A World Divided, A Sky on Fire

Deciesive Battle/Welcome to Australia

It had been two weeks since Desmond and Simon met. It was now December 23rd, Christmas. Snow fell in Buenos Aires in the early morning and hundreds of American Warships were in the harbor and on patrol. American Airships floated silently in the sky as planes flew on patrols. Thick black stacks of smoke rose from the city, ships and airships. American soldiers were in defensive positions, ready for an impending attack from a massive British aerial, naval and amphibious assault. It was discovered that the enemy outnumbered them in the air and sea in a 15 to 1 ratio.

Desmond and Simon were on the flight deck of the USS Portland. Desmond was eating a sandwich while looking at the snow falling around them. Simon's head was resting on his shoulder.

"Ah, what a couple of love birds!" Someone said as they sat next to Simon.

Desmond turned his head to see a young pilot. He had blonde hair and green eyes. He was short and on the thinner side. "Yeah." He says with a shrug.

"You made it official yet?" The pilot asks as he swung his legs.

"No." Simon says quietly.

The pilot stood up. "Halsey said he wanted to see Desmond." He says as he cracked his back.

"Alright." Desmond says as he stood up, helping Simon up. He kissed his forehead and patted his shoulder. "I'll see you soon."

Desmond put his hands in the pockets of his jacket. He went to the briefing room where Halsey was. "You wanted to see me, sir?" He asks as he saluted the admiral.

"I just need your input on something." Halsey says as he waved him over. Desmond walked over and looked at the map. "Some people said they might attack tomorrow, near midnight while we're sleeping. What do you think?"

"It's entirely possible. They'll be thinking we won't be expecting an attack on Christmas. To be safe, get ships ready to go up in a quick time and let the navy know." Desmond says as he looks over the map. "They're not going to go for an all out rush in the middle...they outnumber us but their commanders can't be stupid."

Halsey grabbed a slip of paper and handed it to Desmond. "This had high encryption and we intercepted it last week. They're going to force their way through. I'm starting to think you were right on pulling back to the Andes, but I guess it's too late now." He says as he rubbed his face.

"We should hit them tonight. Let's take two squads of fighters, strap bombs to them and see if we can hit some of their carriers. They're likely not expecting an attack." Desmond says, pointing to one of the carriers colored red, labeling it as enemy.

"That might work, but they'll be ready as soon as they hear the engines."

"Not if we attack near midnight."

"Who on God's green Earth is going to do night attack that late?"

"Chimera squadron's always ready sir."

Halsey seemed like he wanted to argue but gave in. "It might give us a shot at delaying them. Assemble your squad and find another. Draw up a plan and give 'em hell."

Desmond nodded and saluted him before turning to walk out. He opened the door.

"Oh, good luck and god speed, Captain." Halsey says as he saluted him.

"Thank you, sir."  Desmond responded before walking out, gathering his squad and another and telling them the plan.

Twenty fighters took off from the run way at 10:30PM. By 12:00 AM, December 24th, they were breaking the clouds near the British flotilla. Desmond dropped a bomb right into the citadel of one of the carriers, and another bomb hit the engine and another slammed through the deck and exploded on the inside, causing the ship to go up in flames. In the distance there were more explosions from the other fighters hit other carriers. Fires started to spread as aerial ships began falling from the sky into the waters below, sometimes colliding with British Naval Vessels. Explosions contrasted against the darkness of the night, revealing falling snow.