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The King Is Dead
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 17: The King Is Dead
January 14, 1926
It is 6 p.m. The King lies in his bed, his family surrounding him. His breathing is pained and labored. He motions weakly to Mary and Albert, he then motions them to kneel down. He struggles to breathe but the words manage to slip out.
King George V
"When I am dead, that boy and his master will ruin themselves, this family, and this nation in 12 months."
As the final word leaves his mouth, he lets out another breath and he lays still. Albert checks his pulse but there is none, for he is dead. Mary cries little, for her tears have already been exhausted. David moves closer and stares at his body, a mix of anger, sadness, regret, and fear cover his face. At once, several doctors rush in and hurry them out the room as they attempt to resuscitate him. Their efforts are for naught, however, and he never breathes again.
Mosley is sleeping in his room, until an aide enters in and wakes him up. He sits up and asks her what is going on. She tells him the King is dead. Mosley only responds with, "It's time then". He asks her to go bring a nurse with a wheelchair. He is glad he will no longer have to his weekly meeting with George anymore, they were extremely awkward and painful to get through. Soon a nurse enters but she has no chair. He asks where is the chair he requested and she tells him he cannot leave his bed at this time and he must stay. He fires back, telling her he fought in the Great War and he wouldn't be kept bedridden by a shin wound and that she better bring him a wheelchair this instant before he had her fired. She, visibly terrified of him, immediately complies and brings Mosley a wheelchair and a leg rest. He his helped into it and he wheels off to George's room. He enters in and sees his limp, lifeless body and now knows for certain it is true. He pulls David out of the room they proceed to speak quietly.
King David
"What is it Mosley?"
Oswald Mosley
"You know what this is about. I let you have your fun, but now your father's dead and you have to begin taking this business of yours seriously."
King David
"What are you talking about? I take my duties as serious as you do yours. I strive to be an enlightened monarch to lead our people into a new golden age."
Oswald Mosley
"Dammit David! You know what, or rather who, I am talking about. That, American, you met in New York a year ago. I know you've had several, 'extended trips', with her and I know exactly what you are doing. That woman, Spencer, is not suited to be the queen consort of Britain. She is a divorcee, a deviant, and worst of all, an American. The Church and, more importantly, the people will never accept her. There are many suitable wives you can have."
King David
"Mosley, I intend to marry. I truly love her."
Oswald Mosley
"Listen to me, you are to be King. You've come to a point where you must decide what is more important to you, your duty, your family name, your legacy, your people, and this nation or your own temporal happiness. I hate to tell you this but they are diametrically opposed."
King David
"How can you ask me to make that choice?!"
Oswald Mosley
"Because it is the choice every leader of any nation must make for better or for worse. And it is a choice I have made myself years ago. I met a woman I enjoyed the company of very much, enough to divorce Cynthia. But I realised that being divorced or even having an affair would drive some people away from my platform, and so I ended our relationship and have limited contact with her. If one wants to be a popular and effective public figure, you must discard with the notion you can have a truly private life. Every decision you make is tainted by the calculating mind of a ruler. In order to be able to achieve the power and influence needed to shape the world to what you desire, to influence millions or maybe even billions of people, you must give up part of your humanity, part of your freedom. Do you understand David?"
King David
"I do now Mosley. I will make this sacrifice for my future empire."
Oswald Mosley
"Good, prepare yourself for the press in the coming days."
Mosley sends orders throughout the whole hospital for the story to be contained until tomorrow morning. He then wheels away to his car and has his chauffeur drive him to Risdon's house to talk with him. Mosley is helped up the stairs by his assistants. He knocks on the door.
Wilfred Risdon
"Hello Your Excellency! Come in, come in! They can't keep you in a bed can they?"
Oswald Mosley
"No they cannot."
Ridson closes the door after Mosley wheels in and sits down next to him.
Wilfred Risdon
"Wait a minute, you're here this soon, has it happened?"
Oswald Mosley
"Indeed it has."
Wilfred Risdon
"What do we do now?"
Oswald Mosley
"You know exactly what we are going to do. Did you do as I instructed?"
Wilfred Risdon
"Yes I did. We have propaganda ready to launch and one of the lads at the Ministry even took his own time to figure it out who would be the best bride for David. He said King George II's sister, Princess Helen, would be perfect once the time comes."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Prepare to begin slowly leaking propaganda 30 minutes after the news breaks tomorrow, we mustn't appear eager in our efforts. As for the matter of Helen, leave that to me. Is there anything else that needs my attention?"
Wilfred Risdon
"Yes there is. Fuller said he wanted to speak to you about some things."
Oswald Mosley
"Tell him to meet me at the hospital, I had to be very cautious coming here so as to avoid drawing attention. If people were to see me out of the hospital so soon rumours will spread that something is amiss, which is the truth. The best way to profit from bad news is to control the story, we have to control this. Understand?"
Wilfred Risdon
"Of course Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"Is there anything else?"
Wilfred Risdon
"No Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"Wonderful, good night to you Risdon."
Wilfred Risdon
"And a good night to you, Your Excellency."
Mosley returns to the hospital and rests his leg. Not long after, Fuller enters the room with a large army duffel bag and sits down.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Fuller, Risdon told me there are some things you wanted to talk to me about?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes there are some things Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well, I am listening."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Well the first thing is about the introduction of a new class of armament into the our armed forces. The weapon I am speaking would be a mix between a rifle and a light machine gun, the rapid fire of a machine gun with the compactness and portability of a rifle."
Oswald Mosley
"Where is this wonder-weapon that you speak of?"
Fuller reaches into his duffel bag for a few seconds and pulls out a weapon.
J. F. C. Fuller
"This is my 'wonder-weapon', or more accurately known as the Beretta Model 1918."
Oswald Mosley
"How in bloody hell did you sneak that into here?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"I am a war hero, head of the army, and a member of your inner circle. It was incredibly simple."
Oswald Mosley
"What was the name of that weapon again?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"The Beretta Model 1918."
Oswald Mosley
"Beretta? How did you acquire an Italian weapon?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"It was a gift from an Italian officer by the name of Enrico Caviglia. We were both liaisons between the British and Italian forces, he would relay info to and from Rudolph Lambart, who would then relay it to Pietro Badoglio, who would then relay it Armando Diaz, meanwhile I would relay info to and from Henry Rawlinson, who would then relay it to Sir Haig. The work we did was crucial to the Italian war effort, especially on the German front. As you can see it has an overhead inserted magazine, this and several other design choices allows the spent round to replaced quickly and efficiently using gravity rather than the slow, manual process of either inserting a round or pulling the bolt handle. And after the spent round is ejected, a fresh one can enter into the chamber ready to be fired again. It is also fully automatic and one could unleash the full magazine capacity in less than 2 seconds."
Oswald Mosley
"Fuller I see the tremendous potential this weapon possesses, but a weapon like this is expensive and hard to manufacture in large quantities. And Garand is already working on a new rifle for our army."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I know that. This machine carbine would be meant for elite troops and other specialized forces. Garand's rifle will still be the one for the main army."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well, form an RTD group to work on developing our own version of this weapon. Hand me your preliminary expense reports for the first year and I'll have Kitson or someone from his department look it over so as to allocate funding. What else do you want to talk about?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes. Another thing I wanted to talk about was the formation of said specialized forces. The effectiveness of the German Sturmtruppen and the Italian Arditi during the Great War proved that special forces will be a necessary component of a modern army."
Oswald Mosley
"What are some special force groups that you are keen on forming?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"First we need our shock troops, specialized in breaking through enemy lines and applying pressure wherever needed. I also would begin creating an elite commando unit for less forward tactics, the skills of the spy and saboteur are more important than ever, a single bolt falls out of place in the massive war machine and thousands die, tons of food is lost, hundreds of tanks, planes, and guns never get made, enough parts break, and the entire machine crawls to a standstill and nation is left defenseless. The recruitment and training will take some time but that's why I'm eager to start soon. I also have a theory that if specialized troops were trained in the use of parachutes and quick deployment out of an airplane. they could be deployed en masse or in small groups. These 'aerotroopers' would allow the use of new strategies not possible before. Here are some papers some of my colleagues and I have written detailing how effective these special forces could be."
Mosley looks through several of the papers before setting them on his night table.
Oswald Mosley
"This is fantastic and I entirely concur. In fact, I agree so much that I'd strongly advise getting preparations started as early as this week."
J. F. C. Fuller
"So soon? Is there something I am not aware of Your Excellency?"
Oswald Mosley
"Yes there is. Yesterday, a man named Dimitrios Kaklamanos came to me, representing George II. We talked about Greece and its status as an integrated protectorate. And then he mentioned our current intervention in Spain at the moment and inquired if the same could not be done for Greece. We discussed it and as of now I plan that we will be headed to war with the Ottoman Empire within the next decade."
J. F. C. Fuller
"War with the Ottomans, what benefit would that bring us?"
Oswald Mosley
"Many. The first is gaining several important allies, the Greeks, the Arabs, the Kurds, and the Armenians. Secondly, ready access to the Persian oil fields which we desperately need. Third, we get to dismantle the Sick Man of Europe, a fitting revenge for the part they played in our defeat. And lastly, it will prove as a perfect chance to display to world our might with the weapons and tactics that will have been developed in the coming years."
J. F. C. Fuller
"A war like that is an enormous matter. Are you sure you're willing to start it?"
Oswald Mosley
"Yes. I want to gather all the people from all branches that you will need to plan for this war. I'll draft a summary of some background info Dimitrios informed me of as well as some constraints and have it forwarded to you. I want a full, in-depth strategy for the whole war, taking everything into account, including the Arabs, the Kurds, and the Armenians."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Very well. I will summon the branches and we will begin planning. I promise you we will have a comprehensive plan for dealing with Ottomans."
Oswald Mosley
"Thank you. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about with me?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes, there is one last thing. I was thinking about ways to handle our manpower problems, now that we no longer have all the Dominions to call on. I was unable to think of anything practical until Ross came to me with the disease casualty figures from the war that I requested and the numbers truly shocked me. I have always known that disease is the largest killer in any war, never man, but I never confronted the numbers as directly as I did that day. I asked what him what steps could I implement to reduce disease and he did so."
Oswald Mosley
"What are these steps he proposed?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"The first is an extremely simple one, consistent hand washing. I know, something so simple that if followed to completion could save thousands, if not millions, of lives. Every man that doesn't get sick is one who can do his job. The second is to improve our disease prevention and quarantine measures so as to slow or halt the spread of disease. The third is to increase the number and quality of nurses. doctors, and surgeons. The fourth one is to do research into what is a balanced and nutritious diet, the human body, if well maintained, can be the greatest deterrent to disease. This new diet would increase some foods that are insufficient and reduce foods that are consumed in excess, giving the most nutrition for the least amount of food possible. Cutting on this waste will help prevent widespread malnutrition and ease the amount of rationing that will need to be done at home during war. The fifth and final major suggestion is to begin mass motorisation of our Field Ambulances. All the suggestions will not be able to be enacted immediately or for some time but the simpler ones can instituted quickly and cheaply and will save thousands of lives. Here are some of the analyses that Ross made for implementation of these measures, including expenses and a schedule as well as human lives conserved with such efforts."
Mosley quickly scans through the papers, already confident in Fuller and Ross' judgement.
Oswald Mosley
"I give you free reign to begin immediate implementation of all these measures save for the final one, the motorisation of the Field Ambulances must not take precedent over supplying the combat vehicles."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. That is all I have to say Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"I have a question, what name do you intend to give our shock trooper corps? Whatever your name is, it must be good, we must strike fear into the hearts of our enemies the way the Italians and Germans did."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I assure the name I have settled upon will be most satisfactory. But unfortunately I can not tell you, it is a surprise for you. Trust me, it is better this way."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. There is one last thing I must discuss with you."
J. F. C Fuller
"What is it?"
Oswald Mosley
"What I am about to tell you must be handled with the utmost care and secrecy, this is not to be bandied about freely. You know Auchinleck is down in Angola and Mozambique?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes. He's still training troops down there."
Oswald Mosley
"I want you to speak to him about getting into contact with native resistance movements in South Africa and I want you to begin the work of shipping material and instructors down to him discretely."
J. F. C. Fuller
"What? Why on Earth would we do that?"
Oswald Mosley
"We need South Africa to rejoin the Empire if we wish to advance our plans with great speed. The best way I can see that happening is to support anti-White African dissidents so as to encourage them revolt. With the help we will have secretly provided, they will hopefully overwhelm the nation and South Africa will require saving and Auchinleck will swiftly move in to crush the rebellion. The people of South Africa will see us as the savior of their nation and will clamor to return to Britain."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Mosley you are making many extreme decisions-"
Oswald Mosley
"Because I am willing to do anything for our vision, anything! Are you willing to do anything for our vision?"
Fuller pauses for a moment and falls into deep thought. After a few minutes he looks to Mosley and speaks.
J. F. C. Fuller
"I wasn't sure before, but you're conviction to your beliefs has led me to arrive at a conclusion. Yes, I am willing to do anything to achieve our vision."
Oswald Mosley
"That's not what I asked Fuller. I asked you if are willing to do anything for our vision."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes."
Oswald Mosley
"Good. You will make all preparations ready?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"I will, with all due haste."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Good night to you Fuller."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Good night Your Excellency."
Fuller exits the room and Mosley is alone once again. Mosley tells an aide that he wishes to speak with David and soon after he arrives.
King David
"Hello Mosley, what is it you wished to speak to me about?"
Oswald Mosley
"I believe I found you a suitable bride."
King David
"Who?"
Oswald Mosley
"Princess Helen of Greece and Denmark. She is a perfect match for both public and political purposes. She is here as well. I'd suggest you begin to get accustomed to her in the days that she is her."
King David
"Very well, if you think she is a good bride I shall take her."
Oswald Mosley
"Good, she is a beautiful woman and will bear you many strong children."
A displeased look spreads across David's face.
Oswald Mosley
"Is something the matter David?"
King David
"Yes there is. When I was young, I suffered from a bout of mumps. I'm afraid to say it, but I am infertile. Trust me, I know."
Oswald Mosley
"What? Are you a 100% sure?"
King David
"I am certain. I plan to name Albert as my successor and if he passes, his first child, who has yet to have been born."
Oswald Mosley
"Have you told anyone this?"
King David
"Not that I know of, you are the first I've told."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. This requires a shift in our plans. You must become close with that child and mold them into our image, they will be the true successor to your reign."
King David
"I do not need to be told that. That child represents the future, my future."
Oswald Mosley
"What will your regnal name?"
King Edward VIII
"I have decided upon the name Edward. Edward VIII."
Oswald Mosley
"God save King Edward."
King Edward VIII
"Good night Mosley."
Edward departs and Mosley lays alone, he calls a nurse to bring him food and she does so. Mosley sees everything coming together. With King George V dead, one of the biggest domestic obstacles, aside from the nations continued respect for financial democracy, has been swept aside and is due to be replaced with someone allied to him. Steps have been taken that will lead South Africa to strife and to prepare Britain for a great conflict between the Sick Man of Europe and the rising power that is Britain. The King is dead, but the nation rises.
The Beretta Model 1918 Machine Carbine Was the First Machine Carbine Gun to be Used as a General-Issue Combat Weapon and is Still Employed by the Regio Esercito
View attachment 404552
Enrico Caviglia, Distinguished Italian Officer in the Great War. He Overran the Austro-Hungarians on the Bainsizza Plateau, Widely Considered to be the most brilliant Italian advance in the Eleventh Battle of the Isonzo. He lead the Eighth Army skillfully during the Venetian Offensive, Effectively Ending All Hopes of Austro-Hungarian Offensive Action For the Rest of the War. He Has Risen to the Rank of Field Marshall, 1918
View attachment 404549
A Squad of German Stoßtruppen Advance Against Enemy Positions in France, 1917
View attachment 404550
Princess Helen of Denmark and Greece, Sister to Alexander and George II. She Sided With George When the Split in the House of Glücksburg Occurred Over Whether or Not to Accept Ottoman Rule Over Greece
View attachment 404551
Chapter 17: The King Is Dead
January 14, 1926
It is 6 p.m. The King lies in his bed, his family surrounding him. His breathing is pained and labored. He motions weakly to Mary and Albert, he then motions them to kneel down. He struggles to breathe but the words manage to slip out.
King George V
"When I am dead, that boy and his master will ruin themselves, this family, and this nation in 12 months."
As the final word leaves his mouth, he lets out another breath and he lays still. Albert checks his pulse but there is none, for he is dead. Mary cries little, for her tears have already been exhausted. David moves closer and stares at his body, a mix of anger, sadness, regret, and fear cover his face. At once, several doctors rush in and hurry them out the room as they attempt to resuscitate him. Their efforts are for naught, however, and he never breathes again.
Mosley is sleeping in his room, until an aide enters in and wakes him up. He sits up and asks her what is going on. She tells him the King is dead. Mosley only responds with, "It's time then". He asks her to go bring a nurse with a wheelchair. He is glad he will no longer have to his weekly meeting with George anymore, they were extremely awkward and painful to get through. Soon a nurse enters but she has no chair. He asks where is the chair he requested and she tells him he cannot leave his bed at this time and he must stay. He fires back, telling her he fought in the Great War and he wouldn't be kept bedridden by a shin wound and that she better bring him a wheelchair this instant before he had her fired. She, visibly terrified of him, immediately complies and brings Mosley a wheelchair and a leg rest. He his helped into it and he wheels off to George's room. He enters in and sees his limp, lifeless body and now knows for certain it is true. He pulls David out of the room they proceed to speak quietly.
King David
"What is it Mosley?"
Oswald Mosley
"You know what this is about. I let you have your fun, but now your father's dead and you have to begin taking this business of yours seriously."
King David
"What are you talking about? I take my duties as serious as you do yours. I strive to be an enlightened monarch to lead our people into a new golden age."
Oswald Mosley
"Dammit David! You know what, or rather who, I am talking about. That, American, you met in New York a year ago. I know you've had several, 'extended trips', with her and I know exactly what you are doing. That woman, Spencer, is not suited to be the queen consort of Britain. She is a divorcee, a deviant, and worst of all, an American. The Church and, more importantly, the people will never accept her. There are many suitable wives you can have."
King David
"Mosley, I intend to marry. I truly love her."
Oswald Mosley
"Listen to me, you are to be King. You've come to a point where you must decide what is more important to you, your duty, your family name, your legacy, your people, and this nation or your own temporal happiness. I hate to tell you this but they are diametrically opposed."
King David
"How can you ask me to make that choice?!"
Oswald Mosley
"Because it is the choice every leader of any nation must make for better or for worse. And it is a choice I have made myself years ago. I met a woman I enjoyed the company of very much, enough to divorce Cynthia. But I realised that being divorced or even having an affair would drive some people away from my platform, and so I ended our relationship and have limited contact with her. If one wants to be a popular and effective public figure, you must discard with the notion you can have a truly private life. Every decision you make is tainted by the calculating mind of a ruler. In order to be able to achieve the power and influence needed to shape the world to what you desire, to influence millions or maybe even billions of people, you must give up part of your humanity, part of your freedom. Do you understand David?"
King David
"I do now Mosley. I will make this sacrifice for my future empire."
Oswald Mosley
"Good, prepare yourself for the press in the coming days."
Mosley sends orders throughout the whole hospital for the story to be contained until tomorrow morning. He then wheels away to his car and has his chauffeur drive him to Risdon's house to talk with him. Mosley is helped up the stairs by his assistants. He knocks on the door.
Wilfred Risdon
"Hello Your Excellency! Come in, come in! They can't keep you in a bed can they?"
Oswald Mosley
"No they cannot."
Ridson closes the door after Mosley wheels in and sits down next to him.
Wilfred Risdon
"Wait a minute, you're here this soon, has it happened?"
Oswald Mosley
"Indeed it has."
Wilfred Risdon
"What do we do now?"
Oswald Mosley
"You know exactly what we are going to do. Did you do as I instructed?"
Wilfred Risdon
"Yes I did. We have propaganda ready to launch and one of the lads at the Ministry even took his own time to figure it out who would be the best bride for David. He said King George II's sister, Princess Helen, would be perfect once the time comes."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Prepare to begin slowly leaking propaganda 30 minutes after the news breaks tomorrow, we mustn't appear eager in our efforts. As for the matter of Helen, leave that to me. Is there anything else that needs my attention?"
Wilfred Risdon
"Yes there is. Fuller said he wanted to speak to you about some things."
Oswald Mosley
"Tell him to meet me at the hospital, I had to be very cautious coming here so as to avoid drawing attention. If people were to see me out of the hospital so soon rumours will spread that something is amiss, which is the truth. The best way to profit from bad news is to control the story, we have to control this. Understand?"
Wilfred Risdon
"Of course Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"Is there anything else?"
Wilfred Risdon
"No Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"Wonderful, good night to you Risdon."
Wilfred Risdon
"And a good night to you, Your Excellency."
Mosley returns to the hospital and rests his leg. Not long after, Fuller enters the room with a large army duffel bag and sits down.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Fuller, Risdon told me there are some things you wanted to talk to me about?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes there are some things Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well, I am listening."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Well the first thing is about the introduction of a new class of armament into the our armed forces. The weapon I am speaking would be a mix between a rifle and a light machine gun, the rapid fire of a machine gun with the compactness and portability of a rifle."
Oswald Mosley
"Where is this wonder-weapon that you speak of?"
Fuller reaches into his duffel bag for a few seconds and pulls out a weapon.
J. F. C. Fuller
"This is my 'wonder-weapon', or more accurately known as the Beretta Model 1918."
Oswald Mosley
"How in bloody hell did you sneak that into here?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"I am a war hero, head of the army, and a member of your inner circle. It was incredibly simple."
Oswald Mosley
"What was the name of that weapon again?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"The Beretta Model 1918."
Oswald Mosley
"Beretta? How did you acquire an Italian weapon?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"It was a gift from an Italian officer by the name of Enrico Caviglia. We were both liaisons between the British and Italian forces, he would relay info to and from Rudolph Lambart, who would then relay it to Pietro Badoglio, who would then relay it Armando Diaz, meanwhile I would relay info to and from Henry Rawlinson, who would then relay it to Sir Haig. The work we did was crucial to the Italian war effort, especially on the German front. As you can see it has an overhead inserted magazine, this and several other design choices allows the spent round to replaced quickly and efficiently using gravity rather than the slow, manual process of either inserting a round or pulling the bolt handle. And after the spent round is ejected, a fresh one can enter into the chamber ready to be fired again. It is also fully automatic and one could unleash the full magazine capacity in less than 2 seconds."
Oswald Mosley
"Fuller I see the tremendous potential this weapon possesses, but a weapon like this is expensive and hard to manufacture in large quantities. And Garand is already working on a new rifle for our army."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I know that. This machine carbine would be meant for elite troops and other specialized forces. Garand's rifle will still be the one for the main army."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well, form an RTD group to work on developing our own version of this weapon. Hand me your preliminary expense reports for the first year and I'll have Kitson or someone from his department look it over so as to allocate funding. What else do you want to talk about?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes. Another thing I wanted to talk about was the formation of said specialized forces. The effectiveness of the German Sturmtruppen and the Italian Arditi during the Great War proved that special forces will be a necessary component of a modern army."
Oswald Mosley
"What are some special force groups that you are keen on forming?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"First we need our shock troops, specialized in breaking through enemy lines and applying pressure wherever needed. I also would begin creating an elite commando unit for less forward tactics, the skills of the spy and saboteur are more important than ever, a single bolt falls out of place in the massive war machine and thousands die, tons of food is lost, hundreds of tanks, planes, and guns never get made, enough parts break, and the entire machine crawls to a standstill and nation is left defenseless. The recruitment and training will take some time but that's why I'm eager to start soon. I also have a theory that if specialized troops were trained in the use of parachutes and quick deployment out of an airplane. they could be deployed en masse or in small groups. These 'aerotroopers' would allow the use of new strategies not possible before. Here are some papers some of my colleagues and I have written detailing how effective these special forces could be."
Mosley looks through several of the papers before setting them on his night table.
Oswald Mosley
"This is fantastic and I entirely concur. In fact, I agree so much that I'd strongly advise getting preparations started as early as this week."
J. F. C. Fuller
"So soon? Is there something I am not aware of Your Excellency?"
Oswald Mosley
"Yes there is. Yesterday, a man named Dimitrios Kaklamanos came to me, representing George II. We talked about Greece and its status as an integrated protectorate. And then he mentioned our current intervention in Spain at the moment and inquired if the same could not be done for Greece. We discussed it and as of now I plan that we will be headed to war with the Ottoman Empire within the next decade."
J. F. C. Fuller
"War with the Ottomans, what benefit would that bring us?"
Oswald Mosley
"Many. The first is gaining several important allies, the Greeks, the Arabs, the Kurds, and the Armenians. Secondly, ready access to the Persian oil fields which we desperately need. Third, we get to dismantle the Sick Man of Europe, a fitting revenge for the part they played in our defeat. And lastly, it will prove as a perfect chance to display to world our might with the weapons and tactics that will have been developed in the coming years."
J. F. C. Fuller
"A war like that is an enormous matter. Are you sure you're willing to start it?"
Oswald Mosley
"Yes. I want to gather all the people from all branches that you will need to plan for this war. I'll draft a summary of some background info Dimitrios informed me of as well as some constraints and have it forwarded to you. I want a full, in-depth strategy for the whole war, taking everything into account, including the Arabs, the Kurds, and the Armenians."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Very well. I will summon the branches and we will begin planning. I promise you we will have a comprehensive plan for dealing with Ottomans."
Oswald Mosley
"Thank you. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about with me?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes, there is one last thing. I was thinking about ways to handle our manpower problems, now that we no longer have all the Dominions to call on. I was unable to think of anything practical until Ross came to me with the disease casualty figures from the war that I requested and the numbers truly shocked me. I have always known that disease is the largest killer in any war, never man, but I never confronted the numbers as directly as I did that day. I asked what him what steps could I implement to reduce disease and he did so."
Oswald Mosley
"What are these steps he proposed?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"The first is an extremely simple one, consistent hand washing. I know, something so simple that if followed to completion could save thousands, if not millions, of lives. Every man that doesn't get sick is one who can do his job. The second is to improve our disease prevention and quarantine measures so as to slow or halt the spread of disease. The third is to increase the number and quality of nurses. doctors, and surgeons. The fourth one is to do research into what is a balanced and nutritious diet, the human body, if well maintained, can be the greatest deterrent to disease. This new diet would increase some foods that are insufficient and reduce foods that are consumed in excess, giving the most nutrition for the least amount of food possible. Cutting on this waste will help prevent widespread malnutrition and ease the amount of rationing that will need to be done at home during war. The fifth and final major suggestion is to begin mass motorisation of our Field Ambulances. All the suggestions will not be able to be enacted immediately or for some time but the simpler ones can instituted quickly and cheaply and will save thousands of lives. Here are some of the analyses that Ross made for implementation of these measures, including expenses and a schedule as well as human lives conserved with such efforts."
Mosley quickly scans through the papers, already confident in Fuller and Ross' judgement.
Oswald Mosley
"I give you free reign to begin immediate implementation of all these measures save for the final one, the motorisation of the Field Ambulances must not take precedent over supplying the combat vehicles."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. That is all I have to say Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
"I have a question, what name do you intend to give our shock trooper corps? Whatever your name is, it must be good, we must strike fear into the hearts of our enemies the way the Italians and Germans did."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I assure the name I have settled upon will be most satisfactory. But unfortunately I can not tell you, it is a surprise for you. Trust me, it is better this way."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. There is one last thing I must discuss with you."
J. F. C Fuller
"What is it?"
Oswald Mosley
"What I am about to tell you must be handled with the utmost care and secrecy, this is not to be bandied about freely. You know Auchinleck is down in Angola and Mozambique?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes. He's still training troops down there."
Oswald Mosley
"I want you to speak to him about getting into contact with native resistance movements in South Africa and I want you to begin the work of shipping material and instructors down to him discretely."
J. F. C. Fuller
"What? Why on Earth would we do that?"
Oswald Mosley
"We need South Africa to rejoin the Empire if we wish to advance our plans with great speed. The best way I can see that happening is to support anti-White African dissidents so as to encourage them revolt. With the help we will have secretly provided, they will hopefully overwhelm the nation and South Africa will require saving and Auchinleck will swiftly move in to crush the rebellion. The people of South Africa will see us as the savior of their nation and will clamor to return to Britain."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Mosley you are making many extreme decisions-"
Oswald Mosley
"Because I am willing to do anything for our vision, anything! Are you willing to do anything for our vision?"
Fuller pauses for a moment and falls into deep thought. After a few minutes he looks to Mosley and speaks.
J. F. C. Fuller
"I wasn't sure before, but you're conviction to your beliefs has led me to arrive at a conclusion. Yes, I am willing to do anything to achieve our vision."
Oswald Mosley
"That's not what I asked Fuller. I asked you if are willing to do anything for our vision."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes."
Oswald Mosley
"Good. You will make all preparations ready?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"I will, with all due haste."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Good night to you Fuller."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Good night Your Excellency."
Fuller exits the room and Mosley is alone once again. Mosley tells an aide that he wishes to speak with David and soon after he arrives.
King David
"Hello Mosley, what is it you wished to speak to me about?"
Oswald Mosley
"I believe I found you a suitable bride."
King David
"Who?"
Oswald Mosley
"Princess Helen of Greece and Denmark. She is a perfect match for both public and political purposes. She is here as well. I'd suggest you begin to get accustomed to her in the days that she is her."
King David
"Very well, if you think she is a good bride I shall take her."
Oswald Mosley
"Good, she is a beautiful woman and will bear you many strong children."
A displeased look spreads across David's face.
Oswald Mosley
"Is something the matter David?"
King David
"Yes there is. When I was young, I suffered from a bout of mumps. I'm afraid to say it, but I am infertile. Trust me, I know."
Oswald Mosley
"What? Are you a 100% sure?"
King David
"I am certain. I plan to name Albert as my successor and if he passes, his first child, who has yet to have been born."
Oswald Mosley
"Have you told anyone this?"
King David
"Not that I know of, you are the first I've told."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. This requires a shift in our plans. You must become close with that child and mold them into our image, they will be the true successor to your reign."
King David
"I do not need to be told that. That child represents the future, my future."
Oswald Mosley
"What will your regnal name?"
King Edward VIII
"I have decided upon the name Edward. Edward VIII."
Oswald Mosley
"God save King Edward."
King Edward VIII
"Good night Mosley."
Edward departs and Mosley lays alone, he calls a nurse to bring him food and she does so. Mosley sees everything coming together. With King George V dead, one of the biggest domestic obstacles, aside from the nations continued respect for financial democracy, has been swept aside and is due to be replaced with someone allied to him. Steps have been taken that will lead South Africa to strife and to prepare Britain for a great conflict between the Sick Man of Europe and the rising power that is Britain. The King is dead, but the nation rises.
The Beretta Model 1918 Machine Carbine Was the First Machine Carbine Gun to be Used as a General-Issue Combat Weapon and is Still Employed by the Regio Esercito
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Enrico Caviglia, Distinguished Italian Officer in the Great War. He Overran the Austro-Hungarians on the Bainsizza Plateau, Widely Considered to be the most brilliant Italian advance in the Eleventh Battle of the Isonzo. He lead the Eighth Army skillfully during the Venetian Offensive, Effectively Ending All Hopes of Austro-Hungarian Offensive Action For the Rest of the War. He Has Risen to the Rank of Field Marshall, 1918
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A Squad of German Stoßtruppen Advance Against Enemy Positions in France, 1917
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Princess Helen of Denmark and Greece, Sister to Alexander and George II. She Sided With George When the Split in the House of Glücksburg Occurred Over Whether or Not to Accept Ottoman Rule Over Greece
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- Lord_Vespasian
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