Peacekeepers

by James Rosone

  “OK, here we go,” Banks announced over the intercom as he lined them up for their pass over the base.

  As soon as they leveled out, the whole world around them suddenly filled with red and green tracer fire as thousands upon thousands of projectiles sought them out.

  “Holy crap! That’s a lot of AA!” shouted Marty, the defensive weapons officer. He swiftly did what he could to make sure none of the radar-guided anti-aircraft guns got a solid lock on them.

  Many lines of tracers crisscrossed the sky, flying at nearly every possible angle like a spectacular laser show. Intermixed with the strings of enemy fire were small flashes of explosions that kept happening at a higher altitude.

  “We’re coming over the runways now!” shouted Banks to Ricky.

  Ricky hit the weapons release button, and the bombs in the internal bay released. All eighty-one Snake Eyes strung across the entire runway of the base, their four-pointed high-drag tailfins opening up to slow the bombs’ fall and help angle them to land at just the right position to inflict maximum damage on the concrete slabs of the runway.

  “All weapons released!” shouted Ricky.

  In a fraction of a second, the four 30,780-horsepower engines thrust to maximum power and the bomber banked hard to the left as Major Banks tried to put as much distance as possible between them and the target they’d just bombed.

  Without warning, the scope in front of Ricky shattered. Sparks flew out and blood was all over him. Frigid cold air suddenly swirled around inside the cockpit.

  “We’ve been hit. I need a damage report!” shouted Banks.

  “Hydraulic levels are dropping. Engine one appears to be on fire!” his copilot exclaimed.

  “Shut down the engine. I’m going to try and get us some more altitude in case we have to ditch. What’s everyone’s status?” Banks asked.

  Everyone called back that they were OK, except Ricky. Banks called out again, but there was no response.

  “I think Ricky’s dead,” said Marty.

  There wasn’t too much time to think about that at the moment. The two small holes in the windshield brought in more and more cold air, making it uncomfortably frigid in the cabin. Tracer fire still swept toward them, although it seemed that the bulk of the tracers were still focused back at the airfield. Those targeting them seemed to be oblivious to the fact that they’d already gotten out of the area.

  Then the alarm bells blared, warning them that they’d just been acquired by radar. Seconds later, a string of bright objects flew directly at them. Before Banks could take evasive maneuvers or Marty could get the radar jammed, a string of 30mm projectiles plowed right through the cockpit of the bomber, tearing it apart and killing the entire crew in the process. Moments later, the Lancer blew apart into a massive fireball, its wreckage strewn across several hundred yards of a nearby forest.

  *******

  Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake

  The crew of the SA-19 “Grison” sat there for a moment, transfixed as they heard what sounded like the end of the world happening not more than five or six miles away at the large Canadian airbase. Dozens upon dozens of anti-aircraft guns fired constantly while the air raid sirens blared, letting everyone know the base was under attack.

  Sergeant Kvetsinsky didn’t waste a moment. “Get your radar turned back on and start scanning the horizon for possible threats!” he yelled.

  A few minutes went by as they watched the fireworks show. Strings of red and green tracer fire filled the night sky, intermixed with smaller explosions. The defenders were clearly doing their best to throw as much shrapnel and projectiles into the air as possible in hopes that one or more pieces would connect with the bombers, missiles or whatever it was that was headed toward the base.

  Then a much brighter amber burst lit up the base. In quick succession, before they even felt the ground shake or heard the sound of the first explosion, what seemed like hundreds of orange fireballs popped up all across the runways, hangars and parking ramps of the massive airbase. Soon after, their senses were utterly overwhelmed by the sheer noise of the thunderous explosions, and the ground shook violently from the blasts.

  “Get ready, here they come!” shouted the radar operator inside the vehicle. He steered the turret in the direction of the enemy plane he was tracking.

  The corporal manning the 30mm machine gun depressed the fire button and sent a barrage of fire in the direction the radar operator had indicated as the source of the threat. No sooner had he fired his first barrage of bullets than they were rewarded with the sight of a massive bomber flying practically straight for them.

  Sergeant Kvetsinsky watched as the first string of rounds flew right into the nose section of the big bomber. As the first tracer round hit the nose, he knew instinctively that the next six rounds would likewise be walked right up the nose of the plane and into the crew compartment of the aircraft.

  The front part of the aircraft began to disintegrate from the sheer speed at which it was traveling and the fact that the cockpit was no longer aerodynamic. Seconds later, the bomber exploded, breaking apart as it crashed into the ground.

  With his eyes wide as saucers, Sergeant Kvetsinsky realized the burning beast of a warplane was now careening right for them. Before he could yell at the driver to move them out of the way, a wave of debris and fire mixed with fuel engulfed their vehicle and everyone in it. His crew had succeeded in shooting down a B-1 bomber, but they’d also perished in the process. In that last flicker of existence, Kvetsinsky saw a prophetic flash of all of the honors and awards they would receive posthumously in Russia for their gallant efforts.

  *******

  From the Washington Examiner:

  Nearly two days after the UN army attacked Camp David and the Pentagon’s alternate command post at Raven Rock, it still has not been confirmed if President Jonathan Sachs is dead or alive. Spokesmen from FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers have stated that they have a team of specialists working to gain entry into the bombed-out bunker, but it may be days before they are able to confirm if there were any survivors.

  With the President either dead or incapacitated, Vice President Luke Powers has taken over as acting President. Powers said in a statement to the press that “the sneak attack on Washington, D.C., and the assassination of more than 200 congresspersons and senators, was a barbaric act that won’t go unpunished.” He went on to express that he had ordered retaliatory strikes against Russia, China, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

  Acting President Powers also asked the remaining members of Congress to issue a formal Declaration of War against the nations who are participating in this UN invasion of America. The minority leader, Democratic Congressman Jesús Perez, introduced a war declaration within an hour of that request and has publicly rallied for his caucus and the Republicans to join him in pushing it through Congress.

  Powers continues to urge people to remain calm across the country, saying, “The American leadership had planned for these types of contingencies, and we do have a plan in place. We are still functioning as a government; services will continue to be provided, and our brave men and women in uniform are doing everything in their power to defend our great nation. As acting President, I’m asking that all Americans continue to go to work and do their best to carry on with their lives. Please continue to support our law enforcement officials and our men and women in uniform.”

  Powers added, “The Pentagon has announced a plan to increase the size of the military by three million servicemembers. If you are physically able and willing to join, I ask that you step forward and help us defeat these foreign invaders.”

  *******

  From the New York Times:

  New Yorkers are torn between their support of President-Elect Marshall Tate and his government in exile in Canada, and the Sachs administration in Washington, D.C. After the sneak attack on Washington, and the killing of more than 200 congressional leaders, nine of which were from the state of New York, many are uncerta
in if they still support Senator Tate’s decision to involve the UN. Even now, UN military forces are less than 100 miles from New York City. Many who do not agree with the UN mission have begun to flee the city ahead of the advancing army.

  *******

  From the BBC News Online:

  The world stands collectively aghast at the cruise missile attack carried out against the French capital of Paris during the morning rush hour. At approximately 8:32 a.m., air raid sirens were heard throughout the capital as many Parisians were on their way to work. Without warning, two American Tomahawk cruise missiles struck the Élysée Palace, causing immense damage. Fires raged out of control in the building for nearly two hours before firefighters were able to contain the blaze. It is reported that the President was not at the palace during the attack, though his wife was, and is presumed to have died in the missile strike.

  Four additional cruise missiles struck the Ministry of Defence, often referred to as the French Pentagon. The ports of Marseille, Le Havre, Cherbourg, and Brest were also struck by dozens of American cruise missiles, rendering much of the port facilities useless.

  According to French defence officials, the cruise missile attacks originated from American submarines operating in the Mediterranean and the North Sea. A massive hunt is currently underway to find and sink these submarines before they can do further damage.

  British defence officials confirmed that the cruise missile attack carried out by the American submarines was not directed at France alone. American stealth bombers also hit targets in Belgium, bombing the ports of Antwerp and Bruges. Several bombs also hit the Belgian Ministry of Defence building.

  In the Netherlands, the port facilities of Rotterdam and several railheads were also hit by American stealth bombers. These facilities may have been targeted due to their efforts in support of the UN peacekeeping operations in North America. Germany was also not spared in the overnight raids by US forces; the ports of Bremerhaven, Kiel, and Hamburg saw immense damage. Fires are still raging there as of the time of this publication.

  American stealth bombers carried out a bold daylight raid against the German, Russian and Chinese capitals. In Germany, American stealth bombers destroyed the Reichstag and Ministry of Defence buildings. They also hit the Chancellor’s residence, thoroughly destroying it. In Russia, American stealth bombers hit the Kremlin and two dachas where the Russian president’s family reportedly often stay. It is unclear if he or his family were killed, though it is clear they were the intended targets of the raid.

  In China, Beijing was rocked by a total of twenty strikes. It has been reported that the Great Hall of the People has been thoroughly destroyed, along with the August 1st Building and Zhongnanhai government residence complex adjacent to the Forbidden City, where President Chen lives, along with the senior leaders of the Chinese government and their families. It is unclear how many of the leaders of China were killed.

  One thing has been made abundantly clear by these coordinated strikes—the United States is retaliating for the UN attack on Washington, D.C., and the presumed assassination of President Jonathan Sachs and more than 200 of their elected officials. Nearly one-third of the American federal government was killed during the early morning raid on Washington, D.C., nearly 30 hours ago. Much of the American government is still hiding in their bunkers, unsure if it is safe to return to their normal functions.

  *******

  From Der Spiegel:

  Norwegian military units under the command of the United Nations have succeeded in capturing the US state of Maine. After some brief fighting with American ground forces in the area, Spanish, Italian and Belgian troops have succeeded in capturing the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. UN forces have also entered the state of Massachusetts, though they are facing fierce opposition by American Marines stationed nearby.

  Canadian Forces have seized control of the northern half of New York state, and have succeeded in isolating the few American forces that were still fighting in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is believed the UN will capture New York City sometime today as the American government has declared it an open city to spare it from the fighting.

  In the Midwest, the elite Dutch-German Division Schnelle Kräfte have broken through the American lines north of the city of Detroit in the state of Michigan. A Russian Army group also punched through the American lines in Detroit after heavy fighting within the city. The Russians have now progressed beyond Detroit and captured the city of Toledo along Lake Erie in Ohio. Russian forces are now moving to capture the city of Cleveland as part of their army group splits off to drive on the capital of Ohio, Columbus.

  The Schnelle Kräfte division is currently engaging the American 1st Cavalry and 101st Airborne Division at Battle Creek, Michigan. When they break through this last line of defense, it is believed they will move to liberate the city of Chicago, Illinois, before expanding further into the center of the country. Fighting between the German and American forces is reported to be fierce and bloody, with little quarter being given to either side.

  In the West, Russian and Canadian forces have been stopped at the city of Kent, halfway between the cities of Seattle and Tacoma in the western state of Washington. The West Coast states of Oregon and California have announced that they have officially broken away from the United States government, swearing their loyalty to President-Elect Marshall Tate, whose government continues to operate in exile in Ottawa, Canada.

  California’s Civil Defense Forces, the state-controlled militia force, attacked and overran Beale Air Force Base, seizing control of much of the federal government’s surveillance and drone equipment and capabilities in the process. Heavy fighting is being reported outside Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, just west of the state capital of Sacramento and east of San Francisco.

  In Southern California, the US Marines have sealed off control of everything from the Mexican border to just south of Los Angeles. It has been reported that there is heavy fighting between the various militia units and renegade California Army National Guard units and the Marines stationed in the area. With critical naval facilities in San Diego and the Marine base at Camp Pendleton, it is no surprise that the federal government has sought to secure the area.

  Chinese forces continue to arrive in Mexico, threatening the entire southern border of the US. It is expected that Chinese forces will begin attacking within the next couple of days.

  *******

  From the Toronto Star:

  Canadian citizens are appalled at the most recent American attack on Canadian soil. Last night, the Americans carried out a daring deep strike raid, destroying the Canadian Forces Base at Cold Lake. It is estimated that over 4,000 military and civilian members were killed during the early morning raid.

  The previous night, the Americans raided the province of Ontario, destroying all four air bases in the process. The Ministry of Defence reports the casualties have now risen to over 7,000 UN forces killed and more than twice that number injured since the start of hostilities. It is unclear at this point how much of the UN’s air force is still operational after two days of heavy aerial fighting.

  American Special Forces carried out a series of raids, destroying more than a dozen rail bridges connecting Eastern and Western Canada. Meanwhile in Mexico, the Chinese ground forces are preparing for a new offensive aimed at capturing Southern California along with the border states of Arizona and New Mexico. With the death of President Sachs by a daring raid on his command bunker, President-Elect Marshall Tate has once again made an impassioned plea for acting President Powers to end the bloody fighting and leave office.

  Chapter 15

  Stunned

  Annapolis Junction, Maryland

  It was a cloudy morning—the sun had been unable to burn its way through the thick overcast that threatened the city with snow. Colonel Zaitsev of Spetsgruppa A smiled—it was the perfect weather for what they were about to do today. There was really no better way to impair the abilities of an aer
ial search party.

  As they drove down the parkway in his Chevy Suburban with blacked out windows, Zaitsev made sure to stay approximately three vehicles behind their blacked-out thirty-passenger bus. He checked his rearview mirror. Their second Suburban was still a few cars back, ready to act as their backup should they need it.

  “What do we do if the Americans have a checkpoint at the business park?” asked Lieutenant Kanakin nervously. He scanned outside the passenger window continuously for any possible threats.

  Casually turning to look at the young officer, Zaitsev saw that Kanakin’s anxiety was increasing with each passing moment. His hand was fidgeting with his AK-15K assault rifle. This was his first real mission with them, and it was showing.

  Zaitsev shook his head slightly as he returned his gaze to the traffic on the road and the passenger bus they were following. “Lieutenant, you worry too much,” he said nonchalantly. “Please, calm yourself. You’re going to miss things happening around us if you’re too edgy. We have driven this route several times. The Americans have never had a checkpoint to enter the business park, and they will not have one today. Just make sure you don’t forget to monitor the business park for electronic jammers that might interfere with the remote detonator.”

  “Da,” Kanakin replied. He resumed his vigilant gaze out the passenger-side window.

  It was now 0928 hours. They were catching the tail end of the morning commute, so the traffic was relatively light compared to what it would have been ninety minutes earlier. When Zaitsev saw the sign for Jessup Road, he turned his blinker light on and pulled onto the off-ramp, following the bus as it did the same.