May 12, 1996, dawn, temporary NATO Allied Command Headquarters, Kentucky.
The British Brigadier General, Alister Fitzroy, was awakened by the urgent knocking of his adjutant.
"What's the matter?" He was somewhat grumpy from being disturbed in his sleep.
"Sir, communication with the Italian Brigade has completely broken down. Our reconnaissance aircraft only saw burning wreckage and bodies in the designated area."
Fitzroy paused for a moment, "How long has it been?"
"The last effective communication was yesterday morning at 9:17 am. Colonel Bertolini reported that the reserve forces were maneuvering towards the flank of the Crossroads according to the plan. After that, there were only sporadic radio calls, which were chaotic. Early this morning at 4 am, a French Army patrol discovered three Italian deserters, who said..."
"They said the entire reserve force, possibly part of the vanguard, was completely annihilated by the Mexicans."
Fitzroy suddenly felt something was amiss.
