Upon graduation, Josh could have easily enrolled in the military college at Valley Forge. However, since taking the easy road was never something Josh preferred, he decided that he’d rather attend the US Military Academy at West Point. Armed with recommendations by two senators and a congressman from PA where he was living, along with the vice president, Josh would have had little trouble getting into West Point. To play it safe, though, Josh sealed the deal by obtaining the recommendations of President Barack Obama and the Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.
At West Point, Josh majored in Defense and Strategic Studies. In 2019, Josh graduated as a distinguished cadet and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U. S. Army. His career accomplishments in the Army were no less outstanding than his scholastic achievements. At every turn, Josh made the next rank within the shortest possible ‘time in grade’ required for eligibility. He was a major within his first eight years and a full bird colonel in 18 years. Contributing to his rise in the ranks was the fact that Josh served well in every assigned combat mission.
As an Army major in the war against Syria in 2029, Josh was the leader of several missions that required a great deal of detailed planning and joint services coordination. He was awarded The Distinguished Service Medal, The Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart for his service in that war. In other campaigns, Josh received The Silver Star, two oak leaf clusters for the Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Award, and The Joint Service Commendation Medal to go along with a host of other military awards and decorations.
The highlight of the Syrian campaign was the liberation of the town of Azmarin. Azmarin, while a small town of roughly 4,200 people, was of significance to the US military because of its location along the Turkish border and it being considered home to the rebels who had families living there. Syrian rebels set up their headquarters there because it afforded them the opportunity to escape capture by effortlessly traveling unnoticed across the border into Turkey. Josh’s command needed to support these forces because they not only supported coalition missions by wreaking havoc on the Syrian Army with their quick strikes but also because of the ability of the rebels to infiltrate the army, thereby providing valuable intelligence to the US forces. Recapturing the town from the Syrian Army, which had taken control, would give Josh credibility with the rebels and make them feel that the US was their friend. In the long run, this would help win the war but even in the short term, this was a great public relations maneuver.
The key to victory in Azmarin was the ability to obtain detailed information about the number of ground forces and a map of the fortification positions of the Syrian Army throughout the city and neighboring ‘Ayn Hamzah. A young lieutenant in the Syrian Army, who was a rebel sympathizer with family in the city, provided those. Armed with this vital information Josh developed a daring set of plans that involved a great deal of cunning, deception, and misdirection.
With the support of US Air Force air strikes out of Incirlik Air Base in neighboring Turkey, US Forces under Josh’s command were able to infiltrate and take the city of ‘Ayn Hamzah from the Syrian Army, thereby cutting off all supply and escape routes to and from Azmarin. They also captured Azmarin in just three days and nights of fighting. Syrian soldiers killed totaled one hundred and fifty plus. Another 30 or so had been wounded, and hundreds had been captured trying to flee. United States casualties had been minimal with five dead and 13 wounded, only two seriously. The rebels, who supported the fighting, lost ten men. But they were so re-energized by the victory that they were easily able to regroup for the move south to assist the coalition forces who overtook the towns of Hamah and Homs. A major assault on the city of Damascus ultimately resulted in the surrender of the city and a treaty being signed between Syria and the coalition or Joint Multinational Task Force as it was formally known.
The real feather in his cap came when, as the young 47-year-old Colonel Redmond directed the joint US military command in Libya. Commandeering the end of a war that was projected to last four years, but ended within two, made Josh a cult hero of sorts and three years later earned him the promotion to brigadier general.
By the time he was ready to call it quits after almost thirty years in the military, Josh Redmond had achieved the rank of major general, been credited with leading 13 campaigns, and received over 60 medals and commendations.
After a more detailed discussion over lunch, Josh found himself itching for a fight. He was excited about the possibility of leading a campaign that promised to have greater significance in US history than anything he had undertaken to date. What he hoped would be his greatest triumph was the liberation of the country he loved from the man who represented everything that he hated.
As they stood to leave, the two friends realized that their handshake was more than a goodbye gesture. It signified their joint resolve in moving forward.
Chapter 20
In the southwest corner of The White House, President Abbas relaxed in his second floor private sitting area just outside of the master bedroom. The president loved this room. It was the one room that did not get redecorated when he took office. He stood his ground while his wife Maryam seemed determined to redo every other part of their residence without any concern for cost.
Much of the furniture was old, from the 19th and 20th centuries, and it was comfortable. He had asked to have some photos moved to other areas of the residence so that he could have the exact photos that he wanted hanging in this room. There were a few presidential portraits including one of George Washington, the very first president, John F. Kennedy, the only Catholic president, and Barack Hussein Obama, the first black president. He hoped that his portrait would someday hang in this room as the first Muslim president, although there were a few holdover Tea Party members who still believed that Barack Obama was a Muslim. His favorites though were gorgeous photos of the World Trade Center in New York hanging side by side. One was taken at night, not more than a month before the al-Queda attack. The second was taken just as the first tower had begun to crash to the ground. There is a small brass nameplate with the words “Never Forget.” Ahmad would not.
It had been a long day that continued at 7 pm with a small private dinner party for a few of his largest donors. He had tried to cancel the party altogether, even using the excuse that his wife was still weak after her ordeal and needed her rest. But it was his wife who insisted that they host the dinner because she needed to see some “real people” and he needed to cajole the moneymen. Assuming that the 22nd amendment would be repealed, and barring any changes in election financing, he was going to need their contributions for a third term run.
The president and the first lady were an odd couple of sorts.
The president was born and raised in Naperville, IL. His parents were immigrants from Jordan and were very devout Muslims. They were extreme in their views while living in the old country. From what Ahmad gathered when talking to his aunts and uncles, both of his parents had hated America and Americans. Given these attitudes, it took Ahmad years to fully understand why they had moved to the United States. Of course once here, some of their views were tempered a bit, but Ahmad heard his parent’s criticism of the people here regularly. So while he no longer hated all Americans, his father certainly had little respect for the way Americans conducted their lives. The one thing that never wavered was his father’s faith and the way he went about the business of being the head of the family. Salat, the mandatory prayers that were said five times daily, was obligatory in their family’s lives. And his two children, Ahmad and his sister Daniyah, were raised to be great physically, morally, and mentally. Ahmad lived his life to make his father proud, and he vowed to raise his family in the traditions of Islam as he had been taught.
On the other hand, Maryam was a Coptic Christian. Her parents were Copts, an Arabic-speaking Egyptian ethno religious community of about 11million people. When she was eight years old, her family emigrated from Egypt, settling in Jersey City, and later living in Bayonne, New Jersey. While it mi
ght seem odd that a Copt would marry into a devout Islamic family, Maryam was an ultra-conservative who strongly believed that people should live their lives by what was morally right. Their religious differences had never been a problem for her, though. She wasn’t what one would call a devout and practicing Christian. She believed in a supreme being but cared little whether that was God, Jehovah, or Allah. She understood Islam and was ok with her future children being raised in the ways of Islam.
Maryam received a Ph.D. in Forensic Anthropology from Michigan State after graduating from Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. It was at Michigan State that she met her future husband. Before becoming the first lady, she was one of the foremost Forensic Anthropologists in the country, working for the NYPD and often serving as a guest lecturer at her alma mater as well as for some of the top Forensic Anthropology programs in the country at The Universities of Florida and Tennessee.
She was well respected in her field, and her work became an important part of who she was. Sadly, Maryam miscarried several times and was not able to bear children. The one area that had been a contentious one early in their marriage was the place a woman held in society. Ahmad held strongly, at first, that unless she was a teacher, nurse, or in other traditionally female roles, a woman’s place was in the home raising her family and being there for her husband. His attitude changed somewhat because of his wife’s circumstances. He conveniently, some thought, altered his thinking about women in the workplace to include those, like Maryam, who worked in science and technology.
There was little doubt that his personal situation affected his views. It wasn’t just his wife’s occupation but also her analytical ability and powers of persuasion that impacted some of his policies as president. He not only loved her but he admired her. Ahmad discussed almost everything with his wife and like it or not; she always had an opinion. The thought that not long ago he had nearly lost her still gave him pause. Where would he be without his loving wife? And yet, many women were still held in low esteem in Ahmad’s America.
“I had another meeting with my cabinet today. We discussed my low approval rating and the rumors of more violence by people who want me out of office,” Ahmad said to his wife while rifling through some on-line news feeds and VAPTs, the newest and just as misguided social media app, on his tablet. “I just don’t get it. Everyone was clamoring for change because they were disgusted with the direction in which the country was heading. Polls showed that the people thought that the morals had declined and that the value of the family as a thriving entity was totally eroded. There were equally strong feelings about drug abuse with 90% of the people polled believing that drastic measures were needed. This is the reason I ran for office, Maryam, and I’ve fixed a lot of the problems in a very short time. And yet I’m not liked, and people want me out of office. What do they want, another tax and spend liberal who thinks there is nothing wrong with gays or that hard-working people should take care of people who won’t work as if they were their family?”
As was usually the case, his wife mostly listened, especially when Ahmad gave one of his soliloquies. She could sense his frustration and she knew that he was a good man at heart. She also knew that he was a very stubborn man who thought he always knew best and listened to very few people. In fact, it was his stubbornness, and his desire to keep women at home leading the simple life of a homemaker, while sacrificing their careers, that gave her pause when it came to voting for Ahmad. She’d always snicker to herself at the thought of the president’s wife voting for his opponent. In the end, though, Maryam could not betray her husband.
“Ahmad, I can sense your frustration but things take time. You’ve made a lot of changes and people do not like change. Even when the change is good for them, they like to be spoon fed like taking their harsh tasting medicine in small doses.”
“In this country, Maryam, there is no time to do things slowly as you suggest. Assuming that I’m reelected, I will only have five years to turn things around unless I can get enough support to do away with term limits.”
“Be patient, Ahmad. People will come around. And have you asked me about these term limits? No, you haven’t. Well, I like term limits. A term limit for you means that in 5 years, we get to live a more simple life, and I can go back to work full time and not just lecture once in a while.”
“I know you miss your job, but there is so much work to do. And the rumors about people gathering and talking about me are awful. Sources tell me that there’s even been talk of violence in some places. I cannot and will not tolerate violent acts against my administration. You know that.”
“Yes, my husband,” she said with a touch of sarcasm in her voice. “I do know that. What I don’t know is what you think you can do about people talking. There is a first amendment you know.”
“Don’t remind me,” said Ahmad. “I’ll bet things are a lot easier in Libya and Iran where there is no free speech unless it’s approved by the dictators who are running the country. There are times when I think I should govern the United States in a similar fashion. Then you give the people some freedoms but not too many, and you strike a good balance that will keep everyone in line.”
“Then you wouldn’t have to worry about any rumors or talk of further violence or term limits or anything but doing whatever you want, whenever you want. Right?”
“That’s right, Maryam. That’s like my Jannah.”
“I’m tired, Ahmad, and you’re giving me a headache. We can talk about your ideas about repealing the Constitution tomorrow.”
Ahmad looked at his wife as he helped her to bed. He guessed that whenever he looked at her, he would remember the night of her shooting. But she was still so stunning. In fact, many have told him that she was the most beautiful first lady in history. Brains and beauty, what else could he ask for? No one will ever harm my Maryam again, he thought. And no one will take away my presidency. No one.
To calm his mind, he retired to his adjoining room where he could read without disturbing his wife.
“Sanjay” the president yelled. “Sanjay”, he called again.
The valet came running. “Yes, Mr. President.”
“Do you like working here?”
“Yes Sir, Mr. President.”
“Look at my bed. It’s all crumpled. My sheets were supposed to be changed today”.
“I’m sorry Mr. President. I was called away and left appropriate instructions. I should have checked when I returned. I’ll straighten the sheets for you”.
“Don’t bother now. What’s the point? I’m going to bed anyway. Just make sure it’s done first thing in the morning.”
“Yes Sir, I will Sir.”
Ahmad didn’t know why he yelled or why he was so upset over something so trivial. He had just been so on edge lately. As he pulled down the covers to slide into bed he heard a growling, hissing noise and went white at the sight of a coiled snake; head raised, ready to strike. The president jumped back just in time to avoid the attack of a striped snake which had been hiding under the covers.
Slowly backing out of the room, he shouted “Sanjay, come quickly. Hurry!”
The valet turned to see the large menacing snake slithering toward the edge of the bed. Sanjay grabbed a spare blanket and threw it on top of the snake. He was then able to wrap it in the blanket and carry it from the room.
A visibly shaken Ahmad left with him. He wasn’t taking any chances. Only Allah knew if there were other dangers lurking. No sooner had his heartbeat slowed when his thoughts jumped to Maryam. He dashed into her room to find her sleeping soundly, Allah be praised.
Secret Service Agents, who had rushed into the room, combed the area to ensure that both bedrooms were secure. “Everything is in order now, Mr. President,” assured lead agent Russ Walcott, “I’ve called for animal control and they’ll be here shortly. I can have them do another sweep if you’d like but I’m certain there is no further threat.”
“Thank you, Russ. I’d appreciate that.”
The Animal Control Officer identified the coral snake as not particularly aggressive by nature. But, anti-venin is no longer made so its bite could easily have resulted in a fatal injury.
An hour later all was quiet. The sweep by Animal Control had given the president some peace of mind and relaxed him enough so that he was able to retire to a freshly made bed. But as he laid there he wondered who on his staff had done this. Someone wanted him dead.
Chapter 21
With last night’s brush with death fresh on his mind, an edgy Abbas barged into Omar’s office, closed the door, took a seat, and asked him flat out “which one of your people, you know the White House staff, wants me dead?”
“Calm down, Ahmad, what’s this all about?”
The president told Omar what had happened the night before.
“I can certainly look into it Ahmad. These people have been with us for years though. They are loyal to you and I do not think any member of our staff would do this.”
“Well how else can you explain what happened? Who else could have gotten into my bedroom?”
“There are other people who come to The White House; visitors, delivery people, outside service providers and contractors.”
“There must be some way that we can see who was here yesterday?”
“We require all of our vendors to issue photo IDs. Every person who comes into The White House is photographed, and must sign into our electronic log. We record every image and every ID number. I’ll be sure that we look at our staff, Ahmad, but if I were betting on this, I would bet that someone brought the snake in from the outside. We scan for guns, Ahmad, but not for snakes.”
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