Finale pt.2
November 20th, 1944
Winter, the bane of any invading army into Russian territory, had already gripped its hooks into Mittleuropa forces in Russia. Granted, roughly 80% of the deployed troops had specialized winter equipment, however it was still looking to be a less-than-comfortable winter, as General Douglas MacArthur could attest to, the only heat source for his field office being a wood-burning stove:
"What is it, Smith," said the MacArthur, his teeth audibly chattering over the phone
"Sir, we've pushed the Swedish forces out of Finland!" came the voice of Brigadier General Smith
"And the Germans have already landed in southern Sweden!"
"Good: Now all this leaves is to take Moscow and Syndicalism will be resigned to the trash can of history where it belongs."
"Of course, sir: But the Russians have been preparing for this for years. They're going to have fortifications surrounding Moscow on all sides."
"Yeah, I noticed."
While Sweden fell to the Imperial German Army in fairly short order, the Russians were considerably more tenacious. Throughout the winter, the combined Mittleuropa forces launched a number of failed and abortive offensives against the fortress city. It was only with the spring thaw that the offensive was able to flare up again. By this time however, MacArthur was becoming extremely irritated with the situation:
"Is it ready yet, Smith?" inquired the general
"Yes, sir," replied Smith "Our bombers are taking off from Memel right now."
"Perfect: The attack will commence shortly afterwards."
After the first ever tactical nuclear weapons against the Red Army, the situation crumbled completely for Moscow: Their last remaining defenses collapsed and a joint German-American force entered the city shortly afterwards.
Invited to Berlin for the massive victory celebrations, MacArthur declined, stating that there was still much that needed in his own country. Even on the train back to Riga, there was still work to be done:
"Going to Berlin to celebrate with your men, Smith?" inquired the general
"I would," began Smith "But-"
"But nothing! I'm giving you two weeks leave. Go to Berlin. Have a good time with your men. God knows you've earned it."
"Thank you, sir."
"However one last thing before you do: Send word to the State Department to extend our recognition and congratulations to the new regime in Moscow."