200 Miles to Liberty

by P. A. Glaspy

  “That would seem to be the best course of action; but with no vice-president here to replace him, the job would then fall to me,” Phil replied. “Here’s where it gets sticky. I would have been one of the two people who would have been notified of his inability to lead the country. You can see that it could definitely be construed as a conflict of interest in the eyes of the American people.”

  “We’re going to have a lot to discuss, but let’s hear everything first,” Charles interjected. The Speaker continued.

  “Executive Order 148918: Effective immediately, the United States is under martial law. All state and local law enforcement will fall under the direction of the President, who will command the National Guard forces. State governors will no longer command and give direct orders to the National Guard of their respective state. All orders and assignments will come from the President.”

  Phil paused to see if anyone wanted to discuss it. The shaking heads and the looks of astonishment on the faces of the Joint Chiefs told him to go on.

  “Executive Order 148919: Effective immediately, the Second Amendment has been repealed. Private gun ownership is now illegal. The National Guard will be deployed on search and secure missions among the citizens of the United States to gather all guns held by anyone other than military or law enforcement. As such, the Fourth Amendment is repealed as well. All residents of the United States will surrender their guns or face severe consequences.”

  General McKenna snorted. “Oh, a twofer! Two amendments killed with one EO! I’m surprised he didn’t just repeal the whole Constitution!”

  “Executive Order 148920: Effective immediately, hoarding of supplies such as food and water is forbidden. Each family may keep three days’ worth of these items. Anything over that will be confiscated by the National Guard and delivered to FEMA camps, which will be set up in each state capital and any large city over one million people. The resources will be distributed equally and fairly from there.”

  “Fair to whom? Definitely not the people who planned for something like this,” Angie said. “How in God’s name do you take food from people who have it and will need it to feed their families in the coming months? How is that right?”

  Phil answered her. “I believe his rationalization is ‘the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few’, which he has been touting for years as the way of our country’s future. That we are all responsible for our fellow man and we must all sacrifice so that everyone is treated fairly.”

  “I’m pretty sure that’s going to go over like a lead balloon and will get good men and women killed in the process.” Angie leaned back indicating she had said her piece.

  “Executive Order 148921: Effective immediately, in the absence of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff will no longer command the troops of the United States. That responsibility will rest solely with the President of the United States. As well, the Joint Chiefs will no longer be asked to advise the President on any matters, military or otherwise. They are excused from their duties.”

  The room erupted in shouting as the Joint Chiefs leapt to their feet in anger.

  “He can’t do that! He can’t just dismiss us like students in a class!” Carl raged. “He has to be stopped!”

  “Read them the last line, Phil,” Charles said quietly.

  “Anyone who does not comply with the above orders will be arrested and executed for treason. Signed, Barton Olstein, President and Supreme Commander of the Republic”

  No one spoke at first. Then Carl started laughing. “Are you effing kidding me? Supreme Commander? He has gone off the deep end. What are we going to do about this? What can we do?”

  Phil smiled. “I’m glad you asked. Charles and I are working on a plan.”

  ~~~~~

  After hearing about the mission to retrieve the president-elect and what they planned to do in the interim, the Joint Chiefs were all in.

  “What do you need us to do?” Carl asked eagerly.

  “Well, for starters, you’re going to have to corral the Marines in the bunker. They need to know they take their orders from you, not Olstein. Grab a couple of sergeants to detain him when the time comes. I guarantee you he won’t go willingly.”

  “What about me?” Angie queried. “Not really a lot of Air Force personnel there. At least, I wouldn’t think so.”

  “That’s okay. With Stephens gone, I want you to take over the radio operations with the Navy. You’ll relay the new information as soon as Olstein is secure.”

  “Where is Arthur anyway? I haven’t seen him since the first day.” It was the first time General Anton Drysdale had addressed the group aloud.

  “Art chose to get out while he could. He has a brother in East Tennessee with land and supplies to make a go of it. I don’t blame him. If I’d had someplace like that to go, I probably would have skinned out, too. It’s going to be tough for a while. He was well past retirement. I wished him good luck. I hope he made it.”

  Drysdale looked confused by what he’d just heard. “Huh. I find that a little strange.”

  “Why is that?” Everley shot back. “You think he and his wife don’t deserve to find a safe place to hunker down and wait this out? Jean, his wife, isn’t in the best health. I’m sure he just wanted to get her away from the madness that may already be enveloping the city streets.”

  “That’s not what I was talking about. I don’t blame them a bit either. I just mean I find it strange that they left without their son.”

  Now it was Everley’s turn to look confused. “Which one? I thought all of their kids were in other parts of the country.”

  “They are, but one of them was just a few hours away. His name is Jason. He’s in the Secret Service and he’s assigned to David Tanner right now.”

  “Then he’s on his way here,” Charles replied. “Sorley told me one of them had demanded he come along. He said his name was Stephens. I just didn’t put two and two together.”

  “I don’t think they were close. Jason’s wife is a lobbyist and there were more than a few heated discussions between her and Art about how the lobbyists are ruining the country with their interference in the election process. I think Jason just found it easier to stay away.” Anton had a sad look on his face. “It was hard on both of them, but Jean took it the hardest. She begged Jason to stop by, even if it was only for a few minutes every so often, but he wouldn’t. He said he needed to support his wife. She finally stopped asking. Tough spot.”

  “I had no idea. Outside of Jean, Arthur never really talked about his family,” Angie added.

  Charles shrugged and said, “Well, that’s a discussion for another time. Right now, we need to get our plans finalized. This has to happen today. Let’s get busy.”

  ~~~~~

  “I’ve called you all here to inform you of some immediate changes in the structure of your chain of command,” Olstein began. “The crisis our country is facing calls for drastic measures to ensure the majority of the populace is provided for in terms of their basic needs: food, water, shelter, and security. To that end, I have written a few executive orders to be put in place immediately. They are as follows …” the president proceeded to recite the EOs he had written. There were murmurings among the assembled troops and Secret Service personnel. Olstein became agitated.

  “I see there is some discussion going on. Please share with everyone!” he snapped at the crowd. After a moment, a lieutenant spoke up.

  “Mister President, I don’t think you have the authority to do that.”

  “Well, I think I do. Our country is in complete turmoil, and we need to get control of the situation! We can’t have people running around with guns threatening other people or robbing them. There are a number of people out there who have much more food than others. That isn’t right! We should all be helping each other to get through this. Those with an abundance of food will need to donate that to help the greater good.”

  “But, if you take their guns and their food, at that point,
aren’t you robbing them, Sir?” came a voice from the crowd. The attendees in the room were talking louder now.

  Olstein’s face was turning a darker shade of crimson with each passing moment. “I don’t think you understand the gravity of the situation, people! We need everyone to pitch in here! You all will be responsible for gathering the supplies. This is not a request! This is an order from your Commander-in-Chief!”

  “Gathering? Don’t you mean commandeering? No, Sir, I can’t, in good conscience, do that,” one of the soldiers responded from the group. “I didn’t enlist to steal from or hurt law-abiding Americans who have done nothing wrong.” He turned around and started for the door. Several others in attendance followed him.

  “How dare you walk out on me! You took an oath to obey my orders! Security! Stop them!”

  The lieutenant who had spoken earlier was among the group who were leaving. She stopped, turned back to Olstein, and replied, “We also took an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. You aren’t doing that, Mister President, so your orders are null and void.” With that, she continued on toward the door. The remaining troops followed, leaving Olstein fuming with rage. He turned on the Secret Service agents standing behind him.

  “Why didn’t you stop them? I gave you an order! I want them all arrested!”

  Agent Walters looked calmly at the president and replied, “Our job is to protect you, Sir. They posed no threat to you, so we had no reason to intervene. They’re following their oath and doing what they think is right. That’s not a reason to arrest them.”

  “If I order you to arrest them, that’s all the reason you need! Why is no one following my orders?” Olstein fumed.

  “I’m sorry, Sir, but I can’t detain people who have done nothing wrong. I think we should get you back to your quarters now, Mister President.”

  Olstein stomped off toward his office. Under his breath, he mumbled, “I need to find new people who will do what I say without question. There’s going to be some changes around here very soon.”

  Chapter 7

  Damon and crew were progressing slowly, but steadily, down South Middlebush Road. The decision made earlier to keep the rifles visible seemed to be working as a deterrent to the people outside who saw them. Shouted questions came from the side of the road, along with shaken fists and rude gestures, but no one approached them again. Nearing Highway 27, the housing complexes fell away, but a new problem surfaced. Damon tapped Hutch on the arm and pointed in front of them.

  “That’s gonna be a problem.” Hutch nodded slowly in agreement. Where South Middlebush crossed the highway, a multi-car pileup was blocking the intersection.

  “I’m open to suggestions here,” Hutch said. “I don’t see us pushing our way through this with a camper attached to the Humvee.”

  Damon had donned a hat and was slipping on a pair of gloves. “I’m gonna get out and see if I can come up with an alternate route. Hold tight for a minute.” He grabbed his rifle and stepped out into the snow.

  “Roger that. Light, keep him in your sights,” Hutch replied.

  “On it, Cap.” Darrell watched as Damon stepped out and surveyed the area. To their right was a small strip mall, doors and windows already broken in. A liquor store and candy shop were especially hard hit. On the left was a physical therapy rehab center. Damon walked around the front of the Humvee and on toward the highway. Watching for any potential threats, he stepped out onto the highway and looked in both directions. Landscaped shrubs and trees adorned the corners, making it impossible for them to try to go around the problem. Scanning the surroundings, his eyes lit up at something. He hurried back to the Humvee and went to the driver side door.

  Hutch rolled the window down and said, “Well, have you solved the puzzle?”

  Grinning, Damon replied, “I think so. If you turn left here at the entrance to the rehab center, it loops back around to the highway. Then we can go through the parking lot of that Japanese restaurant over there.” He pointed to the building across the street. “We can get back on track from there, although it looks like the street changes names to Sand Hills Road. After that, we need to get our speed up again and make sure everybody is ready, because we’ll be going to the heart of Kendall Park then. Lots of houses, which equals lots of people, between here and Highway 1.”

  “Okay, go ahead and climb in and let’s get moving.” Hutch put the Humvee in gear and looked expectantly at Damon.

  “I think I’m gonna walk alongside until we get to the highway. My legs could use the stretch.” Damon took another look around then motioned for Hutch to come with him into the parking lot. Hutch turned the rig and followed him.

  The snow had drifted at the parking lot entrance, but the building had provided a buffer for the rest of the lot. Damon was scanning the building, the doors and windows in front surprisingly unscathed, and the parking lot on the other side. Not seeing anything that caused him concern, he turned back to face the Humvee.

  “I think it’s clear,” he called out. “Just keep coming —” His remark was cut short when a bullet hissed past his head.

  “Shooter!” Darrell yelled. “Perez, help me find him, but stay low!”

  Damon dropped onto his belly in the snow. He heard another shot and the sound of a round hitting metal. He immediately rolled until the Humvee was in front of him. He rose to a crouching position then stood a bit straighter until he could see inside the vehicle. Jason had closed the back hatch and had the Tanners bent over so that they were shielded by the seat backs. Stacy and Liz had popped out of the camper and taken up positions between it and the Humvee, one on each side. Darrell and Marco were both scanning the strip mall on the other side of the street, as that’s where it appeared the shot had come from.

  “Anybody got eyes on the shooter?” Hutch called out from inside the Humvee.

  “Nothing yet, Cap,” Marco responded. “Hold on! I’ve got something — one o’clock!”

  Damon moved to the driver side of the hood and looked through the scope of his rifle. Though it was hard to see within the dimly lit interior of the former liquor store, he was able to make out two heads attached to two bodies with handguns pointed their direction. He rapped lightly on the hood to get the attention of the occupants. Hutch and Jason both turned his way to see him pointing at his eyes with two fingers and then holding two up indicating he had seen two people.

  “Sorely has eyes on two, Light,” Hutch said aloud for Darrell’s benefit. “Confirm.”

  “Confirmed. I only see two in the liquor store.” Darrell continued to scan the area around the liquor store. “Wait — two more next door at the gym!”

  Stacy, who was behind the passenger side of the vehicle, spoke. “Another two on foot taking cover behind a car in the parking lot. Rules of engagement, Sir?”

  “Don’t fire unless fired upon. When that happens, don’t miss,” Hutch said resolutely.

  “Copy that. Perez, Thompson, if they shoot, we shoot back!” she called to Liz and Marco.

  “Got it,” Liz replied.

  “Roger!” Marco answered as well.

  The team waited to see what the attackers’ next move would be. They didn’t have to wait long. One of the men in the parking lot yelled out, “Nobody needs to get hurt! You all just step on out of that vehicle and walk away! We just want the ride!”

  “Never gonna happen!” Damon retorted. “This vehicle is owned by the United States government, and we are on official business. Have your men come out and lay down their weapons, or we will be forced to fire upon you!”

  “Ha! Come and take them! We ain’t laying down a damn thing!” the man retorted.

  “Light, pick one in the gym. Relay to Perez to pick one in the liquor store, and Manning to target one of the two on her side. Thompson is backup for that side.” Hutch spoke calmly as he checked his rifle and his vest. Turning toward the back, he said, “Stephens, I’m going out to assist. The Tanners are yours. Sir, Ma’am.” He
addressed them each in turn, then slid over and climbed out on the passenger side. He crouched down, shut the door, and ran the best that he could to join Damon up front. Once there, he acquired the two in the parking lot. “Manning, I’ve got your six,” he called out. She gave a quick nod to acknowledge him but never took her eyes off her target.

  “Well, this is unexpected,” Hutch said to Damon. “Any ideas on how to proceed?”

  “I have a feeling somebody is going to get hurt or die here.” Damon made the statement with a hint of sadness in his voice. “Let’s make sure it’s not any of our people.”

  “Roger that.”

  The man from the parking lot shouted again. “Best I can tell there isn’t any United States government anymore! It’s every man for himself now. From what I can see, we’ve got a pretty even matchup here! What do ya say we see who’s the better shot!”

  As he said the last word, he took aim with an AR-style rifle and fired on Stacy’s position. Stacy jumped and ducked back to the front of the camper, even though the bullet was high over her head.

  “Manning! Status!” Hutch yelled.

  “All good! My granny can shoot better than that asshole and she’s almost blind!” she shouted loud enough for the would-be carjackers to hear. Her fellow Guardsmen made a point of laughing uproariously so the sound carried across the street.

  Voice filled with rage, the man bellowed, “I’ll show you some shootin’, bitch!” He pointed the rifle at Stacy again. A shot rang out, but it wasn’t from his gun. The man dropped his gun and grabbed his jacket pulling it open to reveal a stain of crimson blood that was expanding across his chest. He dropped to his knees then fell face first into the snow at his feet. His buddy started to leave his position and apparently thought better of it, staying behind the SUV he was using for cover.