Civil War

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

(January 30, 2027)

In his office in San Antonio, President Abbott is currently going over a report from an ambassador he had sent to Sweden. The report details negotiations with the Swedish government and Saab regarding the purchase of JAS39 Gripen fighters.

One of the things Abbott and his commanders were worried about was their ability to replace fighters lost in combat against the US, not trusting that even their control of Air Force Plant 4 would be enough. So, they had decided to approach Sweden about purchasing JAS39s, choosing the Gripen in part because of its proven ability to operate from rough strips and even highways if necessary. With pilots already being trained to fly the Gripen by the Brazilians, all they need now is planes.

The report that Abbott is promising. The Swedes have proven very receptive to Texas' requests. The report states that they are willing to sign a deal for 42 Gripens, with an option for 30 more, as requested by Abbott. The Swedes only require some more negotiation regarding final price and some other minor details before they're willing to sign the contract and start the production.

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. Abbott looks up and says, "Enter."

The door opens and Ted Cruz walks in, a smile on his face. "Hey, Mr. President. You might wanna see this," he says before he turns the TV on and turns it to CNN.

As CNN comes up on the screen, it shows an image of Governor Sarah Sanders, the governor of Arkansas who had in fact just won her second term, standing at a press podium, with the flag of Arkansas behind her, but with the US flag conspicuously absent.

"Good afternoon," Governor Sanders greets the press. She pauses for a moment before she continues, "In recent weeks, the people of Arkansas have kept a careful eye on the terrible situation, and the fierce conflict, that has enveloped the United States of America. We have been very frustrated by the authoritarian nature that the federal government under President Davidson has fallen into. We cannot continue to abide under such vile rule. The people of Arkansas are a people that love freedom, and we will defend that freedom even against the government we once answered to."

"Today, I am here to announce that the state legislature of the state of Arkansas has voted to declare the independence of Arkansas from the United States of America. While we are, for the moment, our own, independent nation, we do not necessarily wish to be. We wish to join with others who have made this same move to defend their liberty. Therefore, I also am here to announce the official desire of the state of Arkansas to be joined with the new government known as the United American Republic. We hope that President Desantis will accept our petition and welcome us into the United American Republic."

"Regardless, the people of Arkansas will fight for our freedom against those who would take it from us. To the regime in Washington DC, we will answer to you no longer. We will fight for our freedom. You can count on it," Governor Sanders says in a more iron tone, her words bringing applause from gathered spectators.

Cruz looks over at Abbott, who has a big smile on his face. "Good. Another state joins the cause," Abbott says.

"You think Desantis is going to accept Arkansas?" Cruz asks.

"Oh, they're not going to deny a state who asks for admission after their independence. It's just a question of how fast they can get the official stuff done," Abbott responds. At the same time, he recognizes the benefit this brings for Texas. With Arkansas now independent, this means that Texas' eastern border is now fully secured from the US. And with no major forces stationed in Oklahoma, this leaves Texas free to devote more forces to defend their western border. Since the declaration of independence, this is the most secure Texas has been in the war. Now, they can begin to build up their military for the eventual offensive against the regime in Washington.

(February 1, 2027)

Over southern Arkansas, a formation of F-15 Eagles are streaking north at Mach speeds. The F-15s are from the 159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard. The 8 F-15s had been on a patrol over northern Louisiana when long-range radar spotted an inbound aerial strike force heading into Arkansas, presumed to be heading either for Little Rock or for the Air National Guard where Arkansas' MQ-9s are kept.

After the declaration of independence of Arkansas, the negotiations had begun to admit Arkansas as a member of the United American Republic. Finally, hours earlier, on the morning of the 1st, President Desantis had announced that Arkansas was now officially a member of the UAR.

It seems that President Davidson was ready to launch an airstrike against Arkansas to punish them for their secession and joining the UAR. However, worried about this possibility, President Desantis had ordered that the 159th send fighters to patrol in northern Louisiana in case any airstrikes were launched against Arkansas. Arkansas had no fighters of its own, and the handful of MQ-9 Reapers based in its territory would be useless against an aerial strike force.

Radars had detected the formation of fighter bombers approaching Arkansas, and ground commanders had ordered the patrolling F-15s to hurry north into Arkansas to defend Little Rock. On their radars, the F-15s can see at least 20 fighter-bombers approaching Little Rock. However, they are now within AMRAAM range.

"Osprey flight, Coyote Flight, everyone lock up bandits," the lead F-15 pilot orders. Each pilot activates their targeting radar and locks up one of the incoming fighter bombers. Waiting a few seconds to allow the pilots to finish locking up the incoming fighters, the lead pilot orders, "Stand by...Fox Three!" The pilot squeezes the trigger, and an AMRAAM drops from his F-15 and ignites, streaking away to pursue its target. Within two seconds, 7 more AMRAAMs launch and streak away after their targets.

The US fighters bearing down on Little Rock are immediately aware that they've been fired upon. They instantly break off their attack run on the city and begin evasive maneuvers, punching out chaff and diving for the deck. Most manage to evade the missiles, but two AMRAAMs manage to find their targets, downing a pair of F-15Es.

Still unchallenged, the F-15s fire another volley of AMRAAMs. This time, the US fighters are more ready for them, and only a single F-16 falls to an missile.

Some of the US fighters fire back at the UAR fighters. One F-15 is downed, but the remaining 7 press on, and soon enough, come within visual range.

The UAR F-15s attack the remaining US fighters, trying to keep any confusion they can going amongst the US pilots. In a series of dogfights lasting several minutes, 7 more US fighters are shot down in exchange for 2 more of the UAR F-15s.

Seeing that he's lost 10 of his fighters, the commanding US pilot orders a retreat, not wanting to put any more of his aircraft or pilots at risk. The remaining 14 aircraft pull back and head back to their bases. The US pilots feel a great sense of frustration at being turned back, but they're not ready to risk their lives for targets that were not of great importance in their eyes.

The lead UAR pilot watches as the US fighters start to retreat. He considers trying to pursue them, but chooses not to. Instead, he orders the remaining fighters to take up a patrol pattern over Little Rock.

Arkansas has seen its first combat of the Second Civil War, and has emerged unscathed. With Arkansas now a part of them, the UAR is growing more powerful. And with arms sales from both Israel and Poland, and the fact that the UAR has seized control of Puerto Rico, the UAR is becoming a major player. A force that the US cannot just dismiss out of hand. And with Texas as an ally, they may be able to really begin to challenge the US.

The Second American Civil War is really kicking into higher gear.