by Bobby Akart
“Yes, some of them were your men, but loyalties, like military missions, change. Over time, the former commandos who stand with me are loyal, but they are also free to make their own choices. I guess you could say they’ve become Americanized. Freedom has overcome their sense of loyalty to a nation they hardly remember.”
Lee was also being cautious and chose his words carefully. “They were trained to become, and always remain, members of the Lightning Death Squads. They are now being called upon to do their duty. They must honor Dear Leader’s orders.”
“They are, General, but in a different way than you envision. The men under my command will undertake the same types of activities to accomplish your goals in Texas, but when the mission is over, they will be free to leave with you, or they will choose to remain with me. You see, they’ve had a taste of life as free men. It is now ingrained within them.”
Both men finished off their beers, and they set the empties in the center of the table at Holloway’s feet. Four stoic bottles of Budweiser stood proudly with the image of the Statue of Liberty on each. Lee fiddled with the bottles, lining them up so that they stood side by side, creating a mural-like display.
He stuck his chin out and nodded his head slightly. Holloway surmised that Lee had expected the conversation to go this way. The next words out of Lee’s mouth would determine if the two commanders would be at crossed purposes going forward, or not.
“I have many men, with more on the way,” Lee began to state his position. “These men have been trained to respect their superiors. Our nation and its people only respect the iron fist. I will allow you to continue operating independently from my men, but you must agree to lend the appearance of falling within my strategic command. Otherwise, I will appear weak. Signs of weakness will sow discord within the ranks and doom our mission.”
Holloway was pleased to hear this, but he offered a caveat. “I agree, General. For so long as I, and my men, are treated with respect, we’ll advance your cause. When the time comes for you to move on, we may or may not remain behind. Personally, I’d like to find a nice big ranch out here and live out my days in semiretirement.”
Lee stood and extended his hand to Holloway to shake. In turn, Holloway stood, and the two men reached an accord. Lee would exhibit his ability to command, but Holloway would be autonomous, having his way with West Texas and the Panhandle.
This called for another round of Buds.
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Table of Contents
Dedications
Acknowledgements
About the Author, Bobby Akart
Foreword by Dr. Peter Vincent Pry
About Dr. Peter Vincent Pry
Epigraph
PART ONE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
PART TWO
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
PART THREE
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
PART FOUR
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
EXCERPT from FIFTH COLUMN
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