Alternate History King of Kings: Revamped SI

Chapter I

VictortheMonarch

Victor the Crusader
This is of course an adaption of KitFisto1997's King of Kings, which was on Alternate History. Recently I've been going through some of my old google docs, and one of them (years old by this point) is this. So here I am, now publishing this here on SB I am rewriting alot of it, as my writing styles thus changed from what it once was. To think that at one point I pre-planned my stories... oh well, it does suck though, as at one point KitFisto1997 stopped writing the story after getting banned from AltHist and I can't find anything on any continuation anywhere, part of the reason I myself started rewriting it and was intending to publish it before I shelved it, only to rediscover it.

It's lit a fire rereading and rewriting it is somewhat fun. In other news I am still on a roadblock on my Mushoku Tensei stories next chapter, though I think I'll manage to get a chapter out by next week, if not at least ahead of my intended deadline. Till then gentlemen!



Majmuʻe-ye Saʻd-âbâd
Tehran, Imperial State of Iran
28th of April 1951 A.D.




"Your majesty, the nationalisation will proceed as planned. I've little intent of changing course. Let the English squawk all day, but the fact is that the Oil belongs to us, to Iran."

Christ, how had I gotten myself into this? Two months ago I had been blundering around aimlessly, only to get hit by a truck. I was somewhat drunk, and felt quite little as it slammed into me. Imagine my surprise to wake up not in a hospital in America, but instead as the leader long dead in an Islamic nation?

How quaint it is that I, a Christian man, have now been thrust into the body of a Imāmiyya Shīʿa man? Already it seems that I've butterflied something, as last month the Rawalpindi Coup happened, leading to Pakistan going red, something that has led to a growing buzz in the west, and caused panic here in Tehran.

It was a headache I've found myself with little love for, one that has given me near ending pain that wrecks my skull. I had thought my actions over, hoping for something that could tell me how best to approach the situation, but little came to mind. I had given up on attempting to figure out what went wrong, instead focusing on the main issue at hand, Mosaddegh.

The issue with Mosaddegh is what later caused the issues in Iran that spiraled into the Islamic Fundamentalist taking power, something I have hopes that I will be able to change much of that, all the while preventing the scourge of communism from taking it's place however…

"Currently, if we follow the plans we may be able to speed up the modernization of Iran, as long as we maintain our guidance. One of the ways I intend to do so is under the Land Reform Act in the Majālis, with…"

That is if I don't die of a headache, nor of boredom.




"Now Mr. Grady, It is a pleasure to meet you, please, have a seat."

The Ambassador to Iran was a man named Henry Grady, he was a obese, average height man who was quite old, his fifties I would assume. An old democrat from what I can assume.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Your Majesty. Now you asked me to meet with you hear, at least from what I was told by the messenger you sent from your palace." he said, smiling somewhat awkwardly. I had told the messenger to request him to come with somewhat of haste, though it isn't quite so important.

"Well you see Mr. Grady, My government is in somewhat of a stand still. Some members wish cooperation with Anglo-American members of the Free world, such as myself, while others wish to be independent of such, such as my Prime Minister." I said, leaning on as I brought a cup of Coca-Cola to my mouth, a nice Import I've recently acquired in bulk.

"Recently members of the Majālis have started requesting the nationalisation of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, something I myself would wish to do." I said, offering a cup of Coca-Cola to Mr. Grady, something he took quite easily, though he was somewhat perturbed.

"Well then, your Majesty, that is something I myself can understand, as I do not support the current situation here in Iran between your government and that of the British. However I do not think it to be a wise one to take such a path. I mean no disrespect when I say this, however the U.S. government would not support you if it came to this." he said, taking a small sip of the refreshing drink.

"I know this, however members of the Majālis do not care. But I do, as I wish for our two nations to be great allies. For that I see only one way forward. If you can manage to get the backing of the U.S. government to aide in the mediation between both my government and the British government in resolving this issue without bloodshed, we can perhaps even discuss port access for the United States Military?" I said, as he smiled.

"Yes, perhaps I can discuss this with my superiors, though I make no promises."



Majmuʻe-ye Saʻd-âbâd
Tehran, Imperial State of Iran
28th of April 1951 A.D.




"We intend to WHAT?!"

Good lord is he loud.

Mosaddegh was most certainly struggling to keep his rage and suspicion down, as he looked over the planned negotiations that I had sent with the foreign minister to D.C. It wasn't perfect, but it somewhat gave me hope.

"I've sent Bagher Kazemi to Washington D.C. after my talks with the American Diplomat. He has been given a copy of the negotiations, and the intent is that he shall be able to bring this issue to a close." I said, my face betraying little of the worry I have here.

"But we need that oil. The Future of Iran requires it! If we do not even possess the resources of our own land we shall be held back by the western empires, or burned by the communist to our north!" he said as if I were mad, still skimming over the pile of papers I personally wrote in English and Persian.

"Yet we still need their protection as well. We can seize those fields, yet the Americans and British will abandon us to the Soviets, if they themselves don't coup us. This way we can manage the terms of which we take back the fields, without leaving our flank exposed to the Soviets. Or have you yet forgotten Pakistan?"

Pakistan was in turmoil, what men we have in Pakistan do nothing but send dark news of the land, as it seems to be heading towards civil war. Akbar Khan had much support in Rawalpindi, however General Mohammed Ayub seeks to overthrow the communist regime from his capital in Hyderabad.

"I've been told by the Ambassador Henry Grady that America finds the deal to be quite tempting, especially when I suggested they be given land for a port and base on Larak Island. This will also strengthen our defenses against the Soviets." I said, and before he could start I began again.

"And if the British refuse the deal then we still shall hold American backing and get to nationalize the fields quicker, and will be justified in closing off the Hormuz Strait to British ships." It took a moment for the wheels to start turning, but once they had they kept on turning.

"The Americans seem this as spat over the oil fields as just a case of Britannia needlessly investing in imperial adventures. The President of America is capable and at least somewhat intelligent, I am doubtful of him enjoying the idea of the whole middle east going red."

I smirked as Mosaddegh nodded.

"Fine, I shall give it my approval as well, but please Your Majesty, at least inform me of such decisions prior?" he said, rubbing his head as I nodded. "When shall these meetings take place?"

"A month from now, at the Kākh-e Golestān . President Truman has already agreed to come to the negotiations. Of course the British Foreign Minister, an Ernest Bevin has already been informed of the meeting, though has yet to send a response."

"Fine, tell our guests that I shall partake in the negotiations, will quite a large amount of reluctance. If it can keep Iran from falling into the hands of the Tudeh, I shall follow your lead."





Negotiations between America and Iran

A Reaffirmation of committed Cooperation between America and Iran, providing thus:
  • American military personnel to station in Iran, with an average 'rent' given to Iran
  • The Transfer of Larak Island to the U.S. for construction of a Overseas Military base
  • A 0% tariff on all American goods into Iran from 1951 to 1970, with a chance to be renewed every five years after.
  • Support in the Golestan Conference between the Imperial State and the United Kingdom
  • American support in the modernization of Iran's state to bolster against increased Soviet interference
 
Chapter II
Kākh-e Golestān
Tehran, Imperial State of Iran
26th of May 1951 A.D.


"President Truman, what a pleasure it is to see that you could come. I do thank you of course for arriving here on such short notice, but this matter is as I am sure you are aware, is of utmost urgency." I said, as Harry Truman smiled at me, shaking my hand.

To think that just a few months ago I was a southern nobody, yet here I am, the King of a middle eastern nation shaking hands with perhaps one of the more important presidents of America. To think, this man's hands are stained by a choice not of his own volition.

"I thank you, your majesty, for trusting I, and my nation for mediation on such a conflict. If even half of what your Foreign Affairs Minister has promised us, then I see this relationship between our two nations shall benefit greatly." he said, smiling somewhat, which I reciprocated easily.

"Of course, as long as you support and supply us in kind, this alliance shall last the test of time, perhaps standing as a beacon of freedom to all nations of this region against the bulwark of Stalinist oppression." I said with a nod.

"Well then, I do say we've kept our British friends waiting long enough, shall we?" the President said, motioning towards the door to the Talar e Brelian, where the conference was set to take place.

"Of course Mr. President, of course."




"Now Gentlemen, keeping a strong diplomatic and military tie between not only the British Government, but the American government is most important to my government, and key to keeping to the peace in this region. However, we are requiring that you hand over your facilities to us, by no later than 1965." my prime minister said as I took a seat, having sat down at my place on the right side of the table. To my left, on the end was President Truman, and infront of me was Ernest Bevin.

"With all due respect Prime Minister Mosaddegh, our company and your government were in agreement that this transfer of power would last all the way up to 1993!" Baron William Fraser, the head of the AIOC said, sending an annoyed glare towards Mosaddegh's way, something that the gaggle of diplomats and oil barons on the British side of the table would nod and agree with. "We are the ones following the terms laid out by the 1933 agreement, one that the Iranian government agreed to."

"Ah? You mean the same agreement that was made at the end of a rifle? That agreement is far from fair, both to our government and to our people! It was agreed that the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company would build schools, roads and many other assortment of infrastructure in exchange for such a long term. Yet none of that has happened, all I see before me is nothing but enriched oil barons who've lied to-"

Prime Minster Mosaddegh, please, you've made your point." I stopped him as I could see him start to wind up. It would do us no good if he blew his cap and started yelling, or worse, attacked them. This is an obsession of Mosaddegh to see completed in his lifetime after all.

Mosaddegh began to calm down, before both he and Baron Fraser turned to me. "I and my government are asking for a re-evaluation of the old agreement that took place with both your predecessors and my father, the former Shah's government. The 1933 Agreement was indeed unfair, and your predecessors had indeed lied to our government on such terms." I said, as I could see the Baron start to get mad at my words.

"Trust me when I say that I am not placing the blame on you, you were not the head of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company at the time, however, because none of the agreement as been made, we are attempting a diplomatic end to this unfair agreement." I said, as I could even see that Truman himself was nodding along.

"Well, Your Majesty, If you will please state what you desire to come of this?" President Truman said, as I nodded.

"We simply wish for our oil to be returned to our government by a pre-arranged date, with a clean fifty fifty split of the profits in such a time between then and now. As well we wish for appropriate safety standards and pay for our citizens whom work for the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company." I said, as the President nodded, as the Baron looked at me with an attempt at being neutral faced, yet still came across as churlish.

"Then what shall you give us in return? We cannot simply acquiesce to these demands without something in return! We have little reason to agree and not continue as we have always." He said, I could tell he was attempting to get me to blow a gasket, so I simply didn't give in.

"Well first we shall reaffirm our commitment of my government's stance against this Iron Curtain, We as well shall agree to allowing for the stationing of allied men in Iran, as well as perhaps some land for tests of the Nuclear variety." I said, as I could already tell what they would say next.

"However if you do not agree, then I must infact apologize, as we will simply nationalize the Oil Fields after this meeting, as well as expel your company, and the diplomats of your United Kingdom. You will also find that the Strait of Hormuz will be blocked to all British vessels. I am afraid that your government would sooner find friends in Moscow should that be the case, than here." I said, looking around the table.

The Diplomats from Britain stirred in their chairs at such mention of the Straits of Hormuz being closed to them. It would cut them off from Kuwait, who they also had access to their oil fiends, and that of Iraq. They could undoubtedly move things across land, but that risks bandits and loss of profit.

"Your Majesty, we shall consider your proposals, Your Majesty, if I can I would like to request a recess so that we may contact Westminster and tell them your terms." Ernest Bevin said, turning to President Truman, who nodded.

"Yes Gentlemen, I do think we should take a recess for a moment, to discuss this with our own governments." President Truman said, and thus it was so.




The recess from the discussion was one that was greatly needed, as it presented me with the perfect chance to give a certain list of names to the President.

"President Truman, if I may for a moment?" I asked, drawing the attention of the global superpower's President.

"Why of course, Your Majesty, though I am certain that it is unnecessary, I do believe that the British Government and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company will be kneeling to your demands. What with the situation in Pakistan…" he said, leading off into a tough topic.

"Indeed, I see no reason for them to refuse. However that is not why I am here, instead I wish to give you this." I said, pulling out an envelope and handing it to the President. It was a bright red envelope, one that I had a thousand of.

"Why of course, your Majesty, however, what is this?" He said, pocketing it.

"It is a list of names of soviet operatives we managed to retrieve from a Soviet defector. These names are those whom are with NATO countries currently spying for the Red Menace, as well as those that we suspect. I hope that you and your government will be able to do better than what mine could." I said, as he nodded.

"I see, I shall open it upon my return from this conference, I thank you very much. However though I must say, that was quite the scare you gave the Brits, perhaps such a threat would be lesser were it the old British Empire, however now they are yet weaker, though I must still warn you that should they refuse, I shall have no choice but to leave you hanging here. I cannot risk alienating a fellow NATO member over this. However I personal see no way that the British shall continue as such." he said, as I nodded.

"Of course, of course Mr. President, on another note, have you ever tried Saffron Chicken?"



"His Majesty, King George IV wishes for His Majesty Reza Shah and for Prime Minister Mosaddegh to know that the British Government, and that the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company shall agree to your demands, so long as the concessions last until 1965." the ambassador to Iran, Sir Francis Shepherd said, as I let out a sigh of relief I had no idea I was even saving.

With a nod I shook his hand, as well as that of others, as finally my first major hurdle was complete. I had managed to change the future, and of that of my own volition. I only wish I could have prevented the affairs ongoing in Pakistan, however spilt milk is indeed spilt milk.

"Now gentlemen, before you all go and begin packing your bags and heading home, i would at least like to show a bit of hospitality to you all, and give you a taste of Iranian cuisine. Tell me, have any of you ever tried Saffron Chicken…?"




"Is something troubling you, darling?"

Just keep a straight face, say nothing about her possible infertility. Good God is it tough, those parts of the Shah's feelings that have blended with my own.

I turn to face the source of that ever so sweet voice, putting down the pen and notepad that I'd been scribbling on for the past two days or so. Planning out my next steps, those than can either see my success in liberalising the Iranian Society, or see it doomed to repeat the Islamic society of my own time.

"I'm fine." I say to Soraya, my now wife. I had never quite been married before, though I am doubtful of my true feelings. They are mine, yet are not. How confusing it certainly was. I had never been married before, and it was most certainly awkward, being in the body of another man, having to live out his life with his wife.

Soraya manages to accept my lie, as I sighed. Perhaps it would not be so? Perhaps all the pain of what she could not be is much the same as Pakistan? Constantly in flux and changing? Perhaps it is not so, and she is fertile? Even then could I set her aside as the Shah had? How had he even managed to do so, with such strong feelings for her?

It didn't take long for me to make a choice, and stand up from my desk, taking a few moments to stretch my legs before approaching mywife. She seemed to be way out of her league, judging by her behaviour around the palace and occasionally derisive comments on the state of Tehran, not to mention Iran as a whole. But thankfully, I was here to help, I won't stand for such talk.

"Planning our glorious reign, are we?" she smiles, giving me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Perhaps, darling, perhaps."

We need to sort out the situation regarding an heir. Might as well start doing it now. An early night with my beloved certainly won't hurt my plans for Iran.

"Shall we head off to bed now, darling?"
 

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