The Fall of America | Book 4 | Winter Ops

by Benton, W. R.

  I started hearing pistol shots and knew Gunn was on the job.

  Silverwolf neared and said, “Looks like a train full of rations, bullets and winter uniforms.”

  “Take it all and have the men with bicycles put a full load on, and what we can't take, destroy. Also, check every car for any cash or anything we might have overlooked.”

  Minutes later, Private Perry walked to me and said, “I found two boxes, but they're locked.”

  “Lead me to them.”

  Dead Russians littered the ground outside and the floor inside the car. I noticed one man was a full Colonel, so whatever it was, it had value. I moved to the boxes, found them locked, and shot the locks off. I then pulled the containers open and saw the international sign for radiation. I then flipped the internal tops off; they were like a huge briefcase, and inside I saw what looked like a war head.

  No, this can't be, I thought as I met the eyes of Perry.

  “What is it, sir?”

  “I think you just found, I pray I'm wrong, two tactical nuclear warheads.”

  “What's that?” he asked.

  “Nuke bombs.”

  “Oh, shit, not good.” he said and then slowly backed away from me.

  I'd just shot the locks off too, but I had no idea what it took to make one of these things go off. I suspected a code or key had to be used before launch.

  “Get five men, Private Perry, and they're to take turns packing these back to the camp. At no time are these to be left alone. Do you understand?”

  “Y . . . yes, sir. I don't have to stay with 'em, do I?”

  “Keep them in your sight at all times.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  I pulled Silverwolf aside, told him what I found and then he replied, “We need to return now. Once they know we have these, they'll come and they'll not be happy. I'm sure they'll do whatever it takes to regain control of them, too.”

  I nodded, turned toward the train and yelled, “Let's move, folks! We're leaving in five minutes.”

  The attack had gone well. I wondered if what I'd found would be of use to us, or if I'd just reduced the ability of the Russians to use two small tactical nukes against us for a few days. So far, they'd used poison gas, mass killings and other abuses against us, so nukes were just another tactic to them. I thought nukes would be used by them if they felt they could gain something by using them. Worried, I pushed my people hard to return.

  When I returned, Colonel Lee was in his sleeping bag and not looking good. A Russian IV was in his arm, he looked weak and frail, but he was able to talk.

  “So, how do we activate the nukes?” I asked.

  “I have no idea, but the special group I have made up of scientist and engineers should be able to come up with a way. But, for God's sake, don't use it against them first.”

  “Oh, trust me, sir, I have no desire to start a nuclear war with Russia, because it's a war I can't win.”

  “Smart on your part, but if they start, I hope we'll be able to retaliate to a limited degree. Placing one near the Jackson Air Base and Vicksburg port would show them we mean business.”

  “What is the rumor I hear of the Chinese offering us arms and supplies? Is there any truth to this?” I asked.

  “They've already started airdrops to some groups of the resistance. So far it's been explosives, some clothing, some weapons, ammo, RPG's, and rations. Most of the rations taste like hell, well, to an American. The meals consist of rice, meat, noodles, and veggies. In a pinch they'll do, but I heard Russian rations are better, so you know the Chinese meals must really suck. The key here is they're starting to assist us, but my question is why? What's in it for them?”

  “They're enemies of Russia, so that may be enough,” I said and then continued, “or they want something in return. We have no central leader, so if they want something, they'll have to wait.”

  “Back to the tactical nukes you found. We need to learn how use them, activate them, and protect them.”

  “True, but your team of experts will soon have that information. How are you feeling, sir, and don't give me some bullshit and say fine.”

  “I'm weak and I'll grow weaker. According to the doctor we now have, I've got about six months to live. I figure, when I'm too weak to do much, I'll load myself up with explosives, we'll attack the Russians in Edwards and when you pull back, I'll stay behind. Once I have enough Russians around me, I'll detonate the explosives and take some of the bastards with me.”

  I nodded, but didn't reply. Colonel Lee was a good man and I'll hate to lose him, but I fully understand his hatred of the Russians.

  “We also collected some rations, ammunition, and winter clothing from the train. I have it being issued to our combat units first. Any left over will be issued based on individual need.”

  “We need to relocate and do the job soon.” he replied.

  “Oh, I've given that some thought. I'm not sure Colonel Vasiliev could find this place again, but to be safe, you're right, we need to move.”

  “Any suggestions?” he asked, and whatever was in the IV must have been working, because he was starting to look better and stronger already.

  “South of here is an old farm house; has two floors, and it's surrounded by oak and pine trees. There is a storm shelter, long porch, barn and a number of out buildings.”

  “I want you to get us moving, and the sooner the better. It's not likely the Colonel remembers how to get back here, but it's time to move. I never like to stay in one place over a month and we've been here twice that long. I've found the longer you stay the more likely you are to be discovered.”

  I turned and yelled, “Top!”

  A few minutes later, he stuck his head in the door and asked, “Yes, sir?”

  “Get the troops to start boxing and bagging things, we're going to move. I want double guards on the prisoners, but not the two American prisoners we have.” I said.

  “What of them?” Top asked.

  “They've both been found guilty of spying for the Russians, so they'll die here.”

  “I understand, sir.” he replied and I could see he had more to say, but for some reason he didn't.

  “In case you're wondering, I'll do the executions myself, and by pistol. They should be hanged, in front of all the troops, but we don't have the time for that. We suspect the Russians are going to pay us a visit.”

  “I suspected the Russians were the reason, sir. I'll get them ready to leave.”

  “Good, and they have one hour.” I said. Top nodded and then walked away.

  “And when will these executions take place?” Colonel Lee asked.

  I pulled my Russian pistol, looked it over and replied, “Right now.”

  “Good and remember, they both confessed, so it's not murder.”

  “I know, sir. Let me take care of this and I'll return to assist you to your new office.”

  “Don't worry about me, I'll have the medics move me. You get the nasty job done and then see to the move.”

  “Yes, sir. Right now, I'll send a squad to the location to check it out and they'll be back in a couple of hours. We'll be moving toward them, so we'll run into them as we move.”

  “I need some sleep, so see to my orders, and thank you for your help.”

  I gave him a pat on his shoulder and said, “We're all in this together, sir, so rest.”

  He nodded and I walked toward the door. Once outside, I called for Silverwolf.

  “Yo!”

  “Come with me. I have two American prisoners to execute. Once that's done, take the squad and move to the old Egger place. Make sure it's secure and then move back toward us. We'll be moving for the place so keep your eyes open. We need to relocate, and now.” I said and then moved for the prisoners cells.

  The jailer opened the door to the hallway and led me to the Americans.

  “They're in cells six and seven, sir.” He then handed me the keys and left.

  I handed the keys to Silverwolf and nodded as I pointed t
o cell six. He opened the cell and the man looked up at me. I could see the fear in his eyes.

  “Are you Berry Smith?” I asked.

  He nodded and then asked, “What do you want?”

  “Mr. Smith, you were found guilty by a court of law and sentenced to be executed. The time has come for you to pay for your crimes.”

  “No, please! I don't want to die.”

  “Secure the prisoner, Sergeant.” I said to Silverwolf, who grabbed the man's chains and pulled him to his knees.

  As I pulled my pistol, he continued to beg. I finally said, “You have one minute to pray and I suggest you do so right now.”

  I was watching my watch and when a minute passed, I put the barrel of my pistol against the back of his head and pulled the trigger. The shot was loud in the small room and the man's head exploded, throwing blood all over the cell floor. Silverwolf released the chains and the body fell to the floor where it jerked and quivered.

  “Next cell,” I said.

  We moved to cell seven and the prisoner was an older man who simply nodded. He'd heard our shot and knew we were coming. When I walked in, he knelt and said, “I've already spoken with the Lord.”

  “Are you John Windsor?” I asked.

  “Yes.”

  “You were found guilty by a court of law and sentenced to be executed, sir.”

  “I was, so let's get this over with.” he said as his eyes met mine.

  I raised my pistol, fired one shot into his head and quickly walked from the room, with Silverwolf close behind me.

  CHAPTER 18

  “All stand, please.” a Sergeant said as he looked around the courtroom. Most of the men outranked him, but he felt, as the bailiff, he held some power.

  “Be seated.” Major General Leonid Anatoli said as he sat down.

  “Case number 097864, Lieutenant Colonel Pasha Vasiliev is accused of disobeying orders, conduct unbecoming a field grade officer, and dereliction of assigned duties.”

  “Colonel, I am Major General Anatoli, and these charges are most serious. How do you plead?” the General asked.

  Major Yuliy Motya, the Colonel's defense counselor, stood and said, “Not guilty, sir.”

  “Would the prosecution and defense approach the bench? I have some things to say for your ears only.”

  When they neared, the General said, “Let us save some time here, gentlemen, because Moscow wants Vasiliev found guilty. Now, counselor,” he said as he glanced at the defense counselor, “in a few moments, you will ask me for more time to prepare your defense. I will grant it, but you must get your client to agree to plead guilty. If so, I will see he gets a light sentence.”

  Motya nodded.

  “Now, return to your seats.”

  As soon as Motya was back at his table he said, “Sir, I feel I would be doing my client an injustice, if I did not ask you for additional time to prepare his case. Therefore, the defense requests ten days.”

  “Disapproved; however, I will grant you five days. This court is adjourned until five days from now when it will start in earnest.”

  As the General started to stand, the Sergeant yell, “All stand.”

  In his room, Vasiliev listened to his attorney and finally said, “I did nothing incorrect and I followed my orders; there were just too many partisans and they were well armed. Have you ever been in combat, Major?”

  “Uh, no sir, but the issue here is someone in Moscow thinks, essentially, that you are a coward. They think you were terrified during the attack.”

  The Lieutenant Colonel laughed and said, “Any man in combat is scared, Major, but I am no coward. A real man fights his fear and moves in battle, does what is required, sir, which I did.”

  Wanting to switch the conversation, the Major said, “You realize you are not to leave your quarters or use the phone, correct?”

  “Hell, I have an armed guard just outside my door and where am I to flee, sir? Those on this base want my ass and so do those outside the base. I hope you gave my list of the POW's the partisans have to the commander.”

  “I did.” Motya replied, but didn't say that the commander had thrown the list in the trash.

  “They seemed to be honorable men.”

  “Look, plead guilty, and I will get you a light sentence. If you fight this, well, you could end up being shot.”

  “I am a man of integrity, sir, and I refuse to admit I did anything wrong during the attack. No, I will fight this to my last breath. You and I both know Moscow is looking for a scapegoat and I'm the man.”

  “As you wish, Colonel. Do you have enough Vodka? If you need anything, just let me know and I will bring it to you. You are still a Lieutenant Colonel in the Russian army at this time and will be treated like one.”

  “I have drink and I am treated well enough. I am sure when I am sent to a gulag, no one will care about my comfort then.”

  “Plead guilty and I will see if I can get the gulag time reduced or avoided completely.”

  Vasiliev glared at the man and replied, “That will never happen. I suspect the judge called you to his bench today to tell you I will be found guilty. He wants a guilty plea, so I do not take up his valuable time, but by God, I will take his time. I will never plead guilty to something I did not do. If blame must be placed somewhere, then blame Moscow.”

  “Your words are treasonous, so watch your tongue.” Motya said, his eyes large in surprise. He suspected the room was bugged, so he had to say something.

  “Why? They plan to either kill me or put me in a gulag for life anyway. You and Moscow can kiss my ass. So, why do you not run back to comrade Judge and tell him I will have my day in court? I want the record to show I did nothing wrong.”

  “I cannot guarantee your safety if you do not plead guilty.”

  “Can you guarantee it if I do?”

  Silence filled the small room.

  Vasiliev smiled and said, “I did not think you could. Now, leave and let me eat. There is something about law and lawyers that ruins my appetite.” He stood, moved to the door and opened it. The guard outside turned to face him.

  “It is okay, Private, I am only shooing a skunk from my quarters.”

  “Sir, think of what I have suggested. If you fight the system, you will lose.”

  The Colonel laughed and said, “If I do not fight the system I will lose. Now, get out.”

  Motya left without another word and once the door was shut, Vasiliev moved to the cupboard and pulled out a quart of Vodka. Pouring a water glass half full, he sat on the sofa and tried to think. He saw no way to avoid punishment, none. While he did have professional contacts, none would put their careers on the line for a man accused of being a coward.

  I must think, he thought and then took a big gulp of his warm drink. It was his first drink of the day and the strong alcohol caused him to cough and his eyes to water. He decided to get drunk this night, because in the near future, strong drink would be denied him.

  Major General Anatoli was sipping a much better quality of vodka than Vasiliev when there was a knock on his door. The General nodded to his enlisted servant, a Corporal, and the man moved for the door. He pushed a button near the steel door and asked, “Who is disturbing the General at this hour?”

  The guard outside the door said, “It is a Captain from the message center. His name is Arkhip and he has a priority message from Moscow for General Anatoli's eyes only.”

  “Has he been disarmed?”

  “He is clean of any weapons, Corporal.”

  The General's aide pushed a button near the door, a buzzing sound was heard and then the clicking of the door unlocking. He pulled the door open and said, “Enter, sir.”

  Arkhip entered, snapped to attention and said, “I have a priority message from Moscow, sir. It is for your eyes only.”

  Wearing a robe, cigarette dangling from his lip, and a glass of vodka in his hand, the General said, “Well, bring it to me and then be gone.”

  The Captain moved to the General, handin
g the message to him, and then left.

  Taking a big gulp of his drink, Anatoli opened the sealed envelope, removed the message and began reading. He read the message, folded it, and placed it back in the envelope. He then broke out laughing. The fools in Moscow have no idea what is going on over here, none! He thought, then he gulped the rest of the drink.

  Standing, he said, “Corporal, I am going to bed now. Make sure I am awakened at 0500, because I have a full day of court tomorrow. In the mean time, call the base commander and tell him at 0730 hours, I want to see Lieutenant Colonel Vasiliev and his legal counsel in my courtroom. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir, and I will call the commander as soon as you are in bed, sir.”

  At 0730 hours, Vasiliev and Motya were seated at the defense table waiting for the Major General to arrive. The Lieutenant Colonel was nervous, expecting to be taken out and shot. He still reeked of Vodka and vomit, from his night of heavy drinking.

  “All stand!” the Sergeant yelled.

  “Be seated, please.” the General said as he moved to his chair.

  Sitting, he paused a few minutes and then said, “Lieutenant Colonel Vasiliev, you will now stand.”

  Shaking, his stomach in knots, Vasiliev stood and stared straight ahead.

  “Last night in my quarters, I received a Top Secret message pertaining to this case. A military review board has reviewed your case after a thorough investigation, and have decided you not only acted properly on the night of the partisan attack, but valiantly. Effective immediately, all charges against you have been dropped. You are to be decorated for your bravery in the near future, and you have been promoted to the permanent rank of Colonel.”

  “Am I free to leave, sir?” Vasiliev asked as he stood in shock. The last thing he expected was to have the charges against him dropped.

  “Oh, yes, and my aide will escort you to your new quarters. However, please allow for the formalities of this court to complete, before you leave, sir.”

  “Thank you, sir. I will wait.”

  “You are a very lucky man, Colonel, and never in my thirty years in the army have I seen this happen. If you are a practicing Christian, you need to say a prayer of thanks.” Then, looking around the courtroom, the General added, “This case is dismissed.”