The Day America Died! Frozen Apocalypse: After the EMP- A post Apocalyptic America

by A J Newman

  Every night we monitored the Short Wave Bands and other radio channels to glean any news from the rest of the world.

  Some of the reports were unnerving to say the least. We heard that we were gaining ground against the Mexicans and Russians, but had new attacks by the Chinese in California and Cuba in Florida. The operators only had rumors from California and Florida, but it appeared our enemies were trying to carve out their own little piece of America when we were the most vulnerable.

  The rumors were that these were not the old official governments, but rather rogue military commanders who wanted to form their own countries at our expense.

  I turned the radio off and said, “Mike, I hope the military can quickly defeat these outside attacks while we citizens handle the home grown enemy like Prescott.”

  “I agree, we can’t pull the military into these local fights and leave the country open to attacks.”

  I looked at my friends, gathered around the radio and said, “Let’s join in a prayer for our country. Jacob, could you lead us?”

  We all still got together to hear the President’s weekly address to the country and eat popcorn while watching a recorded movie after the President’s program. This was one of the few highlights of our week.

  ***

  President’s Office

  The President of the United States was nervous as she drank a cup of lemon infused tea, and prepared herself to address the nation from her desk.

  The microphone before her took on the look of a dagger she must plunge into the heart of her beloved America.

  Taking a deep breath to stabilize her pulse and heart rate, she was able to avoid the near overwhelming urge to run screaming back to her quarters.

  She thought, if General George Washington bending the knee to God in the snow of the blood stained trail to Valley Forge, and Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and John F. Kennedy had appeared calm in their hour of terror, then so would she. Like President Truman often said, “The buck stops here.”

  These thoughts danced through her mind as she willed herself to attain the calm needed to deliver this desperate State of the Union Address to the people of the United States of America.

  Contemplating her speech brought her to near tears, but tears were not what the American people would hear from their President this night. Her tears would fall later, in her quarters…alone.

  “3 - 2 - 1 – go…”

  “My fellow Americans, our country has survived many seemingly impossible obstacles. They each threatened the fabric and existence of our Constitutional Republic, yet, we prevailed through dogged tenacity of our people, and the Grace of Almighty God. My friends, we face another such crisis, that we must not fail to overcome it.

  The attacks of a year ago did, without question, bring this great nation to its knees, and like our nation’s father, General George Washington kneeling in the blood soaked snow of Valley Forge, we must, as did he, arise with faith in God and the American spirit, continue forward to save and preserve our new nation. This, my fellow Americans, we will do, for we are the world’s bastion of freedom. We are the United States of America.

  Our task is great, though not as great of that of the Founding Fathers who pledged their “lives, fortunes, and their sacred honor” to build this nation. Like the phoenix of legend, we shall arise from the ashes and begin anew to rebuild this nation.

  As you all must, by now know, this task will be long and arduous. We have a three front battle on our soil, which we will, in time win. This is not idle political promise. This is fact.

  Following the final defeat of our enemies, we face many years of struggle to recover from the unprovoked and cowardly attacks upon our great nation. I intentionally did not say, “Back to the way it was in before the attacks on our homeland.” That will not happen in our lifetime.

  However, a reachable goal to return electricity to all in our nation, with the rebuilding of our grid infrastructure is an achievable goal. The return of electric power will pave the way for a national resurgence in all areas of human endeavor. It can be done, and it shall be done.

  Today, we face several major threats to our country. A rogue military force from the former Russian Confederation, consisting of up to ten divisions, similar sized formations from the former Chinese military, Cuba and drug cartels, backed by the Mexican government, have attacked us and desire to carve out land from our country for their own needs. Cuban soldiers have landed in Miami. Our military is currently engaged in battles with these invaders, as we speak.

  We cannot be tied down in large land battles and lose thousands of our brave soldiers.

  With Congressional approval, I instructed our military to use thermonuclear devices to neutralize the Mexican and Cuban military on their own soil.

  Cuba no longer survives as a viable nation state. As the survival of our Republic is at stake, we can no longer be constrained with concerns over collateral damage. America must come first. We have, however taken every possible step to reduce non-military collateral damage where possible. Still, like in our own country, the loss of life has been staggering.

  The Mexican government no longer supports the drug cartel’s attempted takeover of our southwestern states. They have withdrawn their formations from our soil. We convinced the Mexican government that it was in their best interest to cease supporting the drug cartels and to turn their military against these criminals. Unfortunately, a huge percentage of the Mexican military infrastructure and manpower had to be destroyed before the Government of Mexico understood that we would not tolerate an invasion of our country.

  Our military has contained both the Russian and Chinese invaders. As they no longer have a means of resupply, they will be driven back to the coast, and into the Pacific Ocean. There will be no quarter, and no survivors. Our attack submarines, and unimpaired surface components have decimated their fleets.

  Western Civilization has been greatly weakened by the cowardly nuclear EMP attacks of our enemies. Our own nation has also been grievously wounded, but those who would so mercilessly attack us no longer have functioning governments.

  In a mere hours following the assault upon our Republic, our attack submarine service proved to be more than capable to eliminate the governments of Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan. To the brave Americans of our Submarine Service, we owe a debt, which can never be repaid.

  While our other Naval Forces were replacing damaged electronics to get back into the fight, the subs ruthlessly avenged the United States of America, and because of this, the invaders have had no resupply, their Naval Forces have been sunk, and their land forces are being slowly pushed into the sea.

  I truly wish I could tell you that all of our remaining resources are being utilized to rebuild the infrastructure necessary to return America to even a semblance of what we were before the heinous attack on our country and the world.

  The world is still a dangerous place filled with those who, for whatever foolish ideas, wish us harm. We have put them on notice that we will use every resource in our arsenal to protect our country.

  Our immediate and devastating response to attacks against us has resulted in retaliation of unparalleled force and violence upon those very attackers.

  The world now realizes that we will not go quietly into oblivion. We ARE the United States of America.

  Our Naval Fleets located around the world are now operational, save for those, which were in U.S. ports during the unprovoked attacks. Even so, our Navy remains the most powerful, and destructive military force on the planet.

  As President John F. Kennedy once said, Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. These sacred words mean more now than at any other time in our brief history as a nation.

  We have the hardware to defeat those enemy forces now on American shores, but we are desperately in need of volunteers to join our military so we may more swiftly drive our enemies from our shores. I know that many of you are
barely able to feed your families and have no medical care. I promise that the families of every volunteer will be housed, fed and receive medical attention. They will be housed at our current military bases and be protected by our military. The adults will be offered jobs in factories and farms that support our war and rebuilding efforts.

  Without question, we will prevail, but without overwhelming force, the process will be slow.

  A prolonged conflict will tragically mean the loss of many more American lives as the enemies of freedom strike out savagely against defenseless populations of civilians. In this new reality, every single American life is desperately needed to rebuild and repopulate our nation.

  To promise a quick and glorious victory would only make me a liar. This, I am not. If I could promise care for your families I would, but we have no way to provide large-scale assistance across the country. I can only call upon your patriotism and a reminder that the sooner we successfully prosecute this war on our soil, the sooner we shall begin to rebuild the supply lines.

  We observe the coming victory for freedom, symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly 250 years ago.

  Therefore, my fellow citizens, in your hands more than in mine, will rest the final success, or failure, of our nation.

  Since this country’s founding, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our great and exceptional nation. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service yet surround the globe. Their ultimate sacrifice was given to secure the continuation of the United States of America.

  Now the trumpet summons us again — as a call to bear arms; as a call to battle — a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation — a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

  Your Government realizes, full well, that many of you will be unable to join our military. Therefore, we ask you to assist your local law enforcement agencies to eliminate the gangs, drug pushers, and other criminals in your area.

  America is down, but we still have a lot of will power and fight left in our people.

  Good night and May God Bless the United States of America.”

  An unidentified voice added, “We will broadcast details and locations where you can meet with our recruiters.

  ***

  Rolling Hills

  I looked around the room and saw everyone was looking to see if anyone was going to say something. They were speechless.

  Callie broke the ice with, “Dad, did the President just say we nuked Mexico and Cuba?”

  I replied, “That is what I heard, but I am more scared by what I didn’t hear?”

  Ally said, “I don’t understand.”

  “The question is why the most powerful country in the world had to resort to nuclear weapons to deal with third rate military powers unless there are bigger fish to fry,” said Davi.

  I replied, “I would guess that would be the Russians, and Chinese. Still, without military resupply it is unlikely that they could be successful in the long haul.

  From what I heard her say, we have fought, and apparently won a nuclear war. Dear God, we must have caught them with their pants down while they were dancing in the streets over the report of our demise.”

  Paul asked, “If the attack in Oregon is by rogue Russian military formations, why don’t we just nuke them?”

  “For two very good reasons; first we certainly do not want to nuke our own country, killing untold numbers of civilians, and poisoning the land for thousands of years, and secondly, the prevailing winds would bring radiation clouds all across the continent. God only knows how much radiation is already in the air from our earlier attacks.”

  Joan asked, “What about fallout? Do we need to get some Geiger Counters?”

  I replied, “I don’t know, but let’s ask Jake to see if there are any available.”

  ***

  President’s Office

  “Madam President, I thought your address to the nation was one for the history books. I am very proud of you, and proud to be an American.”

  “Jill, cut the Madam President crap when we’re alone. I held back the bits about the severity of the Chinese attacks and that we have lost 5,000 men while killing 10,000 last week. At that rate, if they can hold on, they may yet win, and take over the whole damned country.”

  General Keene walked into the room.

  Jill excused herself and left.

  “Laura, I think that was a great speech and exactly what the country needed. We face a grave situation. We are up to the task if everyone pulls together, and we are willing to do what it takes to save our country.”

  “John, will we have to nuke the Russians and Chinese on our soil?”

  “The Joint Chiefs think that as long as we keep them bottled up near the coast, their supply shortage will make their position untenable. When that happens, they die. It’s as simple as that. We have killed over 25,000 Russians and lost 8,000 of our troops. We must keep our eye on the supply ball. They must not be able to take our military hardware and munitions. Those assets must be protected, or destroyed, as the tactical situation demands.

  Our initial air attacks in California are proving highly successful. With their carriers gone, and their base at Long Beach has been destroyed we have total control of the skies. I can thank God for saving our Sub Forces. There were over 250,000 more Chinese on the way, until our Los Angeles Class Submarine Wolf packs sank every ship.

  Our military fighting force is down to less than 200,000 actual fighters. By the time this thing is over we’ll be lucky to have 5 fully fleshed out divisions to protect our borders.”

  “John, can we meet to determine how many more clean nukes are in our arsenal and if we can continue to eliminate their ships at sea.”

  “Laura, we have over 50 more clean nukes, though I don’t believe we will need them for amphibious warfare.”

  Almost plaintively, Laura asked, “The Canadians will support us won’t they?”

  “You bet’cha they are. The Canadians know that if we fail they are next to be invaded. Laura, we want an emergency meeting with you to discuss other options.”

  “Is there some weapon that we are not using to defend ourselves?”

  “Yes, biological, chemical weapons, and Air Fuel Bombs.”

  “Absolutely no to Bio weapons ‘cause they scare the shit out of me, but I will keep an open mind to non-persistent chemicals. Use the Air Fuel Bombs, and continue our Special Ops Guys to up the sabotage, as you deem necessary.

  I reserve the final approval for the use of chemical weapons on the enemy located within our country when civilian casualties can be kept very low.”

  ***

  We watched our movie, ate our popcorn, but our minds were on the President’s address.

  I caught Mike alone after the meeting, “Mike do we need to think about heading down to South America or Australia? I’m worried.”

  “I’m with you buddy. Things must be much worse than what the president told the nation. How the hell would we get there? By boat?”

  “I don’t know, but keep it between us for now. I don’t want everyone to panic.”

  I left Mike’s house and was walking back to my house when Davi stopped me, “Zack, the situation has to be much worse than the President is telling us.

  Let’s get in touch with my dad or our group in Alabama to hear what they think is going on. I believe the Chinese and Russian attacking the USA are a bigger threat than the President is letting on.”

  “Good thinking, how do we contact your dad?”

  “We must travel south and get within radio range or go to our base.”

  “How big a group?”

  “Two or three. Just you and I should go.”

  “You know damn well Ally won’t let me go
out alone with you.”

  “Our lives may depend on this trip.”

  “Let me think this through, but I agree the trip must happen quickly.”

  “Let’s discuss tomorrow.”

  “Okay, but I plan to head south, with or without you in two days.”

  ***

  Russian Military HQ, Washington State, USA

  Colonel General (Generál-polkóvnik) Ivan Ivanovich stared at the tactical maps showing the known positions of American and newly renamed Soviet units. In moments, he would face his senior Staff Officers and present them with his plan to break out of the current stalemate.

  The first step in his plan was to execute all political commissars assigned throughout his Field Army.

  This move alone made him a true hero to the rank and file of the Army.

  He had concluded that, with no government, other than his own, he had no need for political officers loyal to the glowing remains of Moskva. He would later assign political officers loyal to him alone.

  Wearing the standard field uniform with green shoulder boards showing three subdued gold stars, Colonel General Ivan Ivanovich said, “Comrades, as you know we are in a declining position against the Americans.

  Today, I have learned they have used nuclear weapons against our comrades in Cuba and Mexico to force them out of the war. Such drastic measures surely mean that the Americans are also suffering from supply.

  If we are unable to create a breakout and consolidation of our domination of the north western U.S. and Canada, we shall inevitably lose this war, and to put it quite plainly, we shall die. As our government no longer exists, we are on our own.

  I agree that the overall picture appears to be disproportionate in favor of the Americans, but I believe we have a way to expand, and consolidate our holdings in this, our newly founded Soviet Republic, and force the U.S. government to sue for peace.

  A murmur of excitement ran through the previously dejected staff…