Pentagonal Reunion
28 April 1963
Washington D.C. United States
The White House has sighed its breath of relief, with the national socialist threat being dealt with on the American continent EXCOMM can now move into its next course of strategy but doesn't desire to commit to the same errors as the Nazis had. Yet they trouble over the fact of what to do now that war was in full effect as neither military nor homefront seems tenable. On the military front, with the loss of the US Military Protectorate of Iceland, and Greenland, it's expected that a confrontation would arise that can result in nuclear warfare.
In the Roosevelt Room, the president and EXCOMM discuss alternative ways to deal with the threat of the Reich from the outside and a steadily growing unrest of extremist groups from the inside.
"Mr. President, gentlemen of EXCOMM. In the past few days, we've come to learn of the Reich's progression in the Western Hemisphere. We've successfully captured over a third of a million POWS of the Wehrmacht and German SS combined, along with several generals and officers and whatever resource we could get our hand on." General H. Decker starts off the committee meeting. "We should note however that there could be several units roaming out and about in the American and Canadian east coast. As of late our mission is to contain each unit and pressure them to surrender."
"That's great to hear general. But we should note that these Wehrmacht units would be fighting to the death. I want them to be quickly dealt with to further prevent American losses." President Kennedy responded. "But also consider the fact of treating them humanly. They may be our enemies, but they're also human." Kennedy proposes but General H. Decker rises.
"Are you being serious Mr. President? We have almost 80,000 American casualties, both military and civilian in this invasion with almost 250,000 wounded. I say they deserve to be treated as war criminals for which they are! I propose that we suspend the law against these Nazis along with any Americans that decided to collaborate with them." General H. Decker objects with the other generals agreeing.
"I object general," Attorney General Robert Kennedy, brother of the President, raises his objections. "It's understandable to commit retaliation and resort to an eye for an eye. If we treat them as war criminals, then there is no doubt they would treat American POWs as such. Each one of them is accountable and the full weight of the law would befall on their involvement. With that said, general, do not forget that we, the Reich, the Soviets, and other nations are all signers of the Geneva Accords after signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation. It would be preferable for these POWs to fall under joint federal and military custody. Best not to allow ourselves to act like them." Robert reaffirms his brother's position. Before an argument between Decker and Robert would break out, CIA Director McCone steps in.
"Now, now gentlemen. Let us agree that the Reich wouldn't dare to invade us now knowing what every American is capable of," McCone catches their attention. "Aside from that we also have another problem, "McCone stands up and walks over to a canvas holder. He places a blown-up image of southwest Greenland and Iceland. "It has come to our attention that the islands of Greenland and Iceland have already begun to show support since their downfall to the Reich between March 12 and March 14th. These images presented were taken by our U-2s and show new infrastructure or the recycling of ours. We have every reason to suspect that Greenland is being used as an early warning system for the Kriegsmarine with Iceland being used as a naval base to refuel or repair ships." McCone presents.
"Here's what I propose Mr. President," LeMay stands up. "I'd say we utilize our air superiority to contain these islands from receiving any reinforcements. Whether it be by air or sea." LeMay pushes forward his proposition to contain these islands to further cut supply and reinforcements for the Wehrmacht soldiers stationed. "Once containment is complete we'll intercept with a combined American and Canadian forces to retake these islands. After that, it would only be a matter of time till we can invade mainland Europe." LeMay further commented.
"Plan sounds reasonable, General. Though, we need to take into account a possible nuclear strike. As Director McCone had stated. These are early warning structures. Meaning any possibility for containment could be met with a military strike." President Kennedy stated. "But I think I may have a unit who could take on this task before sending in the navy." Kennedy furthers his statement, alluding to the usage of a unit that he believes is ready for this mission.
Four extra days have passed since Tatsumi was awakened and out of his brainwashing and over a month of his recollection of New York. In the passing four days, his meal intake rose from a simple soup to a stew. The flavor is almost tasteless but it was something to stave off hunger. He'd gone through several medical exams that cleared him for service, when not eating or taking exams in his solitary cell he'd work out to gain his strength back. In those four days, Tatsumi was bombarded with hallucinations and dreams of Esdeath and his past. An effect of the experiments undertaken to break his mind and to control him through sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, and LSD.
Tatsumi sighs. "What to do now? I've been training for almost three days at this point and nothing much else to do," Tatsumi comments. "Perhaps I'm stuck here until this war ends." He comments. He peers over to the glimpse of sunlight slowly turning from yellow to orange. Tatsumi turns over and closes his eyes to sleep once more, after training for several more hours previously. Before he could even get a wink of sleep three loud knocks are made on the door to his cell. "What is it?" Tatsumi asked. The slit from which he receives his food is opened. Instead of his meal a parcel is sent out that contained his clothing and boots. "I'm not hungry at the mo...ment." Tatsumi gets up and picks up the old clothes that he wore during his time with Esdeath and with Night Raid and his attack on New York. A second packet is pushed through the same food slit.
"Get changed NR-108. You got two minutes!" The MP on the other side orders Tatsumi.
"Y-yes sir," Tatsumi responded. He changes into the clothing that he was given: a black short-sleeved collared shirt, a light yellow-beige vest, black jeans, and brown boots. The next parcel he opens is a dark green trench coat. It's similar in design to the brown he had before when he was with Esdeath in their old world but he makes no complaint of it. The door of his cell opens as he finishes tying his boots and putting on his coat.
"Step out NR-108 with your hands above your head," The MP commanded Tatsumi with a commanding voice. Tatsumi does as ordered and steps out of his cell. The door is closed behind him.
"What is it this time?" Tatsumi asks. In front of him, are five MPs and two men in black suits with black sunglasses. The suit is reminiscent of the same one used by Col. Reeds. "Who are those two?" Tatsumi asks.
"Turn around, NR-108, and remain silent." Tatsumi does as ordered. The MP captain turned to the two men in black suits "He's yours."
"No seriously, who are they?" Tatsumi asks once more as a black bag is placed over his head and his arms are brought to his back and senses that he's being cuffed. "Can anyone tell me what is going on?" Tatsumi pleaded.
"It would be in your best interest to remain silent, Boy. Now move it." The agent commanded Tatsumi. The two agents begin to forcefully walk Tatsumi in between them with the remaining MPs following behind the three.
Tatsumi remained silent as he is being escorted to the outside of the security complex to a loud setting of the air being chopped up and the engine roaring.
"Hurry Up! We'll Be Late!" A familiar voice is heard shouting from the chinook. Tatsumi is brought inside and is forcibly sat down by the two men. The CH-47 takes lift and flies off to its next destination. Tatsumi remained silent for the trip as he knows nothing of the plans the CIA has for him. The minutes felt like hours on the flight from Tatsumi's cell to his next destination. "Remove the bag from his head and uncuff him." The familiar voice responded. The bag is removed from Tatsumi's head and Tatsumi sees clearly again, standing in front of him is Col. Reeds in his black suit once more with the two agents still present: one adjacent to Reeds, and the other adjacent to himself. Next to be removed is the handcuffs from his hands. "See that?" Reeds point out of the window. "Beautiful isn't it? Built just before our involvement in the Second World War." Reeds comments.
"It kind of is," Tatsumi responded. "Where are we?"
"The Pentagon," Reeds responded. The CH-47 lands and Tatsumi is brought up to stand. "Let's go, we're late." Reeds orders Tatsumi, the four-step out of the CH-47 with a Pentagon MP greeting them.
"Your convoy is ready, sir. Welcome to the Pentagon." The Pentagon MP welcomes them. Tatsumi steps out and looks about, seeing a few military personnel and men in dark suits. Tatsumi, and the two agents, follow Tatsumi closely behind Reeds. They stop just before a limo with the two agents breaking formation: One opens the door to the passenger side of the limo and the other walks to the second limo. The first agent soon reunites with the second in the second limo.
"We're late," Reeds tells Tatsumi. One of the agents opens the door and directs Tatsumi and Reeds. Inside the limo is another man, wearing a suit similar to Reeds and the agents. "Mr. Tatsumi, I'd like for you to meet the Secretary of Defense, Secretary Robert McNamara." McNamara reaches his hand to greet Tatsumi.
"Hello... Mr. Secratary." Tatsumi greeted politely, shaking his hand.
"Your reputation proceeds you, sir." Said, McNamara. He pulls his head back.
"Step on it," Reeds tells the agent to drive. Two motorbike MPs begin to drive ahead with their sirens turned on, followed by the second limo, the VIP limo, and two extra MP motorbikes following the convoy.
"I've heard many things about you," McNamara speaks first, drawing his attention to Tatsumi. "About you having this Imperial Arms that dress you in armor, you working for the German Reich, et cetera.," He continues. "You tried to strike a heavy blow, but it was no more than an intimidation tactic." McNamara passes along a plain manilla folder to Tatsumi. Tatsumi receives it and opens the folder. It read 'Confidential' in red with the seal of the CIA on the right-hand corner of the folder. Tatsumi opens the folder. It's a file that contains his information. The information they were able to obtain from his stay in his solitary cell and the invasive medical exams taken of him and the information he was able to remember.
"What's with these black bars on some parts of this file?" Tatsumi asks pointing to a few of the black bars that filled parts of the file.
"Redacted or incomplete information," Reeds answered Tatsumi's question. McNamara then passes along another file that has the seal of the US and a fancier binding.
"What's this?" Tatsumi asked. He opens up and sees the face of Esdeath along with what information they were able to acquire of her and some photographs that were traced back to the forties.
"Nothing less than our national security. No fear, no conscience, and few if any weakness. She had her fun in the States and Canada," McNamara continues. "But she is nonetheless powerful to put a threat to our national security. She caused many deaths Stateside and then some." He continued. "We clashed with the Reich in several proxy wars in Africa and South East Asia, and in a war of espionage. All of which have culminated now. Pray to God we don't blow ourselves up."
"Here is your new assignment, Tatsumi." Reeds hands Tatsumi the same file McNamara gave to him Tatsumi. Flipping to the next page that contained information and a mission statement of his new assignment.
"Night Hunters?" Tatsumi asks. "What does this mean?"
"A task force of my own creation. "The main objective of this unit is to take down Esdeath with several other side objectives and mission statements," Reeds answers Tatsumi's question. "You'll be meeting with the team soon in the Pentagon as well as one other man who wants to see you." Reeds explains further to Tatsumi. Tatsumi thinks about the unit name for the moment.
"Night Hunters, huh? Could they be this world's version of Night Raid?" Tatsumi rationalizes. "If that is the case, could I be reuniting with Night Raid once more!?" Tatsumi hypes himself but comes to the reality of his new unit. "No, good chance they aren't the same folks of Night Raid. Most likely it could be a group that I never met in my life, where one is more of a circus clown than the last. Like a scarecrow or a giant transforming bird who is a woman. Perhaps this country has its own Imperial Arms users. Either way, I'm keeping my options open" Tatsumi closes the file. "Who else wanted to see me?"
"The President of the United States," McNamara responded calmly and proudly. The convoy continues to drive until they reach the main entrance of the Pentagon. They pass through the outer checkpoint and enter through the first checkpoint with ease. "Welcome to the Pentagon," McNamara tells Tatsumi. McNamara stops before an agent behind the counter. "VIP" The three continue walking, passing the metal detector with the MPs, wearing green fatigues of their uniform than their prison guard counterparts, opening the doors to the central office. A large open hallway with many desks and typewriters with employees working around the clock.
"Are they looking at me?" Tatsumi senses the eyes of those waiting to be cleared and some in the central office. Their stares are unsettling. He doesn't know if they're simple office workers or spies.
"Finest people in the world, right here. 24/7 it never ends," McNamara comments. The three stop before another checkpoint. "Please tell him we're here." McNamara orders the checkpoint agent.
"At once sir." The checkpoint agent picks up the phone on the desk. "Clearance Prospero" The trio passes the third checkpoint not before Tatsumi is given sneered or odd looks by the MP standing guard, unnerving Tatsumi. McNamara points to the hallway portraits: to the left are distinguished heroes and to the right are distinguished heroes. They reach the elevator with two secret service agents one carrying an M16.
"Ariel," McNamara tells the agents another codeword. The three enter the elevator and they descend to the lower levels. "He's waiting," McNamara tells Tatsumi. Tatsumi nods, acknowledging who he was told about.
The elevator stops at the lowest level and opens its door. The three-step out of the elevator, Tatsumi and Reeds continue to follow McNamara. "The nerve center. This is where most of our military and intelligence operations are conducted." McNamara leads the two down two flights of stairs.
"Overwhelming, isn't it? It never gets old." Reeds commented.
"Not yet," McNamara responded, Tatsumi remains silent. McNamara leads the two to the final checkpoint where two secret service agents stand guarding the doors to the inner sanctum. "Sycorax," McNamara gives the final codeword that grants them entrance into the inner sanctum. The agents stand clear of their path and the doors open automatically. The three walk inside of the inner sanctum, where a couple of generals are already making their departure. The generals give off a sneering glance at Tatsumi, the same as what the MP had done.
The inner sanctum is grand in length as it's furnished with a long meeting table and other amenities. With TV screens covering two parts of the walls and a large projector to the leftmost wall with another row of TV screens across from the wall. The President stands adjacent to the table away from the entrance.
"Thank you, Mr. Secratary, I'll bring the others as soon as possible." Reeds thanks the Secretary and turns to Tatsumi. "Good luck." McNamara and Reeds leave the inner sanctum. After the two men leave, Kennedy turns to Tatsumi.
"Sit," Kennedy orders Tatsumi, he does so sitting in the chair adjacent to the president. Kennedy walks over and sits on his chair. "So you must be Tatsumi. I've heard much about you." Kennedy speaks first, directing his attention to Tatsumi.
"It seems you have." Tatsumi cautiously chuckles.
"I would've taken you for a greater threat for the US to handle," Kennedy continues. "It's good to know that you'll be on our side," Kennedy tells Tatsumi. "Though you may have been our enemy, you'll become our greatest ally," "We need all of the Imperial Arms users we could get." Kennedy continues, bringing up Imperial Arms. Something Tatsumi expects the president of an enemy nation to more or less not know about Imperial Arms.
"How do you know what Imperial Arms are? If you don't mind me asking?" Tatsumi asks, not knowing what he could expect.
"The unit that took you down and held a sector for American reinforcements to enter New York, are primarily Imperial Arms users working for the CIA, for the United States." Kennedy remarks.
"There are?!" Tatsumi stands up, surprised that there are other Imperial Arms users that are not Esdeath and outside of the Reich's control. "But this explains those people that I saw in New York. Even if it was for a glimpse moment." Tatsumi attempts to recollect his memory of attacking New York. "Wait, I'm not supposed to stand unless told to," Tatsumi sits back down. "I apologize for my outburst."
"It's of no problem," Kennedy downplays Tatsumi's unsuspecting and jubilant outburst. Kennedy changes the subject. "Unlike my counterparts of other nations and Congress, I'm a trusting person. Do I have your word that you'll aid in defending our nation?" Kennedy asks, standing up and reaching out his hand. Tatsumi thinks for a moment about the President's question. The question of trust and giving another's word raced through his mind. It reminded the promise he made to Akame in the wake of Sheele's death, promising that he'll survive till the end of the Revolution. Yet, after sacrificing himself to prevent the First Imperial Arms' from landing on a group of civilians, he broke his word with Akame. But another question arose, could he himself trust the word of this President and the State that he runs? Unfortunately, there is no other choice and the alternative is death or Esdeath. Tatsumi stands and reaches for Kennedy's hand, giving his word to the President.
"You have my word." Tatsumi agrees once more. The two break their handshake. "When will I be seeing my group?" Tatsumi asks.
"I believe right now." Kennedy turns and points to the entrance of the meeting room. Through the three glass panels, Tatsumi spots a long black hair woman walking without compromise. She stopped at the entrance, her face was a whirlwind of emotions: hurt and infuriated, but elated, accepting, and jovial. Yet, the sight of the woman's scarred face hits Tatsumi like a ton of bricks smashing him all at once. Kennedy stands back as he knows this matter at the moment won't involve him, he knows if she's here then the rest are following.
"A...A-A," Before Tatsumi could even get her name out the woman, code name: Big Sister, walks up to Tatsumi with a raised open right hand and brings down the palm side of her hand onto Tatsumi's left cheek. The sound of the slap was audible that even the Secret Service guards and military personnel inside of the nerve center could have heard it: a group of five enters the nerve center following Reeds and another Agent. The slap left Tatsumi stunned and confused, lost for words by Akame striking him, Tatsumi is able to form one word. "A... Akame?!" Tatsumi responded
"You-you bastard!" Akame places her hands on Tatsumi, in spite of her stoic nature, she nearly lets loose a whirlwind of emotion but she swallows the emotions back. "You gave me your word... that you will survive but." Akame raises her head to look at Tatsumi in his eyes. Tatsumi sees Akame's face more closely. Her face has faded markings on her left cheek but had remained the same. Before Akame could say another word, Tatsumi grabs Akame's shoulders and pushes her back letting go of her grip.
"I... I don't know how to say this?" Tatsumi keeps his emotions suppressed as he tries to formulate words that won't hurt Akame more than what he'd done previously. "I... I don't know how to go about processing this. But, I want to say is... is that I'm just glad to see you again." Tatsumi added on. Akame brushes off Tatsumi's hands from her shoulders, Akame then steps back. "Is there any way I can that I can make it up to you?" Tatsumi asks. Akame collapses to her knees not knowing what to say next. Tatsumi sees that Akame is fragile at the moment and steps back to give her space. Tatsumi hears several other footsteps and through the three glass panels are other members of the Task Force: Night Operators once more. Reeds and the Agent continued to walk past the entrance. The two men step to the side of the President.
"Tatsumi!" Pink Flamingo rushes forward and quickly embraces Tatsumi. The force of her embrace brings Tatsumi to the ground. Her face, like many others, is one Tatsumi has never forgotten. One of the other members of Task Force: Night Hunters breaks ranks to help Akame up, another stands by the entrance, and the second followed Pink Flamingo.
"M...Mine?" Tatsumi is shocked by Mine's appearance in front of him. "I... I don't know what's happening. What are you doing here?" Tatsumi asks. The other member of the Task Force: Green Goblin helps get Mine off from Tatsumi so that he can stand up. His face, hair color, and eyes are the same as before, albeit he doesn't have his red goggles, Tatsumi immediately knew who he was, in spite of his hair being slightly trimmed and pushed to the side in order to show his face more clearly. "Lubbock?!" Tatsumi was surprised to see a close friend once more. Calling out Lubbock's name.
"It's been a while Tatsumi," Lubbock brings Tatsumi closer to embrace him once more. An act he'd almost never done to anyone. Tatsumi pushes back, still too stunned to even speak a single word after reuniting with Akame, Mine, and Lubbock. The last he remembers of the latter two was seeing them die in front of him and with Akame dying in hers. "I knew that you pulled through after the hit you suffered. We even made a bet of whether you'll wake up at all."
"I see?" Tatsumi was stunned to learn of his friends being alive once more but also made a bet about whether he'll awaken from his coma.
"That's not what happened." A second voice contradicts Lubbock's position. She stands up after helping Akame up. She angrily walks up to Tatsumi and draws her sword. Drawing it to his neck, ready to slice him at a moment's notice. Tatsumi turns to see who's threatening him. The others stood back since they don't have their Imperial Arms on them.
"Just who in the hell do you think you are to have the authority to make my sister cry?" Necromantress interrogates Tatsumi. The voice Tatsumi recognizes immediately. "Any answers, or would you like to join your friends?"
"Kurome. I.I.I-" Tatsumi calls her out by name with his hands raised. He doesn't have a weapon to defend himself against Kurome and even if he had he wouldn't even be given the chance to react. Before Tatsumi could give his response, or Kurome giving the killing blow against Tatsumi, Akame and another final figure approaches Kurome.
"Kurome, that's enough. You're already causing a scene here, in front of our leaders." Kurome drops her guard and sheaths her Imperial Arms. The agent, Atlantis walks past Kurome and stops just before Tatsumi. "How are you doing, Tatsumi?"
"Wait, Wave?" Tatsumi, surprised to meet the final member of Task Force: Night Hunters. But more so is he bewildered by the fact that two of the Jaegers and four members of Night Raid had joined together, putting aside their differences. "Just what are they all doing here? All except for Akame and Wave are dead. This is just... this is just happening too quickly." Tatsumi stumbles back. Then the Agent that Reeds walked in with breaks rank, while Reeds was apologizing to Kennedy.
"I knew we should've scheduled this reunion for earlier." The Agent mutters and walks to Kurome first, placing his hand on her shoulder and presenting a smile that unnerves the necromantic assassin. "We'll have a chat with you later about the unauthorized use of Imperial Arms in government buildings," The Agent walks past Kurome and up to Tatsumi and reaches out his hand. "I apologize on behalf of my unit. As their captain and leader, they're my responsibility and I take responsibility for their actions," The Agent apologizes. "Let me start from the beginning. I'm Captain Blaut Anderson, leader of Task Force:Night Hunters. Tatsumi shakes the captain's hand, somewhat unnerved as Anderson's face he didn't recognize. Anderson breaks ends his handshake with Tatsumi and turns to his team. "Did y'all forget to act with restraint or something? Don't forget we're in front of the President with the Secretary his way. Compose yourselves for Christ's sake!" Anderson passive-aggressively gets all: Akame, Kurome, Wave, Lubbock, and Mine in line. They turn to face President and salute him, with Kennedy saluting back.
"He controlled all of them like that?" Tatsumi thinks to himself. "Thank you, Captain Anderson." Tatsumi thanks him. Blaut turns.
"Huh, it's no problem. I'd much prefer it if you call me Captain or Cap, alright Kid?" Blaut tells Tatsumi. Tatsumi couldn't help it as if he knew or had seen his face before. The name sounds odd but couldn't remember anyone else he remembers. Before anything else could proceed further, Secretary McNamara walks in with a file and a few other items.
"Mr. President, fellow guests. If I may, I would like to have this covered immediately. Time isn't on our side." Secretary McNamara tells everyone, knowing that time isn't on their side. The US may have been able to push the Nazis out of the American continent but the possibility of a national socialist retaliation is grand. Kennedy sits first followed by the others except for McCone and McNamara. The lights dim and present the first image of a missile silo somewhere up north.
"Prior to the invasion of the US mainland. Greenland and the US Military Protectorate of Iceland had fallen along with a third of our North Atlantic fleet," Secretary McNamara starts off. "Greenland quickly then became a military and communications installation for the Nazis. Providing an early warning system for the North Atlantic Kriegsmarine fleet. But we assume this station is still working out its kinks." Secretary McNamara switches to the next slide which is a more detailed image of southwest Greenland "Colonel if you may." McNamara passes it along to Reeds.
"Thank you, Mr. Secratary." Reeds thanked the Secretary and continue the meeting switching to the next slide. "As you see now, these images were taken by our U-2 spy planes days prior. The CIA has every reason that the southwest of Greenland is being used as a military communications base to predict and relay information about US naval positions." Reeds further continue the presentation, switching to the next slide of the same image put with think black circles that surround the target areas. "Similar to your mission in Albany and in Prince Edward Island. You'll be inserted and sabotaging the military base. Allowing for our naval units to retake these islands." "More details would be given to you prior to your mission." Reeds ends his statement. The light brightens up. Kurome raises her hand. "Yes, Necromantress?"
"Why not bomb them? Seems easier doesn't it?" Kurome asks.
"The range of the B-52 bomber and B-58 could get the job done. But one thing came to note, that this facility has already been under American control and would be preferable to keep it in operational condition for future operations." Reeds answered Kurome's question. "Reeds continues with the presentation. "Before you're dismissed, I will go over some specifics first. Firstly you'll be conducting this at night time and will be performing a High Altitude and Low Opening insert over the small village of Narsaq. Which is the center of the whole operation. Followed by an escape to a small air hanger 31 miles northeast of this installation." Reeds concludes his presentation. Kennedy stands up.
"The crippiling of this communications station will give the OFN time and provide a momentary silence for us to recapture the islands of Greenland and Iceland," Kennedy tells the group. "Godspeed with you. Get ready as soon as you can. You're dismissed." Everyone else stands up from their chairs and begins to walk away.
"Right, you heard the President, everyone in Night Hunters, move out. Y'all can speak with Tatsumi later and reminisce." Anderson herds Akame, Mine, Lubbock, Wave, and Kurome. Reeds keeps Tatsumi close to his side as they keep a distance away from the rest, watching them leave the inner sanctum.
"Any thoughts?" Reeds asked. Tatsumi remained silent as he is all but left speechless by what has happened, coupled with the inactivity of the President, Reeds, and Anderson from stepping in.
"I don't know, it's going pretty fast if you ask me. I only just woke up and now I'm being thrust into a mission with the people I knew before." Tatsumi responded.
"Well don't worry about it," Reeds relaxes Tatsumi's fears. "But just note, that if you go rouge then your team is incentivized to either restrict or terminate you. Do you understand?" Reeds questions to Tatsumi. What may have sounded like a threat is an order given to ensure national security and an asset that won't be compromised. Tatsumi nods.
"Yes, sir." He responded. The two then left the inner sanctum, leaving behind Kennedy and McNamara.
"Are you sure he can conduct this mission? Aren't you worried about a potential risk that would come if he was ever to be recaptured into German hands?" McNamara asks.
"Worry not, secretary. I trust in the teamwork of this unit. They'll be the ones to keep him in check. Now, let's return to the stakes at hand and hopefully end this war quickly before we destroy ourselves and the world." Kennedy downplays McNamara's fears.
Tatsumi having reunited with his friends, he has high hopes for working again with the assassins he called friends. Despite their differences in the past, he acknowledges the fact that they too could be able to bring down Esdeath and the Greater Germanic Reich. Putting an end to Esdeath's and Hitler's reign of terror and tyranny upon the world. Before any of that, he would need to answer the mountain of questions each person of Task Force: Night Hunters have.
29 April 1963
Reichskommisriat Russland/Soviet Union Border
On the southeastern border of the Reichskommissariat Russland, thousands of kilometers of fencing and watch towers dot the fields. In certain areas, landmines and early warning systems were in place to hamper and call for a quick response against a Soviet invasion. Homes, villages, and trees on both sides were demolished to make an open field to ensure an invasion from either side and any emigration attempt from Reichskommissariat Russland would be prevented, even having any emigrants or invaders killed on the spot.
"Hey, Fedor. Wake up," A comrade of Fedor Sokolov awakens him from a few moments of sleep that was afforded to him in the early morning. "I managed to get us some tea and a couple of pieces of black bread," He continued. "You're lucky I found you and not a German officer or those stuck-ups in the RLA."
"Thanks, Sergey." Fedor accepts the black bread and is given the flask that contains tea and a shot of vodka. "Christ, what's in this?" Sergey responded, not expecting alchol in the tea.
"Tea for caffeine and vodka to sting us awake so that we look like we're attentive." Sergey responded.
"Thanks anyways," Fedor gives back the flask. "Where'd you get them?" Fedor asks but all he got in response was a chuckle. He sighs and looks out of the watch tower. "See anything?"
"No," Sergey responded. He unbuckles his stahlhelm and places it on the ground, sitting on it. "I missed our SSh and our green uniforms. Now we have to wear these borning field grey uniforms with the only thing differing us from the Germans and the RLA is the small white-blue-red patch on our shoulders." Sergey rants for a moment. "Sometimes I miss my AK, but the G3 isn't bad."
"If we were in the RLA, then those patches would have a blue cross on a white field that said RLA written in Cyrillic. We're the lucky 10,000 who were transferred over." Fedor attempts to cheer his comrade up.
"Sounds like shit luck to me," He stands up and grabs the binoculars in front of him. "Just three more hours of sentry duty and five more months till I get out of this hell hole. I've been here for too long screwed over too many times." Sergey further claims. "What should I tell the commander for our report?" Sergey asks. Fedor thinks for a moment about what to write in German for their commanders.
"How about im osten nicht neues? Because nothing happens in the east." He responded, sighing at their unfortunate of being in the Reichskommissariat Russland's Heer.