World War III: The First Phase

On March 2, 2045, World War III erupted when the first nuclear ballistic missiles were launched. However, satellite communications in many parts of the world had already been disrupted, rendering missile guidance systems unreliable and vulnerable to interception. Soviet nuclear submarines, cut off from communication and observing a wave of missile launches, responded by launching their own nuclear arsenal. Unfortunately, they quickly lost control of their missiles, failing to strike major cities but creating widespread radiation zones. While the initial saturation strikes caused only limited damage, they dramatically escalated global tensions.

The Second Phase: The Struggle for Air Supremacy

As missile systems faltered, the war's focus shifted to stratospheric airspace. Nations vied for supremacy with plane-based nuclear strikes, relying on strategic bombers to carry nuclear cruise missiles. Intense air and naval battles raged as forces attempted to intercept these bombers, but by the time the second phase was over, most of the world's fleets and air forces had been decimated, and many cities lay in ruins.

The US Enters the War: May 2047

On May 25, 2047, the United States officially entered the conflict in support of NATO, prompting the Soviet Union to hastily deploy a large number of combat dolls for field testing. Just four days later, on May 29, US and NATO forces began their first ground engagements against Soviet forces and the Warsaw Pact. The 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment was deployed as the spearhead of Western Allied forces, marking the beginning of several months of intense fighting.

In August 2047, the US launched a major armored offensive in Germany, aiming to push the Soviet Army eastward. In a desperate response, the Soviet Ministry ordered the deployment of 8,000 untested combat dolls. Although most of these dolls were destroyed, their presence on the battlefield successfully halted the US armored assault. This convinced Soviet leadership to invest further in the development and deployment of combat dolls through private contractors.

Brutal Ground Fighting and Battered Forces

As the days progressed, the war grew increasingly brutal, with ground fighting intensifying. The 1st Ranger Battalion, though battered, continued to rack up victories. By December 25, 2047, both sides had made only slow progress, with the US suffering heavy losses, particularly among its officers, who were being killed almost daily in their efforts to hold back the Soviet advance.

Operation in Norway: January 2048

On January 3, 2048, the 1st Ranger Battalion along with an armored unit supporting them from the US Army's 11th Cavalry Regiment A.K.A. Blackhorse Regiment was deployed to Norway to join forces with the Norwegian Rangers. Their mission was to sabotage Soviet operations, starting with the recovery of a downed US B-2 Spirit bomber near Murmansk. The aircraft had been carrying sensitive information, and its pilots had been captured by Soviet forces. Despite these challenges, the Rangers successfully secured the information and rescued the pilots before scuttling the bomber.

Simultaneously, the Soviets launched a task force behind NATO lines in Norway, targeting key oil rigs and a NATO base, both of which were destroyed. The joint US-Norwegian forces, now tasked with striking a Soviet naval harbor, received intelligence that three nuclear submarines were docked and preparing for deployment. NATO quickly launched an assault as the Soviets began fueling the submarines.

Despite facing heavy resistance, a US Ranger company in support with tanks successfully secured the first submarine. However, fierce Russian resistance allowed the second submarine to escape, leaving the Task Force to focus on capturing or destroying the third and final sub. After intense fighting, they succeeded in taking control of the last submarine. Shortly afterward, the Task Force received word of an imminent Soviet armored counterattack. They responded by calling in artillery and airstrikes, ultimately holding the line. With vital sea charts in hand, the Task Force destroyed the two remaining submarines and extracted back to Norway.

Escalating Threats and New Objectives

The captured sea charts were sent to EUCOM, revealing that one of the Soviet submarines had been headed for New York Harbor with the intent of harassing the US Navy along the East Coast. Alarmed by this intelligence, the US reactivated the 4th Ranger Battalion. Reports indicated that a Spetsnaz unit had seized Ellis, Liberty, and Governors Islands, securing caches of US military equipment. The 4th Rangers were tasked with retaking these vital positions.

By the end of the operation, the US forces had successfully wiped out the Soviet Special Forces and reclaimed the islands. With the immediate threat neutralized, attention turned back to the larger conflict, which continued to see slow progress on both sides.

Reorganization and the Next Battle

The 1st Ranger Battalion, after suffering heavy casualties and enduring months of brutal combat, had been reorganized and reinforced. As they prepared for the next phase of the war, they stood ready to once again lead the charge, knowing that the battles ahead would only grow more intense as the global conflict raged on.

Date: January 12th 2048

Location: Heindelberg, Campbell Barracks Army base, Germany

A few days after their hard-won victory in New York, the 1st Ranger Battalion's spirits were high. These combat-hardened veterans, fresh off their success, were eager for another chance to strike at the Soviets. Among them was a 29-year-old captain who led A Company. In just eight years with the Rangers, he had risen rapidly from Staff Sergeant to Captain, but the weight of his new role wasn't lost on him.

The captain had led men into battle before, but commanding a larger force came with new anxieties. He had seen enough men die when he was a platoon leader, and now the stakes were higher. The responsibility of keeping more soldiers alive haunted him, though he did his best to push these thoughts aside. His focus was on the mission—and on getting his men back home.

That morning, the captain, Jim Xayesana, was doing his usual jog around the base, his boots pounding rhythmically against the pavement. As he passed by fellow Rangers, each one greeted him with respect.

"Morning, Jim!" a familiar voice called out.

Xayesana turned to see Sergeant Tom joining him in stride.

"Oh, morning, Tom. How's the sleep?" Jim asked with a faint smile.

"Pretty good, thanks. And you?" Tom replied.

"Yeah, slept alright."

The two Rangers fell into a comfortable silence, jogging together for the next hour or so. They had been through enough battles side by side to not need words to fill the quiet. After their run, they made their way back to the barracks, changed quickly, and headed to the mess hall.

Xayesana wasn't one for much small talk, especially in the early mornings. He went through the routine—grab food, find a table, eat, and wait for the inevitable alarm that would call them to the next mission briefing. After picking up his tray, he sat down with a group of company commanders, all of them veterans of the long, grueling war.

"Man, what do you think the next mission's gonna be like?" one officer mused aloud.

"The usual. Not like anything's changed," another said, with a sigh.

"I don't know. I've got a feeling we'll be leading the spearhead again," said the officer sitting next to Xayesana, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Anybody catch the news?" another officer asked. "The Russians just landed in Seattle."

The table went silent. One of the officers clenched his fist before speaking.

"Damn... I've got family in Seattle."

"How the hell did they sneak past our Navy?" an officer with a thick New York accent muttered, shaking his head. "Gives me the chills just thinkin' about it. Complete mystery."

Before anyone else could weigh in, the shrill sound of an alarm echoed through the mess hall. Every Ranger sprang into action, moving quickly toward the briefing room.

Inside the air-conditioned room, platoon leaders sat at attention, eyes fixed on the large flat-screen monitor displaying a detailed map of the operational area. Moments later, a tall, rugged-looking officer in his early fifties entered, wearing a worn multicam uniform. He carried a remote in his hand, the kind that controlled the slides on the TV.

"Alright, men, listen up," the officer began, his voice firm and commanding. "This mission is a big one. We're tasked with leading the spearhead in an air assault to break through enemy lines. This will be the largest airborne operation since the Vietnam War."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the room, before clicking the remote and switching to the next slide.

"First, our Air Force will pound the hell out of those Soviet positions with a massive bombing run. Once they've dropped everything they've got, artillery will take over, blasting their defenses to bits. Then we'll go in."

Another click. A new map appeared on the screen.

"After we land, our job will be to mop up the remnants of the enemy forces left standing. Once that's done, we'll hold our position until the 2nd Armored Cavalry from the 3rd Infantry Division links up with us. Together, we'll push forward, securing the Fulda Gap. The goal is to reach Leipzig by the end of the month."

The room was dead silent. The tension was palpable.

"Any questions?" the commander asked, scanning the room. Nobody spoke. There were no questions to ask, only the grim reality of what lay ahead.

"Good," the commander said, satisfied. "Here's the last thing: weather conditions are going to be rough. I fought hard to get this delayed because of the storm we're flying into, but EUCOM's pushing hard to capture the objective. So gear up and prepare for the worst. Godspeed, gentlemen. Dismissed."

As the briefing concluded, officers rose from their seats, heading out to relay the orders to their companies. Xayesana and the rest of the 1st Battalion knew they had only a few hours before they would be airborne again—right back into the thick of the fight.

After the briefing, Captain Xayesana made his way over to his company. The men were lounging around, enjoying what little downtime they had. Some were playing cards, while others cracked jokes, trying to make light of the situation. But when a Ranger, the same one Jim had jogged with earlier, called out, "Captain's here!" the men immediately stood up, saluting in unison.

"At ease, gents," Xayesana waved them off, his tone relaxed. The Rangers sat back down, the mood shifting slightly with the presence of their commander.

"So, what's the score, Captain?" a young Ranger asked, his eyes flickering with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Jim took a deep breath before answering, keeping his voice calm but serious. "Our mission's dangerous, no two ways about it. We're going in Air Cav mode—after the Air Force and artillery soften up the Soviet lines, we'll drop in. Expect heavy resistance—combat dolls, armor, the works. Once we land, we dig in and hold until 2nd Cav links up with us. From there, we push east, secure the Fulda Gap, and aim to take Leipzig by month's end."

He paused, letting the information sink in before continuing. "We jump in a few hours. Use the time wisely—call your families, check your gear, say your goodbyes if you need to. This mission's going to be long and rough. Pack plenty of ammo and water. That's all for now. Stay sharp."

The Rangers took the captain's advice seriously. Some immediately picked up their phones to make one last call home, while others returned to their card games, trying to enjoy a few more minutes of calm before the storm. Xayesana watched them quietly for a moment, knowing the weight that each man carried. Then, he walked off to prepare himself for what lay ahead.

As the departure time drew near, Xayesana moved through the ranks, checking on each of his men. One by one, he made sure their gear was in order—everything from ammo to hydration to their radios. Most were veterans by now and didn't need reminders, but the captain found reassurance in going through the motions.

When he was done, he gathered the platoon around him for one final word. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.

"Alright, listen up," he began. "I know this is my first time commanding a full company, and I'm still getting used to it. But I promise you this—I'll give it everything I've got out there. And I know you will too. We've been through hell together already. Out in the field, we're family. We protect each other. We have each other's backs—no matter what. So, let's show them what the toughest sons of bitches America has to offer look like. Hooah?"

"Hooah!" the company roared back in unison.

"Rangers lead the way!" Xayesana shouted, and the men echoed the familiar battle cry, their voices carrying through the hangar. It wasn't just his platoon now—other companies joined in, the energy in the room electric as the moment to launch neared.

Suddenly, the alarm blared throughout the base, signaling the final call.

"That's our cue, let's move!" Xayesana yelled, and the Rangers quickly grabbed their gear and made their way to the waiting Black Hawks. The sleek helicopters, outfitted with Direct Assault Penetrators, were ready for action. Crew chiefs and door gunners checked their miniguns and ammunition, making last-minute adjustments as the Rangers boarded.

"Phoenix flight, five minutes to mission launch," a voice crackled over the radio.

The cockpit was a blur of activity as the pilots fumbled with the necessary instruments, running through their pre-flight checklists. The crew chiefs were focused, double-checking ammo cans and securing their miniguns. There was a sense of urgency in the air, but it was underlined by professionalism. These men had done this before.

"Buzzsaw flight, ready for takeoff. Over," came another transmission.

Xayesana boarded one of the choppers with his men. His nerves were on edge, but a nearby sergeant gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We got your back, sir," the sergeant said, giving him a confident nod.

"Heidelberg to all units, mission launch. Repeat: mission launch," the voice from the control tower announced.

With that, the Black Hawks lifted off, joining a massive armada of helicopters heading eastward. They were escorted by heavily armed gunships and AH-64D Longbows, adding extra muscle to the operation.

"Gunfighter 2-4, Gunfighter 2-6, good to have you boys on board," a pilot said over the comms.

"Phoenix 6-6, we're honored to escort you guys. Gunfighter 2-6 out," an Apache pilot replied with calm professionalism.

As the armada approached a towering wall of storm clouds, the mood in the cabin shifted. Lightning flickered within the dark clouds, and the choppers rocked slightly from turbulence. The crew chiefs exchanged glances.

"Damn, that's a big storm," one of the crew chiefs muttered under his breath. It was clear that even he was a little on edge.

"Phoenix 5-2, check your spacing. Over," a pilot called over the radio.

"Phoenix 5-6, I'm just three rotor disks on your right. Over," came the reply, followed by more radio chatter as the pilots ensured proper spacing and coordination.

Inside Xayesana's Black Hawk, the Rangers remained focused. One soldier even pulled out a small camera, recording the storm and the flight for posterity, though the chopper hit minor turbulence, causing the camera to shake.

"Phoenix 6-2 here. We just hit some turbulence—nothing to worry about. Over," the pilot reported, exhaling slightly.

As the helicopters plunged deeper into the storm, the turbulence worsened. The Black Hawks rocked harder, but the pilots managed to keep control. Lightning lit up the clouds around them, casting eerie flashes of light into the cabin. Yet despite the shaking, there was no panic—just grim determination.

"Hold tight, everyone. This is going to get rough," Xayesana called out, his voice firm.

The Rangers gripped their gear tighter, their faces set in stone as they prepared to drop into the heart of the storm—both literal and figurative. There was no turning back now. The battle ahead awaited them.

"Shit, man! Think we'll see anything weird once we get out of this storm?" Ranger Powers asked, gripping his seat.

"Not sure, but remember Kong: Skull Island?" another Ranger replied, eyeing the turbulent skies.

"Yeah, that's what's got me worried!" Powers shot back, his voice tight with anxiety.

"Just keep your luck tight, brother. We'll get through this and focus on fighting the Russians, not whatever else is out there," the Ranger reassured him.

As they plunged deeper into the storm, violent winds tossed the helicopters, forcing the pilots to wrestle for control. Suddenly, lightning struck Xayesana's Black Hawk, causing chaos.

"Jesus!" a Ranger shouted as another nearly fell, only to be caught by the crew chief.

"Mayday! Mayday! This is Buzzard 3-3! We've been hit by lightning and are losing power—going down!" The armed Black Hawk spiraled below them, helpless against the storm.

"Heindelberg, we've got a fallen angel. Send CASEVAC to coordinates X7C 4N79, over," a pilot from another flight urgently requested.

"Buzzsaw 4-2, status report?" another aviator asked.

"4-6, this is 4-2. Fuel line's nominal, but RPM is all over the place. Master caution's lit up, but we're still in control," the pilot replied, tension palpable in his voice.

Once they broke through the storm wall, the Rangers faced an unsettling silence—no flak or anti-air fire. Only ten MH-60Ms, two MH-47G Chinooks, two MH-60 DAPs, two AH-64Ds, and two AH-6 Little Birds remained, surrounded by unfamiliar terrain.

"Heindelberg, this is Phoenix 6-6, do you copy? Over." The pilot's voice crackled through static.

"Come in, Heindelberg, do you copy?" he repeated, frustration mounting as he surveyed the strange landscape.

"Where the hell are we?" he murmured, confusion settling in as the flight held its formation, lost in an unknown land.

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(A/N: Uhh this might be my first log of author noting but let's get into it. So I've started this book a few months ago maybe January, but I haven't published it yet and as of now there's a total of 8 pages but I'm gonna be posting them sooner or later because I needed to refine them. Since I'm following the anime and manga, I mean not that it would've mattered that much anyway since both are sort of following the game which both or at least the anime stopped at Chapter 6 in the game and if the next chapter of the manga releases and if not then the uploads may started to go slow because 1. I still need to focus on my school and 2. Im going to start struggling again on finishing chapter 7...... So...without further a do I hope you enjoyed my first fanfic though I'm not really good in this shit anyway but there's still room to improve until I stopped writing but anyways readers or shall I say, Commanders I hope you have a fantastic day and I'll see ya'll in the next. Oh and uh don't forget to leave some constructive criticisms, I'm always open to them and please don't drop any hateful comments because that's just you being a dick and asking for unecessary attention. Oh and don't forget I don't own anything here all of the stuff here belongs to their rightful owners.)