“Kind of early but he probably has a full day scheduled for you,” she said.
“He wants me to bring my wife along in case I forget something.”
She looked at him a moment then broke out laughing.
“Well then, this looks like a good time to consummate our marriage,” she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him into the bathroom.
“Might as well shower together and conserve water,” she said starting to unbutton her BDU’s.
CHAPTER FORTY
General Ascot was waiting impatiently in the hallway. His appointment with the President was supposed to start twenty-five minutes ago. He was convinced he was being kept waiting due to something the Vice President had a hand in. He hated the woman and she had made it very clear she didn’t think much of him.
“Sir,” a Marine said.
“Yes?”
“The President will see you now.”
“Oh goodie,” he muttered.
The Marine opened the door for him and he was ushered inside.
“Ah General. Sorry we are running a little late,” the President said.
The only other person in the room was Vice President Cole. She had a smug look on her face.
“So General, what do you have for us?”
“Mr. President, in keeping with your directive of selecting six non-military targets we have decided on these,” he said handing the folder to the President. He had another one that he could have given to the Vice President but decided the hell with her. She frowned at him but he ignored it.
“Why these six?” the President asked.
“May I see?” Cole said.
The President handed the folder over to her.”
“For starters, none of them are heavily defended. Some National Guard stuff but nothing major. They are of no military value really. What we would be doing is spreading terror across the center of the American Republic. We would be sending a message that we can reach out and touch you anyplace we want.”
“Why isn’t Nashville on the list?” Cole asked curtly.
“We considered that but in the end it didn’t seem like the right time just yet. Once you have your meeting in Canada then we can come back and bomb Nashville,” the General replied, keeping his eyes fixed on the President.
“Put Nashville on the list,” she said.
“Mr. President? If we bomb their capital they may well retaliate in kind. I don’t think you want to take that chance do you?”
“No. You’re right. It could mean repercussions here in the capital. I agree. We can always come back to Nashville after the talks,” he said.
The General quickly glanced over at the Vice President and saw she was stone faced.
“When would you like us to put this into motion?” the General asked.
“Not just yet. I’ll answer Jason first, let them get the meeting set. Once we know the final date, I can turn you lose. How much advanced notice do you need before you could actually bomb the cities?”
“No more than eight hours.”
“Excellent. Well done General. I will get back to you as soon as I have all the details worked out.”
“Thank you sir. Madam Vice President,” he said standing to leave.
“Bring a copy for me next time General,” she said condescendingly.
“Oh, sorry, I have one for you,” he said and handed her a folder.
He turned and walked out smiling. Got you Wicked Witch of the West, he said under his breath. He could almost feel her eyes burning a hole in his back. Damn, that felt gooood.
****
General Adams, head of the American Revolutionary Army and General MacMillan, Supreme Commander of the Republic Military were sitting at a table in the basement of the Capital Building.
A few minutes later Crocker and Jamie were brought down.
“Jamie, Aaron. Thank you for coming so early. This is General Adams of the ARM.”
“Sure. I’ve heard of you guys. You have been kicking some butt...sir,” Crocket said.
“Nice to meet you Aaron, Jamie. I hope you got a good night’s sleep. Sometimes it hard in a new environment.”
Jamie was having to bite her tongue to keep from laughing.
“It did take a while,” Aaron managed to get out.
“Good. Good. I know you told us all about what you saw but would you mind going over it for General Adams?’
“Sure,” he said and started in on telling the story from the 2:00 A.M. raid up until the air-fuel bomb exploded.
“That certainly is disturbing,” Adams said when he had finished.
“I don’t want to resort to that kind of thing do you?” MacMillan asked.
“Absolutely not. I hope that was a onetime thing. Actually once was too many.”
Aaron, Jamie, what are your plans now?” Adams asked.
“Honestly, we don’t really know. We talked a little about it but right now we aren’t really sure what we should do,” Aaron replied.
“What was your specialty?”
“Specialty? Shooting I guess.”
“We are snipers,” Jamie said.
“Both of you?” Adams asked.
“Both of us,” Jamie answered.
“You interested in joining ARM?”
Aaron looked over at Jamie. She just shrugged her shoulders.
“What would be involved?” she asked.
“We operate like a regular military unit but not quite as formal. We never order someone to do something that they are not willing to do. We don’t worry about spit and polish very much. We do have rank but it’s not as formal as General MacMillan’s regular forces.”
“Food, room and board, and uniforms are included I supposed?” she asked.
“Of course. We even pay you but honestly you don’t need much money. You get fifty dollars a month but almost everything you need you can get with a request form.”
“Would we be together?” Aaron asked.
“Absolutely. We have married housing everywhere the ARM is located except on the front lines of course.”
“And if we don’t want to do a mission, that’s okay?”
“I’m not sure okay is the right word, but we won’t force anyone participate if they really don’t want to. Look, it’s not all roses. We are at war. Things happen, but we do try to accommodate our people. After all they are volunteers,” Adams told them.
“Where would we be stationed, if that’s the right phrase?”
“You could be based just about any place but our main headquarters in now moved to Knoxville, Kentucky.”
“That sounds okay to me, how about you Jamie?” Aaron asked.
“I like Kentucky. As long as we are together, I don’t much care.”
“So, what do you say?”
“We will give it a try,” Aaron replied.
“Outstanding. I’m going back tomorrow myself. You can fly back with me. We are looking at wheels up at 0900 hundred. I’ll have someone collect you at 08:30 in the lobby,” General Adams said.
“We will be waiting,” Jamie replied.
“I know you only have the clothes on your back. We have an arrangement with a couple of stores. You can go there and have them bill us. Here is a card to show them,” MacMillan said, handing a plastic card over.
“Thank you. I guess that’s it then. We will see you in the morning. General Adams, General MacMillan. Pleasure to meet you both,” Jamie said as they were led back upstairs.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Mexico had been massing troops all along the Mexico-California border for weeks. While many of the soldiers were new and inexperienced, the training had been rigorous. Much more so than in the past.
Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense, Eleazar Guzman and three of his Division Generals were seated in comfortable burgundy leather chairs. President Hermilo Medrano was seated on a large leather couch.
“Mr. President, we now have 200,000 men along the border of California,” Eleazar said.
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�Is that enough?”
“Well, as always, we would like more but for now it is all we have that are combat ready.”
“I see. And the planes from Russia. How is the training going?”
“They need more time. It is a difficult process to get the pilots ready.”
“So, what you are all saying is that we are not ready?”
“Mr. President. We have never had much need for a strong military to fight beyond our borders. We are amply prepared to defend but not so well equipped to acquire land,” Eleazar told him.
“Yes, yes. I quite understand. So we need more time and we need some actual combat training,” Medrano said.
“That would help a great deal.”
“Then I purpose that we do the following. First, arrest and detain all Americans living in Mexico. If they are married to Mexican nationals, they will both be arrested. Secondly, you should use your men to rid the Baja Peninsula of all Americans as well.”
“So not only would they get used to handling the enemy, but would learn about logistics as well,” Eleazar replied.
“Quite so. I would like you to use all of our resources. Navy, Air Force, and Army. Make it an exercise that requires them to coordinate tactics,” the President said.
“Excellent idea, Mr. President. We will begin immediately. Just one detail. What do you want us to do with the Americans that we detain?”
“Take them to Giudad Hidalgo and detain them.”
“They will want to see someone from the American Embassy.”
“Then they will have to wait until someone can see them. They will be confined to the Embassy grounds with an escort,” the President replied.
“General Armando. Brief the President on the intelligence report from California.”
“Mr. President. We have men on Otay Mountain. There are many radio towers there. Once the signal is given they will destroy the towers. Others will take over the radio stations at Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and San Diego. We have over two thousand countrymen in the San Diego area alone. Our planes will be able to land at the Miramar facility to refuel. We have people ready to secure that facility as well,” Armando told the President.
“And Los Angles?”
“Over five thousand are waiting for us to give the word of the attack and they will disrupt radio, television, power stations, and rail systems. Police stations will be destroyed as well using Semtex.”
“Very good. Thank you gentlemen. You may proceed with phase one, rounding up the Americans and detaining them in Giudad Hidalgo. I will deal with the American Embassy when the time comes.”
“Very well Mr. President. Phase one will begin just as soon as I return to headquarters.”
“Excellent. Keep me informed.”
****
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is unique in that it has earned the Commander-in-Chief Installation Excellence Award over a hundred and sixty-one other Air Force Bases. But more than that is was a part of what is often called the ‘Boneyard’.
The Boneyard is the storage facility and scrap yard for thousands of airplanes. Some are used for spare parts to keep obsolete planes flying but others are placed there for storage and can be resurrected if needed.
It was because of this and the fact that the 355th Fighter Wing was located there that American Republic President Jason went to Arizona to talk to the state legislators.
It did not go as he had hoped. While they were receptive to some of the American Republic ideology, there were points that they couldn’t agree on. President Jason explained the precarious position they were in. By staying neutral, they were incurring a certain amount of risk. The only way for them to bring in provisions and necessary goods was to fly over California and then all the way around Canada or down as far as South America. Neither offered a very promising option. By joining with the Republic they would have access to all the other states.
He also pointed out that Utah and Montana were holding a special election to determine if they were going to join the Republic. Early indications were that Montana would no doubt become another Republic State.
The only commitment he would get from Arizona was that they would continue to consider their options. They were not willing to hold an election for citizen feedback at this point in time.
Jason left with mixed feelings. They had not said ‘no’ but they were a long way from joining them. It would be a big help to have access to Davis-Montha Air Force Base and the thousands of aircraft stored there.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Almost a week after last talking to James Jason, President Quasim called back as promised.
“Jason, President Quasim,” he said in his familiar voice.
Jason thought it was interesting that Quasim never referred to him as President Jason. Probably couldn’t bring himself to accept the fact that he no longer controlled the entire nation.
“Good to hear from you Mr. President.”
“We have been giving your proposal for peace talks a great deal of consideration. While not everyone is thrilled with the idea, several are. One thing that we would insist on is an advance agenda and the right to modify it,” Quasim said.
“Well Mr. President. Actually if you would like, you may send us an agenda that you would like to discuss,” Jason said.
The line was silent for several seconds.
“Humm. No, I think it would be better if it came from your end since you are the one that wants the conference. We are just agreeing to attend.”
“Mr. President, we are more than willing to accommodate you however you like. The agenda is not the important thing to us at the moment. Our goal is to start a dialogue that would end the killing of American citizens. There, in a nutshell, is the entire agenda. How to reconcile our differences so that the fighting can stop,” Jason replied.
“I see. Nothing about economic issues, commerce or domestic issues?”
“I can certainly see a need for that at a future time. For the present time, the cessation of hostilities is our main concern. Nothing takes precedence over that.”
“Very well. I can see your point. Then it will be a one topic agenda.”
“Can we agree upon a cease fire until that point in time?” Jason asked hopefully.
“Frankly I doubt it. Let’s talk first then we will see what can be worked out,” Quasim replied.
“Excellent. Do you have some dates in mind? I will need to coordinate with the Canadian Prime Minister.”
“How much time would that take?”
“I’m sure he would want at least a week’s notice to get security in place and everything else that goes into hosting another nation.”
That seems reasonable but to be on the safe side, let’s say ten days from now. Is that agreeable to you?” Quasim asked.
“Absolutely.”
“Then once you make the appropriate arrangements with Prime Minister Benoît, you can let us know the final details.”
“We will inform you as soon as we know. Thank you Mr. President,” Jason said as they broke the connection.
“Well,” Jason said as soon as he replaced the phone, “That is a big step in the right direction.”
“An agreement to a cease fire would have been nice but I guess you can’t have everything. Getting them to the table is a huge step in ending the fighting,” General MacMillan said.
“We still need to be vigilant. It would be just like them to launch an attack just before the talks. LBJ used to do that, thinking it gave us a position of power. It didn’t, but no one could tell that hard head anything,” Vice President Folly added.
“If they do try to pull anything, it will be during the last few days before the conference. We will put everyone on full alert the five days before the Ottawa meeting,” MacMillan said.
****
“We need to have a diversionary attack before Operation Lightning Strike. I have decided on an attack on Knoxville, Tennessee. We will do this three days before the conference,” General Ascot said.
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“Where will the main strike force come from?” President Quasim asked.
“The Spearhead will be from Wright-Patterson AFB.”
“Why there? Dayton doesn’t have all that much in the way of assets,” Cole asked.
“More than you might imagine. We have been moving the B1-B and B-2 Bombers quietly to Wright-Patterson. We have also placed twenty F-35 Lightings there as well,” Ascot told them.
“Are you using any ground troops?” Quasim asked.
“No. That’s not our intent. Keep in mind, this just a diversionary attack. The main operation will commence thirty-six hours later.”
“Same aircraft?”
“Oh no. We intend to go with the big boys when we launch Operation Lightning. We will be sending the B-52H bombers.”
“What about their warning aircraft?”
“The F-16 Falcons and F-15 Eagles will be up ahead of the B-52’s to knock them out of the sky.”
“Nothing has changed on the selected cities, has it?” Quasim asked.
“No sir. Just the ones you have approved.”
“Good. Anything else General?”
“No sir, unless you have something further for me, I’ll be over at the Pentagon.”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
“What do you think?”
“I am not so sure we are ready, President Medrano,” Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense, Eleazar Guzman told him.
“I’m afraid if we wait too long we will miss the window of opportunity.”
“Yes Señor Presidente, I understand but perhaps there is another way.”
“I’m not sure I understand, General Medrano.”
“Please. I know this is a unique proposal but if you would just hear me out.”
“Go ahead.”
“What if we joined forces with the two largest Drug Cartels to give our army not only more bodies but trained fighters as well?”
“General, have you lost your mind? The very people we are trying to rid this country of?”
“Señor Presidente, it would give us an instant combat ready Army.”
“But at what cost? We could never trust them. They would just as soon kill our own soldiers as join forces with them,” the President said.
A NATION AT WAR - The Second Civil War Book II (The Second Civil War - BOOK II 1) Page 14