A Soldier’s Story

Part I: The Coming Storm

	"…And now turning to the war front, the Allied Forces have made significant gains in the war over the past few hours since our last update.  According to sources at the Pentagon, Allied tanks have broken several Soviet battle lines in Korea with heavy air support from the Black Eagle Fighter, a new design just recently put into production in that area.  With this victory the Allies will be able to move towards the heavily defended city of Vladivostok.  Though it is believed that a long and devastating siege will be required, it is expected that the Allies will have Vladivostok in their hands by Christmas, which is seven months away.  What a Christmas present it will be for President Dugan if we could have that city by Christmas.  We'll be back with more coverage of the war and interview some top Pentagon officials after this short commercial break.  You are listening to WAPT Radio on the frequency of 680 AM."

	"John!" cried Merriam, "The Allies have busted out of Korea and may be near Vladivostok soon."
	"I'm in the shower, and I don't give a damn right now," yelled back John.  "I'll come down after I'm done with my shower.  Make sure that dinner is ready, I want that chicken cooked just right this time."
	John Shepard was 27 years old and was married to his wife Merriam, 26.  He had not yet been drafted for military service, but he anticipated getting the letter in the mail any day now.  Though he wasn't usually commanding towards his wife to get dinner done, he especially wanted tonight's dinner of chicken.  Chicken is a rare commodity during war times, and last time they had it Merriam had done a botched job of overcooking it last time.  That was one month ago.  He wanted done right.
	John came from the average middle class family.  His father had been in the first war against the Soviets.  He had been killed in the final battle against Stalin.  He had been wounded by the shot of an infantryman and was not found until three days after the battle, the blood drained out of his body.  Had he been found earlier, he may have made it.
	As John came down the stairs he saw what appeared to be a perfectly cooked chicken on the table, along side of the chicken, beautifully whipped mashed potatoes, and some beans.  For the drinks, some Coca-Cola and some of the wine stored in their basement.  It appeared to be perfect.  And it was.  As he ate, he congratulated Merriam on the wonderful cooking job this time, and apologized for yelling at her while he was in the shower.
	After the meal was complete, and the dishes had been washed by hand, they both sat down to watch coverage of the war on their brand new, state of the art color television.  It was amazing really.  How could the country be so engulfed by a war have time to put out brand new color Televisions.  It was quite amazing, but at that time, of no matter to John or Merriam as they were transfixed by what they saw on the screen.

"…Thank you Kathy.  Now let's make a quick recap of today's events for those of you who have just tuned in after what was hopefully a great dinner.
Topping today's news: Allied forces in Korea, broke through lines today that have been held by the Soviets since before the Great War.  This was assisted by Allied Black Eagle fighting jets that are immune to the mind control powers employed by the Soviets.  The fighters were able to specifically target the Psi-Corp troopers and take them out, allowing for the Allied Grizzly Tanks to move in.  However, there was a surprise that Allied Intelligence had missed.  The Soviets had installed many cloning vats in the area and quickly replaced their lost troops.  In return, the Allies quickly called up their Prism Tanks from the rear and were able to manhandle the troops.  This time when the air strikes were called in, they removed the Cloning Vats, thus removing an Allied headache.  The Allies quickly broke through the lines, and are now en route to Vladivostok.
Turning to the western front of the war, Allied troops, tanks, fighter jets, and aircraft carriers, aided by aegis cruisers, and destroyers, launched strikes in Germany, as they continue to hold off the advancing Soviets.  It is believed that the world famous professor, Albert Einstein is located in Germany, working on new plans to create special weapons of destruction, to replace the nuclear weapons lost in the beginning of this war.  To our knowledge, he is currently working on perfecting a special device called the `Chronosphere`.  It is, at this time, unknown what this device will do when developed, but some are led to believe that it has something to do with time, as the word `Chrono` is used.  However, it is pure speculation.  We'll be back after a quick break with some breaking news from the Korean Front."

With that, the television went to a break and left John and Merriam on edge as they impatiently waited for the program to return to inform them of the news.  While the news was on break, the couple speculated as to what the news may be.
"What in the heavens has happened now?" asked Merriam.
"I haven't the faintest," came John's reply.  "But if I were to bet, those damned Soviets have pulled some other trick out of their hat to frustrate our forces and delay inevitable."
"Like what?" came Merriam's voice.
"Dunno.  Let's find out, the show is back."
And with that, they returned to the television, only to be horrified at was to be told:
"This war has just gone nuclear.  The Russians have somehow developed a nuclear bomb underneath Allied Intelligence and deployed it.  They have used only one so far and it was detonated on the Allied Forces advancing out of Korea.
According to the Pentagon, the Allied forces have suffered nearly 70% casualties.  A special speech by the President will be made in just a few moments.  From a tactical standpoint, all but one advance base was destroyed the bomb, and it has been severely crippled.  Allied forces are retreating to protect this base at all costs.
We now go to the President of the United States of America in the Oval Office at the White House.
`My fellow Americans, a horrible event in the history of mankind has occurred.  A nuclear bomb detonated by the Soviets on advancing Allied troops just outside of Korea has caused great casualties.  From what I know at this moment we have suffered nearly 80% casualties.  This is higher than first reports.  We believe that over 30,000 men, tanks, planes, and support personnel were lost.  This is roughly 20% of our entire military force.  We need to recoup these losses immediately if we are to win this war.  That is why I am here tonight.  I ask that any able bodied American male between the ages of 18 and 28 apply for military service immediately.  We need you to protect our country.  We need you now.  My fellow Americans, it is your duty to join the ranks of the military.  I bid you a good evening.  `
Silence prevailed for a full two minutes at the Shepard house.  John and Merriam sat dumbfounded as the TV went into full commentary about the President's speech.  It was at that time that John knew what he had to do.  He knew he could sit around no longer.  He was going to go sign up for military service.  John thought to himself, I wonder if I will come home alive.  Little did he know what was going to change his life over the next few months.

Part II: Off to Korea

As John went to the local military recruiting center he had these grand ideas of what it would be like to be the hero of the war.  He pictured himself swooping in low on a fighter jet, shooting off his last missile to destroy the last known Soviet Construction Yard.  He smiled inwardly towards himself.
This however, was not to come true.  As he sat there filling out his application form, he unknowingly checked off the box that requested placement in the Navy instead of Air Force.  As he handed his paper in, and was under quick review the officer at the desk, a tall brown haired, brown eyed, female told him, "I'm sorry sir, but the Navy is not currently accepting applications.  We need all available people to sign up for the Air Force, Army, and Marines.  No Navy."
	John responded by saying "You're a funny girl, and I can see how you may be interested in me, but I'm already married.  And besides, I signed up for the Air Force, not the Navy, so you're a horrible liar too."
	"Not at all sir.  It is right here.  You checked off that you wanted to sign off for the Navy.  See?"  She handed him his paper back.
	"Well.  I'll be damned.  You're right.  Can you fix it for me?"
"I haven't stamped `REJECTED` on it yet.  I think I can do something for you.  But first I need to ask you a few routine questions."
"Shoot"
"Do you have any kids?"
"No."
"Wife?"
"Yes."
"Any parents in the military?"
"My father.  He was killed in the last battle against Stalin.  Shot by rifle infantry, and died due to loss of blood.  They say it was very painful."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be".
"Do you have any flying experience?"
"Plenty.  I used to test planes for Boeing.  War planes.  I have plenty of practice on Harriers, though I would prefer to fly one of those new Black Eagles."
"I'm not surprised.  When was the last time you flew?"
"Two years ago.  It was when the Harrier was all the rage."
"Ok.  Thank you.  You'll receive a letter in the mail within two weeks notifying you of your approval.  Seeing that you already know how to fly some of our best planes, I'm sure you won't go through all of your training.  You'll probably be out in Korea within a month.  Good-bye.  NEXT!"
With that John went home.  He was sure that he would get accelerated training and be on the field soon, but not within a month.  He just had no idea how quick his training would be.

Five Days Later
As John went to the mailbox to get the mail, he noticed one from the Air Force.  He sprinted into the house, to open it.
"Merriam!" he screamed.  "Merriam!  Where are you?  I got my letter!  Get down here!  I'm gonna open it!"
Merriam came running down the stairs.  "Did you open it?" she asked hurriedly.
"Not yet." he replied.
"Hurry up then."
John opened it.  It read:

"To: Jonathan R. Shepard:
	According to your application, and short interview, you have been SELECTED into the United States Air Force.  According to your record, you have flight experience.  You are to report to Johnson's Air Force Base in New York immediately.  You will receive immediate refresher courses on how to fly Harriers, Black Eagles, and nighthawk Helicopters.  We expect to have you flying missions on the Korean Front within two weeks.
Cordially,
Col. Roger Johnson III"

Jonathan Shepard was ecstatic.  He now knew his importance in the world.  He ran upstairs to pack his bags.
Twenty minutes later he was on the highway to Johnson Air Force Base.  The drive took nearly an hour.
When he finally got there an Air Force Colonel greeted him.
"Name!" he yelled.
"Jonathan R. Shepard!" came his quick reply.
"Come with me to the special briefing room.  You will be brought up to speed on what you need to know, assigned a bunk for the night, and go through training tomorrow, and the next day.  We will then transport you by Chronosphere to Korea."
"Chronosphere?"
"You will be told about it during briefing.  You're official rank is Major.  You have security clearance Alpha, the highest level."
With that the two took off for the briefing room.  Just to get there required clearance of a Beta security level, so John knew immediately that this wasn't going to be a walk in the park.  It was just beginning to dawn on him that he may have bit off just a trifle more than he could chew.
After clearing the security, they entered a small war room with well over thirty monitors, and one huge screen that must be over 70" big.  There was one gigantic conference table and it was filled with high-ranking generals.  Suddenly the screen came on.
"Generals and commanders.  Good afternoon.  I have been made aware that there are some new faces here, so let me begin by introducing myself.  I am Lieutenant Eva.  I have been of great assistance to the Allied Forces and have briefed President Dugan several times.  Now to business.
Before I get to yesterday's nuclear attack, it is important that you all know the capabilities of our new Chronosphere.  The Chronosphere is exactly as it sounds: it is a sphere and it deals with time.  It works by creating a special hole in space-time and transports you exactly where you want to go in literally no time at all.  The tactical advantage is obvious: it allows us to move forces anywhere in an instant and respond to any emergency.  There are limitations to its use however.  One of the biggest detriments to it, is that it can only move a maximum of 9 tanks.  The other is that no person may be transported in it unless they are in some sort vehicle or in a special Chrono suit.  If you are not, then we will deduct the cost of cleanup from your death benefit as it costs a significant sum of money to clean charred bodies out of the Chronosphere.
The other device that is in development and is almost ready for deployment is the Weather Control Device.  The Weather Control Device is another weapon devised by Albert Einstein in Germany.  Basically what it does, is create a thunderstorm with very powerful lightning bolts that are capable of damaging or destroying tanks, infantry, and buildings.  It is nearly as effective as our nuclear weapons were prior to their destruction at the beginning of the war.  Now onto the main part of business.
Yesterday we suffered a severe nuclear attack on the Korean Front.  We sustained 70% casualties, and are looking for people to fill in the gaping holes in our now retreating lines.  I am aware that some of you have flight experience.  Of note is Major Shepard.  You were a test pilot a few years back.  Correct?"
“Ah, yes.  That is true.”  Came John's reply.  He was rather shocked that the briefing was focusing on him.
Eva continued on, "According to my papers I have here on you, you are also a good field commander?"
Still somewhat shocked, John answered, "I don't know where you got that information Lieutenant, but it is 180° from correct.  I have never been trained in it, and I have no clue where I would start."
"I see."  Came the Lieutenant's response.  "In any event, we can give the necessary training if need be.  I have been informed that you will be going to Korea by Chronosphere.  You will be traveling in an Amphibious APC that will arrive 5 miles out in the ocean, to avoid detection by the Soviets.  You will move in and be given control of one Black Eagle fighting squadron.  You will also be the first person in line to receive control of the base we have established if General Carter is killed or captured.
Now the Lieutenant turned her glance toward General Carter.
"General Carter.  You are to rebuild our forward base in Korea, and construct a Weather Control Device to be employed against the Soviets in that area.  You are also to use your squadron of Black Eagle fighters commanded by Major Shepard, and your Harrier squadron commanded by Colonel Johnson.
Your first objective is to locate and destroy any Soviet Nuclear Facilities, Battle Labs, War Factories, Ore Refineries, Construction Yards, Barracks, and Power Plants that support the Soviet Nuclear Program.  Once this objective is complete, you are to destroy the remaining portion of the base, and lay siege to the Soviets at Vladivostok.  Try to capture it with as few casualties as possible.  General Carter and Colonel Johnson: You are to leave immediately for Korea by Chronosphere.  Major Shepard: You are to leave in two days after a crash course in how to manage a base, and a refresher on how to fly our planes.  This concludes your briefing generals.  Dismissed and Good Luck."
With that the screen went dark, and Colonel Johnson came over to Major Shepard.  He told him his bunk assignment for the next two nights, and then was off to Korea.
Major John Shepard of the United States Air Force then went quickly to his bunk, where he spent the night after dinner.
The next day John woke up and realized that he had failed to set his alarm, and had exactly five minutes to get into uniform and report for duty.  Somehow he managed to do this and was able to get to the training ground only two minutes late.  He looked somewhat like an unmade bed, but nothing could be said as the officer in charge only ranked a commander, and therefore could not criticize a higher officer about his dress.  The commander there quickly showed him to the flight sims where he showed him the basic controls of both the Harrier, and Black Eagle fighters.  However, more time was required to show him how to use the nighthawk Helicopter.  But by noon, Major Shepard had all of the three aircraft down perfectly.  Now came the big test.  Actual flying.
Though he hadn't flown anything in recent years, the flight sims were amazingly accurate, and that allowed for John to easily pass tests on actual flying.  This concluded his only day of flight training.
The next day was somewhat different for him.  Though everything was new to him, he quickly learned what the skills needed for creating and running a full size base were.  By the end of the day he knew bases inside out, upside down, and on their side.
Now came the big event for the day.  He was to go to Korea by Chronosphere.
After dinner, he went to his bunk, packed his stuff, and got ready for transfer.  He went to the restricted area, where he used his security clearance to get in.  He was directed towards the APC, where he was told to get in, take a seat, and put all luggage in the overhead storage compartment.  He did this immediately and just moments later heard a siren blaring:
Clear the area.  Chronosphere activating in 60 seconds.  All personnel are to clear the area.
With that John finally got a chance to talk with some of the people in the APC with him.  He recognized none.
Then the Chronosphere began to activate, and with a whirring noise, they were off to Korea.  Mere seconds later, the noise stopped and over the APC's intercom came the voice of the captain of the ship:  "We are now in Korean waters.  We will be arriving on land in one minute.  Please hold on, as I will be activating the hydrofoil in ten seconds."

Part III: Welcome to Korea

After a thirty-minute ride on land, Major Shepard arrived at the Korean base, where he was to get settled in.
However, upon arrival a battle was raging.  The driver of the APC was able to get them into the base, where John Shepard was quickly brought up to speed on events going on.  They had been under Soviet attack for a half an hour and things seemed pretty bleak.  Soviet forces were pouring in from the North, and on the radar screen it appeared that a force of twelve Kirov airships were coming in.  General Carter then said to the newly arrived Major:
"Your job is to get to your plane and lead your squadron to the Soviet base in the north and take out the war factory, barracks, and construction yards.  Colonel Johnson and his Harriers will back you up.  They are to give you air support in the event that Soviet air defenses are put on line.  You are using your firepower this way: 9 planes on the construction yard, 5 planes on the war factory, and three planes on the barracks located.  Then you are to return to base, get refueled and then take out targets on the ground to assist us in defending our base.  After this is complete we are to find and destroy any and all Soviet nuclear capabilities.  Get to your planes and happy hunting.  Dismissed."
With that, Major Shepard made with all haste towards his plane, and found that the other pilots were manning theirs.  As soon as he was ready, and all of his pilots checked in, he radioed over to Colonel Johnson to see if his Harriers were ready.
"For some reason two are inoperable, so were gonna be a bit short handed."  Came his brief and to the point update.
"Roger that.  We have to go without them then.  We have got to stop these reinforcements, no matter what the cost.  Let's take off."
Within 5 seconds all of the Black Eagles, and Harriers were in the air and on their way to the Soviet base.  The Harriers took the lead to soak up any anti-aircraft fire.  On the way to the Soviet base, not one shot was fired at them.  It seemed odd that they weren't being fired upon.  As soon as they got within proximity of the Soviet base though, it all changed.  Flak Cannons opened up on them, and suddenly the sky became filled with great big clouds of black dust.
"Take evasive action!" came the colonel's order across the radio.  "And major get those structures taken out!  We can't hold out too long!  We'll try to draw their fire."
"All Black Eagles: Take evasive action and activate your targeting computers.  Shoot your missiles, and get back home.  We still have a job to do." was Major Shepard's command.
Then suddenly the anti aircraft fire started to hit its mark.  Three Harriers went crashing to the ground.  One of them tried to steer their plane into the Construction Yard.  He hit it dead on.  A huge portion collapsed and the structure was rendered unusable.  One Black Eagle missile later and there was nothing left there except a crater.  Just moments later, three Black Eagles went down, but not before they took their shots at the Barracks and annihilated it.  This left only the weapons factory.  Of the remaining Black Eagles only four had missiles left.  They took their shots and hurt the factory to near beyond repair.  But it wasn't enough.  It could still be repaired.
Jumping onto his radio, Major Shepard yelled to the Colonel,
"Get your damn Harriers to shoot the factory before it can be repaired!"
"We don't have any missiles!"
"Then drive your god forsaken plane into the factory!  We're out of time!"
	Then suddenly the colonel's plane took a direct hit.  His plane began to spin wildly out of control.  As he was crashing he thought to himself, "If I can just get this plane to crash into that war factory, I'll be golden, and it may very well turn the tide of this war."  As he was crashing however, his plane was falling away from the factory.  He tried desperately to get his plane to turn.  Then almost miraculously, it did.  As his plane banked towards the factory, the colonel felt relieved that he had done his duty to his country.  Then in a flash he was gone, along with any trace of that war factory.
	For a moment Major John Shepard was elated, they had after all destroyed all of their objectives with hardly any casualties, but then he realized that it was the colonel that had sacrificed himself for the Allied cause.  It didn't fully hit him until he arrived back at the base and found himself face to face with General Carter, and was being told of the current status of the whole war in the Asian Theatre.  He was told that the reinforcements had stopped coming and that those already en route were not enough to pose an absolute danger to the base.  Never the less he was still required to take his planes and go after the Rhino Tanks.  If he were able to do that, they would have some time for rest.  Strangely Major John Shepard had a feeling that he was going to be here a long time.  Welcome to Korea.

Part V: Time Warp & Thunderstorms

	After quickly refueling his planes, Major Shepard assumed command of all the fighters at the base.  He ordered liftoff and all 30 planes lifted off.  They all had their coordinates fed to them and were ordered to fire as soon as they were in range and return home.  When they reached their target, a nasty surprise awaited them.  Standing in their way was a battalion of Flack Tracks.  They were the mobile version of the Soviet Flak Cannon.
	Major Shepard radioed to his men, "Take evasive action and take out those tanks!"  All the planes complied.  They got through the lines and took out all of the Rhino Tanks.  However, it was at a great cost.  10 planes had been shot down, and another 15 had been damaged.  On the way home, one pilot's plane finally quit, and he had to eject.  A rescue crew was already on the way for him by the time the remaining planes got to the base.
	When Major Shepard returned to base he went to get debriefed by General Carter.  During the debriefing he was told that it appeared they were ready to prepare for an assault on Vladivostok.  Much planning would need to go into it, and that was what the strategists in Washington were for.  However, they had already been tasked with building up their base defenses by harvesting the ore in the region and refining it to the point where they could produce needed structures with it.  General Carter had also said that he was ordered to promote Major John Shepard to Colonel.  Added onto General Carter's orders was that he return to Washington and place Colonel Shepard in charge of the base.  Therefore, now Colonel Shepard was tasked with building a new Weather Control Device and Chronosphere then, use it to quickly end the siege of Vladivostok.
	Colonel Shepard thought back to his day in training in which he was taught how to build and manage a full size base.  He was going to need all the skills he had to win this battle and as it now appeared the entire war.  When John thought about that, he wondered how in about two days he went from the average American citizen to Commander of Allied Forces in the Asian Theatre.  He reflected on that for only a moment as he needed to get to work as quickly as possible, because he had only 1 month to get his base in order and begin his siege of Vladivostok.  Then he had to have the Russian city in his hands within five days after the siege began.  The key to having the siege end in five days and not five months was the Chronosphere and the Weather Control device.  If he could deploy the devices and use them he would be able to win with very few casualties.

1 Month Later

	It was set.  All the troops were ready.  The tanks were in position.  The fighter jets were ready.  The Chronosphere and Weather Control Device were ready.  During the month that had elapsed Colonel Shepard had been promoted to General Shepard.  All he had to do is give the command.  After reviewing the final status report he issued the final order to attack.  Nearly instantly, tanks were engulfed by a milky white light and then disappeared.  They were now inside the Soviet city of Vladivostok pummeling enemy positions.  As soon as word had come back, that over half of the tanks were destroyed General Shepard was dismayed, but not surprised at that report.  It was time to execute the second part of the plan.  He gave the order for the Weather Control Device to be activated.
	The Weather Machine was already primed and ready.  You could see white hot electric going from each of its eight points to the next one.  Then suddenly all eight points fired at a focal point, and all the energy collected then fired into the blue sky.  Clouds began to form and head for Soviet positions.  In about five minutes the storm would be over but the Chronosphere would be ready to transport 9 Prism Tanks that could cause massive destruction at a long range.
	Two hours later the siege of Vladivostok was nearly complete.  Allied troops were routing out the last of the Soviet resistance in the city.  General Shepard decided to go take a tour of the city that he nearly had captured.
	General Shepard's trip was anything but routine.  On the way his APC came under attack.  It was badly damaged and everybody had to abandon the carrier.  8 GIs a medic, a sniper, and the driver all got out alive and unhurt before the carrier blew up.  They were about a mile away from where they needed to get, but with the severe weather from the remnants of the storm that they created not too long ago, it might as well have been ten miles.  They all set off at a cautious pace, as they had no idea what was awaiting them as they went on what they thought was going to be a half-hour safari through treacherous weather.  However, before the group had gone 200 yards they came under enemy fire.  Before they knew what was going on, two GIs were dead.  However, they were able to get behind a big pile of boulders and return fire.  They were able to quickly put down the enemy attack and continue on their journey.
	After they had gone about one half of a mile those remaining in the group came under much heavier enemy fire.  This time they were not so fortunate.  There was no cover for them to dive for, and the remaining 6 GIs were killed.  The rest were captured.  General Shepard knew that the Soviets knew that he knew that if he were captured, he would be tortured until he told the Soviets everything he knew.
	On the way to the Soviet detention center, his transport came under fire.  General Shepard thought to himself, My friends know that I'm here!  They're coming to get me!  However, this was not the case.  The shooting ended nearly as soon as it started.
	In the tank that was firing on Shepard's transport, he heard on his radio, "Cease fire.  We don't know what those Reds are transporting.  Could be another nuke.  Don't take a chance."
	"Roger that." came his reply.

Part VI: POW!	

	General Shepard's transport finally came to a rest.  During transport, he had been separated from the few people left in his group.  He was just glad that he would soon be getting out of the stuffy and dark transport.  When the Soviet conscript, or connie as the Allied GIs called them, escorted Shepard through the base, he saw his opportunity to escape.  The conscript had left him a minute to go to the restroom.  He left his machine gun too!
	Shepard grabbed it and ran.  Amazingly, there were no guards around at all!  That, was not to last though.  Just as thoughts of being home free entered his mind, 3 conscripts were waiting for him around the next corner.  Before they realized it, he had shot them dead.  Before the last one had dropped he was gone.  He finally came to Flak Track truck.  He looked around and hopped in and drove away from the Soviet base.
	Within 20 minutes he was at a friendly base.  They nearly killed him thinking that he was Soviet, but after clearing up why he was in Soviet truck, he was back in command.  He was brought up to date on the current situation and found that the Soviets were ready to launch a counter-offensive.  He knew from that moment, whoever won this battle would win control of the Asian Theatre, and if the Soviets loose; it would likely signal the end of the war.  General Shepard knew it, and he was sure Soviet Premier Romanov knew it too.  They had little time to prepare.  The Soviets were already on the way to attack, and the most advance force would be in the area within 24 hours.  General Shepard ordered as many tanks to be produced as possible, and sent an emergency request to Washington asking that as many tanks as can be spared sent to the Asian Theatre.
12 Hours Later
	As the time grew near, General Shepard wrote the following in his journal.  The first Soviet recon planes have started to fly over.  They were stronger than we first thought.  I can only hope that our new Gap Generators can keep the area shrouded from view.  These new machines work by reflecting light away from the base, and absorbing what is considered normal amounts, so we can see with the light of day, but the Soviets only see a black area.  I now have over 700 tanks, but I still don't know if it will hold up to the Soviet Apocalypse Tanks.  They are tremendously powerful.  It takes four of our tanks to destroy one Apocalypse Tank.  The guys at the base just call them Apocs for short.  They only have 150, but they have various support tanks and personnel.  Our biggest hope is the Prism Tank and fighter jets.
12 Hours Later
	It was time.  The Soviet Tanks could be heard coming through the woods.  The new Allied VTOL (Vertical Take Off & Landing) airplanes were ready to be in the air in mere seconds.  Allied defenses were ready.  Prism towers, tall slim towers with a rotating top stood ready.  They fired concentrated beams of light that when combined with the power of other prism towers could destroy an Apocalypse Tank with one shot.
	Allied troops dug in just a bit deeper into their trenches.  The Allied Tanks stood ready to move in.  The Allied Snipers were ready to pick off enemy infantry.  The Allied Army stood ready.
	Then all hell broke loose.  The Allied positions came under heavy fire.  The Allies returned fire.  The Black Eagles and Harriers lifted off.  They emptied their payload within a minute and returned.  They destroyed about 30 vehicles, hardly a chink in the Soviet advance.  The Allied Prism Towers destroyed tank after tank.  The Soviet tank column was quickly turning into the Soviet scrap heap column.
	Within one hour of the first shot being fired, it seemed as if the Allies had a slight edge, as they were able to hold most of their ground.  The Soviets broke through in a few areas, but the fighter jets quickly removed any threat posed by them.
	After the second hour, the Soviets were clearly loosing.  Inside his Command and Control Center, sat General Shepard watching the battle unfold to his advantage.  A soldier came up to him and said, "It looks like the Reds are going to try and flank us.  What should we do?"  General Shepard contemplated the possibilities.  If the Reds were trying to come in on the back side, it might spell doom for the Allies, but if he moved any tanks to prepare for the possible flank and it didn't materialize, the Soviets would have an advantage on the main line, and be able to push through and win the battle, and thus control of the Asian Theatre.  If he didn't move anything to protect for the flank, the Soviets would have free reign of how they chose to destroy the base.
	"Commander," said General Shepard.  "Send 5 Chrono Legionaries to scout out the possible flank area.  If they find evidence of a flank, prepare the Chronosphere and Weather Machine.  I'm not moving our tanks from the front line."
	"But…Sir," said the young commander in a worried and questioning voice, "If you don't move any tanks, and there is a flank we are done for."
	"In the game of war, you have to take a gamble or two.  But don't worry…I've covered my bets."  Came Shepard's reply.  A smile crept across his face.  "You have your orders.  Get to them."
	"Yes, sir."
	When the Legionaries chroned back to the base, via their Chrono suit, they had found more than enough evidence for a flank.  "Are my 'Sphere and Weather Machine ready?" asked General Shepard.
	"Yes, sir."  Came a major's response.
	"Then have the Chronosphere teleport all enemy tanks in Sector 5 and drop them in the Pacific.  Then, if luck is with us, there will be a big thunder boomer in Sector 5.  Do catch my drift major?"
	"Yes, sir."  Said the major.  He was nearly jumping out of his seat with glee.
	He did as commanded and within minutes the threat of a Soviet flank was gone.  As was any hope of Soviet victory.  General Shepard was delighted.
Afterward
	Over the course of the next year, Jonathan Shepard had continued his string of impressive victories.  Within a year he was very literally knocking on Romanov's door.  He had single handedly gone from the average American to Supreme Commander of Allied Forces.
	General Carter was transferred from Washington to the European Front where he was able to hold Romanov in check until he was killed in his third month.  However, his son, Lieutenant Carter, who was his second in command, received a promotion to Commander and assumed his role.  He would go on to be the infamous Commander in the First Tiberian War, about thirty years later.
	General Shepard went on to win the war in the Asian Theatre, but was beat to Moscow by a little known commander from a small town in Massachusetts.  He was then promoted to General and was bestowed the title of Supreme Commander of Allied Forces, succeeding General Carville, who had been assassinated towards the end of the war.
	Following the loss of the race to Moscow, General Shepard went into the shadows for about 25 years at which time he emerged as the Commander of GDI forces, the new global army created by the U.N., and directed the First Tiberian War.  His two main field commanders were Commander Carter from the Second Red War, and a commander, whose name has not yet been divulged because it is still classified.