The HCA private meeting room was dead silent as Fritz prepared to come clean with his love and acceptance that Joseph’s heart belonged to another. Even as he was surrounded by beautiful Propseran wildlife on the covert Prosperan base, it did nothing to curtail his nervousness. He was dressed to the nines in his HCA military uniform. He paced the well furnished wooden floors, his boots thumping with each step as his heart mirrored its frenzied pace. The thump was met with a cacophony of jingles from his slew of new medals. “Please lord, grant me strength to be forthright.” He plead as he came to stop. He felt his PDA ring, the caller I.D. reading DER CHANCELLOR, prompting him to pick it up. “Yes, father?” he asked with a trembling voice.
“Are you meeting him as you planned?”
“Jawhol, he should be arriving any minute.”
“Don’t be nervous, you should be happy you’re putting this entire thing to rest.” Fritz’s breathing calmed. “We are on the eve of a tragic, devastating war.” The young monster man could hear footsteps. “Relationship nonsense and pining serves no purpose on the battlefield.” The door creaked open. “You’ll find someone right for you, do me proud.” Chancellor Kramer hung up as Fritz’s bat-like ears shot upwards like an alerted dog, quickly turning to face the visitor. There, joseph was gently closing the door. He too was dressed in a fancy uniform and stitched hat. His own medals were pinned to the left jacket pocket. “Thank goodness, I was starting to get a bit perplexed that you wouldn’t find the room.” Fritz said with a relieved sigh.
“Nah dude.” Said joseph. “Everyone in the base was pretty excited to help me.” Fritz brushed himself off.
“Ahem, first of all, I would like to congratulate you on your promotion from private to 2nd lieutenant!”
“Thanks.” Said Joseph. The scarred man noticed a small model kit next to a bouquet of beautiful black roses. “Is that a fucking BIO-MENACE ALICE kit?!” he said with wide eyes. “You can’t get that model anymore without paying out the ass!” Fritz nodded as he cleared his throat.
“Indeed.” Squeaked Fritz, his face becoming sweaty and throat dry. “I was going to surprise you with it when I was going to confess my love to you.” Joseph’s wonder turned to quiet neutrality. “However, I am aware that your heart belongs to another.” Joseph rubbed is chin.
“I had a feeling you had a crush on me.”
“Pray tell, Was I that transparent?”
“Your face turned like, blood red when you told me about the Propseran president a while ago.” Joseph concluded. “Not sure how you found out, but yeah.” Once he started to smile, Fritz relaxed his posture. “Logan and I have been making sure to keep our relationship on the down-low.”
“I understand,it is very a dangerous thing when a man who loves another man like a woman to be transparent about himself.” Fritz answered. “I am very much in the same boat as you, my dearest friend.” Fritz’s eyes went from orange to pale yellow. “He’s a fantastic man.” Fritz pulled out a protected piece of paper, with several drawing scrawled on it. The sketches consisted a stylized cartoon deer, something that would’ve appeared on the screen of a high budget animated children’s film. The sleek, 4 legged black deer had two scars running from the eyebrow down to the side of the face. “I’m astounded by your lover’s draftsmanship, I paid him 200 USD for this page, it was worth every single cent.” The tension of the room lessened as Joseph was elated to hear fritz sing of his boyfriend’s praises. “He even got angry look you give people right.” Joseph tensed back up.
“What look?” Joseph said, suddenly defensive. He face contorted in a wide eyed scowl, and Fritz looked down to the cartoon deer making the same expression, and almost broke out into a chuckle. The giant bat-like man regained his composure, and offered the gifts to Joseph. “I still hope that we can be friends.” Joseph looked down at the rare kit and the roses, only to notice a small note inserted within the box. He gently placed the roses to the side and pulled out the piece of paper.
“That was supposed to be for Logan.” Stated Fritz, nervously wringing his hands. Joseph slowly opened the paper to a beautifully written note written in flowery cursive. “GIVE HIM THE LIGHT AND JOY I COULD NEVER PROVIDE.” Read the words carefully written on the paper.
“Of course we’re still pals.” Answered Joseph. “It took a lot of guts to admit this to me face to face.” Fritz began to tear up and enveloped Joseph in a passionate hug, his friend reciprocating the gesture. Though Fritz’s heart was broken, it was broken in a way that could be easily mended. Fritz felt his PDA vibrate, and quickly checked it while trying to keep the device in his pocket. His eyes widened at a small alarm icon in the top of its screen. “Pardon me, I must attend to something.” The young bat-like man took off like a rocket, dashing into an unknown location. He only stopped when he ran into an unfamiliar monster woman. She grabbed him in an accidental hug, pressing him against her large, and plump stomach.
“Whoa, DUDE!” she yelled in a French accent, gently putting him back down. “If you ran any faster, I might’ve sent ya flying!” she laughed giving her stomach a loud slap. Fritz blushed at her tight khaki combat armor that wrapped around muscles.it hugged her large bust and even larger belly, which pressed gently against her belt. “I’m lookin’ for a guy called Joseph, did you see him?” Fritz shook out of his love-sickness and gestured his friend to leave the room. “Great!” she said, extending her hand to his. He began to gently reach out, only for her to vigorously shake his. “You can call me Faye, or CELTFOX! She exclaimed. Fritz waved his friend good-bye as he sped off to attend the emergency he was called to.
“God damn you, Schmidt.” He whispered in his mind. “It’s the ONLY reason father could be contacting me at this time.” Faye watched Fritz vanish into a crowd of people. “I’ll meet up with you later!” he called out. Faye tilted her head, her chubby cheeks also growing flush. She forgotten the last time anyone looked at her romantically.
“Anyway, I was told you’re gonna escort me to a network problem you guys have been having.” She said, looming over Joseph. He noticed the Khaki uniform.
“You’re from QM?” he inquired.
“Yep!” she said,putting her hands on her hips. “I’m E-12’s military IT specialist!” Her prideful stance turned into confusion as Joseph didn’t seem to react to her. “Not sure if anyone told you, but I’m gonna be working alongside you and your pals for bit, so ya better get used seeing my ugly mug!” Joseph’s scars flared and pulsated as he began to since a familiar presence. Faye jumped back with a grimace at Joseph’s condition. He locked eyes with none other than Captain Ackerman, being tailed by dozens of ERASURE UNIT soldiers with Laleh in tow. She was now donning a set of new, futuristic looking armor that seemed to allow her to keep up the pace with the rest of the human soldiers.
“Good, Nathan’s little lackeys that ain’t in the HCA are all here.” He said in a gruff voice. The captain turned to faye. “I understand you commies have no sense of punctuality or duty, but here, you obey the DAMN RULES and STAY when I tell you to.” Joseph’s brow furrowed until Faye rubbed her hand behind her head, looking sheepish.
“Aw, geeze!” she said apologetically. “Sorry about that, just excited to help out finding our guy!” She grabbed Joseph by the hand and trotted him towards the group with a big, warm smile on her face.
“Let it go, captain.” Said Ackerman’s 2nd in command. “She’s just some ditz, she didn’t mean anything.” He pointed towards an elevator in the middle of the hallway. “We gotta escort this guy to a debriefing room, then we’ll take her to fix our internet thing.” Joseph jumped back when he saw the man in question. He was wrapped in bloodied combat armor and a hooded shirt. His face was wrapped in a cloth, with only a single eye exposed. What made Joseph terrified were the three tentacles that snaked behind him, flashbacks of him and his comrades near fatal combat with N.1685 were fresh in his mind.
“I understand your concern at my appearance.” Said the hooded man. “That run in with that vile man must have had some lasting impact on you.” Joseph’s guard lessened as Ackerman’s frustration grew. “You may call me Samson.”
“No more fucking around, we have shit to do.” Ackerman ordered. The large crowd of people piled into the elevator. Faye had some trouble squeezing herself through the malfunctioning door.
“Please, allow me.” Said Samson as his tendrils unfurled and gently pressed against Faye’s exposed back and shoulders. After some more squeezing and struggling, Faye joined the rest of the party. The elevator rang out with a garbled buzzing noise as it rose to its destination. Laleh and Joseph sat in the back of the room with Faye and Samson as the ERASURE UNIT soldiers hung in the front, tightly gripping their assault rifles. Ackerman would occasionally glance back at Joseph and Laleh, and the verbal berating he got from after their last run in. Laleh would tend to another wound on Samson’s arm.
“That’s looks pretty serious.” Said joseph. “Are you sure it’s not infected?”
“Not to worry, I have made sure he and the rest received proper antibiotics and treatment.” Answered Laleh gently as she used a small pair of medical scissors to cut through the thick adhesive wrapping.
“Yeah, I saw those wounded POWS as I tried to find your buddy, like just about every available medic was trying to patch them back up.” Piped up Faye, moving closer to the two and unknowingly pressing her large stomach into Joseph. “Whoops.” She said, backing off slightly. “Didn’t mean to squish you.” She gave a sad look before becoming alarmed at Joseph’s concern before trying to brush off her suddenly unhappy demeanor. “Even after years of rehab, I’m trying to get used to my body again.”
“Alas, I know that feeling all too well.” Said Samson as he seemed to struggle to close his fingers. He looked up to Ackerman, whose back was turned to the rest of the outcast super soldiers. “Am I allowed to inform them of what happened?”
“You can tell ‘em how you got captured and how you freed yourself, and nothing else.” He replied. Faye’s demeanor sharpened into a subtle, piercing glare.
“Yeah, wouldn’t want to tell them that America’s secret little army almost shot one of those poor survivors while violating the coalition’s own intervention restrictions.” She scowled internally. Her demeanor softened as one of the Erasure unit soldiers looked back at her. “I can’t yell you how many shirts, pants and belts I accidentally destroyed after I got experimented and rescued from one of the ALA’s camps!” she guffawed as she flexed her muscles.
“I was doing missionary work in eastern Prospera, we were aiding isolated communities and were given the blessing of Prospera’s Catholic Church to ease the suffering of the poor.” Said Samson. “We were suddenly attacked by a group of ALA mercenaries units, and 30 of us were rounded up and sent to one of their camps.” He gripped his right arm, and mustered the courage to continue. Faye gazed with sincere empathy at the man, her goofy expression becoming sorrowful. “With the war in Prospera lost, we were used to see if they could mass produce a new strain of mass produced abominations, the NEMERTEAN abominations.” Samson lessened his grip. “The experiment was mostly a failure.” Samson sighed. “Those with a fatal reaction to the injections and treatment were tossed into a pit to die, and the rest of us were used as slave labor.” He began to shake, recounting the suffering. “We were surrounded by armed guards and cameras in the middle of nowhere.”
“How awful.” Said laleh. “How on earth did you escape?” Samson grabbed a crucifix necklace around his neck.
“There was a priest from separate missionary that was basically ordered to “manage and monitor” our condition.” Samson turned the crucifix to himself, observing the crucified Jesus sculpted into the cross. “He observed our transformations, spared only because the manager of the ALA experimentation camp was also a practicing Christian.” The crucifix wound and unwound, the white skull painted on the symbol flashed underneath the buzzing ceiling lights. “The priest would sneak food and medicine to us, even cutting his own rations to feed the younger prisoners.” He stopped spinning the crucifix and once again struggled to form a fist once more. “An ALA spy found out that he was going to warn us of an upcoming extermination plot against us.” Joseph looked down at his own iron cross medal in sadness. “I…was the one to hear his last words and testament…he begged me to tell the others, to fight back, to be as Moses as he freed god’s chosen from the Pharaoh.”
“Wrap it up, you’re almost out your location.” Spat Ackerman. Laleh and joseph shot him an ugly angry look, prompting them to panic and turn his back on them, trying to downplay his terror.
“I rushed back to our barracks and told them we needed to fight or die.” “While not on the level of the other abominations, we were able to at least make a break away from the camp.” “10 of us are with Christ now, the rest are in critical condition.” The elevator buzzed again as the door opened. Before a detachment of ERASURE UNIT soldiers marched him down a run down, rusty room, he thanked Laleh. “We are very blessed to have a doctor like you aid us and hear of our woes.”
“We are getting more medical staff to assist your comrades, I assure you.” She replied in a gentle tone. “We’ve just been spread so thin from recent casualties.” Joseph’s heart sank to hear how victims of war were in need of aid but unable to get it.
“It isn’t your fault, my sister.” He said before being removed from the elevator and marched down a different hallway. “You can still pray for our recovery and keep us in your thoughts, that’s all I ask.” Joseph and the rest of the crowd were marched into the hallway that red “SERVER ROOM, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY” the ERASURE UNIT soldiers unlocked the door, prompting Ackerman to point Joseph and Laleh to proceed before Faye. The large pink haired monster woman squeezed again into a door that was too small for her and brought her laptop and tools in front a a large, black monolith in the dead center of the room. Her ditzy demeanor betrayed her knowledge as she easily popped open a panel and began tinkering with its wiring. As she went to plug in her laptop, Ackerman’s co captain blew a loud whistle, frighting her.
“What did I do wrong this TIME?!” she barked.
“Ma’am, your laptop needs to be scanned for any malware, viruses, spyware, and anything that could harm the system.” She relented and let him jam a usb port into her laptop. 15 seconds later, a window popped up with a black screen, lines and lines of indecipherable coding blazed in an instant. The window was replaced with a giant green checkmark before vanishing. “Alright, go ahead and work your magic.” Faye plugged her laptop and finished her work. Despite her outburst, her mood lightened as fixed the various problems within the system. She hummed to herself, and even gently swayed her hips rhythmically to her own beat. The black monolith was now blinking with a blue and green light. Without a word, the ERASURE UNIT marched the trio out to an HCA BRIEFING ROOM. Nathan was already there, with Fritz and Veronica talking to themselves in hushed, panicked whispers in German. Joseph and Laleh sat next to their captain while Faye strolled next to Veronica. She looked down at the chair pensively before slowly sitting down. The chair creaked under her large weight before settling. She breathed a sigh of relief as she sat up and twiddled with her pda. Fritz paid no attention to her as he continued conversing with his sister. Nathan spoke up brought down a large TV screen.
“I’m glad everyone is here, I got some bad news.” Everyone paid attention, even the two Gaertner siblings took notice, their faces pale and gaunt. “Schmidt has escaped the Villa.”
“Holy shit.” Said Joseph. “Right before we were supposed to attack.” Nathan flicked to footage of a Victorian style mansion in the midst of a jungle. The two Gaertner sibling’s heart dropped as footage showed the flag being flown next to the mansion. It wasn’t the usual ALA swastika, but a near perfect recreation of Nazi Germany’s flag as it billowed on the breeze amidst the chaos of CNGS and QM units fighting to apprehend Schmidt. Suddenly, a giant mechanized suit of armor burst from the villa, its enormous jets propelled it into the atmosphere as it was followed by several large black jets.
“Apparently, we weren’t the only one developing heavy mechanized bipedal weapons.” He said, switching the TV another slide. “Faye, did you agree to the TOS when you arrived here?” She looked up and nodded.
“You can force me to shut my mouth, but you sure as hell can’t make me happy with it.” She thought indignantly.
There was no further elaboration between the two before Nathan began. “As I promised I’d tell you, Joseph, WNM6 is a secret white supremacist organization that is in charge of managing the ALA and ALA high command.” The room went quiet, the two Gaertner siblings nervously eying each other. “They’re the shattered remnants of Nazi German military and government stooges that fled justice in 1945. He clicked one a black and white photo of of a white man in a business suit. “This guy’s name is FREDERICK MUELLER, he was a rich industrialist who basically threw money and property at Hitler’s secret research and development project, and funded WNM6’s escape.” Faye did her best to keep quiet. “They have popped up throughout history, attempting to gain power and wealth for their white supremacist agenda.” Fritz and Veronica looked away in shame. “They’ve fled and consolidated wealth and power in South America, South Africa, Canada, Australia, the United States, New Zealand and even Japan as well as being active in Europe.” Nathan’s tone became more grave with the mention of Japan, a bead of sweat trickled down his brow. He clicked to a black and white photo of an SS officer with a shaved head and a blind eye with a scientist who held a clipboard while dressed in a stitched up surgical guard and some form of mask. “We believe this guy is Peter Hoffman, the Nazi military officer who organized the escape. Joseph clenched his fist in anger.“One hundred years ago, the abomination program was birthed in Nazi laboratories and their eugenics experiments, they fled Germany with the blueprints, and now the lunatics are using modern science to actually make their crackpot dreams a reality.” The room was so quiet, a pin drop could be heard.
“So these Nazi FREAKS have been just… running around in the shadows, ruining lives and killing innocent people for just about a 100 god damn years.” he spat out bitterly. Faye looked to the side and rubbed the back of her head sadly, as if she wanted to say so much more about the shocking revelations.
"Unfortunately" Sighed Nathan, "you're 100 percent right". He wiped the sweat off his face. "They've funded and controlled dozens of Neo Nazi terrorist groups and secret societies since the mid 20th century, and not even intelligence can pinpoint their exact bodycount.
“The pricks just don’t know when to lay down and die.” Said veronica with a scowl. “Like a bunch of roaches.” Nathan clicked to a photo of two abominations in light and dark brown camo. The two were almost posing with the bodies of dead, mutilated CNGS-USA soldiers. The poltergeist abomination held a spray can, appearing to have recently vandalized the CNGS symbol with SS bolts and the abbreviations “WS”. Laleh gasped as she covered her mouth in horror, unable to even speak. Her large, catlike eyes bulged out of her skull at the carnage
“Now their South African branch, the WHITE SOVEREIGNS are gaining more influence in WNM6, pushing to be on the offensive and raiding CNGS bases for chemicals and biological materials.” He clicked again to show two abominations holding 3 mangled corpses of CNGS soldiers “These unhinged raids are due to them pushing for more production of ABOMINATION soldiers as a last ditch effort to pursue their agenda.”
“Clearly because they’re also slowly becoming destitute an unable to produce or purchase their materials within their organization.” Stated Fritz. “The white sovereigns are considered the maddest of the mad, the most vile, and most violent of the ALA factions.” He looked at Nathan. “If they’re in charge…will this culminate in them taking even more deadly, drastic measures for their hopeless, aryan pipe dream?”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Answered his captain. “These WNM6 bastards are about 8 years away from going bankrupt they way they’re losing money, but there’s a lot of damage they could do over 8 years.” Everyone stared again at the white sovereign operatives. “There’s rumors about plenty of fights and debate within WNM6 over the white sovereigns over who gets to call the shots.” He clicked a button on a remote. “What makes them a pain in the ass is that between their bloodlust, they actually give a shit about taking action.”
“So, they were the guys that ordered the target to evacuate.” Joseph deduced.
“Exactly, they demanded the ALA in Prospera rescue Schmidt and take him to god knows else, and the reason you all will be leaving this island immediately.” With another click, he showed a giant, Grey submarine. “We got the audio sent from a QM spy that’s infiltrated the submarine that WNM6 owns and uses to covertly communicate about crap they want to keep quiet about.” Everyone quietly observed the words “WEHRWOLF-V10” painted near the tail. “We believe these are only ONE of WNM6’s submarines where they shelter their leaders and other important, high ranking officers.” Faye shifted in her seat, typing something in her PDA as Nathan played audio of an older, European man in a grave tone;
“So we are in accord of our next plan of action.” Joseph sat in silence, processing the dire situation. “ARACHNEA has been slaughtered, APOTHECARY has sold us out, and we have lost Prospera proper.” Faye put down her PDA and listened intently.” “Inform all units to either flee the country or flee into the red zones and black zones.” The final sentenced sounded garbled and warped. “We shall NOT lose SCHMIDT, and we shall NOT lose VELEDOVIA.” The audio cut off with a screeching noise.
“I guess that’s one thing the coalition and WNM6 can agree on, not wanting to lose another piece of property to exploit.” Faye thought as she gazed towards Joseph and Laleh.
“I guess WNM6 must be loaded to afford this shit.” Remarked Joseph.
“The bastards have sympathizers with deep pockets in the arms and banking industry.” Nathan said. “That’s all I can say for right now, but I gotta wrap this up.” He pressed another button on the remote. “West and East Veledovia are two eastern European countries that have suffered from a big problem.” Nathan said as he clicked a remote on the screen. A country straddling Germany and the Czech repulbic appeared, bisected by a green line. The Western side yellow, while the eastern side blue. The southern part of both countries were covered in a strip of red. As nathan clicked a again, red arrows began pointing upwards from the south, and the red color began to spread upwards. “In 2035, a far right ethno-nationalist part called the True Veledovian Nationalists overthrew the West Veledovian government and started a war against its eastern neighbor.”
“Not gonna tell them those fascists capitalized on an anti immigration law put in place by the coalition back when it was called the Global Security Union, huh.” Faye pondered internally once more. “God, you poor people don’t even have a clue that the CNGS was going to invade AVN occupied territory through East Veledovia to expand its consolation prize.”
“The starvation war, if I am not mistaken, Kapitan.” Spoke fritz.
“Exactly.” Nathan answered. “It made the 3rd Prosperan Civil War look like a damn picnic.” He flitted to images of destroyed cities, and civilians digging through rubble. “More civvies died than soldiers” Fritz once again shifted in his seat. “After TVN lost, they fled to the southern VSERIOAS mountain range to regroup, and renamed themselves the ARYAN VELEDOVIAN NATIONALISTS.” He clicked to an image of soldiers in rugged mountain territory. “The bastards have fortified the landscape with anti aircraft,long range missiles, and god only knows what else.”
“That mountain range was already considered a death trap before the war.” Fritz said. “I imagine our counter-operations won’t be easy to accomplish, the other Europa’s Fury factions must be flooding the south with soldiers and weapons.”
“It’s worse than that.” Answered Nathan, clicking the mouse again. Everyone’s eyes widened as the image loaded. Meanwhile, within the Prosperan Capital, The Prosperan president, Juan Hidalgo was having his own dire meeting. Alongside his cabinet was Mrs.Q and several other QM representatives.
“With the help of our newly joined independent allies from Scandinavia and Central Asia, you can see that we can start construction with 3 weeks after insuring the flow of American ALA operatives has been curtailed.” Said the head of civil construction and public services. Presidente Juan smiled and nodded.
“You’re the expert, so you have my blessings to move forward.” He said with a hearty chuckle. “I don’t know the first damn thing about construction outside of the fire pit I made last week!” several cabinet members broken into lighthearted laughter at their president’s response. Mrs Q. Stood up to speak;
“In my personal opinion however, it is not your responsibility to deal with this problem.” She clicked on her laptop, producing an online article of a white man in a baseball cap, a blue shirt and black jeans holding a piece of wood like a guitar and jokingly strumming it. “HUSBAND AND FATHER OF 2 VANISHED FROM SEATTLE, WAS A VOLUNTEER FOR AMERICAN NEO NAZI TERRORIST GROUP ALA. FOUND DEAD IN PROSPERA.” She cleared her throat. “The United States has done little to curtail its own problem of Neo Nazi radicalization, and we need to bring that up in our next meeting.”
“Excellent point, Senora.” Replied Juan, swiftly trying to change the subject as the other cabinet members were annoyed with the presence of the socialist woman. “The other order of business, is to improve our welfare system.” He said, his smile lessening, almost wavering into a frown. He brought up a slide from the EL DIA BUENO, the biggest news outlet in Prospera. The most recent article had been uploaded, displaying a man pointing at a street corner while concerned citizens tried to break him out of a trance. The article was titled “DESPERATION WAR SURVIVOR, NOW RESTAURATEUR, STUMBLES UPON THE PLACE WHERE HE ALMOST DIED AFTER BEING CAUGHT UP IN GUSTAVIST AMBUSH. GOES CATATONIC AND UNRESPONSIVE FOR 3 MINUTES.” Presidente Juan cleared his throat. “We’ve done well to clean up after the desperation war, but the scars are still here, and our job isn’t done yet.” He wiped the sweat off his face. “Our citizens were dying, now they’re just struggling.” He peered at Mrs.Q who smiled and gave a slight nod. He nodded back and brought up a large paper folder, clearing his throat. “The first order of business is to funnel more tax money into welfa-” Before he could continue, several armed HCA agents burst into the room. Several Prosperan politicians shot up from their seat in violent anger. One of the agents pointed at Juan and Mrs.q.
“You two are needed to discuss an emergency regarding the Independent league.” Said a tall HCA agent.
“This is an OUTRAGE!” yelled the vice president. “You can’t barge in here and barking orders!” Juan held up his hand.
“It’s alright,senora.” He gave another disarming smile to the intruders. “I leave you to discuss my welfare reform, this is an emergency that clearly needs our attention.” He nodded to the rest of his cabinet with a disarming smile as he and the QM ambassador were led away from the meeting. “This nonsense almost makes me wish I was back managing some backwoods town as the mayor.” He monologued bitterly. The two walked across a connecting hallway with several large laser censors littering the area. Gustavo glanced at censors with a defeated look. “Feels like they’re almost scared that I’ll flee my cage.” The HCA’s heraldry, and its eagle hung over the sentry points and were sprayed on the walls. Everywhere they looked, a constant reminder of WHO funded the fixing of their building. The HCA symbol that Juan and Mrs.Q passed appeared to have glowing red eyes, two small video cameras clicked as they followed the two’s every move. Mrs.Q rubbed her temples over the abrupt, borderline abduction.
“You were a good choice to lead this country.” Said the HCA agent in a deep voice. “You have a disarming…visage…so to speak.
“Oh…thank you!” “I’m flattered!” Answered Gustavo. “I’m very well aware people don’t treat me like a threat because I’m fat, thanks.” He thought as his fake smile almost broke. He decided to not mouth off as he was intimidated by his large, muscular, super human presence and his horned helmet.
“I know how you felt.” Said Mrs. Q. “Being jutted around like some puppet for the whims of others.”
“Hope your bosses don’t scream at you ending the meeting early, senora.” The two made their way to a decontamination chamber where the two were sprayed down with a clear fluid. He noticed the dark circles under her eyes.
“I’ve let them know multiple times that independent jurisdiction doesn’t operate on QM’s time…even though we’re probably more trustworthy allies to them. She responded as she saw the HCA guard soldiers stand motionless, their faces covered by masks. “I’m lucky that my superiors are in good spirits.” Said Mrs.Q. “After our forces captured several of Gustavo’s personal lackeys, the leader of the United Prospera Worker’s Party has agreed to be absorbed into QM, with all 500 operatives, including 375 soldiers. Juan’s eyes widened.
“Dios mio.” He whispered. She smiled.
“Catherine went to visit him and his enclave in the Golden Mountains in East Prospera.” The Decontamination room was bathed in a green light and prepared to open. “The leader, Rudolfo throw her arms around her in sheer joy, and praised her and QM for having captured the man who allowed Gustavo to terrorize neurodivergent propserans.” The two exited the room. “He didn’t even care that Gustavo would be subjected to the prison-industrial complex, his little brother was avenged and he now sees us as heroes.”
“I could imagine.” Said Juan. “I heard the entire reason he joined that communist guerrilla group was that the state failed to stop Gustavo’s secret police from rounding up autistic citizens.” The prosperan president sighed sadly. “Just about anyone would resort to violence if their family were killed by the state for being different.” Juan observed the refurbished base, filled with HCA soldiers, the walls painted with their flag just about everywhere visible. To him, it felt like he was being reminded of who foot the bill for the renovations, and to remind him that he was under their influence. Mrs.Q and Juan arrived at HCA platoon sent to fetch them.
“Other leftist groups have agreed to be absorbed after our recent and spectacular successes.” She rubbed her temples with her hands, fighting off a burgeoning headache. I’m not looking forward to my next meeting discussing more resistance from other Marxist groups who aren’t too eager to join our cause.” She sighed. “Then I have to act as mediator for the Veledovian Socialist union as rework the terms of our alliance as we prep a counter attack against the ALA in their OWN country.”
The two were escorted to an HCA aircraft that was also shaped like a bat. Its occupants were large, monstrous, and muscular like their escort. One of the monstrous soldiers with a chubby body welcomed the two with open arms, and bowed. She dismissed the agents as the two boarded.
“Don’t let them get to you.” Said the large woman. “They treat me like shit for being big, too.” Back at the independent base, the file finally loaded after several screens and clearances. Everyone but Faye gasped as they saw the image of a giant stealth bomber at a mountain base covered in ALA flags and iconography. The bomber was heavily damaged, its wing nearly stripped of its armor.
“This new bomber created by the AVN had been wreaking havoc on Coalition held territory and Independent bases.” Nathan explained. “As well as QM held territory at the borderlands. Faye nodded as he continued. “That thing got struck with HCA fighter aircraft, CNGS missiles, and QM jets and it wouldn’t fucking go down.” The VWS’s captain began to lose any sort of joviality as he continued. “We lost a a bunch of good people trying stop this thing.”
“Such a shameful and warped mentality.” Said Laleh sadly, glancing at the bomber. “WNM6 has access to so much groundbreaking science and technology, bordering on miraculous.” She looked down and shook her head. “They could’ve used their advancements to help the world, and they only want to use it to save themselves and enact violence and atrocities to people wouldn’t survive their twisted white supremacist standards.”
“How much longer do we got while it’s grounded for repairs?” asked Veronica, her hands trembling.
“If QM spies are correct, we have about two weeks, and those Nazi pricks are reinforcing the area fast.” Nathan clicked on the same mountain base, anti aircraft guns and missiles were being installed, many of them had the flag of Nazi Germany and German writing slathered on each vehicle. The Gaertner siblings were at their lowest as they read off the graffiti, from proclamations of “HEIL THE NEW FUHRER, DEATH TO TOLERANCE, and a slew of racial slurs that were at least hastily blurred out. Several Neo Prussian commanders were performing a nazi salute as their soldiers marched to a transportation helicopter, all wearing an HCA medal. "The worst news is that they've got even MORE of these superweapons in south veledovia." Fritz clenched both of his fists. "I guess that's why they were able to hold onto their occupied areas so easi-"
"That explains PRECISELY how they're able to occupy their territory with such little manpower.” "Fritz said with a heavy heart, banging his fist on the table. Faye noted Fritz's knowledge on the AVN's soldiers, and the tears in his eyes. “They know DAMN WELL what they’re doing, embracing a horrific sin from the vaterland’s past.” Veronica quietly laid her hand over his.
“It’s not YOUR sole responsibility to exterminate these freaks, it’s not your cross to bear alone.”
“You saw those medals, too, didn’t you?” Said Fritz. Veronica’s expression dimmed, knowing exactly what he was talking about. Unbeknownst to their CNGS counterparts, several Neo Prussia commanders were HCA nobility or HCA soldiers were shown in the series of images. Joseph chose not to pry into the clearly painful matter that war harming them both. Veronica stiffened, and flexed with a clenched fist.
“You gotta get it together, it’s OUR duty to cut down the followers of that fascist madman that brought ruin to the vaterland and started a devastating, tragic war.”
“You are correct, dearest sister.” Fritz answered. “I apologize for my behavior captain, please continue.”
“No problem, we’re almost done.” Nathan said as he clicked to one last photo to a mountain base bordering on Independent Germany and CNGS Poland, and right above Independent Czech Republic. “We’ll be transferred to CNGS autonomous region MOUNT UNITY were we’ll regroup with our allies and formulate a plan of attack.” He clicked a button a remote, allowing the TV to ascend back into the ceiling. “Our only saving grace is that QM’s spy network are actively sabotaging repairs, so prepare for an evacuation off base.” Nathan properly shut down the room and accompanied everyone to the RISENFLEDERMAUS. “Then we’ll prepare the raid in West Veledovia using its subway tunnels, and make a break for QM held territory to escape. Joseph attempted to speak up, the glut of European politics thrown around caused him to feel insignificant.
“Feels like I barely even knew about Prospera for all the time we were in it.” Joseph said as the gang got closer to the airfield.
“Technically, it’s no longer our problem now that Propsera’s independent and the ALA here fucked themselves over trying to keep it.” He waved down the HCA staff members of their departure as they finished refueling and cleaning the giant bat-like jet. “We were part of a counter-insurgency operation, and it’s got nothing on what we’re about to face.” The VWS-1 and Faye stood quiet for a moment. “This is flatout war.” A chill ran up everyone’s spine upon Nathan’s words. A single week later, Joseph and the other would be relocated to MOUNT UNITY. Meanwhile AVN occupied Veledovia, RM II and RM III were loading several white, American soldiers dressed in completely black camo and vests into a large military helicopter. Several CNGS-USA bureaucrats were among the POWS who were being funneled into a helicopter as other mercenaries held them at gunpoint. RM III was distracted by the rings and jewelry stolen off the soldiers and the corpses of their fallen comrades.
“Pretty sad that those VWS-1 tools aren’t here to save you.” He taunted as he observed the wedding ring he stole off the bureaucrat. “They’re probably stuck on that mountain the coalition annexed from Poland.”
“The CNGS did NOT annex that territory!” the bureaucrat snapped back. “Under Property jurisdiction A-p37, the CNGS went under the proper paperwork and procedures in order to acquire it in LEGAL manner!”
“Oh, please.” Scoffed RM III. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole “autonomous region” projects are just a stepping stone for the coalition to absorb all countries into their sphere of influence.” He tossed the captain’s ring in the air before grabbing it. “The whole “we’re not trying to created a homogenized, international empire” act is getting harder to believe.” His eyes flitted between the soldiers and the bureaucrat. “Heh…looks like you were only evacuating the AMERICAN coalition personnel when the AVN began its offensive.” RM II observed one of the men he captured.
“Not surprised an ODS operative was with you Black saber stooges.” RM II ripped the wire and microphone away away from the operatives shirt. “Usually when they conduct operations, they usually have a “field adviser” deployed with them to ensure they’re conducting the mission right and keep them on target.” The operative said nothing as he glared at the mercenary and his skull shaped helmet. Back in the day, we used to call ‘em “Moron wranglers.”
“I ain’t giving you lick of intel, you dirty traitor.” Growled the ODS operative. RM II affixed his bayonet to his carbine and jammed inches away from the operatives face.
“I assure you, I’ll wring every bit of info from you.” The operative began to sweat and recoil in fear. “Then I’ll send what’s left of you back to Washington DC to the director and the rest of your incompetent agents.” The operative was dragged off by the mercenaries when RM III got impatient.
“We’re leaving now, right?” asked the brash young man.
“Not a chance.” RM III answered. Uulastiv city is flooded with heavy arms courtesy of these clowns, and they’re ripe for the taking and reselling on the black market.”
“Hey grandpa, you’re going senile.” Said RM III. “The AVN is gonna shell that shithole to the ground soon with artillery, I don’t feel like getting reduced to a red smear on some homeless man’s shack.” RM II walked up to his young counterpart and slapped him across the face.
“You’ve got some NERVE questioning me and my intel, you little parasite.” Sneered RM II. “The AVN doesn’t give a damn about that rat’s nest, and there’s still plenty of CNGS weapons and ammunition those BLACK SABER morons left for the resistance.” RM III rubbed his face, however instead of relenting, he appeared simply tired. RM II’s face turned bright red behind his skull-like mask. “That’s what I despise about young people nowadays, you don’t know what LOYALTY or DISCIPLINE is.” He kicked over a brief case he raided from two relief workers he abducted, then pointed at the distant city. “We’re GOING to UULASTIV, god so help IF I have to ASK AGAIN, I’LL-” No sooner did RM II try to finish his sentence that artillery fire screamed across the sky and blew apart the city. RM II gazed quietly as thunderous booms and flames engulfed their would be destination. RM III had a blank, unimpressed look on his face. RM II threw RM III into the ground. “Get your ass to the helicopter.” He said, his rage now restrained. RM III threatened the rest of the POWS with his carbine bayonet. Soon, the helicopter took off as the thundering sounds grew closer as the AVN continued its violent offense. Towards the polish-veledovian border a familiar sign was jammed into the ground. “THIS AREA IS A CNGS AUTONOMOUS PROPERTY, TRESPASSING WILL BE MET WITH SWIFT AND DIRE REPERCUSSIONS.” The mountain was heavily patrolled with CNGS and independent germany personnel, and independent Germany aircraft would occasionally circle the base before returning to duty. Joseph stood in an empty, ancient WW2 era pillbox re-purposed for storing old boxes and plastic bags. He observed the last untouched part of the mountain. A small, ramshackle playground occupied the small clearing. The red, WW1 style fighter plane squeaked as the breeze caused it to vibrate. Its once vibrant, candy apple red now replaced with rust and discoloration from the elements. Laleh stood beside him, the small glints of sunlight reflecting off her new, futuristic armor.
“It’s nice to see you again!” she said cheerfully, scooping up joseph in a warm hug.
“Same to you, sorry if I don’t seemed more hyped.” Said joseph. “It’s kinda hard to be enthusiastic from all the bullshit happening.”
“I know.” Replied Laleh, letting her friend back down. “However, I’ve been allowed to divulge some Intel on my background as a means of establishing trust within the CNGS hierarchy.”
“Sounds like Andrew is throwing me a bone to shut me up.” Joseph said in a snide tone. “All the time I’ve known you, and I don’t really know WHAT you, fritz, veronica, and the other giant soldiers were until the ALA called you guys abominations.”
“You may call us Post-Humans.”
“Right, sorry, post-humans.” Said Joseph, rubbing the back of his head in an apologetic tone. “I know you can’t tell me everything, just whatever you can.”
“From what I am allowed to tell you, I, fritz, and veronica, were all created from the Coalition’s reverse engineering of the abomination soldier program.” Laleh said. “I’ve been so very happy to no longer keep you in the dark about something, even if it is this morbid.” She drummed her gloved hand as she peered further into the distance, where Fritz and Veronica were assisting in setting up a makeshift graveyard near the dilapidated playground.
“I appreciate that.” Said Joseph. “Was it true that you guys came from nazi Germany’s experiments?”
Laleh nodded sadly. “After the abomination program blueprints were transferred from west Germany to the rest of the GSU, they were left to rot in a safe until being reopened in 2010.” She peered nervously at her own PDA. “I was created from in vitro fertilization, and I nearly died from being stillborn.”
“Jesus, I had no idea.” He replied as he joined her side by side to observe the solemn funeral.
“My mother, Professor Mahdavi, was the only one who had hope that I would pull through, and adopted me as her daughter.” In the distance, she observed fritz and veronica aiding the digging of graves, alongside the man with the star of David eye patch, Herschel Wagner and their uncle Johan Fischer. “In a way, the abominations and Homo Centonibus are cut from the same cloth, we’re both Post-Humans birthed from monstrous research committed by eugenicists, but we don’t have to be reduced to weapons or fight each other.” She sighed and became listless.
“Speaking of monsters, that meeting we had yesterday was pretty intense.” Joseph said as he began to fumble with with a pen in his pocket. “That bastard N.1685 is still alive and terrorizing people…it hit me luck a damn truck.”
“I certainly felt the animosity in that room.” Laleh agreed. “Nathan’s been taking it hard, I KNOW he’s blaming himself for N.1685’s escape.” The two uncomfortably recalled being in the MOUNT UNITY strategy room, surrounded by CNGS bureaucrats and military leaders as footage of N.1685’s rampages blared on the giant telecom screen. Images Fritz and veronica’s faces overcome with despair upon seeing the twin abominations ROMULUS and REMUS carve SS bolts into the face of a CSTF pow flashed through Joseph’s mind. Nathan and Macmillian being shut down when trying to elaborate that they had simply no way N.1685 was capable of subterfuge or higher thought. “In that terrible room, it felt like the ghosts of everyone’s failures came back to haunt us.” She twiddled her thumbs as she remembered in the next 8 days, they and their allies would be raiding the mountain base to destroy the stealth bomber. “So much is being dumped on us, and it feels like everyone’s drowning.”
“Now we have to help fight a war, and we don’t know a DAMN thing about how IF they’re even helping civilians evacuate.” His scars pulsated. “I wish there was something I could do outside of fighting the enemy.” Said joseph in a frustrated tone. “I don’t regret killing those nazi pricks, but what about the people they’ve hurt?” his fist clenched in anger as Laleh observed sadly until she had an idea.
“I am aiding several abomination POWS, and I may need help with carrying and applying bandages.” Joseph calmed himself as he heard those words.
“Wouldn’t someone get pissed that someone who’s not a doctor is wrist deep in someone’s wound?”
“As long as you are not diagnosing or applying without supervision of a medical professional,” Said Laleh, trying to be more positive, “you’ll be able to assist with at least some of their problems!” Joseph smiled. “It’ll be wonderful to do something together again, I’ve been so busy with everything going on!”
“Only if it’s okay with you.” Joseph answered as the two made their way out of the door. Laleh peered down at her pda a she received a message. “THE FLOCK OF QUEENS NEEDS ATTENDING AFTER YOUR CURRENT ASSIGNMENT.” As Laleh led Joseph to help provide medical aid, Fritz and veronica were gently lowering hastily built wooden coffins into shallow graves. Herschel dug into the earth , assisting in the final grave, and wiped the sweat from his brow.
“Herr Wagner, you didn’t need to come all the way out there to perform manual labor!” Veronica said, her cheery disposition concerning the POWS who were well enough to attend the ramshackle funeral.
“Nonsense, bubbeleh”. He continued. “You two have been busting your keisters gaining the prestige to turn the HCA around!” He carefully climbed out of the grave. “It’s the least we can do to help you out.” Samson quietly placed the decorated coffin of the priest into the hole. The POWS well enough to attend surrounded the coffin to lay flowers and kind hearted notes. He aided one POW, a short, thin 61 year old man with a single arm hobble to the grave. His six eyes and insect like mandibles quivered in sadness as he laid a beautiful purple iris flower on the priest’s coffin. He wiped tears from his eyes as another POW woman, a large abomination like laleh, assisted him back to his seat. Samson took a moment to absorb the somber sight. An HCA priest read out a eulogy as an HCA imam said a prayer for the dead as he visited each freshly filled grave. He saw one of his fellow missionaries, a devout baptist, wept as he was he consoled by an HCA rabbi. Despite not being indicative on his own Christian values, he wouldn’t be ungrateful towards Veronica and Fritz’s aid.
“I thank you for your assistance.” Said Samson as his tentacles grabbed another coffin.
“Think nothing of it.” Said Fritz. “Those with the courage to open their heart to god will not have their plead for aid go unanswered.” Their uncle took a long, hard look at the two rusted spring rides.
“It’s hard to believe I was sitting on that bench watching you two play.” Said Johann. “Now here you two are, sacrificing the last bit of property you had here to give the dead their peace.
“We had to fight like hell to even suggest burying these poor souls.” Veronica said. “Those old farts fight us at every turn, even wanting the stupid flag changed to no longer carry the German empire’s flag has been an uphill battle.” She flailed her arms in the air. “The HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE’S BATTLE STANDARD IS RIGHT HERE!” “WE’RE NOT DISRESPECTING HISTORY, WE CAN RESPECT OUR ANCESTORS WITHOUT WAVING AROUND AN IMAGE WITH A SHITTON OF BAGGAGE ATTACHED TO IT!”
“I also assure you.” Said fritz to Samson. “When we aid in returning mount unity to polish control once more, the bodies of your comrades shall remain here as within a memorial to the victims of the ALA.”
“I have not seen this sort of collaboration with three separate faiths.” Noted Samson.
“You’d be surprised at how similar the three Abrahamic faiths can be.” He wiped his brow as the HCA personnel guard arrived. It was comprised of men from man different countries and ethnicities. “Our country may not push the same unity as the coalition.” Proclaimed fritz “however, a kingdom is nothing without its citizens, and we respect other’s differences.” Samson gently laid the priest’s body into the hole.
“The nightmare I and my people have faced have tried heavily on my faith, I must confess.” The muscular tentacles slowly unraveled themselves from the coffin, which was decorated in the flowers and written notes by the escaped abomination pows. “The neo nazi who all sentenced us to be experimented on and left to fend for ourselves in that ramshackle POWS camp was a Christian and constantly accompanied by a personal priest.” All three of the large, monstrous people covered the grave with freshly dug soil.
“You should all return to your barracks, you all are still in dire need of rest and medical attention.” Said Fritz as the priest gave final last rites to the graves.” “The HCA shall handle the rest.” Samson nodded as he met with the rest of the rescues.
“Let us retire, my flock.” He said in a stalwart tone. “It has been a taxing and arduous day for everyone present, and we must say a prayer for our brothers and sisters who are still in dire condition.” The abominations were escorted by HCA personnel as Johann hobbled to his nephew and niece.
“Your mother was the tie breaker to have these poor souls laid to rest at your territory, and your father had paid for the necessary fines and fees for construction and burial.” He smiled as he put his hand on fritz’s shoulder. “Though they may be preoccupied with their own lives and that backward court, they still watch over you and aid you when they can.”
“They could still do more, though.” Piped on veronica.
“Ooh, all that time in the presence those coalition operatives and that Marxist woman are having a bad effect on your faith in our cause!” He answered in a graver tone. “The bible says HONOR thy mother and father!”
“Uncle, I would literally die for mother and father.” She said in a deadpan inflection. “I’m just saying I hope they plan to do more for our new political party in the future outside of joining it and playing paper-pusher.”
“I promise that we will triumph in destroying that monstrous bomber and strike against the Neo Prussian monsters.” Fritz asserted. “No matter how painful it is to see German citizens embrace a horrid time of our long and rich history, the HCA shall persevere against them! Faye, who was silently fixing the system’s security, noticed the group talking. She despised any and all monarchists, but fritz and veronica’s attempt to make their organization less terrible struck a chord. Fritz’s ear twitched and spun around to meet her gaze. “FAYE!” he yelled out to her. “We’re leaving and going to have a nice dinner, you’re cordially invited!” Faye looked back to the building she left, and back to Fritz. She checked her pda, noting that her schedule was clear for the rest of the day, and her comrades not responding her for any social outings within QM’s population centers. She felt a twinge of sadness, but when her eyes met fritz, she felt less upset.
“Sure!” she gleefully said. “Beats locking myself in my barracks all day like some loser and not talking to anyone!” Fritz and the rest of the HCA became shocked or concerned.
“Oh dear, are you alright?” asked Fritz sincerely, walking up to her and rubbing her hand.” “No one should ever feel alone or rejected, we’re all here for you, I promise.” Faye began to blush, unsure whether to gently rib fritz for his inability to pick up on her sardonic tone, or happy that she was receiving positive physical attention.
“Relax dude, I’m fine.” She assured him, gingerly slipping her hand from his. They all made their way to a specialized dining area, Faye walking next to Fritz the entire time, striking up a conversation on the French revolution.
“Think of it as initiation, as our 6th team member!” Veronica said cheerily smacking her on the back.
Over the coming days, the VWS-1 and Faye would be subject to an intense bootcamp as well as being informed the of the strategy regarding the destruction of the stealth bomber. Before the operation, the VWS-1 would go on a short recon mission near their entry point. Joseph observed the cloudy, and ominous skies of Southern Veledovia. As he held his carbine, he gently brushed the tall, native grasses as the were windswept by pre-rain breezes. He observed that even VWSSOC was called into accompany him and the rest of his comrades. As AKROPOLIS swept the area with her manned drones, Logan was perched atop her shoulder, sweeping the area with his own carbine. His lover was in similar armor and combat vestments comparable to the ones he was forced into at the time of his rescue, the exception this time is that they bore the same colors and camo pattern his his VWS-1. AKROPOLIS, HECATE, and even Faye were all put into armor that mimicked Laleh’s.
“Bit too quiet out here.” Joseph said inside his now modified helmet, the louder howls being filtered out.
“Enjoy it while it lasts.” Said Nathan in his own new helmet, “When we enter the old Davodich subway tunnels, the fighting will be loud enough to wake the dead.” He clicked the side of his helmet. “This is Nathan, nothing out of the ordinary here.” He observed veronica picking up a rabbit carcass and dangling it from its foot, prodding it and letting it swing before tossing it aside. “Yep, business as usual.” He reiterated. Fritz bounded back near his comrades, once again slowing his top 75 mph speed to avoid collisions or slides.
“I have some grave information to report, kaptain.”
“There is just…so much blood.”
“Joseph, Logan, take point and follow fritz.” Faye bounded to meet them, looking back at Nathan. He nodded, prompting her to continue.
The two psychics followed their friend to a grisly sight. A CNGS convoy had been ambushed and its soldiers were slain. Their limbs were strewn across the pine trees, hung upside down from its branches with chains, or impaled on rotting, aged fence posts. The Nazi German swastika was carved into the faces of the corpses, and spray painted on the destroyed tanks and armored vehicles. The one anomaly of the entire nightmarish spectacle was a single letter pinned to the corpse of one of the soldiers.
“I don’t sense any traps or danger, but nothing about this seems right.” Declared joseph. ARKOPOLIS took point and took out a small demolition robot, and carefully drove it to the body lying flat on its face. Veronica immediately spun around behind her and began sweeping the area in a panic.
“I KNOW YOU SKULL FACED BASTARDS ARE OUT THERE!” she shouted. “YOU WON’T GET THE DROP ON US AGAIN!” The small robot cut open the letter as Veronica lowered her machine gun.
“They’re not here…yet.” Said Joseph as he gave his approval to AKROPOLIS that the letter was safe. AKROPOLIS was bewildered that the letter was written entirely in 03, but handwritten and in cursive. The scarred young man noticed its flowery calligraphy despite the grisly site it was taken from. Fritz approached the letter.
“It says “I assure you, on my paladin’s honor, that none of these weaklings corpses have been trapped and my note is not an IED or coated in some contagion.” Fritz said. He fought the urge to vomit as whoever wrote the letter was an HCA defector, and most likely took the same calligraphy class as he did. "I admit to full responsibility to wiping out this cadre of soldiers who died in the name of the Cowards for global insecurity. I also admit to ordering my own cadre of Poltergeist Commandos to ignore any plea for mercy or surrender when the battle turned to our favor." Joseph and Logan took cover behind the destroyed, burned out shells of the Armored Personnel Carriers, still trying to determine if any danger or belligerents were present. “Should any HCA loyalists find this letter, your attempts at pluralism and tolerance within that putrid court are futile." Veronica seemed to waiver, her grip on her machine gun weakening. “You reformists might as well be communists, for all the vitriol and venom you throw at them.” Faye could sense Fritz becoming more and more emotionally compromised as the went on. “To get to the point, the monster that wrote this letter essentially praised Schmidt for masterminding the bombing of Berlin and praises Adolf Hitler, and signed his name as “WHITE PALADIN.” Veronica walked up to him, noting one last thing.
“These freaks even have a little motto, “EMBRACE THE VATERLAND’S CONQUERER PAST.” Veronica hissed. Charlotte crouched down at the other writing and graffiti the other EUROPA’s fury members left.
“This shall not dissuade me from my path.” Announced Fritz. “We shall TRIUMPH over these fascists, and we SHALL steer the HCA court to a better, brighter Germany.” Faye tilted her head as begin to have newfound respect for the two siblings. Fritz’s hands trembled so badly he almost dropped the letter. The medical specialist of VWSSOC, EQUINOX reported to his superior, Sgt Nguyen.
“Sergeant, I’m identifying Ukrainian, Russian, French, Danish, Hungarian, and several other eastern European languages.” She stood up straight from investigating an ALA soldier that appeared to be some sort of android. “Intel was correct, and it looks like WNM6 truly is going to flood the Veledovias with EUROPA’s fury soldiers.”
“Recover the bodies, and burn any files they had on them.” Sgt Nguyen said.
“How tragic.” Said Laleh. “This recon assignment has been reduced to a recovery mission.”
“No kidding.” Said Joseph, accepting the grim horrors that would await them. “This war is going to a bigger nightmare than anyone expects.” The two VWS squadrons begin to clean up and destroy documents. AKROPOLIS tried to put on a brave face despite the atrocity.
“You guys have nothing to worry about!” she said, flexing her enormous biceps. “Those fascist fools are up against the best damn special forces team in the world!” Veronica gave a vigorous, if not somewhat half-hearted nod. After packing up what could be salvaged, the VWS loaded the bodies into several VTOL mini Harris aircraft. In the distance, Joseph saw destroyed buildings and a giant grain silo with the ALA’s swastika painted on it. He could sense a presence approaching him.
“An old, Jewish Veledovian neighborhood was recently destroyed by the AVN. Joseph turned to meet EQUINOX. “I can’t imagine the devastation that poor people must feel. The two stood side by side, observing the desolate landscape. “In 1939, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied that neighborhood, and 100 years later, their estranged children destroyed it.” The wind itself seemed to howl in anguish. “No matter who wins in this war,” said EQUINOX as Joseph absorbed the desolate sight. “It’s the civilians, the ones who never asked for this, who will suffer the most.” The two stood side by side with each other. “And this war is only a microcosm of a global conflict with WNM6, so many have suffered and will continue to suffer as long as they exist.” The wind picked up, causing the fields of native grasses to dip and weave from the gust. The sun peeked out momentarily from the large, dark clouds only to be hidden once more. Despite its brief appearance, there was sliver of respite that both men appreciated.
“You know a lot more than I do about them.” Said Joseph. “How the hell do you not…go crazy after the terrible shit they’ve done?”
“I focus on who and what I can save.” Answered EQUINOX. “It’s all anyone can do…and it’s something I can help you with.” Joseph stood frozen for a minute. “We are in always in short supply of medics and emergency medical technicians, and while the CNGS would never remove us from combat, I could set you on a path that can aid victims.”
“Good point.” Joseph replied. “Maybe I can do something besides killing these monsters.” The two reunited with their respective teams and VTOL aircraft. Nathan and veronica tried to brush off the horror to return to their boastful selves, however, the actions and words seemed hollow. ARKOPOLIS tried once again to be boastful in the face of the atrocities, prompting Charlotte to snap at her, to take the coming war seriously. She grew sad as Logan seemed to stare out the window, gripping a small coin written in Afrikaner dutch. He refused to take his eyes off it, gripping it tightly. Laleh continually checked her PDA as Joseph talked with EQUINOX. The words “THE QUEENS SHOULD BE READY FOR DEPLOYMENT SOON” were delivered to her in a coded message. Faye and Fritz simply sat together in silence. Within one weeks’ time, they would head for QM held territory to infiltrate West Veledovia’s subway tunnels. Sgt.Nguyen had a back and forth with several CNGS special forces commanders over even more dire news.
“Everyone.” Said the cyborg woman calmly. “Several AVN battalions had made advances into East Veledovia, and there’s a battalion marching its way in the direct path the stealth bomber, we MUST start the raid early.
TO BE CONTINUED IN MISSION 9
