Memento Mori
Prologue
Balcony of Italian Embassy, Vienna
13th of March 1938
Cesare Amé (Head of Intelligence): Well, there they are.
Enzo Galbiati (Ambassador to Austria): Did not spend any extra time marching to here.
Gian Galeazzo Ciano (Foreign Minister): Not that we expected them to, really, it was only matter of days since February.
Amé: True, official French and British reactions?
Ciano: Questions, requests, nothing very strongly worded, at least from the local embassies, we might hear something from the goverments in few weeks, they tend to take their time.
Galbiati: That's what my sources in German Embassy said as well.
Amé: Weak.
Galbiati: Indeed, looks like we might be able to push our own goals without interference as well.
Ciano: Carefully though, Germany's claims were stronger, and they had much more real local support than we can expect.
Galbiati: Media writes, what you let it write, but you are correct, we may have to manufacture some discontent.
Ciano: Oh and, for this incident, for sake of appearances, file protests similar to those of Brits and French, Amé will make sure Germans understand that we have no real opposition to this as long as they raise no real protests on anything happening in Balcans.
Amé: Indeed I will. Well done here in Austria Galbiati, I presume there won't be need for an embassy here, we'll be happy to see you back in Rome again soon.
Airport, Rome
25th of August 1938
Mussolini (Duce): So, any last minute doubts or questions?
Ciano: Nothing serious, just the old concern of whether it's wise to let the Hungarians know this much, in case they refuse.
Mussolini: Well, I doubt they'll be so rash as to advertise the fact that we approached them even if they refuse, it's worth the small risk.
Amé: Indeed, the plane is waiting, shall we?
...Later...
Mussolini: Everything going to the plan?
Galbiati (Assistant to Amé): Oh yes, the bomb is where it should be, and should create quite credible looking AA hit on the plane, timing was bit harder though, winds and such, can't quarantee it'll be over Ljubjana, but certainly over Yugoslavia.
Mussolini: Very good, I suppose you have the headlines ready as well?
Galbiati: Of course.
Mussolini: I'm think you'll do fine as Minister of Intelligence, Amé was a good man while we were building our industry, but now we need someone with better eye for internal and international appearances.
Galbiati: Then I hope this operation will convince you I'm the right man for the job..
Mussolini: I'm sure it'll work out, still, I worry about my grand children growing up without a father, and how my daughter will take this.
Galbiati: Sometimes it is best end political marriages with political sacrifice, and I doubt the kids got to see their father that much, with him beeing abroad all the time.
Mussolini: Indeed, and he was starting to oppose my decisions and have bit too much personal support too, never good to share too much power, I think I'll take the office of Foreign Minister back to myself as well, at least for now, but concentrate on the nations loss of loved leader for now, he'll make a fine martyr.
Galbiati: Of course.
Mussolini: Good, I'll go make sure the military is prepared for what is coming.
Various newspaper headlines
26th to 30th of August 1938
Italian plane crashed in Yugoslavia!
Shot down by Yugoslavians?
Foreign Minister was on board!
Memorial service scheduled
Italian Reservists called to service
Your letter will arrive within 2 days with instructions.
Italian investigators seek permission to explore remains
Yugoslavian officials refuse demands
Mussolini demands access
Warns of consequences
Italy declares war on Yugoslavia!
Operations to start at midnight
26th to 30th of August 1938
Italian plane crashed in Yugoslavia!
Shot down by Yugoslavians?
Foreign Minister was on board!
Memorial service scheduled
Italian Reservists called to service
Your letter will arrive within 2 days with instructions.
Italian investigators seek permission to explore remains
Yugoslavian officials refuse demands
Mussolini demands access
Warns of consequences
Italy declares war on Yugoslavia!
Operations to start at midnight
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