[b]----------Ansaldo Engineer Bureau, Genoa, Italy----------[/b]

The past years has seen both growth and decline for Ansaldo, the Turkish invasion helped expand the company thanks to an increasing need on new ships and aircraft, but the Batista regime that followed severely crippled all the growth gained in the war period, along with the Civil War damaging major facilities and buildings.

The Istituto per la Ricostruzione Industriale stepped in to support the company under government influence, planning on using Ansaldo to help design new cars, ships, planes and other automotives.

However, last month a new government held competition was started in the efforts of designed a new "Infantry Tank" for the Regio Esercito. Ansaldo was one of the companies tasked with designing the new tank, one never before attempted by Italy.

The room was well lit, thanks to an entire wall being cut out for a large window, looking down onto the streets below. Oak bookcases full of old books and side tables covered in misplaced papers and cigars.

"This design... it is daring. I doubt Fiat would even be able to build one a month, and this is a 'simplified' version?" voiced Ausilio Reo, one of the new project leads after the untimely death of Elogio Cervini, the main designer of The Carro Armato P90/80 'Legione.' "I simply do not see how we could just change from the P26 to the 'Legione' if it is accepted, not to mention it would still be outclassed by most war-like nations."

"It will have to do, Fiat has already built the prototype and it will be going up against only one other competitor. Oto Melara's 'Cinghiale.'' Muttered Gosto Rosselli, a cigar in his mouth as he looked out the window. "Pray to god it will end up a terrible machine, because the 'Legione' might just be our last chance before IRI gives up on us."

[b]----------Alto Comando sala riunioni stanza, Palazzo del Quirinale, Roma-----------[/b]

Prime Minster Everardo Culotta rubbed the large wooden table in front of him, his hands tracing the lines and crevices the wood seemed to make with its coloring. It had been a long day, and it showed. His eyes were unfocused and tired, and his movements were sluggish at best.

An entire day of talking and sitting, mostly about the growing conflict in Africa. His Majesty had asked that they all be summoned to this meeting in an attempt to prepare to enforce Italy's neutrality, without angering the Spanish should Italy be called to war. It was a risky task, attempting to make Italy prepared for a call to arms, while also trying to reassure the people that war would not come again so soon.

Stressful - is what most people would call it, and no one had more noticeable stress then the King himself. Everardo knew him, he was tired and in constant pain. Despite his constant pressure for him to abdicate in favor of his daughter, despite her being only fourteen, and attempt to get medical aid has been received with only scoffs and denials.

Now, the three military branches also know it as well. Francis was the first to move as the king requested help to get up, Tito moved to assist as well, lifting the large man out of his chair and handing him his cane. Everardo simply continued to watch, Florenstano managing to get his cane and stand on his own before leaving the room.

"He can not be serious, wishing that he travel to Madrid. He is stressed enough as is! The pressure of travel alone will weigh him down greatly. I will be going instead." Voiced Everardo, as soon as the king was out of hearing range. The three men turned from watching Florenstano and moved back to re-seat themselves at the table.

"I agree, Everardo is the voice of the people after all, I too vote for him to go to Madrid to speak of Italy's position. What difference does it make that he is not of the Royal Family?" Francis spoke as he leaned back in his chair, taking a much more relaxed posture now that the King had left.

Aristarco nodded his head in agreement, but Tito cut in before his opinion was heard.

"No! If anything, have Isabella go. We need someone with a spine of steel to talk for Italy, not our King or - pardon my speech- Everardo. You may have confidence, but Isabella has fire in her. She could make our Kingdom's position very clear and leave no room for bickering with the Spanish!"

"That is a terrible idea, Isabella would do nothing but sour relations with her attitude. Everardo is the best middle ground we have available who has the authority to speak for the people." Expressed Aristarco, "Now that we are in majority, I shall go speak with Florenstano about this. He won't be in much of a position to disagree.