Jon Smith

by Richard Proctor

  James stepped into the building that would serve as his command post. He saluted the administrative staff and stepped into a larger room with a large table that was covered by maps. Major Jeffers was there surveying the maps and writing down company assignments.

  “Colonel James, good to see you.” said Jeffers.

  “And you sir good to see you Major. How are the troops?”

  “Oh they are in good spirits and ready for this new assignment. Frankly I think they are glad to be out of Africa and back on home soil.” said Jeffers.

  James, mused a moment at Jeffers’ comment about being on home soil. He was thinking that if they were home then why were they going to be fighting home folk. It all just made no sense but then very little had made sense to him the past ten years.

  “Well, how are we as far as having the regiment here?” asked James.

  “Eighty percent have arrived and the other twenty will be here within the week.”

  “Good, it will give us time to plan and give the men a bit of rest.” said James

  “I am not sure about that. We have received orders from Regional Governor Tarl to enact plan 1.”

  James thought again about that ranch in northern New Mexico that he wanted and wondered if he ought to just leave for it now.

  “Plan 1, the directive to set up roadblocks and check points around the region?” asked James.

  “Yes sir that is it. Also the governor is going to embed I reporters with some of our squads in the roadblocks. He feels like that he should show the people just what is going on in regards to the black market economy.”

  “Well, let’s just hope that we only catch a few truckers and not run into any militia that might decide they don’t want to be interviewed.” said James.

  “Sir, the governor has also requested a daily report and direct access to all check points in order to keep a close eye on the situation.”

  Colonel James shook his head and gave a slight laugh.

  “Maybe Governor Tarl should come and join our command?” said James.

  Jeffers gave a look of rapprochement.

  “Sir the civilian authority has supreme command over us and we must adhere to their wishes as we are only an extension of the bureaucracy.”

  “Jeffers, I will never be a piece of this bureaucracy as I am a soldier. Yes I will take my orders but I am no bureaucrat. You know I think it best that you be our liaison between us and the governor. Just let me know what he wants and I will make sure it happens.” said James.

  Jeffers shook his head in agreement and smiled. He knew that this would offer him the opportunity for more advancement,

  “Certainly Colonel, I think that would be splendid. In fact governor Tarl has requested a meeting this afternoon and I will attend with your compliments.”

  “That sounds good Jeffers. Now I think I will make some rounds and see how the companies are doing.”

  Colonel James bid his goodbye to Jeffers and proceeded to the first barracks. As he entered the men came to attention and stood ready for inspection.

  “At ease men, I am just seeing how you are settling in.”

  James came over to a private and looked over his things.

  “Well soldier how does it feel to be out of that African heat?”

  “Sir, it feels great to be back in crisp air and on American soil.” said the private.

  He then corrected himself. “Sorry sir I meant to say Western soil.”

  “Quite alright private, old habits die hard.” said James.

  With the advent of the World Order, many of the countries could no longer use their traditional names as geographic locations. The word America had always been used when describing the country of the United States so the term was being phased out and replaced by a geographic reference. While the word American continent had been used in the past the new reference to what America, Canada, and Mexico was now called the Western Continent.

  Colonel James progressed through the barracks, greeting the men and surveying the state of them. He perceived that while their morale was high, there seemed to be some doubt about the mission. While he never fully discussed it with the men, their comments lead him to the surmising of the scenario. He began to worry that his command might not be up for what they were being ordered to do. Many of these men were very similar in beliefs as he and that is what had made the regiment so strong.

  James turned in the direction of the mountains and looked toward the whitecaps and the mid afternoon sun reflecting off of them. As he stared at them he thought to himself, what a beautiful land this once was. He turned away and toward his command vehicle thinking he could sure use a drink.

  Major Jeffers’ electric vehicle pulled into the underground garage of the regional government building. He parked and made for the elevator that would take him to the main floor. From there he boarded the elevator that took him to the 51st floor where Governor Tarl had his offices. He walked briefly down the hall and stopped at adjutant Schneider’s desk.

  “Major Jeffers as requested.”

  “Why yes Major, the Governor is expecting you. Is Colonel James not coming as well?” asked Schneider.

  “No he as asked that I liaison between himself and Governor Tarl as needed.”

  “Very well then let me take you right in.”

  Adjutant Schneider and Major Jeffers entered the office of Governor Tarl. Tarl was sitting behind his desk reading reports and sipping a cup of tea. At the sight of the Major he stood and came around his desk. Extending his hand Tarl welcomed the Major.

  “Is Colonel James not to join us?” asked Tarl.

  “Sir, as I explained to the adjutant, the Colonel has asked that I be the liaison unless it is of an urgent matter.”

  Tarl had a queer look on is face but at once accepted the position.

  “Well come in and sit, would you like some tea?” asked Tarl

  “Why yes it is about that time is it not?”

  “Adjutant, please bring the Major some tea.”

  “Why certainly.” said Schneider.

  While waiting on the tea the two sat and chatted about the region and the condition of the in coming regiment. Schneider came back with a cup of tea for the Major and departed, closing the door behind him. Tarl seeing the door close turned the conversation straight to point.

  “It is probably best that you work with me on this. I am not certain that Colonel James’ heart is totally in this endeavor. He is a top notch soldier but fails to understand the politics unlike you Major.” said Tarl.

  “Yes sir, I understand the purpose and the means in this scenario.”

  “Excellent, most excellent.”

  Tarl stood up and stopped at the large window over looking the city and toward the mountains.

  “Jeffers, it is most important that we end this separatist movement. Our society depends on a total acceptance and conformance in order to thrive. We cannot have a group of peoples that live outside of the Order so at all costs we must either make them conform or eliminate them. To this point I feel like we will have to do the latter as I do not see that these groups will join us. This Jon Smith, the leader of one group is a man that will not adapt to our world. Maybe that is a shame because something tells me if he would accept our ideals he could make a great example. Well enough of that.”

  “Jeffers, I want these road blocks to be most effective. The men are to use whatever means is necessary to stop the flow of all contraband.”

  “Sir we will do what ever is necessary.” said Jeffers.

  “Also, how effective are your special commandos?” asked Tarl.

  “They are highly trained sir.”

  “Are they also capable of carrying out very special orders, orders that may seem a bit outside of regular combat rules?”

  “If you mean will they go behind lines and perform assassina
tions, yes they will on orders.” said Jeffers.

  Tarl smiled and went into a detailed plan of what he wanted. Jeffers surmised the plan and being devious and political he was in full agreement.

  “Listen, why don’t you command that piece yourself only letting me in on progress. No need to inform James. Alright?” said Tarl.

  “Certainly sir, you can count on me.”

  “Yes I can and I will.”

  Chapter 12

  “Well, what do you think about taking this road?” said Carlos.

  “I don’t know. How do we know if the Urban troops don’t have that one blockaded as well.” said Jake.

  Jake took another look out of the hatch of the Humvee. He focused in on what appeared to be a couple of APCs and about twenty men. They had not spotted the two and seemed to be just mulling around.

  “I think we have got to get off of this road and head that way.” as Carlos pointed to the map. “We are forty five miles from the drop point and I want to get there before dark.”

  “Ok, but let’s just hope that small road is not covered,” said Jake.

  The Humvee took of and headed down an out of the way road. They were bringing cargo up from the north to drop off at what was the central point in the old state of Colorado.

  The road began to tighten and long range visibility began to drop as the curves in the road would not permit a long range view. Twenty miles down the trip the Humvee came around a corner to find an APC with twenty men just ready for them. The Humvee came to a sudden stop and Jake threw the transmission in reverse. Before they moved ten feet the vehicle was slashed with rounds of machine gun fire.

  Carlos popped out of the hatch with an AR 15 and began to return fire as best he could. The first blast caused the troops to drop to the ground. Before Jake could back up and turn another blast of fire hit the vehicle. At this point damage was light but it would only be a matter of time before the troops would engage with rockets.

  The Storm troop detachment held their position as they engaged the black Humvee. The return of their fire was a surprise but had been expected. The reporter that was embedded with the group had switched on his camera and was recording the action as it unfolded.

  “Man is this really what goes on.” yelled the reporter.

  “Corporal, get the javelin up here and take that vehicle out.” said the commanding Lieutenant.

  At once the Storm trooper took up position and fired the rocket launcher at the Humvee. The missile hit the front part right at the front wheel well and exploded, knocking the vehicle on its side. After that there was no movement from the occupants of the vehicle.

  Six troopers advanced toward the Humvee, ready to fire if needed but there was no need. When they looked inside they saw that both the driver and passenger were dead.

  “All clear sir.’ radioed the squad leader back to the Lieutenant.

  “Well Mr. Reporter, come on up and let’s see what we have.” said the Lieutenant.

  As the rest of the troop came up, the first few of the squad had already dragged the dead bodies out and were examining them. They also removed the weapons that the two had brought.

  “Looks like we have an AR 15 and a 45 pistol.” said one of the troopers.

  From the back several troopers had begun to go through the cargo. The reporter was already there taking a full digital report.

  “Well two 50 pound bags of flour, one 50 pound bag of coffee, some shirts and pants, and what’s this. Looks like a box of something.” said the trooper.

  The trooper opened the box and looked at the containers of pills and vials of medicine.

  “Looks like some kind of medicine and there seems to be instructions on the front.”

  Deliver to JS care of Doc, coordinates 35-27. JS, Doc, I wonder.”

  “Lieutenant, what do you make of this?”

  The officer came over and examined the box and contents. “Well it is medicine for someone and looks like we now have the coordinates of a central drop zone for contraband. Radio in and let them know about this.”

  Shortly the information was sent back and the information was directly relayed to Major Jeffers and to Governor Tarl.

  “JS mused Tarl, ah it can only be our friend Jon Smith. I will bet it is medicine for his wife that is terminal.”

  “And on top of that we have coordinates for what seems to be a collection point.” said Jeffers.

  “I have a plan; have that reporter make sure he gets good footage of all of this. Schneider, get a camera person in here to film me. I have quite a performance set up for Mr. Smith and the other outliers.” said Tarl.

  “Sir, should we engage the facility at the coordinate points?” asked Jeffers.

  “It is late in the day. Have a full squad detach there in the morning and find out what is there.”

  “Yes sir, first thing.”

  Governor Tarl had a grand smile on his face as he knew what he was about to do was oh so devious and cruel.

  The next morning two APCs filled with ten men each pulled up to a driveway in the foothills. The vehicles proceeded forward and came to a stop in front of a building that looked like a warehouse. The front sliding panel door was closed and there was no apparent activity inside or outside of the building. The commander and the troop disembarked from the vehicles via the opening back door and proceeded forward. The commanding Lieutenant sent three men to the back, and three to either side. The remaining eleven would remain at the front.

  “Sir, the door will not open, shall we blow it open?” asked the trooper.

  “Yes bring up charges.”

  The troopers brought up the explosives and diligently hooked up the wireless detonator.

  “All set sir.”

  The commander informed all the men to be prepared for anything.

  “All right blow it.”

  “Fire in the hole.” shouted the trooper as he pressed the ignition button.

  With the explosion and caving in of the front door, several things happened all at once. At the back of the building another panel door flew open and the sound of a powerful engine revved up. The next noise was the sound of squealing tires as a black 1968 convertible Corvette exploded through the opening. The 327 engine went to full power as the driver poked an AR 15 over the windshield and let loose a torrent of bullets at the three troopers guarding the back. One of the three troopers went down having taken shots to the neck and head. The other two fell flat and covered. Dick let out a rebel yell as he flew past the two troopers and poked the rifle backward for one final departing shot.

  The troopers rose and tried to return fire but the vehicle had already hit 100 miles per hour and there was no way they could get a hit. Dick smiled as he opened the bottle of tequila in his hand and took a big swig. He laid the rifle next to two others and a shotgun. The remainder of the compartment contained a large bag of gold, some food and a few extra clothes. It was rumored that several months later a black Corvette was parked inside a shed just outside a small house on the Pacific Mexican coast. A man fitting Dick’s description was said to be entertaining several ladies and living a life supported by gold coin and tequila.

  The company commander was watching as the smoke cleared from the building. He got on his radio and checked in his positions. When he called the rear position the trooper in charge responded the situation.

  “Sir, hard to explain but the back door blew open and a high powered sports car driven by a man firing a machine gun came out. Sir Private Krauss has been hit and sir, he is KIA.”

  The commander paused a moment and then heard an overriding call coming in. It was Major Jeffers.

  “What is the situation there, I thought I heard we had a man KIA?”

  “Yes sir we have one KIA.”

  “Have you reckoned the building yet?” asked Jeffers.

  “No sir but we will d
o so now.”

  The commander motioned for five of his troop to enter the building and report what they found. As the five entered they saw that the building was a warehouse of such. There were dry goods and food stuffs all of which they reported back. Now not only Jeffers was on the link but Governor Tarl as well.

  “Seems we have found a major hub for supply to the outlying groups.” said Tarl.

  “Yes it would seem so.” said Jeffers.

  The five man squad saw and reported the gasoline pump. They went over and pulled out the nozzle and turned it on. With a squeeze gasoline came out.

  “Sir seems this place was also a refueling depot.”

  “Gasoline, how revolting a substance.” said Tarl.

  The squad then entered what looked to be an office and noted a safe that had been opened and was now empty. They mulled through papers and then noted a short wave radio set that had been gutted of its wires. Then they saw a clock sitting on a chest over in the corner.

  “Sir we have found many papers and a destroyed radio. This had to have been a central point for distribution and that man in the car was no doubt in charge. Sir there is also a clock but it is a strange clock.” said the private.

  “How so.” asked the commander.

  “Well it is at double zero and the seconds are dropping.’

  “Dropping?” asked the commander.

  “Yes 9 8 7 6.”

  “Oh my god, get the hell out of there.”

  As the commander got the last word out there was a terrific explosion followed by several more. The building was blown apart and the outward force blew fragments into the entire company. Then at once explosives detonated the fuel tanks and the fire ball incinerated everything within a two hundred yard area. The only remnants of the squad were some burning bodies and two furiously burning APCs.

  Governor Tarl had been staring out of his 51st floor window in the general direction of the action and soon saw the fireball move upward followed by a shaft of smoke. He radioed to Jeffers to try to get the disposition of the squad but Jeffers could get nothing in reply. Both men figured that the group had been wiped out. Tarl turned back toward his desk and crumpled in his chair. He stared and then pounded a fist on his desk.