Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter.

So, this will be the final buildup chapter, and will show the final preparations. The war begins for real next chapter.

Let's get to it.

Chapter 11- The Gathering Storm

(October 20, 2018)

On the shoes of Alqualonde, it's a hive of activity. The Teleri port had become the US Arda Fleet's main base and anchorage. Although most of the Fleet's ships lie at anchor in the harbor, leaving few of the Teleri's docks actually being used by American ships, a number of port facilities, storage facilities, and fuel tanks have been established at Alqualonde.

From a watchtower along the harborfront, Olwe looks out over the harbor and the few ships currently in the harbor. However, his attention is soon grabbed by one of the ships he is expecting today. Out in the distance, Olwe can see the USS Wisconsin coming in to port at 18 knots, having just completed a series of gunnery drills to finish prepping her crew for combat.

Although the Teleri had seen American ships before, including their carriers, when the Wisconsin first made port in Alqualonde, the Teleri were in awe at the massive ship and the sheer feeling of power she exuded.

Olwe had had the opportunity to sail out on a Teleri ships a few days earlier to see some of the Wisconsin's gunnery drills. When Olwe had seen the Wisconsin fire a full broadside from just half a mile away, he had been amazed at the sheer firepower possessed by the battleship, and had had to cover his ears in reflex from the massive sound.

Olwe looks out over the harbor, and watches as large numbers of his people, as well as a number of Americans, are prepping his people's ships. The Teleri, at the request of the Valar, have agreed to allow their ships to transport the US Marines and the Host of Valinor across the sea to Nevrast, which has been chosen as the first landing site and main assembly area for the Allied forces. With the invasion due to leave Valinor in just 2 days, the final preparations have begun for launching the invasion.

A US Marine Colonel pops up into the watchtower behind Olwe. The Colonel salutes Olwe before saying, "Good morning, Lord Olwe."

"Good morning, Colonel," Olwe says. He pauses for a moment, then asks, "How go the preparations?"

"They are progressing on schedule. The help of your people has definitely helped us to make the deadline possible," the Colonel says.

Olwe nods in response. After a few moments, Olwe says, "While I have not forgiven the Noldor their slight, and still will not allow my people to participate in the battles ahead, I look forward to hearing that the blight of Morgoth has forever been removed from this world."

"Don't worry, Lord Olwe. We're going to rain hell down on Morgoth's forces and bring that SOB to justice," the Colonel says, a confident grin on his face.

"I do hope so," Olwe says as he looks out at the ocean.

(Valmar, USARCOM HQ)

General Abrams looks intently at one of the multiple screens in the main command center of USARCOM HQ. This screen is showing him updates on air strikes being carried out by American aircraft.

Given the range between the one airfield currently established in Valinor and Beleriand, virtually all airstrikes that have been carried out against Morgoth following the declaration of war had been carried out by carrier aircraft, save for some airstrikes that had been carried out by B-52s flying out of Valinor's airbase. The need for carriers in Arda had resulted in the greatest concentration of carriers for one operation since Desert Storm. There are currently six carriers off the coast of Arda, ranging from Lammoth all the way to Balar, each carrier launching one or two air strikes per day against targets and forces in Beleriand. All of the carriers will soon be concentrating off the coast of Nevrast in preparation for the landings.

The airstrikes have been causing widespread devastation among Morgoth's forces over the last year and a half. It's estimated over 150,000 Orcs, in addition to more creatures, have been killed by American airstrikes, and multiple important strongholds have been destroyed. However, none of the airstrikes have reached into Anfauglith or further north to Angband. The Americans have not yet wanted to test their luck going so close to Morgoth's seat of power.

The US has so far not concentrated too many airstrikes in the area of Nevrast, not wanting to alert Morgoth to the fact that they intend to land their initial forces in the region. Many of their airstrikes have either been further inland, or concentrated along the southern coasts to make Morgoth believe that the first landings will take place in the southern parts of Beleriand.

Abrams turns to a Marine Colonel that is serving as his liaison between him and General David Berger, the Marine General in command of all the Marine forces in Arda. "Colonel. What's the latest word on the muster of Marines in Valinor?" he asks.

"Sir, the last elements of the 5th Division are arriving in Alqualonde as we speak," the Colonel responds.

Abrams nods, already knowing that the 1st through 4th Marine Divisions have already assembled outside Alqualonde. This means the Marines are ready to finally make the trip.

"Lord Olwe is still cooperating?" Abrams asks.

"Yes, General. The Teleri are finishing preparations for their fleet. They'll still be sailing with us," the Colonel says.

Abrams nods. The plan for the initial landings in Beleriand, designated as Operation Light Bringer, called for American and Teleri ships to transport the 5 American Marine divisions across the sea to land in Nevrast and capture the coast. The American and Teleri ships would then return to Valinor and shuttle the Host of Valinor over to Nevrast. The Marines and Host of Valinor would fully secure Nevrast, allowing the divisions of the US Army and other NATO armies to make their way into Nevrast through a massive portal that has been located in Nevrast, the other end of which is located in southern Utah.

Abrams perks his head up a bit as he can hear the rumble of jet engines from outside. The Air Force had scheduled a strike in Hithlum by B-52s today. Abrams listens for a moment until the rumble of the B-52's engines fades. Finally, he says, "Only a few weeks to go. And Morgoth won't know what hit him."

(October 22, Alqualonde)

As the sun slowly rises in the sky, it rises on a harbor alive with activity. After hours and hours of work, all of the men of the 1st through 5th Marine Divisions have boarded the US transport ships and the ships of the Teleri. Now, the time has finally come to launch the invasion.

On the bridge of the Wisconsin, recently promoted Admiral Andrew Lewis turns to the ship's helmsman. Lewis is commander of the 2nd Fleet, which comprises all of the transports and their escorts. As he looks at the helmsman, Lewis smiles slightly as he says, "All ahead one third."

"All ahead one third, aye," the helmsman responds before he moves his hands to the controls for the screws. Within seconds, the Wisconsin's two massive screws begin spinning, thrashing at the water, slowly accelerating the battleship to 10 knots.

The battleship moves smoothly through the waters of Alqualonde. All across the harbor, American and Teleri ships begin to move, turning to follow the Wisconsin as she heads for open waters. From his position overlooking the harbor, Manwe unleashes a great wind to help drive the Teleri ships fast enough to keep up with the American ships.

As the Wisconsin leads the entire armada out to sea, Lewis feels a great sense of anticipation swell within him. At least, the fleets are on their way. Operation Illuvatar, the war to bring down Morgoth for good, is about to begin.

And, I'll end there.

I know, this was short, but the next chapter, which will be the initial landings, will be much longer and hopefully more excited. It may not be up for a little bit, as my life has gotten really busy lately. However, I'll try to keep updating regularly. Until the next update is up, please leave a review, and stay tuned!