by Cliff Deane
Ben was on this trip to Defiance to brief President Bassett on the progress of recruitment and training of a new Task Force sufficient to defeat the Caliphate in DC and to discuss the logistics of establishing a secure trade route with parts of Western Virginia’s coal country.
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12 May 1300
ROA President’s Conference Room
Defiance, ROA
Ralph called the meeting to order and spent the first twenty minutes outlying the need for leather production, along with the lack of coal to produce quicklime to make leather.
The Coal Committee suggested its name be changed to the Leather Trade Commission. Ralph lowered his head so that when he rolled his eyes, the act would go unnoticed. After a few seconds he said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we shall change you Committee’s name from Coal Committee to simply the ROA Trade Commission. Hopefully, the skills you learn here will carry over to other trade negotiations in the future.
I give you this guidance; the President has final approval on all trade deals. The ROA must, and will, gain a reputation for fair dealing from both sides, but we will never accept a one-sided deal that harms the ROA. Is this clear to everyone?
My friends, I have to tell you that one year ago I could never have even dreamed that our first attempt at, what is essentially an International Trade Agreement would revolve around the production of leather.
I will also give you this guidance; as the areas we wish to establish trade have abundant game to provide hides, I would recommend that we suggest to our, soon to be friends that they produce the raw leather which we will transport it to our own manufacturers of leather goods.”
The meeting dragged on, and Ben heard little of what was said as he had quickly assessed the problem and was now working out the logistics and security concerns, or as his friend, Levi would say; opportunities to excel.
When it became his turn for input, Ben outlined his initial thoughts and suggested that the Trade Commission be escorted to coal country by a forty man Security Detail, complete with, at least two LAV IIIs. This would, hopefully, impress the leaders of the communities capable of producing the raw leather needed by the ROA.
All were in agreement with both security and the parameters of the deal. Fair dealing with everyone would create true friends rather than cautious acquaintances.
After the meeting broke up only Ralph and his long time friend Ben Smith remained.
They discussed the rapid growth of people and businesses along with the geographic expansion of the ROA. Schools would open as soon as the crops were brought in. Education would naturally be focused on the three R’s, Reading, wRiting, aRithmatic, at least for now, and thanks to the ROA Historian, history would also be taught. When one looked at the schools throughout the ROA the illusion of living in 1850 was complete; complete with one room schoolhouses.
Finally, the topic of the Caliphate came up, and Ralph asked Ben about the training at Lejeune.
“My friend, I am thrilled to tell you that word has gotten around, not only in the ROA but for many miles outside our borders about war with the Caliphate. This word has brought hundreds of former soldiers of nearly every job into our Task Force, in fact, our numbers now top one thousand. Many were Infantry, Tankers, Mechanics, Artillery; you name it. Ralph, we will be able to take it to the Caliphate if we can complete training and the rehabbing of equipment.
So far, after informing new recruits that our military has insufficient funds to pay them, except in clothing, food, security, and the Brotherhood of Soldiers involved in a desperate struggle against a determined enemy bent on killing anyone, not of the Islamic Faith; not a single recruit has walked away. They all agree that those things the Army does provide are enough for now. Many of them have told us that “being hungry and scared, sucks.”
Of course, Ralph, you do know that the day must come when those bennies are taken for granted, and the troops will require payment for their services, which is the right thing to do. Yeah, I know that for now payment in shelter, food, etc. works, but it won’t work forever.”
Ralph knew that day would come and he fully agreed with Ben. He told his friend that the Treasury would one day, be able to support the military from trade agreements, and taxes.
Ralph then asked, “Ben, what kind of force do you expect to take to DC?”
“Sir,” said Ben, “We’ll have it all, Infantry, Armor, Artillery, and Attack Helicopters. The Caliphate is in for a surprise of epic proportions.
The downside is that while we will have all four primary combat factors covered, our resupply will be severely limited without sustainable supply lines. Therefore, we will have to run over them quickly, or face a prolonged Infantry slugfest.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that we have found a Conex Container full of a type of drone called Wasp. It’s a small front line deployable drone that is only 16” long. The magic of it is that it has thermal imaging capabilities with both day and night cameras. Our front line personnel will have a 3-D viewer that sees exactly what the Wasp sees. Major Susan Turner is tasked with testing and fielding them. The Caliphate will not be able to hide from us with the deployment of our little Wasps.
I’ve seen them being used in exercises several times when I was on active duty. Ralph, I’m telling you, these things are life savers.”
Ralph was thrilled at this news and asked when the Wasp could see deployment.
“Sir, Major Turner will be personally taking the first shipment to both Levi and Neal in the next few days. She will then conduct training on their use and maintenance before she returns to Lejeune.”
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15 May 0800
Camp TFL
NW of DC
Levi, Gus, and Neal sat in the Mess Tent drinking coffee and discussing the reports from the Recon Patrols. It did appear that the ambush sites had remained static, which would turn out to be bad news for those Jihad Johnnies.
Gus recommended, and Levi agreed that the best way to deal with these ambush sites was to hit as many as possible, simultaneously. They also agreed on the preferred weapon for the attack to be the shoulder-fired LAWs 60 mm Rocket. Fired into the windows of the ambush positions would allow the rocket to detonate inside the room; eliminating the enemy force.
The positions marked on the map outlined targets for a max effort to take out all of the known enemy ambush positions. An additional LAWs Rocket would be fired into the buildings being protected by the ambushers if the situation allowed for max damage and minimal risk to ROA troopers.
Levi said, “Sounds good, and I like the idea of a second shot. It will make a nice calling card, or perhaps I should say; wake-up call.”
Neal asked if it might be a good idea to consider a patrol sent out to fire a couple of LAWs into the White House since that was where the Caliphate HQ was located.
Both men liked the idea but felt that the risk to the attackers was too great at this time. Gus reminded him that it is never wise to place your head too close to a Lion’s open mouth.
Captain Page then thanked them and departed to prepare for the fifteen man patrols to kill Caliphate soldiers, and piss off the Head Kahuna.
SSgt Jones came running into the tent and told Levi that he had received a radio message from Col. Smith at Lejeune.
The two men hurried over to the Command Tent and Sgt. Major Cobb told them that a Major Turner was en route with some new toys. She would instruct on the proper usage and maintenance of a new drone.
Major Turner’s instruction consisted of a two hour block; one hour of assembly and operation, a half-hour on maintenance, and thirty minutes for questions.
The Wasp is simplicity itself; it is packed in a hardened briefcase-sized backpackable box. Wasp is launched by hand and flies for about 45 minutes before returning to a specified landing spot. Upon landing the Wasp breaks into three pieces to lessen the impact stresses on it and takes about ten seconds to snap back together, and with charged batteries, she’s ready for the next mission.
This littl
e jewel sees through buildings or trees like they were made of glass. It is highly unlikely that an enemy soldier can hide from the Wasp.
Each Task Force received fifteen Wasps.
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15 May 1700
Camp TFL
NW of DC
Major Susan Turner reported to General Levins and was very much surprised at his appearance. She had expected the Legend of the ROA to be much older, and far more serious. What she saw was a brown haired man of average height, who obviously kept himself in good physical condition, and was darned near handsome. She jerked slightly and thought, whoa, was that a butterfly?
Levi was standing with Gus and Neal. He was holding up a tent by leaning against one of the poles and drinking a cup of coffee, as he spoke with two other men.
Her eyes were drawn to the issue uniform, that somehow, on him, looked like it had been tailored on Saville Road, London…and his eyes, damn, that was a butterfly.
Neal was the first to notice Major Turner approaching and alerted the others. Levi turned toward her and saw one danged good lookin’ Major. He almost spilled some of his coffee as he tried not to appear too interested in this apparition.
She was tall, about 5’8” with light brown, sun tinted hair. Most men would not say she was gorgeous, but definitely girl next door pretty. Levi also noticed that she was thin, not too thin, just right thin, with long legs and trunk. His eyes were drawn to her long neck, which reminded him of Audrey Hepburn. Levi loved long necks, but perhaps what he found to be both alluring and amorous was the way she carried herself. She was poised and self-assured.
Gus saw the look on Levi’s face and elbowed him to break his focus.
In that instant of receiving Gus’ elbow, he had a vision, as though time had stopped for just an instant and he saw Sarah and his Mother. They smiled, waved, nodded, and faded away. At first, Levi’s knees went a bit weak as he realized that his Mom and Sarah were happy to see that after more than a year, Levi’s libido may be kicking back in, and he knew that Sarah approved.
As Major Susan Turner approached Levi she stopped, saluted and after clearing her throat which had somehow become quite dry and tight, she reported as prescribed by Military Regulation and Custom.
It was a moment where they forgot that others were also there, and neither one of them noticed when Gus and Neal quietly stood back to leave Levi and Susan to their obvious moment.
The moment’s spell was broken when Kate arrived on the scene and studied Susan very closely. After being introduced Kate said to Susan, “It is very nice to meet you, Ma’am, and I hope to see a lot of you.”
She turned to Levi and said, “Dad, I just stopped to tell you that I’m on my way to my karate class, Bye,” and smiling again at Susan said, “See ya’ soon, gotta’ run, bye.”
Susan said she was also very happy to meet Kate and after she was gone said to Levi, “She takes Karate, huh?”
Levi smiled and said, “When we’re back in Defiance she does, yes, but here, she teaches it.”
Levi turned to Gus to introduce Susan, but before he got the chance, Gus stepped forward and said, “Susan, it’s good to see you again. Have you gotten back in the air, yet?”
“Oh, well, not quite yet, but I should be back up there in a few days.”
“Now that is good news. Have you met Captain Page?”
Susan told him that she had not, and introductions were quickly made.
Gus asked her about her new toy, and it seemed as if someone had flipped a switch as Susan again became Major Turner with a job to do.
She asked when and where she could conduct her class.
Levi called for the Sgt. Major, who unbeknownst to Levi had seen the whole thing and had a huge smile on his face as he approached and saluted. Levi’s eyes said, knock off that smart-ass grin, Bradley, but it did no good, in fact, word of the General’s reaction to this Major was rolling through the camp like a tsunami. Every single member of TF Levins was excited to learn that their General, who they would follow anywhere, might be smitten.
“Sgt. Major Cobb, this is Major Susan Turner, and she is here to offer instruction on uh, the um…”
“Wasp,” interjected the Sgt. Major.
“Oh, yes, the uh, Wasp. Major Turner, would you be kind enough to join me for dinner following your presentation?” Levi was suddenly embarrassed and unsure of what to say, next.
As Levi’s face began to redden, Susan said, “General, I would love to join you for dinner, if it’s not an inconvenience.”
Before Levi could choke out a teenage reply that would cause his mouth to engage before his brain, the Sgt. Major said, “Ma’am, I have already spoken with the cooks to make sure the two of you have a fine supper where you can discuss the, uh, Wasp, yeah, that’s it, the Wasp,” and cackling like a loon, he left to organize the lady’s class.
Both Susan and Levi had bright red cheeks now and quickly decided that the Major should get on with her job. After excusing herself from General Levins; Gus directed her to follow the Sgt. Major to the Mess Tent to set up for her class.
Levi began walking to his tent when Gus and Neal each took him by the arm and nearly dragged him into his tent. Once inside Levi had regained a bit of his equilibrium, and shaking off his “handlers” asked, “All right, what just happened?”
Both men had been worried for some time that Levi might never fully recover from the death of his wife, but now they realized that their concerns were unfounded as Mother Nature’s close personal friend, an angel named Cupid had finally made an appearance.
Kate came in and asked for a few minutes with her dad. Gus and Neal decided that this may be a landmine they hadn’t taken into consideration and made a hasty retreat.
“Dad, it is probably a very good thing that I found Kevin, or I might not understand and feel different. Just tell me one thing; is she going to come between us?”
Levi took her hand and drew her into a huge hug saying, “Katie, there is no one on this planet that could come between us. Our bond of father and daughter can never be broken; I mean that sweetie.
Now, for what happened outside, well, I don’t know exactly what happened, and it scared me a little. I didn’t think I would ever have that first moment, goose bump feeling ever again. What really worries me is that she might not feel the same.”
Kate pushed herself away from Levi’s hug and said, “What, wait, was I at the same first meeting between you two? ‘Cause if I was, you got nothin’ to worry about Ace. I’m telling you, Dad, you both had this Moon Dog look on your face. Oh, yeah, she feels the same, and Dad, I think I really am happy for you, but it scares me a little, too.
I don’t really know how to say it, but you’re old and, well, ich.” She and Levi laughed loud and shared a good long hug.
Major Turner’s class on the disposition of the Wasp to locate enemy troops, positions, and movement went well. The troopers going after the ambush sites later that night were excited to get such a force multiplier into operation. Her instruction ended at 1900 hours, and she was famished.
The Sgt. Major escorted the Major to the Mess Tent and pointed her to a chair at a table with a checkered tablecloth and a candle.
Susan looked at the Sgt. Major and asked, “Come on, Sgt. Major, I’m beginning to think this whole thing is a bit over-rehearsed. Does this routine work for all the ladies who visit with the General? It almost looks like you are his procurer. If that is the case, then I am out of here.
Bradley sat down and said, “Oh, crap, no ma’am, it’s nothing like that. Please, let me explain; General Levins is truly a legend among his men. From day one he has always put his men first; I know because I was there when he was placed in charge of security. He didn’t order us around while looking over our shoulder. He told us what needed to be done and let us do it. Those few who didn’t feel his sense of urgency didn’t last long.
Now, it’s important that you also realize that two days before he showed up at Patriot Firearms, his wife of eighte
en years was raped and murdered just after the lights went out. Through his grief, he pulled himself together and set us on a course that made Defiance and later the Republic a place where people could live their lives in safety. That was 30 April of year zero.
Since that day he has been dedicated and driven to build what you see here. During that time he has not spoken of his personal tragedy, except to say that he has a path other than the ROA, but every time he leaves the world outside of the ROA requires him to return to fight another battle.
He adopted Katie after saving her from evil men who had unsavory plans for her. In fact, for nearly four months she had been a sex slave traded among horrible men; she was twelve years old. She and Levi bonded almost immediately, and I have to say that it was not only a thing of beauty to see their father/daughter relationship blossom. She helped Levi begin to recover from the loss of his wife, Sarah, even though she did piss him off quite regularly because of her stubbornness.”
Susan interrupted and said, “Twelve; that girl is only twelve? No way, I can’t see that, why she looks more like she would be eighteen.”
“Oh, she’s thirteen now and going on thirty. When you look at Kate today, you don’t see a damaged teenager, you see a young woman mature beyond her years, and between you and me and the fencepost, she had him wrapped around her little finger from the first hug.
This brings us to today; Levi Levins has not one time even looked at another woman in any way other than professionally. Then you walked up, and all that changed.”
She asked, “Changed, how?”
Sgt. Major Bradley Cobb looked at Major Susan Turner and said, “Susan, being coy is not one of your strong suits. You know exactly what I’m talking about. I saw the entire encounter, and both of you were stunned before you spoke your first word. Honestly, ma’am, the look on your faces made it clear you had both been hit by the stupid tree.
