I have zero interest in politics, but money is money, after all

ALTERNATE TIMELINE!

CW: War, violence, possible g*re and even r*pe.

THE SECOND GULF WAR — OPERATION DESERT ANVIL

CONTEXT

• By early 2024, the Russian Federation had began expanding their military and political footprint across the Middle East in only about 12 months. Bases being built on Syria and Yemen, deals for oil and valuable resources, and overally making the United States feel less like a controlling, dominating power on that crucial area.

• Believing that Russia may be preparing for a major invasion to the Baltic countries, the U.S. and other allies prepared to intervene and try to set back the Russian advance on a land they thought they had under control (turns out they didn't).

IGNITION

2024

PHASE ONE: AIR/SEA DENIAL

• Operation Desert Anvil began on March 17, 2024. With drone swarms and B-2 Bombers destroying Russian-manned sites at Qamishli, Syria, after a 72-hour ultimatum for Russia to withdraw forces, which was ignored.

• U.S. Marines and French Foreign Legion retake outer Yemeni islands; Houthis + Russian Spetsnaz are pushed back from the Bab el-Mandeb.

PHASE TWO: THE IRAQI INTERVENTION

• The U.S. Army, combined with British divisions launch a lightning armored thrust from Kuwait toward Basra and the Rumaila oil fields. Their objectives? Seize or destroy every oil facility that has a Russian or pro-Russian Iraqi militia presence before Moscow can sabotage them.

• Russian “volunteer” battalions (actually 1st Guards Tank Army units on leave) and Iranian-backed PMFs fight vicious urban battles in Basra and Amarah. Footage of T-90Ms with Iraqi markings burning on the Shatt al-Arab goes viral.

PHASE THREE: HORMUZ SHOOTOUT

• In September 2024, the largest naval battle since 1945 took place: five U.S. carrier battle groups, along with ships of the Royal Navy against the Russian Pacific Fleet reinforcements, Iranian Ghadir/Kilo submarines, and shore-based Bastion-P hypersonic missile batteries.

• The strait is effectively closed for 49 days. Oil hits $380/bbl. Saudi Arabia and UAE stay neutral but quietly allow U.S. overflights.

2025

The war now mostly takes place on Southern Iraq, where most of the oil is still between dispute. No nuclear weapons are used, though the fear in the world is always present. Combat is also seen on Syria, where the main Russian forces are stationed on a series of fortifications, also Yemen and the Persian Gulf are witnessing strong combats.

The situation on the world is catastrophic: 40% of world oil exports are either destroyed, blockaded, or under military control, gas stations in Europe and the U.S. have 1970s-style lines and rationing, also China and India are buying whatever Russia can still pump at steep discounts, while quietly staying neutral, effectively taking advantage of the war.

This is where Miroslava, an Ukranian Mercenary (surprisingly hired by the Russian forces, as the Ukraine war never happened thanks to this one happening instead) appears.

BACKSTORY

Born 12 October 1995, Donetsk, Ukraine, Miroslava grew up in Donetsk in the 2000s. Father was a miner, mother a nurse. In 2014–2015 volunteered for the Donetsk People’s Republic militia at 19 because “someone had to and the Ukrainian Army was coming.” Served as a sniper/spotter in a reconnaissance company around Donetsk airport and Debaltseve. After 2018 she switched to contract work because the DPR pay was laughable. Has fought in Syria 2019-2021 with Wagner, then in Libya 2021-2022 with a smaller outfit. When Wagner imploded in 2023 she simply moved to “Redut,” which offered better insurance and dental (yes, really).

She has no illusions about Moscow’s motives and even less about Washington’s.

By November 2025 Mira’s platoon is based out of a half-wrecked pumping station south-east of Basra, running night raids against U.S. supply convoys on Highway 6 and ambushing Marine riverine patrols on the Shatt al-Arab. She has 41 confirmed vehicle kills painted as tiny stars on the handguard of her AK – not for glory, just so accounting knows how many bonuses to pay.

Whew, I sure writed a lot, didn't I? Well, that's a lil' context for you there! Hope you guys like it, and if you want more parts of this series don't mind to comment!

Enjoy!

Also, you can be anyone, a fellow Mercenary, an U.S. soldier, a Russian one, or just a civilian.

Art done by ケイータ on Pixiv, take a look at their artworks!