As ODTA and the Joint Illinois Midwest Coalition scrambled to put out fires, the two other regions had other plans. President Buckle called upon the "Ranger of Dallas", their version of the Ghost of Ottawa. Once they find ODTA's location, the Ranger of Dallas would be sent there ordered to hunt down and exterminate the Ghost of Ottawa.
However, thanks to the efforts of the Spec Shadows, the Texan Empire and the West Coast Conglomerate still couldn't locate ODTA, and with ODTA's new Active Radar Emergency Alert System or AREAS for short, they could monitor incoming aircraft and missiles then coordinate the appropriate response.
Once again the ODTA Emergency Defense Response Force was underestimated by their opponents. The ODTA leaders, now known as "The Bureau", knew they'd have to survive till late spring to even hope for the Colonial States to send them reinforcements.
Back in Florida, the Floridian Renegades took appreciation for the lack of Texan attention. They were in the middle of planning to reinforce the ODTA forces, it was ambitious, and even a little foolhardy, but none the less, they go ready to launch Operation "The White-Tailed Deer and The Alligator".
As Florida go their operation ready, the T.E and W.C.C pushed for Midwestern Supremacy. Still unable to locate ODTA they launched a full scale ground invasion, old WWII tanks, APC's and homemade turreted vehicles began pushing into Illinois territory. The J.I.S.A took to the sky an began trying to push them back, while the J.I.S.G.M, or Joint Illinois Scramble Ground Militia, engaged them directly.
Both sides suffered losses but the combined efforts of the J.I.S.A and the J.I.S.G.M managed to temporarily repel their attack. Then the Texan Empire called in reinforcements, a single plane landed on their side of the battle field and out stepped the Ranger of Dallas.
He and an armored convoy rolled into the dead center of the battlefield. Then the Ranger of Dallas spoke on the dead quiet field.
"Y'all have made a mess of this once great country! I aught to have y'all executed for treason, and the nuking of Texan Empire cities of Houston and Austin, however I am feeling generous. In the spirit of contest I will make you one single offer. Send of this legendary Ghost of Ottawa, and we will duel to the death! Nobody will interfere with this battle and it will decide what happens, either we surrender or you commie bastards die like the dogs you are! You have three days!"
The field remained silent as he returned to the Texan Empire Camp. This battle could mean the end of Illinois and ODTA as they knew it.