Norway called a strategy meeting the next day.
Iceland was absent (he was still under the weather), but everyone else was there or on video-chat. Sweden, Finland, Prussia, and Hungary shared one monitor, since they were on the same front. North Korea and Chine each had their own monitors.
The rest of Norway's allies were there in person: Denmark and both Irelands. Norway was sitting at the head of the table, holding the sleeping Normandy in his arms.
"Hello, everybody. I'd like to get status reports from everyone to start off."
Prussia somehow ended up in front of the webcam. "Russia has been making advances in zhe north. He already has taken Poland, zhe Baltics, and Ukraine."
"You think he will try to take Finland next?"
"Definitely. But I am thinking that he vill leave Sveden to America."
In the background, Sweden was glaring. "Where is Finland?" Norway asked.
"H' h'd t' l've."
"Why did he have to leave?"
"Zhe battle is getting close." Norway could barely hear Prussia over the sound of near-by gunfire.
"Sorry, Norway, we really need to go," Hungary said, her hand moving to close the laptop.
"No, don't-"
Too late; the monitor went dark.
Norway sighed. "China, how are things going in Asia?"
"Japan is making preparations for war, aru."
"Whose side?"
"America's."
Normandy woke up and began fussing. She was generally such a well-behaved child, which she clearly got from Norway. She reached up and tugged Norway's curl. Gently, he removed his curl from his grip. (Just because it was NOT like the Italy brothers' curls did not mean he liked having it messed with.)
"Pardon me, Mr. China."
"It's fine. I know how children are, aru."
"Any other news?"
China shook his head. "No, but it is getting late."
"I understand. Good night."
That monitor also went dark.
"North Korea?" Norway asked, turning to the final monitor. North Korea, unlike his brother, was a quiet, withdrawn man.
"There is no news."
"All quiet on the Pacific Front?" Denmark asked, snickering softly.
"Shut up, Idiot," Norway hissed. To North Korea, he said, "Thank you. Good night."
The Korean nodded and closed his laptop.
The Irelands had been silent through all of this- surprising, as they were among the most boisterous countries Norway knew.
"How are things on the Isles?"
"Scotty, Wales, an' England are stayin' neutral," one of them replied. Norway could not tell them apart, for all that they were not twins, only brothers.
"An' America has taken our land. Tha's why we joined ye."
"I know."
"What's the plan?" Denmark asked.
Norway gestured to the map spread out on the table. "We're here. As it stands, we are surrounded by neutral countries: France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. By sea, we are across from England and Scotland, as well as Norway. From here, we will be protected as we make raids to Southern Norway, Iceland, and the Emerald Isle."
"What if America tries t' march through Germany or France?" one of the Irelands asked.
"Hopefully, the nation in question will not allow that. However, if America does take that course of action, then we must call for a strike on his western holdings. He will be distracted, and we may be able to defeat him in this theater."
"Why hasn't tha' been done already? It would also help distract Russia," the other Ireland asked.
"I want as little war as possible. I would prefer it if this did not turn into a world war."
"As would we all, Norge, but at whose expense?"
"With luck, Danmark, it will not be us who pays the butcher's bill."
Denmark seemed about to say something, but changed his mind at the last instant.
"If that's all, then good night." Norway stood and left the tent.