January-February 1958

Henry Aurand was tired. Sleep, like so many things in the Mid-Atlantic, was in short supply. The last year had seen successes beyond the wildest imagination of the American General Staff. In a matter of a little over a year, the U.S. Army had been able to turn the tide in the Mid-Atlantic and undo half a decade of defeats. The Emergency Military Administration--his Administration--had grown from a desperate holdout around Allentown to the largest military command in the United States. It was a stunning success that earned him another star on his shoulders, and brought fair America one step closer to peace.

At least, that was what he told himself. From here in his office, it seemed that the only thing that changed was the number of reports that crossed his desk. Aurand took a sip of his coffee, savoring the bitter taste for a moment, then grabbed the next report from the top of the pile. His eyes flitted across the page. Colonel Collins. That kid seemed to be everywhere these days. He grunted and took another sip of coffee. Hopefully some good news.

SITREP - 14 FEBRUARY 1958

Last of Atlantic Commonwealth remnants destroyed in field south of Pittsburgh. Access to Ohio River secured. No immediate signs of organized resistance further south. Requesting orders on whether to proceed further or dig in.

That was enough to make Aurand crack a smile. He cocked his head over to review the maps pinned to the walls of his office. "Gary?"

The typewriter stopped. The aide, a young captain with the name EASTON blazoned on his chest, rose to attention. "Sir?"

"Send a telegram to Colonel Collins. 'Proceed south until resistance is met, then await further orders.'"

"At once, sir." The sound of a pen scribbling on paper, before the Captain shot to his feet and hurried away.

MAP