Semi-OT: Red Dawn fan fic

[Matt Wiser]

The war began 4 September 1985...

[Matt Wiser]

And the next part:


1705 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville


General Alekseyev looked at his situation map. The East Germans were coming apart, though slowly. Part of the Americans' XII Corps was tearing the two East German divisions to pieces, and though they were falling back, it was only a matter of time before they were overwhelmed, and a dangerous hole torn in the Soviet defense. Third Shock Army was still fighting, and he had to hand it to Starukhin, he'd fought that Army well, and even with him out of the picture, they fought like tigers. The Eighth Guards and 28th Armies were still falling back in good order, and they were already preparing to take up their new positions. The Cuban 1st Army, facing II MAF, was also fighting, and they gave ground grudgingly. It was the Cuban 2nd Army that he was most concerned about at present, though. He turned to General Chibisov. oeGet General Malinsky on the phone.

oeYes, Comrade General.

A few moments later, Chibisov handed the phone to Alekseyev. oeGeneral Malinsky, Comrade General.

oeMalinsky, what's this with the Cubans Alekseyev demanded.

oeComrade General, I'm wondering the same thing myself. The Cuban 27th Motor-Rifle Division, somehow, didn't get the word to fall back, and they're nearly encircled. Then the Cuban 24th Division tried to relieve them, and they were badly mauled, Malinsky reported.

oeDid General Perez give those orders Alekseyev wanted to know.

oeI'm not sure, Comrade General. My liaison officers with Cuban 2nd Army report that he still has some communications with Havana. As you know, the Cuban leadership has taken a serious interest in the battle, Malinsky said.

oeObviously, Alekseyev said. oeOnce the Americans finish us off, they can either go into Mexico, or invade Cuba. And it's in Castro's best interest that they go south.

oeQuite so, Comrade General, Malinsky agreed. oeComrade General, I'm asking about the 76th Guards Airborne Division. I may need them before too long. And the 47th Tank Brigade.

oeGeneral, I can't release those forces to you. Not yet. The Americans may mount an amphibious landing directly east of Brownsville, and I'll need those forces to counter the landing, should it occur, Alekseyev said.

Malinsky digested that information. He'd been so preoccupied with the battle to his front, that an amphibious threat had been overlooked. oeComrade General, I'd quite forgotten about that.

oeUnderstandable, Malinsky. Now, some bad news: The evacuation of wounded and specialists by air is on hold: the last airport was hit by air strikes earlier, and the runways need to be cleared. I've got Belgin's engineering troops looking at ribbon bridges into Mexico, but nothing definite until morning. The airdrops of supplies are still going ahead, though. Alekseyev told Malinsky.

oeAt least the airdrops are going forward, Comrade General, Malinsky said. oeI'll have the 105th Guards mark new drop zones for those supply drops in our vicinity.

oeGood. Remind your troops of the penalty for hoarding. And Malinsky

oeYes, Comrade General

Alekseyev paused. He looked at Chibisov, and the map. It was time. oeMalinsky, as of now, 4th Guards Tank Army is under your command. Good luck.

oeThank you, Comrade General.

With that, Alekseyev hung up. He turned to Chibisov. oeNotify General Suraykin. He's now under Malinsky's command, effective immediately.

oeRight away, Comrade General, Chibisov said.

Alekseyev looked again at the map. He noticed the symbol for the Cuban 2nd Army. oeSergetov, what's your take on this

oeComrade General, I would imagine that both Fidel and Raoul are monitoring the battle, and are even issuing orders directly to their own generals, Sergetov said.

oeAnd the division that didn't fall back the General asked.

oeI would imagine that the Castro brothers would like to have some martyrs for the revolution, Comrade General. If we won't provide them with some, then they will go ahead and do so.


1715 Hours: Cuban 2nd Armored Brigade, U.S. Highway 83, Donna, Texas


A line of Cuban T-62 tanks rumbled west along the freeway that was U.S. Highway 83. The brigade's commander had been ordered by General Perez, the 2nd Army Commander, to relieve the 24th Division, or at the very least, enable their withdrawal east.

Major Miguel Pena wasn't at all happy about the orders he'd received. He knew that his brigade, which had seen combat since the beginning of the war, was no way able to take on American armor. He remembered when he'd been a Senior Lieutenant, and had commanded a T-72 platoon in the war's early days. They had run around and over their opposition, which had mainly M-48s and early M-60s, but now, with the M-60A4, Stingray, and the M-1 family-especially the dreaded M-1A1s, those days were gone forever. The brigade had been shot up several times, beginning in those horrid Ozarks in 1986, when it seemed there was someone behind every tree or knob with a LAW rocket launcher or a Dragon missile. Their T-72 losses had been replaced then, but during that Yanqui offensive in 1987, their T-72s had been given to some other unit, and T-62s had replaced them. And their BMP-2s had also gone away, and BTR-60PBs issued in their place. It had happened again in 1988, during the Yanqui's airborne and amphibious attack on the Gulf coast, and now.....he was interrupted by his brigade's executive officer. oeComrade Major, we're on the line of departure.

oeThank you, Captain. First battalion in the center, second on the left, third on the right. Pena said. oeFourth battalion and the Motor-Rifle battalion in reserve, and artillery ready to fire in support.

oeVery well, Comrade Major. the exec replied. He, too, was a veteran, but was only back to the brigade after six months in the hospital.

oeTell me, Carlos, is this attack a waste Pena asked.

oeComrade Major, the men in the 27th are depending on us, the man replied.

oeYes, but all we'd be doing is pulling them out of the frying pan and into the fire, Pena said. oeAnd there's no guarantee they're still fighting when we get there.

oeTrue, Comrade Major, the exec replied. oeBut we can do our duty.

Pena knew the man was right, even if he was as well: there were American tanks ahead that would outgun and outshoot his own, but he had his duty. He mounted his command tank, and got on the radio: oeAll units, this is Dagger One. Advance!

And a brigade of T-62s moved ahead down and parallel to U.S. 83. Not knowing that the division they were trying to rescue had been overwhelmed an hour earlier.


1745 Hours: 234th Guards Air Assault Regiment: near Indian Lake, Texas.


General Andreyev knew he was getting close to his target. His recon company had talked to some local civilians; once they had realized the Soviet Airborne was going after the KGB, they had gladly cooperated. The irony didn't escape him: if the Soviets and their allies hadn't behaved like animals, maybe, just maybe, they would have had a lot more cooperation from the civilian population. But the Soviets had behaved like it was Germany in 1945, and any chance of goodwill from American civilians had been thrown away at the start.

Now, Andreyev's desantniki had not only the information from the unlamented KGB officer from the missile site, but some civilians had pointed out the weapons site. No civilian could go within a kilometer of the facility-under penalty of death. And that had been strictly enforced, as several corpses hanging from telephone or power poles indicated. One more thing to indict the KGB, Andreyev felt. He hadn't had any personal experience with the KGB since Colorado, but the KGB's insistence on oescenes on a massive scale had repulsed him then, and it still did. One day, he vowed, there would be a reckoning for such atrocities, and the vigor that the Americans had vowed to punish war criminals didn't surprise him in the least.

Now, he was planning his attack on the facility. There was at least a company of KGB troops guarding the facility, but their defense was geared towards a guerrilla attack. They didn't have any heavy armor or APCs, though they did have a few mortars and heavy machine guns. Colonel Suslov came up to him. oeComrade General,

oeYes, Comrade Colonel

oeComrade General, one thing that will certainly work in our favor is that an attack on this scale is the last thing they'll expect. A few guerrillas is one thing they can take care of. But an attack by a regiment.... Suslov said, his voice trailing off.

oeIndeed, Comrade Colonel. And in prewar exercises, we've gone after our own facilities back home. And they were much more heavily guarded than this one. Andreyev reminded the Colonel.

oeTrue, Comrade General, but I was only a battalion commander then, and expecting to fight in someplace like Norway or Iceland. Not here in America. Suslov said.

oeThe next officer who says that he expected to be fighting Americans here, on their home soil, will be the first, Andreyev said. oeNow, to business. I think a suitable diversion can be of use here. We have a few M-16s in our arsenal, correct

oeYes, Comrade General, Suslov replied.

oeGood. Take a few men from the reconnaissance company. Arm them with those American rifles, and have them get as close as possible to the main gate, Andreyev said. oeWait until dark, then they open fire.

Suslov knew what his divisional commander had in mind. oeThe guards will assume it's guerrillas, and their reaction force will move out. And our men lead them into an ambush.

Andreyev smiled. oeCorrect, Comrade Colonel. That's Third Battalion's mission. After the reaction force leaves, First battalion comes in from the west and south. Second from the east. And we overwhelm the remaining defenders. We secure the warheads, get them into the transport vans-if they're not in them already, and then move out.

oeWe have an hour and a half of daylight left, Comrade General, Suslov reminded his superior. oeShall I summon the battalion commanders, and the recon company commander

oeBy all means, Comrade Colonel.

[Matt Wiser]

And the next...Anyone surprised at the VDV going after the missile and the warheads



1825 Hours: South Padre Island, Texas:

Captain Lieutenant Vassily Abramov paced the bridge of the Boiky. Even though the ship would likely never sail again, he was still considered the ship's captain. He'd done a walk-around, talking to the remaining crew, inspecting the guns, and seeing to it that all was ready for whatever came next. There was still plenty of 57-mm and 30-mm ammunition, and some Strela-2M shoulder-fired missiles, along with a few heavy machine guns, enough to make things hot for someone. He'd even looked out to sea, with the high-powered glasses lookouts normally used, and thought he'd seen American ships on the horizon, though with the haze, it was hard to tell. But having done all he could, all he could do was wait. And he knew, if the Americans came, he'd make them pay for it. Or at the very least, try. Then his Executive Officer came to him. oeComrade Captain, the cooks have made some soup, Kurasov said, handing Abramov a cup of warm soup.

oeThank you, Kurasov, Now, the hard part comes.

oeThe waiting, Comrade Captain, Kurasov said, nodding. He knew it as well: when the Americans came to this beach, they'd be able to make things warm for their Marines.

oeAny news on whether or not the coastal radar is back up Abramov asked. The Coastal-Defense troops had a surface-search radar, but an American anti-radar missile had knocked it out. If that radar was back up, he'd have some warning of approaching ships. If not....

oeAll they told me was that they're working on it. The commander of the 175th Naval Infantry's just as worried as you are, Comrade Captain, Kurasov said.

Abramov nodded, sipping the warm soup. That wasn't the only thing on the menu: some dead fish had washed ashore after the Boiky came aground, and the cooks had gathered them all up. Some of the fish had gone into the soup, but some was being prepared for the remaining crew's dinner. He looked at his watch: 1827. An hour of daylight left. Then he heard a shout, oeAircraft alarm!

The two officers ran to the bridge wing. Sure enough, a single aircraft was approaching from seaward. Another reconnaissance flight. oeCommence firing! he yelled into the intercom.

The destroyer's 57-mm and 30-mm guns opened fire almost immediately. The plane banked to its right, and accelerated. It looked very familiar to the Exec. oeComrade Captain, that was a Crusader. Just like last time.

oeYou're right, Abramov said. He remembered what Captain Romonov had told him about the photo run prior to the American air strike. With the plane out of range, he ordered, oeCease fire! and the guns fell silent. He turned to Kurasov. oeWell, they know we're here now.

oeQuite so, Comrade Captain... Kurasov said. oeWait. Here comes another one!

The Boiky's guns opened up again, this time not waiting on the Captain's orders. Unlike the first Crusader, the second one was bracketed by 57-mm fire and the tail was soon hit. The pilot ejected, and the RF-8 plunged into the water. oeDo not shoot at the pilot! Abramov roared into the intercom. He then yelled to the sailors and Naval Infantrymen on the beach. oeBring him to me!

Several of the destroyer's sailors jumped into the whaleboat and headed after the downed pilot. They quickly reeled the pilot in, and to the sailors, it looked like the parachute had nearly pulled the pilot under. They stripped the pilot of survival gear and weapon, and heeding Abramov's orders, returned to the destroyer.

Abramov was waiting as the whaleboat pulled alongside opposite the bridge, and two armed crewmen were with him. The pilot climbed aboard, and took off the helmet. And Abramov was shocked. The pilot was a woman. He then composed himself. oeYour name, rank, and number

oeLieutenant Commander Valerie Carlisle, United States Navy, the pilot replied, then giving her serial number.

oeWell, Commander. I'll have a few words with you, then you'll be handed over to the proper authorities, Abramov said.

oeAll you're getting is the same thing I just told you. Under the Geneva Convention, that's all I can say to you. she replied.

oeTrue, but the formalities must be observed, Abramov said. He turned to his Exec. oeKurasov, take her to the wardroom. See that she's fed, and allowed to dry off. Have Doctor Stepanov check her out, also. I'll be down there shortly.

oeYes, Comrade Captain. And Kurasov and the two sailors escorted their prisoner to the wardroom. He then went to the bridge, where a ship-to-shore phone line had been hooked up. He called the HQ of the 175th Naval Infantry for instructions. The 175th's Intelligence Officer would come and conduct some proper questioning. Though it looked like she wouldn't be a prisoner for very long, from what he'd heard. Orders from General Alekseyev and Admiral Gordikov: all prisoners, at the end, were to be handed over to the Americans. And the end might not be that far off, if the scuttlebutt he'd picked up from the Naval Infantry was right.


1840 Hours: U.S. Highway 83, east of Alamo, Texas.


Major Pena checked his map again in his command tank. The 27th Motor-Rifles were somewhere near Alamo, though east or west, his briefing hadn't told him. Brigade recon was out, and they'd reported back that the fighting may have ceased. Could the 27th have pulled back successfully Well, only one way to find out. He ordered his brigade reconnaissance to keep pushing ahead, and to submit regular reports. With the sun in his eyes, seeing ahead was becoming a problem. And if the Americans were anywhere near, they'd probably have the sun at their backs, and it'd be very hard to see them before it was too late. Nevertheless, there were Cuban soldiers out there who needed help, and he intended to do his duty, and rescue as many of them as possible.

oeGreen One, this is White One, the recon commander said over the radio. oeWe're on the outskirts of Alamo, nothing to report, other than smoke clouds on the horizon. No sounds of combat. Your instructions

oeWhite One, this is Green One, Pena said. oePress ahead. Report when you've made contact with either friendly forces, or the enemy.

oeWhite One, Roger.

The Cuban armor pushed ahead. The smoke clouds were becoming much clearer now, and much more numerous. But whose vehicles were burning Then a surprised voice came on the radio. oeGreen One, this is White One! American armor at coordinates... Then the message cut off.

oeWhite One, Green One. Armor where Pena yelled. oeRepeat, Enemy Armor where

Then the Recon's exec came on the radio oeThis is White Two. Enemy armor west of the Alamo interchange on Highway 83. Repeat, enemy armor west of.. Then that voice, too, abruptly fell silent.

oeAll units, this is Green One, Pena said into his throat mike. oeAdvance to contact. Repeat, Advance to contact. Report immediately on first contact with the enemy. His battalion commanders acknowledged the order, and the T-62s and BTRs rolled ahead. His brigade artillery deployed off the road to set up and prepare to fire in support of the brigade. Then, as he advanced, he saw the burning wrecks of his brigade reconnaissance company's BRDMs and PT-76s, along with bodies in the road.

oeGreen One, Blue One. Contact! Enemy armor at.. then that voice too, stopped. That was Second battalion. He traversed his periscope, and saw tanks exploding. He grabbed his throat mike: oeDeploy! Red and Orange elements wheel left! Purple, fire mission south of Second Battalion's location.

As the Cuban armor wheeled south, they unknowingly exposed their right to American armor. His Third Battalion was soon taking fire. And he heard American artillery going overhead, searching out his own artillery. Pena's Motor-Rifle Battalion halted and deployed their troops: better to be out in the open instead of buttoned up in a vehicle: at least you had a chance of surviving that way.

Then he saw them: M-60A4s and Bradley fighting vehicles. The tanks were moving forward to confront the Cuban armor, while the Bradleys were giving supporting fire with TOW missiles. The Cuban armor was soon in range of their foes, and Pena chose a target. oeGunner, hard core: tank at twelve.

The gunner acknowledged the order, since he already had a sabot tank-killing round in the T-62's 115-mm gun. oeTarget identified.

oeFire.

The 115-mm gun spoke, and the shot hit the American tank. But he'd hit the tank on the front of the turret, where the armor was thickest. And the American tank turned its own gun ever so slightly to the right....

oeDriver, wheel left! Pena yelled, as he opened the turret hatch to throw out a smoke grenade.

It was too late. The American tank fired, and the T-62 took a direct hit. The sabot round penetrated the driver's compartment, and ripped on ahead, tearing apart the fuel and hydraulic lines, and penetrated the fuel and ammunition compartment. The result was the T-62 was blown apart, killing the crew. And Major Pena's death preceded those of the majority of his brigade by moments. The 2nd Armored Brigade was annihilated, and only those few whose tanks or APCs had dropped out due to mechanical issues escaped with their lives.


1900 Hours: East German 40th Air Assault Regiment, Elsa, Texas.

The East German air-assault troopers were busy preparing the town for defense. Offending trees were cut down to clear fields of fire, while antitank mines were laid at likely approaches for armor. And the regiment's artillery-a handful of 122-mm D-30 howitzers, were sited to provide all-around fire if the town was surrounded. The attached tank battalion's armor was also prepared to mount counterattacks as they were needed. And everyone knew that there would be a fight for this town.

Colonel Fiebig had made his headquarters in the city hall, and he was pleased so far with the defense preparations. Now, if the Americans will give me a few more hours, I could hold here for several days, at least. But only if I had the ammunition, he thought. His supply officer had given him the figures. He had, at most, two days' worth of small-arms ammunition, and even less for the heavy weapons. He'd asked for supply drops, but the Soviets had declined: the proposed drop zones were too close to American lines, and American aircraft were too active for the safety of the transports. Then his Executive Officer came to him. oeComrade Colonel.

oeYes

oeComrade Colonel, we've just gotten this from General Metzler, the Exec said, handing the Colonel a message form.

Fiebig scanned the form. He had to hold for at least twenty-four hours, the message said. The 11th MRD to the north had been shredded, and it was now falling back again. And the 9th Panzer was now in the same condition. If this was going to be the last battle for the National People's Army in America, Metzler wanted them to go down fighting. oeThe usual, Comrade Major. Well, the Americans will be coming-and soon. How soon, do you think

oeNot long, Comrade Colonel. A few hours, at least, the Exec said.

oeAbout what one can expect. Have the men stand to. It won't be long, Fiebig said.

He was right: just as the sun was setting, A pair of AH-64As appeared, prowling for prey. And they found targets: several of his tanks were targeted and destroyed by Hellfire missiles. Then the helicopters turned away: no doubt they would inform their base of the East Germans' defenses as they saw them.


1920 Hours: 234th Guards Air Assault Regiment, near Indian Lake, Texas.


General Alekseyev went over the attack plan with his battalion commanders, along with the recon company commander. The recon boys would open the attack, firing into the compound with M-16s, and would draw the KGB troops' reaction force after them. They would lead the KGB troops into the waiting arms of Third Battalion, and would be wiped out.

While that action was going on, First and Second battalion would envelop the site, and though First Battalion would be those who entered the facility, Second battalion's role would be to prevent any of the KGB troops from escaping. Once the facility was secured, the warheads would be loaded onto their vans, if they weren't already loaded, and the Regiment would move out. oeAny questions Andreyev asked.

First battalion's commander raised his hand. oeComrade General, what about prisoners

oeVery simple: we're not taking any. There's no reason to. Take whatever documents we can find, but we're not bothering ourselves with prisoners, Andreyev replied.

The assembled officers nodded. As far as they were concerned, the KGB brought it upon themselves, and deserved to pay. oeAnd when do we attack, Comrade General Second Battalion's commander asked.

oeI want it to get good and dark, Andreyev said. oeWe need time to get into position in the meantime. No earlier than 2130.

Colonel Suslov nodded. oeAnd heavy weapons fire, Comrade General

oeNone. I don't want to take a chance on damaging the warheads or the vans. Sorry about that, but that's the way it's got to be. Andreyev told his officers. oeAny other questions

There were none. oeAll right, Comrades, get your men into position. The recon company opens the attack, and we wait until they're good and ready. Be in position by 2130. Anytime after that, the recon boys can do their thing when they're ready. Andreyev said. oeAnd good luck, Comrades.


1950 Hours: South Padre Island, Texas.

Captain Lieutenant Abramov went into the Boiky's wardroom. He'd insisted that the prisoner be treated well, since the Soviet Navy still felt the tradition of the sea, as his instructors at the Academy had drilled into him. So the downed pilot had been fed, and the ship's doctor had come to see if she had any injuries from the ejection. No doubt she'd expected her reception by the Soviets to be much more severe, but Abramov felt that this approach was more befitting an officer and a gentleman. The wardroom door opened, and the ship's doctor came out. oeDoctor.

oeAh, Comrade Captain. Captain Lieutenant Pavel Stepanov said, oeYou can see her now.

oeAnything I need to know before I question her Abramov asked.

oeShe's fine. No ejection-related injuries that I could find. Still...I'm surprised the Americans have been putting women in their fighters. Stepanov commented.

oeWe did, in the Great Patriotic War, Doctor. Abramov reminded his ship's surgeon. oeThough I think that was a wartime expedient.

oeI imagine so, Dr. Stepanov said. oeAnyway, unless there's anything more

oeNot at this time, Doctor. But I should inform you: if the ship becomes untenable, be prepared to set up on shore.

oeI've already given that some thought. I'll be ready. And the doctor headed back down to sick bay.

Abramov went inside the wardroom. Two armed sailors stood, watching the prisoner. They came to attention when he entered, but relaxed when he motioned them to do so. The American was watching intently. This was clearly not what her survival training had told her to expect if captured. It was more out of World War II in Europe. oeCommander, Abramov said. oeI know you're not going to say anything beyond name, rank, and number, but I do have a few questions to ask you.

Commander Carlisle nodded. oeAnd you'll get just that. Your English is good, by the way.

oeThank you. A product of the Academy in Leningrad. Now, what was your carrier

Commander Carlisle said nothing.

Abramov knew he wasn't likely to get anything from her, but the 175th's Intelligence Officer had given him some questions to ask. He would have been here, but other matters had intervened. oeAnd your squadron

She shook her head.

oeWhat was your mission here Abramov asked. He knew she'd been flying an RF-8G, but had to ask anyway.

oeWhat do you think it was She replied.

oeAt least I didn't get your name, rank, and number for that one. Abramov laughed. oeOne more time, then I'll be finished. oePlease, your carrier, squadron, and mission

Commander Carlisle simply gave her name, rank, serial number, and date of birth.

oeThat I expected. Ah, well. I'll send you ashore, where you'll be quite safe. And I expect, you won't be here that long, given how things are. Abramov said.

oeMaybe you should've thought of that before you decided to come here. Carlisle said.

oeI think a lot of people should have thought that before we decided to come here, Abramov agreed.

A few minutes later, several Naval Infantry arrived to take the prisoner to a POW compound. Before she left, Commander Carlisle said one more thing. oeYour hospitality is not what I expected, and that's a compliment from one Navy person to another.

[Matt Wiser]

And the saga continues:


2000 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville


General Alekseyev was looking at his situation map, and though some of what he saw was quite expected, some was not. Though the Cuban 1st Army, the 8th Guards, and 28th Armies were now on their positions, and the 3rd Shock Army was still falling back, the East Germans were in bad shape. And the Cuban 2nd Army was getting ground down. The bright spot was that 4th Guards Tank Army was now under Malinsky's command, and would help form a strong line. All he needed from Suraykin was forty-eight hours. And hopefully, Suraykin would give him that time. Then he noticed General Chibsov coming up. oeYes, Pavel Pavlovitch

Chibisov handed him a message form. oeThis just came in from Moscow, Comrade General.

Alekseyev took the form. It asked when the Hall Government would be evacuated from the pocket. oeAre they serious

oeEvidently so, Comrade General, Chibisov said.

oeOf all the...do they know about the runways

oeThe runway status was reported, Comrade General, acknowledged Chibisov. oeApparently it hasn't gotten though yet, or..

oeOr they're ignoring it, Alekseyev finished for his Chief of Staff.

oeThat is a real possibility, Comrade General.

oeAcknowledge the message, and inform Moscow that Hall and his government will be evacuated, once the runways at Brownsville-South Padre Island Aiport are repaired. Alekseyev said.

oeYes, Comrade General. Chibisov said.

Then Colonel Sergetov came up with another form. oeComrade General, this just came from Malinsky.

Alekseyev read it. It mentioned the destruction of the Cuban 27th Division and the 2nd Armored Brigade. oeDamn it! Was this Castro's idea

oeNo way to tell, Comrade General, Sergetov said. oeBut it is possible.

oeIt would be no surprise if it was, Comrades, Chibisov said.

oeKnowing Castro, he'd enjoy having some new 'martyrs of the revolution. Alekseyev said. oeWhat does this do to the Cuban 2nd Army

oeIt forces them to be stretched rather thin, especially on their left, Comrade General. And with that armored brigade wiped out, they have no reserves, Chibisov pointed out.

oeAll right. I believe Third Shock still has an independent tank regiment in reserve Alekseyev asked.

oeThey do, Comrade General, not at full strength, but still combat effective. Chibisov reported.

oeGood. Have them send that regiment to cover the Cuban right flank. If the Cubans find themselves overwhelmed, as is possible, we still need Third Shock in Malinsky's line. Have them fall back to that line. Now. If that means another Cuban division gets cut to pieces, so be it. Alekseyev decided.

oeRight away, Comrade General, Chibisov said.

2020 Hours: Federal Building, Brownsville

Ambassador Markarev was ushered into President Hall's office. He'd just received news from Moscow, and while he'd been waiting outside, the Cuban Ambassador had left the office. And the man had a smile on his face. And Makarev had also noticed the activity in the building. Documents were being shredded and burned, almost as fast as the shredder could handle the papers, while burn barrels were being fed with the remnants of the files. Clearly, no one wanted evidence of the Hall government's activities-especially those that would earn those involved a trip to prison or the gallows-something the Americans bearing down on them were promising those involved with the collaborationist government.

His thoughts were interrupted when Hall's aide came and said, oeThe President will see you now, Comrade Ambassador, and ushered Makarev into the office. Hall rose to greet his guest. oeComrade Ambassador, I am pleased to see you. How are things at the Embassy

The Soviet Embassy, such as it was, had been the Sheraton Brownsville prewar. Now, part of it served the Soviets, while another wing housed Cuban diplomats. It didn't matter that they were the only members of the diplomatic corps left, the Nicaraguans having left for Mexico the day before, and the Mexicans themselves had departed that day. None of the Warsaw Pact states had kept their diplomatic staff in Texas any longer than necessary, and even the Libyans and North Koreans had left as well.

oeThey are going fine, Comrade President, though we are destroying all of our secret documents, as you might expect. Makarev said.

oeI'm sure you noticed that outside, we're doing the same thing. Though some are against it. They feel that no matter what, we've done nothing wrong, and should be proud of our efforts, Hall said.

Makarev thought for a moment. He had a very good idea, based on that morning's meeting with Hall's cabinet, who felt that way. Vice-President Davis came to mind, as did the PSD chief. No matter. Makarev knew there was enough evidence for the Americans to convict the whole lot of them several times over. oeI understand, Comrade President, but some things should not be left for one's enemies to discover.

oeIndeed. I take it you noticed the Cuban Ambassador leaving He has reemphasized Comrade Fidel's offer to host a government in exile. And I'm inclined to accept the offer, despite the views of some in the cabinet, Hall said.

oeI see... Makarev said. oeWell, in that case, you will be interested in this: Moscow will fly yourself, your cabinet, and anyone else you nominate out of the pocket.

oeWhen

oeAs soon as possible. The runways at Brownsville-South Padre Airport were damaged this afternoon in an air raid, and repairs are underway. Makarev said.

Hall smiled. oeExcellent, Comrade Ambassador. Once we're out of here, we can continue the struggle, as some have suggested. We'll accept Fidel's offer, but then we'd like to move to Moscow. The Reactionary Government in Philadelphia will no doubt settle longtime debts with our Cuban brothers, and staying there is not a good idea.

oeSensible, Comrade President. Makarev said.

oeYes. Though I will be sad to leave. I have done all that I can to bring Socialism to America, with all that it promises, only to be despised and loathed. If I had been able to do that at the ballot box.....but things went the way they did, Hall said.

Makarev thought again. He knew full well that Hall was now viewed as the worst traitor in American history, even worse than Benedict Arnold. Even when he ran for office prewar, he was seen as a tool of Moscow, and now as someone who needed an invading foreign army to give him the power he wanted. Not to mention the very loud calls for his execution coming from Philadelphia, as well as the American news media. oeWe cannot change the past, Comrade President. It is best if we looked towards the future.

oeQuite. Please let me know when the evacuation can resume.

oeOf course, Comrade President. Makarev said.


2055 Hours: South Padre Island, Texas.

Captain Lieutenant Abramov was catnapping in a bridge chair. He'd seen Captain Romonov do the same, in this same chair, and he knew that if something happened, he'd be able to react instantly. So he hadn't taken over the Captain's cabin. His Exec came to him, oeComrade Captain, I have some news.

oeYes, what is it Abramov asked.

oeThe coastal radar is back on line, Comrade Captain. We'll have some warning of approaching ships, or so the Coastal-Defense troops say.

Abramov paused for a moment. oeFor how long, Kurasov If that party stooge was still with us, he'd consider that question defeatist.

oeThey're trying to keep it mobile, Comrade Captain. But that won't keep an anti-radar missile away. And there's only so many places on this part of the island where the radar can be placed.

Abramov went and looked at the chart. Though it didn't show much in the way of detail about the island, he did know this part of it was a prewar resort area. oeAs long as we have some warning, Kurasov,

oeYes, Comrade Captain. I saw our prisoner off, by the way. Kurasov said.

oeAnd how did the Naval Infantry treat her Abramov wanted to know.

oeThe same as we did, Comrade Captain. Though rumor has it that our conduct in such matters has not been exemplary in the past, with the end seemingly near... Kurasov's voice trailed away.

oeIt makes more of an impression with the Americans when they do come, Abramov finished. oeWell.. The phone ringing interrupted his statement. He picked up the receiver. oeYes

oeAttack Warning! the voice on the other end shouted. oeAir-attack warning!

Abramov put the phone down. oeBattle Stations! he ordered.

His gunners went to their posts, and began scanning the sky for approaching aircraft. With no working radar, they were dependent on visual identification of threats. Since the last run had been a recon flight, Abramov was expecting some kind of attack. But his only mistake was that it would be in the morning.

Out to sea, two A-6E Intruders from VA-75 from the John F. Kennedy came in at low level. The original intel that the destroyer had no working guns had clearly proven wrong, as the evening recon flight had shown. Just above the A-6s flew two A-7s from VA-72. They had HARM missiles, and were looking for Soviet radars to come up. Then the A-7s launched their HARMs and turned away, leaving the field clear for the Intruders.

oeWhat's going on Abramov asked over the phone.

oeWe don't know yet. All we know is... then the voice cut off. Unknown to Abramov, a HARM missile had struck the only remaining air-defense radar on South Padre Island, wrecking it and killing the officer Abramov had been talking to. Two of the three HARMs remaining found AA gun radars, while another found an SA-8 missile vehicle, and all three exploded in flame.

Boiky's gunners scanned the sky. Then they saw trails incoming. oeMissiles inbound! The gun captain of the number two 57-mm mount yelled, and both quad mounts began rapid fire.

Both Intruders had launched AGM-123 Skipper IIs: laser-guided missiles using the body of the GBU-16 laser bomb and the engine from the Shrike anti-radar missile Despite the hail of 57-mm fire, both weapons from the lead A-6 directed at the destroyer struck. The first to hit struck the first 57-mm mount, in what a Western Navy would be the oeA position, obliterating it-and the oeB mount was also knocked out in the blast, while the second missile landed in the bridge, killing Abramov, his Exec, and everyone else there.

As the remaining crew aboard tried to fight the fires, the second pair of AGM-123s landed on the ship. Both were guided amidships, and in the explosions, one of them set off the ship's torpedo tubes. The combined force of this explosion, along with a near-simultaneous detonation of the forward magazines, wrecked the destroyer. Only those aft of amidships managed to abandon the grounded vessel and escape with their lives.

[Matt Wiser]

And another:


2110 Hours: East German 40th Air Assault Regiment, Elsa, Texas


Colonel Fiebig was hunkered down in the basement of the Elsa City Hall. Built to withstand hurricanes, the basement's Emergency Operations Center was perfect for his purposes. Now, as American artillery fire rained down, he prepared for the attack that would soon come. As long as the phone lines laid to battalion HQs worked, and survived the barrage, things would be favorable. His Regimental Executive Officer had set up an alternate command post in the police station, so even if Fiebig was taken out, the defenders would still be able to fight in a coordinated fashion. His Operations Officer came over to him.
oeComrade Colonel, they're coming. The barrage is lifting in some sectors, and our outposts report tanks and armored vehicles approaching.

oeShow me. Fiebig said, motioning to the map.

oeHere, Comrade Colonel. An attack is developing along Highway 107,

oeFrom La Bianca, it seems. That Panzer Regiment was overwhelmed within what, fifteen minutes Fiebig asked.

oeI'm afraid so, Comrade Colonel. A second attack is coming here, from the south, along F.M. 88, and another attack from the north: a platoon-sized outpost was at the F.M. 88/F.M. 1925 junction, and they reported armor approaching. We've been unable to raise them, the operations man said.

oeSo we're facing a brigade-sized force at least Fiebig asked him.

oeApparently so, Comrade Colonel.

Fiebig looked at the map again. Though his men had deployed for all-around defense, he was shorthanded. If he had three battalions instead of two, he might have a real chance. Instead....Very well. Our main defenses are in the center of town anyway. Have all units fall back to their main positions. And have Captain Buheler ready to counterattack as soon as he receives the order.

oeYes, Comrade Colonel. And the operations man went off to issue the orders.

The East Germans fell back, and the American armor advanced, though cautiously. They knew they were facing East German airborne, and from previous battles, it was well known that they didn't quit until they had no choice. San Antonio the previous year, and Alice earlier that summer, had proven that.


2130 Hours: 234th Guards Air Assault Regiment, near Indian Lakes, Texas.


General Andreyev was waiting for the recon company to open the attack. He'd received word that all units were in position and ready, but everyone was waiting for the recon boys to start things off. He'd left when to their discretion, and the recon company was the best in the regiment. Contrary to Western thinking, the recon were expected to use their heads, especially in something like a raid, and he had full confidence in the recon company to let them start things off. As before, Colonel Suslov insisted that the General remain with the Regimental Command Group, while he led the attack personally with First Battalion. Andreyev looked through his binoculars: the facility was well lit, and it was obvious that there was no fuel shortage for the KGB. Good, he smiled. Let them get oefat, dumb, and happy, and we'll teach them a lesson they wouldn't forget-if they lived, that was. Then there was a tap on his shoulder. It was Major Polyakov, the 234th's Executive Officer.

oeComrade General, everything's ready, and it's time. All we need is the recon to start things.

oeTrue, Major. But they won't start on the dot. Like I said at the briefing: the recon will start anytime after 2130. Wait a few minutes, and then we'll see, Andreyev said.

As it turned out, they didn't have to wait that long. A minute after Polyakov made his comment to the General, small-arms fire erupted across from the facility entrance. Sure enough, it was M-16s, and as Andreyev observed through his binoculars, the KGB reaction force mounted up in their trucks and rolled out, still under fire from the recon company.

oeAll right....let the reaction force fall into the trap, and as that's being sprung, we'll go in, Andreyev told the Major.

A few minutes later, heavy firing to the north showed that Third Battalion's mission was being accomplished. Andreyev nodded to Major Polyakov. oeTime, Major.

Polyakov nodded, and fired the signal flare. The desantniki from First Battalion opened fire, sending RPGs into the guard towers, while the paratroopers swarmed the compound. The remaining KGB troops, including warhead techs, were dumbfounded, and many hardly had a chance to go for their weapons before they were killed. It was all over in less than ten minutes. Though a few of the KGB troops had tried to escape, they went right into the embrace of Second Battalion, and none survived. The few survivors from the reaction force who tried to return met a similar fate, and it was all over. Another flare signaled that the facility was secured, and Andreyev led the Regimental command group forward. Colonel Suslov was waiting outside the command post, a prefabricated structure. oeComrade General, the facility is secure.

oeWell done, Comrade Colonel. Your losses

oeFour killed, seven wounded. And the KGB troops were wiped out to a man, Suslov reported.

oeMake sure those who are dead are dead, Suslov. Don't take any chances, Andreyev replied.

oeYes, Comrade General, Suslov said, motioning for his radioman to come so that he could inform the company commanders. After he did so, he led Andreyev to where the warhead storage vans were parked.

oeWe've checked the vehicles, and all have warheads. There's three dozen here. Some are artillery shells, while the rest are warheads for various rockets, Suslov told the General.

oeMake sure we've got all of them, Colonel. Andreyev said. His orders from General Alekseyev were precise on that matter.

Suslov nodded. He sent his intelligence officer into the command post, and a few minutes later, came out with the warhead inventory. Counting the warhead Andreyev's men had recovered earlier, there were thirty-seven warheads remaining in the stockpile. A visual check of the serial numbers verified that all were now accounted for.

oeAll warheads accounted for, Comrade General, Suslov reported. oeYour orders

oeAssemble the Regiment, and prepare to move. We're returning to Brownsville. General Alekseyev wants the warheads delivered to his headquarters. Andreyev said. oeHow soon can we be ready to move

oeTwenty minutes, Comrade General. Suslov replied.

oeMake it so, Comrade Colonel. Andreyev said. oeIf this had been an American facility, I'd be recommending you for the Red Banner.

oeI hadn't thought of that, Comrade General, Suslov replied. oeThe satisfaction of settling some scores with the KGB will be the reward in this case.

General Andreyev grinned. He, too, had some issues with the KGB, not just prewar, but during the war, and now, this revenge was sweet. oeExactly so, Comrade Colonel. Have the regiment ready to move in twenty minutes.

oeComrade General.


2155 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville.


General Alekseyev reviewed his map again. The East Germans had managed to reform yet again, though they had been roughly handled yet again. General Metzler had managed to get the 11th MRD and 9th Panzer into Malinsky's line, and Third Shock was on their left. The Eighth Guards and 28th Armies were also in position, as was the 4th Guards Tank Army and the Cuban 1st Army on the right. They had an open right flank with the Laguna Atascosca National Wildlife Refuge, but just as the marshes and wetlands gave the Cubans a problem, so it would also give the U.S. Marines a problem, as their amphibious oeend-arounds likely wouldn't work in that kind of terrain. But further south, at Laguna Vista, and just north of it, that threat would return, as the terrain would support such an operation. And on the far left, the Cuban 2nd Army had been reeling all day, with one division and an armored brigade annihilated, and another division badly mauled. Alekseyev still wondered, though, as did Malinsky, if Fidel Castro or his brother Raoul had ordered General Perez, the 2nd Army commander, to sacrifice a unit or two as oeMartyrs of the Revolution. General Chibisov came up.Comrade General, we have word from General Andreyev.

oeYes

oeMission successful. Second objective accomplished. Returning to Headquarters. Chibisov reported.

oeExecllent, Pavel Pavlovitich, Alekseyev said. oeThat's one thing we don't have to worry about any longer.

oeYes, Comrade General. And when Andreyev's men arrive

oeThey'll guard the warheads here. When they arrive, no one is to go near the warheads. Anyone, and I mean anyone, who does so, will be executed, Alekseyev replied.

oeThe Cherepovets is ready for her final mission, Comrade General. When do you anticipate loading her Chibisov asked.

oeWhen it's obvious that General Suraykin cannot hold his position. We need time still to load the warheads on the freighter, get him out into the shipping channel, then scuttle. Alekseyev said. oeThat's what Admiral Gordikov told me. And that's several hours at least.

Chibisov nodded. oeOf course, Comrade General. Changing the subject, he reported, oeThe destroyer Boiky has been neutralized, Comrade General. There was an air strike earlier this evening, and they left her a blasted and burned wreck.

oeTo be expected. They did shoot down an American reconnaissance aircraft earlier this evening, did they not Alekseyev asked.

oeYes, Comrade General, and captured the pilot. The pilot is en route here, for further interrogation, Chibisov said.

oeHave Dudorov conduct it himself. Our practices in the past have been very counterproductive in that regard, and I'd rather have someone I know handle him.

oeHer, Comrade General. The pilot is female. Chibisov said, matter of factly.

oeThey've been doing that for what, three years now And we're still surprised when we encounter American women in combat. Old habits die slowly, I imagine.

oeYes, Comrade General. One other thing. General Belgin has identified several points for bridge construction. Work has started on a couple, and there's two more which will be started by dawn.
Chibisov said.

oeGood! Even if we don't get the supplies-and Petrov says the Americans are throwing everything they can at those roads-at least we can evacuate those who need to leave-and not just our wounded, once the airlift is no longer possible, said Alekseyev.

oeThere is that chance, Comrade General.


2210 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.


General Petrov watched his engineers get to work with a vengeance. They knew that not only the supplies they needed depended on the airlift, but also the best chance for the wounded to leave. There was some heavy equipment available, and he'd even found some in Brownsville itself: prewar, the bulldozers and other heavy haulers and movers had belonged to several construction companies. His chief engineer officer came up to him. oeComrade General, we'll have this field operational again before dawn.

oeGood, Comrade Colonel, Petrov said. oeHow goes it with the unexploded ordnance

oeWe've managed to clear that with a specially modified bulldozer, and what we can't clear a sharpshooter with a rifle shoots. The method may be crude, but it works, the engineer said.

oeIf it works, use it, Petrov agreed. Too many other Soviet officers were afraid to try new ideas, and he suspected that was one of the reasons-among many-that they were losing the war. Why hadn't those in Moscow seen how bad things were and cut their losses He'd wondered that since the American offensive in 1988-which had retaken Central Texas, and pushed as far south as Corpus Christi and San Antonio. He'd barely escaped the latter with his life-and he'd been wondering ever since. Still, he was a professional to the end.

oeComrade General, one other thing

oeYes Petrov asked.

oeWhat about the aircraft wreckage

oeJust dump it someplace out of the way, so that the ramp area is clear. And don't dump it where we've got supply drop zones marked. Petrov replied.

oeYes, Comrade General. And the engineer went off to get his men going again.

Petrov looked around. There weren't that many, but there were enough wrecked planes that made him question whether or not the airlift was a good idea. But, as the VTA commander had told him, the Americans had kept Denver alive during that siege, and the Defense Council felt the same could be done here. He shook his head. Now I know what Gen. Wolfram von Richthofen must have felt during the Stalingrad airlift. And history's repeating itself.

[Matt Wiser]

The saga continues on...


2230 Hours: East German 40th Air Assault Regiment, Elsa, Texas


Colonel Fiebig's headquarters shook under the American artillery fire. The initial attack had hit the East Germans' empty positions, but as the Americans probed ahead, a hail of fire met them. Now, the American had halted, brought up their artillery, and began shelling East German positions. His intelligence officer pointed to the map.

oeComrade Colonel, the attack is developing just as we anticipated. They're coming in on three sides, but leaving a way out to the east.

oeA way out Ahh. They expect us to fight a delaying action, and when we move east on Highway 107, we'll be cut to pieces. Not what I have in mind, Comrade Major. Fiebig replied.

oeThey've done it before: McAllen, Edinburg, and further north. Alice was like that, if you'll recall, Comrade Colonel. the intelligence man reminded the Colonel.

oeYes, and at Alice is where we lost the Third Battalion, Fiebig retorted.

oeTrue, Comrade Colonel, but this time.. The intelligence officer was interrupted by a large explosion outside. Then the operations officer came up to Fiebig.

oeComrade Colonel, that was the police station across the street. The alternate command post doesn't answer.

oeHow'd they find that out Fiebig wanted to know.

oeIt can't have been any of the civilians; we haven't allowed any of them to leave town, the operations man replied.

The intelligence officer thought for a minute. oeThere was some reconnaissance aircraft overhead today. They were low enough to have seen some of the wires leading into the building, Comrade Colonel.

Fiebig nodded. He turned to the ops officer, oeFind out casualties, and start looking for another command site. We may have to move ourselves, even if we're not bombed or shelled.

oeYes, Comrade Colonel.

oeAnd you, Major, the Colonel said. oeWhen will they come in force

oeBefore first light, Comrade Colonel. They know attacking into the sun isn't a good idea, so they'll come in the predawn hours, the intelligence officer said.

oePerhaps. Or they'll wait until it's fully light out.


2250 Hours: Gulf Front Headquarters, San Benito Community College.


Malinsky stood in front of his operations map. So far, things were stabilizing, and he'd been pleasantly surprised. He half expected Powell to unleash his more aggressive corps and division commanders, but no. Though Powell was much more aggressive than the Soviets expected, he was keeping things firmly in hand, it appeared. That did fit the Powell the Soviets knew-someone who was not rash, and was concerned for the lives of the men and women under his command. Though if the opportunity for bold action should present itself, Powell was not above taking those opportunities-witness the Second Battle of Houston in 1988. And Malinsky knew that if the East Germans-or the Cuban 2nd Army-collapsed, Powell would turn those quickly to his advantage. Then General Isakov arrived. oeComrade General,

oeGood evening, Isakov. I see you've made it.

oeYes, Comrade General. It was more of an adventure than I would have preferred, but the rest of the staff has now arrived, Isakov said.

oeAnd enemy aircraft made it quite the adventure Malinsky asked.

oeQuite so, Comrade General, Isakov said. oeA-10s, A-7s, even old A-4s-where they found those, the air force people have no idea, but we were bombed and strafed several times. And we took casualties, Comrade General.

oeWhich shows the Air Force has totally lost any kind of even local air control, Malinsky observed. oeA very painful lesson indeed.

oeYes, Comrade General, Isakov agreed. oeI've been able to keep up, however, with some developments. The Cuban 2nd Army and the East Germans, especially.

oeThose two are the two formations I'm most worried about, Malinsky admitted. oeThe East Germans are in the worst shape, and they're getting ground down with each hour, it seems.

oeGiven that they have managed to keep themselves in the fight, even after all that's happened in Germany, I'm surprised. But Metzler's Political Department has kept things under control, however, Isakov said. oeHowever, it's the Cuban 2nd Army that should give us the most concern.

oeCorrect. One division has been overwhelmed, and another division badly mauled trying to relieve them. Not to mention a whole armored brigade being annihilated trying the same thing. That leaves the Army spread thin. And I'm also wondering if Fidel Castro's telling his commanders something: the Cubans still have some communications with Havana, the liaison officers say. Malinsky said.


2310 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville

General Yuri Dodorov, Alekseyev's Chief of Intelligence, sat in his office. It had been a while since he'd handled an interrogation personally, but with the end approaching, handing this chore over to those who usually handled such things was probably not a good idea, so he decided to see to this one personally. And the way things were going, this prisoner's time in captivity was likely to be short, and in a few days, maybe a week at the most, she'd be back in the cockpit. Fortunes of war, he mused. He did remember several times interrogating high-ranking American officers, including the commander of the 2nd Armored Division back in 1985, when that unit had been caught too spread out and badly mauled. One general to another had been his approach, although the results were mixed. Now, the captive was one of the Americans' female pilots, and a naval one at that. Then the door knocked. It was his aide. oeComrade General, the prisoner is here, as instructed.

oeThank you, Vassily Petrovich. Wait outside, please. Dudorov replied.

Nodding, the aide stood aside as a guard entered, followed by the prisoner, still in her flight suit. The guard saluted and left, and the aide did so, closing the door on his way out. The woman stood in front of Durdorov, waiting for him to get things started. And she didn't have long to wait.

oeI am General Dudorov. Please, be seated, Commander. I have your name and rank from those who captured you. It's a pity, though, Dudorov said.

Commander Carlisle sat down, with a confused look on her face. oeA pity

oeYes, the sailors who captured you are now more than likely dead. Their ship was bombed after you left, and it's now a burning wreck, Dudorov said.

oeThey were sailors, and took a sailor's chance, she replied.

oeThat is one way of saying things: I assume that if you were in a different branch of the service, it would be the same.

oeSomething like that, she responded. oeI should tell you that under the Geneva Convention, all I can give you is name, rank, number and date of birth. You should have that already, so that's all you're going to get.

Dudorov nodded. oeNormally, I'd be telling you that we have people who can get whatever information is desired, by whatever means necessary, but that's a waste of time. All I want to know is when is the final offensive going to occur, and will there be a Marine landing There had to be a reason you were photographing South Padre Island, after all.

Commander Carlisle sat there, motionless. Then she said, oeThat destroyer may have had something to do with it.

oeThat's all I think not, Commander, Dudorov responded.

oeGeneral, you can think whatever want. I don't know anything about a landing, nor the final offensive. If you're interested in those, watch CNN. Carlisle said.

Dudorov knew she was right. Someone with that knowledge would not be risked over enemy territory, no matter what. He knew that this would be a waste of time, but handing her over to the interrogation specialists, who would not hesitate to use physical and....other means to get what was desired was not a good option. Not with things going the way they were. And he had an idea. Something that General Alekseyev might approve. oeWait here. I'll be back. oe And Dudorov got up and left his office. His aide was outside.

oeComrade General

oeFind a vacant office-this used to be a faculty office building, after all. When I return, see that she's taken there, fed, and made comfortable. She may be useful to us later on. Dudorov said. oeAnd see that there's a guard on her door at all times. Only General Alekseyev, myself, or someone so designated by either of us is to have access to her. Is that understood

oeExactly so, Comrade General, the aide responded.

oeI'll be seeing General Alekseyev, Carry on, Major, and when I return, I expect you to carry out the orders I've just issued.

Dudorov then went to the Operations Room. General Alekseyev was there, along with General Chibisov. oeComrade General, Dudorov reported.

oeAh, Yuri, Alekseyev said. oeAnything from our guest

oeNo, Comrade General, and resorting to any physical methods would be a waste of time. And as we've found out, they're counterproductive in any event. I wonder if our Vietnamese comrades ever discovered that in 1965-69 As far as I know, she has no knowledge of when the final offensive will start, nor of any amphibious landings.

oeYou're sure of that Alekseyev said.

oeYes, Comrade General, I am. Someone with that knowledge would not be risked over enemy territory. I imagine our Air Force Comrades would not risk someone with such knowledge on a routine mission, and in any event, we'll know soon enough. Dudorov reported.

oeQuite so, Yuri. Quite so, Alekseyev agreed. oeAnd what do you have in mind for your prisoner

oeSending her to a POW compound at this stage might not be the best. She may be useful in some other capacity, as the end approaches, Dudorov replied.

oeHow so This from Chibisov.

oeWe'll have to wait until things develop. Until then, she'll be treated well, fed, and made as comfortable as possible. Only General Alekseyev, myself, or anyone designated by the both of us, and you, General Chibisov, will have access to her.

oeSensible, Dudorov. Alekseyev said. oeI'd like to speak with her later.

Dudorov nodded. oeOf course, Comrade General.

[Matt Wiser]

And the next:


2330 Hours: Cuban 2nd Army HQ, La Feria, Texas


Lieutenant General Maximo Perez was in a quandary. He was trying to juggle orders from Front Headquarters to conserve his forces, and fight a delaying action as long as possible, until he reached the defensive line that Front HQ wanted, while at the same time, Havana was urging him to be more aggressive in the defense, and counterattack whenever possible. General Perez, who'd attended the Voroshilov General Staff Academy in Moscow, felt that Castro seemed to want more oeHeroes of the Revolution to come out of this situation, rather than live soldiers. But he did understand why: if the Yanquis finished off the Soviets here, and forced the Mexicans to sign a separate peace, then Cuba would be exposed to invasion. The longer the Socialist forces fought, even for this tiny piece of Texas, the more time the Army at home had to prepare for the day when the Americans stormed the beaches.

oeComrade General, his Chief of Staff said as Perez studied his own maps.

oeAh, Antonio. What do you have for me

oeComrade General, the line from Progresso Lakes to Mercedes is now established. Though we're stretched thin, as you know. the Chief of Staff said.

oeNo thanks to those orders we received from Havana, Perez spat.

The Chief paused, choosing his words carefully. oeYes, Comrade General, but there were other....considerations.

Perez sighed. He knew that someone on the staff of the Army was no doubt reporting back to Havana. And so far, he hadn't found out who. So he had to be cautious, and he reluctantly did what Havana told him to do. oeI know, but still...there's still a bad feeling about that.

oeComrade General

oeWhile that course of action may have been useful back home, and in the long term, right now, we're missing one division and an armored brigade, while another division has been very badly handled, Perez said. oeAnd we may very well pay for that in the next day or two, he reminded his Chief of Staff.

oeThat, Comrade General, is probably going to be an understatement. the Chief of staff replied.

2345 Hours: Headquarters, 4th Guards Tank Army

General Suraykin was holding the final prebattle meeting with his commanders. Though the 4th GTA was now under General Malinsky's command, the mission remained the same: defend Harlingen, and more specifically, the Highway 77-83 junction, as long as possible. And he knew that it was quite possible that he and his command may have to be sacrificed in the upcoming action. But, he knew, his soldiers would do their duty in the best way possible.

oeAnd so, Comrades, that's it. The Americans will be here, sometime in the morning, so be prepared. You've all had time to study the battlefield, and to get ready for the final showdown. It's now up to your own officers and soldiers to do their jobs, just as we've all done ours. Suraykin told his commanders.

The generals nodded. oeAny change in the Air Force plans, Comrade General asked General Markov.

oeNot yet. The Su-25s can't fly at night, as you know, so we should see them at first light, depending on whether or not the Americans have knocked out the airfields. There's three airfields left in the pocket, not counting Rio Grande Valley International, which was just evacuated: it's now under American artillery fire, Suraykin replied.

oeAny helicopters asked the commander of 6th Guards Motor-Rifle Division.

oeThere may be some, Comrades, Colonel Golvoko, the Chief of Staff, responded. oeBut how many, we don't know. The Air Force has dispersed their helicopter force, but the Americans have been adept at finding and destroying them on the ground.

oeNevertheless, Comrades, Suraykin said, oeWe have to put a maximum effort into this fight. The sea lanes are cut, and the airlift, as well as the supply line from Mexico, are all we've got left. And both of those are problematic at best. We fight with what we have.

oeHow soon until first contact asked the Commander of 38th Tank Division.

oeThat can come at any time, Suraykin responded. oeHave your divisional reconnaissance out, but don't sacrifice them needlessly. Order them to fall back, once they've established contact.

Heads nodded. They knew that every man and every combat vehicle was needed in this final effort.

oeAny other questions, Comrades Colonel Golvoko asked.

oeThere's some ALA still around, Markov said. oeSome of them are quite useless, but there's some who do want to fight. What about them

oeIf there are some who want to fight, oblige them. In a way, they're better off getting killed in battle than being captured. The Americans have no love for those who they feel have betrayed them, so find a way to make some use of them. Suraykin replied. oeThe useless ones, those who do get in our way, though...hang a few of them and scatter the rest.



0003 Hours: 2 October, 1989: East German 40th Air Assault Regiment, Elsa, Texas

Colonel Fiebig was catnapping in his headquarters. He'd taken over what had been the mayor's office in the basement, and since the Americans apparently were not about to attack, decided to catch up on his sleep. Before he took his nap, he'd found out that the Regiment's alternate command post had indeed been knocked out, and that most of those inside were either dead or wounded. His operations officer had been searching for a new command site, but there weren't that many to go around: the only other possibility was in the High School, and his regiment's medical staff had taken that over as a dressing station. Then the ground shook, and he opened his eyes. The Regiment's Chief of Staff was there. oeComrade Colonel.

oeWhat is it

oeComrade Colonel, the Americans are coming. At least, it's a probing attack. the Chief replied.

Fiebig got up to look at the map of the town. He was surrounded on three sides, though Highway 107 to the east was still open. oeWe're facing a brigade-sized force at least, Hans. Perhaps this is a reconnaissance in force. Probe ahead, find out any weak spots, and if possible, exploit.

oeThat's very possible, Comrade Colonel.

oeNotify Captain Buehler. Have his armor ready to respond to any serious penetration, Fiebig said. oeAnd our artillery

oeThey don't have many options to displace, Comrade Colonel. But the guns are well protected. the Chief replied.

Fiebig looked at the map. Sure, the Americans had left Highway 107 to the east open. No doubt, they expected the normal delaying action, and when his air-assault troopers had held long enough, they'd pull out-and be exposed to air strikes and artillery fire. The resulting massacre would not serve any of his purposes in the least. But something was nagging him. He wished he still had Third Battalion. But that battalion had died at Alice when the Americans had launched their offensive, fighting a holding action while the rest of the regiment withdrew further south. And they'd been wiped out. A pity, though: if he had Third Battalion, he'd be able to cover that eastern gap.

Unknown to Colonel Fiebig, the Americans had not left that highway open to the east for such a purpose. The American commander had decided to fix the East Germans in place, force them to hold those American units advancing on their front and flank, while a reinforced battalion task force came in from the rear. And at the TAC CP of the 2nd Brigade, 31st Mechanized Division, the brigade commander smiled. It'll be sooner than you think, as he saw an S-3 sergeant mark a spot on the map with a grease pencil. That battalion was now in place and ready.


0015 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville.

General Alekseyev was on another call to Moscow. This time, it was just the Defense Minister, Marshal Sergei Akhromayev, on the other end. Alekseyev knew that the Marshal always appreciated frank and honest appraisals of the situation, though both men wished that the rest of the Defense Council, not to mention the rest of the Politburo, did the same.

oeComrade Marshal, the sealift has failed. The last two convoys were virtually wiped out, with only two frieghters arriving from the first. Alekseyev reported. He could hear a sigh on the other end.

oeAnd the second asked the Marshal.

oeOnly a destroyer, which was damaged, and had to be run aground to serve as a battery. And he was bombed to a wreck earlier this evening. Alekseyev replied.

oeI see. And the airlift

oeOn hold at the moment, Comrade Marshal. Alekseyev reported. oeThe runways at Brownsville-South Padre Island have been bombed, and repairs are underway. My Air Force people tell me they will be repaired by first light.

oeGood, General. Now, what's this with the Cubans Akhromayev asked.

oeComrade Marshal, the Cuban 2nd Army has had one division surrounded and destroyed, with another division badly handled trying to relieve them, and an armored brigade annihilated attempting the same. Malinsky tells me that the Cubans may have orders from Havana, instructing them to make a stand where it's impossible. said Alekseyev.

oeLet me guess: Castro wants dead heroes to motivate his people.

oeThat would appear to be the case, Comrade Marshal. Alekseyev agreed.

oeAll right, General, Akhromayev said. oeI know it's getting late there, and you need some rest. From what you've said earlier, it's all up to Suraykin and his Army. Get some rest, and chances are, sometime in the morning, your time, the Defense Council is going to want to hear from you.

oeI understand, Comrade Marshal.

oeGood luck, Alekseyev. And with that, Akhromayev broke the connection. Alekseyev turned to face both General Chibisov and Colonel Sergetov. oeI do wish the Defense Council was like the Marshal. Unafraid of the truth on the ground here.

oeComrade General, I imagine you're not the only one to feel that way. For what it's worth, Marshal Kribov felt the same way, Chibisov said.

oeThat he did, Alekseyev said. oeNow, anything new from Malinsky at this hour

oeNo, Comrade General. It appears that Powell won't make his move until morning. If I was in his position, I'd want to do the same. Give my soldiers some rest, refuel and restock with ammunition, and be ready to go at first light, Chibisov said.

oeAnd that's the General Powell we've come to know, agreed Alekseyev. oeAnd Dudorov

oeHe's of the same opinion. Even with the limited tools at his disposal now, he's told me to expect an attack on Malinksy at first light or just after.

Alekseyev nodded. oeAnd our guest

oeHe's seeing to that. When do you wish to speak with her Chibisov asked.

oeShortly. At least she'll see that we're not all barbarians.


0020 Hours: East German 40th Air Assault Regiment: Elsa, Texas


Colonel Fiebig sat in what had been prewar, a small cafe. Now, it was the headquarters of his First Battalion, and he had gone forward to have a look at things for himself. And right now, he couldn't see much. Though the night was clear, there was a lot of smoke and haze over the western approach to the town. And First Battalion's outposts reported that though they couldn't see much, they could hear vehicles out in the distance. He surveyed Major Schenkel's dispositions. oeYou've deployed well, Comrade Major.

oeThank you, Comrade Colonel. We can make it hot for them, when the Imperialists do come.

Fiebig noted the term. It was no coincidence that the battalion's political officer was nearby. And probably a Stasi informer, too. oeNo doubt, Comrade Major. Still....any signs of infiltration on foot

oeNo, Comrade Major, not a sign. The Americans we're facing are a heavy brigade, are they not They may not have the scouts with that ability.

oeTrue. Still, do not underestimate the possibility, Fiebig said. oeHow is contact with Second Battalion

oeSo far, excellent. No problems with the radios, and the land lines are in place, Schenkel reported.

oeAnd if they come in on your flank Fiebig asked.

oeWe can redeploy, if necessary. But if we have to, we'll form a hedgehog and fight it out where we are.


Unknown to Colonel Fiebig, the Americans were coming in from the east. Down that road that had been left open. The phone suddenly rang in First Battalion's HQ, and the battalion's operations officer took it. oeYes Comrade Colonel! It's headquarters!

The man handed the phone to Fiebig, who took the call. oeYes...WHAT Order Buehler to counterattack at once! And get the artillery shooting in direct fire, NOW!

oeComrade Colonel Schenkel asked.

oeThey're behind us. Get Third Company oriented to the rear, Fiebig said. oeAnd notify Second Battalion to do the same.

oeComrade Colonel, Schenkel said. But as he picked up the phone, there was nothing. oeThe phone's out.

oeTry the radio, then! Fiebig said.

As that was happening, the American armor charged into the center of Elsa. The East German artillery was quickly overrun, and the T-72s were overwhelmed by the M-60A4s just as fast. But even the East German HQ and support troops were fully rated air-assault troops, and refused to budge until they were blasted out. And the Regimental HQ held out for over an hour, before American armor blasted the city hall down on top of them, and infantry flushed out the survivors with white phosphorous grenades. The Second Battalion's fight was a little longer, but they were hit with a two-pronged attack, from both the north and east, and First Battalion's agony ended at the same time. But the East Germans didn't give in easily, despite the Americans' superiority in firepower, not withdrawing from a building until they were blasted out. Of the six hundred East Germans in Elsa, less than a hundred were alive and unwounded at the end. Colonel Fiebig, Major Schenkel, and the other senior officers were not among them.

[Matt Wiser]

And the saga keeps on going:

0040 Hours: South Padre Island, Texas.

Major Lazarev was looking out to sea. He had gone to one of the rooftop observation posts, and this one was one of the highest on the island: prewar, it had been a condominium resort. Now, some of these buildings had been fortified, awaiting a possible American amphibious landing. Though personally, he doubted the Marines would come ashore here. There was only one bridge to the mainland, and Army engineers had already wired it for demolition. No, they'd come further south, where there was no such issue, and there was a road that gave any force from the beach a straight shot into Brownsville.

There was one advantage to having the Boiky's crew ashore, and not just as scratch infantry. The lookouts had brought most of their glasses with them, along with some night-vision gear, and they were constantly looking out to sea. They knew their ship-and some more of their shipmates with it-was gone now, and so they'd best make the best of a bad situation. And Lazarev found the destroyer's former Executive Officer, who was now in command of those crewmen who were now infantry.

oeAh, Comrade Major, Captain 3rd Rank Nikolay Kamarov said. oeHow do you like the view from up here

oeIt's very good, though I don't like what I saw down below. A shame about your ship.

oeYes, but that's a sailor's risk. Sometimes, you just lose the ship. If it's really bad, then you're fish food. Better to be here, I think. Kamarov said.

oeAny sign of the enemy Lazarev asked.

oeNot yet. Not even through night vision. They're over the horizon, more than likely. And the carriers are probably way out to sea. We'd never see them. One of those cruisers, though....we saw a freighter shot to pieces by one of those American heavy cruisers. Ever see what large-caliber shells do to flimsy, unarmored freighters

oeI get the idea, Lazarev said.

oeBe glad that's all you get, Kamarov said. oeYou'll get some warning if they come close. That cruiser-and probably its escorting destroyers, could blast this beach and we'd never be able to shoot in reply.

oeWhat about the Coastal-Defense Troops Lazarev asked.

Kamarov snorted. oeOne of those puny rockets won't do much to a heavily armored ship like one of those cruisers, let alone a battleship. And our intelligence briefing before we left Havana said there were two of those in the Gulf of Mexico, shelling the Mexican ports. And if they come up here....those forty-centimeter guns will definitely leave an impression-on those who survive, that is.


0055 Hours: International Bridge, Progresso Lakes, Texas.


Major Pedro Ruiz-Santos of the Cuban Army was not a happy man at the moment. His orders were to defend the town and be prepared to blow the bridge on one hand, and yet, enable the Soviet and Cuban supply convoys from Mexico to cross the Rio Grande. His unit, the remnants of the 47th Independent Motor-Rifle Regiment, was a shadow of its former self. From the heady early days of the war, when at times it had been more like an excursion than actual battle, to the American offensives in 1988-89, the 47th had seen a lot of action. Instead of BTR-70s and T-72s, with towed D-30 howitzers, now, they had old BTR-60s and T-55s, and a couple of 122-mm D-74 howitzers. And the regiment was, by prewar standards, not combat ready, but those things didn't matter now. And so, he was prepared to fight with the tools at his disposal, as he looked at the bridge, and a thought came into his mind. Why hadn't the Americans bombed the bridge

His regimental executive officer, Captain Leonardo Toledo, came up to him, a cup of coffee in his hand. oeSome coffee, Comrade Major

oeThank you, Captain. I was just wondering, though. Why haven't the Americans bombed the bridge

oePerhaps they're saving it for their own uses, Comrade Major, Toledo said. oeThe Americans have promised revenge on the Mexicans for supporting the Socialist cause.

oeYou mean invasion of Mexico, Captain, Ruiz-Santos said. It was not a question.

oeThat is very possible, Comrade Major. Toledo replied.

Then the political officer, Lieutenant Ramon Moss, came up. He was the regiment's longest serving (read: surviving) political officer. And both men knew he had channels back to Havana that neither of them had found out-so far. oeComrade Major, Moss said.

oeYes, Lieutenant Ruiz-Santos asked.

oeComrade Major, do we have any new orders The front seems to be getting close.

oeNo, Comrade Political Officer, not as yet. The orders stand. Keep the bridge open as long as possible, but be prepared to blow it up when the Americans arrive. Ruiz-Santos reminded his young lieutenant.

oeAnd whose responsibility is it to issue that order

oeMine, or Captain Toledo's if I should become a casualty, Ruiz-Santos said.

oeShouldn't you check in with higher authority Moss asked. Clearly, the young officer was more oeParty than oeArmy. No surprise there.

oeThat's not necessary, Ruiz-Santos said. oeMy orders are clear: deny the bridge to the Americans. If I have to do so, I'll push the plunger myself. Is that understood

oeI understand, Comrade Commander. But still, shouldn't you ask for clarification

oeNo. Communications with 2nd Army HQ are spotty as it is. If I have to blow the bridge without further orders, you can file a report on me when the battle's over. Just hope we're still alive when that happens. Ruiz-Santos said.

Moss nodded, though clearly disappointed. He'd been taught to get permission from his superiors before taking such a drastic step. But the Major was a hardened combat veteran, while the young political officer had been in the Regiment's Political Department, taking care of those with defeatist attitudes, and assisting with the security tasks routinely assigned that office by the DGI, tasks that came under the euphemism of oePacification.

Ruiz-Santos watched as the young officer went off into a building the DGI had appropriated. oeIf he's filing a report on both of us now, a lot of good that'll do. How's he going to get it to Havana

oeHe'll find a way. But by the time Havana tells him what to do, we'll either be dead, prisoners, or across the river in Mexico, looking for a way home, Toledo said.

oeYou're full of good news this time of night.


0110 Hours, Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville.


General Andreyev came into the Operations Room, looking for General Alekseyev. oeComrade General, I wish to report: Mission Accomplished.

oeExcellent, Andreyev, You've done well. And your losses Alekseyev asked.

oeMinimal, Comrade General.

oeAnd the warheads asked Alekseyev.

oeAll remaining warheads accounted for and in the possession of the 234th Guards, Comrade General. They're under guard, as instructed.

oeVery well done. Now, those warheads are your personal responsibility, until the proper time comes to send them to their final destination. We can't launch them, and we're not handing them over to the enemy. A method of disposing of them has been found, but until that's ready, keep them under guard. Alekseyev said.

oeYes, Comrade General, Andreyev said.

Alekseyev pointed to the map. oeNow, Andreyev, your two other regiments, and the 47th Tank Brigade, are all the reserves we've left. The Americans may land, here, at the east end of Highway 4, and if they do, your division, and the 47th, are all that may stand between them and Brownsville. The 234th Guards is exempt from that mission until its task is completed. But when it is...you'll be ready

oeAbsolutely, Comrade General!

oeGood. And Andreyev.

oeYes, Comrade General

Alekseyev chose his words carefully. oeWere there any personnel..... problems

oeNone, Comrade General. No one shrank from his tasks, and there was no problem carrying out the mission.

Alekseyev nodded. oeNow, if that had been an American facility, I'd give you the Gold Star, right now.

Andreyev smiled at that. oeI said something similar to Colonel Suslov. But the revenge taken upon the KGB will more than make up for that. One score settled. A pity we won't be able to settle others.

oeYes, a pity. Thank you, Andreyev.

oeComrade General.

After Andreyev left, he turned to Chibisov. oeHow long until that freighter's ready

oeShe's still got some cargo left. The dockside cranes have lost power, and in some cases, it's a manual job to finish up the unloading. Another twelve hours, at best, Chibisov said.

oeGood. Let's go meet our guest. Colonel Sergetov, would you accompany us Alekseyev asked.

The three officers went to Dudorov's office. There they found the intelligence chief, making notations on a map. Nodding, he joined the trio and went to the next floor above, where an old faculty office had been found and prepared for their guest. Two guards from the headquarters guard company were on the door. One of them unlocked the door and they found their prisoner lying down on the cot that had been provided. She got up. And was clearly surprised at seeing three very senior Soviet generals.

oeAh, Commander Carlisle, Alekseyev said. oeI trust you've been treated well

oeSo far, the naval officer replied. oeYour hospitality is not what I was briefed and taught to expect.

Alekseyev sighed. One of their many mistakes in America had been their treatment of prisoners. Something the Americans made very clear in their propaganda, highlighting the difference between oeus and oethem. But he couldn't change the past, no matter how he felt. oeThat has been unfortunate, but, as much as I would like to change things, the past is past.

Commander Carlisle nodded. This was something new: two senior Soviet officers admitting a past mistake. oeWhat do you want

oeI should have introduced myself first. I am General Pavel Alexandrovich Alekseyev, Commander of the Socialist Forces in the American Theater. You've already met General Dudorov, I assume

She nodded. oeWe've become, acquainted, shall we say.

oePleased to hear it. My Chief of Staff, General Chibisov, and my aide, Colonel Sergetov, Alsekseyev said. oeI trust you've found your accommodations satisfactory

oeNot what I was expecting, General, Carlisle replied. oeBut since we're winning and you're not, you're showing your 'good side.'

Chibisov started to say something, but stopped. He knew that the American was right. And he, too, had been embarrassed by the Soviet treatment of prisoners, military and civilian. Then he said, oeVery perceptive, Commander. And yes, we are not all barbarians, despite what you've been told.

oeNot just told, but seen. CNN's showed enough of your handiwork enough times. Mass graves, torture chambers, survivors of POW and labor camps telling their stories, civilians describing what happened to them and their families, you get the idea.

Alekseyev and the other officers knew she had a point. And the Soviets' clumsy attempts at explaining things had fallen on deaf ears at best, and at most, had only made things worse. And with the formerly neutralist countries of Western Europe now back in the American camp, some of those outlets that had been friendly to the Soviets were now closed off for good. Nobody wanted to hear the Soviet side, not now. oeI do, Commander. And I do appreciate honesty. You'll be treated well, with the respect due your rank, He turned to Sergetov. oeWhat's her rank equivalent

oeA Commander in the U.S. Navy is the equal of a Lieutenant Colonel, Comrade General. Sergetov replied.

oeThat settles that. You'll be fed, allowed to walk in the hallway, under guard, and allowed to use the toilet facilities here. I regret that the power supply is intermittent, at best, however; your side's been doing very well in that regard. And when things do end here, you'll be returned to American forces. Alekseyev said.

oeWhat's the catch Carlisle said.

oeAh, the 'catch', as you say, Alekseyev said. oeThere isn't one. And when it comes to personal contact with you, only myself, Generals Chibisov and Dudorov, and Colonel Sergetov, will have such. You will not have any.....immoral events to worry about, Commander. I give you my word as an officer and a gentleman.

She nodded. Clearly, with the war being nearly over-at least on this side of the Rio Grande, the Soviets were clearly wanting to be on their best behavior. oeAnd later

oeWe shall speak again, soon, Alekseyev said, pausing as one of the guards brought a pillow and some blankets. oeUntil then, you'll quite safe with us. Good night, Commander, Alekseyev said. And the Soviet officers left, and the door was closed and locked after they did so.

Alekseyev turned to Dudorov oeWhat do you have in mind for her, Yuri

oeComrade General, there is one unit that I have lost track of. It's been under Powell's command before: during that Houston campaign last year. One unit that we know full well that has a reputation for harshness, ruthlessness, and brutality. Dudorov said.

oeYou are speaking of the 13th Armored Cavalry, I presume Chibsov said.

oeQuite so, Comrades. And if the airlift fails, as is very possible, some of those which we need to evacuate will have to go by the international bridges. Our own women, Comrades. Dudorov reminded his superior officers.

oeWhat does that have to do with her Chibisov asked, pointing to the room.

oeIf we have to evacuate our own women by road, chances are, they'll have to go via the ribbon bridges under construction at the moment. And if the 13th is among the American forces that are out there, I'd rather not take the chance of something happening, given their record in such matters. The Americans happily describe their record: they're proud of the fact that those maniacs use less ammunition and produce more corpses than any other unit of their size. Dudorov said. oeThere's no telling what they'd do if some of our own women fell into their hands.

Alekseyev nodded. He got the idea. oeI have an idea of what you're proposing, Yuri. It's getting late. I'm headed to my office for a few hours' sleep. Let me know instantly of any new developments.

Both Chibisov and Dudorov nodded.

oeAnd Yuri

oeComrade General

oeWhen you've developed your proposal more fully, please brief myself and General Chibisov, Alekseyev said.

[Matt Wiser]

The next part:


0140 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.


General Lukin scowled at the message form. Though the supply drops were still a going concern, and would resume at first light, he felt the idea contained in the message was lunacy. He wondered if the VTA's staff in Moscow had lost their heads. An-124s I doubt they'd get past the American air interdiction, and they'd be easy prey on the ground. He went over to General Petrov's office, which had been that of the airport manager prior to the war. oeComrade General, have you seen this he asked his superior.

oeYes, Lukin, I have. And what's your opinion

oeLunacy, Comrade General. An-124s in here Even if they made it past the American fighters prowling the Gulf of Mexico, I doubt they'd last long enough on the ground to be unloaded. Lukin said.

oeI'm inclined to agree with you. What's your alternative Moscow intends to use them here, whether or not we support it, Petrov reminded his subordinate.

oeLimit them to air-dropping of supplies. If the air situation was more...equal, shall we say, I'd be willing to risk a landing, but not now.

oeI agree with you, General, Petrov said. oeCome with me. And both officers went to the Air Force Communications Center. He found the duty officer. oeSend this message to our Air Force mission in Havana, at once.

oeComrade General, the man replied.

Petrov dictated the message. oeAn-124s not, repeat, not, to land within pocket. Limit use to air drops only, he said. oe Get that off at once.

oeRight away, Comrade General.

Lukin then turned to his superior. oeNow, will Moscow overrule us

oeWe'll have to wait and see, Petrov said.


0210 Hours: Soviet submarine K-236, off of Brownsville.

Captain 1st Rank Vassily Padorin prowled the control room of his boat, the lead unit of what the Americans called a Sierra-class attack submarine, and cursed the orders he'd received. He'd informed his Executive Officer, and both he and the captain were in agreement: whoever had issued these orders was out of his mind. But orders were orders, and he'd do his level best to accomplish his mission.

K-236 was one of the few modern Soviet fast-attack boats left to the Northern Fleet. Four years of war, with the attendant losses, had bitten the Navy hard. Padorin knew that though new boats were under construction, and a few were approaching completion in various yards, it was likely the war would be over before then. So many friends lost, he knew. Fellow classmates, fellow captains, whom he'd drunk with at the Severmorsk Officer's Club, and who now were at the bottom of the world's oceans. He wondered how many of his class from the Academy in Leningrad were alive, and the answer came back: not that many. But he was a professional submariner, and would only give up when he was told to do so. He went over to the navigator's table. oeHow far to South Padre Island

oeFour hours, Comrade Captain, the navigator responded. oeBut we'll get there just after first light.

oeNot good enough, Padorin replied. His crew certainly knew his father was Head of the entire Political Directorate of the Soviet Navy, and knew full well not to cross him for any reason. But Padorin had rejected his father's urging to become a Zampolit, and, instead, wanted to command submarines. Now, he had his command, and knew he'd earned it on merit, not his father's influence. Having 12 ships for about 85,00 tons, along with a British frigate and an American destroyer to his credit, certainly helped. But now, he wondered if the death warrant for himself and his crew had been signed at Servormorsk, if not in Moscow.

oeWhat does Moscow want from us the Exec asked.

oeThey want some people evacuated from Brownsville, and the air route is getting dangerous. We're to see if it's possible to get them out by sea, Padorin replied.

oeWe can't take many, or does Moscow realize that the Exec responded.

oeIf we had to, we'd bunk them in the torpedo room. But we have to see what's going on there first, Padorin responded. oeMake turns for fifteen knots. Navigator: new course: two-seven-zero.

The Exec looked at the map. He saw it was Brazos Santiago Pass where they were headed. oeInto Brownsville

oeNo. Just remain offshore, and see if the enemy's threat level will prevent taking a few high-profile people aboard. About twenty or so, Padorin told the Exec.

oeThose Americans who collaborated with us the Exec asked.

oeThe orders didn't say.

oeComrade Captain, if it's KGB they're referring to, well, speaking man-to-man, I'd rather let them take their chances with the sharks, the Exec said.

oeI doubt you're not alone in that regard, Padorin said. And he wondered: what would my father think of that remark Shaking that from his mind, he told the Exec, oeI'll be in my cabin. Wake me in two hours.

oeComrade Captain,


0235 Hours: 522nd Independent Reconnaissance Battalion, 52nd Tank Division, Harlingen, Texas


Captain Gennady Dagilev sat in his battalion command vehicle, a BTR-60. He was out ahead of the 52nd Tank Division, watching and waiting for the Americans. So far, the area to their front was quiet, though he could see off to his left and right, the retiring units pulling in alongside his division. He'd been briefed by General Markov that the Eighth Guards Army would be on their left, though which division, he wasn't told. But he'd seen some tanks and BMPs move into those positions, and now it was time to wait.

When the war began, Dagilev had been a Junior Lieutenant in the battalion, commanding a platoon of BRDM reconnaissance vehicles. Things had gone well in those early days, even when they'd run out of gas on the Kansas prairie, short of their objectives. The next summer, he'd helped lead the battalion's advance into Nebraska, only to fall short again near Lincoln, and they'd been chased back below their start line. Things had then fallen apart at Wichita, and his battalion, along with many other units in both the 3rd Shock and 4th Guards Tank Armies, was shot to ribbons. Then came the fighting retreat into Oklahoma and Texas, before things stabilized and the division had been able to rest and refit. He'd gotten a company then of BMP reconnaissance vehicles, only to be shot up again the following summer, and now, he had the battalion. At least the tank platoon was T-64s, and not those antique T-55s that he'd seen assigned to other units: they'd be shot to pieces so quickly their crews wouldn't have time to react. Now, as the division's eyes and ears, he'd been told by General Markov himself: at the first contact with the Americans, fall back. He needed information, not heroics. The regimental reconnaissance companies were supposedly told the same thing, and given their circumstances, it wasn't surprising. No more replacements expected, and fight with what you have. Then the radio next to him spoke. oeKuban One, Aral One: contact directly ahead.

He picked up the radio microphone. oeAral One, Kuban One: estimate of enemy strength

Kuban One was one of his company commanders. oeAral One, estimate company sized force: mixed tanks and Bradleys.

Dagilev relayed the information to divisional headquarters. And sure enough, his other companies began reporting similar contacts, and one platoon had even identified the tanks as M-1s. That's it, he decided. They're coming. oeAll Kuban elements, this is Kuban One. Fall back to secondary positions. Repeat: Fall back to secondary positions. Kuban One out.

And his battalion began to pull back, but as they did so, several of his vehicles exploded. No one reported being engaged from the ground, though. Helicopters, he knew. Those dreadful Apaches. And then the world exploded around him; the last thing he felt was heat.

The American 24th Division's attack included its own Apache helicopter battalion in direct support. And as the Soviet vehicles pulled back, they provided inviting targets for the Apaches and their Hellfire missiles. Though most of the Soviet reconnaissance battalion was destroyed, a few vehicles managed to escape, bringing word of the American attack.


0250 Hours: Headquarters, 4th Guards Tank Army

General Golvoko took the report from 52nd Tanks, and he had it marked on the map. Whether this was a probe, or a serious attack, he wasn't sure. He turned to the map again, and plotted it. Just north of the junction of U.S. Route 77 and Loop 499, on the north side of Harlingen. And not far from the Rio Grande Valley International Airport. He turned to a staff officer. oeAny word from 24th Tanks

oeNot yet, Comrade General.

Golvoko shook his head. He didn't like it at all. oeWake General Suraykin. Tell him his presence is needed in the Operations Room.

The staff officer nodded, and went off to wake the General. Suraykin had retired early, knowing that things might develop at any time of the night, and had left orders to be awakened if anything unusual happened. Suraykin came into the room, shaking the sleep from his eyes. oeYes, Golvoko

Golvoko pointed to the map. oeComrade General, there's been some unusual activity, here, just north of 52nd Tanks' line. Company-sized probes, with AH-64s in support.

oeHmm. Anything from 24th Tanks Suraykin asked.

oeNot yet, Comrade General, replied Golvoko.

Suraykin looked at the map. oeI see 24th Mechanized Infantry's opposite the 52nd Tanks, he observed. oeThat division's one of the prewar elite-assigned to XVIII Airborne Corps in peacetime. They'll be aggressive, determined, and if they can find opportunities, they'll exploit them.

oeYes, Comrade General. They will do just that. They did lead the ground element at Corpus Christi last year, and also at Houston after the American airborne and amphibious attack on the Gulf Coast. Golvoko told his Army commander.

Suraykin nodded. At least it wasn't those lunatics in the 13th Armored Cavalry, or those vengeful New Yorkers in the 42nd Mechanized Infantry. Many of its soldiers had lost friends or family in the Manhattan nuclear detonation, and not only had they vowed revenge, they practiced what they preached. He turned to his Air Force liaison: oeI'll need aerial reconnaissance at first light, and those ground-attack sorties.

oeI can't promise any recon, the Air Force Colonel responded. oeBut I'll get you those Su-25s. And a few helicopters as well. Can't promise much of those: the Americans have had great success in finding them on the ground.

oeJust do what you can, Comrade Colonel, Suraykin said.

The Air Force man went to the phone, while Suraykin studied the map again. Then Golvoko came up with another report. oeComrade General, 24th tanks is reporting similar activity on its front. Their divisional reconnaissance has been nearly wiped out, just as 52nd Tanks' was. Both divisions may be engaged fully before too long.

oeNotify Front Headquarters, Golvoko. Just tell them, 'It has begun.' Suraykin told his Chief of Staff.

[Schone23666]

I have to wonder what's going on elsewhere in the world, while all this is going on, especially in the Warsaw Pact countries and Moscow. The Soviets and WARPAC are essentially having their version of the events in T2K when they engaged in a full-blown war with China, with the U.S. as a substitute. Whole divisions are now apparently just gone, their navy and air force have taken a beating and Europe is turning against them (what are the other European forces doing)

At this point, their morale has got to be rock-bottom, especially with what I imagine all the hospitals back in the Soviet Union are crowded with casualties. Their economy is likely ready to fall off the axle at this point as well, if it hasn't already.

On another note, with the apparent unwillingness of most in the Kremlin to listen to just how bad it's getting for the Red Army on the ground, I can't help but wonder if they're thinking, with no small amount of irony, that they're feeling the same level of fatigue, resignation and disbelief as the officers under Hitler's command felt in 1945. That, or how Rommel felt in 1943 when the situation in North Africa collapsed and Hitler and Mussolini were ordering him to fight to the bitter end.

[Matt Wiser]

I'll explain events in Europe later on: there's a further POW story where Kelly Ray and another POW are in transit to another camp, and they have a chance to find out what's going on. Let's just say that the formerly neutralist countries (West Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Spain, Portugal) got some sense and reformed NATO....and there is a strong hit in the current work that East Germany no longer exists.

Your observations re: the Soviet economy are correct: shortages of everything, there have been strikes and riots in some parts of the Soviet Union, and there is a growing movement among generals and some candidate members of the Politburo for a negotiated end to the war. Some of that will be shown later on.

[Matt Wiser]

And so it continues:


0300 Hours: 377th Ground Attack Regiment, San Benito Municipal Airport:

The phone rang next to Captain Gorovets' cot, and he wasn't happy. Why would someone be calling his unit at this time of morning His Su-25s weren't capable of night or bad weather operations, just like their American counterparts in A-10s, so who'd be calling him now He picked it up anyway. oeCaptain Gorovets, 377th,

oeComrade Captain, this is General Petrov, the voice on the other end said.

Gorovets stood up. It wasn't every day a General called a Captain, unless something was important. oeYes, Comrade General

oeComrade Captain, your regiment is needed at first light. How many aircraft do you have mission-ready Petrov asked.

oeEight, Comrade General.

oeEight... Petrov said, his voice trailing off. oeI see. And you have more pilots than planes, correct

oeThat is correct, Comrade General. Gorovets replied.

oeGet the most out of planes and pilots that you can. Petrov said.

oeComrade General, my aircraft are armed and fueled, ready to go. Tell the Army we'll be there.

oeGood luck, Captain. I'm afraid you'll be needing it. Petrov said.

oeThank you, Comrade General, Gorovets said.

With that, Petrov hung up. Gorovets replaced his own receiver, and Senior Lieutenant Morozik came in. oeNow what

oeGet the planes ready to go at first light. We'll be flying as often as we can, for as long as we can.

oeIt's started Morozik asked.

The rumble of artillery fire in the distance grew louder. Gorovets motioned to the window. oeI'd say that answers your question.


0320 Hours: 226th Engineer Brigade, South of La Paloma, Texas.


General Belgin, Alekseyev's chief of engineers, was actually in a good mood. His engineers had found several sites for ribbon bridges across the Rio Grande, and so far, they'd been ignored by the American aircraft prowling overhead. However, he knew that wouldn't last, but he was determined to get the bridges finished, so that some of the supplies waiting across the river could come, and those wounded and specialists still in the pocket could be evacuated.

Captain Alexi Nostorov, who was the brigade's commanding officer due to the fact that the colonel in command had been killed in an air attack the previous year, and the KGB had chosen the aftermath of that event to purge the surviving brigade headquarters staff for some reason he never did understand. But so far, he'd led the brigade as best he knew how. And Nostrov came up to his general. oeComrade General, we'll have this bridge up by first light.

oeExcellent, Captain. Get this bridge up, and I'll see to it you're a Major by noon, Belgin said.

oeComrade General, Nostrov said. oeAs long as the Americans don't bomb us, we'll have vehicles across by 0800.

oeI have confidence in you, Captain. Now, what about other sites Belgin asked.

oeIf you'll follow me, Comrade General, I'll show you, the captain said.

In his command vehicle, a converted BTR-60, Nostrov showed General Belgin where the bridges were going up. One just east of Progresso Lakes, one at the Highway 281-road F.M. 1479 intersection, this one, and another at Highway 281-F.M. 1421, Comrade General. But this one will be finished first.

Belgin nodded. oeGood work, Captain. How long until they're all finished

Nostrov reminded his general of something, oeThat depends on the Americans, Comrade General.

And Belgin knew it. oeIf they do hit these bridges, you do have enough equipment, correct

oeWe do, Comrade General, and enough men-so far. But if we start taking casualties in any significant number....

oeI understand, Captain. Still, do the best you can. That's all I'm asking of you and your men. Understand And I'll see if any of the Cuban engineers who haven't left yet can give you a hand.

oeI do understand, Comrade General. And thank you. We'll need the help-even if it's to spell my own men.


0400 Hours: Gulf Front Headquarters, San Benito Community College


General Isakov stared at the message form. The message from General Suraykin was plain as day in its meaning. Not only had reports from 4th Guards Tank Army begun to arrive, but the other armies in the Front were doing the same. The Cuban 1st Army was under pressure from II MAF, while XVIII Airborne Corps had units coming in on both 28th and 4th Guards Tank Armies. The former was understrength, but still fighting, while 4th Guards was ready for its mission. The East Germans were in a fight for their lives between La Villa and Santa Rosa, and their 40th Air Assault Regiment had been surrounded at Elsa, with contact having been lost. Third Shock Army had made it in good order, and to his surprise, so had the Cuban 2nd Army-with both VIII and XII Corps coming down on them. Only when he felt he had enough information did he send a staff officer to wake General Malinsky, as he'd been awakened only a half-hour earlier. Shortly thereafter the General entered the Operations Room. oeGood Morning, Isakov.

oeGood Morning, Comrade General. Though I fear it won't be a good morning at all, Isakov replied, handing Malinsky the message from General Suraykin.

So, Malinsky thought. It's started. Now we'll see how long we can hold out. Personally, he thought forty-eight hours being a little too optimistic, feeling that thirty-six to forty was more like it. But General Alekseyev insisted on forty-eight, and Malinsky felt they might be able to pull it off. oeJust probes so far He asked Isakov.

oeSo far, Comrade General. Though they're in size ranging from a company to a brigade, however, Isakov reported.

oeLike a swimmer, dipping his toe in the water, Malinsky said. oePowell's seeing how the water is.

oeAnd if it's just right, from his vantage point, he'll jump in. He's not likely to fully unleash his forces until morning, when he's got maximum air support available. But yes, that's just what he's up to.

oeFor now, Malinsky said, agreeing with his Chief of Staff. oeBut come daylight, when the A-10s and other attack aircraft can come into the picture, it's a whole different experience.

Isakov nodded, as did the Front's air force representative. oeComrade General, The Air Force man said, oeWe'll have some aircraft available, and some helicopters as well. But most of what we can send is further south, in Mexico. It'll take time for them to get here, and...

oeAnd in some cases, the fight may be over, where those aircraft were called for, Isakov finished.

oeI'm afraid so, oe the air force Colonel said.

oeFortunes of war-or misfortunes of war, Malinsky said. oeIsakov, get the women on twenty-four hours' notice to evacuate. That means clerks, secretaries, medical personnel, telephone operators, the whole lot.

oeThat order has come down from General Alekseyev, Comrade General. Isakov reminded his Front Commander.

oeStill, get it out again, Isakov. oeI'm not about to let those women fall into American hands-even if the 42nd Division and the 13th Cavalry are not around-that we know of.

oeComrade General, we don't have to worry about the latter unit, as so far, they've not been identified. However, the 42nd Mechanized Division was in combat earlier with the East Germans and the Eighth Guards Army, reported Isakov.

oeGiven what happened to the home city of many of its soldiers, Isakov, Malinsky said, oeIt's no wonder they not only preach revenge, but the they practice it as well: they take fewer prisoners than any other division in the U.S. Army.

oeI understand, Comrade General, Isakov said. oeI'll reiterate the twenty-four hour notice to move.

[Matt Wiser]

And it keeps going...

0420 Hours: K-236, the Gulf of Mexico.


Captain Padorin was awakened by several knocks on his cabin door. oeYes

The junior navigator opened the door. oeComrade Captain. You left orders to be awakened in two hours.

Padorin jumped out of bed-he'd slept fully clothed, even with shoes on. And then he calmly walked into the sub's Central Command Post, or what American submariners called the Control Room. His Exec, or Starpom, was already there, with the regular Officer of the Watch standing by. oeAndrei,

oeComrade Captain, the Exec replied. oeWe're still two hours from the approaches to Brownsville, depth is one hundred meters, speed fifteen knots.

oeAny sign of the Americans

oeNot yet, but... then a sonar operator held up his hand, interrupting the Exec. oeContact! Surface contact bearing zero-two-zero relative.

oeCan you identify Padorin asked.

oeNot yet, but range is about 40,000 meters. And closing, the sonar operator said. The warrant officer on duty was one of his best operators, and though the boat's Zampolit frowned on the phrase, Padorin and the other officers took his word as Gospel.

oeVery well. Andrei, sound Battle Stations.

The Battle Stations alarm sounded, and crewmen raced to their stations. The KGB security officer arrived: Captain Lieutenant Dimitry Sheplin was actually respected by the officers and crew on the boat: he'd taken the time to go through sub school, and was qualified as a watch officer. In fact, he'd taken his turn as Officer of the Watch-at his insistence. Sheplin was aboard because of the boat's weapons loadout: K-239 still had four Type 53-68 nuclear torpedoes, with a 20 Kiloton yield, and four RK-55 land-attack cruise missiles, with warheads up to 200 Kilotons. Fortunately, except for the first day of the war, none of the weapons had been used. But still....there was always the chance. Sheplin nodded to the Captain, who returned the gesture.

The same couldn't be said for the boat's Zampolit, Captain 3rd Rank Artem Zirnsky, who admitted that he'd been assigned to submarines after a tour aboard a cruiser had been cut short by his chronic seasickness. Unfortunately for most of the crew, Zirnsky was a staunch Party man, and though Padorin was untouchable due to his father, the same couldn't be said for many of the crew, and Zirnsky was despised by every last man aboard the boat-the Captain and the Security Officer included.

oeComrade Captain, the sonar officer reported, two contacts, now. Same bearing, decreasing range.

Padorin looked at his Exec, weapons officer, navigator, and even the Security Officer. oeLooks like we may have to shoot our way in. He nodded at the weapons officer. oeLoad Type-65s in two tubes. And Klubs (U.S. designation SS-N-27) in two more. Leave the other four loaded with standard torpedoes.

The weapons officer nodded, but before he could relay the order, Padorin tapped him on the shoulder. oeAnd make it fast, Yuri.


0435 Hours: Cuban 47th Motor-Rifle Regiment, Progresso Lakes, Texas


Major Ruiz-Santos was awakened by the sound of heavy equipment. For a moment, he'd thought that the Americans had taken his unit by surprise, but there was no gunfire. He'd had about three hours' sleep, and despite the noise, was anxious to get some more. Ruiz-Santos had set up his headquarters in the little town's city hall, and had taken over the mayor's office, finding that the occupation force-Nicaraguans, whom he despised-had stripped the place bare. After putting his cot and installing a field phone, it was something, though still bare. Now, he wanted to know what was going on. He found Captain Toledo, his Executive Officer, coming into the building. oeWhat's going on, Captain

oeComrade Major, the engineers are putting up ribbon bridges across the Rio Grande. One of them is set for this location, they told me, Toledo responded.

oeA ribbon bridge Here Ruiz-Santos asked. oeAre they crazy

Toledo shook his head. oeI don't think so, Comrade General.

oeOf all the....Are they our engineering troops

oeNo, Comrade Major. They're Soviets. Toledo replied.

oeHave they gone mad Asked Ruiz-Santos. oeThe Americans could be here at any time.

oeOrders from Front Headquarters, Toledo said. oeThat's what they told me.

oeWell, there's nothing we can do about that, Ruiz-Santos replied. oeOffer whatever assistance we can, and arrange for some antiaircraft defense-even if it's a few men with Strelas (SA-7s) and a gun truck or two.

oeAt once, Comrade Major. Toledo said.

Ruiz-Santos acknowledged Toledo with a salute, then went back to his cot. Shaking his head at the apparent stupidity, he closed his eyes and went back to sleep, oblivious to the noise of the engineers and the artillery fire in the distance.


0450 Hours: K-236, the Gulf of Mexico


Captain Padorin was going over his chart. His navigator had plotted the suspected locations of two American ships, and then his sonar men had reported a third, and possibly a fourth. And some of them had their active sonars going. Padorin scowled. He looked at his Starpom. oeAndrei, what's going on there

oeMy guess is that they're trying to localize a contact. But aren't we supposed to be the only submarine in the area the Starpom replied.

oeSupposed to be, Andrei, Padorin reminded his Exec. He went over and looked at the sonar display. And he didn't like it at all. oeWhat's this here he asked the sonar officer.

oeWe're not sure. It was classified as a possible submarine, but it hasn't moved very far.

oeHmm, Padorin said. oeAndrei, reduced speed to five knots.

oeFive knots, Aye, Comrade Captain.

oeWait, Comrade Captain, the sonar officer said. oeThere's another submarine out there now, definitely.

oeCan you identify Padorin asked.

oeTwin-screw, and nuclear-powered. That makes it one of ours, the sonar officer replied, looking at his senior operator, who nodded.

Padorin considered his options. He could avoid contact, and then get in close to Brownsville, but then again, he might have to attack those ships so he could do so, and in so doing, there'd be so many ASW assets coming after him that an attack might not be a good idea. Then the Americans made the decision for him.

oeComrade Captain, the senior operator said. oeWait...TORPEDO IN THE WATER, bearing zero-one-five relative. Repeat, TORPEDO IN THE WATER!

oeIs it targeted on us Padorin asked.

oeNo, Comrade Captain, bearing changing left to right. Impact! the sonar operator said.

Padorin turned to his Exec. Come right. New course two-eight-zero, and make ten knots.

oeTwo-eight-zero, aye. Turns for ten knots, Comrade Captain. the Exec said, relaying the helm and engine orders.

oeSecond torpedo in the water! Bearing zero-zero-five, relative. the senior operator sang out.

oeThey're dropping on someone, the Security Officer observed.

oeYes, but who the Captain replied.

The senior sonar operator sang out, oeSecond hit, Comrade Captain. No breakup, and I'm getting loud noises, like he's blowing his tanks and surfacing. Positive identification: It's one of our 675 types.

Up above, an American ASW group was prosecuting an attack on the Echo-II sub K-172. The first torpedo had hit, shortly followed by a second. And the target was coming up.


0515 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport


General Petrov was looking anxiously to the east, and he had hardly slept. The horizon was just starting to brighten. He thought, It's almost dawn, and if the runways are repaired, we can get the grounded aircraft loaded and away. He turned to General Lukin, who had had an equally sleepless night. oeAlmost first light, Lukin. Now we wait to see if the Americans are coming.

oeIf their air commander is on his toes, we'll have an attack at any time. And with our SAM batteries very under-supplied, we can't really defend against a major air strike. Let alone cruise missiles, Lukin said. Then Lukin's communications man came to him with a message form. He took it, and read. oeSome good news, Comrade General.

oeOh Petrov asked.

oeHavana's listened to us. Two An-124s will be departing Havana shortly. Both will be rigged for airdrops. And no landings, Lukin said.

oeThere's not supposed to be a God, but I guess we'd better thank him now, Petrov said. oeFor once, Moscow didn't overrule us.

oeTrue, Comrade General. They request that Drop Zones be marked, with the usual signals.

oeVery good. See to it, Petrov said, just as his engineering officer came up. oeYes

oeComrade General, the runways are operational. They've been cleared, patched, and the wreckage has been cleared. We're doing a final walk-down to check for any small debris before the runways open up for operations, the Engineer Colonel said.

oeExcellent! Petrov said. oeLukin, get those aircraft on the tarmac loaded up with wounded and those cleared for evacuation. They take off the minute the runways are declared open.

oeRight away, Comrade General!

[Matt Wiser]

And a bonus:


0525 Hours: East German Kampfgruppe oeRosa Luxembourg, south of Santa Rosa, Texas.

General Metzler knew now that he'd fought his last battle. The 40th Air Assault Regiment had been overwhelmed at Elsa, and now, XII Corps forces had split his battle group into two pockets, with the 9th Panzer Division in one, and the 11th Motor-Rifle Division in another. Both divisions were now pale shadows of their prewar selves, with the 9th Panzer down to that of a reinforced regiment, and the 11th Motor-Rifles down to the same level. His own Army-level assets had also been ground down, and he'd had to send air-defense, chemical warfare, and engineering troops off to fight as ad hoc infantry, with predictable results in most cases. Now, he was trapped with his headquarters staff, a battalion's worth of motor-rifle troops that constituted his headquarters guard, and a platoon of tanks that was nominally a company. Fuel and ammunition were almost exhausted, and there was no way to evacuate the wounded. It was obvious that the end was very near, and Metzler knew it. He turned to his Chief of Staff, oeWell, it's time, I think.

oeComrade General, you've done all that can be done. We still have communications with Front Headquarters, and with one regiment of the 11th Motor-Rifles.. the Chief said.

oeRegiment..a meaningless title now. That regiment only has two battalions worth of weary men, who have had it, Metzler said. oeAny contact with the 9th Panzer Division

oeNo, Comrade General, not for at least three hours.

Then one of the staff came up with a message. It was from the 9th Panzer Division's acting commander. oeThe 9th Panzers have fought to the last round against superior enemy forces. We have done our duty to the end. The Americans are outside the division's headquarters. We are destroying our radio equipment. This station will no longer transmit.

Metzler looked at his map. His command vehicle was parked outside an abandoned farmhouse along F.M. 506, and he knew that the 9th Panzers weren't that far to the west. oeThat's it. Destroy all secret documents, codes, and except for one radio to notify Front Headquarters, all communications equipment. A pity we can't evacuate our female signals and clerical staff, but that can't be helped.

The Chief of Staff looked at the other officers, all of whom but one nodded. The holdout was the Political Officer. oeYes, Comrade General.

The Political Officer objected. oeComrade General, we can still fight! It is our duty to socialism and the state to continue the struggle!

oeThat is past. Right now, my duty now is to our soldiers. We've done our duty to the fullest, Metzler said. oeDoes anyone else object

No one did. The Political Officer tried to draw his pistol, but Metzler was faster. After the man's corpse dropped to the ground, a shout came from the perimeter. American tanks and infantry vehicles were approaching, and they had quickly shot up the guard force.

oeSend this message to Front Headquarters, then destroy the communications equipment, as I said: 'Kampfgruppe Rosa Luxembourg has done its full duty for Socialism to the last. Long live Socialism, and Long Live the GDR!' Get that off immediately.

The communications man did just that, and after sending the message, the classified materials were piled into the command vehicle, a fuel can thrown inside, and a grenade used to ignite it. And then the Americans arrived. Metzler walked to the lead tank under a white flag. He saw it was one of the M-60A4s with the 105-mm gun, and that main gun was pointed right at him. Then he saw the tank commander get out of the tank, and approach him. Metzler saw it was a captain's insignia. oeCaptain, I am Major General Gerhard Metzler, of the National People's Army of the German Democratic Republic. I wish to surrender myself, and my headquarters staff to you, he said in perfect English.

The American looked at him for a minute. Metzler couldn't tell if the officer was surprised or not, and then the tank commander took off the helmet. And Metzler had the shock of his life.

oeCaptain Shannon McCoy, 4-69 Armor, 8th Infantry Division, the tank commander said, unrolling the bun out of her hair. oeAnd for what it's worth, General, this division got shot up pretty bad during First Houston in '85. Now we've come full circle.

oeI see..., Metzler said. oeI would like assurances that the female members of my staff will be protected.

oeA shame you didn't do that back in '85 and '86, General. But that's the difference between us and you. she said. oeFirst Sergeant!

oeYes, Ma'am the company first sergeant asked.

oeForm a pair of provisional squads of female troopers, there's enough in First and Second Platoons for two. oeThey'll escort the female prisoners to the rear.

oeYes, Ma'am. And as the First Sergeant did so, the rest of the company entered the East German HQ.
And Metzler watched as his staff, and the other survivors of his battle group, went into captivity.
oeGeneral, if you'll come with me. Some people at Brigade want to talk to you.


0540 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport

Generals Petrov and Lukin watched as the last of the engineers cleared away the remaining debris. The walk-down was finished, and the Colonel in charge came over to the Generals. oeComrade Generals, the runways are ready for operations. They're clear.

Petrov nodded. oeThank you, Comrade Colonel. He turned to Lukin. oeGet those aircraft going, right away.

oeYes, Comrade General, Lukin replied. And Lukin grabbed a flashlight and waved it. That was the signal. And thus the first aircraft, an An-26, rolled down the first runway and into the air. And other aircraft, including two An-12s full of wounded men, an Il-76, and a pair of Tu-154 airliners bearing Cuban markings, followed soon after. In short order, the field was cleared of aircraft-ten in all.

oeGood, Lukin. Now, how long until we're shut down again Petrov asked with all seriousness. oeThe Americans won't be sitting on this for very long.

oeComrade General, I wish I knew, Lukin said, looking to the north. oeBut they'll come. No doubt about that.

Petrov nodded. He turned to the engineer Colonel. oeComrade Colonel, get your equipment ready again. Chances are, we'll be needing it before too long.

The Colonel nodded. oeI'll get that done straight away, Comrade General.


0555 Hours: Gulf Front Headquarters, San Benito Community College.

General Malinsky looked at the map again. A staff officer had crossed through the symbols that had marked the East Germans. He had known that it was only a matter of time before those two divisions were overwhelmed, and now, it had happened. What had been an East German Expeditionary Corps of 40,000 men at its peak was now gone, along with its home country. He turned to the chief of staff, Isakov. oeSo that's that for the East Germans, Isakov. They have outlasted their own country.

General Isakov nodded. oeThe Germans were good soldiers, Comrade General. I only wish we still had some more of them.

oeYes, but that's beyond us now, Isakov. Now, when's Powell going to come down on us It's just after first light.

oeIt won't be too long, Comrade General. He tastes victory, and he's going to make the most of it. Isakov said.

A staff officer came up with a message form. oeComrade General the officer said, handing it to Isakov.

oeWell Malinsky asked.

oeIt's from Eighth Guards Army. XII Corps now identified, including 8th Infantry and 6th Armored Divisions, Isakov said. oeBoth appear to be now fully engaged.

General Malinsky nodded. It was becoming obvious now. Powell had turned his corps commanders loose. oeSo Powell has cut the leash-at least in this sector.

oeYes, and Eighth Guards has also identified the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment, along with XVIII Airborne Corps' 29th Light Infantry Division, Isakov reported, matter-of-factly.

oeBut no signs of a breakthrough, at least not yet

oeNot at present, Comrade General, Isakov said.

Malinsky nodded. oeAnd anything on the Cuban 1st Army

oeJust that II MAF is pressing them hard, but the terrain is a problem: there's a wildlife refuge on the Cuban right, and the marshland and wetlands make any kind of operations there a problem-for both sides.

oeAnd the Cuban 2nd Army

oeThey're still holding, and giving ground only grudgingly. Isakov reported.


0615 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville

General Chibisov put down the phone. He'd just heard General Petrov's report: runways open. And aircraft had not only departed, but also that inbound aircraft were coming in, soon. And Malinsky had also notified him of the East Germans' end, and the work on the bridges. Only now, with all the information at hand did he feel good about waking the General. Alekseyev needed his sleep, as did everyone, but now that Powell was coming, and coming both hard and fast, that was a commodity likely to be in short supply. Satisfied, Chibisov went to Alekseyev's office. He knocked once, then opened the door. oeComrade General

Alekseyev had awakened when Chibisov opened the door. oeAh, Pavel Pavlovitch, it's you. I assume that Powell has turned his commanders loose

oeThat is correct, Comrade General. They're coming, and hard. Chibisov reported.

oeAs we expected. So, who is still fighting, and who has been..... removed from the picture Alekseyev asked, matter of factly.

oeThat would be the East Germans, Comrade General. General Metzler sent his final message, and it basically boils down to the fact that his forces have done their full duty-minus the political language, of course. Chibisov said.

oeThe East Germans managed to outlast their own country. How they did it, I still don't know. The Americans have been trumpeting the East German collapse for weeks in their propaganda. Metzler's Political Department certainly used some drastic measures, but how drastic Alekseyev asked.

oeThat, Comrade General, I don't know. We're still trying to raise the liaison team we had with his headquarters, but they don't answer.

oeAnd they probably never will, Chibisov. Alekseyev said. He paused as his secretary came into the office, with some bread, tea, and a boiled egg. oeThank you, Katerina,

oeComrade General, she responded as she left, closing the door behind her.

oeThat reminds me, Chibisov. Our women are on a twenty-four hour notice to leave, correct

oeThat order has been issued, Comrade General.

Alekseyev paused. oeIssue the order again. This time, make it twelve hours' notice. We may not have much time, otherwise.

oeYes, Comrade General.

oeNow, how much of the supplies from both the airdrops and the freighters have been issued Everyone's screaming for food, medical supplies, and above all, ammunition. Alekseyev reminded his Chief of Staff.

oeWe have been able to distribute some, Comrade General, but some units, though, if they've recovered supply drops in their areas, are hoarding. Instead of delivering what's received to central points for equitable distribution, many units are holding onto what they recover. Given how short of everything we are, it's human nature, Comrade General. Chibisov reported.

oeAnd Paulus had the same problem, in January, 1943, Alekseyev remembered his Academy lectures about that battle. oeStill, see to it that what we receive by air is distributed in an even-handed manner.

oeCertainly, Comrade General.

A knock on the door interrupted the two generals. It was Dudorov. oeComrade Generals, your presence is needed in the Operations Room. Something's going on, out at sea.


0625 Hours: K-236, the Gulf of Mexico.


Captain Padorin was in a shooting mood. He'd seen the sonar display of a fellow submarine being damaged and forced to surface, and now he was out for revenge. At Padorin's orders, the weapons officer had added two more Type-65 torpedoes and two more Klub missiles to the tubes, and now, all four tubes were ready.

oeGet ready to reload with torpedoes, Yuri, as soon as those missiles are fired.

oeAlready waiting, Comrade Captain, replied the weapons officer.

Padorin turned to his Starpom. oePeriscope depth. This will be a missile shooting observation.

oePeriscope depth, aye, Comrade Captain, the Exec replied, relaying the helm order. The K-236 was at only five knots now. Soon, she was at twenty meters: periscope depth. oeAt twenty meters, Comrade Captain.

oeUp scope, and the periscope came up. Padorin swung the scope around, and then gave a bearing to three targets. oeShoot two at the first, one each at two and three.

The weapons officer plugged in the bearings. Sonar had already fed the range. oeSolutions checked and validated. Firing sequence: One, three, two, four.

Padorin nodded. oeDown scope. Open outer doors on one through four.

oeOuter doors open. Tubes ready.

Padorin looked at the Exec, the navigator, and his Security Officer. oeFire.

Four Klub (SS-N-27) anti-ship missiles quickly left their launch tubes, and once they broke water, they began heading for their targets.

Nearby, the American ASW group was still searching for another submarine. Aboard the destroyer Kidd, a radar operator was looking at his scope. Then he cut in over the intercom in CIC: oeVampire! Vampire! We have inbound missiles! And he gave range and bearing.

The destroyer's SM-1 missiles began to fire, as did the missile frigate Talbot and several ships began to fire chaff. Then one of the inbounds was intercepted by a missile, while a second was exploded by gunfire. That left two missiles, one of which hit the destroyer Mahan, wrecking her superstructure and leaving her dead in the water and on fire. The second missile struck the Talbot, turning her into a blazing wreck.

Aboard K-236, the sonar operator reported two explosions. Two out of four was what Padorin had expected: the Klub missile was still technically in the preproduction stage, but the commander of the Northern Fleet had received some, and he was anxious to see how they worked in a real environment, not a test range. Now, it appeared that the Admiral's curiosity had paid off. oeTwo hits out of four. Good work, Yuri. Now, let's finish the job. Sonar, range and bearing to the cripples

The sonar operator gave the range and bearing to the crippled ships, and the weapons officer fed that into the tubes. oeSolution ready, Comrade Captain.

oeYuri, use two torpedoes, not four. We may need those other two Type-65s later, Padorin reminded his weapons officer.

oeAye, Comrade Captain. Tubes ready and at your command.

oeFire.

And with that, two Type-65 torpedoes were fired from K-236. Running time: twelve minutes.

[rcaf_777]

It would be intresting to see how Canada is doing durring the war. What did they do when NATO was disbanded

The Prime minister then was Brian Mulroney (PC) who was elected in 1984. He was one of Ronald Regan closest firends. In the early 80's Pierre Trudeau (Lib) was the PM, he was a fan of Marxism and close friends of Cuba Leader Fidel Castro. He reduced funding for military and was know for is Anti NATO stance.

Would NORAD be expanded leading up to the War would any Canadian Cities be targeted

Note of Intrest: The Mobile Command(Army) Division commanded by then Major-General John de Chastelain (who later became the CDS) was conducting a large scale training exerise in Western Canada. The Mobile Command Division at that time was the bulk of Canada's Regular Force Army Units around 10,000 troops according to the book I am called RV 85