroy of Greece is Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta who had previously served as Viceroy of Italian East Africa.. The post was originally supposed to be given to General Amedeo Guillet but it was decided at the last minute he would be a poor choice as he was in command of divisions suppressing the Greek uprisings. Instead, General Guillet is named Viceroy of Italian East Africa taking up the Duke’s former post.

June 10th 1960

Meidici is officially sworn in as Minister of Industry and announces his plans for the Empire. While the economy of the Empire is strong and there is a strong industrial base, but the nation is lacking in technological development. “The United States has over a thousand supercomputers, while the Empire has less than 200. If we are to survive as a world power, we will need to close this gap and become a technological stronghold.”

June 15th 1960

Cuba sends officers and soldiers to Italy to take part in advanced training exercises.

June 30th 1960

The Belgian Congo declares its independence. Belgium was forced to give up the colony as the government realized it could not afford to get into a long protracted war like the Algerian War which France is currently embroiled in. Nor could they politically implement the measures the same measures as the Italians in putting down revolts.

July 1st 1960

The United Kingdom grants independence to Ghana in accordance with the NIWIN policy.

July 10th 1960

Medici launches a very publicized visit to the United States to meet with executives at IBM to secure the purchase of a large number of supercomputers which can be used for multiple purposes.

July 20th 1960

Medici returns to Italy following a successful trip to the United States. He has secured the purchase of 40 IBM supercomputers of the 700/7000 series for various universities and organizations within the Empire. An additional 10 were also purchased, but instead of being used for their intended purpose they will be reverse engineered to allow the Empire to create locally made knock-offs in large numbers.

July 24th 1960

Medici issues a challenge to anyone in the Empire to design and build a easily mass produced supercomputer that is not reliant on any foreign parts or technology. A 5 million Lira reward is to be given to the winner of this contest.

July 27th 1960

The Organization for Economic Co-operation is formed with 17 members making up most of western Europe and the United States and Canada. Lira Block nations are excluded from joining.

August 5th 1960

Burkino Faso declares its independence from France.

August 7th 1960

The Ivory Coast declares its independence from France.

August 13th 1960

The Central African Republic is granted independence from France.

August 15th 1960

Following the trend of independence, Congo-Brazzaville declares independence.

*Note: These are all historical declarations of independence as France is extremely preoccupied with Algeria in the North. The only nation not to be granted independence is Chad as it borders Italian Libya.*

August 16th 1960

Cyprus is granted independence by Britain. To the protests of Turkey the large Greek majority is given most of the power, where the Turkish favored a division of power by allowing two separate elections. In exchange the Cypriot government grants many concessions to Britain allowing them access to military bases across the country. They also must sign a guarantee(largely ceremonial,) promising not to join the Lira Block, or unite with the Greek mainland while it is still ruled by the Hellenic Council, or it’s head of state remains the King of Italy(Britain still does not recognize the Emperor,) or while mainland Greece is a member of the Lira Block.

*Note: The population of Cyprus is much more heavily slanted towards the Greeks in this timeline because of the refugee situation. Instead of occupying only about 60% of the population, the Greeks take up over 85%.*

August 17th 1960

The New Roman Empire refuses to recognize the nation of Cyprus and calls the nation a rebellious province on the grounds they do not recognize Emperor Umberto II as sovereign over all Greeks.

Greece also does not recognize Cyprus claiming that the island is part of Greece.

August 20th 1960

The Lira Block as a whole rejects the nation of Cyprus calling it a false state.

September 3rd 1960

Trying to regain lost prestige from the botched attempt on Adolf Eichmann, Mossad agents successfully kidnap Franz Stangl, former Commandant of Treblinka death camp. Stangl who escaped to Italy following the war resided in a German-town along the border for nearly ten years before moving on to Brazil, where he was captured.

October 5th 1960

White South Africans vote to make the nation a Republic.

October 10th 1960

Except for the small minority of Turkish delegates opposing, the Cypriot House of Representatives votes to declare the nation of Cyprus as the true and free Greek state of the world and condemns the government of mainland Greece as a pathetic puppet state held together by the terrorism of the Blackshirts.

November 8th 1960

In the narrowest election U.S. Presidential election to date, John Kennedy wins by only 90,000 votes. Kennedy will become the 35th President of the United States and the first Catholic to be President.

*Note: This is a much smaller margin than what was won historically. There is more resentment against Catholics in the United States, blaming them for Fascism.*

November 10th 1960

Controversy surrounds the election as accusations of vote fraud emerges in Texas and Illinois. Nixon is encouraged to demand a recount in those critical states but refuses believing it would cause a constitutional crisis.

November 12th 1960

President-elect Kennedy announces he will take a hardline stance against Cuba and the spread of Fascism. He will not tolerate the expansion of the Lira Block or Rome’s bullying of smaller nations.

November 13th 1960

Count Ciano releases a statement stating that the newly elected President should not concern himself with wrongfully attacking the Empire but instead concentrate on the illegal and amoral practices and actions of his own family.

December 9th 1960

President De Gaulle visits Algeria to assess the situation in the country. There are large scale riots in response, resulting in over 100 deaths.

December 19th 1960

Fires aboard the under construction USS Constellation kill 50 dock workers. The news media initially reports that the explosion and subsequent flames were the work of Italian agents, but it is later learned that the fires were the result of an accident.

January 22nd 1961

As one of his first acts, President Kennedy declares an embargo on Cuba and cuts all relations with the nation.

January 23rd 1961

Cuba responds to the embargo by seizing the property and businesses of Americans and either nationalizing them or granting them to Cuban citizens.

January 25th 1961

Meeting with his advisors on the Cuban situation Kennedy is informed of a plan developed by the Eisenhower administration to conduct an invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles should it fall to communism. The plan had been largely abandoned when the island became a Lira Block nation but the exiles had completed their training just in case another revolution sprung up. Kennedy orders this plan be reimplemented as quickly as possible.

February 4th 1961

The Portugese colony of Angola erupts in violence as rebels attack government installations.

March 3rd 1961

At the request of the Portugese dictator Antonio Salazar, Italian advisors are sent to Angola to advise Portugese soldiers on putting down the rebellion.

March 10th 1961

President Kennedy states he is disappointed with fellow NATO nation Portugal allowing the Fascists to send advisors to Angola in response to the revolt.

March 18th 1961

A cease-fire takes effect in Algeria as France and the rebel groups open up talks on how to resolve the conflict peacefully. The French government clearly reminds the Algerians that independence is not on the table but other options may be available.

April 10th 1961

Despite protest by his advisors, President Kennedy insists that the invasion of Cuba begin within the week. It was suggested that the invasion be delayed for a few weeks in response to last minute changes to the plan, which include changing the invasion site to the “Bay of Pigs.” It is also suspected that information on the invasion has been leaked.

April 17th 1961

Cuban exiles conduct beach landings on the southern coast of Cuba. Initially, air support is provided by the United States but Kennedy quickly pulls most support in the name of “plausible deniability.” Without American air support Cuban tanks(mostly Italian P.40 tanks or earlier models) and soldiers(equipped with AR45's) are able to rush to the landing sites.

April 18th 1961

The Lira Block condemns the American backed invasion of Cuba. As a junior member Cuba is not entitled to protection in the defense pact but the organization votes to extend sanctions on the US if they continue to interfere with Cuban affairs.

Later, during a meeting of the Grand Council, the Councilors debate whether or not to intervene in the crisis. The more hawkish members of the council believe that the politically inept and naive Kennedy can be tricked into pulling support by showing a display of Imperial might. If Kennedy backs down it would be a massive boon for the Lira Block, if Kennedy does not, it just means that Cuba, a non-vital asset would be lost. Mussolini agrees to this plan and orders are sent out to the navy and air force immediately.

April 19th 1961

The Cuban exiles are hard pressed with most American support gone, they are on the run after their initial successes in the first day. Only intermittent naval support saves them from complete annihilation. Castro has already declared the invasion to have failed.

British Intelligence reports that two Italian carrier groups have been reported heading into the Atlantic and that Mercury bombers which could potentially reach the East Coast are rebasing in Spain. The information is quickly relayed to Washington D.C.

President Kennedy reads over the reports that only a year before President Eisenhower was presented with. But, Kennedy is not Eisenhower, he is not as self confident, or a military man, not knowing any better he puts his trust in these worst case scenarios of Italian domination of Europe. The only silver lining to these documents is the fact that the Italian fleet could easily be disposed of by the American Navy. The reports from Cuba are just as bleak. There is no general uprising and without a large commitment of American troops there will be no overthrow of the Castro government. The operation has proven to be a complete failure and Kennedy chooses to end American support before he gets drawn into a much larger conflict.

*Note: It might seem odd that Kennedy would back down against the New Roman Empire, but historically Kennedy had put his faith behind bad intelligence supplied by agencies that were attempting to gain more funding. The prime example of this is the missile gap myth. Here we have the panicked reports of American allies who grossly overestimate Italian strength.*

[lordroel]

Chapter XIV (April 20th 1961 to January 5th 1962)

April 20th 1961

The Italians have no time to celebrate their political victory over the U.S. as reports begin coming in that a cabal of French generals are planning to launch a coup against the De Gaulle government. Believing that the war is close to being won by military might they reject the idea of a cease-fire as it allows the Algerians to rebuild. The most militant of the generals, Raoul Salan has requested to meet with Fascist officials in Tunisia trying to secure Italian support for the operation.

April 21st 1961

General Salan meets with Count Ciano and Air Marshall Balbo requesting intervention in Algeria and support for the coup. Salan tells the men that he and his fellow conspirators fear that France will fail to Communism and this is their last hope for holding onto their colonial positions and keep the Communists out, in exchange for Italian support the new government will cease its attempt to retake former French lands and will begin normalizing relations with the Empire.

Ciano and Balbo agree to help the conspirators. Promising that within 48 hours of the success of the coup that 2 divisions with additional OVRA and Blackshirts units can be in Algeria. If needed, five divisions will be ready to roll into Metropolitan France within a week to instill order.

April 22nd 1961

Soldiers supporting the coup seize control of strategic points of Algeria and arrest local government officials.

Italian forces in Tunisia begin mobilizing and moving towards the border with the Blackshirt militias in the region being called up for duty. A similar scene is occurring in northern Italy along the French border.

By the end of the day, the first phase of the coup seemed to be successful as many portions of Algeria have been taken without resistance, but civilians and still loyal military units seem to be moving to resist the putsch.

April 23rd 1961

Operations in Metropolitan France fail when the airspace around France becomes a No-Fly Zone and the paratroopers are unable to seize their targets. A state of emergency is declared in southern France as the mobilization along the Italian border is reported.

President De Gaulle appearing in his military uniform makes a plea to the French people to resist this quarter of retired general backed by Fascist wolves. Upon hearing the call of their leader the largely conscripted army of France refuses to support the coup. With the memory of the Border War still fresh in their minds, many officers who had initially supported the coup turn against their leaders when they learn that the generals had made a backroom deal with Rome.

April 24th 1961

The coup effectively collapses as more and more come to oppose it. The United Kingdom offers its full support to the democratic government of France should the Italians still attempt an invasion.

April 25th 1961

The Grand Council orders the military to stand down and cancels all plans of crossing the Algerian border following the breakdown of the French half of the plan.

April 26th 1961

Conspirator General Challe surrenders to French authorities. General Salan flees to Rome and is granted asylum.

Salan will continue the fight against what he believes to be the communist French government through the OAS terrorist organization operating out of Spain and the New Roman Empire.

May 31st 1961

South Africa officially leaves the Commonwealth of Nations.

June 10th 1961

Olivetta, an Italian electronics company wins the supercomputer contest issued by Medici. The currently produced prototype meets all the requirements set down by Medici, being full programable, and easily mass produced as well as using all Italian parts.

June 19th 1961

Kuwait is granted additional freedoms and more autonomy in its rule. Britain still maintains a military force within the country to prevent any fascist incursion from Iraq and to make sure that Kuwait does not attempt to join the Lira Block. Additional freedom and future independence is promised by the government, no time table is set for this.

July 2nd 1961

Peace talks break down in Algeria and violence once again becomes the norm in the French colony.

July 25th 1961

The Mau Mau Uprising is considered successfully put down in Kenya after nine years of fighting.

August 10th 1961

The comic “Asterix the Gaul” flies off the shelves in France in it’s first compilation of the previously serialized comic. Set during Roman times is centered around a single Gaulish village which has resisted Roman dominance because of a secret strength potion created by the village druid. The story focuses on a plot by Julius Caesar(who is a caricature of Mussolini) and his lap-dog messenger Casio(Ciano) to kidnap the druid Getafix to get the potion, forcing Asterix to save Getafix.

August 13th 1961

Construction on the Berlin Wall begins creating a clear boundary between West Berlin and East Berlin.

September 10th 1961

Twenty members(of 100 total members) of the tiny San Marino Fascist Party raid the Grand and General Council quickly overpowering the largely ceremonial guard and taking the Councilors and the Captain-Regents of San Marino hostage. Barricading themselves inside the Palazzo Pubblico they declare themselves the true government of San Marino. They immediately vote to petition Rome requesting membership within the New Roman Empire.

Rome quickly acknowledges the new government and accepts the request for admission as it is the will of the people.

By midday, Blackshirt units from the surrounding area are called up to secure San Marino. Rolling into the tiny nation they face surprisingly stiff resistance from the citizen-soldiers of San Marino. Many Blackshirts are repulsed in their first attempt to enter the country when they believed they would be able to just march in, they don’t make the same mistake twice. Meanwhile, the police of San Marino order the arrest of all members of the San Marino Fascist Party and lay siege to the Palazzo Pubblico.

Though they fight bravely, the Sammarinese are no match for the modern and numerically superior Italian force. By dusk the nation is in the hand’s of the Empire. Sporadic resistance will continue for weeks as soldiers and armed civilians flee into the hills, but the nation proper fell in a day.

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino, the oldest republic in the world is no more.

*Note: Technically San Marino is still a country it is an autonomous state within the New Roman Empire. But, in reality this means very little and the new Sammarinese government will be taking all of its marching orders from Rome.*

September 11th 1961

Except for the expected and almost mandatory protests about the coup and the illegal invasion of the European microstate the event is largely ignored, there is nothing the outside world can do and frankly it was expected to happen eventually.

September 12th 1961

San Marino is officially welcomed into the Empire and becomes a senior member of the Lira Block. The leaders of the march on the Palazzo are declared heroes of the Empire and of Fascism. Those who did not survive are martyrs to the cause and given state funerals.

September 15th 1961

The Police in Monaco are given orders to closely monitor any internal Fascist threat to prevent a similar coup from happening in the Principality.

September 28th 1961

A military coup occurs in Damacus removing Syria from the UAR. Learning from the Iraqi coup, the new government reaffirms Syria’s commitment to the Lira Block.

October 20th 1961

The same authors who wrote “The world Mussolini will make,” release their latest book “Without the March On Rome.” This book presents a horrific alternate history in which Mussolini does not exist. Communism has swept across most of Europe consuming all of the Balkans and stretching its icy grip into western Europe. Italy has fallen into anarchy as communists and anarchists dismantled the unified state turning the peninsula back into a network of feuding city states. The Papacy and the Italian royal family has been run out of Rome by communist insurgents. The book culminates with a large scale nuclear exchange between the Soviet Union and the United States as the U.S. attempts to hold back the Communist forces, ever advancing as they have no Fascist bulwark to keep them back.

October 27th 1961

In Berlin. American and Soviet tanks stand off against each other over the construction of the Berlin Wall.

November 18th 1961

President Kennedy sends 18,000 advisors to Vietnam.

December 2nd 1961

Fidel Castro officially declares himself to be a Fascist in the tradition of Mussolini and that Cuba will work towards creating a Fascist state that is compatible with Cuban traditions and culture.

December 21st 1961

From Count Ciano’s Diary: “I fear for the Duce’s state of mind. Today, he went into a rant of how Christmas is approaching and the act of gift giving weakens the Roman spirit. He remarked that he might replace the entire idea of Christmas with the ancient Roman Winter Solstice. He has become more prone to these types of comments since his stroke, I pray everyday that it does not become worse.

Other members of our court also seem to be subject to delusions, in this case of grandeur. Medici has been making his rounds these past weeks speaking of how the Americans are planning to put a man on the moon and wouldn’t it be grand for them to arrive to find already placed an Italian flag and a Fasces. He says it would be a great political victory to beat the Americans in this way, I would very much prefer if we secured more practical and worthwhile political victories instead of throwing money into useless endeavors. Now, I think would of much rather preferred for him to stay in Greece, than I wouldn’t have to listen to his little plans.”

January 5th 1962

From Count Ciano’s Diary: “Medici continues to meddle in affairs that are none of his concern. This week he met with members of the Comando Supremo and uttered complete nonsense. He told the military that within ten years computers will be small enough for every soldier on the battlefield to benefit from one, and that deadly weapons will be unleashed against our enemies while our troops remain in relative safety. Preposterous! I spoke to the Duce on this matter and he seems to agree with me saying “All our soldiers need is a rifle, a bayonet and a Roman spirit,” while our troops may need slightly more than that, it is good to see that not everyone is so easily taken in by Medici’s lies. He must really learn his place, this is not Greece where he can just boss around anyone he pleases without fear.”

[raunchel]

It's a very interesting story, although I kee expecting the whole house of cards to come tumbling down in a gigantic mess.

[lordroel]

Mar 23, 2018 8:00:00 GMT raunchel said:

It's a very interesting story, although I kee expecting the whole house of cards to come tumbling down in a gigantic mess.

Well that seems to be the case for many empires so it might happen ore might not.

[raunchel]

Mar 23, 2018 9:50:01 GMT lordroel said:

Mar 23, 2018 8:00:00 GMT raunchel said:

It's a very interesting story, although I kee expecting the whole house of cards to come tumbling down in a gigantic mess.

Well that seems to be the case for many empires so it might happen ore might not.

That's true, but here it seems like there was an awful amount of luck involved. But then again, some people are just incredibly lucky.

[lordroel]

Mar 23, 2018 13:49:51 GMT raunchel said:

Mar 23, 2018 9:50:01 GMT lordroel said:

Well that seems to be the case for many empires so it might happen ore might not.

That's true, but here it seems like there was an awful amount of luck involved. But then again, some people are just incredibly lucky.

But for how long will luck last.

[raunchel]

Mar 23, 2018 14:16:23 GMT lordroel said:

Mar 23, 2018 13:49:51 GMT raunchel said:

That's true, but here it seems like there was an awful amount of luck involved. But then again, some people are just incredibly lucky.

But for how long will luck last.

That's the big question.

[lordroel]

Chapter XV (January 24th 1962 to December 22nd 1962)

January 24th 1962

The Organization of the Secret Army(OAS) conducts a bombing against the French Foreign Ministry.

March 2nd 1962

A military coup occurs in Burma placing General Ne Win in power. The new government immediately begins severing all ties with the rest of the world setting on a path of extreme nationalism.

March 5th 1962

The Burmese government expresses interest in joining the Lira Block, as it is the only world body and organization that does not interfere with the internal workings of a country.

March 17th 1962

Burma is officially recognized as a junior member of the Lira Block becoming the first Lira Block nation in the Far East.

March 24th 1962

OAS leader Edmond Jouahud is arrested as he attempts to cross into Tunisia from Algeria.

April 13th 1962

OAS leader Edmond Jouahud is sentenced to death.

April 26th 1962

The Imperial Army reveals the Autoblinda 62, the latest Armored Personnel Carrier of the Empire’s military. The Autoblinda 62 is expected to enter into service within the next 6 months.

June 1962

Fighting continues in Algeria. The Algerian resistance is beginning to be seriously weakened by the constant warfare. OAS continues its attacks against both French and Algerian forces.

July 5th 1962

Martin Luther King marches on Albany, Georgia leading a desegregation movement. The Albany Police Department instructs its officers not to engage in violent confrontations with the protestors but instead conduct mass arrests.

July 10th 1962

Black protestors clash with fascist counter-protestors in Albany. Police move to intervene arresting the assaulting Black-youth. This will mark the first time Police aid the YFM.

July 11th 1962

King calls for a halt of all demonstrations and a day of penance in response to the violence.

Local YFM groups promise they will have counter demonstrations every day if needed and they will defend themselves if attacked.

July 21st 1962

The day of penance in Albany is followed by a tense standoff between the two groups. The Albany Movement begins to deteriorate under local pressure and King leaving the area to prevent continued violence.

July 23rd 1962

The Georgian Fascist Front releases a statement to local papers declaring a victory against desegregation and announcing in the past days they have received an influx of new members following their stand for American values.

July 31st 1962

Sir Oswald Mosley’s Union Movement is attacked by a large anti-fascist crowd while on a march in London.

August 5th 1962

Nelson Mandela is arrested in South Africa.

August 6th 1962

Jamaica becomes independent.

August 15th 1962

The second Asterix comic is released to the French public. “Asterix in Greece,” sends Asterix and his sidekick Obelix to Greece to rescue their village’s druid Getafix who was kidnaped by the men of the self centered, greedy and egotistical Governor Medico(Medici.) The Governor of Greece employs thousands of slaves in horrible conditions mining gold and other precious metals from the earth as he spends all his time counting and stacking gold coins and admiring his artwork. Asterix, powered by the strength potion destroys the artwork of Medico and knocks over his carefully stacked gold. Medico suffers a nervous breakdown and is unable to issue orders to his Legion while the slaves launch a general rebellion with the aid of Getafix’s strength potions forcing Medico to flee to Rome in disgrace.

It is rumored that Salvatore Medici possesses a black market copy of this comic and is a fan, joking with friends that if the Greeks really went after his bank account he would have reacted much the same way as his comic book counterpart and would of resigned his post.

August 31st 1962

Trinidad and Tobago becomes independent.

September 10th 1962

“The Centurion, Defender of Rome,” a patriotic comic book is revealed to the public in a teaser format. The Centurion, an Italian soldier and Fascist who was injured in the Yugoslav war and near death he stumbles into a cave he finds an ancient and rusted shield. Placing his hands upon the shield he feels his body being glowing with ancient power and sees visions of the ancient Romans and their awe-inspiring legion, blessed by Jupiter and the other gods, his wounds are healed and he becomes more than a man. The shield was held by an ancient protector of Rome, who fell only against the greatest odds. Without his protection the Roman Empire slowly gave way to the barbarian horde. Jupiter tasks the young soldier Silvio Gritti with taking up the shield once more and become the defender of the New Roman Empire in the making, standing up against any threats or enemies the Empire may face and lead it to victory.

Back in the modern day, Gritti walks with a cane from his own war injury and owns a bookstore with his wife and his four children. But when ever a grave danger comes to strike the Empire he speaks the ancient Latin credo “In the name of Eternal Rome,’ and becomes “The Centurion, Defender of Rome!”

Publication of the series will begin in January of 1963.

*Note: Special thanks to one of my biggest fans, if not biggest fan “Herr Montag” for coming up with this idea.*

October 10th 1962

A border dispute starts the Sino-Indian war

October 20th 1962

The book “The Darkest Day,” is released in the United States. It details an alternate history in which Fascist Italy officially allies with Nazi Germany during World War II and turns the war in favor the Axis powers leading to a German-Italian victory and domination of Europe.

October 28th 1962

Forty years of Fascism. Millions flock from all over the Empire and the world to celebrate and take part in the activities. Over 500,000 soldiers, Blackshirts and other Fascist officials march in the grand parade. Mussolini watches silently with the rest of the Grand Council before giving a short closing speech on the Fascist legacy. It is obvious that the day’s ceremonies have left him drained.

November 6th 1962.

The United Nations General Assembly votes to condemn South Africa for their apartheid policies and the arrest of Mandela. The General Assembly requests that member nations cut economic and military ties with the nation. Britain opposed this motion saying it would only result in the growth of the Lira Block.

The United States votes in favor of this resolution.

November 21st 1962

The Sino-Indian war comes to an end with no real change from the prewar situation.

December 2nd 1962

Beirut, Lebanon.

Following a tipoff that Otto Skorzeny and Hans Ulrich Rudel were present in the city advising the Lebanese government and military, the Israeli government authorizes Mossad to assassinate them. Assaulting the hotel the advisors are staying at the Israelis easily overpower the Lebanese guards defending the perimeter but are met inside by Italian OVRA agents. The Israelis are unable to reach their objectives and are forced to retreat from the hotel as the Italians give chase resulting in a running battle through the streets of Beirut between the Mossad and OVRA agents.

Reports state that 5 Lebanese soldiers were killed but there are no reports of any deaths of any Italians or Israelis..

December 3rd 1962

The New Roman Empire condemns Israel’s illegal attack against a sovereign nation and their attempt to assassinate two commissioned officers of the Imperial military.

The Israeli government denies any involvement in the attack claiming it to be the work of freelance Nazi hunters trying to bring war criminals to justice.

December 5th 1962

In a unanimous vote the Lira Block demands that Israel pay reparations to Lebanon and NRE in excess of several hundred million dollars or face reprisal for initiating an unprovoked war against the a senior member of the Block enacting the Mutual Defense Clause of the group. Even San Marino pledges to contribute men should it come to war.

This marks the first time that the Lira Block has voted to perform a military action.

December 10th 1962

Israel announces that it will never pay tribute to Nazis. The Israeli military is mobilized and readies itself along the West Bank.

December 15th 1962

In a preemptive strike, the IDF crosses into the Jordan controlled West Bank. Facing little resistance they quickly make massive gains and seize vast portions of the West Bank.

*Note: I know some people will say this is just baiting for a larger war, but I believe that this would be a reasonable response by the Israeli government. With the West Bank still in Jordanian hands Israel has no buffer zone and would be even more at risk than it already is.*

December 17th 1962

Israeli forces reach the proper Jordanian border and halt their advance preferring to consolidate their gains and dig in.

Other units reel around and conduct strikes against Gaza forcing still unprepared Egyptian positions back into the Sinai.

December 18th 1962

The nations of the Lira Block begin calling up their armies and start planning for a coming war. The demands for reparations has risen to over 3 billion dollars and the immediate withdrawal of all Israeli forces in the West Bank.

Italian newspapers when referring to Umberto II have begun printing “Emperor of Rome and Constantinople, and King of Jerusalem.”

December 22nd 1962

Italian soldiers joke of the “ten year rule,” where every ten years they must go to war for the Empire to keep their fighting skills in shape. Spirits are high, early reports suggest that Lira Block forces will number close to a million and will be faced off against only 200,000 Israelis. “There by Christmas, home by New Years.”

[lordroel]

Chapter XVI (December 27th 1962 to April 14th 1963)

The first Imperial divisions begin arriving in Egypt. General Amedeo Guillet is called from Italian East Africa promoted to Field Marshall and will serve as Supreme Commander of the operation. Forty thousand men, 4 divisions, one of which is armored are being deployed to the Sinai. An additional division is being deployed to Lebanon.

December 28th 1962

Jewish organizations in the United States begin raising money for the defense of Israel, the amount quickly reaches into the millions with no sign of stopping. Thousands of Jewish men volunteer to join the Israeli Defense Force. Even men into their fifties are accepted. Given office jobs they free up a young man who can be sent to the front.

January 3rd 1963

A Security Council resolution condemning Italy’s actions as illegal and promising a U.N. intervention is vetoed by the Soviet Union on the grounds that Israel brought this upon themselves by sanctioning assassinations and illegal invasions of bordering nations.

*Note: By this time, the Soviet Union has moved to a position of trying to use the NRE as a wedge between the western powers and causing internal strife with NATO.*

January 4th 1963

Britain informs Israel that they will not be able to render aid in this conflict.

The old guard of the Admiralty give an “I told you so,” to the bean counters and politicians. The depleted Royal Navy can not stand up to the Italian fleet in a stand up fight and Britain is not willing to have a nuclear exchange for the sake of Israel.

January 6th 1963

Bickering between France and Israel leads to France pulling their support in the conflict. France was willing to aid in the war effort but refused to deploy soldiers to the Holy Land as their transports and warships would have to run a gauntlet past the Italians and they had no lifeline available to them if they needed to withdraw. The French military believes it was the utmost priority to fight a war closer to home and serve as a harassing force against the Italians protecting France and Algeria while keeping the fleet close to home.

*Note: Remember, just ten years before the French navy was dealt a devastating fleet by Italy. Many of the current French Admirals served as captains in that battle, and some had their ships sunk. Despite boasting about their rebuilt fleet, and public claims of wanting a rematch with the Italians a lot of them don’t really want to tangle with them again.*

January 7th 1963

The United States informs Israel that it will intervene if the NRE uses nuclear weapons but until then it will have to stay out of the conflict. The U.S. can’t risk its positive relations with the few pro western Arab nations and the population at large is not willing to fight a war for Israel.

*Note: Kennedy is in a difficult situation here. His last two forays into foreign affairs have left him the loser, Cuba and the Berlin Wall. If he intervenes here and fails, any credibility or power he has overseas will be lost. The United States would also be in danger of losing their allies who are sitting on the fence.*

January 15th 1963

Deployments to the region are nearly complete for the Empire. Lira Block nations are still mobilizing. Egypt is fielding a quarter million men, the combined might of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan will contribute another 300,000. Spain will be deploying 2,000 men, Greece an additional 1,000 and tiny San Marino will contribute a platoon’s worth.

ODESSA requests to Rome that a regiment of privately raised ODESSA members be allowed to participate as a last hooray of the World War II generation against their eternal foe. The Comando Supremo refuses the request trying not to associate the current conflict with the Nazi campaign against the Jews. When the same request is made to Syria, the Syrian government agrees and a regiment of 500 is sent.

January 17th 1963

Italy’s first nuclear submarine, the “Neptune,” is launched. Sea trials are to begin immediately.

January 20th 1963

Israel threatens that it will use nuclear if the Lira Block advances on Jerusalem. Rome counters that Israel only has the power to destroy armies while the Empire can destroy every population center in Israel within an hour and will do so if any nuclear weapons are deployed against any Lira Block force or city.

Plans are drawn up by the Comando Supremo on how to retaliate against an Israeli nuclear attack. Before being officially submitted to Mussolini and the Council, Jerusalem and Bethlehem are both removed from the list of targeted cities.

February 3rd 1963

The Garigliano nuclear power plant begins producing electricity and becomes the Empire’s first energy producing nuclear reactor.

Three more nuclear reactors are planned to be completed within the next 2 years.

February 10th 1963

The Arab nations of the Lira Block begin pushing for an immediate offensive against Israel. Field Marshall Guillet instead orders all forces to hold their positions. The Block has the advantage of time, Israel will not be able to keep its armed forces mobilized for long without serious repercussions to their economy and infrastructure.

March 10th 1963

The stand off continues in the desert. The IDF is forced to slowly demobilize reserve forces as the strain on the infrastructure increasingly becomes more and more difficult to bear.

Guillet notes the breakdown of order in the ranks of the Arab allies. “Despite Italian training, arms and equipment they are still a rabble. Possessing a tribal mentality, they have no cohesion with the officers being the worst offenders. They often descend into fist fights over strategic planning and can not be trusted to implement orders given. Unless supported by Italian forces they will not secure any victory and will rout.”

April 3rd 1963

In the American Civil Rights Movement, the Birmingham campaign kicks off with sit-ins at segregated cafeteria counters.

April 5th 1963

Fascist counter-protesters begin streaming into Birmingham from the surrounding areas.

April 8th 1963

The start of Holy Week. The Italian Propaganda machine begins to describe the coming conflict as a religious struggle to make the Holy Land free once again. “Christ died for our sins, free his birthplace from the descendants of those who killed him.”

On the other side of the conflict, the Israeli government uses upcoming Passover as a rallying point. The Israeli’s broke the bonds of Egyptian slavery and they will not allow themselves to be bound by Italian chains.

April 9th 1963

Passover begins. Using Synagogues as muster stations the word is silently passed to able bodied men to ready their gear and report to their units.

The Israeli government has decided that another preemptive strike is necessary to win the coming war. They can not afford to wait the Italians out.

April 10th 1963

Sheriff Theophilus Eugene “Bull” Conner orders that all protestors be arrested and bail amount to be raised to keep them in jail. He informs his officers that Fascist counter-protestors are not to be harassed or arrested.

April 12th 1963

Martin Luther King is one of the first arrested in Birmingham.

April 14th 1963

5:00 AM Local Time

Easter Sunday.

While their enemies believed they were hiding away in their temples praying to their God, they had assembled themselves along the border. The Italians were still small in number and many miles behind the Egyptian line. They would give the Egyptians a thrashing and put them in a rout, that would show the Italians they can’t win here.

At this predawn hour, over 150,000 Israelis struck the Egyptian line. And, just like Guillet predicted, the 200,000 man Egyptian army broke rank and fled. Their Italian made weapons counted for nothing as morale evaporated.

5:30 AM Local Time

Many miles behind the rapidly approaching front line, the Imperial Army readies itself. Loudspeakers in the camps lambast the Israeli’s for defiling the holiest day of the year. Guillet orders that army chaplains say Mass over the loudspeakers as there will be no time to stop in the coming offensive to celebrate. The war has become a holy struggle, a new crusade.

7:00 AM Local Time

The Egyptians continue their chaotic retreat abandoning all reason and order while throwing whatever equipment is slowing them down to the side. Even the appearance of Italian jets overhead does not prompt them to pause.

Far to the west, most American newspapers on the East Coast believe victory for the Israelis is a foregone conclusion and publish the day’s papers reporting on the victory. The executives at the New York Times decide not to commit to a cover story until the last moment possible.

7:30 AM Local Time

From the dust of the fleeing Egyptians, emerge the silhouettes of the heavy P.60 tanks spearheading the Italian counter assault. The Italian tanks tear through the best the IDF has to offer and blunt their assault which up to know has known nothing but victory. Even some of the running Egyptians regroup, energized by their Italian comrades they turn about to face the enemy.

1:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

There is no time left to waste, the paper has to go to press now, or there will be no Sunday edition of the Times. Just as they are ready to set the paper to print, the news come in across the wire that the Italians have counterattacked and are winning. There are no solid details to report just yet, but this is the latest information that can be reported on while every other paper will have outdated information, choosing a sensationalist headline, New Yorkers will wake up to find “THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK!” emblazoned across their morning paper.

[lordroel]

Chapter XVII (April 14th 1963 to May 9th 1963)

April 14th 1963

9:30 AM Local Time

The Italians continue to slowly push the Israelis back. Egyptian forces have almost completely regrouped and are adding their numerical weight to the offensive.

12:00 PM Local Time

Offensives from the other Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon are initiated by this time but they are largely ineffectual with the IDF holding firm in their defenses. They do provide the valuable service of forcing the Israeli’s to keep over one hundred thousand soldiers tied down in defense of their borders.

4:00 PM Local Time

The front lines are back to their pre-offensive placement and the Italian counteroffensive continues into Israel in what has been dubbed the “Easter War.”

April 15th 1963

The war in Israel continues as the Lira Block makes their first gains into the Holy Land. The IDF is forced to start pulling forces from the other borders to try to halt the tide of the Italian and Egyptian advance. They wound surrender land in the captured north and east to secure their prewar borders. Victory was still a distinct possibility against the numerically inferior Italian force.

In the United States the headline “The Empire Strikes Back,” quickly dominates most news outlets as the defining action and feature of the war. A young film student from Washington is particularly taken by this phrase and makes sure to jot it down in a notebook. The film students name is George Lucas.

April 16th 1963

Israeli forces continue to withdraw towards the center of the country as the Gaza Strip is recaptured by Italian and Egyptian forces. For the most part the Lebanese, and Syrian borders are still largely intact with only minor incursions. One alarming report has come in though of European soldiers executing the entire population of a small town. No one knows who orchestrated the attack and no Italians are known to have been operating in that sector but early reports have stated that the men may have been speaking German.

The Easter War is also quickly becoming the first widely broadcasted war by the media. Reporters report directly from the front lines and aboard aircraft carriers speaking of nearly every event no matter how minor. Despite the bias of the Italian news agencies they provide the most detailed reports to the world at large of the conflict.

April 18th 1963

The Israeli government begins discussing the possibility of using nuclear weapons if a victory can not be obtained or outside intervention can be save the state. The artificial line in the sand is Jerusalem, if the holy city is on the brink of falling then nuclear weapons will deployed against the Lira Block.

An second smaller offensive is launched out of Lebanon spearheaded by the Italian division there. They are making good progress against the weakened Israeli lines. They are under orders to capture the port city of Haifa.

April 20th 1963

The Italian people rejoice, the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem is liberated from Israeli oppression. Jerusalem is now in the sights of the advancing crusaders and the Holy City will be free once again.

On the political front cracks have been developing between the New Roman Empire and the Arab nations of the Lira Block. Each of the Arab countries believes that they rightfully should be given control over the Holy Land and even voicing opposition to the Imperial crown’s claim.

The Israeli government flees Jerusalem to Afufa reestablishing the government there as Jerusalem itself becomes threatened.

April 21st 1963

In the Grand Council of Fascists a debate rages over the long term plans for the Empire in Judea. The more hawkish faction led by Medici calls for the annexation of the region, saying that the Arab nations will have to go along with it because the Empire is there only viable option. The Americans will make them to become democracies, and the Soviets will make them become atheists.

Balbo and Ciano lead the opposing faction who believe that the Arabs do indeed possess chooses and a bad decision here by the Empire could lead to the disintegration of the Lira Block and a near endless war in the Holy Land, as once former allies try to liberate the region from the newest set of heathen conquerors. Ciano calls for a negotiated peace with the Israelis. They need to keep them around so that the Arab nations of the Lira Block have a single enemy.

After many hours of constant debate, Mussolini who has remained unusually quiet sides with his son-in-law and tells him to bring about an acceptable peace.

April 22nd 1963

As the combined Italo-Arab armies advance on Jerusalem, the first diplomatic communications come from Rome requesting peace talks. Taken aback by this strange turn of events when it appeared all too clear that an Italian victory was almost inevitable. This may just be the glimmer of hope that will save the Israeli state and prevent nuclear exchange.

April 23rd 1963

Egyptian and Jordanian shock troops lead the way into Jerusalem. They are supported by Italian artillery, helicopters and aircraft but ground troops remain a safe distance behind allowing their allies to take the worst the Israelis have to offer.

Negotiations get off to a rocky start between the NRE and Israel as neither side is able to agree to even a cease fire at this point. They can not even agree on a location for the talks to commence. Neither side is willing to step foot on their enemy’s land.

April 24th 1963

The Dome on the Rock comes crashing down destroying the third holiest site in Islam in a spectacular display of artillery bombardment. Thousands of incensed Muslims take to the streets and throw themselves against the Jewish inhabitants. They even attempt to tear down the weeping wall but the ancient structure stands strong against their attempts.

Lira Block propaganda immediately begins painting this as a deliberate attack by withdrawing Israeli forces. It is far more likely though that the destruction of the mosque was accidental, and probably caused by Italian artillery which have been fired near indiscriminately into the city for the past two days. One conspiracy theory says that the destruction of the mosque was ordered directly by a high ranking Fascist official looking to escalate the war.

April 25th 1963

Heavy fighting and rioting continues in Jerusalem and riots spread throughout the country tying down the IDF.

The NRE and Israel agree to conduct peace talks in Malta following an offer by the British government. A similar offer by the United States was turned down due to Kennedy’s recent actions against Lira Block nations.

April 26th 1963

A cease-fire is called between Imperial forces and the IDF. Spain, San Marino and Greek forces also agree to honor it. The Arab nations of the Lira Block vow to fight on and continue their holy war.

April 28th 1963

Following the cutting of support by Rome, the Arab offensives grind to a halt and they are forced, reluctantly so to join the rest of the Lira Block at the peace talks.

Rioting is still rampant throughout Israel and it appears to some that the country may not last long enough to see peace.

May 2nd 1963

Protestors launch the Children’s Crusade in Birmingham. Thousands of students take to the streets against segregation. Not knowing how the Fascist counter protesters will respond to the students, routes are carefully picked that the students only encounter police officials. By the end of the day over a thousand children are arrested.

May 3rd 1963

With his jails full, Sheriff Conner orders the fire trucks onto the streets to use their hoses on the protesters to drive them back. The organized march quickly turns into chaos as the high pressure hoses are unleashed against the masses. As they flee down side streets they are met by a wave of Blackshirts.

Members of the Georgian Fascist Front arrive by bus looking to support their Fascist brothers.

In Malta a peace deal is reached between the Lira Block and Israel, though rather reluctantly for the Arab nations involved. The Lira Block will withdraw to its prewar borders in exchange for Israel recognizing the claims of Egypt, Syria and Jordan to the Gaza strip, Golan Heights and the West Bank. Israel will also abandon Jerusalem and allow it to become a “free city.” Israel will also pay reparations of nearly 900 million dollars to the Lira Block. Both sides agree to put an end to the “Shadow War” existing between the two states in the form of assassinations and kidnapings. No agreement can be reached on either side officially recognizing the governments of the other however. No settlement can be reached over blame for the destruction of the Dome on the Rock or plans to rebuild it.

*Note: In the original plans for the division of the area between the Palestinians and Jews, Jerusalem was going to be a free city but Israel seized the western half of the city and placed and made it the capital.*

May 4th 1963

The Lira Block begins withdrawing its soldiers from Israel except for Italian soldiers deployed to Jerusalem to assure prevent further violence. Israel prepares for the moving of its capital to Tel Aviv.

Both sides are able to claim victory. The New Roman Empire can claim that they have freed Jerusalem from Israeli oppression and the Israeli’s can claim to have weathered the storm and survived as a country and people.

The United States praises the peace treaty for avoiding a nuclear exchange that could have engulfed the war, it also pledges hundreds of millions of dollars to Israel to pay off the debts owned to the Lira Block.

Israeli police and military continue clashing with Palestinians and there seems to be signs of the riots ending at this point.

May 5th 1963

An all out war breaks out in Birmingham as the protesters abandon nonviolent solutions and attack police and the counter-protesters leading to massive street brawls.

May 7th 1963

Birmingham is in complete chaos as most of the city’s infrastructure has collapsed in the weeks of protests. Local leaders are demanding that a settlement be reached with the black community and that police begin arresting the Blackshirt rioters as well as the protesters.

The largest riot the city has ever seen occurs when 3,000 protestors clash with over 500 Young Fascists. The city’s police department is unable deal with an action of this size and reinforcements from the surrounding towns and counties are rushed in. President Kennedy orders that 3,000 federal troops deployed to the city to restore order.

May 8th 1963

Local business leaders in Birmingham agree to almost all of the Black community’s demands and strongly encourages the local government to repeal their jim crow laws.

YFM leaders vow to fight on for the cause of segregation both in Birmingham and across the United States. But, most of Young Fascists leave the city with the arrival of Federal troops.

May 9th 1963

Envoys from Arab nations arrive in Rome to discuss the Italian plans for the future of Israel and their unhappiness over the agreed upon peace treaty.

[lordroel]

Chapter XVIII (May 11th 1963 to January 16th 1965)

May 11th 1963

Mussolini placates the Arab nations concerns about the Israeli peace treaty telling them that a limited victory was the only way to prevent outside intervention. Over the years, the Lira Block will be able to pick away at Israel piecemeal through a series of wars and incidents and will effectively element the Israeli state without the rest of the world noticing.

May 15th 1963

Winston Churchill publishes an open letter to many British newspapers over the handling of the situations with the New Roman Empire. He writes that Mussolini is still playing by the old rules while Britain and the rest of the world plays by a new set of rules, as long as Mussolini is still alive and unless a British leader has the courage to return to the old ways, Britain will continue to constantly lose ground against the Italians.

May 23rd 1963

Fidel Castro visits The New Roman Empire on an official state tour.

June 3rd 1963

Pope John XXIII passes away.

June 21st 1963

Giovanni Cardinal Montini is elected Pope and takes the name Paul, making him Pope Paul VI. The Papal Conclave believed that he is a good choice to follow the Italian tradition of Popes on. Cardinal Montini is a man of the people and has excellent skills in dealing with states.

The new Pope announces he will continue the Vatican II Council.

July 26th 1963

An earthquake strikes the Macedonian city of Skopje leaving 1,800 people dead. Imperial military assets are rushed from the surrounding area to the affected area to begin relief efforts.

August 5th 1963

The United States, Soviet Union, and Great Britain agree to a partial nuclear test ban treaty. This treaty bans all nuclear tests except for underground detonations.

August 25th 1963

Research begins in the NRE on developing submarine launched ballistic missiles.

October 9th 1963

A landslide causes a Tsunami effect of water over the top of the Vajont Dam in northeast Italy. The resulting tide of water kills nearly 2,000 people and seriously disrupts travel throughout the region.

November 2nd 1963

A military coup in South Vietnam placing General Duong Van Minh as President of the nation.

November 22nd 1963

President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas! The sniper, Lee Harvey Oswald a noted and public communist is arrested later in the day.

Mussolini seems to be elated by the news. He has outlived another enemy, this time a young man. It has a way of making the old dictator feel invincible.

November 24th 1963

Oswald is killed by Jack Ruby a Dallas club owner. The mysterious surrounding the Kennedy assassination die with Oswald.

President Johnson confirms that the United States will continue supporting South Vietnam in their struggle against the communists.

December 24th 1963

Under heavy security Mussolini visits Jerusalem for a quick tour and to celebrate Christmas Mass. He will leave on December 26th for Constantinople for a long vacation.

January 5th 1964

Mussolini returns to Rome.

January 12th 1964

After nearly constant prodding from Medici for over a year, Mussolini finally agrees to sign off on the creation of an Imperial Space Agency to facilitate peaceful orbital development and research. To secure the necessary funding from Mussolini, like usual the first project would have to have a military purpose, in this case the first development goal of the new agency will be the construction of a spy satellite.

February 3rd 1964

The revolt in Algeria is officially considered put down after nearly four months of no large scale violent action.

March 14th 1964

Jack Ruby is found guilty of killing Lee Harvey Oswald.

March 31st 1964

The military in Brazil with the support of the United States initiates a coup against the democratic Brazilian government establishing a military junta.

May 15th 1964

Benito Mussolini falls violently ill after eating supper, in secrecy he is rushed to the hospital.

May 16th 1964

The cause of Mussolini’s illness is attributed to an old ulcer that recently acted up again. The doctors predict he will survive but will not be able to exert himself for at least several days.

June 1st 1964

Though he lost a lot of weight Mussolini has made a full recovery form his illness.

June 21st 1964

Spain beats the Soviet Union 2-1 in the European National Cup. The media of the Lira Block promotes it as a triumph of Fascism over Communism.

July 6th 1964

Malawi declares its independence from Britain.

July 11th 1964

While in Egypt Malcolm X is trailed by Italian OVRA agents. Malcolm is viewed as an enemy of Fascism by Rome for his pro-independent African beliefs. Only his status as being welcomed by an official state visitor by the Egyptian government protects him from disappearing while in the country.

August 4th 1964

North Vietnamese boats attack two American destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin.

August 7th 1964

The Gulf of Tonkin resolution gives President Johnson sweeping powers to deal with the war in Vietnam.

August 16th 1964

Another coup in South Vietnam. General Nguyen Khanh replaces Duong Van Minh as leader of the nation.

September 21st 1964

The island of Malta obtains independence from the United Kingdom. There are however conditions placed on this independence. Malta is not allowed to join the Lira Block and it is required to allow the United Kingdom rights to operating the existing royal military bases on the island.

October 16th 1964

Harold Wilson of the Labour party becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Communist China detonates it’s first atomic bomb.

October 24th 1964

Zambia is granted independence.

November 3rd 1964

President Johnson secures over 80% of the vote in the U.S. election.

A coup in Bolivia installs a military junta. The new government makes overtures towards the NRE but is not willing to commit itself to the Lira Block as of this time.

November 22nd 1964

Upon his return to the United States Malcolm X attacks the established leadership of the Nation of Islam as corrupt and appeasing while ignoring the real enemy “International Fascism,” which has harassed him at every turn he made in Africa. His statements cause significant internal strife within the NoI.

November 28th 1964

President Johnson plans to escalate the Vietnam Conflict.

December 3rd 1964

Over 800 arrests are made at the University of California, Berkeley. Students took over the administrative building of the university in protest against their lack of academic freedom.

Young Fascist counter-protesters arrive late on the scene, though not arrested they are forced to stay quite a distance away from the administrative building to make sure they did not intervene violently.

January 4th 1965

President Johnson announces his plan for a “Great Society.”

January 15th 1965

Winston Churchill suffers a devastating stroke.

January 16th 1965

During dinner Mussolini retires early for the night claiming to be tired and not feeling well. When a doctor arrives to check on him an hour later he is found dead. He died peacefully in his sleep.

Benito Mussolini is dead at 81 years of age, in the 42nd year of the Fascist Era.

[longvin]

Hello, all! After a long hiatus I am once again active in the alt history community. So if you have any questions feel free to ask!

And thanks to lordroel for posting and keeping the timeline alive.

[lordroel]

Apr 19, 2018 20:52:49 GMT longvin said:

Hello, all! After a long hiatus I am once again active in the alt history community. So if you have any questions feel free to ask!

And thanks to lordroel for posting and keeping the timeline alive.

No problem longvin, happy to see you and my pleasure of keeping this nice timeline alive, as long as you keep updating it.