American Reset: Book Three

by Mark Goodwin

  CHAPTER 38

  “Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.”

  -Thomas Jefferson

  Friday afternoon, Paul Randall was still managing the political fallout from the attacks against the Federal States. He spoke with Montana Governor Mark Shea over the military radio.

  Paul said, “Governor Shea, I understand your concerns, but I hope you’ll consider the broader picture here. China is moving troops and infrastructure into California. I’m sure you’re aware that Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington will soon follow. We need to stick together.”

  Shea replied, “Paul, you know this isn’t just up to me. All of the representatives from the Northwestern Coalition have voted on this issue. We will be formalizing the language to create an agreement between our states based on the Articles of Confederation. We’ll be happy to extend that agreement to individual states in the Coalition or to a broader federal agreement between Texas and the Southern Coalition, but we’ve decided against obligating ourselves to a federal government.”

  Randall replied, “I think you should at least wait for evidence concerning the missile’s guidance system. You’re basing your decision on rumor and hearsay.”

  Shea shot back, “Senator, we have a myriad of proof that federal military installations were hit with strategic nuclear devices. Whether the strike on D.C. was intentional or a mishap, we were left out of the loop on what manner of strike would be taken against those installations. If it was the only option, we should have been told in the planning phase of the operation. I think this presents an excellent case for absolute state sovereignty. The disagreements between states and federal governments are bound to come. A confederation is the most any Northwestern Coalition state is willing to offer. Please relay our sentiments to the other states. I’ve got to let you go now, Senator.”

  Paul sounded defeated. “I’ll talk to you soon, Mark. Thanks.”

  Paul left the communications room and returned to his office. Sonny came. “There is a ship flying a United Nations flag seeking to dock in Corpus Christi. They’ve stated that their intentions are to send an envoy to speak with you about humanitarian aid to the Northeast.”

  Paul buried his head in his hands. “Humanitarian aid means UN Peacekeepers. I won’t sign off on it, but what am I going to do? We’re in no position to start a war with the UN.”

  Sonny didn’t offer his advice. He simply asked, “Shall I tell them that you’ll receive the envoy?”

  “Okay, I’ll talk to them, but they won’t like what I have to say,” Paul said. “Do we have to provide transport?”

  Sonny answered, “It’s my understanding that they have a helicopter on the ship.”

  “Clear them to land at Fort Hood then,” Paul stated.

  “Very well, sir.” Sonny closed the door behind him.

  Allen Jefferson walked in shortly after Sonny left. “You wanted to speak with me, Paul.”

  “Yes, have a seat Allen.” Paul’s tone was somber. “The governors have elected me to inform you that your service to the American Coalition Forces will no longer be required. I’ll be happy to accept a resignation if you’d like to tender it, but the subject isn’t open for discussion.”

  Jefferson rebutted, “I hardly think that is an appropriate way for the Coalition to express gratitude for my role in putting this conflict to an end.”

  Randall stood up as he shouted, “The conflict, General, is just beginning! China is moving troops and equipment into California, an envoy from the UN is on his way here to inform me that New England is being occupied by UN peacekeepers and the Northwest Coalition has decided against a formal government with Texas and the Southern Coalition. I think not having you locked up and sent up on charges of treason pending an investigation on the ‘malfunction’ in D.C. is more than generous. I hope I don’t find out that was a planned event. That was my son’s plane that delivered the missile. You should take your freedom and be happy with it. In fact take it and get out of my sight before I change my mind.”

  Jefferson didn’t look at Randall as he left the room.

  Paul Randall had just over an hour to cool off before the UN envoy arrived. Sonny introduced him.

  “Senator Randall, this is Wei Long Qian, representing the UN Security Council.”

  Qian bowed, but Randall merely offered his hand as was customary in Texas.

  Qian shook Randall’s hand but seemed a bit put off by Randall’s unwillingness to bow. “I offer greetings from UN Secretary General Gavrikov.”

  Randall said, “Mr. Qian, pardon me for saying so, but I find it curious that you’re here representing the Security Council. It was my understanding that this meeting was to talk about humanitarian aid.”

  Qian asked, “May I sit down?”

  Randall said, “State your business, Mr. Qian. I’m very busy as I’m sure you must be also. After all, I’m sure the Security Council needs to speak with China about putting military assets on the sovereign soil of another nation. That is certainly a more pressing issue for the UN than a meeting over humanitarian aid.”

  Wei Long Qian remarked, “I understand that you must be under tremendous stress, Senator, but this is hardly the manner I would expect to be treated by a member nation.”

  Randall laughed, “Mr. Qian, the American Coalition is not a member of the United Nations. We do not seek to be a member of the United Nation nor will your troops, assets or personnel be welcomed in any Coalition state. If you’re here to ask permission to have UN peacekeepers in former states that have not yet joined the Coalition, I have no authority to grant you that permission nor would I if the authority were mine. If you so choose to occupy those states, for military, humanitarian or any other purpose, pay very close attention to the borders. If UN troops are spotted on Coalition soil, they will be regarded as a hostile force and shot. There will be no warning shots nor courtesy calls. Do I make myself clear?”

  Qian replied, “I’m very insulted, Senator. I’m sorry for your country that they have such a rude man to represent them to the rest of the world.”

  Randall said, “Sonny, make sure Mr. Qian makes it safely back to the helicopter. And inform General Jameson that Mr. Qian needs to vacate Coalition sea and air space in no more than two hours.”

  Qian gathered his things and stormed out the door.

  Minutes later, Sonny entered the room again. “Paul, Captain Steven Shaw of the Oklahoma Militia is requesting to speak with you on the radio.”

  Randall asked, “Do you know what it’s about?”

  Sonny replied, “I think they’ve taken the capital. It may be about an agreement between Oklahoma and the Coalition.”

  Randall said, “Okay, I’ll be right there.”

  Randall soon arrived in the communications room and the radio operator called the frequency for Captain Shaw.

  Paul said, “This is Paul Randall of the American Coalition, what can I do for you, Captain Shaw?”

  Steven Shaw came back over the radio. “Senator Randall, I wanted to express my gratitude for the counterstrike. When the EMP detonated over Oklahoma, it took out the communications and surveillance capabilities of the Federal troops occupying our state. It leveled the playing field and we were able to regain control of Oklahoma. We are in the process of reinstating the state government. Once that process is finished, we would like to know the procedure for joining the American Coalition.”

  Randall said, “I’m very happy that you’ve been able to retake your state. I must say though, we wouldn’t be able to form an agreement without a motion from your governor or state legislature.”

  Shaw said, “I understand, Senator. I can assure you, the people are very much in favor of joining the Coalition. Our governor was slow to act in joining before the DHS invasion. If he doesn’t show some initiative now, he will be turned out of office by the people.”

  Randall said, “Once your hou
se is in order, have the governor or a delegate from your state senate contact me and we’ll arrange a meeting. I wish you the best in this endeavor, Captain Shaw.”

  Shaw signed off and Randall headed over to the pilots’ barracks. He wanted to catch Ryan before he went back to Kelly Field. When he arrived, Ryan was packing his things.

  Randall said, “Leaving without saying good-bye?”

  Ryan didn’t look up. “Rumor has it that General Jefferson will be asked to resign.”

  “Bad news travels fast,” Paul Randall replied.

  “You planning to have me busted down to potato peeler?” Ryan asked.

  Paul said, “Ryan, Jefferson concealed plans to use nuclear devices against Federal military targets. No one can prove what happened in D.C., but the whole world knows it was no mishap. Whatever you knew or didn’t know, keep it to yourself. You were following orders and no one faults you.”

  “Including you?” Ryan asked.

  “Including me,” Paul replied. “I’ve lost one son. You’re all I have. I love you more than you can imagine. Your mother misses you also. Why don’t you take a couple weeks to cool off, then come stay for a week with your mother and me? We should be back at the ranch by then, as long as the borders can be secured and we’re not attacked by any outside forces.”

  Ryan looked up. “I’ll do that. If I can get my R&R approved. I’m not in with the Commanding General anymore. Who will be taking command of the Coalition forces?”

  Paul said, “Jameson out of Fort Bragg. I’m sure you’ll be approved. I think everyone who flew in the raid will be getting a week off.”

  Ryan said, “There is some chatter about Kentucky and West Virginia requesting help from the Coalition to take out the remaining DHS troops and private contractors. Will you be approving that?”

  “Kentucky is part of the Coalition. We’ll give them whatever support we can to get rid of any remaining Federal forces. As far as West Virginia goes, we have to make sure everything is put back together in the Coalition States first, but I’ll consider it,” Paul said.

  “I’d like to volunteer to fly support for those missions, if and when, that is,” Ryan said.

  Paul nodded, “If and when we decide to designate aerial assets to the region, I’ll put in a good word.”

  Ryan said, “Thanks. I’ll respect your decision. I’m sorry I’ve been so stubborn. If I may add though, the private contractors in the region will become warlords if they aren’t dealt with soon. Even the former DHS troops have no leadership now. They’ll look to the contractors for employment opportunities. I know we can’t force freedom down anyone’s throat, but if we have states like West Virginia who just need a nudge to gain their freedom and perhaps join the Coalition, it’s in our own best interest.”

  Paul agreed, “We’ll work with any state that agrees with our core philosophy. Those that don’t sign off on the new laws to safeguard the Constitution and Bill of Rights will be on their own. Our country has learned the hard way that oil and water just won’t mix.”

  CHAPTER 39

  “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.”

  -Isaiah 26:3-4

  Matt and Karen took a walk around their property after lunch Saturday afternoon. Matt held his wife’s hand firmly with one hand, and the other rested on the sling of his rifle. As they walked, Karen inquired, “Do you think we’ll be decommissioning Fort Bair soon? The threat of a DHS invasion is over.”

  Matt adjusted his boonie hat to sit lower on his head. “We’re not out of the woods, yet. There is still speculation about people fleeing the radiation zones through the mountains. Those that do will be desperate for food, shelter, whatever they can get.”

  “And how long will we have to keep watch for that?” Karen asked.

  Matt said, “Until we can secure the borders. Everyone is tired of the tight quarters. We have to be patient a little longer. Once we retake Pikeville, we can focus on securing the borders.”

  Karen said, “You mean once ‘they’ retake Pikeville. You can’t fight with your leg.”

  “I’m going to do whatever I can,” Matt replied.

  Karen’s voice got a little louder. “It hasn’t even been two weeks since you were injured. Besides that, it hasn’t been two weeks since I was wondering if you were alive or dead. You just got off your crutches. You won’t be able to run if you have to. There is no way you are participating in the raid on Pikeville. I’ll tell Adam not to let you go. It’s too much to ask. It’s too much to ask of me, Matt. I’m sure it was tough on you being in the work camp, and I haven’t complained about what it was like for me, but it was tough. I cannot go through that again. Everyone else knew if their husband was alive or dead. Even Shelly knew Wes was dead. She at least had closure. I’m not saying I’d rather be in her shoes, but that was the roughest thing I’ve ever been through.”

  Matt said, “I won’t be on the front line. I’ll probably have some type of support role. You’re right, I can’t run. But there are several other things I can do like communications support, help Doc with the injured, whatever. You know I can’t sit around the farm while everyone else is in the battle.”

  Karen dropped her head. “I know.”

  Matt pulled her close. “But I’ll be safe.”

  When they returned to the house, Adam was awake. Since his shift was from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM, he typically slept until after one o’clock.

  “Ready to roll out?” Adam asked.

  Matt asked, “Where are we going?”

  “Over to the house to check on the cows and dig up some coffee from the cache to bring back over here,” Adam replied.

  Matt saw Justin and Doc loading into the truck. He knew it was more than Adam was saying.

  Matt kissed Karen, “We’ll be right back.”

  “Where are you going?” her voice was frantic.

  Matt said, “No one is geared up to fight. Adam probably wants to talk about Pikeville. He may be meeting some other guys over at his place. I’ll fill you in when we get back.”

  Karen’s face softened. “Okay, be safe.”

  Matt got into the old Camaro with Gary. Shelly opened the door and said, “Move the seat up so I can get in the back.”

  “You’re going?” Matt asked.

  “I’m in charge of the cows,” she said with a note of sarcasm.

  They arrived at Adam’s in a few short minutes. Matt looked around. Everything seemed to be in its place. When he looked at Smokey, he noticed she was much thinner than the last time he’d seen her. Matt jumped out to go check on the horse.

  Adam called out, “Looks like we’ve got a new addition.”

  Matt looked over to where Adam was pointing. He saw that Smokey had finally given birth. Her young foal was nearby, pouncing around on the other side of the barn.

  Matt said, “Mandy will be excited to see this.”

  Adam said, “She will. You better remind her that the foal will be yours.”

  Matt said, “I’ll make sure she knows she is welcome to see it any time. Maybe I’ll let her name it.”

  Adam said, “That would be really nice.”

  Matt asked, “So are we planning the attack on Pikeville?”

  Adam said, “Yeah, a few guys are driving up from Manchester to discuss the raid. But we did need to check on the cows and dig up some coffee from one of the underground caches.”

  Sam Hart, Jeff Hillier and Jeremy Pence drove up in an old, rusted-out truck.

  Everyone went inside and Sam began explaining the plans. “We’re going to clear Pikeville at dawn on Monday. The Kentucky National Guard is going to push in from the south on Route 23. The town is still full of citizens who are effectively imprisoned. We don’t want to box DHS and the private contractors in. We want them to have a back door. We’ll leave 23 northbound wide open so they can retreat. We’re sure they’ll run toward West Virginia either by Route 23 to
119 or out the side door on Bypass Road and up Town Mountain Road to 119.”

  Justin spoke up, “So we’re going to let them run to West Virginia and hole up? Doc and I are from West Virginia. We’d like to go home someday. There are a lot of West Virginia Militia that have been fighting and helping to hold borders in Kentucky. I don’t think that’s fair at all. We’re letting them go now, only to fight them later.”

  Sam said, “Hold your horses, young man. Let me finish. We don’t want to engage them in Pikeville because of the citizens. The National Guard will come with a superior show of force from the south and push them out of town. The entire Eastern Kentucky Liberty Militia will be laying in ambush all along the road to West Virginia. As soon as the first vehicle of Federal forces reaches the border, we’ll commence firing from the sides of all the roads between West Virginia and Pikeville. The Coalition has promised four F-16s to provide close air support. They know to focus their fire on armored vehicles. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to make sure your position is a good distance from the road. The F-16s will be moving fast when they strike.

  If any Federal troops are still in town at that time, the National Guard will engage them. There are about fifty men with the Lexington Militia that will be waiting for them at the border making sure no one gets across. Our boys from McKee Company will take the stretch of road from 194 to 119. The men from Mount Vernon will cover 194. DHS has to take 194, the bridge is still out in that section of 119 from the last time you were there, Adam. We’ll all take the front section of 119 and the guys from Somerset Company will take Bypass Road and Town Mountain Road.”

  Adam studied the map. “Monday is the twenty-first. That’s exactly one month since I lost my brother on that same road in a failed ambush.”

  Sam said, “Then this is your chance to make it right. We’ll get ‘em this time.”

  Adam looked at Matt. “My cousin was captured there also. I’m sure he harbors bad memories of the location as well. I don’t want to sound superstitious, but can you see if the men from Somerset will switch with us? It’s not that I think it’d be bad juju or anything, I just think the memories will cloud our ability to be as effective as we need to be.”