this is the introfor my WWIII saga. What began with a simple idea: what if Southern Korea was invaded in May of 1946, morphed into a global WWIII scenario. Enjoy. More story will be added in increments later on.
In early May of 1946 after the partition of Japan, there were only two divisions and one USAAF Fighter Group stationed in southern Korea. What little reinforcements inevitably would arrive from Japan in the event of war would be meager, as most of the US forces there would be fighting in northern Honshu, trying to ebb the Soviet push towards Tokyo. What if an entire Soviet army bore down upon the defenders in Korea, right now?
Introduction
“Premier Stalin, I am deeply ashamed to admit that we could do nothing to save Leningrad. Lucky thing that atom bomb was not meant for Moscow, eh?”
Stalin re-lit his pipe.
“General Putin, I am too sorry that you failed to save the city. I trust you used every measure at your disposal to spare it the fires of war, yet you simply became overwhelmed?”
“Yes, Premier Stalin. Intelligence was spotty, and by the time we heard about the Allies' designs for the city, the bomber had already taken off and was on a collision course with its destiny. I'm sorry, sir.”
The two men remained silent for a time. Smoke wafted from Stalin's trademark pipe, causing General Putin's eyes to water. It was Stalin who broke the silence, saying “Know that this stain will never leave your record. I want you out of my sight as quickly as possible now. Go! I have work to do.” General Putin hurried out past the double doors to Stalin's office as fast as he could, without even a parting word.
Stalin leaned back in his cushioned chair. That man would be dead before the day was through. Beria would make him pay dearly for his incompetence. As Stalin sat, a swirl of thoughts came to mind. He knew from memory that it would be impossible for the Allies to hold Korea, the weakest area that they controlled. His territory gained in Honshu from the Japan partitioning would surely falter, but not without a fight. And Europe, well it was only a matter of time before Greece fell and west Germany was within his grasp.
Stalin blew a series of perfect, round smoke rings.
Time will tell if the Allies falter. Time will tell.