Sweetness in the Dark

by W. B. Martin

  In Australia, a similar position was being held. Australia had ceded north and west Australia to the Chinese invaders. With the American help that arrived from Afghanistan, the Aussies held a strong line in the southeast corner of the country. They also waited for events elsewhere to proceed.

  * * *

  The day finally came for Noel’s visit to his great-grandfather’s grave at the base of the Bombay Hills. As he got ready to be wheeled down to the waiting truck, Noel’s father, Desmond, and his Grandfather Leslie stepped into the room. There were hugs and tears all around as the three men met for the first time in months.

  Major Smith limped into the room using a cane and was startled by the family reunion. He was dressed in his best uniform. Noel introduced his family to the major.

  “Grandfather Leslie? But who did we fight with?” Major Smith asked. He looked confused.

  “I’m sorry Major. We visit my Great Grandfather Connor Leffingwell today. This is his son and grandson, my father,” Noel tried to explain.

  “Great Grandfather. Now I understand why he wanted to be called GG,” Major Smith said.

  “He thought putting great in front of grandfather every time was a waste of time. Said it made him feel too old,” Noel explained

  The four men rode together in a truck out to the cemetery. It was now just an open pasture by the side of the road. A backhoe was parked by the new gravel road that had been laid down at the entrance. The field was scattered with fresh dirt and crosses in rows. Noel looked at the large number of them.

  In the center were two flag poles. A New Zealand flag snapped from one and an American flag from the other. A large crowd of soldiers and civilians were standing just off the center circle that surrounded the flag poles. The truck drove up behind the other vehicles.

  “You should know that some other people wanted to be here today,” Major Smith said.

  Desmond helped his son into the wheel chair and pushed him toward the crowd. The people all parted to make room for the four men as they walked up to one of the new graves.

  “Attention,” a Marine sergeant shouted. The Honor Guard snapped to attention and presented their rifles. A Kiwi soldier holding a New Zealand flag on a staff came to attention.

  “Noel, I want to introduce my commanding officer, General Curtis Rockwell,” Major Smith said.

  “Noel, it’s an honor,” the general saluted. “We arranged this for you and your great-grandfather as we have something important that needs to be done. But first the Prime Minister of New Zealand wishes to meet you.”

  Noel tried to stand as George Muldoon stepped forward and shook his hand. After thanking Noel for his service to the country he announced, “The Government of New Zealand, in the long tradition of honoring our warriors, is proud to bestow on Noel Leffingwell the New Zealand Cross for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Your great-grandfather is proud of you today, as he was proud of you every day.”

  The Prime Minister then introduced the Right Honorable Sir Reginald Cantwell, Her Majesty’s Governor General to New Zealand. Sir Cantwell stepped forward and shook Noel’s hand.

  “As Queens Elizabeth’s appointed representative to New Zealand, I am here to commend the strength of purpose so recently displayed by Noel Leffingwell in the recent battle. Standing in the long British tradition of force of arms, Noel met the enemy and won the day. As a member of the British Commonwealth, the Dominion of New Zealand has full standing with the Crown. By the authority granted as Queen Elizabeth’s representative, I hereby award the Victoria Cross to Noel Leffingwell for exemplary bravery in the face the enemy.” Cantwell shook Noel’s hand after he pinned the award on his jacket.

  General Rockwell stepped forward. “As a representative of the President of the United States I have certain authority in this situation. With the current turmoil back in the United States, I am certain that the action I take here today will be fully authorized. Since we have lost our command structure, I will take it upon myself to honor a fallen comrade who has shown the highest standards in American armed conflict. In total disregard to his own well-being, Connor Leffingwell held his position in the face of an overwhelming force. In recognition of that sacrifice, while standing with America in the face of armed conflict, I have endorsed the recommendation that our nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor, be bestowed.”

  The general stepped forward and saluted the fallen soldier’s grave. As he did, Desmond and Leslie stepped forward and placed Great-grandfather’s Victoria Cross, New Zealand Cross and American Bronze Star on an easel beside the grave.

  “And for showing that age does not determine bravery, I bestow the Silver Star for bravery under fire that exceeds the high standard set by our mutual countries.” General Rockwell walked over and pinned the Silver Star on Noel.

  “Attention,” the sergeant yelled. The Honor Guard raised their rifles and shot a salute to their fallen comrade in arms. Everyone saluted.

  After the ceremony, the three Leffingwell men gathered Great-grandfather’s awards. Heading back to the truck, Noel’s dad asked. “What are you going to do now, Son?”

  Noel replied. “Can I go home? I’m tired.”

  Chapter 26

  Cheyenne, Wyoming

  The continuing good news from Seattle reached the Governor’s Council. The Chinese had been totally defeated there and were now being moved into internment camps in Montana. The news buoyed the people tasked with governing the Union of American States.

  The Governor’s Council had been set up to administer the new country until a new constitution was completed. Until that time, each state and province that made up the UAS would be represented by each head of state. They in turn had set up commissions to help with the many tasks before them. The group responsible for the armed forces had been working hard to bring the former United States forces back up to speed.

  With more and more areas reaching stability, men and women were returning to their units, confident that their families were safe. As the weeks went on, elements of the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines were reporting in. While still not at full strength, by combining units, the armed forces were ready for action.

  “Paul, I’ve been asked to take a select group of governors back to Virginia and assess whether we have the forces to move into the Northeast,” the Idaho governor explained. “The states there have been decimated and the survivors are screaming for help. The full Governor’s Council feels we are strong enough now.”

  “Governor, I also think it’s time,” Paul answered. “We have a substantial blocking force in place around California to contain the Chinese. Once General Gale has the Pacific Northwest buttoned down, I’m sure he’ll move his forces into Northern California.”

  “Well, we haven’t received any reports of Chinese troops north of Red Bluff. They appear to be consolidating in the central and southern portions of California,” the governor said. “But I don’t like the stories from the fleeing refugees. The Chinese aren’t just shoving as many troops as they can into California. They’re bringing over settlers by the thousands.”

  “It’s not good. Too many people will be in the way when we finally act to take California back.”

  “I’m afraid the Chinese are figuring that in their plan. We won’t have the determination to go all out if there are lots of civilians in the way,” the governor said. “But, back to my trip. I’d like you to travel with me.”

  “Certainly, Governor. The Convention has been postponed until your group returns. I was just going to head home for a while.”

  “Speaking of that, could you call your brother and ask if he would do something for me?”

  “I’ll call him this morning,” Paul answered. He didn’t know if John would be interested in any more political assignments. His brief session as Science Advisor to the Idaho governor had gone well, but he seemed content to be at the Bruneau ranch with Julie keeping the family safe.

  When Paul finally placed the call, John jumped at the job. Paul was
surprised by the sudden change of heart in his brother. He only had to wait one day to find out the reason.

  * * *

  Meeting John at the train station in Cheyenne, Paul said. “Boy, you almost jumped through the phone at my request to help the governor. What’s up?”

  “Well, after our little meeting with the Pointkowski twins, Julie seems to have suffered a complete change of attitude. Seems her brush with death has her turbocharged to be ready the next time,” John said.

  “She laying down the law at home?”

  “You wouldn’t believe it. She has Tyler going crazy. He is giving her weapons training on handling the various firearms at the ranch. She even has Brittany and Meredith out shooting. She’s been on Dad’s case about tightening security around the ranch. Even Granddad is making himself scarce before he gets roped into the whole thing,” John explained. “Your phone call came like a godsend.”

  “I suppose she wasn’t happy about you leaving then?”

  “Oh no, but as I told her, when the governor calls, I can’t say no,” John said.

  “Oh yeah, I’m sure you got the dirty looks when you left.”

  “This had better be important or I’ll be sleeping in the horse barn when I return.” John said.

  “I’m not sure what the governor has planned for you,” Paul offered. “He’ll explain on the plane tomorrow. The Air Force has started providing flights on official trips so it won’t be on the train for three days.”

  The governor didn’t exactly explain anything on the plane the next day. He started to try but the noise from the four engine transport they had been assigned wouldn’t allow idle conversation. Paul joined the others sitting in seats along the sides of the C-130 transport.

  Designed to carry troops and equipment into short unimproved airstrips, the C-130 was the workhorse of many of the world’s armed forces. But it hadn’t been designed for comfort. Noisy, windy and cold, the Idaho governor sat with the other five governors assigned to travel back east.

  Along with their staff, the noisy plane held about thirty quiet individuals. Everyone was glad to be flying, but the sooner it was over the better, Pail thought.

  “Sir, we land in about thirty minutes,” the Air Force sergeant yelled.

  Paul sat next to the governor being addressed and he could barely hear. The Idaho governor acknowledged the information. Thirty more minutes would take them into Richmond, Virginia.

  They were met at the airport by Army staff cars to take them to their hotels. The Idaho party took one of the cars. As the assigned driver moved out, the governor finally had time to explain to John his assignment.

  “John, thanks for volunteering. I wanted you for this one since the same forces that you ran into as Science Advisor will be at work here. This time though, the majority of governors will be behind you,” the governor said.

  “I’ll do my best Governor. Thank you for your confidence in me,” John responded.

  “You may not thank me when I tell you what you’ll be doing.” The governor then proceeded to explain John’s task.

  The full Governor’s Council had voted by a large majority to look into the financial records of the United States leading up to the 2008 collapse and the resultant “Federal bailout” that was initiated in response.

  They wanted to know where exactly the money went, who benefited by the government largess and where the money was now. Not an easy assignment, what with the chaos that ensued after P-Day.

  But by pure luck on the Federal governments part, a hardened backup computer had been installed in a very secure facility outside Richmond. The whole operation had just been revealed to the Governor’s Council and they wanted as many answers as possible.

  “And John, at my insistence, you have been appointed chairman. Dig out the truth for us. And if anyone hinders finding the truth, don’t hesitate to contact me. You’ll have total support on this, I guarantee it,” the governor said.

  “I understand that the playing cards with the fifty-two most wanted for treason have been very popular. Am I to figure that some of those people have been caught?” John asked.

  “We’re at twenty-six and counting. They are locked up not far from here. You’ll have full access to them. See if you can get answers out of them. With New York City in turmoil, a lot of the financial records are gone,” the governor said.

  Paul jumped in. “Governor, be sure to tell him that he’ll have investigative support.”

  “Yes, I almost forgot. We’ve found some former financial investigators to help you. Some were Federal, some state and some private. Don’t fully trust any of them. They could all be part of it and might attempt to cover their own involvement,” the governor said. ”But I’m hoping you can trust one individual. You’ll meet him tomorrow. He’s a former prosecutor for the U.S. Treasury Department. He quit four years ago in disgust at the whole cronyism between Washington and New York.”

  “Well, since I know little to nothing about finance, I’ll be perfect for someone to lead where they want me to go,” John said. “Are you sure you have the right guy for this?”

  “Yes, your credentials are heavy in research and mathematics. Just use your intuitive skills in wading through the smoke screens that are going to be thrown in your way. There will be others on the Commission with more advanced accounting skills,” the Governor said.

  John looked at his brother with the look of ‘What have you gotten me into?’ Paul gave him a knowing smile in return. Paul knew his brother could handle this.

  “The last thing I want you to remember while you lead the Ewing Commission is that the old United States was looted purposely by American criminals. The American people want their names. And remember, treason is a capital offense.”

  The Ewing Commission, Paul thought. He hadn’t been expecting that. John would definitely be on the hook now. The Ewing Commission would not have the option of failure. John would see to that.

  Paul was too busy to worry about his brother. He and the governors were soon in meetings as the Special Committee established by the Governor’s Council determined if forces should enter the Northeast part of the old United States.

  While bringing order to this part of the country was important, there were additional concerns. The biggest was the gold in the vault in the basement of the Federal Reserve Bank in lower Manhattan.

  After Fort Knox in Kentucky, the New York Federal Reserve was the second largest depository of gold in the United States. The Federal Gold Depository at Fort Knox had been secure after P-Day. Being part of the group of states that had prepared for the calamity, the chaos had been minimal in Kentucky.

  But the gold in New York was another case entirely. New York City had been consumed by violence as millions of people struggled and fought to survive. Many had fled the urban area, leaving gangs to pillage the city.

  By last reports, the gold reserve was still intact. Six floors below street level sat the gold vault with twenty-foot-thick steel reinforced concrete walls. Billions in gold bullion sat as a huge prize. After this amount of time, the thugs would have been working on retrieving the prize.

  The governors were determined to beat them if possible. The Committee traveled to Newport News, Virginia to meet with the Navy. With some of their ships back on line, the Idaho governor had an idea.

  “Admiral, do you have a Marine Expeditionary Force ready to go?” the Idaho governor asked.

  “Yes, Sir. The U.S.S. Iwo Jima and three thousand Marines are ready. We have support ships along with two nuclear attack subs operational and already at sea. They can be anywhere on the East Coast within twelve hour notice,” the admiral answered.

  “And I assume the helicopters and the AV-8B’s weathered P-Day?”

  The admiral looked at him with a curious look. “You know our business. Yes, they are operational. We don’t have GPS, so the smart stuff doesn’t work, but the dumb bombs still explode and our pilots are still smart enough to fly where we tell them to.”

  “Th
ank you, Admiral, and yes, I am Navy myself. XO on the Virginia. Seems like ages ago now though.” The Idaho governor referred to his stint in the Navy aboard the Aegis cruiser U.S.S. Virginia. The governor responded to the admiral’s quizzical look. “Annapolis. Class of 1986.”

  “Glad to have a veteran heading things up then, Sir.” the admiral responded. “Annapolis. Class of 1971 myself.”

  “Excellent. I think the entire Committee will agree with me on initiating this mission. Get the MEF on standby for deployment. Their target is New York City,” the governor said. “We’ll lay out the objective on board.”

  “Affirmative on that. We’ll be ready to sail by 0600 tomorrow. Glad to have you aboard.”

  Paul and the governor returned to Richmond and joined the other governors. They voted unanimously to begin operations. The Idaho governor was voted to oversee the operation while the rest of the Committee met with local Army commanders to discuss a full incursion north.

  Paul and the governor were back in Newport News just in time to board the Iwo Jima as she raised anchor and made way into Chesapeake Bay. Five other ships sailed with them, including a cruiser, two destroyers and a frigate. The nuclear subs had already left port and would set up a security cordon for the small battle group.

  The admiral explained that no other nation had threatened the East Coast but he wanted the extra protection afforded by the subs. With the fighting on the West Coast between the UAS and Chinese forces, he was concerned that China may try to station one of their nuclear attack subs in the Atlantic.

  When the admiral had finished explaining his force depositions, the Idaho governor spoke up, “Admiral, we need to develop a plan to interdict Lower Manhattan. We have no good intelligence on what hostile forces are in the area.” Seated in the ship’s conference room was the Marine general, his two subordinates, along with the admiral and his staff.

  Paul sat in the back against the wall. He was a little out of his league, but was excited to see the operation. He’d been to New York City on a number of occasions in the past and was anxious to see the city now.