[fanfict] Code of Conduct
Title: Code of Conduct
Author: Raina, aphonetic
Rating: PG-13, lots of violence
Characters/Pairings: America, Germany, Japan
Length: About 1600~ words.
Time Period: Alternate Universe, Axis Powers won WW2.
Summary: Germany and Japan present new terms of surrender to America, though his response isn't what they wanted.
“Japan.”
“Germany-san.”
They greet each other with this sort of awkward tension in the air, though both will accept nothing less than looking in the other’s eyes. The place of meeting is quite different from a few years ago, and their greetings are much more strained, despite the war being over.
They meet to discuss further tactics, the demilitarization of America, and a new treaty that Germany plans to present to England and France, intensifying the conditions of surrender. They are sure the terms will be agreeable, and Japan gives a further elaboration of the situation in China and Korea, and Ludwig nods.
He feels like something in him has twisted, but there’s really no one left he can ask, no unbiased parties, and he has no choice but to assume that he is right, or risk weakness that his boss will not tolerate.
“I can handle America on my own, if you would let me,” Japan says finally to an awkward silence, and Ludwig’s hands twitch in his gloves.
“Absolutely not.”
It is the same answer he always gives, and the look on the other’s face is the same as it always is in response. Germany feels that one day, he may actually put the sword at his side to use. And silently, he prays that day will never, ever come.
They have tea and rice in awkward silence in the former capital of the United States. Japan has destroyed all of the monuments that once stood there, and when they call America to the room, Germany can practically see the anguish in his eyes as he watched his Constitution burn, and his statues and tributes to his past presidents vanish, and he can see the thoroughness of Japan, because not even pictures remain.
Germany has forced an air of contempt at him so many times, he doesn’t believe it is fake anymore. He could not hate the former military state anymore if he tried. Which it would not matter, because behind tired eyes is the spirit of a nation that will strike back at any given moment if he believes there is a chance.
Japan begins the meeting, switching his speech to Japanese, because he does not care if the American doesn’t know it. He expects him to learn it. Germany watches America, watches his hands tense and his jacket rustle. His eyes close, as he tries to concentrate on Japan’s words, tries to understand what he is being asked to do.
His standing army has already been eradicated, however, this will give the Axis Powers rights to his military research as well. Dismantling everything he owned was not enough for Germany. They will dig their claws, irremovably, into his government. It is only a matter of time before America will cease to exist under this treaty, Japan and Germany know this.
America is nothing if not stubborn and hardheaded, and he stands, angrily shouting back… In English.
“You can’t do that! Changing the terms of surrender my foot-you’re trying to take away my sovereignty forever, you bastards!”
There is silence. Germany wonders if America might sit down and calm himself. But he remains standing, and his look hasn’t changed. He continues speaking, in that same language, despite knowing the rules they have laid in place for those meetings.
“I refuse.”
Crack.
Germany drops the paperweight that he had lifted as America drops to the floor. Japan ties his hands, as he has many times before, with that precision that the American can never seem to get out of or unravel. Germany approaches him, and with a cool face, places a kick to the other’s gut.
As far as he’s concerned, the American’s outburst deserves no mercy. He is well aware of the consequences, and when he looks at his blue eyes, he sees no sense of sorrow.
When Germany speaks, it is the harshness of the German tongue. “You are aware of the consequences your actions will cause.”
He does not even beg for him to spare the cities anymore. It seems America has passed a certain threshold, and Germany can’t bring him back to be sensible, reasonable, concerned with his own safety.
America’s lips are moving as he mutters something to himself, and Germany watches, vaguely interested.
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
He sneers, and Japan pulls America up roughly. The American no longer even makes a sound, his blue eyes already hardened as if there is no worse they can do. Germany would have to agree, as his fist lands in the other’s rib cage and he hears a sickening crack.
It’s a satisfying sound, and Germany is horrified.
He can’t force himself to aim lower or to aim elsewhere, while Japan supports the failing America. He only stops when he cries out in agony, and Japan pushes him against the table. There are tears at the edge of America’s eyes, and it’s not enough for Japan, nor is it enough for Germany.
Why won’t he react like he’s supposed to…? Germany thinks with a sinking, desperate feeling in his chest.
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
Germany listens to the sounds of the room for a moment: the hum of the AC, Japan’s uniform shifting as he turns to look back at the other, and America’s heavy breathing. What am I doing? he thinks to himself, and his hands are shaking from the momentum of something he can no longer stop.
Victory, for the sake of victory, he has to keep a firm hand over the defeated states, even when he can feel the very victory he’s searching for is spiraling him into madness.
Japan was already mad on some level, wasn’t he? Germany watches him strike the American and shout something in Japanese. He’s heard it before, because he quiets, and Germany doesn’t want to see his eyes.
“Straighten him, Japan,” Germany commands, his voice unnaturally strained.
When America is straightened, his legs are shaking, though no fear seems to reach his face. Does he think this a game? He has lost, there is nothing to be gained from playing mind tricks anymore, Germany bellows in his head, hating the young, immature one before them.
“You realize that you are not in a position to argue anymore,” Germany says at last, speaking in German once again. “You no longer have the right to speak your mind as a free man. You are not a free man. Your pride, your heritage, your language are stripped from you.”
America processes it.
“The only reason you are alive is because you are part of the ideal race.”
The younger nation smirks. “You only say that because you’re too chicken to really face me.”
If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
It’s not the response Germany wants, and he clenches his fist, knocking the other nation asunder.
This was supposed to be a game to the younger nation-he was supposed to give up once it ceased being fun and it became clear that he was the villain, not the hero. Yet he is there, his head is bleeding now. Perhaps from the paperweight striking him earlier, though Germany truly wishes it would have knocked him out.
He’s dazed, now. Germany rubs his knuckles, and looks away, straightening himself. He can remain calm, he can remain calm. It’s important that he does, or else he’ll never get his objectives accomplished. But he wishes he could go home, he’s never liked being a bully, personally.
He can’t help it he’s become abnormally good at it.
“If you will not accept these terms, it will be taken as a declaration of war. This is the last time that I will make myself clear.”
There is silence, and he’s not entirely sure that America heard him.
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
Germany looks at America, waiting for acknowledgment of his previous statement. He can’t repeat himself-that would be a mercy that the country no longer deserves. Japan looks like a statue behind the American, and perhaps it’s better that they are both statues compared to wavering uncertainly on their feet.
A statue has no need for humanity, after all. But could they ever call themselves, countries, human in the first place? There’s a level of inhumanity in them all, after all.
With one fluid movement, Japan slams America into the wall. The sound is muted, though the pictures on the walls shake. A moment later, one falls and breaks.
“Then, the terms of surrender are invalidated,” Germany commands and moves to leave. “I will give my soldiers the order to attack.”
“Wait!” America shouts in English, and he mutters a curse under his breath before switching to his awkward, unruly German. “Wait, you can’t do that, give me a second!”
Germany has already reached the door. He wants to stop, wants to do the right thing, but the anger causing his shoulders to tense won’t let him.
“We will seek your response after a week.”
He closes the door behind him, before he can hear the American break.
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
.
.
.
The italicized paragraphs are the American POW Articles of the Code of Conduct. These articles are how an American soldier is meant to conduct himself when he becomes a prisoner of war.
Author: Raina, aphonetic
Rating: PG-13, lots of violence
Characters/Pairings: America, Germany, Japan
Length: About 1600~ words.
Time Period: Alternate Universe, Axis Powers won WW2.
Summary: Germany and Japan present new terms of surrender to America, though his response isn't what they wanted.
“Japan.”
“Germany-san.”
They greet each other with this sort of awkward tension in the air, though both will accept nothing less than looking in the other’s eyes. The place of meeting is quite different from a few years ago, and their greetings are much more strained, despite the war being over.
They meet to discuss further tactics, the demilitarization of America, and a new treaty that Germany plans to present to England and France, intensifying the conditions of surrender. They are sure the terms will be agreeable, and Japan gives a further elaboration of the situation in China and Korea, and Ludwig nods.
He feels like something in him has twisted, but there’s really no one left he can ask, no unbiased parties, and he has no choice but to assume that he is right, or risk weakness that his boss will not tolerate.
“I can handle America on my own, if you would let me,” Japan says finally to an awkward silence, and Ludwig’s hands twitch in his gloves.
“Absolutely not.”
It is the same answer he always gives, and the look on the other’s face is the same as it always is in response. Germany feels that one day, he may actually put the sword at his side to use. And silently, he prays that day will never, ever come.
They have tea and rice in awkward silence in the former capital of the United States. Japan has destroyed all of the monuments that once stood there, and when they call America to the room, Germany can practically see the anguish in his eyes as he watched his Constitution burn, and his statues and tributes to his past presidents vanish, and he can see the thoroughness of Japan, because not even pictures remain.
Germany has forced an air of contempt at him so many times, he doesn’t believe it is fake anymore. He could not hate the former military state anymore if he tried. Which it would not matter, because behind tired eyes is the spirit of a nation that will strike back at any given moment if he believes there is a chance.
Japan begins the meeting, switching his speech to Japanese, because he does not care if the American doesn’t know it. He expects him to learn it. Germany watches America, watches his hands tense and his jacket rustle. His eyes close, as he tries to concentrate on Japan’s words, tries to understand what he is being asked to do.
His standing army has already been eradicated, however, this will give the Axis Powers rights to his military research as well. Dismantling everything he owned was not enough for Germany. They will dig their claws, irremovably, into his government. It is only a matter of time before America will cease to exist under this treaty, Japan and Germany know this.
America is nothing if not stubborn and hardheaded, and he stands, angrily shouting back… In English.
“You can’t do that! Changing the terms of surrender my foot-you’re trying to take away my sovereignty forever, you bastards!”
There is silence. Germany wonders if America might sit down and calm himself. But he remains standing, and his look hasn’t changed. He continues speaking, in that same language, despite knowing the rules they have laid in place for those meetings.
“I refuse.”
Crack.
Germany drops the paperweight that he had lifted as America drops to the floor. Japan ties his hands, as he has many times before, with that precision that the American can never seem to get out of or unravel. Germany approaches him, and with a cool face, places a kick to the other’s gut.
As far as he’s concerned, the American’s outburst deserves no mercy. He is well aware of the consequences, and when he looks at his blue eyes, he sees no sense of sorrow.
When Germany speaks, it is the harshness of the German tongue. “You are aware of the consequences your actions will cause.”
He does not even beg for him to spare the cities anymore. It seems America has passed a certain threshold, and Germany can’t bring him back to be sensible, reasonable, concerned with his own safety.
America’s lips are moving as he mutters something to himself, and Germany watches, vaguely interested.
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
He sneers, and Japan pulls America up roughly. The American no longer even makes a sound, his blue eyes already hardened as if there is no worse they can do. Germany would have to agree, as his fist lands in the other’s rib cage and he hears a sickening crack.
It’s a satisfying sound, and Germany is horrified.
He can’t force himself to aim lower or to aim elsewhere, while Japan supports the failing America. He only stops when he cries out in agony, and Japan pushes him against the table. There are tears at the edge of America’s eyes, and it’s not enough for Japan, nor is it enough for Germany.
Why won’t he react like he’s supposed to…? Germany thinks with a sinking, desperate feeling in his chest.
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
Germany listens to the sounds of the room for a moment: the hum of the AC, Japan’s uniform shifting as he turns to look back at the other, and America’s heavy breathing. What am I doing? he thinks to himself, and his hands are shaking from the momentum of something he can no longer stop.
Victory, for the sake of victory, he has to keep a firm hand over the defeated states, even when he can feel the very victory he’s searching for is spiraling him into madness.
Japan was already mad on some level, wasn’t he? Germany watches him strike the American and shout something in Japanese. He’s heard it before, because he quiets, and Germany doesn’t want to see his eyes.
“Straighten him, Japan,” Germany commands, his voice unnaturally strained.
When America is straightened, his legs are shaking, though no fear seems to reach his face. Does he think this a game? He has lost, there is nothing to be gained from playing mind tricks anymore, Germany bellows in his head, hating the young, immature one before them.
“You realize that you are not in a position to argue anymore,” Germany says at last, speaking in German once again. “You no longer have the right to speak your mind as a free man. You are not a free man. Your pride, your heritage, your language are stripped from you.”
America processes it.
“The only reason you are alive is because you are part of the ideal race.”
The younger nation smirks. “You only say that because you’re too chicken to really face me.”
If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
It’s not the response Germany wants, and he clenches his fist, knocking the other nation asunder.
This was supposed to be a game to the younger nation-he was supposed to give up once it ceased being fun and it became clear that he was the villain, not the hero. Yet he is there, his head is bleeding now. Perhaps from the paperweight striking him earlier, though Germany truly wishes it would have knocked him out.
He’s dazed, now. Germany rubs his knuckles, and looks away, straightening himself. He can remain calm, he can remain calm. It’s important that he does, or else he’ll never get his objectives accomplished. But he wishes he could go home, he’s never liked being a bully, personally.
He can’t help it he’s become abnormally good at it.
“If you will not accept these terms, it will be taken as a declaration of war. This is the last time that I will make myself clear.”
There is silence, and he’s not entirely sure that America heard him.
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
Germany looks at America, waiting for acknowledgment of his previous statement. He can’t repeat himself-that would be a mercy that the country no longer deserves. Japan looks like a statue behind the American, and perhaps it’s better that they are both statues compared to wavering uncertainly on their feet.
A statue has no need for humanity, after all. But could they ever call themselves, countries, human in the first place? There’s a level of inhumanity in them all, after all.
With one fluid movement, Japan slams America into the wall. The sound is muted, though the pictures on the walls shake. A moment later, one falls and breaks.
“Then, the terms of surrender are invalidated,” Germany commands and moves to leave. “I will give my soldiers the order to attack.”
“Wait!” America shouts in English, and he mutters a curse under his breath before switching to his awkward, unruly German. “Wait, you can’t do that, give me a second!”
Germany has already reached the door. He wants to stop, wants to do the right thing, but the anger causing his shoulders to tense won’t let him.
“We will seek your response after a week.”
He closes the door behind him, before he can hear the American break.
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
.
.
.
The italicized paragraphs are the American POW Articles of the Code of Conduct. These articles are how an American soldier is meant to conduct himself when he becomes a prisoner of war.