[Netherlands] Operation Northern Lights

[Dutchy]

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Operation Northern Lights​

Classified & Encrypted​

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Date
April 2013 - Present

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Location
Norway

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Result
-

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Deployment

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Zr.Ms Vrijheid - Mercy-class Hospital Ship
Full Complement (Crew, Supplies, Fuel & Ammunition)
400 Geneeskundige Bataljon - Royal Netherlands Army

Zr.Ms Karel Doornman - Karel Doorman-class Joint (Logistics) Support Ship
Full Complement (Crew, Supplies, Fuel & Ammunition)
21 Raiding Squadron - Royal Netherlands Marine Corps
309 Squadron - Royal Netherlands Air Force

[6] NH-90 NFH​

Zr.Ms Havik - Fort Rosalie-class Fleet Replenishment Vessel
Full Complement (Crew, Supplies, Fuel & Ammunition)
21 Raiding Squadron - Royal Netherlands Marine Corps

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Operating Bases

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[Name]	[Location]	[Role]
Nieuwe Haven Marinebasis	Den Helder, The Netherlands	Main Operating Base

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Operations

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[Operation]	[Location]	[Objectives]	[Status]
Operation Northern Destiny	Southern Norway	Deployment of military assets to assist Norwegian humanitarian effort.	Active

 

[Dutchy]

Operation Northern Destiny
Classified & Secure

After making last-minute checks and repairs, ensuring the cargo of essential supplies was secured the fleet, designated Task Force 72 would set sail under the command of Kapitein Adrianus Achterop. The crews would be pleased to be back at sea after the horrendous storm front had passed over them forcing them to remain in port.

Task Force 72 would head north east out of port, remaining constantly vigilant for both environmental and combat threats. Kapitein Adrianus Achterop would contact Norwegian Naval Command as they closed in on their territorial water, "Norwegian Navy, Norwegian Navy, this is Kapitein Adrianus Achterop of the Royal Netherlands Navy, please respond over."

 

[Odinson]

Classified

The message was received and responded to by an officer at Akershus Fortress. The High Command and those in charge of handling communications had been briefed that the Dutch would be sending a humanitarian party. Word was passed to higher-ups that the Dutch fleet had made contact with them and was presumably preparing to enter Norwegian waters. The Dutch fleet had already been authorized to enter Norwegian waters and make landfall at will, however the courtesy of informing the Royal Navy was expected. Depending on where the Dutchy Navy would land, they could potentially be somewhere that Norwegian forces hadn't even made it to yet.

"Captain Achterop, this is the Royal Norwegian Navy. State your intentions. Over."

 

[Dutchy]

Operation Northern Destiny
Classified & Secure

"Royal Norwegian Navy, this is Kapitein Adrianus Achterop leading Task Force 76. We are authorised to assist with the humanitarian aid effort within Norway by his highness Prince Invar, Minister of Defence for the Kingdom of Norway. Task Force 76 comprises of Zr.Ms Karel Doornman, Zr.Ms Vrijheid, Zr.Ms Havik. Task Force pepared to make landfall to deliver supplies, offer medical assistance and search and rescue capabilities, over." Kapitein Adrianus Achterop would ensure the fleet remained outside territorial waters until he was properly authorised to enter them. All stations would remain vigilant for any threats and remain on the look out for environmental hazards.

 

[Odinson]

Classified

"Royal Norwegian Navy to Captain Achterop - you may proceed into Norwegian territorial waters. Be advised: there is significant ice cover around Norway. I advise you to proceed with caution. The only port not surrounded by ice is the Port of Kristiansand. You are clear to dock there and disembark your troops. Agents with the Norwegian Border Commission will meet you and your forces at the dock to verify who and what is coming ashore. How copy? Over."

If it wasn't already in a state of disuse, the Border Commission would close the Porto of Kristiansand and inform locals that the Dutch military would be peacefully entering the city. Special Agents with Kripos quietly monitored Kristiansand and the Dutch troops as they came into port. It had been quite some time since foreign troops had landed on Norwegian soil with peaceful intentions.

 

[Dutchy]

Operation Northern Destiny
Classified & Secure

"Solid Copy, Task Force 76 en-route to port of Port of Kristiansand, over." Orders would be distributed throughout the fleet, coordinating the movements as they entered Norwegian waters. As they sailed further north they noticed an increase in solid ice, most of it by the shore ensuring the task force could proceed further north. The fleet would safely arrive at the Port of Kristiansand, contacting port authorities in order to safely dock.

After docking was completed, Kapitein Adrianus Achterop would disembark, along with the captains of the Zr.Ms Vrijheid and Zr.Ms Havik, meeting any Norwegian authorities that had been waiting for their arrival.

 

[Odinson]

Classified

A Kripos special agent watched with binoculars from Oksoy Fyr lighthouse as the ships came towards Kristiansand. Port authorities guided the Dutch and even offered pilots to help them safely navigate. Waiting at the dock was, as promised, agents with the Norwegian Border Commission, along with a young soldier who appeared to have the rank of lieutenant. Once the captains came ashore, the soldier saluted them both and offered his hand to shake. The men were dressed in thick jackets "Um hello... Welcome to Norway, I'm Second-Lieutenant John Larsen, Royal Navy.. I'm currently the highest ranking soldier in His Majesty's armed forces in Kristiansand."

"The only soldier in Krstiansand," one of the agents said while smirking.

Larsen pulled at the collar on his jacket. "The High Command informed us that you have full authority to distribute aid and see to the injured. The Border Commission is armed, and will make sure everyone stays in line while we distribute aid. We're currently operating out of the train station, that will serve as our headquarters for now."

Armed agents with the Border Commission were able to escort the Dutch soldiers and also help distribute supplies.

 

[Dutchy]

Operation Northern Destiny
Classified & Secure

The naval officers would return the salute before introducing themselves and shaking the hands of the Norwegians. Kapitein Adrianus Achterop spoke, "Gentlemen, before we proceed I believe it would be best if we plan out this operation in order to ensure our assets are sent where they are most needed. Please follow me."

He would lead the group of Dutch Naval officer and Norwegian authorities abourd the Zr.Ms Karel Doorman, bringing them to a conference room where they could privately plan the operation. Taking his place at the head of the table the captains of the remaining Dutch vessels would sit opposite the Norwegians.

Kapitein Adrianus Achterop proceeded, "At this time the Zr.Ms Vrijheid has 1000 beds available to treat the most severe cases. Further more the Zr.Ms. Havik is carrying 3,500 tons of supplies that are to be distributed, we could set up the Port of Kristiansand as the main distribution point, getting a regular flow of replenishment vessels in here. However the Royal Netherlands Air Force has offered multiple C-5 Galaxy's to perform supply runs into Oslo."

"I can guarantee you secured radio communications to your High Command from my vessel if you would like to convey my offer to them, Second-Lieutenant."

 

[Odinson]

Classified

"I think your service here will be greatly appreciated. At the very least, we can transport more people here to the city to come aboard. I think there are a lot of people, especially those in critical condition, that would prefer to be aboard here instead of sleeping on the floor in the train station. I'm sure arrangements could be made. If you don't mind, I will contact the High Command... Last I heard, the international airport for Oslo was being cleared, so your offer of C-5s could be very useful."

Lieutenant Larsen would, if allowed, proceed to the communications quarters. If he was, he contacted the High Command. Once communications was established, he received a stunning message: "Valhalla to Kristiansand... Broken Crown..... Broken Crown....."

Lieutenant Larsen was stunned - he could only interpret what that meant because he was in the signal corps. He tried to get further clarification, but was told they had no further information on the situation. The High Command confirmed that the Dutch would have clearance to land at Oslo International Airport if they wanted to bring aid, and would only need to follow regular procedures to do so. After communicating with an officer at the High Command, he returned white-faced to the Dutch officials and the Norwegian special agents.

"I've spoken with the High Command at Akershus Fortress... Something has happened to the King or Queen. Norwegian Armed Forces have been moved to DEFCON 4." He explained that the Dutch were clear to render aid via air and sea, and that the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Defense were in full cooperation.

Shortly after, Lieutenant Larsen oversaw the movement of the injured and sick from the train station to the ships. Afterwards, Norwegian police in the city started moving some of the worse off to the ships. In all, they so far had 511 brought to the ships that needed some kind of medical attention or protection.

 

[Dutchy]

Operation Northern Destiny
Classified & Secure

Kapitein Adrianus Achterop would relay the message back to Dutch High Command that the air route was safe and they had been cleared to proceed. The 150 combat medics from the Royal Netherlands Army now stationed aboard the Zr.Ms. Vrijheid would immediately proceed with settling the over 500 patients the Norwegian authorities had brought them. The most life threatening injuries would be scheduled for immediate surgery. The crew of the Zr.Ms Havik would begin unloading the supplies they had brought with them, including food, water, clothing, first aid kits and medicine. All this would be done in an orderly and organised fashion.

Operation Northern Galaxy
Classified & Secure

Back in the Netherlands at Eindhoven Air Base, all 4 Lockheed Martin C-5AMPs would be prepped for take off, loaded with 130,000 kg of essential supplies which had been fitted with parachutes in case a landing was deemed not possible. On the first flight four members of the Koninsgarde would board and take their seats, securing they seat-belts before take off. All aircraft would take off, with a half hour gap between each flight. The flight time would be prolonged in order to make their safe arrival, nearing Norwegian airspace the co-pilot of the first C-5 Galaxy would contact Norwegian authorities. "Oslo Tower, this is Royal Netherlands Air Force Northern Galaxy Flight, en route to Oslo Airport for military supply run, requesting permission to enter airspace." Each flight following would follow the same procedure. Once permission had been granted the flights would begin their approach to Oslo Airport, being careful on their approach for crosswinds and ice. After safely touching down the flights would follow instructions on taxiing to their assigned parking spots.

Out of the first flight would step the co-pilot, followed by the four members of the Koninsgarde, waiting to meet any Norwegian individual with authority to begin the unloading of the supplies.

 

[Odinson]

Classified

Operation Northern Destiny
Local police and the agents with the Border Commission assisted the Dutch in unloading food where necessary and would do as they promised: providing security and keeping the public back as the Dutch prepared to help. The majority of the patients had more minor ailments like minor frostbite, the common cold, and bronchitis while a lesser number of others had more serious diseases like pneumonia, hypothermia, or were suffering from dehydration.


Operation Northern Galaxy

"Royal Netherlands Air Force Northern Galaxy Flight, you are permitted to enter Norwegian airspace and approach for landing at Oslo International Airport. Be wearing of icy conditions. Over." Waiting at the airport were soldiers with the Home Guard Rapid Reaction Forces who had deiced the runway earlier. Several hundred of them would begin removing supplies from the aircraft with the Dutch. Trucks were brought in to bring the supplies to Oslo for distribution, specifically from military HQs, hospitals, and public squares. The Norwegian soldiers looked tired, but were determined to get the supplies unloaded. Five-hundred more Home Guard soldiers were sent from Oslo to help unpack the supplies from the aircraft.

Major Ulrik Lange met the co-pilot, and explained that he had about five-hundred soldiers that could begin unloading the aircraft now. He had ordered another five hundred from Oslo, who should be there within the hour.

 

[Dutchy]

Operation Northern Destiny
Classified & Secure

The crew would begin distributing hot drinks and meals to all patients aboard the Zr.Ms. Vrijheid, people who weren't required to stay aboard for further treatment would be sought to transfer to the Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman.

Operation Northern Galaxy
Classified & Secure

The co-pilot would salute, "Major, Reserve Air Commodore Willem-Alexander reporting, we've got 520,000 kg of supplies ready to be distributed throughout Norway, I advise you set up a central distribution point and catalogue all supplies before sending them. Furthermore, if possible I request an audience with His Majesty Enoch."

 

[Odinson]

Classified

Operation Northern Destiny
The Norwegian people appeared to be very thankful for the aid they were receiving from the Dutch aboard their ship. Some of them came around to asking why the Dutch were in Norway while others enjoyed hot drinks. Slowly, after hearing there was substantial aid from the Dutch, people in the city and some surrounding communities began migrating towards the port to seek aid - their numbers swelled to an additional 127.


Operation Northern Galaxy
Major Lange, once realizing who the copilot was, saluted him and afterwards offered to shake his hand. "I'll send word to Oslo immediately, Your Majesty. You can come with me to the control tower, if you wish."

Major Lange went to the control tower at the airport, which had by now been taken over by the Royal Air Force and Home Guard, and radioed in to Oslo. The conversation was in Norwegian. The means of communication was, of course, encrypted. "Bifrost to Valhalla. Over."
"Valhalla to Bifrost. Go ahead Bifrost. Over."
"Valhalla, I have a foreign VIP... He's requesting a meeting with Odin. Over."
"Copy. Check your codebook, we'd like to know who he is. Over."

Major Lange unlocked a Home Guard-issued smartphone which was also encrypted, and seemed to be scrolling through it until he stopped.

"Bifrost to Valhalla, I have that code... Stadholder is here. He requests an audience with Odin. Over."
".....Copy that. We'll send the King's Guard."

Major Lange took King Willem to the break room in the control tower and offered him coffee. He was happy to make some small talk and explained to him that Norway was doing much better that electricity was now restored to Oslo and southern Norway. He also shared some details of how word was spreading of the Dutch soldiers in southern Norway, and that moral was improving. After about twenty minutes of talking, a detachment of the King's Guard and the Royal Police arrived with a military vehicle and two SUVs. The idea was to keep a low profile so that no one would know an important VIP had just arrived from the airport. The King's Guard entered the tower and saluted Willem, before introducing themselves. They explained that they could take him to the Palace in Oslo, but that they would need to drive a little slower than normal just in case there was still ice on the winding roads that had been repeatedly cleared and sprayed down.

Truthfully, however, they would also go deliberately slow to allow Enoch a bit of time to get ready. By now, he had a 4-inch long blonde beard and was merely dressed in a button-up and blue jeans. He didn't look very regal. Despite his lack of preparedness, he through it was a pleasant surprise that Willem came to visit him. He did have a surprise for the Dutch monarch.

After a thirty-five minute drive from the airport, the low-profile motorcade arrived at the Palace. The Royal Police escorted Willem into the Palace. It was clean and tidy, but it was still somewhat apparent that something had happened there recently. Every now and again, some larger pieces of furniture were out of place, and the more valuable items that had been moved to the basement were being brought back to individual rooms. It was public knowledge that the King opened the palace to those in need, so there was no reason to be embarrassed of there being some tidiness problems. Nevertheless, Enoch was waiting in a sitting room. He'd finished getting ready, along with removing his beard and shaving. We was wearing a black suit, but also had on the red sash that was technically a symbol of his temporal power as King - it appeared that he was trying to be formal enough without out dressing Willem too much. He appeared to be reading a book, but set it down once there was a nock at the door. A butler walked in, "Your Majesty, His Majesty Willem-Alexander of The Kingdom of The Netherlands."

Enoch stood up, perhaps reminding Willem of the young monarch's unusually tall height of 6 feet and 6 inches (198cm). Enoch extended his hand and shook Willem, before bringing him in for a friendly light hug. "This is a wonderful surprise, Willem. The King's Guard couldn't make it clear to me - how did you get here? Is everything alright?" Enoch looked over to his butler before Willem could reply, "Get us some tea and coffee, if you don't mind, John."

The butler nodded, "Not at all, Your Majesty." John left to get them refreshments. Enoch gestured for Willem to take a seat. "Please, take a seat."

 

[Dutchy]

Willem-Alexander, dressed in his military fatigues, followed the Major up to the control tower, where he relished the warmth. He waited silently as he looked at the men and woman diligently fulfilling their tasks, each on of them being essential to the restoration of Norway. Unable to understand Norwegian he chose to simply wait for the Major to return to him.

As he stepped into the waiting vehicle, staring out the window as the emptiness of the streets, his four man security team from the Koningsgarde following in a vehicle behind. Arriving at the palace he greeted the waiting Enoch. "It's good to see you my friend. I came here with the C-5's which are doing supply runs from Eindhoven to Oslo. Everything is as fine as it could be considering the situation." He said as he took a seat beside the fellow monarch.

 

[Odinson]

Enoch nodded, "Thank you for your service to Norway... We're starting to wind things down by now, so you may not have noticed, but this morning an alert was automatically triggered that took Norway's armed forces to DEFCON 4. The High Command issued a general alert, codename: 'Broken Crown'. I'd heard that before, but of course I had no idea what it meant. Come to find out it means that I've been 'seriously injured, or generally incapacitated'. Well, I wasn't. So I called the Chief of Defense at Akershus Fortress and told him I was fine. Then he informs me that the code simply means, 'The King or Queen has been seriously injured'. Since you and I spoke on the phone, I still haven't talked with Sophia. She's still in Trondheim."

John, the butler, knocked and walked inside the sitting room. He brought with him English tea and American coffee. Enoch asked for the coffee this time, and King Willem was of course free to have whatever he wanted. "Thank you John, that'll be all," Enoch said.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the butler said, bowing before slipping out of the room. John was an older man, definitely older than Enoch. However due to his status, he'd probably been working in the Royal Palace since he was a young man, probably starting as a footman or very junior butler.

Enoch sipped his coffee, and then continued his story. "Anyway, I'm losing my sanity because I'm thinking that something has happened to Sophia. Uncle Ingvar and I have hung up, so I actually find the number to the 24-hour watch at Akershus Fortress and order them to prepare my aircraft to fly to Trondheim. I probably still need to call back and apologize to the lieutenant for yelling at him... Anyway, I get another message saying that the airport outside of Trondheim is still frozen over, so I send a message back saying that the King's Guard needs to clear the runway with shovels and blow dryers if they have to... That's when I get a call from General Ingvar again, who told me that Sophia had been in a car crash in Trondheim, but that it was a minor collision and she just has a minor scratch on the side of her head. She didn't even need stiches. Boy am I relieved. In a couple of hours the phone lines should be back up, so her and I can talk.

"Anyway," he continued, "that's my long way of explaining to you why Sophia isn't here to greet you. Hopefully she'll be home soon, though." Enoch sipped his coffee and sat back in his chair.

"How are you all holding up in The Netherlands?"

 

[Dutchy]

"Oh," was all Willem-Alexander could muster to reply, "I'm so sorry to hear that. When you do see her, please give her my well wishes."

"The Netherlands has pulled through the worst of it now. Things are slowly becoming routine and life is adapting to the extreme weather. The military has been deployed to clear roads, visit the vulnerable and deliver supplies and we've had American airdrops over Groningen. The government however has remained active on both a national and international level, only being limited by being unable to conduct international visits."

 

[Odinson]

Classified
OPERATION HOMECOMING
Once it was confirmed that temperatures were rising and that the ice was no longer spreading, the three Norwegian frigates currently in The Netherlands were ordered to go back out to sea and return to Oslofjord as soon as possible. Reportedly, the ice was already starting to melt and it would soon be possible for the warships to safely get to the city. The ships had their entire compliments of sailors and all defensive and offensive systems were online. The Norwegian fleet informed the Dutch that they were leaving, and requested permission to travel through Dutch waters in order to cut time.


Meanwhile in Oslo...
"I'm happy to hear that the Americans decided to help some Europeans," Enoch said as he finished off his coffee.

"Today the Storting will be voting on the death penalty and then ETO membership. I've been told that they're both going to pass... I guess that means I'll have to buy a vacation house in The Netherlands and Britain," he said, partly joking.

The butler, John, knocked and then walked back in. "Your Majesty, I have a message for you," he said as he approached the King and handed over a small envelope with a piece of paper inside of it. It was too small and unclear for Willem to see, but it looked to be only two or three words. Enoch read the message, put it back in the envelope, and handed it back to the butler.
"Thank you John."

Enoch stood up and motioned for Willem to follow him. "I have something to show you, follow me."
He lead Willem out of the room they were meeting in, and led him down the stairs to the first floor of the palace. They walked around for about thirty more seconds until Enoch opened a large door to a room. He gestured for Willem to go first. If he did, Willem found himself in an ornate room that looks to normally be a conference room, but it seems that the table had been removed. Standing inside the room were what appeared to be very high-ranking military officials as well as a bishop and the Prime Minister, Leif Holt. The senior military officers saluted the Kings. "At ease, gentlemen." No members of the public were in the room, except for the Royal Photographer and a scribe who was noting the event.

"King Willem, this is Prime Minister Holt," he said, gesturing to the older, shorter man who very much looked like an academic. After each person Enoch introduced, they went to shake Willem's hand. "These are the men of the High Command. This is Prince Ingvar, Chief of Defense. This is Kasper Wolff, General of the Army; Jakob Johansen, Grand Admiral of the Royal Navy; Dan Jasper, General of the Royal Air Force; Ivar Olhouser, Major General of the Home Guard, and Isak Haugen, Major General of the Cyber Defense Force."

Enoch raised his hand and motioned at a King's Guard soldier who was standing in the back of the room. The officer stepped forward and presented Enoch with an open case.
"King Willem-Alexander, in the year of our Lord 1996 you were brought into the highest order of chivalry issued by the Kingdom of Norway, the Order of Saint Olav. You were inducted into the fifth and highest degree, the Grand Cross. Today, as Grand Master of the Order, I present to you a special honor few people in the world, and the Order itself, have had bestowed upon them - the golden collar for the Grand Cross of Saint Olav."

Enoch picked up the ornate, real golden collar which had the Grand Cross of Saint Olav attached to it, and put it over Willem's head so that he was properly wearing it.

"The collar is a special distinction presented to some knights who posses the Grand Cross. You are now among the ranks of Queen Elizabeth and the Emperor of Japan. Since the coup attempt in Oslo, you have proven to be a selfless and helpful friend and colleague. During some of my darkest hours as King, you have given me words of wisdom and comfort that were desperately needed. The Dutch and Norwegian governments have recently worked together on a number of initiatives, and soon our nations may even be brothers in an international organization. Also, as I speak, Dutch military forces are in Norway and providing aid without being asked. In fact, for those of you who are wondering why he is dressed in military fatigues, King Willem-Alexander co-piloted a C-5 Galaxy that flew from The Netherlands here to Oslo to bring much needed humanitarian aid to Norway. Your Majesty, I thank you for your friendship and for the good will of The Netherlands. Congratulations."

Enoch shook Willem's hand and patted him on the shoulder before turning to the Royal Photographer, who snapped a number of pictures of them and the audience who were applauding. "Would you like to say anything?"

 

[Dutchy]

"I presume you mean the polls are informing you that the bills will pass, you wouldn't be abusing your power now would you," Willem laughed, "Know you will always find an open door in the Netherlands." He turned his head and watched as the butler walked in and approached the Norwegian monarch. He pushed himself out of the chair, walking besides Enoch as he led him through the palace. Walking into the room he was surprised, taking longer than usual to return the salute from the military men.

He greeted the Prime Minister with a firm handshake, "Mr Holt, a true pleasure to make your acquaintance." He turned to shake the hands of all the others present in the room, addressing them by their correct title.

He lowered his head as the golden collar was placed on him, remaining silent as Enoch proceeded with the ceremony. After posing for the photographer he turned back to Enoch, saying, "This is certainly not what I was expecting when I arrived today. I sincerely thank you for this honour, as your European brother I will always be there for you and the Norwegian people."

 

[Odinson]

"The feeling is mutual," Enoch replied to Willem. After five or ten minutes of more pictures with some of the generals, Enoch presented Willem with the leather case that the gold collar could fit inside. He carefully took off the extra cross that was just being used for the purposes of pictures, since it was actually his own cross. There was a bit of cake and milk to enjoy, and then afterwards it was just them and a few others in the room.
Ingvar casually reminded Enoch of a few things before something clicked in the King's mind.

"Willem," Enoch said, turning his attention back to the Dutch king, "this evening I'm going to give a televised address to the nation. You are welcome to stay. In the address I'm going to announce a funeral tomorrow as well. Minister Ingvar gave me an idea, and if it's out of your comfort zone I understand. But if you'd like to stay the night, we invite you to attend the national funeral with us. Since you're here in a military capacity, I'd invite you to wear a military uniform. I assume you probably don't have a formal one with you, so we were thinking that I could give you an honorary appointment into the Norwegian Armed Forces, and you could wear that uniform at the funeral. We could have it tailor-made for you after my speech and ready for tomorrow morning. What do you think, my friend?"

 

[Dutchy]

"I would be honoured to be present at the memorial for all those we were unable to save." He'd interrupt saying, "You're right, I wasn't expecting any need for formal wear during my stay, I agree that it wouldn't be appropriate to wear my current fatigues tomorrow." A look of surprise would cross his face, not only being promoted to the highest order of Norwegian chivalry but also being awarded an honourary military title within the Norwegian Armed Forces, "Enoch, you and you're people have been too kind in the mere few hours I've been here. I really don't want to cause any inconvenience, I know a military appointment, even a honourary one is not easily given to a foreigner."