THE REVELATION - Book 3 (THE EVENT)

by Marshall Huffman

  “Yegor, then by all means call me Randy. I seldom ever go by Mr. Boling.”

  “Then Randy and Yegor it will be. I will go see if I can find out what is going on with the Austrians,” Yegor said.

  “Good. I’ll try to talk to the Germans. Captain Miller is fluent in German so I’ll take him along.”

  “Then we will talk again tomorrow. Dobroy nochi, Randy.”

  “Good night Yegor.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  - Lisbon, Portugal –

  Day 6

  “Good morning Randy,” Yegor said as he walked into the conference room, “I would like to talk to you for a few minutes before we start today if you have the time.”

  “Dobroye utro Yegor. I can talk now if you like. Maybe we should step out on the deck.”

  “Yes. That would be best.”

  Randy stopped and told Margaret if he wasn’t back right on time to go ahead and start with the next item on the agenda. He met Yegor outside.

  “I had a chance to talk to Stigler late last night. Something is definitely going on. He alluded to a problem that was cropping up between Austria and Germany. He would not reveal what was going on but that it is serious. If I had to guess, the Germans are considering trying to make Austria part of their country. The Germans have always felt that it belonged under their rule.”

  “You mean a military action?”

  “I’m not sure but I wouldn’t rule it out.”

  “Good God. That’s all we need. I talked to Herr Edward Ramsden and he acted like no tension existed between the two countries. I hate to say I didn’t exactly feel that he was telling me the truth but I can’t help but feel something is happening,” Randy said.

  “So what happens if Germany decides to try to take over Austria? What if they tried to use military force? What should we do, if anything?” Yegor ask.

  “My biggest concern, besides stepping back in time, is that Germany has always believed that it had a right to take any land they felt they needed. It wouldn’t be long before they decided the Alsace area of France belonged to them. We would have a version of World War III in a matter of months. This time America could hardly come to anyone’s aid.”

  “Yes, I understand. It would fall to us I suppose. You know they would want Poland and then who knows what else. We simply cannot allow that,” Yegor said.

  “Let’s both talk to the Austrians together at lunch and see if we can dig deeper.”

  “Good, I will set it up,” Yegor said.

  “I guess we should go inside. I’ve seen Monsieur Bédard and Broussard watching us like hawks,” Randy replied.

  “I will see you at lunch.”

  When Randy got back to the table, Dan brought him up to speed on the talks that had taken place. Most of it was an exchange of technical information such as the electric cars that the U.S. was making. The other countries were very interested in finding out more about how it was being done.

  Another heavy topic was what to do about diesel fuel. Since petroleum would become a problem at some point and most of the generators being used ran on diesel fuel, a lot of discussion was on what to do and how to accomplish it. Randy was more than happy to let Captain Miller and Dan Pierson handle that part.

  In the end, it was agreed to that a conference of the top surviving scientists should take place next so the technical aspects could be worked out in greater detail. It was fairly evident to everyone that they did not have the in-depth knowledge necessary for such discussions on a meaningful basis. When and where the meeting would take place was yet to be determined.

  * * * *

  Yegor waved Randy over when he entered the dining room. The two delegates from Austria were already seated.

  “As you probably know by now, this is Randy Boling, our American host. Randy this is Hans Stigler and Ebert Hertz.”

  Randy shook hands with the two men and sat down.

  “This was an excellent idea to have the conference,” Stigler said.

  “We seemed to have gotten a few things accomplished. Maybe not as much as I would have liked, but it’s a start.”

  “Oh, you are too modest Mr. Boling. We have accomplished more than I thought possible.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. It is hard to judge when you are the one trying to make all the ends meet. I see several things I should have done differently, but it is a good learning experience,” Randy said.

  “Do not be so hard on yourself. Everyone thinks this has been very successful. Of course we won’t solve everything, but goodness, so much has been accomplished that it astounds me personally,” Hans replied.

  “That is most kind of you to say. Look, Mr. Stigler, I am not a politician by any stretch of the imagination. I’m just a pretty straight forward kind of guy. Some people would say I am too blunt and they are probably right. So please, do not be offended at what I am about to ask.”

  “I see. You want to know what is going on with us and Germany I suppose?”

  “You are absolutely correct.”

  “Just before we left to come here, we had rumors that Germany had sent troops to Mittenwald and Füssen. Both are located just a kilometer or so from the Austrian border. That is a grave concern to us. We simply don’t understand why they would do such a thing. We can think of no logical reason unless they intend to cross over into Austria. We have no military to speak of and very few weapons. They were armed with automatic rifles. As in the past, are they thinking Austria belongs to them?”

  “Have they crossed the border yet?” Yegor asked.

  “We don’t know. We are waiting to hear from our people but it is not easy to get here from Austria. We do not have the same capabilities that you have. We don’t know what has happened and are obviously anxious to know. The problem is, if they decide to seize our country, we can do little to stop them.”

  Randy sat back in his chair and tried to think of the appropriate response.

  Finally he said, “Herr Stigler we simply cannot allow that to happen. Germany is a very sophisticated country but they cannot be allowed to start taking over other countries again. If you want to be under their control, that is one thing. If you desire independence that is a totally different matter.”

  “I can assure you, we never want to be under the heel of Germany ever again,” Hertz said.

  “Have you had any talks with them yet about this?” Yegor asked.

  “No. Not directly. We have asked a few questions but they simply act like they have no idea what we are talking about.”

  “Then I think it’s time to approach this head on,” Randy said.

  “But how can we? We have no way of stopping them if they decide to come.”

  “Then we need to make it clear that the other nations will simply not allow this to happen,” Randy said.

  “How? Who will stand up to them? The French? The Italians? The Spaniards? You are too far away to be of any help and so is Russia.”

  “Don’t be so sure. I think we can make it known that they simply will not be allowed to start another war. Two world wars are more than enough. Major General, what are your thoughts?” Randy said.

  “They will not be allowed to take anything they want. It is very simple to me. We will all have to band together and make it clear; no one will be allowed to wage war against another country. Russia is certainly ready to stand with America in this matter no matter the sacrifice necessary. As Mr. Boling said the first day, we have a chance to make the world a better place. That starts with all of us having respect for each other’s boundaries.”

  “Both of you would stand against Germany if they invade Austria?”

  “Absolutely,” Randy said.

  “Da. We will stand with America.”

  Randy could see them visibly relax. No wonder they had been so tense. The prospect of another army invading your country is enough stress to make anyone anxious.

  “You will talk to the Germans then?”

  “General Nikitin and I will discuss the best me
thod to approach them but I give you my word. Germany will not possess your country without your blessing.”

  “How can we ever thank you? What can I even say to express our gratitude?” Hans asked.

  “There is no need. We are all in this together. Fighting amongst ourselves is a luxury we cannot afford to have,” Randy said.

  “Suddenly I’m hungry,” Hans said, “I’ve been too upset to eat much of anything since we got here."

  “Then let’s go see what they are offering today,” Yegor said, leading the way to the buffet table.

  * * * *

  Randy saw two of the German delegates across the room in the lobby of the hotel. He nodded to Yegor and headed to where they sat reading.

  “Guten Abend, Herr Ramsden,” Randy said.

  “Guten Abend, Herr Boling. General Nitikin. This is my associate Herr Fredrick Dossler.”

  “Pleasure to meet you. I’m glad we have some time to talk if it is not inconvenient?”

  “No, no. That’s what we are all here for. Exchange of ideas,” Ramsden said.

  “Good. I will come right to the point then if you don’t mind. We have been talking to the Austrian delegates, Hans Stigler and Ebert Hertz. They are quite concerned, and rightfully so, about the German troops amassed at Mittenwald and Füssen near their borders. Could you share the purpose of those troops?”

  “I have no knowledge of such a thing. Why would they say that? We have no intention of invading anyone. We have far too many problems to venture into someone else's domain.”

  “They why would they be there?” Yegor asked.

  Dossler and Ramsden suddenly looked at each other.

  “General Schenck,” Dossler said.

  “Yes. Of course. That’s why we can’t find him. He has done this,” Ramsden said, slamming his book down on the seat.

  “General Schenck?” Yegor asked.

  “Yes. His is in control of the military. He is the highest ranking survivor. I’m sure he is behind this.”

  “So how will you stop him?”

  “I don’t know. This is a total surprise to us. I don’t have any notion of how to stop a mad man. Has he already invaded Austria?” Ramsden asked.

  “We don’t know, but what we do know is that Austria is an independent country. That’s what they want and that is what they will have. This General Schenck will not be allowed to go unchecked if he indeed crossed the border.”

  “But how can we stop him? He has the only military forces left under his command.”

  “If you do not stop him then the other nations will. It is very simple. We have talked to each country's representatives and we have all agreed that no one country will be allowed to encroach on another. This goes for every country, Russia, America, and the rest of Europe. Any nation waging war will immediately be up against the rest of the countries represented here at this conference,” Yegor told them.

  “We need information. We need to know what is happening,” Dossler said.

  “We are working on that and hope to have some definite answers within a short time,” Randy said.

  “The sooner the better,” Ramsden agreed.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  - Lisbon, Portugal –

  Day 8

  Hans Stigler and Ebert Hertz came rushing in the room and headed immediately to where Randy was setting.

  “Herr Boling. We just got word. Most of Austria is now in German hands. They crossed the border and surrounded Innsbruck. They forced the government to capitulate in that area and at last report were heading to Vienna.”

  “What about the civilians? Were any of them hurt?”

  “According to the report we received a few minutes ago, approximately three hundred have been killed and no one knows how many hurt or wounded. Many in Innsbruck tried to fight the Germans but with no real weapons they were no match for them. Those considered leaders of the rebellion were rounded up and shot. It is a repeat of 1939,” Stigler said, wringing his hands.

  “You’re sure this report is accurate?”

  “Absolutely. There is no doubt,” Hertz said.

  “All right then. The day’s conference starts in twenty minutes. I will inform Major General Nikitin and we will initiate the appropriate action.”

  “I’m afraid it may already be too late,” Hertz said.

  “No. They will withdraw and those responsible will be punished,” Randy said forcefully.

  “The faster the better. Once the Germans start killing people they can’t seem to stop.”

  “Excuse me. I need to find the General,” Randy said and headed back to the hotel at a brisk pace.

  He ran into Captain Miller and Margaret heading over to the conference room and told them what had just transpired before heading off to find Yegor.

  * * * *

  “It seems that they were not crying wolf,” Randy said to Yegor as they went to find Ramsden.

  They found him standing outside the conference room talking.

  “Herr Ramsden, Herr Dossler, Guten Morgen.”

  “Guten Morgen, Herr Boling, General.”

  “I’m afraid we have heard some rather distressing news. It seems Germany has moved across the border and occupied Austria according to the latest reports.”

  “Oh my God. He actually did it.”

  “It would seem so. In light of that, I think we should share this with the delegations here and plan our strategy for handling the situation,” Randy said.

  “I am embarrassed that this will interfere with what we were accomplishing, but I agree. This must be addressed immediately.”

  “We are both glad to hear you say that,” Randy said.

  “We should do it first thing, as soon as everyone gets here,” Yegor said.

  “Yes, yes. The sooner the better. General Schenck must be stopped immediately. Have any Austrians been hurt?”

  “It would seem that quite a few were killed and many injured for resisting.”

  Ramsden closed his eyes, “Will we ever be a nation of peace? Sometimes I think Germany is cursed. I thought we could leave all that behind us but now...”

  “It is not the nation that is bad but a few bad leaders that condemn the rest,” Yegor said, “Russia has often shared the same fate.”

  “We should get the meeting started, it looks like about everyone is here,” Randy said.

  “Remember,” Yegor said softly to Randy, “We must stand firm on getting this resolved. I am most worried about the French.”

  “Got it. I will work on them especially.”

  “Would it bother you if I addressed the delegates on this matter?” Yegor said.

  Randy was taken aback at first then thought about it.

  “Actually that is a brilliant idea. Coming from you it would certainly be more forceful.”

  They separated and took their places. Randy called the meeting to order.

  “Delegates, we have a change in the agenda today. We were scheduled to discuss the need to take a census of our citizens and to record where they were at the time of the event that changed our world; however, I am now going to turn the meeting over to Major General Nitikin for an even more urgent matter that we need to deal with. Major General Nitikin,” Randy said.

  Yegor stood and looked around the room. It was not difficult for anyone in the room to see that he was very serious. His usual pleasant demeanor was gone.

  “This morning we received some very disturbing news. Sometime during the conference, German troops entered Austria and have occupied the country. We have spoken with Herr Ramsden and Dossler and they assured us that it is a rogue element of the Army headed by a General Schenck. This is unacceptable to both them and us. America has unconditionally joined with Russia, Austria and the leaders of Germany in reversing this situation and ensuring that no aggression against any country will be allowed. France, Spain, and Italy need to show that they are all committed to ensuring the sovereignty of every nation. I would like to know if you are willing to join in this alliance and
do whatever is necessary to remove this hostile force from Austrian soil. Monsieur Bédard?”

  “Ah, well I’m not sure what you mean by removing the hostile forces. Are you suggesting we form an army to take up arms against the German army?”

  “If necessary. Not alone, but joining with the others already committed.”

  “But we have no army to speak of. We have a few men and women that are in the services but not in any great numbers.”

  “We are all in the same situation, Monsieur Bédard,” Yegor said.

  “But what can we really do? I thought we were in agreement that a pact of no more wars were necessary for man’s survival.”

  “That is true but this act of aggression must be stopped now. This is exactly what we have been talking about. If any nation decides to infringe on the rights of others, then they must do it alone and face the rest of us that are committed to global peace.”

  “We would need to discuss this among ourselves.”

  “Monsieur Bédard, there is little to discuss. Either you are with us in our stand against aggression or you are not, but if you feel it is necessary, so be it. We will expect an answer by our afternoon meeting. General Alfonso, does Spain have a position on this?”

  “We will do whatever it takes to help Austria. This is the time to stop all this foolishness of grabbing another nation’s property. We will fight if necessary.”

  “Excellent. Thank you General Alfonso. That leaves Italy. Senior DeRosso. Do you have a position at present?”

  “Si. But of course we will join hands with our partners. Italy has a small army that survived but we will add them to any other nation’s forces to rid us of this current threat. Italy will be united in this matter.”

  “Excellent and thank you Senior DeRosso. Instead of going on with the current agenda, I propose that we address how we will resolve this with the represented nations in agreement. There is much to determine,” Yegor said.

  “How do we proceed?”

  “Let’s get all of the military people in this room together along with a representative for nations without a military delegate and start to formulate a plan. Is that agreeable to everyone?”