She sent for General Douglas and General Lamb. It was time, she decided, to take the next step.
***
“Gentlemen, I have decided it is time to declare Martial Law. This incident in Albuquerque has convinced me that trying to suppress these uprisings one at a time is a futile endeavor. As of tomorrow at 5:00 p.m., I am declaring a state of Martial Law for an indefinite period of time. Curfew will last from sunset until sunrise in all areas. That does not include Alaska. I am not going to waste resources on that area.”
“Any rules of engagement?” General Douglas asked.
“If they are out during curfew that are to be shot or taken into custody. I don’t care how it is done but no one is to be out during curfew.”
“Madam President, what about people who work at night? There are many factories, hospitals, and other industries that need to be open during that period of time. How do we handle that?” General Lamb asked.
“Don’t you see? If we make exceptions for one group how will we ever enforce curfew? I work here, I work over there, I have to be in at midnight. That simply won’t work. We have to have one rule and that is the way it has to be.”
“Madam President we have military contractors that have three shifts, do we tell them to close down as well?” Douglas asked.
“Are either of you listening to me? Shut down everything after dark. It’s quite simple, if they are in the building before curfew they can certainly work. Hospitals will have to find a solution to continue taking care of patients. Have dormitories or whatever is necessary. I am not about to make exceptions for every group that feels they need special treatment. Curfew means just that, you’re out when you shouldn’t be and you damn well could get shot.”
“You realize we will also lose a significant portion of our military. There are going to be those that will simply not go along with Martial Law,” General Lamb said.
“Then arrest them. Haul them off. Shoot them for refusing to obey a direct order. I don’t care how it is done, just get it done,” she insisted.
“How will the people even know?”
“I will make the announcement at five o’clock tomorrow just before it goes into effect.”
“And if the people balk at curfew?” Lamb asked.
“I think I have made that quite clear. You are authorized to do whatever is necessary to make sure the orders are carried out.”
Lamb laid his head back on the chair and looked up at the ceiling.
“Is there a problem General Lamb?”
‘Yes you stupid cow, you need to have your head examined,’ he thought.
“I was just going over what needs to be done before your speech,” he lied.
“I see,” was all she said.
“General Douglas?”
“We have a lot to do to get ready,” Douglas replied.
“Alright. The speech is at five tomorrow and curfew goes into effect at dark.”
***
President Clemons looked directly into the camera as she began.
“I am addressing America with a heavy heart tonight. Because of traitors and dissidents in this country of ours that we all love so much, I have been forced to make a terribly difficult decision. We are dealing with a few who are disruptive and bent on destroying the country they profess to hold dear. It is unfathomable to me as to why they are trying so hard to destroy the very things the majority of us desire. Most Americans are law abiding and have welcomed the ISS with open arms. They realize the tremendous work they are doing to keep America safe. You can go about your daily lives without worrying about terrorist attacks. Crime continues to drop every single month making our streets safer for you and your family.
Why then, do a few irrational people resist change? Is it just out of spite because they don’t like the fact that a woman is in the White House? I have spent many hours pondering these and other questions. This administration’s vision has always been and will continue to be the safety of its citizens.
Since I took office our national debt has fallen steadily. Crime has plummeted to a new low. Unemployment is at less than two percent and inflation is hovering around one percent. The picture across the board is brighter than it has ever been during our lifetime. Yet in spite of all of this, a few remain disenfranchised from the mainstream goals of the American people.
As a people we can only progress as long as we remain united, unwavering in our endeavors, and fixed on our long term goals. Distractions only make the progression more difficult for the majority that want to see us reach our objectives of a safer country, one that is debt free with a job for every American who wants to work. To do this will take sacrifice in the short term to achieve our long term commitments. At this point I see no alternative but to announce that the United States of America will fall under Martial Law until such time as the dissidents are disbanded. Beginning this evening, curfew will go into effect at dark and remain in effect until daylight. Anyone outside during this imposed period of time will be arrested and detained. No one is exempt. Following this address, General Douglas, Head of Combined Military Forces will have an announcement and more information.
I cannot express how disheartened I am to have to resort to this measure. We sincerely hope it will be for the briefest period of time. You are encouraged to stay tuned for specific instructions concerning the details of the impending Martial Law. Good evening my fellow Americans,”
***
Just like that and it was done. America was now under Martial Law and there was virtually nothing the population could do about it. General Douglas had gone on after the President explaining what would happen to anyone caught out after dark.
He explained that there were currently no exceptions including such services as hospitals, air traffic control, or even airline flights. While they could still fly, passengers had to be at the airport before curfew and could not leave their destination until after sunrise. In short, it brought America to a screeching halt from dusk to dawn.
The address by the President and General Douglas had no more finished than people started rushing around trying to get in food and other necessities. Many people had no clue as to what to really do. Report for work? Stay home? What about emergencies? Women having babies? Heart attacks? Ruptured appendix? Do you just tell them to wait until the sun comes up? It left people reeling with confusion.
On the other hand, many people realized that Martial Law would be almost impossible to enforce in many places. The military and ISS couldn’t watch everyone all the time. Some, who had anticipated something like this as a possibility already had plans in place to circumvent the situation.
***
“We are going to need a lot more drones,” Lamb said.
“And cameras. We need to blanket the major areas with them. We can use troops in some of the smaller areas but the big ones are going to take aerial reconnaissance. We need IF in the nose of those things. Get as many choppers and fixed wing prop planes up as we can. Get infra-red cameras in those as well,” Douglas told him.
“I’ve already started on that. It still won’t be enough. People are going to find a way around this,” Lamb replied.
“Of course they are. Only the President thinks people are totally stupid. Hell, if people can figure out how to break the rules in prisons and our internment camps, they will figure this out pretty damn quickly,” Douglas said.
“General, please tell me you have no intention of having me arm the drones with missiles.”
“Oh, I don’t intend to use them but they sure look menacing. Put them on but they don’t have to be armed.”
“Thank you,” Lamb replied.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The vast majority of the people, after hearing the speech by the President and General, were of one of three things. Many were angry at the fact that this was just dumped on them. Others were disbelieving that such a thing could take place in America. The last group was passive, believing it would all be just fine. After all, you can’t fig
ht the government. They were the most pathetic of all.
A great many didn’t even know what to do next. For most, it was only a few hours before curfew was to take place and they didn’t know if they should go to work or not. If they didn’t they might lose their job. If they did, they would have to stay until sunrise.
Of course there was a mad rush on grocery stores almost immediately. People bought bread and milk by the cart full. Water in bottles flew out by the case full. The simple truth was; no one had a clue as to what this really meant to them. Most didn’t even know what the concept of Martial Law meant.
Some of the problem stemmed from the fact that Martial Law had no one fixed meaning. The definition depended on the extent the military was given power over the general population. There was no doubt that civil liberties would be suspended. Martial Law does give the military broad sweeping powers to arrest, detain, and suspend Habeas Corpus.
President Clemons had given General Douglas the additional authority to arrest anyone considered giving aid and comfort to the enemy. Of course the right to assembly would be denied as well. In one moment, American was transformed into a totalitarian government. Those with the foresight to see what was coming were not surprised. They knew it wasn’t a matter of if it was going to happen but when it would happen.
“Are you surprised?” Thomas asked Lincoln when they turned off the television.
“No. We all knew it was coming. I did think she would give people more warning,” Lincoln asked.
“I didn’t think so. She wanted the shock value of the announcement. I think blaming the ‘few dissidents’ as the reason had a nice touch to it. I wonder how long it has been since the main stream media has actually printed the truth. It seems like it has been a decade at least.”
“Maybe even longer. They have been part of the reason for the destruction of this country for a long time. I would imagine they will continue until they prove to be no longer useful,” Lincoln replied.
“One thing for sure, it is going to put a little more pressure on us. We won’t be as free to get around. The violence between us and the military is going to escalate,” Thomas warned.
“We knew it would.”
“We need to get Gerhardt and Kim working again. Kim said she was bored out of her head just sitting around,” Thomas said.
“You have something in mind?”
“You bet. We are going to send a signal to General Douglas. Not one he will like but one he will have to respond to.”
“What do you have in mind?” Lincoln asked frowning.
“We are going to make being in a leadership role very unattractive,” Thomas told him.
***
“Look, Thomas, I understand what you are saying but I just want to be quite sure I’m hearing you right,” Kim said.
“He is telling us that operation Top Dog is a way of telling the military that enforcing Martial Law is going to be very costly in terms of leadership. Our job is to locate the highest ranking ISS and military commanders and eliminate them.”
“Assassinate them.”
“Yes Kim, assassinate them,” Thomas said.
“And you think this will cause them to drop Martial Law?”
“No. It is only one element. We have the upper hand right now. They do not know where we are located but we know where they have most of their headquarters. This is a three pronged attack. Gerhardt and his team is one prong. Your team is another prong. The use of the drones as well as a ground attack with be the third prong. We intend to keep them off balance and not knowing where the next attack is coming from. My source has supplied me with a list of some of the top people and where we can find them. He has also given me troop strengths and armaments. We have to do this now. I am very worried about our inside man. He is taking a huge risk in getting us this information. I doubt he is going to be able to stay in his position much longer,” Thomas said.
“Kim, are you having a problem with the assassination assignment?” Gerhardt asked.
“Truthfully? Yes, I’m struggling with it a bit. I think killing someone who has no idea it is coming is a bit cold.”
“It is cold. It is exactly what is required of a sniper. When I am getting ready to take out a target, I only think about the mechanics of the assignment. Knowing the wind speed, direction, and getting in my zone become all that I think about. Making sure I do everything exactly the same way I have every time. Once I make the shot I only think about getting out of the immediate danger area. I seldom remember the shot itself,” Gerhardt told her.
“Yes, but you have done it before. I’ve shot targets, not live people,” she told him.
“Then you are going to have to ask yourself if this is right for you. Kim, not everyone is cut out to be a sniper. You are absolutely right; there is a difference between taking a life and hitting an X on a target. Only you can decide what is right for you. You have wonderful skills now and if you don’t want to be a sniper, that’s fine. We can put your skills to use in other areas. There is plenty to do,” Thomas told her.
“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you go with me on the first assignment? You can act as my spotter. It won’t be exactly the same but you will at least get the experience and maybe a feel for what it is like to some extent,” Gerhardt suggested.
“I think that would be better,” Kim agreed.
“Excellent,” Thomas added.
***
Gerhardt and Kim had been lying on a small rise to the east overlooking Peterson Air Force Base, home of the 21st Space Wing. It was also where Brigadier General Russo was in command of USNORTHCOM. The mission of USNORTHCOM was to prevent, deter and defeat acts of aggression against the United States. They were also charged with aiding and providing military assistance to civilian authorities, meaning the ISS among others. However, now they were the operational center for the military participating in the enforcement of Martial Law.
It was a hot day with no cloud coverage making their ghillie suits very uncomfortable. Sweat permeated their uniforms as they lay watching the base.
“Heads up,” Kim suddenly said, “Three o’clock”
Gerhardt slowly pivoted the M-82 Barrett .50cal. rifle and zeroed in on General Russo. Gerhardt was not a snap shooter. He would only pull the trigger when he was sure everything was exactly right. He had always figured if the opportunity didn’t present itself this time he would get it later.
“He is moving to your right. Distance 510.5, wind 2 mph sw.”
“I have him,” Gerhardt said.
He laid his cheek on the rest, took two breaths, and held the second one. The crosshairs were right in the middle of the General’s back. He slowly squeezed the trigger and the rifle jammed against his shoulder.
He immediately started backing down over the ridge. He looked up and saw Kim still transfixed, looking through the spotting scope.
“Come on. We don’t have time to gawk,” he whispered harshly.
She broke out of her trance and started backing down the slope. Gerhardt had already taken his ghillie suit off and stuffed it into his backpack. The Barrett was over his shoulder and he was moving down the slope to where the Jeep lay covered. He immediately tore the concealment off and jumped in the driver’s seat. He had it running by the time Kim finally jumped in.
They drove down the dirt packed road and headed east toward the small burg of Ellicott. From there they turned south and wound their way around until they came to Interstate 25. Nothing had been said the entire time Gerhardt had been driving. Finally, once they were on I-25 south, he let out a sigh.
“How did you know you hit him?” she finally asked.
“I always know. The second I pull the trigger I know where the bullet is going to strike. You were watching. It impacted just at the point where his right shoulder blade touches his spine. He was dead before he hit the ground,” Gerhardt said, like a lecture.
“He was latterly picked up and thrown into the side of the building.”
“That’s p
retty much what happens when a .50 hits you with a muzzle velocity of around 2,800 f/s.”
She was quiet for a long time while Gerhardt drove along. They were taking the long way back because they figured within a few hours road blocks could be set up and he didn’t want to ditch the ghillie suits and Barrett unless he absolutely had to.
A few miles later Kim asked, “How did it feel? You were watching him through your scope. How did it feel when you pulled the trigger?”
He shrugged, “It just felt like I had done what I was sent to do. It was like nothing. I squeeze the trigger and get the hell out of the area as quickly as I can,” he told her.
“I have to say, you are one cool customer,” Kim said.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“Why? What was the point of killing General Russo?” Douglas said to no one in particular. I mean he was nothing.”
“Not entirely. He was in charge of the overseeing of Martial Law for all of Colorado,” General Lamb replied.
“So? There are more generals. It won’t change a thing,” Douglas insisted.
“It won’t immediately but if they kill enough it will have an effect.”
“Oh bull. We can promote lots of people. They can’t kill them all.”
“No but they can make them become less effective. Make them worry about every move they make. The man was on the base. Nothing around for almost 600 yards and he still got taken out. We don’t know who did it or why even. We could trace the trajectory but we found nothing. Not even the brass. We know it was a .50cal. but nothing else,” Lamb pointed out.
“It was stupid.”
“Maybe it was a message to you and General Lamb,” the President said.
Douglas frowned, looking at her.
“You mean that we might be next?”
“That they could take either of you out anytime they wanted to,” she said.
“It’s not quite the same thing. You can’t walk around in Washington with a .50 cal. Barrett over your shoulder,” Douglas said.
PROJECT BlueBolt - AMERICAN UPRISING: BOOK III - AMERICAN UPRISING Page 14
