Italy 1936 /An Empire Reborn

[lordroel]

Chapter XIX (January 16th 1965 to January 27th 1965)

January 16th 1965

Upon discovering the body of Mussolini, the contingency plan for the situation immediately goes into effect. The Emperor, the Grand Council and the Comando Supremo are notified and martial law is declared immediately. All military assets of the Empire are put on alert.

Television and radio broadcasts are interrupted to announce that all Blackshirts units are being mobilized and all members are to report to muster stations immediately. No reason is given for the call up.

January 17th 1965

Day to day business within the Empire grinds to a halt as the streets fill with soldiers and Blackshirts. No official response is given for this mass mobilization and the government remains silent throughout the day except for a brief report that a major announcement will be made tonight at 9:00 PM. On the street, many believe that war with Britain or France is imminent.

The massive mobilization does not go unnoticed, with nearly all aspects of the Imperial military called up and on alert, including the nation’s fleet of nuclear bombers, Britain and France place their own nuclear forces on alert. The Soviet Union also alerts their forces to be on the lookout for possible Italian aggression.

9:00 PM Local Time

Italians crowd around their TVs, or if they do not own one their radios or make their way to piazzas and cafes to hear the announcement. There is a considerable level of fear and apprehension in the air. No one knows what is going on, but it is clearly a major issue.

The entirety of the Grand Council was in assembly at the conference. Emperor Umberto II approached the podium visibly shaken. Where was Mussolini? Why isn’t he making the announcement run through the minds of the people watching. “I have extremely tragic news to report...” he begins, “Benito Mussolini, Il Duce...passed away last night...” Most of the people viewing the conference did not hear the rest of the speech. Many, broken down in tears, others were in a complete state of shock.

A million questions ran through the average Italians head: What would happen to the Empire? Would Fascism survive? Would there be a Civil War? How will the Grand Council decide on the new leader? Who would the leader?

January 18th 1965

A thick shadow of sadness hangs over the Empire. The populace is shocked and depressed, the death of Mussolini has hit many hard. The police have reported that there were a noticeable increase in the number of suicides, some can not imagine living in a world without Mussolini.

There are reports of violence coming from the Empire’s colonies but they are small and quickly put down by the massive military and Blackshirt deployment. Overseas, especially in France and Britain there are jubilant celebrations over the news.

Hundreds of thousands of people from across the world flock to Rome to see Mussolini laying in wake and for the funeral.

January 19th 1965

It was a difficult decision. Both camps were very adamant about their position. On one side were the French Cardinals and their allies who did not want to see the Pope officiate Mussolini’s funeral, they did not even want Mussolini to be granted a Catholic funeral. On the other side, the Imperial government, Italian clergy and not to forget the thousands who gathered in St. Peter’s Square awaiting his decision including several hundred Blackshirts.

The French Cardinals threaten to schism, doubtful but possible. There is no overt threat from the Italian side, but a schism is a possibility, Mussolini is loved by the Italian people. There is also the very real threat that the Blackshirts may storm the Vatican if they do not like the decision.

After a day of contemplation, Pope Paul VI makes his decision, he will officiate the funeral. Saying “No matter what other may think of the man, he is still entitled to a Catholic funeral like any other Catholic.” He does make one request that the Italian government does not politicize the mass.

January 20th 1965

Last minute work on Mussolini’s tomb continues as the day of the funeral draws near. While the building itself is completed many of the ornaments and statues in the massive structure are largely unfinished and work will have to continue after the burial.

January 21st 1965

Every hotel room in Rome and the surrounding area has been filled to capacity yet more continue to arrive everyday. To keep people from camping in the streets the military opens up the use of empty barracks on military bases for the mourners.

Many Blackshirt formations are demobilized as no massive uprisings are reported occurring. Martial law is also lessened.

January 22nd 1965

Thousands of buses and trucks are brought into Rome to bring mourners to the Vatican and along the route that will be taken from the Vatican to the tomb.

January 23rd 1965

St. Peter’s Basilica was completely filled, tens of thousands more filled the square outside. Two lines of Blackshirts held the mourners back to allow a small path to lead into the Church.

In the first row were Mussolini’s family, the Emperor and the royal family, as well as the Grand Council and the Comando Supremo. Behind them were the heads of state and heads of government from Lira Block nations, all of them came to pay their respects or to politick and show their loyalty to the Lira Block. Dozens of dignitaries from other nations were also present.

The rest of the basilica was filled with thousands of soldiers, Blackshirts, fascist officials and party members and civilians who were a lucky few to gain entry.

The mass went beautifully. At the end as the procession brings the casket down the aisle the Blackshirts flanking the aisle on either side defy the request for “no politics.” A handful of the men raise their arms in salute and begin the chant “Il Duce! Il Duce! Il Duce forever!” It quickly spreads down the line and throughout the entire Church with everyone joining in, the chanting drowns out the choir’s closing hymn.

The chanting it followed out into the street with the assembled masses joining in as they try to catch a glimpse of the coffin and the procession of dignitaries. The streets were filled with mourners all trying to be a part of this show of respect for the greatest leader Italy has ever known, many of those who have come out have never known another leader, they would be entering into frightening times of change.

After what seemed like an eternity of working their way through the narrow winding streets of Rome, the honor guard and the coffin arrive at what would be Mussolini’s final resting place. Built across from the Pantheon, the newly constructed dome structure rivaled that of the Romans. A wall of Blackshirts cleared the way, many of the normally stoic and stone faced men openly wept.

The tomb was just as grand inside, though largely uncomplete. In the center was the marble sarcophagus where Mussolini would be interned for all eternity. Just a step beyond it was a marble statue of the dictator as he would have appeared in his heyday, his arms spread open before him in a very Christ-like pose. To his right were two statues, one of an ancient legionnaire and a centurion. To his left were two more statues, these were of a Blackshirt and a Blackshirt officer. The symbolism was quite clear, he was bridging the gap between the ancient and the modern. At the for corners surrounding the statues were giant Fasces and eagles. And, finally curled around the legs of Mussolini was the Roman wolf on eternal guard for the enemies of Rome.

His body was placed in the richly emblazoned sarcophagus by the final set of pallbearers, members of the Grand Council. It was a draining and depressing day, but is was over at last. Tomorrow would start a new era for the New Roman Empire. They would survive and continue on. Over forty years of work would not be lost.

January 24th 1965

The Grand Council takes a day off before convening to decide to the fate of the Empire.

Winston Churchill dies of complications from his stroke. The celebratory attitude that accompanied the English people after the death of Mussolini quickly comes to an end and a great mourning begins for their greatest statesman.

January 25th 1965

The Grand Council of Fascism convenes at the Palazzo Venezia to decide who would replace Mussolini, though the word replace or succeed is never used in public statements, they would always be following in Mussolini’s footsteps and merely a placeholder for the eternal leader.

Thousands gather outside in the Piazza Venezia waiting for the Council’s decision. They did not know how the Council would come about the decision. Mussolini could of picked an heir, there could be a line of succession in place, or perhaps they decided who would be best qualified to lead the current Fascist agenda.

The first round of voting almost completely mirrored that of a Papal Conclave, the assembled voted for their friends and themselves, which was the only deviation from the Papal system, the greedy and ambitious cardinals of Fascism could not be expected not to vote for themselves. There was even one vote for the Emperor, though it was most likely cast by a monarchist amongst the group, the Emperor knew better than to commit political suicide by trying to take full control of the Fascist council.

After a few hours of debate and discussion a second vote is held, obvious front runners are noted but many of the unelectable assembled still vote for themselves and hold on to hope they may be able to turn the voting in their favor.

January 26th 1965

In the opening discussion for the new day, Medici proposes that all those assemble pledge if elected they will honor the current state of the Grand Council and not replace any members unless they voluntarily retire or pass away. Everyone in attendance agrees, saying otherwise would ruin their chances. A cunning move by Medici to both grant him favor and to secure his place in the Council from his enemies.

The first vote the day clearly favors Ciano and Medici. Grandi and Balbo are also strong contenders, but the electors seems to be favoring the younger members.

By the second vote it is clear that the Council is looking for longevity with many members going as far as saying that it takes at least ten years or more for new programs to see results and they will need a leader who can last until those programs are seen to completion. Twenty years of rule become the goal.

January 27th 1965

The assembled outside of the Palazzo maintain their vigil waiting for a sign from those inside that a decision had been reached.

Ciano and Medici dominate the votes for this round but neither one can secure the 51% needed to be declared the winner. Discussion following this rounds of talk is on the powers that will possessed by the new leader. The role of the Council will be greatly expanded and the new leader will not be able to issue laws by decree, he will not be Mussolini and power must be earned through success and respect for the council.

During a break, Medici privately approaches some of his fellow Councilors telling them that by voting for Ciano they are setting a dangerous precedent of dynasty rule, a Mussolini-Ciano dynasty would virtually ruin the chances for everyone else in any future elections. Ciano is not idle during this time, he also speaks secretly with some Councilors warning them of electing a hardliner like Medici who often did as he pleased while Viceroy, warning that Medici would quickly turn against the Grand Council and attempt to take all the power that was Mussolini’s and more.

Was it Medici’s warning against a dynasty? Or maybe they wanted a dynasty? Or was it the fear of hardliner being elected? Perhaps, a hardliner is what the Empire needed in this time? No matter the cause a decision had been reached. It was within the narrowest of margins but it was decided.

The first sign came to the people as bells began to ring. The people below looked towards the balcony, banners were unfurled bearing the symbol of the Fasces and an image of Mussolini. Trumpets blared as the door to the balcony opened and out stepped the Emperor. Taking a moment to look over those assembled he addresses the crowd “I present to you...the Consul of the New Roman Empire...”

Emerging from the shadows the man steps into view, it was a face they all recognized. It was up to him to pick up where Mussolini left off and to lead the Empire to new heights of success. The Emperor continued “...Consul Salvatore Medici!” The Blackshirts started the cheer raising their right hands in the Fascist salute cheering “Consul! Consul! Consul!” The rest of the crowd quickly followed suit giving praise to their new leader.

[lordroel]

Chapter XX (January 27th 1965 to April 10th 1965)

January 27th 1965

Looking over the map he surveyed the empire, his new empire. Just a few hours before he spoke to the Italian people on his new role as Consul, assuring them that he was in no way replacing their great leader he was merely continuing in his tradition. But, things would be changing. Il Duce only saw soldiers when he looked over these very maps, the only value a province had was how many men could be put in uniform. Medici saw a mercantile empire, provinces that Mussolini discounted as worthless Medici instead saw untapped resources ripe for the picking. He would make the New Roman Empire the envy of the world and build an economy and trade empire to rival that of the United States. It would be a difficult task, but Medici knew he would have to succeed if he intended to be remembered as greatly as Il Duce. It was only fitting that the New Roman Empire’s first Consul be remembered as its greatest.

January 28th 1965

Taken from the Diary of Count Ciano: “The ‘little duce,’ now our Consul visited the Duce’s family to give his condolences. He offered nothing but the party line about he merely following in the footsteps of Mussolini and is not replacing them. It appears his bark is much more fearsome than his bite. When it comes to running the vast Empire he has inherited, he is not Mussolini. He probably won’t last a year, hopefully the Empire can survive that long.”

January 29th 1965

Sensing that the new government may not be as enthusiastic in supporting him and his organization, Heinrich Himmler begins penning his memoirs to be titled “My Rise And Fall.”

*Note: The title may be familiar to the astute reader, it is the title of Mussolini’s autobiography in our time line.*

January 30th 1965

In England, Winston Churchill is given a state funeral. Though nowhere as massive as the one granted to Mussolini, hundreds of thousands of British citizens come out to mourn the deceased leader.

February 1st 1965

Before enacting any policy changes or announcing a strategic plan for the Empire, Consul Medici announces he will embark on the “Grand Tour of Fascism,” and visit every corner of the Empire to better get in touch with its people and the Fascist spirit.

February 3rd 1965

Before leaving Rome on his tour, Medici makes philosopher Julius Evola a minister without portfolio. Medici would have preferred to have granted Evola a spot on the Grand Council as Minister of Culture but due to his pledge not to remove any Council members he would have to wait on that.

Evola, a Fascist philosopher who has often been pushed aside by the party for his untraditional views. He views Fascism as a much more spiritual and mystical enterprise than a purely political one. This has caused him to occasionally be censored by the party. But, Medici feels that Evola’s different approach to Fascism will make the Empire stronger and has all but officially declared him the “Philosopher of Fascism.”

February 4th 1965

Consul Medici begins his Grand Tour.

February 7th 1965

The United States escalates its campaign in Vietnam and begins massive bombing against North Vietnam.

February 18th 1965

The Gambia gains independence from Great Britain.

February 21st 1965

Malcolm X is gunned down by fellow Black Muslims shortly after delivering a speech.

There are allegations of conspiracies involving both the U.S. government and various groups of the Young Fascist Movement being responsible for ordering the hit, but there is no direct evidence pointing at either.

February 24th 1965

While in Constantinople, Consul Medici officially declares Rome and Constantinople to be sister cities. Continuing, he orders that the palace used by Byzantine Emperors for centuries be rebuilt and restored as an Imperial residence.

March 3rd 1965

Medici meets with community leaders in Greece to encourage them to start a movement to promote the integration of Greece into the New Roman Empire.

March 7th 1965

A civil rights march turns bloody in Selma, Alabama when State Troopers clash with over 500 marchers.

Marcy 8th 1965

The first American Combat troops arrive in Vietnam.

March 9th 1965

A second march in Selma turns violent when American Fascists launch attacks against the civil rights marchers when they spread out through the town. There is an uproar when injured Fascists are allowed admittance to the local hospital, but marchers are denied admittance with claims that the hospital is full.

March 15th 1965

While visiting Ethiopia Medici’s bodyguards foil an assassination attempt orchestrated by Ethiopian monarchists.

The Ethiopians were planning to detonate a car bomb in the hotel that the Consul was scheduled to stay at. Only the quick thinking of Medici’s head of security prevented the plot from succeeding.

March 16th 1965

Medici declares his cadre of bodyguards to be heroes of the Empire and of Fascism for dismantling the plot against him.

March 20th 1965

Consul Medici returns to Rome to announce that a wave of new programs are soon to come which will make the New Roman Empire the envy of the world.

March 21st 1965

Martin Luther King jr. and civil rights activists have a third march in Selma. Violence is kept to a minimal after many of the marchers against the wishes of organizers arm themselves with clubs and bats to keep the Fascists at bay.

March 23rd 1965

Medici approves massive funding increases the Imperial space program promising the people that an Italian will be in space by the end of the decade.

Medici also introduces a new energy program in which nuclear power and to a lesser extend hydroelectric power will begin replacing older oil burning plants. The goal is to have over 70% of all energy production be provided by nuclear and hydroelectric by the early 1970's. Additionally, Medici orders the synthetic oil plants that have been barely running be put back into full production to increase. To compensate for the increased cost of synthetic oil, most oil will be switched to a natural-synthetic mix. While this will slightly increase the cost it will also help to greatly increase the total production.

Research will also be conducted in other forms of fuel including biodiesel. Medici not only wants the Empire to be completely self sufficient but also able to produce a considerable surplus to be exported around the world.

March 25th 1965

OVRA agents are sent to speak with Heinrich Himmler. He is informed that the Consul is aware of ODESSA backroom actions and he, unlike Mussolini will not tolerate them. Himmler can either resign from his position as Chief or he will be arrested and his organization dismantled.

March 26th 1965

Heinrich Himmler resigns his position as ODESSA Chief. Recognizing his days are numbered with the introduction of Medici rule he redoubles his efforts to finish his memoirs before the Blackshirts return for him. Adolf Eichmann replaces him as Chief.

March 30th 1965

Teams of engineers and economists are sent to the United States(and other industrialized countries) on tours of factories and industrial centers to examine how they operate. While the trips are billed as mutual exchange of information, the true purpose of these exchanges is to find the weaknesses and shortcomings of western industries. Medici knows that the NRE can not compete against the United States on all the industrial fronts but in one or two industries that the U.S. is weak in the NRE would be able to take a lead.

April 3rd 1965

Nations across the world have become more and more willing to do business with Italians. It seems the death of Mussolini has made them forget their grievances against Rome and the lure of new markets and profit has proven too great to ignore.

April 7th 1965

Independence minded Rhodesian officials meet with Count Ciano to discuss the possibility of a Rhodesian-Roman alliance. Britain has been exerting more and more pressure on Rhodesia to give the native Africans more rights to prevent a rebellion, the Rhodesians have been extremely hostile to such a move and are looking for new friends.

April 10th 1965

Billed as the last film seen by Benito Mussolini during post production, “The Stand In The East,” produced by Mussolini’s two sons opens to sold out audiences across the Empire.

The film is one of the first taking place in the “Wild East,” a take on American westerns set in Italian East Africa. The film follows the story of a discharged Italian officer named Mario. During the war his unit was ambushed and nearly totally destroyed, blaming himself for the loss he migrated to the small Italian settlement New Verona along the Ethiopian-Kenyan border, falling into depression he drowned himself with the bottle. Living out a meager existence as a scrap metal collector his only friends are his loyal Somalian scout Ghedi and a young waitress Appollonia at the café.

All in not well in New Verona though, a perfidious Englishman by the name of Captain Morgan commands a band of African mercenaries operating out of Kenya has been launching raids against Italian settlements seeking to start a new war in Africa and remove the “Catholic taint” from what should be Protestant land.

Captain Morgan and his men start the attack against New Verona by cutting the telegraph lines leading out of the town forcing the magistrate to send runners to Addis Abbas requesting support. Raids are then launched against farms several hours away, when word arrives in New Verona the magistrate calls on all able bodied men to report for duty. As men are seen rushing from the café to grab their rifles and don their black shirts Mario adamantly refuses to go and stays behind with the old men and young boys. Several hours after the posse leaves to engage the band another runner arrives in the city, it appears that the attack against the farms was merely a diversion and that a larger force is heading straight towards New Verona. In the panic, Appollonia knowing of Mario’s past as a soldier pleads with him to take up his rifle and organize the defense of the town. Mario refuses and in a rage storms out of the café, Ghedi promises Appollonia he will speak to Mario and pursues him, stopping him in the street the tracker tells his boss that he will, either die a coward with the deaths of Appollonia and all the townspeople on his soul which he shall suffer eternally for or he can banish the demons of the past and die a hero’s death. Taking his rifle in hand he returns to the tavern to organize the towns defense.

In the meantime, a particularly disturbing scene takes place when Morgan’s men raid a Catholic convent and slaughter the nuns residing there. The scene was almost cut from the movie for being too violent but was left in after a little editing.

The raiders strike New Verona right after dusk, the meager defenders mount a valiant defense that only fails when many of the men run out of bullets. Sweeping into the town the bandits set many of the buildings ablaze. Finding themselves separated from the rest of the defenders and out of ammunition, Mario and Ghedi draw their knives and engage in a vicious knife fight against the attackers as the first light of dawn peeks out from the horizon. Despite their heroic effort they soon find themselves faced off against a wall of gunmen, it seems that their last stand is about to come to end when machine gun rounds wrack the bodies of the mercenaries, the relief column from Addis Abbas has arrived.

Rushing to the café to tell Appollonia the good news he finds the place ransacked and the girl’s father mortally wounded on the floor. The old man tells Mario that they came and took his daughter. Grabbing the fallen man’s gun Mario sets out in pursuit of the now fleeing bandits. In a thrilling chase through canyons and mountains Mario manages to corner Morgan alone, killing him in a gun battle.

The final scene shows New Verona a peaceful town being rebuilt and growing, Mario is wearing the uniform of a magistrate and by his side is a very pregnant Appollonia. Off to the side stands Ghedi in a highly decorated Askari uniform keeping a faithful watch over his commander and friend.

[lordroel]

Chapter XXI (April 17th 1965 to October 28th 1965)

April 17th 1965

An anti-war march in Washington D.C. attracts over 20,000 protesters. A counter-protest organized by a local Fascist organization attracts roughly 2,000. No violence is reported.

April 20th 1965

Paid off by Rome, local Greek leaders begin calling for unity with the New Roman Empire. The movement is unpopular but the Medici government is prepared to use all means possible to convince the Greeks it is in their best interest.

May 3rd 1965

The first Italian missile submarine begins sea trials. If all goes well it shall enter service within the next year. Four more ballistic missile submarines are scheduled for construction.

May 17th 1965

Pro-Fascist riots rock Monaco. Hundreds take to the streets demanding power be given to the Fascist party and that closer ties be established with the New Roman Empire.

Prince Rainier III, a public supporter of France, orders the police to suppress the rioters before a repeat of San Marino can occur.

May 18th 1965

Prince Rainier requests French troops enter the country to prevent Blackshirt intervention by the NRE.

May 20th 1965

A regiment of French paratroopers arrive in Monaco.

May 22nd 1965

The riots in Monaco are largely put down in Monaco.

June 3rd 1965

Rhodesian-Roman pact is signed. The pact promises that Rhodesia will break all ties with England and declare unilateral independence and join the Lira Block. In return, the NRE will provide Rhodesia with weapons and soldiers to assist them in putting down the native uprising.

Rhodesia will officially declare independence from Britain on October 28th.

June 11th 1965

Medici travels to Spain to meet with Franco to discuss Spanish nuclear ambitions and other topics.

June 13th 1965

Talks between the two leaders are cordial but icy. Franco does not appreciate being talked to as if he was a lesser statesman by a man who has only been in power for a few months and still requires Grand Council approval on laws. And, Medici views Franco as an appeaser and flip flopper who is incapable of settling on the right course of action.

No decision can be reached about the main purpose of the meeting, which was securing additional aid for the Spanish nuclear program. Medici demanded too many concessions from the Spanish state.

Franco brings up the possibility of restoring the Spanish Monarchy and making the king the next in the line of succession. Medici voices his opposition to this saying that while one monarch may be a supporter of Fascism there is no guarantee that his successor will be. Medici recommends that if the monarchy is restored that a council, similar to the Grand Council be established to regulate anything that the king does.

*Note: According to Italian law, the Grand Council of Fascism has to approve of any successor to the throne.*

June 15th 1965

The business/industrial tours to the United States and the other industrialized nations are concluded and the teams submit their reports to the Grand Council. It is well known that the United States holds significant leads in industrial development and technology but there are a few areas in which the US is slipping and that the New Roman Empire would be able to take advantage of.

While Medici would very much like to challenge the United States on the electronics front he accepts the fact that the US is years ahead of the NRE and at this time it is not practical to compete on that front, however, the American steel industry has become lax and outdated due to its dominance of the worldwide industry. With a few improvements to the NRE’s steel industry they would be able to offer a high quality product to a growing market at a lesser cost than the United States.

June 17th 1965

The plan to promote the expansion of the steel industry is accepted by the Grand Council with very discourse on the matter. Most council members accept the argument of the former industrial minister.

June 20th 1965

French troops are removed from Monaco at the request of the Prince.

July 3rd 1965

Even months after the death of Mussolini, tens of thousands still flock to his tomb. While this outpouring of emotion and support for the late, great leader is extremely appreciated it has become difficult to control the flow of so many pilgrims. To slow down this tide of visitors Minister Evola proposes the establishment of Fascist shrines throughout the Empire. These shrines would be constructed in locations that were important to the Fascist cause and would each contain a relic from Mussolini’s life, much like the holy relics found in Roman Catholic Churches’ throughout the world. This way, if someone wished to pay their respects to Il Duce they would not need to travel all the way to Rome, instead they could visit their local shrine.

While many of the Grand Council are hesitant to refer to these sites as shrines, the plan is largely approved as each location in of itself is an important historical site. Medici pushes the idea as an excellent way to keep the people in touch with the history of Fascism and the rebirth of the Roman Empire, where every site would serve as a whole in a “Grand Tour of Fascism.” Of course, everyone one of the sites approved would be one visited by him months before in his initial grand tour.

July 10th 1965

In a secret and unpublicized vote the Lira Block votes to grant admission to Rhodesia as a junior member. The only dissenting vote comes from Cuba, with the Cuban representative calling the Rhodesian regime oppressive for it’s treatment of native Africans.

July 11th 1965

In a speech President Johnson calls the YFM an assortment of criminals and terrorists who seek to destroy the American way of life.

July 20th 1965

Communicating through a rudimentary network of regional and a few national newsletters, YFM groups discuss the need to improve the image of the movement and encourage various groups to hold charity events and perform public services.

July 28th 1965

The war in Vietnam escalates as President Johnson orders additional troops be sent to Asia and doubles the amount of soldiers drafted monthly.

July 29th 1965

Medici declares that July 29th is an official holiday in remembrance of Mussolini.

August 6th 1965

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is signed into law by Johnson.

August 9th 1965

Singapore becomes an independent nation after being expelled from the Federation of Malaysia.

August 17th 1965

Evola submits his thesis on Fascism to the Grand Council. Medici having already seen the document ordered that certain aspects be taken out to make it more acceptable to the Italian people. Most notably are many passages in which Evola praises Nazism and the German spirit. While the writings still held Italians above Germans, Medici felt that such open praise of Germany would turn off the majority of the book’s readers. The edited version takes on a much more neutral approach to Nazism and the Germans, occasional minor praise and also the occassional derogatory comment. Also, parts of the book which severely limited enlightenment to just Italians and a few select “Roman touched people” were revised to allow Fascist enlightenment to a larger number of people.

The direction of Fascism proposed by Evola is as follows. Fascism is not just politics, it is beyond politics, it is a spiritual endeavor to change the way people live. Fascism was the true state of the civilized ancients which shined most brightly within the Roman people. It is through Fascism that one is able to tap into the Roman spirit that is possessed by all people who were within the ancient Empire’s land. It is obvious that those who are closer to a Roman lineage are much more likely to unlock their inner Roman spirit, it is therefore clear why Italians were the first rediscover Fascism and reconnect with their Roman roots. To awaken the Roman spirit within, one must submit himself to service to the state, take the moral and spiritual course and contemplate what it truly means to be a fascist and a roman.

The Grand Council shows itself to be hostile to many of the changes to the nature of Fascism and feel it is going to far. Medici counters that Fascism must take on a new world outlook if they expect the Empire to prosper and last a thousand years. No consensus is reached at this time and it is agreed that renewed debates will open up again in a few months following a more careful review of the material.

September 7th 1965

A subtitled version of “The Stand In The East” is released in the United States. The only changes made from the original version is the removal of the raid on the convent which was regarded as too disturbing by the American producers.

Reviewers note that if one can ignore the blatant propaganda of the film it is an excellent film. Moviegoers agree and flock to see it in droves.

In the coming weeks and months American film companies will fight to buy the rights for other movies set in the “Wild East.”

September 20th 1965

The first shipment of Italian weapons arrive in Rhodesia, they are smuggled in through Portugese controlled Mozambique.

September 28th 1965

Fidel Castro announces that anyone who wants to emigrate to the United States is allowed to do so.

October 12th 1965

The UN recommends that the United Kingdom take any action necessary in order to prevent an all out rebellion in Rhodesia.

October 22nd 1965

The free nations of Africa demand that the British use force to prevent Rhodesia from declaring independence.

October 25th 1965

The Soviet Union gives it support to the African countries fighting against Rhodesian independence.

October 28th 1965

For the first time, the anniversary of the March on Rome and the declaration of the New Roman Empire isn’t a joyous occasion. The lack of Mussolini has put a damper on the ceremonies with the adoption of a more somber mood. Medici vows to himself that next year he will make sure that the people are celebrating again and he’ll be one they are praising.

Rhodesia, at exactly 12:00 PM, the government of Ian Smith declares its independence from the United Kingdom. In a choreographed move this is followed a minute late by a request to Rome for admission in the Lira Block. This is quickly followed by a public response from Rome officially recognizing the government of Rhodesia and accepting the nation into the Lira Block with all the rights and privileges it implies. Over the next 30 minutes every nation in the Lira Block release statements announcing the recognition of Rhodesia as an independent nation.

*Note: Unlike in our timeline, the Rhodesian UDI does not claim to remain loyal to Queen Elizabeth II.*

[lordroel]

Chapter XXII (October 29th 1965 to January 16th 1966)

October 29th 1965

The British government demands that Portugal and South Africa close their borders with Rhodesia. The British representative to the UN requests that all member nations immediately cut relations with the rogue nation of Rhodesia.

Rhodesia requests that Lira Block nationals voluntarily deploy troops to the nation to assist them in quelling native uprisings.

Ian Smith addresses the Rhodesian people on the government’s reasoning for siding the New Roman Empire and the Lira Block. He hits key issues such as British and UN demands for more control over Rhodesian internal policy as well as reluctance to provide assistance for military operations in putting down violent revolutionaries for fear of upsetting Africans, the Italians and the members of the Lira Block are not concerned with such issues and possess the spirit of the Europeans who first came to the dark continent and bring light.

October 30th 1965

The Portugese government informs London that they will need time to evaluate the situation before making a decision.

No response is given from South Africa as of this time.

Medici is furious over the current situation. Ciano has stolen his spotlight amongst the Grand Council and the leaders of the Lira Block. Medici knew he would now have to upstage this Ciano victory, and he knew just the way to do it.

November 1st 1965

The UN votes to impose sanctions on Rhodesia and declares it a rogue nation with a racist minority government.

November 2nd 1965

The Conservative opposition in the British Parliament calls for an immediate investigation evaluating the handling of NIWIN by the Labour Party.

November 3rd 1965

Nearly all UN member states comply with the vote and impose sanctions on Rhodesia. The hold outs are obviously Lira Block nations. South Africa, Portugal and the Republic of China(Taiwan) also refuse to impose sanctions, these nations are generally regarded as “Fascist sympathizers.”

November 5th 1965

Medici meets with the Portugese Ambassador. Portugal wants to keep positive relations with the Lira Block but the situation in Africa is not at all good. The uprisings in Africa are a constant drain for Portugal and they rely on support from other nations to keep their colonies. That is support they would lose if they do not cut off relations with Rhodesia...however there is a way to neutralize the issue.

November 10th 1965

The first Italian troops arrive in Rhodesia. With them is Colonel Marco Gritti of the OVRA, Gritti served as security with Medici since Greece and was responsible for foiling the Ethiopian assassination attempt.

November 12th 1965

Britain demands answers from both South Africa and Portugal regarding the Rhodesian situation. Both countries respond that they need more time.

November 15th 1965

South African officials meet with the Grand Council to see what the NRE is willing to offer them in exchange for keeping the supply lines open to Rhodesia.

November 17th 1965

A deal between the NRE and Portugal is ironed out over the African issue, an announcement will be made the 25th.

November 25th 1965

Portugal announces that it will be selling its Mozambique colony to the New Roman Empire for an undisclosed amount of money. Also part of the deal is rights to a percentage of any and all profits made by the NRE from resources for the next 10 years and additional military aid to Portugal in suppressing the rebellion in Angola. All white Portugese citizens will be given the option to either be given fair market share value for their property and emigrate to Portugal or pledge to eventually “Italianize” but they will be granted colonial citizenship immediately.

Transfer of control will occur throughout December.

November 26th 1965

Britain and France vehemently oppose the deal between Portugal and Italy calling it a betrayal by the Portugese government against NATO and the UN. They announce they are filing an immediate request to revoke Portugese membership in NATO.

November 28th 1965

The South African government announces its intentions to accept the British demand to cut relations with Rhodesia on the conditions that South Africa be allowed to annex Swaziland and Lesotho.

The United Kingdom refuses this request outright as outlandish and exploitive.

December 1st 1965

The British Parliament votes to place a full embargo on South Africa for their improper handling of the Rhodesian situation.

December 2nd 1965

Writing a huge red “NO!” across the paper Consul Medici refuses to authorize the mass production of nuclear weapons. Medici sees no use in producing hundreds of weapons a year despite the ability to do so. There was no economic gain from trying to compete with the United States and the Soviets in this field and would just waste millions of Lira building the devices and the delivery systems. That money could be better spent elsewhere.

December 5th 1965

In response to the newly imposed sanctions by the United Kingdom, the South African government announces they will seek membership in the Lira Block.

Though the United States has signed on to both embargos against Rhodesia and South Africa most economists agree that the embargo is merely symbolic and with continued trade with the Lira Block almost any effect the embargos may have had will be cancelled out.

December 7th 1965

Vote of No Confidence! The British Parliament votes that they have no confidence in Prime Minister Harold Wilson of the Labour Party over his handling of the Rhodesian situation and the loss of two allies to the Lira Block in a matter of months.

Wilson resigns later that day but the damage is already done as emboldened Conservatives call for new elections.

December 8th 1965

The vote to remove Portugal from NATO fails after a majority of nations refuse to go along with the British and French motion. Calling that removing Portugal from NATO would force them to join the Lira Block and grant that body complete dominance over southern Europe.

The second Vatican Council comes to a close and announces their changes to the structure of the Church. The Italian government protests many of the changes as violation of over a thousand years of tradition.

December 11th 1965

South Africa is officially welcomed into the Lira Block as a junior member. Once again the only dissenting vote is Cuba.

December 13th 1965

Italian propaganda proclaims the fall of western democracy and that the admission of Rhodesia and South Africa into the Lira Block is just the beginning of a “Western Fascist World” that will topple the Communists to the east and create an all encompassing fascist world.

December 15th 1965

YFM groups from the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) hold a toy and charity drive in Manhattan. Trying to shake off the image of violent thugs and criminals hundreds of American Fascists gather together to hold this large, non-political charity event for the needy. Attendees are greeted at the door by a smiling Blackshirt who has been instructed not to discuss politics and if asked about political issues is told to only give the petitioner a pamphlet and ask them to call at a later date as the only purpose of the night’s event is to give those in need hope.

Managing to raise thousands of dollars the event is probably the first time any YFM group has received positive press in many northeastern papers. One reporter would remark “If it wasn’t for the sea of Blackshirts and fascist flags hanging from the walls one would never be able to tell the drive apart from that run by the Salvation Army.”

December 17th 1965

The Italians are dealt a bloody nose in their first engagement with the Rhodesian rebels. Overconfidence is largely to blame with the Italians expecting the Rhodesians not to put up any sort of resistance. The commanders vow that it will not happen again.

December 27th 1965

Imperial forces in Rhodesia strike back against the rebels and claim vengeance for their previous defeat. This time the bloody nose is dealt to the rebels with the destruction of one of their armed camps.

January 1st 1966

Mozambique is officially transferred to Italian control.

January 16th 1966

The book “Crossing the Rubicon,” an autobiography of Benito Mussolini is released. While touted as an autobiography there was heavy assistant from other writers calling into question just how much it is an autobiography.

Divided into two parts, the first part deals with the life of Mussolini as an epic struggle comparing the Duce to Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus. The book claims that Mussolini gradually relinquished power on his own accord. It also claims that Il Duce felt that Medici was one of the brightest men of the “Fascist Generation.”

The second part is a collection of 18 essays on philosophy and governance. It is claimed that Mussolini personally wrote 9 of those essays. The final section is the “The Final Address” which calls for the need of constant vigilance. Experts also believe this is the only section of the book to have been written by Mussolini.

It’s first printing is released in Italian, Spanish and Arabic and it quickly becomes a bestseller throughout the New Roman Empire.

[lordroel]

Chapter XXIII (January 20th 1966 to July 15th 1966)

January 20th 1966

Conservatives sweep the elections in Britain as voters reject the Labour party for their mishandling of the situation in Africa. Edward Heath, the new Prime Minister calls for a “Reformed Imperialism” to keep Africa safe from continued Fascist expansion.

January 22nd 1966

Portugese soldiers are sent to Italy to train with the Italian Special Forces as part of the agreement for the transferring of Mozambique.

February 1st 1966

The Roman government begins talks with the Vatican on how to settle the grievances that have come about over Vatican II.

February 3rd 1966

The Soviet Luna 9 is the first unmanned spacecraft to make a landing on the moon.

February 6th 1966

Julius Evola is officially made a member of the Fascist Party. His membership papers are backdated to 1938 when he originally applied.

February 10th 1966

Alessandro Pavolini resigns as Minister of Popular Culture, moments after his resignation Medici appoints him to the previously vacant post of Minister of Industry. In a backroom deal, Medici promised that in exchange for Pavolini giving up his position as Minister of Culture he would immediately be reinstated as the Minister of Industry until a more prominent position opened up.

Ciano calls the resignation a betrayal of decades of friendship. Pavolini got his start in the government on the recommendation of Ciano following their service together during the Second Italo-Abyssinian War.

February 12th 1966

Julius Evola is appointed the new Minister of Popular Culture despite the objections of many old line Fascists.

Medici reminds the more vocal opponents of the appointment that “Evola is under my protection.”

February 23rd 1966

The Ba’athist party in Syria stages a coup against the government. Following the success of the action the new government announces that it will continue to honor its Lira Block obligations.

March 8th 1966

Himmler’s memoirs are smuggled into Switzerland and presented to a publishing house.

March 10th 1966

South Africa announces that it will resign its membership in the UN if it continued to be treated as a second class nation and the worldwide embargo is not lifted.

March 15th 1966

South Africa officially renounces membership in the UN becoming the first nation in the body to do so.

March 21st 1966

The first of the Fascist shrines are opened to the public. The rest will open throughout the year.

The government encourages all citizens to complete the “Grand Tour of Fascism” which involves visiting every single shrine throughout the Empire(and Mussolini’s tomb,) if they can not accomplish this they should at the very least complete the “Tour of Fascism” which consists of visiting all the shrines in Italy.

March 30th 1966

Swaziland and Lesotho are blockaded by the South African military.

April 12th 1966

Representatives from the Taiwanese government meet with Consul Medici to discuss future relations between the two nations.

April 20th 1966

Minister Evola proposes the abolishment of the Fascist Party. The basis of his argument is that the very term party denotes that there must be some sort of opposition, within the Empire there is no opposition and thus the term party is misleading and wrong. The proposal is flatly rejected but Medici agrees that the term “Fascist Order” should be used more frequently.

May 5th 1966

The Italian land in Tientsin which has been regarded as “Roman land under occupation” since the establishment of Mao’s regime is symbolically handed over to the Republic of China. The NRE does reserve the right to regain the land and the other European concessions when the rightful government of China is restored to the mainland.

May 12th 1966

Italian nuclear missile submarines begin prowling the Atlantic, for the first time Rome truly has the ability to launch a nuclear strike against the United States. The British isles also lose any warning they once possessed against an Italian nuclear attack which has lead the most hawkish of Italian admirals to claim that they could easily decapitate the chain of command of Britain and France before any reactionary strike can be launched.

May 25th 1966

The new British government working with the Royal Navy brings forth proposals which would serve to restore the number of ships operated by the Navy that last seen in the closing decades of the 50's to combat the Italian threat in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

June 3rd 1966

After months of isolation Britain is forced to supply by air Lesotho and Swaziland following South Africa’s blockade. Opponents to the move say that the move will lead to war between the United Kingdom and the Lira Block as the aircraft must violate South African airspace.

June 5th 1966

The first flights through South African airspace goes unmolested by the South African military.

June 20th 1966

Taiwan announces the formation of the “World Anti-Communist League” with the New Roman Empire as a founding member. The aim of the organization is to oppose Communism around the world through “unconventional” measures.

June 21st 1966

Washington informs the Republic of China that they are setting down a dangerous path with their expanding relations with the Fascist World.

Both China and the Soviet Union condemn the formation of the league and vow to fight its anti-worker agenda wherever they may surface.

June 23rd 1966

Following what appears to be the continued failures of Nikita Khrushchev to spread Communism across the globe and believing he is an embarrassment to the Union, a conspiracy of party bosses force him to resign his positions within the government.

Leonid Brezhnev is set to replace Khrushchev as General Secretary of the Party.

July 10th 1966

For the first time since the war in the Balkans ended the birthrate in Italy proper has begin to decline. This has become cause for alarm as it has always been the policy of the Empire to maintain as close to a 1:1 parity between Italians and non-Italians as possible. Outside of Italy, Italian communities still have relatively high birthrates but they are also on the decline, only settlements in Italian East Africa continue to have record high birthrates. If these trends continue the gap in numbers between Italians and non-Italians will continue to widen and could potentially endanger Italian dominance.

July 12th 1966

Pro-integration marches occur in Greece as the small but prominent(and well funded) groups take to the streets demanding that the Hellenic Council seeks to immediately seek unification with the New Roman Empire.

July 15th 1966

Further incentives to encourage Italians to move to Italian East Africa are put in place in a bid to encourage the birthrate of Italian nationals. Soldiers being discharged from the military will be given the option of receiving 40 acres of land in East Africa as well as the necessary start up funds to establish a farm or other small business suitable on the plot.

[lordroel]

Chapter XXIV (July 25th 1966 to July 7th 1967)

July 25th 1966

In response to the ongoing blockades of Swaziland and Lesotho, Great Britain has ordered the Royal Navy to establish a counter-blockade against South Africa.

July 28th 1966

Most Lira Block shipping to South Africa is rerouted through ports in Mozambique where the cargo is then transported overland.

July 31st 1966

Representatives from South Africa meet with their British counterparts to see if a peaceful settlement can be reached regarding the current situation.

Rome quietly pushes South Africa to accept a settlement promising that even if relations return to the status quo of embargo it will still be to the benefit of South Africa and the Lira Block.

August 13th 1966

Mao Zedong begins the Cultural Revolution to purge the Chinese Communist Party and reorganize the government.

August 20th 1966

South Africa agrees to lift the blockades against Swaziland and Lesotho in exchange for the removal of British warships off the South African coast. The committee continues to speak to see if an end to the embargo can be reached but the outcome looks bleak.

September 3rd 1966

The Imperial Space Agency reports to the office of the Consul that the Empire will be able to launch a small satellite into orbit by the beginning of 1967.

September 8th 1966

Star Trek premiers on television with the first episode “The Man Trap.”

September 22nd 1966

OVRA agents operating in Swizterland get wind of the fact that the former ODESSA Chief has submitted his memoirs to a Swiss Publishing Company. They immediately inform Rome of their findings.

September 24th 1966

By order of Medici, Heinrich Himmler is arrested by the OVRA. Dozens of OVRA agents swarm the farm run by the nazi taking him into custody and assuring that all his records and writings are accounted for that still remain in-country.

October 2nd 1966

A secret tribunal places Himmler on trial for treason against the Empire and Fascism as well as conspiracy to discredit Mussolini.

October 10th 1966

The kangaroo court sentences Himmler to death by hanging the very next day. Himmler rages and screams against the justices that they and their fathers are faux-fascists who are the ones deserving death and if Italy were true to the cause they would of aided the Third Reich in the crusade against communism. Dragged from the court, the aging Nazi incessantly screams “Heil Hitler!”

October 11th 1966

In a strange twist Medici commutes the sentence of Himmler to a life of internal exile. Remarking that death would be too good for the ungrateful man that the Empire risked all for. Let him brood and live out his miserable and hollow life as a prisoner.

October 28th 1966

Remembering the March on Rome. This years celebration sees the return of festivities to last years somber mood, while not entirely returning to the grand celebration it was in the time of Mussolini Medici is satisfied.

November 10th 1966

On behest of the Emperor, Medici meets with Crown Prince Vittorio Emanuele encouraging him to reconsider his choice for consort. A non-noble Swiss athlete is horribly inappropriate and the Grand Council would hardly approve of him to succeed his father.

November 15th 1966

The Crown Prince calls off his long engagement to Marina Ricolfi-Doria.

December 3rd 1966

A tentative launch date is set by the ISA(Imperial Space Agency) for January 3rd 1967.

December 10th 1966

Crown Prince Vittorio is introduced to the Spanish Princess Margarita, granddaughter of the last king of Spain.

January 3rd 1967

Poor weather conditions delay the launch of Italy’s first rocket and satellite. The new launch date is the fifth.

January 5th 1967

From a launchpad in Sardinia, the first Italian rocket hurdles itself into Earth’s orbit where the satellite Janus would take orbit. It was the beginning of the Italians expedition into space and was done so everyone would take notice. While a tiny satellite, Janus was fitted with a tape player and a radio transmitter. As it made its tract around the Earth it would broadcast patriotic music to all those who wished to tune into its frequency.

January 6th 1967

Celebrators take to the streets following the successful launch of the Empire’s first satellite launch.

January 27th 1967

Three American Astronauts are killed when a fire breaks out aboard the Apollo 1 Shuttle during a launch test.

The United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom sign the Outer Space Treaty detailing what countries can and can not do in Space. They encourage the other nations of the world to sign onto the treaty.

February 3rd 1967

Negotiations breakdown between Britain and South Africa after common ground could not be reached for lifting the trade embargo. Britain also faced strong pressure from African colonial governments who opposed any deals with “break-away racist states.”

March 2nd 1967

Italian soldiers penetrate the Zambian border in pursuit of Rhodesian rebels. The Zambian government protests this as a violation of sovereignty but does not do anything that could be seen as provoking the New Roman Empire.

March 10th 1967

It was a wise decision that the officer had the foresight to forward this request to the Consul’s office. Had he not there would have been repercussions. Medici read over the request again, his son Antonio who had just completed training and Officer’s School had requested to be sent to Rhodesia. This is hardly a surprise to the Consul, years earlier when Antonio was just beginning at the University he requested permission to drop out to fight in the Holy Land, of course Medici refused to allow it. Medici knew some would call it favoritism to grant the request, thousands of soldiers and officers clamor to be assigned to Rhodesia the only active combat zone and where ones presence put them on the fast track for promotion, but, favoritism would be sending his son to some office where he would never see a rebel. He had requested front line infantry and that is what he would get. Signing the request, he wrote a note to himself to give the officer that forwarded it on a promotion.

March 15th 1967

Julius Evola causes an uproar amongst the Grand Council when he and other like-minded Italians begin conducting pagan rites at “holy sites” throughout Rome. The behavior is hardly appropriate especially as the NRE is still in negotiations with the Vatican over Vatican II and its impact on Italian clergy.

April 1967

YFM organizations throughout the United States report record numbers of new members. Many returning Vietnam veterans take a liking to the YFM cause and their no-nonsense approach to suppressing communism. Youth attempting to reject the hippie counter-culture that is sweeping the nation join up also to show their support for traditional values.

May 11th 1967

With a media circus accompanying him Lt. Antonio Medici ships out to Rhodesia to begin his tour of duty.

May 13th 1967

Protestors march in front of the Capitol demanding that Congress ban the import and showing of all “Wild East” films from the NRE. Claiming that the movies are treasonous and seditious since they corrupt the youth and glamorize fascism and race violence.

June 8th 1967

Following an altercation outside of a club in Chicago, three YFM members are stabbed to death by a group of Black Panthers.

June 10th 1967

Only two of a dozen suspected Black Panthers are arrested in the response to the killings. Local YFM groups promise to enact their own justice if the police do not act swiftly.

June 13th 1967

American Blackshirts incite a race riot in Chicago in response to the lack of arrests for the murders. Hundreds of Blackshirts were bused into the city and they are joined by additional rioters already on edge from rising racial tensions in the city.

June 18th 1967

Wide scale rioting, arson and looting continues to rock Chicago. Mayor Richard Daley requests that the governor declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard.

June 20th 1967

National Guard units arrive in Chicago and aggressively work to stamp out the fighting.

June 23rd 1967

The riots in Chicago are officially over. The city suffers millions of dollars in damages and over twenty deaths as a result of the rioting.

July 7th 1967

Italian propaganda proudly reports that Antonio Medici had his first engagement with Rhodesians Rebels stating that “the brave Lt. Medici personally threw the grenade which flushed the savages out of their hut into the waiting guns of his fellow soldiers.”

[lordroel]

Chapter XXV (July 18th 1967 to May 5th 1968)

July 18th 1967

The United Kingdom closes military bases in Malaysia and Singapore in order to concentrate more military forces against the Lira Block in Africa.

August 20th 1967

A large number of YFM groups meet in Arlington, Virginia to discuss the possibility of creating a single unified national party to run the next presidential election.

August 25th 1967

Critics attack former Air Force General Curtis LeMay when in an interview he remarked that if the Italians were the ones in charge of the war in Vietnam it would have been over and won already. He said that if he was in charge of the entire operation he would have employed “Fascist anti-partisan” tactics against the communists.

General LeMay refuses calls to issue an apology.

September 3rd 1967

“The Last Bastille Day” by Henri Cartier a former French naval captain who served during the Border War and lost his ship in the Strait of Bonifacio is published. The book follows the lives of a French family in Montpellier during an occupation by Italian forces. Though the book is said to be written to highlight deficiencies in the French military for a war with Italy the actual war is only spoke of in hindsight with the characters piecing together the few outside reports of the conflict in addition to their own limited firsthand knowledge.

Beginning a few weeks after the conquest of mainland France the book shows how one family and their neighbors survive in an Italian occupied Montpellier. It is pieced together that on Bastille Day of that year(though the actual year is not revealed) Italian and Lira Block forces launched lightning strikes against French government and military assets knocking out the French chain of command in the early hours of the war. It is unclear whether nuclear weapons played a role as none of the major characters were witness to any detonations and reports from transitory characters are often extremely conflicting. What is known is that a Blitzkrieg like invasion from Italy and Spain quickly overwhelms the disorganized French military and occupies the country in under a month. Early in the novel, a ham radio operator makes contact with a fellow operator in North Africa to learn that the French are still fighting in Africa. This one connection to the outside is quickly dismantled when the radio operator is arrested by Italian authorities.

Likewise it is unknown the status of the United States, most of the major characters suspect that the US is too involved in Vietnam to involve itself in the war. It is believed by numerous characters that England is at war with the NRE and its allies. Aside from occasional talks with collaborators or from witnessing celebrations by Italian troops at the local garrison there is almost no mention of politics or the war at large. Even the existence of a “Free France” is in doubt by the end when the only character to try to make contact with representatives of a resistance is captured by the Italians.

The novel primarily focuses on the characters surviving in an occupied world. There is no silver lining in the ending. The final passage of the book is the characters watching a massive overflight of Italian aircraft which they take to be the Italians preparing to invade Britain.

September 22nd 1967

A tentative agreement is reached between Rome and the Vatican concerning issues of Vatican II and their relation to the church in Italy and the Empire. Churches within the NRE will be allowed to continue to practice Latin Rite masses.

October 8th 1967

The American Fascist Party is officially formed. They announce they will begin finding candidates for every level of elections in any locality that any party member is willing to participate in.

October 11th 1967

President Johnson orders the FBI to conduct an investigation on the extent of Fascist penetration in the United States and the number of so-called Fascists and fascist leaning groups.

December 3rd 1967

The world’s first heart transplant is carried out in South Africa. The South African government bills it as a milestone that could only be achieved by white minds and the fascist spirit.

December 11th 1967

The Concorde jet is unveiled in France.

January 5th 1968

On the first year anniversary of the NRE’s first successful satellite launch, Consul Medici pledges to the nation that an Imperial will be in space by 1970.

January 15th 1968

A large earthquake strikes Sicily killing over 200. Aid from the mainland is quickly rushed to the island.

January 30th 1968

North Vietnam launches the Tet Offensive.

February 6th 1968

The New Roman Empire is banned from participating in the Winter Olympics by France(the hosting nation.)

The NRE team was considered a shoe-in to win the biathlon event which combines cross country skiing and rifle shooting.

February 10th 1968

For the first time since the establishment of colonial citizenship, colonial citizens will be allowed to emigrate out of their provinces. In an attempt to encourage more European migration to the newly acquired Mozambique colony.

February 24th 1968

The Tet Offensive comes to an end. In terms of manpower and achieving its objectives the Tet Offensive was a horrible loss for North Vietnam but the effects of the offensive has served to disenfranchise most Americans against the war.

March 2nd 1968

The American Fascist Party announces that George Lincoln Rockwell will be the party’s candidate for president. The platform for the election is: 1. An immediate end to integration efforts. 2. The proper handling of the war in Vietnam 3. Creating closer ties with all nations opposed to Communism and offering a united front against the Soviets.

*Note: In this timeline George Lincoln Rockwell has not been assassinated.*

March 10th 1968

Crown Prince Vittorio announces his engagement to Princess Margarita of Spain.

March 31st 1968

President Johnson announces that he will not run for reelection.

April 4th 1968

Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

April 5th 1968

Race riots breakout in the United States as a result of King’s death.

April 11th 1968

A truck bomb is detonated outside of the NRE military headquarters in Salisbury, Rhodesia. In the single bloodiest attack against Italian forces to-date over 132 people are killed and over 200 injured including the general in command of operations. Colonel Gritti of the OVRA is field promoted to General by Consul Medici and told to crush the rebellion at any cost.

April 15th 1968

Rome threatens the Zambian government with forceful intervention if they continue to offer aid to Rhodesian rebels.

April 16th 1968

The British government speaking in defense of Zambia warns the NRE not to act against the free governments of Africa.

April 20th 1968

While the diplomats still talk about Zambia, General Gritti orders Imperial special forces to conduct raids along the border to destroy Rhodesian rebel camps.

April 22nd 1968

The Zambian government protests the acts of the NRE as illegal and warmongering, warning Rome that if further raids are conducted retaliatory action will be taken, it is obvious that claims of retaliation is merely rhetoric.

April 23rd 1968

Students at Columbia University in New York take over the administrative buildings of the college in a protest against the Vietnam War.

April 25th 1968

YFM counter-protesters from the tri-state area converge on Columbia University.

April 29th 1968

Crushed between increasingly violent students and American Blackshirts the police officers making up the human barricade at Columbia disgusted over the ongoing demonstration purposely break ranks allowing the Fascists to swarm past and attack the students.

April 30th 1968

With violence continuing throughout the night, the NYPD is able to finally put an end to the fighting in Columbia University. Over 200 hundred people are injured and hundreds have been arrested. Damage to the buildings is expected to run into the millions after fascists set fire to a library in the course of the rioting.

May 2nd 1968

University students in France shutdown Sorbonne University in Paris over what they consider to be unfair treatment of students involved in a previous demonstration. The situation in France increasingly becomes a powder keg as more and more students and schools join in on the shutdown.

May 5th 1968

With only a few weeks before the commencement of the wind-down phase of his tour, Lt Medici finds himself and his unit pinned down by Rhodesian Rebels in a large scale offensive near the Zambia border. While the situation isn’t serious at this time they are unable to advance or retreat and helicopter extraction has proven impossible as of this time.

*Note: Combat soldiers are deployed to Rhodesia in 12 month tours, two of those months are preparatory where they are assigned to green units commanded by experienced officers and NCOs to get used to being in-country and are taught the things they are needed to know while be in generally safe areas. Following that they are assigned to their permanent units and begin their main tour. Officers and NCOs are required to perform an additional 2 month wind-down tour for a total of 14 months in-country. During this phase they are given command of the Prep Units and bring their officers, NCOs and soldiers up to speed.*

[lordroel]

Chapter XXVI (May 6th 1968 to January 6th 1969)

May 6th 1968

School shutdowns spread throughout France with High School students now participating in the protests.

May 7th 1968

Communication is lost with Lt. Medici’s unit which is still pinned down engaging with Rhodesian rebels. Close Air Support reports that fighting on the ground is still ongoing.

May 8th 1968

Lt. Medici’s unit restores contact with command following a successful breakout attempt occurring in the early morning. Taking a large number of casualties, including Medici who was hit by shrapnel they were able to escape to safer ground and be rescued by helicopters.

May 13th 1968

Over a million people in France take part in protests against the government. Union issues, education as well as the Italian occupied lands are all causes for the marches. Many young French people believe that if the government truly wanted to reclaim the French land they would be able to, but instead they prefer the status quo where they can justify increased military spending, increased security while neglecting the demand for easier access to jobs and education.

Antonio Medici is airlifted back to Italy to recover from his wounds. He tells reporters that he will serve out the rest of his tour of duty and eagerly awaits his next assignment which will most likely be in one of the provinces of Eastern Europe.

May 17th 1968

Strikes wrack France shutting down large sections of the economy as the crisis continues to grow.

Rome gives its first statement on the situation is a warning to the free world that the Marxist Plague is still spreading and is now destroying the nation of France from the inside out.

June 5th 1968

Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel by Sirhan Sirhan..

June 10th 1968

The riots in France stop almost as suddenly as they started. The government goes back to functioning relatively normally.

June 20th 1968

The FBI releases their report on Fascism in American to President Johnson. The Bureau estimates that there is approximately one million members of YFM groups throughout the country. They also believe that anywhere between 2-5% of the population may be deemed sympathizers.

July 25th 1968

Pope Paul VI publishes the Humanae Vitae condemning the use of birth control.

July 26th 1968

While most of the western world ignores Humanae Vitae or condemns it the Grand Council of Fascists praises the Papacy for their morally upright stance against “preemptive abortion.”

August 20th 1968

Warsaw Pact nations invade Czechoslovakia in response to the Prague Spring liberalization of the nations politics.

August 22nd 1968

The Democratic convention held in Chicago gets off to a very shaky start as anti-war protesters riot in the streets in front of the convention hall. YFM counter protesters also add to the mess and confusion with their attacks against the original protesters.

The riots will continue throughout the duration of the convention.

September 15th 1968

Crown Prince Vittorio and Princess Margarita are wed in holy matrimony in Rome. Dozens of heads of state are in attendance for the lavish affair.

Partygoers would say that the interaction between Consul Medici and President Franco was considerably icy.

September 29th 1968

Marches take place throughout Greece demanding closer ties with Rome and integration with the New Roman Empire, the Hellenic Council refuses to respond to these demands preferring to ignore them while grasping onto what little power they have left.

October 2nd 1968

Ten days before the start of the Olympics, the Mexican military opens fire on and kills over 200 students who were protesting in the Tlatelolco section of Mexico City.

October 3rd 1968

The left leaning Peruvian General Juan Velasco Alvardo seizes power of the nation with a coup.

October 11th 1968

A coup overthrows the unpopular government of Panama placing the military in charge of the nation.

October 12th 1968

The Olympics begin in Mexico City. This will be the first time that non-Italian Europeans will be allowed to compete on the New Roman Empire’s team. The NRE athletes are expected to win multiple golds in the martial sports.

October 27th 1968

The close of the Olympics.

The NRE made a strong showing the Olympics securing over twenty gold medals and coming in third overall in medal count behind the United States and Soviet Union. As expected, Imperials secured gold medals in shooting, fencing, equestrian and the modern pentathlon. The men’s team however faired poorly in what the Empire had deemed “feminine sports” such as gymnastics and volleyball but the Imperial women’s team more than made up for this deficit.

In a victory for the free Greek people’s of Cyprus, the Cypriot water polo team defeats the Greek team. Though the Cypriot team does not go on to win a medal in the event the victory over the puppet Greek government is more than enough.

A small controversy erupts from France accuses the NRE athletes of being professionals. Many of the athletes are employed by the government(usually the military) and are given jobs as instructors in fields extremely similar to those they compete in. The charges are thrown out by the IOC but this will become a sticking point for the French anytime the NRE’s Olympic success comes up.

November 5th 1968

Republican Presidential candidate Richard Nixon defeats the Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey.

The American Fascist Party candidate George Lincoln Rockwell manages to secure over a million votes and nearly two million votes in the election. While no candidates from the Fascist Party take national office in some locales they have won local elections.

November 7th 1968

The Imperial Navy starts the design process on a nuclear propelled carrier.

November 10th 1968

Lt. Medici is deployed to Mussolini’s Wall to aid in the vigilant watch for Communist aggression from the east.

December 24th 1968

The Apollo Program puts a spacecraft in the Moon’s orbit.

January 5th 1969

The Soviets launch an unmanned probe to Venus to gather scientific data.

January 6th 1969

Members of the Grand Council attempt to pressure Medici in accelerating the Imperial space program so as not to continue to fall behind. The Consul refuses these requests reaffirming his previous statements that there will be no unneeded deaths in the Italian program, the program will not be rushed and it will be the most efficient and the safest program of any of the great powers.

[lordroel]

Chapter XXVII (January 25th 1969 to August 17th 1969)

January 25th 1969

After decades of faithful service, Dino Grandi retires from public life and resigns his post as President of Chamber of Fasci and Corporations.

Grandi plans to use his retirement to write his memoirs.

February 1st 1969

Medici appoints Alessandro Pavolini as the new President of Chamber in accordance with his agreement with Pavolini to get Evola on the council.

Licio Gelli, a banker and devout fascist is appointed to the position of Minister of Industry.

February 10th 1969

Nixon’s cabinet enters into secret talks with the NRE on the possibility of expanding relations between the two nations.

March 3rd 1969

Pro-Fascist riots once again strike the micro-state of Monaco. Believing that a Fascist coup is imminent and that only the continued and indefinite presence of French troops would prevent it, the principality begins imagining the impossible. Prince Rainier requests a meeting with Consul Medici to try to calm the mob.

March 7th 1969

Medici visits Monaco and is greeted by thousands of Monagasque, he is hailed with fascist salutes and proclamations that he is their leader. To the Italian leader it appears that the nation is ripe for the taking and that it will be forced to align itself with Rome or suffer from a revolution.

France cries foul over the meeting between Medici and Rainier and threatens to revoke French protection of the nation.

March 10th 1969

Monaco announces that it will be joining the Lira Block as a junior member. The measure is highly received by the largely pro-fascist population.

While Monaco qualified for and offered full membership in the Lira Block it turned down the offer as Rainier did not want to be held to the Mutual Defense Pact that exists for Senior Members.

March 11th 1969

Paris announces that it is no longer responsible for the defense of Monaco. Shortly after this announcement, Rome declares that it will take up the cause of defending Monaco.

In an official announcement the British government condemns the state of Monaco for joining the Lira Block stating that the nation has sold itself into slavery to Rome.

The Soviet Union remarks that this event shows the weakness of Capitalism and the Western Democracies as they slowly succumb to their baser urges and descend into the state of Fascism.

March 20th 1969

Members of the South African government and military arrive in Rome to discuss the possibility of Italian assistance on a South Africa nuclear project.

April 3rd 1969

In exchange for economic concessions to the NRE, Rome agrees to provide assistance in establishing a nuclear program in South Africa. Team members from Project Jupiter will be deployed to South Africa to work with their South African counterparts.

April 17th 1969

In a secret visit, National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger meets with Count Ciano and Consul Medici to discuss the possibility of a sharing of intelligence between the US and the NRE on Soviet and Warsaw pact military capabilities in Eastern Europe. It is the belief of the United States that the Italians have a much more established spy network operating in Eastern Europe because of the large number of Romanians and Hungarians living within the Empire. Kissinger informs the men that it is the intention of Nixon to establish the policy which Eisenhower originally sought in that the NRE would serve as an ally against Communism in Europe.

The original meeting was intended to only be between Ciano and Kissinger and arranged by the Italian Ambassador to Washington, a Ciano supporter. Medici got wind of the meeting from his men who were spying on Ciano and not wishing to be upstaged on such an important matter again he unexpectedly showed up to the meeting. The Ambassador is immediately recalled and replaced by a man more sympathetic to Medici.

April 25th 1969

“Betrayed by Kith and Kin,” a film about the history of Rhodesia is released jointly in both the Empire and Rhodesia, releases in other Lira Block nations will occur over the next few weeks. The movie billed as an epic follows the history of Rhodesia from its founding up until the present times, it focuses heavily on the British betrayal of the white Rhodesians to the natives and the arrival of the Italian saviors. Taking over a year to film on location in Rhodesia. Amongst much controversy but in the name of authenticity the movie was filmed almost entirely in English with Italian and other non-speaking English speaking audiences given subtitles.

April 28th 1969

Following a failed referendum to turn France’s Senate into an advisory committee and granting more power to the Regional Councils Charles de Gaulle resigns from the office of President.

May 12th 1969

Consul Medici returns to Greece for the first time since his Viceroyship. He meets with the Hellenic Council and with Prince Amedeo to discuss the future of Greece and union with the New Roman Empire.

The Hellenic Council is still opposed to the idea, even as the government goes deeper and deeper into its debt with Rome and as the government continues to lose power and support from the populace.

June 3rd 1969

The Australian aircraft carrier Melbourne collides with the US Destroyer Frank E. Evans. 74 U.S. Sailors are killed in the collision.

July 20th 1969

The United States puts the first man on the moon with the landing of the lunar module from Apollo 11 on the moon’s surface.

August 1st 1969

General Gritti reports to the Grand Council on the state of Rhodesia. Violence in the nation is still ongoing but is being kept at acceptable levels with little or no violence being reported in urban areas. The Black-Rhodesians have a healthy fear of the Italians and make sure to keep their distance from anything remotely Italian. In some cases rebels believing they are on the verge of capture will go out of their way to surrender to the Rhodesian authorities rather than be apprehended by the OVRA. Gritti remarks that outside of the cities the nation is an armed camp with white militias forming up to protect small settlements, many of these militias have taken to wearing the Blackshirt as a sign of intimidation. Where ever possible these Militias are given training and arms.

August 15th 1969

Tens of thousands of people travel to Woodstock, New York to take part in 3 days of Peace and Music. What was expected to attract only 5,000 people has brought nearly 100,000 youths to the tiny town of Woodstock for the events evening opening.

Unknown to the party revelers, further down south in New York thousands of American Blackshirts gather to disrupt the Hippie party. Using their network of regional and national newsletters, the more militant YFM groups across the country have been able to organize in an almost military like fashion.

August 16th 1969

12:30 PM Local Time

Riding up in vans and buses over 5,000 Blackshirts converge on Woodstock shortly after the opening act for the day. Assembling just outside the gates, the thousands of Fascists armed with bats, batons, knives and other makeshift weapons. Seeing the crowd arrayed before them, the younger men glance around nervously towards their superiors, many of these men were former military and seemed undeterred by the odds. Somewhere along the line, the shout went out, “charge!” it was quickly followed down the rest of the line.

The feeble security force on hand quickly folded over as the wave of black smashed into them, toppling the fence they envelope the last rows of concert-goers, some of whom are oblivious to their attackers presence until they are pounced upon. The crowd pushes forward trying to get away from their attackers, as those in front have no idea what is occurring. Soon dozens of people are trampled and chaos descends across the field. The muddied fields are now muddied with blood.

12:55 PM

The local Police, hopelessly outnumbered withdraw further away from the battle and radio in for reinforcements from the surrounding counties and towns. They know however there aren’t enough police anywhere nearby to stop this massacre.

1:10 PM

The screams and the moans of dozens of wounded is drowned out only by the screams of those still standing as the battle rages on. The Hippies are still at the mercy of the Fascists, the often drugged or intoxicated crowd is unable to mount a coherent defense against the seemingly military like assault of the Blackshirts.

1:25 PM

The Fascist “Happy Hour” comes to an end as their enemies begin to fight back in earnest. Weight of numbers pushes them back across the field, but the weapon wielding Blackshirts fight on carving a bloody swath against their political foes even as their brothers begin to fall beside them.

1:45 PM

Additional police support arrive and keep their distance from the riot not wanting to get caught up in the insanity of the situation.

2:30 PM

Governor Nelson Rockefeller declares a State of Emergency and activates the New York National Guard to put down the riots.

3:45 PM

Reports that YFM groups as well as militant left wing organizations are mobilizing throughout the Northeast lead to the closure of all lines of transport into Woodstock to prevent a full scale revolution from occurring.

4:30 PM

A convoy of Blackshirts is stopped and detained as they attempt to leave New York City.

5:00 PM

The order of the Fascists has broken down as causalities mount and fighting continues. Hundreds of people lie dead or dying in the fields.

5:50 PM

Gunshots ring out as desperate Fascists trapped from routes of escape resort to their last line of defense against the horde who wants them dead.

6:15 PM

Police from as faraway as New York City arrive with the first National Guard Units and finally action is taken to put an end to the riot.

Ambulances are unable to reach the scene because of the confusion and disarray caused by the road closures and the massive activity.

8:30 PM

Even after two hours of police and military intervention sporadic fighting continues as Fascists fight with Hippies, Police fight with Fascists and Hippies fight with Police. Thousands of people attempt to escape the police perimeter.

August 17th 1969

After nearly a day of constant fighting, an uneasy quiet falls over Woodstock. The injured have been moved to overfilled hospitals and the bodies of the dead are being slowly carted away. Dozens are among the dead with hundreds more seriously injured. The amount of minor injuries sustained is too great to count.

The “Battle of Woodstock” would be remembered as the symbolic death of the 1960's.

[lordroel]

Chapter XXVIII (August 18th 1969 to April 29th 1970)

August 18th 1969

Soviet propaganda in response to the Woodstock massacre condemns the United States and its complete inability to protect itself and its population from violent fascist uprisings.

Other European countries give less scathing but similar public statements regarding the riots.

The NRE offers no public statement on the matter.

September 5th 1969

The United States suffers another public opinion blow when the details of the My Lai Massacre which occurred the previous year become public.

October 7th 1969

General Gritti and his immediate staff are recalled back to Rome from their commands in Rhodesia. This recall is regarded as extremely sudden and surprising.

October 29th 1969

The first message is sent over the ARPANET.

November 1st 1969

A small but noticeable spike in violence is reported in Rhodesia following Gritti’s reassignment.

November 2nd 1969

Midnight Cross appears for the first time on Imperial TV. Produced by comic book artist Adriano Abrizzi, Midnight Cross is an animated version of Ricardo Melino’s dark and gritty comic. Groundbreaking in that this is the first animated series released in the Empire to be targeted to adults and featuring an extremely lifelike and realistic style which will come to be known as “Romanimation.” The show receives less than stellar reception in its initial premiere.

November 10th 1969

Henry Kissinger returns to Rome, this time on an official state visit to the New Roman Empire in a bid to help publically reduce tensions between the United States and the Empire. Medici speaks with Kissinger on the possibility of Nixon personally visiting the Empire.

November 11th 1969

France and England both express their disapproval over the friendly relations being established between the NRE and the US, warning the US not to become too close to a potential enemy.

November 17th 1969

Soviet and American representatives meet in Helsinki to commence talks on arms limitations.

December 2nd 1969

Juan Carlos of Spain is officially designated as Prince of Spain and the successor to Franco.

Medici is reported to be extremely disappointed with Franco for appointing the king as Heir-Apparent without providing for a safety measure in case of monarchial dissidence.

December 27th 1969

General Gritti and his staff are sent to Greece to serve in an advisory role to the Hellenic Council.

January 2nd 1970

The Imperial Space Agency announces that a manned space launch will be conducted between March and April of this year.

January 5th 1970

After weeks of steadily improving ratings Midnight Cross becomes the most popular television show on Imperial TV.

January 12th 1970

The United States Department of State confirms that President Nixon will be attending a summit in Rome with Consul Medici in April. A second summit is also planned for some time in the summer where Consul Medici will visit the United States.

England and France both request that President Nixon reconsider his attendance at these summits.

February 11th 1970

Japan places its first satellite into orbit.

February 22nd 1970

Guyana becomes a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations.

March 1970

Unification protests reach a new level of intensity in Greece as more and more people take to the streets seeking to join with the Empire as an autonomous state like that of San Marino. While the population wishes to seek unity with Rome is still extremely small they are very vocal and receiving outside support and funding. Requests by the Hellenic Council to both the Viceroy and General Gritti to investigate these groups and their backers are ignored.

Similarly in Libya, the massive Italian and Italianized population of the colony begin petitioning in earnest to be recognized as a part of Italy proper and not just a colony. Italo Balbo is a strong supporter of this movement and has promised to speak to the council on Libya’s behalf.

April 3rd 1970

President Nixon arrives to cheering crowds in Rome. In a play for the American journalists, thousands of jubilant Italians are held back peacefully behind simple barricades by completely unarmed Blackshirts and Police Offcers in a stark contrast to the often violent depiction of police in the United States over the past years.

Nixon will spend 4 days in Rome before traveling to Sardinia for the Summit proper.

April 7th 1970

Medici and Nixon board a plane headed towards Sardinia. The soldiers guarding the plane forgo the protocol of giving Roman Salutes to visiting heads of state and is substituted with a regular military salute as not to put the visiting President in an uncomfortable situation.

The use of the Roman Salute is highly regulated throughout the summit to limit its exposure to American journalists and cameras.

April 9th 1970

In a preplanned propaganda move, the ISA proudly announces that the first manned Italian spaceflight will take place on April 11th with the launch of the space shuttle Fortuna. The launch will take place at the Galileo Galilei space center in Sardinia. Captain Mario Lucchini, son of the famous fighter ace Franco Lucchini has been granted the honor of being the Empire’s first Olympinaut.

President Nixon is invited to attend personally by the Consul.

April 11th 1970

9:15 AM Local Time

Businesses and schools across the Empire temporarily suspend work and classes so everyone can bear witness to this monumental event.

Following the playing of Marcia Reale(the official national anthem) and Giovinezza(the unofficial national anthem) Italo Balbo gives the pre-launch speech. Medici turned down the honor of giving the opening speech, saying that the Air Marshall should receive the credit for the launch instead he will report on the success of the launch later in the day, while this seemed like a selfless act, Medici preferred not to be connected to the launch in the case something goes wrong. Count Ciano seems visibly agitated throughout all the proceedings, those in the know believe it is because Ciano’s youngest son Marzio was not chosen for this historic mission. Marzio was one of the pilots on the short list being considered for the mission.

At 9:45 AM the shuttle Fortuna is prepped and ready. Captain Lucchini reports that he is ready for launch and the countdown begins. Those assembled and those watching and listening at home, work and school collectively hold their breath as they wait for blast off. The rockets ignite on the craft throwing up thick clouds of smoke and almost impossibly slow the rocket lumbers skyward. Those assembled launch themselves to their feet in thunderous applause and throughout the Empire millions more joined them in celebration.

Moments after the launch it is said that Medici remarked to President Nixon “See, you and the Soviets are not the only ones capable of putting a man in space.”

In the United States, Apollo 13 is launched heading for the Moon.

2:55 PM Rome Time

After making 5 trips around the globe, a number which was purposely chosen for its propaganda value(the first American manned flight made 4 trips around the Earth) the Fortuna capsule splashes down in the Red Sea off the coast of Italian East Africa. Olympinaut Lucchini is picked up by a helicopter operating off the Aquila. He is reported to be healthy following his trip and in good spirits.

9:00 PM Local Time

From the summit villa in Sardinia, Consul Medici reports on the success of the Fortuna flight and the safe recovery of the “Heavenly Sailor.” This is to be the first of many missions in space and each shall be approached with the same practical, safe and efficient mindset that dominated the Fortuna launch. Medici pledges that their will be no Soviet style disasters and the utmost priority is the safety of the Empire’s bravest and most talented men. “Every launch will bring us success, increase our knowledge and serve to bring glory and honor to Rome, all Imperial peoples and all of mankind.”

April 12th 1970

Congratulations pour in from around the world over the NRE’s successful manned mission into space. Even Britain and France offer their own halfhearted congratulations.

April 13th 1970

President Nixon returns to Washington. He thanks Medici and the Italian people for their hospitality and is eager to work with Rome in the future. Medici has accepted an invitation to visit Washington in July.

An oxygen tank aboard Apollo 13 explodes seriously threatening the crew and craft.

April 14th 1970

Medici personally telephones President Nixon offering any technological and scientific help the NRE has to assist in the safe return of the Apollo 13 Astronauts

Medici also asks that the people of the Empire observe a moment of silence to pray for the safe return of “our American friends.”

April 15th 1970

Arriving in Rome Olympinaut Lucchini is subject to a hero’s welcome and a grand parade through the city. At its culmination, Medici promotes the Captain to the rank of Major in the Air Force as well as declaring him a hero of the Empire and Fascism. Emperor Umberto II dubs the man Count of Lourenco Marques(the capital of Mozambique.)

Lucchini will spend the next month in a whirlwind tour of the Empire promoting space exploration.

April 17th 1970

Apollo 13 splashes down and is recovered by the U.S. Navy. All Astronauts are alive and well.

April 20th 1970

The ISA sets a tentative date for a second manned launch for early November. Engineers of the ISA are said to be working on making improvements to the rocket design based on issues brought up in Lucchini’s debriefing.

April 29th 1970

The United States invades Cambodia for granting access to the Viet Cong.

[lordroel]

Chapter XXIX (May 4th 1970 to August 18th 1970)

May 4th 1970

Four students are killed by the National Guard at an antiwar demonstration at Kent State University in Ohio.

May 8th 1970

The Hard Hat Riots occur in New York. Hundreds of construction workers come out to counter protest an antiwar protest being held in front of City Hall. Local Fascists soon join in with the crowd of construction workers. The police form a small line between the protesters and construction workers but the line soon gives way, many say intentionally, and counter protesters assault the antiwar demonstrators while police look on. Blackshirts lead a raid against nearby city hall, storming the building and attempting to gain access to the roof to raise the American flag back to full mast, Mayor Lindsay had ordered the flag be hung at half mast in memorial to those killed at Kent State. This attack against City Hall finally prompts police intervention and they move to arrest the raiders.

The main force of the riot spreads to Pace University, breaking windows and doors and attacking students. Attempting to prevent a repeat of the Columbia riots, police finally move to disperse the rioters. The riots last just under two hours with less than 12 arrests being made.

May 9th 1970

Mayor Lindsay instructs NYPD’s internal affairs unit to investigate fascist sympathizes within the department following the massive failure from the day before.

May 17th 1970

France launches their first satellite into space.

May 20th 1970

Britain approaches the United States on assistance in jump starting their own space program.

May 23rd 1970

Italo Balbo speaks before the Grand Council on integrating Libya into the Empire proper. Before a vote can be taken, Medici unilaterally tells Balbo to form a commission to investigate the policy changes that would be needed to implement such a step.

May 25th 1970

Medici calls for the nations of the Lira Block to assemble their greatest soccer players and meet next summer in Rome to compete in the first annual Caesar’s Cup to promote camaraderie and unity between the nations.

June 3rd 1970

Photographers catch Olympinaut Lucchini exiting a popular Roman club with Gemma Medici, the Consul’s youngest and unmarried daughter.

June 7th 1970

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Clarence Williams, a black teenager is beaten and killed while on his way home from work. Williams who was working his way through college was regarded as a nice boy who never was in a fight or had any confrontations. The excessively violent and seemingly random murder shocks both the black and white communities of the city.

June 11th 1970

Three white teenagers are arrested for the murder of Clarence Williams. Under interrogation they admit to the killing saying they got the idea after seeing the Wild East film “Showdown at Nagele” hours before. Wanting to reenact a scene from the movie they targeted Williams as he was the first Black the trio encountered.

June 15th 1970

Activists call for the government to ban the importation and showing from the New Roman Empire. They claim that the films are overly violent and serve as overt fascist propaganda and have no place in American theaters.

Fans of the genre counter that while the films may have a political message in the NRE, they are not meant as propaganda. While they are violent, that is not the primary focus of the films saying that their popularity is due to their extremely realistic filming style and high production values. Whereas most Hollywood films are produced on sound stages nearly every Roman production is filmed on location with only the lowest budget movies being relegated to the lowly sound stage.

June 23rd 1970

The first marathon horse race takes place in the Italian Alps. Over the next four days horsemen will navigate the Italian wilderness through a series of checkpoints towards the finish line. The race becomes extremely popular as it is not only exciting but offers gamblers a wide array of betting options ranging from not only who finishes and in what order, but also first to arrive at checkpoints, as well as eliminations for the last to arrive as well as numerous other options.

July 10th 1970

General Gritti to Consul Medici: “We are ready and just await your approval.”

July 13th 1970

The House of Savoy issues a press release that Princess Margarita is pregnant with child. She is expected to give birth in March.

July 20th 1970

Consul Medici arrives in Washington D.C. for another summit with President Nixon. He is met at the airport by a largely hostile crowd booing and hissing the head of government. Italian and American news crews are on hand to chronicle the entire proceedings.

At the White House two groups have taken up camp outside, to one side are anti-fascist protesters and on the other American Fascists showing their support for the visiting leader. Against the wishes of both his own personal guard and the Secret Service Medici refuses to allow his motorcade to just drive through the White House gate and insists on walking through to show he does not fear the rabble.

Exiting the limo he greeted on end by curses and insults and from the other cheers and salutes. Pulling away from his bodyguards, Medici returns the salutes of his supporters and works his way down the line shaking hands and saluting the men. Stopping at one point he removes his own Fascist party pin from his lapel and pins it to the shirt of one of the American Blackshirts. Pausing right before he passes through the gate, Medici spins on his heels to face the anti-fascist crowd and snaps a salute to them prompting a renewed round of jeering from the already angered protesters.

July 23rd 1970

The second part of the summit begins with Nixon and Medici adjourning to Camp David for the rest of the visit.

July 26th 1970

The two leaders agree to work towards a joint space mission. They plan on having an Imperial rocket dock with its American counterpart in orbit around the Earth.

July 28th 1970

After promising to keep strong this new found friendship between the two nations, Medici returns home to Rome.

August 3rd 1970

Medici to Gritti: “Operation Achilles is a go.”

August 8th 1970

Imperial troops in the Balkans are put on alert and units are given orders to redeploy to Greece over the next week.

August 15th 1970

“Bloody Woodstock” a documentary about the failed music festival is released in theaters. Starting it shows the peaceful first day of music and interviews with concert goers presenting a “what could have been” scenario. It the descends into the chaos and violence of the second day as the fascist thugs launch their assault and the day long battle that ensues.

August 18th 1970

Shortly after midnight General Gritti uses his position as the leading OVRA officer in Greece to declare martial law under the reasoning that there is a credible threat of an imminent communist uprising. Imperial forces quickly take control over radio and television stations and cut all communications into or out of the country.

As soon as the communications networks begin to go down OVRA agents round up and detain high ranking Greek officers and bureaucrats to cripple any governmental response. Not even the Hellenic Council is immune to the arrests. Those who are not Medici appointments quickly find themselves under house arrest for being “communist sympathizers.”

Soon army units from the surrounding territories are rolling into the country to instill law and order to prevent a communist revolution.

At dawn papers are brought to the office of the Viceroy to present him with evidence detailing the attempted communist uprising and requesting that he make official the declaration of martial law and emergency appointments of a new Hellenic Council(from a list of pro-unity sympathizers.) Prince Amedeo’s signature is merely a formality. If he had refused to sign the documents the issue would have just been sent over his head to the Consul himself, but it was better to keep the operation localized.

By midday most of the cities within Greece are crawling with Italian troops maintaining order. The army is moving into the interior to disarm the remaining Greek military units whose loyalty is in question. Resistance is expected for the next weeks or months, it will all be part of a failed communist revolution. The old and hated Hellenic Council will be held responsible for it. Meanwhile, the new Hellenic Council was discussing how best to deal with the crisis and of course unification would be high on their list of solutions.

Those in the know, know that this would likely be the last day Greece would be considered independent even if it is just barely already.

[jasonsnow]

Where's the rest?! Don't leave is with a cliffhanger!

[lordroel]

Jul 1, 2018 16:08:18 GMT jasonsnow said:

Where's the rest?! Don't leave is with a cliffhanger!

I post the updates in due time, any question you can if he comes online ask longvin who is the author if this timeline.

[lordroel]

Chapter XXX (August 18th 1970 to December 5th 1970)

August 18th 1970

2:30 PM Local Time

“In light of this communist threat we must respond so that we may protect the people of Greece from the Marxist plague. In order to keep Greece a free state and not sullied and tainted by the poisons of communism the Hellenic Council has petitioned Rome that we be unified with the New Roman Empire as an autonomous state.” Excerpt from the Hellenic Council announcement to the Greek people.

5:00 PM Rome Time

The Grand Council officially accepts the petition by Greece to join with the NRE as a autonomous state within the Empire with all the rights and privileges that are associated with such a union.

August 19th 1970

Most nations of the world condemn the unification of Greece and the NRE has an overt coup orchestrated by Italian secret police. The United States while not condemning the unification offers a statement to the NRE requesting that the people of Greece be treated fairly and that the government should not participate in random retaliations against Greeks who may be opposed to the unification.

The small Greek army still loyal to the original Hellenic Council battle their former comrades and the invading Italians in central Greece. Over the past years the Greek army has dramatically dwindled in numbers as the Hellenic Council became more and more indebted to the NRE and was forced to cut funding to the military in order to help pay these debts.

August 21st 1970

Greece officially becomes a part of the New Roman Empire.

Fighting continues in the mountains of Greece as Imperial troops continue to put an end to the “communist” uprising.

September 1st 1970

The Palestinian Liberation Organization(PLO) attempts to and fails to assassinate King Hussein of Jordan.

September 5th 1970

The Greek government announces that any Greeks who are unhappy with the current state of affairs within Greece will be allowed to emigrate to the Lira Block country of their choosing.

This is backed up by Italy requesting that both Rhodesia and South Africa open their doors to as many Greek nationals as possible to increase the percentage of whites within those countries.

September 7th 1970

Olympinaut Lucchini conducts a dry test of the improvements made to the rocket capsule to see the improvements made based on his requests. Meeting with his approval a launch will be conducted in November. Lucchini will not go into space this time but will be in Galileo Command Center to offer assistance to the new Olympinaut.

September 8th 1970

Rhodesia agrees to the measures proposed by Rome and is willing to allow a large number of migrant Greeks.

South Africa however refuses believing that by allowing thousands of Greeks to permanently settle in the country would dilute the Afrikaners culture.

September 15th 1970

Jordan declares martial law as the Jordanian army begins moving against Palestinian encampments throughout the country.

September 20th 1970

Syrian forces move to support their allies the Palestinians fighting in Jordan.

September 23rd 1970

Both Jordanian and Palestinian leaders request intervention from Cairo and Rome to help put an end to the conflict.

September 26th 1970

With the mediation conducted by the Lira Block, most notably Egypt and the NRE, Jordan and the PLO agree to a ceasefire. As part of the agreement, both sides agree that they are equals but that the PLO must leave the cities and stay towards the borders.

September 28th 1970

President Nasser of Egypt suddenly dies of a heart attack. Anwar Sedat, the vice president is selected at the interim president.

October 1st 1970

While in Cairo for the funeral of Nasser, Medici advises King Hussein of Jordan to continue following the agreement reached with the PLO. Though he does hint that if necessary Jordan can take a slightly stronger position against the liberation organization.

October 5th 1970

At a political dinner, an on leave Antonio Medici gets into an argument with Lucchini. The cause of the argument is not known but is suspected that it is over Lucchini’s relationship with Gemma Medici. Over the course of the night the argument escalates and culminates with the young Medici throwing a punch at the Olympinaut resulting in a very public fistfight on the steps of the hall.

October 6th 1970

Though news of the fight is officially suppressed by the government it quickly spreads by word of mouth throughout Rome and Italy. According to the gossip-mongers the fight was caused by Medici believing that Lucchini was attempting to steal his place as “heir apparent” and that Medici was clearly winning the fight until other partygoers pulled him off the Olympinaut.

October 12th 1970

“No favoritism” is the message. Lt. Medici’s Commanding Officer was willing to sweep the incident under the rug on behalf of the Lt’s family name but no longer after receiving this personal letter from the Consul himself. The lieutenant had struck a superior officer and should be disciplined as such. Upon returning to his post Lt. Medici will be fined 2 weeks pay and lose all privileges to leave for the next 6 months as well as having his previously imminent promotion to Captain delayed until those six months are up. Antonio Medici would not like it and would most likely fight it, but not even the politically connected young officer could overrule his own father’s orders.

November 3rd 1970

All systems are go with the launch of the Empire’s second rocket. Though a shorter trip this time around making only 4 rotations, Olympinaut Agostino Iachino tests numerous new features and improvements made to the space capsule before splashing down safely off the coast of Italian East Africa.

November 5th 1970

Italo Balbo, the last living organizer of the March on Rome dies in his Tripoli home. For many Libyans this is viewed as the deathblow to possible unification with Italy proper. For others it is viewed as a divine sign of fate for November 5th is the anniversary of when Italy first officially declared suzerainty over Libya.

November 9th 1970

Charles De Gaulle dies suddenly of an aneurysm. He will be sorely missed by the people of France.

November 10th 1970

According to his wishes Italo Balbo is buried in a local Catholic cemetery in Tripoli. Tens of thousands of Libyans and Italians come out to pay their last respects to their former governor and the greatest voice in favor of integration between Italy and Libya.

November 14th 1970

Rebels in Mozambique seize control of a mine, destroying its water pumps which results in flooding of the lower levels. Soldiers are deployed to retake the mine and to put down the rebellion. This is the largest revolt against Italian rule in the colony to date in the colony.

November 20th 1970

Most of the rocketry team from the ISA is sent to the United States on a state visit to work with their counterparts at NASA to get both programs ready for the proposed docking mission.

December 1st 1970

Marshall Amedeo Guillet announces that he will officially retire from all his posts effective January 1 1971. Though retiring, the old soldier will not be idle. He is already planning to write at the very least 3 books on various military subjects to be used by the military academies of the Lira Block, he has also been approached by Argentina to serve as a military advisor.

December 5th 1970

The NRE calls for a conference to place in January on the state of Sub-Saharan Africa with Rhodesia and South Africa.

[jasonsnow]

Jul 1, 2018 18:42:05 GMT lordroel said:

Chapter XXX (August 18th 1970 to December 5th 1970)

August 18th 1970

2:30 PM Local Time

“In light of this communist threat we must respond so that we may protect the people of Greece from the Marxist plague. In order to keep Greece a free state and not sullied and tainted by the poisons of communism the Hellenic Council has petitioned Rome that we be unified with the New Roman Empire as an autonomous state.” Excerpt from the Hellenic Council announcement to the Greek people.

5:00 PM Rome Time

The Grand Council officially accepts the petition by Greece to join with the NRE as a autonomous state within the Empire with all the rights and privileges that are associated with such a union.

August 19th 1970

Most nations of the world condemn the unification of Greece and the NRE has an overt coup orchestrated by Italian secret police. The United States while not condemning the unification offers a statement to the NRE requesting that the people of Greece be treated fairly and that the government should not participate in random retaliations against Greeks who may be opposed to the unification.

The small Greek army still loyal to the original Hellenic Council battle their former comrades and the invading Italians in central Greece. Over the past years the Greek army has dramatically dwindled in numbers as the Hellenic Council became more and more indebted to the NRE and was forced to cut funding to the military in order to help pay these debts.

August 21st 1970

Greece officially becomes a part of the New Roman Empire.

Fighting continues in the mountains of Greece as Imperial troops continue to put an end to the “communist” uprising.

September 1st 1970

The Palestinian Liberation Organization(PLO) attempts to and fails to assassinate King Hussein of Jordan.

September 5th 1970

The Greek government announces that any Greeks who are unhappy with the current state of affairs within Greece will be allowed to emigrate to the Lira Block country of their choosing.

This is backed up by Italy requesting that both Rhodesia and South Africa open their doors to as many Greek nationals as possible to increase the percentage of whites within those countries.

September 7th 1970

Olympinaut Lucchini conducts a dry test of the improvements made to the rocket capsule to see the improvements made based on his requests. Meeting with his approval a launch will be conducted in November. Lucchini will not go into space this time but will be in Galileo Command Center to offer assistance to the new Olympinaut.

September 8th 1970

Rhodesia agrees to the measures proposed by Rome and is willing to allow a large number of migrant Greeks.

South Africa however refuses believing that by allowing thousands of Greeks to permanently settle in the country would dilute the Afrikaners culture.

September 15th 1970

Jordan declares martial law as the Jordanian army begins moving against Palestinian encampments throughout the country.

September 20th 1970

Syrian forces move to support their allies the Palestinians fighting in Jordan.

September 23rd 1970

Both Jordanian and Palestinian leaders request intervention from Cairo and Rome to help put an end to the conflict.

September 26th 1970

With the mediation conducted by the Lira Block, most notably Egypt and the NRE, Jordan and the PLO agree to a ceasefire. As part of the agreement, both sides agree that they are equals but that the PLO must leave the cities and stay towards the borders.

September 28th 1970

President Nasser of Egypt suddenly dies of a heart attack. Anwar Sedat, the vice president is selected at the interim president.

October 1st 1970

While in Cairo for the funeral of Nasser, Medici advises King Hussein of Jordan to continue following the agreement reached with the PLO. Though he does hint that if necessary Jordan can take a slightly stronger position against the liberation organization.

October 5th 1970

At a political dinner, an on leave Antonio Medici gets into an argument with Lucchini. The cause of the argument is not known but is suspected that it is over Lucchini’s relationship with Gemma Medici. Over the course of the night the argument escalates and culminates with the young Medici throwing a punch at the Olympinaut resulting in a very public fistfight on the steps of the hall.

October 6th 1970

Though news of the fight is officially suppressed by the government it quickly spreads by word of mouth throughout Rome and Italy. According to the gossip-mongers the fight was caused by Medici believing that Lucchini was attempting to steal his place as “heir apparent” and that Medici was clearly winning the fight until other partygoers pulled him off the Olympinaut.

October 12th 1970

“No favoritism” is the message. Lt. Medici’s Commanding Officer was willing to sweep the incident under the rug on behalf of the Lt’s family name but no longer after receiving this personal letter from the Consul himself. The lieutenant had struck a superior officer and should be disciplined as such. Upon returning to his post Lt. Medici will be fined 2 weeks pay and lose all privileges to leave for the next 6 months as well as having his previously imminent promotion to Captain delayed until those six months are up. Antonio Medici would not like it and would most likely fight it, but not even the politically connected young officer could overrule his own father’s orders.

November 3rd 1970

All systems are go with the launch of the Empire’s second rocket. Though a shorter trip this time around making only 4 rotations, Olympinaut Agostino Iachino tests numerous new features and improvements made to the space capsule before splashing down safely off the coast of Italian East Africa.

November 5th 1970

Italo Balbo, the last living organizer of the March on Rome dies in his Tripoli home. For many Libyans this is viewed as the deathblow to possible unification with Italy proper. For others it is viewed as a divine sign of fate for November 5th is the anniversary of when Italy first officially declared suzerainty over Libya.

November 9th 1970

Charles De Gaulle dies suddenly of an aneurysm. He will be sorely missed by the people of France.

November 10th 1970

According to his wishes Italo Balbo is buried in a local Catholic cemetery in Tripoli. Tens of thousands of Libyans and Italians come out to pay their last respects to their former governor and the greatest voice in favor of integration between Italy and Libya.

November 14th 1970

Rebels in Mozambique seize control of a mine, destroying its water pumps which results in flooding of the lower levels. Soldiers are deployed to retake the mine and to put down the rebellion. This is the largest revolt against Italian rule in the colony to date in the colony.

November 20th 1970

Most of the rocketry team from the ISA is sent to the United States on a state visit to work with their counterparts at NASA to get both programs ready for the proposed docking mission.

December 1st 1970

Marshall Amedeo Guillet announces that he will officially retire from all his posts effective January 1 1971. Though retiring, the old soldier will not be idle. He is already planning to write at the very least 3 books on various military subjects to be used by the military academies of the Lira Block, he has also been approached by Argentina to serve as a military advisor.

December 5th 1970

The NRE calls for a conference to place in January on the state of Sub-Saharan Africa with Rhodesia and South Africa.

Ahh... thanks. This is like morphine for me.