Alternate History The Day The World Changed(Modern Nations ISOT to Alternate 1920)
- Thread starter Quickdraw101
- Start date
Zyobot
Just a time-traveling robot stranded on Earth.
If anything, I think the Germans were a bit more “polite” than the 1920 Americans, at least when first introducing themselves and Captain Steiner telling rowdy subordinates to knock in off.
Granted, things ended in armed hostilities once they shot down the news crew, but that aside, perhaps different downtimer factions will have differences in temperament that make or break relations with uptimer states. Quite a few ramifications there that‘ll materialize once introductions are over with, I think.
All true,but 1920 military unit should still not fire on them.If there was only scheriff,then maybe...but even they would probably do not attack somebody in strange looking car and strange lookig rifles,before checking what those rifles could do.
Zyobot
Just a time-traveling robot stranded on Earth.
Maybe, but people still get jumpy all the same.
For the Germans, they probably went into this more arrogant than most. Recalling the actual text, the US they knew was cursed with a spineless president, barely had a military to speak of, and was too vulnerable to prevent a German invasion force from amassing right on the Mexican-American border.
It may not excuse their hostility once they encountered 2020 Americans, though as far as their actual mindset heading into this goes, they better reverse it. Because judging by what the uptimer US has had to slog through since 2016 (read: even before the ISOT took place), I doubt they have much patience left — and thus, probably will respond very "demonstratively" to downtimer provocation, military or otherwise. For one, God knows what kind of diplomatic crises Woodrow Wilson will set off by virtue of derogating the uptimers to their face, or Wilhelm II by running his mouth and letting his infamous temper flare up at the worst of times.
Well,in that case,there was big force on both sides of border,and,since they were aiming guns at each other,it was matter of time till somebody start schooting.
I undarstandt that.
But,on USA/USA border,we have small units on both sides.They should not schoot each oter,becouse there was no amny units facing each other.
When we have many cases of small units facing each other,notching would happen.When we have many in one spot,and both sides are triggered by sometching,then somebody just must start schooting.
Quickdraw101
Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
No, I'd say this would be a fairly accurate encounter, especially given the sorry state of race affairs in 1920. This is the same decade that saw the Tulsa Race Riots where Army planes dropped dynamite on the city, the rising of the second iteration of the KKK.
Steiner is also a well trained and experienced soldier, most of the Americans of this time are anything but. Not to mention when it comes to black people, Europeans might not like them too much, but they aren't on the "lynch the damn darkie" mode many Americans were in this time period.
Also, I'm interested to know what yall think of the two other ideas I have cooking up.
Zyobot
Just a time-traveling robot stranded on Earth.
Thanks for replying.
Bit dubious on the SM Stirling ISOT, as while I know of the series’s existence, I’ve little familiarity with the actual storyline. Apart from that, I’ve found that I don’t have much interest in published AH books or their contents, as the authors there seem to take their POD as license to jump sharks and go in all kinds of crazy directions that make little to no sense, as far as plausibility’s concerned.
On the other hand, your Deep South TL idea interests me a whole lot more. Don’t have a recommendation as to which date you should send them back to, unfortunately, as while I agree back-timing them to 1861 might be “easier”, I’m also unfamiliar with the Buchanan presidency and possible opportunities that might arise by sending them to 1859 instead. Go with whichever has the right balance of easy and opportune for you, I suppose.
1.They still was not idiots,too.If they meet some average looking black from 2020,they could kill or beat them.If they meet black policemans,they could kill them,too.
But,they meet army unit with big cars,big machine guns,and strangle rifles.
They could be racists,but not suicidal.
2.You mean french and partially brits,they used black troops.Germans used askari in Africa becouse they do not have anybody else there,but...
Their elites do not consider blacks as people.Thomas Mann in 1914 not only fully supported war,but was furious that french use black Senegal troops,which for him were animals.
well,maybe bavarians.Catholics actually could consider blacks as people,but the less you say about protestants,the better.
Goring father,good protestant,lead genocide in Namibia before WW1.
Your ideas -
1.1861 ISOT - depend,if those 7th states have factories capable of making modern machines,and oilfields.If not,they would lost their technology
So,we have 2 scenarios:
1A - they could produce stuff - they take over USA and later both Americas,Africa was for taken then,too.
1B - they could not produce anything important,old USA take over and eventually use their knowledge to take over both Americas.
In both cases,North kill South,just like in OTL.Becouse if somebody think that war was about poor slaves,he should learn how workers in North America was treated.
2.ISOT into past -we have two scenarios,again:
2A - part of America from Futere come after event which killed modern technology - so it would be ruins roamed by cannibals.
But,Nantucket could still go there and find rifles and maybe even artillery,which would still work.
Nantucket smash Walker,Assyria,and help Babylonians and Hittytes.Mitanni princess would go for noble american hero on schedule.
2B - not destroyed part of America come from other future.They take over Nantuccket and everybody else,including Mittani princess.
P.S 1861 - those states could actually save South.It would be change - to be honest,USA have problems now becouse it have no viable enemy,that it could degenerate to current pitiful form.
But,if there was strong South,both states would remain strong and healthy.
Chapter 6
Quickdraw101
Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
January 4th, 1920
Washington D.C.
United States of America
White House Oval Office
0930 Hours
------------------------------------------
Secretary of State Robert Lansing was not having a good day. In fact, he had not been having a good week. In fact, the United States had not been having a good week. Hell, the world had not been having a good week. It had been almost one week since mysterious walls of bright light appeared all over the world, including inside the United States. Many had called it an Act of God to punish the world for the wickedness of the new generation, to punish the world after the War of 1914, or as just a test of faith for Christians around the world.
But what was really disturbing was the lack of communication from the Western half of the country. No radio transmissions or telegraph messages came from any of the nine states west of the continental divide. Not even the Navy in San Diego or Puget Sound. There was nothing. At least, at first there was nothing. Some radio transmissions were picked up, very strong ones, which blew out some of the receivers that picked them up. Reports saying that it was New Year's Day 2020, and that they could not contact the United States government in Washington.
This was confusing to a great many people, Lansing included. Many were wondering just what was going on out west when the first reports of fighting came in. Military and militia units dispatched west, along with Army Signal Corps planes, reported a number of military units across Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. Military units that, upon closer inspection, and contact, claimed to belong to the National Guards of those states.
But there was just one problem with that. Not only were the uniforms wrong, the racial makeup of the alleged units made everyone's head spin. Whites, Blacks, Chinese, Mexicans, and even women were present in the reports. Then there were the strange armored cars and aeroplanes these supposed National Guard units had. None of it made any sense.
The first reports were chalked up to the excitedness of soldiers after the walls of light had finally disappeared, or being overcome with emotion at seeing loved ones trapped on the other side. But more reports started flooding in, and not just from out west. All over the world it was being reported that strange military units sat on the other side, and whole cities had seemingly been replaced with ones much larger, and far more extravagant.
Then the reports of fighting came in. They were sporadic at first, with sheriffs and militia calling in saying they had been overrun and needed help. That mobs of Negroes, Asiatics, and Mexicans in strange uniforms and carrying even stranger weapons were slaughtering white men from Montana down to New Mexico. There was also a lack of response of any kind from units that were sent after reports of fighting began.
It wasn't until an Army Signal Corps pilot, a 1st Lieutenant Jimmy Doolittle, who had been dispatched with escort to photograph the situation outside of Evanston, Wyoming, that the situation was taken seriously. He, and a single Sopwith Pup, out of an escort of four planes, were the only survivors to have come back from the scouting mission. When he gave his report to the commanding officer at Kelly Field, along with the photographs he had taken, was the situation fully realized.
His testimony, as well as that of another pilot, a 1st Lieutenant Eddie Rickenbacker, and the photos they had taken, painted a grim picture indeed. The element of the 3rd Infantry Regiment that had been sent to Evanston, and later to the border where the wall of light had stood, had been wiped out. Multiple aircraft, dozens of vehicles, and hundreds of troops of unknown origin were on the Utah-Wyoming border, and had utterly routed the United States Army.
So when more reports came in, Washington had to take them seriously, and that was a problem. With the crisis occurring on New Year's Day, most of the government wasn't even present in Washington, and had to be quickly recalled when the situation first started.
Lansing, luckily, or rather unluckily enough, was the first one of significance to be brought in, and briefed of the situation. The Secret Service had gathered him, as well as Lieutenant General Peyton March, the commanding general of the United States Army, and brought them to the White House to brief the president on the situation.
Due to President Wilson's failing health, his second wife, Edith Wilson, blocked all access to him, only allowing communication through written notes and questions she had in her hand. Initially, she had turned them all away, saying that Wilson wasn't seeing anyone, and that he was extremely sick. She had often been accused of running the country due to Wilson's condition, and was often called "The First Female President" of the United States because of the influence she held in her position. Her stonewalling and refusal to allow them to meet President Wilson had cost the United States valuable time in responding to the crisis.
Not even the Secret Service could force their way into the president's room, especially given his condition. It had taken a full two days to recall most of the necessary individuals back to Washington, chief among them being Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward Douglas White, and Dr. Cary Grayson, the personal physician of President Wilson.
Even then, the stubborn and aggravating Edith Wilson refused to let them speak to President Wilson. But Chief Justice White was prepared for this exact occasion. He had quickly drafted an order that required her to allow them access to President Wilson, otherwise she'd be held in contempt of court. It was late at night on the 3rd of January when they finally managed to reach the president, and inform him of the situation.
Now it was early in the morning on the 4th of January, and everyone was present. Aside from President Wilson and his Vice President Thomas Marshall, was Dr Grayson, who stood beside Wilson, Secretary of State Robert Lansing, Secretary of War Newton Baker, Army Chief of Staff Peyton March, who in turn brought Major General's John J.Pershing and Leonard Wood along, Naval Secretary Josephus Daniels, and Admiral Robert Coontz, the Chief of Naval Operations. No aids or assistants were present in the room, as many of the things that were to be discussed in this room, needed to be kept private. Even in a city like Washington DC, which was a city of open secrets, there were some things that had yet to leak out yet.
"Gentlemen, what brings you all here today?" President Wilson said hoarsely. A few of those in the room winced slightly upon hearing the president's voice. The stroke he'd had the year before had left him paralyzed on his right side, and his right eye with partial vision. Since his stroke, he'd been kept isolated from everyone who wasn't Dr Grayson, or his wife, Edith. Despite what the radio had said, Wilson himself hadn't ordered the National Guards of every state to mobilize when this all started. It was just an extension of his overprotective wife.
As those in the room got a good look at him, many wondered if he was able to discharge the powers of his office properly. Physically he was feeble, and emotional state did not appear to be much better. But despite it being required by the Constitution, no one had been willing, or able to certify if he was indeed capable of these duties. Some, like Robert Lansing, wondered if the news of the recent events would be something he could take. And if he could, for how long?
"Mr President," Lansing began, mentally preparing himself for what he was about to tell the president. "We are faced with a crisis west of the Rocky Mountains. A crisis the likes of which we have never seen before. And it...will be hard to believe, Mr President."
"Don't waste my time, dammit, just tell me!" Wilson said in frustration.
"Mr President, four days ago, bright walls of light appeared all over the world. Walls of light that cut off whole nations, and in the case of the United States, whole states, from the rest of the world, physically, as well as cutting off all avenues of communication with those inside. After roughly 12 hours, the walls went down, and everything seemed back to normal. But it soon turned out to be far from it."
"What do you mean, Mr Lansing?" Vice President Marshall asked.
"We think it best you all brace yourselves for what we're about to tell you next, gentlemen." General March began.
"Just get on with it." Wilson demanded in a voice that was steadily growing weaker and weaker.
"All the regions that were cut off from the world, were not, are not, the ones we knew. It has been confirmed that the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, as well as the territories of Alaska, and Hawaii, as we knew them in 1919, have been replaced with their equivalent from the year 2020." Lansing said, finally letting it out, and allowing those in the room to fully take in what he said.
No one said anything for half a minute, not even President Wilson, or Vice President Marshall, who seemed to be turning pale in the face.
"If this is some kind of New Year's prank on us, this is-" Secretary of War Baker began, but was cut off by General March.
"Secretary Baker, I assure you this isn't a joke. Those walls of light were as real as the walls of this office, and what we found behind them is just as real. In the days since it ended, we've gotten countless reports saying the same thing. Even the Canadians are saying the same thing about British Columbia, to say nothing of everywhere else in the world. This is real!" General March made sure to put emphasis behind his words when he said that, watching as Baker seemed to shrink inward, as his eyes went wide.
"H-how is this possible?" Marshall asked, looking as if he was about to vomit in the Oval Office.
"This can't be true…it can't be." Wilson said in a hoarse whisper. "Why God, why?"
"I'm afraid it is, sir." General March began. "Army and National Guard units sent west to investigate and try to assist the locals with the crisis, reported that once the wall went down, they encountered towns, police, and military units that looked nothing like any they had ever seen. Many of those encounters, I'm afraid to say, ended poorly for our men."
"What do you mean, poorly?" Secretary Baker asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
"Ended with their defeat or retreat, poorly," March replied, and he watched even more color drain from the faces of those in the room. "The report that stands out the most is one that comes from the 3rd Infantry Regiment in Wyoming. Just west of the town of Evanston, they encountered soldiers who claimed to be members of the Utah National Guard. Aside from their weapons, vehicles, and uniforms, the makeup of the unit in question was strangest of all."
"What is it, General?" Wilson asked.
"The unit was made up of White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian men, as well as some women mixed in. And their officer was a black Lieutenant, later backed up by a white Captain." When the words left General March's mouth, Baker's face contorted into an ugly scowl.
"Negro soldiers," Baker snarled, disgusted at the mere thought of blacks in uniform, much less black officers leading white men. "Negro officers leading white men. Disgusting!"
General Pershing, like the other Generals in the room, mentally shook their heads. When he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant, he was given command of the all black 10th Cavalry Regiment, the "Buffalo Soldiers" as they had been called, out west during the Indian Wars. When the Spanish American War began, he had led the 10th Cavalry, alongside Teddy Roosevelt's 1st Volunteer Cavalry, in the battles of Kettle and San Juan Hills. Most believed that blacks were cowardly and incapable of being soldiers. Pershing knew for a fact that wasn't true. Most didn't give blacks a fair shake in the world. Pershing did. Because he had, he had earned the nickname "Nigger Jack" from southern officers who despised him for that.
When Woodrow Wilson had taken office, he had relegated what few black officers there were in the Army and Navy to duties well below their station, and stonewalled promotions for more. He had deliberately kept the United States Federal Government segregated, and to keep blacks out of higher office, and going so low as to bar them from high positions in the post office. Secretary of War Baker and Postmaster General Albert S. Burleson had pushed for this as well, and Wilson granted their wishes.
"There's far worse than that, sir." March said, hiding his annoyance with Secretary Baker. "From what the reports indicated, not long after making contact with these forces, a firefight broke out between them. The end result was…not in the favor of our men. The initial force was killed or captured, and most of the planes that were sent from Kelly Field were shot down, by planes of a type unlike any before seen.
Now the men in the room looked horrified at the news they had been given. All except for the Generals, Admiral Coontz, and Secretary Lansing, who had been informed when the information first came through.
"My God," Wilson began to shake slightly, and from what half of his face could still shift, shifted to an expression of anger. Pure, impotent anger. His fists balled, and he regained some of his color in his face, albeit the color was red. "Negroes killing good white men. No, no, NO!" he screamed, slamming his fists on his desk, shaking in impotent rage before breaking into a coughing fit.
Dr Grayson wasted no time going to Wilson's side, trying to calm him down. It didn't work. President Wilson was sickly, but he was pissed.
"Mr President, please-"
"NO DAMMIT!" He screamed before entering another bout of coughing. His coughing had sounded as if his lungs were literally ripping themselves apart. When his coughing had finally subsided, he looked sharply over at General March. "General March, I want those damn niggers and mormons put down, you here me! You tell the army to put them down them damn traitors!"
All the military men in the room looked uncertain when Wilson finished speaking, and it was Secretary Lansing who spoke up in reply.
"Mr President, I believe you, and indeed the rest of the men in this room, need to listen to what the Generals and Admiral Coontz have to say. The situation is far worse than you've know, and I must insist you all listen." He explained, much to the anger of Wilson and Baker, who were glaring at him now. But they relented.
"Go on then. General March, Admiral Coontz, tell me what I need to know." Wilson allowed, and General March let out a sigh.
"After the first battle, which I would like to add wasn't the only one that occurred along the border of the states in question, the remainder of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, from Camp Eagle and Fort Sam Houston, were sent to Evanston with orders to put down what they thought were Mormon rebels. I regret to inform you that the 3rd Infantry was wiped out, with the majority of its men killed or captured, including its commanding officer, Colonel Julius Penn." General March explained. "However, scout planes we sent into the area often reported back intact, albeit with the pilots spooked from the planes they encountered. And the information they gathered, while of great importance, is very concerning."
"A large buildup of troops all along the borders of Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, along every major road and border town." General Pershing added. "The Germans also reported even larger concentrations of troops in San Diego, and on the first day after The Event ended, resulted in the German Army on the border being put to rout by the California National Guard and United States Marines. The same was reported in Arizona as well."
"And on the naval side of things, we have suffered defeats at sea as well." Naval Secretary Daniels said. "During The Event, the nations of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua were also affected. This led to a battle off the coast of Northern Venezuela where we lost a cruiser and destroyer, and troops in Honduras reporting being attacked by Nicaraguan troops not long after the border was unobstructed. Then of course there's the issue with Cuba. Mr Lansing, would you care to explain?"
"Of course," Lansing replied promptly, looking over the men in the room, and looking at the angry and terrified expressions of President Wilson, War Secretary Baker, and Dr Grayson. "Over the past few days, our encounters with these 'uptimers' as they call themselves, haven't all been hostile. In fact, some cordial encounters have and are happening as we speak, and some very important pieces of information have reached us regarding the nature of certain nations we now share the continent with."
"Just get on with it, Secretary Lansing," Wilson croaked out, looking as if he were ready to pass out.
"Yes Mr President." Lansing replied. "We have been informed that both the nations of Venezuela and Cuba, are both socialist nations, and who despised the United States in the 21st century. As such, they've stated the actions they took were purely in self defense, but will not allow the United States to dictate terms to them."
"Reds!" Baker growled out. "God damned Reds in the Caribbean, right on our damn doorstep! How dare those Red bastards dare to sink our ships! I demand to know what you plan to do about it, Daniels!" the Navy Secretary glared at the man, a glare to remind him that his power over him was limited. Then, he turned to Admiral Coontz, whose expression was grim.
"When the Tacoma sent her distress signal before sinking, it reached Naval Headquarters, and we ordered the closest ships to sortie together against the Venezuelans in response. However, the ships made it no further than the Cayman Islands, when they were ambushed by the Cuban and Venezuelan navies." Coontz paused, taking in a shaky breath before continuing. "The entire force, which consisted of two cruisers and five destroyers, were sunk with all hands. After that, we recalled the remaining ships back to Pensacola and Gulfport. We weren't going to risk the rest of the fleet."
"My God," Baker gasped, his face temporarily overtaken by shock, before reverting back to rage. "Mr President, what do you want us to do? Mr President?"
He turned to Wilson, who was silently shaking in his chair, hands gripping the desk so tight that they turned an even sicklier white than they were before. It seemed as if he were trying to say something, but no words left his mouth. None that were audible anyway. His hands lifted up, then slammed back down on his desk as he began to stand up. He was shaking terribly as he stood up, made as if to say something, but closed his mouth. He seemed as if he were going to be sick right there in the oval office.
Then, without warning, he suddenly collapsed to the floor.
Washington D.C.
United States of America
White House Oval Office
0930 Hours
------------------------------------------
Secretary of State Robert Lansing was not having a good day. In fact, he had not been having a good week. In fact, the United States had not been having a good week. Hell, the world had not been having a good week. It had been almost one week since mysterious walls of bright light appeared all over the world, including inside the United States. Many had called it an Act of God to punish the world for the wickedness of the new generation, to punish the world after the War of 1914, or as just a test of faith for Christians around the world.
But what was really disturbing was the lack of communication from the Western half of the country. No radio transmissions or telegraph messages came from any of the nine states west of the continental divide. Not even the Navy in San Diego or Puget Sound. There was nothing. At least, at first there was nothing. Some radio transmissions were picked up, very strong ones, which blew out some of the receivers that picked them up. Reports saying that it was New Year's Day 2020, and that they could not contact the United States government in Washington.
This was confusing to a great many people, Lansing included. Many were wondering just what was going on out west when the first reports of fighting came in. Military and militia units dispatched west, along with Army Signal Corps planes, reported a number of military units across Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. Military units that, upon closer inspection, and contact, claimed to belong to the National Guards of those states.
But there was just one problem with that. Not only were the uniforms wrong, the racial makeup of the alleged units made everyone's head spin. Whites, Blacks, Chinese, Mexicans, and even women were present in the reports. Then there were the strange armored cars and aeroplanes these supposed National Guard units had. None of it made any sense.
The first reports were chalked up to the excitedness of soldiers after the walls of light had finally disappeared, or being overcome with emotion at seeing loved ones trapped on the other side. But more reports started flooding in, and not just from out west. All over the world it was being reported that strange military units sat on the other side, and whole cities had seemingly been replaced with ones much larger, and far more extravagant.
Then the reports of fighting came in. They were sporadic at first, with sheriffs and militia calling in saying they had been overrun and needed help. That mobs of Negroes, Asiatics, and Mexicans in strange uniforms and carrying even stranger weapons were slaughtering white men from Montana down to New Mexico. There was also a lack of response of any kind from units that were sent after reports of fighting began.
It wasn't until an Army Signal Corps pilot, a 1st Lieutenant Jimmy Doolittle, who had been dispatched with escort to photograph the situation outside of Evanston, Wyoming, that the situation was taken seriously. He, and a single Sopwith Pup, out of an escort of four planes, were the only survivors to have come back from the scouting mission. When he gave his report to the commanding officer at Kelly Field, along with the photographs he had taken, was the situation fully realized.
His testimony, as well as that of another pilot, a 1st Lieutenant Eddie Rickenbacker, and the photos they had taken, painted a grim picture indeed. The element of the 3rd Infantry Regiment that had been sent to Evanston, and later to the border where the wall of light had stood, had been wiped out. Multiple aircraft, dozens of vehicles, and hundreds of troops of unknown origin were on the Utah-Wyoming border, and had utterly routed the United States Army.
So when more reports came in, Washington had to take them seriously, and that was a problem. With the crisis occurring on New Year's Day, most of the government wasn't even present in Washington, and had to be quickly recalled when the situation first started.
Lansing, luckily, or rather unluckily enough, was the first one of significance to be brought in, and briefed of the situation. The Secret Service had gathered him, as well as Lieutenant General Peyton March, the commanding general of the United States Army, and brought them to the White House to brief the president on the situation.
Due to President Wilson's failing health, his second wife, Edith Wilson, blocked all access to him, only allowing communication through written notes and questions she had in her hand. Initially, she had turned them all away, saying that Wilson wasn't seeing anyone, and that he was extremely sick. She had often been accused of running the country due to Wilson's condition, and was often called "The First Female President" of the United States because of the influence she held in her position. Her stonewalling and refusal to allow them to meet President Wilson had cost the United States valuable time in responding to the crisis.
Not even the Secret Service could force their way into the president's room, especially given his condition. It had taken a full two days to recall most of the necessary individuals back to Washington, chief among them being Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward Douglas White, and Dr. Cary Grayson, the personal physician of President Wilson.
Even then, the stubborn and aggravating Edith Wilson refused to let them speak to President Wilson. But Chief Justice White was prepared for this exact occasion. He had quickly drafted an order that required her to allow them access to President Wilson, otherwise she'd be held in contempt of court. It was late at night on the 3rd of January when they finally managed to reach the president, and inform him of the situation.
Now it was early in the morning on the 4th of January, and everyone was present. Aside from President Wilson and his Vice President Thomas Marshall, was Dr Grayson, who stood beside Wilson, Secretary of State Robert Lansing, Secretary of War Newton Baker, Army Chief of Staff Peyton March, who in turn brought Major General's John J.Pershing and Leonard Wood along, Naval Secretary Josephus Daniels, and Admiral Robert Coontz, the Chief of Naval Operations. No aids or assistants were present in the room, as many of the things that were to be discussed in this room, needed to be kept private. Even in a city like Washington DC, which was a city of open secrets, there were some things that had yet to leak out yet.
"Gentlemen, what brings you all here today?" President Wilson said hoarsely. A few of those in the room winced slightly upon hearing the president's voice. The stroke he'd had the year before had left him paralyzed on his right side, and his right eye with partial vision. Since his stroke, he'd been kept isolated from everyone who wasn't Dr Grayson, or his wife, Edith. Despite what the radio had said, Wilson himself hadn't ordered the National Guards of every state to mobilize when this all started. It was just an extension of his overprotective wife.
As those in the room got a good look at him, many wondered if he was able to discharge the powers of his office properly. Physically he was feeble, and emotional state did not appear to be much better. But despite it being required by the Constitution, no one had been willing, or able to certify if he was indeed capable of these duties. Some, like Robert Lansing, wondered if the news of the recent events would be something he could take. And if he could, for how long?
"Mr President," Lansing began, mentally preparing himself for what he was about to tell the president. "We are faced with a crisis west of the Rocky Mountains. A crisis the likes of which we have never seen before. And it...will be hard to believe, Mr President."
"Don't waste my time, dammit, just tell me!" Wilson said in frustration.
"Mr President, four days ago, bright walls of light appeared all over the world. Walls of light that cut off whole nations, and in the case of the United States, whole states, from the rest of the world, physically, as well as cutting off all avenues of communication with those inside. After roughly 12 hours, the walls went down, and everything seemed back to normal. But it soon turned out to be far from it."
"What do you mean, Mr Lansing?" Vice President Marshall asked.
"We think it best you all brace yourselves for what we're about to tell you next, gentlemen." General March began.
"Just get on with it." Wilson demanded in a voice that was steadily growing weaker and weaker.
"All the regions that were cut off from the world, were not, are not, the ones we knew. It has been confirmed that the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, as well as the territories of Alaska, and Hawaii, as we knew them in 1919, have been replaced with their equivalent from the year 2020." Lansing said, finally letting it out, and allowing those in the room to fully take in what he said.
No one said anything for half a minute, not even President Wilson, or Vice President Marshall, who seemed to be turning pale in the face.
"If this is some kind of New Year's prank on us, this is-" Secretary of War Baker began, but was cut off by General March.
"Secretary Baker, I assure you this isn't a joke. Those walls of light were as real as the walls of this office, and what we found behind them is just as real. In the days since it ended, we've gotten countless reports saying the same thing. Even the Canadians are saying the same thing about British Columbia, to say nothing of everywhere else in the world. This is real!" General March made sure to put emphasis behind his words when he said that, watching as Baker seemed to shrink inward, as his eyes went wide.
"H-how is this possible?" Marshall asked, looking as if he was about to vomit in the Oval Office.
"This can't be true…it can't be." Wilson said in a hoarse whisper. "Why God, why?"
"I'm afraid it is, sir." General March began. "Army and National Guard units sent west to investigate and try to assist the locals with the crisis, reported that once the wall went down, they encountered towns, police, and military units that looked nothing like any they had ever seen. Many of those encounters, I'm afraid to say, ended poorly for our men."
"What do you mean, poorly?" Secretary Baker asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
"Ended with their defeat or retreat, poorly," March replied, and he watched even more color drain from the faces of those in the room. "The report that stands out the most is one that comes from the 3rd Infantry Regiment in Wyoming. Just west of the town of Evanston, they encountered soldiers who claimed to be members of the Utah National Guard. Aside from their weapons, vehicles, and uniforms, the makeup of the unit in question was strangest of all."
"What is it, General?" Wilson asked.
"The unit was made up of White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian men, as well as some women mixed in. And their officer was a black Lieutenant, later backed up by a white Captain." When the words left General March's mouth, Baker's face contorted into an ugly scowl.
"Negro soldiers," Baker snarled, disgusted at the mere thought of blacks in uniform, much less black officers leading white men. "Negro officers leading white men. Disgusting!"
General Pershing, like the other Generals in the room, mentally shook their heads. When he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant, he was given command of the all black 10th Cavalry Regiment, the "Buffalo Soldiers" as they had been called, out west during the Indian Wars. When the Spanish American War began, he had led the 10th Cavalry, alongside Teddy Roosevelt's 1st Volunteer Cavalry, in the battles of Kettle and San Juan Hills. Most believed that blacks were cowardly and incapable of being soldiers. Pershing knew for a fact that wasn't true. Most didn't give blacks a fair shake in the world. Pershing did. Because he had, he had earned the nickname "Nigger Jack" from southern officers who despised him for that.
When Woodrow Wilson had taken office, he had relegated what few black officers there were in the Army and Navy to duties well below their station, and stonewalled promotions for more. He had deliberately kept the United States Federal Government segregated, and to keep blacks out of higher office, and going so low as to bar them from high positions in the post office. Secretary of War Baker and Postmaster General Albert S. Burleson had pushed for this as well, and Wilson granted their wishes.
"There's far worse than that, sir." March said, hiding his annoyance with Secretary Baker. "From what the reports indicated, not long after making contact with these forces, a firefight broke out between them. The end result was…not in the favor of our men. The initial force was killed or captured, and most of the planes that were sent from Kelly Field were shot down, by planes of a type unlike any before seen.
Now the men in the room looked horrified at the news they had been given. All except for the Generals, Admiral Coontz, and Secretary Lansing, who had been informed when the information first came through.
"My God," Wilson began to shake slightly, and from what half of his face could still shift, shifted to an expression of anger. Pure, impotent anger. His fists balled, and he regained some of his color in his face, albeit the color was red. "Negroes killing good white men. No, no, NO!" he screamed, slamming his fists on his desk, shaking in impotent rage before breaking into a coughing fit.
Dr Grayson wasted no time going to Wilson's side, trying to calm him down. It didn't work. President Wilson was sickly, but he was pissed.
"Mr President, please-"
"NO DAMMIT!" He screamed before entering another bout of coughing. His coughing had sounded as if his lungs were literally ripping themselves apart. When his coughing had finally subsided, he looked sharply over at General March. "General March, I want those damn niggers and mormons put down, you here me! You tell the army to put them down them damn traitors!"
All the military men in the room looked uncertain when Wilson finished speaking, and it was Secretary Lansing who spoke up in reply.
"Mr President, I believe you, and indeed the rest of the men in this room, need to listen to what the Generals and Admiral Coontz have to say. The situation is far worse than you've know, and I must insist you all listen." He explained, much to the anger of Wilson and Baker, who were glaring at him now. But they relented.
"Go on then. General March, Admiral Coontz, tell me what I need to know." Wilson allowed, and General March let out a sigh.
"After the first battle, which I would like to add wasn't the only one that occurred along the border of the states in question, the remainder of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, from Camp Eagle and Fort Sam Houston, were sent to Evanston with orders to put down what they thought were Mormon rebels. I regret to inform you that the 3rd Infantry was wiped out, with the majority of its men killed or captured, including its commanding officer, Colonel Julius Penn." General March explained. "However, scout planes we sent into the area often reported back intact, albeit with the pilots spooked from the planes they encountered. And the information they gathered, while of great importance, is very concerning."
"A large buildup of troops all along the borders of Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, along every major road and border town." General Pershing added. "The Germans also reported even larger concentrations of troops in San Diego, and on the first day after The Event ended, resulted in the German Army on the border being put to rout by the California National Guard and United States Marines. The same was reported in Arizona as well."
"And on the naval side of things, we have suffered defeats at sea as well." Naval Secretary Daniels said. "During The Event, the nations of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua were also affected. This led to a battle off the coast of Northern Venezuela where we lost a cruiser and destroyer, and troops in Honduras reporting being attacked by Nicaraguan troops not long after the border was unobstructed. Then of course there's the issue with Cuba. Mr Lansing, would you care to explain?"
"Of course," Lansing replied promptly, looking over the men in the room, and looking at the angry and terrified expressions of President Wilson, War Secretary Baker, and Dr Grayson. "Over the past few days, our encounters with these 'uptimers' as they call themselves, haven't all been hostile. In fact, some cordial encounters have and are happening as we speak, and some very important pieces of information have reached us regarding the nature of certain nations we now share the continent with."
"Just get on with it, Secretary Lansing," Wilson croaked out, looking as if he were ready to pass out.
"Yes Mr President." Lansing replied. "We have been informed that both the nations of Venezuela and Cuba, are both socialist nations, and who despised the United States in the 21st century. As such, they've stated the actions they took were purely in self defense, but will not allow the United States to dictate terms to them."
"Reds!" Baker growled out. "God damned Reds in the Caribbean, right on our damn doorstep! How dare those Red bastards dare to sink our ships! I demand to know what you plan to do about it, Daniels!" the Navy Secretary glared at the man, a glare to remind him that his power over him was limited. Then, he turned to Admiral Coontz, whose expression was grim.
"When the Tacoma sent her distress signal before sinking, it reached Naval Headquarters, and we ordered the closest ships to sortie together against the Venezuelans in response. However, the ships made it no further than the Cayman Islands, when they were ambushed by the Cuban and Venezuelan navies." Coontz paused, taking in a shaky breath before continuing. "The entire force, which consisted of two cruisers and five destroyers, were sunk with all hands. After that, we recalled the remaining ships back to Pensacola and Gulfport. We weren't going to risk the rest of the fleet."
"My God," Baker gasped, his face temporarily overtaken by shock, before reverting back to rage. "Mr President, what do you want us to do? Mr President?"
He turned to Wilson, who was silently shaking in his chair, hands gripping the desk so tight that they turned an even sicklier white than they were before. It seemed as if he were trying to say something, but no words left his mouth. None that were audible anyway. His hands lifted up, then slammed back down on his desk as he began to stand up. He was shaking terribly as he stood up, made as if to say something, but closed his mouth. He seemed as if he were going to be sick right there in the oval office.
Then, without warning, he suddenly collapsed to the floor.
Well,best think most of Democrats could do for USA - die and stop hurting their country.
Good for 1920 USA,there would be no war which they must lost.
Cuba here actually could made invasion,and Venezuella could go North.To be honest,socialists would be not much worst then United Fruit Company.At least not for locals.
Good for 1920 USA,there would be no war which they must lost.
Cuba here actually could made invasion,and Venezuella could go North.To be honest,socialists would be not much worst then United Fruit Company.At least not for locals.
Chapter 7
Quickdraw101
Beware My Power-Green Lantern's Light
January 4th, 1920
Washington D.C.
United States of America
White House Oval Office
"This man is dead."
Dr Grayson's words hit those in the room like a steam engine. They had called in doctors as soon as President Wilson had collapsed onto the floor, and had done everything they possibly could to revive him. But all their efforts were for naught, Woodrow Wilson was dead. At a time when the United States was facing a predicament and catastrophe the likes of which it had never before seen, the President of the United States was dead.
In Robert Lansing's mind, the only thing worse than Woodrow Wilson dropping dead in the Oval Office, was that Thomas R. Marshall was next in line for the presidency, at least for the next ten months. That terrified him, and most others in the room. Thomas Marshall was perhaps the most incompetent Vice President in the history of the United States, and that was saying a lot. It was no secret that Wilson had despised the man, which made Lansing wonder why he'd even been picked in the first place.
The man was shy and insecure, with the only quote ever attributed to him being "what this country needs is a good five-cent cigar."
What the United States now needed was a competent Vice President to take charge and guide the nation, Lansing thought bitterly. A man that was qualified to lead the nation through the disaster it was faced with. Thomas Marshall was not that man.
"Well, Mr Marshall, it seems that you are now the President," Lansing said, looking over at the man.
"No, no, this can't be happening!" he said, shaking his head back and forth as doctors lifted the dead body of Woodrow Wilson onto a gurney, and lifted him out of the Oval Office. Lansing and Chief Justice White just looked at each other, both shrugging, before Lansing spoke up.
"Chief Justice White is here to administer the oath so you can begin administering the affairs of state, and lead the nation through the crisis that now faces it." Lansing said.
Marshall looked wild-eyed with shock and looked like he was about to cry. "I can't do it! I just can't do it! I don't know anything about handling a crisis and don't want to! And I most certainly don't want to be president."
Half the men in the room stared unbelieving at the display put on by the Vice President, while General Pershing muttered,
"Dear Lord," just loud enough for March and Wood to hear it.
"You're the next in line," Justice White said sternly, as if talking to a schoolchild. "If you don't want to be president, you must formally step aside."
Marshall took a seat in a nearby chair, taking a few deep breaths, and finally composing himself.
"Gentlemen, I may not be a very smart man, but I consider myself to be an honest one, and know what I am and am not capable of doing. I am not capable of executing the duties of the President of the United States. I am wholly unqualified for the job, and if this crisis is as severe as I have so far been led to believe, I should not even be an interim president. In that case, wouldn't that make you next in line, Mr Lansing?"
"That he will," Justice White answered. "With the elected president dead, the vice president elect will become the president and will be sworn to serve out the rest of the term, just over a year. Whoever he appoints as secretary of state will be the next in succession as there is no constitutional provision to appoint or elect a new vice president. Marshall, your term of office will be extremely brief, little over a year. Then you can retire with honor back to Indiana."
Marshall shook his head.
"I am not qualified to lead this country, not now, not ever, and not in this crisis." He let out a tired sigh. "What happens if I decline to take the oath?"
"Simply declining would precipitate a constitutional crisis," White said. "You would have to formally step aside, at which time the current secretary of state, Mr. Lansing, will become president until he is sworn in for a four-year term next March by virtue of the fact that he is also the vice president elect."
"And Congress will not object?" Marshall inquired.
"I do not believe they will," Lansing said. "The Constitution says that Congress has to appoint a president in the event that neither the president nor the vice president are able to serve. The most recent legislation has identified the secretary of state as the third in line."
"Then I believe that problem has been solved, gentlemen," Marshall said, getting up from his seat, and walking over to a cabinet next to the Resolute Desk, opened it, pulled out a sheet of paper, and began to write. When he was done, he turned to Chief Justice White, and handed the paper to him.
"I presume this is satisfactory."
White glanced at it. "It is." He signed his name as a witness.
Marshall nodded sadly, "Every little boy says he wants to grow up and be president of the United States, and here I am turning that great honor down. Perhaps the only man in the history of the United States that ever will." Marshall laughed harshly. "And the dove was quite cunning, wasn't he? Wilson probably knew he wouldn't live out his next term, so he selected someone far more qualified than me to be the next in line. The only thing he didn't count on was dying before the inauguration in March. Wilson was a stubborn, willful, hateful man who despised me and now he has given me this last insult to endure. Well, damn him, I will not play his game, dead or not."
Lansing put his hand on Marshall's shoulder. "By resigning you will be honored in history as an example of an honest and virtuous man."
Marshall smiled appreciatively. "And you will go down as the man who finagled himself into the most miserable job in the world while I go and smoke a good five-cent cigar."
—--------------------------------------
January 5th, 1920
11:00 AM
Oval Office
It felt wrong for Lansing to sit down in the Oval Office the day after former President Wilson had died, but he had no choice. The United States was in a crisis, one that seemed to be getting worse with each passing minute, and there was still information he wasn't privy to yet, information that was being saved for the late Wilson. Information that was now saved for President Robert Lansing. Information that pertained to the state of the country, as well as the rest of the world.
"Give it to me straight, gentlemen," Lansing said tiredly. "What were you going to tell President Wilson, that I need to know now. Just how bad is the situation here and abroad."
"The situation is quite dire, Mr President," Admiral Coontz replied. "While you might have already guessed, most of the Pacific Fleet is now gone, which I'm sorry to say included a great many of our Battleships, old and new.
A reluctant Coontz had been in charge of enforcing the peace economies mandated by Woodrow Wilson. A number of warships had been decommissioned and were awaiting sale as scrap, and several naval bases had been closed. It had been an utter humiliation to the Navy, and now the hopelessly naive policies of the late Woodrow Wilson were coming back to haunt the United States Navy.
"Our entire battle force consisted of seven modern battleships and eight older ones before The Event." Naval Secretary Josephus Daniels added. "Six battleships alone were at Mare Island when The Event happened, three of which were the Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. They were the newest, while the older vessels were the Kansas, Minnesota, and Michigan. And that's just what was at Mare Island, Mr President. Once we put together the losses at San Diego, Puget Sound, and Pearl Harbor, as well as the loss of Admiral Rodman, has left the Pacific Fleet utterly gutted."
"And while we've managed to make wireless contact or even confirmed the presence of some ships off the West Coast, the picture being painted is not a good one." Coontz said, letting out a sigh of his own as now President Lansing's gaze fell upon him. "Out of all the battleships stationed in the Pacific, we've only made contact with one, the USS Arkansas. The rest of the ships we have made contact with are a mixture of cruisers and destroyers, one of which was made before the Spanish War."
President Lansing and Secretary of War Baker looked horrified at the news, while the others wore grim looks on their faces.
"What about the Caribbean?" Baker asked, first to Admiral Coontz, then to President Lansing. "What do you intend to do about the Cubans and Venezuelans? We can't just let what they did go unanswered!"
"There's nothing we can do at the moment, Mr Baker." Coontz replied, slightly aggravated. "Both times we engaged them we lost! We have to consolidate our forces and gather intelligence before we even think about trying to attack again!"
"But this is an act of war! If we stand by and do nothing-" Baker began, before President Lansing cut him off.
"There's nothing we can do, Secretary Baker. In fact, if you'd been listening, we did try something, and it failed! I will not throw away the lives of good American sailors until, and only when we have more information to go off of!" Lansing sighed. "What about the Philippines? You didn't mention the Philippines. Or Panama. Do we still control them?" Lansing asked, dreading the answer he'd receive. It was here that Admiral Coontz smiled slightly.
"Thankfully I can report that both the Philippines and the Panama Canal Zone were both unaffected by the current crisis." Coontz replied. "However, most of the Asiatic Fleet is composed of a few cruisers, destroyers, and outdated submarines. There is also one Scout Cruiser in Balboa, but are unable to leave due to current events in the region."
Admiral Coontz and Navy Secretary Daniels looked over to General March, who simply nodded in acknowledgement.
"And our garrisons are on full alert in both places, and are as prepared as can be against any attack." March said.
"And what about the rest of the Army? What shape are they in?" Lansing asked, and General March grimaced.
"The situation for the Army is only marginally less severe." General March said. "Before The Event, the Army had just over 50,000 men on active duty, scattered across the country, Hawaii, Alaska, The Philippines, and elsewhere. Hell, half the Army was overseas when The Event occurred. In all, we estimate at least ten thousand active duty soldiers gone, mostly in California, Hawaii. And that's before getting into the National Guard and reserves, which were barely twice that of active duty, and are in even worse shape than those on active duty."
"What are you saying, General March?" Baker asked, an angry look on his face.
"What I'm saying, Mr Secretary, is that if the United States were to go to war with anyone right now, we'd have a devil of a time trying. We had a devil of a time fighting Pancho Villa when General Pershing crossed into Mexico, and nothing since has changed. Half the reservists called up to fight in Mexico never showed up. The Army was in no position to fight a war before this happened, and it certainly isn't now."
"General March, is there any good news? Is there any good news at all, gentlemen?" Lansing asked. "We've lost seven states and two territories, with over six million Americans gone who for all we know are dead, the rest of the nation is in a state of chaos, and it seems as if we're at war with at least two nations. Is there anything good you can tell me?"
"I think so," March replied, looking over at Major General Pershing.
"Some old friends contacted me this morning with some interesting information. Elements of the 9th and 10th Cavalry in Montana and New Mexico made quite cordial contact with National Guard and Marine units in Arizona and Idaho. Contact that didn't end with shots being fired, and in some places, even traded beers with each other." Pershing said, which made some raise a curious eyebrow.
"How is it that the 9th and 10th manage such friendly contact, whereas almost every other encounter has led to the Army being attacked, and routed?" President Lansing asked. General's March and Wood looked nervously at each other as Pershing cleared his throat, and continued.
"Mr President, as you might recall, the 9th and 10th consist of mostly black soldiers, whereas units like the 3rd Infantry Regiment were all white. We've had problems in the past with white and black soldiers fighting together, and upon encountering the National Guard units out west, the all white units didn't take kindly to who and what they found. To put it bluntly, Mr President, the prejudices and racial beliefs of those units precipitated the engagements that occurred, especially when they refused to accept orders from black, Mexican, Chinese, or female soldiers of equal or greater rank."
"But they-" Baker began, but was ignored by General Pershing, who acted as if he hadn't even spoken.
"In the case of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, many of its members were from The South, and upon making contact with Guardsmen in Utah, harassed, insulted, and eventually opened fire on the Guardsmen, which resulted in their defeat, and eventual rout by said Guardsmen. These events were even recorded, and are in the process of being sent here for investigation."
"Good white men died and you-" Baker began once more, only for President Lansing to rise from his chair, and fix the man with a lethal glare.
"Secretary Baker, you will be quiet, and listen to what General Pershing has to tell us, do you understand me!" Lansing snapped. "We are facing a crisis unlike any this nation has ever seen, and we don't have time for your personal beliefs to interfere with it! Do you understand me!?"
"Yes, Mr President." Baker replied with barely concealed rage.
"General Pershing, please continue," Lansing prompted, to which Pershing merely nodded.
"With the 9th and 10th Cavalry, they weren't met with the usual hatred and prejudice from the Marines and National Guard they encountered, which allowed for a stabilizing of multiple locations in New Mexico and Montana, and friendly exchanges of information. Information that I believe is very important to how we go forward in dealing with the nine states out west, as well as the rest of the problems we now face." Pershing explained.
"Nine states?" Lansing asked, to which Pershing nodded.
"Yes sir, it seems that in the 21st century, Alaska and Hawaii both had been states since the 1950's. Which brings up something I believe is very important, the population census. The states and territories we lost on New Year's Day totaled to just over six million people. The states in question which have replaced them, total just over 69 million total, not including Americans overseas in other nations brought back from 2020, which I'm told includes at least another few hundred thousand."
As the words left Pershing's mouth, Lansing's eyes widened as his mouth fell open, while Secretary Baker blanched in shock, and even the other officers in the room looked at him as if he had just grown a second head. After a few seconds of silence, Lansing finally spoke up.
"69 million people? That number can't be right?" Lansing said, to which Pershing replied by shaking his head.
"No Mr President, it's not wrong. The reports are corroborated from units from Montana down to New Mexico, even by a unit in Colorado. They were all told the same thing when asked. In the year two thousand twenty, the United States had a population of over 330 million people, not counting immigrants, or those overseas. And one of the most populated regions was stated to be the West Coast, which holds the bulk of the population east of the Rocky Mountains." Pershing's answer did nothing to ease either Lansing or Baker's mind, or their reactions to such news.
"The entire population of the United States was just over 100 million according to the last census!" Lansing said, thinking of the sheer mess of adding 69 million people would create for the House and Senate. All that power and influence out west would make Democrats and Republicans both absolutely furious! "A sixty nine percent increase in our population is…hard to imagine. That will create interesting times here in Washington."
"I'm glad you brought that up, Mr President, because a number of Representatives and Governors in the western states are seeking to establish relations and trade with the United States, including military cooperation against Germany." Pershing said.
"What do they mean 'establish relations and trade with the United States'? They are part of the United States?" Baker interjected. "And what's this nonsense about 'Military cooperation with Germany'? We aren't at war with Germany?"
President Lansing glared over at Baker, whose repeated outbursts were annoying him, but allowed the outburst.
"I agree with Secretary Baker, please explain what you mean by this, General Pershing." Pershing took in a deep breath, looked at those in the room, and said.
"Sir, much of the information I've been handed is missing many details, and is fairly broad in its wording. For me to explain it completely, I will have to be blunt in telling you." Pershing explained, once again looking back at General March, and then to Admiral Coontz, both of which eyed him quizzically.
"For God sake General Pershing, just tell us!" Lansing said impatiently. Sighing once more, Pershing continued.
"I have been told that Woodrow Wilson's administration has gone down in history as one of the most hated in American history, due to his, and I'm merely repeating what I've been told, white supremacist policies and ideology. Especially his insistence on segregation of the government, and the refusal to allow black officers into higher rank or positions suited for their rank, plays a large role in how they see him, especially among their military."
It was then that Pershing paused for a moment, surveying the room, and looking at the slight, but visible expressions of unease across the faces of most of the room, except for Secretary Baker, who was silently seething as his face turned red.
"Moreover, in the time they come from, women and minorities of all races and colors, have and have had the right to vote for many decades. The Armed Forces especially have been desegregated for decades, since the end of what they referred to as the "Second World War", which saw the United States fight a two front war against Germany and Japan, which by the end saw over 12 million Americans under arms. As such, officers of any color, can lead men of any color. Hell, even women lead men, and the reverse is true. And one of the biggest things pointed out, is the marriage laws of the 21st century states. Interracial and homosexual marriage is completely legal in every state in the 21st century, and that includes the nine on our borders. Black men can marry white women, white men can marry white women, men marry men, and everything in between."
"Disgusting!" Baker spat. "Utterly fucking disgusting. They are utter mongrels! Niggers with white women! Queers allowed to marry! What deep pit of degeneracy had the United States fallen into to succumb to such deviancy?" No one in the room said anything, most just sitting in stunned silence, except for Pershing, who continued where he left off, and completely ignored Baker.
"Basically Mr President, they have made it explicitly clear they will not lose the rights they are accustomed to, or submit to what they perceive as a government led by people who'd gladly lynch most of them if given half a chance. Which is why they said none of their representatives will come to Washington, because they would be seen as nothing but what Secretary Baker sees them as." Pershing looked over to Baker as he said those words, daring him to say anything in reply, but he didn't. His face just turned an interesting shade of red, and Pershing continued. "They believe, and I believe said views have some merit, that it would be a repeat of the Caning of Charles Sumner in 1856."
For a while, no one said anything. It was obvious that most of them were shocked and appalled at what they had been told. Some wanted to say something, but they didn't know what to say. President Lansing seemed as if he was trying to process what he'd been told, while Secretary Baker looked as if he'd explode at any moment. After a minute, it was President Lansing that spoke.
"That certainly is interesting, General Pershing," Lansing said, an expression of disbelief still written on his face. "Albeit I'm left with many more questions than answers, and some of the previous questions asked are still unanswered, but one thing at a time. You said they wanted to meet?" he asked, and Pershing nodded.
"Yes, Mr President, that's what my contacts have reported. While they have intention of coming to Washington, they have suggested the use of Denver as a halfway point for any possible meetings, as well as to coordinate against Germany."
"Which brings me back to the same question from earlier, what's all this talk about war with Germany? We aren't at war with Germany, and I hope to God we never are!"
"That's…where this gets rather confusing, Mr President." Pershing replied. "It seems that wherever these people have come from, they have a history far different from our own. One which diverged significantly in 1914. To sum it up quickly and efficiently, the War of 1914 lasted until 1918 for them, which resulted in the United States joining the war, and the surrender and collapse of the German Empire. The reason the United States joined was because Germany offered Mexico the territory we took in the Mexican-American War, if we joined the war."
"WHAT!?" Lansing exclaimed.
"Yes sir, and the build up of German forces just south of the border has outright appalled them, especially after the fights that have broken out between them and the Germans. That and the number of prisoners they've gathered, at least a hundred or so, have said some rather…interesting things about just why they are here." Pershing said. "At least now we understand why Mexican ports are filled with German cruisers and Battleships, and why they've been building an army across the border."
"It doesn't make any sense!" Secretary Baker exclaimed. "We were not involved in the War of 1914, we helped broker the peace between the Entente and Germany! Why would the Germans seek a war with the United States? We've done nothing to wrong them!"
"Because they are Germans, and that's what Germans do!" Pershing replied. "It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Kaiser felt the war had been brought to an end quickly, before he could extract even more from France and Britain than what he got. We all know what he did to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the Scandinavian countries. The Kaiser is a mad man intent on expanding his empire, there's no two ways about it."
"I agree with you, General Pershing," Lansing said, recalling the horrors enacted in Belgium by German troops, and shivering at the thought of them doing the same to American cities, and American citizens. "The Kaiser's actions in the past few years have shown he's looking to expand his empire, at the expense of other nations. And it seems the United States might be next. Roosevelt would have loved something like this."
"President Roosevelt is a warmongering barbarian! He urged us to get involved in the War of 1914, and look how it ended? His policies would have earned us Germany's ire!" President Lansing just glared at the man.
"Sometimes I wonder just how you got this position, Secretary Baker," Lansing said, shaking his head. "Roosevelt helped propel our nation onto the world stage, and Wilson undid so much of that progress. It's a damn shame he's still alive to see all this."
"Indeed sir," Pershing replied. "He's a fine man, finer soldier, and was an even finer president."
"On that we can agree," Lansing said, letting out a tired sigh afterwards. He well and truly didn't understand how, what, or why this was happening, nor did any of them have a full picture of the situation yet. So much of what Pershing had told him had utterly confused him, and while answering a few questions, opened up many more besides. So many questions left unanswered, and so many problems created by this Event. Even the information brought forward by Pershing had been full of holes, and would require face to face meetings with those in the Western United States to gauge just what was going on, and how to move forward.
"You said that the states out West want to open talks with us, General Pershing?" Lansing said tiredly.
"Yes sir," he replied.
"Very well." Lansing sighed. "General March?"
"Yes, Mr President?" March replied.
"I don't want any more of our boys dying uselessly. They are not to attack or antagonize any of the Army units out West. Hell, any units that aren't the 9th or 10th, pull them back from the border! I don't want a repeat of Evanston. Do you understand! The Army cannot take any more defeats like that!"
March nodded.
"Yes Mr President, I understand. Do you want the rest of the Army to mobilize in case of conflict elsewhere? To Florida and Texas perhaps?"
"Yes. I want us to be as prepared as possible for a possible invasion of Texas and New Mexico by the Germans and Mexicans, and in Florida against the Cubans. I won't tolerate any incursion or invasion into American territory by a foreign power! Admiral Coontz?" Lansing said, looking over at the Admiral. "That means the Marines as well. As many as can be mobilized, and sent to Florida immediately."
"Yes Mr President, I'll inform General Lejeune to commence immediately." Coontz replied.
"And recall all our remaining ships back to American ports. Norfolk, Newport, Portsmouth, wherever they can fit. I do not want any of our ships being ambushed at sea."
"What about the remnants of the Pacific Fleet, sir?" Coontz asked. "Nearly all the ships left in the Pacific Fleet that aren't in the Philippines, are off the coast of California or Hawaii, and most don't have the range to get from the West Coast to the Philippines."
"I don't want any of our ships being caught out in the open sea by hostile forces. We've taken too heavy of losses as it is. Instruct all ships still in Asian waters to Subic Bay, the rest are to take refuge in whatever port they are closest to."
"And if they are refused entry to said ports? Most of our ships will have nowhere to go." Coontz said. "The Arkansas could reach Subic Bay, but the cruisers and destroyers don't have the fuel."
"We pray that they don't." Lansing said grimly. "Which is why I want to send an envoy as soon as physically possible to Denver, to get this situation sorted out, and request permission to dock our ships for the duration of this crisis. The only question left is figuring out who to send."
"If I may, Mr President, I have an idea of who we could send as part of the envoy." General Pershing spoke up.
"By all means General, please." Lansing replied.
"I believe sending Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, would be a wise choice." Pershing said, which made Navy Secretary Daniels and Admiral Coontz stare incredulously at him. "In some of the transcripts sent to me, he's remembered extremely fondly in the eyes of 21st century America, and I believe he's the correct choice to send with any such mission to Denver."
Lansing blinked.
"Is there a mistake in the reports? Do they happen to mean Theodore Roosevelt?"
"No Mr President, that much was made quite clear in the messages. Franklin Roosevelt, not Theodore Roosevelt."
'Why in God's name would they want to speak with the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Christ Sake?' Lansing thought in puzzlement before continuing.
"And why is he remembered so fondly?" Lansing asked.
"According to the report, he's regarded as one of the best presidents of the United States."
Washington D.C.
United States of America
White House Oval Office
"This man is dead."
Dr Grayson's words hit those in the room like a steam engine. They had called in doctors as soon as President Wilson had collapsed onto the floor, and had done everything they possibly could to revive him. But all their efforts were for naught, Woodrow Wilson was dead. At a time when the United States was facing a predicament and catastrophe the likes of which it had never before seen, the President of the United States was dead.
In Robert Lansing's mind, the only thing worse than Woodrow Wilson dropping dead in the Oval Office, was that Thomas R. Marshall was next in line for the presidency, at least for the next ten months. That terrified him, and most others in the room. Thomas Marshall was perhaps the most incompetent Vice President in the history of the United States, and that was saying a lot. It was no secret that Wilson had despised the man, which made Lansing wonder why he'd even been picked in the first place.
The man was shy and insecure, with the only quote ever attributed to him being "what this country needs is a good five-cent cigar."
What the United States now needed was a competent Vice President to take charge and guide the nation, Lansing thought bitterly. A man that was qualified to lead the nation through the disaster it was faced with. Thomas Marshall was not that man.
"Well, Mr Marshall, it seems that you are now the President," Lansing said, looking over at the man.
"No, no, this can't be happening!" he said, shaking his head back and forth as doctors lifted the dead body of Woodrow Wilson onto a gurney, and lifted him out of the Oval Office. Lansing and Chief Justice White just looked at each other, both shrugging, before Lansing spoke up.
"Chief Justice White is here to administer the oath so you can begin administering the affairs of state, and lead the nation through the crisis that now faces it." Lansing said.
Marshall looked wild-eyed with shock and looked like he was about to cry. "I can't do it! I just can't do it! I don't know anything about handling a crisis and don't want to! And I most certainly don't want to be president."
Half the men in the room stared unbelieving at the display put on by the Vice President, while General Pershing muttered,
"Dear Lord," just loud enough for March and Wood to hear it.
"You're the next in line," Justice White said sternly, as if talking to a schoolchild. "If you don't want to be president, you must formally step aside."
Marshall took a seat in a nearby chair, taking a few deep breaths, and finally composing himself.
"Gentlemen, I may not be a very smart man, but I consider myself to be an honest one, and know what I am and am not capable of doing. I am not capable of executing the duties of the President of the United States. I am wholly unqualified for the job, and if this crisis is as severe as I have so far been led to believe, I should not even be an interim president. In that case, wouldn't that make you next in line, Mr Lansing?"
"That he will," Justice White answered. "With the elected president dead, the vice president elect will become the president and will be sworn to serve out the rest of the term, just over a year. Whoever he appoints as secretary of state will be the next in succession as there is no constitutional provision to appoint or elect a new vice president. Marshall, your term of office will be extremely brief, little over a year. Then you can retire with honor back to Indiana."
Marshall shook his head.
"I am not qualified to lead this country, not now, not ever, and not in this crisis." He let out a tired sigh. "What happens if I decline to take the oath?"
"Simply declining would precipitate a constitutional crisis," White said. "You would have to formally step aside, at which time the current secretary of state, Mr. Lansing, will become president until he is sworn in for a four-year term next March by virtue of the fact that he is also the vice president elect."
"And Congress will not object?" Marshall inquired.
"I do not believe they will," Lansing said. "The Constitution says that Congress has to appoint a president in the event that neither the president nor the vice president are able to serve. The most recent legislation has identified the secretary of state as the third in line."
"Then I believe that problem has been solved, gentlemen," Marshall said, getting up from his seat, and walking over to a cabinet next to the Resolute Desk, opened it, pulled out a sheet of paper, and began to write. When he was done, he turned to Chief Justice White, and handed the paper to him.
"I presume this is satisfactory."
White glanced at it. "It is." He signed his name as a witness.
Marshall nodded sadly, "Every little boy says he wants to grow up and be president of the United States, and here I am turning that great honor down. Perhaps the only man in the history of the United States that ever will." Marshall laughed harshly. "And the dove was quite cunning, wasn't he? Wilson probably knew he wouldn't live out his next term, so he selected someone far more qualified than me to be the next in line. The only thing he didn't count on was dying before the inauguration in March. Wilson was a stubborn, willful, hateful man who despised me and now he has given me this last insult to endure. Well, damn him, I will not play his game, dead or not."
Lansing put his hand on Marshall's shoulder. "By resigning you will be honored in history as an example of an honest and virtuous man."
Marshall smiled appreciatively. "And you will go down as the man who finagled himself into the most miserable job in the world while I go and smoke a good five-cent cigar."
—--------------------------------------
January 5th, 1920
11:00 AM
Oval Office
It felt wrong for Lansing to sit down in the Oval Office the day after former President Wilson had died, but he had no choice. The United States was in a crisis, one that seemed to be getting worse with each passing minute, and there was still information he wasn't privy to yet, information that was being saved for the late Wilson. Information that was now saved for President Robert Lansing. Information that pertained to the state of the country, as well as the rest of the world.
"Give it to me straight, gentlemen," Lansing said tiredly. "What were you going to tell President Wilson, that I need to know now. Just how bad is the situation here and abroad."
"The situation is quite dire, Mr President," Admiral Coontz replied. "While you might have already guessed, most of the Pacific Fleet is now gone, which I'm sorry to say included a great many of our Battleships, old and new.
A reluctant Coontz had been in charge of enforcing the peace economies mandated by Woodrow Wilson. A number of warships had been decommissioned and were awaiting sale as scrap, and several naval bases had been closed. It had been an utter humiliation to the Navy, and now the hopelessly naive policies of the late Woodrow Wilson were coming back to haunt the United States Navy.
"Our entire battle force consisted of seven modern battleships and eight older ones before The Event." Naval Secretary Josephus Daniels added. "Six battleships alone were at Mare Island when The Event happened, three of which were the Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. They were the newest, while the older vessels were the Kansas, Minnesota, and Michigan. And that's just what was at Mare Island, Mr President. Once we put together the losses at San Diego, Puget Sound, and Pearl Harbor, as well as the loss of Admiral Rodman, has left the Pacific Fleet utterly gutted."
"And while we've managed to make wireless contact or even confirmed the presence of some ships off the West Coast, the picture being painted is not a good one." Coontz said, letting out a sigh of his own as now President Lansing's gaze fell upon him. "Out of all the battleships stationed in the Pacific, we've only made contact with one, the USS Arkansas. The rest of the ships we have made contact with are a mixture of cruisers and destroyers, one of which was made before the Spanish War."
President Lansing and Secretary of War Baker looked horrified at the news, while the others wore grim looks on their faces.
"What about the Caribbean?" Baker asked, first to Admiral Coontz, then to President Lansing. "What do you intend to do about the Cubans and Venezuelans? We can't just let what they did go unanswered!"
"There's nothing we can do at the moment, Mr Baker." Coontz replied, slightly aggravated. "Both times we engaged them we lost! We have to consolidate our forces and gather intelligence before we even think about trying to attack again!"
"But this is an act of war! If we stand by and do nothing-" Baker began, before President Lansing cut him off.
"There's nothing we can do, Secretary Baker. In fact, if you'd been listening, we did try something, and it failed! I will not throw away the lives of good American sailors until, and only when we have more information to go off of!" Lansing sighed. "What about the Philippines? You didn't mention the Philippines. Or Panama. Do we still control them?" Lansing asked, dreading the answer he'd receive. It was here that Admiral Coontz smiled slightly.
"Thankfully I can report that both the Philippines and the Panama Canal Zone were both unaffected by the current crisis." Coontz replied. "However, most of the Asiatic Fleet is composed of a few cruisers, destroyers, and outdated submarines. There is also one Scout Cruiser in Balboa, but are unable to leave due to current events in the region."
Admiral Coontz and Navy Secretary Daniels looked over to General March, who simply nodded in acknowledgement.
"And our garrisons are on full alert in both places, and are as prepared as can be against any attack." March said.
"And what about the rest of the Army? What shape are they in?" Lansing asked, and General March grimaced.
"The situation for the Army is only marginally less severe." General March said. "Before The Event, the Army had just over 50,000 men on active duty, scattered across the country, Hawaii, Alaska, The Philippines, and elsewhere. Hell, half the Army was overseas when The Event occurred. In all, we estimate at least ten thousand active duty soldiers gone, mostly in California, Hawaii. And that's before getting into the National Guard and reserves, which were barely twice that of active duty, and are in even worse shape than those on active duty."
"What are you saying, General March?" Baker asked, an angry look on his face.
"What I'm saying, Mr Secretary, is that if the United States were to go to war with anyone right now, we'd have a devil of a time trying. We had a devil of a time fighting Pancho Villa when General Pershing crossed into Mexico, and nothing since has changed. Half the reservists called up to fight in Mexico never showed up. The Army was in no position to fight a war before this happened, and it certainly isn't now."
"General March, is there any good news? Is there any good news at all, gentlemen?" Lansing asked. "We've lost seven states and two territories, with over six million Americans gone who for all we know are dead, the rest of the nation is in a state of chaos, and it seems as if we're at war with at least two nations. Is there anything good you can tell me?"
"I think so," March replied, looking over at Major General Pershing.
"Some old friends contacted me this morning with some interesting information. Elements of the 9th and 10th Cavalry in Montana and New Mexico made quite cordial contact with National Guard and Marine units in Arizona and Idaho. Contact that didn't end with shots being fired, and in some places, even traded beers with each other." Pershing said, which made some raise a curious eyebrow.
"How is it that the 9th and 10th manage such friendly contact, whereas almost every other encounter has led to the Army being attacked, and routed?" President Lansing asked. General's March and Wood looked nervously at each other as Pershing cleared his throat, and continued.
"Mr President, as you might recall, the 9th and 10th consist of mostly black soldiers, whereas units like the 3rd Infantry Regiment were all white. We've had problems in the past with white and black soldiers fighting together, and upon encountering the National Guard units out west, the all white units didn't take kindly to who and what they found. To put it bluntly, Mr President, the prejudices and racial beliefs of those units precipitated the engagements that occurred, especially when they refused to accept orders from black, Mexican, Chinese, or female soldiers of equal or greater rank."
"But they-" Baker began, but was ignored by General Pershing, who acted as if he hadn't even spoken.
"In the case of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, many of its members were from The South, and upon making contact with Guardsmen in Utah, harassed, insulted, and eventually opened fire on the Guardsmen, which resulted in their defeat, and eventual rout by said Guardsmen. These events were even recorded, and are in the process of being sent here for investigation."
"Good white men died and you-" Baker began once more, only for President Lansing to rise from his chair, and fix the man with a lethal glare.
"Secretary Baker, you will be quiet, and listen to what General Pershing has to tell us, do you understand me!" Lansing snapped. "We are facing a crisis unlike any this nation has ever seen, and we don't have time for your personal beliefs to interfere with it! Do you understand me!?"
"Yes, Mr President." Baker replied with barely concealed rage.
"General Pershing, please continue," Lansing prompted, to which Pershing merely nodded.
"With the 9th and 10th Cavalry, they weren't met with the usual hatred and prejudice from the Marines and National Guard they encountered, which allowed for a stabilizing of multiple locations in New Mexico and Montana, and friendly exchanges of information. Information that I believe is very important to how we go forward in dealing with the nine states out west, as well as the rest of the problems we now face." Pershing explained.
"Nine states?" Lansing asked, to which Pershing nodded.
"Yes sir, it seems that in the 21st century, Alaska and Hawaii both had been states since the 1950's. Which brings up something I believe is very important, the population census. The states and territories we lost on New Year's Day totaled to just over six million people. The states in question which have replaced them, total just over 69 million total, not including Americans overseas in other nations brought back from 2020, which I'm told includes at least another few hundred thousand."
As the words left Pershing's mouth, Lansing's eyes widened as his mouth fell open, while Secretary Baker blanched in shock, and even the other officers in the room looked at him as if he had just grown a second head. After a few seconds of silence, Lansing finally spoke up.
"69 million people? That number can't be right?" Lansing said, to which Pershing replied by shaking his head.
"No Mr President, it's not wrong. The reports are corroborated from units from Montana down to New Mexico, even by a unit in Colorado. They were all told the same thing when asked. In the year two thousand twenty, the United States had a population of over 330 million people, not counting immigrants, or those overseas. And one of the most populated regions was stated to be the West Coast, which holds the bulk of the population east of the Rocky Mountains." Pershing's answer did nothing to ease either Lansing or Baker's mind, or their reactions to such news.
"The entire population of the United States was just over 100 million according to the last census!" Lansing said, thinking of the sheer mess of adding 69 million people would create for the House and Senate. All that power and influence out west would make Democrats and Republicans both absolutely furious! "A sixty nine percent increase in our population is…hard to imagine. That will create interesting times here in Washington."
"I'm glad you brought that up, Mr President, because a number of Representatives and Governors in the western states are seeking to establish relations and trade with the United States, including military cooperation against Germany." Pershing said.
"What do they mean 'establish relations and trade with the United States'? They are part of the United States?" Baker interjected. "And what's this nonsense about 'Military cooperation with Germany'? We aren't at war with Germany?"
President Lansing glared over at Baker, whose repeated outbursts were annoying him, but allowed the outburst.
"I agree with Secretary Baker, please explain what you mean by this, General Pershing." Pershing took in a deep breath, looked at those in the room, and said.
"Sir, much of the information I've been handed is missing many details, and is fairly broad in its wording. For me to explain it completely, I will have to be blunt in telling you." Pershing explained, once again looking back at General March, and then to Admiral Coontz, both of which eyed him quizzically.
"For God sake General Pershing, just tell us!" Lansing said impatiently. Sighing once more, Pershing continued.
"I have been told that Woodrow Wilson's administration has gone down in history as one of the most hated in American history, due to his, and I'm merely repeating what I've been told, white supremacist policies and ideology. Especially his insistence on segregation of the government, and the refusal to allow black officers into higher rank or positions suited for their rank, plays a large role in how they see him, especially among their military."
It was then that Pershing paused for a moment, surveying the room, and looking at the slight, but visible expressions of unease across the faces of most of the room, except for Secretary Baker, who was silently seething as his face turned red.
"Moreover, in the time they come from, women and minorities of all races and colors, have and have had the right to vote for many decades. The Armed Forces especially have been desegregated for decades, since the end of what they referred to as the "Second World War", which saw the United States fight a two front war against Germany and Japan, which by the end saw over 12 million Americans under arms. As such, officers of any color, can lead men of any color. Hell, even women lead men, and the reverse is true. And one of the biggest things pointed out, is the marriage laws of the 21st century states. Interracial and homosexual marriage is completely legal in every state in the 21st century, and that includes the nine on our borders. Black men can marry white women, white men can marry white women, men marry men, and everything in between."
"Disgusting!" Baker spat. "Utterly fucking disgusting. They are utter mongrels! Niggers with white women! Queers allowed to marry! What deep pit of degeneracy had the United States fallen into to succumb to such deviancy?" No one in the room said anything, most just sitting in stunned silence, except for Pershing, who continued where he left off, and completely ignored Baker.
"Basically Mr President, they have made it explicitly clear they will not lose the rights they are accustomed to, or submit to what they perceive as a government led by people who'd gladly lynch most of them if given half a chance. Which is why they said none of their representatives will come to Washington, because they would be seen as nothing but what Secretary Baker sees them as." Pershing looked over to Baker as he said those words, daring him to say anything in reply, but he didn't. His face just turned an interesting shade of red, and Pershing continued. "They believe, and I believe said views have some merit, that it would be a repeat of the Caning of Charles Sumner in 1856."
For a while, no one said anything. It was obvious that most of them were shocked and appalled at what they had been told. Some wanted to say something, but they didn't know what to say. President Lansing seemed as if he was trying to process what he'd been told, while Secretary Baker looked as if he'd explode at any moment. After a minute, it was President Lansing that spoke.
"That certainly is interesting, General Pershing," Lansing said, an expression of disbelief still written on his face. "Albeit I'm left with many more questions than answers, and some of the previous questions asked are still unanswered, but one thing at a time. You said they wanted to meet?" he asked, and Pershing nodded.
"Yes, Mr President, that's what my contacts have reported. While they have intention of coming to Washington, they have suggested the use of Denver as a halfway point for any possible meetings, as well as to coordinate against Germany."
"Which brings me back to the same question from earlier, what's all this talk about war with Germany? We aren't at war with Germany, and I hope to God we never are!"
"That's…where this gets rather confusing, Mr President." Pershing replied. "It seems that wherever these people have come from, they have a history far different from our own. One which diverged significantly in 1914. To sum it up quickly and efficiently, the War of 1914 lasted until 1918 for them, which resulted in the United States joining the war, and the surrender and collapse of the German Empire. The reason the United States joined was because Germany offered Mexico the territory we took in the Mexican-American War, if we joined the war."
"WHAT!?" Lansing exclaimed.
"Yes sir, and the build up of German forces just south of the border has outright appalled them, especially after the fights that have broken out between them and the Germans. That and the number of prisoners they've gathered, at least a hundred or so, have said some rather…interesting things about just why they are here." Pershing said. "At least now we understand why Mexican ports are filled with German cruisers and Battleships, and why they've been building an army across the border."
"It doesn't make any sense!" Secretary Baker exclaimed. "We were not involved in the War of 1914, we helped broker the peace between the Entente and Germany! Why would the Germans seek a war with the United States? We've done nothing to wrong them!"
"Because they are Germans, and that's what Germans do!" Pershing replied. "It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Kaiser felt the war had been brought to an end quickly, before he could extract even more from France and Britain than what he got. We all know what he did to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the Scandinavian countries. The Kaiser is a mad man intent on expanding his empire, there's no two ways about it."
"I agree with you, General Pershing," Lansing said, recalling the horrors enacted in Belgium by German troops, and shivering at the thought of them doing the same to American cities, and American citizens. "The Kaiser's actions in the past few years have shown he's looking to expand his empire, at the expense of other nations. And it seems the United States might be next. Roosevelt would have loved something like this."
"President Roosevelt is a warmongering barbarian! He urged us to get involved in the War of 1914, and look how it ended? His policies would have earned us Germany's ire!" President Lansing just glared at the man.
"Sometimes I wonder just how you got this position, Secretary Baker," Lansing said, shaking his head. "Roosevelt helped propel our nation onto the world stage, and Wilson undid so much of that progress. It's a damn shame he's still alive to see all this."
"Indeed sir," Pershing replied. "He's a fine man, finer soldier, and was an even finer president."
"On that we can agree," Lansing said, letting out a tired sigh afterwards. He well and truly didn't understand how, what, or why this was happening, nor did any of them have a full picture of the situation yet. So much of what Pershing had told him had utterly confused him, and while answering a few questions, opened up many more besides. So many questions left unanswered, and so many problems created by this Event. Even the information brought forward by Pershing had been full of holes, and would require face to face meetings with those in the Western United States to gauge just what was going on, and how to move forward.
"You said that the states out West want to open talks with us, General Pershing?" Lansing said tiredly.
"Yes sir," he replied.
"Very well." Lansing sighed. "General March?"
"Yes, Mr President?" March replied.
"I don't want any more of our boys dying uselessly. They are not to attack or antagonize any of the Army units out West. Hell, any units that aren't the 9th or 10th, pull them back from the border! I don't want a repeat of Evanston. Do you understand! The Army cannot take any more defeats like that!"
March nodded.
"Yes Mr President, I understand. Do you want the rest of the Army to mobilize in case of conflict elsewhere? To Florida and Texas perhaps?"
"Yes. I want us to be as prepared as possible for a possible invasion of Texas and New Mexico by the Germans and Mexicans, and in Florida against the Cubans. I won't tolerate any incursion or invasion into American territory by a foreign power! Admiral Coontz?" Lansing said, looking over at the Admiral. "That means the Marines as well. As many as can be mobilized, and sent to Florida immediately."
"Yes Mr President, I'll inform General Lejeune to commence immediately." Coontz replied.
"And recall all our remaining ships back to American ports. Norfolk, Newport, Portsmouth, wherever they can fit. I do not want any of our ships being ambushed at sea."
"What about the remnants of the Pacific Fleet, sir?" Coontz asked. "Nearly all the ships left in the Pacific Fleet that aren't in the Philippines, are off the coast of California or Hawaii, and most don't have the range to get from the West Coast to the Philippines."
"I don't want any of our ships being caught out in the open sea by hostile forces. We've taken too heavy of losses as it is. Instruct all ships still in Asian waters to Subic Bay, the rest are to take refuge in whatever port they are closest to."
"And if they are refused entry to said ports? Most of our ships will have nowhere to go." Coontz said. "The Arkansas could reach Subic Bay, but the cruisers and destroyers don't have the fuel."
"We pray that they don't." Lansing said grimly. "Which is why I want to send an envoy as soon as physically possible to Denver, to get this situation sorted out, and request permission to dock our ships for the duration of this crisis. The only question left is figuring out who to send."
"If I may, Mr President, I have an idea of who we could send as part of the envoy." General Pershing spoke up.
"By all means General, please." Lansing replied.
"I believe sending Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, would be a wise choice." Pershing said, which made Navy Secretary Daniels and Admiral Coontz stare incredulously at him. "In some of the transcripts sent to me, he's remembered extremely fondly in the eyes of 21st century America, and I believe he's the correct choice to send with any such mission to Denver."
Lansing blinked.
"Is there a mistake in the reports? Do they happen to mean Theodore Roosevelt?"
"No Mr President, that much was made quite clear in the messages. Franklin Roosevelt, not Theodore Roosevelt."
'Why in God's name would they want to speak with the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Christ Sake?' Lansing thought in puzzlement before continuing.
"And why is he remembered so fondly?" Lansing asked.
"According to the report, he's regarded as one of the best presidents of the United States."
Good chapter,and i think plausible - modern americans would be fond of genocider Sralin ally FDR - but,i think that @Quickdraw101 made it too easy for 1920 USA - them suffering under Wilson would be more funny.
But,i undarstandt,that USA need Deus Ex when president is idiot.
Pity,that Biden could not croak now - but,Kamala would not resign,soo.....
Aside from that - Pershing was smart dude,he could advice like that.
What next?
Germans would try attack somebody,becouse they must prove,that they are not weak.When their attemst fail,they would be crushed - i see normal Russia with France ruling Europe.
No Poland here as state,but our nation would live.And,no commies !
But,i undarstandt,that USA need Deus Ex when president is idiot.
Pity,that Biden could not croak now - but,Kamala would not resign,soo.....
Aside from that - Pershing was smart dude,he could advice like that.
What next?
Germans would try attack somebody,becouse they must prove,that they are not weak.When their attemst fail,they would be crushed - i see normal Russia with France ruling Europe.
No Poland here as state,but our nation would live.And,no commies !