"The tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure." – Thomas Jefferson

FLASHBACK CHAPTER 3: CHANGE OF PLANS…

August 15, 2016 19:48 EDT

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

When Shinji and Fesperman returned to the warehouse they found the wreckage of a Russian transport helicopter in one corner and a fire all around it. There were also several shot up Russian GAZ jeeps in the lot next to it with scores of dead paratroopers. "They found them," Shinji said as they surveyed the carnage. They rushed inside to find some of the people including Sergeant Voyles dead.

"Damn," Fesperman said as he ran over to Newman who was bandaging Jenkins' arm.

"Welcome back," Newman said.

"Looks like you're the boss now," Fesperman said. "Lucky you."

"Yeah," he looked over at Shinji and saw the look on his face. "What happened?"

"We lost Kyle," Fesperman responded. "Russian's clipped him just before shit started falling from the sky."

"How the fuck did that happen?" Jenkins asked. "The Russians stumbled upon us outside and a firefight ensued. Then we heard all the explosions and even felt the tremors. At first we thought it was the big counterattack. Then, knock, knock," he pointed over at the chopper, "Ruskie Whirly-bird at the door."

"I saw something," Shinji spoke up. "Through the clouds, way high up there," he pointed. "It…it looked like an explosion."

"An explosion?" Towley asked.

"Yeah. Like the Death Star explosion, you know? With the shockwave."

"Fuck," Newman swore as he stood up. "That explains why all the electronics are down. The radio, lights, hell even our red dots are down too. It was a nuke."

"Are you saying the Russians are using nukes on us now?" One of the others asked.

"I doubt it," Shinji shook his head. "It looked like a high altitude detonation. The EMP is what knocked everything out. Everything the Russians had in the sky is now a wreck and all their vehicles will be out of commission, too."

"So are ours," Jenkins countered.

"Yeah, but, the US military can bring in replacements much easier than Ivan," Shinji countered. "For the moment, we've got home court advantage. This is our turf. This is our home! We live here!" He turned to the survivors. "I'm tired of running away and hiding in fear. I say we start doing what we can to get back at those bastards! They've killed our families, they've killed our friends, and they're turning our cities into dust and ruble." Shinji screamed, spit flying with rage. "Well, fuck them. Let's start sending those motherfuckers to hell!"

"You'll get your wish, kid," Newman said. Fesperman looked up at him. "Before the EMP, Sarge got word from Overlord that we're to link up with a Special Ops team that's being inserted into the city ahead of the counteroffensive."

"Not likely with the EMP knocking everything out," Fesperman said.

"Maybe," Newman shrugged. "We were to rendezvous with them at midnight, someplace called Penn's Landing."

"I know where that is," Shinji said. "It's not far from here to the east, along the river."

"Hopefully, the meet is still on," Fesperman said. "Otherwise we're wasting time. If we're gonna meet up with them we got to go now."

"Then let's gather up whatever we can and get a move on," Newman said. He looked over at the remaining survivors; there were only five of them left. "Any of you folks know how to shoot?" Three stood up, two were Cavaliers. "Alright, grab some rifles and ammo. With the lights out and the Ruskies no doubt shitting themselves since the EMP we should be able to get to the river without being spotted."

"Let's roll," Shinji said turning back towards the door. He was ready. This was the only real home he's ever had. And he was damned if he was just going to sit by and let the Russians fuck with it.

XXXXX

August 16, 2016 00:18 EDT

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

They managed to get to the river about a quarter after midnight. They were able to make good time to the river, past the ruined Independence Hall where Shinji had a momentary flashback to the initial air strikes, but he quickly suppressed it. They had one run in with a Russian squad that was trying to pry open the hatch to a BTR and rescue some of their comrades. Most of the Russians fell to the initial salvo and the remaining two were killed as they took cover and fired back from behind a concrete barrier.

As they passed the BTR the top hatch was open wide enough for only a fist to fit through, no more. They could hear the angry Russian voices inside, the vehicle had a full load. Shinji took a grenade, primed it and dropped it inside. The explosion no doubt killed all the Russians instantly. If not, the 30mm ammo cooking off inside finished the job. "That's some stone cold, Dirty Harry shit, right there," Jenkins had commented.

"You complaining?" Newman asked.

"Nope."

Now they were hiding in the ruins of a Long John Silvers at the rendezvous site. "Where are they?" Towley asked. "Did they abort? Or…"

"Cosby!" They heard a raised voice coming from a parking garage off to the side. "Cosby!"
"Albert!" Newman called back. "Hold your fire," he said to the others. Two shadows emerged from the garage and took up cover positions. A third emerged and waved them over. "Move!" The group sprinted across and into the garage.

"You Iron 2-6?"

"What's left," Newman replied. Shinji took a look at the newcomers. The green NWU cammies they wore contrasted heavily with the Guardsmen's ACUs. Most carried MK16 SCAR rifles though one carried a MK14 EBR and another carried a MK43 machinegun. "Sergeant Voyles is dead." He then introduced Fesperman and Towley.

"We're from SEAL Team 4," the leader replied. "Lieutenant Feliciano. This is Chief Jones," he nodded to the dark skinned SEAL to his right. "Over there are Petty Officers 'Ski', 'Doc' Ballinger, Young and the rookie Killian." He then motioned to Shinji and the others. "Who are the kids?"

"Those kids are some pretty hardcore airsofters who aren't shy about going pro."

"Looks like Philly's got its own Wolverines now too, el-tee," Ski, the SEAL carrying the MK14, spoke up.

"Looks like it. Anyways," El-tee continued. "We're here to scout enemy positions, and strength as well as help coordinate airstrikes."

"Gonna be tough with that EMP," Fesperman said. He then explained the detonation.

"That explains why our minisub died on us," Killian said as he shifted his MK43. "But the same goes for our radios. The laser designator is still working, but, without comms it's useless."

"Can you lead us to City Hall?" El-tee asked.

"Yeah," Shinji nodded. "Why?"

"A few years ago, after that shit storm in the middle east, the government mandated that all state capitols and select major cities keep EMP shielded communications gear in the basement of their City Hall. Philly was one of them. If we can get there, we can still talk to the brass."

"You're out of luck," Jenkins said. "City Hall is in ruins. I saw it get blasted by a jet fighter."

"We'll have to hope the basement is still intact," Chief Jones said. "And the only way we'll know for sure is if we go there."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Shinji said standing up. "Let's move. I doubt we'll want to be caught out in daylight. Now that the Russian's are short on night vision cause of the nuke darkness is our only cover."

"I like how you think, kid," Chief Jones said. "El-tee?"

"Hooyah," the officer said. "Ski, Killian, take point. Shinji, right? You go with them."

"You got it."

XXXXXX

August 16, 2016 06:47 EDT

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

They managed to get there just before dawn. But, as luck would have it, there was a mass of Russian soldiers gathered outside. "There's a service access door on the other side," Jenkins said. "My ex's dad used to work down there."

"Let's move, and stay low," the El-tee ordered as the group moved through a parking lot that was covered with wrecked choppers and cars.

They got to the other side without being spotted. They moved in pairs to the entrance. As Jenkins and Ski darted across before Shinji a Russian trooper walk out behind them. "Shit," Shinji rushed him and brought him to the ground before he could shout an alarm. Shinji took the trooper's own AK bayonet and drove it into the base of his skull.

"Damn, kid," Young said as he came over and helped Shinji drag the body into the basement. "That was slick."

They found the bunker and the gear, a combination radio and Blue Force terminal. Young and Killian looked it over as the others secured other gear, mostly stored freeze dried food and water. "It's operational, El-tee," Killian said.

"Good," the lieutenant brought up the head set. "Overlord this is Achilles 4-5, come in."

"Go ahead Achilles 4-5."

"Success. Overlord, we've made contact with the survivors of Iron 2-6 and a Wolverine group. Be advised, repeat, be advised all our electronics are down."

"We're aware, Achilles 4-5. Someone detonated a Russian nuke in the upper atmosphere. The Russians got it worse from the EMP than us though. But we're still trying to regroup."

"We're using the shielded comms gear in the basement of City Hall. We're surrounded by Russian soldiers. They don't know we're here but it'll be difficult getting out with daylight rearing its head. Orders?"

"Standby, Achilles 4-5, we'll get you the cover you need. We're sending a Reaper to your AO, tell us where you want the ordnance and we'll give Ivan an early Christmas present."

"Copy, Overlord. ETA on the Reaper?"

"One hour, Achilles 4-5."

"Understood, Overlord. Achilles 4-5 out."

With the Russian's radar out the MQ-9 Reaper UAV was able to reach Philadelphia unmolested and on time. "Overlord, Achilles 4-5. Requesting the Reaper fire on the formation of soldiers at the corner of Filbert and Commerce to the northeast."
"Roger, rain coming down." A few seconds later the intersection lit up like a 4th of July as a pair of Hellfire missiles blasted the Russians' position. The rest of the soldiers either raced to the scene to recover any wounded, maintain the defense at that corner or hit the deck. Either way, they were distracted long enough for the team to make like ghosts and disappear back into the city. Now with working communications, a sky clear of Russian aircraft, and a plan they could finally start putting the hurt on the Russians.

Shinji was looking forward to it.

XXXXX

August 16, 2016 08:42 EDT

51st Guards Airborne Regiment, 106th Guards Airborne Division

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Across town, at the docks, a major in the 106th Guards Airborne Division was still working to get much of the rubble and wreckage cleared from the docks. Most of his helicopters were destroyed and the ones that weren't would be out of action for a couple days, at least. In the meantime, the Americans would very quickly replace their air power and would enjoy air supremacy for at least a day.

"Bozhe moi," the Major said as he looked over at his regiment's command post. A Mig just had to crash right on top of it. Thankfully, most of the staff, including the regimental commander had gotten out, but, the loss of much of the gear inside, even if it was useless. "Comrade, Colonel," he marched up to his commander. "I recommend we start sending out foot patrols, heavily armed, to reestablish contact with our outlying posts."

"Very good, Misha," the colonel nodded. "I heard explosions coming from the direction of City Hall," he pointed off to the north. "I'll want word on the situation there as soon as possible."

"You'll get it, sir," the Major nodded. "We may also want to look into conducting hunter-killer patrols to clear out any potential resistance cells. We're most vulnerable right now, comrade."

"I agree. Also, send a messenger over to Captain Tokarev and the Spetsnaz detachment across the river. I have a feeling we'll be needing their help in that matter very soon."