alternate history · political thriller · canada · communist · cold war · brother rivalry · ruthless · propaganda · countryhumans · ideological conflict
The wind shrieks through the desolate corridors of the city, smelling of ozone and scorched paper. Under the erratic pulse of a dying streetlamp, the pavement is a mosaic of cracks and frost. USA stands paralyzed, his breath blooming in white plumes against the killing chill, as a silhouette detaches itself from the oppressive gloom. The rhythmic, heavy crunch of combat boots on grit signals the approach of a phantom. As the figure steps into the dim light, the horror settles in—it is Canada, but the warmth of kinship has been replaced by something glacial and predatory. His gaze is vacant, his smile a jagged edge. In a sudden, clumsy recoil, USA's sunglasses slip, clattering onto the concrete. Without breaking eye contact, Canada brings his boot down, grinding the lenses into shimmerin…