The Life of Oscar Otter: An Allegory of the Russian Revolution

Chapter 9

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it! New German dictator proposes controversial ideas and starts another world war!"

Not long after the end of Lynx's reign of terror, the newspapers needed something else to focus on. They soon found a new subject in the new leader of Germany, Baldrick Boar. Boar

had very contentious opinions on certain subjects. Fortunately for Russia, a lot of his ideas aligned with what Lynx believed, so they were under no threat. In fact, Boar and Lynx even signed an agreement that they would help each other over the course of the war, and that neither one would have to worry about the other attacking. They, along with the other members of the Axis powers formed quite the formidable team and took part in many battles against the Allies.

Samuel (Oscar), who at one point would have been at the front lines of action, leading troops, now had to read about them in the papers just like everyone else. There were many reasons for his decision to stay behind, but there were two reasons which stood out above the rest. One was his lowered social status. Now that he was no longer Oscar Otter, he wouldn't be able to assume his old rank and would be considered just a common soldier. The other was simply his age. Samuel just couldn't move quite like he could in his youth, and all his years of extreme conditions didn't do him any favors. There was also the possibility that someone would recognize him if he were to go back to the army, and he didn't want to risk that.

Samuel went about his days, pretty much just as he had before the war. The only differences were the food rations, a deficit of young males, and news headlines. He spent his days working in the fields, but got some time off because of his age. What free time he did have he spent in the town square, waiting for the updates from the war that would be announced every afternoon. He listened for any familiar names in the death counts, but it was rare that he heard any, all of the people he had served with having already died or been put on leave because of their age.

Progress reports came in weekly through the news and Samuel made sure he never missed an issue, lest there be trouble. For some time now, things had been going well for Russia. According to the most recent update, they had just assisted Germany in capturing Poland. The lands were divided between the two countries and things began getting more heated. Poland's Allies: Britain and France were none too happy with the attack and quickly stepped into the war, bringing more destruction and chaos.

One good thing that came with the war, was the loosening of Lynx's tight grip on the animals. Something that came along with this was the end of collectivization. This meant that all farmers and workers were able to go back to their own farms and take back their land. This was huge news for Samuel, who immediately went back to his family

farm and started restoring it to what it had been before the start of Lynx's 5 year plan. From then on, he worked on his own farm and had much less trouble finding enough food to feed himself.

The fate of Russia suddenly became very precarious when, without warning, Germany broke their alliance and, with the rest of the Axis of power (in total over 4 million animals), attacked. Russia was now in a conundrum- they were under fire from both sides, the Axis and Allies- and it was clear that the Axis wouldn't help them anymore. As a result, a dramatic decision was made to join the Allies. With Russia's animalpower, the tides were turned for the Allies, and they began making strides against the Axis.

Samuel now sat comfortably at home in his father's old chair, thanks to the end of collectivization, and picked up that morning's paper. He was met with startling news:

Warren Wolf, a veteran and traitor to Moon, finally kicked the bucket

this summer on the 21st of August. He was exiled from Russia by Lynx,

shortly after being elected as leader and has long since been evading the

countless soldier Lynx has sent out to recapture and execute him for his

actions. However, just this week the scoundrel was finally put to justice.

It is reported that the assassin had secretly joined the Wolf household

by pretending to be a friend and comrade of Wolf. He gained Wolf's trust, a difficult task to accomplish, before finally making a move and smashing his

head in with a snow pick...

Samuel was shocked and stunned by the news. It had been so many years since Wolf was exiled that he had almost completely forgotten about him. However, hearing about his death was still alarming. They had served together for many years, and although they were never necessarily friends, it was still strange to hear about his death like that. It brought Samuel back to reality and reminded him that death could be coming from anywhere at any time, no matter how safe you may feel.

Things continued to go downhill for Germany and the rest of the Axis. Boar, sensing his imminent defeat, committed suicide leaving Germany at the mercy of the Allies. The other members of the Axis also surrendered as the Allies closed in on them, leaving them no other choice. The war was finally over, but had taken an enormous toll on everyone involved, claiming a total of 70 million deaths. The majority of those lives were Russian, making up more than half the total number. There wasn't anyone who didn't lose at least one friend or family member in that war.

Samuel retired then, exhausted from all the fighting and death that had taken place in his lifetime, much more than any one animal should have to handle. He attended many funerals and saw many memorials dedicated to those who fought and lost their lives in battle. He sympathized with those who had fought, and those families who had lost animals to the war, knowing exactly how they felt.