New Empires: The Rise of Maxwell

While distracted by an uprising in South Africa, grave circumstances unfold in the Middle East. Out of the north, a huge Russian Army sweeps into the oil fields crushing all before it. The unstoppable tide flows over the few US forces, and their Arab and European allies, and overflows into the vital oilfields. American warplanes attempt to stem the invasion, with sortie after sortie of fighters and bombers, to little avail. The Russian commanders wisely spread out their forces, nulling the effects of the air strikes.

After a short campaign of only a week, the Alliance is forced into Israel. With their backs against the sea, they are faced with the prospect of another Dunkirk.

Worse is to come. The Chinese enter the scene, conquering American satellite countries and seizing naval bases in the Pacific: Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and many others. Stretched thin, the military can do little.

However, what little that is done is enough. A maverick general of the 18th Airborne Corps, Louis Randolph is sent to Israel and given command of the Alliance forces. He quickly contains the situation, ending the present crisis, though the US and her allies are still surrounded

From the Far East come further heartening reports. An Alliance battle squadron of five arsenal ships, commanded by British Admiral Joshua Duncan, decimates a vast Chinese fleet in the Bering Strait, a vanguard of a massive army forming across the channel for the conquest of North America.

These victories encourage the Alliance forces. They make plans for their counterattack.

Then, something unexpected happens. There is revolt at home. Dissatisfied with America’s new role in world affairs, Congress impeaches the President and calls for the withdrawal of US troops from overseas. A new protest movement begins, and there are riots in all major cities. The White House comes under siege.

Further dreadful happenings occur. While inspecing the front lines, General Randolph is killed by a sniper. With no word from Washington, who is there to appoint another commander? The American cause seems hopeless.

All is not lost, however. Known only to the Alliance commanders, the real architect of stemming the Russian tide was not Randolph, but his 28-year-old Chief of Staff, Colonel Calvin Maxwell. Maxwell, regarded as an eccentric, though brilliant strategist among his peers has attained high rank by distinguishing himself in the Special Forces.

He his given a battlefield commission by the Alliance generals and all swear allegiance to him. Maxwell accepts reluctantly,but immediately sets about taking the initiative from the Russians.

From the US, there is no word, and no support. The troops feel abandoned by their countrymen.

The new Supreme Commander begins immediately restoring the morale of the Alliance Army. He initiates training and introduces tactics that he has evolved from scores of combat missions during America’s embrace of Empire.

From the far reaches of the Alliance, he brings together helicopters of every shape and size, French, British, Russian, American, whatever he can obtain. Commercial or military, it matters not. To what purpose, he tells no one.

Soon, Maxwell is ready to strike. His offensive begins with a traditional pre-bombardment with thousand of artillery guns, followed by an old-fashioned infantry attack against the Russian entrenchments. The enemy scoffs at this foolish American, using such amateur tactics.

They would learn too late,that all is a diversion. The main attack comes in the rear, with 50,000 troops transported by the thousand of helos Maxwell had acquisitioned. It was an old maneuver called vertical envelopment, but never had it been used in such numbers.

With troops in the front and more attacking from the back, the Russian invaders are quickly routed. It is another Cannae for the Alliance’s new ‘Hannibal’.

From the US, come no laurels. The President, boarded up in his mansion, is silent, fearful to speak against the seditious Congress. They in turn, are highly vocal, and call for Maxwell’s arrest.

From the countries of the Anglo Alliance, comes full support, however. Troops flock to this imposing, charismatic leader, who has defeated the invaders. Even in the Alliance-occupied nations, he is held in awe.

The campaign continues, into Arabia and Iraq. Soon the Gulf States are liberated, and a huge army gathers from India to support the victorious general. With such immense might, Maxwell does the unthinkable. He invades the Russian colossus!

The world holds its breath. Charles II, of Sweden, Napoleon, Hitler. All tried and failed. Who was Maxwell, they scoffed, to think he could succeed where other, greater men, have failed.

Maxwell keeps his own counsel. Even as the dreaded Russian winter comes upon his army, he remains steadfast in the goal. Within miles of Moscow, he halts and camps as the lakes and rivers freeze. His troops are snowed in and unable to continue. The enemy mocks and the world loses hope. An enormous Russian horde assembles to deliver the death stroke.

From out of the north comes help. Finns, Swedes, and Norwegians, Latvians, and others, come to rescue the Alliance forces. Maxwell has aligned himself with the ancient enemies of Moscow, the heirs of the fearsome Viking Berserkers.

The Scandinavians come wrapped in furs and on skies and sleds. They are adept to the cold as are the Russians. The enemy retreat, Maxwell renews the offensive, and soon sits in the warm confines of the enemy capital.

While the entire world praises the great general, the champion of the West, at home the Congress is enraged. This madman, as they call him, has defied the rightful law. He must be disciplined. They order his recall.

His commanders are amused, and advise him to ignore the summons.

No, is the reply. Maxwell will return home at the government’s bidding. But he will come with an army!