He stayed and watched for almost an hour then packed the scope away and went back down the ladder. Today had been nothing more than a dry run. He would be back tomorrow to finish the job.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ADMIRAL’S ROW - NORFOLK, VA.
The briefing went smoothly the next morning. MacMillan had decided to let Admiral Swanson do the talking and that seemed to do the trick. It went quickly and they went through the plans.
“I hope it doesn’t come down to a shooting war. General Ascot and President Jason sent Mexican President Hermilo Medrano notice of our intent to remove them. They have given them ten days to vacate back to Mexico. It also warned that any killing of civilians or military personnel would be dealt with accordingly,” the Admiral told the two sailors.
“Is the Panama Canal going to be open?” Loffler asked.
“It is being done as we speak,” MacMillan assured them.
“Then we need to get our provisions and get underway immediately,” the Captain of the Eisenhower added.
“Yes. I am going to leave it up to the two of you to also pick your escort fleet. Take whatever you need. If you run into any resistance, have them come talk to me,” Swanson told them.
“I doubt we will have much trouble. Between Commander Parks being sent down and the Mexican Army and Navy on North American soil, no one will raise a fuss,” Loffler replied.
“I have a list of our Navy vessels that we know are in the area. It may help in your selection process,” MacMillan said, handing a copy to each of the men.
“That will be most useful. Anything on the Air Force?”
“Just happen to have that with me as well,” he said smiling and passed a copy to each of them.
“Got a million dollars in that briefcase of yours?” Commander Peterson kidded.
“Well I did have but Admiral Swanson said I had to pay for the carrier's fillup of fuel. Unfortunately my credit card limit forced me to pay cash,” he joked back.
The tension in the room dissipated as they continued to go over the plans. General MacMillan left feeling overall very positive about the meeting.
****
President's Palace-Mexico City
President Hermilo Medrano was enjoying a light breakfast by the pool. His orange juice was actually spiked with tequila and Grenadine, a Tequila Sunrise. The bank vaults were being emptied in Los Angles and the contents shipped back to Mexico. Artwork from the galleries was being appraised and sent back along with other valuable treasures. Life was definitely good.
“Mr. President. I have a special delivery envelope for you,” one of his servants said, holding it out.
“I am enjoying my breakfast. Perhaps that escaped your attention,” he said without looking at the man.
“Sir, it is marked Urgent, Open Immediately.”
He sighed and held out his hand. Glancing down it suddenly seemed very hot in his hand. It was from the American Republic and the United States. Both were clearly marked on the envelope.
He expected one of them to rattle their sabers but he was not expecting to hear from both of them together. He opened the envelope and unfolded the single sheet of paper and read:
President Hermilo Medrano,
This document serves as notice that the United States and American Republic have signed an non-aggression pact. As of this date, we have further agreed to jointly protect the all areas within the confines of the original United States of America. This includes Alaska, Washington State, Oregon, California, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. We have also agreed that the Panama Canal is to remain open to all nations.
This document further serves to notify Mexico that they must retreat to the original California border. All Americans are to be returned to the US and any persons held prisoner must be released immediately. Any and all possessions belonging to the US must be returned.
Mexico is hereby notified that in ten days, unless the conditions stipulated in this document are met, we will have no choice but to commence aggressive action. Both President Jason of the American Republic and General Ascot of the United States genuinely hope that you will withdraw and meet the terms of the document.
General P. Ascot for the United States
President J. Jason for the American Republic
His hand was shaking by the time he finished the last sentence. How could they have united so quickly? It should have taken years and Mexico would have been firmly entrenched.
He needed to send for the Secretary of National Defense, Eleazar Guzman immediately.
****
GEORGETOWN, DC
Hanna Cole had been browbeating the security staff for the last two weeks about having more space to move around in. She wanted them to quit hovering around her every minute, especially when she went outside to walk the grounds.
“As senior man, I am telling you that this is totally unacceptable and I demand you do something about it.”
“Ma’am, I do not take orders from you. You are welcome to take it up with my superior but I have strict orders and I intend to follow them.”
“So you really aren’t in charge. You're just another lackey. That’s just great. Then I want to speak to your superior and I mean today,” she said, her fist balled up.
“I’ll see if he is available but he is in Richmond, Virginia at the moment. I can try to reach him by cell.”
“Then do it,” she demanded.
“Oops, look at that. Time for shift change. I guess it will have to wait for tomorrow,” he said smiling and turning to walk off.
“Don’t you dare turn your back on me mister. I’ll have you sent to...”
“Stuff a sock in it lady. You aren’t going to do anything. No one cares who you think you are,” he said without even stopping.
She was furious. She stomped her foot like a child throwing a temper tantrum. Quasim had been watching the spectacle from an upstairs window. It was all he could do to keep from laughing.
Also watching the show was Bruce Hubbard from the rooftop across the way. He didn’t know what was being said but it was still funny to watch. Obviously Hanna Cole had not gotten her way.
He could see ex-President Quasim laughing in the upstairs window. He had the distinct impression that he didn’t much care for Hanna Cole either. He lay there trying to decide what to do next. He could take the shot on Cole right now but then Quasim would escape. If he shot Quasim, Cole would more than likely get away. They were both responsible for the death of his family. If he had a suppressor...no use wishing, he didn’t. Finally he made up his mind.
He put the scope on the rifle and locked it in place. e eased the rifle over the edge of the low wall and placed the cross hairs on the middle of the chest. He took a deep breath, let it out and squeezed the trigger ever so slowly. The rifle punched against his shoulder. He immediately left the rifle and scrambled down the ladder. He walked to the truck as quickly as possible, got in, started the motor and slowly drove off.
He knew if he went too fast someone would notice him. He took off the gloves while he drove. He took the Potomac Parkway and headed across the river. He wound his way out to Baily’s Crossroads before he stopped. He pulled into a large computer super store and drove around to the back. He took off the coveralls and baseball cap. Everything went into a plastic bag.
He got out of the van, tossed the bag in the dumpster and walked to Columbia Pike where he took the bus. He eventually got back to Georgetown. Military police, Georgetown Police cars, and emergency vehicles were still choking off traffic. Roadblocks had been set up and every car was searched.
He walked down to the bar and took a seat. Everyone was talking a mile a minute. The TV was showing a woman talking head in front of the Tudor Palace with a ‘BREAKING NEWS’ banner running across the bottom of the screen.
The bartender was deep in conversation and he had to wait for several minutes before he ambled down his way.
“Crazy huh?”
“I guess. It’s a crazy world,” he said, �
��A Guinness when you have the time.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
NASHVILLE CAPITAL BUILDING
“Amazing, did you hear?” Kendra Cox asked as she came in the room.
“I was just watching it on television. A hell of a thing. I mean, why now? If someone had done this earlier we probably wouldn't have had the damn war.”
“Mr. President.”
“I know. Not very Christian but it’s the truth. Think of how many lives could have been saved.”
“Still. No one has the right to do that,” she insisted.
“Humm,” was his reply.
“Anyway. They are assembled and ready for you when you are,” she announced.
“I’m on my way.”
His entire staff was sitting at the large conference table when he came walking in. Several started to get up but he just motioned them to stay seated.
“I know you all have a ton of work to do but I felt it was necessary to talk about another issue I have been struggling with,” he told them.
“How the states are going to be represented?” Beau Zimmerman said.
“Have you been sneaking a peek at my files?” Jason kidded.
“Well, it would seem logical. We talked about the President last time so it would seem logical that we would move on to the next level,” Beau replied.
“Very good. And you are exactly right. What I don’t want is a government that costs the nation huge amounts of money. By the time you consider all the factors of having both a House of Representatives and the Senate it is mind boggling. No wonder we were going broke.”
“And you want to do what?” Mary Lake asked.
“I’m not sure. Hence the meeting.”
“Doing away with one or the other will create some real problems,” Susan Churchman said.
“How so?”
“The Senate represents the States. The House the districts within the state. If you take away the house the people have no one they can go to. If you take away the Senate, the states are left without representation.”
“That is very true but there must be a better way,” Jason insisted.
“Cut the number of House Representatives down to one from each state and one Senator for each state,” the Treasury Chief, Bill Alan said.
“So you are suggesting we let the states determine how to handle the rest internally?” Jason asked.
“Maybe. I mean, they can make the state government as big as they want. It would be on their nickel. I’m pretty sure that would hold the numbers down,” Alan answered.
“So the states go broke?” Mary asked.
“Hey, they would have to live by a budget the same as the President this way. If they want a bunch of fat cats sitting on the payroll, they had better be able to afford it,” Alan replied.
“So then, the House Representative would stay in the state except to confer with the Senator whenever necessary. The Senator would be in Nashville, is that essentially it?” Jason asked.
“Something like that, yeah.”
“Let’s take it one step further. What about their perks. Senators and House members love their perks.”
“I, for one, think they should have to pay into Social Security if we are going to keep it. They should have to disclose their tax returns each year. No free medical, they pay like the rest of us. The little fact finding trips should be totally eliminated unless approved by the President,” Susan spoke up.
“Oooh. Someone thinks they have been getting away with too much,” Beau said.
“Darn right. Everyone else has to follow the rules. Why shouldn’t they?”
“So no special retirement plan?”
“No. They can take out a 401K like the rest of us. That is if we still have that in place,” she said smiling.
“Actually, I’m glad you all brought this up. I have been playing with the same issues. I think the government is way to top heavy. We need to cut out the fat and get back to a reasonable size,” Jason replied.
Once again, the conversation and exchange of ideas went on for hours. In the end they had a reasonable working plan of action for the future of the American Republic.
****
NORFOLK, VA
The two Super Carriers had left Norfolk almost immediately after the briefing with Admiral Swanson. They would travel at full speed since they had the longest way to travel. The Bush and Lincoln were too large to fit through the Panama Canal. They would have to traverse the South American Continent.
A new section was being added to the Panama Canal but even then, it would not be able to accommodate the American Super Carriers and submarines would also travel with them as an additional layer of protection.
The USS Anzio CG-68 and USS Monterey CG-61 would rendezvous with several other DLG and support ships out of Pensacola, Florida. They would easily be able to fit through the Gatún Locks. They would then meet up with the two carriers and submarines and proceed to engage the Mexican Navy if necessary.
General MacMillan had dispersed the 20th Fighter Wing flying F-16’s from Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. Holoman Air Force, home of the 49th Wing, with F-22’s would also see action alongside the F-16’s.
Even with all of this fire power, boots on the ground would still be necessary. Twenty thousand active and reserve troops were standing ready to be inserted into California.
The planned insertion was dependent on two critical objectives. Since the Mexican Army had reinforced their positions all along Santa Paula Freeway, it made the job considerably more problematic. The two airfields that they needed were in enemy hands.
The Santa Paula Airport was just south of the Freeway and was being used by the Mexican Air Force. It would be critical to capture it without damaging the runways. Equally daunting was taking back the Naval Air Station at Point Mugu. The advantage it offered is that the troop ships could offload the Army and Marines within a hundred yards of the airfield. Unless they could seize the two bases, the war would be much more protracted and deadly.
Both General Ascot and President Jason waited anxiously for word from the Mexican President that would end the situation without the need for bloodshed.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MEXICAN PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
“What do you want me to do?” Secretary of National Defense, Eleazar Guzman asked with a hint of trepidation in his voice.
“What is the current situation?” the President asked.
“Two of their newest aircraft carriers met up with a sizable fleet of other ships three days ago. They are within a few hours of reaching the California border.”
“And you see no way that we can defeat them or at least hold our own so that we can negotiate a settlement?”
“In all honesty, there is no way we can hold back the might of their firepower,” Guzman told him.
“Then this is what we will do. We could not meet their demands at this point in time anyway. I will send them a message telling them that we will comply but that we need more time to withdraw. It will be delayed in getting to them. When they start the hostilities we will look like we were attacked without provocation. We can then go to the UN and force either a settlement or UN troop support.”
“But sir. That is only prolonging the situation. Our soldiers will die for no reason. We would be doing nothing more than sacrificing them and to what end?”
“Senor Guzman, that is not for you to decide. With a settlement we will have gained much in the way of concessions. We will get part of California back and I have no intention of sending back any treasure that we have confiscated. California is rightfully Mexico’s anyway,” the President insisted.
“I beg you Mr. President to reconsider. What if they decide to attack Mexico City as well. Once they see the damage we have done to their country and the number of civilians killed, they may seek revenge.”
“It was war. Damage is a natural part of it and so is death.”
“I do not think they w
ill feel the same way if they find the mass graves and hear the stories of what our soldiers did,” Guzman replied.
“You will do as you are told. I do not wish to discuss this further. Carry out my orders immediately,” the President said slamming his hand on the table.
“As you wish, Mr. President,” Guzman said.
The President sat for a long time reliving the conversation. He knew Guzman was right but he was backed into a corner. Mexico would be seen as weak if they just succumbed to the American demands. Even if they did, there was still the matter of the deaths and destruction they had inflicted on the cities and people of California.
The Americans would want compensation and Mexico was in no position to honor such a dept. The damned Americans.
****
NASHVILLE CAPITAL BUILDING
“Anything?”
“No sir. Not a word.”
“Time is running out,” President Jason said.
“They couldn’t pull out in time now, even if they wanted to,” Mary told him.
“So they want a shooting war. Why is that? They must know they stand no chance. All that will happen is that they will end up getting people killed. Why?” General MacMillan added.
“I agree. So what are they really trying to accomplish?” Jason asked.
“Outside help,” Susan Churchman replied.
“Outside help? From where?” MacMillan asked.
“The UN,” she told him.
“Ha. If he is counting on that, he is a bigger fool than I thought he was. The UN. What a joke. They will be a year debating its involvement. Add another year for them to finally mobilize and even then, what are they going to do against the American Republic and United States?”
“Hope for some kind of negotiated settlement,” I would imagine,” Susan replied.
“Good luck with that. They invaded our country. We have nothing to negotiate with them,” MacMillan replied, always the warrior.
“Still, that would be my best guess. I didn’t say they would be successful but that is what they will try,” she insisted.
A NATION HEALING - BOOK III The Second Civil War (The Second Civil War - BOOK III 1) Page 6
