When Worlds Collide(Man in the High Castle/Earth Crossover)

Chapter 1

Quickdraw101

Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
This Earth takes place with a POD of the early 19th century, with a number of events either not occurring, or occurring completely differently. The background will be spoiled because it is a wall of text.
A few major ones to point out, the United States annexed most of Canada in the War of 1812, purchasing much more down the line. With Napoleon refraining from a Russian campaign, most of Britain's resources are tied up in Europe, leading to a peace deal finalized with the United States. Most of what we came to know of as Ontario was ceded to the United States, while Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Quebec, and the coastal regions of Ontario and Manitoba, remained firmly in British hands. There was debate to keep southern Quebec, but the mostly protestant United States didn't want a territory of mostly Catholic and French speaking Canadians. Future deals over the 19th century had the United States purchase what would be known as southern Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The northern sections of said territories would remain firmly in British hands. This was to ensure that travel across British Canada didn't require travelling over American territory. American refusal to accept this results in a number of skirmishes in the 1830's and 1840's that ended in American defeat. It's because of these defeats that the United States focused westward, eventually entering a war with Mexico, claiming even more territory in what many Americans called, Manifest Destiny.

With a more liberal United States, the American Civil War starts in 1859, due in part to the admission of Kansas as a free state, and the support for John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry Virginia, which ended in failure, and Brown being executed by the state of Virginia. South Carolina was the first to secede from the Union, followed by South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. After multiple defeats by the Confederate States of America in late 1859 and early 1860, the nation sought new leadership. This was met in the 1860 with Abraham Lincoln, who sought to not only hold the Union together, but to bring an end to the institution of slavery. This resulted in the states of Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Arkansas, seceding as well. With the battle of Gettysburg in 1862, and the surrender of general Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in 1863, the United States surpassed its greatest challenge thus far. With president Lincoln narrowly avoiding assassination by a group of southern sympathizers, reconstruction wasn't hampered by Andrew Johnson taking the White House, resulting in Lincoln holding office until 1868, followed by former US army general Ulysses S. Grant, who would go on to serve two terms, and ensure the rights of African Americans during reconstruction. It was thanks in part to his presidency, that federal soldiers were deployed to guard polling stations in the south until 1880, as well as take action against the Ku Klux Klan, which was established by former confederate generals after the civil war. However the Klan would once again emerge in the late 1890's, supported by segregation laws in much of the south. It wouldn't be until the 1960's that the Federal government managed to bring an end to these laws, as well as begin infiltrating, and crippling the Klan.

It wasn't until 1898, with the destruction of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor that America found itself in another armed conflict. However the United States was led by Grover Cleveland, who was on his third and final term in office. Due to this, Hawaii remained an independent nation, although Pearl Harbor America's second largest naval base in the Pacific, is still leased to this day from the Hawaiian government. Cuba and the Philippines were given their independence shortly after the war, and only Puerto Rico was kept as a US territory, and later admitted as a state in the 20th century with Alaska. However the United States had negotiated with the Cuban and Filipino governments, offering training, and equipment to the newly formed nations, in exchange for naval basing rights in Guantanamo Bay, and Subic Bay respectively.

With a warming of Anglo-American relations in the early 20th century, alongside strong Franco-American ties, the United States entered World War 1 in 1917 with the renewal of the German U-Boat campaign, as well as the Zimmerman telegram. Up until the end of World War 2, history remains mostly the same, not including the various interventions in Latin America. One of the few changes is during the Japanese blitzkrieg across the Pacific, in which naval elements from the Republic of China and the Philippines escape destruction and capture by the Japanese, fleeing to Australia, and later Pearl Harbor. Those same assets were present in every major Pacific battle, from Doolittle, to Midway, and finally the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Harbor. However with rise of communism across Europe, the United States took a more proactive approach under president Truman, starting with massive humanitarian and engineering assistance to post war China. This was done to help the Chinese population regain faith in the KMT government, and discredit the communists. Alongside giving full support to Ho Chi Mihn for an independent Vietnam, the United States secures a bulwark of powerful allies in Asia in a stand against communism.

Despite extremely damaging relations with France, the Indochina wars are ultimately avoided, saving millions of lives that would have otherwise would have been lost. Chinese communist forces are defeated and ultimately forced into Mongolia and North Korea. When the Korean war rolls around, despite the best efforts by the USSR, United Nations forces, under the control of general Matthew Ridgeway, united the peninsula by December of 1950. In Europe, most of everything remains the same until the cold war goes hot in the late 80s, which results in a number of tactical nukes being used across Germany and Poland. The war ends in less than half a year, but once again leaves much of Europe devastated. Nuclear Armageddon was narrowly avoided by the Red Army being stopped just before they reached the French border by American nuclear bombers, and subsequent reinforcements from the US Army and Marine Corps. In Latin America, the United States strengthens ties with their neighbors, sinking money and resources into ensuring communism doesn't take a foothold. However, the 1954 Guatemala coup still occurred, as well as overthrowing Rafael Trujillo of the Dominican Republic, and the 1973 Chilean coup.

In the Middle East, the United States sought only to keep the status quo in the region, and stop the spread of communism. This did mean that Britain and France had an increase in operations within the region, including the backing of the House of Saud at the end of World War 2. The United States was reluctant at first to involve itself in the 1953 Iranian coup, but not wanting to further sour relations with its European allies, which were already strained due to America's anti colonialism rhetoric, took part. Long story short for the region, Afghanistan is never invaded by the Soviet Union, Osama Bin Laden dies and never rises to prominence, Iran eventually overthrows the Shah, relations sour until the 2000's, Iran and Iraq eventually go to war, Islamic terrorism never becomes as widespread as it did in our timeline, but is still present. UN operations in Somalia are far more successful, and the Rwandan genocide never occurs.

Cañon City, Colorado, United States of America
October 1st, 2025
0800 Hours


It was supposed to be just another normal day in Cañon City, Colorado. Children were starting school, stores and shops across the small city were getting ready to open their doors, and like many others in the city, officer Mathew Hernandez was getting ready to start his work day. After dropping his daughter, Olivia, off at school, he'd begin his shift. After adjusting his belt and grabbing his daughter's lunch box, he waited patiently by the front door for lady of the house to see them off.

"See you after school, sweetie!" his wife, Isabella said as she scooped the girl up in her arms, squeezing her tightly and kissing her forehead. "Love you!"

"Love you too mommy!" she replied as she started skipping out the door and to her father's patrol car parked in the driveway.

"And I'll see you later, handsome!" after giving her husband a kiss goodbye, she too was out the door to her job. With everything out of the way, he patted the family cat as he rubbed up against his leg, grabbed his own lunch, and got out the door. Like always, his daughter was cheerfully jumping around his squad car, anxiously waiting to get inside. Getting inside the car, he buckled his seat belt before starting the car, and making his to the school. Despite being in 6th grade, Olivia was still very much a daddy's girl, something that Mathew didn't want to change any time soon. He was content with his little girl staying sweet and innocent.

"So Liv, have you figured out what you want to wear to the costume contest at school yet? We've only got a few weeks left." he reminded her as they drove past the local Catholic Church, Father O'Brian waving as they went. He looked over at his daughter, still staring out the window as if she didn't hear him. "Olivia, did you hear me?"

"I wanna be a Jedi!" she replied quickly.

"I should've guessed that one. You take definitely take after my side of the family for that." Mathew said grinning. "You know who you want to be or do you just want to be your own?" he asked.

"I dunno. Some of my friends are dressing up as comic heroes and want me to join them. They told me they just need a Wonder Woman. But I don't want to be Wonder Woman. I just don't want my friends to be mad at me." she explained. Mat pursed his lips he thought of how to respond.

"Well they are your friends right? If they get made at a choice you make, especially one this simple, then they aren't your friends." Olivia just looked at her father as he continued to speak. "You do what makes you happy, don't go out of your way to please others. That make sense?"

"I think so. I'll tell them I made up my mind."

"Good, I'll let your mother know when we get home and we'll start looking for a costume. I also have an old toy lightsaber in my closet from when I was younger. When we pick out what you want, I'll go dig it out for you, sound good?"

"Thank you, daddy!" she replied immediately.

"Good to hear. Now since we're almost at the school, open up the glove compartment. I got something inside for you." he told her as a small grin grew on his face. That smile only grew bigger as the contents were pulled out and revealed, making Olivia squeal in joy. A king sized snickers bar firmly gripped in her hands.

"Don't tell your mother about this, ok? She's pretty adamant about lowering your junk food diet with Halloween coming up, so don't let her know about this." he told her as they approached the front of the school. "You have a good day at school sweetheart, I'll see you when I get off work." he gave her a kiss on her forehead and she jumped out the passenger seat of his cruiser.

"Love you dad!"

"Love you too! Stay out of trouble." he reminded her. Now it was time to start the day the same way he'd done countless times before. "28 to Dispatch!" he spoke into the radio."

"28" came the reply from dispatch.

"28, 10-41, 10-8."

"10-4. Possible 10-15 reported at Cañon City High School, can you respond?" dispatch informed

"10-4 Dispatch, I'm on the way." not even a minute into his shift and he's responding to a fight at the high school. 'This is the third time this week this week a kid has been dragged out in cuffs.' he thought to himself as he turned right onto Main Street and made his way towards the high school. "What the hell is going on with these kids lately?

"All units we have a 10-32 at Cañon City High School, all cars please respond." his eyes widened as the dispatcher's voice came over the radio with the announcement. This was any officer's worst fear materializing right now. Matters were made worse as more frantic calls came over the radio from the school resource officers.

"Multiple armed individuals approaching the school from from Rudd Park, requesting bac-fuck!" gunshots rang out over the radio as Hernandez floored the accelerator and gunned it down the road for the high school. "This is car 28, I'm on the way!" he radioed in as his hands were white knuckled on the steering wheel. As he approached the intersection, two more cars screamed past, heading directly for the school.

"Car 17, I'm 10-76!"

"Car 25, I'm just down the road"

"Cañon cars 14 and 16 will arrive on scene in 30 seconds!

"We've got three shooters, repeat, three shooters in the parking lot!"


Turning the corner at high speed, the school was now visible as he drove past Rudd Park, which seemed unusually dark for some reason, driving full speed towards the school. Three cars were already parked right outside the bus circle, as well as on the grass next to it. As he pulled in to block the exit, two more cruisers arrived and blocked the entrance, with the officers practically jumping from their cars. As he exited his car and went for his AR-15 in the trunk, he realized the situation was both worse and better than he had thought. In the parking lot next to the bus circle, stood 3 armed men, two of which were carrying sidearms, while the other held a shotgun. At their feet was a screaming woman, who one of them was in the process of binding before the police arrived.

"Unit 28 to dispatch, 10-52 at the high school, multiple gun shot victims, request-" his words were cut off as the assailants opened fire in his direction. The rounds cratering his windshield and smashing his driver side window. The officers responded with a hail of their own gunfire, wounding one of the men, forcing the other two to run behind nearby vehicles. "MICHAEL!" he yelled at the occupants of car 19 that was parked adjacent to his own. The man taking cover behind the driver side door looked over, acknowledging him.

"One hell of a start to our day!" Michael White quickly said as he racked back his shotgun and fired at man holding the shotgun, forcing him to duck back down. "If you can go around to Jackson's car, me and Alex will keep the bastards occupied." he yelled as shotgun pellets impacted the door he was behind. This time it was Hernandez that responded with three rounds from his rifle, silencing the gunfire, and leaving one last gunmen.

"Why me?" screamed Hernandez as he watched the gunman's lifeless body collapse.

"Because your the only one here with a rifle right now! If you can get over to James' car, you might have an angle on the bastard!"

"It also puts me in the shooters line of sight!"

"We'll keep him pinned down long enough for to get in position. Be ready to go on the count of three."

"Fuck my life!" he whispered to himself as he steeled himself for what he was about to do. "Start the clock."

"Alright, three, two, ONE!" on cue, Hernandez leapt from behind his car and sprinted towards the car parked ahead. Jackson was the first officer to arrive on scene and first to trade shots with the gunmen. As he got closer to the car, he noticed Jackson was on his side, clutching his right arm. He was doing his best to apply pressure, but he was still bleeding heavily.

"Shit, where'd you get hit?" Hernandez asked his fellow officer is a worried tone.

"Don't you worry about me, just get those motherfuckers." he said grinding his teeth. "After what they did, they need to pay!" as he looked out at the sidewalk, he could make out the bodies of not only the school resource officer, but of four of the students as well. They were all moving, but barely. In that moment, the only thing that drove him was anger. Anger that this had happened so close to home. That these children were the targets of some petty psychopaths. Some of his own fellow officers even had children that attended the school. All he could think about was what if it was his daughter lying on the ground.

"Stay here brother, I'll get this son of a bitch." the hesitation in his mind was gone and he was ready to end this. Checking his vest once more, he shouldered his rifle, and began sidestepping as he got closer and closer to the final gunmen. His fellow officers had done a good job of making sure the man was unable to move. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed another officer approaching from the north, his view blocked by the cars in the parking lot. However, the gunmen still had his buddy, who was bleeding out on the ground, as an extra set of eyes.

"Holt, look out!" the man weakly warned just as Hernandez turned the corner with his rifle aimed directly at the man.
To say they were confused was putting it mildly. They were on the outskirts of Canon City, chasing a runaway who had escaped from the Moulton Concentration Camp, when their vision was overtaken by a bright light. When it was all clear, they saw the girl they were after running across a street over to what looked like a school building. They made quick time and eventually tackled her to the ground in the parking lot. But that's when they realized something was very wrong about the world they were in. The first was that there shouldn't have even been a school here in the first place. Even worse is that when they looked at the students, who had now taken notice of their work, many were not white. None of the cars they saw looked anything like back in the Reich. But the biggest was when they stared upon the flagpole present at the school. Flying proudly was the stars and stripes, only with 60 stars instead of 48.

"What kinda fucked up world is this, Holt?"

"A world where whites and niggers go to school together? Sounds like a Jews paradise is what." he spat as he looked over at the students, who were being quickly rushed inside by the teachers. "Hurry up with that bitch Griggs, looks like we may have trouble." he ordered as he saw what looked to be a police officer approaching them. Racking his shotgun, he took a step forward, hoping to deter the man. However the officer drew his sidearm and fired at them, forcing them to fire back.

"Fuck, get to goddamn cover!" Earle shouted as Holt raised the shotgun at the officer and fired. His shot landed, but it only wounded the officer, sending him down next to school bus.

"How about we show these niggers and race traitors their place before leaving? We can always come back another time." Griggs suggested.

"I like that idea. First I say we start these kids." Holt laughed as he fired on the crowd of still retreating students. However as he began to reload his revolver, another officer opened fire from another section of the parking lot, forcing them to take cover behind a rather large truck. Then they heard sirens blaring from all directions. The runaway had once more tried to flee, but Griggs had forced her down once more and began to bind her hands behind her back. As Holt and Earle traded shots, Griggs couldn't help but notice the sirens got closer and closer. Finally, he heard the screech of car tires and saw a police car pull up a few dozen meters away.

"A negro cop?" Earle said confused before ducking for cover against the incoming fire. "Just where the hell are we?"

"Wherever we are, there will be hell to pay for these heathens once New York hears about this." Holt replied firing his shotgun at the newly arrived officer, sending his back behind the car. "We need to leave right now! Just throw that bitch over your shoulder and lets get the fuck out of here!" he ordered. However, it was far too late. One of the newly arrived police officers put a bullet directly in Griggs' leg, forcing him down. Holt and Earle raced for cover, leaving their partner, as well as their bounty, laying on the pavement.

"This is bullshit!" Earle shouted in frustration. "Where they hell did these people even get guns? Only the police in Denver had any, and they weren't this good!"

"I don't fucking know, but I'm not letting these bastards take me down!" he replied definitely as he got back up and fired his shotgun twice at the nearby police car. But as soon as he did, three rounds tore through his chest, leaving Earle as the last man standing.

"Fuck!" Holt said terrified as he realized he was now the last one capable of fighting back. Griggs took a bullet to his right knee and was desperately trying to crawl closer to the vehicle he was behind, which was being riddled from gunfire from all directions. He took one final look over to Griggs, who was pointing past him to his left.

"Holt, look out!" he warned. But it was too late. As he turned to face what was there, his world went black.
"Die you filthy ni-" the man attempted to raise his sidearm, but was cut down as five rifle rounds tore through his chest, sending him down to the pavement. Kicking the gun away with his feet, Hernandez radioed in the all clear for his fellow officers.

"All shooters down, I say again, all shooters are down." he looked at the surviving gunman, keeping his rifle trained on him even as other officers rushed over and threw him into handcuffs. The man, who was relatively dirty, had long black hair, and thick beard that connected with his mustache. He glared daggers at the officers as they patted him down and emptied every object from his pockets. For the officers searching him however, they were confused beyond belief.

"Secure the suspect!" one officer shouted.

"Check his pockets, we don't need any more surprises!" another ordered.

"What the fuck is this shit?" Officer Jones said stunned as he checked the man's wallet and pulled out the currency inside. He waved one of the bills around for his fellow officers to see, only for them to stare back in disbelief. Alongside a picture of Adolf Hitler, and two eagles with a swastika beneath them, the following was written across the bill;

REICHS Banknote

5 Reichmark


"This has got to be some sick joke?" Hernandez chuckled morbidly. However the looks of the officers that were sorting the rest of his belongings were far from amused. In fact, officer Davis, who was holding some small notebook in is hand, turned pale white as he flipped through the pages. Sergeant Anderson, who had just arrived on scene, took notice and grabbed the book from Davis, who immediately turned away and threw up once the book was taken.

"Where in the fuck did you come from, you sick son of a bitch?" looking down from the notebook, he gave the man a look that was a mixture of pure hatred, disgust, and contempt. "Drag his sorry ass out of my sight. Rest of you, follow me back to the cars. Paramedics aren't that far out and we need a complete perimeter around the school." As more units began to arrive and paramedics arrived on scene, most of them still had a hard time trying to process what had just transpired. Two of their own were wounded, one critically, along with four students. This was ignoring the unknown teenage girl who was the intended victim, the two dead gunmen, and the one survivor.

"Anyway, take a look at this bullshit. Tell me if I'm hallucinating and need a drug test." he morbidly joked as he handed the book off to his left.

"This can't be real, is it?" Officer Garcia questioned as she stared in disbelief at what was written inside of it. There was a list of names on each page, each individual had a picture, height, weight, eye color, race, gender, and religious section on them. But that's not what stuck out the most. Under each picture, it gave the location of the concentration camp said individual had escaped from. It made sense for Davis acted the way he did, he had family who survived the holocaust. Seeing something like this was too much for him.

"I don't believe this." Hernandez said at a loss for words. "I just don't get what the fuck this is. This says she escaped a concentration camp in Moulton, Alabama. I know Alabama is pretty fucking bad, but there aren't concentration camps there."

"Nor does anyone use money with Adolf Hitler's face on it." Anderson replied as he flipped back to the page that had a sticky note sticking up. "That girl they tried to kidnap, all the information about her is on this page. Her name is Adrian Piper, born 1948, age 14, born one year after Victory over America, escaped from the Moulton Concentration camp in 1950 with her mother. Last known location was Canon City, in the Rocky Mountain Buffer Zone." as he finished, the look of pure disgust and confusion was written on the faces of his fellow officers.

"You guys aren't going to believe what that girls been saying." Michael said as he ran up to the group.

"Let me guess, she told you she's running from Nazis who want to bring her back to a concentration camp?" Anderson replied, already knowing the answer. Michael looked a bit confused at first as he saw the faces of his fellow officers.

"Uh, yeah." he said scratching his head. "That's exactly what she said. How the hell did you know that?" Anderson simply raised the book in his hand for Michael to see.

"We took this book off the surviving gunman. Has a whole list of names in it, many of which have X's marked across them. That girl is listed here as well."

"Well I'm not sure what fucked up kidnapping case this is, but that girl has a number tattoo on her right arm and is crying her eyes out with my partner over there. He's trying to calm her down for the paramedics, but the shit she's saying just ain't making any sense."

"None of this is making any sense. Any idea where the hell they even came from in the first place?" he asked befuddled at the situation.

"Sergeant, you may want to come see Rudd Park." a voice crackled over his radio.

"What is it, officer Taylor?" he replied.

"I honestly can't say what this is. But you may want to call the National Guard or the FBI, because this is out of our pay grade." Taylor told him.

"After today, I doubt anything will surprise me at this point. Hernandez, White, with me, rest of you stay here." as they walked south towards Rudd park, they couldn't help but notice it was far darker than the trees should normally allow. The area where they saw officer Taylor flagging them down in was supposed to be a clearing. But all they could see was a dark mass in its place. "Just what the hell are you going on about?" Anderson asked confused as he stared at Taylor.

"That, Sergeant." he said pointing at the inside of the park. Where the expected to see a clearing that would normally host parties, was instead a large black mass. None of them could quite describe what they were looking at. It was as though they were looking inside a vortex. They couldn't make out something on the inside, but none of them knew what.

"Any of you have any idea what that thing is?" he asked to no one in particular.

"No idea Sergeant."

"How the hell did this even get here?" once again, no one had any answers to give. They were all at a loss for words.

"It kinda looks like a wormhole." Hernandez remarked.

"I swear I read something online that was very similar to this. Where a rift to another world opens and out comes an army."

"White, that makes no fucking sense."

"Well given everything that just happened, including a girl screaming about not wanting to go back to the Reich, and these three gunmen with everything we found on them, I can't exactly think of anything else." Michael argued back. Anderson simply sighed and rubbed his temples as he tried assessing the situation.

"Have all new arriving units post up around here. If anyone else comes through, be ready to put them down. I'm gonna get ahold of dispatch and give them a run down. See if I can convince the Chief to contact the FBI field office in Denver, as well as convince the governor to contact the Guard. Something tells me we're in for a long couple of days." he said while patting Hernandez and Michael on the shoulder before walking over to his cruiser.

"If that's what I think it is, and half of what that girl said is true," he paused, shuddering at the thought of what resides on the other side. "Dear lord, that's not a good thought. And if these assholes managed to stumble through, who's to say an army won't be next."

"That's not something I want to think about, Michael. If the axis in their world learn about this, the last thing any of us want to see are German and Japanese trying to add our world to their possessions."

"Let's just hope the governor doesn't drag ass in mobilizing the Guard. Although its gonna be hell on this town once all of Fort Carson races down here and fortifies this area to hell and back."

"Well if we're right about what's on the other side, I doubt we'll just sit here and wait forever. The whole country will want us to figure out what the other side looks like, and to take the fight to them."

"I guess we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I think we should see if we can't get our families out of town, just in case." Michael suggested.

"Yeah, that's probably not a bad idea. School's gonna be shut down for a while anyway, so might as well send the family to my parents in Texas."

"Damn shame it happened around this time, I was gonna fill every kid's bag on Halloween night.

"Every kid loves coming to your house." Hernandez chuckled. "My wife damn near killed you after all the candy you gave Liv last year."

"What can I say, I love kids." Michael smiled for a moment before it faded from his face. "But the horror on Halloween this year won't be from costumes and scary stories. It'll be the hell that awaits us on the other side of this portal."
 
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Map of the United States: 2025

Quickdraw101

Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
ntXw9x4.png


Following the treaties set down in the 1840's between the United States and the British Empire, and the purchase of Russian Alaska in 1868, these are these borders between the United States and its northern neighbor, Canada. While there were those in the past who advocated the complete annexation of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the Philippines after the Spanish American war, mainly from Grover Cleveland's opposition, led by William McKinley, president Cleveland remained adamant on not copying that of the European powers. There were also those who did not want to send men thousands of miles away, to die on foreign land. This was also partly rooted in racism of the time, as many Americans didn't want to rule over non white Pacific natives. In the end, the US was reluctant to take more than a handful of small islands throughout the Pacific and Caribbean. However, the United States maintains a large naval presence in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as well as Subic Bay in the Philippines, both of which are leased with permission from the governments of both nations.
 
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DarthOne

☦️
Interesting premise so far. Forgive me if I’m being unobservant, but what MiTHC are you using? The novel? Or the Amazon show?
 
The Gulf War: September 12th, 1990- March 10th, 1991

Quickdraw101

Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
In the years after World War 3, the world was still reeling from the economic devastation caused from the NATO-Soviet Conflict, but also the death and destruction the war had left behind. Once again much of Europe was left in ruins, with millions dead on both sides, and the militaries of the western and eastern blocs being heavily mauled as a result. With the end of the Iran Iraq war in 1988, left Saddam Hussein heavily indebted to the now broke and battered Soviet Union, as well as France. With the price of oil increased since the war, he had gambled that if he could seize the oil wells of not only Kuwait, but those of Saudi Arabia, the rest of the world would have to accept his occupation. His reasoning was that neither the United States, Canada, or Great Britain, would be willing to commit to a conflict in the Middle East after the heavy losses they had sustained just a year prior. By having one of the largest armies on the planet, one who had spent 8 years of heavy fighting with their neighbor Iran, Saddam boasted his battle hardened veterans would trounce any of the newly trained armies that the west could possibly field.

On September 14th, just two days after the invasion of Kuwait, the United Nations called a joint session to condemn the occupation of Kuwait. Seeing the United Nations as weak and unable to respond, only emboldened Saddam further, ignoring all UN requests to withdraw, and sending more of his military further south. But he wasn't to stop there, as he moved forces further down the southern coast, aimed directly at the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. But what came soon after was rude shock to the Iraqi dictator. King Fahd knew his military wouldn't stand up to Saddam if he chose to attack, which was what he feared the most. British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher, and American President George H.W. Bush, came to an agreement to send forces to defend his kingdom, with assistance from the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Jordan. The United States, Great Britain, The Republic of China, Japan, and South Korea, had pledged to send a naval task force to the Gulf, which had arrived on September 20th. American and British ground troops had begun arriving on the 22nd, with additional Pacific Alliance Forces on the way.

The Pacific Rim Defense Pact, also known as the Pacific Alliance, was formed in 1950 at the conclusion of the Korean War. Its purpose was to offer mutual defense to all members, using the same principles as NATO, where an attack on one, is an attack on all. At its head was the United States, the Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Following in close behind were the other members, including Australia, the Philippine Republic, the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, New Zealand, and the Kingdom of Hawaii. Together, these nations would make up the bulk of the manpower in future military operations. In total, these nations would contribute just over 1 million troops, not including those from the NATO or Arabic contingents in the war.

Saddam had realized he greatly underestimated the United States and its Pacific allies, the latter of whom had barely been involved in WW3, had great reserves of untouched manpower and equipment. But Saddam still held one advantage. His forces on the ground and in the air, outnumbered the coalition forces that were in Saudi Arabia. He proposed that if he were to attack now, capturing both the oil fields, and staging areas in Saudi Arabia, they would lose their primary staging ground, and sue for peace. This gambled failed however as American aircraft from the USS Eisenhower, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Enterprise, assisted by the HMS Invincible, and ROCS Hsu Hai, bombed Iraqi armored columns attempting to enter the country. Combined with the sinking of virtually every Iraqi naval vessel, any chance to seize Saudi Arabia had been lost.

Over the next few months, more and more coalition ground forces, aircraft, and naval vessels had arrived in the Persian Gulf, massing in the sands of Saudi Arabia, awaiting the final order to begin their liberation of Kuwait. From October 1st-December 5th, the total number of sorties flown against Iraq numbered over 100,000, devastating Iraqi air defenses. Due to most of the American combat pilots being veterans from the European war just a year prior, the Iraqi air force took incredibly lopsided losses in the course of the war. Before the ground invasion had even begun, nearly every Iraqi aircraft had been destroyed, the rest in hardened hangars unable to take off. The coalition on the other hand, had only lost 29 aircraft, 17 of which were fixed wing, along with 12 helicopters.

Up to that point in the war, the only SCUD missile attacks used by Iraq were against Israel, hoping to draw them into the conflict, which would make the Arab members of the coalition leave. But as the final preparations were made for the ground invasion, Saddam Hussein made what is now regarded as the worst mistake of the war. On January 5th, just three days before the coalition was to head for the Kuwait border, a mass launch of SCUD missiles was detected from all over Iraq. Targets were military bases across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, as well as civilian targets in Israel. But the missiles weren't carrying explosive payloads, rather chemical warheads, filled with Sarin and Mustard gas. All across the Persian Gulf, approximately 7,650 coalition soldiers were killed, including 3,255 Americans, 530 British, and 498 Chinese troops. The worst hit was the staging area at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, which was a major staging point for coalition forces. Israel, who had restrained itself from retaliation against Iraq for previous attacks, lost 230 civilians in Ramat Gan.

Saddam had later announced on national television that more strikes would follow, unless the United States and it's allies withdrew from the region, and accepted his conquest of Kuwait. All was quiet in the Gulf for two days, until January 7th, when three mushroom clouds appeared over Iraqi military bases in the vicinity of the SCUD launches. The President of the United States, as well as the British Prime Minister, announced that approved the use of nuclear weapons on the military bases responsible for the launch of the SCUD attack. On the 8th, a fourth strike from the Israeli Air Force destroyed Al Rasheed Air Base, southeast of Baghdad. On that same day, coalition forces started the liberation of Kuwait, which lasted only 3 days, as the bulk of the Iraqi army units had surrendered without a fight.

But the coalition was far from done. The actions undertaken by Saddam Hussein proved he couldn't be trusted to remain in power. With approval from the United Nations, the coalition began advancing into Iraq, intent on driving to Baghdad, and trying Saddam for crimes against humanity. On the 15th of January, he dispatched the bulk of his army, led by the Tawakalna Division of his Republican Guard, against the advanced forces of the coalition. After two days of heavy fighting, the vast majority of the Iraqi army's 10th and 52nd armored division's, alongside the 25th, and 26th infantry divisions, were caught in a massive pincer attack, and decimated. The entire Tawakalna Division was destroyed, and nearly the entire Iraqi 31st infantry division, along with the remnants of those caught in the coalition pincer, had surrendered.

Over one month of constant aerial bombardments had already taken a psychological toll of Iraqi forces. With the use of four nuclear weapons on major Iraqi military bases, and the destruction of Iraq's most elite armored division, mass surrenders occurred all over southern Iraq. By the end of the battle, only the 52nd armored, and 48th infantry division managed to escape north, to reinforce Baghdad. Next month, on February 29th, coalition forces had finally reached the city gates. With the majority of the Iraqi military having surrendered to coalition forces, the city fell that same week. By March of 1991, Saddam had been captured, and was put on trial at the Hague, where he was found guilty of using WMD's, and executed later that year.

By the wars end, anywhere from 70-100,000 Iraqi soldiers are estimated to have died. On the coalition side, not counting the Kuwaiti military, numbered almost 8,000 men and women. Accounting for Kuwait, 12,000 had given their lives against Saddam's evil actions. In the immediate aftermath of the war, an interim government was set up by the United Nations, which lasted until the next year, when a new president took office. Those taken prisoner by the coalition were handed back to the Iraqi armed forces. In the decades that have followed the Gulf War, not once has another nuclear weapon ever been used in anger by one country against another. Many post war studies have also shown that many supported the nuclear strikes against Iraq, viewing it as a necessary evil to save more lives. It can only be hoped that the world would never again use nuclear weapons in anger, as had occurred three times in history.

In the end, it was the actions of the free world that had once more toppled another dictator who sought to conquer his neighbors. Unlike the allies with Hitler before World War 2, they would not seek appeasement, but action against him. Never again would another evil like that threaten their world. Now in the 21st century, the world stands united far more than any previous point in history, and lessons previously learned, would never be forgotten.
 
Chapter 2

Quickdraw101

Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
Washington D.C.

United States of America

October 1st, 2025

1200 Hours


Today was supposed to be just a regular day for America's 42nd President, however it would become clear her time in office would be far from normal. President Tulsi Gabbard was the second president to be a joint citizen of both Hawaii and United States, its first Samoan-American president, and first Hindu president. Like the election of Barack Obama in 2008, her presidency only strengthen the bond the United States and Hawaii shared. From the protecting the Hawaiian government against a coup by the Honolulu Rifles, the Second World War, the establishment of the Pacific Rim Defense Pact, World War 3, to the modern day. The bond shared by the nations could only be rivaled by the ties America held with Great Britain, France, Canada, and China, where many of its citizens ancestry can be traced to.

Under normal circumstances, a school shooting wouldn't attract the attention of the president of the United States. As sad as it was, a few happened every year across the country. Granted, they were nowhere near as common as during the early 2000's, but it still garnered unwanted attention from elsewhere in the world. That was made clear during a summit on the education of children in less developed countries, when a member of the Iranian party made a comment in poor taste, which most found amusing. Relations with Iran had always been tense, a result of the Eisenhower administration assisting the coup in the 53 coup, which had come back to bite America in the ass. Despite all that had happened, from the hostage crisis, to the Saudi Iran war, relations were existent. Iran didn't like America for a number of reasons, but diplomatic ties were there.

However today was a different day. Just an hour ago she was sitting in the Oval Office, getting ready to sign a new infrastructure bill, when she was requested by the Director of the FBI. Now she was in the Situation Room with her advisors, including the Director of the CIA, Michael West, FBI director Christpher Wray, and Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. Gabbard figured that something was wrong, but she never would've thought it would be about the recent event in Colorado.

"Madam President, we have a situation in Colorado." Wolf informed her as they all sat down.

"Is this in regards to the shooting in Canon City earlier this morning?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes, Madam President, there's more to the situation on the ground than we first thought." Wray said.

"Well then don't keep me waiting director, what's the situation."

"Well Madam president, I think I should first ask you what your tolerance for unbelievable things are." Wray asked as if what he was about to say wouldn't be believed.

"What kind of unbelievable are we talking about?" Gabbard asked raising her eyebrow.

"A portal connecting our world to another." he said straight faced. As the president looked around at the faces of those there, she couldn't help but notice none of them, barring the Secret Service agents present the vice president, and the Secretary of State, showed even the slightest hint of lying. They were completely serious, while the agents had slight smirks that faded when they took notice of the Director's expression.

"OK, I'm lost, can someone tell me what this has to do with a school shooting in Colorado?" From his pocket, the FBI director pulled out a remote and pointed it at the TV mounted on the central wall. On it was a drone feed of the situation in Colorado, with police and military units blocking off the area surrounding the school.

"Our Quick Response Units from Fort Carson responded to a rather frantic call from the Canon City Police Department, as well as Colorado State Police units, who arrived shortly after 8:15 in the morning. Right now the Governor is screaming to activate the National Guard and I think we should at this point, because this is the situation on the ground." Wolf informed as he motioned his hand and Wray pressed a button, switching to a ground based feed. At the center was some vortex, which had a black outline, and milky white center. There was something on the other side, but they couldn't tell what.

"Elements from the 4th ID are already on the ground, with others on the way right now. The area had been cordoned off and evacuated. The anomaly is approximately 35 meters long, 16 meters tall, and from what my agents in the field told us, it seems to be the source of the school shooting earlier this morning. Or to be more precise, those responsible for the shooting came through it."

"Your telling me that someone came through that," she was momentarily at a loss for words as he gestured to the monitor. "And shot up a school in the middle of a small town in Colorado?"

"There were three gunmen, Madam President. They were chasing down a young girl until they tackled her on school property. Soon after they engaged in a gunfight the school resource officers and fired on the students. One officer and three students are in critical condition Colorado Springs. Two of the gunmen were killed, the other was injured and arrested. Our field agents have reported that these individuals are Nazi bounty hunters." that last bit turned more than a few heads, including that of the vice and the Secretary of State, who were just now being informed.

"Why would someone who hunts Nazis, shoot up a school?" Vice President Buttigieg asked.

"We're getting to that Mr Vice President. These aren't bounty hunters who hunt Nazis, rather they hunt down those who escape concentration camps. Director Wray, take it from here."

"Thank you Secretary Wolf. To explain further, one of the gunmen had a book on them, which contained a list of names of individuals who had escaped concentration camps in a place labelled as the "American Reich", according to our agents who retrieved the book from the local police. The girl's name and photo was in the book, along with other pieces of information, including the location of the camp she escaped from, reportedly located in Moulton, Alabama. The book also held information regarding race, religion, sexuality, and other pieces of information you'd expect to find on forms of ID. This, along with other articles of information gathered from the girl, the gunman we're currently holding, the artifacts we've gathered from them, and the anomaly in the middle of Canon City, we've come to a rather disturbing conclusion of what we're dealing with."

"Why is it that I already know what your about to say?" Gabbard said with her head in her hands. "Just tell me what clusterfuck awaits us with this situation."

"While we still haven't ventured through the anomaly yet, we've come to the conclusion that the word that resides on the other side of it is a world where the Axis Powers won the Second World War. The entire world fell victim to their evil, and was split between the three major member states. From the surviving gunman, as well as the girl they attempted to kidnap, their version of Canon City is located in a place called the Rocky Mountain States. From what we know as of now, it consists of the American and Canadian states that reside along the Rocky Mountains. Meanwhile the Nazis control everything to the east, while Japan controls all that lays west."

"Is that all we know so far?" Buttigieg asked. "What about the girl? Does she have a name?"

"Yes, her name is Adrian Piper, aged 14, she's currently under armed guard with one of my field agents." Wray informed. upon hearing the name, one of the Secret Service agents turned their head towards the director, who noticed. "Is there something wrong?"

"Adrian Piper was a conceptual artist and philosopher. Her work is very well known in the art world and beyond. Her age even fits with her date of birth in 1948 and she's still alive today." the agent explained.

"In our world she becomes a well known artist. In that world, she's on the run from Nazis. God has one fucked up sense of humor. Anyway, from the information we gathered, apparently in that world, Washington D.C. was hit with a nuclear weapon in December of 1945, wiping out most of the United States government. The government officially surrender the next year, and fighting continued until 1947, when the Rebel American Army finally collapsed. However that's in the past of their world and there's nothing we can do about that now. The most concerning piece of information for us is that both the Nazis and Japanese Empire maintain a large military presence in North America, especially in the territories that made up the United States. Even worse is that they maintain much of said forces on the border to deter either side from doing anything."

It didn't take long for the realization to hit everyone in the room. Two different armies, each within striking distance of the anomaly was extremely concerning to everyone in the room. The prospect of either a Nazi or Imperial Japanese army finding out about the anomaly in Colorado and marching through it was a terrifying thought. Even more since the gravity of the situation was just now starting to be understood. While the military was had a QRF in Cañon City, with more on the way, no heavy equipment was being brought it. Something that was going to change very quickly.

"So as it stands, if the Axis on the other side of that anomaly become aware of its existence, we could be facing an invasion of America soil?" Gabbard never thought her presidency would go like this. Less than one year in and she's facing a crisis far larger than has ever been faced before. The only time any enemy had stepped foot on the contiguous United States was in the war of 1812, and even that resulted in a victory over the British in Canada. The last time any American territory was invaded was in World War Two when the Aleutian Islands were occupied by the Japanese.

"Yes Madam President, and given there's supposedly other bounty hunters that were working with the ones that came through, the secret might come out sooner than later. Which is why I believe we need to act on this and we need to do it now. Otherwise we risk the possibility of those on the other side becoming aware of its existence and striking before we can mobilize proper forces."

"And how long will it take to completely mobilize the units at Fort Carson for deployment into Cañon City?" she asked.

"The base is currently being mobilized and any personnel on leave are being called back as we speak. At the earliest, it won't be until Friday afternoon, and that's for fuel and munitions to be distributed properly. Once you give the order, I can authorize more bases to begin mobilization, starting with Fort Riley, and work our way from there, from coast to coast if necessary." Wolf informed.

"Looks like we have no other choice. Activate the Colorado National Guard and have them deploy to Cañon City, and rush the mobilization of Fort Carson. I served with the 4th ID during the deployment to Iraq during the Saudi Iran War, they can get this done. Just give them what they need."

"Yes Madam President!" he replied.

"There's one more problem with this situation, and its more along the lines of the domestic response." Wray interrupted.

"What about it? Word couldn't have gotten out this quickly, has it?"

"No, but it will soon. And that's something to worry about. Over the last two decades, we've increased our surveillance of gangs and extremist groups that have members within our armed forces, particularity white supremacists and Neo Nazi organizations. Once this becomes public knowledge, there's a risk that some of them might try to slip through and potentially compromise any operations we'll be conducting in the near future."

"What can we do to prevent that from happening?" Buttigieg asked.

"We have notable individuals under surveillance at this time, and given current circumstances surrounding this event, we'll be increasing our measures, as well as notifying local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies regarding the location of members across the country. It'll take a few days, and by then the cat will be out of the bag, but we'll know if any extremists try getting into Colorado. I just want to ask for permission to begin detaining extremists in active service, to prevent any potential breaches.

"You'll catch hell from constitutionalists who will use this as an excuse to say your trampling the first and fourth amendments." the Secretary of State added.

"We don't have a choice at this point. This situation has the potential to surpass our national borders. There is no room for niceties in this situation, not when those on the other side of that anomaly would happily execute half the country for not fitting their, and this is putting it lightly, screwed up racial standards, while the other half work to death in concentration camps!" Buttigieg angrily replied.

"I agree," Gabbard said standing up. "This isn't an enemy we can negotiate with, nor would they even try. We not taking any chances of Nazi or Japanese troops stepping foot on an inch of American soil. Activate every unit west of the Mississippi River and have them on standby to deploy stateside. Put the rest of our forces, including those overseas at heightened readiness, and bring us to DEFCON 2. In the meantime, do what you need to do, but get a team on the other side so we can figure out our next move. We can't be going in blind."

"Yes Madam President!"

I'm going to contact our allies in NATO and in the Pacific, let them know the situation. If you learn anything else about this situation, bring it to me immediately. And Director!" she said while eyeing West. "I don't care what it takes, you squeeze every bit of information out of the gunman that survived. I don't care what methods you have to use, but make you him talk."

"Of course Madam President."

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Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

California, United States of America

October 1st, 2025

1400 Hours


For Staff Sergeant Jaime Ramos, today was just supposed to be another boring Wednesday out in the field. After a full year overseas, participating in joint training ops all across the Pacific, he was happy to be back in the good ol U.S. of A. Nothing is overly remarkable about being in the field, aside from some occasional fuckery from another marine. However it was all cut short as alarms began blaring across the base, fighters from Edwards air base screamed overhead, with their wings loaded for bear. Transport trucks began filtering in and picking up everyone in the field, and driving back towards the base proper. No one knew what the hell was going on until they got back to the base, only to be alarmed by the sheer level of activity present.

"What the fuck is going on Gunny? They've got the entire base being mobilized! Its like World War 3 again!" he asked to Gunnery Sergeant LeMarcus Henry, who ran up to his side, looking as if he just saw a ghost.

"Something happened in Colorado earlier this morning. We don't have all the details, but I've heard some rather disturbing shit!" he told him.

"Like what? Someone hit NORAD?" Ramos asked concerned.

"No, not NORAD, thank fuck. Apparently there was a school shooting earlier this morning in a small town over there, then before you know it, their in the process of emptying out Fort Carson, and not letting anyone in or out of the town." Gunny told him.

"How the hell does a school shooting warrant that kind of response?"

"From what little I heard, some crazy shit about Nazis and a portal! Don't ask, there having a briefing in 15 minutes with all the staff NCO's to tell us what's going on. Anyway, I've got to head out, see you then."

"What the hell? Nazis?"
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The Gunny's answer just left Ramos with more questions than answers as he headed for the briefing room. Once inside, aside from all of the NCO's most of which he recognized and knew, there standing at the projector screen was Captain Quinton Cole and Colonel Edward Holton, the latter of which was one of the commanding officers of the 1st Marine Division. No one expected to see him here today. As he settled down into his seat, he heard a familiar voice to his left.

"You have any idea what's going on Jaime?" the voice was from his friend, Staff Sergeant Henry Blackburn. The two of them first met when they were assigned to the middle east during the Saudi Iran war in 2020, back when they were both newly minted E-4's. Five years later and they were both E-6's, although Ramos often remarked how he picked his up a few months earlier than Blackburn did. Regardless, the two had developed a strong friendship since that day. It was pure luck that both of them ended up here two years ago as a duty station.

"No fucking idea Henry. Only thing that Gunny Henry told me was something about a portal in Colorado and some Nazis." Ramos answered.

"Nazis? What the fuck?" Just like Ramos was earlier, Blackburn didn't know how to respond. "You sure you heard Gunny right?"

"Yeah that's what he told me. I don't know either man, but apparently the army has an entire town in Colorado entire town locked down. What've you heard?"

"Everything's going on lockdown and all personnel are being called up, for every branch. Whatever happened up in Colorado must be big, because this is ridiculous!"

"AT EASE!" Captain Cole bellowed out, silencing all the chatter in the room.

"Good afternoon everyone," Colonel Holton greeted. "I imagine all you are still mostly unaware of why your all here, am I right?".

"YES SIR!" the Marines in the room responded with a thunderous tone.

"I thought so. I imagine some of you may have heard rumors and such about what's going on, about why it looks as if we're gearing up for another world war, so I'll get out with it. We're currently at DEFCON 2, with the president issuing direct orders for all military units west of the Mississippi River to mobilize for a, and I quote, "A domestic and foreign deployment." Meanwhile our brothers and sisters out east, as well as overseas have been given similar standby orders. You heard that right, everyone and everything is being called up. Captain, if you would!"

"Yes sir!" the projector in the room hummed to life and the screen behind Holton began booting up.

"I'd imagine you've all heard rumors about Nazis or portals, or some other weird shit like that, huh? Show of hands for those in here who have heard something similar?" as he looked around, he noticed close to half the marines in the room had their hands raised. He motioned his hand and the hands fell back down. "Well none of you are wrong in what you've heard. I can see the look on your face right now, many of you might be wondering if I need to take a drug test. Well believe me, I was thinking along the same lines when I first got my orders. But what I'm about to show is very much real. Real enough that its spooked the hell out of Washington, and by the this briefing is over with here, I wouldn't blame any of you for thinking the same."

Cole pressed another button and the screen switched to a live feed of a school, with captions above displaying that it was located in Cañon City, Colorado. Visible in the feed was a large number of police and military personnel manning checkpoints on the roads, blocking any attempts by civilians to get close. Humvee's and even a few Bradley's were parked facing away from the school, their weapons pointed towards an as of yet unseen object.

"At approximately 0800 hours, three gunmen were reported to have chased down and attempted to kidnap a girl in front of Cañon City High School. They engaged the school police officers, as well as fired on the students present, which put one officer and three students in the hospital. The local police response was extremely quick and brutal, resulting in two of the three gunmen being killed, and the third being arrested. What made this situation so different was what the police officers found on the men, as well as what the victim had told law enforcement. The first and foremost being that the men were equipped with weapons that wouldn't have been out of place in the 40's and 50's, as well as their attire.

The second, was currency found on them, which were labeled as Reichmarks, and had Adolf Hitler's face on the front. Third was a book found on the surviving gunmen, which was a detailed list of individuals, that according to the book, had escaped concentrations camps in a region called the "American Reich". More specifically, the camp she reportedly escaped from was located in Alabama. What little information I've just told you, culminates to this; Cole switch to the live feed."

"Yes sir!" once again Cole pressed a button and the camera feed switched to the opposite direction of the school, showing just what the military was surroundings. At the center of the massive military and police presence was some type of portal. As the camera zoomed in, those present got a clearer look at just what was causing all the commotion on base today. The inside swirled like a vortex, and those watching could clearly tell that something was on the other side.

"What your looking at is a portal, or to be more specific, a portal to another world. Approximately 35 meters long and 16 meters tall, this "anomaly" as Washington has called it, manifested at some point after 0700 today, as that was the last time anyone was in the park where this portal currently resides. From what intel has been gathered from the incident earlier this morning, it has believed that what sits on the other side of the portal is a world where the Axis Powers won the Second World War." As the colonel looked around the room, plastered across the faces of the Marines present was a mixture of disbelief, shock, and disgust as he finished informing them of the situation.

"This can't be real, can it?" one marine commented.

"I don't believe it!" Ramos whispered to himself. "Gunny was right about this shit being crazy."

"Settle down marines, I'm not done yet." the chatter subsided, but the disturbed looks on the marines faces remained. "From what we know, the United States that once existed on that other side of the world officially surrendered in 1946 after the Nazis nuked D.C. in 1945. Everything east of the Rocky Mountains in North America belongs to Germany, while everything west belongs to Japan. The territory in the middle is known as the Rocky Mountain states, a buffer zone made up of former American and Canadian territory. Both superpowers in that world have a large military presence in the former United States, and more specifically, on the border of the buffer zone. To give it to you bluntly marines, if either Japan or Germany find out about this, they would not hesitate to go through it. That's why Fort Carson is emptying itself out in case we get some unwanted guests. This is why everyone is currently being called up, active and reserve, with orders to standby.

Now I don't think I have to tell you what the Axis thought of America during World War 2. The Nazis saw us a mongrel nation who's worst mistake was freeing the slaves. The Japanese saw us as a nation of pleasure lovers with no stomach for a long and drawn out war. We all know what would happen if they crossed that portal into our country. They would happily massacre everyone they encountered just for laughs. But we're not gonna let that happen, are we, Marines?"

"NO SIR!" the room screamed in reply.

"Damn straight we won't. While the army kicked in the Nazis teeth with the British across North Africa and Europe, we Marines spent years digging the Japanese from their pathetic empire, island by island, enduring hardships unlike anything seen before. All the things the Axis powers despised us for is what made us strong in the first place. Not only are we the world's strongest nation, we are by far the most diverse, with men and women who's ancestry can be traced to every corner of God's green Earth. We kicked their asses in 1945, and if they come here, we'll do it all over again. But we won't sit on our hands, waiting for the day some goosestepping bastards cross that portal with an army. We'll bring the fight to them, and just like in 1945, we'll show them the true American fighting spirit, OORAH!

"OORAH!"

"That's what I like to hear. There's an entire world under the boot heels of some of the most disgusting and evil regimes to ever exist. We have the means to not only help those in that world, but to deliver a sucker punch to the Axis Powers who've put the world underneath their boot heel. And believe me when I say this, when word gets out about what's really in Colorado, there won't be a soul who will be against this war. No doubt our allies in Europe and Asia would love to have a crack at them as well. Anyway, that's all I've got for now, return to your units and relay the same information. Command will be sending more info when they get it. Dismissed!"
 
List of American presidents since 1860

Quickdraw101

Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
1861-1869: Abraham Lincoln, 16th

1869-1877: Ulysses Grant, 17th

1877-1881 Rutherford Hayes, 18th

1881-1885 James Garfield, 19th

1885-1889 Grover Cleveland 20th

1889-1893 Benjamin Harrison, 21st

1893-1901 Grover Cleveland, 22nd

1901-1909 Teddy Roosevelt, 23rd

1909-1917 William Taft, 24th

1917-1921 Woodrow Wilson, 25th

1921-1923 Warren Harding 26th, died in office in 1923, replaced by Coolidge.

1923-1929 Calvin Coolidge, 27th

1929-1933 Herbert Hoover, 28th

1933-1945 Franklin Roosevelt, 29th, died in office in 1945, replaced by Truman.

1945-1953 Harry Truman, 30th

1953-1961 Dwight Eisenhower, 31st

1961-1969 John Kennedy, 32nd

1969-1977 Robert Kennedy, 33rd

1977-1981 Lyndon Johnson, 34th

1981-1989 Ronald Reagan, 35th

1989-1993 George H.W. Bush, 36th

1993-2001 Bill Clinton, 37th

2001-2009 Al Gore, 38th

2009-2017 Barrack Obama, 39th

2017-2021 Marco Rubio, 40th

2021-2025 Rand Paul, 41st

2025-2029 Tulsi Gabbard, 42nd
 
Global Balance of Power: 2025

Quickdraw101

Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
cDhHHdm.png

With the defeat of communism in Asia and Europe, the United States found itself leading the world's two largest power blocs. The first and foremost being the Pacific Rim Defense Pact, created in the aftermath of the Korean War as a bulwark against the Soviet Union's interests in Asia. Today, it stands as the single strongest military and economic bloc on the planet, with China, the United States, Japan, India, and the Republic of Korea making up roughly 55% of the total global GDP. Said nations are also the largest economies in order from largest to smallest. The headquarters of the Pacific Rim Defense Pact is located in Honolulu, the Kingdom of Hawaii, where the Treaty of the Pacific was signed by its founding nations, the United States, China, Australia, the Philippine Republic, and Japan. Over the decades, the alliance would come to encompass the entire Pacific, with nations like the Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, joining the Pact.

The second bloc being NATO, which was formed as a organization of collective defense, where an attack on one member nation, would be considered an attack on all. The Soviet Union responded to this with the creation of the Warsaw Pact in 1955, an opposing bloc that would later fire the first shots in 1988, starting World War Three. NATO's trial by fire came in the Korean War, where the United States led a UN coalition, alongside NATO members, beat back the North Korean and Chinese communist forces in 1950, and subsequently united the Peninsula from the communists, who fled into either the Soviet Union, or into northern China, and then into Mongolia. When Europe was once again ravaged by war in 1988 and 1989, the rebounded and strong economies of Western Europe took another hit, once again reducing the economic growth seen since World War Two. Despite this, the member states of the United States, Germany, France, and Great Britain boast powerful economies. With the collapse of the Eastern Bloc and the Soviet Union, NATO doubled in size, with membership of nearly all of Europe. Only traditionally neutral nations, as well as those in the Russian sphere of influence, remain outside of NATO.

Aside from the Russian Federation and its relations with what few allies allies they have around the world, the final power bloc is the South American Federation. Its the newest of the blocs, with its establishment in the aftermath of the Saudi Iran War, which saw oil prices skyrocket as the Straits of Hormuz became a war zone. Venezuela, Brazil, and Argentina founded it in 2020 as a means to grow stronger from its newfound position of power, with plentiful oil reserves, among other valuable resources. With the admission of Chile, Colombia, and Peru into the Federation, their grip over the continent, and the global resource market, continues to increase. Nations like Bolivia, Ecuador, and even Panama, have been pressured repeatedly to join, but have thus far refused every attempt. With the Federation trying to force their way across Latin America, concern has grown inside the United States and Europe regarding the peace and stability in the region.
 
Chapter 3

Quickdraw101

Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
Cañon City, Colorado, United States of America
October 3rd, 2025
Rudd Park
0600 Hours


To say the circumstances around this mission were strange was understating it. Two days ago, the members of ODA 0211, and ODA 0212 were happily relaxing in their barracks after a deployment overseas. Now they were going to be the first humans to step foot on another world, or in this case, a another universe. Most of them still couldn't believe what had transpired so close to home. What bothered them even more was the situation and what it would mean in the future. Right in the middle of the Western United States, sat a portal to a world of nightmares. And they were the first Americans to be going through it, with very little intel, and nothing in the way of backup if something went wrong. That's why command was sending their team in with as much firepower as possible.

Four JLTV's had been allocated for them to cross the portal with. Two were equipped with mounted .50 caliber machine gun and Javelin missile launcher, the other two with a 30mm cannon, and six seats in each vehicle. In order to keep in communication with them, an M4 Command and Control Vehicle would follow behind the team with a communication line, so they would be capable of relaying information back to command. Since they were entering an area called the Rocky Mountain states, which existed solely as a buffer state between the Nazis and Japanese, they hoped they wouldn't need to fight anyone. What they did have to worry about were armed bounty hunters or some scared trigger happy locals thinking the Axis was invading.

Their main objective was simple; Establish contact with any form of regional government, resistance groups, or anyone who'd be willing to talk to them. There was some hope that remnants of the old American government or military might be hiding out in the region, but given what intel they did have, it was extremely unlikely. But there should be plenty of American citizens who should know something that could assist them in their mission. At least, that's what Captain Aaron Keener, the leader of ODA 0211, was banking on. Those living in the region likely held grievances of some type against the Axis, something they could exploit.

"So these are the blueprints for what Canon City looked like in 1945?" Keener asked his intelligence and operations Sergeants, Raymond Ovitz and Ryan Chang.

"Yes sir, everything leading up to December of that year." Chang replied. "Since the US government collapsed after that, I don't think much in the Neutral Zone would have changed. Any changes that have been made, we won't know about until we get there."

"Not to mention things may not exactly line up the same way they were in ours." Ovitz added. "Too many variables and the fact that exact blueprints of the town from 1945 are impossible to find, so we're taking a shot in the dark."

"So since this portal opened up in a park across from this high school, what are the chances of children being around to see us come through, and us scaring them shitless thinking the Nazis are back?" as Keener studied the map, comparing them to the modern blueprints, there were at least a "black holes" of information so to speak, especially on the forestry around the town.

"Not going to happen sir," Chang replied instantly. From what the girl said, schools are a rarity in the Neutral Zone. They only seem to exist in the bigger, but still pretty poor and run down cities in the Rockies. There are no schools where we're going, so there won't be any children around if we meet hostiles."

Keener breathed a sigh of relief. At least that was one thing they didn't have to worry about when they crossed over on the other side. "Alright, what about means of entry through the town. If we find nothing but trees on that side of the portal, we're going to have problems, especially with the M4."

"Our team, as well as Captain Kelso's team, will be bringing a drone we can use for reconnaissance. We can launch it and get an eye in the sky view of any potential entrances into the town."

"Alright, we got all our weapons and other gear?"

"Yes sir, everything's ready to go." Ovitz answered.

"Then let's get moving, I'll check with Sergeants Atkins and Dawson, and make sure our medkits are ready. Get to the vehicles, we leave in five."

"Yes sir!" they both replied before picking up the blueprints and heading to the motor pool. As Keener followed behind in short order, he noticed that his medical officers were each carrying an additional pack, stuffing various items inside. As he got closer, the smell of a very familiar fast food chain hit his nostrils.

"Atikins, Dawson, what the hell are you doing?" he said as he got closer and saw what they were packing into the additional rucksacks. "Why are you packing McDonald's with you? We aren't going to be gone that long, its just a simple recon!"

"Not for us sir, but for those on the other side of that portal." Dawson replied as he stuffed the remaining snacks into his pack and sealed it shut.

"I just talked to Chang and Ovitz, they said there aren't going to be any children in the immediate area surrounding the portal." Keener told them.

"And even if there were, a bunch of snack cakes, candy bars, and big macs don't exactly seem like a very good nutritional option. I also have a feeling this is just an excuse to bring junk to eat while we're there."

"But there will be children in the town, sir. Children who will be frightened by seeing a bunch of soldiers show up in their town with guns. It'll go a long way for future public relations if we can prove we're here to help them. Besides, given the circumstances in that world, I don't think any kids there have ever tasted chocolate, so what better way to lighten up their day in such a depressing ass world, sir." Dawson said.

"Also its not only junk food, I've packed water, juices, and protein bars in my rucksack as well, sir. It'll help us convince them that we're here to help, not that we're Nazis here to kill them." Atkins explained. "The latter is a real possibility if we suddenly roll into the town and any resistance fighters see us. And since most of us are white sir, and what intel we do have suggests that the American Reich still uses the stripes on its flag, some might jump to conclusions about who we are."

"Good point, I'll keep that in mind," Keener told her. "Well hurry it up, we're getting ready to cross. Once I make sure our gear is squared away, we make history." as he began walking away, he noticed the vehicles were now being moved into position in front of the portal. The JLTV's were up front, with the M4 Command and Control vehicle directly behind. They even had an extra man operating the mounted machine gun on top, just in case that little extra bit of firepower was needed. He also noticed his Warrant Officer leaning on one of the lead vehicles, as well Captain Kelso and her second in command.

"You must be slacking, Keener," Kelso said with a smirk on her face. "My team's all mounted and ready to go in the vehicles. What your excuse?"

"Haha, very funny," he responded, genuinely amused at the joke. "My medics are concerned about our public relations aspect of the operation, so they were busy filling their packs with junk food."

"Not a bad idea on their part sir," Warrant Officer Gonzales interrupted. "Its not all that unlikely that most of our teams will be initially confused as Nazis, so it'll go a long way to build trust over there."

"Not a bad idea, but I think most of the locals will tell we aren't Nazis when they see half of our personnel." Kelso said gesturing at the two squads waiting by the JLTV's. "Not sure about you, but at least half of us would be killed on the spot by the Nazis. We sure as hell won't be working with them." Kelso wasn't wrong, the diversity of the team was arguably what would decide how easy or hard this mission would go.

"You aren't wrong Kelso," he admitted. "I don't think of us want to fire on some poor individual who's been on the run and thinks we're there to capture them. However we also run the risk of running into some racist bounty hunters looking for a payday and them firing on us."

"Well hopefully the small convoy we have will deter anyone from doing that."

"That's all we can hope for in this situation. Normally we'd have longer to prepare for a mission like this, but this is an out of context problem. You can't exactly prepare for something that's normally regarded as science fiction."

"Well hopefully those lab rats can figure out something about it, because this is now scientific fact." Kelso sighed as she looked at the portal. "Looks like its time to move, good luck Keener." she said before walking over to her team's vehicles.

"Good luck to you as well." Keener said as he looked at his watch. It was 0610, time to head through. "TEAM, MOUNT UP!" he ordered to his squad.

"If anything goes wrong sir, that thing is one hell of a bottleneck. If we aren't the first through, we'll be at a disadvantage." Warrant Officer Gonzales told Keener. "It'll be even worse if any satellites pick up our build up and we get hit with a fucking nuke." as they both entered the same JLTV, the directional lights that marked their path came to life and marshallers gave the signal for them to advance forward.

"All teams, green light has been given, I say again, you are clear to advance!"
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The order rang out over the radio in the vehicle. The engines roared to life and they went forward, through the portal, and into the unknown. As they entered, a slight flash of bright light filled their eyes, then it was gone. There was no long trip or fanfair about crossing it, as the trip was nearly instantaneous, as they soon found themselves on a beaten, abandoned path, surrounded by trees. The four JLTV's fanned out in an arrow formation, advancing far enough so that the M4 would have room to park itself and test the communication links.
The Green Beret's exited and fanned out in all directions, scanning their surroundings for any potential hostile forces. When it became clear that there was no immediate threat, they lowered their weapons, but not their guard.

"All clear!"

"Area clear!"

"No sign of hostiles!"

As Keener listened to both teams sound off in confirmation of their surroundings, himself, Chang, and Ovitz began looking for any familiar landmarks. They could tell the area hadn't seen much in the way of maintenance for a very long time. They listened closely to their surroundings, but there was nothing. For many of them who'd grown accustomed to living in the cities, it was eerie to them. Even for those from the country, the feeling was unsettling to them. They didn't even here any birds chirping or insects calling.

"Gonzales, your with me, Chan and Ovitz, get that drone up!" he ordered. As Keener and Gonzales followed the path, they could make out a few different pairs of footsteps in the dirt beneath them. "I guess we know what direction our visitors came from a few days ago. Let's see what we can find." he said as he raised his rifle and moved forward. As they approached the edge of the clearing, they both could make out a black object ahead of them. It didn't take them long to figure out what it was, as they came to an abandoned dirt road at the end of the clearing.

"I think its an old Chevrolet sir, but its a very old model. Wish I had one of these, it'd be a good challenge to fix one up."

"No doubt, but I'd imagine the gas mileage would be pretty bad. But at least you won't lose the truck in a fender bender, like you will with most modern cars."

"They were made to last back then, unlike what we got now." It was definitely the truth. Older cars were tougher and at least to him, looked better than most vehicles made today. "Anyway, looks like we might have found our way to town, report it in to Chang and Ovitz, have them use the drone to scout along the road, see where it takes us."

"Yes sir! Chang, Ovitz, the drone in the air yet?" he asked over the radio.

"Affirmative, drone is already in the air, along with Captain Kelso's. Are you by that black truck on the dirt road?" Chang asked. As Gonzales looked up in the air, he could make out two drones circling above at roughly 100 meters above them. "You look so small down there, almost like ants!" Chang commented.

"Yeah well, can you see this?" he asked as he directed his middle finger towards the drones.

"Chang, where does this road lead?" Keener butted in as he checked the inside of the truck, only to find a few notes of currency, and an old revolver on the dashboard. Seeing as how the previous owners of the truck were never going to get it back, he took the notes and put them in his pocket. They had already been given the Reichmarks that had been taken from the gunmen, as a tool to use during the mission, so Keener didn't see the problem with taking more for later use.

"Copy that sir, the road goes westward, leading toward-" Chang paused momentarily before continuing. "We've got a car heading westward, coming your way."

"How many in the truck?" Keener asked as he looked down the road, seeing a faint black object slowly approaching.

"Thermal imaging shows a single heat signature in the truck. Do you want us and Captain Kelso to advance, sir?"

"Negative, Chang, just hold back. We don't know who they are and we don't want to spook them. Just hang back with the drone and keep an eye on us."

"Copy that sir, I'll keep tracking."

"Hide behind the truck," Keener said as he watched the truck get closer to their position. Shouldering his rifle, he went out in the middle of the road, making himself visible to the driver. "Something tells me someone is looking for those bounty hunters we took down. Stay behind the truck and don't come out unless I give word. And turn your radio down as well." he ordered as he lowered the volume of his radio. Keener's gut told hims something was wrong about the situation, even as the truck came to a stop, and a man in his mid 50's stepped out.

"Last I checked, the Reich didn't officially operate in the Neutral Zone." the man said with a smile. "In any case, Heil Hitler!" the man said as he raised his right arm in a Nazi Salute. Seeing as how he wanted to figure out what this man was doing out here, he went along with it.

"Heil Hitler!" it killed Keener a little on the inside to have to say that. Even if it was to help the mission, the words tasted bitter in his mouth.

"So what brings an American Wehrmacht Captain all the way here to Canon City?" he said with a suspicious tone.

"Looking for American resistance fighters." He wasn't lying to the man, his mission did entail contacting any resistance groups they could find.

"That's kinda funny, considering your out here all alone, on the outskirts of this degenerate town, claiming to be looking for Resistance fighters. Well let me tell you something." the man suddenly pulled his sidearm on Keener, leveling it at him before Keener could get to his rifle. "Now you kick over that rifle you have or I'll put two in your chest and take it myself."

"Whatever you say, your the big man here." Keener said, slowly grabbing the sling of his rifle, pulling it over his shoulder, laying it on the ground, and kicking it over to the man.

"Good," the man said with a sadistic smirk on his face. "Now the way I see it, your a traitor to the Reich. You wanna know why?" he asked.

"Please enlighten me." Keener replied in an unamused tone.

"Because I know for a fact there's no ongoing military operations going on here. We can't officially operate here, but there's ways around that. Now originally I was looking for a few of my friends who went searching for a runaway from the Moulton Camp. But since I found you here, I'm going to deliver you to the Reich Border Outpost over in Lincoln County, and you'll be executed for treason against the-" he was cut off as a loud crack ripped through the air, and a 5.56 NATO round tore through his hand. As if on que, every member of his team, as well as Kelso's, emerged from the surrounding foliage, as well as from the JLTV's who's drivers floored the gas to get to their position.

"You alright sir?" Gonzales said as he emerged from behind the truck, a slight trail of smoke leaving the barrel of his rifle.

"I've been better. Nice shot by the way, Command will be happy we have one of these guys alive. Carmichael, Trudeau, patch him up and relieve him of his personal effects, seeing as he won't need them anymore." as he looked at the man's face, he could only distinguish horror and confusion at the sight of two dozen armed individuals surround him and take him into custody. As his medics began applying gauze to the man's hand, he knelt down to face the man. "I don't think I ever introduced myself, my mistake. My name is Captain Aaron Keener of the United States Army. These two individuals tending to your fucked up hand are my medics. Give them any shit, or try to escape, they have my permission to blow your fucking kneecaps off you Nazi bastard."

"Your lucky we kept the drones overhead, Keener, otherwise we wouldn't have known until we heard the gunshot!" Kelso told him in a annoyed tone. "You really need to be more careful, we're in uncharted territory here. You don't want to be the first American to die by the Nazis, do you?"

"I'm not afraid to die, much less die by the hands of some two bit Nazi thug." upon hearing this, the Nazi just laughed, even as his hand was being patched up by the medics.

"You think your the first Resistance member to die? We've slaughtered thousands before you, and the same fate awaits all of you," he paused as he looked over the two teams of Green Berets with disgust on his face. White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, male and female, were represented across the 24 Operators. "Rejects from every corner of the country, fitting how you called yourselves that. Because that's all I can see here, undesirables who need to be purged." the man spat at them.

"So what are we doing with the Nazi sir?" Carmichael asked. "You want us to bind him and carry him around until we go back through the portal?"

"Considering he could provide useful intelligence to Washington, throw his ass in the back of one of the trucks, and lets head into town." Keener replied.

"Washington?" the man laughed. "That city is nothing but a radioactive wast-" he was silenced by a strike to the jaw from Captain Kelso, knocking him out cold.

"Got sick and tired of listening to him." Kelso said smiling.

"That makes two of us." he chuckled. "Alright, lets get back on the road and head to the town, time to greet the locals." as they got back into their vehicles and headed west on the dirt road, they began seeing some signs of civilization. The buildings they came across were old, and were in desperate need of some TLC. The farther they traveled, the more buildings they came upon, then they started seeing some people. It was obviously early in the morning, and the town was starting to stir to life.

"Jesus Christ, this is fucking depressing." Gonzales said as they entered the town proper. The feeling was the same in everyone as they looked at the town. Old anti Japanese and anti Nazi propaganda was still plastered on the walls of nearly every building. Many buildings looked either abandoned or hadn't seen anything in terms of repair for years. As they looked at the towns people, they felt even worse. The look on their faces was that of terror, as many thought they were Nazi soldiers coming to occupy their town. However one thing that drew their attention even more was the 60 star flag flying from the back of every JLTV. But something much worse was was about to catch the Green Beret's attention.

"Dear God!" the driver, Terry White muttered.

"CONVOY STOP!" Keener ordered over the radio as the vehicles came to a halt over the street, right in front of a sign, welcoming them to the town. But it was what was hanging from the sign that got the attention of the convoy. Hanging from a noose just below the sign, was the body of a middle aged woman, with crows picking away. It wasn't long before both teams had piled out of their vehicles and formed a perimeter around them. Some townsfolk had come outside to look at the spectacle before them, while others fled, fearing they would be shot. Focusing the sights of his rifle on the rope, Keener fired, severing the rope, and allowing the body to hit the ground. "Carmichael, Trudeau, check her body, the rest of you, secure the perimeter, and ask them who the hell did this."

"She's dead sir, must have been for at least a day at this point." Trudeau told them.

"Of all the places I'd expect this to happen, the middle of Colorado isn't one of them." Kelso commented as she watched her medics join with Keener's. It was a futile exercise though, as all they could do find out who she was, and hopefully give her a more respectable burial later on. "Would it be a bad idea to say that the asshole we have in the back is responsible for this?"

"It honestly wouldn't surprise me. The ID they found on him indicates he's a member of the SD, the intelligence section of the SS." Keener informed her.

"Dodged one hell of bullet for future operations, Keener."

"I wasn't going to let him kill me." Keener argued.

"Not what I meant," she began to clarify. "If we had come through sooner or he had chosen not to go down that road, he could've been hiding anywhere in this town, and report back to his superiors. If we didn't catch him if we did..." she stopped, hoping Keener would catch on to what she was saying.

"He'd let Berlin know about our moves and we'd be up to our necks with Nazi armies before we could get a decent foothold over here."

"Which means we need to be on the lookout for more Nazi agents that could potentially give us away."

"Won't be easy, but if we can find every payphone in town, it'd be a good start at hampering any way for them to communicate. Bring some radar jammers in for good measure and watch everyone who comes in and out of town."

"Main problem would be manpower. We can probably ask around for the location of every phone in town, but we can't lock them all down right now."

"Let the 4th ID worry about that, they'll be moving in not that long after we come back. First things first though, we find out who did this!" he said pointing to the corpse, which was surrounded by his medics. Now was a good time as any to find some help around here, and they wouldn't need to look very far.

"Excuse me, who are you?" the boy said sheepishly. The kids was still in his teens, and based on his appearance, suffered from albinism. He was skittish, but that was to be expected of someone watching a couple dozen soldiers roll into their town. Despite this, he slowly approached Keener and Kelso, who proceeded to do the same.

"I'm Captain Aaron Keener, United States Army," he greeted, putting his right arm forward for the boy to shake. "And this is Captain Alani Kelso, also with the United States Army. who are you?"

"My name is Peter," the boy replied, shaking Keener's hand. "But everyone around here just calls me the Shoe Shine Boy."

"Well Peter, its nice to meet you," Keener said as he retracted his hand. "Is there something we can help you with?"

"At first I was wondering why Nazis were in our town, but then I noticed your flags." he said pointing to the stars and stripes flying in the breeze from the back of every vehicle. "I also heard your looking for who killed that woman." at mention of this, he had the undivided attention of both Keener and Kelso, who were interested in knowing who had killed that poor woman.

"You know who killed that woman?" Keener asked,

"Yes, the Marshal did."

"Who's this "Marshal?" Kelso asked, trying to pry for information.

"He's a damn psychopath who enjoys killing people who escaped from back in the Reich. Told us to leave her body up there, otherwise he'd shoot anyone who tried taking her own."

"Another god damn bounty hunter!" Keener said shaking his head.

"You have any idea where we can find this Marshal?" Kelso wondered just how many bounty hunters were roaming around this place. They dealt with three back home, an SS agent here, and now knew of another one here. The task of settling in here was going to be difficult if they continued running around.

"He usually comes by the diner every morning before going back out to hunt. He should be dropping by soon though." They took a look to their left, and right on the corner, was a restaurant called Sunrise Diner.

"It was still dark out back home, and the sun has already risen here," Keener pointed out. I have a plan, but we need to move quick, I wanna surprise this bastard when he arrives."

"And how are we going to do that? I'd rather we just wait until he drives up and we shoot the fucker." Kelso suggested.

"We still have to give him a chance to surrender. We still abide by the Geneva Conventions, and he could still be useful to us." he told her. He knew she had a fiery temper and preferred physical confrontation over trying diplomacy, but they had to at least try the latter first. "Before you go kid, here's something for your trouble. Go stop by our medics if your hungry as well, they got some stuff you may enjoy." Keener said with a smile as he handed the kid some of the confiscated currency from the dead bounty hunters.

"200 marks!" the kid exclaimed.

"Kid, where we're from that money is absolutely useless to us. You'll learn alot more in the coming days, but for now just keep yourself safe and out of trouble, you hear?"

"Y-yes sir, thank you sir!" he said before hurrying off in the direction of the medical team, who were more than happy to share what they had brought with him.

"So what's this plan of yours involve?" she asked.

"We need to hide our vehicles somewhere they won't be spotted, but can park out front very quickly. Pull up the drone feed on your pad!" he hurriedly told her. As she did, Keener quickly pointed out an abandoned lot just behind the set of buildings to their right. "If we park our trucks here, and have our teams on standby, they could respond to any situation within seconds. If this guy is following any of the main roads into town, he won't even know we're here. We'll keep our drones in the air to monitor traffic, while a few of us wait inside the diner for him to show up. What do you think?"

"Like you said, we'll need to do this quick, but what are we going to do with the body? We can't just leave a corpse in the middle of the road?"

"We'll have to leave her next to the road until we can properly dispose of the body. We don't have body bags with us and only a few shovels. You do the math, Kelso, we can't do that much right now."

"No, we aren't going to give her some half ass burial in the woods, we'll call for backup to bring a bag when we're done here." Keener just rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"Fine, I'm not going to argue with you, but let's get our teams ready. I'll grab one of mine, you grab one of yours, but leave the rifles in the truck. We don't want to draw that much attention when he gets here." with that, both Captains put the plan into motion. Keeping the drones in their air, Keener and Kelso left their rifles in the JLTV's, and watched as their teams drove around the block, into a nearby alley, and into the back lot. Luckily they left the M4 back near the portal, as its range meant it could stay there, and not draw even more attention to them.

Staring at the sign, Keener, and Kelso walked into the restaurant, each with a team member in tow. The few patrons that were already inside, as well as the owner, had been paying attention to the spectacle outside, and were more than a little unnerved by the presence of soldiers in the restaurant. The owner especially didn't seem all that pleased, and was glaring at them as they walked inside, and came up to the counter.

"Four cups of coffee, and some eggs, please." Keener asked as he sat down at the front counter with Trudeau, while Kelso and her squad member took a seat at the table near the front window.

"Who the hell are you people?" the owner behind the counter asked aggressively.

"Well we're not Nazis if that's what your wondering. If you don't believe me, have a look at Captain Kelso and Sergeant Bernara over by the window." Keener answered pointing to his fellow operators, the sight of which made the man raise his eyebrows in confusion. "We're with the United States Army, and right now we're on a recon mission.

"United States government was dissolved in 1946, and you people are too young to have served when the Nazis dropped the bomb, so who are you, and why are you here."

"Look, its not easy to explain, but we're here to help this world!" Captain Kelso interrupted.

"And right now we're waiting for the sick fuck who left that woman hanging from the welcome sign outside." Keener told him.

"Your referring to the Marshal, what business do you have with him?" the man said as he put down two cups of coffee for Keener and Trudeau.

"Aside from him leaving a fucking body hanging from the sign? We aren't overly fond of Nazis, much less Nazis who shoot up schools back where we come from, so we're here on a recon mission before the cavalry arrives." Keener explained as he picked up the cup of coffee, downed it, and placed the cup back down.

"He's got friends who will come looking for him, so killing him will only attract their attention on this town."

"Chances are we've already killed his friends, or have them locked up, so don't worry about that. Hell, in a few days, this town won't need to worry about anything at all. Just act as if things are mostly normal, and we'll make sure he never bothers anyone in this town ever again." Keener explained as he put a finger to his ear.

"Be advised, a car just pulled up the street, it might be the guy we're looking for." Chang said over the comms.

"Who the fuck took her down?" they heard a man outside yelling. The Green Berets looked outside to see a man in brown jacket and beige hat, wielding a sawed off Winchester rifle, and yelling at those on the street.

"Keep in cool guys, let's wait until he comes in, then we take care of him." Keener said.

"Oh hell no, you ain't shooting up my diner." the owner said defensively.

"Relax, we know what we're doing. Nothing is going to get shot up in here, and you'll see why in a minute." Keener assured the man. Tapping his earpiece, he gave the signal to those waiting in the lot out back. Just as he did, the Marshal entered the diner, clearly flustered.

"Any of you see who took down that body? I thought I said it was to stay up there until the birds picked it clean!" the man demanded.

"So you killed the woman that was hanging out there?" Keener said as he got up from his seat. Hearing what he said, the Marshal got directly in Keener's face and pointed the Winchester at his neck.

"Yeah, I did, am I right to assume your the one who cut her down." he asked, trying to sound intimidating. However, the man his attempts were a complete failure, as Keener stood his ground and just squinted his eyes at the man. But before the situation could escalate, the screeching of tires, and slamming of doors filled was heard as members of ODA 0211 and 0212 rushed into the diner, weapons drawn, joined by Kelso, Bernara, and Trudeau, who pulled their sidearms on him. With him distracted, Keener gripped the rifles barrel, twisting it from the Marhsal's hands, and delivering a right hook into his jaw, sending him to the ground. While on the ground, all he could see were the barrels of a dozen M4A1 rifles pointed directly at his head.

"Yeah, I'm the guy who cut that woman down you sick bastard, and guess what?" he said as he flipped the Marshal onto his back and began to bind his hands with flexicuffs. "Your days of killing people are over you sick bastard. Davis, Norton, throw his ass with that SS agent we picked up. And don't let them leave your sight." he ordered to his weapon sergeants.

"Yes sir!" they replied as they picked the man up and dragged him outside.

"Now," he said turning back to the owner. "I think its time for us to fully explain why and how we're here."
 

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