Through Halifax

24 March 1963
North Atlantic Ocean
KMS. Freya

Minutes before sunrise the KMS. Freya and the rest of the hastily formed flotilla continue to sail for its new destination. Losing roughly a day and several hours in delays to amass a sizable group to take a small city the new flotilla sets out on its newly charted course sent directly from Germania. These last-minute changes of plans from the Führer, though no matter how questionable it be, are still followed with no question. Yet such rash decisions the elderly Führer is making put into question his mental capacity. Yet every other person within his circle agrees on one subject matter, the US has committed a grievous transgression against the Reich.

Esdeath looks out of the balcony bridge of the KMS. Freya. She ponders why Hitler wanted her and Tatsumi to be separated, having not received a single word from the Kommodore of the flotilla sent to New York. Esdeath presumes that they may have won a victory but it's only a fleeting hope.

"This arrangement is not right," Esdeath thinks to herself. "Ever since we've been separated I've been nothing but restless. Nothing in the way of updates from the Kommodore. Dammit." Esdeath has been worried for many days, a feeling not familiar with. She heard of reports about the invasion south into Florida and Georgia establishing a foothold but the attacks near the US capital of Washing D.C. has been halted with footholds established near the capital. The mid-Atlantic region is faring better since the majority of the US divisions are established near and around major cities and bases. The majority of the states of New England had all but fallen to the Reich.
Despite the Wehrmacht and German SS victories and pushes they're only limited in their capacity of resources and capacity, hoping for a quick victory without resorting to nuclear weapons. Despite hoping for victory many hold a glint of the reality of the fact that with their limitations, and the possibility of nuclear warfare, that a plan is to be established for a withdrawal from the US and fortifying Europe.

"Just what could be going through that head of his?" Esdeath utters to herself questioning the Führer's choices. "Then again, some blessings do come in surprises. Perhaps I should keep my perspectives open." Esdeath turns around and enters the bridge, seeing the captain of the ship and other senior ranking Wehrmacht Heer and Kriegsmarine officers and one other high-ranking SS officer of a German SS division."Kapitän zur See," She calls forth the attention of the Kapitän zur See, the Kapitän turns and salutes Esdeath.

"Heil Hitler," The Kapitän and the other officers and sailors do the same to Esdeath.

"Heil Hitler." Esdeath salutes in return and everyone returns to their previous duties. "Now tell me, Kapitän. I was never made aware of the new landing zone for our attack, has großadmiral Dönitz sent you the coordinates?" Esdeath asks.

"Well, SS-Gruppenführerin Partas, The updated coordinates came at the same time when we received the update in orders from the Führer, sent to us directly by the OKM from the OKW." The Kapitän then points at the map, Esdeath leans closer to get a closer look. "Here, through Halifax."

"Halifax huh," Esdeath thinks to herself mildly disappointed by the location of the attack. "Why that city? But more importantly, why go through Canada?" Esdeath asks placing her hand under her chin. Then, a Generalmajor of the operation speaks up.

"Capturing the city will allow for the relief of pressure from what deployed Wehrmacht units are encountering in the New England region of the US. Forcing Canadian and US units to move away from the New England region to us." The Generalmajor tells Esdeath.

"From what I can infer, Generalmajor, we're a divisionary force. Am I correct?" Esdeath asks. The Heer Oberst partially hesitates for a brief moment.

"Not entirely, SS-Gruppenführerin. The capture of southern Nova Scotia will allow for the Wehrmacht to deploy supplies and reinforces. Outside of striking range from US Airforce units. This way, can allow for us to push into New York and Washington D.C. Yet, as of now much of the New England region is in control but the airspace… the Luftwaffe is barely holding." The Oberst responded.

"How possibly can we send more supplies and reinforcements if we don't have control of the airspace from the American air force?" Esdeath retorts. "If this truly is a diversionary strike then it's too bad that I won't be able to front any major battles, but from the logistical perspective, it makes some sense." Esdeath thinks to herself. Before the Oberst could respond Esdeath continued "It's of no use to change trajectory, is it Kapitän?" Esdeath turned to the Kapitän zur See and he nodded. "Well, I'm guessing if we can desolate the Canadians on their own land and rendezvous with the Heer in Mane or Massachusetts, then it would be no problem." Esdeath turns around to face the exit. "If anyone needs me then I'll be in my quarters making final preparations" Esdeath walks towards the exit leaving the bridge.

Esdeath arrives at her quarters, having already made preparations for her remaining force to strike she hopes that the battle would be long and hard-fought but she holds no high expectations for the Americans or Canadians. Having fought against them many years back on French and British soil, Esdeath had set an expectation with each nation. Esdeath sighs as she lays once more on her bed, "I only hope that this battle would be long and hard fought. But then again, we will be facing off against a potentially weaker enemy who leeches off the Americans after that princess and now queen exiled herself to these lands." Esdeath speaks to herself. "How much would I give to fight another battle." Esdeath reaches into her breast pocket and draws out a black and white photo of her and Tatsumi a couple of days after their reunion two and half years ago. "How I long to be your side once more," Esdeath speaks to the image, placing it back into her breast pocket. Before Esdeath could continue to reminisce about the good old days, the ship's artillery batteries opened fire, firing a few salvos as the landing forces of the Wehrmacht Heer and the German SS make final adjustments before landing. A scout plane observed days prior that there was little in the way of coastal defenses for the city of Halifax, so the need to strike hard wasn't needed as the defense would be light. Esdeath hears a knock on the wall of her door.

"SS Gruppenführerin Partas. Your soldiers are ready to depart." A sailor, sent by the Kapitän zur See of the KMS Freya, relays to Esdeath.

"Good. Perhaps now I get to make a good introduction for these poor Canadians." Esdeath replied to the sailor. Esdeath makes her way to the bow of the ship and sees that the ships begin to fire once more firing for ten minutes straight. "In a way, I guess you can call this a rabbit hunt." Esdeath smirks. She looks up at the bridge where the Kapitän zur See is and a few other officers. She then looks back as she sees the first of the ships to depart. "Well, it's now time for me to make my introduction." Esdeath, with a snap of her finger, creates wings made of ice that envelop her ankles and wrists. She then summons a cool breeze to lift the ice up allowing her to levitate and fly. She flies from the bow of the KMS. Freya to above the main port of Halifax. She summons a great cloud made of ice particles to create snow and bridges made of ice for her troops and the Wehrmacht to take a stand-in.

Several kilometers northwest of Nova Scotia, early raid systems go off in multiple Canadian Royal Air Force bases. The pilots receive their mission orders to intercept and scramble Kriegsmarine ships off port from Halifax. In a rush, the pilots scramble to their Canadair Sabres and CF-104 Starfighters. Within a few minutes, the first of the Canadian squadrons arrive at the city seeing parts of the city in smoking flames as Kriegsmarine ships are docked outside and landing ships landing on the beaches in and surrounding the city. As the first three fighter squadrons prepare to make their attack run yet a couple are shot down from the sky by a mixture of anti-aircraft fire and icicles. An attack never they've encountered before. Several remaining Canadian fighter jets scramble to make their attacks but are shot down by the ice. "Tch, and here I thought shooting down planes would bring me joy," Esdeath says to herself. "It's not like much of a battle is going down from below either." Esdeath sees the last of the jets pull out and return back. She looks down and notices several units of the Canadian army being dispatched to the city of Halifax in response to the Nazi invasion. "Doesn't look much. A bunch of small fries was sent to halt the advance. Might as well let my troops handle them for now." Esdeath thinks to herself. "Perhaps, I might take my troops to be the spearhead and push our way through the city and reunite with Wehrmacht forces in New England. Then again, I do control my own division and I'm not a part of the Wehrmacht. Fu, might as well do it. What could we gain if we just wait for orders from Germania?" Esdeath thinks to herself, smirking and smiling at the plan she developed and the liberties she can take without having major pushbacks from the other Wehrmacht officers. Esdeath glides back down to the city streets of Halifax where the first of the Wehrmacht waves arrive and land uncontested by the defenseless city and with boosted morale when they saw Esdeath taking out several enemy fighters.

"Look above, it's her! The Ice General!" A Heer Major calls out for the others to see. Seeing Esdeath floating above the sky as an angel brings nothing but a greater boost of morale for the troops on the ground. Promptly even more soldiers begin to pour into the undefended city as Esdeath returns back to the KMS. Freya, landings before the bridge door. She opens the door and lets her presence be known.

"From then on, my Herren, I would like to propose a little something," Walks up to the map. "From what I saw, a contingent of the Canadian Army are due to arrive to the city in the next hour or so. I suggest for the Heer troops to fortify and set up a perimeter around the middle of the city." Esdeath plans out.

"And how many were you able to count, SS Gruppenführerin Partas?" The Generalmajor asks, "I can already tell that the number may be grander than what we could expect."

"I do not know exactly, perhaps around a brigade? They're most likely to come in waves through with tanks and artillery at first to drive us out." Esdeath takes a closer look. "But seeing as how the roads are essentially narrow, we can possibly use it to our advantage and take the city before nightfall." Esdeath turns around and walks back to the door before stopping and turning around to the men once more. "Oh, and another thing. Despite being in the SS, I'm the most senior ranking officer in this entire strike force. I've elected to be the vanguard and venture out further into Canada with my remaining four thousand soldiers, and I'll be also taking command of the SS, you Wehrmacht gentlemen get to set up the defense and care for the logistics." Esdeath tells the men.

"SS Gruppenführerin Partas. It will be an honor to serve with you." The senior ranking SS officer tells Esdeath.

"Great, now then… we have a war to win." Esdeath simply smirks, she turns back around and leaves.

After the first strikes against Halifax, multiple telegrams from HMCS Shearwater were sent to multiple garrisons and bases in and around Nova Scotia. After the declaration of war against the US, the US and Royal Canadian navies left their northern ports open for an attack as the Kriegsmarine keeps the northern fleets of the two nations occupied.
The first of the Canadian Army units arrive via the highways that connect the city of Halifax and to several other cities.

One detachment unit of the Canadian Army reaches the city's outskirts. Their movements are hampered by the fact that civilians are still trying to leave their homes.
"Christ's sake, this is appalling." A Canadian colonel speaks to himself as he sees row upon row of civilians walking away from the suburbs from his command vehicle. But the civilians have hope for the military has arrived.

"Sir, what are your orders?" A major speaks through the radio to the colonel

"Send in A and B companies upfront and advance to the city. Once in the city have the men dismount from their APCs and engage with the enemy. We'll clear out those Nazi Jerries from this city before they get a chance to rest." The Canadian colonel relays his orders to the major. Promptly, A and B companies begin to move forward into the city.

The first of the M60 Patton tanks roll into the city with the M59 APC dropping off Canadian Army soldiers, dressed in green Canadian combat uniforms with FN C1 rifles at the ready. They move in making sure to not allow for any more civilian casualties. In one detachment, after not catching any Germans, a field officer gives the go-ahead for the M60 Pattons to move in. "Feuer!" (Fire) A German voice called out, then the frontmost tank is destroyed by a German Fliegerfaust B2. Soon a firefight breaks out with the remaining M60 Pattons turning and opening fire at the attacking Germans.

"We made contact… we made contact! I say it again, we made contact!" A Canadian officer grabs the radio as the infantry gets behind their tanks for protection, utilizing a radioman to make contact with the colonel. "Colonel! I say it once more. We made contact with the enemy! Shall we fall back?"

"No, push forward, utilize the tanks to suppress the enemy, forcing them back" The colonel orders the major.

"All units proceed forward. Stay behind the tanks and provide covering fire!" The major relays the orders for the Patton's to roll forward as the infantry use them as cover. In response, the Heer soldiers fire once more at the Pattons with the Fliegerfaust B2 and their G3 rifles. But as the Pattons continue to roll, the missiles do not connect the sloped armor and ricochet.

"Further orders sir?" Another officer asks the Canadian colonel.

"Yes, all units push forward and do not let up. Reinforce the vanguard units." The colonel announces for his forces to move in. Promptly the regiments begin to close into the city, passing through the inner suburbs. In the sky Esdeath keeps watch from above, keeping watch of the action and keeping Canadian fighter jets at bay.

"Hmm, this certainly brings some sort of nostalgia," Esdeath snaps her fingers and creates hundreds of icicles. "Time to use my Imperial Arms so that the rest can be easily mopped up." Esdeath launches forth the icicles. The icicles land and make several hits on the Canadian forces wiping out several squadrons and penetrating several vehicles, the columns stop in their tracks. The icicles became a clear sign for the infantry to fall back, but the opportunity to do so was long gone as Esdeath's soldiers of the Waffen SS begin to ambush them. But not without taking casualties themselves. Esdeath looks down at the battle scene, she feels a sort of exhaustion in her chest a type of exhaustion she hasn't felt before. "Hm, odd of me to become this exhausted. Seeing it clearly now, I haven't used my Imperial Arms at such a wide scale that my body strength must've been lowered. Guess a little training with my Imperial Arms in my spare time would certainly do the trick." Esdeath allows herself to be flown down to the ground to reunite with her troops and lead from the front.

The inner city of Halifax falls completely to Nazi aggression as the first Canadian units arrive just outside of the suburbs, preparing to take on and push back the Nazis from their homeland. Yet, morale was somewhat lowered by the fact that they saw their own jets being shot down by a figure. Several officers received reports of the ice general and call for the men to retreat. But they remain stalwart and continue to push forward and hold position out of range from Kriegsmarine artillery. Civilians who lived in the outer city fled as they could while others, unprepared for the unannounced attack stayed if they couldn't flee. Promptly, within midday, the entire city falls to the Nazi advance as several airstrips around and near the city and other surrounding areas are set up and utilized for incoming air supplies from the Luftwaffe.

March 28, 1963
Washington D.C. United States

President Kennedy sits with the rest of EXCOMM in the Roosevelt room in the early morning. Despite the city of Washington D.C being lightly shelled; the capital still stands after the final Kriegsmarine ship has left through the port of Norfolk.
Kennedy begins to listen to the reports the EXCOMM committee members have to report. Secretary McNamara begins the debriefing. He stands up from his chair and walks over to the canvas holder. He places a blown-up image from a U-2 spy plane.

"Mr. President, to begin this morning's debriefing. We've received updates about the Wehrmacht and German SS holdouts in the southern and central Atlantic of the United States. Despite putting up heavy resistance since the 22nd, they've been all but pushed back and are concentrated in these areas." McNamara points out. "It is reported that surrender talks are ongoing, but we don't know exactly when they're willing to surrender. Expectedly, it may go south and a general strike will be necessary to eliminate these holdouts." McNamara takes down the first image to show a second image.

"And how have they been able to hold out for this long? General consensus would've given them a few hours?" President Kennedy asks, interrupting McNamara before he could speak.

"Investigations are ongoing but we may suspect Nazi sympathizers in the area. Most likely they've been giving hospitality to the Nazis or are forced to quarter them." McNamara changes to the second addendum. "Secondly is our northern front. After talking with Admiral Anderson and the delegation from the Canadian Royal Navy and Canadian Army, Nova Scotia was completely taken over."

"Now why would the Nazis focus efforts in that region? Doesn't make sense in a logical perspective." General LeMay comments.

"We don't know the exact details ourselves but we do know this. With parts of New England being in firm control and now the Canadian territory of Nova Scotia, I presume the Reich is taking advantage in order to maximize what they can before stretching the Wehrmacht to its limit in all three of its branches." McNamara comments, inferring from what he saw.

"Anyhow to remove the Reich's grip on New England?" Kennedy asked. General LeMay proposes an idea.

"Mr. President if I may. I propose to utilize a strategic bombing campaign in what the Reich is using, most notably the airports and airfields. Cutting them off there would severely hamper the Reich's ability to resupply their soldiers." LeMay proposes to Kennedy. Kennedy thinks about it.

"Sounds reasonable. Though I would object, as such plan would cause more unnecessary deaths. Something I weary about. Yet, we should use any and all options available on the table and at our disposal." Kennedy initially objects but considers LeMay's proposal to use the Air Force to target airfields controlled by the Reich to cut off their supply lines.

"If I may, Mr. President. But I would recommend utilizing the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions to take the airfields and cut the Nazis off from receiving supplies. But in my opinion, the 5th Cavalry would be the best option. Utilizing the UH-1s at our disposal to quickly insert and evacuate." General Decker adds on.

"But doing so would put in danger many of our soldiers general. We've already seen what their new jets and anti-aircraft weaponry can do." LeMay cuts in. "I propose it would be better for the Army to insert after subduing with a tactical bombing campaign and taking back full control of our airspace in New England." LeMay finishes.

"That operation plan sounds practical. Generals, after the meeting is adjourned you're to work out an operation and I want it to be done before the end of the month." Kennedy orders the two generals, they complied with Kennedy's commands.

"Mr. President and gentlemen of EXCOMM, if I may I would like to continue," McNamara speaks up. Kennedy gestures for him to continue. "As I was saying, gentlemen. With the fall of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, as well as surrounding areas. I can conclude that they the Wehrmacht is already trying to set up a land route for their troops and supplies that couldn't be made via air because of the contested airspace." McNamara tells the EXCOMM committee, but he decides to remain silent for a brief moment allowing for suggestions. "It is highly recommended to work together with the Canadians to cut off their advance before making any contact with the Wehrmacht units in New England."

"If we work in tandem with the Canadian Army and Royal Airforce, then we can possibly be able to cut off their connection before it even forms in the first place." General Taylor, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs proposed. Many of the men agreed to this.

"It's plausible but there is a hindrance that has to be dealt with," McNamara tells them. "Unfortunately, this will put a massive halt to our ability to conduct operations," McNamara changes the tone. "Mr. President, I'm assured that you've been made aware right now about SS-Gruppenfürerin Esdeath Partas. Correct?" McNamara asks. Kennedy nodded. "Well, it has come to our attention that she is already on Canadian soil and is promptly heading for the US." The room becomes silent as hearing the news of Esdeath's arrival brings an atmosphere of worry. Kennedy decides to break the silence.

"So, it seems she has already made it on North American soil. This will make our chances of holding the defensive difficult?" Kennedy thinks to himself. Director McCone speaks next.

"Mr. President, if I may add. From what was previously said by the Mr. Secretary of Defense, it would be possible she hadn't fully made any connections with any Wehrmacht units." McCone stands up and walks to the stand and overlays an image over the one McNamara was showing, seeing this McNamara took back his seat. "These pictures were sent recently to us by our U-2 spy planes and from what we can see. They're only in the beginning stages of receiving troops. It is to be reasoned that SS-Gruppenführerin Partas has already made the push of conquering the entire region. It to be believed that she is currently stationed in one of the many bases. So I propose we send in our operatives from Task Force NH to deal with her shortly." McCone adds. Kennedy thinks for a moment.

"Is it the only option we have?" Kennedy asks. "From the report that we've seen after New York, several of the members had difficulty subduing one of her henchmen?" Kennedy asks an odd question.

"Beg pardon?" Director McCone asks.

"If Task Force NH had difficulty subduing one of her men in New York, would they still be able to take the SS-Gruppenführerin out? How would they be extracted if caught?" Kennedy asks. "Plus, from what we read, their weapons, though powerful, could fall into the hands of the Reich. No director, it's too big of a risk if any one of them is captured." Kennedy rejects McCone's proposal, McCone walks back to his seat. "Well, if that is all from the military front. Then I would wish to hear about the Homefront." Kennedy changes the subject to the Homefront.

March 28, 1963
Undisclosed Location
United States

Tatsumi lays on a medical bed comatose, restrained, and bound only left free to be bathed, changing of IV fluids, and removal of bodily waste. During the battle of New York, fighting against an opponent that looks like him but in blue, Tatsumi was struck down and knocked unconcise. The blow is what placed him into a medically induced coma. Two young women look through the window of Tatsumi's cell.

"How long do you think he'll be like this?" Pink Flamingo turns to Big Sister, concerned over Tatsumi's condition.

"Can't say for sure. The doctors said that he'd suffer a heavy blow as well as extreme exhaustion they had never seen before. Tatsumi most likely has strained himself using Incursio, perhaps it was his first time using it in a while." Big Sister comments. "From what I was told, Tatsumi would be in here for the next two weeks." Big Sister adds on.

"It's not right to see him like this," Pink Flamingo responds. She places her hand on the two-way window. "I should've been the one who found him, not her." She looks down distraught.

"We can't change what was done, but we can try to help him regain who he was before," Big Sister tells Pink Flamingo. "I wish him a speedy recovery." Big Sister places her hand on Pink Flamingo's back, consoling her.

"I wish the same for him too. We have a lot to catch up on." Pink Flamingo looks back at Tatsumi with longing in her eyes. Happy that he's back but also angered for what Esdeath and the Reich had done to Tatsumi. But for now, they will leave him to rest until he wakes up, while in the meantime they await for further orders from their leader.

Author's note:

Apologies for such a late upload. After classes, I'm pretty much almost beat up. But aside from that I will keep working on future chapters and uploading them. Working on a few ideas to do in the future. So hold on for now. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter as the next one is coming soon before the end of the month or the beginning of Feburary (That's if I'm not drowning in papers and finals. But we'll see.)