by Steven Linde
The news the officers brought from the West Coast was brilliant, however it depressed the hell out of the East Coast people. Admiral Meyer completed his briefing and took a seat; it was quiet in the conference room now. President Washington stood to address the conference, “I’d like to thank all of you for coming out here on such short notice. It was definitely a real eye-opener for us here on the East Coast, you showed us that we have been derelict in our duty to our countrymen. The President looked at Jake and each of his cabinet members attempting to drive the message home.
The Secretary of the Army raised his hand to ask a question like he was back in school, “Yes Arron?” Said the President addressing Arron Stagnow the Secretary of the Army.
“Sir I have a question for General Watkins.” said Arron.
“Yes sir.” said General Watkins.
“Troop rotations?” said Arron.
General Watkins understood what he was asking, “Yes sir we have troop rotations between all Army posts to include the mid-west. Along the coast we move troops by train and by aircraft to the mid-west. We also have rotations for the Air Force and Navy the Marine Corps isn’t quite there yet.”
The Secretary of the Army nodded, “Thank you General. Would we be able to move some of them here?”
General Watkins smiled, “Sir that’s not really our call that would be between you and the President. As far as we know the President is still the Commander-in-Chief of all US Forces.”
“Thank you for the clarification General.” said Arron. “But could it be done?”
“Yes sir it could, we would have to look at where we could pull the Soldiers from so as not to affect the security of other areas and what was needed here on the ground.” Replied General Watkins.
The Secretary of the Army looked at the President, “Why don’t we dismiss the meeting for now.” said the President. “I’d like for General Wallace, Admiral Meyer, General Watkins and Colonel Clayton to remain behind.”
The conference room slowly emptied leaving the President and Senior Officers left. The President stood-up and paced the room; he stopped and looked out the window. He knew that the decisions he made now would shape the country for years to come.
“Gentlemen I cannot express enough to you for what you have shown us. To many in my administration believed we were doing all we could do for the country. You certainly have shown us we were lying to ourselves and that we have been lazy. I do want you to know we haven’t been totally derelict in our duties. We have found three steam locomotives through one of which was a World War Two armored locomotive which we did restore and last reports it was linking up with Oceana NAS in Virginia Beach its ultimate goal is Fort Bragg.” The President looked at each man they didn’t seem impressed and he guessed they wouldn’t be.
“Sir what can we do for you?” asked Admiral Meyer.
“Right now the 3rd Infantry Regiment is stretched thin; we have a few hundred Marines and Sailors but not enough to run any extended combat operations. We know that our fuel is limited and after a year will be dry in another six months we need the oil refineries on the coast. I’m also afraid that Washington is basically a sitting duck for any large Militia that wants the capital. It hasn’t happened yet, but it’s going to, like I said the 3rd is already stretched. We need to recruit and train more Soldiers and Marines.”
“Do you know what’s happening with Quantico?” asked General Charkin.
“Yes, right after the event we made contact with them, but hadn’t heard from them since. The train we sent to Fort Bragg made its first stop at Quantico to straighten them out. I’ve met with Quantico leadership daily. Like everyone else they’re struggling.” Said the President.
“Admiral Meyer if it’s ok, I’d like to take on Quantico.” Said General Charkin.
“It’s ok with me, but you should really check with General Wallace.” Replied Admiral Meyer.
All of a sudden General Wallace found himself thrust into the middle of something he wasn’t quite sure of, “How about this.” Said General Wallace. “Admiral Meyer for the time being you make the decisions regarding all West Coast personnel and operations. What I would like to do if it’s alright with the President is to return West with you all so I can see what the heck is going on for myself. I believe that once I’ve done that I’ll be in a better position to make decisions.”
“That sounds like a plan General Wallace, you have my support.” Stated President Washington. “I’d also like for my Chief of Staff to return with you.”
“Of course sir.” Said Admiral Meyer. “General Charkin since I have been given the temporary authority I want you to get the Marines straightened out I don’t care what it takes get it done.”
“Roger that Admiral.” Responded General Charkin.
Now the President turning his attention back to General Watkins, “General Watkins what can you do for us? We are in desperate need of help.”
General Watkins turned to Colonel Clayton, “John what do you think?”
John was already thinking about what could be done when General Watkins asked, “Sir if I may I’d like to stay for a week, look things over and I’d be far more able than to answer that question.”
“The kids going to be ok with that?” asked General Watkins more concerned as a friend than his boss.
“Yes sir they have Sarah our live in nanny and I’ll ask Colonel March to look in on them. We’ve worked out the kinks and they’ll be fine and sir…thank you for asking.” Replied Colonel Clayton.
“How’s that sound Mister President?” asked General Watkins.
“That sounds great to me, can we all get back together next Monday the following week to discuss Colonel Claytons findings and we can determine our next actions then?” asked the President.
“Sir.” Said Admiral Meyer. “You’re the Commander-in-Chief you tell us.”
President Washington was well aware of what his status was with regards to the military, he also knew that his staff and military commanders in D.C. hadn’t been able to accomplish half of what these men and woman had in the same amount of time.
“I understand that Admiral what I’m looking for right now is buy-in from everyone concerned and more of a collaborative relationship, at least for the time being.” President Washington responding to Admiral Meyer. “In addition, I’d like to visit the West Coast as soon as possible.”
“Mister President we would be more than happy to have you visit us anytime you like. You now have an entire fleet of aircraft at your disposal.” Said General Shelton.
“Thank you General Shelton I appreciate your offer, I’d be careful who you say that too. There are a lot of people in the Government that will see those aircraft as available and do their best to take them. I’m going to tell you all of this, do NOT let anyone bully you into giving them anything, unless you’ve direct permission from me and you’ve talked to me those aircraft belong to you. Is that clear General Wallace?” stated the President emphatically.
“Yes sir crystal.” Responded General Wallace.
“We need aircraft, no doubt, but we need fuel more as well as food.” Said the President. “We now know what to look for as far as aircraft goes, we’re working on the trains, and we’re getting there.” Stated President Washington. “Let’s call it a night and meet again next Monday back here.”
Everyone in the room nodded and responded with a “Yes sir.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Colonel Lambert was led by SEAL Team 4 onto Oceana to meet with Captain O’Hara. It had been over a year since anyone had seen a Soldier, US Army issued. As the small Army convoy entered Oceana word spread very quickly and that they had arrived in Norfolk on a huge armored steam locomotive. One of the SEALs had been sent back prior to departing the area where Lieutenant Danielson and Colonel Lambert had met to inform Captain O’Hara what was heading his way. When Captain O’Hara was told of Colonel Lambert and his Soldiers his only response was, “No shit?”
Lieutenant Danielson pu
lled up in his Humvee followed by Colonel Lambert and his three vehicles. Captain O’Hara wasn’t there to meet the vehicles he had sent his aide to meet them and escort Colonel Lambert to the conference room. Colonel Lambert was informed by the aide that he would be meeting with Captain O’Hara and his staff as well as a Marine Corps representative. Colonel Lambert was lead into the conference room, “Attent – Hut!” was called which caught the Colonel by surprise as the entire room, which was full, jumped to attention, “As you were!” Said Colonel Lambert.
Captain O’Hara approached Colonel Lambert, introduced himself, the two men shook hands.
“I have a letter for you from the President.” Said Colonel Lambert.
“Can I read it here?” asked Captain O’Hara.
“Yeah, I don’t see why not.” Said Colonel Lambert as he handed over the letter.
“Please take a seat next to mine there while I read this over Colonel if you will.” Said Captain O’Hara.
Colonel Lambert nodded and moved to take his seat while the Captain read the letter and read it again. Captain O’Hara took his seat then read the letter out loud to everyone in the room. For the most part everyone in the room was happy that they still had a functioning government in Washington. After Captain O’Hara finished reading the letter everyone was quiet in the room, Colonel Lambert looked around at everyone. “May I?” asked Colonel Lambert, signaling that he would like to speak.
“Yes, yes please …” replied Captain O’Hara.
Colonel Lambert stood and surveyed the room again, “Thank you all of you for coming. Needless to say I wasn’t prepared for such a meeting. As many of you have heard we arrived on this huge armored monster in Norfolk, it’s true!” There was general laughter in the room. “We found three steam locomotives in the Transportation Museum in D.C. that were fully functional. One of them being a World War Two Armored Steam locomotive which we updated a bit with modern weapons and armor. As for myself, I’m the commander of the 3rd Infantry Regiment mostly known as the Old Guard. I’m here with one Infantry Company that is currently with the train keeping it secure.”
Colonel Lambert looked around the room he had everyone’s attention, “Prior to my leaving the train we received a message from the President’s Office…” Several hands went up.
“Excuse me?” said Captain O’Hara. “How did you receive a message from Washington on the train?”
“Short wave radio.” replied Colonel Lambert. “Short wave radios that have no solid state circuitry should work. If you can find any with the old tube technology those will work. We brought one with us but it didn’t work. They were able to fix it at Quantico.”
“Damn.” said Captain O’Hara, we didn’t think of that. “You wouldn’t happen to have an extra one would you?”
Colonel Lambert laughed, “Yea we do actually, one for you and another for Bragg. Yours is the outer office right now. If you can show the Soldier with it, we can get it set up and see what they have to say. Let me finish what I have to share with you so it’s not so much of a shock when you speak with the others.”
Captain O’Hara nodded, Colonel Lambert continued, “A few weeks back contact was made with US Military Forces on the West Coast. Those forces are far further along with the recovery than we are, far more. In fact, they flew out in a B-29 Super Fortress to meet the President a couple of days ago.” Colonel Lambert looked around the room to let that sink in, it was clear they were shocked.
“I’m sorry Colonel did we hear you correct a B-29?” asked Captain O’Hara.
“You heard it correct! They’ve also got an active aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet, battleship USS Iowa, a submarine, and an Air Force made up of World War Two aircraft.” Again, Colonel Lambert looked around the room; the chatter was getting louder and louder as he went on. “Quiet!” Yelled Captain O’Hara, “Please continue Colonel.”
“Captain O’Hara are you familiar with an Admiral Meyer?” asked Colonel Lambert.
“I know of an Admiral Meyer from North Island NAS Coronado.” responded Captain O’Hara.
“That would be one-in-the-same.” said Colonel Lambert.
“What about him?” The Captain asked.
“He’s your new boss.” said Colonel Lambert.
The news damn near floored Captain O’Hara, “You have any Marines here?” asked Colonel Lambert.
Captain O’Hara looked towards Captain Luxon, gesturing toward him, “Not many, Captain Luxon there and his men.”
Colonel Lambert looked towards Captain Luxon to address him, “Your new boss is General Charkin.”
“Lieutenant General Charkin from Camp Pendleton? “Asked Captain Luxon.
“One-in-the-same.” said Colonel Lambert. “If we can get that radio powered up they’re going to want a SITREP are either of you ready to provide one?”
“Are any of the other base commanders required to give a report?” asked Captain O’Hara.
“They will be but for now it’s only the two of you.” stated Colonel Lambert.
“Alright then let’s get the radio fired up then I think we’re ready. I would ask that we have Commander McDonald present to add to the report.” said Captain O’Hara.
“Your call Captain.” replied the Colonel.
The radio had been set up in an empty office next to the conference room. The Soldiers were using a hand crack generator to power the set and had already done a radio check with the train. There was only room for a handful of people in the office. Captain O’Hara had ordered everyone back-to-work he told them there would be a briefing later on in the day, invites would be sent out. Colonel Lambert, Captain O’Hara, Captain Luxon, and Commander McDonald, who had arrived moments earlier were present in the office. Colonel Lambert pulled out a small note pad that he kept in his breast pocket and flipped it open; he thumbed through the pages until he found what he was looking for.
He gave the Soldiers the go ahead to begin cranking the generator, once there was sufficient power Colonel Lambert powered the radio set back on, tuned it and set it to the proper frequency. Everyone in the office had eyes on the Colonel, “Papa Oscar Uniform Sierra One this is Yankee Delta Six Niner Zulu, over.”
It was quiet in the office while they waited for a response, “Yankee Delta Six Niner Zulu this is Papa Oscar Uniform Sierra One authenticate over.” Was the response over the radio net.
Colonel Lambert spoke into the microphone while looking at his notepad, “Papa Oscar Uniform Sierra One I authenticate Oscar Two Four Romeo, I say again Oscar Two Four Romeo, over.”
“Roger Yankee Delta Six Niner Zulu we confirm authentication, wait one for POTUS, over.”
Five minutes passed, then ten and almost fifteen, “Colonel Lambert I presume?” Asked the voice at the distant end.
“Yes Mister President.” Responded Colonel Lambert. “I have Captain O’Hara present the commander of Oceana Naval Air Station and one of his minions Commander McDonald as well as a Marine Corps representative Captain Luxon.”
“Fine, fine.” Said President Washington. “It’s great to have you back in the fold. I have General Wallace, Admiral Meyer, General Charkin and a US Army Colonel Clayton here with me. I take it that Colonel Lambert has briefed you on Admiral Meyer and General Charkin and as you know General Wallace is the Joint Chief. Colonel Clayton is from the West Coast and for the time being Special Counsel to the President of the United States, a role he was assigned to yesterday. Any questions so far?”
There was no response from Oceana, “Alright then I take the no response then as you’re ready to move on. Captain O’Hara would you please begin?” said President Washington.
Captain O’Hara took Colonel Lambert’s seat and for the most part winged it; he discussed what happened the night of the event, then proceeded to discuss the subsequent week and months after it. He spoke of current on-going operations, which Commander McDonald and stated that he will speak regarding the aviation museum and what he believed they can do there. He discussed what they were doing with th
e civilians and what he and Captain Luxon were able to do together as far as training Sailors to be a bit more like Marines, at that they all heard General Charkin chuckling at the far end. Captain O’Hara continued on with the briefing while wondering why the General laughed when he mentioned Sailors becoming more link Marines.
As Captain O’Hara wrapped up his portion of the brief he turned it over to Commander McDonald who spoke about the on-going effort at the aviation museum. He described the number of aircraft, type of aircraft, where the aircraft were being moved too, and that they really only had three resources to restore, fix, maintain and were the only three that were certified at the time to fly the majority of the aircraft there. At that moment General Shelton told Commander McDonald that the Air Force now had plenty of experience with restoring, fixing, maintaining and flying those same aircraft. In fact, they even now had training schools with new job classifications for each. The schools were located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson and for them to get it together and begin sending their own Navy personnel to it. In addition, while those new personnel were being trained, she would send a team out to help them get set up so the Navy could establish their own program.
For the first time Admiral Meyer stepped him, he thanked General Shelton for her generosity and stated that he would like to hold off on setting up the Navy’s training facility. He wanted to send people to Oceana to speak to the squadron commanders first. He then needed to decide where the school was going to be set up and set up the command structure for it. Admiral Meyer did order Captain O’Hara and Commander McDonald to work with the squadron commanders to begin sending mechanics and pilots to Davis-Monthan. He wanted a list of those personnel in front of him by the end of the week and their qualifications. Admiral Meyer told them they currently had personnel from North Island attending the school and as soon as some of them graduated they would be sent to Oceana.