Fractured Nation

by Kurt Winans

  Moving toward the lectern, Samuel smiled at his old friend number five and shook her hand while saying, “Thank you Madam Speaker for the opportunity to stand before you and the other representatives today. I’m truly honored as a proud Texan to be in these hallowed halls.”

  “You are welcome Mr. Tillman, and I thank you as well. We the members of the Texas State House of Representatives are honored to have you speak today. Please proceed when you are ready.”

  With that Samuel began what he felt would unify the assembly as it had done a short time before to members of the Senate. Public speaking had never been a shortcoming for Samuel in the business world, and he treated this particular audience as if he were conducting just another of those countless meetings. The only difference between each of those past and that of the current address, was the magnitude of the content. In the process of his address to some that he recognized as people the organization had helped over the years, he noticed that many were nodding in approval. They too had been fed up with many of the actions which had occurred during recent days, weeks, months, and years, and were therefore ready to turn a new page.

  Perhaps the most galvanizing portion of his riveting address in both wings of the Capitol Building was when Samuel stated, “You must all understand that this is our most opportune moment to strike with conviction. The entirety of our nation’s government structure, the military industrial complex, and the vast majority of American citizens, are out of nothing more than misguided habit looking toward the Muslim world in the Middle East as the perpetrators of the most recent terrorist attacks. They have been socialized to believe that if anything of negative impact transpires within the United States, or in the entirety of the globe, then it must be the fault of some extremist Muslim faction or group. That socialization within some American citizens had been brewing for months or years before, but the events of September eleventh a quarter century ago brought it to a head. Osama Bin Laden as the unquestioned leader of the Al-Qaida terrorist movement claimed credit for the attacks upon New York and Washington D.C., and thus the mold was cast. As time went by and his power diminished, those same blameful Americans, whose numbers continued to grow, searched for a new source to bear the brunt of their dismay. Of course the media outlets, ever ready to create an over sensationalized story about anything that they could get their claws into, were glad to oblige. Throughout subsequent years they brewed up a fear of the Taliban, ISIS, and others under a range of labels. Then as each one faded into yesterday’s news, another magically came along. The sickening perpetual cycle included the Bishri Zwar, as they became the new horrific threat to peaceful existence in our time just two short years ago. Now I’m not here to claim that any of those fears and blame weren’t justified in some respect, as the actions of those radical groups more than demonstrated their malicious intent when given an opportunity. No my friends. I’m here to convey for those of you who aren’t already aware of it, that the American society in general, and frankly many others around the globe, look first to the Middle East for blame whenever the mood strikes them. That reflex will never end as long as it is fed by fear, and we can use that fear to our collective advantage. Those growing number of self-proclaimed important figures in Washington, the military leaders, and so forth have absolutely no intention of looking inward for a domestic source with regard to what transpired at each of the three military academies. In addition, those fear mongers don’t possess the guts or intestinal fortitude to accept such a reality even if it were somehow discovered to be true. Therefore it is reasonable and prudent at this time for us to proceed with our ultimate plan, and as the door of opportunity is wide open, we must act upon that and move through it within the next two weeks. I have no doubt that our opponent will be caught completely off guard when we swiftly and decisively do exactly that.”

  At the conclusion of Samuels address, number five stood to applaud. She was joined by many others in rapid succession, and he waved with pleasure in their direction. Then as he turned to depart, the Madam Speaker said to him, “Thank you Mr. Tillman. You have just conveyed so strongly what many loyal Texans have believed for years. As an elected representative body we have much work in front of us, and I shall contact you personally through my office to inform you of any decision that this quorum arrives upon.”

  Seated in his private office at four in the afternoon, Samuel Tillman concluded his conversation with number twenty three. As had been agreed upon with number five during their meeting and subsequent lunch prior to Thanksgiving, number twenty three was relaying vital information from her that could lead to the next phase of the overall plan. Although certain specific details had been omitted for the time being, such as how or by what level of ease the forwarded news had been achieved, for Samuel and those in the organization the message content was fantastic. After slightly more than forty-eight hours since his address to each wing of the Texas State Legislature, the all-important question had been acted upon and answered with clarity.

  After setting the burn phone down and moving from his office into the kitchen area, Samuel found Victoria and Ms. Holloway engaged in a typical conversation over a cup of coffee. Then he asked, “Are any of the grandchildren around?”

  Victoria replied, “No Samuel, Jennifer and Blake are both at basketball practice. Although for Jennifer, it’s really more about watching the boys practice than anything else.”

  “Yes, that young lady definitely needs some focus.”

  “Jennifer is focused Samuel, just not on what you would want.”

  “Alright Victoria, I hear you. So then where is Savanah?”

  “Ashley has her at physical therapy, so none of the grandchildren will be home for more than an hour.”

  “Very well, then I have some news.”

  “Alright Samuel, what is it?”

  “It is done. I don’t have specifics, but I just concluded a conversation with number twenty three who was passing along the confirmation from number five.”

  “It’s done? Well that happened faster than you anticipated.”

  “Yes it did. I asked them to be decisive one way or the other by the end of the week so we had ample time to prepare, but they surprised me by actually doing so. The information number five passed on included that the deliberation had moved swiftly with little resistance during the time since I departed. A motion for a vote was put forward early this afternoon and then seconded immediately. Apparently they concluded less than an hour ago.”

  “That’s wonderful. So what’s next?”

  “I will be on the burn phone in my office several more times this evening I’m sure. I have instructed number twenty three to initiate contact with each of the five operatives in Washington D.C., and she should be able to reach all of them rather quickly. Perhaps number twenty nine will be a challenge in that regard, but at least for the time being, he is the least important of the five to receive and respond to my message.”

  “And what is that message?”

  “I asked number twenty three to deliver a simple message from me that the light is now multiple shades of green for their requirements within the Capitol Building and on the opposite side of the Potomac. The operatives will in turn each contact me for discussion and instruction. After those conversations, numbers eleven, thirteen, seventeen, and nineteen will begin their final preparations for what they hoped would be coming, and exactly how to play their part in the grand orchestration. Each has been well prepared, but they will still have questions of me as to the specific date and precise timetable when their actions should commence. Beyond that, I need to contact number seven directly and inform him of his next assignment as well. Numbers three and five have done their part for now by helping to guide things along in the proper direction, and they each showed an extreme level of expediency for any level of government during the process. But now because of what will happen due to the wheels being set in motion, number seven will need as much time as possible to prepare for the upcoming responsibilities of those he co
mmands. So as I said, it will be a busy night for me.”

  Ms. Holloway, who had known for decades to never speak of certain business matters that were discussed within the Tillman mansion, then asked, “It sounds as if you could be missing out on the family dinner tonight. Would you like me to make something for you to eat right now Mr. Tillman?”

  “Thank you for the thought Ms. Holloway, but I will probably just get something out of the fridge when I’m through with the business at hand.”

  On Friday morning, the last such work day before the annual two week holiday break for Christmas and New Year, United States Republican Senator Nathan Pearson of Texas arrived at his office earlier than usual. Although no special need to do so existed, as every document of significance generated during his tenure had already been either secretly shipped back to Texas or destroyed, the Senator wanted to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee alone in his office. His intent was possible only because the entirety of his staff and interns had also been dismissed from duty the previous evening. If nothing had interfered with their schedule, they were already bound for Texas on early morning commercial flights.

  Sitting patiently at his desk in quiet contemplation, Senator Pearson visually scanned his office for the final time while reflecting upon his years in Washington D.C. and what he had done to deserve such a splendid opportunity. Then when the latest in the line of burn phones rang to break the silence, he quickly answered it with a simple greeting of, “Good morning. This is number eleven.”

  In response he heard, “Good morning to you as well number eleven. This is number three.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Are you ready?”

  “Yes I am. Our final session before the holiday break will begin in less than an hour, and I will make the announcement shortly before we adjourn this afternoon.”

  “Excellent, have you spoken to number seventeen?”

  “Yes I have, and she will address her collective at the same time with number nineteen close at hand.”

  “And number thirteen?”

  “She will stand with me when the time comes.”

  “That’s excellent. I know that you will all do a splendid job, and I look forward to seeing each of you soon.”

  With that Senator Pearson ended the call, placed the burn phone securely within the inside breast pocket of his suit jacket, and exited his office. Before moving toward the Senate chamber, he felt that it was important to enjoy one final walk through the Capitol Rotunda. As the centerpiece of the United States Capitol Building, the room directly beneath the dome was magnificent. It housed a series of individual statues positioned in a circular perimeter, with each representing one of the fifty states. On the ceiling above, there was also a massive painted mural depicting a brief history of the United States. While gazing upon the varied artwork for several minutes, the man who had just been re-elected the previous month to a fourth term in office pondered all that had, and hadn’t, been accomplished by the elected body during his years in Washington. Then after strolling into the Senate chamber, he met with a few colleagues for a moment of lighthearted conversation before taking a seat at his desk.

  At three that afternoon, Senator Pearson knew that the time was at hand and stood to be recognized. After receiving a signal that his intent would be honored, he turned to catch the eye of his counterpart, Democratic Senator Denise Walker of Texas, and gave her a nod. They both realized from observing the actions of the day, that no one in their present company had any clue as to what was about to transpire. Then a moment later a voice from the head of the chamber said, “At this time Senator Pearson of Texas is recognized.”

  Rising from his chair and moving toward the nearest lectern, Senator Pearson then replied, “Thank you sir. I’m pleased to see that most of this elected body is in attendance on this final day of session before we recess for the holidays. The past several weeks have been difficult to be sure, with long hours and much discussion over the central question of going to war yet again based on a conflict with some party residing in the Middle East. As each of us seated here represents a portion of those who have been tasked with that daunting decision, I must say this. I understand that the vote of this Congress has carried to indeed pursue such a course of action that will once again plunge this country of ours into a war. This will not be the first time that our military forces will be required to engage with an oppositional force in that region of the world, and mistakes have been made in the past as to our grasp of the true resolve of similar forces. I fear that we are headed down the path of overconfidence again, and in that spirit I ask once more that this collective forgo such an undertaking. I have voted against the action of war, and shall continue to stand by that decision. I ask in near desperation for many of you to stand with me if this country is to avoid another irresponsible decision of going to war against Syria. Such an action by this nation and its military will undoubtedly have serious economic implications for many years to come!”

  As residing President of the Senate, Vice President Sutherland interrupted briefly to ask, “We all understand your conviction in this matter Senator, as you have expressed it now on numerous occasions, but what are you hoping to accomplish at this time? What’s done is done Senator. The vote has been cast and passed resoundingly by this elected body to declare war against Syria, and this nation shall do so.”

  Knowing fully that his well-rehearsed speech would be received negatively, and also aware that it would have made no difference in the overall plan even if the response had miraculously been positive, Senator Pearson smiled inwardly. Then he calmly replied, “I understand that sir, but this nation will do so without the great state of Texas.”

  “What are you talking about Senator? You are more than aware that just because you privately disagree with how this Congressional body has voted, you don’t have the right to refuse acting accordingly with regard to that legislation. In the event that you have somehow forgotten that fact Senator, then let me remind you of something. We stand as a nation in this decision to go to war.”

  Now smiling outwardly, Senator Pearson replied, “With respect sir, that’s not exactly true. Senator Walker and I have been given specific instructions for this day from our Governor and the Texas State Legislature.”

  After several long seconds of silence, Vice President Sutherland finally replied, “Alright Senator, would you care to elaborate by informing us of those instructions?”

  With Senator Walker having joined him at the lectern, Senator Pearson said, “Yes sir. Our instructions are to inform you and this elected body that Texas is now formally declaring its intent to once again become a Republic of its own.”

  Not believing what had just been heard, the Vice President asked, “I’m sorry, I don’t think I understood you. Could you please clarify your statement for me Senator?”

  “Most certainly, as we don’t want any misunderstanding in this matter. When the New Year commences at midnight on the morning of January first, two thousand twenty- seven in the Central Standard Time zone where our great capitol city of Austin is located, Texas shall sever all ties with the United States. At that moment we shall once again become the Republic of Texas, and will not adhere to the laws or restrictions set forth upon any of the other forty-nine states as mandated by the federal government. Additionally, we shall not become involved by way of financial resources, or the use of our military personnel, in any of the actions taken by the United States with regard to hostilities toward any foreign nation.”

  Now even further amazed by what he had heard, the Vice President leaned forward from his chair and asked, “Excuse me Senator Pearson, and please understand that this question is being asked due to my many years of knowing you and the concern over your declaration and what feelings those words have brought forth in me. But are you insane?”

  “I understand that some may think so, but I can assure you sir, I’m quite sane.”

  “Then why would you, as a multi term elected official for the state of Texas
make such a ridiculous declaration?”

  “Sir this is a legitimate declaration that needs to be taken seriously by you and the other Senators here with us today. You should be made aware that as we speak, our counterparts within the House of Representatives chamber at the opposite end of this grand complex are currently submitting an identical declaration. Texas is indeed separating from the United States in two weeks, and as you have already professed to me just moments ago, what’s done is done. Texas maintains a sincere desire to separate from her parent country as cleanly and smoothly as possible on the date that has been proclaimed, and we fully expect this government to aid in any logistical matters within that process.”

  “Have this government aid Texas in the process? You are sadly mistaken Senator Pearson. I don’t believe that this country would allow such an action to transpire at all, let alone with our aid. On a more personal note, if you truly believe in what you have just said, then I think it would be best for you to seek professional help. You need to speak with a doctor who is trained and well versed in how to best cope with illusions of grandeur.”