Denmark called a conference of his allies. He had a plan; rather, Norway had a plan and he modified it.
They had to be ready to strike soon.
Denmark needed this.
He sat nervously, waiting for the countries on the other side of the laptops to come online.
"You seem nervous, Denmark."
"I am, Little Bro."
"Why? You've done this before."
No, Denmark hadn't done this before. But then, he hadn't told Iceland what he was going to do. He hadn't told anyone. Not yet.
The laptop designated for the eastern front came to life.
"Hello, Denmark."
"Hello, Prussia, Hungary. Sweden."
"So, vhat is going on?"
"Not much at the moment. We're waiting for North Korea and China to sign on."
Those two laptops also came to life.
"Hello, China. North Korea."
"Hello," they said in unison, much to their apparent consternation.
"So, now that we're all here, I would like to begin planning the attack of America's west coast."
There was not a word spoken, not a single sound made, for a long time.
Then, everyone began speaking (shouting) at once:
"Zhat vill be so awesome!"
"That's not a great idea, aru!"
"Hm."
"Denmark, I really don't think that-"
"When do-"
"-we begin?"
"I will attack America if you want me to."
"Denmark, Norway wouldn't want-"
"I have a rifle, and I will use it…"
Denmark held up one hand. "I think you'll be surprised to find that these are Norway's plans."
This is what he had been expecting: divided, and loud, allies; some wanting to make an offensive, some content to sit back and wait. Denmark was done with waiting.
They were still talking.
"Enough!"
They all fell silent.
"As it stands, the western front and the eastern front will be crushed. We have a month. If we're lucky and America doesn't use bombs. There's no reason to think that he won't. But, if we can distract America and Russia, then we may stand a chance at survival." He sighed. "It's a crazy, hare-brained, last resort scheme, but I think, as would Norway, that we have no choice."
China frowned. "What has changed? Your army did not think that it was so hopeless before."
"Our most recent intell states that America will make a move to take Sweden soon. If Russia no longer needs to fight in the north, he will move south, perhaps to Prussia, and then to Austria. Or he could turn his eyes to the east: China, North Korea, both of you are well within his reach. We must make America fight for his life in the Pacific theater."
"There is another reason that you want to take this to America, isn't there, Denmark?" Hungary asked softly. "You blame Norway's disappearance on America, don't you?"
Denmark nodded. "America kidnapped Norway. I don't know how, but he did. And I will have my vengeance."
"'Nd I w'll h'lp," Sweden, of all countries, murmured. ("And I will help.")
"Sweden…?" Iceland began. No one expected Sweden to help Denmark. No one.
"'N th' c'nd'tion th't F'nl'nd 's fr'd f'rst." ("On the condition that Finland is freed first.")
"Of course! Of course we will liberate Finland first! As soon as the Pacific theater fighting begins, we will clear foreign troops out of Finland."
"And if we are to help you, we want something, some promise that you will not abandon us in the Pacific, aru."
"Once the war in Europe is under our control, we will join you in the Pacific, China. Or perhaps, we will crush America between our armies. But we will not abandon you."
China nodded. "I do not trust you, but know this: if you do not show, it will be I who feeds you your own heart, aru. We will meet later. Good night." The screen went dark.
The screen for North Korea also went dark.
"We're moving camp," Prussia began without preamble. "Zhe fighting is getting un-awesomely close."
"Where to?"
"If you don't mind, to your camp, Denmark."
"See you later, then."
"Goodbye." The screen went dark.
Denmark put his head down on the table. This was exhausting…
"Denmark, are you okay?" Iceland asked cautiously.
"I wish Norway was here. He's so much better at this than I am."
Iceland really had nothing to say to comfort Denmark. He wished Norway was there, too.
Rather than saying anything, he shooed the Irelands out (honestly, couldn't they see that he needed to have a private word with Denmark? Gods...) and sat down next to Denmark.
"Denmark, this is a crazy idea."
"I know."
"You won't be any good to Norway if you do something stupid and get yourself killed."
"Does it matter? He's probably dead as it is. America is not always so kind to his prisoners."
That made Iceland angry. "You could ask me, you know! He's not dead! I can feel it; he's my brother! You always assume stuff and make it worse than it is."
"I don't need your accusations, Iceland."
"Norway wouldn't want you moping around like this. Pull yourself together and win this goddamn war or let someone else do it. If we continue following your leadership as it is now, you're going to kill us all. After all, whose idea was it to fight Prussia in the 1860's? Mine? No."
Denmark didn't say anything for a moment. "You know, Little Bro, you're absolutely right. Come on, we need to make plans."
He led Iceland out of the tent.