Editing The Post-Apocalyptic Roadmap/Iowa (section)

=Des Moines=
*'''Recon data for ''Des Moines'' area'''

*'''''Black Dog Irregulars'' reporting'''

*Begin '''encoded''' transmission

*'''Acting CO ''Saul Kellerman''''' contacting '''New Pentagon Outpost N-0017 (''Newcastle, Wyoming'')''' re: possible eastward expansion'''

*'''0600 (''UTC7'')''' - '''Des Moines''' is the last of eight minor cities the '''Irregulars''' were tasked with scouting. Approached the downtown '''west along I-80''' from '''Lincoln, NE''' and met minimal resistance along the entire route. '''Business sector''' of the city in ruins, but no evidence of nuclear strike found by equipment. Buildings and streets suggest intense conventional and guerilla warfare. Whatever combat must have happened some time ago. Spent an entire hour surveying the city before contact was made. Packs of wild dogs everywhere. Killed any that approached, but there were enough to overrun us at any time if they'd wanted.

*'''0830 (''UTC7'') -''' Met with local government representatives. Prewar city council dead to a man in riots. Last major public figure died in bombing of '''Principal Park''' rally. Squatters interviewed called him peacemaker but was probably warlord. Current local authority lives in old governor residence of '''Terrace Hill''', calls himself '''King''' and claims dominion between the '''Mississippi''' and '''Missouri'''. Would not grant audience. Possibly insane. Termination recommended in event of expansion.

*'''0915 (''UTC7'') -''' As far as can be ascertained, population of '''Des Moines proper''' composed of '''two dozen squatters''' (all tried to steal from us, one paid with his life), the '''King Between the Rivers''', the '''two leeches''' who hope to succeed him, and a '''half dozen rivals''' trying to assassinate the '''King''' and gain the support of the squatters. The city has been stripped clean, even the gold from the capital building's dome has been looted. Recommending against occupation, except to stabilize surrounding region for second-stage repopulation. Pulling out '''south along I-35'''.

*'''1000 (''UTC7'') -''' '''Des Moines Water Works''' destroyed, debris has altered course of '''Raccoon & Des Moines rivers''' and flooded most of the land south of the city. Backtracked to downtown and attempted to effect exit through '''West Des Moines suburbs'''. Encountered heavy resistance from scavenger groups armed with '''pipe rifles and homemade blackpowder firearms'''. Mass developments have left the area a nightmare. Held position for twenty minutes while formulating an extraction plan. Hostiles set fire in nearby apartments. Two men broke, the rest followed. '''CO Meyers''' commanded rearguard. Lost contact thirty minutes after departure. Unable to determine suburban population. Full suppression recommended if annexation intended.

*End transmission

Addendum: information gleaned from debriefings suggests that these "scavengers" were in fact deserters from the 133rd and 168th Infantry Units, possibly armed from the remains of the nearby Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. If in fact two of the most combat-experienced elements in the state's National Guard structure have gone rogue, operations in central and western Iowa will be curtailed pending investigation of potential widespread anarchy among remaining military forces there. Confirmation awaiting return of Gray Dawn Irregulars and their survey of assets along the Mississippi river valley.
 
[[Category:The Post-Apocalyptic Roadmap]]