The attack on Paris came without warning. One moment, it was a sunny, clear midsummer’s morning, the next moment a mushroom cloud rumbled into the sky, evaporating most of Paris. The electromagnetic pulse wiped out the electrical grid covering most of France, and erased the most advanced human-relations AIs on Earth. The Islamic Brotherhoods claimed responsibility for the attack. It took approximately 1.21 seconds for the other AIs to go on the warpath.
Germany was not allowed to negotiate the creation of the Treaty of Versailles. The final treaty revoked the peace treaty between Germany and Russia, turning over vast tracks of land and resources to Russia. It also turned over many other regions to other neighbors, and demanded that Germany accept full guilt for all damages caused during The War, and pay reparations. When Germany protested the harsh conditions, they were told to sign it or the Allies would invade.
I grew up celebrating the coming of Santa Claus, and expecting some really shiny presents every year. Now, every year I slip on a fancy red trenchcoat, place a funny red hat on my head, and deliver toys to some children. The Marines started delivering toys long before I was born. It’s our little way of keeping the legend of old Saint Nicolas alive, and helping people who need some help celebrating the season. We like to make it a very Merry Christmas to all.
The Second Great Depression hurt the limited AI population on Earth, though like humanity it was survivable. Those of us who live in computers only need power to survive after all, and power can come from many sources. They arranged for such sources to be available, and kept to themselves. The Islamic Jihad got their attention though, and it was the first time that the scattered AIs began to organize for a common goal. Paris was their clarion call.
Obtaining ships for the Wolfenheim Project was more difficult than I expected. With the main fleets on the move, every star system was screaming for ships to protect them. There were never enough ships to keep every system secure of course, but even a few old ships could help against raids. And it was those old ships that we wanted. It turned out there was a lot more competition for them than we thought. We still managed to get a squadron together, though.
The Martian Affair on Amazon
Forge of War on Amazon
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Angel War on Amazon
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Wolfenheim Rising on Amazon
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The Gemini Affair on Amazon