Conflicts in Western Theater intensifies when president of Ukraine decides to surrender the 3/4 of it's territory to Russia. During the concessions in Odessa, during the conference in municipal hall. President of Russia and Ukraine exchange heated argument both unyielding to their own demands but peace agreement reach stalemate. Both sides sign the peace agreement in help of high profile UN mediators. Ukraine agreed to concede it's 3/4 of territories and also Russia pay war reparations to rehabilitate Ukraine using frozen assets from Western European banks. Lieutenant Nikolai saluted when president of Ukraine exit the conference room and escort him back to armored vehicle until swarm of drone appeared and surrounded the municipal hall. President of Russia flabbergasted on lieutenant's report that NATO forces making their own move and decides to strike the peace deals and eliminate the high profile UN mediators to bear no witness. Nikolai screams back and push back the president inside of armored vehicle but it's too late when swarm drones struck UN, Russian and Ukrainian convoy killed both leaders and mediators. His comrades reduced to piles of flesh and while others bitterly fought to end, not abandoning the post to defend the place.
Nikolai aimlessly firing at drones out of fear and he successfully downed two at low altitude. Vehicle mounted laser system failed to work where the enemy FPV swarm drones drop EMP bombs and incapacitated the electronics. Nikolai decides to sprint out across the forest while drones chasing him, jumps in mud for camouflage cover and hide in tree burrow to avoid visual detection. He waited until evening, making no movements. Since the enemy drones unable to pick up visual findings and central command decide to return the drones at NATO bases in Poland and Hungary.
Nikolai exits the burrow and came back to ruined municipal hall with sharp vigilance. He cried down on his comrades' body desecrated by efficient brutality of war machines, scattered around municipal hall. Nikolai take refuge inside the hall, luckily the generator and cathode ray TV not busted by EMP's. He activates the diesel generator to power the lighting and heater. Nikolai turn on the TV in hope the situation not escalate into full blown global war. The news appeared that Russian prime minister take over provisional executive role and declare war against NATO. Russian military strategically placing all ICBM mobile platforms in border of Western Europe and send the fleet of nuclear submarines in maritime border of Northern and Southern Europe. Russian military renew the military doctrine which more adaptable, way more focused on surgical strikes than mass mobilization and launch surprise attacks against Alaska forcing the US to fight three front wars.
In next news channel, China successfully reunified with Taiwan in series of political maneuvering because of Odessa assassination incident orchestrated by NATO as political crisis in Taiwanese government is looming and getting more anxious on geopolitical unpredictability. US declare war against China after the reunification incident and send the naval armada to invade Taiwan. Several Asian countries severed the diplomatic connections with US and decide to close their military installations to deny embarking of logistics to pressure and wear down war effort but US military is remain adamant instead commence air strikes to wreck havoc in Three Gorges Dam which the very heart of China's prosperity and progress. China is on high alert, activitated their electronic warfare infrastructures, air assets and anti-air defenses also military-civilian industrial complex is operating day and night to sustain the bloody war within. China heightens naval presence in South China Sea included the occupied island and Taiwan also blockaded it's own, in help of Chinese, Korean and Japanese navy that already disillusioned on coercive policy of American imperial politics, rallying for independent Asian sovereignty. Formed 5 pronged defense in western and 3 pronged offense in southern part to intercept American naval offense.
Pentagon is now on immense pressure and crisis, the paperwork piling, bombarded with phone calls and screams of argument inside conference room to strategize de-escalation through war game simulations. Secretary of Defense orders activation of DEFCON, government is no longer reliable becoming good as deaf in refusal not for backing down chauvinistic narratives. Mobilizes the ICBM mobile-based platforms and activated all Ground-Based Midcourse Defense silos across 50 states to intercept incoming enemy ICBM's even the margin of error is absolute. Director of CIA executed through firing squad for treason and conspiracy involvement in Odessa assassination incident. The director's execution televised globally, serve as stark warning to people who brought humanity closer in brink of extinction.
Nikolai found a telephone in desk and fortunately, the landlines still working and he calls Major General Mikhail Kovalchuk of Ukrainian Ground Forces, answered hysterically. "Lieutenant, the Dead Hand system is online, our intelligence team and special forces attempt to strike deeper in Russian nuclear command centers to override the program but they captured and executed on spot. The gambit is gone, Lieutenant. Better don't back and leave the country immediately, that's an order". Nikolai teetered in rage, respond with fervor. "I will not leave my post, Major!. This is cowardice! and if we unable to save this war, only to do is save and protect the civilians. This war is nothing to do with them and us!" Major General Mikhail sighed in disbelief but optimism worth the gamble? Major General Mikhail affirm on Nikolai's suggestion and only answered with grim sentiments. "I understand your dedication. Nikolai you're going to proceed this final mission or you might regret in end if the things not end well?". Nikolai laughs and respond with sharp but iron steel resolve. "There's nothing to regret, Major. This is the final hour of humanity. Death is always inevitable thing among the living."
Major general grimaced on Nikolai's defiance. "As you say, later the extraction team will come to rescue and clear the area to gather remains like information and weapons. Just wait, don't wander anywhere." Nikolai thanked the Major. After the rest and reflections, he eat dinner from canned foods and take bath. After that, the extraction team arrive and saluted each other. The soldier with sergeant rank politely greeted him. Her name is Milena Morozova "Lieutenant Nikolai Rozhdestvensky, you assigned in civilian evacuation as major general ordered. Primary mission is escort the civilian transportation to Sevastopol network bunkers and secondary one is operate anti-air defenses alongside with Russian army. If you're curious, why we need to collaborate with our own enemy? Thankfully, those idealistic Russian soldiers launch covert mutiny and seized Sevastopol past 6 hours ago. Also our major general have good terms with them. Please standby, lieutenant. In next 2 hours, the civilian transport will follow us in designated routes. Stay alert and don't let your guard down. Do you understand, lieutenant?" Nikolai saluted and affirm without hesitation. "Yes, sir" and sergeant also saluted him back.
Sound of war sirens piercing across territories signs the hostile forces launch offensive . Sergeant Milena panics when receive the call from Captain of 19th Division while inside in a military truck, escorting the civilians. "In this time 13:00, NATO and Russian forces with Central Asian and Balkan contingents mobilizing their own and Kyiv is under siege, Major General Kovalchuk and his 19th Division trapped in city surrounded by enemy. Forcing to fight 2 front battles." Soldiers pale by gravity of situation, the atmosphere become more gloomy. Doesn't mean, the morale is shattered but major general is more stubborn than expected. Refusing to surrender against enemy despite the odds of victory is elusive, the senselessness become smokescreen to buy time for us.
There is no time to mourn, duty is must important as primary objective. A private ranked soldier equipped with thermal goggles shriek in terror in comms. "There's incoming enemy drones, in swarm formation more than 50". Nikolai curse deeply in frustration. "Shit, those motherfuckers is always ready to commit war crimes for fun. Sergeant, hand me the MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense System)." A technical (a military gun truck) and it's operator start firing at drone swarms. Nikolai locked one of the target in visual optics, the drone slips past attempting to flank them. Missile launched and successfully struck the drone but there's still remaining 20 drones. Sergeant Milena open the comms and called one of the operator of vehicle mounted laser system, asked for status report. "How many power remaining?". Operators respond frantically. "This is bad, only 10% percent remain. Also the technicals is running out bullets". Nikolai downed another 5 drones despite the 2 misses. MANPADS ammunition is already running out, he reach out for sniper rifle with optical scope and it switched to infrared mode. Taking down a drone with sniper rifle is no easy task but it is more economical answer to every crisis of war, snipers dominated modern war only fourth to air superiority, artillery and bombs.
"I need a spotter and don't let miss even a single drone at sight". Sergeant Milena volunteer as spotter for Nikolai and she wear the infrared goggles. Sergeant Milena scanning the area, lone drone attempt to target vehicle mounted laser system and shouted. "Lieutenant at 11 o' clock" He shot the lone drone from direction of 11 o' clock, hits propeller and crashed into the ground. Nikolai still anxious, the enemy drone is too fast for him. He ordered Sergeant Morozova to turn floodlights and adjust the lumen intensity to temporarily blind visual optics of enemy drones.
Enemy drones scrambling around when floodlight dazzles them, blinding visual optics and sensor fusion. Enemy drone swarms unable to maneuver effectively as infrared visuals disrupted by high intensity floodlight. Nikolai take advantage of situation and calmly aim at scrambling drones, hit one from 10 o' clock and Sergeant Milena reach out for assault rifle firing out at left and right flank angles with calm but suppressing dam of fear with precision, hit down 3 drones at same time and also Nikolai hit down from 10 o' clock, the sneaky drone attempt to aim at technicals.
The convoy arrive at Kharkiv speeding up in paved forest.
Chasing remains of 10 enemy drones collided on trees as real-time image monitoring from visual optics only appears half-baked resolution, unable to identify the physical obstacles because of floodlight jamming. Also, even the drones fly at high altitude and form kamikaze formation. The forest is too thick to penetrate. Trees are real challenge to execute the tactic and proven nature still remain supreme over man-made creations. Nature offers free protection despite it's unforgiving temper and no gods involved in miracle.
They finally survive the near fatal situation. Sergeant Milena broke down in terror, screaming in corner and she reaching out for handgun, attempt to shoot herself. Nikolai disarmed her, restrain it's hand and feet with rope in help of other soldiers but still violently resisting. Soul-shattering trauma evident on her, eyes bleak as swamp and facial expression contorts in unimaginable fear. Nikolai asks one of the soldiers. "What mission when start occuring her psychological conditions?" and soldier answered with clinical detachment. "Bakhmut, she serve as medic and frontline soldier. The battle is bloody hell and remaining 20% of soldiers survived in that battle get PTSD's and she is one among them."
Nikolai rummaging the med kit for tranquilizer injected her in left side of neck. Dramatically reduce her violent struggle, lulled by hallucinatory side effects and whispers something "my child, mama will come back sooner" crying and staring in side with emptiness, she finally fall asleep. Nikolai only remain silent, watching her vigilantly and can't afford to let their guard off as mental instability of female sergeant triggers unpredictably. The convoy was stop for refueling, the food supply still remain sufficient to cover another 6-7 hours of travel, estimated distance of 462 miles from Kharkiv to Sevastopol since most of the route are paved highways, the travel is expected more smooth and efficient without interruption except refueling or maintenance.
Nikolai return in military truck where the female sergeant in and she already awaked, sitting in corner with piercing gaze at him. He felt uncomfortable, the very person has been met for a day just change overnight. Nothing to blame about it, her sanity is already broken by insanity of war. Loosing her from restraint is very risky from now. Nikolai awake the sleeping soldier to change shift to watch her. He lie down in cold and hardy wooden frame to rest. Nikolai sleeps soundly just like nothing happened unless you're dreaming of beautiful garden, profoundly adorned by allusions.
In military fortification of Sevastopol, the guard of watch tower wearing armband of Orthodoxy cross spotted the incoming civilian-military convoy with white flags and guard immediately inform the arrival in comms and shouted to open the gates. Line of convoy entered one by one while the guards inspecting belonging or supply to ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians. Nikolai awake past 2 hours ago and expression of Sergeant Milena still not changing at all, bear with hostility and suspicions.
Nikolai cut the restraint on her feet and hand because he can't bear the degrading situation of Milena, she deserve a dignity of being human, not to be treated like this. Milena still remain silent, quite agitated on conciliatory gaze of Nikolai. "Sergeant, you're unfit to take frontline duties. I have final request, protect the civilians in bunker. That's your new mission, you already taking much burden. Don't matter what happen, fulfill the mission". Sergeant Milena nodded in affirmation, she followed the flock of civilians along in underground network bunkers that fortified by thick reinforced concrete and guarded by hydraulic blast doors.
One interesting thing here, most of the Russian mutineers are wearing Orthodoxy cross armbands, they actually the Order of Saint Cyril (OSC) a covert religious paramilitary organization. Formed recently by Patriarch of Moscow for humanitarian rescue missions. Major General Mikhail Kovalchuk also member of order. OSC soldiers and include us quickly formed in line. Captain Luzhin Pavlov of OSC announce the mission objectives. "At 15:00, the operation commences. The primary objective is defend this area from air raids and hostile ground troops. Secondary objective, if the defensive mission failed. Retreat to bunker and transport the civilians also yourselves in train. God be with us!". Soldiers also shouts in unison "God with us!".
A seismographer rushing out inside office, reported the alarming findings "Our team recorded 1063 seismic spikes today, dynamic magnitude of 5.0-6.5 mb". Captain Pavlov turn pale on findings and nightmare turn reality as comms unable to pick signals, only answer statics or white noise.
Meanwhile at Kherson Oblast inside of military tent, operators of S-500 missile system engaging in heated argument about if they are still follow the directives of Moscow or operate independently as crisis looming further. Suddenly, the arguments interrupted when radar detected incoming 8 objects appeared in visuals. Movement is too fast within the range of 800 km. The operators confused on what they saw, it changed trajectory closing within 700 km strike threshold covers Sevastopol, Shcholkine, Simferopol, Staryi Krym and Balaklava. Lieutenant Artyom Agrikolyansky, one of the radar operators shouted "Incoming MIRV's (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) at speed of 19 Mach, possibly 5-400 kilotons per yield each warheads! Prepare for interception!". Lieutenant Artyom calmly assess the situation, only 1 minutes and 70 seconds left to intercept the incoming nuclear warheads. The first wave of 5 hypersonic interceptor trucks contain 4 missiles each salvoes. Launched and fired at multiple targets as incoming nuclear warheads reach the 600 km ceiling. Lieutenant Artyom and other operators can't help nothing but to watch everything with moments of heart pounding dread, hoping the probability not turn against their fate. Each hypersonic interceptors has 18-20 Mach speed, pursuing the incoming targets as elevation lowered at 400 km ceiling.
Lieutenant Artyom report at comms "1 minute and 15 seconds left to hit the mark." He paused for a moment, the glimpse of dramatic optimism dimming in dusk of irony. "30 seconds left, trajectory remain steady". Artyom teared on lament, everything is gone for. His family, love and idealism shattered in illusion of fragility. Artyom hoarses, as the final countdown began. "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1". 8 MIRV's warheads out of 20 hypersonic interceptors, only 2 warheads intercepted. 18 missed the hit marks, the cold logic of hypersonic engineering paradox like "bullet hitting another bullet" is inevitable. The remaining 6 warheads strike the major cities of Crimea, annihiliating 1.4 million population like statistical harvest.
Nikolai glimpse something wrong while in watch tower duty, there's flash of light within 5 kilometer radius. Nuclear blast sends shockwave destroying everything and it's searing ultrahigh temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius evaporate everything. The monstrous concrete bunker and it's guarding bulwark of blast door melt like butter. Nikolai get liquified and atomized in seconds. Everything reduce in oblivion of noise. There's nothing regret to hear, pain to resent and hardships to honor. Mere your story is just sypnosis for Liturgy of Flayed.
Nikolai's consciousness travel in spacetime continuum, whether billions or trillions of quantum entanglement connections to preserve it's data like DNA and memories with extreme fidelity tormenting him much even without physical body, worst experience than being liquified by nuclear fireball. Nikolai's body starts reconstructing at femtometers scale, replicating the exact fidelity of him. He awake inside of Baroque era cathedral with grandiose mosaic of blood lilies in stained glass, he sitting in church pew beside of 4 newcomers.
There's a robed woman embracing an infant standing in altar, chanting the liturgical passage:
"Love is fleeting feather, stray away from fickleness of wind.
Intoxicated in the fountain of wrath, abyss gazes back with eternal resentment.
Walking to the mist of agony, honors thy flesh.
Beneath Sea of Blood, whispers hunger for warmth.
Death is only beginning of truth, life is the end of lies.
Despair stretching to the endless horizon of ignorance.
Heaven and Hell is empty, only cacophony of eternal damnation."
Nikolai felt something wrong and one of male newcomers named Watanabe Takeshi whispers. "This is another world, right?. She is probably the Goddess and might reward us with cheat, power and harem. Maybe, I should start fucking the Goddess first, hehe!" Nikolai, ignored the nonsensical banter, nothing interests him at mundane suggestions. He boldly approached the robed woman and politely asked. "Where are we, Madam?" and he uncomfortably glanced at field of blood lilies. The robed woman took gaze at him. Nikolai's body shuddered in sheer terror, the biological circuits refuse to cooperate and kneel down in front of her. But he still remain stubborn, resisting the otherworldy interference and still politely apologized in stuttered voice. "I'm apologizing for my own insolence, if the question bothers you."
The robed woman spared Nikolai, she also gaze at 4 newcomers was forcibly kneel under her oppressive aura. As she heared something insolent from a male newcomer, her body distorts like gravitational lense and violently pull Takeshi in front of her. She ripped his manhood out with unimaginable strength of physical violence. Takeshi scream like pitiful barn owl and robed woman forcibly stuffed the bloody genital in his mouth. Takeshi's manhood rapidly regenerate but his sanity completely broke down in horror. The robed woman ripped his brain out and regenerated rapidly, tweaked his memory like gorydamn jigsaw. Takeshi become renewed person in psychological perspective just like nothing happened and while other 3 newcomers forced to watch in sheer terror of the gory spectacle as their body still refuse to reclaim biological autonomy. Nikolai, not even flinched at some slasher shitshow because he witness more bloody than this.
The robed woman sarcastically remarks with serene indifference. "Welcome, my venerable heroes. Your lives are just beginning of the fantasy"