“Bruce, I would’ve died before I would let harm come to your family. I hope you know that,” Gene said, returning the bear hug.
“I know, Gene, but I had to stop the attack to save my kids.”
“Bruce, like Martin, I would have laid waste to everything for my kids. I’m glad they’re okay,” Gene said as Bruce released him.
“Come on; let’s go see them,” Bruce said, turning and walking away. Gene followed him as the others fell in behind them. The guard stood, blocking the door seeing the group heading toward him. Ted ran ahead and talked to him, and the guard opened the door. Having bodyguards might not be so bad, Bruce thought.
Walking over to the kids, Bruce saw Carroll standing at the foot of the beds with a switch in her hand. All the kids were staring at her then noticed Bruce walk up. “Daddy, tell her I don’t want to drink this nasty tea,” Danny said.
Having no intention of doing any such thing, Bruce just smiled. “Danny, it will help you get better,” Bruce said, not wanting a switch on his ass any more than the kids did.
Looking down in the cup of tea, she said, “I don’t care. It taste like rotten sludge from a gator’s ass.”
Trying not to laugh Bruce looked at Carroll. “Is that the tea I drank?” he asked.
“Yep, and they’s gonna drink it,” she announced. “They can be drinkin’ it or I pours it down ‘em.”
Knowing he would help hold them down, Bruce looked at Danny and said, “Guys drink up.”
“Daddy, I got blown up and now I have to drink this?” Buffy whined.
“If you don’t, I’ll hold you down and pour it down you,” Bruce threatened.
Huffing, Buffy looked at Gene with a hard face. “Mr. Gene, I can forgive you about getting blown up, but this is pushing it. I think I’m going to punch you in the mouth when I can get up,” Buffy said.
Jake said, “Dad, I’m sorry, but when I get to Heaven I’m telling Mom you had an affair.”
Bruce jumped back. “What?” Bruce spouted.
“Dad, there is no way Buffy is not blood related to us; it’s impossible. She acts too much like you.”
Ted shook his head. “Shit, she acts like this whole damn family,” he mumbled.
Laughing, Bruce introduced Gene to the family, and Gene looked at Buffy. “Buffy, if I could, I’d drink that for you, but it wouldn’t do you any good,” he said.
“You haven’t tasted it,” Buffy said, and he stepped over and took a drink. Gene never gasped or made a face as he took a gulp and set her glass down.
“It’s a little tart, but you can handle it,” Gene said. The kids looked at him in amazement.
Shaking her head, Danny looked over at Buffy. “I think he’s going to be a bad influence on Dad,” she said, picking up her glass and draining it. Buffy saw that and drained her own, as did the others.
Gene laughed and went over to Danny. “Danny, your mother told me Bruce was the bad influence on me,” he informed her, and he kissed her on the head. Moving to Buffy, Gene did the same to her and the rest of the kids.
When he was finished, he stood beside Bruce as Buffy was trying to focus her eyes on him. “What the hell is going on?” she slurred out.
“Buffy, you’s mouth is getting way out of line fo a girl. I knows you fights, but you watch your mouth, young’un,” Carroll warned.
Buffy made a funny face, trying to look at her mouth. “I can’t see my mouth, and I feel like I’m floating,” she slurred as she laid her head back and started snoring.
“Wow,” Bruce laughed and noticed the other kids already asleep. “Thank you, Carroll,” Bruce said, hugging her.
“They’s my kids too, Bruce; now, go do what you have ta. I’ll be with ‘em,” Carroll said, moving over and covering them up.
Bruce and Gene headed back outside as Gene stopped and grabbed on to Bruce’s shoulder, steadying himself. “Holy hell, what was in that?” Gene asked, shaking his head.
“Have no idea, but it will knock you on your ass if you drink a glass of it,” Bruce said.
“I was fixing to until it touched my tongue. I felt my balls pull up inside my skull,” Gene acknowledged.
“Only a sip shouldn’t knock you down, but don’t drive,” Bruce warned him.
Shaking his head, Gene looked at Bruce. “I have the field hospitals set up behind the hospital. We now have four more operating rooms. A man named Paul came over and told me where to put our troops. I have talked over my game plan with my staff, and we will leave tonight.”
“They have UAVs overhead, Gene,” Bruce reminded him.
“Paul and another man named Marcus told me the ‘minions of Oz’ would take care of them before we got close,” Gene said.
Putting a hand on Gene’s shoulder, Bruce said, “I hope you don’t get in a firefight with them. I think they have caused enough troops to die.”
“Oh, we won’t. I’m taking everyone out during the night to load them up and head home. I talked to the major I left in charge. He’s getting the people ready to leave now at dark to meet us away from the camp. Then, you need to lay waste to the area.”
Wanting to see if Gene understood what was needed, Bruce offered, “We could just let them starve to death.”
“No Bruce, you were right; they know too much. Locations of storage sites, weapons, and a lot more. We can’t let them get control of a large gang and come after us. They have to die. I wish we could save the families, but they made their choice staying in the Homeland compound.”
Relieved, Bruce smiled. “I know, Gene; I just wanted to hear you say it. How many of your boys are you taking?”
“I’m only taking one regiment: Fredrick’s. Don’t worry; your drivers will be protected at all cost. You go back to your family, and I’ll be back soon,” Gene said.
“Take care, and hurry back. I’m going to check on the troops.”
“I’ve already told my troops about what happened, and you are now in charge.”
“Yeah, I was told that, but where’s the general?” Bruce asked.
“Marcus put the general and his staff somewhere. I don’t know. Will you wait till I get back before you deal with them?” Gene asked.
“Certainly,” Bruce said, holding out his hand. “I’ll make sure Cook brings the bags.”
Gene gripped his hand, shaking it. “Bruce, I’m sorry. I just wanted to save them all. I have watched them live under total fear. I should’ve known better, and I lost a lot of troops for it and a lot of yours. I won’t make that mistake again.”
Bruce chuckled. “Gene, to be honest, I didn’t think it would work, but I was really hoping we could pull it off,” he said then became serious. “I’m getting real tired of this war, and it’s only the beginning of it. I will never see my kids just get to live a life without war. They along with everyone here is in for a war that will last years. Even if we win it, we can never let our guard down. I’m under no illusion that the blues will just go away or we can kill all of them.”
“It’s the only choice we have, Bruce. We can fight it or just lay down and die. If we don’t take the war to the blues and other gangs out there, they will get stronger and become a serious threat to us.”
“Hurry back, Gene, and be careful,” Bruce said, patting Gene on the back. Gene smiled as Bruce walked away with Ted and Carl in tow.
Martin came over to stand beside Gene as Bruce left. “Sir, that is a good man there,” he said.
“Yes, it is, and that is just what we need to rebuild this nation,” Gene said and turned, walking to his Stryker to get his troops ready.
Chapter 15
The President was sitting in his reception area, talking to his staff, waiting on breakfast when one of the Homeland guards came running in. “Mr. President, they’re gone!” he shouted.
“Who’s gone?” the President asked.
“The refugees and the military, sir.”
“Where did they go?” an aide asked.
“We don’t know, sir. We were getting ready to make morning rounds through the camp and didn’t find anyone. The military barracks and command center are empty. We found tracks in the snow leading south. We tried to follow, but snipers took out five of my men, sir,” the guard said.
“Get a UAV up, and start shooting at them,” the President said. “I will not have anyone else just decide they don’t want to be part of America.”
“Ah, sir, the UAVs are still grounded; the flight computers have been wiped out,” the director of Homeland said.
“Damn it, this is a conspiracy. Load up, and go after them. I want half of them shot on sight to teach the others what happens when you disobey my orders,” the President shouted, standing up.
All of a sudden, the large screen on the wall came to life. The group gasped, seeing Bruce look at them. They along with many others in America had watched the new satellite broadcast. “Hello guys,” Bruce said.
Looking over his shoulder, the President asked his staff, “How did he do that?”
Bruce laughed. “Oh, I can do a lot more.”
“I’m waiting?” the President said, looking at his staff, who were looking at the monitor. The President still hadn’t registered Bruce was talking to him.
“Shit for brains that thinks he’s the President, I can hear you,” Bruce said.
The President spun around, looking at the monitor. “I’m the President, and you will address me with respect!” he screamed.
“Sorry, douche, respect is earned. I just wanted to let you know the people are safe and headed here,” Bruce said.
Charging the monitor, the President shouted, “Those are my people!”
“No, they aren’t. When they get here, they will be given the choice like all the others. They can stay here or leave.”
“I’m loading up what I have and heading to you. I know you couldn’t have wiped out all my troops. They will follow me into battle!” the President bellowed.
“Of course I didn’t kill the troops; they joined us.”
The President stumbled back. “That’s impossible. I’m the President, everyone must do what I say.”
“Sorry, dude, but you’re a dweeb with a little dick. I don’t think many would follow you willingly into a whorehouse,” Bruce told him.
The President heard laughter from the monitor as others around Bruce laughed. “You must obey me; I’m the ruler here, not you!” he shouted.
“In three more minutes, you won’t be anything. I’m erasing another mistake,” Bruce said with a smile.
One of the staff members jumped up. “Our families are here!” he yelled.
“That’s on you, not me. You followed the orders of that shitwad, disrespecting everything that America was built on,” Bruce said, looking at his watch.
“We had no choice,” another one shouted.
“Oh, you had a choice, but you took the easy, boot-licking way out. You could’ve fought. We have fought here and will continue to rebuild America. Just to let you know, we’ve had your base’s computers and monitors for a while and recorded a lot of stuff. I will make sure future generations know just what you did to Americans.”
The President became pale. “Please let us leave. I don’t want to die.”
“Sorry, you have killed too many, and judgment has been passed,” Bruce said as some of the aides ran for the door.
Dropping to his knees, the President pleaded, “I want to join you.”
“No you don’t; you want to try to rule. If you would’ve been even half decent, I would’ve spared you, but your actions dictated you must die and all those with you,” Bruce said, looking off the screen.
“There are women and kids here,” one of the aides who stayed shouted.
“For that, I’m sorry, but this group has cost a lot of lives. I was not willing to risk trying to save them risking anymore from here,” Bruce informed him.
“Let us get them out,” the President pleaded.
“Sorry, dude. You have twenty, two-thousand-pound bombs already falling. I figure about thirty more seconds,” Bruce said, and the President fainted. When he hit the floor, the first explosion ripped through the compound.
When his monitor went blank, Bruce turned, dropping the fake smile, and watched on another screen from a UAV as the explosions went off in a tight-packed circle. A tear ran down his cheek as the explosions stopped. The UAV widened the field of view, and he could see the huge cloud hanging over the area.
“Sir, the Buff is reporting target destroyed and is returning home,” one of the controllers said.
“Tell Mack to hurry home; we have more work to do,” Bruce said, getting up and walking out of the command area.
When Bruce was outside, he bent over, dropped to his knees, and threw up. Looking behind him, he saw Ted and Carl. “Don’t tell anyone what you saw,” Bruce said, struggling to stand up, wiping his mouth.
Glancing around, Ted said, “I saw you tie your boot, boss. I’m sure everyone here knows you can do that.”
“That includes the wives,” Bruce said, walking away, and they followed.
Feeling a hundred years older, Bruce walked up to the berm looking out over the west field and stopped watching the airport. Ted moved by his side. “Bruce, can I tell you something?” Ted asked.
“Yeah, but I can’t promise I won’t pop you for it,” Bruce said, trying to spit the taste out of his mouth.
“It makes me feel better when you act like that taking out noncombatants instead of just blowing it off,” Ted said, and Carl was whispering for Ted to shut up.
Sighing, Bruce closed his eyes and turned slowly then opened his eyes, looking at them. “It makes me feel better also guys. I want to remember that those were people that were just at the wrong place at the wrong time, trying to survive. They were too scared to fight, but I couldn’t risk them laying down again. We need fighters, not pacifists. What I tell you now you will take to the grave,” Bruce said. “I’m scared; the power of what I can order this group to do now scares the shit out of me. I have to always guess if I’m doing what’s right.”
“Boss, that is why we follow you, Bruce. You lead from your heart,” Carl said. “You do wild shit, but you have a reason. I really don’t think we will have another rape here for decades. You expect nothing more than what you’re capable of.”
“Thank you, guys, but don’t tell the girls; it will only make them worry, and their hormones are at least simmering down,” Bruce pleaded.
“Don’t worry, boss,” Ted said, and Carl agreed. As always, the small camera on the side of Bruce’s hat recorded all.
***
Two days after the bombing, the command group was in the bunker with a new addition: Gene. Mike had tried to apologize to Gene, but Gene wouldn’t accept it. Bruce smiled, seeing the kids sitting at the table. Danny still had her arm in a sling, and Buffy was hobbling around with a leg brace and crutches. Bruce’s smile fell off his face upon seeing Gene’s uniform.
Several noticed the reaction and stopped talking. The others noticed it and looked at Bruce, still staring at Gene. “Gene what is that?” Bruce asked, pointing at him.
Confused, thinking he spilled something on his uniform, Gene looked around him then at his shirt. “What?”
Getting up, Bruce walked over and put his finger on the tab on his shoulder that said “Special Forces.” “That,” Bruce said.
“Bruce, I went through the year after you got out,” Gene said.
Stepping back, Bruce gawked, “And you just now tell me?”
“Ah, Bruce, we’ve been busy,” Gene said.
With a longing, Bruce asked, “Was it tough?”
“Tough doesn’t even begin to describe it,” Gene said, leaning back.
<
br /> “Damn,” Bruce said, staring at the tab with a dreamy expression.
“I would’ve loved to have had your ass there with me,” Gene said, smiling.
Shaking his head and stepping back, Bruce quickly said, “Nah, I would’ve phased out.”
Gene chuckled. “Bruce, you graduated top of the class at Benning. You would’ve completed the course. Granted, I don’t think you would’ve had the smart ass attitude at graduation, but I could be wrong.” Several at the table chuckled.
“I wouldn’t have completed,” Bruce mumbled, still looking at the tab with longing desire.
Hearing the yearning in Bruce’s voice, Gene stopped chuckling and turned to Bruce. “What?” he snapped.
Spinning around and heading back to his spot, Bruce said, “Another time, my friend.”
Angela stood. “Bruce, before we start, Stephanie and I have to do something,” she said.
“Ah, okay,” Bruce said, a little worried.
They both stood and walked over to Gene, and Stephanie took out an envelope from her pocket. “This is from Debbie,” she said, handing him the envelope. The entire room became silent as a tomb. Bruce wobbled on his feet and crashed back into his chair, and no one even looked at him.
Gene looked at the letter then up at them. “I thought y’all were kidding me,” he said, taking the letter.
“We don’t kid about Debbie,” Angela said.
“Y’all didn’t tell me,” Bruce blurted out.
“Debbie said not to, but we had to give it to Gene when the command group was together,” Angela said.
Carroll smiled and stood. “Gene, you can read that later. We has some business ta attend to,” she said, looking at Bruce. His face was pale, and his mouth was hanging open. “Bruce, you knowed she saw what was comin’. Let’s get this meetin’ started,” Carroll said, sitting back down as Angela and Stephanie walked back around the table and sat down.
Blue Plague: War (Blue Plague Book 6) Page 21