by Bobby Akart
As he approached from the rear, Duncan could hear Lee’s heavy breathing and moans of pain. The animal was wounded, and it was time to put him out of his misery.
Duncan crouched down and saw Lee’s left arm stretched out to support his body. Duncan immediately fired, the powerful AR-10 rounds splintering the man’s forearm and then embedding themselves in his left hip.
Lee rolled across the pavement, writhing in pain. Duncan was around the rear of the vehicle before Lee could raise his other arm and beg for mercy. Duncan didn’t want to give the man the satisfaction of the final word. He shot him twice in the forehead. It was over.
“Alpha One, Bravo team leader. Front secured. Conqueror KIA. Over.”
“Roger, Bravo team leader. All hostiles KIA by Foxtrot. Over.”
“Alpha One. Advise Port Arthur. They are a green light, go. Over and out.”
As a precaution, Duncan worked his way past all the parked cars and then to the other side of the operations center building. There, he found the six dead members of Bravo team. Each of their throats had been slit, as the commandos had managed to catch them by surprise. He shook his head in disbelief as he considered the loss of their lives. He’d never know how they were compromised to allow Lee’s men close enough to kill them in that manner.
After saying a brief prayer for them, he made his way to the front entrance, where the surviving soldier from the hallway detail led Sook through the destroyed front entry. She was bleeding from her forehead.
He shouldered his rifle and pulled out his shemagh to apply pressure to the wound. “Hey, what happened? Let me look at that.” Duncan wiped away the blood and kissed her on the cheek.
Sook smiled. “I’m okay. The explosion knocked a large metal box off a shelf, and it hit me on the head.”
She hugged him and held tight for nearly a minute. The feeling that they were finally safe to pursue their lives together hit them both at the same time. Relief and joy came over the couple, causing them to shed a few tears as they stood alone in the misty rain.
PART FOUR
Chapter 46
February 1
The Armstrong Ranch
Borden County, Texas
By noon, the entire Armstrong family had gathered around the dining table to enjoy a large dinner prepared by Lucy and Palmer. Duncan and Sook, who’d arrived home just before dawn, had slept for seven hours before stirring awake from the smell of barbecue pork, ranch-style beans, and mashed potatoes. Lucy also opened up two boxes of Krusteaz Blueberry Muffins to be prepared as dessert.
This was a big day for the family in many respects. Most importantly, at one o’clock, voting would begin pursuant to the Texas Constitution in both chambers of the legislature to confirm Major as the second vice president of Texas. Like the U.S. Constitution, whenever there was a vacancy in the office of the vice president, the president nominates a successor, who shall officially be confirmed by a simple majority vote in both Houses of Congress.
Major had learned that opposition to his nomination was minimal, other than the direct pressure put upon the president by Washington and its subordinates. Even Patrick Linkletter, the former mayor of Austin and new Senate Minority Leader of Texas, used toned-down rhetoric in voicing his opposition. His preferred candidate would be anybody from across the proverbial aisle to show Texans their government was unified. Naturally, President Burnett rejected that notion. In her years as a politician, calls for reaching across the aisle always came from one side—theirs. Linkletter’s party had never compromised when they were in power. As far as the president was concerned, neither should she.
The conversation at dinner centered around Duncan and Sook’s success at Baytown. The Port Arthur operation had been much sloppier, but Duncan had expected that. Once Duncan had caught General Lee hiding in the parking lot, he was unable to radio his second unit at Port Arthur without giving away his position. With Lee’s death, the second unit of commandos waited for their instructions, not knowing that Duncan’s team, with the support of the Beaumont TX-QRF, were closing in.
A fierce gun battle erupted around the perimeter of the Aramco facility, but its security fences were never breached. A few of the North Koreans attempted to fight their way through the checkpoint on the Sabine Lake causeway but quickly found themselves boxed in. Most were killed, but a couple jumped into the icy cold waters below. Using their infrared night scopes, Duncan’s men killed them as they floated away.
While there was no way of knowing whether additional commandos were at work within Texas, Duncan’s efforts gave Texans the unsung hero they so desperately needed. During their meal, he recalled his thoughts when his team had first arrived in Lamesa a couple of weeks ago.
“I was really pissed off that the local county judge paraded us through town like we were their saviors,” he continued to relay his thoughts to his family. “Regrettably, I was kinda rude to him.”
“He could’ve given you a heads-up, son,” interjected Major.
“That’s true, Dad. But I would’ve told him to forget it. He knew the needs of his citizens better than I did. They were on the brink of despair anyway, and adding to their troubles, friends and families were being held hostage at a place designed to be safe for those in need. They needed a hero, and he was looking to me to provide them a ray of hope. In the end, did it really matter if the local dignitaries took credit as long as the public was inspired to survive another day?”
Major started laughing, which puzzled everyone at the dinner table.
“What’s so funny, dear?”
Major pulled a small spiral notebook and a pen out of his shirt pocket. He opened up the front cover to display the contents for everyone to see.
“Well, the good Lord willin’, I’ll be confirmed as the new vice president in a couple of hours. Early in the morning, I’ll return to Austin to be sworn in. Afterwards, Marion and I will address the nation.”
“Your first speech, ever,” quipped Palmer. “No pressure, Daddy.”
“Yeah, no kiddin’. After listening to what Duncan said, I’m beginning to think the wrong Armstrong will be takin’ the microphone tomorrow. So, son, care to write down what you just said?” He playfully pushed the notepad and pencil in Duncan’s direction, who immediately recoiled as if a rattlesnake was bearing its venomous fangs.
“No way! Get that thing away from me!”
The Armstrongs broke out in laughter as Duncan pretended to be afraid of a notepad. Lucy reached across her husband and pulled the notepad back in front of her husband.
“Dear, you don’t need this. What you need to do is speak from the heart like Duncan just did. You’re not a speechmaker, but that’s not what Texas needs right now. Texans need to listen to someone with heart and soul. Someone who understands what they’re going through. In a way, it’s like Duncan said. They’re gonna be looking for a hero to give them hope.”
The table grew silent, and Major stared at the notepad for a moment. Then he grinned and slyly attempted to slide it in front of his wife.
“Can you write that down for me?”
Boom, the laughter erupted again.
Chapter 47
February 2
Joint Session of the Texas Congress
The Capitol Building
Austin, Texas
Throughout history, politicians have risen to the occasion to provide the citizens of their country uplifting words of wisdom and encouragement in times of struggle. Major believed the best way to judge a politician was by the speeches they gave during the worst of times. Speeches given during a crisis revealed more about someone than any campaign stump speech.
As he flew into Austin that morning, he reflected on the magnitude of the day. He’d easily won confirmation as the next vice president, and the swearing-in ceremony, with its pomp and circumstance, was more than a formality. It was a symbol of a democratic nation’s ability to maintain stability in government following the death of a high-ranking official.
Major was an
unknown in the Texas political world. He was well known in the law enforcement circles and was highly respected. Fellow ranchers around the country knew of his family and their accomplishments at the Armstrong Ranch. But they knew nothing of Major’s view on politics, especially in light of the challenges the new nation faced.
He’d never given a speech of this magnitude. He’d addressed conventions of law enforcement personnel in the past. When he’d led Company C of the Texas Rangers, Major was known to gather his top personnel frequently to address concerns and dole out accolades.
Major didn’t know it, but he had the innate ability to truly touch people. He didn’t connect with his fellow law enforcement officers because his words were particularly heartwarming or emotive. His words came from his soul in a way that only someone who means it could say.
As his helicopter approached Austin, Major thought of a speech that had touched him. In January 1986, Major was a teenager at the time and fascinated with space. He remembered sitting around the television with Pops as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded less than two minutes after takeoff.
He was devastated as he thought of the lost lives of the men and women he revered. That evening, President Ronald Reagan was slated to make his State of the Union Address to the Joint Session of Congress. He cancelled it and, instead, spoke from the Oval Office to a nation in mourning.
Major remembered the speech given by President Reagan. They were exactly the right words delivered in exactly the right way. President Reagan had the unenviable job of explaining to the country what had happened and how America, as a nation, could move on from the tragedy.
Today, Major had to speak to eight-year-old children as well as eighty-year-old elderly listeners. Every Texan was represented by the administration he’d just joined and the Texas Constitution he’d sworn to uphold. It was going to be a call to action that encouraged every Texan to reach out to their neighbors to assist. It was also going to be a warning to those who sought to take advantage of their fellow Texans in a brief moment of weakness—be prepared to face the consequences of your actions.
Major’s day continued, and he found himself growing more comfortable with being thrust into the limelight. He’d always been an unassuming man, dedicated to God, family, and his job. He didn’t seek the microphone when a significant criminal investigation crossed his desk. Nor did he expect pats on the back when a particular year’s herd yielded excellent prices at auction. That wasn’t who he was.
Eventually, after the hands were shook and the last glass of sweet tea was toasted, he and President Burnett entered a sound studio created at the Mansion by the Recording Conservatory of Austin. Without the ability to broadcast via television, AM radio was the only available means to reach Texans across the country. The engineers from the sound studio also established a simulcast of this speech over the emergency broadcast network and multiple ham radio frequencies. If a Texan had access to power- or battery-operated radios, they’d be able to listen to Major’s words.
After they were settled in, precisely at three o’clock that afternoon, President Burnett made some introductory remarks and introduced Major to the people of Texas. Major was nervous at first, and then he recalled Lucy’s words at dinner the day before.
Texans need to listen to someone with heart and soul.
He looked into the microphone as if he were staring into the eyes of every Texan. After some introductory remarks, he spoke from the heart.
“Following a disaster of any kind, its normal for people to feel stunned, disoriented, or unable to comprehend the magnitude of what has happened to them. None of these feelings make you a weak person. They simply mean that you’re human.
“Be aware of your common, unpredictable feelings, such as anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Once you recognize these new feelings, make sure you don’t act irrationally by projecting them onto others. Other folks have stresses too, and under these difficult circumstances, conflicts can arise. This is a time to come together, not fight one another.
“President John F. Kennedy once said in his inaugural speech, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. What you can do for Texas is help your neighbor. Help them hold on to hope. Help them avoid dying. Help them while we work diligently to help you.
“Here’s what your country can do for you. Texas, like no other nation, prepared in advance for this type of attack. The ERCOT power grid did suffer significant damage, but unknown to our attackers, Texas leaders had the forethought to plan many years ago. Throughout Texas, redundancies have been built in to replace damaged transformers. Backup computer systems and manually operated devices needed to manage our electricity substations have been safely stored for just this type of situation.
“Engineers, ERCOT workers, and civilian volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past ten days to restore power to the country. In order to help the greatest number of people at once, substation damage in the major metropolitan areas will be assisted first. This also serves to open up our food distribution warehouses once again. Trucks are being requisitioned from businesses around Texas to join in this effort.
“With electricity being gradually restored, it’s time to look toward a new normal in Texas. One of the first steps is to reestablish our monetary system. Toward that end, we are expanding on President Burnett’s initial steps in this regard by creating a system of banks throughout Texas, where you can exchange your precious metals for the gold-backed monetary instruments created by the Texas Treasury. You’ll need this new form of money to shop in the local marketplaces that will be established in mid-size and larger communities around the country. The barter markets may continue. However, it is my goal to provide a more traditional method of shopping. And you will have the benefit of security as you shop via local law enforcement and our military.
“Now, let me discuss your security. After we were attacked two weeks ago, our nation rallied to find the perpetrators. As an old lawman, I know the dedication and commitment of those officers I worked with when they looked for those responsible for committing a crime. In terms of the people responsible for attacking the ERCOT power grid, I can say from firsthand experience that the men and women of our military sacrificed their own blood to hunt down those responsible for this unprovoked attack.
“I am pleased to report to you that two days ago, an assault upon our two largest oil refineries in Texas was thwarted, and the leader of the men responsible for these heinous attacks met the ultimate form of justice—death. While this immediate threat is behind us, it is still in all of our best interests to be vigilant. Remain aware of your surroundings. If something seems out of sorts, contact your nearest law enforcement office or member of the Texas Guard.
“We still have work to do, and one of my pledges is to work with the president to communicate with you via broadcasts of this type more often. Let me add in closing.
“I am making this commitment to you as I join President Burnett in bringing Texas back to glory. Know this. Texas is not just a place on a map. It’s in our blood, our hearts, and in our soul. Texas is free, and so are you. Texas is strong, and so are you, my fellow Texans.
“God bless you and God bless Texas.”
Chapter 48
February 3
The Armstrong Ranch
Borden County, Texas
“Hey, son, I’ve got something you might be interested in,” started Major as he joined Duncan, who was drinking coffee on the front porch of the ranch house. Duncan was mindlessly staring across the snow-covered ground in the direction of the cattle, which had been moved closer to the barn for feeding. He’d just finished a conversation with Cooper about their hay supply. They needed to make one final run to the Slaughters’ old place for the remaining stored hay. Duncan had insisted they take at least one of the Humvees with the fifty-caliber machine gun mounted on top.
As a defensive precaution, anytime someone left the perimeter fence line of the ranch, a military escort had to
accompany them. When the guys had brought the cattle from the abandoned property east of their ranch, two of Espy’s men had escorted them up the trail with their automatic weapons at the ready.
Duncan turned and greeted his father. “Good mornin’. Great speech, Dad. I hope folks paid attention.”
“It’ll take time, son. Not everybody heard it, and those who did may not necessarily be on board. We’re gonna go through a period where people are desperate. If we can show them ways to make do, hopefully we can set the country on the right path before it falls apart at the seams.”
Major reached into his coat pocket and gave Duncan an envelope. He opened it. Enclosed was a legal-size document stapled together in a blue manuscript cover. Duncan ran his fingers across the large gold seal embossed with the seal of the nation of Texas.
“Proclamation?” Duncan said inquisitively.
“Yes. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Go ahead and read it.”
“Lots of whereases and therefores in this thing?”
Major chuckled. “Lawyers get paid by the word. Even the ones who work for the government.”
Duncan smiled and read portions aloud. “Whereas, Duncan Armstrong Jr. and Rhee Sook-hae are desirous of entering into the bonds of holy matrimony. Whereas, Borden County is without an official marriage officiant at this time. Now, therefore, by the power vested in me as President of Texas, I declare this document to act as an official marriage license and further declare Vice President Duncan Armstrong as being authorized to perform a valid marriage ceremony under the laws of Texas.”
His hands began to shake from nervous excitement. “You got this for us?”
“I did,” replied Major. “It was one big old lovefest yesterday, so I asked Marion if she could help us out. I am sure there were other ways to solve the problem, but I’d be honored if you’d let me marry the two of you.”