Author's Note-Merry Christmas Everybody. I hope that you will enjoy this short.
Disclaimer- I still don't own Hetalia…and I don't happen to own CORAD, NORAD, or Christmas.
Operation Santa Tracker
The tradition had started as a mistake. A department store in America had misprinted a phone number in a newspaper advertisement. The mistake meant that the children expected to speak to Santa instead calling the CORAD headquarters at Colorado Springs. The CORAD commander took the situation in stride and ordered his men on duty to give the children calling on Christmas Eve Santa's current position. The event was such a hit for the children in Colorado Springs - as well as the men who worked at CORAD - the commander decided to make it a yearly event.
When Canada and America created a joint airspace monitoring program three years later, NORAD inherited the Santa Tracker program. At first Canada was uncomfortable with the concept of the program. Still, America insisted the Santa Tracker program was not only for fun but provided much needed security for Santa, security that America needed to provide because Santa Claus had to be an American citizen since he clearly lived in North Pole, Alaska.
Even though America's argument about Santa being a U.S. citizen was ridiculous - Santa was clearly Canadian because Canada's airspace extended to the actual North Pole - it was still one of North America's twins special holiday traditions. One that Canada was preparing his youngest territory, Nunavut, to participate in.
"But the sweater is itchy, ugly, and it really isn't that cold out," the young territory pouted. Unfortunately he did have a point, the sweater was warm, but it was knitted by England, and Canada couldn't help but wonder it the other country was colorblind.
"It is going to be a lot colder when you get farther up." Canada sighed.
"But it's not cold..." The child whined.
"Just put on the sweater. If you get too warm on the plane, you can always take it off. Will you hold still…" Canada rapidly discovered that he was over his head and called for backup. "Northwest can you please help me!"
"Atka." Northwest Territories put down her tea, but didn't bother getting out of the warm car. "Hold still for Canada or we'll have Newfoundland accompany your Aunt Alaska on this flight."
"But…" Nunavut didn't get the chance to continue.
"No buts - you either play by the rules or you don't participate." Northwest took a sip from the mug of tea she was carrying before glancing down at her watch. "According my watch, you have fifteen minutes to cooperate."
In the end, it was the high pitched whine of a jet engine which finally convinced Nunavut to put on the sweater. When the elegant lines of the B-1 Lancer came into sight, the territory couldn't help bouncing up and down on his heels. As the plane came to a complete stop at the end of the tarmac, it took both the Northwest Territories and Canada to hold him back so he didn't go running up to it. Finally, after what must have seemed like an eternity to the young territory, the door opened and Alaska stepped out into the cold wearing her uniform. Only when she was on the ground did the nation loosen his grip on the child and let him dash towards the state.
"Auntie Samantha!" Nunavut exclaimed, his body making a thwamping sound as he connected with her legs.
"Hello Atka, are you ready for an adventure?" The territory shook his head yes, while smiling ear-to-ear. "Well then, all we have to do is wait for Finland to get here, then we will fly south almost to the south pole."
"Will we see penguins?"
"Maybe, if you are really good. Now, look to the sky." Alaska pointed to a small point of light among the stars. After a few moments it was easy to tell that the light was getting closer. Soon the magical sound of bells filled the air.
"It seems Tino is running ahead of schedule," The Northwest Territories commented.
"The weather charts put a good wind over Africa that probably put him ahead of schedule," Alaska replied, her eyes still fixed on the sky.
Soon it was easy to see that the tiny light was a lantern hanging on the front of a old fashioned sleigh being pulled through the air by eight magnificent reindeer. The rider of the sleigh was dressed in red clothing trimmed with white furs but was far smaller than Santa Claus. When the sleigh came to a complete stop, he nimbly jumped out and jogged to the group of personifications.
"Tino, I am glad to see you," Canada smiled broadly.
"It's good to see you, Matthew. I really don't get around to visiting this part of the world as often as I like." After shaking Canada's hand warmly, he turned and knelt down to be face-to-face with young territories. "So, this is little Atka. I hear that you will be joining."
"Yes."
"Well, the night's dying fast, and there are many countries to visit before dawn on Christmas Day. Shall we go?"
With a shout and a jiggle of bells, Finland's team of eight reindeer took to the sky. Once the sleigh was airborne, Alaska revved the plane's engines and began to taxi runway. With a deep rumble the B-1 accelerated down the runway and lifted into the cold night's air. It circled around the airstrip once, dipping its wings in a salute to Canada, then turned south giving chase to the brightly colored sleigh and its bags full of presents. As the plane flew into the star-filled sky, Canada couldn't help but feel a bit of parental concern for his territories' first Christmas adventure.
"He'll be safe. Alaska and Finland are responsible people," The Northwest Territory tried to comfort.
"That wasn't exactly what I was worried about," Canada chuckled.
"Alaska had babysat Nunavut before. I'm sure she wouldn't volunteer to take him on this journey if she didn't think she could survive his enthusiasm."
"I hope that you are right. I hope you are right…" The nation shrugged thoughtfully, then turned towards the car waiting on the edge of the tarmac. "Well, let's get home before our toes freeze and Quebec eats all of the beautiful butter tarts Nova Scotia's made."
Next Story- A holiday surprise!
