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From the Ashes
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 7: From the Ashes
December 27, 1924
Mosley, Fuller, Joyce, and David relax on the ship headed for Portugal. It left earlier today from Plymouth and is expected to be in Lisbon by the next sunrise. As they cruise along the Bay of Biscay, Mosley works with Joyce and Fuller on how to best work with Franco to get what they want while David relaxes. Soon, they arrive at Lisbon and dock into the port and are greeted by Dom Manuel and his Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar. A 21-gun salute is fired in their honor and they head to see a military band play God Save the Queen and the Hino da Carta. As the instrumental fills the air, the Portuguese soldiers begin to sing the lyrics to God Save the King. Mosley remarks to Joyce how they could never compare with the men of Britain. When both songs finish, Mosley, Joyce, David, Manuel, and Salazar head to inspect some basic maneuvers performed by the Royal Municipal Guard. After several other formalities are concluded, Mosley, Joyce, Salazar as well as several Portuguese officials and generals head to a private area where they can discuss important matters while Fuller heads to his residence to prepare the plan to assist the Falangists if they accept Mosley's proposal. David and Manuel head off to his enjoy themselves away from all the diplomacy. Once they arrive, Mosley begins to speak.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Prime Minister Salazar, I am here with Mr. Joyce to reaffirm the ancient Anglo-Portuguese alliance that fell into disarray following our defeat in the Great War. We are glad to see Portugal has chosen the right and honorable path of national strength and unity instead of the path of weakness and corruption that is inherent to communism.
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I am glad to see Enland has not forgotten about us. Can Britain promise potential expansion of Portuguese territory and influence?"
Oswald Mosley
"Certainly. Britain will treat her allies well. We are the only ones who can help you reach your potential, I hope you see that."
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I do. And we would be honored to bring this age-old alliance back to life."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent, would you be willing to assist us in a war against France should it come to pass?"
António de Oliveira Salazar
"As long as you have a plan and not a suicide mission."
Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Joyce and your secretary of state can iron out the details where the Devil is sure to be found, right Joyce?"
William Joyce
"Of course Your Excellency. We can start as soon as you are ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Together, we will right the wrongs done to us in the Great War. I want you to visit London in two months. We shall formalise a grand alliance spanning multiple nations."
They continue to talk for some time and they agree upon a final draft of the treaty. Mosley warns Salazar that Germany will not be pleased with this development and that he must stand against them as a strong leader. A few days later they announce the news in Lisbon to a great crowd and, with a bit of spin from the press, the masses rejoice, stating that today is the Day of Awakening or O Dia do Despertar. They stay in Portugal for a few more days to prepare to meet with Francisco Franco. Soon, Germany hears of the news of Britain and Portugal's new alliance and are furious, claiming how the British are threatening the fragile state Europe is in and immediately send an ultimatum to Britain and Portugal claiming that they are to renege on this agreement or face Germany's wrath. Neither do. Germany, however, is held back by their people who tire of war, saying they are already the undisputed masters of the world, why waste German lives for this? Thus, Germany can only embargo them and send angry telegrams. Mosley couldn't be happier, this successful display of defiance shows the whole world, especially the British people, that Germany is naught more than a paper tiger. With the alliance cemented they bid their farewells, David returns back to Britain while the rest head into Spain to meet Franco at Salamanca as it is close to the Portuguese border and firmly within the Falangists hands.
As they drive through the Spanish country side, they remark at how beautiful it all is. Upon entering the city they are herded by Spanish troops through several backstreets and alleyways that had been cleared for the arriving cars. After arriving at the destination, they enter a building full of Spanish soldiers. They enter a small room with no windows and only one door, Franco and several high-ranking officials as well as an interpreter sitting within it. Mosley, Fuller and Joyce sit down opposite to them. Franco is the first to speak, with the interpreter doing his job.
Francisco Franco
"Welcome gentlemen. I have the honor of being your host in our fine nation. Now, to our discussions."
Oswald Mosley
"We are here to assist you in this war. Mister Joyce and I are here to negotiate the diplomatic actions while Mr Fuller is here to handle the military matters which include providing tactical and strategic advice to your commanders and training to your troops. We wish to help Spain become whole once again underneath Falangism."
Francisco Franco
"And why is that? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I am curious."
Oswald Mosley
"There a several reasons. One, we wish to ally with you to combat the Commune, we are also ideologically similar and wish to help our brothers, and finally we wish to gain back our rightful land in Gibraltar.
Francisco Franco
"Gibraltar?"
William Joyce
"I know it sounds extreme but we are willing to provide military and diplomatic support as well as financial compensation for the land."
Francisco Franco
"To give up that land is a major decision, one I do not take lightly."
Oswald Mosley
"Hold a plebiscite and you will see the people of Gibraltar wish to rejoin Britain. Besides, the help we can provide will be invaluable."
Francisco Franco
"Very well, I shall hold a plebiscite in Gibraltar, if it is in your favor you shall gain control of the Rock, but in exchange I demand that your assistance from Fuller come immediately."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. I am glad to see you are reasonable. Fuller, when will you be able to prepare the assistance for the Spanish troops?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"It should take me approximately a month to get everything ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Now let us depart to prepare our assistance."
The three depart to their vehicles and drive back to Portugal and board a ship to Rome. The Italians are informed of this and prepare for their arrival. Once they reach Rome they disembark and receive a similar greeting as in Portugal, albeit more extravagant. Italy was still a strong nation. With the help of the Alps, the Italians managed to stave off all invaders from entering the homeland and even managed to maintain control over the Austrian territories of Trentino, Trieste, Sudtirol and Istria as well as taking control over the French provinces of Corsica, Nice, and Savoie to protect them from German occupation. However, in order to achieve a peace with the Central Powers, Italy had renounce all their African territories. Their territories iIn Somaliland would be ceded to Germany while Libya would be released as an independent kingdom within Ottoman's sphere of influence. Italy also had to pay some reparations but due to the strength of the Alpine defenses and the exhaustion of Austrian and German forces, Italy was able to get away with very low reparations, relatively speaking.This enabled them to build up their economy. In 1921, after 4 years of a meteoric rise within Italian politics, Benito Mussolini marched on Rome. King Victor Emanuel III, wishing to avoid a civil war, acquiesced to the Italian reactionaries, or Fascists as they regard themselves, and thus another European nation had fallen to a radical ideology. Once all formalities have been seen to, the 3 met with Mussolini and his cabinet. Mussolini is the first to speak, with the interpreter ensuring sufficient communication.
Benito Mussolini
"Welcome my British friends. What brings you to Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"We wish to revive the alliance we had during the Great War. We believe that together we can right the wrongs Germany have forced upon us. We can do it, but we need to work together. We need allies. We have already worked through negotiations with the Portuguese, as you know, and the Spanish Falangists. With Italy's assistance we can form a powerful alliance that, when the time comes, strike at France and cast off the shackles of Germany."
Benito Mussolini
"I see. It is good to know that the British are not a defeated and servile people. I think we can strike an agreement."
Italo Balbo
"Forgive me Il Duce, for I do not mean to question you, but what gain would there be for Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"You will get preferential economic treatment with us, Portugal, and Spain when the civil war ends and any other nations that joins us. Italy will also be granted all the territory promised to it in the London Conference that have not been acquired yet as well as greater African colonial holdings."
Benito Mussolini
"And the acquisition of some territories in East Asia?"
Oswald Mosley
"Britain is happy to negotiate with all involved with us to ensure everyone is satisified."
Benito Mussolini
"Very well. Italy will sign an official treaty with Britain and Portugal."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. I want you to travel to London in two months. With Italy, Portugal, and Britain all allied together, we shall form a grand alliance that will attract more nations to our righteous cause. And you must understand this will anger the Germans, you must not be cowed by those weaklings. Their people will cry for peace, all you must do is stand stalwart."
With negotiations with all nations being a resounding success Mosley returned to Britain cheered by the people for his public defiance of Germany and his successful diplomacy with Portugal and Italy, greatly increasing confidence in the government. With this, the list that Makgil proposed was finally passed and support for the Victorian Union increased by a healthy 6 points. Fuller prepares to send liaisons, advisers, and officers to the Falangists in Spain once control of Gibraltar is handed over to Britain. Mosley awaits for when Mussolini and Salazar are in London, there he will enact the creation of a new grand alliance, one to surpass the Triple Entente that failed in the Great War. It would be a stronger alliance, there would be no room for weakness. Britain would rise her defeated state to become the world power once more. This he knew.
António de Oliveira Salazar, Prime Minister and Chief Financial Minister of Portugal, He Holds Nigh Unlimited Power, 1924
View attachment 409321
Republican Soldiers, Held Captive by Falangist Forces, Marching Towards Nationalist Territory, 1923
View attachment 380598
Falangist Soldiers Celebrating Their Victory Over Republican Troops at Seville, 1924
View attachment 380600
A Republican Soldier Carrying a Communist International Flag, Many of the Republican Factions are Communist or Have Communist Influences, 1922
View attachment 380599
An Italian Machine Gun Division Holds the Trenches in Istria. These Strong Defenses Are What Prevented Italy From Being Conquered by the German and Austrian Offensives, 1918
View attachment 380601
An Arditi, the Elite Special Forces Specialised in Assaulting Trenches, Poses For a Picture With the Signature Resòlza Knife. They Were Crucial to the Defense of Italy in the Latter Years of the War, 1917
View attachment 380602
Austrian Troops Lay Dead in Sudtirol, These Men Were Apart of the Failed Venetian Offensive Which Had Planned to Reach the Adriatic. With This Defeat, Austira-Hungary Could No Longer Fight Italy, 1918
View attachment 380597
Mussolini and His Supporters Begin the Famous "March On Rome". By It's Conclusion, Mussolini Would Gain Total Control Over Italy, 1921
View attachment 380604
Chapter 7: From the Ashes
December 27, 1924
Mosley, Fuller, Joyce, and David relax on the ship headed for Portugal. It left earlier today from Plymouth and is expected to be in Lisbon by the next sunrise. As they cruise along the Bay of Biscay, Mosley works with Joyce and Fuller on how to best work with Franco to get what they want while David relaxes. Soon, they arrive at Lisbon and dock into the port and are greeted by Dom Manuel and his Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar. A 21-gun salute is fired in their honor and they head to see a military band play God Save the Queen and the Hino da Carta. As the instrumental fills the air, the Portuguese soldiers begin to sing the lyrics to God Save the King. Mosley remarks to Joyce how they could never compare with the men of Britain. When both songs finish, Mosley, Joyce, David, Manuel, and Salazar head to inspect some basic maneuvers performed by the Royal Municipal Guard. After several other formalities are concluded, Mosley, Joyce, Salazar as well as several Portuguese officials and generals head to a private area where they can discuss important matters while Fuller heads to his residence to prepare the plan to assist the Falangists if they accept Mosley's proposal. David and Manuel head off to his enjoy themselves away from all the diplomacy. Once they arrive, Mosley begins to speak.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Prime Minister Salazar, I am here with Mr. Joyce to reaffirm the ancient Anglo-Portuguese alliance that fell into disarray following our defeat in the Great War. We are glad to see Portugal has chosen the right and honorable path of national strength and unity instead of the path of weakness and corruption that is inherent to communism.
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I am glad to see Enland has not forgotten about us. Can Britain promise potential expansion of Portuguese territory and influence?"
Oswald Mosley
"Certainly. Britain will treat her allies well. We are the only ones who can help you reach your potential, I hope you see that."
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I do. And we would be honored to bring this age-old alliance back to life."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent, would you be willing to assist us in a war against France should it come to pass?"
António de Oliveira Salazar
"As long as you have a plan and not a suicide mission."
Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Joyce and your secretary of state can iron out the details where the Devil is sure to be found, right Joyce?"
William Joyce
"Of course Your Excellency. We can start as soon as you are ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Together, we will right the wrongs done to us in the Great War. I want you to visit London in two months. We shall formalise a grand alliance spanning multiple nations."
They continue to talk for some time and they agree upon a final draft of the treaty. Mosley warns Salazar that Germany will not be pleased with this development and that he must stand against them as a strong leader. A few days later they announce the news in Lisbon to a great crowd and, with a bit of spin from the press, the masses rejoice, stating that today is the Day of Awakening or O Dia do Despertar. They stay in Portugal for a few more days to prepare to meet with Francisco Franco. Soon, Germany hears of the news of Britain and Portugal's new alliance and are furious, claiming how the British are threatening the fragile state Europe is in and immediately send an ultimatum to Britain and Portugal claiming that they are to renege on this agreement or face Germany's wrath. Neither do. Germany, however, is held back by their people who tire of war, saying they are already the undisputed masters of the world, why waste German lives for this? Thus, Germany can only embargo them and send angry telegrams. Mosley couldn't be happier, this successful display of defiance shows the whole world, especially the British people, that Germany is naught more than a paper tiger. With the alliance cemented they bid their farewells, David returns back to Britain while the rest head into Spain to meet Franco at Salamanca as it is close to the Portuguese border and firmly within the Falangists hands.
As they drive through the Spanish country side, they remark at how beautiful it all is. Upon entering the city they are herded by Spanish troops through several backstreets and alleyways that had been cleared for the arriving cars. After arriving at the destination, they enter a building full of Spanish soldiers. They enter a small room with no windows and only one door, Franco and several high-ranking officials as well as an interpreter sitting within it. Mosley, Fuller and Joyce sit down opposite to them. Franco is the first to speak, with the interpreter doing his job.
Francisco Franco
"Welcome gentlemen. I have the honor of being your host in our fine nation. Now, to our discussions."
Oswald Mosley
"We are here to assist you in this war. Mister Joyce and I are here to negotiate the diplomatic actions while Mr Fuller is here to handle the military matters which include providing tactical and strategic advice to your commanders and training to your troops. We wish to help Spain become whole once again underneath Falangism."
Francisco Franco
"And why is that? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I am curious."
Oswald Mosley
"There a several reasons. One, we wish to ally with you to combat the Commune, we are also ideologically similar and wish to help our brothers, and finally we wish to gain back our rightful land in Gibraltar.
Francisco Franco
"Gibraltar?"
William Joyce
"I know it sounds extreme but we are willing to provide military and diplomatic support as well as financial compensation for the land."
Francisco Franco
"To give up that land is a major decision, one I do not take lightly."
Oswald Mosley
"Hold a plebiscite and you will see the people of Gibraltar wish to rejoin Britain. Besides, the help we can provide will be invaluable."
Francisco Franco
"Very well, I shall hold a plebiscite in Gibraltar, if it is in your favor you shall gain control of the Rock, but in exchange I demand that your assistance from Fuller come immediately."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. I am glad to see you are reasonable. Fuller, when will you be able to prepare the assistance for the Spanish troops?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"It should take me approximately a month to get everything ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Now let us depart to prepare our assistance."
The three depart to their vehicles and drive back to Portugal and board a ship to Rome. The Italians are informed of this and prepare for their arrival. Once they reach Rome they disembark and receive a similar greeting as in Portugal, albeit more extravagant. Italy was still a strong nation. With the help of the Alps, the Italians managed to stave off all invaders from entering the homeland and even managed to maintain control over the Austrian territories of Trentino, Trieste, Sudtirol and Istria as well as taking control over the French provinces of Corsica, Nice, and Savoie to protect them from German occupation. However, in order to achieve a peace with the Central Powers, Italy had renounce all their African territories. Their territories iIn Somaliland would be ceded to Germany while Libya would be released as an independent kingdom within Ottoman's sphere of influence. Italy also had to pay some reparations but due to the strength of the Alpine defenses and the exhaustion of Austrian and German forces, Italy was able to get away with very low reparations, relatively speaking.This enabled them to build up their economy. In 1921, after 4 years of a meteoric rise within Italian politics, Benito Mussolini marched on Rome. King Victor Emanuel III, wishing to avoid a civil war, acquiesced to the Italian reactionaries, or Fascists as they regard themselves, and thus another European nation had fallen to a radical ideology. Once all formalities have been seen to, the 3 met with Mussolini and his cabinet. Mussolini is the first to speak, with the interpreter ensuring sufficient communication.
Benito Mussolini
"Welcome my British friends. What brings you to Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"We wish to revive the alliance we had during the Great War. We believe that together we can right the wrongs Germany have forced upon us. We can do it, but we need to work together. We need allies. We have already worked through negotiations with the Portuguese, as you know, and the Spanish Falangists. With Italy's assistance we can form a powerful alliance that, when the time comes, strike at France and cast off the shackles of Germany."
Benito Mussolini
"I see. It is good to know that the British are not a defeated and servile people. I think we can strike an agreement."
Italo Balbo
"Forgive me Il Duce, for I do not mean to question you, but what gain would there be for Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"You will get preferential economic treatment with us, Portugal, and Spain when the civil war ends and any other nations that joins us. Italy will also be granted all the territory promised to it in the London Conference that have not been acquired yet as well as greater African colonial holdings."
Benito Mussolini
"And the acquisition of some territories in East Asia?"
Oswald Mosley
"Britain is happy to negotiate with all involved with us to ensure everyone is satisified."
Benito Mussolini
"Very well. Italy will sign an official treaty with Britain and Portugal."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. I want you to travel to London in two months. With Italy, Portugal, and Britain all allied together, we shall form a grand alliance that will attract more nations to our righteous cause. And you must understand this will anger the Germans, you must not be cowed by those weaklings. Their people will cry for peace, all you must do is stand stalwart."
With negotiations with all nations being a resounding success Mosley returned to Britain cheered by the people for his public defiance of Germany and his successful diplomacy with Portugal and Italy, greatly increasing confidence in the government. With this, the list that Makgil proposed was finally passed and support for the Victorian Union increased by a healthy 6 points. Fuller prepares to send liaisons, advisers, and officers to the Falangists in Spain once control of Gibraltar is handed over to Britain. Mosley awaits for when Mussolini and Salazar are in London, there he will enact the creation of a new grand alliance, one to surpass the Triple Entente that failed in the Great War. It would be a stronger alliance, there would be no room for weakness. Britain would rise her defeated state to become the world power once more. This he knew.
António de Oliveira Salazar, Prime Minister and Chief Financial Minister of Portugal, He Holds Nigh Unlimited Power, 1924
View attachment 409321
Republican Soldiers, Held Captive by Falangist Forces, Marching Towards Nationalist Territory, 1923
View attachment 380598
Falangist Soldiers Celebrating Their Victory Over Republican Troops at Seville, 1924
View attachment 380600
A Republican Soldier Carrying a Communist International Flag, Many of the Republican Factions are Communist or Have Communist Influences, 1922
View attachment 380599
An Italian Machine Gun Division Holds the Trenches in Istria. These Strong Defenses Are What Prevented Italy From Being Conquered by the German and Austrian Offensives, 1918
View attachment 380601
An Arditi, the Elite Special Forces Specialised in Assaulting Trenches, Poses For a Picture With the Signature Resòlza Knife. They Were Crucial to the Defense of Italy in the Latter Years of the War, 1917
View attachment 380602
Austrian Troops Lay Dead in Sudtirol, These Men Were Apart of the Failed Venetian Offensive Which Had Planned to Reach the Adriatic. With This Defeat, Austira-Hungary Could No Longer Fight Italy, 1918
View attachment 380597
Mussolini and His Supporters Begin the Famous "March On Rome". By It's Conclusion, Mussolini Would Gain Total Control Over Italy, 1921
View attachment 380604
- Lord_Vespasian
- Word Count: 2k