Description

he unthinkable happens in 2016. Anuclearexchange in the Middle East kills 20
million people and cripples the world’s oil supply. Crude oilpricesspike at $800 a
barrel.
One year later, the threat of worldwide nuclear war iselimi-natedwhen the United
States and Europe deploy a compre-hensive space-basedantiballisticmissile shield.
Russia soon follows with an advanced missile defense system ofitsown.
Intercontinental ballistic missiles are rendered obsolete.
Russia becomes the world’s primary supplier of energyandexperiences a massive
economic boom. With its newfound riches, Russiaquicklyreestablishes itself as a
major super-power and restores its military might.
Western Europe, with the notable exceptions of the UK andIreland,unifi es to create
the European Federation. This new nation is destined to beaformidable 21st-century
super-power.
In 2020, the United States is on the verge of finishingcon-struction on the Freedom
Star, a controversial orbital military platform that will upsetthebalance of world
power. The European Federation withdraws from NATO inprotest.
Tensions between the European Federation, the United States,andRussia are building
and will soon reach the breaking point.