Landing
4 June 1963
Pentagon, Washington D.C.
Generals and admirals of the UFN congregate as they move forward with the American operation: Operation Madison. Despite the American confidence, their UFN allies questioned the results of the campaign a quarter of the bombers set for the campaign were lost with a combined forty-five percent of UFN bombers lost to the English Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe. Despite initial losses, the operation plans are given the green light.
5 June 1963
Lindisfarne Castle, Kingdom of England
Helicopters fly and boats float all around establishing aerial and naval defenses all around the forward island and the coast of Northumberland. Colonel Cuthbert looks out to the North Sea from the top of Lindisfarne Castle, once a monastery for the monks and the priory for laypeople left abandoned hundreds of years ago to now a military post against foreign invaders. The significance of the holy island is not lost on him or his soldiers. The site of the pagan Viking raid, initiating a near three-hundred-year reign of terror and Northmen supremacy over the Anglo-Saxon and Celtic peoples of the islands. Bombs continued to fall overhead from American bombers but his island defenses provided enough defense to prevent major structural damage. Throughout the time he had, he provided structural defenses and resupplied his defenses to ensure they would not be taken unprepared.
In the brief moment of respite, he connects to the defense radio system. Desiring to create a sense of resolve and national pride in his men. "On this week, on the 8th of June, in the year of our Lord 793. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the site of early English Christendom that rivaled no other, was attacked, pillaged, and desecrated by pagan Norsemen. The land soaked by the blood of saints, and its people enslaved, fated to never see their homeland again. That faithful event was 1170 years ago. As we stand here in their memory, let us not be lulled by the site of despair and dread as they had. Instead let us stand firmly with our English spirit, a united British spirit against all foes that threaten the tranquility of our island home. English, Scottish, and Welsh, though divided now, we are united under one cause. The repulsion of foreign rebels, the repulsion of those who forsook the monarch's and parliament's power to create their own republic across the sea. The same barbarian folk who left us to European vices in the Second World War as they fled across the Atlantic. Traitorous colonies who joined the side of the exiled crown and the government for their safety as we stood our ground. Now, in this perilous time, dark torrential whirlwinds from the western star cut through our lands, taking the lives of our countrymen. War looms over the horizon once more. Again, let us take up arms for the proper and age-old cause: the defence and glory of our island. Let them come to our beaches, let them come to our air, let them come to our seas, let them come to our shores. We will show these American rebels the might of the unbound English spirit. Fight on men. Not just for your homes, not just for Brittania, but for King and Country. And once more, in the chariot of fire will England, will Britain's honour, take her place on the sun once more. God Save the King, God Save England." He ends his message to his men as the broadcast was also spread and recorded to regiments stationed close.
6 June 1963
Waters of Outskirts of Northumberland, Kingdom of England
In the early morning of the 6th of June, two weeks of constant strategic bombings.
Days of constant bombings continued throughout the north and middle of the kingdom. Since the failure to take the Island of Man, the Left Resistance, and the Special Operation Executive combined forces to sabotage German and English Army efforts throughout the north, hampering a Scottish division from moving more southwards. As the fight continues, the strategy to land on the Kingdom's shore has been devised—a strong center attack in the region between Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne. Now Scotland joins the side with the kingdom. Operation Madison comes to fruition as several US Naval, Canadian, and ANZAC naval flotillas stand outside the region. In their fight, the US command also devised a strategy to invade England and Scotland.
In the early mornings, hours before the morning dawn. Cannons and artillery shells fired at the defensive networks of eastern Northumberland. Salvo after salvo causes the defenders to drive onto their stations as forward detachments keep the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine at bay. The 82nd and 101st Airborne followed directly after the wave of bombers.
On the USS Okinawa, one of two Iwo-Jima Class Amphibious Assault Ships carrying the 2nd Marine Division, A Company of 2nd Marine Divison awaits their commander's orders.
"Attention!" An officer announces. The marines stand at attention.
"At ease," LtCol Frank turns to his men. "Marines, we have orders from the Pentagon to commence phase two of Operation Madison. For two weeks, our airboys of the Air Force and the Navy weakened English defenses. To a varying degree. However, I know you boys desire not only a fight but a fight against a tough opponent. With the cavalry of the Army's 1st Cav, we'll be landing against a foe that we should not have abandoned!" The LtCol calls out to his Marines. "Can I get a Hurra!" The Marines call out. "Oh come on I know you can do better than that!" The Marines call out louder with enthusiasm. "There we go. Show your bloodthirsty enthusiasm against the British and German foes. Show them what the Devil Dogs are made of!" The Marines rush over to mount on their Sikorsky H-34 Helicopters, in preparation for the assault against the English positions.
USS Princeton, one of two Essex-class aircraft carriers designated to hold the 1st Cavalry Divison, soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division listen to their commander giving orders and a breakdown of the mission plan.
"Attention!" A 1st Cavalry Divison officer calls out to his men, all standing at attention.
"At ease," Lt. Colonel Moore enters. "Men, we have orders from High Command to commence phase two of Operation Madison. We are to storm and set up a beachhead in Northumberland so that we may establish a foothold for more of our reinforcements. However, let me say this first. As officers, we are to lead by command and by example. Even though we are fighting against a committed enemy who does not think of us as humans, we shall not fall into despair when the odds are against us. And to our soldiers, even though they committed atrocities against our citizens, we will not stoop down to their level of atrocities against our fellow man. We all know the risks our campaign will entail, and I trust that you will carry out the mission set out before us. Let us set the example of liberators and not plunderers. So that in the end, we will usher in a new era for Europe and the world. One in which is free from the oppression of totalitarian reign. Let us be that example. Let us initiate the foundations for a new world." The 1st Cavalry soldiers rush over to the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters at the sound of powering naval salvos.
As the morning sun broke the horizon, the hour-long salvos ceased rendering the coastline and the coastal batteries damaged. Reinforcements have been sent in almost immediately as the first contact was made. The Bofors 40 mm Automatic gun was brought out more inland to intercept the approaching American helicopters.
Marines in their Sikorsky's and the Cavalry in their Bell UH-1 fly in formation. An officer of the 1st Cavalry orders to initiate a psyop plan, relaying the signal to the following OH-23 Ravens to play Richard Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries. Accompanying the helicopters, sorties of navy F-4 Phantom II fly past the helicopters, firing at English positions in a strafing run before returning to their carriers.
Hearing the song the English defenders of Northumberland rushed to their stations after surviving the strafing runs. Colonel Cuthbert looks through his binoculars and spots the American helicopters passing the threshold into his land. "So the barbarians have once again to spill English blood on our soil once more," He lowers his binoculars. "For the glory of our King and Country! Let none of these barbarians land anywhere near our shores! Fire!" Colonel Cuthbert gives the order to fire. In that instant, the English Bofors 40 mm began to fire along with reinforcing machine gun fire from their English armory and German trade.
The first wave of Marine and US Cavalry helicopters dodged the incoming fire, but the overwhelming firepower destroyed the leading helicopters. Scattering at the firepower, the first of the US Cavalry UH-1 helicopter lands but keeps moving as its squad jumps out and moves forward to their objectives. Utilizing the standard issue M16, despite its flaws, the Cavalry moved forward. Contrary, the US Marines land direct where the action is heaviest, arming with the M14 for greater stopping power. The English, many armed with the English-made L1A1 Self-loading rifle, retaliate against the approaching Americans.
The Americans quickly established mortar positions as they pushed forward, with an airstrike being called in to eliminate tank and artillery positions that continued to rain on their positions. The earlier airborne troops who'd landed en mass hours prior made their way east to draw attention.
The struggle continued until mid-morning, even though the English defenders shot down several American helicopters the wave of helicopters storming, coupled with the late-realization of the Americans committing friendly fire to destroy artillery placements. The victory for the Americans is nonetheless secured.
As the fighting continued outside of the Holy Island, parts of the island were damaged and the ancient structure suffered just as heavily. Colonel Cuthbert hears the struggle continue as he dodges bullets ricocheting past him. He draws his pistol and fires a few shots at the Marines outside. As the defenders continue to fire back until mid-morning, a UH-1C flies before them and opens fire at his position. Colonel Cuthbert is tossed to the ground as several bursts penetrate the old walls. One Englishman who was on the ground grabbed hold of a bazooka and stood up. Firing the round as UH-1C flies off, striking its tail. Causing it to spin and crash in the priory. As the battle continued, Colonel Cuthbert knows that the end of the battle was near and their resistance was futile. But brought time for reinforcement to come swiftly. Victory or defeat, he and his men held their best but knew how much of a beast the Americans were. Wounded, he hears the Americans attempting to break through after eliminating the last of the defenders before his door, he thinks back to simpler times of his youth, the revolver on his hand becomes heavier then expected.
8 June 1963
Dover, Kingdom of England
A heavy and salty breeze flows through and over the white cliffs. Looking out past the cliffs and back into the sea, Esdeath reminisces about the fight from twenty years ago. Fighting an enemy whose legacy and prestige are rivaled by none other. Their pride in being the greatest is rivaled by no other. Yet, it was challenged and lost to the German Eagle.
"The scars left behind on these cliffs remain. By greatness and vigor, we won before the fall, bringing victory to the Reich. My how the mighty British lion coward as the Reichsadler flows through its skies and shores." Esdeath continues to reminisce. Vivid audio and imagery flashed before Esdeath as she smiled with glee. British POWs executed as they pleaded for mercy, Americans cowering at the very sight of her, and civilian screams snuffed out. The day the British lion cowered to the German eagle. Esdeath stands before the cliff edge softly smiling as the sun is slowly setting overhead. Run stands behind her.
"SS-Gruppenführerin," Run calls for Esdeath. "Are you not going to attend the military function in London? If we leave now you could make it."
"That function is more catered to the Heer than the German SS," Esdeath turned around. "Though we are an armed branch, do not make the confusion that we are the military. We are a paramilitary branch. SS-Obergruppenführer Steiner would do most of the connections and functions in the stead of the German SS. All I have to do is fight and bring glory. "
"Right, I should have known better," Run apologizes as he walks to her side, with the two facing the sunset. "Is this the site of your greatest achievement?"
"That would be Stalingrad. England certainly put up a challenge. Though they had no heroes for me to fight one-on-one with, they still produced wonderful moments during my campaign here," Esdeath turns. "Dover, Canterbury, London, Swindon, Nottingham, Peterborough, Manchester, and York were some of the many battles I've fought in and brought quick victory for the Reich."
"An amazing string of victories during the Second World War," Run adds. "I do remember Herr Eichmann talking about your victories when I was in Burgundy. Describing how your victories only furthered their cause for domination." The name sent a shiver down her spine.
"Unlike Himmler, Eichmann is a man who I wish to keep interactions with at the absolute minimum," Esdeath spoke with a displeased tone But she smiled. "However, now that he's with Himmler in the Ordenstaat. I guess my chances of speaking with that man are near zero." Esdeath comments. As Esdeath stepped back on the road, one of her junior officers started up the car as an SS-Hauptscharführer relayed orders from her base camp.
"SS-Gruppenführerin. A paramilitary representative wishes to speak with you." The SS-Hauptscharführer relayed commands he received. Esdeath looks up and sees dark clouds forming. The four enter the car and begin to drive off to Esdeath's base camp where over 7,500 of her men are stationed north of Dover. In the drive, Esdeath turns to Run.
"Run. After meeting with this paramilitary leader, round up the members of Einsatzgruppen Eis. It'd be better if they know what they are going up against. It would be the first time you would all be facing against a battle-hardened enemy. Nothing like the Revolutionary Army you encountered, nor the prisoners you executed in the Ordenstaat. Furthermore, we do not know how well-trained they are with their CIA programming." Esdeath responded.
"Given the state of things as they are. I think it would be for the best. You told us that they're in this world. And if their CIA knows where you are then that is where they will be deployed. Only for us to intercept while protecting you and other key members." Run spoke.
"You took the words out of my mouth." Esdeath commented.
Outskirts of Canterbury
On the outskirts of Canterbury, the city that quickly fell to Esdeath's forces, Esdeath returns to a site of a momentous triumph. Esdeath's Einsatzgruppen Eis have gone their separate ways, as Esdeath spoke with a paramilitary representative from England. As Esdeath enters her command tent, one of the largest she has to not only be able to live in but have a radio station in to distribute commands to her soldiers at the front, having the representative entering second.
Colin Jordan, head of the British Freedom Corps, enters Esdeath's tent after being summoned in. Dressed in a uniform, whose image harkens back to that of Ernst Röhm's Sturmabteilung modified with British Army insignia and ranks, Colin Jordan salutes Esdeath with enthusiasm. Contrary to Esdeath's disguised apathy. "Heil Hitler, SS-Gruppenführerin."
Esdeath responded. "And who may you be? I don't think we've met?" Esdeath responded, speaking in English.
"It is an honour to be speaking with the Reich's greatest general," Colin Jordan begins to speak but Esdeath almost tunes out what he is saying.
"Colin Jordan. Little is known about him outside of the Royal Party and the entire British Isles. What I do know is that he is a national socialist sycophant to the point where he could put Bormann and Goebbels to shame. A nazi idealist to heart. But his ideals are more close to the American pan-Europeanist view of nazism over the orthodox Nordic Aryan views in the Reich, as well as in Burgundy. That said I should start speaking with him. Perhaps I could use him and his group to guide my soldiers in England," Esdeath changes perspectives. "What is it that you want from me exactly?"
"Well SS-Gruppenf`rerin. I want to discuss with you the possibility of utilizing the British Freedom Corps as an aide for the German SS." Colin spoke.
"Is that so? I doubt you would be used much by the German SS. It would be better for you to serve your English equivalents. Furthermore, wouldn't it be better to call yourselves the English Freedom Corps?" Esdeath responded.
"The name is fitting as we have fourteen chapters all over Great Britain: twelve in England, one each in Scotland and Wales. Two more in northern Ireland." Colin responded.
"Essentially they're so minuscule that almost no one takes them seriously. Perhaps their numbers are also minuscule as well to provide actual support," Esdeath continued.
"However, the English Army does not accept our views. But when we heard that the German SS were coming, it was a matter of time for us to unite with the German SS and continue our traditions against those that threatened British national socialist values. We are a major unit when it comes to hunting members of the Left Resistance."
"Is that so?" Esdeath asked. "Well then. Perhaps there is some use I could think of. However, I would need time to find what is appropriate for you to protect your island. You may take your leave now Herr Jordan." Esdeath responded to Colin's request by having him removed. With the leader of the British Freedom Corps removed, Esdeath merely sighed. "Uneventful. The best this 'British Freedom Corps' would be used for is cannon fodder. Perhaps he found out about me is the fact he used Heer connections and found me. Eh, I could use them to sniff out Tatsumi and the others. But other than that they're going to be a hindrance."
As Colin Jordan left Esdeath's tent, Run enters and sees Esdeath left in an apathetic mood. "Did things go well?" Run asks.
"Uneventful at best," Esdeath commented. "However, given that they're natives to the English lands, they would be most useful to find our enemies. At best, they can help locate Tatsumi, Akame, and the others or become cannon fodder. At worst then they would only get in our way. If so, then I'm not opposed to eliminating them. Now go ahead and round up the others and bring them here." Esdeath gives her orders.
At a nearby park in Canterbury, Bols sits on a public bench observing families enjoying themselves at a park. In his mind, he envisions an alternate life that would have been a peaceful and fulfilling life with his wife and daughter. Be it in the Empire or the new world he is in. Some families pass by him as they keep their children away from Bols, who wears his service uniform but without his mask. He glances to his left and sees Seryu having fun with the local children with Koro chasing after the ball. Seryu laughs as she turns to see Bols sitting almost longingly at them. "Fenrir, be a good boy and keep an eye on them would you," Seryu gives the order to Fenrir and walks over to Bols. "Are you feeling alright?" Seryu asks.
"I'm fine Seryu. You don't need to worry about me. Just go and play with those children." Bols responded.
"Forgive me for asking, but it's about your wife and daughter, right?" Seryu asked knowing the topic's sensitivity but holding the purest and sinceriest of intentions. Hearing her question Bols sighed.
"I still haven't found them in this world. Everywhere I see, it's them but it's not. You know well that I want to return to them," Bols leaned back. "Perhaps I should give up on my search. Most likely she already found another person in our old world." Bols continued.
"Don't be so down, Bols," Seryu sits beside him and comforts him. "We're given a second life. Perhaps you could use it to fight in their memory. Like I did for Dr. Stylish and Kurome against Mine of Night Raid." Seryu continued.
"You're right," Bols responded "I just hope they're eating alright."
"Bols, Seryu," Run steps out of the Unimog 404 as he approaches the two.
"Run. We're over here!" Seryu calls out to Run as she walks over to his side. "What's the problem?
"Esdeath is calling a meeting with the Einsatzgruppenn Eis and I was sent to round everyone up." Run responded. He glances over at Bols. "Is something wrong with Bols? He doesn't appear to be himself?" Run asks with a hint of concern.
"He is a bit down. However, he is doing better," Seryu responded. She turns over and sees Bols holding Koro in his arms as the children behind them say Auf Wiedersehen. "Thanks for bringing Fenrir over. You didn't have to do that."
"No worries. It's about time we leave already. I could already feel the stares of the people here." Bols responded. "Well. Let's hurry now in the truck." Bols responded as he and Seryu entered through the back and saw the rest of Einsatzgruppen Eis all knocked out by Run after having questioned Run's orders.
"Don't mind them. They're all just asleep at the moment. When we meet with Esdeath they would be awake by then." Run responded as the others were knocked out.
Esdeath's war room
At Esdeath's central tent. She speaks with her 9th SS Panzergrenadier Eis Divison company officers about troop placements. "SS-Gruppenführerin. Just as things stand. The English Army has already lost fifty kilometers of space in the Northumberland province, with the area becoming UFN territory. However, at the moment, their landing zone is fragile. One push from us could easily disrupt their progress," SS-Standartenführer Ulmer responded as he used a stick on the map. "The English Army's 2nd Army Division is holding, with the 2nd Army of the Heer amassing in the south. The 19th Panzergrenadier Battalion "Eis" is ready to push through when you give the word."
Esdeath thinks. "However, we have to contend with the American's shock and awe strategy. It be unorthodox for me to say. But it would be preferable to wait for the Americans to send in more soldiers," Esdeath uses a stick and draws a line. "From there we can have the 19th and 20th Panzergreandier Battalions push forward behind our 10th Pazner battalion, and the 9th Armored Fighting Battalion," As Esdeath and the officers continued to refine their strategy, Esdeath was interrupted as her attendee stepped close to her ear. Esdeath turns to her officers. "Men. I'm sorry to cut our talk short, we'll pick up where we left off once I'm done. In the meantime please continue amongst yourselves, and develop a strategy akin to the American Shock & Awe but flank them when they least expect it." Esdeath's officers affirmed her orders and she stepped outside and walked over to a second meeting tent. She looks around and sees the others have been assembled, but Run knocked out a good majority. She raised her hands and gave a simple clap. The resonating sounds awakened those knocked out by Run and sent a chill to those outside who heard it. "Now that you six have gotten your beauty rest, it's time we get down to business shall we," Esdeath spoke to her subordinates of Einsatzgruppen Eis. Relaying information about what they're tasked to do: despite the ironclad rule of two or more Imperial Arms users engaging in battle then it is to be to the death until one survives. Esdeath knows the rule all too well, however, it is a concept Hitler and the others want to be worked around as a means to get their own Imperial Arms. Esdeath knows it could be done as Tatsumi was captured and converted then the same could apply to her for the Reich.
9 June, 1963
Manchester, Kingdom of England
In the mid-day, as Leona reads the Royal Party Dispatch: the Royal Party's official and only allowed news source for all of England, she reads the section of the frontlines in England. Despite the propaganda stating otherwise, she reads thoroughly for the truth. The English defense line is lackluster and is barely supported by the reinforcing German Army. Despite the loss suffered at Man, she has been looking to replace those lost in her squad. Even going as far as finding members near the borders with Scotland and Wales. She continued reading the news as a column of English and German soldiers passed by on the road. As she observes the soldiers walk by, an acquaintance walks up to her and sits at the same table she is at.
"I see you've scarfed down two fish and chips down orders like a lion. You alright mate?" Olivia asks as she places a cup of tea before her. Leona places the newspaper down. "It appears to be that you have after that failed operation. I could not imagine losing all those close to you that quickly."
"You learn how to get used to it once you've learned what happened," Leona picks up and sips the tea. "Any reason you're here?" Leona asks. Olivia reaches into her purse and pulls out an envelope, pushing it before Leona. "And that is?"
"Chelsea FC standings. The bosses are looking to acquire foreign players across the pond to play for the club," Olivia responded. Leona grabs the letter and stuffs it in her coat pocket. "New blood is what the club needs after a failed season." Olivia grabs her tea and walks away. Seeing her leave, Leona stands and leaves the table heading for the bathroom. Entering a stall she closes and locks the door behind her. She opens the letter given to her.
"Now what do they want? It's too late for an apology," Leona unfolds the letter. "Dear Leona, This information is-blah-blah-blah-" Leona reads the information and becomes disgusted by how her leaders demand something from her after the failed suicidal mission but continues to read. "As of recent, an American contact will be lending a unit to aid the HMMLR's cause. A new unit to rebuild your unit: The Pride has been selected and awaits at the Mining Mule Pub at 2100 on the 10th of June. Further information will be given there." Leona crumples the paper and tosses it in the toilet. flushing it until it goes in. "Well then. I guess it's about time that I've done something more fun. Perhaps my reconnisence would be put to use and these Americans would help me begin eliminating those collaborations bastards." Leona leaves and begins sprinting towards her next destination.