Semi-OT: Red Dawn fan fic

[RN7]

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

The Prime 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

I think Canada was invaded in Red Dawn, via a Soviet invasion of Alaska and then down through Yukon, BC and the Prairies as part of a drive to split the US in two by linking up with the southerly invasion coming up from Mexico. Matt mentioned fighting in Alberta so I'd say the bulk of the Canadian Army is on the Canadian Prairies with US forces in that theatre, with the rest joining US forces on East and West coasts. Not that many known nuclear targets in Red Dawn, so I doubt there were any Canadian targets.

[Matt Wiser]

The Soviets moved through Alaska, thorough the Yukon down into both Alberta and British Columbia. However, they had a problem: the Canadians had time to destroy the fuel storage at the Calgary and Edmonton refineries, and as a result, the Soviets literally ran out of gas. In some places, almost within sight of the Montana or North Dakota borders. A 1986 offensive tried to take Vancouver, B.C., and turned into a Stalingrad-like mess for the Russians.

Contrary to Colonel Tanner's remark to the Wolverines, the British do hang on against Soviet air and naval attack, and send troops (the former British Army of the Rhine) to Canada. The Royal Navy is fully engaged in the war at sea, and the RAF has forces engaged in Canada as well as at home.

[Matt Wiser]

And it goes on...and the conclusion to last night's cliffhanger:


0635 Hours: K-236, The Gulf of Mexico


Captain Padorin and his officers were looking at their stopwatches. The pair of Type-65 torpedoes had two minutes left on their run. He turned to his weapons officer. oeYuri, load an MG-74 decoy in one of the tubes. Once the torpedoes detonate, launch the decoy. Don't wait for my order.

The weapons officer acknowledged with a nod, then he relayed the order to the crew in the torpedo room. While that was going on, Padorin turned to the Starpom. oeAfter the decoy is launched, take us to 300 meters. We're still some distance from the continental shelf, so we've got some deep water.

The Starpom nodded. Then he looked at his watch. oeFifteen seconds to first impact.

Up above, the sonars of several American ships had picked up the incoming torpedoes. The damaged frigate Talbot had been abandoned very quickly after the missile hit, with an uncontrollable fire, having to have her magazines flooded. And the damaged destroyer Mahan was still fighting fires when the torpedo alarm was sounded by both Kidd and the destroyer Richard E. Byrd. Several ships tried streaming Nixie torpedo decoys, and Kidd herself even fired a Mark-46 torpedo down the bearing of the incoming weapons, hoping to catch whoever had launched the torpedoes.

The first Type-65 exploded under the now abandoned Talbot. The torpedo's huge warhead blew the burning frigate apart, disintegrating the stern, and wrecking what little watertight integrity she had left. Within five minutes of the detonation, the shattered hulk slipped beneath the waves. Of a crew of 277, 140 were lost with the ship or died of wounds after rescue.

The second torpedo exploded right underneath Mahan's stern, blowing about fifty feet of the ship's aft section off. The missile magazine had been flooded as a damage-control precaution, so it didn't detonate, but that made little difference, as that portion of the ship simply disintegrated. The order to abandon ship came quickly from the Executive Officer, who'd taken command after the Captain had been killed in the missile hit. She sank within fifteen minutes of the torpedo hit, taking 220 of a crew of 400 with her.

Aboard K-236, cheers filled the boat as sonar reported the two detonations. As per Padorin's order, an MG-74 decoy was launched, and the boat went deep. Padorin smiled. oeWell done, Comrades. Let's get out of here. New course: two-four-zero. Navigator, let me know when we're closing on the Continental Shelf. And secure from battle stations.

oeComrade Captain the Zampolit asked.

oeSimple. They'll expect us to head east, for deeper water. The last place they'll expect us is closer to shore.


0650 Hours: 377th Ground-Attack Aviation Regiment, San Benito Municipal Airport.


Captain Gorovets was briefing his pilots. He had more pilots than flyable planes at this point, and individual squadrons were a thing of the past at this point: he'd chosen the best from all three squadrons, and designated the rest for evacuation. oeAll right, this is it. We go in flights of two. And don't take any unnecessary risks. This comes from the top. If things get too bad out there, abort the mission.

Lieutenant Maxim Popov, one of the pilots set to fly the first set of missions, asked, oeWhat's the expected threat, just for the record

Normally, that kind of question would earn someone a reprimand. Not today. oeExpect everything, Gorovets said. oeF-4s, F-15s, F-16s, F/A-18s, F-20s. Not to mention HAWK and Patriot heavy missiles, Stingers in quantity, and possible shipboard SAMs if you get too far out to sea.

Several pilots whistled. oeNice to know they care, Popov said.

oeWhich brings me back to my original point, Comrades. If your threat receivers start going off-and there's multiple threats out there, abort. I'll see about getting our Flight Direction Officers at 4th Guards Tank Army to get some artillery down on those air-defense systems, but I imagine everyone's going to be screaming for artillery support. And another thing: watch out for friendly artillery: a Grad rocket strike or a one-five-two shell in your airspace can kill you. Anything else Gorovets asked.

oeHow many sorties do we expect to fly Senior Lieutenant Dmitiri Lobinstev asked.

oeAs many as we can. Until one of three things happens: dusk comes, we run out of aircraft, or run out of ordnance, Gorovets said. oeAny other questions There were none. oeAll right, let's go.

Gorovets would lead this first flight personally. All eight Su-25s were loaded with a mix of KMGU cluster bombs and rocket pods, with other ordnance being loaded as the armorers could make it available. And they'd have a full load of 30-mm cannon ammunition, and two R-60 AAMs. The pilots did quick walk-arounds, then climbed into the cockpits, strapped themselves in, and after the briefest of preflights, taxied out for takeoff. As the Su-25s prepared for takeoff, the pilots who would wait waved. Then the small control tower flashed a green light. Then all eight Sukhois rolled down the runway, and were soon in the air.


0700 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.

Generals Petrov and Lukin were anxiously scanning the sky. The An-124s had lifted off from Havana three hours earlier, and they were due at any time. Both generals wondered if the planes had managed to penetrate the American fighter screen over the Gulf of Mexico, both carrier-based and land-based fighters being the main threat. And on many days, the fighters had either prevented transports from getting through, forcing them to abort, or had acted like wolves in a chicken coop and slaughtered the transports. As a result, things inside the pocket were getting worse with each passing hour. General Lukin knew this better than most on the field, when a staff officer had been wounded in an air raid a few days previously. The hospitals were crowded with wounded, he found, medicine, anesthetic, and bandages in short supply, and conditions were filthy, at best. Shaking his head at the sight, he returned to the field, and recommended the man be promoted at once: if he died, his family back in Rostov-on the Don would get a bigger pension, at least. Lukin and Petrov were interrupted by a staff officer coming from a Romb (SA-8) SAM vehicle. The launcher had no missiles left, but Petrov felt it could still be useful as a mobile radar station, and thus the SAM crews often had the only working radars left. oeComrade Generals, the transports are coming in: three large targets and several smaller targets inbound from the East. ETA is five minutes.

oeThank you, Comrade Major. Petrov said. oeWell, Lukin, how much will we get this time

Lukin was asking that question to himself. He'd seen the filthy conditions at the field hospital, and knew that whatever they received, it wouldn't be enough. oeLet's hope it's better than what we've gotten in before: we've had days when nothing got in.

oeTrue, Lukin, Petrov said, scanning the eastern sky with his binoculars. oeThere they are.

Lukin looked through his own binoculars. He saw the three transports, with several fighter escorts. And one of the escorting fighters broke away and made an approach to the field. The Su-27 came in, trailing smoke, and landed with no nose gear. It skidded off the runway and bellied in. The pilot raised the canopy and ran clear, just in case.

While that was going on, two of the big transports came in and made their supply runs. Parachutes blossomed as cargo pallets fell from the aircraft. The two big Antonovs then turned away, heading back towards the Gulf of Mexico. The third plane turned and headed north, then east, before beginning to drop its cargo. And then it happened. A smoke trail came up from below and to the north. Then the missile slammed into the tail of the aircraft, ripping it apart. The big transport slowed, and began trailing fire and debris, and cargo pallets still fell from the aircraft, only some were catching fire as their parachutes were caught in the trail of flame. Another smoke trail came up from below, exploding between the two left engines, and ripping the wing off. The An-124 rolled inverted, and then, streaming fire from the tail and the remnants of the left wing, slammed into the ground just north of the field, exploding in a huge fireball.

Petrov looked at the fireball, then at General Lukin. oeSix brave men, and a nearly irreplaceable aircraft. One hopes it was worth it.

The supply officer came up. oeComrade Generals, We've gotten some of the supplies that were dropped.

Petrov glared at him, an evil look on his face. oeAnd what, pray tell, did we receive

oeSome small-arms ammunition, in bulk. Several cases of bandages and other first-aid supplies. Along with 250 kilos of jam, 100 kilos of sugar, and.....

oeAnd WHAT Lukin roared. oeHalf of this stuff so far is worthless!

oe50 cases of pamphlets for various political departments, in both English and Spanish. They're propaganda materials for the civilian population.

Petrov exploded. oeWho is packing this material

Lukin was just as angry. oeWhat ass loaded that aircraft All right, get the rest of the supply pallets recovered. We can use the parachutes in the hospitals, at least. And get whatever food, medical supplies, and ammunition sorted and distributed as quickly as possible. He turned to General Petrov. oeComrade General, with your kind permission, I'd like to borrow your satellite phone. There's someone in Havana who needs a good tongue-lashing.

Petrov nodded. oeBy all means, Lukin. And when you're finished, I'll have some choice words with him as well.

oeComrade General... the supply officer said.

oeWhat is it, Major Petrov asked.

oeWhat about the pamphlets

Petrov turned to Lukin, who nodded. oeWe're out of lavatory paper. Put them in the latrines.

[Matt Wiser]

And some more:


0725 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville


General Alekseyev was assidously going over the situation map. The Cuban 1st Army was still holding, but a penetration by II MAF north of Rio Hondo was causing some concern. If Powell was watching this, he could order XVIII Airborne Corps to send its own 12th Armored Cavalry Regiment into that penetration, and maybe turn the Cuban line to their left, or hit 28th Army instead. The 28th Army was facing elements of XVIII Airborne Corps as well, along with the 4th Guards Tank Army. Though Suraykin was holding for the time being, Alekseyev knew that sooner or later, with the generous air support now available to the Americans, that wouldn't last. He'd hoped for forty-eight hours, and maybe, just maybe, Suraykin might pull it off.

Over on Suraykin's left, the Eighth Guards Army was holding, though barely in one or two cases, one division from XVIII Airborne Corps along with half of XII Corps, which had finished mopping up what was left of the East Germans. The East German 11th Motor-Rifle Division's 17th Motor-Rifle Regiment had sent its last message only a few minutes earlier, thus marking the final curtain call for the East German Army, which had outlasted its own country. And on Eighth Guards' left, Third Shock Army faced two divisions from VIII Corps, which was also engaged against the Cuban 2nd Army, which, though badly mauled, was still fighting hard.

Then General Dudorov and Admiral Gordikov came up. oeComrade General, this just came in.

Alekseyev scanned the message. oeSo it's official

oeYes, Comrade General, Gordikov said. oeIf the airlift fails, a submarine will take out Hall and his cabinet. That submarine is off the coast, and I would imagine that's the submarine that the Americans are talking about right now: he sank two ships from an American ASW group, from what that radio chatter from the Americans indicated, and they're still looking for him.

oeHow much notice does he need, in case the mission has to be aborted Alekseyev asked.

oeHe'll come to antenna depth every night-about 2300 our time, and listen for a message relayed via our base in Cienfuegos, Gordikov said.

General Chibisov came up. oeThe airlift can resume, Comrade General, so there may be no need-at least today, for him.

Gordikov nodded. oeThere's one other thing: the minefields. We don't know how many mines the Americans have laid in the approaches to Brownsville, or where, other than Brazos Santiago Pass.

Alekseyev thought for a minute. oeTell him to hold off, at least for now.

Gordikov nodded. oeOf course, Comrade General.

Then Alekseyev looked at the map again. He turned to Chibisov. oeTell Malinsky that 47th Tank Brigade and 76th Guards Air Assault are not, repeat, not available. Whatever enemy penetrations have to be taken care of with whatever forces can be scraped together.

Chibisov looked at the map again. He knew why. oeYes, Comrade General. May I suggest releasing the air assault troops from the Provisional Air Assault Group Andreyev has his division, and even some reinforcement would help Malinsky.

oeMake it so, Alekseyev said. oeNow, it's out of our control. Everything on the ground is now up to Malinsky.


0740 Hours: 4th Guards Tank Army HQ, Harlingen, Texas.

General Suraykin was on the phone with General Markov, the commander of 52nd Tank Division.
oeMarkov, you've got to hold. I don't care how.

oeComrade General, the voice on the other end was saying, oeI realize that, but right now, it seems like every A-10 ever made is overhead. I've had near continuous air attacks since sunrise, and it's eating my division up.

General Suraykin swore. oeStand by, Markov. He placed the phone down and yelled for his Air Force liaison. oeYes, Comrade General

oeAny chance of more fighters asked Suraykin.

oeRight now, it's about 50-50. Some of the fighters are escorting transports from Mexico City and other Mexican points of origin, and others are busy over Northeastern Mexico: the Americans have put up quite a few of their own aircraft, as you'd expect, Comrade General. the man replied.

oeDo what you can. Even if it's just one additional flight or two. Suraykin said. oeRight now, it's American ground-attack aircraft I need driven off for a while.

oeI understand, Comrade General, the air force Colonel replied. And he went to his own phone to argue his case.

oeMarkov, I'm trying to get you additional aircraft. For what it's worth, every commander along the line is screaming for the same thing, Suraykin told his junior commander.

Several loud explosions rumbled in the background, as Markov yelled into the radio. oeSorry, Comrade General, but that's American artillery fire. I realize the shortage of aircraft, but I need whatever I can get. And I'll have to move division CP again. That artillery fire's getting too close.

Suraykin frowned, looking at the map. oeAll right, Markov. Do whatever you have to, and Suraykin hung up. Shaking his head, he went over to his Chief of Staff. oeWhat do you think so far, Golvoko

oeI think, Comrade General, that we'll soon have our heads handed to us. On a platter. Markov has one full division and part of another coming down on him, and Chesnikov with 24th Tanks has the same thing. We've got mostly XVIII Airborne Corps coming down on us, though they're also busy with 28th Army at the moment. General Golvoko replied.

oeRight now, 52nd Tanks is our weakest point. Move some reserves to back them up: have 6th Guards Motor-Rifle send a regiment to assist Markov, Suraykin said. oeI want to keep the two other tank divisions as a counterattack force if at all possible.

oeRight away, Comrade General. Golvoko said. oeAnd what about the 105th Guards Airborne

oeNot now. I don't want to commit them just yet. But plan for them to head for the 77-83 junction itself, if it appears that the Americans have found the boundary between the 52nd and 24th Tanks, Suraykin said.

oeAnd if the junction is seized before that Golvoko asked.

oeThen they help spearhead the counterattack, Suraykin decided. oeWhen that happens, we'll move both 20th and 38th Tank Divisions into that effort, no matter what the cost.


0805 Hours: Cuban 47th MRR, Progresso Lakes, Texas.


Major Ruiz-Santos had actually woken up in a good mood. After arising, after his regiment's executive officer felt he needed to sleep in, he'd found that the ribbon bridge was finished and actually moving traffic across the river. To his disappointment, that traffic was supply convoys moving north: but one thing did surprise him, and that was a serial of three trucks and a BRDM-1 that entered the town. The truck drivers were Cuban, as were the BRDM crews. Apparently, they'd done so on Havana's direct orders. And his troops found their bounty to be worth it, as cases of canned food, medical supplies for the regiment's aid stations, bottled water, and small-arms ammunition, were delivered. Now, with his approval, his men were gorging themselves, and their morale was going up as a result.

oeComrade Major, Captain Toledo said, oeI actually thought we'd been forgotten.

oeOf course not, Comrade Captain, Lieutenant Moss, the Political Officer, said. oeComrade Fidel promised that we would not be alone in our fight, and this shows it.

Both the regimental commander and his executive officer rolled their eyes in disbelief. Clearly, the political officer was still too idealistic. A pity he'd never been anywhere near the front until now; maybe he'd have a more realistic attitude if he'd been up forward instead of being a oerear rat. But Ruiz-Santos didn't say it. All he said was, oeIt certainly does, Lieutenant.

Unknown to the Cubans, just to the west, along U.S. 281, and closing in on Progresso Lakes, was Captain Nancy Kozak's company team. Refueled and resupplied, her tanks and Bradley infantry vehicles pressed ahead. So far, they'd had only scattered resistance, usually from either Cuban or Mexican rear-area troops. Several prisoners had been taken, and they not only said that the international bridge was open, but rumor had it a pontoon bridge was being built. Well, she thought to herself. It's time to put a stop to that. After informing the battalion commander, she'd been ordered to make a hasty attack, if possible. If not, she was to hold until the full battalion task force arrived.


0815 Hours: 377th Ground Attack Regiment, San Benito Municipal Airport


Captain Gorovets did a final walk-around the Su-25 he would fly. He'd already flown two sorties this morning, and his regiment, such as it was, was now down to five aircraft. The first mission had gone well, with no losses, but the second....One of the Rooks had fallen to a SAM, and not just a Stinger: It had been a heavy one, maybe even a Patriot. The pilot didn't get out, as the missile slammed into the plane just short of the cockpit and tore that whole section off the aircraft. Then they'd been jumped by some American fighters, and two of his aircraft had to jettison their ordnance loads to try and survive. One of the Su-25s fell to an F-16 that fired two Sidewinders, though this time, the pilot did bail out. The second managed to avoid that F-16, only to run into another, which raked the Rook with 20-mm cannon fire. Rooks were built to oetake it, and this one did, but it would need a few hours of repair before flying again. The final loss was over the outskirts of Harlingen, when one Rook took a HAWK, and the plane just blew up when the missile warhead detonated the Su-25's underwing ordnance.

Now, with five aircraft, his mission planning went out the window. Gorovets had gathered his pilots and told them just one thing: oeFrom now on, it's a solo sortie. Land, refuel and rearm, and then go back out. When you think you're tired enough, a relief pilot will take over. Any questions

oeThat's it one pilot asked.

Govovets nodded. oeThat's it. We've got four mission-ready aircraft and one being patched up right now. There's no time for anything else.

Lobinstev whistled. oeSo it's down to just us

oeNot quite, but almost. There's a few Mi-24s still flying, and Su-22Ms and even Su-24s coming up from Mexico, but here, in the perimeter, that's it, Gorovets said. oeThe MiG-29s and -23s left are either escorting the transports, or trying to take the heat off of us-and I saw two MiG-29s falling in flames my last time out, so that should tell you something. Anything else

oeAny idea where those F-16s are coming from Popov asked.

oeOur home base over the winter and spring: Kingsville NAS would be my guess, or maybe Corpus Christi. And forget about anyone trying to take them out, because everything that can fly is supporting the Army, Gorovets reminded his pilots.

oeSo we're in the eye of the storm another pilot asked.

Gorovets nodded. oeIf that's it for questions, let's get going.

Now, Gorovets had finished his brief walk-around. His load was a mix of iron bombs and two UV-16-57 rocket pods, along with two R-60 AAMs and a full load of cannon ammunition. He was still surprised at the AAMs: he would have bet that the missiles would have been reserved for MiG-29s. No matter, he'd go out even if all he had was his 30-mm cannon; at least shells for that were still plentiful.

He got into his seat and strapped in. His crew chief pulled the access ladder away, and gave him the oestart engines signal. After he'd warmed up, he simply taxied to the end of the runway and waited for the green light. He got it, and firewalled the engines, and the Su-25 got airborne.

[Matt Wiser]

It continues...


0845 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville.

Marshal Akhromayev had warned Alekseyev of a conference call with the Defense Council, and now, it had come. General Secretary Chibrikov, KGB Chairman Kosov, Interior Minister Pugo, along with Foreign Minister Melnikov, along with the Marshal, were all on the line. oeHow goes it, General was the General Secretary's question.

oeSo far, we're holding, Comrade General Secretary, Alekseyev reported. oeHowever, the East Germans were overwhelmed, and one of the Cuban armies may be in the same condition before too long.

oeA pity about the Germans: they were good soldiers, were they not Minister Melnikov asked.

oeThey were, Comrade Minister. But they're all either dead or prisoners, Alekseyev said.

oeHow is the supply effort going asked Chairman Kosov.

oeIt could be better, but it's going about as expected, Comrade Chairman.

oeAnd how soon can you evacuate the Hall Government to Havana the Chairman asked.

oeWe'll get them out, Comrade Chairman, as soon as we can. Alekseyev said. oeI can't give you anything more precise than that.

oeThere is enough time to bring Comrade Hall and his government to Havana, and thence to Moscow, the General Secretary said. oeYou have enough worries, with a major battle on your hands.

oeThank you, Comrade General Secretary, Alekseyev said. oeBut right now, it's General Powell and his Army that I'm most worried about, not the feelings of Hall or Fidel right now.

oeUnderstandable, Comrade General, Chibrikov said. oeDo not worry about Fidel. Comrade Melnikov will handle him for us.

oeThank you again, Comrade General Secretary, Alekseyev said.

oeThat said, how long can you keep fighting

oeUnless I get more supplies either landed by air or air-dropped in, it won't be very long, Alekseyev reported.

oeWhat about by sea Kosov asked.

oeComrade Chairman, there are three American carrier groups in the Gulf of Mexico, along with an amphibious force and two or three antisubmarine groups. Not to mention Admiral Gordikov's last report: the approaches to Brownsville have been mined by the Americans. Any more convoys would be suicidal. Marshal Akrohmayev reminded everyone.

Alekseyev added, oeAnd there's heavy American fighter activity over the Gulf. Their fighters have been feasting on transports at times. I need to know if the weather will help in that regard.

Marshal Akrohmayev knew what Alekseyev wanted: either a hurricane or a tropical storm. oeI don't have that information for you yet, General, but you'll have it later today.

oeThank you, Comrade Marshal. Alekseyev replied.

oeNow, Comrade General, Chribikov said. oeYou will hold out, and come spring, a smashing new offensive out of Canada will bring about our final victory. Now, you have a battle to fight and win. We won't detain you any longer. And with that, the call ended.

Alekseyev looked at both Generals Chibisov and Dudorov. oeI never thought I'd say this, but is he crazy

oeI do admit, the General Secretary is beginning to sound like Hitler did in his bunker. Seeing only what he wants to see, and hearing only what he wants to hear. And the truth is of no importance to him, Chibisov said.

Alekseyev looked at his intelligence chief. oeI find no fault with that assessment, Comrade General, Dudorov said, looking at Chibisov.

oeAt least the Marshal is the voice of sanity. For how long, though, I don't know, Chibisov said.

oeTrue, Pavel Pavlovitich.said Alekseyev. oeNow, Dudorov, have you developed your plan for our guest

oeI have, Comrades, and if you'll indulge me, I can brief you fully. Dudorov spoke for five minutes.

oeVery good, Yuri. Very good indeed, Alekseyev said. oeYour comment, Pavel Pavlovitch

oeIt's...unusual, to say the least, Comrades. But, it does show her, and the Americans, that not all of us are barbarians. And she will have an...unusual story to tell when she is returned to the Americans, Chibisov said.

oeAgreed. Alekseyev said. He turned to Dudorov. oeMake it so. How much time before we'll have to implement this

General Dudorov looked at the situation map. oeWhen General Suraykin sends his final message.

oeI concur, Yuri. Alekseyev said. oeMake whatever preparations you need, and report to me directly.


0910 Hours: Cuban 47th MRR, Progresso Lakes, Texas


Major Ruiz-Santos hung up his field phone. He'd just been talking to 2nd Army Headquarters, and his previous orders stood. Keep the bridges open as long as possible, but destroy them if it appeared the Americans were about to capture them. When his Political Officer, Lieutenant Moss, had questioned the order, Ruiz-Santos put him on the line-and a blast on the other end convinced the young officer that the Major's orders stood, and that he could execute them without clearance from a superior. Now, maybe he'll shut up, wondered the Major. Doubtful, but there's always hope. He then looked out his office window, and there was a steady stream of traffic on the bridges, both the prewar international bridge, and the ribbon bridge just built. And one bonus was that the Regiment's supply issues had been solved, at least temporarily. All in all, it was a good morning so far, despite the sights and sounds of the battle going on further north.

Major Ruiz-Santos would not have felt so good if he'd known what was about to happen to his west. Coming right down U.S. 281 was an American mechanized company combat team, and they were on the prowl for either Soviets or Cubans. Angry at not being allowed to cross the border, the soldiers decided that they'd simply make anyone who got in their way pay for that, and their commander fully agreed with those sentiments. She had gone forward to see the ground for herself, and noticed the western defenses: not much, just a few APCs and what looked like a couple of dug-in tanks, but enough to warrant an artillery prep. Her FIST, or forward observer, called down some artillery fire-mixed HE, DPICM, and then some white phosphorous-both on the Cuban positions and just in front of them. And as the artillery fire came in, she ordered her company team to move out.

In the city hall, Ruiz-Santos heard the first shells fall. oeWhat's going on he roared.

His executive officer, Captain Toledo, got onto the radio. oeSecond battalion reports they're taking artillery fire. Mixed HE and those ICM rounds.

Ruiz-Santos swore, and swore loudly. He'd told his battalion commanders to have outposts, and now, one of them seemed to have been asleep at the switch. oeGet me the battalion commander.

oeI'm trying, Comrade Captain, but their radio doesn't answer, Toledo said.

oeTry the phone line, then.

Toledo tried the phone, but there was no response. He hoped it was just the phone line being cut, but who knew oeComrade Major, may I suggest sending a platoon from the reconnaissance company They may be able to find out.

oeDo so.

And the Cuban recon troops mounted up and headed west, and as they did so, they came across Second Battalion's positions, torn and rent by artillery fire, wrecked vehicles, small fires burning due to the WP, and smoking corpses. And coming out of the smoke screen to the west, their last sight was Kozak's tank platoons in the lead, coming in on their positions. Then the 105-mm main guns on the M-60A4s spoke.

oeNo response from the reconnaissance platoon, Toledo reported.

oeOrder the regiment to stand to, Ruiz-Santos barked. oeAnd tell the engineers to get someone on the plungers for both bridges!



0920 Hours: 377th Ground-Attack Regiment, San Benito Municipal Airport.

The crash/rescue crew pulled Captain Gorovets out of the cockpit of his Su-25. He'd come in on only his left main gear and his nose gear, after taking a Stinger hit, along with who knew how many .50 caliber and 20-mm hits along the way. His Rook had spun after touching down, and had wound up off the runway. But it was clear the plane would never fly again. oeI'm all right, he insisted as he shook himself off and walked away. Several other pilots came towards him, including Senior Lieutenant Morozik. oeYou're lucky,

oeTell me about it. Sasha went down just north of Harlingen. No chute, Gorovets said.

oeWhat happened

Gorovets shook his head. oeI think they must have issued Stingers to everyone who can carry and fire one down there. I've never seen so many. At least a dozen-and probably more that I didn't see.

oeAnd Sasha Morozik asked.

oeTwo Stinger hits as he pulled off, then a larger missile, maybe a HAWK. His plane just blew up, Gorovets said. He looked around. There were exactly two flyable Rooks left, along with one cripple still being repaired. oeJust look at us now. Three hours ago, we had eight aircraft. Now there's two left, plus that cripple under repair.

oeThree. Dimitri took 04 out just before you came in, Morozik said.

oeA lot of good that does now, Gorovets said, shaking his head. As he did so, one of the other pilots came out of the hangar. oeWhat

oePhone for you, Comrade Captain. It's General Petrov, the pilot said.

Gorovets went in and picked up the receiver. oeComrade General

oeGorovets, how's it going Petrov asked.

oeNot well, Comrade General. I'm down to two flyable aircraft right now, one out on a mission, and one cripple that may or may not be repaired in time, reported Gorovets.

On the other end, Petrov swore. He knew it would be bad, but this bad, so soon oeHow much longer can you keep flying

oeAs long as we can, Comrade General. Ask me-or one of my pilots-in two hours, Gorovets said, not caring if his latter comment was insubordinate.

Petrov knew what was going through Gorovets' mind. Was it like this in June and July, 1941, trying to hold off the Fascists He felt right now in his gut it was just like that. oeJust do the best you can, Captain. That's all. And Petrov hung up.

Gorovets did the same, then turned to Morozik. oeHow soon until those two are turned around

oeAnother thirty minutes.

oeRight. You and me are in both, Gorovets said.


0950 Hours: South Padre Island, Texas.

Major Lazarev came up out of the basement of the condominium that served as his brigade's headquarters. There was one advantage to the building having a large storm cellar, he thought, and not just for hurricanes. It was a strong, well protected cellar, and would survive anything up to a direct hit. Now he wished the power to the island was still on, and didn't relish a seven-story climb to the rooftop observation post. The Boiky's lookouts were still there, still watching. Along with their former executive officer. Lazarev shook his head. Had he been there the whole night oeGood morning, Captain Lieutenant,

Kamarov turned around. oeAh, Good morning to you, Comrade Major.

oeDon't know how good it is, though. Have you looked to the west and northwest Lazarev asked.

oeOh, yes. Not a pretty picture, I'll admit, Kamarov said. oeAnd out here, not much.

oeNo American ships coming in close Lazarev asked.

oeThey've come, but not close enough for either their guns to reach us, or whatever artillery you have to reach them.

oeWhat kind of ships Lazarev asked.

oeDestroyers, mainly. Two old Forrest Sherman class ships, and a Brooke-class missile frigate to guard against air attack, Kamarov reported, matter-of-factly.

oeAir attack With what Lazarev asked. He knew just how bad off the Soviet and Cuban Air Forces were.

oeI know that, and you know that, but they probably don't. Kamarov said. oeIn their position, I'd do the same.

oeSo what were they doing

oeProbably getting in close and seeing if they'd draw fire, Kamarov said. oeIf they did, they'd come back with some information for their admiral.

oeComrade Captain! one of the lookouts yelled. oeOut there, bearing zero-eight-zero. Just on the horizon.

Kamarov looked through the glasses he'd brought from his ship. And a chill went down his spine.
He turned to Lazarev. oeHave a look.

Lazarev peered through the glasses. He saw a large ship, bow on, with two large turrets forward, and a smaller turret just in front of the superstructure. oeWhat's that

oeThat, Comrade Major, is an American heavy cruiser. One of only two in existence anywhere. That's Des Moines; her sister, Salem, at last report, is in the Pacific. This is the ship we saw ripping up a freighter on our way here.

oeHow powerful Lazarev asked.

oeNine twenty-point-three centimeter guns, a dozen twelve-point-seven guns, and twin 76-mm guns for antiaircraft. Probably those rapid-fire Gatling guns as well, Kamarov said.

As the two officers and the lookouts watched, the cruiser turned broadside and turned her turrets to face the island. oeI suggest you order your men to take cover, Major. Kamarov said. oeWe're getting some shells in a few moments.

Lazarev nodded, and issued the orders. Kamarov and his men also took shelter, and just in time, as nine eight-inch guns and eight five-inch guns barked, and shells began to fall on South Padre Island.

[Matt Wiser]

And the next...


1010 Hours: 4th Guards Tank Army Headquarters, Harlingen, Texas.

General Suraykin climbed out of a BMP-2 infantry carrier. He'd gone forward, to see the battle for himself, and had seen a lot. Both 24th and 52nd Tanks were holding, but just barely. And both division commanders were pleading for reinforcements. Or, at the very least, the 105th Guards Air Assault Division to actually defend the highway junction. He'd thought about their requests on the way back to headquarters, and right now, he was inclined to at least partially grant the request. First, though, he wanted to talk with his Chief of Staff and get his thoughts.

oeWelcome back, Comrade General, Golvoko said.

oeSpeeches are for victory celebrations, Golvoko, Suraykin said. oeWhat's happened in my absence

oeNothing new, Comrade General, Golvoko reported. oeThough the Air Force has some very bad news.

oeLet me guess: air support is no longer available.

oeThat is essentially it. The helicopters have either been shot from the sky or destroyed on the ground, and the one ground-attack regiment available to us is down to only two flyable aircraft, said Golvoko.

oeCan we get anything from Mexico Suraykin asked.

Golvoko turned to the Air Force liaison. oeSome, Comrade General, but not much. Half of the time, they're forced to jettison their ordnance loads when they're jumped by enemy fighters. And the ones who do get here have to run a gauntlet of more fighters, SAMs, and antiaircraft fire. All I can say is that the pilots and crews are doing the best job they can.

oeGet them to try harder. I don't care how, just do it! Suraykin said.

oeWe'll do our best, but I won't promise any more than I can deliver, the aviator replied.

oeGood enough, Suraykin responded. oeNow, Golvoko, I'm sending a regiment from the 105th Guards Airborne to the 77-83 highway junction. Both 24th and 52nd Tanks have their defenses hinging on that, and if it goes, it's not only a straight run south, but both divisions could be turned, despite the urban environment.

oeI understand, Comrade General. Do you want me to call the 105th and relay the order

oeNo, Golvoko. Put me through. That's the kind of order I issue myself. Because most of those airborne troops are going to die. And I'm the only one I trust to issue that kind of order. Because those paratroops are going to be sacrificed. Not just that regiment, but most of that division, before this is over, Suraykin said.

Golvoko nodded. oeUnderstood, Comrade General.

Suraykin went to the Operations Map. oePut them here, right at that junction. And in a few hours, it's almost certain that the rest of the 105th Guards will be there as well.

oeRight away, Comrade General. And Golvoko hurried off to issue the orders.

General Suraykin looked at the map again. Time to let the Front Commander know. He turned to his operations officer. oeGet me General Malinsky.


1025 Hours: 377th Ground Attack Regiment


Captain Gorovets and Senior Lieutenant Morozik were in their element. They'd lifted off from San Benito Airport, in their unit's last two flyable Su-25s. They had been told just before takeoff that another aircraft belonging to the 377th had been shot down and the pilot killed, so they knew they were the last aircraft flying. This time, they didn't bother with call signs or anything like that, just last name only. And Gorovets knew this might be his last flight. Before takeoff he'd written a quick note to his parents in Gorky, asking one of the other pilots to deliver it, should he be evacuated.

oeMorozik, there, armor at eleven o'clock. Gorovets radioed, pointing out a concentration of American tanks and fighting vehicles.

oeRoger. I'm right behind you.

Gorovets quickly scanned the sky. So far, no sign of American fighters, though helicopters were in abundance. On any other day, he'd take the time to kill a couple, but not today. Every bomb, every rocket, ever cannon shell, had to go to support the troops on the ground. But his radar warning gear was going beserk: there were radars on all over the place. oeOne pass: I've got the rockets. You've got the clusters.

oeCopy. Morozik radioed. Then he got all serious: oeBreak right! F-15s coming down!

Gorovets looked to his left. Sure enough, two F-15s were coming down on him. Not today. He went ahead with his attack run, despite the yells on the radio to abort. He triggered his rocket pods, and 80-mm rockets shot out towards the American tanks. As he pulled up, Gorovets saw one or two burning, and he smiled. Then the world exploded around him as a pair of Sparrow missiles connected with his Su-25, blowing it, and him, out of the sky in a fireball.

Morozik watched in horror. No time to grieve; the F-15s were pulling up and coming around. He remembered Gorovets' instructions: if it got too hairy, abort. He hadn't even started his run when he turned around, then his radar warning came on. One Sparrow missile flew right by him, so he turned to the left. And he never saw the second missile smash into his tail. Morozik lost control, and fired his K-36 ejection seat by reflex. He was soon hanging in his parachute, and saw his plane smash into the ground and explode in a ball of flame. Well, that's it, he thought. Time to join the infantry.


1040 Hours: 175th Naval Infantry Brigade, South Padre Island, Texas

Major Lazarev and his brigade staff were hunkered down in the condominium's storm cellar. The place was built to withstand hurricanes, and was perfect as a headquarters. Now, it was a man-made storm out there, as an American cruiser was bombarding the coastline, and probably other ships, as well, for some of the explosions sounded like twelve-point seven shells from destroyers. He turned to his brigade's chief of staff. oeAny reports on casualties

oeNo, not yet, Comrade Major. the chief replied. oeWe're dug in pretty well here.

oeAny sign of a landing further up the island Lazarev asked.

oeNot yet.

Lazarev thought for a moment. Though the tides weren't right, helicopter-borne troops could land anywhere. oeOrder all commanders. Keep a sharp watch for any signs of helicopter landings.

oeYes, Comrade Major.

Captain Lieutenant Kamarov came into the cellar. He'd seen to his crewmen getting to shelter, and then came into the brigade HQ. oeI can tell you what's shooting at us, Major.

oeOh, besides the cruiser Lazarev asked.

oeYes, besides the cruiser. There's four destroyers. Two of them are Forrest Sherman class, one is a Charles F. Adams class, and one's a modern Spruance class ship. That's nine one-two-seven guns added to the cruiser's guns. Kamarov said, reminding the naval infantrymen of what kind of shells were coming their way.

oeThey must be planning a landing here, later today. the chief of staff mused.

oePerhaps. Anything from the Coastal-Defense troops Lazarev asked.

oeNot yet. Some of the phone lines are down; probably due to the bombardment. the Chief replied.

Just as the Chief said that, two whooshing sounds were heard, flying past the headquarters building. The Coastal Defense troops had managed to fire two P-20M (SS-C-3 Styx) missiles at the ships, and the two missiles headed out towards the ships.

Unknown to those in the storm cellar, the one Adams-class destroyer had opened fire with its own Standard-1MR missiles, and exploded one of the P-20s, while another was overwhelmed by American jamming, and flew out to sea. And the American ships had spotted where the two missiles had come from, then the cruiser Des Moines began throwing eight-inch shells at the missile battery.

oeThey're getting close. Kamarov said.

Then the building shook as a pair of eight-inch shells tore into the fifth floor, and then several five-inch shells did the same. But the cellar withstood the punishment. oeToo close, Lazarev observed.

Just behind the condominium, the missile battery had been silenced, and the one remaining surface-search radar knocked out. Several artillery sites had also been taken out, and both wrecks along the shoreline had been shelled again for good measure. And just as it had started, the bombardment lifted.

Kamarov and Lazarev went to the beach side of the building. They saw the ships leaving, and were disappointed that none appeared to be damaged. Looking around, the two officers saw the two wrecked ships afire again, and they also noticed the damage to the headquarters building. oeIt could've been worse, observed Kamarov.

Lazarev looked at the destroyer man. Clearly, he'd never been under fire like this. But he was right. oeAny bombardment you can walk away from is a good thing.

oeTrue, but Major, there's one other thing. Kamarov said.

oeAnd that one thing is Lazarev asked.

oeThey'll be landing someplace. If not here, where



1110 Hours: The Junction of U.S. Routes 77 and 83, Harlingen, Texas.

Lieutenant Colonel Valery Romanenko watched as his airborne regiment took up its positions. Logically, he should be at the old restaurant a couple of kilometers away where his staff was setting up, but he wanted to be here, first, with his men. He'd been with this regiment from the old days in Afghanistan, when they'd been disbanded shortly after that invasion, back to the Ukraine, before the 105th Guards had been reactivated in early 1985. He'd been a Captain then, and wondered why his troops were getting foreign-language training, in both English and Spanish. Only a few days prior to the invasion had they been told what their mission was, and though the soldiers and junior officers were enthusiastic, many of the senior officers had deep misgivings. They knew they'd be fighting far from home, against an enemy that could (and did) organize a guerrilla resistance very quickly, and where the population, with a very few exceptions, was uniformly hostile to the Soviets. Romanenko had seen the atrocities committed by the KGB, DGI, and even regular Soviet units, and he knew from Afghanistan experience that such things only made the population more hostile, and not only more likely to support the guerrillas, but more would also take to the hills to join them.

It had been that disastrous Midland-Odessa offensive that put him in command: his division had not jumped there, due to the shortage of aircraft, but had gone in on the ground as light mechanized infantry. And they didn't face the Americans then, but their South Korean allies-who had quickly shot his division to pieces. His regiment's senior officers had been killed, and he was now the senior battalion commander alive, so he'd taken command. And he'd led his regiment through everything that had followed since, and that had led them here.

Romanenko's chief of staff came up. oeComrade Colonel, I think you should be at the regimental headquarters.

oeIn a few minutes, he replied. Looking towards the north, the sights and sounds of combat were very clear, and it was obvious the regiment would be in combat before too long. oeIf this is our last battle, Vassily Stepanovich, I want to see the ground first.

oeYes, Comrade Colonel. It's built up, but that won't be an obstacle to the enemy, the chief of staff observed.

oeDo we have a line established to Army headquarters Because it won't be long before we'll be needing reinforcements.

oeWe do, Comrade Colonel. And if we do make that call, the rest of the division will be here.

oeGood. Now, we're to deny this intersection to the enemy for as long as possible. And let's see about doing just that. Romanenko said. oeAnd one other thing.

oeYes, Comrade Colonel the chief asked.

oeWhen the time comes, I'll lead the final counterattack personally.

[RN7]

Great work Matt keep it up!

[Matt Wiser]

Will do. Has anyone picked up some of the other characters Alekseyev, Colonel Sergetov, General Malinsky, Capt. Nancy Kozak, all should be familiar to readers of various books...

[Matt Wiser]

The saga goes on...and some of the Soviets have problems with Zampolits....


1130 Hours: Cuban 47th MRR, Progresso Lakes, Texas.

Major Ruiz-Santos was livid. His Second Battalion had been overrun, and now, he had American tanks and mechanized infantry pushing in from the west. A staff officer who'd gone to see what had happened after the reconnaissance platoon sent there had failed to check in reported that the Second Battalion's positions were occupied by American tanks and infantry vehicles, and that it appeared that the battalion had been caught unawares by the American shelling, for many of the Cuban dead were still outside their holes and shelters. The staff officer had tried looking for battalion headquarters, but he'd taken a bullet to the shoulder, and had decided to seek medical attention at the regimental aid station. oeThey're coming, Comrade Major. That's all I can say, the man had said to conclude his report.

Now, he was waiting for another attack. His First Battalion to the north had reported tanks and infantry vehicles getting into position, while he'd moved a company from Third Battalion, along with a company's worth of T-55s, to try and cover what had been Second Battalion's sector. But to his fury, the traffic over the bridges had not stopped, even though American artillery fire continued to fall around the bridges. He turned to his executive officer, Captain Toledo. oeToledo, get as many of the rear-area troops armed and ready to fight as infantry. It looks like we'll need them. That also means the chemical-warfare platoon, some of the engineers, and any excess air-defense and artillerymen as well.

oeRight away, Comrade Major, Toledo said. He then picked up the phone to relay the orders. oeAnd where do you want those men placed

oeRight at the approach to the prewar bridge.

A few minutes later, about a hundred or so Cuban soldiers, with their AKMs and a few heavy weapons, arrived to take up their positions. But there was no officer available to lead them. And that gave Ruiz-Santos an idea. oeLieutenant Moss!

oeYes, Comrade Major! the young political officer said as he ran up to the Major.

oeThere's a provisional company of riflemen at the approaches to the prewar bridge. They need an officer to lead them, and there's no one else available. You will take command of the company, and hold at all costs. Ruiz-Santos said.

oeAbsolutely, Comrade Major! Moss said. Moss then grabbed his steel helmet and AKM rifle, before going out to join the troops. Captain Toledo saw that and came up to the Major.

oeSo, now he's out of our hair Toledo asked.

Ruiz-Santos nodded. oeBut I wonder: who will kill him first, some disgruntled rifleman, or the Americans

oeNot my concern, though if I could, I'd thank whatever American who did kill him, Ruiz-Santos said. oeAnd if one of our soldiers did the deed It's doubtful anyone would be alive to court-martial him. Now we'll see what kind of soldier he is.

To the west, Captain Kozak's company advanced forward. They'd cleaned up the Cuban battalion's positions, and found that those who had survived the artillery fire had been more than willing to surrender when they found her tanks and Bradleys parked on top of their positions. A few die-hards had wanted to fight, but they were quickly dealt with. Pushing ahead, her lead platoon had found some more BTRs and T-55s, and instead of engaging the tanks, they had waited for the two tank platoons to come up. One of them had done so, and promptly shot up the T-55s and BTRs. The Cuban infantry had tried to return fire with recoilless rifles and RPGs, but the tanks were too far away, and hammered the Cuban positions with both their 105-mm main guns and their machine guns. And then her lead platoon leader sent back word: the bridges were still up. Knowing that they weren't going south of the border, she called for artillery fire on the bridges, while moving on ahead. Soon, Fidel, just like last time, she promised.


1140 Hours: Gulf Front Headquarters, San Benito Community College.

General Malinsky hung up the phone. He'd had a talk with General Suraykin, who had advised him of the need to put elements of the 105th Guards Air Assault Division into the line. Both generals had hoped to use the 105th as part of any counterattack force, but that was now a moot issue, with both forward tank divisions now being pressed hard, Suraykin had no choice. And Malinsky knew it. Then the bad news about Suraykin's air support had come up, and Malinsky promised Suraykin that he'd try and get some more sorties out of the Air Force, no matter what. He'd closed with a further oeGood luck, Suraykin, before disconnecting the phone. He turned to General Isakov, his Chief of Staff. oeWell, Isakov. Suraykin has to commit his airborne. And well before anyone had expected.

oeGeneral Powell is moving as hard and fast as he's able, Comrade General, so it's not a surprising development, Isakov said.

oeHave you spoken with either General Chibisov or General Alekseyev Malinsky asked.

oeYes, Comrade General. Both of them, actually. The Theater Commander still refuses to release either 47th Tank Brigade or the 76th Guards Air Assault Division-and it's for a good reason. Naval Intelligence says there's an American amphibious force still out there in the Gulf of Mexico, and a landing on the coastline is still a reasonable possibility, said Isakov.

oeAnd General Chibisov

oeGeneral Chibisov was able to get us the Provisional Air Assault Group, Comrade General. Two battalions-plus of air assault troops, with some heavy weapons. They've been sitting on their asses, not doing much, and Chibisov wouldn't have released them to us without General Alekseyev's approval.

oeSome reinforcements are better than none at all. However, I think there's someone who could use some stiffening-and it's not Suraykin, Malinsky decided.

oeComrade General Isakov asked, surprised.

oeHere, Isakov. The Cuban 2nd Army. They're pretty strung out, and even some reinforcements would help them a good deal, Malinsky said.

oeThat's true, Comrade General.

Malinsky looked at the map. oeVery well, notify the Cubans, and tell them they're getting some help.


1205 Hours: Cuban 47th MRR, Progresso Lakes, Texas.

American artillery crashed down around the city hall, and Major Ruiz-Santos' headquarters. Part of the building had come down, but here, in the basement, he and his staff were still carrying on with the fight. But he knew it wouldn't be much longer, for he now knew the Americans were closing in on three sides. He also knew that the bridges would have to be destroyed. oeToledo!

oeComrade Major his executive officer asked.

oeTell the engineers on that ribbon bridge: have it ready to blow, if it isn't already. And get our wounded across the river-as soon as possible.

oeImmediately, Comrade Major, Captain Toledo said, running out to issue the orders.
So it has come down to this, he thought. Well, my Yanqui friends, you're not getting this pair of bridges. Ruiz-Santos decided that right then and there. He turned to his chief of staff. oeThat push from the west is the dangerous one. Get Captain Vasquez and his tanks moving in that direction.

The chief of staff nodded. oeYes, Comrade Major. Right away. Vasquez had the regiment's tank battalion, and one company had already been shot up, but now, Ruiz-Santos had no choice but to commit his tanks. And so, eighteen T-55s and a few BMP-1s headed west, right into the waiting arms of Captain Nancy Kozak's company team.

Kozak's company had finished clearing their part of town, and were only half a mile from the bridge. She had notified the battalion commander, who reiterated the order about not crossing into Mexico. Acknowledging the order, she decided to move in on the bridge, and shoot up anything crossing it. As her company moved forward, the tank platoons spotted the T-55s and BMPs closing on them. A few quick volleys of 105-mm fire and TOW missiles from Bradley IFVs turned the Cuban armor into burning junk, and her company pressed forward to the bridge, firing as they saw targets.

oeAmerican tanks! the shout came from the provisional company. Ruiz-Santos watched as the M-60A4s moved towards the bridge. He knew it was time. He and his men would never get across, not now. Grabbing his radio, he yelled to his engineer company commander on the Mexican side, oeBlow both bridges!

There was a series of WHUMPs, as both the International Bridge and the newly-built ribbon bridge, blew. The Cuban engineers didn't have enough explosives to totally destroy the former, so they concentrated on the spans in the middle of the river, and two spans were dropped. The ribbon bridge was also blown, but ironically, the Americans helped. Two A-10s arrived on the scene, and spotted the ribbon bridge still up. The two A-10s fired Maverick missiles into the bridge, just as the Cubans blew it. And the end result was that the Texas side had been ripped apart by the Maverick missiles, while the Mexican side had been blown by the Cubans.

Lieutenant Moss watched as both bridges blew sky-high. He and his men waited for the American tanks to close in, so that their B-11 recoilless rifles could be used, but the Americans didn't give them the chance. Tank and Bradley fire ripped into his company's positions, and even the A-10s came in, each dropping a pair of five-hundred pound bombs into his position. His last view was of one of the A-10s pulling up and away, and as he turned, he saw an American tank leveling its main gun at him. He got up to charge the tank, but the tank's gunner was quicker with his 105-mm gun, for he fired a HEAT round that blew Moss and the two men nearest him apart.


1220 Hours: K-236, The Gulf of Mexico

oeCaptain to Central Command Post! the boat's PA system barked. Captain Padorin had been taking a nap, and he leapt out of his bunk and raced into the CCP. He was not surprised to see his Security Officer there, taking his turn as Officer of the Watch. oeWhat is it Padorin asked.

oeComrade Captain, we've got some sonar contacts. On the surface. Too far away for any positive identification, but they're closing. Shelpin reported.

Padorin went into the sonar room. There, his sonar officer was watching a display. oeComrade Captain, right here. Bearing one-seven-zero.

oeRange Padorin asked.

oeAbout 45,000 meters, Comrade Captain. Maybe more. the sonar officer replied.

The chief operator chimed in. oeAnd they're large ships. This isn't that ASW group we encountered earlier, Comrade Captain.

Padorin nodded. He considered his options. Then he returned to the CCP and looked at Shelpin. oeSound Battle Stations.

The general alarm rang, and officers and crewmen raced to their battle stations. Padorin took the con, as both his Starpom and Zampolit arrived in the CCP. Back to work, he thought.

oeShouldn't we report this the Zampolit asked.

oeNot yet. We're deep enough, and there's a thermal layer. I'm not going to draw any more attention to us unless it's absolutely necessary. Padorin said.

oeComrade Captain, the sonar officer said, Four large ships, heading north. And several medium-sized ones, cruisers or destroyers, most likely. Range now 38,000 meters.

oeCarriers the Starpom wondered out loud.

oeNo, the carrier group's to the north of us. An amphibious force Padorin asked. oeLet's close in and see what we've got. Slowly, mind. New course one-seven zero. Make turns for ten knots, and maintain 300 meters.

K-236 closed with the approaching ships. Padorin decided against a high-speed sprint, given that he'd probably stirred up a hornet's nest because of that run-in with the ASW group, and the surviving ships would doubtless be out for blood-his and his crew's-as a result. No, he'd take his time, and do this right. And as quietly as possible. He turned to the sonar officer. oeSergei, anything

oeJust a moment, Comrade Captain. the sonar officer replied. oeStill not enough for a classification. Can't we come up above the layer, just to listen, then drop back down

This wouldn't be the first time a sonar operator had made such a request; at times, it was the boat responding to the sonar operators' calls. Padorin nodded., turning to the Starpom, oeMake your depth two hundred meters, quietly.

The helm responded promptly, and soon, the boat was at two hundred meters. oeWell Padorin asked.

oeComrade Captain.... the chief operator reported. oeYou're not going to believe this.

oeWhat Padorin responded.

oeI'm pretty sure those four heavy ships are battleships. Two are Iowa-class. But the other two, I'm not sure.

Padorin's jaw dropped. Four battleships! How long had it been since any submariner had heard that from his sonar operators. oeWhat about escorts

oeSeveral destroyers, both Spruance- and Adams-class, at least one cruiser, maybe two-and one of them is a Ticonderoga, I'm pretty sure. And two or three frigates-at least two Perrys, and maybe a Knox as well.

Officers and crew looked around at each other. The navigator whistled, while the Starpom and weapons officer exchanged glances. And the Security Officer and the Captain did the same. Padorin knew that this wasn't his mission, not now. That ASW group had been in his way. Getting in close to Brownsville and evacuating those who needed to get out was his primary mission. His orders when he'd left Cienfeugos had been clear on that. And Padorin made his decision. oeAll right. Back to three hundred meters, and slow to five knots.

The Starpom relayed the helm and engine orders. Shelpin exchanged glances with both the Starpom and the navigator. He may have been KGB, but he was no fool. But the Zampolit was. oeComrade Captain! We're not going to attack

oeComrade Political Officer, Padorin said, oeRight now, that's not our mission. That American ASW group was in our way, and thus different. And in case you've forgotten, we may be the only way out of Brownsville for some very important personages. We can't do that if we're feeding the fish at the bottom.

Zirnsky looked around at the other officers, looking for support. He didn't see any. Not even Shelpin, and he was KGB. oeBut... Comrade Captain, that's the enemy up there.

oeSo Any fool can walk into a fight. It's knowing which fights to walk away from, and preserving one's strength for another day, that's different, Padorin said in a mild rebuke of his Political Officer.

[Matt Wiser]

More:


1250 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville.

General Alekseyev was in a face-to-face with General Petrov. Both generals were livid at whoever was loading the supply planes in Havana, and wanted someone there shot. oePetrov, what is going on there

oeI don't know, Comrade General. I'll wager, though, that the supply officers are simply throwing whatever they can onto the aircraft. That explains some of the useless cargo we've received.

Alekseyev sighed. oeJust like the freighters, Petrov. And he saw Petrov nod in reply. oeJust do the best you can, General.

Petrov nodded. oeI'll do my best, Comrade General. There's one other thing.

oeYes

oeWe're out of ground-attack aircraft and attack helicopters. All remaining attack aircraft have to come from Mexican bases, and some of those are nearly at the limit of their range, Petrov said.

oeThat was to be expected, but so soon Alekseyev asked.

oeI'm afraid so, Comrade General.

oeI see....All right, Petrov. Get your remaining pilots and essential personnel out of here. No sense leaving experienced men for the Americans. And in a way, the fewer mouths we have to feed, the better. Alekseyev said.

oeI've already issued that order, Comrade General. Petrov reported.

oeGood. And Petrov

oeYes, Comrade General

oeYou can leave, yourself, if you wish. Alekseyev said.

oeComrade General, I'm not leaving until the last possible moment. Either that, or I'm wounded.

oeThat's good. And with that, Alekseyev dismissed the Air Force general, and then he returned to the Operations Room. The map was still largely unchanged, though he did notice something by the Rio Grande. oeWhat's that, Chibisov

oeComrade General, Chibisov reported. oeThat's just come in from Cuban 2nd Army. The Cuban 47th Motor-Rifle Regiment is fighting for Progresso Lakes, on the river itself. One of the new ribbon bridges is there, as is a prewar international bridge.

oeHave the bridges been blown Alekseyev wondered.

oeNo information as yet, Comrade General. This information's at least an hour old. Chibsov said.

oeWho are they facing, then Alekseyev asked.

Chibisov looked at his notes. oeAs best we can tell, Comrade General, it's the 49th Armored Division out of VIII Corps. A prewar Texas National Guard division, which was shattered in our initial operations back in 1985, and has been rebuilt since. Though most of its officers and soldiers are not Texans, they do remember the fate of the division, and like the 42nd Division in XII Corps, they not only preach revenge-they do practice it.

oeWonderful. Now that's three American units we have to worry about from that perspective, Alekseyev said.

Chibisov nodded. oeThat is correct, Comrade General.

oeSo far, we're holding, but only just. It's a matter of time, now, Alekseyev observed.

oeQuite so, Comrade General, agreed Chibisov. oeI imagine the Germans on the west bank of the Oder, or in Berlin itself, went through this same feeling.

oeAt least, so far, despite the foul-ups, the airlift is still alive. But that won't last either. I have the feeling that in regards to that, it's the calm before the storm.

oeComrade General, I'm afraid you're right.


1310 Hours: Cuban 47th MRR, Progresso Lakes, Texas


Major Ruiz-Santos peered out of a shattered window frame in what had been City Hall. He looked towards the International Bridge, and noted with satisfaction that the bridge, though not completely dropped, would be useless to the Yanquis if they wanted it to cross into Mexico. His regiment, though, was in similar shape, with two battalions' worth of infantry, his armor and artillery, and most of his support services, all gone. What remained of his First Battalion, and some fugitives from the other two battalions, were holding in the city hall and some adjacent buildings. However, he knew full well that there were only two probable outcomes: either he and his men would soon be dead, or they would be prisoners. Fortunately, he still had a radio link to 2nd Army, and General Perez was still urging him to hold out, as long as possible. He turned and went back down into the cellar, where his staff was still working, though a number of officers and men, their positions now redundant, had picked up AK-47s and joined the fighting. The Major found Captain Toledo, his Executive Officer, looking at a map of the city. oeOh, I didn't see you, Comrade Major.

oeNot to worry, Toledo. Though I expect, before too long, we won't have much to worry about, Ruiz-Santos said.

oeYes. Here's our ammunition supply, best as I can figure, Toledo said.

oeHmm. Plenty of small-arms ammunition, and some recoilless rifle rounds, along with a few mortar rounds. Enough to hold what, the rest of the day

oeI believe so, Comrade Major, though I do wonder for what purpose

Major Ruiz-Santos looked at his Executive Officer. He'd been thinking the same thing himself. The bridges had been denied to the enemy, which had been his main objective. At what point did one feel that everything that could be done, had been done There was no answer to that in any of his Academy texts, and he doubted anyone there knew, either. oeWe can still do our duty, Toledo.

oeYes, Comrade Major, Toledo replied, shouldering his AKM rifle.


Across from City Hall, Captain Kozak was coming to a decision on how to get rid of the building's obnoxious defenders. Contacting her battalion commander, she asked for some aircraft or helicopters to loiter overhead, but not to attack. Curious, the battalion commander asked why, and she quickly outlined what she had in mind. And having gotten his approval, Kozak made her decision. She turned to her First Sergeant. oeFind Lieutenant Olivera, and get him over here, pronto.

oeYes, Ma'am.

The First Sergeant found her Second Platoon leader, a Puerto Rican who'd joined the Army two days after the war began, dropping out of the University of Miami. He'd fought for three years as an enlisted infantryman, before being shipped to OCS, and was now an up-and-coming platoon leader. He reported to Kozak oeYes, Ma'am

oeMiguel, I've got something in mind, and if it goes right, nobody else dies here today. She outlined what she wanted him to do. oeAny questions

oeNo, Ma'am, though I'd rather let the Air Force handle them.

oeThey will, if it doesn't work. Kozak replied.


1330 Hours: 377th Ground-Attack Regiment, San Benito Municipal Airport.


Senior Lieutenant Morozik came back to his unit, left arm in a sling, but at least he was walking back. He'd landed hard after ejecting from his Su-25, and while hanging in his parachute, he saw the F-15 that had shot him down circle overhead. At first, he'd expected to be gunned in his chute, but the American was clearly marking the location of the crash, so that the kill could be confirmed. Morozik had been found by an air-assault regiment, its troops still in reserve, and their regimental surgeon had diagnosed his injury: a dislocated shoulder. After he'd gotten treatment, they'd sent him to a field hospital. What he'd seen there.....all he wanted after that was to get on the first transport out of Texas.

When Morozik walked into the hangar, he was mobbed by the other pilots. The big question was oeWhat happened to Gorovets And when told oeF-15, there was silence. All he wanted now was to get on the next plane he could find and get out. Havana would do, but Mexico City-or anywhere in Mexico-would do in a pinch. Certainly not here. But he was surprised to see the regiment's mechanics working on the last Su-25 available; it had been shot up earlier that morning, but was repairable. And to his surprise, several pilots were still willing to go into combat in that aircraft. Morozik found Captain Gennady Kamarev, the senior officer left standing. Military formalities were starting to go, as he said, oeGennady.

oeWhat a mess, Kamarev replied. oeOne aircraft that may not fly, two dozen pilots, and a lot of ground staff who'll make lousy infantrymen. Not a good day.

oeIt could be worse, Morozik said.

oeWhat do you mean

oeWe still could have a political officer, you know, Morozik deadpanned.

Kamarev looked at him for a minute, and then both broke out laughing. oeHearing the latest Party slogans certainly wouldn't do for morale, which is near rock bottom and getting worse.

oeAfter what I saw at the field hospital, getting my shoulder looked at Morozik asked. oeThat would send things really downhill.

oeThat bad

oeWorse. They triage cases depending on who's still able to fight. The walking wounded, or any non-stretcher cases, get bandaged up and sent back to the front. Really serious cases-the ones who won't last a day or two They just set them aside to die, with no one to tend them! If you've got a pair of broken legs, or a broken arm, maybe a penetrating wound that's not serious Those are the ones they ticket for the airlift, Morozkik said. oeI'd love to see what a Party hack has to say about this.

oeBe glad you won't. Before you got here, I got a call from the General. We're getting out of here, Kamarev said.

Morozik looked at him. oeWhat

oeYou heard correctly. An An-12 will be here, along with two An-26s, just before dusk. The An-12 takes our ground staff-at least the essential ones-and the An-26s take the pilots and ground officers. If there's room, the -26s take some other ground crew. Kamarev said.

oeSo we do have a chance at getting out of this nightmare.

oeA chance. Nothing's a given. American fighters have been out, and from what the General said, they've feasted on some transports out over the Gulf, Kamarev reported. oeSo we may wind up in Mexico.


1350 Hours: Cuban 2nd Army Headquarters, Rangerville, Texas.

General Perez looked at his map. The 47th MRR was now surrounded and cut off from not only the rest of the Army, but from escape into Mexico. Perez knew, as did his staff, that further resistance there was useless, but when he reported the situation to Havana, after he'd passed on the information to Front Headquarters, he'd received an order from Fidel Castro himself: No Surrender. oeFor the glory of the Revolution, and for Cuba, No Surrender. He spat at the message form and shook his head. He turned to his Chief of Staff. oeAntonio, anything new from the 47th

oeNo, Comrade General. We've tried to reach them, but enemy jamming has prevented it. We do know that they did blow the bridges, however. the Chief of Staff said.

oeTrue, but that's only because some of their engineers and other support personnel made it into Mexico, Perez commented.

oeYes, Comrade General,

oeStill....I don't like it, any more than you do, but relay this to the 47th from Havana. They are to continue fighting to the last round. Perez told his Chief of Staff.

oeWhat Whose idea is that

oePresident Fidel's, of course, Perez spat.

oeOf all the.... the chief said, stopping as the operations officer came in. oeAnd what is it now, Major

oeComrade General, Front Headquarters has sent us some reinforcements.

oeReinforcements Perez asked.

oeYes, Comrade General. Two battalions, reinforced, of Soviet air-assault troops, the operations officer said.

Perez digested the information. Well now, at least he had some reinforcements. But who needed them the most All of his units were in bad shape, and with VIII Corps coming in on him, that was likely to get much worse. oeHmm, he said. oeWhere to deploy them

oeAlong the river asked the Chief of Staff.

oeNo, we've got two provisional units there, defending the ribbon bridges, Perez said. oeWait. We've one tank regiment left-pulled from the 21st Division's control, correct

oeYes, Comrade General, the chief replied. oeBut they don't have hardly any infantry support.

oeThey do now. Send those Soviet air-assault troops to join the 214th Tank Regiment, Perez said. oeThat regiment is our last reserve. When it's gone.....we're gone.

oeImmediately, Comrade General.

[Matt Wiser]

It keeps on going....


1400 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.


General Lukin watched as two Il-76s came in on combat landings. He'd heard over the radio as these planes had been intercepted by American fighters, and the escorting Su-27s had given the Americans a fight. Still, of four Il-76s, two had been shot down, and who knew what cargo had gone in with the aircraft But at least some supplies, either air-dropped or simply rolled off the ramp of landed aircraft, had arrived, and several hundred men, half wounded and half oespecialists had gotten out. Only one thing had marred the day's proceedings: just as one of the transports-an Il-62 with Aeroflot markings, one which had taken on board a number of GRU personnel, lifted off and headed east. Staying low, and following the Rio Grande, the big Iluyshin looked like it might make it. Then an F-15 had come down from high above, and pounced. Two missiles came from the Eagle, and both connected with the airliner. The Il-62's port wing and part of the tail were blown off, and the aircraft plunged into the ground, just north of the Rio Grande, the fireball being visible for several kilometers. That had not done much for morale. Now, two cargo planes had come in, and began to unload. And Lukin ran over.

oeGood news, Comrade General, the cargo officer said. oeCanned food, and some crates of small-arms ammunition.

oeExcellent! Get that distributed as soon as possible. And get a hundred men ready to move, specialists or stretcher cases, I don't care. But get this plane loaded and out of here, Lukin said.

The cargo officer nodded and went to the terminal building. Lukin went over to the second plane. It too, was unloading. oeWhat have we here General Lukin asked.

An Army supply officer was going over the manifest. oeComrade General, it's so-so.

oeWhat do you mean by that Lukin wanted to know.

oeThere's several crates filled with extra reactive armor blocks, for starters.

oeWhat Lukin asked, surprised.

oeReactive armor blocks, Comrade General. There's also boxes marked tongue depressors. About ten thousand.

Lukin swore, and swore loudly. oeOf all the...

oeThere's some ammunition, though, Comrade General, and a number of crates marked Igla rockets. the supply colonel said.

General Lukin stopped. Iglas-what the Americans called the SA-16, were deadly shoulder-fired SAMs. Now, he had something else to defend the field besides antiaircraft guns and small-arms fire. It was better than nothing. oeWhat else

oeSome bandages, and a few boxes marked 'rubbing alcohol.'

Lukin nodded. oeGet that to the nearest field hospital. Now!

oeRight away, Comrade General! the colonel replied.

While he was talking to the supply colonel, the first Il-76 began taking on passengers. Some were clearly able-bodied, the specialists that General Alekseyev and other senior officers wanted out. Others were wounded whose recovery time meant they wouldn't be back at the front. A doctor checked each casualty, to ensure against self-inflicted wounds. When the doctor examined one patient-a tank sergeant-he shouted to one of the Commandant's Service (Soviet MPs). The wound was declared to be self-inflicted, and the hapless sergeant taken to one side, his insignia torn from his shoulders, and shot. Soon, two more cases were found, one of them an officer, and both shared the same fate as the hapless sergeant.

General Lukin paid no attention, as his focus was on getting what cargo could be delivered. oeAll right, Colonel. Most of this, we can use. Get everything distributed as fast as possible.

The supply officer acknowledged, and Lukin went back to the hangar. As he did so, the first Il-76 took off, and the escorting fighters joined up with it and headed east. He was picking up his phone to talk with Theater Headquarters when an aide shouted. Running outside, he saw another An-124 coming in, dropping its supply load. And just as the final parachutes deployed, two missiles came down on the big transport from the northeast. Both warheads detonated, and the big Antonov's left wing tore apart. The plane streamed fire as it rolled on its side, and as it plunged earthwards, disintegrated in flames.


1420 Hours: Gulf Front Headquarters, San Benito Community College


General Malinsky and his Chief of Staff, Isakov, were pouring over the Operations Map. They'd noticed that Suraykin had committed one regiment from the 105th Guards Airborne to the actual Highway 77-83 junction, and both fully expected him to commit the rest of the division there before too long. Both Malinsky and Suraykin had hoped that the 105th could be used as a part of a counterattack force, but clearly, that was not to be. Other than 20th and 38th Tank Divisions, the only remaining forces available to Suraykin was the 6th Guards Motor-Rifle Division, and they were, at best, only at 60% strength.
Malinsky pointed at the map. oeLook here, Isakov. Whoever's commanding XVIII Airborne Corps should have seen this opportunity. He could have taken the intersection before the 105th's lead regiment arrived.

oeThat may be easier said than done, Comrade General, Isakov said. oeAll that's available to that corps right now are the two airborne divisions-the 82nd and the 101st-and we haven't placed the 82nd yet.

oeWhich means the 82nd-or elements thereof-could be available for other operations, Malinsky said. It was not a question.

oeThat appears to be the case, Comrade General. Isakov said. He pointed at the map. oeThere's only one likely area for such a drop, and that's the Brownsville-South Padre Island Airport.

Malinsky scowled. oeRight where our airlift is centered.

oeYes, Comrade General. If Powell wants to make sure the airlift doesn't work, what better way than to seize the airport

oeMother of God, Isakov, Malinsky said. oeI think you're right. He looked at the map again. oeGet me General Alekseyev, and I mean NOW!

Isakov nodded. oeRight away, Comrade General.


1450 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville.

General Chibisov knocked on Alekseyev's office door. oeComrade General There was no answer. He quietly opened the door and found his commanding general asleep on his office couch. Chibisov hated to wake his general, but after talking with Malinsky, he knew he had no choice. This was something neither one had thought of-until now.

Alekseyev opened his eyes. oeOh, Pavel Pavlovitch. It's you.

oeI'm sorry to wake you, Comrade General, Chibisov said. oeBut General Malinsky's on the line. There's something you should hear from him.

Alekseyev shook the sleep from his eyes, and looked at his watch. A two-hour nap. Oh, well, it would have to do. oePut him through.

Chibisov went to the office phone and spoke into it. He then handed the receiver to Alekseyev. oeGeneral Malinsky, Comrade General.

Alekseyev took it. oeYes, Malinsky

oeComrade General, there's a potential development that I don't think any one of us had considered-until now.

oeOh, what is it, then

Malinsky paused, choosing his words carefully. oeComrade General, We've identified most of XVIII Airborne Corps, but for one division. That division, if it's committed properly, could seal things, and quickly.

Alekseyev perked up. He knew what Malinsky was referring to. oeYou do mean the 82nd Airborne, Malinsky

oeYes, I do, Comrade General, Malinsky replied. oeThey're not in the line, and both my Chief of Staff and I feel that that may be because Powell is saving them for something big.

oeDoes your own intelligence chief agree asked Alekseyev.

oeHe says it's possible. But the 82nd may be withheld from this operation-for what's likely to follow. But I'm not so sure. Malinsky said.

oeAll right. If it happens, we've got some reserves-the 47th Tank Brigade and 76th Guards Air Assault Division. Just pray that it doesn't, Alekseyev told Malinsky.

oeUnderstood, Comrade General.

oeAnything else, Malinsky

oeNot at present, Comrade General. We're still holding, but only just, Malinsky replied.

oeThank you, Malinsky. I'll get back to you. And with that, Alekseyev hung up, and then he went over to his own map. oeYou used to be an airborne officer, Pavel Pavlovitch. Where would you drop a brigade or two in this area

oeComrade General, if Malinsky's right, the 82nd Airborne could end this, if Powell's willing to go that far. I'd drop them-with a Ranger Battalion leading the way. That's their usual procedure, and put them here: right on top of the airlift at Brownsville-South Padre Island Airport.

Alekseyev's blood chilled. That kind of drop would not only mean the end of the airlift, but it would render whatever stand Suraykin and the rest of Malinsky's generals made irrelevant. If it was coordinated with a Marine landing.....Warn Petrov. Have him get some kind of anti-paratrooper defenses established. And do it fast.

[Matt Wiser]

And some more:


1510 Hours: Cuban 47th MRR, Progresso Lakes, Texas.


Major Ruiz-Santos poked his head again out of a shattered window in the City Hall. He and his headquarters personnel had been holding the Americans off for several hours, but now, one thing was clear: there was no way out. He and what remained of his regiment were now cut off, from both the river and their own forces to the east, and it was now only a matter of time. He'd also heard aircraft overhead, and wondered why he hadn't been bombed into oblivion. Maybe the Americans were concerned about hitting their own troops Ruiz-Santos crawled to where Captain Toledo was, huddled at the entrance to City Hall. oeAnything

oeNo, Comrade Major, nothing yet. Though it's been quiet for the last fifteen minutes or so.

oeIt has been that. Maybe they're low on ammunition, and had to hold up for resupply Ruiz-Santos asked.

oeI don't know, but right now, Comrade Major, your guess is as good as mine. said Toledo. oeAt least they killed Lieutenant Moss, so we won't have to worry about Havana.

oeThere is that, agreed Ruiz-Santos. Then one of the men shouted. The Yanquis were up to something. Both officers crawled to where the man had shouted, and peeked through a hole in the wall. They saw an American soldier coming to them under a white flag. oeHold your fire! Ruiz-Santos ordered.

oeWhat's this Toledo asked.

oeI don't know, but I'm going to find out, Ruiz-Santos said. He went to the front door and went outside to the curb. There, he received the American. oeI am Major Ruiz-Santos, of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba, he said in English.

oeSecond Lieutenant Manuel Olivera, United States Army. the American replied.

oeWhat is it that you want Ruiz-Santos demanded.

oeYour surrender, Major. Olivera said. oeYou're surrounded, low on ammunition and food, and there's no way out. Just put your weapons down and come on out.

oeOh, just like that Ruiz-Santos shot back.

oeYes, Major. Just like that. You and your men will be well treated, and your wounded will be tended to. And you've done everything you could have done.

oeAnd if I refuse Asked Ruiz-Santos.

oeYou will be responsible for the consequences, Olivera said. oeHear those jets overhead My company commander says they're loaded with laser-guided bombs. And they've got your location targeted.

Ruiz-Santos looked up. There were two American planes overhead, and they looked like F-111s. He looked back at his men,who were now at the windows. And Ruiz-Santos knew that he was responsible for them. He also knew that he did want to see his family again. oeI only ask that the wounded leave first.

Olivera nodded. He waved to his own lines, and both tanks and Bradleys advanced. American infantry came out of the Bradleys, and approached city hall. And one female officer walked up to the two. oeMa'am, Olivera said, oeMajor Ruiz-Santos, Cuban Army.

oeCaptain Nancy Kozak, United States Army, she said, saluting.

Ruiz-Santos' jaw dropped. It was bad enough to surrender, but surrender to a woman But he knew it was over. oeCaptain, I only ask that my wounded be brought out first.

oeI think we can do that. Have your men throw their weapons out the windows, and no funny business. Kozak said.

Ruiz-Santos nodded. He went back to the city hall and spoke. Cuban medical orderlies and even a couple of nurses came out, assisting the walking wounded, as well as bearing several stretcher cases. After this was done, the remaining Cubans came out of City Hall and two adjacent buildings, hands up.
Seeing this, Ruiz-Santos gave Kozak his rifle and pistol. oeYour prisoner, Captain.


1525 Hours: 377th Ground-Attack Regiment, San Benito Municipal Airport.


The pilots and ground staff of the 377th were gathered in their hangar. The regiment's last Su-25 had been pronounced ready to fly after several hours of repairs, and now the moment of truth had arrived. The pilots had drawn straws to see who would fly it, and Senior Lieutenant Mikhail Dimenshenko was the lucky one. The plane was fully armed with four KMGU cluster bombs, four 80-mm rocket pods, and two R-60 AAMs. At least he'd had no formal mission orders, so Morozik had told him to fly to the 77-83 intersection, and look around for opportunity targets. He smiled, closed the canopy, and taxied out of the hangar. Captain Kamarev looked at the patched-up plane, and asked Morozik, oeWill this work

oeI don't know. All I know is that my war's over, Morozik said. oeWhere's the dammed airlift

oeGood question. Kamarev said, looking to the south. Then he saw three specks in the sky. oeThere.

Morozik looked in that direction, and he saw them too, one An-12 and two smaller An-26s. Just as the transports closed in, the Su-25 rolled down the runway and into the air. Then the three tranports landed.

oeMechanics, armorers, and medical staff in the An-12. Pilots in the first An-26. Other remaining ground staff in the other one, Kamarev shouted.

Instead of a mad rush, it was orderly. Unlike many evacuation flights, this time, there was enough room for everyone. Kamarev went up to the cockpit of his An-26 and found the pilot. He was surprised to see that the pilot was almost as old as his own father. oeWhere'd they find you

oeRetired Aeroflot, then they recalled me when this mad business got going. the pilot replied. oeFind a seat, and buckle in. We're getting out of here.

oeGive me a headset first. I need to talk to my airborne aircraft, Kamarev asked.

oeHere, the navigator said, throwing a spare over.

Kamarev didn't waste time. oeMikhail, when you're finished, head south. Get to Monterrey if you can.

The pilot turned and looked at him. oeThat's where we're headed. With that, the pilots gunned the engines, and the An-26 rolled down the runway and lifted off. Instead of climbing out, they stayed low until they got across the river. The An-12 made it, but as it got clear, its tail gunner saw a horrific sight: the other An-26 was pulling up when an American fighter, maybe an F-8, came down and sprayed the two engines with cannon fire. Both engines exploded, and tore the wings off the transport, which spun down into the ground, fireballing as it did so. The An-12 itself barely made it, for as the F-8 turned to follow, it had to avoid a shoulder-fired missile, and had to leave.


1540 Hours: 4th Guards Tank Army Headquarters

General Suraykin looked at his map, and swore loudly. Not at General Golvoko, his Chief of Staff, but in general. One regiment of the 105th Guards Airborne was now in place, and it was likely he'd need the whole division. And both tank divisions in the line were getting ground down. He knew that the 52nd was the worst off, and it would need some help, but soon, 24th Tanks would soon be in the same position, and in dire need of help as well. Suraykin looked up at General Golvoko. oeI don't like it, but there's not much choice. Order 6th Guards Motor-Rifle Division to take up positions behind the 52nd Tank Division.

Golvoko looked at the map. He nodded. oeYes, Comrade General, he said calmly.

oeAny sign of the 101st Airborne Division If they decide on a heliborne assault, there's not that much we can do about that, Suraykin reminded his Chief of Staff.

oeSo far, no, Comrade General. Though some of the 101st's attack helicopters have been in action, none of the three maneuver brigades have been identified at the front, responded Golvoko.

oeSo far, Suraykin said. He knew that if the Americans suddenly put troops behind him on Highways 77-83, he'd have a very hard time breaking out to the south, if he needed to do so.

oeYes, Comrade General.

oeNow, what about the air force Any additional sorties today Suraykin asked.

oeThe Air Force reports that they're trying. We've had some Su-22Ms and even Su-24s come in, but for every aircraft that does appear, at least three don't, Golvoko reported.

oeLet me guess: either shot down or forced to jettison their weapons when enemy fighters appear.

oeThat is basically it, Comrade General.

Suryakin nodded. oeSee if you can't get any more out of our comrades in blue, Golvoko. Even a few more aircraft will help. And the morale factor is considerable one. Seeing our aircraft still in the battle has given our men a boost.

oeI'll put more pressure on the Air Force, but they're on record as not wanting to make promises they can't deliver.

oeStill, Suraykin reminded his Chief of Staff, oeGet whatever you can. Think of the infantrymen and the tank crews out there.


1605 Hours: Headquarters, Cuban 2nd Army.

General Perez slammed his fist on the map table. He was not in a good mood after getting the latest from his left flank. oeWhat do you mean by over Perez thundered at a staff officer.

oeComrade General, it appears that it's over in Progresso Lakes. There has been no contact at all with the 47th MRR, and reports via the Mexican side of the border indicate that fighting there has ceased.

oeCeased Perez asked, with an angry tone in his voice.

oeYes, Comrade General. They appear to have formally surrendered.

General Perez glared at the staffer. oeThey did what

The Chief of Staff came in, much to the staff officer's relief. oeThe 47th MRR has formally surrendered, Comrade General. One last message was sent, saying that the Americans were outside the regimental headquarters, and that they were destroying their classified materials.

oeDid they ever acknowledge the order sent from Havana Perez asked.

oeNo, Comrade General, they did not. the chief replied. oeChances are, the American jamming prevented their ever receiving it.

Perez calmed down. Still, not knowing who on his staff was reporting back to Havana-almost certainly to the DGI-was a bit unnerving. oeAll right, that battle's over and done. What about those Soviet air-assault troops

oeThey've just arrived, and have joined the 214th Tank Regiment, as instructed, the chief responded.

oeGood. They're our only reserve left, unless someone can pry a regiment out of our neighbors to the north, Perez commented, referring to 3rd Shock Army.

The Chief of Staff responded, oeThat, Comrade General, would be easier said than done.

[Matt Wiser]

And the beat goes on...and more political officer troubles...

1630 Hours: Federal Building, Brownsville


Ambassador Markarev's car pulled up to curb near the main entrance. His car, a oerequisitioned Cadillac, had been his since late 1985, and he knew that their days together were numbered. It was a pity there was no room on the airlift for oesouvenirs, because this was one item he did want to take back to Moscow with him. He got out of the car and acknowledged the aide that President Hall had sent to bring him to the President's office. One thing did catch his eye: Hector Lorenzo, the Cuban Ambassador. oeAh, Hector! Fancy seeing you here.

oeGood afternoon, Comrade Ambassador, Lorenzo replied. oeThough there's not that much good today.

oeYes, the Fascists are closing in, and their net is tightening, my military aide says. Makarev replied.

oeThat is true, Lorenzo said. oeNow, what does President Hall want with both of us

oeA very good question. And the two ambassadors entered the building, and both noticed the continuing activity. It appeared that the normal hustle-and-bustle was still ongoing, though in his previous meetings, Makarev had noticed the burn barrels outside, where documents were being burned. And no surprise here, the barrels were still active. How many documents did they want destroyed
That thought continued in his mind as the two ambassadors rode the elevator to the fourth floor, where Hall maintained his office. oeAnd so, here we are.

The two ambassadors exited, and were quickly announced to President Hall. To Makarev, the man had aged a few years in the past day, and given the stress everyone in the pocket was under, that was no surprise. oeGood afternoon, my friends, Hall said, standing up to welcome the pair.

oeComrade President, Makarev said, as did Lorenzo.

oePlease, sit, Hall said, motioning to a pair of chairs. oeI've made my decision about leaving.

The two ambassadors exchanged glances. Makarev spoke first. oeAnd that is, Comrade President

oeBefore I leave, along with the cabinet, there are a number of people who have served my administration well, Hall said. oeI'm not leaving until they go out as well. We'll need them in Havana, and later on, Moscow, to set up the government-in-exile.

oeHow many Lorenzo asked.

oeAbout two hundred or so, Hall said, handing both ambassadors a list.

Makarev read it. Through his own sources, he knew some of the names already: they were prominent on the Americans' oeMost Wanted list. oeSome of these here, Comrade President, have prices on their heads.

oeI'm well aware of that. And I count myself as one of them: I know there is a sizable reward for my death or capture. Hall reminded the ambassadors.

Loenzo nodded. oeI will be speaking with President Castro later today, Comrade President. He will, of course, make all necessary arrangements for your exile government. Including use of the former U.S. Embassy in Havana.

oeThen when do we leave Hall asked.

oeThe Fascists have been paying attention to the airport runways, Makarev said. oeIt seems that as soon as the engineers fill the bomb craters, they come back and crater the runways again. But you can be assured, every effort will be made to fly you, and those you nominate, out.

oeMy greatest appreciation, Comrade Ambassador, said Hall. oeI only wish those coming in from the north would understand my actions. All I wanted was a Socialist America, living in peace and harmony with the world. Now, that dream is over, and I am now considered the worst traitor in American history.

Both ambassadors knew Hall got nostalgic at times. And they also knew that any jury-whether it was in a U.S. Military Tribunal, or in a Federal Courtroom, would not be sympathetic to Hall, nor to anyone else tied to the oeLiberation Government. If captured, he could expect a fair, but prompt, trial and a speedy execution. And the same went for his cabinet, and anyone else on the wanted list. oeYou may be assured, Comrade President, Lorenzo said, oeEverything possible will be done to enable you to carry on, even from Havana.

oeOr Moscow, Makarev said, oeshould you carry on with that option, as we discussed earlier.

oeAs I said earlier, I do plan to accept Fidel's offer. But in the long term, it would be best if we went to Moscow. But that will be a year, maybe longer, before we do so. Hall said.

oeAgain, my thanks, Hall said. oePlease inform us when it's time to leave.

oeOf course, Comrade President, Makarev said.

With that, the meeting ended, and the two ambassadors left. In the elevator, Makarev asked Lorenzo, oeHe's been like this with you

oeEvery time, Lorenzo admitted. oeHe's in his own universe, sometimes. Issuing orders to state and county officials who are either dead, arrested, or in hiding, for one. Demanding that Operation Phoenix be accelerated, the ALA step up recruitment, things like that. Then he snaps out of it, and sanity takes hold.

oeI imagine when he gets to Havana, his disposition will improve. I'll tell you this, though: when he leaves, so do I. I've reduced my staff to essential personnel only; how about your people

oeThe same. All it takes for us to leave is one plane load, and I don't care if it takes us to Mexico City first.

Makarev laughed. oeThat's a good attitude. I have no intention of becoming shark food myself.


1650 Hours: K-236, The Gulf of Mexico


Captain Padorin was checking the plot. The American surface group had passed, though they could still be heard, faintly, off to the north. He still couldn't believe it himself; Four battleships! Not since the Second World War had any submarine captain, regardless of which side he'd been on, had heard that call from his sonar operators. And the other officers had been equally surprised. Only the Zampolit had been eager for an attack, and he'd deserved the mild dressing-down Padorin gave him. Other captains may not have had the guts to do so, but with his father able to back him up, if necessary, he'd given the eager Party man a lesson in tactics.

He looked around the control room. Strenlikov, the damage-control officer, was serving as Officer of the Watch. At least Viktor is a nice chap: the younger of three brothers, his eldest brother by fifteen years had been a Spetsnatz colonel, before guerrillas had killed him in Colorado. His second brother had been an Su-24 pilot, and had been shot down in Arizona, and no word had been heard about him since. And rumors of how wild Indians treated downed Soviet airmen had gotten around. Padorin would rather die a sailor's death than be staked out in the scorching desert and flayed alive....Where are we, Viktor

oeMaintaining three hundred meters, as ordered, Comrade Captain. Course: zero-eight-five. Speed, ten knots.

Padorin looked at the chart. Just close enough to make a high-speed run towards shore, make their pickup, and get out fast. And hope the American ASW group was elsewhere. Fighting his way out was not what he had in mind. He turned to the sonar officer. oeAny contacts

oeComrade Captain, very faint surface contacts to the north. But they're moving away, the sonar officer reported.

Padorin nodded. Then Shelpin, the KGB Security Officer, came up to him. oeComrade Captain, a word

oeOf course, Padorin said. oeViktor, you have the deck and the con.

oeAye, Comrade Captain.

The Captain and the Security Officer went into the wardroom and locked the door. Soundproofed, its designers knew that not everything talked about here was meant for the ears of others. And sometimes, that meant one's fellow officers. oeYes

oeComrade Captain, I think the Political Officer is starting to become, how do they say politely Mutinous.

Padorin nodded. He knew the Zampolit wasn't happy with his decision to avoid attacking the American battleship group. But mutiny oeWhat do you mean

oeHe's been sounding out other officers, and some of the warrant officers. I know, the man can recite the works of Marx and Lenin backwards as well as forwards, but can he fight a submarine At least I went to sub school, Captain. He didn't. Shelpin said.

oeAnd in doing so, you've earned the respect of the officers and crew, Padorin said. oeAnd I do trust your judgment, even if you are a 'Sword and Shield' man.

Shelpin nodded. oeThank you, Captain. Now, what to do about our dear Zampolit

oeWatch him, and wait. The minute he steps out of line, we'll take care of him.

oeOne thing sub school taught me: there are a number of ways for a man to die accidentally on a submarine. Shelpin said.

oeQuite so. And there's a convenient way to dispose of him, if necessary. He'll fit inside one of the 65 centimeter torpedo tubes. And frankly, I do wish he'd try something. He'd be out of our hair after that.


1700 Hours: South Padre Island, Texas.

Major Lazarev's men were picking up the pieces-and a few bodies-after the American shore bombardment. The nearby coastal-defense missile battery had been torn apart by shells from an American cruiser in a bombardment that reminded some of the movies they'd seen about the Great Patriotic War, and to make things worse, the surface-search radar, damaged by an anti-radar missile, had been blown to pieces by a heavy-caliber shell. Now, the only warning the Naval Infantrymen would have would be visual. Lazarev himself went up to the fourth floor of the condominium he was using as a headquarters, and found Captain Lieutenant Kamarov there. Since it was unsafe to go any higher, he and his lookouts had taken up new positions on that floor. oeAnything Lazarev asked.

oeJust getting settled in, Comrade Major, Kamarov said. oeBut so far, nothing.

oeThat was an experience....We've been bombed here, and shelled by destroyers, but that cruiser.... Lazarev's voice trailed off as he remembered the sound. He was sure that not only he could hear the guns being fired, but the impact as well. Or was that his mind playing tricks on him

oeThat was bad, I'll grant you, Kamarov said. oeIt was probably worse for the crew of that freighter we saw: that same cruiser found a freighter making a run for the shoreline, and blasted it to pieces.

Lazarev remembered hearing that story before. At least here, there was someplace to take cover. But out at sea.....Let me guess: target practice for the cruiser

oeYou do guess correctly, Comrade Major, Kamarov replied. He, too, shuddered at the thought of his destroyer, instead of an air strike, coming across that cruiser. His ship wouldn't have stood a chance. Then a lookout interrupted him.

oeComrades, there's something out there. Bearing zero-nine-zero. The chief lookout reported.

Kamarov and Major Lazarev peered through the spotting glasses, one after the other. oeWhat are those Lazarev asked.

oeI have an idea, but I don't think you'll like it, Kamarov said, picking up a ship recognition manual. He peered through the spotting glasses again.

oeWell demanded the Major.

oeHave a look for yourself. You could be the first commander since the Pacific War in 1945 to face a bombardment by four battleships, Kamarov said.

Lazarev stopped in his tracks. He couldn't have heard correctly. oeFour.....battleships

oeYes. Two are Iowa-class, the other two, I'm not sure, but one of them is either Alabama or Massachusetts . The last one in line looks to be North Carolina. Museum ships, if our intelligence briefing was correct, but the Americans reactivated them, Kamarov said, matter of factly.

oeAnd that's how many guns

oeThat's thirty-six guns, forty-point-six centimeter, Kamarov replied. oeA lot of firepower.

Lazarev peered through the spotting glasses again. Then he saw the ships turn away to the east. oeThey're leaving.

oeFor now. Kamarov said. oeI think they'll be back.

Lazarev looked at the destroyer officer. oeFor once, I hope you're wrong.

[Matt Wiser]

1710 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.


General Petrov didn't need a staff officer to tell him the airlift was in trouble. He could see it for himself. Not only had an An-124 been shot down, but four other transports inbound had also suffered the same fate, and all had gone down within sight of the field. It was clear that the VTA was in the same position as the Lufwaffe's Fligerkorps VIII had been in November, 1942 to January, 1943 at Stalingrad: having to make do the best they could with an impossible job. But several other transports from Cuba had made it in, and their cargoes had been quickly unloaded, their human cargo quickly loaded aboard, and the aircraft took off. One of the planes, an Il-62 with Aeroflot markings, had been shot down just after takeoff, but the others had gotten away from the field. Whether or not they made it to Cuba, though.....that was a different matter.

General Lukin came up to him. oeComrade General, Eight more inbound, and then that's it for today.

Petrov looked at him. oeEight

oeYes, Comrade General, replied Lukin.

oeWhat aircraft types Petrov asked.

oeThree Il-76s, two An-12s, one An-74, and two Il-62s, Lukin said.

oeDid you say 'An-74' Petrov asked.

oeThat's correct Comrade General. Lukin replied. oeSeveral preproduction examples were sent to Cuba, and now they've been released for the airlift.

oeAnd whose idea was it to release them now demanded Petrov. oeSeveral of the smaller fields we've lost could have supported the An-74s without any difficulty!

oeThat, Comrade General, I don't have an answer for.

Petrov swore, and not only did he swear, but he did so loud and long. His job might have been a somewhat easier had those An-74s been released earlier, for the municipal airports that could only handle smaller transports, those An-12 sized or smaller, would have easily been able to land the An-74s. Now....Well, at least if the runways get bombed again, the An-74s can still get in and out.

oeThere is that, Comrade General. ETA is 1750 our time, Lukin reported.

oeAll right. Let's get them down, and then out of here as fast as we can. And let's hope the Americans didn't kill any of them on the way in.


1725 Hours: Port of Brownsville

Admiral Gordikov watched as the last cargo was unloaded from the Cherepovets. What had been quite useless had been set aside, while what could be useful had been sent off for distribution. Though the nearby field hospitals got first priority, on General Alekseyev's orders. The number of wounded was threatening to overwhelm their medical services, and every last bit of supplies helped. Though how much it did help, nobody knew. The freighter's First Officer came up to the Admiral oeThat's it, Comrade Admiral. We're riding high.

oeGood. And we may actually be able to use half of this cargo, the Admiral commented.

oeComrade Admiral, don't blame me. All we were told was,

oeI know what you were told, Gordikov said, interrupting the first officer. oeIt's not you I blame, it's whoever loaded your ship.

oeI understand, Comrade Admiral. Will the Captain be returning the first officer asked.

oeNo. A Naval Officer will come aboard to take his place for the final voyage. And it won't be far. Gordikov said.

oeAh. A run down the coast to Mexico That's what our orders said were a possibility. Or another run back to Cuba.

oeMuch shorter than that. After loading a cargo that must be denied to the Americans, your ship will be sunk as a blockship in the main shipping channel. Gordikov told the First Officer.

oeComrade Admiral, we can get out of here! the man wailed.

Gordikov glared at him. oeNot when the Americans have mined our own safe passage lane through our own minefields.

The man's heart sank. Unless they got on a plane out of here, or got over the border into Mexico, they'd be here when the Americans arrived. oeComrade Admiral, we'd rather take our chances.

oeThis order comes from General Alekseyev, the Theater Commander-in-Chief. No exceptions.


1745 Hours: K-236, The Gulf of Mexico.

oeComrade Captain, a word, if I may

Padorin looked up from the navigator's table. It was his Starpom. oeOf course, Andrei. Come to the wardroom. Strenlikov, you have the deck and the con.

oeAye, Comrade Captain.

The two officers went to the wardroom. Again, Padorin closed and locked the door behind him. oeYes, Andrei

The Starpom chose his words carefully. oeComrade Captain, there has been some....unusual behavior coming from our Zampolit.

oeOh How would you describe 'unusual' Padorin replied.

oeI think he's soliciting a mutiny. the Starpom replied. oeSeveral officers have approached me, and they've said that our dear political officer has sounded them out on what they'd think if he tried to assume command.

Padorin smiled. oeAndrei, you're not the first to tell me about this. Captain Lieutenant Shelpin has already spoken to me about the man's behavior.

The Starpom laughed. oeSo our 'sword and shield' man came to you

oeCorrect. And we both see eye-to-eye on this. If our dear Comrade Zirinsky tries anything foolish, he will regret it. Briefly, Padorin said, his tone very serious.

oeAnd that means in the event of his trying something foolish, he would not be with us the rest of the deployment the Starpom asked.

oeYour assumption is correct. Then there was a knock on the door. oeSee who that is, Andrei.

The Starpom unlocked the door and opened it. Captain 3rd Rank Nikolai Guriev was there. He was the boat's Chief Engineer. He came in, closing the door behind him and the Starpom. oeComrade Captain, I wish to report some very serious misbehavior on the part of Comrade Zirinsky.

oeYou're not the first. Let me guess: he's trying to solicit a mutiny

oeHow'd you know Guriev asked.

oeBoth the Starpom and the Security Officer have already discussed this with me, Nikolai. Padorin responded.

oeComrade Captain.....I've been with this boat-and you-for her entire life. It's people like Zirinsky that are responsible for the mess we're in. A losing war, food shortages at home, and people are angry. You know that and so does every officer on this boat. I suggest we do something about Zirinsky, at least.

oeRest assured, gentlemen, Padorin said, avoiding the term oeComrades. oeIf our dear Party zealot tries anything foolish, he will not finish the cruise. If an 'unfortunate accident' is called for, our Security Officer has some ideas. And you, Nikolai, probably have some, too.

oeIndeed I do, Comrade Captain. Indeed I do.

oeGood. Let's see what our dear Party man does over the next day or two. Watch him when he enters your compartments, both of you, and pass that along to the other officers. Quietly, mind you. And should he be so foolish as to try.....he's shark bait, said Padorin.


1755 Hours: Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport

oeComrade General, there they are, General Lukin said, pointing to the east.

General Petrov scanned the sky with his binoculars. Sure enough, the transports, with their fighter escorts, were coming in. The first two to land were two Il-76s, and both aircraft taxied up to the former air cargo ramp, and dropped their rear ramps. Rubber fuel bladders came from the first plane, while pallets of food and water rolled out from the second. oeGet the food and water bottles distributed at once! Petrov yelled. He turned to where eighty or so wounded men were waiting. Most were ambulatory cases, but whose injuries would not permit them to return to the front within a week. oeDoctor! Get those men on that first plane! Petrov yelled to a doctor.

Nodding, the doctor hustled his patients-who had already been screened for self-inflicted wounds-onto the waiting aircraft. The wounded men got aboard, the rear ramp was raised, and the Il-76's pilot gunned the engines and took off. Petrov turned to Lukin. oeWho's next outbound

oeSpecialists, Comrade General. Signals-intelligence people, for starters. Also, some planeless pilots from a MiG regiment. Lukin said.

oeAll right, get them on that second plane, Petrov said as an An-12 came in. oeI'm surprised: where are the American fighters

oeThey're there, Comrade General, a voice next to Petrov said. He turned, and it was the pilot of the second Il-76. oeF-14s and F-15s are out there, and F-8s as well, the pilot said. oeI was instructed to give this to you personally, Comrade General. The man then handed an envelope to General Petrov.

oeThank you. Get your passengers loaded, and get out of here, Petrov said.

Nodding, the pilot went back to his plane. As he did so, a third Il-76 came in, only this one was trailing smoke from one engine. Petrov saw that, then he turned to the envelope. He opened it. oeLukin!

oeYes, Comrade General

oeHave a look at this. Some idiot in Havana wants a personal briefing. Petrov said, showing the letter to General Lukin.

oeMaybe hearing directly from someone here would do us some good-and light a fire under those fools in Havana who've been sending us utterly worthless crap, Comrade General.

oeI agree. Do you have someone in mind Petrov asked.

oeYes, I do, Comrade General. My deputy, Major General Rostov.

oeValery Rostov; he's a good man, and has Moscow connections. But what's he doing here asked Petrov.

oeI believe his reassignment had something to do with a district official's twenty-year old daughter, and a narrow escape from the man's dacha, Comrade General.

Petrov nodded. It was an old story: sleep around with the wrong woman, and it might come back to haunt you. oeIt didn't affect his promotion

Lukin laughed. oeNo, he was celebrating his promotion; he's a bachelor, and well, you do get the idea...

An explosion interrupted Lukin. Both generals turned, and saw the single Il-62 trailing fire from its right engines. Then the engine exploded, tearing off the tail, and the plane rolled right and nosed into the ground, going up in a large explosion as it impacted. And just off in the distance, they could see two F-14s turning away. oeWhere's those fighter escorts Petrov demanded to know.

oeI'll wager they're quite preoccupied with keeping the American fighters away, Comrade General.

As they spoke, the damaged Il-76 taxied up. It quickly unloaded its cargo of ammunition, and a staff officer came up to Petrov; oeThat plane's pilot told me he's not going back to Cuba with a damaged aircraft, Comrade General.

oeAll right: get some of those specialists, and have him take them out. Can he make Monterey

oeYes, Comrade General. That's where he'd rather go, the staffer said.

oeGood enough. Get him loaded and out of here. Where's the other An-12 Petrov asked.

oeShot down east of South Padre Island, Comrade General. F-15s....

[Matt Wiser]

And the campaign winds on....


1815 Hours: 105th Guards Air Assault Division headquarters, south of Harlingen, Texas.

Major General Viktor Gordonov hung up the phone. General Suraykin had been on the other end, and he'd just ordered the 105th Guards forward. The rest of the division would take up positions at the Highway 77-83 junction, joining the one regiment already there, and they were to dig in, and hold out as long as possible. Well, this is it, Gordonov thought: the 105th's last battle. And he knew that most of his men were likely going to die. He'd been a Major in 1985, and he'd jumped into New Mexico in the early days, leading a battalion. His battalion had fought in Colorado and Wyoming for the most part, but they'd been lucky that Summer of 1987, having been sent to Texas to rest and reorganize. He'd been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and then Colonel, getting a regiment prior to that disastrous Midland-Odessa campaign, getting shot up in the process by the Americans' lackeys from South Korea. The division's commander and most of his staff had been killed during the withdrawal, and he'd taken command. Now, it was clear that time was just about up for the 105th.

oeComrade General, his chief of staff said, oeColonel Romanenko is on the line.

oeRomanenko, this is General Gordonov. How are things where you are

oeRight now, we're in it, Comrade General. If you're coming, the Americans have a hot reception waiting. Romanenko said.

Gordonov paused. He could hear the artillery fire, and some small-arms fire, in the background. oeWe're on our way, but you must hold your position at all costs.

oeComrade General, we're not leaving, unless we're carried out. But if you want to carry us out, and not leave that to the Americans.... Romanenko's voice trailed off.

oeWe'll be there. And Gordonov hung up. oeGet the rest of the division moving. Fast. Pushkin's regiment to the left of Romanenko's, Dimitrov's on the right. Don't wait for stragglers. Just move! He roared at his chief of staff.

And the 105th Guards did move. They arrived just in time, for the 29th Light Infantry Division had found Romanenko's regiment and had started to root them out. A pitched battle began to develop for the highway intersection, with no quarter given or asked. Attack helicopters and fixed-wing close air support came in, and only broke off when night fell. But the Soviet paratroopers still clung to their positions. And General Suraykin began to consider moving one of his two tank divisions for a counterattack. While the 29th summoned help from the 18th Aviation Brigade and their AH-64A Apaches.......


1840 Hours: Gulf Front Headquarters, San Benito Community College


General Malinsky paid rapt attention to his map. The 105th Guards Airborne was now in place, and so far, they were holding. And Suraykin's two available tank divisions were still in place, though it was obvious that sooner or later, a counterattack would be needed. So far, though, Suraykin was holding, as was both the 8th Guards and 28th Armies, Cuban 1st, and 3rd Shock. The weak point, however, was still the Cuban 2nd Army. General Isakov, his Chief of Staff, came up. oeSome coffee, Comrade General

oeThank you, Isakov. Let me guess: from Cuba

oeThat is so, Comrade General, and freshly air-dropped. Along with a few tons of food and ammunition. said Isakov.

oeHowever much they drop, it's too little, too late. And the supply lines from Mexico are a mess, Malinsky commented.

oeTrue, Comrade General. I do wonder how that brute Starukhin is doing

oeNot enough, apparently.Malinsky said. oeAny word on the Cuban 2nd Army

oeComrade General, their communications with us are still spotty at best. And fuel issues mean we can't send a courier with a written order, Isakov reminded his boss.

Malinsky nodded. oeAnd their communications with Havana, though, are still reliable.

That was one thing both Soviet generals fumed about. Castro issuing direct orders to his units in the field, bypassing the chain of command the Soviets and Cubans had agreed upon. oeIt appears so, Comrade General, Isakov said. oeThere's something else, however.

oeYes

oeGeneral Alekseyev has ordered that all female officers and soldiers be put on twelve hours' notice for evacuation. Isakov said, handing the General the order.

oeI was wondering when it would come to that. But no order for them to leave Malinsky asked.

oeNot yet, Comrade General.

Malinsky thought for a moment. He'd visited several field hospitals, and the dedication of the doctors, nurses, and orderlies, was moving. Despite the filth, the squalor, and the shortages of nearly everything, the wounded seemed to feel better when they saw a female doctor or nurse tending to them. oeKnowing the female doctors and nurses, they won't leave unless directly ordered. One of the doctors told me that she and the other female staff would insist on staying. 'Someone has to stay with the wounded,' was what she said. I had no answer.

oeBetter they leave, Comrade General, than take their chances with units like the 49th Armored, 42nd Mechanized Infantry, or worse, those madmen in the 13th Armored Cavalry. Isakov pointed out.


1900 Hours: Soviet Headquarters, Brownsville

General Alekseyev was taking some time to have a meal in his office. And he wasn't alone: Colonel Sergetov dined with him, as usual, along with General Dudorov. Though there was food for four, their fourth guest had politely, but firmly, declined: their prisoner.

oeYuri, when we're through here, have her meal sent in, Alekseyev said.

oeCertainly, Comrade General.

oeDid she say why she refused the invitation Alekseyev asked.

oeOnly that she was trained not to accept any kind of special favors from the enemy, Dudorov said. oeShe may have also suspected that we'd use this as a 'soft' interrogation.

oeVery perceptive, Yuri, Alekseyev commented. oeThough the opportunity to see things from the Americans' perspective, even at this juncture, is still something to be taken. Tomorrow morning, bring her here, and I'll treat her to the best breakfast we can offer. Maybe a one-on-one with me will break the tension.

oeAs you wish, Comrade General. Dudorov said.

oeComrade General, there's something else. Sergetov said.

oeYes, Ivan Mikhailiovich

oeGeneral Petrov has put some anti-paratrooper defense plan in place. It's not much, but it's the best he can do, under the circumstances. Sergetov said.

oeLet me guess: excess air force personnel, and some of the antiaircraft guns Alekseyev asked.

oeThat is essentially it, Comrade General. But it's the best he can do. Sergetov said. oeHe also said that the airlift is suspended for the night, and will resume at first light.

oeYou know, I'd love to send some photographs and video to Moscow. Seeing what's really going on here might open some minds, Dudorov said.

oeI already have, Comrades, Sergetov said. oeTo my father.

Both Alekseyev and Dudorov looked at the young colonel. oeAnd the minister's response asked General Alekseyev.

oeMy father's response has been....very favorable. He has shared these photographs and videotapes with a number of candidate members of the Politburo, along with a number of senior officers in the Defense Ministry, as well as the Moscow and Leningrad Military Districts. Sergetov said.

Alekseyev thought for a minute. oeMaybe I should send you out, Colonel. As a courier.

oeComrade General, my place is here. My younger brother is safe at his desk in the Leningrad Military District headquarters, along with my sister, Sergetov told his commanding officer.

oeThen who would you suggest Someone has to get to Moscow and brief Marshal Akhromayev on what's going on here, Alekseyev said, looking at Dudorov, who nodded.

oeMajor Sorokin: he was with the 103rd Guards Air Assault Division, until they were shattered at Midland-Odessa. Fortunately, he was one of the few casualties to be evacuated; since then, he's served on the staff as an assistant regarding airborne and air-assault matters. Sergetov said.

Alekseyev looked at General Dudorov, who nodded. oeTell the Major he has a seat on a flight out-first thing tomorrow. Make sure he has copies of all important documents, including reports on what supplies we've received. Not to mention any other photographs, videotapes, and so on that you've got, Ivan Mikhailovich.

oeMay I ask, Comrade General, who he is to brief in Moscow Sergetov asked.

oeYour father, and any of the other ministers he's been talking to. And Marshal Akhromayev. He's to tell them that the end is fast approaching here in Texas, and that the Americans are likely to push south, once we're finished-if the Mexicans don't sign a separate peace. If they do, then the Americans will settle old debts with the Castro brothers, said Alekseyev.

oeI'll cut the orders, Comrade General. Sergetov said.

oeAnd inform Malinsky as well: if there's anyone he wants to send out as his own courier, he'd better do it fast.