Baxter cleared his throat and read from a folder in front of him, “Van Zandt’s Cascadian army has been destroyed. The bombing operation followed by the ground-aerial assault made the force ineffective. We believe some got away, but they’re not enough to make a difference. Unfortunately, the bombing and raid also killed all of the refugees that were housed there.”
“How were they killed?” Cruz asked.
“Sir, when we targeted the base, we hit everything.”
“Why?” Cruz asked.
“Sir, because we believed Van Zandt’s forces had intermingled with the civilian refugees,” Schmidt answered.
“Brad, how could you target civilians deliberately?” Cruz asked, unaware and shocked by the news.
“It was a tough decision, one we didn’t take lightly, but if we were going to destroy Van Zandt and stop his advance, we needed to make sure we got as many as possible, plus we had some reports of the NARS virus there just days before. The place was probably contaminated anyway,” Conner explained with confidence.
“If this gets out that we targeted civilians on purpose, it will cause an uproar in the international community,” Cruz barked.
“It had to be done. Van Zandt’s army is gone; the threat has been neutralized,” Schmidt said.
Baxter glared at Schmidt.
“Andrew, don’t get worked up, we’ve all but won the war against Cascadia. All we need to do now is find their leadership and…”
“Arrest them,” Cruz offered.
“We can arrest them, but we’ll also kill them if they don’t come nicely,” Conner said, adding to Cruz’s comment.
“In light of what happened at Mountain Home, have you drawn up a plan yet to deal with what’s left of Cascadia?” Cruz asked.
“Yes, sir, the president asked me to and I have it right here,” Schmidt said.
Conner nodded to Schmidt as a signal for him to give his plan.
Schmidt coughed then began, “We currently need to locate where they might be. The leadership, however, we think they may have fled to McCall. Once we locate them, we will send a strike team to neutralize them.”
“Have we reached out to them to see if we can talk them down now that they’ve lost Olympia and one of their armies?” Cruz said, offering a solution that didn’t require military action.
“No,” Schmidt replied.
“Have we thought about that? Maybe they want to talk,” Cruz said.
Schmidt looked at Conner, who only smiled and nodded.
“No, sir,” Schmidt replied.
“May I offer that as a solution? Maybe, just maybe these people don’t want to die? We can offer them something. Brad, you’re a student of history, even Lincoln forgave those Confederates who surrendered. He didn’t kill everyone.”
“That is true,” Conner said.
“Andrew, I think Major Schmidt will take that into consideration,” Conner offered, the smile on his face broader than ever. He was glowing, almost jovial, like a kid ready to explode with excitement.
Schmidt and Baxter both took notice but didn’t know what was going on with him.
Several of the other cabinet members chimed in and offered ideas and possible solutions since Cruz gave his opinion.
Conner sat and enjoyed his egg sandwich as he watched the back and forth and open discussion. He looked at the clock and saw that fifteen minutes had gone by and nothing new was being proposed. “Might I say we’ve come up with some interesting proposals on the subject of what to do next with the Cascadians. Let’s move forward with how things are progressing with our investigation of the speech bombings.”
Like Conner, Baxter had been sitting on the sidelines too for most of the meeting, watching the open discussion. “We are no closer to knowing who did it exactly, but we still suspect the Cascadians and Pat’s resistance group worked together. As of this morning we have arrested two hundred and nineteen people and another six hundred are under suspicion, but we aren’t moving on them.”
“Under suspicion means you take them in. Get on it ASAP,” Conner ordered.
“Yes, sir,” Baxter said, then went into more detail about what information they had garnered. Everyone remained quiet and no one asked any questions. “And to finish, we still don’t know the whereabouts of Pat. His coffee shop is closed, obviously, and we’ve taken the place apart. We have found some interesting evidence that will help us make a case of treason against him, but nothing yet that gives us any clues to where he might be.”
Hearing that, Conner relaxed back in his chair and tried to recall if out of the many conversations he and Pat had, he’d mentioned any specific place; then he remembered that Pat had been in the air force, more specifically he’d been part of the security forces guarding nuclear bunkers northwest of Warren Air Force Base. “You know something, Pat told me he had been an enlisted man guarding the nukes years ago. I wonder if he’s out there. Do you suppose he has a hideout somewhere out there in the silos?” Conner asked.
Schmidt nodded his head, liking what he heard. “I’ll get some teams out there immediately.”
“Wouldn’t we have seen him?” Baxter asked.
“Not necessarily, after the blasts there was a lot of confusion. He could have slipped right out.”
“But we think he murdered Wilbur. The timing of her death indicates that would have been hours after,” Baxter said.
“That’s true, but it doesn’t mean he still didn’t manage to escape or find a way out,” Conner said and looked at Schmidt. “Send your teams right away. I want them to go over every inch out there.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Any other topics we need to discuss?” Conner asked. No one suggested anything new, so Conner continued. He stood up, adjusted his pants and tucked in his button-down shirt.
“How much longer are we going to be? I have a call with the New Zealand Minister of State,” Cruz asked.
“Don’t go, Andrew, I need you to hear this; in fact, it’s critical you hear this,” Conner said.
“Very well,” Cruz replied.
Like he did every time he had something important to express or was feeling a lot of emotion, Conner paced the room. He found that his mind was sharper and more articulate if he moved around while talking.
Baxter and Schmidt could see his excitement; it was like he was electric.
“My journey to president of the United States was unique; few men have taken the job by succession. I’m definitely the only Speaker who has had the privilege, and a privilege it is. I was thrust into this position within hours of the attacks on December 5. To say I wasn’t scared would be a bold-faced lie; in fact, I was terrified. I can still remember looking at my reflection in the bathroom mirror at Tinker Air Force Base. I had just been briefed on what had happened and how dire it was. I had been told I was the next in line because the president and vice president were dead. It was something I never could have imagined, but I stepped up regardless of my fear and took the oath. I knew I needed to work fast and get a vice president just in case something happened to me, and I didn’t know of any other man than Vice President Cruz to be that man. He represents what is so great about our country. He is a great man, an honest man with a high level of integrity, much higher than mine; in fact, Vice President Cruz is a better man than I am.” Conner paused and thought.
Eyebrows were raised and some were giving each other odd looks. The speech he was making seemed out of place.
“I have done my best to keep this country together and to get it back on its feet. I’m not saying every decision I’ve made was great or worked, but damn it, I made a decision and own those. No one can quite understand the awesome responsibility of this office except a person who has taken the solemn vow. To date, I have stopped those hell-bent on ripping this country apart, I have established trade lines with those nations not affected, and so far we’ve been able to get much-needed supplies to those governors so they could get it directly to the American people. I have, along with Vice President Cr
uz, worked diligently to get the grid back up, and I can report that things are progressing nicely. I understand that some of my decisions have caused political problems for our government and might even have been the cause for some of the discontent that has turned into violence on our very streets out there. For that, I’m sorry, had I known my decision would have resulted in injury to my country, I wouldn’t have done it. Now I hear and even see that it’s not even about my decisions; there are many people who dislike me and will never in their lifetimes believe I can do anything right. They call me dictator, tyrant, murderer, you know the names, you’ve heard them. For them, it’s about me, not my policies. This is why after a great conversation with one of my oldest and dearest friends last night I have made what will be my last executive decision. So that my country can move forward and have a clean slate, I am submitting my resignation as president of the United States effective immediately.”
Gasps and cross talk erupted.
Conner raised his hands. “Please, let me finish. Vice President Cruz will assume the position, one he so honorably and professionally held while I was captive months ago. He proved then to be the man I’ve always known him as. With him, he can take the flame of liberty and extend it much further than I. His ideas and proposals will be the best to keep this country together. Without me in the way, he will be able to finish the work that I started last December.”
“Brad, um, Mr. President, I don’t…this comes as a shock. You don’t have to do this,” Cruz said, stuttering and stumbling over his words.
“I do, my country is more than me, and you brought up some great points last night. I have given my country all I can right now. If we are to go forward, the country needs a leader that inspires and has credibility in the eyes of all Americans, especially those in the resistance and secessionist movements.”
Schmidt’s face turned ashen, his jaw hanging open.
Baxter couldn’t hide his excitement and was grinning from ear to ear.
“Brad, now is not the time to quit, you even said so yourself,” Cruz begged.
“No, I thought about this. I’m an impediment. The country needs you now.”
Cruz was silent as he pondered the immensity and significance of what was happening for him.
Two people raised their hands to speak like school children.
“No questions, this is a statement I’m making, and it’s pretty cut and dry. I’ve had my letter of resignation already drafted. All I need to do is go sign it and turn over the keys, so to speak,” Conner said.
“I think we need to talk in private, Brad,” Cruz mumbled.
“No, no talking, I’ve made up my mind,” Conner stated.
“When do you need me up there?” Cruz asked.
“How about we do this in the morning? Be here by nine,” Conner said.
“Very well,” Cruz replied.
“Good, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning, then. And the rest of you, go do your jobs and serve our great republic with honesty and fidelity. It has been an honor to work alongside you. You all have distinguished yourselves, thank you,” Conner said as he took his spot in front of his chair.
Baxter stood and began to clap.
One by one the others did the same until everyone was standing and giving Conner a rousing applause.
Grandview, Idaho, United States
“Who would have thought this little town would have been so plentiful with food, water, supplies and now a car,” John said, sitting behind the wheel of a partially restored Jeep CJ-3.
Gordon just stood silently and watched John replace the battery with one from a new model car.
Bent over the engine, John worked diligently in hopes the old Jeep would fire up once the battery was installed. “God, I hope this thing runs.”
Still silent, Gordon stared off, his mind consumed with the loss of his army and the safety of his family. He was happy to know they had been tucked away, but with only a smaller force left, how could they defend the city if Conner insisted on bombing it. Of course, this scenario was always a possibility, but like so many things in life, you consider them, but when they actually happen, it’s surreal and shocking.
John snapped his fingers. “Earth to Gordon.”
Gordon shook his head and blinked rapidly. “I have a lot on my mind.”
“So do I, but I could use some help here,” John insisted.
“What can I do?” Gordon asked, setting his rifle down against the side of the Jeep.
“I saw a hand pump over there next to the bikes. We need to get these tires inflated.”
“A hand pump, Christ, that will take forever,” Gordon complained.
“Unless you see a compressor around here, I don’t know how else we’ll get these tires pumped up,” John complained.
“You’re right,” Gordon said and went to get the pump.
“What’s up with you? I know we’re dealing with a lot of shit, but you seem shaken. I’ve never seen you like this,” John said, his head under the hood.
With the pump in hand, Gordon answered, “I think I fucked up, and this isn’t some little fuckup, this is huge. I’m beginning to think this might be the end or at least the beginning of the end for all of us.”
“Snap out of it, get your head straight. Since I’ve known you and it hasn’t been forever, but the months I have known you, I’ve seen a man that won’t quit. You’re headstrong and determined.”
Gordon squatted down and screwed the pump nozzle onto the tire. “This is different.”
“Is it really?” John finished connecting the battery cables and stepped away from the front of the Jeep. He could see that Gordon wasn’t just troubled but quite possibly dealing with a small bout of depression. Not uncommon in this world, most people had those issues, but only the strong or those who could manage it effectively survived. He couldn’t have Gordon going down this path; he needed him back in the game.
“I know everyone needs some time to process shit, but I need you and your family needs you to do that once we get home. I’m not saying it’s wrong to question your actions and even be upset by them, but you didn’t make a wrong move. This is a war we’re fighting and shit happens.
“I just wonder if I should have done something different, made a left instead of a right, you know what I mean.”
The dog came running into the barn suddenly, a small groundhog in her jaws. She came over to Gordon and dropped it at his feet.
Seeing her brought a smile to his face. “Good girl.”
“I’m taking her with us. My son will love her,” John said.
“What are you going to name her?” Gordon asked as he pumped up the right rear tire.
“Not sure yet, I like to give a name based upon an unusual or interesting trait.”
“Good idea.”
“Anyway, stop stressing, we need to get this old jalopy up and running and get home.”
“You know when we get back, there’s a strong chance Charles and the committee will bring me up on some sort of charges and relieve me of command.”
“Well, if he tries, we’ll fight him too,” John said.
“If you’d said that yesterday, I’d agree, but I wonder if it’s worth the fight. Sometimes I just feel like throwing my hands up in the air, taking my ball and going home.”
John stepped over and placed his hand on Gordon’s shoulder. “That is not you, my friend. You’re a fighter to the core. Yeah, you’ve taken some licks here, but this war is not over. We may have lost a battle, but we’re a far cry from being conquered.”
Gordon tested the tire and found it adequate. He removed the nozzle and stepped over to the front right tire. “John, I hear you and I know you’re right, or at least my head says you are, but my heart is just fucking tired.”
“It’s okay to be tired, but quitting is not an option because in this world if you quit, you die.”
Gordon nodded and replied, “Good point. That’s true.”
“Gordon, my brother, I’d sa
y fuck it and go over to that ditch, lie down and die if you were a single guy, but you’re not. You have a beautiful wife and lovely daughter waiting at home for you; they’re counting on you. As a man, husband and father, you have a responsibility to them. Their lives are precious and more important than your fucking feelings. You’re a man, and men honor and fulfill their responsibilities to their families. You may want to quit, but that choice was given away long ago when you said I do to Samantha. Marriages and parenthood aren’t disposable or little novelties, they’re sacred.”
Gordon rose and looked at John. “I hear you loud and clear.”
The dog walked over and licked Gordon’s hand. “I hear you too,” he said to the dog.
John again placed his hand on Gordon’s shoulder and gripped it firmly. “Just know it’s okay to have doubts or question yourself, but make a pledge to yourself to come back to the fighter you are. Know that when you have those doubts, they’re nothing but an exercise, use them to become a better man, grow from them but never forget who you are and who is looking to you for leadership and protection. Always honor that man. No, he’s not perfect, but he’s true to his family, friends and principles.”
“This is why I like you so much,” Gordon said.
John smiled and joked, “Now if you’re done with your pity party, let’s get this piece of shit on the road and get home to our families.”
Lake Cascade, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
“Point and squeeze; apply steady and even pressure to the trigger,” Sanchez softly said while standing behind Luke.
Luke held the Beretta M-9 semiautomatic pistol in his shaking right hand. With his left eye pressed closed, he tensed up each time the wavering sights crossed the target.
“Stop, hold on,” Sanchez said. “Put the pistol on safe.”
Luke did as he said.
“You keep getting all tense, don’t be.”
“But I can’t keep the sights on the bottle.”
Blood, Sweat & Tears: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series Book 5) Page 16