Dawn of a new Year
0000 January 6th 1945
Intelligence Department, Berlin, Germany
The first significant news of 1945 was good news.
Guderian was short of live action in Soviet Russia in these harsh Winter months. He had a preference for Summer where his tanks would roll again, but not without a new, advanced logistical system devised by him and his staff.
He would pass the dull task of researching in Winter to another commander, von Manstein, who would instead work on a better use of Germany's manpower by improving frontline's Hospital System.
0000 January 7th 1945
Reichstag, Berlin, Germany
Speer started to like Winter.
Two of the three Fighter squadrons rolled off German factories and were now ready for deployment. Most importantly, it freed up precious spare Industrial output.
The third and last Fighter squadron would see the light on January 27th, due to previous British sabotage. Orders were given to raise three Garrison divisions. They would be allocated in France, freeing up several mobile divisions that could be used for more lucrative tasks.
0000 January 13th 1945
Intelligence Department, Berlin, Germany
The trail of good news did not end here as Werner Heisenberg announced he had finished his work on Advanced Encryption Devices.
He was now tasked to research into the secrets of Nuclear Fuel Analysis. Even if Germany could not still afford such an expensive project, no one wanted to lag behind in such delicate technology however.
0500 January 20th 1945
Diplomatic Offices, Reichstag, Berlin
"Please take a seat, sir."
Christian Günther was quite nervous. History showed that when von Ribbentrop knocked at your door, it was never to bring good news. Nevertheless, his diplomatic aplomb helped him conceal his doubts.
"To what shall I pay the honour of being invited here?"
"Let me put it bluntly, gentleman. As you may know, my Country has been in a state of war for nearly six years. Whichever the cause, a war of such proportions does not admit neutrality."
Günther was quite relieved. "How on Earth they think we can ever join their Alliance?" he thought, and soon after hastily said "With all respect, but my government will most likely retain his path of neutrality; moreover, we have little to gain and--"
"And who said I am proposing an alliance?"
The Swedish foreign minister now shattered in fear.
"We have already decided who our friends and our foes are. You have had enough time to choose. Please start looking for another job."
Günther had little time to react as two guards brought him out of the room. Sweden was now at war with Germany.
0600 January 20th 1945
Copenhagen, Denmark
"Julius, the boring stuff is done. Now it's over to you."
Julius Ringel could not wait better words. Forty-four divisions stationed in Copenhagen were under his command, waiting for a formal declaration of war to be made, ready to cross the channel separating the Swedish country from Denmark.
At 0600 one Cavalry division sustained 44:1 ratio for several hours. They had however the advantage of fortifications, defending from a channel, and cold temperature.
In the meantime, three divisions under Lt. Gen. Bornemann were poised to strike at Stockholm, devoid of troops. An Airforce of sort was also present in the city.
0600 January 22nd 1945
Malmö, Sweden
Ringel encountered stiff resistance with three divisions now opposing him, and had made virtually no progress in two days.
But the Swedish lacked one thing Ringel had.
Three hours were enough to achieve sustantial damage to Swedish lines of communications. Luftwaffe bombers had rested well and were more than eager to drop bombs on their targets.