by Ira Tabankin
“Wish we could kick them out of the country.”
“Can’t, remember, freedom of the press. President Brownstone wants a strong and independent press even if they criticize him.”
“So they can lie and bend the truth?”
“Haven’t they always? They report the news from their point of view. To the media, truth is based on their point of view and how they determine the story will best meet their goals.”
“Do you think the Russians are going to attack any place close to us?”
“Honey, there’s nothing here, except for DC, and on most days, I’d give real money to have anyone attack DC. I don’t think even Puten is dumb enough to try and attack our capital, the repercussions will spread around the world. I bet Brownstone would level Moscow if Puten sent one Russian trooper into DC.”
“I hope so, because as long as they stay away from here, you won’t get any stupid ideas in your head about going to join the fight. Brad, let others, let younger people fight the battle.”
“Honey, if everyone thought let someone else fight for the country, we wouldn’t have a country. There wouldn’t be a USA. We all have to do what we can.”
“You’re pig-headed. I don’t think any Army in their right mind will touch you, you’re a senior citizen, you can’t fight.”
“I can shoot; I can be a sniper. I’ll do anything I can to win the war and push the United Nations out of here.”
“Honey, I just hope the war doesn’t get close to us. I don’t want to lose you.”
“Don’t you think every spouse of every soldier feels the same way?”
“You’re not a soldier.”
“I am if it will mean our grandkids grow up free.”
@@@@@
Television around the world is interrupted by flash news reports, “Repeating at 4: 55PM Eastern Standard Time a truck bomb exploded outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The bomb was in a white telephone van, the New York bomb squad report the bomb was more than 3,000 pounds. The entire front face of the building has been torn apart, eight of the thirty-nine floors have collapsed. Thousands are reported dead, tens of thousands are injured. The blast destroyed buildings across the street from the United Nations. A tugboat in the river was capsized from the blast, blocking river traffic. All traffic in the area of the United Nations building has been blocked. Bodies were blown out of the United Nations building. So far no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. We have no idea who planned or carried out the attack against the United Nations.
“Please hold on one moment, I’ve just been handed a report, this report is unconfirmed at this point. What’s that? We now have confirmation that a truck bomb has exploded next to the Russian embassy building in New York City. The truck bomb was so large, the Russian embassy has been leveled. The entire block is a smoking pile of debris. There must have been a large loss of life. The truck bomb left a 100 meter hole in the street. The explosion broke open a gas pipe under the street; the resulting fireball engulfed twenty vehicles, causing their gas tanks to explode. The fire has spread to four blocks near the Russian Embassy. So far no one has claimed responsibility for either attack.
“Here are images from the United Nations building; you can see lines of ambulances waiting to take the injured to the city's hospitals.” The television screens around the world go white with a flash of light. The anchor screams, “What was that?”
“Oh my God, there was another truck bomb! One of the ambulances was loaded with explosives and it was timed to go off when the recovery operation was in process. Hundreds of first responders were just killed, the shock wave brought down the rest of the front facing floors in the United Nations building, most likely killing any first responders and anyone else still in the building. This was a horrible act. It was an act of pure terror. The only reason why anyone would set the second bomb was to hurt the recovery operations.”
People around the world sat in front of their televisions and computers in shock. None had ever before witnessed a truck bomb going off on live television. Bodies and parts of bodies cover the street. Many watchers are sick to their stomachs watching the action live in high definition. The rescuers now require rescuing. Thousands of New York City’s finest police and fire staff are dead or buried in the collapsed United Nations building.
Most of the world is in shock. Mayor DeFacto visits the scene of the bombing; he looks around and has to run off the screen, so he doesn’t throw up in front of hundreds of millions of viewers destroying his chance for higher office within the LSA.
Security is increased at every Russian embassy in America. President Puten is furious someone broke their security and killed so many of his people. Puten talks out loud, “I hate Americans, I hate their country, and each and every one of them. They’re the only ones who would and could have done this. I want revenge on them.” Before he can complete his thought, the networks report the Venezuelan embassy in New York has been destroyed by a large truck bomb, there’s nothing left of the embassy except for a large smoking hole in the ground. Fires are burning out of control all around what used to be an embassy.
The media reporters are teary eyed sitting in front of the cameras. Today has been the worst terror attack in New York City’s history. The number of dead currently stands at 6,800 and is growing almost hourly. The reporters are worried another bomb is going to explode. Cameras show New York City streets are empty; no one is out, no one is riding the taxis or subways. Everyone is scared to venture out. No one is sure they’ve seen the last of the truck bombs. Everyone living close to one of the major embassies is trying to get themselves and their families away from what they hope isn’t another ground zero. Even the local gangs have decided to stay indoors. New York City has been brought to its knees.
While the reporters are discussing the day’s horrible events, reports flow in that two buses filled with explosives have exploded at Grand Central Station completely destroying the building, the building imploded on itself.
No one in New York City knows where or when the next bomb will go off. Everyone is scared to venture outside. The NYPD and NYFD have lost many of their people in the various explosions.
The United Nations is in chaos, hundreds of delegates are dead or seriously wounded. The two blasts have put the United Nations out of commission until it can find a new headquarters location and bring in new delegates.
@@@@@
Rash, asks President Brownstone, “Sir are you going to condemn the attacks?”
“Rash, I have to, I don’t want to, but I know I have to say something. Do you have any idea who was behind the attacks?”
“Mr. President, how are you asking me this question?”
“Rash, I won’t burn your source or go after the attackers, that’s the LSA’s problem. The United Nations was on their soil. All I want to know is was it one of us?”
“Mr. President, I understand the people responsible will be making an announcement tonight. I can tell you; it was one of us. And it’s not the end of the attacks. Sir, none, can be traced to us. We didn’t supply any of the material used or the vehicles. We didn’t have advance knowledge of the attacks.”
“Rash, did you put them up to the attacks?”
“No, sir, I didn’t. I can’t condone the taking of innocent lives.”
“That’s very good; otherwise, I’d have to ask for your resignation. I can’t have a staff that helps plan and execute terrorist attacks.”
“Mr. President, I understand, I had nothing to do with it. I learned after the fact.”
“What time will their announcement be made?”
“Eight o’clock our time.”
“Join me in watching it. I’d like to hear your thoughts in real time.”
@@@@@
“Acting President Brownie, we have to do something about the terror attacks in New York.”
“Senator Frecklestien, I know that. What would you like us to do?”
“We can lock down the entire c
ity. We can scan everyone entering the city. We can pass a law making it illegal to rent a van or truck without a three day waiting period.”
“Senator, that’s the dumbest idea I’ve heard yet. A waiting period to rent a vehicle, who’s going to perform a background check? Who’s going to approve if someone can or can’t rent a van?”
“Why does anyone need a van? If it’s for their job, the van should be reregistered commercially. Mr. Acting President, no one needs a van, it’s that simple.”
“Senator, I’m sorry, but it’s not that simple. What about if someone is moving? Or has large purchases to bring home, like a mattress?”
“They should rent a moving company that way they hire people, creating jobs, and they don’t risk hurting themselves. As to the large purchase, every store has some sort of delivery service. Sir, I repeat, no one needs a van.”
“Madam Senator, are you serious about a van ban?”
“Yes sir, follow my logic for a minute, if there're no vans there’s no van bombs, see how that works. We just need to remove the vans from the streets to protect the people’s children.”
“Madam Senator, this is never going to fly.”
“Sir, if you get behind it, it will fly.”
“I can see the papers now, ‘Moonbat,' I know my nickname in the press, ‘proposes a Van Ban.’ Come on Senator, this isn’t going to happen. Even if you find a way to get it passed in the People’s Senate, I’m sure the People’s House won’t pass it. Plus you’ll be the laughing stock of the press and the people. Hell, you might not even get reelected.”
“Mr. Acting President, if you supported my bill, it’ll pass and I’ll get re-elected.”
“Madam Senator, I’m sorry, I can’t support this bill,”
@@@@@
Television around the world goes black at 8:00 PM Eastern time. A dot of bright light appears in the center of every screen. “We are Anonymous; we have taken over control of your broadcast channels for a while this evening. We have an important message for you from friends of ours. Our friends lack the ability to communicate without being tracked. They approached us for our help. Everyone knows the United Nations headquarters building was destroyed as were the Russian and Venezuelan embassies. These facilities were attacked by the ‘Sons of the Revolution.’ Their message is as follows, “People and governments of the world hear us; the United Nations attacked America, the United Nations pushed by President Puten has launched an armed invasion of America, we are fighting back against the invasion. Every attack the United Nations makes on America will be followed by an attack on an embassy or other United Nation asset or member nation asset.
“238 years ago, a small group of freedom loving people in Boston decided enough was enough. They boarded English ships and dumped all of their cargo of tea overboard. This was the opening move in the American Revolution. 238 years ago my forefathers refused to pay a tax without representation, today their sons, us, say, enough is enough. We don’t recognize the right of the United Nations to invade our country. As the tea was dumped overboard 238 years ago which was the opening move in a new war for independence, we, their sons, are here to tell you we will strike back against any move made against America. If the troops massed along the Mexican border with Texas cross the border, we will make you pay. President Puten, if your troops cross the border, we will bleed you dry. By the time your troops reach their target, there will be less than 100 left and those will be scared of every shadow and movement. We learned how to hide in the shadows; we learned the lessons of our forefathers very well. President Puten, we call on you to stop your violence against America. If you decide to continue, remember our warning. You will pay a terrible price. As proof of our ability, one of your cargo planes returning to Moscow from Newark, New Jersey, will explode in mid-air. You’ll know this happened when the planes transponder goes silent. We would like to thank our friends, Anonymous, for their help this evening. Remember, the war will end, how it ends is up to you President Puten.”
Anonymous returns to the television sets, “The voice you just heard is a friend of ours, to attack them is to attack us, to attack America is to attack us, to attack us will cause major disruptions in your networks. We are Anonymous; we are now returning control of your television broadcasts to you and the broadcasters.”
When Anonymous stops speaking, every television set returns to normal. President Brownstone looks over to Rash, “Did you help these Son’s in any way?”
“No sir, I didn’t.”
“Did you assist Anonymous?”
“Mr. President, I promise you I didn’t do anything to help either group. I’m sure Anonymous will contact you to discuss options.”
“Rash, who are the Sons of the Revolution?”
“They are supporters of the Constitution and America. Sons of those who fought for the country 238 years ago.”
Four hours later a Russian Aeroflot cargo plane in transit from Moscow to New York City explodes in mid-air. Air controllers lose the planes transponder; they realize the cargo plane has been brought down. Russian air security grounds all flights to the LSA until they can check every millimeter of the planes.
Chapter 24
Acting President Brownie addresses the LSA, “My fellow citizens of the LSA, I come before you this evening to address the government that will make laws and represent us. I took over from President Reid by request by the People’s Senate. I’ve come to the conclusion that to hold the position for life isn’t in the best interests for the LSA. As such, I’m going to serve a single six-year term. I propose that the President of the LSA hold a single term of six years. I’m asking you to vote on this question. Like our previous elections, please securely log on to LSA.gov/election and using your biometric reader vote pro or con for this proposal.
“I also want to let everyone know what I think is some very good news, President Brownstone has agreed to meet with me face to face. He’s agreed to hold the meeting here in Los Angeles. I’m hoping President Brownstone, and I can reach an agreement so both of our countries can be friends and not enemies. No matter how we may feel about each other, both countries need the other. Let’s put our beliefs on the sidelines, most of us are progressive. As the saying goes, we voted with our feet. We decided to leave the United States to form a new nation, one based on the core progressive basis. We’ve built the LSA into a progressive country that has a lower unemployment rate than any other first world country. We have the most-complete medical insurance program; we have the most-comprehensive education program, from preschool through college. We don’t have a military because we have no designs on any other country or area. We shouldn’t be an enemy with our neighbor and largest trading partner. If we went to war with the United States, we would have to rely on third party country like Russia for help, I ask you, do you really want to invite President Puten to increase his influence on the LSA? I know I don’t. As such, I’m asking President Puten to remove his troops from the nation of the LSA within 30 days. We won’t be a launching pad for your war against the United States. We don’t want our people placed into the middle of your war.
“My friends, my fellow citizens, I thank you for your support. I hope each of you has a pleasant evening.”
@@@@@
“Rash that comes as a surprise, why do you think Brownie didn’t want to serve for life?”
“Mr. President, he knows the people will grow tired with anyone serving too long, with him proposing serving single six-year terms he gains an important place in the LSA’s history. He assures himself a significant place in the future of the LSA.”
“OK, I’ll buy that, why did he throw the Russians out?”
“He knows they controlled a lot of what Reid did. He doesn’t want the United Nations war to grow so hot that his area and people are bombed. The LSA financials are very shaky, if he loses a lot of infrastructure; he can’t afford to replace it. He can’t increase taxes on the LSA people any higher than they are now. He’s stuck between a rock and a hard p
lace. He has to balance what the LSA does if he wants it to grow.”
“What do you think he’s going to ask for when we meet?”
“Credit, or a loan, help with oil and gas, maybe even a mutual non-attack treaty.”
“That’s fine with me. We have enough trouble with the United Nations right now. Do you think Puten will remove his troops?”
“Yes, he’s gotten what he wants from the Bangor base, the Tridents were loaded on a freighter yesterday. We assume it’s going to leave sometime today.”
“I assume Admiral Zander has a surprise lined up for the freighter?”
“Sir, this falls under, things you don’t really want to know. Credible deniability.”
“You win. I’ll be surprised.”
“Good, we never discussed this, I was never here.”
Laughing, President Brownstone says, “Rash, go home, I’m done for the day. We’ll meet over the next couple of days to discuss my trip west and the events in Texas once Puten gives the order to his troops.”
“Night Mr. President.”
@@@@@
“President Puten, the Army in Mexico is ready.”
“You have your orders, GO, take the American’s Pantex plant, don’t stop and don’t comeback until you control the factory.”
“Yes sir.”
@@@@@
The Russian military engineers plant explosives along the wall built on the border of Mexico and Texas. Texas turned the area just inside the wall into a no-mans land. A minefield filled with hundreds of thousands of mines. The explosion rips a 100 foot wide hole in the wall. The next step is launching mortars carrying explosive cables that fall onto the mine field. When the cables are exploded, the overpressure sets off the most of the mines opening a wide path for the Russians to enter America. The first units to cross the border into the USA are the Russian First Guards Unit. 200 T 72 and 100 T90 Russian tanks cross into the United States. This is the largest armed attack on US Soil in its 238-year history.