The Phoenix Reborn Series. Book 1. The World Burns to Ashes

Fallout

For 3 days the radiation waves traveled across the Nation before the last moved out to sea, and it was safe for the people to emerge from the safety of whatever shelter they had been using. The broadcasts had been a huge success, as survivors had found ways to reply, and they could receive Intel from them as well.

It was clear by satellites that had survived the EMPs and not been targeted, they could tell no armies we're headed for them. Many of the weapons launched by the US had been Military targets, and because of it the Armies of Russia and China had been devestated far harder than could have even been hoped for. Any survivors would have to focus on protecting their Homeland, and would not have the manpower or equipment to launch an invasion yet.

The fallout from Russia and China had finally stopped spreading as quickly, and they had hope that the dust would not reach America. What was becoming clear was that no matter what happened, the radiation levels would be dramatically higher than before, but would be just within the survivability of the human people.

The process of finding what skills had been retained by the people inside the bunker, and they had dozens of doctors and researchers from nearby facilities. His own troops had a myriad of skills as well, and he knew that the troops would have been a great boon to the Ukrainian Front Lines. Now they would be used to restart the American race.

Lincoln was reviewing the maps of radiation when Colonel West entered from the Command Center.

"Sir, there is a broadcast you must be made aware of. It is from the Presidential Bunker." West said standing there with a solemn look.

Lincoln walked out and the loop had just begun when he heard it.

"This is President Hayes, if you are hearing this the worst has happened. After multiple direct hits the Presidential Bunker has been breached and we expect the next hit to destroy us. All Bunkers built for the continuity of government have also been destroyed.

"It is by my order that General Lincoln Masters be assigned as the designated survivor of both the Armed Forces of the United States of America, and the Civilian Government. It is up to those who survive to ensure our way of life continues, and it is my hope that-" the transmission cut off with a loud explosion before the loop repeated again a few moments later.

"The radiation levels dropped enough to allow burst transmissions, and this is coming in over the laser comms. Sir, we need to swear you in." Colonel West said as the other officers in the Bunker came to attention.

"Colonel West, we need to have a discussion if we are to set on this course." Lincoln said before he walked back into his new office and waited for Colonel West to close the door. "Colonel, despite what the President Ordered, I am not yet comfortable giving up all hope for survivors from the government bunkers." Lincoln told him.

Colonel Jeffrey West nodded, knowing the young man had been thrust into an impossible situation. "I can understand sir, and I understand your reluctance. However as I see it, there is only so much we can do. I am aware of the events that lead to us being here, and know you predicted the attack days before even the analysts did. Despite what you may think, or how you may feel, you are the person we need for the job right now. Because of what we face, and how you have faced it, all of us here believe you are the most qualified to lead us." Colonel West told him.

Lincoln was a little surprised about that statement, as he believed they had only accepted him because he was a higher rank. "Colonel, that is actually a surprise. Despite my reservations, I will take the role. And despite there being other higher ranking individuals, I need you to be in charge here. As such if I take the position of President, you will be promoted to Joint Chief for the Army. General Yost will be the new Chief of the Air Force, Admiral Chandler of the Navy, and finally General Armstrong of the Marines." Lincoln told him.

It was Colonel West' turn to be surprised, as he had not expected the young man to value his opinion. "Sir, there must be someone more qualified-"

"Than me to be President." Lincoln said interrupting him. "Qualifications no longer seem to matter when we are pushed to the edge. It was not a request, but me informing you of what my first orders as the President are. You are to assume command of the Army, and promote those you know or believe capable of moving us forward into a new world. We need to prepare to hold snap elections for the bases, so we can begin reforming civilian government. Each base will need to work closely with the Civilians, as for this time we are officially at war. Russia, China, and India still have survivors that could pose a threat. We need the civilians trained as Militias, and I would love it if they were all volunteers." Lincoln ordered as he pulled out the papers that General Howard had given him. In it were the instructions to secure the weapons that had been leftover from the retaliatory strikes, and he took them out.

"May I ask what that is?" Colonel West asked.

"Something that should never be used again. However we have to ensure that we have them should the worst happen and they must be used." Lincoln said as he set down the code books needed to break into the Nuclear Football for the President. "Have Captain Long begin working on this, and create new security protocols once he has established access and control."

"Yes sir, when will we perform the swearing in ceremony?" he asked.

"Dinner, alert all those that wish to attend when it will occur." Lincoln said dismissing the now General of the Army.

2 days later they opened the door, as despite the elevated levels, they were still survivable. Lincoln was amazed when there were nearly 100,000 survivors just outside the door. They had established a tent City around the bunker, and were waiting for the doors to open. There was not enough room for them all, but as there were no longer peaking waves to worry about, they were not in much danger.

The look of the world was much changed, as it was clear the explosions had affected wide swaths of land outside of the primary blast zones. Despite it being early summer, the trees had been stripped of their leaves, and he knew it was likely from the blast wave that they were. 2 miles from the bunker was where the true devistation began, as the entire city of Indianapolis including the Fort had been reduced to rubble.

As soon as the door opened the mass of civilians and the military personnel who had not made it before the doors were shut began swarming the doors. Lincoln grabbed a loud speaker, and used it to get their attention.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, for the time being these doors will be kept open. There is no need to flood inside, as we could not hope to house you all here anyway. What we can assure you of however, is we will do everything within our power to ensure we have a safe and secure environment in which we can thrive. Over the next few days we will assess each of you for skills and possible assignments, as there is much work we must do.

"Gone are the days when we could be assured we could persevere through everything, but now we know we must do what is necessary to ensure we do not lose our way of life. Civilian and Military must work closer together than ever before, and we will consider things we never would have before. But before the bombs fell, we felt that there was no way they would do what they did. Now we know our enemies will do whatever it takes to destroy us no matter the cost, and we must do things just as drastic to ensure our place in the future!" Lincoln said not aware that he was being recorded. This speech would serve as the basis of what the entire Nation did, and even the territories if they wished to remain.

"Each of us will have to decide for ourselves what kind of world we wish to live in moving forward, and select those that represent those values to the new Congress that I am calling for. Until a better system can be determined, each of the bases will select 4 representatives. 2 from the Armed Forces, 2 Civilians from the local areas. Districts of representation will be drawn up, and until we establish a new societal order, Martial Law will exist across the Nation. As the lands and people have joined us in this great endeavor, we will welcome their representatives in the same format. This conference will be held in 6 weeks, when we have a more sure assessment and analysis of what we will encounter should we return to the world stage. At this time I am calling for any bases of our brothers and sisters who have survived on foreign soil, to do what you can to re-establish communication with us, or return to our home. For any foreign powers that wish to use this opportunity to wage war with our great people, I assure you we stand ready to defend ourselves.

"In the face of great adversity we have always come together, the issues that used to divide us must needs be set aside. It no longer matters if your African American, Irish American, so long as you are American you will be welcome here. Let the divisions of the past be erased with this brutal attack, so we can stand against this great adversity. Do what we can to thrive, and what we must to ensure that we never suffer this way again!" Lincoln finished to great cheers from everyone inside and outside the Bunker.

The speech was broadcast to every base in the US, and overseas on a general broadcast.

Over the course of a week they realized that the radiation levels had stabilized across the globe, and they were significantly elevated from before the blast. From the rate of decay so far, they were determining it would take 50 years to dissipate to levels before the bombs.

"Mr. President, we have been contacted by our allies in Britain. Apparently King William survived along with his family, and they are requesting to re-establish formal diplomatic relations based on our status as Allies." Captain Long said as he was the Operations Officer for the Command Center.

"I will be there in a moment Captain." Lincoln said as he closed the laptop he had begun using to gather the Intel they had been able to gather. He walked into the Command Center and was impressed they had already increased their ability to secure video calls. Lincoln put the headset on just as the link was established. "Greetings King William, I am glad to see the Monarchy has survived."

William looked at him and nodded. "We have, and fortunately so have many of our citizens. Our Armed Forces however have taken a heavy hit, and we are operating at roughly 25 percent of pre bomb levels." he reported.

Lincoln was not surprised at the assessment, and it showed. "You have my sympathies Majesty, however we are not caring much better. For the moment we need time to assess what has survived, and cannot offer much in the way of assistance until that is completed." he told William.

"I am sure that is the case, fortunately we have not detected any movement from Russia or China to advance on this attack." William informed him sharing the little Intel they had.

"Satellite imagery shows that a good number of their cities and bases and nuclear waste zones, struck by multiple ground bursts to increase fallout. 60 percent of Russia, and 40 Percent of Asia are radioactive death zones. It is not likely either will have the ability to mount a meaningful attack soon, and we are working on positioning satellites to monitor both." Lincoln told him surprising William.

"How many satellites do you have left intact?"

"I am not willing to share that information at this time, however I will share the data those assets provide." Lincoln offered.

"We will also offer any intelligence we are able to gather, and hope we can quickly find a way to cooperate over the once again vast distance that separates us. I must return to assessing what my own people need." William said before the call terminated.

Lincoln looked at the maps, and noticed that a total of 12 combat vessels were making port in Florida. It was the only Atlantic Port still operational, and there were 20 in the Pacific. They had taken heavy losses at sea, and they were at 20 percent combat ability, and only 2 of the 9 Aircraft Carriers had limped home.

He was in the command center when a garbled voice started coming in over the radio, and gradually became stronger.

"This is Admiral Vincent Jasper of Pearl Harbor, does anyone in Command read me? Over." came the clear transmission.

Lincoln grabbed the headset and switched the comms over to it quickly before he keyed the mic. "This is President Masters based out of Fort Indianapolis, we read you Admiral, please report your condition." he replied.

"Escaped the worst and have received communications about the orders delivered. Combat ability 80 percent with loss of two ships. 2 Aircraft Carriers, 5 destroyers, 2 submarines and 7 frigates. We are also currently exploring options to get the Battleship USS Missouri operational again." Admiral Jasper reported.

Lincoln was a little surprised at that, and had not been hopeful Hawaii or Alaska had survived. "Excellent work Admiral, keep me apprised of your progress on that. I need you to use the resources at your disposal to establish a patrol corridor. Coordinate with San Diego, and any other stations you can make contact with in the Pacific Theater. All ships are to use all of their ability to remain concealed and survive any contact." Lincoln ordered him.

"Yes sir, we will do everything we can to protect the mainland. My engineers tell me it will take a month to get the Missouri operational, and another for the engineers to finish their assessment of the latest refit and seaworthiness of her." Admiral Jasper informed him.

"Speed it up any way you can Admiral, Martial Law has been declared and I will be instituting orders under the Emergency Production Act to ensure we have the materials needed to defend ourselves. Any civilians who can assist you may be pressed into service if needed." Lincoln ordered before the signal was lost in a radiation spike.