“This is it. We made it.” Charlie looked out towards Bryant Park.
An explosion burst out before them, and a police truck burst into flames as glass was thrown out across the street. They ducked back into cover, and rubble smashed into the road. Ray took a deep breath as he took in just how bad the situation was.
“We have to get them out of there before they are all massacred!”
* * *
New York Reichsbibliothek, 476 5th Ave, Manhattan, New York
16th November 2017
Light was already fading as more armed units moved in on the massive old building. Manhattan always seemed to get darker much earlier than it should, an odd consequence of its tall buildings that obstructed the sun at so many points in the day.
Blaring sirens announced the arrival of the Waffen-SS to the streets of Manhattan. The column of vehicles moved at speed, sending pedestrians scattering like birds before a fox. Two Schutzpolizei trucks pulled aside to let them through, and then moved back to continue the street blockade. More of their comrades arrived by the minute, but with the arrival of the SS, most were holding back. They might be well armed for police, but they were not expected to deal with a major crisis like this. Standard procedure was one of containment, so that more specialised units could be brought in.
A rocket whooshed down from a hidden position in a tall building to the left. It crashed into the ground just ahead of the convoy, but hit with enough force that it made the lead armoured car swerve. The driver struggled. But in his eagerness to get out of danger he lost control of the front end, clipped the pavement, and then crashed through the glass façade of a shoe store. A fusillade of shots rang out, but the remainder of the column pushed on.
Standartenführer Müller looked at the vehicle as he went past, shaking his head in irritation. He was already on the radio and ranting to the others in the column.
“Target is locked and triangulated on the third floor, behind the oval windows. Return fire…now!”
The armoured car carried two crew, and its loss was of little importance to his mission. Their failure to avoid the poorly aimed rocket was more troubling to him. Even as they continued down the street, he made a note in his notebook. They’d be reprimanded, as would anybody else that didn’t perform to the absolute best of their abilities. He smiled as the two Grizzlies swung around their tall turrets and opened fire with their powerful guns. The twin Rheinmetall Rh 202 20mm automatic cannons were originally anti-aircraft guns, and they made short work of the windows, balcony, and most of the stonework on the third floor. The mixture of high-explosive and armour piercing rounds tore the place apart, sending stonework and glass down into the street.
“Excellent.”
He turned back to check the other units were there. Smoke belched from the powerful diesel engines as they pushed past abandoned cars and on to the library. No more incoming fire came from the taller building, but he knew there was more danger ahead. His headphone crackled so loudly he almost ripped the helmet from his head.
“This is Oberwachtmeister Harris Jenkins. We’re pinned down outside the…”
Gunfire blotted out the sound of the man’s voice.
“…seven dead, fifteen wounded. We’re falling back.”
Standartenführer Müller snarled as he listened.
“That is enough, Oberwachtmeister. Pull back your constables and reinforce the roadblock. Leave this to the SS.”
“But, Sir…We have…”
“Enough! Pull back!”
Müller was becoming angrier by the second. He could see the distant flashes of gunfire, but the public building was another block away. He was not worried about the Schutzpolizei; they were rank amateurs. But he was worried that the terrorists might actually escape, or even worse, be defeated before he could arrive. Metre by metre they moved ever closer until he could see the vast structure in all its glory. The building was little different from the way it had been fifty years earlier. Other than the displays of insignia and standards of the Reich, and of course, what was inside.
“All units prepare for combat. I want to do this fast, and by the numbers.”
He looked down at the street as his column of six-wheel drive Grizzly vehicles pushed their way through the debris. They were tall machines, fitted with defensive mesh screen armour, and mine-resistant armour along their lower hulls. Large black and white crosses marked them out as Reich military. In addition, they carried the twin lightning symbols of the SS. Two were equipped with motorised turrets bearing automatic cannons, each capable of shredding light armour with ease. He tapped the intercom button to activate his helmet-mounted communicator.
“This is Müller. We’re at the library.”
Now closer to the target, the formation of armoured vehicles split into two groups. Those with the turret-mounted weapons took the right, screening those on the left carrying the infantry units. Müller pulled down the toggle that activated the external speakers.
“This is Standartenführer Müller of the Waffen SS. We are here to maintain order. By my authority, you are ordered to clear the streets. Remain here at your peril.”
He sighed at seeing two more of the local Schutzpolizei trucks; both abandoned by their crews and parked at the side of the street. They bore the black crosses of the Reich, and seeing them there, impotent and alone, angered him. The local constables of the Schutzpolizei were a common sight in the city, but few civilians had seen the military machines of the SS in such numbers before. They were there as the last custodians of the region, to be called on in the more dire of needs. They had been called into action, and Standartenführer Müller had never felt more excited. He would unleash them onto the treasonous terrorists, and he’d make them suffer.
Just an hour earlier 5th Avenue had been busy, as it was every day. It was the main artery through Manhattan, and had already been hit once today. Now the place was a ghost town, undoubtedly encouraged by the two attacks to be avoided. Shoppers and workers were gone, leaving those who’d been caught up in the battle. His eyes scanned the ground, and he grimaced as he spotted four burning police cruisers. All of them wreathed in flames, apart from a Schutzpolizei armoured truck lying on its side, the ground littered with dead constables.
“They tried…and they failed. How many times have I warned the Mayor?”
He spoke to himself, though some of those inside could hear his words, and like him, had nothing but disdain for the Schutzpolizei. Unlike the Waffen SS, the local police units had to manage with up-armoured civilian vehicles, and they’d paid the price. Perhaps a dozen of the constables remained, and they were pinned down behind the multiple cars blocking up the street. A light glinted from the massive public building, and a shot glanced off the side armour. Müller smiled as he watched more of the bright flickering lights. The bullets clattered against the Grizzlies, causing little damage other than to their paint. The gunfire came from the upper part of the library, presumably where they’d positioned sharpshooters.
So, they want a fight. Good. And thank you for the warning on the snipers.
He checked to make sure his entire rapid response unit was ready before calling back in to base. They were the most lightly equipped part of his New York based unit, but still more than had ever been needed in the city before.
“Terrorists are inside the Public Library. Local Schutzpolizei have been scattered. I need medical teams and a public information unit immediately.”
“Understood,” came back the reply, “Do you require further support?”
He snorted in reply.
“Of course not. I will deal with this myself.”
He then bent down and looked to the crew inside the vehicle. The military vehicle was modern and had been used during the successful wars in the Middle East over the last few years. It might not be ideal for use in the projected war with the C.R.U., but it was more than enough to help eradicate local insurrectionists. These were, after all, not members of the millions strong armies of the Communists
.
“With me, men!”
He leapt from the Grizzly and landed heavily on the ground. His SS uniform was crisp as always, with the insignia clearly visible. Though most was hidden beneath the long greatcoat each man wore to just below the knees. The stiff collar extended to the sides of the neck, and his face was hidden by the low-profile respirator and upgraded SS helmet. Around his body were the lightweight pouches and webbing to carry spare ammunition for his weapons. There was no requirement for him to carry a primary weapon, but even he knew it was folly to encounter a combat environment with just a pistol.
“Weapon!”
Müller paused, looking left and right to survey the ground. Five cars burned outside the steps of the library, and the large red Reich standards lay burnt and broken on the ground. 5th Avenue was a wide stretch of road, yet with the dozens of abandoned cars, the place had become a graveyard of metal. He then looked back to the vehicle, where a soldier reached out and handed him an MP96F submachine gun. He checked the weapon and then removed the safety.
“All units dismount, move into position.”
The MP96F was made from a mixture of metal and plastic, one of the newer pieces of equipment issued to SS units. While the Schutzpolizei used the same weapon in 9mm calibre, this special F variant was unique to the more elite parts of the Reich military. Though outwardly similar to the standard MP96, the new model had been reworked to fire the powerful, full-calibre 6.8mm cartridge. Normally, this bullet was used in military carbines and battle rifles. Its use in a submachine gun transformed the weapon into a deadly close-range firearm. More shots hit cars that were close, but he didn’t flinch. He looked to the left, where the broken figures of the Schutzpolizei remained. One of them looked to him and called out.
“Standartenführer, we need help!”
The Waffen SS officer wordlessly pointed to the massive building. It was not tall, unlike the many gigantic structures in the city, but it still covered the entire city block. The Reich had allowed the library to remain open, though now it housed public records of the Reich and other agencies.
“Fall back and establish a secure perimeter. Do not let any of these traitors escape!”
As he spoke, more Waffen SS leapt from the sides of their tall armoured vehicles and hit the ground. They looked dangerous, with their military uniforms and mixture of heavy weaponry. They might just as easily have been going into battle against a foreign invader than a small unit of local rebels. The SS men spread out while scanning cover for their enemies. At the same time, the operators inside the vehicles turned their turrets around and pointed their automatic cannons at the building. Guns opened up on them, but the SS were not interested. They’d trained for months in weapons drill and tactics, but not once had they been taught to take cover. Waffen SS Police training was about the use of overwhelming force and intimidating fear. They would succeed through the application of force.
Some of the remaining Schutzpolizei rose from cover to join in. Either they’d not heard his orders, or for some foolish reason thought they could end the fight they’d failed so utterly in. Standartenführer Müller almost laughed as two were cut down. He had little respect for the men of the local police units, their skill at arms almost as useless as their tactical drill. All they’d managed to achieve was to keep the enemy busy, and for that at least he was thankful.
“All units advance and engage. If it moves, kill it.”
More SS men spread out, and Standartenführer Müller smiled in satisfaction as they advanced up the first of the steps. The public building looked massive from here, but he knew the layout from memory. Each vehicle carried detailed electronic mapping, including marked locations for the enemy.
“Help!”
He looked up and spotted two people on the roof. Before he could speak, they both vanished from view. Müller was no fool and little interested in rescuing those that may have been captured. They were no more than officials in a public building. The terrorists were a much greater prize.
“Attack!
Sixteen Waffen-SS men moved to the steps and passed the bodies of several Schutzpolizei. Each had been hit numerous times, and there was no sign of movement.
“Keep moving.”
They didn’t waste time and rushed up between the pair of dual pillars at the centre of the neo-classical building. He smiled to himself as he passed the stone lion to his right. He knew from his schooling that the two animals were known as Patience and Fortitude. Once at the top he was inside the portico and already feeling a little uneasy.
Where are they hiding? Are they running back inside the building?
Deep down he knew something was wrong, but he was a Waffen-SS man, and he would not stop. Using hand signals, he motioned for them to move deeper inside. The first fireteam slowly advanced ahead, their long coats blowing slightly as they moved. They spread out and into the large foyer of the library. It was big, and even with no lights switched on, the place was bright. Staircases ran off the sides, while arched entry points marked the long halls leading off into the building. The next level up was visible where they intersected with the top of the arches.
“Contact!”
Bright lights flashes marked the position of the enemy from the top of the arches, followed by the roar of machine gun fire. Two of his men were cut down before they could move, while the others surged forward. Some right ahead and to the arched entrances to the rooms on the same level.
“Open fire!”
The units advanced just as they’d trained. One moved while another lifted his weapon and opened fire. The Mauser G88 rifles opened up with a clatter, and in seconds filled the place with fire and dust. More SS men came in from behind and fanned out in the ground. There was no cover, and the sole way to avoid fire was either to move, or to return fire.
Standartenführer Müller brought his MP96F submachine gun up to his shoulder and opened fire. With little time to find a suitable target, he poured bullets into the flashes. It took seconds to empty the clip, and without looking down, he ejected the magazine and slipped in another one. Off to his left, and under the circling staircase, was a long curved wooden desk. It was where a Reich official usually sat, but now two terrorists had the guns aimed at him. The rifles opened up, and three more SS hit the ground. Buy some miracle they’d missed him, or perhaps that had been intentional. He looked to his right and waved for more to come inside.
“Bring up the machine gun!”
A shot glanced past his arm, cutting his coat and drawing blood from the superficial wound. He snarled, but when he looked back the pair were gone, leaving a brown case in their place atop the desk. A young SS man chased after them and was about to leap over the top when the thing exploded.
“Bomb!”
Müller hit the ground, instinct taking over. One knee hit the floor as the device detonated. The weapon was powerful, and the SS man vanished from view, obliterated by the blast. The shockwave hit Müller and tore through the front of the library like a whirlwind. Müller tried to clear his head and leapt to his feet. More people were on the floor above him, aiming weapons from three directions. They had the perfect position to attack from. One man leant over the edge of a balcony and shouted down to him.
“Standartenführer. Lay down your weapons and surrender. We have claimed this place in the name of the United…”
Müller lifted his submachine gun and opened fire. The enemy commander ducked down, but one of his comrades wasn’t so lucky, the heavy bullets punching into the man’s upper bod. He lost his footing and tumbled over the ledge.
“Never!” Müller shouted.
He fired again, buoyed up by the shapes of his own men joining him as he rushed up the staircase to the left. Four more were cut down, but he made it passed the pillar and around the corner. A terrorist was right in front of him and pulling on an injured comrade. Müller smashed his weapon’s pistol grip into the man’s head and moved right past him.
“No prisoners!”
Those beh
ind him did as ordered and executed the man, along with the wounded insurgent. They left the bodies to slide down the steps.
We have them…We can do this!
Müller moved as fast as his legs would take him until he reached the last few steps. Six more SS men were right behind him, their weapons at the ready. As he moved up over the crest, there were three of the enemy, all of them kneeling beside a tripod-mounted weapon.
“Down!
He dropped down, throwing his body to the floor, but it was too late for the others, and four ran directly into the path of the gun, taking the brunt of the fire. Müller watched in horror as they were killed before his eyes. Up on the wall behind the enemy was a large red, white, and blue flag, something he’d only ever seen in the history books. He hesitated and gave the order he never thought he’d have to say.
“Everybody back!”
He moved back down the stairs, but the sound of gunfire awakened something inside him that he’d never felt before. It wasn’t anger or rage. It was fear, but not of bullets or death. He commanded the Waffen SS, the elite military unit in the area, and was the man ultimately responsible for security in Manhattan. He ran to the bottom and hurled himself outside to the main steps. Incredibly, he made it out alive, but as he slid down behind one of many abandoned cars, he realised he’d left more than twenty of his men dead or dying in the building.
He looked back at the line of armoured vehicles, and then gasped at seeing three of them already on fire. In the thrill and excitement of battle, he hadn’t even realised there had been something happening outside. An Information Ministry van waited unscathed beside the sidewalk, while a trio of uniformed personnel filmed the action. One man in a smart suit narrated the events while a large camera and lights pointed directly at him. Müller had intended on using them to film his crowning achievement, and now they had this to see. He opened his mouth to shout orders at them, only to see several black staff cars slowing down in the distance. Men in long, brown coats that looked almost black stepped out. They didn’t hurry and watched from afar.
Soldiers of Tomorrow: Iron Legions Page 12