Land of Flatwater: Protect and Survive Middle America

Wrong location, though. The American commander in question was still around Stuttgart.

I have my doubts about the plan of using the Rhine, particularly with NATO's NORTHAG being able to play a part once the Soviet's southern OMG starts heading for the channel. They'll have to fragment in able to deal with it and that would let the Reds commit their northern OMG. Not to mention how badly the West Germans would take it...

Would have been veeeery tricky to pull off if the escalation to nukes had not blown it all too hell.
 
Good stuff, but small nit. The RAF does not have army style ranks; the equivalent of major is Squadron Leader. He would also refer to '3 Squadron, RAF', not '3rd RAF Squadron'.

However I'd presume that the use of the rank of 'Major' may be a mistake by the Soviets, so it is probably authentic.

I'm a bit sceptical about seeing the USMC on the Central Front. They were too lightly equipped for the sort of warfare that would have taken place there. 2nd MAF/MEF (2nd Marine Division, 3rd was on Okinawa), would have gone to Norway.
 
Great update Chip!

If Tony survives the mess he desserves a promotion to NCO in my opinion!

The best bet for survival for NATO remnants once the nuclear pandora box is opened will be to head west towards France. Eastern France especially Alsace-Lorraine will be heavily hit due to the concentration of army bases and forces there. But the Champagne plateau and from thence the Loire Valley should be ok and I expect to see semi-functional to fully functional authorities at the departemental level.

Local prefects would be glad to have extra firepower to maintain law & order and in any case in surviving towns and cities in across Germany I expect arragements like "we protect you from raiders, you feed us" to be made between surviving military units and surviving communities. Said arrangements being backed by the threat of turning on the town populace if food is refused.

If Tony survives and reaches France I would be glad to have him meeting some of the characters of my own spin off when I go ahead with it.
 
yeah, it could very well be THAT colonel. This will be interesting, following the man who will directly start the end of the world.
 
Ready or not here we come
Gettin' down on the one which
We believe in

near Untergruppenbach, West Germany Saturday February 18, 1984 1730 ZULU

"Can I get it on the good foot GOOD GOD!!!!" Tony screamed as he moved his tank into position to get Okie another shot.

Well, we're gonna have nuclear annihilation, but at least it'll be FUNKY. :D

Great update. Keep up the good work! HIT ME! UNHH!
 
Actually, if I have the time correctly, about fifty-two hours and forty minutes (the exchange occurred on the 21st).

Waiting (with dread) for the next update.

I'm sorry; I meant the nuke authorized by the US commander after the Soviets blew up the ammo depot. Not the actual exchange but opened the door - or, Pandoras Box - for both sides to go thru with it.
 
Land Of Flatwater: Meanwhile, back in Nebraska

Schuyler High School Auditorium -- Saturday February 18, 1984 7:30 Central Standard Time.

The Sheriff, Schuyler's Mayor, the head of emergency at Schuyler-Colfax Hospital (serving as the county liaison to NEMA/FEMA), Walt (now deputy liaison to NEMA/FEMA)were leading a town meeting concerning the new emergency regulations. By this time, GOLDENROD is now at that point where the average citizen can see things are different.

Citizens are concerned about refugees. The see the increase in traffic along US-30. Much of it is official and essential. National Guard, police, the power company trucks. But lot more are scared people fleeing the likely targets to the east.

"Calm down everybody! Calm down," the Sheriff intoned over the roar of a disbelieving crowd. "There will be refugees, period. We have to take in some, but between myself and the Mayor and the other town officialS, we have a protocol set in place in line with the Nebraska Emergency Plan."

"Emergency Plan," said one voice, belonging to a local farmer with a trucker's hat on, "Shit, Sheriff IS THERE EVEN A GOVERNMENT? Where's the Governor? Huh. How 'bout our state senator. Where is he?"

"The Governor is in the state emergency capital. He is in a safe spot, so is our elected rep to the Unicameral. They are in safe locations," The Mayor said.

"They're hiding in a dadgum hole somewhere," a woman in the audience said. "Why the hell are they hiding."

"For the same reason we all may have to seek shelter," Walt said. "To stay alive and keep things running should things get worse."

"Who the hell is this guy? He's a damn refugee, too," said another county resident, who happened to be from where Walt and his family have hunkered down.

"Everybody," the head of the ER said, "Walt was Omaha's head of Emergency operations, and we've asked him to be an assistant to me as liaison to NEMA and FEMA. He has a working knowledge of the emergency plan."

Walt stood up. "I'm sure we've been following the news since last night. Our nation is at war. There is a risk of nuclear attack, let's just be honest with other."

"To answer the question of who is in the charge. Governor Kerrey is in charge. He is in a safe location. Why? Because there are two serious possibilities to consider. First, lets say Soviet troops put boots on American soil. God forbid. We need our civilian leadership safe and free and lead us forward. Second, we have a nuclear exchange, much of what will keep our country connected will depend upon what each of us do at the state, county and local level. That is why the plan exists."

Walt walk along the stage. His voice not wavering, but also not imposing. He talking to the citizen the same way he'd talk to his football teams. Direct, firm but also caring. And Walt looked into the audience, looked at his wife, his children, his inlaws. "I understand the fear here," he says. "My wife is scared, my children are scared. Your children and you are scared, and I don't blame you."

"However, we have to push through fear and work together, that's the only way should all hell break loose that we are going to make it."

"Beginning...Refugees," Walt continued. "First priority for county ID and rations cards will be people who either have family here or have somebody who can sponsor them. For example. I'm staying with family. There are others who have close friends here, who can vouch for them. They will have first priority. After that, people with essential skills. Building. Fabrication. Medical. Law Enforcement. Then others."

"Most people are going to be heading for larger communities. NEMA and FEMA are sitting up refugee centers in Norfolk, Hastings, Grand Island and North Platte. Smaller communities like Schuyler may be used, but most people are going to be heading the larger communities, as least for now.

"Sir?" a man in the audience asked, "What about what I'm hearing with Columbus? They are closing the town off. Shouldn't we do that?"

The Sheriff spoke up, "That is something we will not do, because Columbus is closing themselves off to any assistance right now, and that is dumbest thing you can do, especially when the assistance is coordinated. We will have National Guard backing us up. We're already receiving state and federal help. Plus, we have good stores of food, grain and fuel here at least for the short term. Good people, we may be small, but we are organized and good people have been stepping forward, and some of those folks just moved here a few days ago."

Sheriff nodded to Ed as he spoke that last sentence. "Walt," the Mayor asked, "What about shelters?"

"That's my next point," Walt said. "Shelter. If you don't have a shelter, construct one. NOW. If you have a good basement or a storm shelter that can work. This morning we've had people send out a little pamphlet showing the basics of shelter and what you'll need for the short term. Speaking of that...ration card. Most of you should have them. Your ration cards entitle you, based on occupancy, to a per day average of 1,600 calories per person if we need to go to a rationing structure."

"And when would that be?" Gail asked.

"That would be if the bombs come," Walt said grimly.

Another man stood up. It was Dana, the dirt tracker. "I have an announcement and a question, Sheriff. First, for everybody. My wife and I have been making some good corn gas for the cars. If you need it, come on by my garage in Leigh and we'll get you set up. According to the radio, gasoline supplies for non-essential use will get cut off. I assume we will do the same here?"

"That is true, Dana," the Sheriff said. "However we will make allowances for ethanol. And Dana and a few others in the county are making it, and we plan on have more distributions points for it."

"Now Sheriff what about them crazy folks over in Fremont?"

BASE ALPHA Geneva, Nebraska -- same time...

"Thank you for seeing my Governor. Excuse my constantly burning your people ears," Agent Clayton apologized. "But this is a high concern that could hurt a lot of what you are trying to do."

"I'm interested on what you have to tell me, Agent," the Governor said. "What am I dealing with in Fremont?"

"You are dealing with somebody I've been tracking since 1979," the Agent began. "His name is Tyler Tyles."

The Governor was puzzled. He had heard that name. He remembered it. It was in 'Nam. He was a chopper pilot. Green Beret.

"Hang on, Agent Clayton," the Governor got on his phone, "Have Frank come into my office. Thank you."

A minute later Frank came in.

"Hey boss, whacha need?" Frank asked.

"Frank, this is Agent Clayton...He's with the FBI field office in Omaha," the Governor said. "He just dropped a name on me of somebody you might know for Southeast Asia.


"Okay. I'll bite. Who?"

The Agent spoke, "Does the name Lieutenant Tyler Tyles mean anything to you?"

Frank's eye grew wide, "Yes. I served with him for a tour. Flew a helicopter gunship. Crazy SOB, but good at his job. Just don't turn your back on him. He's a rank-climbing snake."

"But why the talk about him? He's been dead since 1971."

The Agent replied calmly, "He was listed as MIA since then. The man is very much alive."

"You see," Agent Clayton continued. "He resurfaced in 1974, living in Thailand as a gun for hire. He's been a mercenary and later dealt in arms. We caught him selling M-16s to paramilitary groups in Indonesia, Chad, and most recently Nicaragua and hate groups here in the U.S.. We got his ass in 1979 only to have him slip through on some technicality.

The Governor was puzzled, "Why is an arms smuggler in Nebraska?"

"Because he's from here," Frank said. "He grew up not far down the road from me. I'm from Aurora. He grew up near Peru. Johnson County."

The Agent answered, "He is from here. And he's been involved in interesting things. Remember that state patrol raid last year at Rulo?"

"Those nuts?" the Governor said. "Strange people there. Hard core survivalists. Some said they were satanists."

"Those folks belonged to a militia group with ties to Neo-Nazi and Klan organizations," Clayton said. "Tyler Tyles sold them arms. You probably remember that a huge cache of weapons was found there."

"Yes, a lot of military weapons," the Governor said.

"Some of those weapons were made in the country we have a little disagreement with right now," Agent Clayton said.

"What the hell?" Frank said.

"The man sold a known white supremacist outfit based in northeastern Nebraska a supply of Soviet AK-47s and RPG-7s. Its the same group he's a part of now."

Frank snorted, "That guy? A white supremacist? That's a stretch given all the local tang he used to chase back in South Vietnam."

"Our profiles on him say that his only ideology is money and his status."

"Are you saying that this guy could be a Soviet agent?" The Governor quizzed.

"Likely, maybe?" the Agent answered, "But, he's thinking more of setting himself up pretty should chaos happen. That is why he is linking up with a bunch of Nazis, even though he's probably as Nazi as I am."

"Governor, if we don't shut Tyles down now, at best he's selling more arms and threatening this state. At worse, you could find him hurting any reconstruction effort if the worst happens. For a criminal like this guy, a period of lawlessness would make him a king."

"What do you suggest?"

"We have a fix on him in Fremont," Agent Clayton said. "I want to take a small hit team and put a thirty-aught-six behind his ear."

"Agent Clayton, I understand, but at this point I cannot authorize that," the Governor said. "There must be due process. We are still under a Constitution."

The Agent grinned, "You haven't heard my proposition yet, sir. I plan on doing the same to that bullshit Mayor up there. Governor, I can get rid of two of your problems in one stroke. You say the word."

"Agent Clayton," the Governor said. "I tell you what. I'll have the National Guard work this, with your help."

The Governor looked sternly at Agent Clayton, "Let get something clear, sir. You are NOT to engage in any covert killing of what you just described, and that goes even if there is an attack."

"Frank," the Governor said. "Please escort Agent Clayton back to his bunk. We'll get him back to HOTEL in the morning."

"I understand Governor," Agent Clayton said. "No hard feelings. Soon you will come in line with my thinking and my offer will still stand."

Frank led Agent Clayton away to his quarters. "Agent," Frank said. "Is this guy as bad as you say. He was a jerkoff when I knew him, but doing business with the Russians?"

"He did business with Russian black marketeers. Some of them were KGB though," Agent Clayton said. "I'm still going after him no matter what the Governor says."

"Agent," Frank warned, "I think you may need to learn to keep certain opinions to yourself."

"Maybe so," Agent Clayton said, "but before you threaten me, take a look at this photo..

Frank looked at it.... and turned a very pale shade of white.

Sapp Brothers' Truck Stop -- I-80 and US-50 outside Omaha -- 8:30 pm CST

The off-duty Omaha policeman was fidgetting in the crowded truck stop. Lines at every pump filled with people continuing a steady stream of those evacuating the city. Fearing the worst.

"Hello, Aryan Brother," the feminine voice called to the policeman.

We've been here too long
Tryin' to get along
Pretendin' that you're oh so shy
I'm a natural ma'am
Doin' all I can
My temperature is runnin' high

This was not the meeting he was expecting. He was told he would be meeting someone, but not somebody that looked like her. Blonde, blue-eyed and curves everywhere curves should be. She had a touch of scandal, that added to the attraction.


"Good to see we have allies among the unawaked," she said.

"Whatever you want. I just want what your boss said he'd do for my kids," the officer said nervously.

"We will take them in and keep you safe," she said softly. "But we need our people back, and the representatives of ZOG are holding them."

"They are going to move them to Douglas County Jail tomorrow," the officer said. "That would be the best chance."

"Do what you can to be on that detail tomorrow," she said. "We already have somebody picking up your kids. According to this you have two daughters 14 and 12?"

"Yes," the officer said. "They are staying with my parents, and not with my ex-wife and that man she's with."

"Good. We will protect their pure white womanhood against all enemies, brother. You do your part and we will do ours."

"There is something you should know about one of our enemies," the officer said.

"Yes?" She moaned. She was already bored with the cloak and dagger charade.

"The Federal Agent. He tortured our men."

The woman frowned. "You mean, that spade bastard?"

"Yes, him. Be wary of him."

"Why should we be afraid of that monkey?"

"Because he isn't what he seems to be."

She subtly stroked his chin, "Come with me," she said. "We're going to get your down payment for your services."

In her car, two pretty young girls stepped out of the car. They were scantily clad, and looked older than they were. "We have a place near here, and you could use the excitement."

Cry at night
No one in sight
And we got so much to share
Talking's fine
If you got the time
But I ain't got the time to spare

"You are listening to KHAS Radio 1230 A., Hastings, Nebraska The Voice of the Platte River..Tonight on a special broadcast of 'Talk of the Platte' With events continuing in Europe tonight, a lot of planning is going on here at home. Joining us tonight is a member of the Hastings Town Emergency Committee...who normally serves as University of Nebraska's Head Football Coach. Tom Osborne joins us tonight. Glad to have you here with us sir.

"Good to be here," Coach Osborne said.

"Coach, the obvious question is, where do we go from here."

"Well, we must be prepared for whatever happens. This is not an easy time for any of us. Its a time of justified fear, especially for our young people. I can remember when my father went off to war. It was scary and sad. I had many nightmares as a boy as my father was away. I'm sure so many children here are feeling that same fear. It is a time of worry. But these are times when we draw on faith, draw on family, and draw on community."

"Now is the time to truly hold on to one another as fellow men and women tightly. We have to be just as cohesive here to confront whatever may come. It may sound corny, but the fight song says it best 'We all stick together in all kinds of weather'."

Schuyler High School -- 9:30pm

The meeting finally broke up with more annoucements. The congregational church would have an all-comers service tomorrow, and an ice cream social afterward. Strange time to have one, but then again, no so. As the pastor of the church said. "A little fellowship could go a long way right now."

Walt was making his way through the crowd. He made eye contact with Ed. Both smiled and nodded.

"Okay, you guys head to the car..I'll be there in a second. I need to talk to Walt, Chip, I need you to help me carry something."

"Guys, I'll be with you in a few minutes," Walt said. "Gotta check with the Mayor on something...oh, Jill...I need you for second.."

"Aw dad can we go now,"

"In a minute Jill just come with me," Walt said.

Walt found an empty hallway. "I have a surprise for you, Jill."

"Ed you down here?"

"Yeah, I'm here."

Ed turned to Chip. Chip was puzzled. "Dad what is going on here?"

"Walk around the corner and find out."

Jill walked down the hall. She saw someone approaching the corner....and she saw...

Chip turned the corner...and he saw....


Two pairs of wide, surprised, eyes. Two mouths open. Two shocked, happy kids. Two young hearts beating faster.

"CHIP!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!!!"

"JILL!!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE OUT HERE?!?!?!?!? I thought you were...in..."

"Howells," Jill shrieked. "Where are you?"

"On a farm, not too far from here."

"Chip!!! We're close to each other!"

They had the same thought...aloud...

"I THOUGHT I'D NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN!"
Jill giggled. "Jinx! Buy me a coke."

They stayed in each other arms for a few minutes more. They would have been happy to stay in an embrace forever.

to be continued. :)
 
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I really don't want this nuclear exchange to happen. I mean you'll probably kill some characters I love and I won't be able to hear the riveting tales of WW3.
 
Land Of Flatwater: Desperation

Omaha Police Headquarters -- 7:30am CST -- Sunday February 19, 1984.

KFAB News Time 7:30. U.S. Forces in West Germany continue to strike back against Warsaw Pact invasion of Western Europe. A U.S. Naval Garrison cause considerable damage to Soviet ships off the coast of Denmark, further damaging the Soviet Invasion of that country which looked lost a day ago. In West Germany a second NATO counter attack at the Fulda Gap has against repelled Soviet tank divisions. However both sides have encountered heavy losses in naval fighting.

"In Nebraska Governor Kerrey will make a statement later today concerning new regulations for gasoline rationing. The Federal Government is expected to institute a rations program by Thursday this week.

The State Patrol says that starting Monday morning at 8am Interstate 80 will be open to Westbound traffic for all lanes from Omaha to Grand Island to aid the evacuation of Omaha and Lincoln.

The officer turned off the radio as he pulled into the parking garage. He was already in uniform, even after the night he had.

It was incredible and fun. Hell, it was the sex he wasn't getting since his wife divorced him, and tried to keep the kids from him. And the fact that she left him for a red man only made him stew more.

Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation

At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variation
It nullifies the night from overkill

Three blocks away, she was there with another van. Non-descript parked on the streets. Surrounded mainly buy people lining up for gas and scrambling to get food. There was quite of bit of police on the street. But she paid it no mind.

She knew the plan. He'd get the van. Drive toward the jail. Take a detour. switch the vans up. and leave quietly.

She smirked as she thought of him. He was the perfect mark. Hapless. Lost a wife. Has resentment, worried about his kids. She saw the pictures of them. "They get the looks from their mother," she thought. "Although my girls, did have some fun with him. Those two will be quite an addition."

She smirked again. "He thought he was with 'purity'? He was too drunk and too horny to know the truth," she thought with derision.

8:00am -- On Duty

"Okay you six, your moving to the jail."

"When the hell is our speedy trial,"

"Perhaps monday," one officer said.

"Don't you coons respect constitutional rights?

The black policeman didn't bother to answer further.
One of the white officers was more irate. "You fuckers are lucky to live," he snorted. "Shooting an unarmed woman. I noticed none of you great Aryan warriors signed up to be in West Germany while my damn brother is over there! White Power? Y'all can kiss my lilly white ass. Now get in the van before I shoot you!"

The compromised officer wished they'd just be quiet. "They more they chatter back, the more officers they'll send.

The bought officer got in the passenger seat. Just then another officer jumped in. It was the quiet black officer. "I was told to ride with you Neil, any problem with that?"

"No," the compromised officer said. "I could use the company."

He was sweating. He was lying. "Dammit," he thought. "I don't want to kill anybody. I just wanted my daughters away from that woman and safe.

The six survivalists were piled in the van. Once he heard the pound on the van. That was the cue. He could drive out.

Neil put the van into gear, and slowly drove away from the Police Headquarters. He took it around the block and headed up to 15th street. At 16th, Neil took a right. The other officer questioned, "Hey Neil. the jail is the next block up."

Neil stopped the van. And drew his weapon. "Get out spearchucker."

The officer backed up. "Neil, are you alright?"

"Do as a white man says. Get out of the van."

The officer reached for Neil. Neil fired his gun. He opened the door and pushed the body out.

Neil gunned the motor and tore up the street toward the second van. Toward freedom.

"10-53...emergency...officer down....officer down... 16th and Jackson...near the jail...Neil...Neil....

The officer parked at 16th and Douglas. The escape van was waiting.

Neil opened the back. "Hurry up."

"The six men jumped out, "Thank you brother." The first one said.

They all jumped out and jumped into the second van.. which was marked like an OPPD van. The beautiful, evil woman in her disguise. "Quickly, EVERYONE IN THE LINEMEN SUITS. You too, Officer."

They all changed in minutes and then they drove away.

There were 7 happy people in the van. Then there was Neil. He was a broken man, and now he was an owned man.

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Over I-80/Waverly Interchange. -- 8:45 am

"FOXTROT to all Huskers...All wings report...."

Todd spoke into his radio. "Husker 1-3, standing by. Situation at green. Traffic slow but flowing.

Todd kept his F-4 at am even hover over the traffic below. It was mostly tractor-trailers. Many of them trying to get west towards Grand Island or North Platte. Although a few pulled off. "Must be going to restock the stores," Todd thought.

He thought about Cyndi. He was missing her badly. The smart girl who became a nurse, marrying the foreman at the local grain mill. "She's more woman that I deserve, and I can't be with her," he thought.

He opened up the radio. One thing about RF-4s. They can beam onto a satellite. Even after they've been weaponized.

He punched her number on his keypad. "I could get in a world of hurt doing this." he thought.

He could hear the phone ring through his helmet in the cockpit..

"Hello," Cyndi's sweet country girl voice hummed in his ears.

"Hello, baby," Todd said.

"Todd!!!" she said. "What you doing."

"Flying."

"I told you about calling me when you are flying, Todd!"

"I don't care," Todd said. "I miss my wife. I love you."

"I love you, too Todd. Now get off the damn phone before you get in trouble, again.

"Pray for me in church today."

"I always do honey."

BASE FOXTROT -- 9:45 am CST

Agent Clayton was on the flightline awaiting for a chopper to take him back to HOTEL. The chopper came on schedule, but it had a passenger.

When Clayton prepared to board, he was stopped. "Agent Clayton?"

"Yes,"

"Brigadier General Griswold," the Commander said. "We need you back at ALPHA, now!

"Okay, what's up."

"Those Fremont bastards shot a police officer and broke their friends out enroute to jail. The Governor told me what you told him. I think we're playing this your way, Agent.

Clayton had a snarky feeling. "I told you so," he thought.

State Highway 36 -- 10:25 am

"I never thought we'd get out of that mess in Omaha," she thought.
She noticed all the stores had crowds, as the trucks pulled in. People looking to get some more food. The panic was beginning to set in.

She wasn't fazed. "It isn't the end of the world," she thought.

In the news at this hour. A U.S. Navy frigate sunk a Soviet submarine 40 miles off the coast of Virginia.

Soviet General Secretary Nikolai Ogarkov made his first statement to Radio Moscow since the Soviet attack on West Germany. He said, "The problems between East and West should be settled at the negotiations table, not the battlefield." However he did not suggest how that could be accomplished.

In West Germany. Soviet forces at this hour are retreating from Hamburg and Stuttgart. Western analysts suggest, re-supply problems have hurt the Soviet advance.

Schuyler Congregational Church -- 11:10am

O Lord my God,

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all

The works Thy Hand hath made,

I see the stars,

I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow'r throughout

The universe displayed;

It was a full church..on a warmer than expected day in the 40s. Town folks. new arrivals. Family from near and far altogether.

It wasn't the church Chip was used to...however seeing the girl next to him in the pew in her Sunday best made things okay. They held hands through the entire service.

Jill was overjoyed. Since last night, she became herself again. Happy instead mopey.

Ira, Cricket and Mark were chuckling at Chip. But they were happy, too. Chip was still on pins a needles about the world situation, but he was smiling a lot today.

The Sheriff was sitting near the front with his wife, singing his heart out.

When through the woods

And forest glades I wander

I hear the birds

Sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down

From lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook

And feel the gentle breeze;

Cyndi was still smiling. Thinking of Todd. Calling from the plane.

Dana and Maddie, taking a break from corn gas.

Walt holding Jennifer. Not thing about radiac readings, rads, and rations for a little while.

Refrain:

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

Eschau, West Germany 1815 ZULU....

"NICE SHOT Yankee 3-1!"

"Danke!" the TC said. "That one was for Okie!"

The team had a new gunner., and he was a hot shot with a hot temper. Sargeant Timothy O'Hanrahan, United States Army. Natick, Massachusetts.

"Another one dropped," the Sargeant said angrily. "I like killing these guys. Helps when you have a driver that sets the shots up!"

The mission: Cut off a second Soviet group trying to press Frankfurt from the opposite side. Almost 5 hours crunching the through the woods from Hockenheim up to Eschau, but they did it. And now they were back in the fight. The second front didn't develop. The remaining Soviet forces scrambled south to take another shot toward Stuttgart line from the North.

"New Yankee 3-1, go with pursuit forces. QuickMart to set at Heading 088...25 clicks. Air support to follow"

BASE ALPHA -- Geneva, Nebraska -- 1:00 pm CST

"The good news, Governor is that the officer is okay," the Commander said. "Thank God he was wearing a vest. Two broken ribs and a concussion, but he confirmed that another cop did it."

Agent Clayton added more. "This officer...uh, Neil Woldrin...He fits the profile. Personal problems. A lot of things going wrong. Divorced. Joint custody. Wife drop-kicked him for an Indian. Feels indifferent. Has vulnerabilities you can play on. Perfect tool to recruit into Tyles' scam. This is why we have to take down Tyles."

"Okay," the Governor said. "I agree. How do we do it and when?"

The Commander said. "We have the people in place. We just need to pin point a spot and move in."

"Why not a diversion?" Agent Clayton suggested. "Your main force, takes the city and apprehend that bullshit Mayor. And then a small "k-team" goes in take down Tyles and the leadership around him."

"That's a good idea," the Commander said. "We just need a day to get the logistics together and coordinate with Dodge County Sheriffs office."

Both looked to the Governor. "I want the attack plan on my desk by 9am tomorrow. If I like it. We do this Tuesday morning."

Also, Commander, just so you know. I've ordered the guard to not allow any aid into Columbus. If the Columbus Mayor wants to threaten me? I'll starve the bastard."

The Commander smiled. "Good," he said. "real good."
 
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Land Of Flatwater: Cocked Pistol

Lets Go! Lets Go! American workers!
When there's a job to be done. WE KNOW, KNOW HOW TO DO IT!

L594 Motor Route. South of Heidelberg, West Germany -- 0600 ZULU -- Monday February 20, 1984

WATCHTOWER to all battle groups. WATCHTOWER to all battle groups. Head to fixed defensive along the line from COMMAND to FINISH LINE...over."

Yankee 3-1 led a ragtag column of tanks. Abrams M1s, AMXs and British Challengers, and West German Leopards. A sandlot ballclub was taking the fields now. A united NATO army was readying to met the next advance.

It had a been rough night. A brave French armored garrison was pulling back from Stuttgart. They had fought nearly to the death, but they had held on long enough for citizens to fully evacuate. And the Soviets "won" in the sense that they had the city. But the price was high. In that morning's Le Figaro, the front page showed the results of the proud French unit in a picture of waves of charred Soviet armor, underneath the headline "LE STALINGRAD"

"I believe we will stop the Russians. If Yannick Noah can win at Roland Garros, we can fight on and keep their boots out of France." -- A French tank commander setting a new defense line near Kieselbronn to Antennae 2 February 19, 1984."

American Workers!
The time is here!
The whole world is watching!
LET'S PUT IT, PUT IT IN GEAR!

"We're setting a picket fence down here south of Heidelberg on direct line of sight of FINISH LINE!" the Tank Commander said.

"Sir," the Radioman. "HQ confirm, rearm, more gas at site.."

"Alright," Tony said. "we will be loaded up for you gunner. Keep hitting things."

"Accurate like Dougie Flutie," the Gunner said confidently. "I wished my old team worked this well. This is a tank heah!"

"Dougie Flutie?" the Radioman said. "Who the hell is that."

"When we win this war, you find out next fall." the Gunner smiled. "Little pipsqueak from my hometown. Toughest little kid you could play against in any sport. He's the quarterback at BC now, and next season he'll give everybody a run...even your boys, Tony."

"I'd like to see that," Tony replied. "Lets keep on the pressure on the Reds so we can.

E-4B NEACP/NIGHTWATCH "Guardian" refueling over Western Nebraska...1:00am CST/0700 ZULU

Captain Glenn would looking at the printouts and the satellite photos taken over East Germany, Russia, Soviet Central Asia, the Chinese-Soviet frontier. The North Sea. The Med, and in the Baltic Sea. What he saw alarmed him.

"Sirs," Glenn said to the assembled general and admirals. "Take a good look at this photos."

Glenn pointed out the long tubed shapes on the land photos of East Germany. "What are these Captain," one Air Force general asked."

"Notice the area on this line from Madgeberg south.." Glenn pointed out. "These are mobile SS-20 launchers. In Soviet Central Asia, you are seeing the same thing...mobile ICBM launchers here. They are sending more BMS coverage into the seas now. Although they are being more conservative with who they put on our coastline. We're doing the same. They are increasing air activity towards the North Sea. I'm sure MoD sees this. This is a change in plans."

"Why would they change plans now," Admiral Jonas asked, listening in from E-4B "Colossus", "They hold Stuttgart ,Captain."

"They planned to get Stuttgart on Saturday, Admiral. It's Monday morning in West Germany and the Pact took an estimated 35% higher rate of casualty to win what is in the grander scheme a secondary or tertiary goal. They needed Hamburg, and they are further away from it now than they were yesterday. They expected to be rolling into Frankfurt. They got Thermapylae at the Gap. Remember when I said the boys on the ground have to pull rabbits out of the hat. Well its look like Houdini's a member of NATO, and the Soviets are thinking about throwing some nukes."

The CINC-SAC broke in, "Captain, are you saying the Soviets have given nuclear release authority?"

"Its a possibility," Captain Glenn said. "My thought is that we should give our commander that flexibility. Lets call for worldwide release authority now. We don't have to get into a full scramble, but its looks the Soviets are preparing for it."

CINC-SAC disagreed, "We're going to hold off on that unless the President calls for it."

Captain Glenn shrugged his shoulders. "I have some other news for you," he said.

"What do you have?"

"HUMINT on the ground has confirmed Ogarkov's position. We know where his bunker is."

The assorted brass murmmered.

"If we want to decapitate him. We have the means to do it."

"Hell yes," CINC-SAC said. "Flash it to TACAMO, they'll pick a nice boat to send the firecrackers from."

The meeting broke up. Glenn flashed the message to the TACAMO planes. Coordinates, targets, etc. He then switched the frequencies. A backdoor secure line only he knew...

SLIDE RULE TO PEGLEG....SATINTEL ON TARGET AREA 'GOOSESTEP' IMAGES TO FOLLOW. ALSO INTEL ON FEMA OPS 'COLUMBIA'... HARDCOPY AND STUDY....SLIDE RULE OUT.

BASE ALPHA -- Communications room --- 02:15 CST/0815 ZULU

The printers in the communications room were buzzing. The National Guardsman manning the post looked at the varied print out and got his CO..."Wake the Bridgadier," he said. "This is a FLASH communication.

The Commander came in, "Men, this better be important." He was shown the printouts and he paused.

"Gather this info," he said. "Catalog it copy it. Prepare four books for the 0600 briefing...The Governor needs to see this."

University of Nebraska Medical Center -- 03:30am -- Room 4758

"Carolina wake up," Jim said. "Wake up, kid."

Carolina woke up. She was mending, but was still a little weakened and sore.

"Jim what are you doing.."

"SSSSH!" He said. "We are getting you out of here, and out to Hastings this morning, before they clamp down the airport."

"How? The roads are a mess, and in my condition??"

"We have a doctor with us, and a buddy of mine in the CAP who owes me a favor. Put these on and come on, We will move during the shift change.

The doctor came in. "Its an honor Ms. Welch," he said as he slowly unhooked her IVs. I can tell by the color back your face that you are healing well."

"Why are you doing this Jim? You have your daughters to consider. Your wife."

"They are already out there at Hastings, Carolina." Jim said. Your son told me what you told them, and I think that's bullshit. If things get worse. We will need your voice more than ever. You can't check out."

"I wanted my son to go on and find the answers for himself, Jim." Carolina said.

"Trust me, Carolina. He already has. He's ready to move forward, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't want his mom with him. As we said in the service, you can't die without my permission. I'm not giving it to you. So get those scrubs on and lets go."

"Yes sir," she said.

Morning Briefing -- BASE ALPHA 0600 CST/1200 ZULU Monday February 20, 1984

The Governor studied the photo printouts. There were detailed photos of the position of the white supremacist camp north of Fremont, and his buddy Glenn was really showing off. One photo showed a very solid image of Tyler Tyles.

Frank looked at the picture hard. He surely knew the man. He thought of the other picture Agent Clayton showed him. Internally, he was enraged, and it was showing.

"Well Commander, Agent.. Do you have a plan to take down this man?"

"We do," the Commander said. "I like the Agent's idea. We have two platoon of Army Guard troops ready to go. They'll storm the city and occupy the Mayor's office. Agent Clayton and Major Dennison, commander of State Patrol A, will lead a small kill team. with air cover. They will go in find Tyles and kill him."

"No," the Governor said. "I want him alive."

"Sir, I cannot guarantee that," Agent Clayton pleaded. "And, to be honest, why would you want him alive?"

"I second that," Frank said. "Governor, I'd like to volunteer to be on that kill team."

"Frank I can't risk you," the Governor said.

"Bob, its no risk. I know this bastard. I can help get this guy. I need to help get this guy....It's personal, sir. I'll explain it to you in private. But I have to be in on this.

"Frank we will deal with this later," the Governor replied. "How soon until you saddle up."

"We will get the orders out this morning. We have a normal daily checkin at an air strip near the Hormel plant. We send CAP there once a day. Myself and Agent Clayton will be on that flight. Frank, if you are coming met us the front door at 0900.

"When will the attack commence?"

"0500 tomorrow morning."

This is Nebraska Public Radio with the news at 8:00 am... Hostilities in Europe are will within their 4th day, but there are encouraging signs. Within West Germany, the Soviet offensive has slowed or halted at many points. Western observers believe the main Warsaw Pact forces are regrouping for a another push. But Western forces are reorganized and strengthening.

in the Middle East. Israeli tanks and ground troops have rolled into Damascus this morning. Capturing much of the surviving Syrian high command and addition to an estimated 200 Soviet military advisors. In a rare message. The Soviet Union's official News Agency TASS reported that the Soviet emergency committee demands the immediate release of their advisors on the threat of full Soviet military intervention.

"There are concerns this morning in regards to the situation in Italy, where Warsaw Pact forces, mostly Yugoslavian and Bulgarian have breached areas west of Trieste, and there are unconfirmed reports of widespread dissention within the emergency Italian Government."

Here in Nebraska. This morning the State Patrol opened up Interstate 80 to Westbound traffic only in a line from Omaha to Grand Island. It is hoped that the move would aid evacuations and increase safety of the roads.

The new gasoline regulations are in effect. Limits to the amount per purchase hold at no more than 10 gallons per passenger vehicle and 30 gallons diesel for Class C carrier vehicles per day. The move is seen as precautionary measure to set up for the state rationing plan to be instituted this week. More fuel stations are being restricted for essential use only. A list of those places will be broadcast on this network statewide at Noon Central, 11 am Mountain time.

Governor's office -- BASE ALPHA 0840 CST/1440 ZULU
"Frank, whats the story," the Governor said.

Frank sighed. "You know Bob, we all left something in Vietnam. We left friends. You left a leg...Me?..."

Frank choked up a little. "I left a piece of my heart, Bob."

"We all did, Frank."

"No Bob, I mean...I left a piece of my heart. I left a daughter there Bob."

"I see," the Governor said softly. "How do you know."

"I always knew. It was during my first tour. I met her one night, and we just stayed together. The problem was her brothers."

The Governor smiled a little, "They didn't like you or something?"

"If only it was that funny, Governor." Frank said somberly. "Her brothers were VC. She kept the child away from me to protect me and her from them. We met as often as we could. I sent money and care packages as much as I could. But after my first tour, she told me to stay away. It would be too dangerous for her, my child and me."

"But I never forgot them, and still found ways to support them as best as I could."

Frank tried hard to keep his emotions in check, "When South Vietnam went red in '75, My child mother escaped to Thailand."

"What is the mother's name. What is your child's name?" the Governor asked.

"Her mom is Lieh Anh. My daughter is named Cao Vieh...I wanted to call her Chrissy Lynn. Her mom liked that. I wanted to take her and my child back home. I tried finding them in Thailand a few years ago. I had a line on her...But I found out she had disappeared, and my child had, too."

"That was until yesterday."

Frank looked hard at the Governor. "Lieutenant Tyler Tyles, was involved in a very nasty thing when he was in Southeast Asia."

"What could be more nasty that these arms deals that Agent talked about?" the Governor said.

"Governor, that sonabitch also trafficked in women...He specialized in young women, kids. He was a goddamned pimp, for both sides. US, South, VC didn't matter. That bastard would pimp for anybody who could pay."

The Governor was now trying hard to limit his anger.

"Agent Clayton showed me something that has me beside myself. Clayton confirmed that Tyles murdered my child's mama in Thailand. Tyler Tyles has my daughter. He's turned her out for those trailer trash assholes."

"My God," the Governor says. "Frank...I'm sorry."

"That is why I want to go, Bob. I need to be there and get this guy. I want him to face justice..."

"I don't know, Frank"

"Governor, please," Frank said. "I will play it your way. I will not kill this man, but I want him taken in. Is it revenge, HELL YES!...But I also know my duty, Governor...I just want to get my daughter back. I wanted to be that girl's father. Now I may have that chance, and see that her mother gets justice."

"Plus, if we don't get this bastard, Bob.. God help us IF things get worse. The longer the world stays intact and civilized the worse it is for him, but if he's still around should it go to hell? It'll wreck everything we've done to keep Nebraska safe."

The Governor thought. "Frank. I owe this to you. Saddle up. But, I want you to be my eyes out there. You read me? I need an eye on the Brigadier General and I need a lot of eyes on that damn Clayton."

"He's a G-man," Frank said. "Sound like he's damn good one."

"Frank this is between me and you," the Governor said. "Agent Clayton is NOT what his credentials say he is. Be careful with him.

Frank nodded and picked up his pack and his weapon. He hustled to meet the Commander and Agent Clayton.

His brain was soaked in thoughts of that day....It was March 1, 1969..He was on liberty, just to see his daughter come into the world. He could feel the hot tears as they took the short ride to a waiting State Patrol chopper.

"Chrissy Lynn," he thought. "Daddy's coming."

to be continued.
 
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Great! I've been waiting for you to "get to the bombs" and now I'm screaming "not yet"! Good writing Chipperback.

One tiny editorial note - occasionally you've missed the final letter of some words.
 
Its going to be somewhat ironic but Damascus won't get nuked by the israelis but the soviets.Once the bombs fall the Soviet Union having updated its plans for strikes on Israel will nuke main israeli military formations where they are this includes Damascus.While it would have been possible to negociate something using the advisors as a bargaining tool once the war goes nuclear its all out the window.This means Israel will respond by nuking what is left of the syrian army and navy along with strikes on Egypt,Jordan,Irak,Iran,Lybia,taking into account the timeline one strike on Tunisia which at the time was hosting the PLO.In OTL the PLO headquarters was hit by a conventional air strike in 1985 but in this timeline once nuclear weapons are introduced most likely a israeli jet with a nuclear weapon will do it.But Israel gets plasterred here with soviet nukes literally wiping out much of the country.
 
Amazing, great subplots. As I already said, you are very effective in giving depth to your characters

Small nitpicks: the main WP force in Italy, at least on the ground, is the Magyar Néphadsereg (Hungarian People's Army) paired with the associate Jugoslovenska Narodna Armija (Yugoslav People's Army); Bulgaria is contributing with special forces while Soviets are taking charge of sea and air operations. The SGF's core instead has been split among Austria, CSSR/FRG and the border between Hungary and Romania; in the first case it has the lead of the offensive, in the second is helping other units, in the third is closely watching Ceausescu's moves (in order to avoid a possible and absolutely perilous semi-intestine clash between the two countries, the HPA has been sent fighting against us, away from any risk of closeness to Romanian troops).
 
Thanks for that. I'll make sure that gets to Radio Nebraska so they get that right :)

So If I understand this right, there could be some inter-alliance friction in regards to Romania?

Interesting.

Hey Mario, two questions.

1. Who actually is running Italy in the timeline? Have they figured it out.
2. Gianni Agnelli -- does he survive this?
 
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programming note...

I'm on a roll. So after I do that work thing, the saga continues.

"No Mr. President. WE DID NOT GIVE ANY FORCES RELEASE AUTHORITY!"
 
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