Retaliation

On the 17th, Berlin woke up early. So did Rotterdam. So did Munich. So did Warsaw; so did Nürnberg.

Despite the vastly different regions and dialects; they all shared a single fact on the early morning in March; outrage. Among the many thousands of streets and alleys, flags were raised. Some of the individual Reichskommissariats, some of the Reich itself. 

17-3-1919, 08:16

“Herr Van Riddersveld,” said an informant to the Major in a thick northern accent, “We have been told that there are reds in and around Spijkenisse.”

Van Riddersveld nodded slowly, mentally taking a note of the claim. Little did he know, he’d find himself just there not even two hours later.

17-3-1919, 09:54

“Voormalig Landstorm des Rotterdams, kennen jullie allen uw taak?”

“Former Landstorm of Rotterdam, do you know your task?”

Rheinhardt asked his second company, Stoßkompanie dem Freikorps Rheinhardt, as he refitted his gear.

Spijkenisse, Noordeinde.

First company moved in, Jagdkompanie dem Freikorps Rheinhardt, silently securing former government buildings. Despite the claims of not a single shot being fired, fifteen of the Socialist rebellions wound up being dead during the evening’s count.

Second company moved in from the east.

“It has come to our attention, that there have been extremist anti-regime uprisings near the South of Rotterdam.”

A squad breached a house, they were met with armed militia. Five seconds, three dead.

“We have decided to take necessary action, as law permits.”

Another spotted a hammer and sickle through a window. 

Shards of glass fell onto the kitchen counter as the window, mutilated via shovel, was forcefully ‘opened’.

“How many?”

“One!”

A small, porcelain ball was ripped out. A second later, the grenade was thrown into a still-empty living room. Fourteen seconds later, it exploded, causing the fundamental supports of the house to give in. In less than a minute, the house was as good as gone.

“We can ensure that our policing is fully within the limits of what was stated in the law.”

Members of the first company noticed reds running out of their homes. They did not wait for orders, they simply fired.

It took a total of thirty-two minutes, before a town was levelled. Thirty-two minutes, before two-hundred-and-thirty-eight wounded up being dead. Two-hundred-and-thirty-eight to one. One who had to get stitches.

The red-white-black tricolor was raised over the remaining government building. The flag simply stating ‘Und Doch’ was also raised. The flag with an orange lion was also raised.

“Our forces will not use any excessive violence, even if the public wishes for it.”

Nieuwenhuis glared at the reporter, hoping that that would be the last question he’d have to answer.

“One more thing, Herr Nieuwenhuis—”

“Hurry, I’ve got matters to tend to.”

“Will these actions be repeated in the future—if not by your Korps, then by another?”

“I have no surefire way of telling. I’d recommend assuming yes to that.”

With that, Nieuwenhuis stood up, walking out to meet Rheinhardt near Delfshaven for a night out drinking.