Kiel, German Empire, 1918

The German Empire stands on the verge of collapse. Though the Kaiser still reigns in name, a secretive military clique has seized actual power. With mounting defeats against the Entente, a crumbling war front, and widespread shortages of food and essential supplies, the once-mighty Empire is but a shadow of its former self. In a final act of desperation, the naval high command orders the fleet to embark on a last engagement against the Royal Navy. This without informing the crews of the near hopeless odds.

Outraged, sailors take to the streets in open rebellion, joined by civilians and some sympathetic soldiers. Among them is Friedrich "Fritz" Albrecht Thalberg, a crewman aboard the SMS König, who defiantly proclaims:

"We refuse to fight! We will not die for a cause already lost!"