Antihero Force (IC, RP Officially Concluded on Cliffhanger)

[Quebec and France]

Using the opportunity, Hendriks dashed and went to use the blade to slice behind the knee of the super soldier.

"Yo, Now would be a really good time to attack too."

He was of course talking to the Dixies.

The magical glowing knife was somehow able to damage the super soldier. The powerful blade sliced the a thick side of his leg... causing considerable damage, it drew blood as well... a spurt of dark blood shot out of the wound.

Howling with rage, the Nightfall Soldier hurled a punch. Hendriks managed to evade it.

However, he soon after landed another hit sent Hendriks flying back; as Hendriks flew back, he dropped the magical knife and it landed a few meters away.

The Nightfall Soldier walked briskly towards Hendriks, however, he was interrupted by a strange force.

His entire body began to glow with a slight yellow light as he was frozen.

Aurora cried out: “Nightfall?! What are you doing?! Kill them!”

However, Nightfall was somehow temporarily frozen, encased in yellow light.

From a corner of the room, Johan Magnus, the German mage commando was back. Even though he was wounded and weakened, he could contribute.

While Hendriks had leap over to attack, he had gotten up and began to channel a telekinetic bind. It was a huge risk but Hendriks was correct in that the jammers were offline. To Johan’a shock, his nose began to bleed as he struggled to maintain his concentration.

“He’s strong,” Magnus said, his face contorting, his teeth bared, and both his hands outstretched. “I don’t know how long I can hold him.”

Taking his grapple, he fired his hook at the foe as it pierced through his left shoulder, before the retention hooks oppened and latched.

Taking the knife, Hendriks pulled the assembly strongly with enough force to rip the soldier's arm off, while throwing the knife at him with his other hand.

[Infected Mushroom]

The magical glowing knife was somehow able to damage the super soldier. The powerful blade sliced the a thick side of his leg... causing considerable damage, it drew blood as well... a spurt of dark blood shot out of the wound.

Howling with rage, the Nightfall Soldier hurled a punch. Hendriks managed to evade it.

However, he soon after landed another hit sent Hendriks flying back; as Hendriks flew back, he dropped the magical knife and it landed a few meters away.

The Nightfall Soldier walked briskly towards Hendriks, however, he was interrupted by a strange force.

His entire body began to glow with a slight yellow light as he was frozen.

Aurora cried out: “Nightfall?! What are you doing?! Kill them!”

However, Nightfall was somehow temporarily frozen, encased in yellow light.

From a corner of the room, Johan Magnus, the German mage commando was back. Even though he was wounded and weakened, he could contribute.

While Hendriks had leap over to attack, he had gotten up and began to channel a telekinetic bind. It was a huge risk but Hendriks was correct in that the jammers were offline. To Johan’a shock, his nose began to bleed as he struggled to maintain his concentration.

“He’s strong,” Magnus said, his face contorting, his teeth bared, and both his hands outstretched. “I don’t know how long I can hold him.”

Taking his grapple, he fired his hook at the foe as it pierced through his left shoulder, before the retention hooks oppened and latched.

Taking the knife, Hendriks pulled the assembly strongly with enough force to rip the soldier's arm off, while throwing the knife at him with his other hand.

The sharp end of the knife landed very firmly unto the soldier’s right shoulder, implanting itself with a sickening THUD.

However, the most dramatic thing happened soon after.

SPLAAAAAAAAAAAAT....

Hendriks fell down due to the force of his own superhumanly strong pull.

However, the entire left arm of the Nightfall Soldier came off... the delimbed mutilated soldier howled with agony but was still unable to break free from the magical binds.

As he screamed and howlered, massive sprays of dark liquid splashed unto the walls.

The Mafia Queen cried out: “NO! ... What have you DONE?! What did you DO?!!!”

The walls and the floor were soaked with the blood. The large, powerful detached arm had landed on the floor, almost like a morbid oversized lobster.

The scene was so gruesome that Chancellor Reiss fell over and fainted from the gore.

At that moment, Magnus’ bind broke. The German mage fell back down.

The unhinged Nightfall Soldier sprinted at full force towards Hendriks. His face was bulging with veins, half his face was a charred and red mess... he only had one arm while the stump that was his left arm continued to leak blood.

Yet somehow, somehow as if fueled by pure demonic energy, he could still move and attack.

He was about to close the gap and possibly destroy Hendriks.

[Christian Confederation]

Taking his grapple, he fired his hook at the foe as it pierced through his left shoulder, before the retention hooks oppened and latched.

Taking the knife, Hendriks pulled the assembly strongly with enough force to rip the soldier's arm off, while throwing the knife at him with his other hand.

The sharp end of the knife landed very firmly unto the soldier’s right shoulder, implanting itself with a sickening THUD.

However, the most dramatic thing happened soon after.

SPLAAAAAAAAAAAAT....

Hendriks fell down due to the force of his own superhumanly strong pull.

However, the entire left arm of the Nightfall Soldier came off... the delimbed mutilated soldier howled with agony but was still unable to break free from the magical binds.

As he screamed and howlered, massive sprays of dark liquid splashed unto the walls.

The Mafia Queen cried out: “NO! ... What have you DONE?! What did you DO?!!!”

The walls and the floor were soaked with the blood. The large, powerful detached arm had landed on the floor, almost like a morbid oversized lobster.

The scene was so gruesome that Chancellor Reiss fell over and fainted from the gore.

At that moment, Magnus’ bind broke. The German mage fell back down.

The unhinged Nightfall Soldier sprinted at full force towards Hendriks. His face was bulging with veins, half his face was a charred and red mess... he only had one arm while the stump that was his left arm continued to leak blood.

Yet somehow, somehow as if fueled by pure demonic energy, he could still move and attack.

He was about to close the gap and possibly destroy Hendriks.

Dixie ran over and tackled the soldier putting the soldier into a chock hold Sue ran over and helped hold the soldier down. "Hold him down we can end this now!" Steve said looking over at Magnus and Hendricks. "Magnus come help hold him, Hendricks get that knife over here!" Steve called struggling to hold the soldier down.

[Infected Mushroom]

The sharp end of the knife landed very firmly unto the soldier’s right shoulder, implanting itself with a sickening THUD.

However, the most dramatic thing happened soon after.

SPLAAAAAAAAAAAAT....

Hendriks fell down due to the force of his own superhumanly strong pull.

However, the entire left arm of the Nightfall Soldier came off... the delimbed mutilated soldier howled with agony but was still unable to break free from the magical binds.

As he screamed and howlered, massive sprays of dark liquid splashed unto the walls.

The Mafia Queen cried out: “NO! ... What have you DONE?! What did you DO?!!!”

The walls and the floor were soaked with the blood. The large, powerful detached arm had landed on the floor, almost like a morbid oversized lobster.

The scene was so gruesome that Chancellor Reiss fell over and fainted from the gore.

At that moment, Magnus’ bind broke. The German mage fell back down.

The unhinged Nightfall Soldier sprinted at full force towards Hendriks. His face was bulging with veins, half his face was a charred and red mess... he only had one arm while the stump that was his left arm continued to leak blood.

Yet somehow, somehow as if fueled by pure demonic energy, he could still move and attack.

He was about to close the gap and possibly destroy Hendriks.

Dixie ran over and tackled the soldier putting the soldier into a chock hold Sue ran over and helped hold the soldier down. "Hold him down we can end this now!" Steve said looking over at Magnus and Hendricks. "Magnus come help hold him, Hendricks get that knife over here!" Steve called struggling to hold the soldier down.

Captain Dixie threw and executed a highly skilled, highly forceful leaping tackle to counter the Nightfall Soldier's rush. The Confederate President hit with such force that he managed to get the super soldier down and lock him into a choke. Sue soon rushed over to help and the two of them struggled to keep the soldier down.

The Nightfall Soldier roared and screamed with rage and pain as he desperately tried to break free. It was unbelievable how much physical strength he still had with one arm missing, however, the two Dixies held firm and kept him down.

[Quebec and France]

Dixie ran over and tackled the soldier putting the soldier into a chock hold Sue ran over and helped hold the soldier down. "Hold him down we can end this now!" Steve said looking over at Magnus and Hendricks. "Magnus come help hold him, Hendricks get that knife over here!" Steve called struggling to hold the soldier down.

Captain Dixie threw and executed a highly skilled, highly forceful leaping tackle to counter the Nightfall Soldier's rush. The Confederate President hit with such force that he managed to get the super soldier down and lock him into a choke. Sue soon rushed over to help and the two of them struggled to keep the soldier down.

The Nightfall Soldier roared and screamed with rage and pain as he desperately tried to break free. It was unbelievable how much physical strength he still had with one arm missing, however, the two Dixies held firm and kept him down.

Hendriks then did something that one could only qualify as gruesome.

Taking a grenade, he shoved it down Nightfall's throat and pulled the pin. Then, pushing off the 2 Dixies, he rose the super soldier off the ground by the collar and, at the last moment, threw him out the window, tearing the knife out in the same action.

"...Well...That's taken care of."

[Infected Mushroom]

A window on a high floor of the Reichstag exploded into shards.

The one-armed Nightfall Soldier flew out of it…

KA BOOM!!!

While still in free fall, his head was blown apart into pieces. His decapitated corpses landed on the pavement below with a sickening crunch.

So ended the Battle of the Reichstag.

…

Belgrazi Mansion

Aurora Von Staffen

The giant half-blackened-out movie theater screen showed the grim, no-nonsense face of Aidillan Hendriks stuffing what looked like… a grenade? There was a messy scuffle, then a crashing sound, then there was sky… the briefest sound of an explosion…

The screen completely blackened and went out. This time for good.

No…

The entire theater was silent.

In the top box, the Mafia Queen (now standing) was pale with shock. She had dropped her wine glass and it had spilled all over the floor. The laptop confimed the termination of the Nightfall Soldier.

No… no… no… I was SO CLOSE…

An uncontrollable rage overtook the Mafia woman.

“UUUUURRRRRGHHHHHHHH!”

She raged as her face darkened a shade and she clenched both of her fists.

Her assistant, Mike Rosier, backed off a little bit and gulped.

She had invited all of her highest-ranking captains to witness her ultimate victory. Today was supposed to be a demonstration of the United Mafia’s power. However, instead they had witnessed something else.

This… this isn’t FAIR!

The Mafia Queen rushed over to the edge of the top box. She cried out in anger and her voice rang out over the entire theatre.

“GET OUT!” she shrieked at her captains assembled below. “GET OUT! ALL OF YOU GET OUT NOW!... OUT!”

There was rush for the door. All the captains got up, some bowed quickly but most quickly rushed for the exit signs in the front and back. No one wanted to hang around for the aftermath of this. The queen was usually calm and collected but when she lost it, heads may roll.

The only other person in the room now was Mike Rosier. The poor man was practically praying to himself.

The Mafia Queen gave him a very firm push, causing him to back away. Then she stormed out of the theatre in anger.

…

Reichstag
Berlin, Germany

While Hendriks and the others defeated the Nightfall Soldier,

The German authorities, with the help of the KSK, had finally cleared the building and won the battle.

Jed Rogers, and reinforcements from the KSK managed to get to Vicky Callaghan and evacuate her from the battle. She survived her wounds and made a surprisingly fast recovery.

The casualties were very high on both sides. Hundreds of personnel were dead or wounded on both sides. However, when all was said and done, the remaining United Mafia commandos were forced to retreat from the battle.

In the aftermath of the battle, Chancellor Reiss (after he recovered from his fainting) demanded an audience with the heroes. They were all assembled in his office.

“I cannot begin to ez-press… just how much Jair-manny iz in your debt now,” the Chancellor said. “You saved my life, you saved Doitchland, you saved the day.”

He also commented on the political situation:

“Ze Mafia haz made a big miztake in trying to attack zis place, Bairlinn is the heart of all Europe. Now it is possible that all of Europe will rally against ze Mafia and ze Americans. I may be able to make a case with ze Paris for WAR. I want to zay to you all… ZANK YOU! ZANK YOU SO MUCH!”

[Christian Confederation]

A window on a high floor of the Reichstag exploded into shards.

The one-armed Nightfall Soldier flew out of it…

KA BOOM!!!

While still in free fall, his head was blown apart into pieces. His decapitated corpses landed on the pavement below with a sickening crunch.

So ended the Battle of the Reichstag.

…

Belgrazi Mansion

Aurora Von Staffen

The giant half-blackened-out movie theater screen showed the grim, no-nonsense face of Aidillan Hendriks stuffing what looked like… a grenade? There was a messy scuffle, then a crashing sound, then there was sky… the briefest sound of an explosion…

The screen completely blackened and went out. This time for good.

No…

The entire theater was silent.

In the top box, the Mafia Queen (now standing) was pale with shock. She had dropped her wine glass and it had spilled all over the floor. The laptop confimed the termination of the Nightfall Soldier.

No… no… no… I was SO CLOSE…

An uncontrollable rage overtook the Mafia woman.

“UUUUURRRRRGHHHHHHHH!”

She raged as her face darkened a shade and she clenched both of her fists.

Her assistant, Mike Rosier, backed off a little bit and gulped.

She had invited all of her highest-ranking captains to witness her ultimate victory. Today was supposed to be a demonstration of the United Mafia’s power. However, instead they had witnessed something else.

This… this isn’t FAIR!

The Mafia Queen rushed over to the edge of the top box. She cried out in anger and her voice rang out over the entire theatre.

“GET OUT!” she shrieked at her captains assembled below. “GET OUT! ALL OF YOU GET OUT NOW!... OUT!”

There was rush for the door. All the captains got up, some bowed quickly but most quickly rushed for the exit signs in the front and back. No one wanted to hang around for the aftermath of this. The queen was usually calm and collected but when she lost it, heads may roll.

The only other person in the room now was Mike Rosier. The poor man was practically praying to himself.

The Mafia Queen gave him a very firm push, causing him to back away. Then she stormed out of the theatre in anger.

…

Reichstag
Berlin, Germany

While Hendriks and the others defeated the Nightfall Soldier,

The German authorities, with the help of the KSK, had finally cleared the building and won the battle.

Jed Rogers, and reinforcements from the KSK managed to get to Vicky Callaghan and evacuate her from the battle. She survived her wounds and made a surprisingly fast recovery.

The casualties were very high on both sides. Hundreds of personnel were dead or wounded on both sides. However, when all was said and done, the remaining United Mafia commandos were forced to retreat from the battle.

In the aftermath of the battle, Chancellor Reiss (after he recovered from his fainting) demanded an audience with the heroes. They were all assembled in his office.

“I cannot begin to ez-press… just how much Jair-manny iz in your debt now,” the Chancellor said. “You saved my life, you saved Doitchland, you saved the day.”

He also commented on the political situation:

“Ze Mafia haz made a big miztake in trying to attack zis place, Bairlinn is the heart of all Europe. Now it is possible that all of Europe will rally against ze Mafia and ze Americans. I may be able to make a case with ze Paris for WAR. I want to zay to you all… ZANK YOU! ZANK YOU SO MUCH!”

"I hope so Chancellor, If you will pardon us we need to head to some other capital or back home." The president shook the Chancellor's hand and took Sue by the hand before saying with a laugh "sorry about the mess!" They headed for the door but stopped when he noticed Hendricks. "Adrian I'm sorry about our fight you should have been with me on this trip from the start, and thanks for saving my ass back there!" Steve said with a smile.

[Infected Mushroom]

The Insurance Men, Tyler and Kyle got along that afternoon. They ordered more drinks. Since they were the only guests as arranged, they could discuss everything: logistics, contacts, contingencies.

As they drank, they discussed the plans in details with maps and files out. Everyone had a lot to contribute for this team was really professional and experienced. As the day dragged on, everyone seemed at ease and somewhat excited about the upcoming mission. Even the usually cautious Rex Lee seemed more at ease.

...

Seattle
Washington

The city’s streets were packed. Everyone, young and old, rich and poor, of all ethnic backgrounds was cheering and waving.

Mass hysteria overtook the streets.

Flags were raised everywhere and waved. It wasn’t the American flag though, instead it was the Washington state flag. The icon of George Washington set against a green backdrop.

Washington was long dead though, instead... mayor Ian Gatsby was larger than life.

He stood, on a podium on the high steps of Seattle City Hall. He was there to address the people of his city, the state, the entire nation...

The streets were lined with loyal cops for protection. In the skies above, several police choppers flew around.

Gatsby has a bald patch on his head; he was slightly chubby and he wore a dark suit while he leaned slightly on a cane. He was 46.

He looked completely normal and unimpressive, but somehow, through sheer charisma and force of will he had started an entire movement

“The Mafia does not control us!” he roared into the crowd.

The crowd cheered.

“We, the people of Seattle and the great state of Washington... we shall decide our destiny!”

The crowd cheered.

“We are a free people!”

The crowd cheered.

“If the Mafia wishes to enslave us... then fuck the Mafia. If the military wishes to enslave us... then fuck the military.”

More cheers.

“And if they want to come here and take us down, we will fight. AND WE WILL PREVAIL! ... Seattle Forever!”

The crowd chanted: “See-attle! See-style! See-arrow!”

The mayor shouted over the cries.

“We will stare at the precipice of darkness and fight back and we will win! We will conquer all! We Are The People!”

Kyle walked out, holding a pair of silenced M1911s, shooting at the remaining security guards. Meanwhile, Tyler was holding a pair of shortened Saiga 12-Ks with 30 round drums. He sprayed the area with buckshot, which would surely kill or down anyone within their path. Tyler, standing next to Kyle, said, "I've gotta get a pair of these." Kyle agreed, saying, "Yeah, maybe we will just file off the serial numbers and save the improvised guns for selling." Kyle put away his 1911s, grabbing the MP-5 they had taken from Westerlands boys in Portland, and sprayed the area with the remaining cargo workers.

Mort was highly impressed.

"You guys shoot well," he said.

The floor was littered with corpses now. Everyone except the Mafia hitmen were dead.

"I think that's everyone," Mort said, as he reloaded. "Pick up some ammo if you need oh wait-"

Two more guards walked in; their faces shocked.

The pale-faced Mort casually raised his silenced pistol and fired twice.

CLICK! CLICK!

He landed two headshots.

"Alright everyone," he said. "Let's attack City Hall without raising an alarm."

...

Seattle City Hall

The warehouse was inside the City Hall's grounds already. It was only a few meters' walk to enter from the back.

Since Mayor Gatsby had somewhat militarised the city, there were a lot more security guards in the grounds than in those of a normal mayor city hall.

Some of them even held assault rifles and wore bullet proof vests.

They had the numbers... however, the mob killers and the Insurance Men had the element of stealth, surprise, and first strike.

Mort, Rex, and Daniel were careful to use silenced weapons to take out the guards one by one.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

The muscular Australian Daniel leapt behind an unsuspecting guards, grabbed his neck, and snapped it clean.

CRACK!

"Oy this is kind of fun," he drawled. "I think AH could get used to this AYE?!"

It turned out that they missed a few guards.

They began to spray their M16s in the direction of Mort.

KA DA DA DA DA DA DA !

Mort was nearly hit but he reacted by instinct and successfully leapt for cover.

A few more of the guards reloaded while the rest continued to apply suppressive automatic fire in Mort's direction. They began to radio in reinforcements.

"OH SHIT!" Rex cried out as he joined Mort next to this cover position. "They're going to sound the alarm. We're going to get swamped."

"We're in TOO DEEP NOW to just quit!" Mort shouted over the sounds of the hailstorm of suppressive fire.

From another position, Daniel stood up and fired back at the guards with his AK... they traded rounds at each other from several dozens of meters apart.

[Quebec and France]

A window on a high floor of the Reichstag exploded into shards.

The one-armed Nightfall Soldier flew out of it…

KA BOOM!!!

While still in free fall, his head was blown apart into pieces. His decapitated corpses landed on the pavement below with a sickening crunch.

So ended the Battle of the Reichstag.

…

Belgrazi Mansion

Aurora Von Staffen

The giant half-blackened-out movie theater screen showed the grim, no-nonsense face of Aidillan Hendriks stuffing what looked like… a grenade? There was a messy scuffle, then a crashing sound, then there was sky… the briefest sound of an explosion…

The screen completely blackened and went out. This time for good.

No…

The entire theater was silent.

In the top box, the Mafia Queen (now standing) was pale with shock. She had dropped her wine glass and it had spilled all over the floor. The laptop confimed the termination of the Nightfall Soldier.

No… no… no… I was SO CLOSE…

An uncontrollable rage overtook the Mafia woman.

“UUUUURRRRRGHHHHHHHH!”

She raged as her face darkened a shade and she clenched both of her fists.

Her assistant, Mike Rosier, backed off a little bit and gulped.

She had invited all of her highest-ranking captains to witness her ultimate victory. Today was supposed to be a demonstration of the United Mafia’s power. However, instead they had witnessed something else.

This… this isn’t FAIR!

The Mafia Queen rushed over to the edge of the top box. She cried out in anger and her voice rang out over the entire theatre.

“GET OUT!” she shrieked at her captains assembled below. “GET OUT! ALL OF YOU GET OUT NOW!... OUT!”

There was rush for the door. All the captains got up, some bowed quickly but most quickly rushed for the exit signs in the front and back. No one wanted to hang around for the aftermath of this. The queen was usually calm and collected but when she lost it, heads may roll.

The only other person in the room now was Mike Rosier. The poor man was practically praying to himself.

The Mafia Queen gave him a very firm push, causing him to back away. Then she stormed out of the theatre in anger.

…

Reichstag
Berlin, Germany

While Hendriks and the others defeated the Nightfall Soldier,

The German authorities, with the help of the KSK, had finally cleared the building and won the battle.

Jed Rogers, and reinforcements from the KSK managed to get to Vicky Callaghan and evacuate her from the battle. She survived her wounds and made a surprisingly fast recovery.

The casualties were very high on both sides. Hundreds of personnel were dead or wounded on both sides. However, when all was said and done, the remaining United Mafia commandos were forced to retreat from the battle.

In the aftermath of the battle, Chancellor Reiss (after he recovered from his fainting) demanded an audience with the heroes. They were all assembled in his office.

“I cannot begin to ez-press… just how much Jair-manny iz in your debt now,” the Chancellor said. “You saved my life, you saved Doitchland, you saved the day.”

He also commented on the political situation:

“Ze Mafia haz made a big miztake in trying to attack zis place, Bairlinn is the heart of all Europe. Now it is possible that all of Europe will rally against ze Mafia and ze Americans. I may be able to make a case with ze Paris for WAR. I want to zay to you all… ZANK YOU! ZANK YOU SO MUCH!”

"I hope so Chancellor, If you will pardon us we need to head to some other capital or back home." The president shook the Chancellor's hand and took Sue by the hand before saying with a laugh "sorry about the mess!" They headed for the door but stopped when he noticed Hendricks. "Adrian I'm sorry about our fight you should have been with me on this trip from the start, and thanks for saving my ass back there!" Steve said with a smile.

Hendriks was basically on the Porch of the Reichstag, hands on his belt buckle. The magical blade was hooked there.

"...You say that you're sorry. But you can't even call me by my name properly."

[Christian Confederation]

"I hope so Chancellor, If you will pardon us we need to head to some other capital or back home." The president shook the Chancellor's hand and took Sue by the hand before saying with a laugh "sorry about the mess!" They headed for the door but stopped when he noticed Hendricks. "Adrian I'm sorry about our fight you should have been with me on this trip from the start, and thanks for saving my ass back there!" Steve said with a smile.

Hendriks was basically on the Porch of the Reichstag, hands on his belt buckle. The magical blade was hooked there.

"...You say that you're sorry. But you can't even call me by my name properly."

"Damn it Hendricks I'm sorry but we need to hightail it home now because I'm guessing the Mob Qween isn't going to like us killing her favorite killer! We don't have to be friends if you don't want to but Damn it the Confederacy needs us to get along!" He said getting on his motorcycle with Sue behind him. "Now please come with me if we leave now we can get back before the Mob retaliates in full!"

[Infected Mushroom]

Meanwhile in North America

Within the next 24 hours, a massive coordinated land invasion of the Confederate States of America began.

Hundreds of thousands of US soldiers, supported by main battle tanks, IFVs, mobile artillery and other units began to show up over the Confederate border states. These were flanked by scores and scores of battle helicopters and jet fighters in the skies.

First the invasion started with a few hundred thousand men but soon, millions of soldiers were pouring into Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The occupation of those states was swift, highly coordinated, decisive and within days, all of these states collapsed to complete American occupation.

The USA encountered relatively little resistance because the terror bombing had killed millions and most of the infrastructure had either been destroyed or relocated South.

(you can imagine that this music is playing while the American troops occupy the Confederate states in massive, overwhelming numbers)

General Cumberbatch

On Cumberbatch’s battle command screen, tons of red lights were flashing as the radar displayed the unbelievably massive US numbers.

This is unbelievable… they’ve assembled an invasion force even bigger than Barbarossa…

“They’re throwing everything they’ve got at us,” an aide said in terror. “What do we do?”

It… it is over… We… we don’t have the manpower to fight this… not even close…

However, a further retreat may signal to the international community that the CSA lacks the willpower to resist.

It’s time to make a stand.

“Gather our forces,” he said firmly.

"But sir, we cannot hope to win."

"If we want help from Europe and the rest of the world," Cumberbatch said firmly and decisively. "Then we have to show them we can and are willing to fight. Besides, let us hope that Dixie will show up with the European support."

Oh God PLEASE support us in this. Don't tell me those cowardly Euros are STILL not going to fight after Berlin? We need their help NOW.

"Also," Cumberbatch said. "Please let the President know that I recommend he return at once. The people's morale will be better if their leader is with them. Especially as I'm already being compared to McDougall by my political opponents."

God being acting President is hard. I HATE politics. How does Dixie even do this job before? God bless...

[Christian Confederation]

Meanwhile in North America

Within the next 24 hours, a massive coordinated land invasion of the Confederate States of America began.

Hundreds of thousands of US soldiers, supported by main battle tanks, IFVs, mobile artillery and other units began to show up over the Confederate border states. These were flanked by scores and scores of battle helicopters and jet fighters in the skies.

First the invasion started with a few hundred thousand men but soon, millions of soldiers were pouring into Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The occupation of those states was swift, highly coordinated, decisive and within days, all of these states collapsed to complete American occupation.

The USA encountered relatively little resistance because the terror bombing had killed millions and most of the infrastructure had either been destroyed or relocated South.

(you can imagine that this music is playing while the American troops occupy the Confederate states in massive, overwhelming numbers)

General Cumberbatch

On Cumberbatch’s battle command screen, tons of red lights were flashing as the radar displayed the unbelievably massive US numbers.

This is unbelievable… they’ve assembled an invasion force even bigger than Barbarossa…

“They’re throwing everything they’ve got at us,” an aide said in terror. “What do we do?”

It… it is over… We… we don’t have the manpower to fight this… not even close…

However, a further retreat may signal to the international community that the CSA lacks the willpower to resist.

It’s time to make a stand.

“Gather our forces,” he said firmly.

"But sir, we cannot hope to win."

"If we want help from Europe and the rest of the world," Cumberbatch said firmly and decisively. "Then we have to show them we can and are willing to fight. Besides, let us hope that Dixie will show up with the European support."

Oh God PLEASE support us in this. Don't tell me those cowardly Euros are STILL not going to fight after Berlin? We need their help NOW.

"Also," Cumberbatch said. "Please let the President know that I recommend he return at once. The people's morale will be better if their leader is with them. Especially as I'm already being compared to McDougall by my political opponents."

God being acting President is hard. I HATE politics. How does Dixie even do this job before? God bless...

(https://youtu.be/xhL-1fdIUG4 honestly more like this)
The President looked up at a jumbotron playing the news, what he saw scared him 'US Invasion larger than Barbosa on CSA! Confederate forces hold strong! '
Steve turns to Hendricks. "We need to go now damn it the longer we wait more of our people die!" His anger clearly flaring up. "Steve he got here on his own he can get back on his own!" Sue said. "Alright Hendricks I can't wait anymore I need to get home to our people!" Steve said before speeding off.

CSA-1
"We're ready to take off as soon as the president gets back!" The co pilot said. "Alright he should arrive shortly!" Jed said. "Mr Roger's it's the President!" Sn aid said. "Sir where are you?" He asked. "Jed call Cumberbatch tell him to Evacuate Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri! Everyone west of the Mississippi, once there out blow the Bridges and Tunnels! We hold at the Mississippi!" He orders. "Alright I'll let him know Sir!" Jed says. "Alright I'll be there in 15 minutes!" Steve said and hung up. "God Speed Steve, God Speed!" Jed said.

[Quebec and France]

Over the atlantic, a large plane was flying. And fast.

The vessel was a one-of-a-kind modification of the B1B Lancer, from Rockwell. The engines outlets had been modified for thrust vectoring, the original tail had been swapped for a Pelikan model and the weapon's bay had been elarged. The inside looked more like a private jet than a military aircraft, but a knowing eye would almost immediately notice that all the equipment required were only dissimulated.

Hendriks was piloting the craft.

After flicking the auto-pilot switch, he got up and sat next to Vicky, who was sitting on one of the 'couches'.

"...This can't be good. Everything's going to shit in America..."

[Infected Mushroom]

Federation HQ
Paris, European Federation

Louis Delacroix was finally forced to hold a meeting with all of the Federation's leaders. Representatives from all the Federation members in Europe were there. Germany was curiously missing.

The meeting took place alternately in French/German.

The meeting was already in session and things were getting heated.

(Gentlemen,) he said. (I understand that there are some who would clamour for war in this situation. However, we must be patient. Compromise, not war, is the solution here. We cannot afford to fight both the USA and Russia, not without certain guarantees.)

The representatives said nothing. It was all a bit suspicious. Compromise? What more guarantees did they need. Russia was at war with itself (news of the Second Russian Revolution). Surely NOW was the time to join the CSA if ever there were such a time? What was Delacroix up to?

Suddenly, the doors were swung open.

Everyone turned around and saw.

IT WAS CHANCELLOR FREDERICK REISS... flanked by Johan Magnus in ceremonial German military dress.

Delacroix wasn't happy.

(F... FREDERICK?!) he exclaimed insincerely. (I'm happy you're able to join us! I was told you'd been inconvenienced!)

The dark-haired German leader said nothing, instead he walked into the room and took his proper position at the table. Johan bowed and left, having successfully escorted him here.

Reiss stood up at once, everyone was looking at him. Reiss was looking directly at Delacroix.

(Chancellor Delacroix,) Reiss said. (They attacked us. They... the Americans, the Mafia... they attacked Berlin, they attacked the Reichstag. This wasn't just an attack on Germany... IT WAS AN ATTACK ON ALL OF THE FEDERATION! They struck at the heart of Europe!)

Delacroix was speechless, what was Reiss doing?

(The Confederates came here... they saved the Reichstag, they saved my life. President Dixie himself fought at the Reichstag, a head of state with humility and valor, he's saved my life. I fought alongside him.), Reiss continued. (It's a debt that must be repaid. As such, I, as representative of Germany, suggest that we-)

(Don't make this personal Reiss,) Delacroix said coldly, sneering. (This is a war between bickering Americans. It is not Europe's problem.)

(I make nothing personal), Reiss replied. (After the Mafia has finished with America, they will come for us. Have we not learned from the Second World War?)

(This is outrageous!)

Reiss did not want to do this. But he saw that he had no choice.

(Everyone) he said, addressing the whole hall. (It appears that the Chancellor and I cannot come to an agreement. We have our differences and the Constitution prohibits military action without the Chancellor's approval... as such...)

(HE DARES NOT!)

Reiss declared with a degree of fierceness:

(I move for a vote of No Confidence in Chancellor Louis Delacroix's leadership!)

There was a collective gasp. Delacroix himself stepped back in shock.

Reiss did not back down, instead, he continued to glare fiercely at the French politician.

(I see no other alternative,) Reiss said. (You have not given an adequate response to the mob attack on the Reichstag. One might even begin to suspect that you, or at least many members of your administration... are in the pocket of the United Mafia-)

(How DARE YOU... YOU... YOU GERMAN FUCK!)

Delacroix was terrified because up until now, Reiss had played ball. Yet he was one of the most powerful politicians in Europe now (especially after the rumours that he participated in direct combat at the Reichstag) and with the mood of the people, he might well take the Chancellorship.

The President interfered to put an end to the meeting.

(Gentlemen), he said. (Due to the leadership challenge, this meeting has come to an end. We will have to begin a formal vote in the next meeting to resolve the leadership challenge. It would be proper to continue in the next meeting.)

(I will put myself forward as a candidate,) Reiss said aggressively. (If you cannot lead the Federation, then someone has to).

(We shall see), Delacroix replied very coldly.

It was time for the French and the Germans to fight once again. This time in the halls of politics. The fate of Europe and America hangs in the balance.

...

A fuming Delacroix returned to his gilded office. Cursing in French, he set his documents down and took a seat. He jumped up when he saw that someone was already in the room.

"(WHAT THE HELL!)"

It was Wilhelm Frey.

(What is the meaning of this?), Louis said. (We had a deal. And you're NEVER supposed to show your face here in this government building you snake. What would the people think?)

(Can you handle the leadership challenge Louis?) Wilhelm said in perfect French. (Our Queen is not so sure. And if you cannot, then we might not be able to hold on to our end of the bargain.)

This threw Louis into a panic.

(Are... are you threatening me?!) Louis yelled angrily. (You're addressing a head of state!)

(Just a friendly reminder here,) Wilhelm said casually. (If you keep Europe out of the war, you shall be made a god. But if Europe joins the CS... then our deal is off. Also... you know the other consequences.)

Delacroix was shocked.

(I'll leave you to it), the Mafia captain said smugly. He stood up, tipped his hat at the French leader. Then he showed himself out.

---

Vicky Callaghan

Vicky stared sullenly out of the window, she was really concerned as well.

Then she said darkly, "My cousin Jane lives in Tennessee."

With the latest intel they've got, McDougall's giant army had invaded Tennessee and North Carolina. Cumberbatch fought a valiant holding action with the rebuilt Confederate military. Despite being outnumbered, the Confederates hadn't been driven out yet.

Vicky shuddered as she thought about it. As they sat in this very plane, hundreds of thousands to millions were dying in direct combat. Artillery shells, missiles, bombs were destroying their homeland.

"I pray to God she's safely evacuated," she said.

---

Confederate HQ
Atlanta, Georgia

Soon after, the Confederate parties arrived in the the capital.

General Cumberbatch was there to greet them.

"Mr. President," he said. "It's a relief that you've returned. I've begun whatever evacuations we can at this point; however, we are extremely overwhelmed. I'll brief you on the war now. Come with me... all of you please... we have much to discuss."

"General Cumberbatch," Vicky called out someone impertinently. "My cousin Jane lives in Nashville. Is she safe?"

"I'm sorry," the General said as he kept walking. "I can't say with any degree of certainty. The fighting is very thick and millions have been killed... they are still being killed and-"

"Can you please check? Don't you have a list?"

"I can't GOD DAMN IT!"

Cumberbatch calmed himself. "I... I'm sorry... this war... it's caused me stress. Please forgive me."

He waved his hand. An aide walked over.

"Please help Vicky Callaghan check if her cousin Jane from Tennessee is safe. Vicky, go with Bob he'll take care off it."

Vicky walked off in a hurry with the aide, looking throughly concerned.

...

Finally, the Confederates entered a room with lots of military maps out and aides busily radioing commands to various troops all over the USA.

Liliruca Styx and Jim Travers were there as well. They were introduced to the rest of the Confederates.

"As you can see," Cumberbatch said. "The war is not going well. We lost major battles at Cookeville and Morristown. North Carolina is effectively lost when they routed our main force at Greenville. We tried to lead them into a trap but they outmanoeuvred us with unexpected reinforcements."

To summarise, he said grimly: "At this rate the frontline will move on to the five states just above Georgia. Then we'd be finished."

He turned desperately to Dixie.

"Sir, how dod your meeting with the Europeans go? Are they coming to help us?"

[Christian Confederation]

Federation HQ
Paris, European Federation

Louis Delacroix was finally forced to hold a meeting with all of the Federation's leaders. Representatives from all the Federation members in Europe were there. Germany was curiously missing.

The meeting took place alternately in French/German.

The meeting was already in session and things were getting heated.

(Gentlemen,) he said. (I understand that there are some who would clamour for war in this situation. However, we must be patient. Compromise, not war, is the solution here. We cannot afford to fight both the USA and Russia, not without certain guarantees.)

The representatives said nothing. It was all a bit suspicious. Compromise? What more guarantees did they need. Russia was at war with itself (news of the Second Russian Revolution). Surely NOW was the time to join the CSA if ever there were such a time? What was Delacroix up to?

Suddenly, the doors were swung open.

Everyone turned around and saw.

IT WAS CHANCELLOR FREDERICK REISS... flanked by Johan Magnus in ceremonial German military dress.

Delacroix wasn't happy.

(F... FREDERICK?!) he exclaimed insincerely. (I'm happy you're able to join us! I was told you'd been inconvenienced!)

The dark-haired German leader said nothing, instead he walked into the room and took his proper position at the table. Johan bowed and left, having successfully escorted him here.

Reiss stood up at once, everyone was looking at him. Reiss was looking directly at Delacroix.

(Chancellor Delacroix,) Reiss said. (They attacked us. They... the Americans, the Mafia... they attacked Berlin, they attacked the Reichstag. This wasn't just an attack on Germany... IT WAS AN ATTACK ON ALL OF THE FEDERATION! They struck at the heart of Europe!)

Delacroix was speechless, what was Reiss doing?

(The Confederates came here... they saved the Reichstag, they saved my life. President Dixie himself fought at the Reichstag, a head of state with humility and valor, he's saved my life. I fought alongside him.), Reiss continued. (It's a debt that must be repaid. As such, I, as representative of Germany, suggest that we-)

(Don't make this personal Reiss,) Delacroix said coldly, sneering. (This is a war between bickering Americans. It is not Europe's problem.)

(I make nothing personal), Reiss replied. (After the Mafia has finished with America, they will come for us. Have we not learned from the Second World War?)

(This is outrageous!)

Reiss did not want to do this. But he saw that he had no choice.

(Everyone) he said, addressing the whole hall. (It appears that the Chancellor and I cannot come to an agreement. We have our differences and the Constitution prohibits military action without the Chancellor's approval... as such...)

(HE DARES NOT!)

Reiss declared with a degree of fierceness:

(I move for a vote of No Confidence in Chancellor Louis Delacroix's leadership!)

There was a collective gasp. Delacroix himself stepped back in shock.

Reiss did not back down, instead, he continued to glare fiercely at the French politician.

(I see no other alternative,) Reiss said. (You have not given an adequate response to the mob attack on the Reichstag. One might even begin to suspect that you, or at least many members of your administration... are in the pocket of the United Mafia-)

(How DARE YOU... YOU... YOU GERMAN FUCK!)

Delacroix was terrified because up until now, Reiss had played ball. Yet he was one of the most powerful politicians in Europe now (especially after the rumours that he participated in direct combat at the Reichstag) and with the mood of the people, he might well take the Chancellorship.

The President interfered to put an end to the meeting.

(Gentlemen), he said. (Due to the leadership challenge, this meeting has come to an end. We will have to begin a formal vote in the next meeting to resolve the leadership challenge. It would be proper to continue in the next meeting.)

(I will put myself forward as a candidate,) Reiss said aggressively. (If you cannot lead the Federation, then someone has to).

(We shall see), Delacroix replied very coldly.

It was time for the French and the Germans to fight once again. This time in the halls of politics. The fate of Europe and America hangs in the balance.

...

A fuming Delacroix returned to his gilded office. Cursing in French, he set his documents down and took a seat. He jumped up when he saw that someone was already in the room.

"(WHAT THE HELL!)"

It was Wilhelm Frey.

(What is the meaning of this?), Louis said. (We had a deal. And you're NEVER supposed to show your face here in this government building you snake. What would the people think?)

(Can you handle the leadership challenge Louis?) Wilhelm said in perfect French. (Our Queen is not so sure. And if you cannot, then we might not be able to hold on to our end of the bargain.)

This threw Louis into a panic.

(Are... are you threatening me?!) Louis yelled angrily. (You're addressing a head of state!)

(Just a friendly reminder here,) Wilhelm said casually. (If you keep Europe out of the war, you shall be made a god. But if Europe joins the CS... then our deal is off. Also... you know the other consequences.)

Delacroix was shocked.

(I'll leave you to it), the Mafia captain said smugly. He stood up, tipped his hat at the French leader. Then he showed himself out.

---

Vicky Callaghan

Vicky stared sullenly out of the window, she was really concerned as well.

Then she said darkly, "My cousin Jane lives in Tennessee."

With the latest intel they've got, McDougall's giant army had invaded Tennessee and North Carolina. Cumberbatch fought a valiant holding action with the rebuilt Confederate military. Despite being outnumbered, the Confederates hadn't been driven out yet.

Vicky shuddered as she thought about it. As they sat in this very plane, hundreds of thousands to millions were dying in direct combat. Artillery shells, missiles, bombs were destroying their homeland.

"I pray to God she's safely evacuated," she said.

---

Confederate HQ
Atlanta, Georgia

Soon after, the Confederate parties arrived in the the capital.

General Cumberbatch was there to greet them.

"Mr. President," he said. "It's a relief that you've returned. I've begun whatever evacuations we can at this point; however, we are extremely overwhelmed. I'll brief you on the war now. Come with me... all of you please... we have much to discuss."

"General Cumberbatch," Vicky called out someone impertinently. "My cousin Jane lives in Nashville. Is she safe?"

"I'm sorry," the General said as he kept walking. "I can't say with any degree of certainty. The fighting is very thick and millions have been killed... they are still being killed and-"

"Can you please check? Don't you have a list?"

"I can't GOD DAMN IT!"

Cumberbatch calmed himself. "I... I'm sorry... this war... it's caused me stress. Please forgive me."

He waved his hand. An aide walked over.

"Please help Vicky Callaghan check if her cousin Jane from Tennessee is safe. Vicky, go with Bob he'll take care off it."

Vicky walked off in a hurry with the aide, looking throughly concerned.

...

Finally, the Confederates entered a room with lots of military maps out and aides busily radioing commands to various troops all over the USA.

Liliruca Styx and Jim Travers were there as well. They were introduced to the rest of the Confederates.

"As you can see," Cumberbatch said. "The war is not going well. We lost major battles at Cookeville and Morristown. North Carolina is effectively lost when they routed our main force at Greenville. We tried to lead them into a trap but they outmanoeuvred us with unexpected reinforcements."

To summarise, he said grimly: "At this rate the frontline will move on to the five states just above Georgia. Then we'd be finished."

He turned desperately to Dixie.

"Sir, how dod your meeting with the Europeans go? Are they coming to help us?"

"The German Chancellor seemed very thankful for us saving his life, as such European support is likely coming we just have to hold out." He said before looking at the map.
"I want Lane Reversals on all roads leading Out of our western states! Get as many out as possible than we have a fighting retreat,by the Time we reach the west bank of the Mississippi the east side will be a fortress! If we blow the Bridges and protect the right points we can hold the mob for a good while!" Than Steve noticed the live feed from the Georgia Dome filled with Refugees. "Send those folks further South, Miami and Orlando, hell open Disney world to Refugees if you have to just get those folks as far from the front as possible!" The president took a marker and paper drawing a surprisingly detailed map of America. "A want fallback lines here, here, here, and here!" He orders. The map has black lines along major rivers and mountains. "If that's everything I'll head to Houston to oversee the Evacuation and boost morale in the men?" The president waited for a response from anyone.

[Quebec and France]

Federation HQ
Paris, European Federation

Louis Delacroix was finally forced to hold a meeting with all of the Federation's leaders. Representatives from all the Federation members in Europe were there. Germany was curiously missing.

The meeting took place alternately in French/German.

The meeting was already in session and things were getting heated.

(Gentlemen,) he said. (I understand that there are some who would clamour for war in this situation. However, we must be patient. Compromise, not war, is the solution here. We cannot afford to fight both the USA and Russia, not without certain guarantees.)

The representatives said nothing. It was all a bit suspicious. Compromise? What more guarantees did they need. Russia was at war with itself (news of the Second Russian Revolution). Surely NOW was the time to join the CSA if ever there were such a time? What was Delacroix up to?

Suddenly, the doors were swung open.

Everyone turned around and saw.

IT WAS CHANCELLOR FREDERICK REISS... flanked by Johan Magnus in ceremonial German military dress.

Delacroix wasn't happy.

(F... FREDERICK?!) he exclaimed insincerely. (I'm happy you're able to join us! I was told you'd been inconvenienced!)

The dark-haired German leader said nothing, instead he walked into the room and took his proper position at the table. Johan bowed and left, having successfully escorted him here.

Reiss stood up at once, everyone was looking at him. Reiss was looking directly at Delacroix.

(Chancellor Delacroix,) Reiss said. (They attacked us. They... the Americans, the Mafia... they attacked Berlin, they attacked the Reichstag. This wasn't just an attack on Germany... IT WAS AN ATTACK ON ALL OF THE FEDERATION! They struck at the heart of Europe!)

Delacroix was speechless, what was Reiss doing?

(The Confederates came here... they saved the Reichstag, they saved my life. President Dixie himself fought at the Reichstag, a head of state with humility and valor, he's saved my life. I fought alongside him.), Reiss continued. (It's a debt that must be repaid. As such, I, as representative of Germany, suggest that we-)

(Don't make this personal Reiss,) Delacroix said coldly, sneering. (This is a war between bickering Americans. It is not Europe's problem.)

(I make nothing personal), Reiss replied. (After the Mafia has finished with America, they will come for us. Have we not learned from the Second World War?)

(This is outrageous!)

Reiss did not want to do this. But he saw that he had no choice.

(Everyone) he said, addressing the whole hall. (It appears that the Chancellor and I cannot come to an agreement. We have our differences and the Constitution prohibits military action without the Chancellor's approval... as such...)

(HE DARES NOT!)

Reiss declared with a degree of fierceness:

(I move for a vote of No Confidence in Chancellor Louis Delacroix's leadership!)

There was a collective gasp. Delacroix himself stepped back in shock.

Reiss did not back down, instead, he continued to glare fiercely at the French politician.

(I see no other alternative,) Reiss said. (You have not given an adequate response to the mob attack on the Reichstag. One might even begin to suspect that you, or at least many members of your administration... are in the pocket of the United Mafia-)

(How DARE YOU... YOU... YOU GERMAN FUCK!)

Delacroix was terrified because up until now, Reiss had played ball. Yet he was one of the most powerful politicians in Europe now (especially after the rumours that he participated in direct combat at the Reichstag) and with the mood of the people, he might well take the Chancellorship.

The President interfered to put an end to the meeting.

(Gentlemen), he said. (Due to the leadership challenge, this meeting has come to an end. We will have to begin a formal vote in the next meeting to resolve the leadership challenge. It would be proper to continue in the next meeting.)

(I will put myself forward as a candidate,) Reiss said aggressively. (If you cannot lead the Federation, then someone has to).

(We shall see), Delacroix replied very coldly.

It was time for the French and the Germans to fight once again. This time in the halls of politics. The fate of Europe and America hangs in the balance.

...

A fuming Delacroix returned to his gilded office. Cursing in French, he set his documents down and took a seat. He jumped up when he saw that someone was already in the room.

"(WHAT THE HELL!)"

It was Wilhelm Frey.

(What is the meaning of this?), Louis said. (We had a deal. And you're NEVER supposed to show your face here in this government building you snake. What would the people think?)

(Can you handle the leadership challenge Louis?) Wilhelm said in perfect French. (Our Queen is not so sure. And if you cannot, then we might not be able to hold on to our end of the bargain.)

This threw Louis into a panic.

(Are... are you threatening me?!) Louis yelled angrily. (You're addressing a head of state!)

(Just a friendly reminder here,) Wilhelm said casually. (If you keep Europe out of the war, you shall be made a god. But if Europe joins the CS... then our deal is off. Also... you know the other consequences.)

Delacroix was shocked.

(I'll leave you to it), the Mafia captain said smugly. He stood up, tipped his hat at the French leader. Then he showed himself out.

---

Vicky Callaghan

Vicky stared sullenly out of the window, she was really concerned as well.

Then she said darkly, "My cousin Jane lives in Tennessee."

With the latest intel they've got, McDougall's giant army had invaded Tennessee and North Carolina. Cumberbatch fought a valiant holding action with the rebuilt Confederate military. Despite being outnumbered, the Confederates hadn't been driven out yet.

Vicky shuddered as she thought about it. As they sat in this very plane, hundreds of thousands to millions were dying in direct combat. Artillery shells, missiles, bombs were destroying their homeland.

"I pray to God she's safely evacuated," she said.

---

Confederate HQ
Atlanta, Georgia

Soon after, the Confederate parties arrived in the the capital.

General Cumberbatch was there to greet them.

"Mr. President," he said. "It's a relief that you've returned. I've begun whatever evacuations we can at this point; however, we are extremely overwhelmed. I'll brief you on the war now. Come with me... all of you please... we have much to discuss."

"General Cumberbatch," Vicky called out someone impertinently. "My cousin Jane lives in Nashville. Is she safe?"

"I'm sorry," the General said as he kept walking. "I can't say with any degree of certainty. The fighting is very thick and millions have been killed... they are still being killed and-"

"Can you please check? Don't you have a list?"

"I can't GOD DAMN IT!"

Cumberbatch calmed himself. "I... I'm sorry... this war... it's caused me stress. Please forgive me."

He waved his hand. An aide walked over.

"Please help Vicky Callaghan check if her cousin Jane from Tennessee is safe. Vicky, go with Bob he'll take care off it."

Vicky walked off in a hurry with the aide, looking throughly concerned.

...

Finally, the Confederates entered a room with lots of military maps out and aides busily radioing commands to various troops all over the USA.

Liliruca Styx and Jim Travers were there as well. They were introduced to the rest of the Confederates.

"As you can see," Cumberbatch said. "The war is not going well. We lost major battles at Cookeville and Morristown. North Carolina is effectively lost when they routed our main force at Greenville. We tried to lead them into a trap but they outmanoeuvred us with unexpected reinforcements."

To summarise, he said grimly: "At this rate the frontline will move on to the five states just above Georgia. Then we'd be finished."

He turned desperately to Dixie.

"Sir, how dod your meeting with the Europeans go? Are they coming to help us?"

"The German Chancellor seemed very thankful for us saving his life, as such European support is likely coming we just have to hold out." He said before looking at the map.
"I want Lane Reversals on all roads leading Out of our western states! Get as many out as possible than we have a fighting retreat,by the Time we reach the west bank of the Mississippi the east side will be a fortress! If we blow the Bridges and protect the right points we can hold the mob for a good while!" Than Steve noticed the live feed from the Georgia Dome filled with Refugees. "Send those folks further South, Miami and Orlando, hell open Disney world to Refugees if you have to just get those folks as far from the front as possible!" The president took a marker and paper drawing a surprisingly detailed map of America. "A want fallback lines here, here, here, and here!" He orders. The map has black lines along major rivers and mountains. "If that's everything I'll head to Houston to oversee the Evacuation and boost morale in the men?" The president waited for a response from anyone.

"He's right."

Hendriks nodded, approaching the map.

"But I have an idea."

[Infected Mushroom]

General Cumberbatch

In reply to the President’s orders the southern general said: “Yes sir! At once sir!”

He was glad that some of the weight of the decision making had been taken off him (being President had been tough). Now they were a team again, him, Dixie, and Hendriks.

His aide issued the necessary directives through radio at once.

Then he heard that Hendriks had an idea.

“What is it Director?”

[Christian Confederation]

General Cumberbatch

In reply to the President’s orders the southern general said: “Yes sir! At once sir!”

He was glad that some of the weight of the decision making had been taken off him (being President had been tough). Now they were a team again, him, Dixie, and Hendriks.

His aide issued the necessary directives through radio at once.

Then he heard that Hendriks had an idea.

“What is it Director?”

"Go ahead Director!" The president said texting Cumberbatch. "Revoke the order to confirm what Hendricks says, i believe our days of arguing are over!"

[Quebec and France]

General Cumberbatch

In reply to the President’s orders the southern general said: “Yes sir! At once sir!”

He was glad that some of the weight of the decision making had been taken off him (being President had been tough). Now they were a team again, him, Dixie, and Hendriks.

His aide issued the necessary directives through radio at once.

Then he heard that Hendriks had an idea.

“What is it Director?”

"Go ahead Director!" The president said texting Cumberbatch. "Revoke the order to confirm what Hendricks says, i believe our days of arguing are over!"

"Carry on with the operation as planned. However, I figured a way that we can end this war. However, I would like that everyone hears, so, Mr. President, would you please be so kind and gather the military chiefs."

[Infected Mushroom]

"Go ahead Director!" The president said texting Cumberbatch. "Revoke the order to confirm what Hendricks says, i believe our days of arguing are over!"

"Carry on with the operation as planned. However, I figured a way that we can end this war. However, I would like that everyone hears, so, Mr. President, would you please be so kind and gather the military chiefs."

Liliruca Styx looked shocked. "E... end the war? But... but how?"

"Let's do as he says," Cumberbatch said. "Bring all the high rankers. It's meeting time."

...

The meeting was very hastily assembled because everyone wanted to hear what the legendary Confederate war hero had to say.

Hendriks, Dixie, Sue, Vicky, Jed, Cumberbatch, Liliruca Styx, Travers, Sam Tak and all the high ranking generals. They all sat around a table in a classified conference room. Also present in the room was the German mage Johan Magnus, he had quietly travelled to the Confederacy with his 2,000 KSM commandos (completely off the records of course).

It was time.

Vicky Callaghan looked particularly upset. She had just heard the news, her cousin Jane was killed by the US Air Force while in her home.

[Christian Confederation]

"Carry on with the operation as planned. However, I figured a way that we can end this war. However, I would like that everyone hears, so, Mr. President, would you please be so kind and gather the military chiefs."

Liliruca Styx looked shocked. "E... end the war? But... but how?"

"Let's do as he says," Cumberbatch said. "Bring all the high rankers. It's meeting time."

...

The meeting was very hastily assembled because everyone wanted to hear what the legendary Confederate war hero had to say.

Hendriks, Dixie, Sue, Vicky, Jed, Cumberbatch, Liliruca Styx, Travers, and all the high ranking generals. They all sat around a table in a classified conference room. Also present in the room was the German mage Johan Magnus, he had quietly travelled to the Confederacy with his 2,000 KSM commandos (completely off the records of course).

It was time.

Vicky Callaghan looked particularly upset. She had just heard the news, her cousin Jane was killed by the US Air Force while in her home.

"Ladies and Gentlemen these are trying times, the future of the Confederacy. Hell future of the free world is at stake! What we decide today can change the course of history!" Steve said looking around the table and room. "Director you have the floor!" Dixie said nodding to Hendricks.

[Infected Mushroom]

All over the Confederacy

Somehow, the American government hacked the public networks. All over the ravaged nation, the TV was now making a US government broadcast.

General McDougall, in full military uniform with the American flag of Stars and Stripes as a banner in the background, spoke to the entire nation, a slight look of obnoxious smugness on his face:

“Citizens of the self-declared Confederacy.

Everyone must choose a side. Good against Evil. Light against Dark. Freedom against Oppression. Have you learned nothing from the First Civil War? Do you not see the folly of Secession?”

The broadcast began to show heavily edited but realistic looking propaganda footage of what appears to be Confederate soldiers shooting and blowing things up. Some of the footage is recognizable from DC but it’s not clear how some of the other footages were made (high production actors?).

The camera cut back to McDougall’s stern face. He continued to address the nation:

“We are not the invaders, we are not the enemy. We are liberators. We’ve come to RE-ESTABLISH democracy. There can be no democracy unless the United States remains as one, ONE NATION UNITED, for that is how it should be. This union, that our forefathers built, it must not be torn asunder. By trying to repeat the effort of slavers to break the union, your government is fighting AGAINST democracy. We, the American government, are the liberators.

No, the true enemy is the Confederate government. Your government is led by terrorists and mass murderers.”

Yet more propaganda footage is shown. This time, these seem to be footage from the media of some of the Red Protocol operations. However, McDougall paints a different narrative where the Mafia is not involved. McDougall spoke over the footage:

“Over the course of nine months, your terrorist leaders have murdered innocent civilians from the west coast to the east coast. Train stations and shopping malls have been bombed. Millions of Americans have been killed in their homes and out in the public. The actions of the Confederate agents and their Antihero allies are UNFORGIVABLE. Despite the efforts of the FBI and the local police agencies to stop these things, they only escalated.

The Confederates attacked New York, the Confederates attacked DC, the Confederates even attacked Berlin. The CIA confirms that the Confederacy abducted and murdered the rightful, democratically elected President of the United States, Tent O’ Brian. They were behind the assassination of Secretary of War Gregory Hills and the abduction of Secretary Kimberley. They are a government of terrorists, kidnappers, and mass murderers THEY MUST BE STOPPED.

I intend to retake America and see that true justice is done. Will you help me do so?”

The camera panned back to McDougall.

“Why die for them? I hereby promise that any man, woman, or child who should sees the error of his ways and declare himself a patriotic American and tries to join us in our war effort against the seditious rebels shall be REWARDED…

If any person, trapped behind Confederate terrorist lines is to give information that helps the American war effort or leads to the capture of Confederate agents, that person shall be rewarded with the highest of honours and shall receive a rewards of no less than 500,000 US Dollars.

Remember everyone, you only live once. Make sure that you live with integrity and righteousness. Choose the United States, don’t be fooled into doing the work of terrorists.

That is all for now. May God Bless the United States of America.”

He saluted the entire nation before the broadcast went out.

…

Fortress White Swann
Northern Pennsylvania Countryside

Aurora Von Staffen

Along with much of the rest of the world, the Mafia Queen was also watching McDougall’s propaganda broadcast.

The Queen sat on a large gilded chair that resembled a throne. She was wearing a glittering dress and had a silver tiara on top of her neat, long golden hair. Her violet eyes gleamed with happiness as she sipped a glass of red wine, which she held between her glove fingers.

She was watching this from a golden television (yes golden TVs exist).

I’m impressed McDougall. Not bad for a commoner country boy from South Dakota. I think you may even have more of a gift for this than even Tent O’ Brian.

The Mafia Queen felt a thrill of exhilaration and happiness. She was now closer to her goal of world domination than ever. The US military was winning all of the battles and soon the entirety of the Confederacy would crumble. It was very sweet revenge for what happened to Nightfall Soldier, she really wanted to kill the Confederate leaders now.

One way or another… I will get you.

Once the Confederacy was defeated, she would have all the time she needed to deal with the Federation. She was supremely confident that Delacroix could play the European bureaucracy for months. In fact, she had already made arrangements with Wilhelm Frey and Delacroix to take care of the Reiss problem.

After America and Europe, the rest of the world was her oyster. Without the Free World to oppose the United Mafia, she could play everyone against each other endlessly until she became Queen of Earth.

---

Government HQ
Paris, European Federation

Louis Delacroix

The French politician stood by a windowpane in his office. It was raining outside. The pellets of rainwater pounded against the windowpane like bullets.

(I dislike the rain. It always puts a damper on my mood.)

He had a glass of wine in his hand. He was going to need a lot of drinks.

After Delacroix’s days in the military, he used his family’s wealth and respectable reputation to enter politics. At first, he ran into considerable trouble but then he found a useful ally… the ULTIMATE ally.

(La Reigne de la Mafia)

It was years ago when the mysterious, powerful, and beautiful woman approached him at a ball in Vienna. At the time, Delacroix had run into some problems, a group of whistleblowers from a corporation were blackmailing his administration in Paris, they wanted to expose some of his dirty laundry.

At first, Delacroix did not believe that she was the Queen. It was all a myth right? The Mafia Queen? Surely the Mafia was led by a commission of gangsters and the mob queen was just an urban legend? However, he was wrong… so very wrong.

When the chips came down he was forced to make the deal with the queen. The whistleblowers were never heard from again and Delacroix’s career and personal wealth has skyrocketed to new heights ever since. The alliance had benefited both sides but Delacroix had always tried to make himself the bigger beneficiary.

Now, all of that was in jeopardy.

FREDERICK REISS! PUTAIN DE CON! (Frederick Reiss! You asshole!)

As Delacroix sipped his wine and looked out into the rain, he couldn’t help but feel a bit of sorrow.

It bothered him, having to arrange for a hit on someone like Reiss. His alliance with the Mafia had involved other arranged killings but rarely did they have to do away with… someone of his own class. Reiss was one of them, like Delacroix himself, a true European politician; they came from a similar social background. They even shared many of the same views on social and economic matters. In fact, in their earlier days, before they became rivals, they had been friends.

C’est domage. (It’s too bad.)

However, Delacroix certainly wasn’t going to lose sleep over the loss of the 35% projected lead that Reiss held over him in the upcoming Leadership Challenge.

[Christian Confederation]

All over the Confederacy

Somehow, the American government hacked the public networks. All over the ravaged nation, the TV was now making a US government broadcast.

General McDougall, in full military uniform with the American flag of Stars and Stripes as a banner in the background, spoke to the entire nation, a slight look of obnoxious smugness on his face:

“Citizens of the self-declared Confederacy.

Everyone must choose a side. Good against Evil. Light against Dark. Freedom against Oppression. Have you learned nothing from the First Civil War? Do you not see the folly of Secession?”

The broadcast began to show heavily edited but realistic looking propaganda footage of what appears to be Confederate soldiers shooting and blowing things up. Some of the footage is recognizable from DC but it’s not clear how some of the other footages were made (high production actors?).

The camera cut back to McDougall’s stern face. He continued to address the nation:

“We are not the invaders, we are not the enemy. We are liberators. We’ve come to RE-ESTABLISH democracy. There can be no democracy unless the United States remains as one, ONE NATION UNITED, for that is how it should be. This union, that our forefathers built, it must not be torn asunder. By trying to repeat the effort of slavers to break the union, your government is fighting AGAINST democracy. We, the American government, are the liberators.

No, the true enemy is the Confederate government. Your government is led by terrorists and mass murderers.”

Yet more propaganda footage is shown. This time, these seem to be footage from the media of some of the Red Protocol operations. However, McDougall paints a different narrative where the Mafia is not involved. McDougall spoke over the footage:

“Over the course of nine months, your terrorist leaders have murdered innocent civilians from the west coast to the east coast. Train stations and shopping malls have been bombed. Millions of Americans have been killed in their homes and out in the public. The actions of the Confederate agents and their Antihero allies are UNFORGIVABLE. Despite the efforts of the FBI and the local police agencies to stop these things, they only escalated.

The Confederates attacked New York, the Confederates attacked DC, the Confederates even attacked Berlin. The CIA confirms that the Confederacy abducted and murdered the rightful, democratically elected President of the United States, Tent O’ Brian. They were behind the assassination of Secretary of War Gregory Hills and the abduction of Secretary Kimberley. They are a government of terrorists, kidnappers, and mass murderers THEY MUST BE STOPPED.

I intend to retake America and see that true justice is done. Will you help me do so?”

The camera panned back to McDougall.

“Why die for them? I hereby promise that any man, woman, or child who should sees the error of his ways and declare himself a patriotic American and tries to join us in our war effort against the seditious rebels shall be REWARDED…

If any person, trapped behind Confederate terrorist lines is to give information that helps the American war effort or leads to the capture of Confederate agents, that person shall be rewarded with the highest of honours and shall receive a rewards of no less than 500,000 US Dollars.

Remember everyone, you only live once. Make sure that you live with integrity and righteousness. Choose the United States, don’t be fooled into doing the work of terrorists.

That is all for now. May God Bless the United States of America.”

He saluted the entire nation before the broadcast went out.

…

Fortress White Swann
Northern Pennsylvania Countryside

Aurora Von Staffen

Along with much of the rest of the world, the Mafia Queen was also watching McDougall’s propaganda broadcast.

The Queen sat on a large gilded chair that resembled a throne. She was wearing a glittering dress and had a silver tiara on top of her neat, long golden hair. Her violet eyes gleamed with happiness as she sipped a glass of red wine, which she held between her glove fingers.

She was watching this from a golden television (yes golden TVs exist).

I’m impressed McDougall. Not bad for a commoner country boy from South Dakota. I think you may even have more of a gift for this than even Tent O’ Brian.

The Mafia Queen felt a thrill of exhilaration and happiness. She was now closer to her goal of world domination than ever. The US military was winning all of the battles and soon the entirety of the Confederacy would crumble. It was very sweet revenge for what happened to Nightfall Soldier, she really wanted to kill the Confederate leaders now.

One way or another… I will get you.

Once the Confederacy was defeated, she would have all the time she needed to deal with the Federation. She was supremely confident that Delacroix could play the European bureaucracy for months. In fact, she had already made arrangements with Wilhelm Frey and Delacroix to take care of the Reiss problem.

After America and Europe, the rest of the world was her oyster. Without the Free World to oppose the United Mafia, she could play everyone against each other endlessly until she became Queen of Earth.

---

Government HQ
Paris, European Federation

Louis Delacroix

The French politician stood by a windowpane in his office. It was raining outside. The pellets of rainwater pounded against the windowpane like bullets.

(I dislike the rain. It always puts a damper on my mood.)

He had a glass of wine in his hand. He was going to need a lot of drinks.

After Delacroix’s days in the military, he used his family’s wealth and respectable reputation to enter politics. At first, he ran into considerable trouble but then he found a useful ally… the ULTIMATE ally.

(La Reigne de la Mafia)

It was years ago when the mysterious, powerful, and beautiful woman approached him at a ball in Vienna. At the time, Delacroix had run into some problems, a group of whistleblowers from a corporation were blackmailing his administration in Paris, they wanted to expose some of his dirty laundry.

At first, Delacroix did not believe that she was the Queen. It was all a myth right? The Mafia Queen? Surely the Mafia was led by a commission of gangsters and the mob queen was just an urban legend? However, he was wrong… so very wrong.

When the chips came down he was forced to make the deal with the queen. The whistleblowers were never heard from again and Delacroix’s career and personal wealth has skyrocketed to new heights ever since. The alliance had benefited both sides but Delacroix had always tried to make himself the bigger beneficiary.

Now, all of that was in jeopardy.

FREDERICK REISS! PUTAIN DE CON! (Frederick Reiss! You asshole!)

As Delacroix sipped his wine and looked out into the rain, he couldn’t help but feel a bit of sorrow.

It bothered him, having to arrange for a hit on someone like Reiss. His alliance with the Mafia had involved other arranged killings but rarely did they have to do away with… someone of his own class. Reiss was one of them, like Delacroix himself, a true European politician; they came from a similar social background. They even shared many of the same views on social and economic matters. In fact, in their earlier days, before they became rivals, they had been friends.

C’est domage. (It’s too bad.)

However, Delacroix certainly wasn’t going to lose sleep over the loss of the 35% projected lead that Reiss held over him in the upcoming Leadership Challenge.

The president smashed the i pad he was holding not even halfway through the propaganda. "Yankee Basturd!" He said leaving to the TV station. "What are you going to do?" Sue asked.
"Fix this mess, and have everything we have contradicting that shit printed in the papers!" He said sitting at the desk they always have on standby.
"Broadcast to every Radio and TV you can reach!" Steve said with a slig grin knowing the EBS transmitter can't be overided from the outside and will reach everyone!

"My fellow Confederates and partisans trapped behind enemy lines i come to you in a time of great challenge! The front is stable and neither side can budge. Our allies in Europe are preparing to send there vast armies to our shores and there navy to decimate the enemy fleet! The Northern Dictator claims we are the traitors but in reality the traitors are the men and woman who bow to the mafia queen! Yes i was in Germany during the attack, i was helping the Germans repel the attack! There Chancellor fought at my side against the mon assassin the nightfall soldier sent to kill me! This might be trying times but who would you like as a leader a military Director or a Democratically elected leader? The Choice of yours. God bless you, and God bless the Confederacy!" He said with great pride. After the address ended he sighed and pulled Sue close. "My God Sue am i doing the right thing?" He asked. She looked into his eyes and smiled. "I think we're doing exactly what we need to do!"

[Infected Mushroom]

Normandy
France

Frederick Reiss

Frederick was getting increasingly nervous as the day of the leadership challenge drew near.

To help with the war in North America, Reiss had quietly sent over Johan Magnus and his 2,000 KSK commandos. He really hoped these forces would make a difference. However, without Johan around him, Reiss felt exposed... and dangerously so.

A few days ago, Reiss' agents had uncovered suspicious circumstances that may suggest Delacroix was working in concert with the United Mafia. Reiss had no solid proof but his instincts told him that there was a high likelihood of this being the case. And if this was true, then Reiss' life may be in danger as of now.

(We don't have time for this silly leadership struggle. The Americans may capture Atlanta any day now this is STUPID. We should be sending in our army, air force, and navy now to make a difference. Damn Delacroix. By the time this leadership challenge resolves, who knows... it may be too late.)

Currently, Reiss sat inside a sizable seaside mansion close to Normandy. It was a family property. It was a bit unusual for a politician to be staying on private property but under the current circumstances (with Reiss suspecting that Delacroix and Paris had ties to the Mafia), he wasn't going to take chances with Federation-arranged accommodation. However, he did need to be close to Paris to monitor developments in the capital.

The place had modest security. Johan wasn't here, but the German Chancellor still had some security to spare.

Presently, Reiss was seated in one of the mansion's side rooms. There was a window facing the beach and the sea. Reiss had no time for that however... a large cigarette in his hand, he was busy discussing details of the leadership challenge with his aides and planners. All in all, over a dozen people were in the meeting. The atmosphere was tense but optimistic and everyone was highly drive to succeed... Reiss believed he had a considerable advantage in the polls.

(The people of Europe want to fight. We are a valiant people. This is why I have to win, so I can represent them.)

Suddenly, one of the aides spoke up:

(Mr. Reiss… do you hear?… I think I hear a helicopter.)

Reiss looked up from his laptop, (“What?”)

…

From outside the mansion, two Russian transport helicopters had suddenly appeared. They had been equipped with powerful high caliber machineguns on the sides.

The guards in the mansion grounds barely had any time to react.

The pilots were professionals; they had flown the helicopters at a very low altitude and close to the trees in the forests surrounding the mansions as they approached. Only at the last possible minute did they suddenly fly out from under the trees. Reiss’ security was completely caught off guard.

Now it was too late.

The two helicopters hovered right over the handsome seaside Normandy mansion. The two dozen German guards below looked up in shock.

("HOLY SHIT!")

The pilots and the personnel manning the airborne machineguns were professionals, corrupt but highly experienced operators from the French military disguised in plainclothes. Delacroix’s finest.

Each of the helicopters adjusted their positions so that the .50 cals onboard faced the mansion and the guards.

KA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA !!!!!!!!

One of the helis targeted the guards while the other one opened fire straight at the mansion.

The guards were completely cut down by a hailstorm of bullets. Some of them tried to return fire but the firepower and accuracy of the machineguns, even from the air, was somehow too accurate and powerful. Several guards rushed for cover as one after another they were cut down.

The mansion was completely obliterated by the heavy machine gun fire. The walls exploded as pieces of plaster, bricks, and glass flew everywhere. The windows downright exploded.

KA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA !!!!!!!

Now that all the guards were dead, both helicopters opened fire on the entire mansion continuously, causing a hailstorm of destruction.

…

A City Park
Paris

Louis Delacroix

Delacroix was taking a stroll in the park. He was checking his phone anxiously. At last it rang.

“(Is it done?)” he said urgently.

(“Yes. He’s a dead.”)

(“Are you CERTAIN?!”)

(“Check the news.”)

They hung up.

Delacroix cursed. Reiss BETTER be dead or this would backfire spectacularly.

He returned to his vehicle at once.

(“Driver,”) he said imperiously. (“Take me back to HQ at once.”)

…

Delacroix was relieved because the news reported just what he expected and wanted:

Reiss was having a holiday in Normandy at his mansion days before the leadership challenge. He had been assassinated by “Russian radicals” using smuggled and stolen Russian military battle helicopters; the assassins had still not been caught.

Frederick Reiss, along with two dozen of his guards and nearly his entire political aide staff, were tragically murdered in a hailstorm of bullets from the air.

(“This game is over, I win,”) Delacroix said, smirking. He toasted himself silently in his chambers as he drank some fine wine. The fire cackled and cast an eerie glow over his pale, aristocratic face.

---

72 Hours Later…

Palace of Versailles
Versailles, France

A confident Louis Delacroix walked past the press. He ignored the flashing of the cameras and attempts by reporters to get comments from him. His guards pushed them aside so that he could enter the famous French palace.

It had been decided by the panel that the leadership challenge would take place in the historic building of the Palace of Versailles.

Delacroix was quite confident of victory now. Following Reiss’ murder, Reiss’ political party split up (as Delacroix had calculated) and instead of staying united, they split into three different factions. Each faction propped up a different candidate, in effect splitting the opposition to Delacroix.

Reiss held the advantage over Delacroix. But now that Delacroix went up against three challengers, he was quite certain that he, as incumbent, would win.

Reiss had been the glue that held Germany together, without him, it was everyone for themselves. No one else could hold his party together.

(This is truly too easy… 35% lead in the polls eh? POOF. Gone just like that.)

As for the French police, they continued to investigate the helicopter attacks with the expected slowness. Delacroix pulled a few strings from the side, and he was fairly confident that the case wouldn’t be solved… not in time anyhow. For now, all of it was the work of “Russian extremists,” further cementing his narrative that Russian terrorists and not the USA, was the real enemy.

The preparations were lengthy but at last it was time to get started.

Louis Delacroix stepped into a room in the palace filled with politicians. All the leaders of Europe took their respective seats. It was like a parliamentary arrangement except set in the historic French building.

The President took command:

(“Leaders of Europe. It is time to settle the question of the leadership challenge as set forth on-“)

BANG!

There was loud interruption as the doors at the very back of the hall suddenly burst open.

Every single pair of eyes turned around. Louis’ mouth dropped open and his heart nearly stopped.

IT WAS… IT WAS FREDERICK REISS!

(NO… W… WHAT?!!!! THIS DOESN’T MAKE ANY FUCKING SENSE!)

(I have survived!) Reiss declared boldly. (And I come here as a candidate for the leadership challenge.)

The entire parliament erupted with loud chatter.

(“SILENCE!”) the President yelled over the commotion as he banged his desk with a powerful hammer. (“ORDER! … ORDER!”)

The politicians fell into a suspenseful silence. Frederick Reiss walked in the aisle in the middle of the room. He kept walking until he was face to face with Louis Delacroix, the German politician’s green eyes were on fire.

(“Reiss, how how did you…?) Delacroix said.

(“I survived the air strike. You only killed my body double. However, to stay safe and to discourage further foul play, I disappeared for a few days… UNTIL NOW,”) Reiss said loudly. He turned to address the politicians. (“The news was lying to you. It was not the Russians who tried to kill me. Oh NO!)

The German politician wagged a finger. Then he turned and pointed straight at Delacroix. Reiss’ face lit up with passion and fire as he screamed:

(“IT WAS LOUIS DELACROIX! … IT WAS HIM! … IT WAS HE IN CONCERT WITH THE UNITED MAFIA!”)

Louis put on a smile and tried to treat the accusations dismissively, inside he was throwing a fit:

(“My German friend. You have an extraordinary imagination but I would not do such a thing. Your accusations are most outrageous, unfounded and untrue-“)

Reiss screamed over Louis’ words:

(“YOU TRIED TO SILENCE ME! BUT I WILL NOT BE SILENCED! The people of Europe WILL NOT BE SILENCED! … I come here to take part in the leadership challenge. Nothing will stop me.”)

Louis turned to the President for help; he said slyly:

(“Mr. President. It’s too late now. Reiss cannot participate. He wasn’t formally sworn in for the challenge. Besides, he’d have to enter himself as a fifth participant in this leadership challenge and I don’t think that’s allowed.”)

The President hesitated. (“Well… I… I mean this is unprecedented. But I think he’s allowed to participate with the others-“)

At this point, one of the politicians stood up. It was Eren Markel, one of the challengers. (“Mr. President, now that Mr. Reiss, our great party leader and hero of the Reichstag battle has returned… I declare that I will remove myself from the challenge. I now stand behind and support my Leader.”)

Louis was flabbergasted and he started to protest but this was drowned out by the thunderous applause from the crowd.

Empowered by this, the other two candidates also stood up.

(“I will do so as well. I’m out.”)

(“I remove myself from the challenge. I support party leader Reiss.”)

True to their word, the three challengers returned to their regular seats amongst the audience. Many of the leaders present clapped as they did so.

The President turned and faced Delacroix. (“Well Mr. Delacroix, it looks like it’s just you vs Reiss as it was before. Let us proceed with the vote now-“

(OH SHIT. With all of this sensationalism and circus now Reiss is certain to win. He’s definitely got way more than 35% lead now. Then the game is over. I must do something drastic.)

(“WAIT A MINUTE!”) Louis screamed over the commotion. (“STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!”)

There was silence. The President was shocked, what now?

Louis turned and faced Reiss.

He said very loudly and very clearly:

(“I would like to declare that on THIS DAY, I… Louis Paul Delacroix, a gentleman of France, have taken DEEP OFFENSE. My honor… my honor has been attacked by this man. He has accused me, WITHOUT BASIS AND WITH COMPLETE FALSEHOOD, of colluding with the United Mafia. AS SUCH…)

Everyone held their breath.

Louis glared into Reiss’ equally fierce eyes as he said the next words:

(“Under the special circumstances, I call that election by voting be suspended. Instead, I want to invoke special procedures and challenge Frederick Reiss to a trial by combat!”)

There was a collective gasp of shock across the room.

A trial by combat? It hasn’t been done since the 1930s.

(“You insult my honor Reiss… So I challenge you to a duel to defend my honor. Do you accept?”)

Reiss considered it. All of Europe was watching and there were unspoken norms of honor that this sort of thing should be accepted under the circumstances. A part of him knew that this was a trap by Delacroix to make Reiss throw away an advantage… however, Reiss too was raised a gentleman and in Europe that meant something. Recklessness washed over the German chancellor as he said:

(“Then this challenge… I accept.”)

[Infected Mushroom]

Hall of Mirrors, Versailles

Frederick Reiss

All over the world, people were turning on their televisions. It was going to be historic. A duel to the death between two of Europe’s most powerful politicians in the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles.

No one had expected this spectacular turn of events. European politics had been uncharacteristically exciting these past few days: the battle of the Reichstag, Reiss’ accusations that Delacroix was working with the Mafia, the Normandy terror attack, the public uproar over Reiss’ supposed death, the splitting of the German party, the protests calling for an investigation into Delacroix administration, the surprise last minute re-appearance of Reiss, and now this duel.

The Hall of Mirrors was a long vertical space. Chandeliers hung on the roof and there were many windows and mirrors.

In 1871, the German Empire had been declared in these very halls. It was also where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Now… it was the sight of a modern duel to the death, between two powerful politicians…

In keeping with the traditions of trial by combat, the duel would be to the death.

The nano cameras were placed so that the duel would be broadcasted live and from every angle. This took about an hour. While this was happening, special duelist consultants introduced both challengers to their weapons and re-explained the procedure and the rules to them.

Both Louis and Frederick came from a similar social class so both of them were familiar with ceremonial dueling blades and the short sword; it was part of their privileged upbringing. It was important, even in modern times, for European elites to be able to defend their honor the Old Way.

Frederick had done a fair bit of dueling back in private school and college; however, these weren’t duels to the death. Frederick was handed his weapons; he nervous and with each passing minute, he felt he had made a mistake.

Honor had made him accept the duel but now it may cost him everything… his life included.

Both politicians were armed with a short sword (the blade was so sharp that it gleamed) and a holstered short dagger. They took off their formal suits and instead wore simple, aristocratic dueling vests made of silk. In keeping with tradition, there would be no armor whatsoever.

Finally, it was time.

Louis Paul Delacroix stood on one end. The short, thin French politician wore a white silk top with frills and he had on a pair of navy blue paints with brown boots. His sneering pale face was handsome and vampire-like. His medium-length gold hair was arranged in a controversial and flamboyant aristocratic style. He held up his sword straight up in the middle, in a practiced greeting gesture.

(OH SHIT… The way he’s holding the sword. He KNOWS HIS STUFF. )

Frederick Reiss stood half a meter away, holding his sword with a measure of aristocratic poise as well. Physically, Reiss was a total contrast. He had dark brown hair and his eyes were green; in contrast to Delacroix’s pallid skin, his sported a slight tan. The German politician was taller but not much bigger than Delacroix.

In contrast to Delacroix’s white, Reiss was dressed completely in black.

The two political rivals glared at each other silently.

There was no one else in the dueling arena; they had the entire length of the entire Hall of Mirrors to fight it out.

Just outside the doors however, the audience was packed while inside the halls, the nano cameras, omnipresent, were broadcasting the entire duel to the entire world.

Finally, it was time.

The announcement came in:

(Let the record reflect that on this day, Sir Louis Paul Delacroix of the French Republic, the Chancellor of the European Federation, having felt that his honor had been insulted, did challenge a Sir Frederick Reiss of the German Federation in a trial by combat. The challenged party having accepted, the duel shall now proceed. Both parties, having consented to the duel, shall not pursue any civil or criminal liabilities in court following this duel. The state, in its recognition of the gentleman’s right to avenge his honor, shall also not intervene in this matter. This is now a private matter, to be settled in the honorable field of combat until one party either yields or dies. This duel shall start at the count of three:

One…

Two ….

Three…

START!)

Delacroix immediately took the attack. His technique was elegant but also aggressive, unrelenting, and marked with deadly precision.

CLANG! CLING! CLANG!

Reiss was shocked by the level of aggressiveness and was immediately forced to step back, swinging his blade to counter in defense.

Delacroix continued to advance, swinging and stabbing with his sword aggressively. Reiss retreated down the length of the Hall of Mirrors, struggling to keep up.

Sensing a gap in Delacroix’s moves, Reiss found the opportunity to counter attack. Delacroix blocked the attacks as he stepped back.

CLANG! CLING! CLANG!

Delacroix blocked with dexterous skill. Somehow, he seized the initiative again and began to advance once more. Reiss was shocked and moved to block but the side of Delacroix’s blade caught a part of his hand, drawing blood.

(OH SHIT!)

Reiss let out a cry of pain. He heard a loud clanging sound; HE HAD DROPPED HIS SWORD TO THE FLOOR!

Delacroix grinned briefly. Then he stood forward to stab the defenseless German. High on adrenaline, Reiss reacted on pure instinct, ducking suddenly and rushing forward. He caught the surprised Delacroix by the legs and tackled him down to the floor. Delacroix’s sword was also dropped.

The two of them rolled around on the floor… punching, scratching, and wrestling for control.

(“YOU SCHEMING PIECE OF SHIT!”) Reiss screamed as he hurled a powerful punch.

CRACK!

Delacroix’s head shook briefly as the punch struck him squarely in the jaw. However, the French politician recovered quickly. He leaned forward, managing to lock Reiss down in a firm tackle and hold.

The two of them continued to roll around and fight.

Suddenly, Delacroix began to crawl towards his sword again.

(No… if he gets sword first…)

However, it was too late. Delacroix stood up, sword in hand. Reiss was unlucky, his blade wasn’t in the vicinity.

Not wasting a second, the ruthless French politician attacked at once. The unarmed Reiss stepped back, ducking and weaving to evade.

CLANG! CRACK! CLANG! CLANG!

Mirrors exploded on the walls as Delacroix’s blade connected briefly with them. Reiss’s left arm got cut again… drawing quite a bit of blood.

Desperate, the German politician landed a firm kick on Delacroix’s stomach, driving him momentarily back.

However, the French aristocrat’s footwork was so good that he didn’t drop his sword nor lose balance.

Frederick Reiss stood up, sword in hand again but Delacroix wasted no time in attacking.

CLANG!

The French politician struck Reiss’ sword with such unbelievable force that the shocked German Chancellor immediately dropped his sword to the floor again. Still backing away, the desperate Reiss pulled out his dagger.

Pressing his advantage, Delacroix continued to attack. He had abandoned the graceful style and was now swinging his sword with full force like a mace or a hammer.

CLANG! CRACK! CLANG!

Mirrors continued to explode as Reiss moved around to evade. There was nowhere to run now. Delacroix swung his sword again; Reiss (who was holding his dagger with both hands) tried to block the bigger weapon.

There was a shocking moment where the dull side of Delacroix’s blade connected with Reiss’ wrists. The stinging pain caused the German to fall down, however… as he fell down, the side of his boot kicked Delacroix in the legs, causing a shocked Delacroix to trip down as well.

Both politicans were on the ground now.

In a do-it-or-die moment, Reiss leapt forward, dagger in hand. He leapt on top of Delacroix and stabbed viciously and continuously at the Frenchman’s neck.

Delacroix was still in a complete state of shock as he was instantly killed. However, long after he was dead, Reiss still continued to stab… as if still caught up in the viciousness of the duel, screaming at the very top of his voice.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”

All the over the world, audiences watched in silent shock as the dark blood of Louis Delacroix spilled over unto the floors of the Hall of Mirrors. Reiss was still screaming and stabbing, distorted and driven slightly mad by what he had done.

In a most gruesome and final fashion, the leadership challenge for the European Federation had been resolved.

---

Many hours later…

Frederick Reiss walked into a room. Parliament was immediately in session per his order. Reiss got straight down to business, the President had allowed him to be sworn in with minimal fuss.

Now that Reiss was in command, everyone looked at the new head of state with considerable respect. He had after all, become the first politician in almost a century to win a leadership challenge through dueling. However, there was little doubt in the minds of most of the people in the room that had there been a vote, Reiss would have won. He was now firmly established as a politician who could fight, first at the Reichstag and now in the Hall of Mirrors too.

Reiss had switched back to the formal suit and tie. He still looked a bit shaken from his duel but now it was finally time for the important business.

(“Gentlemen, as new Chancellor of the European Federation, I want to make it clear… WE ARE UNDER THREAT. The Mafia is invading the United States as we speak and after they are done with America, they will come for us. Berlin, the Reichstag terror attack, THAT… THAT was just the beginning. … WE MUST ACT NOW.”)

There was a thunderous applause of approval. Reiss raised his hand, easily commanding silence again.

(“As my first action as Chancellor, I hereby propose a bill to declare war on the United States of America and mobilize our entire military to aid the embattled Confederate States of America.”)

---

And so it was done.

The European Federation declared war on the United States of America.

Soon after the declaration, a giant air and sea battle began all over the Atlantic. The United States Navy and the European Federation Navy were locked in a titanic battle for control of the Atlantic. Carrier groups moved to outmaneuver each other… destroyers, submarines, cruisers and even battleships were trading fire with each other at various hotspots.

The entire ocean was now set ablaze with missiles, torpedoes, and cannon fire. Tens of thousands of carrier-based aviation fought for control over the skies. International trade was catastrophically interrupted in the region because no civilian vessel was now safe.

Both the USA and Europe avoided targeting civilian craft but there was nevertheless considerable collateral.

The battle for the Atlantic was a gruesome affair, within days, dozens of ships carrying thousands of people on either side had been sunk to the bottom of the sea.

However, it offered the Confederates a huge morale boost. Although it was still unclear whether or not the Europeans could win in the Atlantic, they were no longer alone in this war. Like Communist Canada, the Europeans had now entered on their side.

A few days later, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia… emboldened by the move made by the Federation, also declared war on the United States.