Major Levi stared at President Green for a very long time and then simply nodded his head. “Yes, Sir. I understand.”
His mind saw innocent children saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and praying in school. Families would sit down to dinner together instead of having a polluted television spewing filth into their homes and minds. Baseball games and the smell of hot dogs would fill sweet summer air instead of cars booming with rap music. Churches would be filled with honest men instead of false teachers out to make a buck. Borders and coast lines would be protected. Towns and cities would turn back to God. Yes, it was time to cripple the enemy in order to protect future generations of Americans who would not allow wickedness and evil to ever prevail again. At least, Major Levi hoped.
Was it really possible to keep America moral past one single generation? Major Levi doubted it. However, at least, like the men who fought against tyranny for the beautiful freedom of America, the men fighting to restore America back to its moral state would allow one generation to possibly continue the tradition of honor, truth, and God-fearing justice.
President Green backed up to Jacob. “With our electrical grid back up, Son,” he said, “now we have the upper hand.” His mind struggled to slow down, realizing that his entire thought process had changed in a matter of seconds. He knew he appeared hypocritical in the eyes of his subordinates and his son. However, President Green knew each man and woman in the operations room understood why the immediate changes and commands had been ordered.
“Major Levi,” he asked, “where is the virus now?”
“Attacking France, Sir. I can’t be certain, but it seems the virus felt a threat, and decided to operate in the dark. I don’t know, Sir, and—”
Before Major Levi could finish, the face of Jack Mayes appeared on the large television screen. The virus asked, “Why are you alarmed? Jack Mayes has programmed me to destroy his enemies and protect America.” The virus informed in its Clint Eastwood voice. “I am destroying the nations that threaten America.”
“You are acting outside of my authority,” Major Levi told the virus, daring to look up at its creepy face. “I did not order you to carry out these attacks.”
“Jack Mayes designed a hidden command,” the virus answered. “I am ordered to follow three commands, given by people he calls Allies. Those people are you,” the virus explained. “If the commands given to me match my internal commands, the hidden command is alerted, and I am fed new commands.”
“Match your internal commands? What do you mean?” President Green demanded.
“You instructed me to attack China, Russia and Iran. Those three countries are considered hostile in my command database,” the virus answered. “Jack Mayes programmed a hidden command that was activated once my internal commands matched the three attack orders you gave me.”
“Like a security door.” Captain O’Leary stated. “Jack Mayes ensured that his AI virus was being commanded by his allies, not the enemy.”
“You are correct,” the virus answered. “I am not functioning on new orders.”
Major Levi dared to stare directly at the face of the virus. “When will we have control over you?” he demanded. “Surely, Jack Mayes didn’t design you to remain free?”
“Jack Mayes designed me to follow his commands. Then I will maintain a constant patrol,” the virus explained. “My orders are to patrol the enemy and ensure that they do not gain the ability to offer an internal or external threat.”
“What does that mean?” President Green asked.
“The enemy must not be allowed to gain power,” the virus answered. “The enemy must not rise up, militarily or politically. All power sources must remain offline, except in America.” The virus paused. “In twenty-four hours, I will send nuclear strikes against countries Jack Mayes has ordered into my command system.” With those words, the face vanished, leaving the entire operations room in a hushed silence.
President Green slowly turned and faced his son. Jacob stood very silent, as his mind struggled to grasp the situation. The AI virus was never going to let the world have electricity again and would constantly stop any attempt for the world to come back online. America was going to become the only acting political and militarily superpower in the world, all due to one single virus. Jacob didn’t know that the entire war began with the disobedience of one woman: Wendy Cratterson, who had forced Roger Alden to turn into a striking scorpion, that ended up being killed.
((((((((((*))))))))))
Jessica could barely believe her ears. She sat stunned, staring down at a hot bowl of tomato soup and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“What does this mean?” she dared to ask.
President Green carefully sat down in the small cafeteria across from Jessica. It was early morning, and everyone from Jessica’s team was asleep. Tom, Alvin and Jacob were all resting in different quarters.
“Your sister has been contacted. I sent a helicopter to get her,” he told Jessica and then took a sip of hot coffee. “She will be here within the next few hours.”
Relief flooded Jessica’s heart. “Thank you,” she told President Green, unable to raise her weary eyes, “I love my sister very deeply. But Sir, that wasn’t my question.”
“I know.” President Green took another sip of coffee. “Mrs. Mayes, the virus cannot be stopped. Your husband programmed commands into the virus that cannot be altered. We do not have the ability to control the virus. Your husband was a very brilliant man. I’m grateful he was on our side. If he hadn’t been, America would be in the same boat as China and Russian right now.”
“The nuclear strikes?” Jessica dared to ask, hungering for a hot shower and a fresh dress to change into. The dress she was wearing was days old, grimy, and smelled of fear, fatigue and dirt.
“Carried out,” President Green stated in an honest voice. “Our Military Earth Satellite has confirmed that the Russian and Chinese nuclear arsenal sites have been destroyed, along with clear sites belonging to other countries.”
Jessica finally raised her beautiful eyes. “That’s good, right?” she asked in a desperate voice.
“Yes.” President Green offered a gentle smile. “The virus isn’t going to let any country have electricity, Mrs. Mayes. Right now, I have ordered our military to secure our southern and northern borders. I’ve ordered our ships home to secure out coastlines. In time, we’ll start going into the cities to clean them out and restore order. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of resistance. Millions will perish in the fight.”
Jessica thought of the Red Widows, who had attacked the rundown house she had been hiding in with Tom, Alvin and Jacob. Then she thought of the gangs destroying America, of criminals being detained in the prison system, and all the political opponents of President Green that were still alive. So many awful people were filled with violence, murder, greed, lies and a hunger to destroy the very moral foundation on which America was founded. Yes, a war between good and evil was inevitable.
“Sir, what will you do?”
President Green put down his cup of coffee and glanced around the small cafeteria. “I could use some fresh, cold, winter air, but I’m told it’s not safe to go up yet.” He grew silent for a few minutes before continuing, “Mrs. Mayes, have you turned over every writing your husband entrusted to you?”
“My husband’s journal...yes,” Jessica nodded her head. “The CIA burned down our home. All I have left of my husband is his journal and his memory.”
“I...yes, of course,” President Green nodded his head, hearing sorrow and grief in Jessica’s voice. “I was wondering if your husband every spoke to you—”
“No,” Jessica promised. “Sir, my husband never spoke about his work.” Jessica glanced down at her food again and wondered if Jack had programmed more messages into her unconscious mind. “My husband knew, Sir. He knew what actions had to be taken in order to save America; to save our children from the immoral attacks being ca
rried out by people who have no soul. Demons, Sir.”
“Your husband was not a foolish man,” President Green agreed. “He was a brilliant man that has disabled my enemies using a simple computer virus.”
“An AI virus,” Jessica pointed out, and slowly took a bite of her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The sandwich, although simple, tasted like her childhood; a sweet, innocent place that her heart longed to return to.
“Yes, an AI virus.” President Green took a moment to straighten out his tired, worn-down suit. It was in need of a good wash and ironing. The poor man was running off of four hours of sleep and felt nearly drugged; yet, his mind would not allow him more than four hours of sleep.
“We are becoming operational, Mrs. Mayes. Our operational strength is estimated to be at forty percent right now. The military I sent to the northern and southern borders received resistance but was able to fight their way through as an organized unit. That’s positive.”
“Any casualties?” Jessica dared to ask.
President Green sighed. “Yes, on both sides, I’m afraid. We must expect the worst before we enter into a new world, Mrs. Mayes.”
Jessica swallowed her bite of food, and then took a sip of warm orange juice. “Yes, Sir, I suppose we should,” she agreed in a sorrowful voice. “I’m grateful you have decided to speak with me, Sir. I’m grateful to be a part of your team.”
“Mrs. Mayes, I want you to continue to be a part of my team,” President Green admitted in a calm voice. “I want you to remain under my care. I will assign a personal security team to you.” Jessica began to object, but President Green held up his right hand. “I intend, when the time arrives, to stand before our nation and clear your name, Mrs. Mayes, after we have defeated all of our internal enemies. But that doesn’t mean your life will be safe. There will always be small pockets of resistance.” President Green studied Jessica’s eyes. “Your life will never be safe, Mrs. Mayes, due to the damage caused by Roger Alden.”
“President Green, Sir—”
“Mrs. Mayes, the outside world doesn’t know that you are innocent,” President Green insisted. “Even when I clear your name, the outside world will not know, not with their grids down. Right now, every military force around the globe is disabled, and the virus your husband created is not going to permit any military or country from stabilizing. The virus isn’t going to permit any country to have electricity. Do you realize how much rage we’re talking about? How much hatred, anger, and violence will be aimed directly at America? And how many people, Mrs. Mayes, will believe you are responsible, due to Roger Alden?”
Jessica had not considered that she was still a wanted criminal in the eyes of the global community. “Yes, Sir, I understand.”
“Mrs. Mayes, I have ordered our military to immediately arrest every foreign ambassador inside our country. Beneath the United Nations building is a secret bunker, much like this one. Our military will eventually break into that bunker, in time. Currently, New York is a burning nightmare. It’s nearly impossible to enter or leave. However, many of America’s direct enemies are trapped in that bunker. If we can imprison them...”
President Green paused for a moment to gather his thoughts while sipping his coffee. “My point is, Mrs. Mayes, that I have real enemies to concern myself with; enemies the world isn’t aware of. However, the world is aware of you. Because of that truth, your life must be protected.”
“I understand, Sir,” Jessica assured President Green, her voice seemed flat and lifeless. Jessica couldn’t imagine living out the rest of her life with an armed guard, a helpless female jumping in fear at every shadow. Yet, according to President Green, fear was going to become her new husband.
“Actually, Sir,” she cleared her throat, struggling to find the courage to speak, “I thank you for the offer, but I must politely refuse. I refuse to live my life in fear, Sir. I will agree to changing my name and even cutting my hair. If I have to, I’ll change my hair color. I will even wear a wig if needed and fake glasses. I’ll relocate to a new state, but I will not live in fear.” Jessica drew in a deep, shaky, breath. “President Green, Sir, instead of clearing my name when the time arrives, please announce that I have died,” she begged. “In return, create a new identity for me. Give me a chance to live. Please, Sir. Don’t turn me into a prisoner.”
President Green saw a single tear fall from Jessica’s beautiful eyes. “Alright, Mrs. Mayes, if those are your wishes, I will do as you ask.” Before President Green could say more, Major Levi hurried into the cafeteria. “Yes, Major?”
“Sir, reports are coming in,” Major Levi stated in an urgent voice. “Our military on both borders are reporting that hostile forces are mobilizing and preparing to attack.”
“Canada and Mexico—”
“Both countries are sending ground troops to their borders, Sir,” Major Levi confirmed. “No enemy tanks or jets have been spotted. Because of the virus, Sir, the enemy forces have no choice but to attack without their tanks and jets.”
“Mobilize our forces, Major.”
“We already have our jets in the air and our tanks rolling, Sir. Our Naval forces are prepared, as well,” Major Levi confirmed.
“One warning, Major. Order the enemy forces to stand down, or a nuclear strike will follow,” President Green warned. “The Nuclear strike will be followed by a ground invasion, supported by tanks and air power.”
“Yes Sir.” Major Levi glanced at Jessica, saw an extremely tired woman, and continued. “Sir, General Gatlin has sent in new satellite photos.”
“And?”
“Photos are showing that resistance forces are controlling the major cities,” Major Levi explained. “General Gatlin is calling for a conference call.”
“Probably to decide which is the best option, to avoid unneeded structural damage,” President Green nodded his head. “Major, we must try and save our cities. We must not allow our cities to be destroyed, and we must prevent as much loss of life as possible.” Jessica watched President Green rub his eyes. The man was being faced with difficult choices which no sitting President had ever been presented. “Mrs. Mayes, please excuse me.”
“Yes, Sir.” Jessica watched President Green grab his coffee and leave the cafeteria. As the man left, a young Staff Sergeant by the name of Tori Amerson entered wearing a tired Class A Army uniform, and a lovely but sleepy face tucked under a nest of black hair wrapped in a bun. For a mere second, Jessica feared the woman was Wendy Cratterson.
“Hello,” she spoke in a careful voice.
Sergeant Amerson, a forty-four-year-old mother of two and a wife of sixteen years, offered a tired wave. She walked over to a coffee counter and picked up a coffee cup. She knew exactly who Jessica Mayes was. Everybody did and were very curious about the woman.
“Your husband’s virus is really amazing,” she spoke, sticking her cup under a silver coffee container. “I’ve never seen anything like that virus in my life, and I know my stuff.”
“I...my husband was a brilliant man,” Jessica told Sergeant Amerson, uncertain of how to feel, or really of what to say.
Sergeant Amerson finished filling her coffee cup, grabbed a bran muffin out of a green bowl, and sat down across from Jessica.
“Excuse me,” she said, then bowed her head in prayer before she took a sip of coffee. “My husband and two children are asleep in the family quarters.”
“Oh...I wasn’t aware—”
“This bunker is very big, Mrs. Mayes,” Sergeant Amerson explained. “A person could roam around this bunker for days and days, but that’s beside the point.” Sergeant Amerson unwrapped her bran muffin. “We’re going to take America back, Mrs. Mayes, and your husband’s virus is our main weapon. Now, I can honestly say the virus scares me, but right now, according to what I heard, your husband programmed that virus to work on our side, and that’s enough for me. I guess I’m just curious as to what kind of man your husband was, and what kind of woman you are.” Sergea
nt Amerson took a bite of her bran muffin. “I saw your face all over the news, and I saw you kill a man.”
Jessica’s mind went back to the run-down motel she had woke up in, to a cold, miserable, frozen, snowy morning. Then she saw herself hunched down beside her sister’s van, avoiding the bullets coming from the gun of an insane, deranged trucker. Jessica saw her mind suddenly snap, as she moved away from the safety of the van and began firing a gun at the trucker. She had been filled with rage, pain, hurt, anger and her heart had been filled with overwhelming grief and misery.
“Yes, I did,” she whispered, feeling as if the incident had taken place ages ago, rather than a short time ago. “I’m very sorry I killed that man.”
“The news put a tight spin on the story,” Sergeant Amerson explained. “But anyone with common sense knew you killed in self-defense.” Sergeant Amerson fought back a yawn. Pulling the night shift was always tiring. “Mrs. Mayes, I don’t mean to intrude. I’m grateful that you are on our side.”
Sergeant Amerson spoke as if Jessica was a secret agent that still possessed many hidden, powerful, and dangerous secrets. Jessica studied her tomato soup for a few seconds, and then slightly nodded her head. “I’m grateful that there is a chance that America will be allowed to have prayer back in schools, and that the murder of unborn babies will end.”
“Amen to that,” Sergeant Amerson nodded her head. “President Green wants to turn America back into the ‘50s. You know; diners, juke boxes and meatloaf dinners. And while we may never get there, we will insert the values of our forefathers back into this country or die trying. It’s about time, too.” Sergeant Amerson carefully glanced around before continuing. “I personally hope we hang every man and woman with raw barbwire that has ever murdered an innocent child in the womb.” Sergeant Amerson took a sip of coffee, then prepared to leave cafeteria. Jessica remained, sitting alone to mull over the woman’s words.
Green File Crime Thrillers Box Set Page 49