The Atomic War of 1954 though limited in scope, was very destructive. While the United States had retaliated with overwhelming force, the much smaller initial Soviet attack caused America to eventually dissolve into its constituent parts.
15 years after the devastation, civilization had climbed back close to where it was in some respects before the bombs fell. As things improved, conflicts broke out between the city-county nation-states of the former U.S.A. Disputes over water and grazing resources sparked the range war between the Colorado Cattlemen's Association and the Kansas Free Soil States.
Fortunately for Dodge City, they had an edge in their Jet Six Shooter, so called because of its heavy six gun armament. Built by their allies, the neighboring Wichita Workers' Co-Operative.
Not only did the Dodge City forces have a potent weapon, but their flyers were led by one of the grittiest commanders around.
Supposedly a descendant of the famous lawman, Air Marshal Dillon would not suffer fools or those cattle rustlin' Coloradans easily and he intended to take the fight to the enemy.
Leading the crack Jay Hawk squadron of Task Force Zebediah, those low-down Cattlemen would be sent back home cryin' to mama if the Air Marshal had anything to say about it.
Unfortunately for Matt Dillon and Dodge City they'd have to fight the battle without a few key personnel, including the Deputy Air Marshal.
Still, Dodge City and the entire Kansas Free Soil States could take comfort in the fact that they had one of the most advanced air weapons around.
The skilled craftsmen of the Wichita Workers' Co-Operative did more than just re-build what they could find. They were able to improve the old F-86 by adding a more powerful Hickok engine which had to be fed by side intakes as the nose was needed to house the new Four Winds targeting and weather radar.
With two under-wing Comanche missiles and the six .44 caliber machine guns behind the nose, the Jet Six Shooter seemed capable of taking on anything. Air Marshal Dillon was confidently determined as offensive operations commenced at 0 dark 30.
The Jay Hawk squadron formed up behind their leader and were soon joined by allied air elements of Task Force Zebediah, all wearing the green and red stripes under wing which identified them as fighting under the banner of the Kansas Free Soil States.
A unified, simple marking was needed because ground forces were an amalgam of posses, local militias and other provisional units drawn from across the territory. This army was of varying skill and capability but each man had to be able to instantly recognize allied aircraft.
The Dodge City Jet Six Shooters of the Jay Hawk squadron were also recognizable for their striking prairie camouflage. These fighters took the lead as Task Force Zebediah streaked across the border into Colorado air space.
The Colorado Cattlemen's Association Air Force while capable, was only equipped with what could be salvaged from the ruins of the Atomic War which wasn't much and despite a brave effort, they were forced to yield to Air Marshall Dillon and Task Force Zebediah.
Despite almost colliding with a friendly Aerocoupe from the Atchison-Topeka Assembly while taking evasive action, Air Marshal Dillon had a banner day notching three victories and an enemy reinforcement column destroyed. Now unable to maintain air superiority, the Colorado Cattlemen's Association asked to parley and peace finally came, but for how long?
Brian da Basher