After a while Goldie rose and walked down the trail towards the falls. He knelt then sat by his wife and sons gravesite and looked out over the pond. The water gently running over the falls had always brought calmness to the old mans heart but this time peace was difficult to find. Oh Gracie my love, he said, I miss you so. How can I go on without you angel. He closed his eyes and for a moment he could see her sitting with Jeff as she said you must do what is required of you love then we will meet again. He opened his eyes and held back the tears then rose and said goodbye angel. He turned to see Mac and all his old friends standing off a ways. Together they walked back up the trail to the campsite. One of the men started into the mess tent saying he could use a Pepsi, then asked, want one top? Goldie said sure could use one my friend. His friend returned with the Pepsi and Mac laughed and said Top you haven’t changed a bit. The men all agreed and after a few jokes Goldie was in good spirits again.
Mac said top what will we need to take the base if it comes to that. Goldie said the air base is organized to respond to threats from outside forces. They are not prepared for, nor do they expect, to face a local threat. Their security forces consist of an air police company of approximately 250 members. They have a one hundred man augmentation force comprised of regular air force members, mostly a paper force, detailed to respond for crowd control. Many of these two groups would be off duty at any given time at their homes on and off base. Realistically they can be expected to muster one third their numbers at any given time. Although we can accomplish our goals with far fewer personnel, we will send two thousand men in from each direction and possibly avoid any real resistance with a show of force.
Later that evening the men sat around the camp relaxed talking about old times. The time passed slowly but night came and the men retired to their tents. Goldie was awakened early by one of the sentries who advised Richard had called to say he and the others would be coming over after lunch to discuss new events taking place. He looked at his watch and saw it was near eight o’clock but a glance out saw Mac and some of the men seated by the fire having coffee. Mac looked up and said morning top, coffee and hot chocolate is ready. Goldie got a cup of hot water adding some cocoa and sat down.
Mac said wonder whats up with Richard and Goldie replied recon we’ll find out soon enough. After everyone had coffee and ate Goldie said we need to inventory our equipment and supplies so we can advise Richard of anything we might need. Tom, one of his old squad members, said he would take a couple of men and take care of it we have already had coffee and taters. Goldie asked have the prisoners been fed and watered and was advised they have been. Mac asked still complaining are they, and the men said they never stop.
Later Goldie said well lets go see how the inventory is going and Mac and the others all got up and went to the supply tents together. They met Tom coming out of a tent, just finishing up. He said we are in pretty good shape all around. We may need some extra rations if we get all the troops together and move on the air base but we have enough rockets and ammo to sustain a major operation if it’s needed. All our radios and field phones are in working order and medical supplies are in good shape. Mac said good work men, nothing to do right now except wait for Richard and the others to get here.
Goldie said I don’t know about the rest of you but I could use a bath and change of cloths so I’m going down to the falls. The others said good idea and they all got a clean change of cloths and went to the stream below the falls. The water was cold but Mac laughed and said it’s better than those damn stinking rice swamps. They washed their uniforms and hung them in the trees to let them dry in the sun and wind. After getting into clean uniforms they walked back to the campfire to wait for their visitors to arrive.
The lookout signaled company coming, looks like Richard and the others. As they pulled into the camp area Goldie and the others rose to meet them. Mac said coffees hot if you would like some and threes still some taters and bacon left. The visitors passed saying they had already had lunch. Well Goldie said what brings you folks back so soon? Richard replied, We have been contacted by representatives of general Sheridan. He wants to arrange a meeting between his aids and some leaders who can speak for the militia. All are agreed, if such a meeting is to take place, you must be in attendance. You know the general, you’re the only one of us who does. Our people all across this land have learned from your example. From the day you went on television and called for militia resistance the people have followed They trust you and your judgment.
I will not meet with his aids alone. If we are to talk it must be face to face with the general himself. I want to look in his eyes and watch his reactions, that will tell us a lot more than the words of his aids. Also I think we need to move and take control of the air base and get some fighter and choppers under our control before any talks with the general. When and if we meet we must be in a position to make him understand the consequences of any decisions he makes. The old special forces captain said he agreed. Retired colonel Wallace added, the general respects strength and the willingness to use it, I agree we must move fast before meeting with him. Richard said then we are agreed, I will advise the others of our decision and coordinate the actions out west to coincide with your move on the base here.
Goldie said have your people advise the general we will honor his request for a meeting once certain conditions are met. Once we move he will understand what those conditions were and know we are committed. Agreed Richard said then asked when do you want to make our move. Goldie said our people are ready now. This is Friday, we will hit the base at 2100 hrs. Monday the 21st. That’s the time the base command has their weekly staff meeting. We want them all on base when we move in. Richard said Monday it is. I will contact you to confirm all is ready at the other locations. Now my friends we must return to headquarters, is there any supplies you need for the operation. Mac answered we have all that is needed. Colonel Wallace and the captain rose and took Goldie’s hand then walked towards their vehicles. Richard turned one final time to snap a salute as they drove away.
Mac said well we have work to do. He turned to the communications man and said contact Tim and the boys and tell them we need them here tonight. The communications man said will do and headed towards the main tent. Mac said well this has been quiet a day wonder what the general has up his sleeve. Goldie replied hard to tell Mac but it could go either way. He may be stalling for time to get the rest of his troops here or he may have a course of action planned and want our consensus. But he could simply call and advise us if he was going to order all united nations personnel out, so he must have other plans in mind. Either way Monday night we will send him a clear message we intend to stay the course until liberty and self government is returned to the people. Mac told the cook break out the fixings for some hot chocolate and dig into those donuts you made this morning. Goldie said sounds great lets get to it.
The communications chief reported Tim and the boys are on their way in and should be here within the hour. Goldie said good work now lets enjoy the chocolate and see what the television guys are saying while we wait for them. A commentator was talking excitedly about militia actions all across the country. It is reported that most highways are unsafe for travel by government personnel and military warehouses are being broken into and supplies are being stolen. There have been instances of confrontations and firefights between military units and militia members in a dozen states and the violence appears to be escalating. It is being reported that most of these battles are at or near military bases or government buildings where united nations military and civilian personnel are stationed. The new head of the united nations is demanding the release of united nations prisoners.
The commentator said it has been reported that scores of united nations military and civilian advisors have been taken prisoner in California, Minnesota, Michigan, and Indiana. also it is reported that in Minnesota and Michigan militia troops took several dozen united nations personnel to the Canadian border where they were
released and driven across the borders into Canada while militia members armed with shotguns and buckshot fired at these people as they fled across the border. Clearly he added, the strength of the militia is increasing and they appear to be well organized, well armed, and led by capable leaders. Washington appears unable at this time to bring the turmoil to an end. The new head of the united nations is threatening to order united nations troops in to protect his people and restore order.
Mac said dam it looks like people everywhere have had enough and are on the move. Yeah, one of the men added, and it’s about time. Goldie said these actions have been going on for some time it’s only now that the media is starting to talk about it. Once we take control of the air bases we’ll teach them a lesson if they come across the borders, whether general Sheridan does or not. Just then the lookout signaled company coming in. They looked up to see Tim and the boys with Brian walking up the path to the campfire. James asked what’s up dad? Mac told them grab some coffee and have a seat we have plans to coordinate men. Soon all were seated around the fire and talking about the recent actions of militia across the country.
Goldie told the others our friends are ready to move on the two bases out west at the same time we launch our attack here. Mac and I have worked out the details and will give you your assignments. We have prepared maps and instructions for you to study and prepare for this action, but for now we will go over them with you and answer any questions or concerns you have. Now here it is. We hit the base at 2100 hours, Monday night. This is Friday so we have work to do. Tim you and James, and Joshua are to select 3,000 each of your best men. Have them armed with their carbines and well supplied with ammo. Each of you have one squad armed with rocket launchers as well as their carbines. Each of you bring a medical team with you in case they are needed. Do these requirements pose a problem for anyone? All agreed they did not and they could ready far more than three thousand if needed.
Mac will lay out your assignments for you. Look at the second page of your instructions. There are sketches for each of you. Learn your positions and objectives of attack well as Mac goes over them with you. Mac said ok men listen up and look at your maps. Tim this is your assignment. Goldie and I and our squad will be with your element. You will approach the base from route 68 north of xenia. It gets dark now at seven PM. Start dropping your men off and assemble them in the wooded park area just east of the main base gate. Goldie and I and our squad will get there ahead of you and meet you at this location. Have the men stay well back in the woods until all is ready. At exactly 2100 hours our squad will break thru the gates, head directly toward the base command center outlined in red on your map. Have one company follow us to secure that building once we are inside. Have one company take control of the adjacent communications building outlined in blue. The other buildings outlined in yellow are logistics building manned at night by a few civilian personnel and some military coworkers. Secure those buildings and those inside. Have one company secure the hospital and area to the left marked in orange. Set up a perimeter for security around the entire area and wait for further instructions.
Mac said James listen up. You will bring your men in on route four and drop them off and assemble in the woods across the highway from the base entrance. There is a gate at that entrance only a guard shack with one guard usually. Again wait until dark, around seven o’clock before arriving at that location. At exactly 2100 hrs move fast onto the base and have two companies head left towards those buildings highlighted in red. Those three buildings are the supply centers for food and medical provisions for the base. Take prisoner anyone inside then set up a perimeter outside and secure those buildings. Have one company go right towards the area colored green. Those are the small arms and ammunition bunkers embedded along the railroad tracks. There are walking sentries roving the embedded area, take them out fast then secure the building located at the right. That is the guard headquarters where the duty officer and relief personnel stay. Take those inside captive then set up a perimeter to prevent anyone from gaining entry. Marked in blue is the transportation center where all post vehicles are maintained. Secure that area then wait for further instructions.
Joshua listen up. You have your men move in on old route 495 where route four ends. Proceed along 495 until you reach the landing field and runways. At the east side of the runways where the road turns towards south is a wooded area. Assemble your men in the woods in the area marked green. Again plan to arrive at seven pm after dark. That is an isolated area mostly unguarded except for one sentry at the gate. At 2100 hours take out the guard then move one company directly towards the blue area on your right and secure the aircraft hangers. Have another company secure all aircraft on the runways. To the left as you move in is an area marked in red, those buildings are where off duty standby pilots sleep. Send one company and secure those buildings and take control of those inside. Take the rest of your men and set up a perimeter along the line marked in yellow. Cover that entire area to prevent anyone who tries from crossing into the munitions bunkers where the heavy stuff is stored. Once done standby for further instructions. He said men I know you are familiar with the base area and approaches to it. Are there any questions?
Ok men, once Mac and our squad have the command area and base command personnel in our hands we will wait for each of you to advise us when your targets have been secured. At that time we will instruct you as what disposition you make with prisoners. I expect little resistance because except for a few guards and air police military and civilian personnel at the base are unarmed. We will cut off access to their weapons and supplies before they know what is happening. Tim we will need you to have about twenty of your men come here tomorrow night and be prepared to stay here at camp for a few days till we return. Tim said no problem they will be here.
Well guys Mac said, lets have a can of Pepsi and a hot dog before you head back home. The cook brought out some hot dogs and they sat by the fire for a while discussing the job ahead. It was a sad day for most of them having to launch an attack on their own air base. Several of the men have friends who work at the base and others had retired from civil employment at the base themselves. But all agreed it had to be done. Finally Mac said well it’s time to get moving. Goldie told them all, go home contact your leaders and select your men for the job. Goldie walked with Tim and the boys to their car. He looked at his sons and Tim then said, here is some cash for transportation costs for you and your men, we don’t want any family doing without things they need. Call and advise me when all is ready. He gave his sons a hug and said see you at the base when things have quieted down. He watched as they drove away then turned and walked back the trail to camp.
Mac said well nothing to do now but wait until all is ready to make our move. He turned to the cook and asked is there any of that hot chocolate left? The cook said sure is I’ll bring some right out. One of the men said that sure sounds good. Mac said wonder what is on the tube then reached over and turned the portable TV on. The commentator was still talking about the activities going on across the country and the way united nations people were being treated by the terrorists. The new head of the UN is demanding the release of his wife and the others being held prisoner. It has been reported that the joint chiefs and the chairman are currently meeting. It is said there has been some communication between them and militia leaders, although that has not been confirmed. The cook brought out the chocolate and some sausage links and bread The guys all made sandwiches and enjoyed the hot chocolate. Finally all agreed it had been a long day and time to turn in for the night. Goldie lay for awhile listening to the night sounds wondering how could it sound so peaceful with all the trouble in the world. Finally he drifted off to sleep.
He awoke to the smell of coffee and looked out of his tent to see Mac and the others sitting by the fire. He donned his field uniform then walked out to join the others. Mac handed him a cup of coffee and said the cook will have some bacon and eggs in a few minuets top. After having breakfast Go
ldie told their communications man to try to contact the boys and Tim and have them meet us here then said Mac lets go have a word with the traitors. Once there he said madam president your old man got his wish, he has been named president of that bunch of despots who call themselves a united nations. But he won’t have you and your bunch of traitorous friends to hand the country over to him like you planned. He told the guards, take them one at a time down to the falls and water them down the stench is pretty bad in here. He turned and they left the tent and walked back to their field office to wait for Tim and his sons.
A short time later the boys arrived at the camp. James told his dad Tim is on the way and is bringing men to help care for the camp and prisoners. Goldie asked are your men ready to move out tomorrow if we get the go ahead? James and Joshua replied our men are ready and transportation has been worked out. We have gone over the plans with our commanders and all is ready. Just then Tim came pulling into camp with his men and joined the discussion. Tim advised he had gone over the plans with his leaders and the men and equipment are ready when given the word. Goldie said Mac while we wait for word from Richard will you take Tim’s men over to the guard shack and have Brian fill them in on what they can do to help out here while we are away. Mac said ok lets go guys I’ll show you the way. He returned in a few minuets and said Brian is getting their tents pitched and filling them in on what they can do to help out here.
The lookout called to report Richard and some others are coming in. Goldie and the others rose to greet their visitors then all sat down to discuss their future plans. Richard said first let me tell you all plans are made and the troops are prepared to move on the bases in new Mexico and Texas. Goldie advised we too are ready to make our move. Our commanders have been alerted, operational plans have been decided, and the men are ready to strike at 2100 hours tomorrow night. We expect to have the base and all personnel and equipment secured within a very short time. Richard said our pilots, crew members, maintenance and munitions personnel will be standing by waiting your orders to move in and assume control of the aircraft at the base. We are advised the same preparations are in place at the other locations. Goldie said we will contact you as soon as the base is under our control.
The Patriot Page 19
