Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter.

This one will be shorter, but hopefully you enjoy it.

Chapter 42- Planning for the Future

(August 4, 2021)

In the Oval Office, President Trump and General Milley are going over his speech one more time. Trump had scheduled a press conference for himself and Milley in which they were to inform the American public of the current situation in Beleriand and what was expected to happen moving forward.

"Alright. Looks all good, Mr. President," Milley says.

"Good," Trump responds. He then glances at the clock on the wall and says, "Better get going. It's time."

The two men stand up, gathering up the note cards before they walk out of the Oval Office. Together, the two men make their way through the halls towards the room where the press is waiting for the two of them.

As the two enter the room, cameramen start snapping photos. Trump walks up to the podium and lays his note cards out.

"Thank you. Thank you all for coming here today," Trump says. He pauses for a moment before he says, "Today, I am here on behalf of the United States Armed Forces and her allies in this world and in Arda to formally declare victory in the war against Morgoth. As of two days ago, Morgoth has been taken into custody, and is currently being ferried to the land of Valinor to stand judgment for his multitude of crimes."

The reporters break out in a round of polite applause. Once they quiet down, Trump continues, "I have been in communication with the Lord of the Valar, Manwe. He wishes to convey his undying gratitude to the United States of America for all they have done, and his wish for continued friendship."

"Mr. President! Mr. President!" one of the reporters exclaims before standing up and asking, "Mr. President, now that Morgoth is defeated, when can we expect our troops home?"

"We have already begun efforts to bring our troops home. Those units who suffered the heaviest casualties in the dragon attack have already returned home. Over the next month, half of our remaining troops will be coming back through the portal while the rest of our troops mop up any remaining enemy forces before coming home," General Milley speaks up to answer the question.

Another reporter directs his question directly to General Milley. "General, can we expect any troops to remain behind in Arda in an occupation capacity," the reporter asks.

"Yes. Due to their recent arrival and that they sustained very few casualties, the following four divisions are being assigned to occupation duty in Beleriand: the 10th Armored Division, the 45th Infantry Division, the 63rd Infantry Division, and the 90th Infantry Division. In addition the 1st Marine Division, which has sustained relatively few casualties, will remain behind in Beleriand to take part in occupation duties. The rest of our units will all return to our world within the next 9 weeks," General Milley responds.

Trump now speaks up and says, "Given our alliance with most of the peoples of Arda, occupation will be minimal and will happen simply to ensure peace. However, per an agreement with the various leaders of our Allies in Arda, the United States will be establishing several military bases in Arda."

"Mr. President! What punishment can we expect of the Dark Lord?" another reporter asks.

"I am not sure, sir, but I can promise you whatever it is will not be enough," Trump says, his opinion of Morgoth very clear.

Another reporter pipes up and asks, "Mr. president, is it true that Beleriand might not be livable for the foreseeable future due to the destruction of the war?"

"We have yet to establish a firm answer on that, but we hope to have a better understanding of it soon," Trump responds.

"To what extent will the military maintain a presence in Arda into the future?" another reporter asks.

Milley again speaks up to answer. "We have already considered locations for a base for the Navy, Army, and Air Force each in lands of Middle Earth to the east of Beleriand. While we do not have firm numbers, we can confirm that the American people can expect tens of thousands of personnel deployed there at any given time," Milley responds. He pauses, then says, "At this time, I would also like to make an announcement that we have just confirmed. At the end of the year, after things have hopefully settled down, General of the Army Robert Abrams intends to retire from active duty with the United States Army. For that reason, I am announcing today that his successor will be General Michael X Garrett, who currently commands the 6th Army. General Garrett will take over as the commander of United States Arda Command beginning in December of this year."

The reporters continue asking questions, and Trump and Milley continue to answer, but looking forward to the end of the press conference so they can have a little time to relax after the overwhelming stress of the last month and a half.

(Valimar)

In the halls of his HQ, General Abrams is watching reports on his screen coming in from the various units across Beleriand. At last, he can feel relief. The war is over.

However, as he looks at pictures also being uploaded to a central network from surveillance drones, he feels a bit of sadness. Beleriand, once a beautiful place, has been destroyed. Almost no plant life exists anymore, and the vast majority of it has been turned into a wasteland. Craters dot the landscape, and large swathes of the land has been scorched black. In western Beleriand, Ulmo had unleashed his power to destroy vast orc armies during Morgoth's counterattack. However, the powerful display had caused chasms to open in western beleriand and water to begin intruding into the land. Beleriand has suffered, and many think it's not done suffering. The damage caused by the war is so great that the land has begun to break up, and some of the Maiar have confessed they believe Beleriand may sink into the sea. For that reason, the divisions meant to carry out occupation duty are crossing Beleriand to get to the lands on the other side of the Blue Mountains while the rest of the ground forces are mopping up remnants of Morgoth's army and preparing to return home.

At last, the war is over. But its effects are just beginning. Not only Arda, but Earth has been changed forever. All Abrams can do is wait and see what will happen.

And, I'll end the chapter there.

So, next chapter will cover the final story of the First Age told in the Silmarillion. Until that chapter is up, please leave a review, and stay tuned!