2nd Great Division (IC)

[New Mushroom Kingdom]

New Mushroom Kingdom
The millitary installations in the NMK were abuzz with activity. Everything is ready for the fleet to set off towards Columbian Canada. All that was needed was to finish the final boarding process - all the troops, support staff and some supplies that couldn't be delivered previously. needed to get on board their assigned ships. Due to the covert and national status, there was no public announcement of any of this on either the government's official channel or any other channel. There was certainly speculation and the knowledge that the activity was likely a precursor to some unknown intervention in Columbian territory wasn't too hard to discover.

When these were tasks were finished, the Minister of Defense gave the final order to setoff to the destination of Columbian Canada. It was wondered what would occur on the journey there.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Cabo, Baja Peninsula

---

The Cathedral.

Lieutenant Theodor Rähner slumped behind a crumbling wall, his chest heaving and breathing ragged. Around him a tide of Capileans was smashing against the hard rocks of the Communist defense, being mowed down as they advanced farther into the city. By now the attackers had driven past the beach and into Cabo itself. Once one got past the glowing water and soft sand, they quickly realized that not even Columbian occupation had transformed Mexico. A good part of the city was in shambles; squalid slums and abandoned buildings were plentiful. The only nice part was where the tourists once visited, streets lined with towering hotels and shoreside resorts. By now all was rapidly disintegrating, and Theodor guessed that by the end of the day Cabo San Lucas might by completely
leveled.

Rähner's ears were rendered useless by the constant, deafening noise all about him. Shouts, screams, and cries for help were drowned out by the constant ring of gunfire and boom of shells. And- was that church bells? The young officer turned his head, and soon enough his bright viridian eyes found the source of this new sound. A large cathedral jutted out of Cabo's skyline, and sure enough, mighty brass bells were swinging back and forth in its twin, stone towers. The deep hollow sound reverberated throughout the city and could be heard even over the cacophony of battle. Theodor started as a Major threw himself against the wall and began barking orders to him.

"We're taking every man we can find and leading an assault on that church!" The man was nursing a wound on the top of his shoulder. "The Reds are rallying there, and apparently the Mexican Nationalists are leading an assault on the city too," he hollered over the din. "Gather as many as you can, and let's see if we can cut off the head of the snake."

---

The Communists had been able to fortify Cabo in mere minutes, or so it seemed. Every other building was infested with snipers, every other alley was filled with machine gun nests. Barbed wire, landmines, and even bear traps were common obstacles on their trek across the city, ensuring a grizzly death for anyone unlucky enough to stumble into them. It was impossible for the force of maybe forty men to traverse the streets unnoticed, so instead the Capileans ran. By now the combined weight of the Capilean and Mexican forces had made serious dents in the Communist defense, and the majority of their troops were reeling back towards the city center and the cathedral. Even so, the men were almost constantly under withering fire from snipers and machine gunners hidden away in balconies and sewers.

Speaking of the sewer system, it had been a real thorn in the side of the Capilean assault. That underground labyrinth allowed Red troops to sneak around and pop up in the backs of their enemies, inflicting a deadly slaughter most of the time. General Nemetz, who was personally directing the assault, had ordered specially trained squads to sweep and secure those tunnels as soon as he found out about them. This would be especially useful if the defenders attempted to evacuate their leaders, munitions, or troops.

After skirting through to the very street on which the cathedral loomed, the Major(now revealed to be named Adler) took stock of the situation. About a dozen men had fallen, but along the way they had also picked up the remnants of a squadron, which brought their numbers back up to about thirty-seven. They all said a quick prayer before rushing towards the church, determined to secure the building and end this fight.

---

"Come on you dirty spics!" Theodor heard someone call. The voice was distinctively American- which meant that it was a Red shouting it. He also registered numerous contemptuous curses intended for the Capileans, but they fell on deaf ears. Right now the Lieutenant was crouched behind a pew in the cathedral. It was beautifully made, with plush cushions and ornate carvings on the armrest. Sadly it was now nicked and battered by countless bullets, and ugly black scorch marks scarred its seats. Rähner mustered up all of his courage and peeped out over the bench and into the church. It was a sad sight to see such a holy, sacred place being wrecked by meaningless fighting. But the Reds had chosen this battleground; they were defiling it with their presence, and they needed to be eradicated. They were liberating it.

Ahead of him a showdown was occurring between a Mexican and several Communists. The Mexican, damn him, was sporting T-51b Power Armor. It looked to have been salvaged, as the left arm was missing(substituted by a few rusted metal plates) and both of the legs were warped and chipped. The suit's standard, military green coating had been replaced, at least on the chestplate. There was a brightly-colored Mexican Flag, the brown eagle shown as about to strike, with wickedly sharp talons and an open beak. The artist was very talented, whoever it was. The wearer was also toting a minigun, and he let it spray laser-fire freely as he shouted out wildly in Spanish. He was faced by four Reds. Two wore shoddily made- or perhaps salvaged- suits of combat armor; one had one nothing more than a bullet-proof vest, and the last was wearing padded leather. They all were equipped with pistols or SMGs. Typical conscripts.

All of them were cut down by an eviscerating volley from the power-armored Mexican, who howled his victory. Not only had he ripped the Reds apart, but he'd also shattered the priceless stained glass windows carved into the sides of the church and put steaming holes in its altar and pews. His unholy triumph was short-lived. Raising his armor-piercing pistol(which he had been issued specifically to deal with this sort of enemy), he squeezed off a shot aimed for the man's neck. It connected with his shoulder blade instead, ripping apart the armor and tearing upon a nasty wound underneath. The man inside the metal shell swayed and faltered before collapsing in a heap to the floor. His helmet and several other armor pieces rolled away. Jumping up, Theodor scanned the rest of the room to ensure that it had been cleared. Confirming this, he stepped forward to look down at his fresh kill- just as the doors flew open and a fresh squad of Communists stormed in.

Unfazed by the ensuing firefight, Rähner dove behind the pulpit as his comrades fought the Reds. He looked to his right and sighted a flight of steps leading up to one of the bell towers. Smiling, the Lieutenant shot up the stairs, thankfully attracting neither bullets or attention. The steps led straight up to the bells. Once he had reached the end of them he panted for a minute before stepping out.

A set of mighty brass bells was still swinging, aided by a few Communist soldiers. And before him was a cheap wooden table, around which a semi-circle of Red officers was gathered, facing away from him, and very annoyed by the noise. Grinning, Theodor pulled the pin on a smoke grenade and threw it directly towards them. As a gray fog filled up the room and shouts began to bounce off the walls, the Capilean drew his SMG.

"Eat this Commies!" Laughing manically, the man sprayed them all with lead.

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max turned away from the door with a lot to think about. It didn't concern him of course. Riesch had nothing to do with the heated Foley family politics; but Titus had vented to him, taken a load off of his back, he supposed. And revealed a lot more than he probably meant to. The Colonel-General actually thought the High King had something to be thankful for, despite his many obstacles. He had no one to oppose him; no sons, brothers, uncles- no male relatives at all. Which meant he was the undisputed ruler, at least until he was overthrown by one of the other factions fighting over Columbia's wilting corpse. He didn't need to think about that now; Max needed to freshen up for dinner, he supposed.
The officer was snapped from his thoughts by the sudden appearance of Samantha at the end of the corridor.

"Your highness," he began, bowing with a slight flourish. The Capilean started towards the princess, took her hand, and planted a kiss on it, switching gears from a calculating military man to a polished gentleman in seconds. "Perhaps you could escort me to my quarters? I should love to talk with you before dinner."

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf groaned again. The pain still hadn't numbed; it felt as if some sort of burning force was radiating throughout his body, clawing its way under his skin and contaminating him. Maybe it was the damned weapon they had used on him. The Columbians were notorious for fusing dangerous amounts of radiation in their guns; after all, it was what fueled their cars. Why not their war machine as well? The agent tried to prop himself against the wall so that he wasn't just lying there. Suddenly his torturer was handed a card.

"What hell's the 'Holy Order of Saint Anthony'?"

"Tell you what," Rudolf managed, biting down on his tongue so he didn't scream. "If you can put me somewhere more comfortable... Argh! And give me something to dull the... the pain. Then I'll... I'll talk."

---

Los Angeles

---

Terry flushed. He'd been exposed, but thankfully they hadn't thrown him out- or worse.

"Wait!" he called. "I've got very sensitive information for the Premier. He won't regret seeing me, I can assure you!" The corpulent hoped that his gamble would pay off, and he wouldn't end up rotting in a jail somewhere.

[New United States of Columbia]

Cabo San Lucas, Baja Peninsula

---

The Communist commanders were taken by surprise by the smoke grenade. They didn't react quickly enough (and not like they could see where their attacker was coming from) and were quickly gunned down by Theodor. The soldiers up there, no better than conscripts, pulled out their 10mm Pistols and SMGs and returned fire as best they could.

Meanwhile, on the main floor, the fighting was getting slightly less confusing. The Mexican platoon's Heavy Weapons Specialist had been killed by the Capileans and the Communist Conscripts were in full retreat. Cabo was slowly falling to the two advancing armies.
"¡Mátalos!" One of the soldiers shouted as he readied his old Columbian Battle Rifle and fired it's .308 rounds at the Capilean soldiers.
One of the militants, Raul Melendez, did as ordered and raised his own Battle Rifle, it's wood finish concealing the fact it was a steel weapon. Useful as a club. He took aim at a Capilean marine who was busy engaging the fleeing Communist Conscripts. He shouted as he squeezed the trigger sending a hail of bullets at the pew and Capilean:
"¡Viva la República Mexicana!"

Appalachian Compound

---

Samantha grinned as Max kissed her hand. Her cheeks were flushed a bright red and she gave him a very happy smile.
"It's good to find a man who knows how to treat a lady right." She said as she turned and slowly walked down the hall, making sure to keep Max by her side.
As they walked down the concrete halls Samantha couldn't help but wonder if she could convince Titus in letting Max be a husband. Surely he couldn't annoy him like Juvon could? But she mentally shrugged it off. Might as well enjoy the here and now.
As they walked Samantha asked Max about Nova Capile. Questions mainly focusing on it's culture and entertainment. She admitted Columbia appeared very primitive in comparison to other countries like the Grand Duchy or the Greater German Reich in these areas. But it wasn't hard to when it seemed your national focus was on trying to rapidly modernize your military and was trying to blend three distinct cultures together. Whereas Hancock was an American Ultranationalist Foley tried to be a Columbian, a mishmash of Mexican, Canadian, and America cultures and values. A bit harder, Samantha admitted, than trying to blend Protestantism and Catholicism together.
"But Father was determined to do it even if it killed him. Which it did..."
Samantha quickly changed the subject and gave Max a very mischievous look.
"I noticed you were... examining me earlier. Am I that attractive to you? That... desirable?"

New York City, Duchy of New England

---

Jackson was more than elated when they finally got off the subway train and found themselves near the bridge. Just another few miles and they'd be out of New York City and capable of trying to build up their power and his claim to the throne. Or he would've if he wasn't finding himself staring down a certain group of men. They were wearing well dressed looking fit for some corporate business meeting and not being in the middle of a war zone.
"Just who the hell are you!?" Kilroy shouted as he raised his rifle at them.
Jackson made the man lower his rifle. He looked at one of the men. Those green eyes... He was Foley's Valet!
"What're you doing here?" Jackson asked, genuinely intrigued, his wrinkled face and soul freezing blue eyes looking the man over.

Workers Hall, Los Angeles

---

The young blonde looked at Terry with surprise. The ACTUAL leader of the Capilean Communists!? And with the war plans of the Capileans!?
She immediately rushed to the intercom.
"What is it now!" Stahl shouted, sounding clearly annoyed.
The Secretary looked at Blutcher.
"You talk to him."

Royal Palace

Gladium looked at one of the guardsmen and barked for them to administer some Morphine to Rudolf. One of them rushed off to the Palace's clinic. A few minutes later the guard returned with a syringe and soon injected the drug into Rudolf.
"If that doesn't work then we'll find you some radaway. But ONLY if you tell us what this 'Holy Order' is up to."
As Gladium barked this the guardsmen dragged and carefully placed Rudolf on one of the cushioned benches in the upper levels of the palace.

[Gotengo]

Cabo, Baja Peninsula

---

(Image)
The Cathedral.

Lieutenant Theodor Rähner slumped behind a crumbling wall, his chest heaving and breathing ragged. Around him a tide of Capileans was smashing against the hard rocks of the Communist defense, being mowed down as they advanced farther into the city. By now the attackers had driven past the beach and into Cabo itself. Once one got past the glowing water and soft sand, they quickly realized that not even Columbian occupation had transformed Mexico. A good part of the city was in shambles; squalid slums and abandoned buildings were plentiful. The only nice part was where the tourists once visited, streets lined with towering hotels and shoreside resorts. By now all was rapidly disintegrating, and Theodor guessed that by the end of the day Cabo San Lucas might by completely
leveled.

Rähner's ears were rendered useless by the constant, deafening noise all about him. Shouts, screams, and cries for help were drowned out by the constant ring of gunfire and boom of shells. And- was that church bells? The young officer turned his head, and soon enough his bright viridian eyes found the source of this new sound. A large cathedral jutted out of Cabo's skyline, and sure enough, mighty brass bells were swinging back and forth in its twin, stone towers. The deep hollow sound reverberated throughout the city and could be heard even over the cacophony of battle. Theodor started as a Major threw himself against the wall and began barking orders to him.

"We're taking every man we can find and leading an assault on that church!" The man was nursing a wound on the top of his shoulder. "The Reds are rallying there, and apparently the Mexican Nationalists are leading an assault on the city too," he hollered over the din. "Gather as many as you can, and let's see if we can cut off the head of the snake."

---

The Communists had been able to fortify Cabo in mere minutes, or so it seemed. Every other building was infested with snipers, every other alley was filled with machine gun nests. Barbed wire, landmines, and even bear traps were common obstacles on their trek across the city, ensuring a grizzly death for anyone unlucky enough to stumble into them. It was impossible for the force of maybe forty men to traverse the streets unnoticed, so instead the Capileans ran. By now the combined weight of the Capilean and Mexican forces had made serious dents in the Communist defense, and the majority of their troops were reeling back towards the city center and the cathedral. Even so, the men were almost constantly under withering fire from snipers and machine gunners hidden away in balconies and sewers.

Speaking of the sewer system, it had been a real thorn in the side of the Capilean assault. That underground labyrinth allowed Red troops to sneak around and pop up in the backs of their enemies, inflicting a deadly slaughter most of the time. General Nemetz, who was personally directing the assault, had ordered specially trained squads to sweep and secure those tunnels as soon as he found out about them. This would be especially useful if the defenders attempted to evacuate their leaders, munitions, or troops.

After skirting through to the very street on which the cathedral loomed, the Major(now revealed to be named Adler) took stock of the situation. About a dozen men had fallen, but along the way they had also picked up the remnants of a squadron, which brought their numbers back up to about thirty-seven. They all said a quick prayer before rushing towards the church, determined to secure the building and end this fight.

---

"Come on you dirty spics!" Theodor heard someone call. The voice was distinctively American- which meant that it was a Red shouting it. He also registered numerous contemptuous curses intended for the Capileans, but they fell on deaf ears. Right now the Lieutenant was crouched behind a pew in the cathedral. It was beautifully made, with plush cushions and ornate carvings on the armrest. Sadly it was now nicked and battered by countless bullets, and ugly black scorch marks scarred its seats. Rähner mustered up all of his courage and peeped out over the bench and into the church. It was a sad sight to see such a holy, sacred place being wrecked by meaningless fighting. But the Reds had chosen this battleground; they were defiling it with their presence, and they needed to be eradicated. They were liberating it.

Ahead of him a showdown was occurring between a Mexican and several Communists. The Mexican, damn him, was sporting T-51b Power Armor. It looked to have been salvaged, as the left arm was missing(substituted by a few rusted metal plates) and both of the legs were warped and chipped. The suit's standard, military green coating had been replaced, at least on the chestplate. There was a brightly-colored Mexican Flag, the brown eagle shown as about to strike, with wickedly sharp talons and an open beak. The artist was very talented, whoever it was. The wearer was also toting a minigun, and he let it spray laser-fire freely as he shouted out wildly in Spanish. He was faced by four Reds. Two wore shoddily made- or perhaps salvaged- suits of combat armor; one had one nothing more than a bullet-proof vest, and the last was wearing padded leather. They all were equipped with pistols or SMGs. Typical conscripts.

All of them were cut down by an eviscerating volley from the power-armored Mexican, who howled his victory. Not only had he ripped the Reds apart, but he'd also shattered the priceless stained glass windows carved into the sides of the church and put steaming holes in its altar and pews. His unholy triumph was short-lived. Raising his armor-piercing pistol(which he had been issued specifically to deal with this sort of enemy), he squeezed off a shot aimed for the man's neck. It connected with his shoulder blade instead, ripping apart the armor and tearing upon a nasty wound underneath. The man inside the metal shell swayed and faltered before collapsing in a heap to the floor. His helmet and several other armor pieces rolled away. Jumping up, Theodor scanned the rest of the room to ensure that it had been cleared. Confirming this, he stepped forward to look down at his fresh kill- just as the doors flew open and a fresh squad of Communists stormed in.

Unfazed by the ensuing firefight, Rähner dove behind the pulpit as his comrades fought the Reds. He looked to his right and sighted a flight of steps leading up to one of the bell towers. Smiling, the Lieutenant shot up the stairs, thankfully attracting neither bullets or attention. The steps led straight up to the bells. Once he had reached the end of them he panted for a minute before stepping out.

A set of mighty brass bells was still swinging, aided by a few Communist soldiers. And before him was a cheap wooden table, around which a semi-circle of Red officers was gathered, facing away from him, and very annoyed by the noise. Grinning, Theodor pulled the pin on a smoke grenade and threw it directly towards them. As a gray fog filled up the room and shouts began to bounce off the walls, the Capilean drew his SMG.

"Eat this Commies!" Laughing manically, the man sprayed them all with lead.

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max turned away from the door with a lot to think about. It didn't concern him of course. Riesch had nothing to do with the heated Foley family politics; but Titus had vented to him, taken a load off of his back, he supposed. And revealed a lot more than he probably meant to. The Colonel-General actually thought the High King had something to be thankful for, despite his many obstacles. He had no one to oppose him; no sons, brothers, uncles- no male relatives at all. Which meant he was the undisputed ruler, at least until he was overthrown by one of the other factions fighting over Columbia's wilting corpse. He didn't need to think about that now; Max needed to freshen up for dinner, he supposed.
The officer was snapped from his thoughts by the sudden appearance of Samantha at the end of the corridor.

"Your highness," he began, bowing with a slight flourish. The Capilean started towards the princess, took her hand, and planted a kiss on it, switching gears from a calculating military man to a polished gentleman in seconds. "Perhaps you could escort me to my quarters? I should love to talk with you before dinner."

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf groaned again. The pain still hadn't numbed; it felt as if some sort of burning force was radiating throughout his body, clawing its way under his skin and contaminating him. Maybe it was the damned weapon they had used on him. The Columbians were notorious for fusing dangerous amounts of radiation in their guns; after all, it was what fueled their cars. Why not their war machine as well? The agent tried to prop himself against the wall so that he wasn't just lying there. Suddenly his torturer was handed a card.

"What hell's the 'Holy Order of Saint Anthony'?"

"Tell you what," Rudolf managed, biting down on his tongue so he didn't scream. "If you can put me somewhere more comfortable... Argh! And give me something to dull the... the pain. Then I'll... I'll talk."

---

Los Angeles

---

Terry knew he'd failed when that cold voice growled out at them; actually, he'd known ever since the secretary pressed the intercom. And now here they were, back to back, two men with only concealed pistols against an army. They were surrounded by triggermen and thugs in trenchcoats, by tall, "elite" troopers in liveried uniforms- and of course, those glaring turrets that jumped out of the walls at them. There was now no chance of fighting- especially seeing as Blücher wasn't in the best of shape.

"Wait!" he called out. The men hesitated, and at least the turrets didn't fry them. "Is this how you greet everyone who pops in?" Terry joked. Of course no one laughed; but it did seem strange, and slightly worrying, that this was the reaction someone received for simply asking to see Stahl. "Don't let them escape"? That seemed awfully out of place. Evidently this man had an entirely different brand of Communism than his own; whereas Blücher envisioned himself as a Leninist or Trotskyist, this man obviously fell into the Stalinist camp. "I am Terry Blücher- the leader of the Communist Party in Nova Capile! I have sensitive information for Premier Stahl, from a Communist sympathizer within the upper levels of Capilean government!" That last part was a lie; Ambassador von Stromberg had no ties to the Communists and was a staunch Monarchist. After all, it was the Duke that kept his money-grubbing kind in power.

"Please. The Premier needs to see this- it concerns the Capilean invasion!" Terry hoped beyond hope that they wouldn't kill him on the spot. Not only would it end him, but it would end his fledgling movement as well- and crush any hope the Capilean people had.

Battle of Cabo

High above the battle was a single bomber or it seemed a bomber, for it was a large military aircraft. Only it was more akin to a VTOL aircraft but also held a large pod attached by clamps to its underside. Inside this pod was a very special gift for the Capilean's and Communists alike as well as a perfect testing ground for the Union for their latest mechanized weapon. Within the confines of this pod were two of the brand new Mark.II "Cherno" War Frames. The Mark.I had been a test failure, so work had begun immediately on the Mark.II.

Unlike the Germans, whose War Frames were fast and agile, the Russians whom designed the Mark.II went another way. They went for tough and bulky. The Mark.II was visualized for defending fortified positions such as command posts, or for siege warfare such as cities. It carried two arms which carried not hands but heavy caliber auto cannons. Its armor was thicker than a tanks and could take up to two 105mm (Standard, Common caliber AP round for a tank) shells before being penetrated by a third. It carried an onboard, what was nicknamed, hyperscanner in its cockpit that could detect thermal and standard movement in high definition. This was a war machine through and through.

Captain Dmitri Sahkov breathed deeply as he heard them counting down to when the pod would be dropped. After them would be several squads of VDV dropping in two hours, expecting them to help the Communists establish a position by then. Such was the way of command.

He didn't notice when he dropped only when they landed with a crash into what sounded like wood. When his viewport finally turned on, he saw they were in a church and in the middle of a firefight. Many shocked and horrified Communists, Capileans, and Mexicans were looking at them as they emerged from the pod. It was easy to sight his targets; the mob of imperialists swarming in the doors. Though there were red stars painted on their machines, Dmitri used his intercom to reassure the Socialists as to their allegiance.

"Comrades! Help from the birthplace of the Revolution arrives! Kill all those whom would oppose the peasants and workers! Spare only those whom genuinely see the light of our cause! See now what Socialist engineering can do!"

He pulled the firing handle and immediately his auto cannons began ripping apart the Capileans swarming into the church, chewing them up into bloody bits. Dmitri could see Lieutenant Grishkov moving forward and out of the church into the city outside. He took aim at a tank with his cannons and fired. Within moments the vehicle exploded in a ball of flame.

"No comrades......Forwards! Fight for Stahl, for Stalin, for Lenin, and for our founder Marx! But fight for your families and fight so your children may raise their young in a free Socialist world! Fight Comrades! FOR THE GLORY OF THE REVOLUTION!"

And with a great cry, the remaining two dozen Communists charged out of the Church building and into the city again to do battle. And the two War Frames moved out with them to wreak havoc and sow the seed of death......


Operation; Island Run
Off the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Ocean

In order to ease the pressure of the Pacific region for the Communists, the World Union was trying something ambitious, something not even the Empire of Japan could do in the aftermath of December, 7th, 1941. The Union was going to invade and occupy Hawaii. Well they were going to liberate it for true free Socialism, in reality, the islands and their important naval bases would be used by the Union during the occupation as a start-off point for further American operations.

The Russians and Chinese were obviously taking the lead on the operation but France and Britain as well as several other states would also participate. The goal was capture of Naval Station Pearl Harbor, and of Wheeler Air Force Base. Without these two stations the Columbian monarchists would have no true base in the Pacific. It was an ambitious gambit considering the Capileans or Germans, with their own bountiful Pacific bases, could send relief forces to the islands.

Two groups converging on the island of Oahu, the Hawaiian Capital Island and where both targets were, would be hoping to attack at the same time. The Northern Group was the larger of the group and possessed more Carriers while the Southern Group possessed more pseudo-or Helicopter Carriers. Forty-two thousand Men and 3,000 Vehicles would make up the marine attack forces.

To the North of the islands, lead by the now aging but still revered Russian flagship, the Missile Carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, along with another warship of the same class, the Chinese Carrier Liaoning, India's Carrier Vikrant, along with a host of some two and a half dozen other surface warships was steaming towards them. In the South, a group composed of two European Carriers, several Helicopter Carriers, and two dozen other warships was lagging behind. The Northern Group would arrive first, but it was no matter. The battle had already begun.


OOC: If you need an image of the Cherno think the Cherno Alpha from Pacific Rim but shrink it down to three meters.

[New Mushroom Kingdom]

Atlanic Ocean
The Mushroomian fleet was making excellent progress on it's Canadian journey - indeed, they had just reached the point of being three quarters of the way there. This had certainly taken quite some time, as it was a long journey from the NMK's ports to Canada's atlantic coast. According to the plan & timetable, it would only a compartively short while before the coastline was truly insight and this would be the point where resistance was most likely.

The ship's Captain was in the bridge, carefully monitoring the ship and the surrounding areas. He said "We're now getting ever closer to Canada, in fact I believe we've either entered within the usual range for aircraft or we will within 48 hours. Have our sensors and any other systems detected Canadian aircraft or ships within the local area?"
One of the officers in the room responded to the Captain, sounding moderately surprised: "No sir, all of our on-board sensors and monitoring systems have detected neither any Canadian vessels nor aircraft. I would imagine that they will be present once we get much closer to the Canadian coast considering who the enemy is."
This caused the Captain to be moderately surprised, yet also pleased and happy. On one hand, it meant that it was not likely for their fleet to have been detected or scouted by their opponent so their chances of starting off the invasion on a good note were high. He was however surprised due to the apparent lack of anything at all, and began to consider the possible reasons for this.
The first and most obvious reason was that they were already known to the enemy, but via other methods rather than having a ship or aircraft directly observe them - this seemed most likely because of the total absence of anything other than themselves which indicated either they were prepared to defense (or engaging in preperations for defense) against the NMK's fleet or something else much less likely.
The second reason is that nothing suspect was going on, the independence-seeking Canadians had just decided to keep their navy and air force closer to land for whatever reasons. This was certainly a possibilty, even if it was more optimistic than the first reason
The final and least likely reason was being very optimistic from the Mushroomian side, but anything was basically possible: The Canadian seperatists (at least in this region) have a poor or entirely absent navy or air-force. If they did have one, it was either low-quality or low in terms of size and manpower. Alternatively, the bulk of the force could be located in an inopportune position for mounting a response to the Mushroomians. Many things were possible.
After some pondering, the Captain opted to make no changes to the plans, except perhaps to double-check that their were no other vessels or aircraft in the area, and to ensure that the fleet was prepared to defend itself should Canadian (or other) aircraft or ships suddenly appear and he went off to report this information and decision back home.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Cabo

---

Theodor ducked as bullets whistled past him. Thankfully clouds of gray smoke were now spreading out across the entire room, and he was sure the two sentries wouldn't be able to get a clear shot at him. Satisfied now that the last bastion of Communist resistance had been crushed, Rähner ran down the staircase and into the cathedral's dark hall. He found it completely devoid of life; all around were the butchered corpses of his comrades. They had been riddled with bullet holes, as had the pews. Something powerful had broken in. Quietly edging to the open doors of the chapel, the Lieutenant peeked outside to see a hulking machination battling with desperate Capileans in the streets. The giant machine was like power-armor, but infinitely larger, encasing the wearer in an impregnable metal shell. The Red Stars adorning its sides made it clear that this was a Soviet creation.

Not wanting to get caught in that beast's slaughter, Theodor turned back into the church and formulated a plan. Taking his last grenade and gripping his armor-piercing pistol, the young soldier rushed out and into the dusty street, sprinting towards his target and lunging forward. He managed to grab ahold of a beam sticking out of its back, and pulling himself up was able to mount it. Standing at the bay where a driver would have entered his machine, Rähner began bashing open a small glass slot with his gun. As shattered glass sprayed the confused occupant Theodor pulled the pin on the grenade and slipped it through the slot. He jumped off and collapsed on the hard street, hoping his ploy would work and the terrifying behemoth would be knocked out of the battle.

---

Wheeler Air Force Base, Oahu

---

An antiquated yet effective AA system is set up.

Brigadier General Rolf Hoß scanned the tactical map before him with weary eyes. The strategic defeat off of Kingman Reef had devastated morale throughout the ranks of the Südpazifisches Oberkommando, or South Pacific Command. In addition, Hoß had lost many pilots and planes, which had yet to be replenished. The Capilean South Pacific Fleet was steaming pack towards the home island, and though they had several shiny new capital ships in tow they had lost one of the prized- and unthinkably expensive- superbattleships, the Festung. This had left the Hawaiian Islands completely exposed to attack by the World Union; loss of the isles would not only deprive the Capileans and Columbians of a critical air and naval base, but it would also supply the enemy with a staging ground for an invasion of the West Coast. As such, defense of Oahu, the principal island, was imperative to allied success in the entire theatre of operations.

After the indecisive engagement off Kingman Reef Hoß had been left with only a paltry number of battle-ready planes, dashing any hope of fighting off the undoubtedly numerous Russian planes. However, the Columbian Loyalists, who had scrambled aircraft to the battle but were too late to participate, were in good shape, and thus it was possible that that could be accomplished; in any case, the World Union would lose no small number of experienced pilots and valuable planes. The combined Hawaiin naval forces of the two allies would be massacred in any conflict with the massive Communist fleet, and so they were quickly sent to Hawaii itself in the hopes they could escape and link up the armada besieging Cabo. The land defense of Oahu, however, would be admirable.

Nearly the entire remainder of the Columbian Marine Corps, who had successfully brought the islands under Loyalist control, were scattered about them, and had been rallied to Oahu at the first signs of an approaching invasion fleet. Rolf could also field some troops in the battle; at the outbreak of the war a small Capilean garrison had protected Wheeler, and once the World Union joined it had been bolstered by green volunteers who were to finish their training in sunny Hawaii. These men would join the Marines at the beaches and hopefully mount a gallant and victorious defense of the beaches. To protect from the hordes of Communist warplanes that would surely be devastating Oahu, anti-aircraft systems were being deployed all around Wheeler and other strategic locations. Hoß hurried the scrambling of planes, and also issued an order for all pilots without aircraft, as well as all other airfield personnel besides staff officers, to equip any firearm available and be on call as a mixed reserve. This would be a final column to call upon should the enemy breach Oahu's shoreline defenses.

The island would be a tough nut for the Communists to crack, but if they did they would hamstring Capilean ambitions overseas.

---

New York City

---

Phineas Platt smiled at the two men and their cadre of guards. The blinking lights of the wrecked subway tunnel cast dark shadows on the men, eerily illuminating them. The agent's piercing eyes hardened as he took a step towards the Duke, who shriveled as he drew closer.

"Don't think about shooting at me," Phineas laughed as several of the escorts raised their sleek pistols. "You would not want to anger a master as powerful as mine." The former valet saw a deep fear flash in Jackson's eyes, and again he bayed erratic laughter. "No, I do not serve that kind fool Foley anymore. Foley, as you know him, is gone. Yet you could say that the spirit of the High King lives on could you not?" A dark grin stretched across Platt's face. "These are dark times, Duke. I understand that you yourself have ambitions for the vacant throne?" The petrified noble stood rooted to the spot for several seconds, before finally sputtering madly. "Silence!" The agent's suddenly harsh voice echoed throughout the long tunnel. "Your sins can be forgiven. Jackson... You had best remember who you serve, because judgement day is coming soon, and those who have not repented will be cast into a pit darker than the last layer of hell!" Another sadistic smile twisted across Platt's face.

"Remember who you serve." With that the man turned and disappeared into the darkness, his cloaked followers with him.

---

Worker's Hall

---

Blücher hurried into Volk's office, not wanting to keep the feared Premier waiting. There, behind a towering desk, sat the imposing frame of Volk Stahl, the most powerful man west of the Mississippi. Bowing his head, Terry spoke, trying to amplify his voice.

"Premier, your excellency. I am Terry Blücher, the leader of the Capilean Communists. And," he hastily added, "this is my compatriot, Eugen Herzog. We are both honored to meet you. I will not waste any more of your valuable time, sir. I have with me Capilean warplans that detail future operations of their invading army- and I do not believe that I have been discovered."'

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf sighed as the syringe injected a dose of morphine into his burning system. Almost instantly the pain which had racked his body began to ebb away, replaced with a blissful feeling. However, the crawling sensation did not cease or fade, instead continuing to burn throughout his exhausted form.

"After... After some questions," the agent began, beginning to regain his composure, "some RadAway would be most appreciated. Now, what would you like to know about the esteemed Order?"

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max shifted away from Abigale when she asked him, edging towards the wall. He wasn't uncomfortable with the topic- but he was afraid of Titus, and the High King would certainly not approve of this talk. Clutching at his chest, he gulped.

"Oh dear... I think I'm going to be sick. Must have been some of that awful food they gave me before my flight... I, I need to go at once. It was lovely talking to you, your highness!" He bowed and rushed down the hallway, slamming the door to his quarters and locking it behind him. He hoped the Princess would be deterred from further conversation on that subject without thinking him rude.

[New United States of Columbia]

New York City

---

As Platt left Jackson stood there confused. Spirit of the High King? Foley lives? He was killed in the blast of the bomb! His limbs were shredded and there was blood everywhere! Adina had been killed as well! How could he have survived? And what the hell did he mean by "Judgment Day is coming soon"?
Regardless Jackson and his security team left the subway and founded a military truck waiting to take them to Albany or some other area of New England. As they got in they looked back to see New York City in shambles as German and NU fighters blasted at each other high in the sky while bombs fell on NU troops.
"Let's just hope they don't make it past here." Jackson sighed as he got into the passenger seat.
The truck started up and slowly drove over the bridge and took them back to the Columbian Mainland.

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Abigale reading to Juvon (Not pictured)

Samantha sighed as she watched Max run off. Of course he was probably thinking about how her brother would react if he caught them or heard of them becoming closer. She turned her thoughts to the dinner that would be served soon and rushed off to her own room, changing into a more formal, and more elaborate, dress.

When dinner was served Abigale and Juvon reluctantly left their room. They found Titus waiting for them in his officers uniform, his brown shoes polished and reflecting the Simu-sun lights above him and his olive green trousers and shirt ironed out and with not a wrinkle in sight. He didn't say anything or glare at them but simply gestured for them to follow him as he lead them to the dining room where a small table was set up that could seat twenty if two people sat at the end pieces and six at the sides. Naturally Titus sat by himself at the "head" of the table closest to the door and Juvon and Abigale sat opposite him, with Juvon using a slight bit of magic to make the chair less likely to collapse under his weight and to make it slightly bigger to suit his massive frame.

Samantha, now changed into a silk orange gown, knocked on Max's door.
"Titus wants us with him for dinner!" She shouted, hoping Max would come out.

Royal Palace

---

Gladium immediately blurted out the first thing he wanted to know.
"How many of you are there and how deeply have you infiltrated our staff here!"

Workers Hall

---

Aside from the massive desk with an equally massive chair the room seemed sparsely decorated. A few large paintings of other communist leaders such as Marx, Stalin, Lenin, and Castro decorated the walls. But aside from those all it had was polished floor and a large skylight to "let the natural world in".
The premier looked up, his wrinkled face showing age and stress as his green eyes fixed upon Terry's. He listened and looked less and less likely to scream at them for intruding upon him without permission and interrupting his afternoon paperwork. Guards rushed in and aimed their rifles at them.
"STOP!" The premier roared angrily at the guards.
He then returned his harsh gaze at Terry.
"Learn to knock next time or I will let the natural consequences follow."
He then leaned back in his seat and folded his hands across his stomach.
"Now tell me more about these Capileans and their war plan."

Wheeler Air Force Base, Oahu

---

The island of Oahu from the air

The Columbian Marines unloaded their gear at the airbase and their senior officers met with Rolf to discuss where the marines would be best deployed. Naturally they figured it'd be best for them to guard the Capital of , Wheeler Airbase, and Pearl Harbor. Others argued they should be deployed to the potential landing sites the Russians could be using. Ultimately, since none of them ranked higher than a Colonel they turned to Rolf for his decision.

Meanwhile the Columbians began to interact with their Capilean counterparts. Pilots listened as the Capileans described how the WU ships AA systems worked while the Marines, who were training the Capilean "auxiliaries" told them how Laser and Plasma rifles worked and how to properly hold it so they didn't accidentally hold onto the part that disperse the intense heat that would be generated in the barrel.

[New Decius]

Stadtschlosse, Berlin
Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Germany Proper, Greater Germanic Confederation

To say that the air was tense was quite an understatement. At that moment, in the office of His Imperial Majesty, the German Emperor, you could have cut your hair on the silence.

Several persons were either standing or sitting in the spacious room, their full attention directed towards their sovereign as he went through a folder in front of him. In this folder was the full report, with accompanying photographs, of the carnage from the Confederation Embassy in New York as delivered by sole survivor of the special operations team sent in to investigate the area, Hauptmann Hans Günsche of the KSK. Sitting in a comfortable chair by the window was Arno Jost, the Foreign Minister, whom was sipping at a glass of water quietly. Across the room from him, standing at brisk attention by the doors, was Generalmajor Karl Wagner, Commanding Officer of the KSK and an honorary member of the OKH (Military High Command). Also present was Konstantin von Blücher, the current Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor) of the German nation, as well as a descendant of the great Gebhard von Blücher who smashed Napoleon at Waterloo. They all waited in silence, though the Kaiser's rage was obvious.

Finally it reached a bursting point as he abruptly slammed his fist onto his desk and began to curse and rant. "Those bastards think they can treat with us! They think to simply wave off the murder of citizenry of not just one but two of our major allies!" This was the Kaiser, in his anger, speaking on the belief that the New Unionists also conducted the attacks on the Capilean agents and diplomatic personnel at the start of this mess. In this frame of mind which he currently possessed, the New Unionists were responsible for the attacks on the agents and diplomats of Germany and her allies in Columbia. "The murderers propose to try and sweet-talk their way out of the Reich's vengeance, whilst slaughtering every living soul in our embassy! Unfortunately for them, German's are not idiots!"

Now, the ruler of an empire that stretched from the Atlantic to the Ural's, turned to the three men before him with determination in his eyes. "Bundeskanzler von Blücher, I want you to release a full condemnation of the very existence of these fascist murderers. By morning I want all our citizens to know what they have done!" The Chancellor made a bow and exited the room. With that, the Kaiser addressed the Foreign Minister and the Special Forces Commander.

"Wagner, all KSK assets deployed in Columbia since the crisis for covert operations, this includes Europa Unit and what members of the Werewolf Battalion are there currently, are to cease their current missions. They have a new directive; do all in their power to kill as many of these bastards as possible, and bring me the head of that scheming pig Hancock!" Then he turned to Jost. "I want a hard drive containing a video message from me relayed to Titus Foley through our Capilean allies. In it I shall declare our recognition of his rule as the sole legitimate ruler of Columbia and put any of our available forces towards wiping out those bloody fascist and red dogs!"

New York City

Hans slowly walked towards the exit of the building, passing countless dead on his way; German embassy officials, Columbian soldiers, and KSK operatives alike. The modified humans wounds had healed almost entirely at this point, his internal injuries had all stitched themselves back to good working order again. The surface wounds such as cuts and scrapes running up and down his torso, back, and arms had yet to fade completely but he wasn't exactly leaking blood anymore. Hell he was so calm as to be smoking a cigarette as he proceeded towards the exit, dragging a bulky, unmoving object behind him. This was the corpse of the creature he had fought a short time ago, though as its tail had been ripped off, he was dragging it by his left leg. The golden flagstaff, now painted partially crimson, still protruded from out the creatures back and occasionally when there was a bump encountered, the tip which exited through the front of this creature, would clang on the floor.

As the man-monster continued to make his way out, he was in deep thought. 'I shall have to tell them that it is getting harder to resist giving in to the bloodlust. When I ripped out that ingrates throat, it was extremely difficult to refrain from just digging in and devouring his entire head.' Hans was the first and only super soldier in Germany's arsenal, though not for long. The same classified project which 'recreated' Hans Günsche, was at this moment attempting to replicate the success of their first soldier at a hidden facility somewhere in the Reich. From what Hans knew, at least two hundred had started out as test subjects four months ago; from military men serving Germany or even other nations, to mercenaries, to children taken in and raised from infancy for the KSK like the Schiller twins currently in the Europa unit, to everyday citizens. You didn't volunteer, your genetics and capabilities did it for you. Currently only about twenty subjects remained either alive or in command of their own sanities as they entered the later stages of the project. Those whom could not survive the tests and experiments simply vanished from Earth, as though they never existed in the first place. However, those who lost their minds and went feral, were either detained for further study, or gassed to eliminate a frustration.

Hans remembered that he had gone feral, or at least almost feral, when he was the test subject. For three days he was locked inside a special containment unit made of a special alloy and kept under constant watch and guard. On the second day, a scientist, who got too curious and went inside the unit got ripped to pieces by the feral soldier. However, Hans avoided the gas because he was the only test subject they had and he reclaimed his mind. The entire project was aimed at creating the ultimate biological weapon, codenamed Werwolf. A small group of elite soldiers with the ferocity of said beasts of legend, the physical capabilities to fight at an inhuman level, and the predatory mindset which would be the true base battlefield survival instinct.

'Why am I using fancy words to describe it all? There is a much simpler answer; the world of warfare continues to change and evolve so the Reich must turn to other methods for its continued existence.' Hans Günsche looked at his own hand, covered in dried blood, none of it his and with no guilt or shame coursing through him before concluding his thoughts. 'So it created monsters.'

Then he made a rather morbid statement as he approached the front doors. "It took a monster to kill a monster here today. Man has no hope of defeating the demons spawned forth from the hordes of Satan, nor have the angels in their divinity, the will to dirty their hands with the blood of any. Thus it takes a power demonic to send the hordes of Hell back where they came from."

Just then there was a call of "Freeze" from up ahead and Hans quirked an eyebrow at the sight of the two men in Columbian uniform pointing laser rifles at him. Obviously those fools had left a pair behind as door guards. He just kept advancing which caused them to take aim, but he continued. They fired.

Six shots a piece; holes littered his stomach, but he just stopped and looked down in curiosity. To the horror of these two men, most clearly conscripts, the holes began to close up as the tissue repaired. Before they could react again, Hans struck swift and precise. The body of one was driven into the concrete floor beneath the tiles, and the other spasmed on the floor, no head in sight.

Hans breathed the fresh air again, air polluted by fire and smoke. It was time for a pickup from the Carrier.

[Gotengo]

New York City

---

As Platt left Jackson stood there confused. Spirit of the High King? Foley lives? He was killed in the blast of the bomb! His limbs were shredded and there was blood everywhere! Adina had been killed as well! How could he have survived? And what the hell did he mean by "Judgment Day is coming soon"?
Regardless Jackson and his security team left the subway and founded a military truck waiting to take them to Albany or some other area of New England. As they got in they looked back to see New York City in shambles as German and NU fighters blasted at each other high in the sky while bombs fell on NU troops.
"Let's just hope they don't make it past here." Jackson sighed as he got into the passenger seat.
The truck started up and slowly drove over the bridge and took them back to the Columbian Mainland.

Appalachian Redoubt

---

(Image)
Abigale reading to Juvon (Not pictured)

Samantha sighed as she watched Max run off. Of course he was probably thinking about how her brother would react if he caught them or heard of them becoming closer. She turned her thoughts to the dinner that would be served soon and rushed off to her own room, changing into a more formal, and more elaborate, dress.

When dinner was served Abigale and Juvon reluctantly left their room. They found Titus waiting for them in his officers uniform, his brown shoes polished and reflecting the Simu-sun lights above him and his olive green trousers and shirt ironed out and with not a wrinkle in sight. He didn't say anything or glare at them but simply gestured for them to follow him as he lead them to the dining room where a small table was set up that could seat twenty if two people sat at the end pieces and six at the sides. Naturally Titus sat by himself at the "head" of the table closest to the door and Juvon and Abigale sat opposite him, with Juvon using a slight bit of magic to make the chair less likely to collapse under his weight and to make it slightly bigger to suit his massive frame.

Samantha, now changed into a silk orange gown, knocked on Max's door.
"Titus wants us with him for dinner!" She shouted, hoping Max would come out.

Royal Palace

---

Gladium immediately blurted out the first thing he wanted to know.
"How many of you are there and how deeply have you infiltrated our staff here!"

Workers Hall

---

Aside from the massive desk with an equally massive chair the room seemed sparsely decorated. A few large paintings of other communist leaders such as Marx, Stalin, Lenin, and Castro decorated the walls. But aside from those all it had was polished floor and a large skylight to "let the natural world in".
The premier looked up, his wrinkled face showing age and stress as his green eyes fixed upon Terry's. He listened and looked less and less likely to scream at them for intruding upon him without permission and interrupting his afternoon paperwork. Guards rushed in and aimed their rifles at them.
"STOP!" The premier roared angrily at the guards.
He then returned his harsh gaze at Terry.
"Learn to knock next time or I will let the natural consequences follow."
He then leaned back in his seat and folded his hands across his stomach.
"Now tell me more about these Capileans and their war plan."

Wheeler Air Force Base, Oahu

---

(Image)
The island of Oahu from the air

The Columbian Marines unloaded their gear at the airbase and their senior officers met with Rolf to discuss where the marines would be best deployed. Naturally they figured it'd be best for them to guard the Capital of , Wheeler Airbase, and Pearl Harbor. Others argued they should be deployed to the potential landing sites the Russians could be using. Ultimately, since none of them ranked higher than a Colonel they turned to Rolf for his decision.

Meanwhile the Columbians began to interact with their Capilean counterparts. Pilots listened as the Capileans described how the WU ships AA systems worked wile the Marines, who were training the Capilean "auxiliaries" told them how Laser and Plasma rifles worked and how to properly hold it so they didn't accidentally hold onto the part that disperse the intense heat that would be generated in the barrel.

Cabo
Theodor ducked as bullets whistled past him. Thankfully clouds of gray smoke were now spreading out across the entire room, and he was sure the two sentries wouldn't be able to get a clear shot at him. Satisfied now that the last bastion of Communist resistance had been crushed, Rähner ran down the staircase and into the cathedral's dark hall. He found it completely devoid of life; all around were the butchered corpses of his comrades. They had been riddled with bullet holes, as had the pews. Something powerful had broken in. Quietly edging to the open doors of the chapel, the Lieutenant peeked outside to see a hulking machination battling with desperate Capileans in the streets. The giant machine was like power-armor, but infinitely larger, encasing the wearer in an impregnable metal shell. The Red Stars adorning its sides made it clear that this was a Soviet creation.

Not wanting to get caught in that beast's slaughter, Theodor turned back into the church and formulated a plan. Taking his last grenade and gripping his armor-piercing pistol, the young soldier rushed out and into the dusty street, sprinting towards his target and lunging forward. He managed to grab ahold of a beam sticking out of its back, and pulling himself up was able to mount it. Standing at the bay where a driver would have entered his machine, Rähner began bashing open a small glass slot with his gun. As shattered glass sprayed the confused occupant Theodor pulled the pin on the grenade and slipped it through the slot. He jumped off and collapsed on the hard street, hoping his ploy would work and the terrifying behemoth would be knocked out of the battle.

---

Wheeler Air Force Base, Oahu

---

(Image)
An antiquated yet effective AA system is set up.

Brigadier General Rolf Hoß scanned the tactical map before him with weary eyes. The strategic defeat off of Kingman Reef had devastated morale throughout the ranks of the Südpazifisches Oberkommando, or South Pacific Command. In addition, Hoß had lost many pilots and planes, which had yet to be replenished. The Capilean South Pacific Fleet was steaming pack towards the home island, and though they had several shiny new capital ships in tow they had lost one of the prized- and unthinkably expensive- superbattleships, the Festung. This had left the Hawaiian Islands completely exposed to attack by the World Union; loss of the isles would not only deprive the Capileans and Columbians of a critical air and naval base, but it would also supply the enemy with a staging ground for an invasion of the West Coast. As such, defense of Oahu, the principal island, was imperative to allied success in the entire theatre of operations.

After the indecisive engagement off Kingman Reef Hoß had been left with only a paltry number of battle-ready planes, dashing any hope of fighting off the undoubtedly numerous Russian planes. However, the Columbian Loyalists, who had scrambled aircraft to the battle but were too late to participate, were in good shape, and thus it was possible that that could be accomplished; in any case, the World Union would lose no small number of experienced pilots and valuable planes. The combined Hawaiin naval forces of the two allies would be massacred in any conflict with the massive Communist fleet, and so they were quickly sent to Hawaii itself in the hopes they could escape and link up the armada besieging Cabo. The land defense of Oahu, however, would be admirable.

Nearly the entire remainder of the Columbian Marine Corps, who had successfully brought the islands under Loyalist control, were scattered about them, and had been rallied to Oahu at the first signs of an approaching invasion fleet. Rolf could also field some troops in the battle; at the outbreak of the war a small Capilean garrison had protected Wheeler, and once the World Union joined it had been bolstered by green volunteers who were to finish their training in sunny Hawaii. These men would join the Marines at the beaches and hopefully mount a gallant and victorious defense of the beaches. To protect from the hordes of Communist warplanes that would surely be devastating Oahu, anti-aircraft systems were being deployed all around Wheeler and other strategic locations. Hoß hurried the scrambling of planes, and also issued an order for all pilots without aircraft, as well as all other airfield personnel besides staff officers, to equip any firearm available and be on call as a mixed reserve. This would be a final column to call upon should the enemy breach Oahu's shoreline defenses.

The island would be a tough nut for the Communists to crack, but if they did they would hamstring Capilean ambitions overseas.

---

New York City

---

Phineas Platt smiled at the two men and their cadre of guards. The blinking lights of the wrecked subway tunnel cast dark shadows on the men, eerily illuminating them. The agent's piercing eyes hardened as he took a step towards the Duke, who shriveled as he drew closer.

"Don't think about shooting at me," Phineas laughed as several of the escorts raised their sleek pistols. "You would not want to anger a master as powerful as mine." The former valet saw a deep fear flash in Jackson's eyes, and again he bayed erratic laughter. "No, I do not serve that kind fool Foley anymore. Foley, as you know him, is gone. Yet you could say that the spirit of the High King lives on could you not?" A dark grin stretched across Platt's face. "These are dark times, Duke. I understand that you yourself have ambitions for the vacant throne?" The petrified noble stood rooted to the spot for several seconds, before finally sputtering madly. "Silence!" The agent's suddenly harsh voice echoed throughout the long tunnel. "Your sins can be forgiven. Jackson... You had best remember who you serve, because judgement day is coming soon, and those who have not repented will be cast into a pit darker than the last layer of hell!" Another sadistic smile twisted across Platt's face.

"Remember who you serve." With that the man turned and disappeared into the darkness, his cloaked followers with him.

---

Worker's Hall

---

Blücher hurried into Volk's office, not wanting to keep the feared Premier waiting. There, behind a towering desk, sat the imposing frame of Volk Stahl, the most powerful man west of the Mississippi. Bowing his head, Terry spoke, trying to amplify his voice.

"Premier, your excellency. I am Terry Blücher, the leader of the Capilean Communists. And," he hastily added, "this is my compatriot, Eugen Herzog. We are both honored to meet you. I will not waste any more of your valuable time, sir. I have with me Capilean warplans that detail future operations of their invading army- and I do not believe that I have been discovered."'

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf sighed as the syringe injected a dose of morphine into his burning system. Almost instantly the pain which had racked his body began to ebb away, replaced with a blissful feeling. However, the crawling sensation did not cease or fade, instead continuing to burn throughout his exhausted form.

"After... After some questions," the agent began, beginning to regain his composure, "some RadAway would be most appreciated. Now, what would you like to know about the esteemed Order?"

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max shifted away from Abigale when she asked him, edging towards the wall. He wasn't uncomfortable with the topic- but he was afraid of Titus, and the High King would certainly not approve of this talk. Clutching at his chest, he gulped.

"Oh dear... I think I'm going to be sick. Must have been some of that awful food they gave me before my flight... I, I need to go at once. It was lovely talking to you, your highness!" He bowed and rushed down the hallway, slamming the door to his quarters and locking it behind him. He hoped the Princess would be deterred from further conversation on that subject without thinking him rude.

Operation; Island Run
Assault on the Hawaiian Islands

Operation Island Run, the seizure of the Hawaiian Islands by forces loyal to the Union, had been in development for a month and a half prior to High King Foley's death. Growth in cooperation between Columbia and Germany as well as the strengthening of Columbia's already close-ties with Capile, had given the Joint-Strategic High Command* concern which they felt warranted such a plan. The major participants of the operation included the Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Chinese People's Republic, and the Japanese Soviet Socialist Republic. However, naval forces from the French Commune and the Union of Britain were also to take part in the operation though in not nearly so large a force as the other participating forces. It was a multi-stage plan with room for maneuverability to the developing situation. Though Hawai'i island itself was the largest in the archipelago, Oahu possessed the largest population, the most strategic facilities, and was the capital of the chain.

The first stage included the capture of the neighboring islands of Maui and Kauai by marine forces which would also neutralize any anti-air emplacements on these islands. An adjacent goal was the placement of long range artillery on these islands with which they could bombard Oahu and its defenders. Maui was to be assaulted by the 7é Division Marine, from the Anglo-French Assault Force to the South of the Islands. Kauai would be taken in the North by the 371. Guards Marine Regiment. Since enemy air defenses could not yet be assessed, they would be going in without air cover but with artillery support provided by warships. Fighters would however maintain air cover for the fleet until air cover was needed over the island.

As these two islands were being seized, a number of warships would be bombarding Pearl Harbor and Oahu's coastal defenses to soften the enemy up for marine operations later on in the battle. The goal of the bombardment was also to spread chaos and dissent through the ranks thus weakening enemy morale. Hardened soldiers would be able to hold positions but no amount of yelling or inspirational speeches could make rookie soldiers stay steady under artillery bombardment.

Participating in the bombardment were two Sovremenny-Class Destroyers, one Admiral Gorshkov-Class Frigate, three La Fayette-Class Frigates, two Type 45-Destroyers, and one Ātago-Class Guided Missile Destroyer. The Sovremenny was equipped with four two barrel 130mm guns, the Admiral Gorshkov with one dual barrel 130mm gun, the La Fayette with one single barrel 100mm gun, the Type 45 with one single barrel 4.5 inch Mk.8 Naval Gun, and the Ātago with one single barrel 5 inch Mk.45 Naval Gun. Each of these guns could manage at least twenty rounds per minute however the Russian warships could do at least forty per minute and the French at least seventy per minute. These ships would maintain a sustained bombardment for as long as need be to soften up the enemy.

The heavier warships such as carriers and cruisers along with the supply ships and amphibious assault ships, were holding back to keep them safe from enemy attack. Though it was planned for several more warships to join the bombardment over time.

---

Lieutenant Sergei Kamensky of the 371. Guards Marine Regiment waited patiently in the bay of the Ivan Rogov-Class Amphibious Assault Ship, Fenik. The operation would begin before first light so as to catch the enemy unawares. They were just waiting for the signal, then these 520 hardened Russian marines with an accompanying 15 T-15 Armata IFV's, and ten T-14 Armata MBT's, would hit the beaches hard. That signal would be the distinct sound of shellfire hitting the shore. The poor efficiency of the defenders, or the stationing of most of the enemy forces at Oahu had allowed the landing ship to slip right up to the shore of the island of Kauai undetected and was prepared to unleash her compliment of troops.

Then it came, explosions and a couple pained screams from outside as they bay doors dropped and out popped the first tank. The metal behemoth used its main gun to annihilate a nearby machine gun position as it moved forward. Other vehicles followed down the central ramp while marines spilled out via the side ramps. The battle had begun.....

---

Far off in the distance, the warships waiting to bombard Oahu were also waiting for a signal. Though their's was a coded radio message. When it came, not ten minutes after the assault on the other islands began, they opened fire. Within minutes, dozens of high explosive precision aimed shells were being fired at Pearl Harbor and coastal defenses.

---

Cabo

The Capilean soldiers plan did work, and the War Frame slumped over without its pilot to work it, however, its comrade had noticed it had fallen and was now on the watch for the same trick. A group of Communist guerrilla fighters was trapped inside a cafe by Capilean troops. A couple bursts from the machine gatling guns freed those fighters and painted the square red.

All the while the machine was playing propaganda broadcasts. "FIGHT COMRADES! Fight for the Revolution! Fight for your lives! Fight for your children! Fight for the oppressed workers and peasants!"

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Hawaiian Islands

---

Soldiers on Kauai prepare for covert operations

The battle-hardened soldiers of 371. Guards Marine Regiment were completely surprised to find that the beaches of Kauai were completely abandoned. Dilipaditaed pillboxes, relics from the Columbian Wars, were stripped and empty. It appeared that the Columbians had left this isle completely unoccupied. In fact, it was a ruse. Rolf Hoß, who had assumed a command position in the absence of the Marine Corps' Commandant, had ordered that the light forces defending Kauai rush to Oahu, to bolster the capital's defenses. However, Force Reconnaissance(several companies of elite, lightly armed Marines) had stayed behind, lying in wait in the lush jungles, and prepared to operate behind Communist lines.

Hoß now began readying the air fleet at his disposal for combat. A handful of Capilean fighter jets, an array of advanced Stingray Deluxe planes, and several vertibird teams were all Rolf had to work with. The Stingrays were fast, agile, and possessed laser weaponry, which meant they should be able to easily deal with any Russian aircraft which came their way. The jets could support them and make sure they didn't get overwhelmed by a cloud of Red warplanes. And the vertibirds would mainly be used to quickly ferry troops and equipment around the island chain, and perhaps to support the ground troops. The Capilean general next turned to the ground defense.

The defenders were already enduring a massive shelling from the enemy fleet; thankfully the sensible and competent ground officers had moved their men inland to avoid the worst of the bombardment. Hoß ordered them to man the line of bunkers and foxholes(which were just far enough away from the shore to avoid direct fire), but to hold their fire. They would wait until the beach had become choked with men and equipment before unleashing their wrath and slaughtering droves of the enemy.

---

Cabo, Baja

---

Private Leo Köhler squinted through the thick smoke which was now clogging Cabo's skies. Ashy smoke from burning buildings, and from raging firefights. Both the Communists and Mexicans had been shattered, but the Reds were charging with the help of a malicious Russian engine, known as a "War Frame". Leo could see no reason why. If he were a Communist officer, he'd be trying to get as many troops and munitions out of the city as possible, not waste manpower and priceless War Frames on a meaningless assault. The Capileans had won; already medical personnel were being brought up to the beaches to cart off the wounded and bury the dead. It was only the question of how much damage the Reds could do, and with only a handful of units left, Köhler was doubtful that they would do serious harm to the invading army.

The private refocused on his task: spotting the War Frame. Suddenly he saw it, and immediately his hand seized his radio. "Sighted the Frame; it's careening down the street to your left. Watch your mark." The radio fizzled off and Leo settled down on the rooftop to watch the fireworks. The massive machination once glimmered with chrome, but had been smudged with crimson blood and black dust. The bright, colorful paintings of red stars, hammers, and sickles shone through, catching one's eye. And it was blasting propaganda from loudspeakers! As if the hulking thing wasn't already an obvious target. "How stupid are those Russian scientists?" Leo wondered aloud. The War Frame was being followed by a herd of tightly packed Communist conscripts; the Capilean rolled his eyes. Those meatshields were the equivelent of lemmings on the battlefield, no match for the plucky veterans which they were facing.

The War Frame rounded the corner, bouncing into the dusty street. Right on cue, the men who'd been lying low in numerous gutted buildings sprang up, their missile launchers sounding as dozens of rockets leapt out and slammed into the road. Köhler saw that a good many hit their targets, ramming into the surprised contraption. Seconds after, as the War Frame was reeling from the devastating ambush, machine guns opened up, riddling it with bullets and butchering the conscripts. Armor-piercing rifles cracked out, their lead whistling towards the machine and penetrating its thick armor. As the smoke cleared, all hoped that this last sortie had been crushed.

---

Worker's Hall, Los Angeles

---

Blücher dipped his head reverently. "Of course, Premier." He and Eugene plodded forward to Stahl's towering desk, and Terry cautiously placed his briefcase on it. Snapping it open, the Capilean began handing the Premier thick reams of paper. The files had clearly illustrated maps, details of main offensives and operations, and even explicit orders to officers in the Capilean Army. "The Ambassador to the Reich, von Stromberg, was kind enough to expound these schemes to us, as well as to give us means of access to confidential government databases and files." Terry chuckled. "Pig-headed capitalists are very easy to manipulate." Pausing, the man fished a tome of stapled papers from the suitcase; they fell with a crash to Stahl's desk.

"Those," Blücher explained, "are the direct orders from the Oberkommando des Reichsmilitär, Capilean High Command, to Field Marshal Walther Nemetz, who is commanding the Expeditionary Force which has been sighted in your waters."

---

Royal Palace, Omaha

---

Rudolf flinched; the burning radiation and this officer's shouts didn't mix well. "Before I answer," he said, barely stifling a groan, "could you get me some RadAway?" Sighing as one of the Columbians went off to fetch some medication, the agent leaned against the wall, trying not to look at his smoldering shoulder. Finally, his gunmetal blue eyes swung back to focus on Gladium; despite the circumstances a small grin was etched across the Capilean's strained face. "As for how many operatives the Order has scattered across the globe, I cannot say. The Hochmeister does not entrust such critical information to common agents such as myself." He bit his lip, partly to hold back the pain and partly to consider the second question Gladium had posed. Finally he answered. "I'm not sure if I can answer your other query either. While I have been led to believe that myself and my now deceased partner were the only agents in the palace, I cannot take that as a fact. The Holy Order is a very secretive organization, and it is certain that my superiors have withheld data from myself before. I do not doubt that they would do it again."

Rudolf smiled at a grimacing Royal Guard who was standing beside the Captain. "For all I know, that man could be my comrade. Even you, Gladium. Only time will tell. Now where is that RadAway?"

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max smiled at Samantha's sweet voice. He quickly glanced at the ornate standing mirror to ensure he looked his best; Riesch was wearing a flashy tuxedo and his best smile, his blond hair combed to perfection. Satisfied, the officer flung open the door and walked out. Upon seeing the Princess he immediately bent to kiss her hand. "You look lovely, your highness," Max complemented, grinning slyly.

[New United States of Columbia]

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Samantha smiled after Max finished dressing himself. She gestured for him to follow her and the two sauntered down to the dining room of the massive bunker. Inside they found the ornate oak table, several military officers in their Navy White or Army Green dress uniforms, and the three royals. However it was clear, judging by the intense glares the brother and sister were giving each other that they couldn't stand one another and that this would be a tense dinner...

"So," Titus began as he finished chewing and swallowing some Apple Pie "what's the plan should our gallant forces come out on top?"
The dinner had been silent for the most part aside from a general or admiral (who were quite useless to Titus considering their territory was landlocked in the American Midwest to the Appalachian territory) giving some brief bits of news they heard (A Capilean Victory in Cabo San Lucas, Germans attacking the New Unionists in New York, and the Rodinians laying siege to the Communist stronghold of Portland, Oregon). Titus took this well, giving a silent nod or a brief comment among the lines of "Interesting" or "That may change how the war goes". But, for the most part, it was a quiet and tense dinner.

Workers Hall, Los Angeles

---

Stahl looked the plans over, muttering under his breath. This was a gold mine! He knew exactly what to do. He looked up and gave Blucher and Eugene a nod.
"This changes things. Thank you, Comrades."
He then picked up his phone and dialed commanders from the various fronts. Any advances East were to be pulled back and redirected south while troops up North were to hold their positions. After that he called the man in charge of the Bureau of Vault Affairs and told him to get the men and supplies they stocked up in the Vaults located in the Rockies out and to be sent to their Northern and Southern fronts.
Once that was finished he cleared his throat, folded his hands on the massive desk, and looked the two Capileans over.
"Is there anything else you can do to help our War Effort? Sabotage and spreading propaganda in your homeland, perhaps?"

Royal Palace, Omaha

---

Gladium gave a cruel smirk as he saw Rudolf flinch in pain. But it quickly faded away as he learned this Holy Order could be global! His face fell and he sucked in air, trying to think of what to ask next.
"I'm not sure if I can answer your other query either."
Gladium stopped thinking and listened intently.
"While I have been led to believe that myself and my now deceased partner were the only agents in the palace, I cannot take that as a fact. The Holy Order is a very secretive organization, and it is certain that my superiors have withheld data from myself before. I do not doubt that they would do it again."
Gladium cursed at this. Terrific! Gladium thought Just terrific! This guy has nothing to give us!
Rudolf's eyes then traveled to one of the Royal Guardsman who seemed scared of something.
"For all I know, that man could be my comrade."
Gladium stopped listening there. Instantly he pulled out his plasma pistol, spun around, and aimed it at the guard.
"On your knees!" The furious Captain of the Guard shouted, looking ready to strangle the man.
The guard's eyes widened in fear and shock.
"ME!" He shouted "I'm not part of this 'Holy Order'! I only learned of it not even two minutes ago!"
Gladium didn't care. Two other guards in shiny chrome power armor grabbed the non-power armored guard by the shoulders and forced him on his knees. The Captain frisked him and found another card indicating he was part of the Holy Order.
"I'll deal with you later you piece of shit!" Gladium spat, venom in his eyes as he faced Rudolf again. One of the other guards handed him the RadAway and he forced Rudolf to swallow the bitter liquid, seeing as they didn't have the proper medical equipment or training to administer it to his veins.
"Do you have any knowledge of where your nearest Safe house is?"

Hawaiian Islands

---

The Marines instantly retreated to safer ground once the artilllery began exploding around them. As that happened the aircrews began prepping their Stingrays and Vertibirds to being operations in the Hawaiian Islands.
"Gives us the word," one of the pilots said over Capilean radio "and we'll drop the eggs on the foreign devils!"

Unknown Location

---

"Wake up, Mr. Foley."
Paul groaned in pain as he felt fire in his limbs and a sharp ringing in his ears. How long had he been out? What happened? He remembered he was heading to the Cathedral in Omaha to see Abigale and Juvon become married which would strengthen economic ties between Dyste and Columbia when a bomb went off. He remembered seeing Adina's face ripped and peeled like some sick fleshy orange and then he passed out yet again from blood lose. He was a bad luck magnet it seemed.
"Wh-" Foley tried to speak but the words were faint and horse. He felt cool metal underneath his hands and on his back... or whatever was left of them after the bomb went off "wh-wh... wher.. where..."
He gave up trying to speak.

[Gotengo]

Operation; Island Run
Maui Island; 7é Division Marine, Anglo-French Assault Force

Lieutenant Gary Wilson inched his way slowly through the brush of the island as they cleared out of the near-shore villages, so insignificantly small that they weren't even listed on the map, though all these towns and villages had been abandoned. Though it was a French division which had gone ashore at Maui, there were some English squads mixed in here and there to show unity, a complete and utter farce. If there was one country which had objected to the United World Federation becoming the People's World Union, it had been the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, one of the world's staunchest anti-red strongholds for more than a century now. However, after a brief spout of naval hostilities in which the once strong and proud Royal Navy had been up against France, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Russia, and Portugal, the monarchy ended and the Royals fled to some hiding place in the world. Lieutenant Wilson was himself a veteran of twelve years and before the Red Takeover, had been up for a Colonel's commission, until the People's Security Bureau had decided him untrustworthy for such a rank and booted him to Lieutenant. Britain and her people (the majority) were probably the most ready out of any to go back to the Federation at the earliest possible convenience. Heck they might go even if the bloody German's offered a way out and Britain had always despised Germany or at least for the past century.

Wilson had just come out of a house when one of his men was flung to the ground in a splatter of blood and uniform cloth. His instincts kicked in and he was down and shouting "SNIPER" before he consciously realized it. More shots came and more men fell as the Union forces in this town dove for cover and began calling up the vehicles for protection. Wilson gripped his L85A2 Assault Rifle and peeked out from behind the doorway he was hiding and then whipped back around when a machine gun opened up and another seven men fell dead in the street, though, to Wilson's silent relief, they were French soldiers this time. 'Great. An enemy that's well-armed, well-trained, and well-hidden. Just what we needed for what was supposed to be a simple mission. Stupid Red command!'

Just then a FV510 Warrior Armored Fighting Vehicle rolled up into the village and took aim into the thick brush with its 30mm autocannon, before opening fire and quickly silencing the machine gun. Seconds later, a mortar shell detonated near the vehicle, shaking it but not damaging it otherwise. Wilson called over his radioman during the confusion and got him to call one of the Type-45's sitting off the island. "Come in Destroyer Condor, this is A Company! I repeat, Come in!" Then they got through at last. 'A Company this is the Condor. What do you require. Over.' Wilson took over from this point.

"Condor this is Lieutenant Wilson, we are under heavy fire from machine guns and mortars. Require fire support at coordinates...." Then he rattled off the approximate location of the enemy, several targets right outside the village in the forest. "Repeat, we require immediate fire support!" For a suspenseful five minutes there was silence, and then a set of ten loud booms in rapid succession before ten moderately powerful explosions just outside the village followed up. Then a message came over. 'A Company, naval support is being requested at multiple locations on Maui and Kauai, recommend you prepare for a difficult slog across the island.' To which Wilson began swearing profusely for their pointing out the obvious.

---

Onboard the Russian Heavy Aviation Cruiser, Admiral Kuznetsov, which was serving as flagship for the fleet, Admiral Igor Rasilyevich, was concerned by the staunch resistance being shown by the enemy on the two outer islands and the stubbornness they were showing while under intense bombardment at Oahu. It was not supposed to be so difficult for the forces of the Union to take these two islands and the enemy should not have been so resilient. All intelligence supported the idea that the Columbian commander was not quite that capable an officer. 'A very capable man must have taken command here. We are up against a worthy adversary.'

As a fellow combatant, he chose to grant them a chance for mercy by offering them a chance to surrender.

Code: Select all

To the Officer in Command of the Defense of the Hawaiian Islands

Though our governments and politics may clash, we two are fellow commanders on the battlefield and therefore can see that the battle ahead will be long and bloody. A commander has a duty not only to his country but to the men under his command. It is in us that the fate of thousands or tens of thousands of soldiers and sailors lay. Therefore in that knowledge, I offer you the chance to surrender and spare your men the bloody entanglement which is about to come forth.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Hawaiian Islands

---

Columbian soldiers escort British prisoners to Wheeler AFB.

The Capilean and Columbian troops holding the beaches hurriedly prepared for the defense of the islands, readying their weapons inside pillboxes and enduring the enemy bombardment. While many of them were sturdy veterans- particularly the Columbian marines- a large portion of the Capilean troops were relatively green. Most of them would be fighting their first battle today- and they prayed it would not be their last. Their overall commander, Brigadier General Rolf Hoß, understood that these soldiers might have shaky morale, and so did his best to improve it. As the enemy had not yet landed in force, he began broadcasting radio signals. Posting the most charismatic staff officer he could find to the radio, he ordered him to begin delivering speeches, reassuring, optimistic statements, and even rhetoric and propaganda to reinforce the wavering confidence of his men.

The General had also learned that the morale of his enemy was not superb either. Specifically, some of the British troops landing on the isles were not exactly enthusiastic about serving the World Union. To Rolf's understanding, many were veterans who'd served under the Crown, and due to the fact that Britain had been rather violently incorporated into the Union they likely were not absolutely loyal to the Communists. Hoß figured that if he could capture and make honest appeals to these soldiers, he could utilize not only as experienced infantry but also as double agents. The Brits could provide him with vital information about the Red battleplan and maybe even win the battle for him. As such, the capture and delivery of enemy Britons to Wheeler Air Force Base was a top priority for the defenders.

Reports had started to trickle into Wheeler, stating that small parties of enemy forces were beginning to land on Maui and the other islands; the fighting was about to begin.

---

General Rolf Hoß paced back and forth in his command center, thinking hard and trying to formulate his strategy. The pressure was immense; to have the fate of thousands upon thousands of men on your shoulders was a heavy burden. Hoß looked up to see that Major Kütt, his adjutant, approaching with a bemused expression. "Herr General, the Communists have sent one of their officers ashore, under the flag of truce." Rolf cocked his head in surprise. He expected the Reds to pound his forces relentlessly and ruthlessly from beginning to end.

"Interesting. Is he here?"

"Jawohl. He is waiting outside; he had hoped to meet with you."

"Very well," Hoß said with a sigh. "Show him in; I will wait in my office." Kütt nodded sharply and walked off, while his commander retreated into his bare room. A colorful portrait of Grand Duke Hans XVII hung behind the plain desk, while dual Capilean and Columbian flags stood on either side of the door. The General sat down behind his desk, rearranging his medals(which included a polished Iron Cross) and drawing up to his full height. After a minute the door opened, and Kütt entered, followed by three Communist officers.

Rolf stood and stared at the Reds. "Welcome to Wheeler Air Force Base, sirs." He gestured to three chairs which lay in front of his desk. "Please, take a seat."

---

Appalachain Redoubt

---

Max made a little small talk with Samantha on the way to the dining room, but mostly he was gathering his thoughts. Titus would most likely pepper him with questions throughout the meal, and Riesch needed to be ready to answer each one of them. The officer opened the broad oaken door for the Princess and then stepped into the room itself. It was dominated by a long, elegant dining table, which was set with silver cutlery and crystal glasses. Already the High King was seated at the head of the table, in a high-backed chair incised with many intricate designs. On either side of him were Abigale and Juvon- who looked very out of place, having somehow crammed his huge build into one of the chairs. The rest of the table was lined by gruff military officers, but two seats were left open for Max and Samantha. The Colonel-General held the Princess' chair out for her and then took his own place, taking an embroidered serviette as the food was brought in on gleaming platters.

The dinner turned out to be all-American, featuring many almost stereotypical staples of that culture, but all with a sumptuous flair that was typical of the opulent Columbian monarchy. The main course was finished without disturbance, though Riesch was made to answer a few questions that the Loyalist apparatchiks could not. Titus asked what the "plan" was should he come out on top. Max couldn't say, so he fabricated some bombast speech on the spot. "Well, the Duchy would seek to rebuild Columbia as it was in its prime. That is, a world power, with a capable military and flourishing economy. And constructed with the building blocks of traditionalist values and thought," he continued, taking a drink of wine. He noticed that the High King cast occasional glares at his soon-to-be brother-in-law, further confirming his distrust, even hatred of Draconids. That was of note; it could be used, perhaps.

---

Worker's Hall

---

Terry could see that Stahl was pleased; he only hoped he would be richly rewarded by Premier. That's why he was taken aback when, instead of commending Blücher's service to the World Revolution, he asked if there was anything more he could do for them. The Capilean cleared his throat. "Well, your excellency, I... I was hoping that you could do something for me. You see, the Capilean Communist movement is still budding. It is small, constantly hunted, underfunded... We do not have many volunteers, much political traction. There is very little we could do to service you in our homeland, at least in our current state." He paused, soaking in Stahl's reaction. Hopefully he would not be too disappointed- or angry. "But, we had wondered, if in exchange for this information, you could fund and arm our comrades back in Nova Capile. For the World Revolution," he added hastily. Blücher scratched his head with a meaty hand, wishing desperately for the Premier to react favorably.

[New United States of Columbia]

Workers Hall

---

Stahl listened to Terry. As he did so he nodded, his aged face giving him a sort of wise elder look.
"I shall see if I cannot send arms and supplies to your budding Communists. But, for now, I cannot do anything beyond our currently controlled territory."
He then had a smiled cross his face, his eyes fixed on Terry's.
"You may stay here during your duration in Columbia. I shall have four members of the First Guard be assigned to you as your protectors."
After he took in the two Capilean's reactions he dismissed them. The four guards who had earlier looked ready to shoot them silently lead them to their quarters which, for all the resources the Party had, seemed to be quite lavish. The beds were sort appearing and could easily fit two or three occupants and the various chairs, tables, desks, and bookcases seemed to have been richly made with fine oak wood and carved with intricate communist designs and symbols.
"You'll reside here," one of the gruff reds said in a gravely voice "and you'll be expected to meet with the General Secretary tomorrow morning eight o'clock sharp. He has an assignment for you."

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Titus was silent and simply glared at the Capilean Colonel-General. He shook his head and resumed eating his pie. As he did so the Fire Draconid made a small cough and spoke up.
"I've heard that your people are like some of the more... 'extreme' elements of the Columbian people. Please... General, would you mind telling me a bit about Nova Capile and it's people?"
Titus silently glared at Juvon but said nothing.

Hawaiian Islands

---

The bombardment raged on, leaving large craters in the sandy shoreline and breaking into the various pillboxes that were scattered around or sent tank traps flying through the air or mangled not the beach. The Marines returned to their beachhead defenses though not without reluctance. As they did so several Vertibird VTOLs took off from Wheeler and headed to the city of Honolulu to drop off troops and supplies as well as pick up wounded and dead from the WU bombardment. Immediately the VTOLs were swarmed with bloodied people begging for relief or to be airlifted to any nearby hospital or military base. The pilots and troops onboard had to force the crowd away as supplies were offloaded (and then stolen by the mob that formed not even a minute after) and the wounded and dead were loaded up and flown away in the first wave of Medievacs.

New York

---

As soon as Hans left the German Embassy he was spectator to the sight of New Unionist troops beginning to find ways of shooting down the German fighters and "dive" bombers. Power Armor troops armed with Missile Launchers began to fire at the jets causing the sky to be filled with a mix of flares and burning fighter jets. Long trails of white smoke could be found from the rooftops and sides of massive sky scrapers. New Union Self-Propelled 280mm artillery guns began to head towards the harbor and prepare to fire upon the German warships.

[New Decius]

War Frame Regiment Base A-05, Warschau
Province of Greater Poland, Kingdom of Prussia
German Empire

Two Days Ago

Since the introduction of the War Frame to the German war machine shortly after the invasion of Columbia, a total of seven regiments had been setup as advanced assault troops of the Kaiserlichen Armee. Of these seven regiments, only three had yet been deployed in active combat before; to the Middle East, India, and North Africa. One regiment in particular had distinguished itself from all the rest and was stationed outside of Warschau (Warsaw) in the Kingdom of Prussia.

Oberstleutnant Rudolf Meyer of the 6th Regiment Blitztruppe (Lightning Troops, the name given to War Frame forces) walked quickly towards the command center in the massive dome-like facility which served as the units base of operations, his uniform made up even more immaculate than usual today, a feat for the already normally pristine Bavarian. Specially designed night drills throughout the night had left the regiment CO exhausted, thus he had been hoping to catch a few hours of sleep to revitalize himself. As if a vicious assault from the heavens, his aide, Hauptmann Kristen Povlsen, had awoken him after only two hours of being asleep with news that an important officer had arrived from Berlin and his presence was requested immediately. So here he was, the commander marching to a summoning to his own office while the 340 men and women under his command slept peacefully in their bunks.

Upon opening the door to his office, Meyer was greeted with the sight of his aide, a Dane by birth, standing nervously off to the side while a stone-faced man in a blue Abwehr uniform sat in the chair in front of his desk. Exercising his frustration in the moment, Meyer moved towards his desk while speaking to the officer. "Pardon my lateness but I was roused rather suddenly from sleep with little of said. So forgive me if I seem abrasive at any point in the proceedings." He walked round the desk and settled himself down in his rather comfortable chair, though still bristling with frustration. "Now what is this about?"

The first action which this man took was to pass his identification card across the desk to Meyer, in silence. Meyer, expecting a Lieutenant or maybe a Major, was a bit shocked to find that the man in front of him was General Gunther Kätzler, Abwehr Regional Director in Greater Poland. Seconds after recovering from his shock, Meyer bolted up to attention without a hint of hesitation, his posture near-perfection. General Kätzler simply waved it off and lifted his briefcase, a thin leather job, onto the desk to begin looking for what he needed. "The Sixth Regiment is to be deployed to Columbia for a vitally important mission. As you will have heard, His Majesty has pledged full military support to the Loyalist faction there, as our Capilean allies did earlier and which our Italian allies joined us in." After a moment or so, he produced a vanilla folder marked as classified and presented it for Meyer to examine. "As follows are your orders to deploy. Your target is Norfolk Naval Station. The objective is its capture to give us a foothold on the East Coast from where we can support the Foley regime."

As Meyer began to examine the various maps and strategies associated with the plan, the General continued. "Prior to our involvement and the formation of the New Unionist faction, the Kaiserliche Marine maintained a blockade of Norfolk as the more vital warships of Columbia's Atlantic Fleet were stationed there. That blockade is now going to be used as a feint to distract our enemy. Several amphibious assault ships have joined the fleet now tightening the perimeter around Norfolk, to make the enemy assume the attack is coming from the sea. No fixed-wing carriers are present, to appear as a dire mistake on our part. However, a harassing exchange of fire shall take place between the fleet, and defenders at the base. After which our fleet will withdraw or seem to anyway. This is where you come in." At this point Meyer had just finished reading the orders and the strategy of attack.

"The Regiment will conduct, and I quote, "A Special-Air Assault". You want to airlift War Frames? On transport aircraft? And then what? Parachute them into the base? You realize were talking about a force of one-hundred and seventy mechanized units that are five meters tall and seven metric tonnes each. No transport plane in existence could carry more than four of our Mark III's. On top of that, the New Unionists have the bulk of the shattered Kingdom's more advanced equipment, how do you expect us not to get shot down? Let alone that mighty as our War Frame's are, the fall from transport to ground would be catastrophic for them and the pilots."

The General sighed as if Meyer was a frustrating child rather than a military officer raiding adequate questions. "And that is why your Regiment has received the new Mark III.F variant as of this morning. This new version is rather different than past variants. To open with, the units folds up for transport but does not constrict the pilots ability to survive in transit. Additionally it is equipped with several further features such as a newly reinforced armor capable of deflecting most laser weaponry short of a pulse cannon, a weapon which our intelligence is positive no nation including us possesses. Bödeck Technologies has developed also a new and improved AI Assistant system capable of not only providing the pilot with strategic advice in battle, but if the pilot is incapacitated, it can pilot the device to a safe location." After this long speech, Meyer is beginning to wonder for how long he actually slept if Command had time to repossess and replace 170 War Frames. The General was not finished however. "However, there is another new feature, more magnificent than the rest. This new variant is equipped with an energy shield designed for air assault impact. This shield is deployed as long as the device is both in transport phase and in free fall. Thus your troops Oberstleutnant, will be unharmed and ready to destroy the enemy."

Meyer could see the advantages of such features; War Frames could be deployed from aircraft normally only in two's, usually for recon. Amphibious landers were required to deploy them in larger groups. With this, a good-sized transport aircraft could carry fifteen and deploy them from high altitude at that. This might work after all.

Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
New Unionist Columbia

Present

Though a massive naval bombardment like the days of the Dreadnoughts was not required for this operation, the battery fire would be potent all the same. Norfolk was, according to intelligence reports from the Abwehr, perhaps the most heavily defended naval bastion on the Eastern Seaboard of Columbia, it was almost reportedly the most intact. The facilities and warships there had been seized without much of a catastrophic struggle, leaving the New Unionist with an excellent fortified position, including coastal anti-ship launchers, putting the fleet at significant risk. Neither side had fired a shot yet at the other, largely for fear of igniting a war with a foreign power. That would soon change.

The Kaiserliche Marine was among the largest and most advanced naval forces in the world, a fact it aimed to demonstrate. In a perimeter stretching twenty-five kilometers from Norfolk at its farthest, a flotilla of Imperial German military vessels sat, at the ready and awaiting orders. Present were three Europa-Class Amphibious Assault Ships/Helicopter Carriers, six Brandenburg-Class Frigates, two Salzburg-Guided Missile Destroyers, and five Memel-Class Corvettes. All of these warships were ready to lay down a barrage of fire on the enemy positions; guns had been trained, missiles were locked, and defenses were ready.

Near nightfall, the orders finally came through to commence battery fire of Naval Station Norfolk. A slew of guns began a scatter shelling of the naval base while half a dozen cruise missiles were launched to hit previously identified ammunition dumps.

SMS Grauwolfe, New York Harbor

Vizeadmiral Wolfgang Stalder was waiting for a message over at the communications station when a Lieutenant informed him the enemy was bringing up heavy guns near the harbor. This left him with a divided opinion; if the guns were lighter caliber, self-propelled field artillery, then the concern was lessened. However, if they were heavy guns of a caliber of 220mm or more, then those rounds could do some definite damage to the fleet. Though heavy guns like that were much slower and took longer to load than lighter SPG's. All the same, a response was needed.

And a response would be given, by the guns of the German fleet as well as its Italian allies. Though the nine warships escorting the German carrier (A mixture of destroyers and frigates with a cruiser) were all modern, current century vessels, the Italian's had chosen a 1970's constructed heavy cruiser, the Napoli, to accompany their fleet carrier. This ship, though lacking in missile capabilities, did mount three double-barrel 203mm gun turrets. Though the modern single turret naval artillery on the German vessels were faster, more precise, and lighter, these six guns could still pack a big punch and bring pain to the New Unionists gathering in the harbor.

Vizeadmiral Stalder ordered for firing coordinates of the makeshift artillery positions along the shoreline, to be sent to the Napoli as well as the Guided Missile Cruiser, Bremen. Within two minutes, a massive rolling thunder echoed throughout the harbor and the city outwards as the Italian's fired their beasts, quickly followed by half a dozen tremendous impacts on the New Unionist forces gathering near the harbor. Even if the older heavy cannon were not as precise and accurate as modern naval artillery, the punch they packed was big. Several of the NU defenses on the shore were wiped out and this was a direct hit to the morale of the groundpounder infantry of the Columbian's who had been taking it in the rear this whole fight. Particularly since the barrage by the Napoli was followed almost immediately by a more precise and rapid barrage from the three 120mm single barrel guns of the Bremen, each gun managing 40 high explosive rounds in just two minutes. After a span of five minutes, 100 rounds from the German cruiser Bremen and 40 rounds from the Italian cruiser Napoli, the firing finally stopped.

At this point the loudspeakers on the Grauwolfe began to sound out a message loud enough to be heard across the city. "For you there is no glory in battle today! No glorious and victorious melee against our sons of the Fatherland! You New Unionists have two choices! Either remain where you are like pigs and let our guns lead you to the slaughter, or surrender and know you will live to see your families again! Your commanders have four minutes to decide or our guns open fire again, and this time they will not stop!"

[Gotengo]

Hawaiian Islands

---

(Image)
Columbian soldiers escort British prisoners to Wheeler AFB.

The Capilean and Columbian troops holding the beaches hurriedly prepared for the defense of the islands, readying their weapons inside pillboxes and enduring the enemy bombardment. While many of them were sturdy veterans- particularly the Columbian marines- a large portion of the Capilean troops were relatively green. Most of them would be fighting their first battle today- and they prayed it would not be their last. Their overall commander, Brigadier General Rolf Hoß, understood that these soldiers might have shaky morale, and so did his best to improve it. As the enemy had not yet landed in force, he began broadcasting radio signals. Posting the most charismatic staff officer he could find to the radio, he ordered him to begin delivering speeches, reassuring, optimistic statements, and even rhetoric and propaganda to reinforce the wavering confidence of his men.

The General had also learned that the morale of his enemy was not superb either. Specifically, some of the British troops landing on the isles were not exactly enthusiastic about serving the World Union. To Rolf's understanding, many were veterans who'd served under the Crown, and due to the fact that Britain had been rather violently incorporated into the Union they likely were not absolutely loyal to the Communists. Hoß figured that if he could capture and make honest appeals to these soldiers, he could utilize not only as experienced infantry but also as double agents. The Brits could provide him with vital information about the Red battleplan and maybe even win the battle for him. As such, the capture and delivery of enemy Britons to Wheeler Air Force Base was a top priority for the defenders.

Reports had started to trickle into Wheeler, stating that small parties of enemy forces were beginning to land on Maui and the other islands; the fighting was about to begin.

---

General Rolf Hoß paced back and forth in his command center, thinking hard and trying to formulate his strategy. The pressure was immense; to have the fate of thousands upon thousands of men on your shoulders was a heavy burden. Hoß looked up to see that Major Kütt, his adjutant, approaching with a bemused expression. "Herr General, the Communists have sent one of their officers ashore, under the flag of truce." Rolf cocked his head in surprise. He expected the Reds to pound his forces relentlessly and ruthlessly from beginning to end.

"Interesting. Is he here?"

"Jawohl. He is waiting outside; he had hoped to meet with you."

"Very well," Hoß said with a sigh. "Show him in; I will wait in my office." Kütt nodded sharply and walked off, while his commander retreated into his bare room. A colorful portrait of Grand Duke Hans XVII hung behind the plain desk, while dual Capilean and Columbian flags stood on either side of the door. The General sat down behind his desk, rearranging his medals(which included a polished Iron Cross) and drawing up to his full height. After a minute the door opened, and Kütt entered, followed by three Communist officers.

Rolf stood and stared at the Reds. "Welcome to Wheeler Air Force Base, sirs." He gestured to three chairs which lay in front of his desk. "Please, take a seat."

---

Appalachain Redoubt

---

Max made a little small talk with Samantha on the way to the dining room, but mostly he was gathering his thoughts. Titus would most likely pepper him with questions throughout the meal, and Riesch needed to be ready to answer each one of them. The officer opened the broad oaken door for the Princess and then stepped into the room itself. It was dominated by a long, elegant dining table, which was set with silver cutlery and crystal glasses. Already the High King was seated at the head of the table, in a high-backed chair incised with many intricate designs. On either side of him were Abigale and Juvon- who looked very out of place, having somehow crammed his huge build into one of the chairs. The rest of the table was lined by gruff military officers, but two seats were left open for Max and Samantha. The Colonel-General held the Princess' chair out for her and then took his own place, taking an embroidered serviette as the food was brought in on gleaming platters.

The dinner turned out to be all-American, featuring many almost stereotypical staples of that culture, but all with a sumptuous flair that was typical of the opulent Columbian monarchy. The main course was finished without disturbance, though Riesch was made to answer a few questions that the Loyalist apparatchiks could not. Titus asked what the "plan" was should he come out on top. Max couldn't say, so he fabricated some bombast speech on the spot. "Well, the Duchy would seek to rebuild Columbia as it was in its prime. That is, a world power, with a capable military and flourishing economy. And constructed with the building blocks of traditionalist values and thought," he continued, taking a drink of wine. He noticed that the High King cast occasional glares at his soon-to-be brother-in-law, further confirming his distrust, even hatred of Draconids. That was of note; it could be used, perhaps.

---

Worker's Hall

---

Terry could see that Stahl was pleased; he only hoped he would be richly rewarded by Premier. That's why he was taken aback when, instead of commending Blücher's service to the World Revolution, he asked if there was anything more he could do for them. The Capilean cleared his throat. "Well, your excellency, I... I was hoping that you could do something for me. You see, the Capilean Communist movement is still budding. It is small, constantly hunted, underfunded... We do not have many volunteers, much political traction. There is very little we could do to service you in our homeland, at least in our current state." He paused, soaking in Stahl's reaction. Hopefully he would not be too disappointed- or angry. "But, we had wondered, if in exchange for this information, you could fund and arm our comrades back in Nova Capile. For the World Revolution," he added hastily. Blücher scratched his head with a meaty hand, wishing desperately for the Premier to react favorably.

Workers Hall

---

Stahl listened to Terry. As he did so he nodded, his aged face giving him a sort of wise elder look.
"I shall see if I cannot send arms and supplies to your budding Communists. But, for now, I cannot do anything beyond our currently controlled territory."
He then had a smiled cross his face, his eyes fixed on Terry's.
"You may stay here during your duration in Columbia. I shall have four members of the First Guard be assigned to you as your protectors."
After he took in the two Capilean's reactions he dismissed them. The four guards who had earlier looked ready to shoot them silently lead them to their quarters which, for all the resources the Party had, seemed to be quite lavish. The beds were sort appearing and could easily fit two or three occupants and the various chairs, tables, desks, and bookcases seemed to have been richly made with fine oak wood and carved with intricate communist designs and symbols.
"You'll reside here," one of the gruff reds said in a gravely voice "and you'll be expected to meet with the General Secretary tomorrow morning eight o'clock sharp. He has an assignment for you."

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Titus was silent and simply glared at the Capilean Colonel-General. He shook his head and resumed eating his pie. As he did so the Fire Draconid made a small cough and spoke up.
"I've heard that your people are like some of the more... 'extreme' elements of the Columbian people. Please... General, would you mind telling me a bit about Nova Capile and it's people?"
Titus silently glared at Juvon but said nothing.

Hawaiian Islands

---

The bombardment raged on, leaving large craters in the sandy shoreline and breaking into the various pillboxes that were scattered around or sent tank traps flying through the air or mangled not the beach. The Marines returned to their beachhead defenses though not without reluctance. As they did so several Vertibird VTOLs took off from Wheeler and headed to the city of Honolulu to drop off troops and supplies as well as pick up wounded and dead from the WU bombardment. Immediately the VTOLs were swarmed with bloodied people begging for relief or to be airlifted to any nearby hospital or military base. The pilots and troops onboard had to force the crowd away as supplies were offloaded (and then stolen by the mob that formed not even a minute after) and the wounded and dead were loaded up and flown away in the first wave of Medievacs.

New York

---

As soon as Hans left the German Embassy he was spectator to the sight of New Unionist troops beginning to find ways of shooting down the German fighters and "dive" bombers. Power Armor troops armed with Missile Launchers began to fire at the jets causing the sky to be filled with a mix of flares and burning fighter jets. Long trails of white smoke could be found from the rooftops and sides of massive sky scrapers. New Union Self-Propelled 280mm artillery guns began to head towards the harbor and prepare to fire upon the German warships.

Hawaiian Islands; Temporary Ceasefire in Place

The three officers sent all made some show of respect to the General for not only allowing this meeting, but also not shooting them on sight. Attending was a Russian naval officer, whom conducted a traditional military salute and heel click, a Japanese marine officer, who settled for a respectful bow, and a French naval officer, who made a rather dramatic flourish of a bow. The Russian was the first to be introduced and also the one who introduced his companions. "Greetings General, I am Lieutenant Commander Igor Stravaleyn of the Russian Socialist Naval Forces. This is Lieutenant Commander Julian Gervais of the French Socialist Naval Forces and Major Ida Yakari of the Japanese Marine Assault Forces. Thank you for allowing this exchange between our conflicting parties, showing that even in war, civilization continues."

After that the Lieutenant Commander got right down to business. Clearing his throat, he began. "At current you will have noticed the guns have stopped firing on Oahu, though supporting battery fire continues on Maui and Kauai since communications to those jungle units is spotty at best. Now Comrade Admiral Rasilyevich, officer-appointed commanding of all World Union forces operating in the Hawaiian Islands, would like to render you a chance to spare your men the bloody engagement about to take place. I have here a letter of his on the matter. I know not the contents." He produced a letter from inside his coat and handed it to one of Hoß's aides.

To the Officer-in Command of the defense of Hawaii,

Your men have displayed immense courage and skill combating the crack Russian and French marine troops sent ashore at Maui and Kauai, and they clearly are so well gone to ground that I doubt our battery fire alone will do the trick for flushing them out. Just as your troops on Oahu seem to be showing either great resilience or great stubbornness in not routing under such intense bombardment. As a fellow officer and a gentleman, I congratulate you on the efficiency of your command and the courage of those under it.

I have served under the Tsar, I have served under the President of the Federation, and now under the General Secretary. In all my experience I know a soldier is like a bullet to the politician's; they point the gun and these bullets are expected to knock down anything in their path. However, when one must actually fire these bullets, when you are the one who sends them into the hellfire of war, it is different. You see them not as mere tools of the state, but as men like yourself, men with homes and families they wish to return to. It is in the hands of men like yourself and I where the fates of thousands rest. In all those years of war, what I remember most is all the letters, all the telegrams sent back to parents, siblings, children, cousins saying that another had died in battle. For what; for a country that forgot them as soon as the propaganda interview ended, for a government that sees them as expendable tools, for leaders who know not even their names. Where does the madness end.

You have shown to have seasoned veterans among your troops, but I am sure for every seasoned soldier you have ten green boys who have never tasted true battle before today. Never heard the whistle of shells in the air, never watched their friends ripped to pieces, never quite literally tasted death in the air they breathe. You must know I have far greater firepower at my disposal and enough troops to take the islands with time. We may bleed but you have no escape, and would be slaughtered. I ask you, for the sake of all those.....children whom are at your command, these eager boys who believed war a fun game and desired fame and glory, those souls who are currently in the gunsights of our artillery, spare them. I ask, no beg for the love of humanity, that you surrender in being. We maintain our position offshore and occupy the major military facilities, your troops relinquish heavy weaponry save for anti-personnel weaponry such as infantry weapons, and your men inhabit the civilian villages and cities on Oahu. Yourself and your main corps of officers would be allowed to conduct business at government buildings on the island in place of those long-fled officials. No one else has to die here today.

Think also of the Hawaiian people. I do not blame your presence for necessity knows no law, but to feed your troops they must be starved and exhausted. Famine may break out and riots may start. Think not of humiliation in the eyes of politician's, think of all the men and boys you will return to wives, parents, sons, daughters, and friends once this is all over. Look to the sky and think of God, what would he think of you sending these thousands to a fiery death on this day and days to come. I ask only that you consider this sir. Will we be responsible for a blood red sky come morning, or will we be responsible for no one further dying on this eve?

Signed,
Igor Rasilyevich, Admiral, RNS Admiral Kuznetsov

Workers Hall

It so happened that a man in a Party uniform, though not the Columbian Party uniform, walked into the building around this time. His uniform was reminiscent of those worn by officers attached to the Foreign Commissar of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic's and the markings upon said identified him as a member of the Foreign Commissar of the Russian Socialist Federation. After High King Foley's passing, the World Union's diplomatic delegation to Columbia, all twelve members of it, was wiped out in a series of suspicious assassination's. This time an officer of the NKVD was sent along as the new diplomatic delegate to Columbia. This officer strode right up to the secretary with a determined look on his face and announced himself.

"Greetings Comrade. I am Colonel Gregor Zubek of the NKVD Attachment to the Russian Foreign Commissariat. As of two days ago I was appointed the new diplomatic delegate of the World Socialist Union to the new Socialist state in Columbia. I wonder if it would be possible to speak with Premier Stahl about further coordinating our military activities to crush the capitalist and imperialist swine."

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Wheeler Air Force Base

---

Aircraft retrieve the wounded over Oahu.

General Rolf Hoß eyed the three officers warily. One was seemingly Russian, and seemed to be the leader of the trio. The next was quite clearly Japanese, and the last was European, though Rolf couldn't place him. Probably French- he stood correct when the Russian, named Stravaleyn, introduced him as a Lieutenant Commander Gervais. Returning their formal gestures with a click of his heels and a salute, he sat back down behind his desk and waited for them to take their seats as well. Hoß glanced up; Major Kütt waited before the door, and the General knew that two more armed troopers were ready on the other side. Still, this did not seem like a trap. Surely the Japanese, ever honorable, and the French, longtime enforcers of the rules of war, wouldn't stand for such treachery. Then again, they were Communists.

The Russian explained that the ceasefire was going into effect across the Red Fleet, and Rolf noted that indeed, the distant scream of shells was faltering. He then produced a small note, and said that it was from an Admiral Rasilyevich, evidently the commander of the enemy forces. He handed it to Kütt, who in turn relayed it to Hoß. Slowly the General donned his reading glasses, unfolded the paper and began to read.

Even if the translation from Russian to German had been unrefined, Hoß could appreciate the eloquent yet meaningful speech compacted into the letter. By the time he finished it and dropped it to his desk, the full weight of the situation he was in, of the decision he had now to make, fell upon him.

With a heavy heart, Rolf spoke again. "What are your terms?" Kütt twitched in the background. He wondered what the Admiral would attempt to force upon him; if it was too much, then they would all go down. Evidently the Reds realized the magnitude of the situation as well, so perhaps they would be generous. Perhaps.

---

Workers' Hall

---

Terry exhaled as Stahl answered. If Communism prevailed, then much-needed funds could flow into the Capilean Communist Party. And now he was here; he could see what he could do for the Revolution, minute though his part might be. Bowing respectfully to the Premier, he thanked him and followed a pair of trench-coated sentries to the upper levels of the building.

Blücher and Eugen were assigned separate rooms, each lavishly decorated and furnished with fine oak. And to think, the pair had nearly been killed on their way in.
Terry was exhausted after the day, and soon was fast asleep in the plush bed provided to him. He hoped tomorrow would be just as profitable for his cause.

---

Appalachain Redoubt

---

Max took a long sip of his wine. Juvon asked him to describe Nova Capile. He grinned.

"The Duchy is hard to describe, I suppose. They're- we're- very traditionalist, I suppose. Very moralistic. Nearly every aspect of life is affected, if not dictated, by the Church or the State. Which is good in some cases, and not so much in others." He paused, not sure if he should elaborate. "Unless you have enough power, enough clout over the system; then they might turn a blind eye to your activities. It depends." He cut into his first slice of apple pie, trying not to look at Titus.

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf suppressed a grin as Gladium rounded on one of his own troopers, turning on him even without proof. The agent watched, amused, as the man was searched. They found one of the Order's cards on him- one that Artur had planted just an hour earlier. How idiotic to think that a Royal Guard, a man hand-picked by the King for his loyalty to the Crown, would be an operative of the Order? A house of cards, that's what this is. These people could be easily manipulated, even if Rudolf was behind bars. Artur had mentioned that he'd planted almost a dozen cards on various staff in the palace. It would stir up Gladium, cause him to purge the ranks, further causing dissent throughout Titus' household... It was perfect.

Gladium, now fuming, turned back to face his prisoner. Suddenly another guard arrived with a vial of Rad-Away. Rudolf tipped back his head and swallowed, grimacing at the bitter taste and smell. Nevertheless, he could feel the medication go into effect almost instantly. The skin-crawling, burning sensation began to fade, to Rudolf's evident relief.

"Do you have any knowledge of where your nearest safehouse is?" Gladium said.

They're not even going to torture me for this?

"Nein. I was dispatched directly from my headquarters, only with the instructions and information I'd need to assassinate your demon friend."

[Gotengo]

Wheeler Air Force Base

---

(Image)
Aircraft retrieve the wounded over Oahu.

General Rolf Hoß eyed the three officers warily. One was seemingly Russian, and seemed to be the leader of the trio. The next was quite clearly Japanese, and the last was European, though Rolf couldn't place him. Probably French- he stood correct when the Russian, named Stravaleyn, introduced him as a Lieutenant Commander Gervais. Returning their formal gestures with a click of his heels and a salute, he sat back down behind his desk and waited for them to take their seats as well. Hoß glanced up; Major Kütt waited before the door, and the General knew that two more armed troopers were ready on the other side. Still, this did not seem like a trap. Surely the Japanese, ever honorable, and the French, longtime enforcers of the rules of war, wouldn't stand for such treachery. Then again, they were Communists.

The Russian explained that the ceasefire was going into effect across the Red Fleet, and Rolf noted that indeed, the distant scream of shells was faltering. He then produced a small note, and said that it was from an Admiral Rasilyevich, evidently the commander of the enemy forces. He handed it to Kütt, who in turn relayed it to Hoß. Slowly the General donned his reading glasses, unfolded the paper and began to read.

Even if the translation from Russian to German had been unrefined, Hoß could appreciate the eloquent yet meaningful speech compacted into the letter. By the time he finished it and dropped it to his desk, the full weight of the situation he was in, of the decision he had now to make, fell upon him.

With a heavy heart, Rolf spoke again. "What are your terms?" Kütt twitched in the background. He wondered what the Admiral would attempt to force upon him; if it was too much, then they would all go down. Evidently the Reds realized the magnitude of the situation as well, so perhaps they would be generous. Perhaps.

---

Workers' Hall

---

Terry exhaled as Stahl answered. If Communism prevailed, then much-needed funds could flow into the Capilean Communist Party. And now he was here; he could see what he could do for the Revolution, minute though his part might be. Bowing respectfully to the Premier, he thanked him and followed a pair of trench-coated sentries to the upper levels of the building.

Blücher and Eugen were assigned separate rooms, each lavishly decorated and furnished with fine oak. And to think, the pair had nearly been killed on their way in.
Terry was exhausted after the day, and soon was fast asleep in the plush bed provided to him. He hoped tomorrow would be just as profitable for his cause.

---

Appalachain Redoubt

---

Max took a long sip of his wine. Juvon asked him to describe Nova Capile. He grinned.

"The Duchy is hard to describe, I suppose. They're- we're- very traditionalist, I suppose. Very moralistic. Nearly every aspect of life is affected, if not dictated, by the Church or the State. Which is good in some cases, and not so much in others." He paused, not sure if he should elaborate. "Unless you have enough power, enough clout over the system; then they might turn a blind eye to your activities. It depends." He cut into his first slice of apple pie, trying not to look at Titus.

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf suppressed a grin as Gladium rounded on one of his own troopers, turning on him even without proof. The agent watched, amused, as the man was searched. They found one of the Order's cards on him- one that Artur had planted just an hour earlier. How idiotic to think that a Royal Guard, a man hand-picked by the King for his loyalty to the Crown, would be an operative of the Order? A house of cards, that's what this is. These people could be easily manipulated, even if Rudolf was behind bars. Artur had mentioned that he'd planted almost a dozen cards on various staff in the palace. It would stir up Gladium, cause him to purge the ranks, further causing dissent throughout Titus' household... It was perfect.

Gladium, now fuming, turned back to face his prisoner. Suddenly another guard arrived with a vial of Rad-Away. Rudolf tipped back his head and swallowed, grimacing at the bitter taste and smell. Nevertheless, he could feel the medication go into effect almost instantly. The skin-crawling, burning sensation began to fade, to Rudolf's evident relief.

"Do you have any knowledge of where your nearest safehouse is?" Gladium said.

They're not even going to torture me for this?

"Nein. I was dispatched directly from my headquarters, only with the instructions and information I'd need to assassinate your demon friend."

Operation Island Run; Hawaiian Islands

Lieutenant Commander Stravaleyn produced a second document from inside his jacket and unfolded it. After unfolding the paper and clearing his throat he began to read. "These as follows are the conditions sought by the World Union to end the fighting in Hawaii." Admiral Rasilyevich had known that including the word surrender in the proceedings would have killed the effort there what with how proud the Capilean's were.

"To open with, all Columbian and Capilean forces will vacate both Naval Station Pearl Harbor and Air Station Wheeler, this applies to all personnel of every rank and unit. No World Union forces will fire on the allied troops as they leave the area, any who do shall be disarmed and subject to immediate execution. Naval Station Pearl Harbor shall be henceforth administrated by the Russian Socialist Naval Forces while Air Station Wheeler is to be administrated by the British Naval Air Contingent. No Columbian nor Capilean equipment left behind shall be utilized or seized by Union forces nor will any of the monument ships be desecrated. Enemy intelligence assets shall only be acquired if they pertain to the area of operations around Hawaii." The terms could be equated to one family moving out while another moves in.

"As a show of good faith, Columbian and Capilean troops will be allowed to keep their personal weapons with them for example, infantry may keep their assault rifles and the like and officers may retain their sidearms. However, as a reciprocating show of good faith, the Joint Commander of the Columbian/Capilean forces must agree to accept the abandonment of all vehicles not used only for transport, logistics, or medical means, including but not limited to tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled artillery, mobile missile launchers, etc." Before hell could be raised he went on. "Armored Personnel Carriers may be retained as well as Anti-Infantry mortars and infantry utilized Anti-Armor weapons. All Capilean/Columbian military aircraft will be required to leave the islands for the nearest friendly airbase that will accept them outside of Hawaii. If the distance is too great, mid-air refueling planes will be granted to squadrons to allow them to reach their destination, provided both the pilots and planes are allowed to return to Union airspace peacefully."

"As a third and final term, the enemy Commander, General Rolf Hoß shall be recognized as effective Governor of the civilian population of the island with officers of his choosing to make up the civil administration. Columbian and Capilean troops will be recognized as a police force to the civilian populace and allowed to function as such though will be expected to prevent local citizens from attempting to assault Union troops. No World Union troops will be allowed entry into any civilian area on the island though the Japanese Marine Contingent will act as a military police outside civilian areas. The World Union will not actively prevent communication between the Columbian and Capilean homelands and Hawaii however we do ask that military information exchange be kept to a minimum out of respect given the above conditions. Red Cross inspectors and shipments to the islands shall not be impeded upon."

With that he placed the document on the desk and took a step back awaiting Rolf's answer to the terms laid out.

Staging Area Alpha; Southern California
Seven Miles from Mexican Border

'Their really doing it. Flying in all these troops and equipment.' Captain Ivan Kaloshkov of the 342nd Guards Tank Regiment thought as he watched another massive cargo plane heading back in the direction of the city of San Francisco where it could refuel and head home. Meanwhile, yet another group of dozens of parachutes floated to the ground, about fifty of them carrying men and twenty of them large crates. As soon as the men hit the ground they scampered away as the crates came down so as to avoid being squashed. A similar scene was taking place at a number of locations across a three mile wide expanse of desert here in Southern California only miles from the Mexican Border. Not only parachutes arriving, but column's of vehicles as well; tanks, artillery, and troop carriers. A sum total of three Guards Tank Regiments and four Motorized Rifle Regiments had either been shipped into San Francisco and drove here or parachuted in all the way from the Motherland. Approximately 1500 tanks and 14,000 troops were assembling here, all to comprise what was to become the First Columbian Front under General Sergei Shoygu. What a magnificent thing it was.

"Hey Ivan! Stop daydreaming up there and get back in here!" A tug on the tank officers leg was used to further emphasize the speakers point. So Ivan slid back down inside the T-14 Armata to see what the problem was. It was no problem at all, rather one of Sergeant Andrei Tutilosye's frantic worries. "Captain, are we even going to get to see any action? Aren't they deploying that new Mark.II to the Mexico campaign? Not to mention the flyboys might get through with them before we even have the chance to get our feet wet." Ivan sighed and merely shrugged his shoulders, he never claimed to know the thinking of their commanders and he didn't intend to tell such a lie now.

"Look, those Mark.II's might be tough but the Armata is still the go-to weapon of our army. We'll see action, don't you worry. Before we even hit the Capilean's, we'll smash the Mexican capitalists on the Baja Peninsula and box the enemy in."

Though Ivan had no doubt that the Capilean's would not miss the large amount of World Union troops massing near the Mexican border. He never took his enemy to be stupid. Most certainly not a world-spanning empire.

The operation would begin in several days.

[New United States of Columbia]

Naval Station Norfolk, State of Virginia

---

The Naval Station

The New Unionist troops were anxious. But they weren't scared. To them dying for the glory of their nation, to secure her independence from these foreign tyrannical powers, to ensure her might and glory, was something worthy of true Columbian Men. Their anxiety was more like the kind a race horse would get as it waited for the man to fire a shot from his gun, signaling the start of the race. They could easily see the German fleet, both sides training their guns and missiles at each other, waiting to see who would fire the first shot. The troops kept checking their weapons, making sure the anti-ship guns and missiles were online alongside their Laser Gatling AA guns, and made sure the ships in the dockyards were ready to be used the second they were needed. The twenty-thousand NU soldiers and sailors were ready. All they wanted was to get the fight started. They would hold this ground or die trying.

Finally nightfall arrived. And along with the rising of the moon was the start of combat. The German Frigates began bombardment of their Anti-Ship guns and missiles which proceeded to return fire. Missiles soared high into the air before both sides defenses kicked in and began shooting down most of their missiles. Troops were raised as the alarm sounded. They rushed out, got their armor on, grabbed their weapons, and began to race to their assigned positions to defend the Naval Station and City.

Time to give the Kaiser a taste of Columbian steel...

Royal Palace

---

Gladium decided that Rudolf was lying. To get this point across he smashed his fist hard into Rudolf's stomach before he pulled out his knife and grabbed a tight hold on one of Rudolf's legs.
"Bullshit! Those guns and knives aren't manufactured in the Empire! Now tell me where this Safehouse of yours is or where the fuck you got those weapons!"

New York

---

Archived photo of Columbian 280mm SPA in the Great Plains during the Columbian Wars

As the German and Italian ships bombarded the harbor the guns began to fire, their massive 280mm shells being spat out of the barrels towards the heavens before arching downwards and slamming into the water near the ships or exploding as they collided into the metal hulls. Guns were damaged, systems were destroyed, and any crew caught on the deck were shredded by the shockwave and shrapnel.
However German and Italian shells began to land directly on the SPA's obliterating them and their crew. Some of the crew, deciding better to be a bad infantrymen than a dead artillery operator, abandoned their guns while others suicidally continued to load and fire the mighty guns.

"For you there is no glory in battle today! NO glorious and victorious melee against our sons of the Fatherland! You New Unionists have two choices! Either remain where you are like pigs and let our guns lead you to the slaughter, or surrender and know you will live to see your families again! Your commanders have four minutes to decide or our guns open fire again, and this time they will not stop!"
The Colonel in charge of the NU troops listened as he thought his options over. Surrender was not one of them. They already were humiliated by these German barbarians once. Never. Not in a million years would he consider it. So only two remained: Fight or flee. He chose to flee so he and his men could fight another day. And thanks to that bit of information he knew exactly what to do. Pull the troops out but make sure he got accurate firing coordinates for any potential air or missile strikes. After all there were some airbases nearby. It'd probably take half an hour or more for the fighters and bombers to arrive but he knew he didn't have many SPA's left to risk in New York Harbor. He got on the radio and ordered the SPA crews to pull out of NYC. He then switched stations and ordered all infantry commanders to fall back to St. Paul's to organize a retreat. As soon as that was done he searched the hotel turned Forward Observation Post for a fire axe and started smashing up the radios in his room before tossing the maps and orders he had into a nearby trash can and setting them on fire.
The Huns can have New York, the Colonel thought bitterly so long as we take a few ships with us.

Appalachian Redoubt

---

"I'm surprised to hear that. Over in Dyste the Order of Bahamut never gets involved in day-to-day affairs. They're there to give guidance not-"
At this point Titus shoved his chair out and rose to his feet.
"And it's no wonder since your false idol of stone is a weakling!"
"Titus!" Abigale shouted, also rising to her feet.
Titus wheeled on her.
"Stay out of this!"
As Titus returned to screaming hatred at Juvon and his kind the Generals and Admirals decided to quickly leave, not wanting to get caught up in Foley family affairs.
"Now you listen here, 'brother'!" Titus spat as his green eyes narrowed on the young Mage "I'm had it with your kind! You follow false idols, your ways are disgusting and degenerate, and your people are fools to the nth degree! You have no military to speak of, your nation is a tiny island, you haven't any technology beyond the iron age, you have no power to speak of, YOU ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO THE GLORIOUS EMPIRES OF CAPILE OR COLUMBIA!"
He finished his roar and slowly sat back down, admiring Juvon's angry glares.
"And you have no power over me. Kill me and you'll only ensure your own death and solidify total hatred against your wicked people. Spare me and I'll consider letting Father's foolish marriage go forward. Now get out."
Abigale glared silently at her brother as Juvon left his seat and hurried out with Abigale but not before he attempted to have the last laugh.
"What glory? Your Empire is shattered."
"OUT!"
Titus sprung to his feet and looked ready to shoot his would be brother-in-law.
As soon as the door shut the prematurely aged High King sat back down and sipped at his wine.

Workers Hall

---

The Secretary examined Zubek. She tidied up some papers as she answered him.
"I'm afraid the Premier is busy right at the moment. I wouldn't recommend angering him. I'd suggest you book a room for the night and see if you can't catch him in the morning, comrade."

[New Decius]

Naval Station Norfolk, State of Virginia

---

(Image)
The Naval Station

The New Unionist troops were anxious. But they weren't scared. To them dying for the glory of their nation, to secure her independence from these foreign tyrannical powers, to ensure her might and glory, was something worthy of true Columbian Men. Their anxiety was more like the kind a race horse would get as it waited for the man to fire a shot from his gun, signaling the start of the race. They could easily see the German fleet, both sides training their guns and missiles at each other, waiting to see who would fire the first shot. The troops kept checking their weapons, making sure the anti-ship guns and missiles were online alongside their Laser Gatling AA guns, and made sure the ships in the dockyards were ready to be used the second they were needed. The twenty-thousand NU soldiers and sailors were ready. All they wanted was to get the fight started. They would hold this ground or die trying.

Finally nightfall arrived. And along with the rising of the moon was the start of combat. The German Frigates began bombardment of their Anti-Ship guns and missiles which proceeded to return fire. Missiles soared high into the air before both sides defenses kicked in and began shooting down most of their missiles. Troops were raised as the alarm sounded. They rushed out, got their armor on, grabbed their weapons, and began to race to their assigned positions to defend the Naval Station and City.

Time to give the Kaiser a taste of Columbian steel...

Royal Palace

---

Gladium decided that Rudolf was lying. To get this point across he smashed his fist hard into Rudolf's stomach before he pulled out his knife and grabbed a tight hold on one of Rudolf's legs.
"Bullshit! Those guns and knives aren't manufactured in the Empire! Now tell me where this Safehouse of yours is or where the fuck you got those weapons!"

New York

---

(Image)
Archived photo of Columbian 280mm SPA in the Great Plains during the Columbian Wars

As the German and Italian ships bombarded the harbor the guns began to fire, their massive 280mm shells being spat out of the barrels towards the heavens before arching downwards and slamming into the water near the ships or exploding as they collided into the metal hulls. Guns were damaged, systems were destroyed, and any crew caught on the deck were shredded by the shockwave and shrapnel.
However German and Italian shells began to land directly on the SPA's obliterating them and their crew. Some of the crew, deciding better to be a bad infantrymen than a dead artillery operator, abandoned their guns while others suicidally continued to load and fire the mighty guns.

"For you there is no glory in battle today! NO glorious and victorious melee against our sons of the Fatherland! You New Unionists have two choices! Either remain where you are like pigs and let our guns lead you to the slaughter, or surrender and know you will live to see your families again! Your commanders have four minutes to decide or our guns open fire again, and this time they will not stop!"
The Colonel in charge of the NU troops listened as he thought his options over. Surrender was not one of them. They already were humiliated by these German barbarians once. Never. Not in a million years would he consider it. So only two remained: Fight or flee. He chose to flee so he and his men could fight another day. And thanks to that bit of information he knew exactly what to do. Pull the troops out but make sure he got accurate firing coordinates for any potential air or missile strikes. After all there were some airbases nearby. It'd probably take half an hour or more for the fighters and bombers to arrive but he knew he didn't have many SPA's left to risk in New York Harbor. He got on the radio and ordered the SPA crews to pull out of NYC. He then switched stations and ordered all infantry commanders to fall back to St. Paul's to organize a retreat. As soon as that was done he searched the hotel turned Forward Observation Post for a fire axe and started smashing up the radios in his room before tossing the maps and orders he had into a nearby trash can and setting them on fire.
The Huns can have New York, the Colonel thought bitterly so long as we take a few ships with us.

Appalachian Redoubt

---

"I'm surprised to hear that. Over in Dyste the Order of Bahamut never gets involved in day-to-day affairs. They're there to give guidance not-"
At this point Titus shoved his chair out and rose to his feet.
"And it's no wonder since your false idol of stone is a weakling!"
"Titus!" Abigale shouted, also rising to her feet.
Titus wheeled on her.
"Stay out of this!"
As Titus returned to screaming hatred at Juvon and his kind the Generals and Admirals decided to quickly leave, not wanting to get caught up in Foley family affairs.
"Now you listen here, 'brother'!" Titus spat as his green eyes narrowed on the young Mage "I'm had it with your kind! You follow false idols, your ways are disgusting and degenerate, and your people are fools to the nth degree! You have no military to speak of, your nation is a tiny island, you haven't any technology beyond the iron age, you have no power to speak of, YOU ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO THE GLORIOUS EMPIRES OF CAPILE OR COLUMBIA!"
He finished his roar and slowly sat back down, admiring Juvon's angry glares.
"And you have no power over me. Kill me and you'll only ensure your own death and solidify total hatred against your wicked people. Spare me and I'll consider letting Father's foolish marriage go forward. Now get out."
Abigale glared silently at her brother as Juvon left his seat and hurried out with Abigale but not before he attempted to have the last laugh.
"What glory? Your Empire is shattered."
"OUT!"
Titus sprung to his feet and looked ready to shoot his would be brother-in-law.
As soon as the door shut the prematurely aged High King sat back down and sipped at his wine.

Workers Hall

---

The Secretary examined Zubek. She tidied up some papers as she answered him.
"I'm afraid the Premier is busy right at the moment. I wouldn't recommend angering him. I'd suggest you book a room for the night and see if you can't catch him in the morning, comrade."

Operation: Blitztruppe Angriff
Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia

As the warships of the Kaiserliche Marine and the defenders of Norfolk traded shots, high above them, 42,000 feet to be exact, another scene was taking place. Three massive Junkers B.017 Airlifts were making their way over the Naval Station. These large craft, propelled by four jet engines, were to be the transports for Operation: Blitztruppe Angriff, carried out by the Sixth War Frame Regiment. Onboard of each plane was a total of fifteen of the latest Mark.IIIF War Frame, codenamed "Vulture", all of them being carried in the recently developed and implemented folding transport style. Thus, without the New Unionists below suspecting anything, forty-five advanced killing machines were poised to deploy right on top of them. Jamming equipment was shielding their signal from radar but that wouldn't last long, only long enough to deploy to the Naval Station below.

Oberstleutnant Meyer breathed deeply to clear his head as he got ready for the drop. He had run over three dozen missions in a War Frame before, in active combat zones, but never in the form of a para-unit. The regiment commander didn't have a chance to think much on the subject before the floor of the Airlift dropped away and he, as well as fourteen others on the plane, dropped down headed for the surface below. If this had been the Mark.IIID then they would have all smashed to pieces on impact, luckily the new model was equipped with a special feature. An energy shield specifically designed to activate when the craft was in free fall and cushion the landing. As an added bonus, a new and improved battlefield assistant was also part of the new model as well as armor capable of resisting the lasers commonly utilized by Columbian troops. Though this was the first battlefield test.

Two minutes later, Rudolf made impact on the ground, a cloud of dust and debris being thrown up around the landing site. He had to wait a moment for his external cameras to focus before he discovered he'd landed inside a warehouse, an empty one at that. With a press of a button on his left control handle, the landspinners fell away from the rear of his machines legs, the wheels quickly springing into action as he sped forward. Crashing through the wooden walls of the building, Rudolf found himself in a row of warehouses. He also found himself directly in front of a large group of Columbian soldiers manning a 280mm artillery gun. Half of them were looking at his machine in disbelief, the other half looked like they just pissed themselves. Instinct taking over, Rudolf didn't give them time to respond before he unlatched the proportionately sized assault rifle from his back and opened fire on the group. These weren't bullets, but 35mm shells capable of tearing a man apart with one hit. They did a number on the artillery gun as well, punching holes right through the barrel. After a minute, the former artillery position was just a bloody mess.

With that done, Rudolf got on the radio to the rest of the unit that had deployed by airborne transport. "Status report." Most of the responses he got were along the lines of 'futile failed attempts by the New Unionists to counterattack', 'the sorry excuses for soldiers pissed themselves', or 'enemies just get up and run away'. It would seem their attack had the desired effect of punching a big hole in enemy morale. Unlike the World Union's War Frames, which were clunky and basically moving gun batteries, German War Frames were more along the lines of lethal mechanized soldiers; agile enough to avoid missiles and shells, fast enough to outrun vehicles. Not to mention that with no external viewports or openings, and a pneumatically sealed cockpit, there was no way an enemy soldier could toss a grenade inside. Hell given that the Mark.IIIF is almost three meters tall, you would have to be very skilled to climb up one without the pilot noticing.

With forty-five of these lethal mechanized soldiers now inside Norfolk, the New Unionists were quite right to be afraid.

[New United States of Columbia]

Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia

---

The troops were caught by surprise from the sudden attack by the mechanized soldiers. As they began to advance on the SPA's the troops attempted to fight back as much as they could. Seeing as Norfolk was an important location the NU had decided to put some of their best men and equipment there. Naturally this meant they had access to Anti-Armor weapons and armor of their own.
As Rudolf arrogantly assumed nothing could harm his mech several soldiers attempted to fire on the mechs. Artillery cannons were lowered to being level with the mechs and fired at near point blank range. It was chaos in the naval base.

Meanwhile the sailors stationed there began to try and get to the ships stationed there. They weren't about to let these Germans have their way with the second best fleet in the Columbian Navy. Skeleton crews boarded their ships, started the engines, and prepared the weapons as best as a skeleton crew could. It'd take a long time unfortunately. The men began to pray to the Founders, hoping the garrison and reinforcements could hold off the German mechs long enough for their ships to be ready.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Wheeler Air Force Base

---

General Hoß.

Rolf was surprised. The Communists were almost generous with their terms, allowing Capilean and Columbian soldiers to retain some of their weaponry and even naming Hoß as the Governor-General of Hawaii. They would, of course, have to surrender many of their vehicles and some equipment to their foes, and henceforth 30,000 bold men would be entrapped in the Hawaiian islands, unable to assist their brethren in the war. Effectively they would be held prisoner here, working for the enemy. If he refused this, then what? An apocalyptic battle to flatten the island? The loss of those 30,000 men?

Rolf knew what he had to do. With a heavy heart, he stood up and slowly opened his mouth. "Lieutenant Commander, you offer very generous terms. It would be foolish not to accept them. And I am no fool. Please, the document." Stravaleyn handed the paper over, and after Hoß had scanned it to ensure no foul play, he signed it. Handing the terms back to the Russian, he officiated the surrender with a drink. Producing a bottle of fine wine that he had intended for his victory celebration, he poured four glasses and handed three to his guests.

"To your victory."

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max shrunk into his chair as dinner devolved into a shouting match. Titus, exploding with pent-up rage, looked ready to kill his sister's suitor. Riesch remained silent, taking a few sips of wine, until Juvon stormed out, Abigale with him. Coughing quietly, Max stood up. "That was a decadent meal, my thanks to the chef. I'm feeling rather drowsy, so I hope you won't mind if I retire?" He didn't want to get on the bad side of the High King, not when he was in this mood.

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf grimaced as a hard fist slammed into his stomach. The Captain next pulled out a large knife, and grabbed hold of the Capilean. "Bullshit! Those guns and knives aren't manufactured in the Empire! Now tell me where this Safehouse of yours is or where the fuck you got those weapons!"

"I was issued those weapons by the Order! I know not where they came from! And I've told you, I don't know where this 'safehouse' is. No amount of torture will get that out of me!"

Sorry for the short, low-quality post.

[Gotengo]

Wheeler Air Force Base

---

(Image)
General Hoß.

Rolf was surprised. The Communists were almost generous with their terms, allowing Capilean and Columbian soldiers to retain some of their weaponry and even naming Hoß as the Governor-General of Hawaii. They would, of course, have to surrender many of their vehicles and some equipment to their foes, and henceforth 30,000 bold men would be entrapped in the Hawaiian islands, unable to assist their brethren in the war. Effectively they would be held prisoner here, working for the enemy. If he refused this, then what? An apocalyptic battle to flatten the island? The loss of those 30,000 men?

Rolf knew what he had to do. With a heavy heart, he stood up and slowly opened his mouth. "Lieutenant Commander, you offer very generous terms. It would be foolish not to accept them. And I am no fool. Please, the document." Stravaleyn handed the paper over, and after Hoß had scanned it to ensure no foul play, he signed it. Handing the terms back to the Russian, he officiated the surrender with a drink. Producing a bottle of fine wine that he had intended for his victory celebration, he poured four glasses and handed three to his guests.

"To your victory."

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max shrunk into his chair as dinner devolved into a shouting match. Titus, exploding with pent-up rage, looked ready to kill his sister's suitor. Riesch remained silent, taking a few sips of wine, until Juvon stormed out, Abigale with him. Coughing quietly, Max stood up. "That was a decadent meal, my thanks to the chef. I'm feeling rather drowsy, so I hope you won't mind if I retire?" He didn't want to get on the bad side of the High King, not when he was in this mood.

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf grimaced as a hard fist slammed into his stomach. The Captain next pulled out a large knife, and grabbed hold of the Capilean. "Bullshit! Those guns and knives aren't manufactured in the Empire! Now tell me where this Safehouse of yours is or where the fuck you got those weapons!"

"I was issued those weapons by the Order! I know not where they came from! And I've told you, I don't know where this 'safehouse' is. No amount of torture will get that out of me!"

Sorry for the short, low-quality post.

Union-Occupied Hawaiian Islands

Stravaleyn accepted the toast, as did Gervais, however Yakari the Japanese Marine officer politely refused. He only said that Japanese officers were prohibited from drinking while on campaign. This was apparently a policy issued directly from the Japanese Center of Committee and violation meant serious penalties. After accepting the toast, Stravaleyn brought up a point likely lurking in the General's thoughts. "General, we will not force you to actively assist or contribute to our military efforts however we do ask for the same level of cooperation as required by Prisoners of War as dictated by the Geneva Convention." He put down his glass and then turned to another matter.

"Now, if you would kindly inform your troops on Maui and Kauai to stand down we can begin the transition process."

Workers Hall

Zubek however was not one to be turned away so easily, the NKVD never were. Normally refusing or delaying the NKVD was equivalent to a death wish, however this was a different country altogether. The Colonel leaned forward with a smile with no intent of friendship behind it.

"I think you will find that I require to speak with Premier Stahl immediately. We have troops currently crossing the Pacific in the thousands to assist our fraternal socialist brethren here and our troops are evicting the capitalists from Hawaii as we speak. My orders come directly from the Center of Committee itself." He lit a cigarette and began to smoke casually.

"Does it not interest the Premier to meet with the only major foreign ally he has which is not a resistance group? Is it his wish that our planes carrying our troops turn around and our forces hand Hawaii back to the imperialists?"

[New Decius]

Wheeler Air Force Base

---

(Image)
General Hoß.

Rolf was surprised. The Communists were almost generous with their terms, allowing Capilean and Columbian soldiers to retain some of their weaponry and even naming Hoß as the Governor-General of Hawaii. They would, of course, have to surrender many of their vehicles and some equipment to their foes, and henceforth 30,000 bold men would be entrapped in the Hawaiian islands, unable to assist their brethren in the war. Effectively they would be held prisoner here, working for the enemy. If he refused this, then what? An apocalyptic battle to flatten the island? The loss of those 30,000 men?

Rolf knew what he had to do. With a heavy heart, he stood up and slowly opened his mouth. "Lieutenant Commander, you offer very generous terms. It would be foolish not to accept them. And I am no fool. Please, the document." Stravaleyn handed the paper over, and after Hoß had scanned it to ensure no foul play, he signed it. Handing the terms back to the Russian, he officiated the surrender with a drink. Producing a bottle of fine wine that he had intended for his victory celebration, he poured four glasses and handed three to his guests.

"To your victory."

---

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Max shrunk into his chair as dinner devolved into a shouting match. Titus, exploding with pent-up rage, looked ready to kill his sister's suitor. Riesch remained silent, taking a few sips of wine, until Juvon stormed out, Abigale with him. Coughing quietly, Max stood up. "That was a decadent meal, my thanks to the chef. I'm feeling rather drowsy, so I hope you won't mind if I retire?" He didn't want to get on the bad side of the High King, not when he was in this mood.

---

Royal Palace

---

Rudolf grimaced as a hard fist slammed into his stomach. The Captain next pulled out a large knife, and grabbed hold of the Capilean. "Bullshit! Those guns and knives aren't manufactured in the Empire! Now tell me where this Safehouse of yours is or where the fuck you got those weapons!"

"I was issued those weapons by the Order! I know not where they came from! And I've told you, I don't know where this 'safehouse' is. No amount of torture will get that out of me!"

Sorry for the short, low-quality post.

Appalachian Redoubt

Before Riesch could leave the room, a pair of doors opened and two guards brought in an irate and struggling man. This man was in German military uniform, the coal-black of Abwehr or military intelligence, to be precise. The man was making quite a case of it.

"Unhand me you oafs! This is absurd! Is this how foreign envoys bringing help are treated!?" He finally pulled himself from their grip and stood up straight, smoothing out his jacket before casting his gaze to Titus. "Well, we've found you Your Majesty. I am Oberführer Theodore Klemm. Since no one connected to your staff would accept calls, emails or any other communication from a representative of the German Empire, we chose a more direct approach. Our agents, newly deployed given that most of our embassy intelligence staff are now dead, spent a good deal of time and effort looking for you to deliver a message and put you in communication with Berlin. I found this place via old records, which have been destroyed so don't panic, and upon arrival was roughly seized by these guards."

He produced from inside his uniform jacket a folder. "Inside this folder are details concerning the wartime aid we are ready to render your regime. This includes finances equal to twice Columbia's Pre-Division GDP, advanced weapon systems, military advisors, and direct military support from German forces, however there is more." He placed the folder on the table and slid it across to Titus. Before he could open it however, Klemm had a few more words to say.

"It was also on the mind of certain government officials that you be informed of a particular urgent matter. One that affects all our nations, as well as our decision to render aid to your regime." He took a deep breath before continuing. "His Imperial Majesty, the Kaiser, is.......dying. He suffered a stroke early this morning however the public has not been informed. Also, any news footage you have observed recently of our Crown Prince, Rudolph, is old footage, as His Highness has been missing for the past three weeks. Several others in the Line of Succession including the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor are currently incapacitated leaving the choice of Head of Government to a panel of officials. However, if His Majesty does not awaken in the next two days, role of Head of State falls to the First Princess, Ilse Gotha, who is a hardline fascist and Germanic Supremacist. She would like nothing more than to not only turn Germany's atomic weapons against Columbia, but also claim it for her envisioned Weltreich. Much of the government and the military want to avoid this at all costs. Thus to keep her quiet, we need evidence that your regime still has power and strength behind it, a major victory by your forces, in the next two days." What he said next was chilling.

"Or you should announce to your people that they shouldn't bother with lights anymore, the entire country will glow in the dark. God help us should that bitch get a hand on the throne."

Kaiserliche Außenministerium, Berlin
Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Germany Proper

Despite word of recent successes in Columbia reaching back to the Fatherland, the whole of the government was in disarray, particularly the foreign ministry. Even civilians could see it. The security forces rushing in and out of government buildings with men in suits following them to other government buildings. The major news outlets had seen this before over the Kaiserreich's nearly hundred year existence, and knew to simply run news that took public attention away from all the excitement happening. They reported about the weather or sports or anything but a possible internal upheaval in the government. A few brave or stupid journalists waited outside buildings and ambushed nervous officials; within seconds, officers of the Abwehr's domestic service forces would appear and seize them. Others were being arrested too, well not arrested per sey, merely placed under house arrest. These included prominent political leaders such as the leaders of the Conservative Party, Social Democrats, Socialists, Deutsche Heimpartei (Nationalists), Europa (European Federalizationists), and even several defunct party's like the German Communist League and German Silver Star (National Socialist). No one was being told anything officially, the Abwehr was informing all police divisions from Berlin to Warschau to simply call it a special drill if asked. However, Berlin was where it was hardest to hide. Despite several observed flight paths for the several airports in the Kaiserlichen Hauptstadt (Imperial Capital), military aircraft were banned from flying over the city except in times of emergency though police had permission for helicopter support in Counter-Terrorism Operations. Today, three flights of three P.213 Air Superiority Fighters each were making flyovers of the government district.

The foreign office was no different than the rest; hurry here, hurry there, security escorting people in and out. Normally the foreign office of a first world empire would be busy, but everyone knew this was a different kind of busy. A nervous and rash kind of busy. One only seen for few reasons; the new World War had begun, a natural disaster of devastating proportions had taken place, certain parties were trying to seize power in a coup, or the Kaiser was dead. Not to mention that when Foreign Minister Jost calls in the Ambassador of the German Empire's most important ally as well as all the continental allies, something was happening.

Inside the office of Außenminister Jost, a number of persons were placed around the room, currently Jost was engaging with them. Dr. Peter Imre Gyorkos, Hungarian Ambassador to Germany was currently speaking. "And there was no one else there to report it who would do so? No camera hounds or journalists of the kind?"

Jost shook his head, hands folded on his desk. "No, he doesn't allow them on the estate and given that almost a whole division's worth of Wachbataillon are posted there at all times they can't exactly get in. One of his younger sisters was with him at the time though." At this Count Fiore, the Italian Ambassador leaned forward.

"And no one has been able to reach Reichskanzler Schriff or the Vizekanzler Frick? Their aides? Someone?" The Ambassador was actually a very intelligent man when he wasn't behaving like an eccentric.

Again Jost shook his head, this time not in relief of the facts he was to relay. "Reichskanzler Schriff left an hour before the event on Luftwaffe 3 headed for South Africa for Prime Minister Zuma's state funeral tomorrow. He and the Prime Minister had been good friends for ten years and Konrad felt he should attend to honor the man. No one has been able to contact his plane or any of his staff though there have been no reports of a crash. As for the Vizekanzler...." he seemed almost embarrassed to say this one. "Vizekanzler Frick is currently acting as an observer aboard one of our new submarines in the South Pacific and won't return to the Reich for at least a week."

Now it was Count Vladimir von Pleskau, Ambassador of the Empire of White Russia to the Home Territories, turn to pose a question. "What of His Excellency, Reichspräsident Gauck? After the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor surely he is next in line." Jost nodded in confirmation but then destroyed whatever hopes they were gathering. With just a few sentences he obliterated their morale.

"Indeed that is how our order of succession works, should the Chancellor be either incapacitated to perform his or her duties, the Vice Chancellor becomes the Acting Chancellor. If both are out, then it falls to the President of the Reichstag to assume the role of Head of Government. However..." here was another moment where the diplomats in the room tensed. "Four hours ago, the Reichspräsident was attending the rather cheerful opening ceremonies to the 27th Annual World Trade Assistance Conference, when he suffered a stroke on the golf green. He is currently undergoing treatment at the ERASMUS medical center in Rotterdam. They say he is unlikely to wake up for at least a full day possibly two."

Now it was Fiore's turn again. "So who does that leave? Does Chancellorship fall to one of the government ministers? Does it go to the Chief of the General's Staff? Is the Crown Prince appointed Regent?" This was a rather tense moment for all of them, particularly the Austrian and White Russian Ambassadors. The Italian's, Hungarian's, and Swede's were all independent, self-sufficient states with their own armies, economies, and leaders; they may have been built up by the German's but no longer needed to totally hide in the shadow of the Kaiserreich, particularly since they all had their own Nuclear Weapons. For the Austrian Empire and the White Russian Kingdom, it was rather a different scene.

After Prinz-Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Augustus III and his semi-conservative, semi-liberal federal monarchy came our on top in the last Civil War, he had created substates in Austrian (Plus its former Hapsburg territories) and the long occupied East. These states were ruled by their own noble houses and elected their own cabinets. Yet, their armies, were based off the Kaiserliche Armee, in equipment, training, and even discipline, though the bar stopped at superb but not quite good enough to rise against Imperial Germany. Their economies, fueled the central German economy, and they played host to Imperial German Nuclear Weapons, not their own.

Jost bit his lip out of nervous habit. "What I say now does not leave this room, neither does anything else." Once everyone had confirmed their oath of secrecy he began. "For the past three weeks, the Crown Prince has been missing. Neither his wife or any of his staff have any idea where he is. We've told the public he is away on an extended spiritual retreat, but the Abwehr is searching everywhere for him. Soil that is both domestic and foreign." This shocked everyone but if this shocked them the next bit nearly killed them all. "As such if a Regency is declared then the First Princess would be made Regent. Her Royal Highness Ilse-Gotha of Germany and Prussia."

At this Dr. Gyorkos at last lost his temper. "So we are to sit and hear that not only is our strongest ally, the greatest power on the European continent and one of the greatest in the world, destabilizing internally? Yet also the next one to step up could be a bloody fascist that wants to put all the Non-Germanic world in her Nuclear crosshairs! This is madness!" Jost could only sit there and listen, it isn't as though at his age he can forcibly calm the man down. But his words could. "Doctor Gyorkos kindly calm down and let me speak!" The room went silent.

"If all persons on the list for line of succession are unable to take office, then a panel of military official's, Abwehr administrators, and government executives decides the Acting Chancellor by vote. We should be getting their choice soon." Just then his secretary opened the door and allowed in the Capilean Ambassador. Jost had little time for cheer and banter this go round.

"Ah Graf von Stromberg, thank you for coming so swiftly. I imagine you noticed a certain haste and tension about the city. Well I am about to tell you why."

"Early this morning, while taking coffee with a family member at the imperial estate at Neuschwanstein, His Imperial Majesty, Kaiser Wilhelm Augustus III collapsed. He isn't dead though the military medical unit on staff say he suffered a mild to severe heart attack and is in a coma. Best, rather optimistic estimates are he won't wake for a week. Worst, more realistic estimates go up to three months. Normally this would mean the Reichskanzler would temporarily hold officer of Head of State but we have been out of communication with both him and the plane he is on have been lost. The Vizekanzler is on a naval observation tour in the South Pacific, and the Reichspräsident suffered a stroke earlier today. Additionally, we cannot declare a Regency under the Crown Prince since he has vanished. That would leave a Regency under the First Princess, whom I'm guessing your intelligence briefings have told you about."

These days the second of the Kaiser's five children, was a hardline neo-fascist who was one of the public faces of the National Democratic Party of Germany, the modern day Nazi Party under the guise of the far-right. If she ever came to the throne in any way, fascism would reign again in the Fatherland. An outcome desired by none. International and domestic laws as well as the German Empire's governing system would normally allow the party to be easily dissolved, but they were too powerful publicly and had the backing of a Princess as well.

"There is a government panel meeting right now to choose the Acting Chancellor. The likely candidate is Leutnantgeneral Graf von Richtofen whom will more than likely keep our involvement in Columbia as is rather than end said involvement. However, even if he is chosen as our temporary Reichskanzler, the First Princess will be declared Head of State until the Kaiser is back on his feet, unless the Crown Prince turns up out of nowhere." He decided to give a moment for Thomas to take all this information in.

[New United States of Columbia]

Appalachian Redoubt

---

Titus turned as he watched the German Official and two soldiers enter. The man soon identified himself as Theodore Klemm and that he had information in regards to an important crisis that was going on in the German Reich. Titus listened, his eyes showing fear upon being informed of who Gotha was. He then composed himself, his face full of determination.
"If it's a major victory you want it's a major victory you'll get."
His sharp hazel green eyes then traveled to Riesch.
"You're not going anywhere, Max. I've a job for you. Contact your generals and inform them of a new plan. We're striking Los Angeles as soon as possible. Redirect your forces if you have to! I'm not going to let some damned German nuke MY land and MY people!"
The High King then jumped to his feet and stormed out of the dining room.
"Columbia will NEVER fall! Not so long as I draw breath!"

Workers Hall

---

The blonde beauty looked Zubek over. She sighed, muttered something about "not getting paid enough to get shouted at", and then attempted to contact the Premier.
"What is it now!?" The aged Premier snapped over the intercom.
The secretary scowled at being shouted at.
"A man by the name of Zubek requests to speak with you, Comrade Stahl. Says he's with the NKVD."
Silence followed.
"Send him up."
The secretary then looked up at the man.
"You got luckier than those Capileans. That's for certain."

Royal Palace

---

Gladium's eyes narrowed, his veins bulged, and his pulse quickened.
"You're going to squeal, little pig. You'll squeal when I-"
Before he could elaborate on the torturous things he planned to do to Rudolf, a guardsman ran into him, a telegram clutched tightly in his fist.
"A telegram from His Imperial Christian Majesty! He wants us to head west and assist Capilean and Loyalist forces that are to lay siege to a massive Communist Stronghold, sir!"
Gladium dropped the knife and snatched the telegram, reading it quickly. He then looked at Rudolf.
"He's coming with us."
The guardsmen looked shocked.
"But why-"
"Because he has information. If he didn't I'd have either shot him or left him here to die to those Fascists or Communists out there."
Just then an artillery shell exploded, sending massive chunks of the roof onto the group below. Some managed to get away, others got luck that they were in power armor, but a few weren't lucky and were either killed or trapped under the rubble. Dust and particles filled the air making everyone cough and hack violently.
"Get the men out of there and meet us in the garage!" Gladium barked.
He then grabbed Rudolf by his collar and dragged him along as they descended staircase after staircase and headed down corridor after ruined corridor, littered with busted vases and other priceless bits of Columbian history, before they reached the dirty and unlight garage. The guardsmen activated their floodlights and looked around for a suitable means of transport. They found a few armored trucks and hopped in, their heavy power armor making the vehicles groan in effort.
Gladium harshly shoved Rudolf into a passenger seat.
"Buckle up." The Captain spat as he headed to the rear of the lead truck.
A guardsman soon entered and, when he saw Rudolf buckled in, began to drive, leading them out of the subterranean garage and into the fresh hellscape that was Omaha.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

---

Hancock looked the report over.
"Is this true, Minister?"
Hancock's chocolate eyes looked the small man over, his sandy hair reflecting the brilliant lights around the room. He swallowed and nodded. Hancock glanced down at the report.
"And you're recommending..."
"That we send hazmat teams to the location, yes, Mr. President." He squeezed, his high pitched voice filled with nervousness. After all, what if he upset the President as he was busy commanding forces that were annexing New England, fighting Canadian rebels, and German invaders at the same time? After all the idea was preposterous. Well parts of it were admittedly. Not all of it.
Hancock looked up, his face emotionless and showing his mind was at work, processing the idea and thinking it over carefully, considering every possible avenue.
"And you're certain the people there will join our cause?"
"They must. After all they were betrayed by Foley. And were victims of German barbarism, Mr. President."
Hancock set the report on the desk as he took a quick swig of Whisky. He handed the large stack of papers back to the man.
"I will consider it."
The sand haired man quickly stood up, thanked the President, and left, leaving Hancock alone with his thoughts.