by Jerry Ahern
“Mr. Shaw shall be your point of contact, your single point of contact on this,” Michael said. “He will make arrangements for what you need and who you need to complete this analysis. This is a matter of the highest importance to me personally and to my family.”
Williams nodded. “I understand, Sir. This will have my fullest attention.” He stopped and turned, “Mr. President, we know where the Russian forces are, don’t we?”
Michael looked up. “We do, Doctor, but we haven’t been able to link telemetry together that says my father is at any of their locations... At least not the ones we know about.”
Williams said, “Then if I am correct, you have found where your dad is being held.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Michael stood and turned to Shaw. “Tim, will you get the good doctor home safely?” Looking around the table, he said, “I’d like the rest of you to stay for a while. There is something else I’d like to discuss with you.” Natalia smiled, and Paul and Annie nodded.
Shaw stood and said, “Come on Doc, let’s get you home before the cock crows.”
Michael went to the wall and pushed a hidden button; part of it pivoted to reveal a well-stocked liquor cabinet complete with glasses. Taking down a bottle of Seagram’s, he poured a shot in each glass then returned to the conference table, two in each hand.
“You know for years, this was about all Dad drank,” he said, passing the short glasses around. “I think it is appropriate that we have a Seagram’s to salute those old days. As bad as they were, we were together through the thick and thin.”
Paul looked at Annie, then back at his brother-in-law. “What’s going on with you, Michael?”
Michael looked at Paul. “I’ve made some decisions that will affect the family, I think it is about time I tell you what I have been struggling with.” Michael sat down; he unbuttoned his collar button and with one finger, snagged the tie loose. “There were several reasons I spoke to the family about the kids. Yes, the primary reason was I wanted them to go through some of the education that the world thrust on all of us. But there were other reasons, here they are,” he said, taking a drink.
“First of all, the reports from around the world are showing a significant rise in terrorist activities, particularly the Neo-Nazis. I know of no better proof of this than the attack on Bellevue, which killed Wolfgang. I… actually me and all of my intelligence analysts, are convinced this was simply the first shot in this new war.”
Paul shifted and took Annie’s hand in his.
“Here’s the way it shakes out,” Michael said, slugging down the rest of the drink. “With the arrival of The Keeper, we have proof of a Russian conspiracy involving the militant sector of the KI under the command of the Captain.”
Paul said, “I never did like that prick. How bad do you think it is?”
“We know…” Michael said. “We know there has been communications between the Russian forces and what we suspect is an unknown group. That’s probably located in this anomaly Dr. Williams is investigating. We believe it is, in fact, a secret base of operations we have never known about.”
Annie asked, “Natalia, did you ever hear anything about this before the Night of the War?”
Natalia shook her head. “To my knowledge there was only the underwater Russian city that we dealt with. But there was a lot of speculation about more Russian secret bases similar to our own Mid-Wake. After the war, in fact until just the last couple of days, I was convinced they were nothing more than pre-war jitters or propaganda. The current Russian government has never made any claims or given any hints about something like this existing. In fact, they have gone out of their way to warm relations with us. I suppose it is possible they don’t know about this new secret base; the records could have been lost during the war.”
Paul said, “Are you seeing an involvement with the aliens? Crap, if they have aligned with both sides, the whole world is in danger.”
Michael went back to the liquor cabinet and brought the bottle back, poured another drink for himself and left it for the others if they so desired. “Dad thought there was a link. In fact, he was convinced of it. I’m not sure about it. We have found coded messages that seem to be being related to the KI forces over Antarctica then bounced back to the earth, presumably to the Russians.”
Michael looked tired as he leaned back putting his feet up on the conference table. “So far, we have not detected anything similar going on anywhere else. Of course,” he said, taking a sip of the drink. “It is possible the aliens may actually be co-located with the Russians at that secret base. If they are... yeah, Paul. We have a real problem.”
Annie sat quietly for a moment. “It doesn’t feel right, Michael. The KI and the Russians... yes, that feels right. The aliens and the Russians... for some reason, that doesn’t.”
Michael smiled. “Doesn’t to me either, maybe I do have some of your intuition, Sis.”
Annie smiled. “Maybe so, same gene pool you know, big brother.”
Natalia said, “Before we do anything, we have to know for sure.”
Michael nodded. “I’m hoping Williams can get us the reasons, or... if nothing else, show us where we can ask more relevant questions. Right now everyone agrees this is not only our best chance... it may be our only one.”
“Crap, here we go again,” Paul said. “Russians, Neo-Nazis, more Russians and maybe aliens this time. Can’t mankind get a break?”
“Mankind has caught a break, Paul,” Michael said. “Us. Maybe the only break we will catch, but it might be enough.”
“What are you thinking, Michael?” Paul looked at Michael, “What haven’t you told us yet?”
“There are two more reasons I wanted the kids at the Academy,” Michael said, after a pause. “The first reason is I wanted to be sure they were safe. The second is I wanted them out of the way for a while.”
“Define, a while,” Annie said.
“While we are busy trying to find Dad. I can’t live with myself any longer just sitting here. He wouldn’t leave us for others to go find and I can’t leave him either. You know we used to make a hell of a team. I think we can be again, just smaller this time. Emma can’t go, not now, with the baby. Mom... I think the best place for her is taking care of Emma and the baby.”
Natalia asked, “Where do we look, Michael? Unless you have held something back from me... no one has an idea of where he disappeared to or if he’s even alive.”
“He’s alive,” Michael said with force. “I feel it and so do you, don’t you Annie?”
Annie nodded. “Yes, he’s alive.”
“Here’s what we know, as they were evacuating from Mount Rushmore, the attack came. Not by Russian ground troopers or planes or choppers...”
Paul nodded. “No, there is no questions the craft were alien. Sanderson’s men reported seeing the attack.”
“Exactly,” Michael said, “and we don’t have anything but suspicions about a Russian/alien alliance. Nothing.”
Paul was silent for a long time before he spoke. “Are you saying that the aliens snatched John but not the way, or for the reasons, we have been thinking?” Michael nodded. “Then why did they grab him?”
“That I don’t know. That needs to be the first question we ask them... when we find Dad.”
“We’re going to need some help on this,” Annie said.
Natalia smiled. “For a limited period of time, we have access to anything and everything the U.S. Government has.”
“For a limited period of time?” Paul said.
Michael looked at each of them in turn. “Yes, once we’re sure we have Dad’s location... I am resigning as President. I can’t have the responsibilities of this office interfere with my responsibilities to my family or... my responsibilities to the whole of humanity. Dad never failed in his responsibilities and I won’t either.”
Chapter Seventy-Five
Croenberg dialed Philip Greene’s private number. “Philip Greene, how may I help you?”
> “I believe it is time for another meeting, Mr. Greene.” Otto Croenberg, again in the persona of Darrel Johnson, arranged for a meeting time and location.
A disguised Darrel Johnson sat across from Philip Greene. The restaurant was... seedy, not some place prone to the well-to-do. It was perfect.
Greene said, “Mr. Johnson, the world has changed.”
“It has changed before.” Johnson smiled. “Being able to initiate change without constructive direction is idiocy. The list of countries that have faded into history has often been the result of undirected, deconstructive change. The governments of the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Latvia, Estonia, all the way to the Ukraine, don’t exist. Their citizens now part of the surviving countries that still functioned.
“Other times, it is simply the result of natural catastrophes. After the Night of the War, what had been Scandinavia, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark... well, they’re locked under a mantel of ice along with what had been known as Northern Europe. Scotland and Northern Ireland are gone and the English government has been squeezed into the lower part of the island.
“Iceland continues to function only because of the volcanic vents that kept the ice-locked-island, warm in spots. Spain, Portugal, some of France and the Democratic German Republic, Italy, Greece, Israel and Turkey are now the only functional governments on the north and eastern shores of the Mediterranean. Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Iran have become the Islamic Republic. Further east, India, Afghanistan, Turkistan and the other ‘stans’ have remained independent entities but their citizens have reverted to almost medieval existence. Change occurs all the time.”
“Yes,” Greene said. “But aren’t WE directing the change this time. Aren’t we making it happen and with a specific purpose in mind?”
Johnson smiled. “Mr. Greene, I need to be assured that your specific purpose is the same specific purpose of my principals. They want Neo-Nazism to finally attain its rightful place as the guardian and director of mankind. Is your goal the same?”
Greene started sweating. “Mr. Johnson, I thought the goal was to destroy the Rourke administration and let my party take over.”
“And it shall.” Johnson smiled. “It will take... certain manipulations and strategies for the final implementation of our plan. You will have your time in the spotlight... provided you understand the end game. You may participate in these manipulations and one of the strategies could include you. But Sir, understand, Progressives are only a tool for the Neo-Nazi movement. In the end, both parties will cease to exist unless guided by strong and dominant men like you who have sworn allegiance to us.”
“But, what about Mr. Vale?”
“As I have hinted before,” Johnson leaned closer, “my leaders have determined that after years of loyal service, Mr. Vale’s... specific goals now have a more personal glint to them. He is working for self-interests above ours. I trust that is not the case with you, Mr. Greene.”
“Why... why, heaven’s no.”
“Good Mr. Greene, very good. My Principals have decided it is time for Mr. Vale and his organization to... become inactive, if you understand my meaning?”
Greene blanched to a lighter shade. He means they’re going to kill Vale and all his operatives.
Johnson continued, “But there is a slight problem. Vale has managed to create operatives across the world; operatives who we do not know. Operatives that must not be allowed after the...” Johnson smiled. “After the purge, if you will. You must help us identify them so they can be taken care of at the same time. When we strike, we must strike everywhere at the same time and eliminate even the scent of Vale’s organization.”
“But how can I help with that?”
“Why, Mr. Greene,” Johnson said. “You already are. The valise at your feet contains some ‘funds’ you will donate to Mr. Vale, to assist his organization in their current efforts. We will track his activities and identify his hidden operatives and, when the time is right, eliminate all of them; and Mr. Vale at the same moment. Disloyalty and private agendas have no place with a true Neo-Nazi.”
Greene nodded, thinking, Crap, now I’m signing the death warrants for Vale and his men and, if I refuse, I’ve signed my own. He leaned over to Johnson and whispered, “Heil Hitler?”
Johnson smiled. “Exactly Mr. Greene, Heil Hitler.”
Chapter Seventy-Six
Former President of the United States, Arthur Hooks, was seated quietly in his library, staring at the tulip glass containing Cuvée Jean Godet cognac, grade VS deluxe. He swirled the Cognac, gently sniffed, then took a sip and held it in his mouth for a couple of seconds before swallowing. After a minute or so, he experienced the full range of flavors and aromas.
The aroma of expensive pipe tobacco was wafting through the air when his phone rang. “Hello?”
“Hello, Mr. President.”
Hooks recognized the voice immediately. “Well, hello yourself, Mr. President,” he said with a smile.
Michael said, “I understand that the gardenias are in full blossom.” This was a code phrase he and Hooks had developed to initiate a private, secure and confidential meeting of extreme importance. A meeting too important to be discussed in any other manner.
Hooks leaned forward and took a pen from his desk set. “Yes, I have heard the same thing, particularly where there is plenty of water available. I plan to see them tomorrow evening.”
Michael was silent for a moment. “I understand the weather may be better the day after.”
Hooks said simply, “Well thank you for that information. Best wishes to your family.”
“And to yours, Sir,” Michael said and hung up.
Arthur Hooks, dressed in old denim pants and a wind breaker, carried a fishing rod and reel as he walked along the beach. From time to time, he would cast a line, but he was not fishing. It took twenty minutes to arrive at the agreed upon location, but Hooks was positive he had not been followed.
He spotted another fisherman sitting on one of the boulders next to the bay and walked over. “I was surprised about the call, Michael,” Hooks said as he sat down on the boulder next to him.
“I appreciate your time, Sir. There are some things I thought would be better to discuss in person.”
Hooks nodded. “I see. Well our little game of code talking still works. What do you wish to discuss?” Over the next fifteen minutes, Michael laid out his dilemma, his fears, his quandary concerning his duty to the country and his duty to his family... finally he gave Hooks his decision on how he would proceed.
Hooks stood up and stretched; his mind racing. “You are sure about all of this?”
“Yes Sir, I am.”
Hooks cupped his face in his hands and scrubbed away the confusion. “Michael, this is serious. This is deadly serious.”
“I know, Sir, and there is not much time to prepare.”
“No... no apparently there is not,” Hooks said and sat back down. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you are going to have to help me prepare to transition our government,” Michael said.
Hooks looked at him, startled. “What are you talking about Michael?”
“I’m resigning the presidency.”
“What in the hell are you talking about? You’re not through your first term. Michael, do you realize how hard a lot of people worked to get you elected?”
Michael nodded. “I do Sir, and none of them worked harder than you did. You have not only been my predecessor and mentor; you have been my friend. I felt you deserved to hear my decision in person.”
Hooks shook his head. “Is it Natalia? Are you two having problems? Let Mavis talk to her, she can explain how hard it is sometimes for both the President and the First Lady.”
“No Sir, it is not Natalia, but she does support my decision.” Michael stood up and turned toward the former president. “Arthur, my father is missing. We don’t know if he was captured by Russians or the aliens. The Neo-Nazi threat is spreading rapidly; we are seeing
their influence here, sponsored by members of our own government. Now it appears that the KI and the Russians have aligned. My father is missing and I can’t sit on my hands with a bunch of political busy work and wait on someone else to solve these problems, or find my father.”
Hooks shook his head and walked to the water’s edge. Reaching down he picked up a large pebble and rubbed the sand from it before skipping it across the still water. It hopped seven times; he turned back to Michael. “You know, my father taught me how to do that. Took him a whole summer, but I finally got it.”
Michael nodded. “My dad taught me some things also, things I haven’t forgotten. One of the things he taught me was to always plan ahead; that’s what I’m trying to do now. Look, I have responsibilities in two separate areas of my life. I want to honor both of them but I can’t. I have to pick one or the other and I have. But I don’t want my personal decision to hurt the other. I need some help. I need some guidance to keep that from happening, which is why I’m telling you.”
Hooks looked out at the bay for a long time, when he turned back to Michael he said, “Okay, I have some folks to meet with. Something like this can’t be done over the phone, too easy for a leak. There is some planning and steps that have to be taken. Have you figured out what you will need to pull this off on your end?”
Michael nodded and pulled a folded piece of paper from his wind breaker. “Here’s everything I will need. Everything, that is, except a truck load of luck; and Dad always said we Rourkes have to make our own luck.”
Hooks nodded. “Yeah, and you folks always have. Tell me, how much time do I have to pull all of this together?”
Michael smiled. “Arthur, you have to tell me. As soon as you tell me everything is staged, I’ll make the announcement. But I’m not talking about months or even weeks. I’m talking about days. I won’t be able to do anything until I have the Intel and figure out what to do, where to do it and who to do it to. That’s what is killing me right now, so please hurry.”
