Dated language and terms are used throughout this arc.
Reader's discretion is advised.
May 1963
London, Kingdom of England
House of Commons, Palace of Westminster
Rabbles of the members of parliament echo throughout the House of Commons, the chamber is full of all the members of the sole English political party: the Royalist Party. Though a single-party state factions broke out within the Royalist Party, with a former moderate stance. The Fascist Wing: former acolytes of Mosley's British Union of Fascists who took a more National Socialist stance than their predecessor, aligning with the ideas from the Reich's National Socialist party and adapting it to the Ango-Saxon ideal; the Old Guard: remnants of supporters in the conservative Tory branch of parliament and ardent supporters of the monarchy and King Edward VIII; and the Reformist Wing: remnant supporters in the Labour Party with the more orthodox members of Mosley's vision in support, contrary to that of their fasict comrades in the Fascist Wing. Despite their support for England, they are split among many key decisions of how to go about aiding the reconstruction of England to its former imperial glory after WW2 and their commitment to being an ally of the Greater Germanic Reich.
"Order! Order!"Sir Harry Hylton-Foster: Speaker of the House of Commons, cries out to end the rabbling between MPs but they continue with their debates. Hylton-Foster gestures to an MP to pick up the golden mace that allows the House to conduct lawfully. The MPs heckle for his actions before being ordered by the speaker to sit and the mace returned. "Now that we are composed, let us return to business honorable gentlemen and madams," Sir Hylton-Foster speaks. "Firstly, on the topic of military expenditure. The increase of the military budget for national defence. Which includes staff retention, armament production, and aid in the military field. This will raise the question of mobilisation and the acceptance of German aid." Sir Hylton-Foster gestures to an MP who raises a sheet of paper and stands up. "Honourable Member, you may speak."
"Right Honourable Speaker, as a nation we have faced many strifes which affected us as a nation. Strikes, economic stagnation, and reconstruction after the war have brought significant strife to the livelihood of the Anglo-Saxons. But as war looms over our lands once again, it is within the social contract that we made to our people that we do everything in our power to defend them," The MP of the Fascist Wing continues to the support of those in his faction. "We've all come to the agreement of supporting our ally's endeavor for war against the Americans after failing an assassination on their leader and the American's brazen rejection of peace. As such, we ought to expand our military expenditures, combined with support from the Reich to aid in intervening and driving out any potential invaders. The fate of our kingdom, the crown, and the people rests on our defence capabilities. The defence of English values that we trace back to our Anglo-Saxon forefathers, preventing the perversion of these values against the barbarian alliance of the UFN and the American force. As such, the increase of the military expenditure will come at a great benefit for times like these. Thank you and I forefit the rest of my time." The Fascist Wing MP sits down before another point of order is made by a member of the Reformist Wing.
"If I may make a point of order, Right Honourable Speaker," The Reformist Wing MP stands up to make a statement. "I, in part, agree with our fascist counterpart on the defence of the home island. And yet, the needs of the English people takes importance. Of course, as the Honourable MP had stated: it is within the social contract that we do all in our power to defend our people, what follows is that we provide services for the English people," The Reformist Wing MP's colleagues raises their voices in support. "Though I am out of line for saying this, tying our economy to the German economy has drained our economy and domestic production capabilities. Pensioners and veterans are living on the streets begging for pence and work as well as needing forms of healthcare Workers of industries: coal miners, steel workers, shipbuilders, and so on threaten a strike to demand better wages. Solely focusing on the military will alleviate some social strains but won't fix the problems that we have now. Furthermore, if German military aid and troops were to fall on English soil once more, then these problems would further exacerbate. This is not the vision of the late Oswald Mosely, but that of the National Socialists. Our current social security systems will be strained to their absolute limit if not break and buckle under the pressure and we are forced to rely on foreign material aid. Thank you." He continued to the cheering chants of those in the Reformist Wing before sitting back down. Finally, the Old Guard MP stands from his seat.
"The honorable MPs of the Fascist and the Reformist wings raise excellent points. By far these examples laid out limits England's potentiality and restrict our future as a kingdom and as a sovereign state. I support the Fascist position of maintaining our alliance in the Einheitspakt, resolving to allow German military intervention in our kingdom. However, we ought to maintain the independent sovereignty we held since the end of the war. Furthermore, many of our domestic concerns should remain English, and British to a larger extent, and should not be that of the concerns of Germany," The Old Guard raises their voices in support. "As per our military, we are already making headway by formulating a defensive military alliance with the republics of Scotland and Wales," He then gestures to the reformists. "And to the Reformist Wing. We too also share the concerns of the masses. We all know that our social security system for the disabled, pensioners, veterans, et cetera is practically a mess. So yes, I do agree with the assertion that we have to improve the quality of life of our people but who will still be here to utilise this support if England is going to be bombed once more? That is not what I support, to see England being used as a battlefield and kicked around by two powers while our people suffer the ravages of war. In short, I do believe that the defence of England is to take importance but a balance is to be made so that we may not be under the aid of foreign powers. One day, I and the rest of the Old Guard do believe that our kingdom will be restored and our prominence on the global stage will be upheld and be honoured. Thank you." The Old Guard MP sits back down with the approval of his faction with a few marginal supporters from the Fascist and Reformist wings.
"Order, order," Sir Hylton-Foster speaks. "Now to vote on the resolution of expanding the expenditure for the military and mobilizing the registrants. All of those in favour of the motion say 'Aye'," Over half of the hall: entirely of the fascist faction, more than three-quarters of the Old Guard, and a quarter of the reformists vote in favor of expanding the military in the war against the United States. "All of those against say 'No'," The hall's response was less than that of the Aye's. "The Ayes have it and the resolution passes." Sir Hylton-Foster has the vote recorded and the majority passes the resolution.
20 May 1963
Buckingham Palace, Kingdom of England
The day is high as King Edward VIII prepares a council with Prime Minister Domvile and his cabinet ministers related to the war effort. A main concern he carries holds in the minds of several English folks, survival. Concerned if they could survive this war when the war will come to their shores. King Edward VIII, wearing his morning dress, enters the meeting room where Domvile and related cabinet members await the king's arrival. The men remained standing until the king took his seat.
"You may sit," King Edward VIII gives the order, everyone taking their seats. "I recognise the short notice of this meeting and I thank you, gentlemen, for coming forthwith. Now report on the situation happening currently. Why are my citizens are concerned as German troops have begun to expand outside of Plymouth." King Edward VIII asks. "I was under the belief of gradual German withdrawal from the country until they reached Plymouth three years ago. So why are there more Wehrmacht and SS forces on English ground."
"If I may, your Highness," Domvile speaks first. "The rising conflict with the United States revealed England to be a possible battleground. The way things are, we could hold them off for a few months at most, sire. But due to our domestic situation, it may even not be that," Domvile continued. "Like you, I too wish for England to stand on its own, but I think it would be better to utilise help from Germany to establish our control from rebels and repel the Americans." Domvile continued.
"Then what is our total troop count we have? Do we have the numbers to mount a defense of the Kingdom, before German arrival?" King Edward faces the Chief of the Imperial General Staff: Walter Walker.
"At the moment your Highness, we have three active divisions with three more in reserve that we can call upon. The RAF currently holds over 6,700 serviceable aircraft in the name of air defense. The Royal English Navy has only 40 commissioned ships," Walter Walker responded. "But even with these numbers, there is little chance of holding off an American response. I agree with Prime Minister Domvile in accepting German aid to counter American attacks. More so being imperative in accepting other members of the Einheitspakt aid in England including the French State and the Reichskommissariat Niederlande to improve morale in the Army and even prevent intervention by anti-monarchist groups." Walker continued.
"That should be more than enough to establish a home defense of the Kingdom," King Edward VIII continued. "Perhaps troops from our Scottish and Welsh allies would bolster our military strength."
"However it isn't enough, sire," Domvile interjects. "When it comes to our strength it isn't enough. It would not be enough even if we included Scottish and Welsh armies to provide aid. I have taken it upon myself to speak with the Reich Plenipotentiary to Britain: Edmund Veesenmayer. From what he reported, the Reich is pledging fifty-thousand extra soldiers to our national defence. That would explain the expansion of German soldiers in Cornwall, sire."
"I do believe, Prime Minister, that the Germans already have a pre-conception of our military," Chief of Defence Staff: Gerald Templer interjects. "They consider our military weak and the English Army to be ineffective at home defence. Even mocking the Royal Navy's aide in capturing Iceland," Templar turn to the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff: Angus Grahm, and back at King Edward VIII. "From my belief, we should use our forces at the moment to hold off an American and UFN assault before calling for more aid from the Germans." Templer continued.
"Sir Templer, you have to consider the implications of these actions," Director of MI5: Maxwell Knight speaks up. "The fact that we'll be throwing English, and British lives at that, to prove the Germans wrong is nothing but a folly. I'm unsure if doing so would be the most logical idea in reclaiming our lost prestige. I do not doubt that if it becomes a failure it will result in defections to the leading rebel group: Her Majesty's Most Loyal Resistance, a thorn in the side of our government." Knight continues until the King clears his throat.
"Now, now gentlemen," King Edward VIII raises his hand to end their conversation. "External threats against England shall take priority. My niece's rebel group and others akin to them are second. Even so, they are of great importance to intercept and dispose of," King Edward VIII turns to Knight. "Director General Knight, the MI5 will further investigate any and all members connected to my niece's rebel organization, prosecute them, and ensure that American aid is intercepted before reaching the HMMLR," King Edward VIII turns to the rest of the appointed members of the Royal Commission for War and Defence. "The rest of you gentlemen attend to your duties to defend the kingdom. For the home front, I would need an advisory soon. For the people of the kingdom are my responsibility as much as it is yours," King Edward VIII stands up from his chair with everyone else. All of the others would stand up from their chairs as well. "This will conclude today's meeting."
"God Save the King." The men of the Royal Commission for War and Defence salute King Edward VIII before the king leaves the room. Making preparations to protect England from the threat of the US.
20 May 1963
Appalachian Mountain, Virginia
West of Washington D.C. in the secret training base, for the past week the Night Hunters have been working together with Sheele and Chelsea catching up quickly while using their Imperial Arms to their advantage of expertise. However, in the first few days, the Night Hunters have seen changes in the two. For now, much of the Night Hunters listen close to the radio as they listen to the evening broadcast, stopping at a station that does not interfere with static.
"~This is a CBS News with Walter Cronkite with the Evening News~" A broadcaster announces the intro to the main anchor for CBS Evening News: Walter Cronkite. "~Good evening this is Walter Cronkite with CBS News headquarters in New York, reporting to you live on the unfolding events of the war and abroad,~" Tatsumi, closest to the radio walks closer to raise the volume with a few of the night hunters listening. "~First UFN coalition units of the United States, Canada, Australia, and European exiled governments have arrived on the island of Iceland after its recapture from the German occupation. Casualties are still being numbered on both sides including civilians and POWs but it is estimated to be nearing hundreds of thousands.~"
"Accurate reporting I must say," Mine comments. "I wished news reporting was as fast and accurate in the Empire." Mine continued.
"~In the Kingdom of England, under the leadership of Prime Minister Barry Doville, the government called for allied aid from the Einheitspakt and the British Union believing that England would be next on the UFN's list. Unconfirmed reports show that German and French troops have begun moving to send military aid and supplies to their Einheitspakt ally, and the western Reichskommisarriats are making similar efforts to support England. The SS State of Burgundy and the eastern Reichskommissariats maintain a strict neutrality in the war, though it is without their reasonings. In the east, Reichskommissariat Russland's Reichskommisar: Siegfried Kasche raised concerns about unconfirmed reports from the Soviet Union about military exercises near the Russland and Soviet border. Similarly, paramilitary groups in Russland, notably the Russian Liberation Front a known 'neo-white army' unit also raised similar concerns about the Soviet Union," Cronkite continues to read the reports. "Rising tensions in Africa began to spur coverage as historians predict events in Africa may play similarly to the First World War. The Afrika-Schild consisting of Reichskommissariats of Zentralafrika, Südwestafrika, and Ostafrika raised matters about the Union of South Africa.~"
"Just how many wars are happening?" Lubbock questions. "This amount would even make Esdeath happy."
"~In North Africa, violence against Algerian Muslims continues as the OASA crackdowns on FLN and FFF activity. This is a continuing effort by the OASA after reported bombings happened in civilian sectors primarily inhabited by the Pied-Noir, in an action by the FLN to remove French colonial rule. However, the actions of the OASA and the French State continue to cause widespread terror in the colony to subdue FLN and FFF activities and support in the French colony.~" Walter Cronkite switches news reports from foreign to domestic.
"I remember being near a site where one of those bombs set off," Chelsea inadvertently comments to the shock of her compatriots. "Yup, those FLN folks are no joke in dedication to liberate Algeria, kind of like the Revolutionary Army. Thankfully I left just before the OASA caught me. Thankfully Gaia Foundation came in handy," Chelsea stretches. "If I didn't have it with me then I would've been screwed."
"Wait, wouldn't it be better for those to protest peacefully?" Wave comments.
"The Algerians tried but almost every time it ended in violence, massacres, or assassinations. Violent means are a better solution in their eyes to enact change," Chelsea retorted. "It's like what we did when the Revolutionary Army started against the Prime Minister."
"Real change happens non-violently. The revolution was successful but it brought devastation and separation," Wave continued. "Nevertheless, I still support the idea that change happens non-violently."
"~On the homefront, a CBS reporter interviewed notable Civil Rights activist, Reverand Martin Lutheran King Jr., for comments about the war. In an open letter, the notable southern Reverand penned, he called the war righteous but called for the people of the United States to not forget the movement for equality in the US. Alluding the fact that the United States, a progressive nation, is held in constraint by racist ideals that plague the American soul. Calling for drastic measures to be undertaken in the fight for civil rights and to not fall victim to the racialist mentality that the nazis took inspiration from.~" Walter Cronkite continued. "~Similarly, prominent Nation of Islam minister Malcolm X remarked in his sermon last Friday. Stating that: "the negro should stay out of the white man's war. For it is better to liberate the negro from injustice at home first and continue the struggle for equality abroad. For if the latter is done before the former then the negro lives that were sacrificed for the US and those who lived after their service, will see their contributions and sacrifices be forgotten and made in vain. The black soldiers who fought for the US in Europe and abroad in the First and Second World Wars, who paid the ultimate price, were forgotten. Those who lived were discarded and made victims of racist mob violence. Simply because they are not of the white race or took offense to see a black man in uniform". The sentiment is shared with others in the NOI and similarly in the civil rights circles. Especially by those disillusioned by the government's slow response in tackling groups affiliated with the German Nazi Party and those who share their ideology. Notably the American Nazi Party, the German American Bund, and the KKK. Simontainously, countering rhetoric by white Americans who describe the civil rights movement as distracting from the war effort. Furthering racial~" Walter Cronkite continued before Anderson switched off the radio.
"And that is enough of that," Anderson comments to the dismay of those listening. "Quit your complaining," Anderson exclaimed.
"Just what was he walking about civil rights?" Mine asked, wanting to hear more about the civil rights matter. "Turn it back on I want to know more!"
"I know not much of politics," Anderson comments. "If you want to learn more about that civil rights movement then pack your bags to Birmingham Alabama. Perhaps after that you should pack your bags and go to the Soviet Union," Anderson retorted. "Either way, get changed as plans for training today are canceled," Anderson continued. "Reeds decided to let you guys experience America one last time before going to Iceland for your mission. Understand?"
Author's Note:
Royal Commission for War and Defence:
King Edward VIII
Prime Minister: Barry Domvile
Defence Secretary: Angus Maude
Chief of Defence Staff: Gerald Templer
Chief of the Imperial General Staff: Walter Walker
First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff: Angus Grahm 7th Duke of Graham and Duke of Montrose
Chancellor of the Exchequer: Richard Austen Butler
Foreign Secretary: Ronald Nall-Cain 2nd Baron Brocket
Director of MI5: Maxwell Knight
OASA: Organisation Armée Secrète d'Algérie. Seceret Armed Organization of Algeria. A subsidiary of the OAS stationed in Algeria.