Operation Stallion; November 14th

I watched as the other officers slowly left the room until it was just the four of us. Myself and the three new generals. I stood up, and walked to the middle of the table, the others instantly stood as well.

"Alright… I'll go over the operational plans to date, and our forces involved, then suspected enemy formations and strength." I spoke normally, dropping the formality from my voice as the Roman, Regina, and Saskia crowded around the map.

"Stallion was originally drafted back when I only had access to some small motor rifle divisions with outdated equipment. Now we have comparable but still worse equipment, and a decided edge over Black Horse."

We have almost a spread of options before us. We are going to redraw the operational plans, and execute on them. "The plan called for an advance straight up interstate 15 to Barstow, then a consolidation before attacking fort Irwin itself."

"A simple plan sir, attacking into a prepared enemy like that? Losses would have been high." Roman said. I nodded and started listing our forces.

"We have your divisions, the 1st and 2nd tank divisions, and the 7th motor rifle, furthermore Ii want to put the Spetsnaz brigade to work. We'll have additional towed artillery in the form of our 5 independant artillery battalions. In the air we'll have fighter regiments 100, 101, and 102 flying aircover. The ground attack regiments 501 and 502 as corps level assets, with attack helicopter regiments 001, 002, and 003 acting as local ground attack forces for each division."

"Is it wise to employ the entire air force in this operation, Comrade General?" Regina asked. I shrugged.

"It's not about what's practical. It's about sending a message." the three of them chuckled a bit.

"Fear not General… I will ensure it reaches the black horse." Saskia said with a grin.

"Alright, we know the main strength of Black Horse is still near Fort Irwin and Barstow, but they have a sizable contingent… at least two to five companies skirmishing with 2nd division around Bakersfield furthermore they have an unknown number of them at Edwards air force base."

"Sir, if I may propose a plan?" Regina asked. I nodded my assent.

"We send one division via state highways 138 and 14 to attack Edwards, once secured they can cut off and surround the forces engaged with 2nd division. Furthermore it will eliminate enemy fixed wing aircraft, leaving only the rotary wing assets at Irwin operational."

"Simultaneously we advance on Barstow from the south and southwest along Interstate 15 and state highway 247." I glanced over at the other two, both were frowning.

"The barstow heights, those will present a formidable obstacle… it will have to be shelled to discourage the Americans from using it." Roman gestured at the ridge dominating the western approaches to the city.

"We will deal with it in the field. Now… General Regina, since you suggested it, I'll leave you with capturing Edward's Air Force base. Once that's secured move to block any of Black Horse units to the west from returning east." Regina pursed her lips in displeasure but nodded.

"General Roman, you'll move to attack Barstow from the south, General Siska will attack along I-15."

"Sir, where will you be locating your headquarters?" Roman asked. I pussed, I hadn't really thought about it too much. This wasn't like San Francisco where I could park my headquarters… no… I glanced at the three of them.

"I'll co locate my headquarters with General Siska." I announced.

"The operation will start tomorrow morning, 0700. Brief your units." The three of them left. I sighed, the ball was rolling now. The war machine which had briefly slowed after the siege was ramping back up. This was the last obstacle, one I was personally going to oversee the removal of. I'd spend tonight with my wife, then in the morning I'd depart, not to return to Los Angeles until Black Horse was eliminated. Neither God nor the Premier was going to make me return a minute early.

I started walking around the headquarters, watching as the orders quickly trickled down the chain. I was able to listen as orders were being relayed to the various headquarters and reports came flooding back in as the units began to move. I glanced over at the newly installed wall of monitors, digital maps being updated in real time as units moved. I chuckled a bit, that was a clever suggestion from my wife to make use of the GPS satellites. Damn things were still up in orbit, installing encrypted trackers on our vehicles allowed for near real time movements to be tracked with ease.

I got to stand and watch as vehicles streamed out of motorpools. I watched with a small smile as T-72s, BMPs, MT-LB, Akatiya SPGs, and thousands of trucks began streaming towards the highways.

Here we go again, marching to another battle… I'll end this little farce of a war. I'd passed along my opinion to the Premier, Hawaii was something we would be unable to deal with, at best deter. I was not going to fire away at everyone that came before me, but by any means i'll make it clear to them they have no choice but to stand aside or die.

What was it? Sticks and stones may break my bones… no… I was thinking of the wrong saying… What was it? I pursed my lips… ah yes! "It is well war is so terrible, or men would grow fond of it."

A few officers glanced at me as I chuckled quietly. The people that love war are those most insulated from its effects, often granted the power to wage it, and allowed to live without dealing with the consequences of their folly. These goddamn politicians, they seem to be chomping at the bit to wage war across the west coast with no regard for the struggle that places both the people, and the military under.

I was going to appreciate my little vacation from the politicians. Take this opportunity to end the war that has been raging across California for the last few months, bring justice to the hundreds of people killed unjustly.

'Quest Failed! Premier's Order. A large coalition has attacked Soviet forces in San Francisco. The Premier has ordered their deaths. Exterminate all resistance in San Francisco, set an example of those that cross the Soviet Union. Reason for failure: accepted surrender of enemy forces.'

'Notice, failure to complete quests in the future will incur a penalty directly on the user!'

I glared at the notifications. Great… like I needed more shit to worry about. This damn system was about as helpful as a rock on a good day, making me slave away for some unknown, pointless goal. Its almost like someone is trying to manipulate me through it.

I turned my attention back to the wall of monitors, watching as units began to spill out of Los Angeles like a tidal wave. We'd never been stronger. I now stood in command of over half a million soldiers, sailors and airmen. I chuckled wryly. Trevor commanded a similar number, perhaps when all this is done and over with i'll fly across the country to visit him and my parents… that could be fun.