The Liberty Defense Perimeter: A Final Stand Against the Chimera
The hope that the Chimera might bypass North America and focus their wrath on other regions was a last-ditch gamble of the United States during a tumultuous time. This misguided belief stemmed from the delusional perspective of the Noah Grace administration, which sought to keep its citizens unaware of the atrocities occurring abroad during the Chimeran invasion. While the rest of the world succumbed to chaos, the United States initially turned a blind eye to the plight of humanity, even as the first signs of the Chimera's impending threat began to surface in 1951.
With the grim reality of the Chimera’s Spire attacks hitting New England, authorities quickly realized that denial was no longer an option. In the shadow of slaughter across Europe, the U.S. government was forced to pivot away from its previous inaction and execute a comprehensive defense strategy dubbed the Liberty Defense Perimeter.
Acknowledging the discussions of a potential invasion as early as 1950, military strategists analyzed the collapse of European defenses and the rapid advancement of the Chimera through various continents. It became clear to the Joint Army and Navy Board that the entire United States could not be effectively defended against a Chimera assault. Instead, their focus shifted to creating a consolidated defensive barrier, aimed at preserving American industry and manpower for an eventual counter-offensive.
The Liberty Defense Perimeter would stretch a staggering 4,500 miles, encompassing a diminishing section of the continental U.S. from Idaho and Arizona in the west to Alabama and Ohio in the east. The design was intentionally set back from the coasts to avoid unprotected borders, creating a defensive line strong enough to potentially stall the Chimera advance.
The formation of this perimeter inevitably meant that many citizens would be left vulnerable outside its walls. As the grim realization took hold, specific criteria for evacuation were established. Priority was given to government officials, their families, essential workers, and influential figures. Other segments of society essential to maintaining order—such as soldiers and farmers—were also included. However, the unfortunate truth was that many ordinary citizens would not find shelter within the Liberty Defense Perimeter.
The defensive structures of the perimeter primarily relied on a vast network of artillery platforms—massive towers standing 1,400 feet tall and equipped with advanced weaponry. These artillery pieces were designed to create a formidable line of defense, with estimates suggesting nearly 38,780 emplacements scattered along the perimeter. But the defense strategy went beyond static artillery; mobile reserve forces would also be strategically positioned within the perimeter to respond to Chimera actions as needed.
There was even a dark provision within the Liberty plans revealing the use of chemical weapons against those outside the safety of the perimeter. Under the pretense of humanitarian aid, poisoned supplies were to be deployed, a drastic step aimed at eradicating the biological material necessary for the Chimera to propagate.
Despite the fervent efforts to protect the American populace, the reality proved harsh. Following the attacks on September 3, 1951, the Liberty Defense Perimeter was completed by August of the following year, as fear of the Chimeran forces loomed large. However, on May 15, 1953, the long-anticipated invasion unfolded far worse than anticipated. The Chimera’s air fleets decimated over 60% of U.S. Armed Forces within the first three days of the attack, a blow from which the nation could not recover.
The defenses ultimately breached on May 28 by a Chimeran thrust from the south led to catastrophic losses. Rapid infection spread through the exposed remnants of the population, culminating in the disappearance of all but 4% of the pre-war population, scattered and broken beyond recognition.
In the aftermath, local victories over the Chimera could not overshadow the overarching failure of the Liberty Defense Perimeter. Constructed out of desperation, it stood as a testament to mankind’s inability to combat an enemy as relentless as the Chimera. The fate of the American populace served as a stark reminder of the truth: fixed fortifications are often monuments to the folly of man. With the remains of the massive towers now decaying, they symbolize not just a failed defense but the ultimate collapse of a once unyielding nation in the face of insurmountable odds.
As the world reflects on this dark chapter, the ruins of the Liberty Defense Perimeter remain, haunted by the echoes of a hopeful yet futile last stand.
Part 1/10:
The Liberty Defense Perimeter: A Final Stand Against the Chimera
The hope that the Chimera might bypass North America and focus their wrath on other regions was a last-ditch gamble of the United States during a tumultuous time. This misguided belief stemmed from the delusional perspective of the Noah Grace administration, which sought to keep its citizens unaware of the atrocities occurring abroad during the Chimeran invasion. While the rest of the world succumbed to chaos, the United States initially turned a blind eye to the plight of humanity, even as the first signs of the Chimera's impending threat began to surface in 1951.
Part 2/10:
With the grim reality of the Chimera’s Spire attacks hitting New England, authorities quickly realized that denial was no longer an option. In the shadow of slaughter across Europe, the U.S. government was forced to pivot away from its previous inaction and execute a comprehensive defense strategy dubbed the Liberty Defense Perimeter.
The Birth of the Liberty Defense Perimeter
Part 3/10:
Acknowledging the discussions of a potential invasion as early as 1950, military strategists analyzed the collapse of European defenses and the rapid advancement of the Chimera through various continents. It became clear to the Joint Army and Navy Board that the entire United States could not be effectively defended against a Chimera assault. Instead, their focus shifted to creating a consolidated defensive barrier, aimed at preserving American industry and manpower for an eventual counter-offensive.
Part 4/10:
The Liberty Defense Perimeter would stretch a staggering 4,500 miles, encompassing a diminishing section of the continental U.S. from Idaho and Arizona in the west to Alabama and Ohio in the east. The design was intentionally set back from the coasts to avoid unprotected borders, creating a defensive line strong enough to potentially stall the Chimera advance.
Selecting the Lucky Few
Part 5/10:
The formation of this perimeter inevitably meant that many citizens would be left vulnerable outside its walls. As the grim realization took hold, specific criteria for evacuation were established. Priority was given to government officials, their families, essential workers, and influential figures. Other segments of society essential to maintaining order—such as soldiers and farmers—were also included. However, the unfortunate truth was that many ordinary citizens would not find shelter within the Liberty Defense Perimeter.
Defense Mechanisms and Chemical Warfare
Part 6/10:
The defensive structures of the perimeter primarily relied on a vast network of artillery platforms—massive towers standing 1,400 feet tall and equipped with advanced weaponry. These artillery pieces were designed to create a formidable line of defense, with estimates suggesting nearly 38,780 emplacements scattered along the perimeter. But the defense strategy went beyond static artillery; mobile reserve forces would also be strategically positioned within the perimeter to respond to Chimera actions as needed.
Part 7/10:
There was even a dark provision within the Liberty plans revealing the use of chemical weapons against those outside the safety of the perimeter. Under the pretense of humanitarian aid, poisoned supplies were to be deployed, a drastic step aimed at eradicating the biological material necessary for the Chimera to propagate.
Unraveling of the Liberty Defense Perimeter
Part 8/10:
Despite the fervent efforts to protect the American populace, the reality proved harsh. Following the attacks on September 3, 1951, the Liberty Defense Perimeter was completed by August of the following year, as fear of the Chimeran forces loomed large. However, on May 15, 1953, the long-anticipated invasion unfolded far worse than anticipated. The Chimera’s air fleets decimated over 60% of U.S. Armed Forces within the first three days of the attack, a blow from which the nation could not recover.
Part 9/10:
The defenses ultimately breached on May 28 by a Chimeran thrust from the south led to catastrophic losses. Rapid infection spread through the exposed remnants of the population, culminating in the disappearance of all but 4% of the pre-war population, scattered and broken beyond recognition.
The Legacy of the Liberty Defense Perimeter
Part 10/10:
In the aftermath, local victories over the Chimera could not overshadow the overarching failure of the Liberty Defense Perimeter. Constructed out of desperation, it stood as a testament to mankind’s inability to combat an enemy as relentless as the Chimera. The fate of the American populace served as a stark reminder of the truth: fixed fortifications are often monuments to the folly of man. With the remains of the massive towers now decaying, they symbolize not just a failed defense but the ultimate collapse of a once unyielding nation in the face of insurmountable odds.
As the world reflects on this dark chapter, the ruins of the Liberty Defense Perimeter remain, haunted by the echoes of a hopeful yet futile last stand.