December's Soldiers

by Marvin Tyson

  As he turned to leave, he stopped and said, “I want to add that, although I didn’t plan on addressing Texas at all tonight, I will tell you that we are very close to signing treaties with Texas that will address free trade, mutual defense, currency issues, and border security and free travel. Very close indeed!” With that, he walked out while reporters scratched their heads.

  Chapter 23

  Marty readied his statement and, after sharing it with President Barker, called a press conference. Stepping to the podium festooned with a score of microphones at the front of the room, Bill O’Hare announced him, and then stepped back so the president could say what he wanted to.

  Marty stepped to the podium and glanced out over the gathered media, nodding to some, pointing to others he knew to acknowledge them, then read from his prepared statement. “My fellow Texans, and citizens of the U.S. who may be listening, as most of you know, the world has some very pressing economic issues that affect us all. No matter where in the world we are, regardless of our own personal economic circumstances, our world is so inextricably linked today that what affects one country, or even one person, will affect us all eventually. I say that to further explain my next statement.”

  His eyes swept the room as he tried to gauge reaction to his words. So far, so good, he thought, not seeing any outright skepticism. He continued. “Texas will always do her part to stabilize the world’s economy. While we insist on sound economic policy from anyone we partner with, we will never let the economy of any nation falter as long as we have the means to prevent it―provided, of course, that those countries are willing to exercise sound fiscal policy.”

  The media appeared to be attentive, some taking notes on paper, others typing on small notebook computers, and some writing on touchpad devices.

  “It is important to realize that we are a government of, by and for the people,” Marty stated in a firm voice, “and I will be in contact with representatives to present this to the people and gain their approval before any money changes hands.

  “I want to assure those of you who are citizens of our former partner states in the U.S. that Texas will always consider you all as ‘family’.” He made an expansive gesture with his arms, as if to include everyone. “Just as siblings in any other family may go their separate ways into the world when they reach adulthood, so we have chosen a path slightly different from yours. But, just as those other siblings know they can count on each other in a crisis or a loss, the U.S. can always count on Texas to be there when we’re needed.”

  He paused, seeing that some of the press seemed to be a bit behind in their notetaking, then went on. “The current European economic crisis threatens the world’s economy like it hasn’t been threatened in a hundred years, and both Texas and the U.S. will do whatever it takes to avoid catastrophe. We will work together to restore confidence in the European economy, stabilize the economies of those countries most in danger, and work with the other countries of the world to assure their long-range stability. This will create jobs, both here and there, encourage business investment, and shrink the size of governments around the world.

  “What we will NOT DO,” he said emphatically, “and will have no part of, is to dictate how the people of those countries live. That must be left to them.

  “That’s all I have for you at this time. Thank you for coming, and thanks for your attention.”

  Marty turned and walked out of the room, ignoring any questions as Bill ushered the press from the room. At that moment, the Texas president desperately wanted to just go home and sit quietly with Victoria. He needed to get away from the duties he’d inherited with the secession and forget about politics.

  As he went out the door, two Texas Rangers moved up to escort him back to his office.

  Chapter 24

  The small gaggle of press that followed ex-President Jackson to Beijing, China had Skyped another of his comments back to the States. This one was even more aggressive and challenging in tone. In a staged Q&A affair, one reporter asked Jackson if there were any more developments in the Texas separation affair about the protection of rights for all citizens, as well as the future of natural resources finds.

  Jackson, obviously enjoying all the attention he was getting, responded, “Thank you for your question. It is my understanding that the interim president of Texas has been made aware that every option is on the table for both of these issues. Any restriction on the civil rights gains we have made must be protected to the fullest in the new republic. Likewise, if Texas tries to monopolize the purchase of leases or ownership for natural resources found there, the U.S. will not hesitate to send troops in to protect those resources for the benefit of all purchasers from the U.S. This means exactly what it says; we will use any and all means at our disposal to guarantee neither of these things happen,” Jackson stressed.

  At the end of the Q&A, he exited the facility hosting the event and went back to his hotel room. Once inside, he pulled off his tie and suit jacket, replacing the formal jacket with a velour crimson smoking jacket trimmed in black and gold. He’d requested a smoking room when he made his reservation, and he pulled a box of Havana cigars out of his luggage, picked out one, and sat in one of the large, comfortable chairs in the room, propping his feet on a matching ottoman. He clipped the end off the cigar and lit it. Soon the aromatic smoke circled around him, and he relaxed.

  Switching on the big screen TV, he flipped around looking for programs in English, and found CNN, which was airing a press briefing by U.S. Press Secretary Julie Edmond.

  * * *

  In Washington, Julie stepped to the podium in the White House’s Brady Briefing Room, prepared to answer questions about the ex-president’s statements and to deal with them harshly enough to quiet the sense of unease they had caused. “Ladies and gentlemen, let me address the item that’s on everyone’s mind first, former President Jackson’s most recent statement, then I’ll be happy to take your questions.”

  She flipped open a notebook and read for a few moments. Then she looked around the room, knowing who was seated where, based on the layout of the room and her familiarity with most of the reporters. “As you all know, President Jackson has made statements on several occasions that have caused great consternation for Americans. Let me assure you that there has never been any discussion between the current and former occupants of the White House about what the reaction of the U.S. should be in the event that Texas might begin its course into the future with a poor human rights stance. This also applies to the idea that leases for any new natural resources found in its territory would only be sold to Texans or Texas corporations.”

  Again, she glanced down at her notebook, then looked up and continued. “We will deal with Texas just as we deal with Canada, as a friend, close ally and neighbor. If anything is done to restrict human rights, those affected can simply move across the border into the greater United States. As most of you know, we have a temporary free travel agreement with Texas, and citizens of either country can travel back and forth, even move permanently between the two for two more years.” She smiled. “So far, the number of people moving into Texas rather than out is about five to one, so people certainly don’t seem to harbor any such fears. And we harbor zero suspicion that Texas will abuse the human rights of its citizens.”

  She called on Hilarie White, sitting in the second row in the New York Times seat. “Hilarie, what’s your question?”

  “Thanks, Julie,” Hilarie replied. “I want to know if there’s been any more movement on the human rights front. Where does Texas stand on that issue?”

  “Like I said,” Julie stated, “we have no indication whatsoever that Texas will try to overturn any human rights’ gains made throughout the years. If anything, I expect them to be more forward-looking on these issues than some of our own states. But we’ll keep an eye on any situation that comes up.”

  She called on Blake Evans, a CBS reporter, next. “What’s going to happen if Texas discovers new natural resour
ces in its territory?” he asked.

  “Well, Blake,” she replied, “we’ll work closely with Texas representatives to come to some kind of agreement, which is exactly how this would work in dealing with any other country. Diplomacy will be a very important part of our process and, as far as I’ve seen, we won’t be faced with a recalcitrant Texas. President Kert and his administration have been upfront with us on every other issue we’ve faced. I doubt this will be any different.”

  She pointed to Politico’s George Miller, sitting in row three. “George?”

  “Can you tell us why the seven Heartland states are calling a press conference tomorrow?” he asked.

  “With any luck at all, the Bakken Field has proven more reserves and we can convince Congress to allow overseas sales,” she laughed. “But, seriously, no, I have no idea. We were aware of some high-level meetings, but are waiting like everyone else to see what it’s about. That’s all we have time for right now, folks,” she said, flipping her notebook shut. “If anything comes up that we don’t address to your satisfaction, feel free to contact Jordan Forsythe in my office. He’ll get you any information we have and, if we feel it’s necessary, we’ll issue a press release. See all of you tomorrow.”

  She turned to the right and left through the door at the back of the room.

  Chapter 25

  President Barker called Senator Mitchell and AG Smart into a meeting in an open office just down the hall from the Oval Office to talk about President Jackson’s latest statement. He also included Duncan McCarthy and Kimberly Kimmel in the meeting. When they were all assembled, he closed the door, offering coffee or tea to everyone, plus sandwiches Alicia had brought in.

  When everyone was settled at the long table, Barker started on the topic of the meeting. “I’m not sure where President Jackson is coming from with these damned statements, especially the one tied to natural resources in Texas,” Barker said. “Somehow he’s honed in on these two issues. I can see the human rights thing because, let’s face it, it’s been kind of a big thing in Texas, specifically with the bathroom edict. But where’s he getting his information on new natural resources down there? Anybody have a clue on that?”

  “Well, sir,” Kimberly said, “there’s always rumors about new oil finds in Texas and several other states. If Jackson has anything conclusive, I’d say he’s working with the individual or group that hacked our system. Otherwise, he’s just guessing.”

  “That’s a pretty sound assessment,” the AG said. “Let me dig around to see if I can find out where he’s getting his information. Depending on what I find, we can either ignore it or we’ll have to open an investigation.”

  Senator Mitchell agreed. “We need something concrete before we can take any serious action. Ralph, you’ve got some investigators who can check up on this, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I’ll start an informal follow-up to see what’s going on.” The AG glanced over at President Barker. “What do you think of that approach, sir?” he asked.

  Barker sat back in his chair, his hands across his chest, and gazed up at the ceiling, as if he might find the answer there. Apparently, that wasn’t helpful, and he let out a long sigh. “Let’s do that, Ralph,” he agreed. “How long do you think that will take?”

  “I’ll need a few days, at least,” Ralph told him. “I’ll get started right away and get back to you by―let’s see, it’s Tuesday―I’ll report back to you on Friday. Does that work for you?”

  “That’s good,” the president said. “Kimberly, what do you think?”

  “Sounds good, sir, but I’d like to keep checking what we have, figuring in what you’ve all just contributed. Maybe that will help direct our efforts better,” she said.

  The president stood. “Okay, let’s do this. Ralph, you work your idea, and Kimberly, you pass this along to your investigators. Maybe things will come together.” He pulled out his phone. “We’ll meet back here Friday, same time, same folks. Check your calendars and let Alicia know if you have a conflict and we’ll look at another time. Thanks for coming, and for your advice.”

  They all rose from their chairs and headed back to their offices.

  The president thought back over the conversation in the meeting, noting that Smart and Mitchell were all for moving cautiously on Jackson. They’d been that way ever since the whole Jackson thing started. He supposed he should be glad that they weren’t all for rushing into anything he might regret.

  Chapter 26

  When he got back to his office, Alicia told him that Marty Kert had called and would like President Barker to call him back at his earliest convenience.

  “Thanks, Alicia,” the president said. “I’ll call him now. Please make sure I’m not disturbed until I let you know I’ve finished my call with President Kert.”

  He went into his office, closing the door softly behind him. Pulling his private, secured cellphone out of his pocket, he dialed Marty’s cell.

  “Hello, President Barker,” Marty said. “Thanks for calling back so quickly.”

  “No problem, Marty. What can I do for you?”

  “Sir, I need your word that you’ve had no conversations with former President Jackson regarding these two issues he’s continuing to toss around in the press,” Marty said. “Many of my fellow Texans are seeing conspiracies everywhere they turn, and one conspiracy I’m sure they’ve manufactured says you are in cahoots with Jackson and are trying to thwart the secession. I’m certain you aren’t, but I’d love to hear that from you.”

  “You have my word, Marty,” President Barker said. “We’ve had no contact with Jackson since the first conversation he and I had at the very beginning, before Jackson started this whole affair, and you and I discussed that. You have my complete support, and I’ll make a public statement about everything that will leave no room for doubt in anyone’s mind that my administration is involved with President Jackson’s comments.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Marty said. “I’ll hold off on making any statements until you’ve issued yours. Then I’ll try to wrap it all up so everything is as clear as I can make it.”

  “I’ll have Alicia let you know when I’m ready to talk to the press,” Barker told him.

  “Great, I appreciate that.”

  President Barker ended the call. A short while later, he issued a press release, which read: “At this time, I want to make it clear to everyone that no one in my administration, including me, has been involved in anything former President Corbin Jackson has been putting out in the press. We have not been involved in anything Texas is doing regarding human rights or natural resources. We would have no more rightful claim to oil found in Texas than we would if it were found in the Philippines, which was once a part of the U.S., but is now independent. We wholeheartedly support Texas President Marty Kert and his administration for their hard work in conducting a peaceful secession of Texas from the United States, and we recognize their right to do what they feel is best for the Republic of Texas.”

  As soon as the release was prepared by Julie Edmond and approved by President Barker, a copy was sent with high importance to President Kert, Kay Darling, and Bill O’Hare.

  Kay went to Marty’s office to find out how he wanted to respond. “Got any ideas on this, sir?” she asked him.

  “Let’s put our heads together and sort through this thing,” Marty said. He picked up his desk phone. “Norma, could you get Bill O’Hare in here, please?”

  “Yes, sir,” Norma replied.

  Within a few minutes, Bill came through the door carrying his tablet. “What’s going on?” he asked Marty.

  “We have to come up with a response to this statement. I see President Barker copied you on it as well,” Marty replied.

  “Yes, sir,” Bill said.

  The three of them sat down at the small table in Marty’s office and came up with the following announcement: “Fellow citizens of Texas, I just got off the phone with U.S. President Harold Barker, and I trust him completely when he says n
o conversations have taken place between the former president and himself, or anyone on his staff, that would lead former President Jackson to make such inflammatory and speculative statements.

  “We have no idea why the former president would make such comments. They don’t seem to have any possible good outcome for anyone. And, while we have taken every advantage of the varied Texas demographic and all groups in everything we are trying to do here, I want to assure the people of Texas that Texans, and ONLY Texans, will determine what our constitution says and what our laws will be, regardless of anything President Jackson says. Again, President Jackson has no standing in Washington other than that of a concerned citizen. He has no standing in Texas at all. So, rather than getting all bent out of shape about his statements, just ignore them and stay focused on what we Texans need to do to keep such speculation out of our process of becoming just another nation to the United States. We can, and will, get the Republic of Texas established, despite rumors or conjecture from outside sources.

  “Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

  Kay was listed as the contact for any questions or comments, and a copy of the statement was sent to President Barker and his staff.

  Marty sat back in his chair, thinking this job was certainly taking away from his life span.

  Chapter 27

  The real bombshell came in the press conference of the Heartland states the following morning. They announced they were scheduling referendum votes similar to Texas for the same date six months hence. Those states included Oklahoma, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and North and South Dakota.

  Less than a half hour after the announcement, President Barker called Marty. Marty knew it wouldn’t be as friendly a conversation as in the past as soon as he said “Hello.”