The Last Attempt at Peace

Posted on Friday February 14th, 2025 @ 7:28pm by President Jack Ryan & Presidents Staff Mark Ellis & General Chris Hayes & China President Liang Wei & Russia President Ivan Zarkev
Edited on on Friday February 14th, 2025 @ 7:45pm

1,149 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: "A House Divided"
Location: The White House - Situation Room , Washington D.C.
Timeline: May 28th, 2041

The Situation Room at the White House was a pressure cooker of tension, the air thick with the weight of what was about to unfold. The room was dimly lit, except for the glow of monitors displaying real-time intelligence reports, military movements, and diplomatic updates. President Jack Killright sat at the head of the long, polished conference table, his hands clasped together, fingers pressed tightly against each other as he studied the screens before him. The live footage of Russian tanks, their treads carving deep scars into the frozen ground of Eastern Ukraine, played like an ominous prelude to war.

The United States had been in crises before, but this was different. This was the precipice of a full-scale war, a war that could engulf not just Europe but the entire world. The United Nations had just approved the deployment of 10,000 additional peacekeeping troops, reinforcing the already present US and NATO forces in the region. It was a move designed to deter Russian aggression, a statement from the world that this invasion would not go unchallenged. But would it be enough?

National Security Advisor Mark Ellis leaned forward, his expression tense but controlled. “Mr. President, we’ve received confirmation that the UN troops are on the move. The first wave is en route to Eastern Europe, reinforcing NATO positions along Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states. The rest will be operational within seventy-two hours.”

Killright exhaled, his gaze flickering toward the screen displaying a tactical overview of the deployment zones. “That’s good. It sends a message. But the real question is—does Zarkev care?”

General Chris Hayes, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shifted in his chair, his face hardened with the weight of experience. “Sir, with these additional forces, we’ve established a clear buffer zone. It gives us a strong defensive position if this turns into an actual engagement. But if Zarkev sees it as provocation, he may act out of desperation. We need to be ready for a rapid escalation.”

Killright nodded. “I know. That’s why this meeting with China matters. If President Liang can force Zarkev to see reason, we avoid war. If not…” His voice trailed off, but the weight of his words hung heavy in the room.

Ellis cleared his throat. “Sir, there are cracks forming in Moscow. Sanctions have put Russia’s economy in a stranglehold, and intelligence reports suggest Zarkev’s inner circle is divided on whether this war is worth the price. If China pushes, we might be able to exploit those divisions and force a retreat.”

Killright’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the table. “Then let’s make sure President Liang has all the leverage he needs.”

A soft chime rang out, signaling an incoming secure transmission from Beijing. The large center screen in the Situation Room flickered to life, revealing President Liang Wei, seated in a high-security conference room in Beijing’s Zhongnanhai compound. His expression was calm, measured, the face of a man who understood the weight of what was at stake.

“President Killright,” Liang greeted, his tone smooth but deliberate. “I assume you’ve received confirmation of the UN’s decision.”

Killright sat up slightly. “I have. The world is making it clear that Zarkev’s actions will not go unchallenged. The question is, will he listen?”

Liang took a slow breath before answering. “Russia understands the consequences of escalation, but Zarkev sees compromise as weakness. He believes that if he backs down now, he loses credibility both domestically and internationally. I intend to make it clear to him that continued aggression will result in severe military, economic, and diplomatic consequences.”

Ellis leaned forward slightly. “Mr. President, our intelligence suggests that there’s growing unease inside the Kremlin. Zarkev’s advisors are worried about the long-term repercussions of this war, especially now that China’s position is shifting. If Beijing increases pressure—trade, financial restrictions, diplomatic isolation—we may be able to break his resolve.”

Liang gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “China will remind Moscow that stability benefits us all. But make no mistake—Zarkev will not back down easily. He still believes he can force the West to accept his terms.”

Killright’s voice was sharp. “Then let’s make sure he understands the real cost of war.”

Another chime rang out. A second video feed connected, and the screen split to reveal the Russian President, Ivan Zarkev, seated in a dimly lit conference room inside the Kremlin compound. His dark, piercing eyes swept over the faces on the call, his posture stiff with the arrogance of a man who believed history was on his side.

“President Killright. President Liang.” His voice was deep, smooth, almost mocking. “To what do I owe this summons?”

Killright didn’t waste time. “We’re here to discuss the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine’s borders. The United Nations has reinforced NATO and US peacekeeping efforts with another 10,000 troops. This ends now.”

Zarkev smirked, shaking his head. “America still believes that showing force is the answer to all things. Do you truly think more soldiers will change anything?”

Liang’s tone was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade. “This is not intimidation, President Zarkev. This is the world’s unified response. The West is not alone in condemning your actions. China also urges restraint. Continued escalation will cost Russia more than you realize.”

Zarkev’s smirk faltered for the briefest second. “China now speaks for the West?”

“No,” Liang answered smoothly. “China speaks for global stability. I am offering you a way out before your country collapses under its own weight.”

Zarkev drummed his fingers against the desk in front of him, his expression darkening. “And if I refuse?”

Killright’s gaze was ice cold. “Then we will respond. We will not let Ukraine fall. If your forces cross the line, Russia will face consequences on a scale you cannot afford.”

The Russian president leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. For the first time, hesitation flickered in his gaze.

“You ask me to retreat in disgrace. That is not how history is written.”

Liang’s voice softened, but the warning in his tone was unmistakable. “History is written by those who survive it, President Zarkev.”

The silence that followed was suffocating.

Zarkev finally exhaled. “I will speak with my generals. But understand—if you are bluffing, it will be the last mistake you make.”

The screen cut to black, signaling the end of the call.

The room remained still. Mark Ellis broke the silence first.

“He’s stalling.”

Killright’s jaw clenched. “Or he’s realizing he’s out of moves.”

General Hayes nodded. “If he retreats, we de-escalate. If he moves forward—”

“Then we make damn sure he regrets it,” Killright finished.

The world held its breath. The next twenty-four hours would decide the future of global stability.

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