It wasn’t about looting as much as making it look that way. Almost immediately others started joining in and soon thousands were grabbing whatever they could. Jewelry stores and electronic stores were hit the hardest but so were the high-end retail stores.
People would just jump out of their cars and rush to the stores and start grabbing whatever they could find then run back and take off. The whole downtown area began to look like a war zone.
“Pull out,” Bigelow ordered and his men began their extraction leaving hundreds in their wake.
***
NATIONAL NETWORK NEWS – Thousands of people in Chicago were left wounded and dead as rioting broke out during a protest rally. We have learned that two groups with opposing views began to argue and at some point it turned violent.
Countless victims on both sides were taken to medical facilities that were soon overwhelmed. At this time at least three hundred and seventy-five people have been admitted with serious injuries. Scores of others were treated and released. Seventeen deaths were attributed to the riot and that number is sure to climb.
Rioters then spilled onto Michigan’s Miracle Mile shopping area and started looting stores. Over one hundred stores had windows smashed and items grabbed by the crowd. Shocked patrons in the stores fled in fear. Fires broke out in at least four of the stores and the damage is in the millions.
The ISS regional director said that “this is what happens when people gather in large groups and do not apply for the appropriate permits. Had we been informed we could have provided some cushion of safety. This was an illegal event and we now have apprehended six of the organizers.”
Network news has also learned that to help the city, the military is sending medical teams and troops to help quell any further rioting. This is exactly the kind of thing President Clemons has warned about. She has been adamant that large groups organized by leaders with questionable motives will lead to violence. It would appear that her fears were realized in the city of Chicago today.
***
“Well played General Douglas,” the President said as she turned off the television.
“Thank you Madam President. It actually exceeded our expectations. The real numbers were, of course, much higher but nevertheless it is certainly enough to make anyone thinking about trying to stage a protest, reconsider.”
“What about the one in Gary, Indiana?”
“The word I received is that they have cancelled their scheduled protest indefinitely. Of course that could just be a ruse and we are monitoring it very closely.”
“Good. Any others in the works?”
“Buffalo,” the general told her.
“New York?”
“None other.”
“Really? I wouldn’t think anything would bother people from New York. They live in their own little world. I mean after all, look at what kind of people they choose to lead them. They live in La-la Land most of the time,” the President said.
“That may be true but Buffalo is working on the final plans for their protest. It won’t come off and we won’t have to worry about it getting any further.”
“Oh?” Clemons replied placing her chin on her folded hands with her elbows on the desk.
“The main organizer of the protest is Alvin Lombardi. His cousin and his family were taken to an internment camp. Tonight…actually tomorrow morning at 2:00 a.m., Mr. Lombardi and his family will find themselves in the same camp as their cousins. We already have assets on the ground and are ready to go in. The second-in-command is Marie Gossman. Marie will not make it through the night in her home either. She will be spending a good portion of the rest of her life in Alaska.”
“So that one will just fail to come to fruition.”
“Exactly,” the general answered.
“Well, nothing like a few bashed in heads to make people sit up and take notice. I take it you are pleased with the way General Lamb is operating?”
“I am. He has already plugged a couple of leaks but he is sure there are others. Some are just minor leaks but he is convinced that someone higher up is still getting information out to the protesters and possibly the militia.”
“What do you think?” Clemons asked.
“I think if he feels that way, let him run with it. He is like a bulldog. He won’t stop until he finds the leaks and plugs them for good.”
“I’ll give him this, he does seem tenacious,” she said.
“Absolutely,” the general agreed.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
For most Americans the Canadian Constitutional Monarchy Government is somewhat difficult to understand. The fact is that they operate much like the United States even though they have a Queen. The actual government is run by the Executive Branch just like ours. Their Executive Branch is under the Prime Minister and he presides over the House of Commons and the Senate which are the Legislative Branch.
Prime Minister Walton Bouchard had watched Mark Walker on television on several occasions. On top of that, he had been approached by the American Consulate on three occasions about the possible extradition of Mark Walker to the United States.
It was true that an extradition treaty did exist but before he made any decision like that he decided he should talk to Mr. Walker himself.
Since Mark’s last television show had originated in Quebec he decided to have him brought to the capitol. Ottawa is situated on the south bank of the Ottawa River and has a population of slightly over one million people.
Mark had just finished another interview when a representative from the Prime Minister appeared.
“Mr. Walker, I’m James Patel. I was sent by the Prime Minister to have you accompany me to meet with him.”
“Really? Am I in some kind of trouble?”
“Not that I am aware of. You would have to discuss that with the Prime Minister. My instruction was to simply fetch you.”
“Well fetch away. I need to make a couple of quick calls and pack some clothes but other than that, I’ll be more than happy to accompany you.”
“Our driver will take you to your hotel and then to the airport. We have a plane waiting. I will see you on board,” he said and bowed slightly.
Mark wasn’t sure whether to bow back or offer his hand. Instead he just walked off with the driver. The whole time he was packing, he wondered if he had gone too far in his attacks against the administration. One thing for sure, if he was deported back to the US he would undoubtedly never be heard from again. He had seen firsthand what happened when you pushed the envelope too far and he had definitely done that.
***
If it hadn’t been for the fact that he and Patel were onboard the Boeing 727, it would have been an empty flight. As it was, Patel, other than to offer him a drink, had sat twenty seats away. Obviously he had been instructed to say very little to him.
They were met at the airport by a long black Mercedes limo and taken to what Mark assumed was the Prime Minister’s headquarters. It was totally dark and raining so there wasn’t really anything to see.
The only thing he did notice while they were driving along was a sign that said New Edinburgh. He had no idea what that referred to. He was going to ask Patel but he had his nose buried in a newspaper. The limo pulled into a circular drive guarded by several military men with automatic weapons. Patel spoke to them for a minute and then the limo pulled around a circular drive. It stopped in front of what Mark assumed was the Prime Minister’s residence and not a government building.
Patel led him inside and he was immediately taken to a large den. Sitting on the corner of a huge desk was the Prime Minister.
“Thank you for coming Mr. Walker.”
“Mr. Prime Minister,” Mark said not sure exactly what he should do.
“Please come in and have a seat. Would you like something to drink?”
“Water?”
“We can do that. I’m having Canadian Club on the rocks. Would you care for one?”
“Well sir. Look, Mr. Prime Minister, I
don’t even know what to call you. Sir? Mr.? His Majesty? Honestly, I’m very nervous about this whole thing.”
“Let’s see. I am the Prime Minister. My real name is Walton Bouchard. How about in this room I call you Mark and you can just call me Walt?”
“Really?”
“Why not?
“I don’t know. I just seems strange. If you’re sure.”
“It will do quite nicely. Now Mark, you are wondering why I would send for you. I’m pretty sure a smart guy like you has some inkling. I have followed your story with a great deal of interest. It seems that our neighbors to the south have taken quite a detour from business as usual.”
“That is the understatement of the year. They have practically gone a hundred and eighty out,” Mark replied.
“So it would appear. As I understand it, you are actually a fugitive from justice in the US. Is that correct?”
“I am.”
“And I’m sure they would love to have you back. In fact I know they would. Their Ambassador has been to see me three times and your new Vice President called.”
“We have a Vice President now?”
“Yes, it was announced just two days ago. Carlton Blaine.”
“I didn’t even know. And that is why I am here. You are undoubtedly trying to figure out what to do with me. America is an ally and a large portion of your economy depends on good relations with them. I, on the other hand, bring very little to the table. All I have managed to do is stir up some trouble.”
The Prime Minister had an amused look on his face. They said Walker was sharp but he was really more than that. He was honest, and that was rare.
“That pretty much sums it up.”
“So I don’t see a problem. You turn me over. I’m out of your hair. The Ambassador leaves you alone. No more calls from the VP and your economy, while restricted since the border closing, is somewhat back to normal.”
“Well then it’s all settled. You already have it figured out. We certainly do have an extradition treaty with the US and we should always honor those whenever possible,” Prime Minister Bouchard replied.
“I totally get it. Heck, if I were in your shoes I would do the same thing. I’m one person. You are responsible for a whole country. I absolutely understand your predicament and hold no grudge in what you are doing. It is the best thing for your country,” Mark said.
“Mr. Walker, I find you very refreshing. Mr. Patel has read your Journal, actually a copy of it. He urged me to read it as well and I did. What a horrible adventure. It sounds like it took place in Russia or when the French had prisons in New Guinea. Just horrible. And that, Mark, has altered my opinion of what is to be done with you. I am under the impression that if we extradite you back to the United States you will probably be executed. You see, we do not have to honor the treaty if, in our opinion, that person faces a death sentence. That is fairly obvious from the fact that we have been informed they have a bounty on your head, payable dead or alive. That speaks volumes about their intent,” the Prime Minister told him.
“So what are you saying?”
“I’m saying Mark, that you are free to apply for asylum here in Canada and we will grant it. If they do try to come after you in our country they will be met with the sternest measures possible. I intend to make that quite clear to their Ambassador when I send for him.”
Mark looked at him with his mouth open. He could hardly believe what he was hearing.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Thank you?” the Prime Minister suggested.
“Yes. Yes. By all means, thank you a thousand times. You have just saved my life. I just can’t believe this.”
“There is one thing you could do.”
“Look, anything. I’ll shut up and never say or write another word about my ordeal.”
“Actually, I would like for you to do three things. One is to do as many radio broadcasts along the border as we can schedule about your experience. Also, as many television shows. Last, if it isn’t too much to ask, I would like for you to write a book about the entire situation from beginning to end,”
“You want me to keep talking?” Mark asked.
“That is precisely what I am saying,” Walt replied.
“But won’t that cause even more tension between Canada and the United States?”
“Undoubtedly, but remember this, the oil pipe lines go through parts of Canada. On top of that, the new oil fields they have started drilling are scheduled to run for several thousand miles through the Yukon, British Columbia, and Alberta. The US has even proposed one that would go all the way to Ontario. They may not like it, but they are smart enough to know that revenge is very bitter if its success is measured in financial terms,” the Prime Minister told him.
“Would I become a citizen of Canada?”
“That would be entirely up to you. If at some point you do decide that you want to become a citizen, I am sure it can be arranged with the minimum of fuss.”
“I just don’t know what to say or how to thank you. I was expecting my death sentence.”
“Then consider this a reprieve. Welcome to Canada Mr. Walker.”
“Thank you Mr. Prime Minister.”
***
While on the surface it appeared that the Prime Minister may have a soft spot for Mark, there was much more to it than what it appeared on the surface. What he had told Mark was true in the sense that he had read his Journal and found it an amazing revelation about what was happening in America. His overriding concern, however, was still for his own country. Unemployment had been rising at an alarming rate and inflation was creeping up month by month. The economy was on the brink of disaster.
He knew that as long as Ms. Clemons held the office of President and the borders remained virtually closed, the chances of financial recovery for Canada were slim. He was sincerely hoping that the risk he was taking would payoff in the long run. If the Americans could get her out of office, there was a good chance that the relations between America and Canada could be restored.
After Mark had left, he said a quick prayer that he had done the right thing in granting him asylum.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Gerhardt and his team sat listening to the plan that Thomas was outlining. They were all sitting around a large table with a huge map and photographs spread out.
“I can’t say I like splitting the team up like this but I understand what you’re saying. If we hit just the one, we will play hell getting into the other one. They have to be done simultaneously and the only way to accomplish that is by sending one team to San Diego and the other to Indiana.”
“I wish there was a better way. You won’t be on your own. Both the California and Indiana’s Militias will have back-up on hand with plenty of firepower. I would rather we didn’t have to kill people who are not really the enemy,” Thomas said.
“We will use lethal force only if necessary,” Gerhardt replied.
“California and Indiana will be responsible for loading and getting the equipment out of the area. They have already made the arrangements. We don’t really know how many Hellfire Missiles there are but they will take as many as they can haul,” Thomas said.
“Where are they taking them?”
“To the new facility in Kansas.”
“You hope,” Gerhardt said.
“They will. The Raptors and Predators are only useful if we have the Hellfires. The Hellfires are only useful if you have the drones, so yeah, they will take them to Kansas.”
“Then we need to split the teams so they can work on rehearsing for the assignments. Kim, you lead Bravo Team. You will have Jason and Kirk with you. Alpha will consist of Ben, Alex, and myself. Do you have a preference regarding which place you want to tackle?” Gerhardt asked Kim.
“I think the Indiana facility might be better. I honestly think it is a little easier to take on,” she replied.
“Good. I agree. I think San Diego is going to be tough even for me. Alright then. You ta
ke everything we have on the Indiana Ammunition Plant in Charlestown and my team will start on the Major Atomic Aeronautical Works facility. We will meet to go over each other’s plans and pick them apart. I want total honesty. If you see something you think is not going to work it is your duty to point it out. Fair enough?” Gerhardt asked.
They all nodded.
“Once we have our general plans, we will present them to you and whomever you feel should have input. The more the better. I would like for everyone to have a crack at finding flaws,” he said to Thomas.
“I appreciate that. Just let me know when you are ready.”
***
The next two weeks for the Special Ops forces was a blur of activity. Both teams had laid out string on the ground with the exact measurements that they had been provided. This was so they would get a feel for exactly what they were going to deal with. They learned the distances, how many doors, where the alarm boxes were, and a hundred other details as they made their preparations for the assault on the two facilities.
Of course it wasn’t the real thing but it was the best they could do under the circumstances. They had decided on using several non-lethal weapons and to resort to deadly force only when absolutely necessary to carry off the mission.
Inside the facility, Halothane gas would be piped into the buildings to cause the workers to become disoriented and then unconscious. They would also carry Tasers to incapacitate anyone still active. Outside would be much more challenging. There they would rely on their training and skills.
“Listen up,” Gerhardt said, “I’m going to walk your through our plans. Keep in mind, we don’t know exactly where the guards outside will be but we will have to remain flexible just as Kim’s team does.”
For the next twenty minutes he walked them slowly through the entire process. He covered everything from getting past the guards to introducing the Halothane gas into the ventilation system.
Everyone stood around and pointed out anything they saw as a potential flaw in the plan or an overlooked threat. In the end, everyone felt that it was definitely workable. They were still dependent on the California Militia being ready and doing their jobs but there wasn’t much they could do about that.
PROJECT BlueBolt - AMERICAN UPRISING: BOOK III - AMERICAN UPRISING Page 8
