The Sun Sets on the British Empire; Ch. 12

"So, Comrade General can you tell me why we haven't attacked NATO yet?"

"Well, Mr. President, we've been preparing for the US invasion and our resources are tied up...with England to the north providing air cover we would have a drastic increase in losses."

"...huh...What if there was no England?"

"Well this would go fairly easy. Difficult as any war, but more men would live to see their families...or New York City, but England is there, so we're still planning."

"Do you know how to make England dissapear?"

"I suppose a lot of heavy bombings, but that would cost much in the world of logistics...We'll just need to get air superiority over France."

"What if we could launch one missile and all our troubles in England were gone?"

"Then France and the US would be easier...but you don't mean..."

"Have you heard of the Tsar Bomb?"

"Yes it was the world's largest nuclear weapon that we tested back in the '60's...why?"

"...one missile and all your worries will be gone!"

"...but...what if the US or England retaliates?!"

"We have a missile defense system...you will be safe, I will be safe, your family will be safe, all of Russia will be safe...all you need to do is say..."

"...I need the missile...I know...I...I suppose I would like you to authorize its launch..."

"Done. Now we watch our new sunset."

In a missile silo in the middle of Siberia the crew on watch that twenty-sixth of March got the order to launch their missile at a pre-selected target. They did not know why or what city or in what country. They only had two keys and a piece of paper that said the President of the Russian Federation has authorized the launch of a nuclear weapon. The crew got to their posts, prayed, and turned the keys. The silo and commad room shook violently as the missile lifted into the air. Each stage seperated as it reached certain altitudes. It reached the edge of the atmosphere froze for a second in the peaceful vaccuum of space and then began its fifteen minute desent towards London.

It was sunset on the northern French-Russian lines. They were preparing dinner and watching the sun dip below the horizon. Not even the field commanders could forsee the event that followed as there cooks heated some soup.

"Hey Sahsa how are you doing?"

"Tired, nothing has happened since that helicopter strike."

"Oh yeah...that...I'm sure we'll advance some day, but atleast we get to relax!"

"Yeah, but we could relax in a warm home with our families or girlfriends."

"True, but..."

The commader got up to address everyone.

"Everyone we're going to attack today, so get ready to advance!"

"When do we move out?!"

"The high command said we will know when it is time, so we will see I guess."

Just then a bright light flashed to the north making a large second sunset. A few minutes later they heard a large deep thunderous sound and a large mushroom cloud rose.

"My god..."

All of the men looked to the north and stared in awe. The Tsar bomb detonated at ground level and left a ten mile crater where London once stood. The blast wave reached all the remaining major cities of England and left a layer of snow like radiation. An empire that once stretched across the world was now only a heap of radioactive ash. The sight was not recorded by any media for people to see, but US satellites did pick up the debri cloud. Hiroshima and Nagasaki looked like granades in comparison to the event of March twenty-sixth. No one in England ever saw it coming, nor did they live to tell about it.

"Sasha, did you see that?..."

They were still in shock.

"...yeah...was that a..."

"...nuke?...yeah I think it was Sasha..."

"You two! Stop standing there get int he truck!"

"...but sir will they retaliate?!"

"...there probably isn't anyone alive to retaliate...just get in the truck..."

"Yes sir..."

The ride was smooth to Amiens, France. The NATO forces retreated to Rouen after the helicopter raids left their defenses in shambles. Now they were without air support and it would be an up hill battle. The retreat allowed Russian forces to simply walk through Amiens in the North.

"Hey Jaque...do you think we will ever win this war?"

"Not a chance. After England got nuked and the US didn't even retaliate, I would say we are screwed..."

"True...do you think they will nuke us too?"

"No, they want this land..."

"Also true...well good night Jaque..."

They Frenchmen got to sleep knowing tomorrow would be a long day...

~~~

Marshal law was now in place in the United States after the elimination of England. Tanks roamed the once silient sub-urban streets, fighters flew more patrols, and some people had to give up property to have a surface to air missile system built in their backyard. The entire nation was on full and constant alert.

"I wonder if I will ever see Tanya again, but will she be the enemy the next time I see her?"

Daniel sat in his recliner sipping some beer. He was watching the news that had satellite footage displaying a large flash of light over England. He was shocked and glued to the TV. He wondered what would become of the US, Russia, and most importantly, Tanya...