In the Southern Ocean, between South America and Antarctica, there is an island chain called The Redlands. Historically, few people have lived there because the climate is so harsh. But with global warming, the ice and snow have begun to melt, and the population has ticked up.
The Redlands are a sovereign state. In the 1800s, they belonged to England. But as the British Empire began to unravel, The Crown let go of the islands, thinking them of no real value beyond a safe harbor for ships making their way through the treacherous waters of the Drake Passage.
Except for the crews on those ships, few people had even heard of The Redlands. That changed in 2026, when large deposits of the rare earth minerals scandium and yttrium were discovered just beneath the newly exposed surface of the islands.
The world took note. Many countries wanted those minerals. The US made the first move, extending a lucrative offer for mining rights. China, Russia and Europe quickly followed with offers of their own.
But the 22,000 inhabitants of The Redlands weren’t interested. Concerned excavation would ruin both their land and simple way of life, they politely declined all offers.
This didn’t sit well with the American President, who angrily vowed to “get The Redlands, one way or another.”
Most nations no longer trusted the US. Even once staunch allies now saw America as a threat.
When they heard the US might “get” The Redlands, China, Russia and Europe decided they’d had enough. They jointly issued a warning that any invasion by the US would be met with a “swift and forceful response.”
“They’re bluffing,” sneered the President.
Then he ordered his military to take control of The Redlands. But the President had badly misjudged his counterparts. As soon as American soldiers set foot on the islands, China, Russia and Europe unleashed nuclear strikes on the US. America tried to mount a defense, but the combined attack was overwhelming. Within a few hours, the US was decimated.
When the dust settled, China and Russia divvied up America, on the eve of its 250th birthday; Europe stepped up as the new leader of the free world; and The Redlands remained undefiled.
The Redlands are a sovereign state. In the 1800s, they belonged to England. But as the British Empire began to unravel, The Crown let go of the islands, thinking them of no real value beyond a safe harbor for ships making their way through the treacherous waters of the Drake Passage.
Except for the crews on those ships, few people had even heard of The Redlands. That changed in 2026, when large deposits of the rare earth minerals scandium and yttrium were discovered just beneath the newly exposed surface of the islands.
The world took note. Many countries wanted those minerals. The US made the first move, extending a lucrative offer for mining rights. China, Russia and Europe quickly followed with offers of their own.
But the 22,000 inhabitants of The Redlands weren’t interested. Concerned excavation would ruin both their land and simple way of life, they politely declined all offers.
This didn’t sit well with the American President, who angrily vowed to “get The Redlands, one way or another.”
Most nations no longer trusted the US. Even once staunch allies now saw America as a threat.
When they heard the US might “get” The Redlands, China, Russia and Europe decided they’d had enough. They jointly issued a warning that any invasion by the US would be met with a “swift and forceful response.”
“They’re bluffing,” sneered the President.
Then he ordered his military to take control of The Redlands. But the President had badly misjudged his counterparts. As soon as American soldiers set foot on the islands, China, Russia and Europe unleashed nuclear strikes on the US. America tried to mount a defense, but the combined attack was overwhelming. Within a few hours, the US was decimated.
When the dust settled, China and Russia divvied up America, on the eve of its 250th birthday; Europe stepped up as the new leader of the free world; and The Redlands remained undefiled.
