by Unknown
Andropov shifted in his seat. “I have ordered everything to travel camouflaged. Guns are transported in what looks like school buses along with troops. Trains look like they are empty, but are carrying a half load with what looks like an empty car on top. Our troops are dug in ten miles behind the lightly manned front lines. That way we know when the drones are in the air and can take shelter. These are just some of the ways we are getting things ready for the final push into Europe. I also ordered the remaining naval personnel to be given rifles and sent to the front. The fleet is gone anyway, so we may as well use them where we need them. I am doing the same with some aviation units. This should give us the people we need to get the job done. Because we no longer have use of our tactical nuclear forces, we will hit them with overwhelming firepower, then follow up with our tanks. It is the only way we have to get the job done. It will be costly, but should work,” he said to Borodin.
Borodin sat back in his seat. “This is a good plan. You seem to be thinking outside our conventional ways. That is good. We will need that to achieve victory. Since you think they are watching, I assume it is with satellites. How do you plan on eliminating this threat?”
Andropov sighed. “It is not within our capability as yet,” he said. “Everything we send up gets destroyed before reaching its orbit. I am told we are working on it, but that will take time. This is why I am using deception to achieve our goals. It is cheaper and still effective in the short run,” he said.
Borodin slid a stack of papers across his desk. “I read your estimate on our total loses so far. I must admit I was unaware it was that extensive.”
“I am afraid Marshal Pusko was not totally up front with you when he made his reports. I am more conservative and believe you need to know so that you can make better decisions. Russia is in trouble and steps must be taken to get her out of this situation. You need to know that I am here to serve my country. I will do whatever is in my power to save her and restore her to glory. Of that you can be sure,” he said proudly.
Borodin nodded. He liked this man and for the first time in months began to see hope. He got up from his desk. “Continue with your plans, Phillipe Ivanovich. You have restored my confidence in the Army. How soon before you strike?”
“Just a few days. Most of the supplies are already in place and I am now getting the rest of the troops where they need to be. This effort will change Russia forever,” Andropov assured him.
“Good, very good,” said Borodin as he escorted the man out of the office.
CNN
“In new just released, Polish authorities have captured a Russian field agent who admits that the Russian government sent agents into surrounding nations to stir up the populations just prior to the war. Robert Cartman has more,” said the host, Pamela Mason.
The image shifted to a small holding room where a man sat at a dark table. He had only one arm and was wearing an orange jumpsuit. Anton Bugayev sat looking at one of the men in the room. His face was haggard and his beard had several days of growth. There were bags under his eyes indicating he had been up for some time. He spoke in Russian with a text translation at the bottom of the screen.
“The plan was always to stir up rage against the seated government against our Russian people,” he said almost proudly. “My job was to do this in several large cities. It started in the Ukraine and moved to each of our former allies. My last job was in Poland.”
“Did this involve killing innocent people?” asked a voice from off camera.
“Yes, we did whatever it took. The whole purpose of this was to incite riots in each city. What better way than to have someone supposedly shot by local police,” Bugayev said with a grin. There was something about his face and voice. There was a drowsiness in his speech and actions. This became obvious when he sat back and laughed. “You people are so gullible. You have become so soft you cannot even tell when you are being manipulated. You should be strong like Russians. We never get taken in by such things,” he said.
The image switched to a reporter standing in front of a prison. “Russian agent Anton Bugayev was captured by Polish authorities after a demonstration in Krakow where he shot and killed three people and wounded two more. At the time, the incident fanned the flames of dissent by ethnic Russians for local authority. While the government was concentrating on this event and others throughout Poland, Russia invaded, starting the Third World War. Officials here say Bugayev and his fellow agents were part of an overall plot to weaken the Polish government just prior to their initial invasion. They say this further proves Russia had been working for years toward ultimate European control. In all, officials are telling CNN there have been four other agents captured and are saying the same things. I guess this is shaping up for an interesting war crimes trial. Pamela.”
The image returned to Atlanta and the CNN headquarters. “Any indication who all may be involved, Robert?” the Mason asked.
“Pamela, it’s obvious it goes all the way to the top, but we have received information from some sources that this was also backed by major business leaders in Russia who were anxious to expand their business efforts throughout at least Europe. If so, that would go into areas well outside their government,” said Cartman.
“I’m sure we will be learning more as we press further toward Russia. In other news…” Mason continued as she moved to another story. The broadcast was being run both on television and via the radio where broadcast stations were sited all along the German border. For the first time, Russians were able to hear one of their own agents tell of what their government had done. Bugayev had spoken of gullibility. Now they felt the shame for some of their own.
Berlin
“Is everything ready?” asked Hammond.
“We roll in two hours,” said Dortmund. “Moynahan is at the front and has spoken to the Belarusian government. There’s no fear of those remaining Russian troops doing anything. Most asked to join their army. The planes from the United States are already on their way and will hold and refuel over Germany. Everything goes at once,” he said.
“What about the civilians?”
“They have been leaving the border areas for a week. Most homes are empty and we know where the soldiers are hiding. We will try and leave the homes alone, but if there are soldiers about, we may have no choice,” said Pol.
Hammond nodded and thought a moment, then looked at the assembled officers. “Once again we enter the breech, dear friends. Launch Operation Arctic Flames as scheduled,” he said.
Two hours later, a massive bombardment began along the Russian border with Belarus. Artillery and aircraft pounded a one hundred mile strip in the province of Smolensk. It wasn’t the kind of bombardment you saw in old war movies. This one hit preselected targets in a precise order to prevent any additional resupply and to take out all hard positions. At the same time, the Turkish Army continued northward past Volgograd and the American Marines struck out, crossing the Ukranian border into Russia. In the east, General Bryant was back aboard a train. Vladivostok had fallen and now he was heading west. Well over three million tons of ordnance was scheduled to be dropped on Russian lines before the drones went in. Then the bombardment would move further eastward on the way to Moscow.
USS Iowa
Iowa eased into Naples and made her way to the large shipyard, Cantieri del Mediterraneo. The ship was in need of some repairs to two of her shafts. The long high speed chase in the Black Sea had been rough on some of the old parts and two shaft bearings and a thrust bearing needed attention. Three months at sea took its toll on the crew as well. They were looking forward to some liberty in Naples. People lined the shoreline to watch the great ship come in. Italy had a winning stake in this one and they were savoring the pride they felt. Women waved and the children pointed in awe. Then the ship’s band began to play and all along the waterfront people began dancing and cheering. This was the American ship they had heard about. To have it in Naples was a thrill. It almost guaranteed everyone would have a great
time that night.
Jeffers watched from a position on the bow. Boats and his crew were there ready to handle the lines and there wasn’t much for him to do, but it beat sitting in his office. Looking out over the city it seemed to be almost a living thing. He could imagine what it might be like ashore, but tonight he didn’t feel like going out on the town. He had been having a rough time sleeping since that day on the America when he watched his friend die. In his dreams, Jeffers saw Evan leave to run back into the flames on the ship to pick someone up and drag him to safety. There was an explosion and Jeffers would jerk awake in his bed. Evan always had a smile on his face, and he always went back in. For some reason Jeffers couldn’t get that image out of his mind. He had talked to Doc Dickerson about it, but there wasn’t much Doc could do but let him talk it through and then prescribe some anti-depressants, which Jeffers refused. Luckily, the dreams didn’t affect his work. Things were going well.
Jeffers looked back toward the bridge. Below the ship’s ribbons, was a large panel displaying all of Iowa’s achievements. Jeffers had remembered how ships used to paint symbols on the side to indicate the numbers of planes shot down and ships sunk. His people had recreated the same thing, except this one spanned a period of nearly ninety years and four different commissions. It clearly showed Japanese planes and ships, but Jeffers included all the shore bombardments from the Pacific to the Black Sea. At the end were two broken ships in Russian colors along with a couple of aircraft. The entire display was thirty feet long. It would be interesting to see people’s reactions.
Later that evening after a walk around the deck, where he could hear the music and excitement in the city, Jeffers turned in. In the darkened cabin his thoughts once again turned to Evan. As he sat in his bed, he looked over and saw the dim outline of Evan’s guitar. He wasn’t too sure now that he could take it back to his family. Thinking of Evan was becoming too difficult. But he had promised. He was deep in thought when a fragrant smell came through his cabin. He finally recognized it as the smell of fresh cut roses. He smiled. Who would be bringing roses onboard the ship, he thought. The fragrance hung in the air and suddenly Jeffers felt very sleepy. His eyes fluttered closed as his mind drifted to other things. Jeffers fell into a deep sleep which would remain with him the rest of the night.
Moscow
The sun began to rise on what would be a clear, sunny day. Red Square was surprisingly empty for a Monday morning. Policemen waved through some of the few government cars still on the street and people began filling the huge square. At first the police didn’t think much about it, but the people didn’t seem to be going anywhere. There were more of them too. Many began to congregate in the center of the square and just talk among themselves. Children were with their parents and in some instances, people greeted each other warmly. By 8 a.m. people seemed to be pouring from almost every side street. Like the others, the gathered with the crowd in the center of the square.
A few of the police tried to talk to some of the crowd, but they were ignored. As the mass grew, the police began to panic. Calls were sent out for help, but for some reason, none came. Instead, the officers were told to do nothing but help if needed. Not understanding this change, they simply moved back and let the crowd grow.
By 9 a.m., there were 200,000 people in Red Square with more filing in. Yet the crowd was quiet. There was talking, but no shouts and no aggressive behavior. It was as if people were on a holiday.
At 10 a.m., the square was full. Almost on que, someone began singing the old hymn “Oh Lord, Save Thy People.” It was a favorite, which had been used by Petyr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to start his 1812 Overture. At first it was only a few people, then the sound grew until over 300,000 voices lifted it into the air. Work in the city stopped as the hymn was sung and more people looked down from office windows and from other buildings.
At the end of the hymn came another sound. Nearly one hundred Russian Orthodox monks, dressed in black robes, began singing the old chant, “Let my Prayer Arise.” They began filing out of a smaller street into the square. The people moved to each side, giving the monks room. Many of the monks swung incense burners, filling the air with the smells and smoke. Others carried holy icons or crosses. Soon the people in the crowd began singing along. Once again, the old hymns filled the air on Red Square.
Suddenly there was a shout as people saw Patriarch Gregory dressed in his finest gold robes step into the square. As he walked, he offered blessings to the crowd. Many fell to their knees as he passed and the crowd became overcome in happiness at seeing their Patriarch safe and sound.
In the center of the square someone set up a portable loudspeaker system and hooked it to a battery. The trail of monks and the Patriarch made their way there singing hymns and gesturing to the people. The speakers were set high on a pole. There was a small box set up beside it. The Patriarch stepped up and looked over the crowd and he held up his hands for silence.
The Patriarch led the crowd in prayer before addressing them. “Children of God, today we being His voice to those who run our government. His voice fills our hearts. His voice rings in our ears. It tells us what they are doing is wrong! It tells us that you may no longer rule our hearts and minds. In the name of our God, you must step away from your posts and leave. In the name of our God you are beyond redemption until you do so. If you do not, I declare you excommunicate from the Church of our Mother Russia and condemned. In the name of our God, I command the gates of the Kremlin be opened. We, the free people of Russia wish to enter!” he shouted.
The crowd let out a yell and began moving toward the main gates to the Kremlin. The Patriarch stepped down and moved with the people. To their utter amazement, the gates opened.
The Kremlin
Borodin heard the singing from his office. One of his aides burst into the room and told him of the crowd. Angered, Borodin called for the Army to restore order. He tried to work, but the sound of the hymns filled the air. In a few minutes there was a knock on the door. Marshal Andropov entered the room.
“What are you doing about the crowd in Red Square?” demanded Borodin.
“It is being taken care of,” said Andropov. “I have finally gotten all my people into position and we are ready to move. I have also taken steps to end the bombardment that has been going on for two days. When you are ready, I will give the orders,” he said.
Borodin smiled. “Then give the order. I want things to happen now,” he said firmly.
Andropov saluted and turned and gave an order through the door. Two squads of soldiers suddenly entered the room with their weapons facing Borodin. Borodin looked in horror as Andropov pulled his pistol and pointed it directly at him.
“You may recall I told you I would do all in my power to save our nation. Now I shall. You are under arrest. You will be taken to Butyrka prison where you will be held on charges of crimes against the Russian people. Do not resist, or I will shoot you myself,” Andropov ordered.
“Have you lost your mind? I am President of Russia! You cannot arrest me,” shouted Borodin.
Andropov barked an order and a strait jacket was forcibly placed on a protesting Borodin. A gag was placed in his mouth and he was led to the window to see that the gates of the Kremlin were open and the crowd was gathering inside. He saw the Patriarch move to the steps of his building and silence the crowd for a moment.
“They are waiting for us,” said Andropov.
The soldiers dragged Borodin down the halls from his presidential office and down the main staircase. The front doors were thrown open and the crowd erupted as the men pulled a resisting Borodin past the Patriarch and into a waiting vehicle. Andropov stepped beside the Patriarch and watched him leave, then turned, knelt, and kissed the Patriarch’s hand. The crowd erupted in joy, gathering around the men until the Patriarch once again called for quiet.
“People of Russia, I am Marshal Andropov, in command of the Russian Army. We have overthrown our dictatorial leader and have assumed the responsibility for the st
ate. Today I have called for the Duma to reconvene. I am asking for general elections so that we may reestablish a representative government of the people in Moscow. Once this is done, that government will once again rule our nation. I am also contacting the Allied powers so that we may bring this unholy war to an end.”
The crowd let out a cheer and it took several minutes before they quieted again. Andropov continued. “Fellow Russians, I ask your help. We have been led down the wrong road for a long time. It will take time to get things going again. We are going to do what we can to bring civilization back to our nation. Power needs to be restored and our businesses rejuvenated. I will not rest until we have brought every person who has led us to war to justice. Until then, reach out to your neighbors and friends. Let us solve our problems together. Let us build Russia into a place of prosperity for all. Let us go to work,” he said. Then he began to sing another song. It wasn’t their national hymn, but something much older. The crowd immediately recognized it as the old Imperial Anthem, except instead of singing ‘God save the Tsar,’ he sang ‘God Save the People.’ Smiles spread around as others picked up the notion and began to sing. It was a new day in Russia and the people were in control.
