Major General Harold Alexander, the division commander, gave the order, "Fire!"
The first to speak were the xican artilleryn.
Dense 155mm howitzer shells rained down like hail, precisely covering the middle and rear of the highway convoy.
Massive fireballs rose one after another, the blast waves flipping and tearing apart M113 armored vehicles like toys.
"Enemy attack! Find cover!!"
The commander from Louisiana scread over the radio, but his voice was instantly drowned out by even louder explosions.
The xican infantry calmly targeted those armored vehicles attempting to flee the highway with anti-tank missiles and rocket launchers.
Thick smoke and fire enveloped the entire canyon.
The Louisiana military convoy was completely stunned, unable to advance or retreat, becoming perfect sitting targets.
The battle lasted less than forty minutes.
The vanguard battalion of the Louisiana National Guard's First Armored Cavalry Corps was almost completely annihilated.
The highway was littered with the burning wreckage of tanks and armored vehicles, charred bodies hanging from the hatches, surviving soldiers raising their hands in surrender, their faces covered in soot and blood.
The xican Army didn't even take many prisoners; after confiscating the weapons, they rely watched the shocked Louisiana soldiers, indicating with their gun barrels for them to walk back the way they ca.
"Go back to Baton Rouge and tell Floyd Rose," Major General Harold Alexander said in accented English to the opposing commander, "if you dare cross the border again, next ti we'll hit his bedside."
The news of the defeat spread back to Baton Rouge at lightning speed.
President Floyd Rose looked at the photos and reports from the front, his face first turned ashen, then he collapsed dejectedly into his high-backed leather chair.
He had lost, utterly and completely.
Not only did he gain nothing, but he also lost a valuable armored unit.
…
June 21, 1995, xico City, Departnt of Defense auditorium.
Cara flashes were blindingly bright as they illuminated the stage.
xican Minister of Defense Kennedy, dressed in a crisp military uniform, addressed the multitude of microphones and caras:
"Thus far, the primary strategic objectives of the special military operation aid at disarming the Paul Stuart criminal group and restoring peace and order in the Texas area have been achieved. The xican Ard Forces will continue to carry out stability maintenance and humanitarian assistance tasks in the region in accordance with international law and relevant agreents until a legitimate and broadly representative elected governnt is established..."
The news rapidly dominated the headlines of major dia outlets worldwide.
"Blitzkrieg! In 11 days, the 'Lone Star Republic' falls!"
"xican military power shocks the world, has the modern war paradigm been rewritten?"
"A new hegemony born? Overnight upheaval in the Aricas!"
The international community was in an uproar.
Countries in Europe expressed "serious concern" and "deep worry," calling for "restraint" and a "peaceful resolution".
...
Washington D.C., White House.
President George Walker Bush Jr. sat in the Oval Office, watching the xican Minister of Defense's statent on TV with a grim expression.
Although Texas had declared independence, its rapid downfall, particularly in such a humiliating manner at the hands of xico, was a fatal blow to the remaining prestige of the United States and a harsh slap to the banner of the "Free World".
He needed to say sothing.
A few minutes later, President Bush appeared behind the podium in the White House briefing room.
His expression was grave, his tone trying to sound firm, but there was a hidden trace of powerlessness deep in his eyes.
"Ladies and gentlen."
He began, "What has occurred in Texas over the past eleven days is blatant aggression, a serious challenge to the rules-based international order."
He condemned xico's "military adventurism," expressed "steadfast support" for the people of Texas, and announced so inconsequential sanctions, mainly travel bans and asset freezes targeting individual xican military officers and officials.
Finally, he tried to elevate the tone, calling for unity:
"This is a dark mont, but it is in such monts that we cannot be consud by hatred and division. We must unite, all who cherish freedom and value sovereignty, must stand together to resist tyranny; otherwise, the beacon of freedom will dim, if not extinguish, in this world!"
However, in the face of xico's overwhelming military victory, the speech seed feeble and ineffective.
The response was sparse.
The statents of European allies were mostly vague, avoiding direct provocation of Victor.
Latin Arican countries collectively fell silent.
After the speech, President Bush returned to his office, loosening his tie in exhaustion.
The Chief of Staff quietly inford him, "Mr. President, the reactions are lukewarm. London, Paris, and Bonn are inquiring about our next concrete plans, but they seem... unwilling to assu any substantial risk."
Bush gave a wry smile.
He knew, of course.
What leverage does the United States have now to demand others "take risks"?
He paused for a mont before telling the Chief of Staff, "Get connected to xico City, I want to speak with Victor."
The Chief of Staff hesitated: "Sir? Shouldn't this go through diplomatic channels first..."
"Connect it now."
Bush's tone was unquestionable, "Get through directly. We need to talk."
xico City, National Palace.
Victor was seated behind his desk, playing with a Texas Lone Star badge in his hand.
The phone rang; it was the internal line.
Rohus's voice ca through: "Boss, it's the White House line, George Walker Bush Jr. He wants to speak with you."
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