Story [Issue 17] The Great Comeback - Part 1: "The Russian Project"

[Fjelstad1678 186]

 

The Great Comeback
Part 1: “The Russian Project”

 

After a long fought war with the Axis, the Allied forces had failed to destroy a secret nuclear testing base in southern Norway. In a day that will lie in infamy for all remaining Allied powers, The British Isles, most of Allied controlled France, and western areas of the USSR were all wiped out in a series of nuclear strikes. It is now up to the only remaining leaders and troops of the Allies hiding in the newly built nuclear bomb shelters of a lone standing US to change the course of the war back in their favor.

 

It was a dark room. I don’t remember exactly what it looked like, but one really has no need to get familiar with a nuclear bomb shelter. The only two things you really needed to know those days were where your bunk was and how big your food ration was. If you knew that, you were all set for a fallout. Well, for a normal refugee, that is. Me? Why, I was no refugee. I was the commander of a US M4 Sherman crew preparing to get shipped to England to assist in the liberation attempt of France, codenamed “D-Day”, when the news of the attacks arrived.

 

I was reading “Treasure Island” for the 8th time in the corner of my quarters when another soldier stepped in.
       “Lieutenant, President Roosevelt wishes to speak with you.” I folded the corner of my page and looked up at him.

       “Me? What would Mr. Roosevelt ever need from me?”

       “I don’t know sir” he replied. I stood up and stepped over to him.

       “Thank you for informing me.” I shook his hand, nodded, and was on my way.

 

Upon arriving at the President’s quarters, the two armed guards stepped aside and allowed me in. I was partially blinded by how bright the room was as I entered. When I could see clearly, I realized it was a much larger space than my personal quarters. The concrete walls were polished down, the floor was tiled, and there was a large desk next to the far wall. Behind that desk was President Franklin Roosevelt himself.

        “Good day. You must be Lieutenant Eric Olson?”

        “Yes, Mr. President” I answered.

        “Good, good. Now, onto business. The Russians have informed both me and Prime Minister Churchill that they are developing new super weapons.”

        “Super weapons, sir?” I asked.

        “Yes, Lieutenant, super weapons. Nothing like the Germans though. This won’t be a mega-bomb. These are going to be tanks.” This really caught me by surprise.

        “How the he-” He cut me off.

        “Listen and I will explain. These tanks are nearly invincible. They can survive a shot from a 240 MM gun at point blank range. As far as we know, the Germans are using 88s on their King Tiger.”

        “So sir, why did you call me here?” 

        “Just getting to that.” He answered.

        “You see Eric, the Russians have requested three brave tankmen, one British, one American, and one Canadian to help test and develop these new war machines. You are one of the three selected for the job.”

 

My mind exploded with questions to ask. What was the risk? What were these tanks made of? Why did they need foreign testers?  I decided that this was not the time or place to ask.

        “What time do I leave, Mr. President?”

        “If you step back outside, there should be a gent here to escort you to the surface where an armored car will be waiting for you.” After a quick farewell, I was out the door. As Mr. Roosevelt had said, there was an excited looking man in light combat gear waiting for me. He introduced himself as Jerry and told me to meet up back there once I had suited up.

He was still there when I got back, looking just as eager to get going as before. I asked him why, only to receive the expected ‘I haven’t seen the Sun in months!’ reply as we walked off. The trip up to the surface began to seem longer than I remembered it being going down. After a couple minutes of walking up stairs, I decided to start up some casual conversation with the guy.

        “So, how old are ya, Jerry?”

        “Gonna be 22 come around November.” He sighed. “Hope I am still around to see it. Though, it would be nice to see my family too.” I stopped walking. 

        “What do you mean?”

        “Well sir, they’re all dead. Died in a surprise bombing run by the Japanese in our townhouse near Montgomery, Alabama. I was there. Me and two others in the neighborhood were the only survivors. Joined the army no more than 2 days later. I am going to avenge them or die trying.”

I looked at Jerry. He was fairly short, had blonde hair and green eyes. He appeared young and strong, yet his eyes were tired.

        “I am so sorry, Jerry.”

“Hey” he said. “Don’t be. We can still fight back and that's what matters.”

 

Once we reached the surface, Jerry looked disappointed to find an overcast sky.

        “Hey, at least no bombings today.” I said, trying to perk him up a bit.

        “Yeah, I guess so.” he replied listlessly. “Well, good luck on whatever your mission is, Lieutenant. The armored car is right over yonder hill.” Jerry said as he pointed West.

        “Thank you, Jerry.” I don’t remember much of the armored car ride, but what I do remember is that hopeful salute he gave me as I walked towards the car.

 

-To be continued-

~Fjelstad1678~

Edited July 31, 2017 by Hexed

[Valletta 834]

Otstanding. Loved the idea!

[GoldRock 6,165]

Ah, I really like what you've done 'ere, it's pretty clever and works excellently - looking forward to the second part ^_^

[q456wert 18]

Good story

[Aandroide 0]

Nice post

[TheChang 28]

Looking good! :)

[GWLGUPTA 511]

Good story can wait for second part. :)

[delta3m1 4]

oh i love it! and i love tanks thats why i play tanki!

[jtipt 30]

a flashback, Great!!

[jvpski3 0]

Yes. Beautiful and fast-paced, can't wait for the sequel!!! :)

[awesomeninja321 1]

very good!

[OOheroOO 2]

good job