Global War: Trend, Accident, or Conspiracy?, page 2

Here is Part 2 of my vision of the future. It will basically pick up where Justin left off. Since we have not decided whether the terrorist attack is successful or not, I will sort of leave that entire part of the story blank and leave it for Justin to fill in later, since he has a better grasp on how things will go down. I personally have no idea what a response to a successful or unsuccessful nuclear 9/11 would be, nor do I have much grasp on how military plans would be maneuvered. My hope is Justin will take care of that. Regardless of whether the bomb goes off or not, I will assume the preceeding events will still occur.

Here we go with Part 2:

June 5, 2009: As if there was not enough strife in the world, 24 U.N. peacekeepers are ambushed in Darfur and killed. World outrage is intense, but the story is overwhelmed in the media due to the security situation in the United States.

June 6, 2009: The violence in Sudan has now reached a fever pitch, as four Blackwater employees are killed, along with four State Department personnel, as well as five Marines in an ambush in Khartoum. Both the public as well as the U.N. begin to question whether MULTITAF was truly successful in its mission of providing a safe, secure environment for UNMIS to take place.

June 8, 2009: Angelina Jolie is killed while visiting a village in Darfur with an MTV camera crew when Janjaweed guerrillas attack the village. The attack in caught on MTV's cameras, but the footage is never revealed to the public.

June 9, 2009: Unable to simply ignore the hellish situation in Sudan any longer, Obama allows AFRICOM to authorize a mission to pacify the sections of Khartoum under the control of the local guerrillas and warlords. The operation, led by U.S. Marines, commences on June 12 and is largely unsuccessful in restoring security to the capital city.

June - August, 2009: UNMIS II spends the summer teetering on the brink of success or failure many times over. The violence does not seem to be decreasing and both the White House and Pentagon are concerned U.S. forces in Sudan are running out of ideas and steam. However, the larger scope of the War on Terror and the situation with Iran makes any withdrawal from Africa perilous.

July, 2009: Historians and sociologists will later note that rates of alcoholism, drug abuse, crime, and incest peak during this time, due to the psychological effects of the terrorist attack and the recession.

July 2, 2009: A major benefit concert set up Bob Gedolf and Bono begins. The concert is aimed at raising a large amount of aid money for Sudan. Security for the concert is at an incredible high and attendence is unusually high in the U.S. in spite of the security situation and the expensive tickets. The concert pays tribute to Angelina Jolie and all the civilian deaths in Sudan.

August 22, 2009: With the situation in Sudan in doubt, commanders on the ground in Africa request special operations forces in order to conduct small-scale offensive operations against individual warlords and the multitude of subnational factions. An independent news source in Sudan interviews various members of MULTITAF and reactions to the deployment are mixed. The protracted low-intensity conflict, coupled with the witnessing of horrifying atrocities, as well as terrorism, have taken a heavy toll on the peacekeepers.

August 24, 2009: The special operations package, named Task Force Serpent, lands in Sudan.

Late August - Early September 2009: Children return to school, many go off to college, but the general national attitude is on the downside. Many sense impending doom, but quite cannot get their finger on what it is. The regional war with Iran, which was expected for nearly three months, has not materialized. Families become very regressed into their own worlds in hopes that will keep them safe from an outside world that has fallen apart.

During this time, the U.S., the U.K., and Israel will have formulated a way to convince the world that Iran has complicity in the terrorist attack and is a threat to world peace. Sometime during this stretch of time, plans for war with Iran have been activated and U.S. forces begin positioning themselves for a massive air and naval campaign, followed by a police action-style ground assault on Iran. Justin will elaborate on how this will actually play out.

During meetings with his National Security Council, Obama will contemplate either a blockade, an air strike and blockade, or a full assault on Iran. A full assault is estimated to result in 50,000 American casualties, plus the employment of biological and chemical weapons against Coalition forces.

Monday, September 14, 2009: Various sources begin to report that a large amount of U.S. aircraft and naval ships have come within striking distance of Iran. The White House refuses to comment on any military positioning, but unnamed sources in D.C. indicate that the U.S. is just days away from a major assault on Iran. Later that day, the U.S. Secretary of State arrives at the U.N. and requests approval of a resolution to authorize the use of force if the government of Iran does not surrender to the will of the U.N. resolutions. Russia and China, particularly, China, vehemently object.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009: China releases satellite photographs which reveal a substantial amount of U.S., U.K., and Israeli firepower in the Gulf region, primed for action. At the U.N., China notes how U.S. ships have positioned themselves as if conducting a blockade. The photos show an Expeditionary Brigade-sized amphibious force, a carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf, one near the Strait of Hormuz, one in the Arabian Sea, plus an additional strike group supporting AFRICOM operations in the Red Sea. Citing this evidence, China states that it will come to the aid of Iran if necessary. The stock market subsequently plunges as fears of World War III spike in the public sphere.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009: China makes it stick. In an unprecedented display of non-U.S. power projection unseen since the days of the USSR, China places several airborne units on alert and prepares an airlift to transport them to the Middle East. An airborne command post begins flying west, and several air force units are placed on alert. Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least a single airborne unit and several transport planes have arrived in western Kazakhstan, with the approval of the Kazakh government. The U.S. military is placed on DEFCON 4.

Throughout the U.S. fears of an impending world war creates a bum rush for the gas stations, supermarkets, department stores, etc. Many supermarkets experience shortages of goods and products. Some parents choose to hold their children from school for safety reasons and because "there is no point."

Thursday, September 17, 2009: Fear and panic continues to build not just in the U.S., but throughout the world. People attempt to carry on with their daily lives, but many find it incredibly difficult to do so; they have not faced anything close to this in over 20 years. A CBS News poll reveals that support for action against Iran is split nearly in half.

Eschatology (End Times) experiences a surge in popularity, particularly among the evangelical Christian community, who are convinced that the events of the past two years indicate the End of the World is nigh. Many ministers publically call for Americans to repent, while others publically blame homosexuality, feminism, and whatever else they can think of for the End of the World.

2130 EST, Thursday, September 17, 2009: The U.S. National Security Advisor reveals to the president his/her preference to face China down and continue with the planned action against Iran. Israel reminds the U.S. it plans to carry out military actions against Iran with or without U.S. and U.N. support.

0700 EST, Friday, September 18, 2009: President Obama chooses to press on to maintain the current course, in hopes cooler heads will prevail. In a press conference, he announces his intentions and reminds the world he will not be deterred.

2030 EST, Friday, September 18, 2009: The People's Liberation Army asserts it is prepared to assist Iran should it come under attack. The PLA also states it will respond with a "full retaliation" should Chinese forces come under attack.

2035 EST, Friday, September 18, 2009: Satellite intelligence reveals increased activity among Chinese strategic forces. Analysts believe that China is seriously considering a nuclear strike against the U.S. should a major clash occur between U.S. and Chinese forces.

2100 EST, Friday, September 18, 2009: Obama is informed of China's nuclear capability. The conclusion reached among members of the National Security Council is that China would utilize its nuclear arsenal in the event its forces were defeated by the U.S.

2200 EST, Friday, September 18, 2009: Although no official announcement was ever made, Fox News shocks the nation when it becomes the first to inform America of an imminent nuclear strike. The "presses are stopped" and within half an hour, every news channel becomes a mix of analysts' comments and live coverage from correspondents across the country, creating a disturbing impact. Discussion begins with the threat presented by China, then moves to what many believe is the inability of the U.S. to handle a major nuclear attack by another strategic power, drawing upon the experiences of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the near-chaos that erupted during the terrorist attack in May.

Not long after the news breaks, there are reports of looting in Hollywood. By midnight, hospitals, gas stations, and supermarkets across America are being ransacked.

Just like what Justin faced, the T&Cs don't allow me to go past 10,000 characters, so I'll have to continue Part 2 with a Part B. Feel free to comment on what I have so far

[edit on 8-5-2008 by sweatmonicaIdo]

Now that we're caught up, let Armageddon reign!!!

1300 EST, Saturday, September 19, 2008: America is burning. In a decision that will be scrutinzed for years to come, President Obama finally declares a national state of emergency, along with a declaration of a AIR DEFENSE EMERGENCY by NORAD, acknowledging the spread of the fear of a nuclear strike, as well as the specter of nuclear war could not be hidden from the public any longer. The National Guard, State Defense Forces, and Civil Air Patrol of all states were mobilized to take control of the situation. In light of the declaration of emergency, Washington, D.C. ends up suffering the worst of the rioting (due to T&Cs, I will censor what actually occurred). The Department of Defense is prepared to be moved to Site R in Pennsylvania, while Congress and the Executive Branch, including the president, is prepared to be moved to Mount Weather in Virginia, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. By now, the National Guard and Marine Corps controlled most metropolitan areas, while looting gangs and factions controlled other areas. The entire U.S. military goes to DEFCON 1.

By now, every street and highway is clogged with vehicles and pedestrians, with fights breaking out due to pent-up anger and frustration and a desire to survive. Some families are unlucky enough to become separated, children left to fend for themselves and the crime and disorder show no signs of relenting. Some police and fire departments have completely given up efforts, limiting their services to providing medical care and protecting citizens, and otherwise letting the looting continue and allowing buildings to burn. The public transportation system has come to a screeching halt, airlines completely abandoning their schedules and moving their aircraft to Canada or Latin America. Newspapers release special "nuclear holocaust survival" editions, while TV news speculates on China's nuclear capabilities.

Some TV channels and radio stations choose to cease programming and head home to be with their families. In a never-to-be-forgotten moment, a radio station serving the Kansas City area signs off with the following statement: "We’re going off the air now. Good bye, and God bless."

Not everyone is willing to say goodbye, however. Back in Beijing, where it is early morning, the U.S. ambassador to China discusses possible ways of defying prophecy and preventing the End of the World. The ambassador points out that the attack on Iran has been held, while also noting the DEFCON 1 status and the total readiness of U.S. strategic forces. The Chinese in turn request that Obama withdraw its forces from the Persian Gulf and in exchange the Chinese president will stand his nuclear forces down and remove this forces from Kazakhstan. Numerous other economic conditions are laid out and these conditions are transmitted to President Obama by the ambassador. China gives the U.S. a three-hour deadline.

1500 EST, Saturday, September 19, 2008: The desperate search for the Chinese submarine(s) continues in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the rest of the world has fallen into turmoil due to the nuclear standoff. U.S. troops in Sudan are on high alert, ready to fight off any attackers who feel they may have nothing to lose now that America is about to end its reign.

The Prime Minister of the U.K. phones Obama, affirming his continuing military support in the Persian Gulf as well as expressing his condolences over the civil unrest in the U.S. Fortunately for the U.K., British society has remained under far better control due to their previous experiences in being a nation in distress.

Back in the U.S. immigration takes on a whole different face. Many Americans in the southern U.S. flee into Mexico, but are shot by Mexican police, who are attempting to deal with internal unrest of their own. Canada, on the other hand, has opened up its borders to the U.S., encouraging people to continue up north in order to prevent congestion in cities such as Calgary, Montreal, Ontario, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Prior to the national state of emergency declaration by the president and the AIR DEFENSE EMERGENCY declaration by NORAD, many of the wealthy have used their private planes and yachts to escape to remote paradises in the Caribbean and South Pacific. In an extremely gutsy move, in spite of the continuity of government preparations made by the U.S. government, the White House press corps convince Obama to stay at the White House, warning that a presidential evacuation would indeed confirm a nuclear attack is imminent and cause even greater civil disorder. Federal control of the nation is hanging by threads at this point.

The Cabinet discusses which path to take. Some believe it is best to accept the Chinese offer, while others believe the confrontation should continue until China backs down. The question is one of continued American hegemony at the expense of potentially billions of lives versus the safety of the world with the end of Pax Americana. The meeting was constantly interrupted due to the persistent interventions by demonstrators and rioters. By now, the White House, Capitol Hill, and other government buildings in the U.S. have become garrisons, heavily guarded by National Guardsmen, Marines, and police and security of numerous agencies. Obama instructs his press secretary to release a statement saying that no government officials were evacuating to any safe locations, and that those who were evacuating were simply going home to be with their families. The government would continue to function in the capital, although Alex Jones will later assert this was an indication that the American people finally exerted its control over the federal government by holding them hostage in Washington.

As the meeting reached an end, a report came in stating that the U.S. Navy had positively identified a Xia-class SSBN off the coast of Los Angeles and had evidence the submarine had made preparations to launch its missiles. At the DIA, mobile ballistic missile launchers are spotted via satellite, ready to fire. One more time, the White House press corps calls on the president for action against increasingly hostile crowds surrounding federal buildings across America. Complete anarchy now seems mere minutes away, the people vs. the federal government.

Finally, in another move that will be heavily-scrutinized, President Obama finally orders the activation of the Emergency Alert System, giving the government full control of the airwaves. The EAS instructed the country to stand by for an announcement by the president. Helicopters using loudspeakers ordered people to go home and wait for the announcement. A few do, but most remained right where they were. In Washington and New York, the crowds maintained their siege of government spaces, but gathered around television sets and radios. The crowds and unrest quieted down, however, and crowds in other parts of the country began to disperse on their own. Some went to sit on the grass or in public spaces, curious as to what was in store. Those stranded on the streets tuned to their radios, while smaller towns rigged public announcement systems and large screens in parks. Meanwhile, in the Minuteman silos and onboard the Trident submarines, crews were ordered to prepare for imminent launch. Launch orders were authenticated and keys were inserted and warheads armed.

1600 EST, Saturday, September 19, 2008: President Obama prepares to deliver the statement of the century, if not of all history, which is slated to begin at 1730. As camera crews set up inside the Oval Office, Obama takes time to thank each individual member of his cabinet and his staff for their professionalism, support, and civic duty, noting that the country is in debt to them. He admits that he has no idea what the world will look like in another thirty minutes and confesses that he never thought they'd make it this far. He says off the record that if this is indeed all she wrote, it was truly a privilege having been their president. Although they continue to maintain their calm and professional facade, they find it is becoming increasingly difficult to suppress their emotions.

Across America, every single being stops in their tracks, awaiting the fateful message. Others have gone to church for confessions and last rites, while many elderly couples sit together on their porches, watching the sun set. Others huddle together, sing songs, reminisce of better times, and reaffirm their loves and friendships, make up, say goodbye, and forgive past sins. Unfortunately, some continue to preach anger and terror, continuing to blame immorality, homosexuality, video games, whatever they can think of for the arrival of Armageddon. But still others choose to go down in peace. U.S. military forces across the U.S. maintain their professional demeanor, preparing for total nuclear war, but deep inside, they are scared to death over what may come of them and their families. Up in the mountains, groups of survivors and escapees settle, watching the sun set from high above, waiting for the world to come crashing down...

Part 2D is necessary. Please note, this thread was meant to be a very long one. I hope its been educational as much as it has been enthralling.

[edit on 13-5-2008 by sweatmonicaIdo]