“While I am proud of the way you all performed today, we must remember that today was the start of a war. It was the first battle in many to come. When we get back to port, I will allow anyone that wants to leave to do so. I intend to stay and follow the direction I feel is most honorable for me. You will have to do the same. I have sent a burst to Admiral Heathcoat and he has essentially said the same. Only those that want to volunteer are to remain on the submarines. If you feel that you cannot or do not want to perform your duties you are free to leave the Annapolis and the base without any penalty. I would like to ask for a moment of silence for those that gave their lives today aboard the USS Harry S Truman,” he said and bowed his head.
He waited thirty seconds before telling them to resume their regular duties.
CHAPTER THREE
Brigadier General Allen MacMillan was waiting for the others to arrive at the MCAS Marine Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina. It had taken a great deal of clandestine maneuvering for all six of them to get to the base.
Colonel Fox from Florida and Admiral Heathcoat from New London, Connecticut had the furthest to travel and their passage was a lot more challenging.
Despite the difficulties, they all managed to arrive more or less at the expected time. Admiral Heathcoat had been put ashore from the Los Angles class submarine, the USS Springfield SSN 761, at the mouth of Port Royal Sound. By using an SDV they were able to put him within a few miles of the MCAS Base. The Seal Delivery Vehicle then returned to the Springfield to wait for his scheduled return time.
“Well gentlemen we have stuck our wieners in the fire this time,” Brigadier General MacMillan said, and they all chuckled.
“I know how hard it was for all of you to get away so I will jump right in. Collectively we have decided that the President has given an illegal mandate that violates the Constitution of the United States of America. It has been made quite clear that you cannot hide behind the ‘I was only following orders’, if it was clearly illegal and morally wrong. We have all made that decision. None of us wants to be in this position but none of us is willing to commit acts of treason against the American people. We will be branded traitors but we know the real traitor is sitting in the White House.”
He looked at them intently.
“On top of that, the President planned and deliberately attacked US soldiers on American soil. He has, in effect, declared war on all of us who refused to follow his illegal command. We have answered his challenge to our resolve and will continue to do so. I have already been contacted by several US Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and Governors, not to mention hundreds of small militia groups that want to join our cause.
Senators from Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi are spearheading the formal process of impeachment against President Quasim. Others have voiced their support for the impeachment proceedings. In talking to them, they feel they may get it done, but it will be close. The impeachment of a President is one of the hardest things to do in this country. States that are standing in support of the President are Virginia, Main, Massachusetts, Road Island, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont.”
He projected a large map of the USA and drew a line showing the division of states at this point.
“We don’t know about West Virginia or Pennsylvania. Kentucky will probably side with us and so will North Carolina. Big unknowns are Ohio, Indiana and a few other Midwest states. They tend to be very conservative. California and the western seaboard? Who knows? Let’s just say I don’t hold out much hope for them at this point.”
Heads shook in agreement.
“Hell, Washington and Oregon still have hippies for Christ sakes. Here it is more than sixty years later and they still haven’t joined the real world.”
“Mac,” Admiral Greenfield interrupted.
“Yes Leon?”
“I hear what you are saying but how do you know the people will actually get behind us? I mean actually fight if push comes to shove? You know the administration is going to lay everything on our doorstep. How are we going to get them to understand?”
“Leon, I think they already understand for the most part. Just as the White House is doing, we will start a counter attack letting people know our side of it and how the administration is doing their usual spin on the situation. If this turns into a full blown Civil War, God forbid, then they will have to decide where their fate lies. Just like the first Civil War. Eventually you have to take a stand on one side of the line or the other.”
“What about trying to talk to the President?” General Frank Amblin asked.
“We have sent word on five different occasions saying we would like to have a sit down with him but so far he has not answered. We have tried various avenues including the Vice President. To date, no luck.”
“I don’t understand. Does he want this to escalate?” Heathcoat asked.
“I honestly don’t know. Something is not right with the man. Somehow he thinks he is above the Constitution or is simply ignoring it. I’m not all that sure he is in control of himself.”
“You’re suggesting that he has lost it? Gone around the bend?”
“I’m saying that a President who thinks he can expect citizens to give up their rights just because he believes he knows best, is seriously misguided,” Mac replied.
“Can the Senate get him impeached?”
“I just know that they are going to try. Again, removing a President that has been elected by the people of the country from office is mighty hard to do. I think a lot will have to do with how they spin what has happened.”
CHAPTER FOUR
“Good evening. The President of the United States is getting ready to deliver a special message. Speculation is that it will concern the reasons and actions behind the latest decisions made by the White House. As a side bar, the House of Representatives are starting proceedings to initiate the impeachment of the President. We now take you live to the White House.”
“Good evening my fellow Americans. In many ways I am saddened to have to address a series of events that has taken place over the past month. First there is the Operation Clean Sweep which is a serious attempt to rid our streets of guns. In a society such as ours, allowing people to have guns in their possession is simply reckless and unnecessary. When you look at the murder statistics and number of children that are killed due to firearms negligence, you realize that it is time to stop this foolishness. When the Constitution was finalized on September 17, 1787 they had no way of anticipating the advancements in weapons that we now have in today’s world. How could they have imagined citizens having assault weapons? Semi and automatic weapons in the hands of the average citizen is no longer acceptable. In Operation Clean Sweep we were able to confiscate over forty-five million weapons. While that did not entirely eliminate the number of guns still on our streets, it was a step in the right direction.
I know the vast majority of Americans support this campaign to rid the nation of dangerous firearms. Soon a revision to the second amendment will be ready. It will make it mandatory for all gun owners to relinquish their deadly weapons. The only exceptions will be those that pass a stringent test to prove that the weapons are necessary. This will modernize the intent of the second amendment.
Many of you know that in our efforts to make America a safer place to live, a few elected to resist. As a result of their unprovoked attacks on the officers during Operation Clean Sweep, a few were arrested and some were injured. Of more importance, one of our military commanders at Eglin Air Force base took it upon himself to disobey a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief. He has refused to surrender his command to the proper authorities. To date, he has refused again and again to make contact with the proper authorities including the Secretary of the Navy and other high ranking officials. I offered to meet with him to discuss a way of settling this matter but he has refused that as well.
It saddens me to say that Colonel Fox instigated an unprovoked att
ack on one of America's Naval Ships. In a sneak attack much like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, he sent planes to shoot missiles at the USS Harry S Truman. Over a dozen Tomahawk missiles were launched but due to the valiant effort of the sailors on the carrier, only two got through. The crew was finally forced to abandon ship when the reactor was determined to be too damaged for safety.
Fellow Americans, this is clearly an act of treason and will not go unpunished. Colonel Fox will be removed from Eglin Air Force Base and brought before a Court Martial as a traitor to the United States of America. As Commander-in-Chief I have made it my highest priority to bring justice for the Americans of this great nation.”
“May God Bless us all”
****
“Well there you have it. The White House just confirmed that the second amendment will be changed and that a rogue commander of one of America's biggest Air Force Bases has attacked and sunk the USS Harry S Truman. The carrier had on board in excess of five thousand sailors and airmen. The carrier was attacked approximately sixty miles off the coast of Florida. The White House said that over one hundred planes were sent to sink the USS Truman.
All attempts to reach Colonel Fox at Eglin Air Force Base have gone unanswered.
****
The six men sitting in the room were watching the President's broadcast from the White House. Some had an amused look on their faces and others were frowning deeply.
“That lying bastard,” Colonel Fox said.
“Of course. We knew he would spin this to make us the bad guys. Actually when you think about it, you realize how pathetic it sounded. One base commander was able to sink one of America's most up to date carriers. Notice he didn’t mention why they were not on alert,” General MacMillan said.
“Well it was like Pearl Harbor, sneaky. I guess they had their defense systems shut off for cleaning or whatever swabbies do,” General Amblin replied.
“Easy you land lubbers.That’s the Navy you’re talking about. All the poor Truman was trying to do was protect our shores. It was that damned Air Force that snuck in and sunk it according to the President,” Admiral Greenfield countered.
“Bad, bad Air Force,” Admiral Heathcoat said shaking his finger at Colonel Fox.
“You guys are right. I am a bad boy. Maybe I'll be better tomorrow.”
“Oh right,” the others said.
CHAPTER FIVE
“So what did they say?” the President asked.
“Well,” Kendra Cox, the Press Secretary began haltingly.
“Out with it,” Quasim said impatiently.
“The poll taken after the broadcast indicated that only twenty-three percent believed the content of the speech. Seven percent said they did not know if it was factual or not. The rest believed they were not being told the truth,” she said reading from a piece of paper.
“Sonofabitch,” the President said, slapping his hand on the desk.
No one said anything. Actually there was nothing they could say that would not bring down his wrath upon them.
“I want the damn Eglin Air Force Base back in our hands by the end of the week. That is an order Mr. Kellerman,” the President said.
“Sir. A week doesn’t give us much time to make a proper plan,” Secretary of the Navy, Kellerman, replied.
“This is not up for debate. Get it done. I don’t care how you have to do it. Nuke the damn place for all I care. What the hell, only twenty-three percent believe what I say anyway,” Quasim said.
“Are you serious sir?” Kellerman asked.
“Do whatever you have to do short of using nuclear weapons,” he replied.
“Mr. President, I think this is a dangerous path to follow. This could escalate quickly,” he warned.
“Your concern is noted. You have your orders. I expect them to be carried out as quickly as possible,” the President replied.
****
“This is wrong on every level. This could evolve into something that grows exponentially,” Secretary of Navy Kellerman said.
The other three men in the room were silent. It was so quiet that all you could hear was the air conditioner humming.
“The question really boils down to ‘are we going to do this or not’?” Roland Clarke said.
“I wish it was that simple. This is a very complex issue. What happens if we do? What happens if we attempt it and don’t get the job done? What happens if it is totally botched? What happens if it is successful? I mean it goes on and on. This is far too complex a discussion to get it down to a simple yes or no vote,” Kellerman countered.
“The first question we need to ask ourselves is ‘will we do it’?” Admiral Jean Swanson said.
“We don’t have a choice,” General Erickson stated.
“Yes we do. There are always choices. We can do as ordered or be like Colonel Fox at Eglin. He certainly made a choice,” Winfield replied.
“Yes and look what it is getting him. Because he chose to disobey an order from the Commander-in-Chief we have to come up with a way to put an end to all of this,” General Ascot interjected.
“Well, I guess that puts a pretty fine point on it. We need to come up with a way to reacquire Eglin,” Clarke said.
“I think we should use the Predator UAV platform,” Kellerman suggested.
“I don’t think that alone will get the job done,” Clarke replied.
“Then we use them along with Cruise Missiles.”
“Instead of the Predator we should use the MQ 9 Reaper. It can fly further and carry a larger munitions load,” General Erickson suggested.
“We will still need feet on the ground,” Ascot added.
“I agree,” Kellerman said.
“Your Marines will have to go in and mop up,” Erickson said.
“Then we are agreed. We will devise a plan based on using UAV’s, Cruise Missiles, and ground troops. We can have planes standing off to support the Marines if necessary,” Clarke said.
“I think we need to consider the B-2 as well. We could arm it with AMG 154-B and AMG 154–C missiles,” Erickson suggested.
“Look, this isn’t the time to decide what missiles. We need to come up with the scope and mission. Your subordinates can fill in the blanks about what we should use as types of armaments,” Sectary of Navy Kellerman replied.
They all had their opinion about the best way to state the scope of the mission and who should supply what part of the hardware. It was well after midnight before they were able to come to a consensus of wording and responsibility assignments. No one went away entirely happy, which in retrospect is probably a good thing.
CHAPTER SIX
Cars and trucks were lined up almost as far as Colonel Fox could see when he went to the front gate. Every type and shape of vehicle lined the side of the road. Men and women in everything from jeans to full fatigues were standing around. Some had weapons over their shoulder or side arms on their belts.
“What the hell is this all about?” he asked one of the guards at the gate.
“Sir, it started around daybreak. Cars showing up and parking along the side of the road. From what we can tell so far they are from different militia groups all around the country. A lot of them met up with other groups and caravanned here.”
“For what purpose exactly?” Fox asked.
“To fight for you and Eglin. They said that they wanted to join up with our forces to fight.”
“Oh for Heaven’s sakes. A bunch of rag-tag militia fighting along with professional soldiers? That just isn’t going to happen.”
“Begging the Colonel's pardon, I think you might want to talk to the head of this ‘Ragtag Army’ as you put it. They are pretty well organized.”
“Who is the leader?”
“Brigadier General Adams.”
“Joel Adams?”
“I’m not sure sir. They just said Brigadier General Adams.”
“Do you know where he is?”
“Yes sir. He said to tell you that he would be in the Southwind RV just
across the street.”
“I don’t think it would be such a good idea for me to leave the base. Take two men and go and see if he is willing to come over to the base.”
“Yes sir,” he said.
The guard grabbed two others and headed over to the RV. Fox could see them talking and then one of the men went inside. A few minutes later he emerged with a tall, white haired man who still looked pretty darn fit. Fox noticed a slight limp as he watched them walk over.
“Brigadier General Adams, retired,” he said saluting.
“Colonel Fox,” he replied saluting.
“So I’m here, shall we talk?” Adams said.
Fox immediately realized that he was a no nonsense guy who didn’t come to swap war stories.
They spent the next four hours discussing the role of the American Revolutionary Army and how it could be aligned with the men and women at Eglin.
****
The first four stealth B-2 bombers came in over Eglin Air Force Base’s runway twelve and dropped their load of BETA-500 concrete piercing bombs. Within seconds the second wave of B-2’s coming in from the north unleashed their load of bombs on runway nineteen.
The BETA-500 bomb’s primary purpose is to penetrate concrete and asphalt to destroy runway surfaces. The drones that followed were packed with a variety of different weapons. Some were intended to destroy the taxi ways so planes couldn’t take off and land from them, others were used to simply kill.
The death and destruction wasn’t over. Within minutes six Tomahawk Cruise Missiles came in from the south and obliterated the remaining aircraft on the ground and leveled buildings.
****
The Marines under General Ascot's command had been deployed in the heavily forested area north of the base. As the last Cruise Missile exploded, they saddled up and got ready to sweep in and mop up the base.
“Captain, we are ready to move out.”
“Okay Gunny, let’s roll them,” he replied.
A NATION AT WAR - The Second Civil War Book II (The Second Civil War - BOOK II 1) Page 2