PROJECT BlueBolt - AMERICAN GULAGS: BOOK I - AMERICAN GULAGS

by Marshall Huffman

  “Correct, of which you will be named Director. After all you are the only branch doing what you are supposed to be doing, or so it will look.”

  “I will send the FBI all of the information we have on the terrorist known as DuFold. It is all fabricated so there is no chance of them actually catching this mythical person.”

  “Good. Make the next attack spectacular. Something in Washington would be good.”

  “Madam President, I have a plan already in the works but you shouldn’t know anything about it. Plausible deniability is always the best course of action.”

  “I totally agree. Make it look good.”

  “Oh it will. It will,” he said.

  He made sure to look like he had really been chewed out by the President when he left the Oval Office just in case anyone was observing such a thing.

  ****

  “You really want that to be the target?”

  “I do. It needs to be done on a Saturday when the maximum number of people will be around.”

  “Well, this is certainly a different assignment.”

  “The deviation will serve you well. They will be watching the airports like hawks. You know security will be tighter than ever once I send out the expected attack and link it to the fake terrorist. You will be able to pull this off without anyone being even the least bit suspicious. We have arranged for everything you need. All you have to do is take the truck and leave it in the designated parking spot. We will make sure you have no problems in that area. You park it, get out, and boom. One half of the money has already been put in your account. When the bomb goes off you will received the other half. Don’t leave the country. We may have additional need for your talents if you are willing.”

  “No problem. For what you are paying me, I’m yours for as long as you need me.”

  “Good. We will meet in the usual place on Friday and I will give you the final instructions.”

  “Excellent,” the man said as he stood up and walked off.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  It was a beautiful fall day in the nation’s capital. People were out walking, visiting memorials, sightseeing, and just having a lazy afternoon in general. That’s when all hell broke loose.

  The huge explosion could be heard all over Washington. Some stopped as if frozen in place. Others ran, ducking for any cover they could find. Within minutes sirens could be heard converging on Independence Avenue. The entire front half of the Smithsonian Castle was nothing but fire and smoke. People lay like dolls tossed on the sidewalks and in the streets. Several cars were burning and secondary explosions were going off.

  Suddenly the center dome appeared to lift up and then came crashing down sending more fire, smoke, and debris into the air. Countless people lay bleeding from cuts and shrapnel. An over turned baby buggy was lying on its side with the wheels still turning.

  Ambulances and fire trucks poured into the area clogging traffic and halting those trying to seek medical attention. It was total pandemonium and chaos. First responders were trying to perform triage but the staggering number of wounded was overwhelming.

  All traffic within a one mile radius of the Smithsonian was blocked off and temporary medical facilities were erected on 7th Street and 12th Street. Military personnel began showing up by the hundreds with automatic weapons but as usual it was too little too late.

  ****

  CVTV NEWS – CIA Director Toney Rheem announced that the terrorist act carried out at the Washington Smithsonian Museum was the work of international terrorist Carlos DuFold. They believed he has been in the country for some time and may have been responsible for the attack on the three airliners that went down last week.

  “As you know, we try to work hand in hand with the FBI and Homeland. Once a credible threat is located this information is sent as an alert to those agencies. Our primary function is to serve as a watch dog for threats coming into the country. We report the information to the FBI and Homeland Security. One of the problems with the current system is that often details get lost and all of the information does not get to the proper authority.”

  In the blast that rocked the city, four hundred and seventy one people were killed and another nine hundred injured, many with life threatening conditions. The entire Smithsonian complex will remain closed as a building by building search is conducted by the combined forces of Homeland Security and the FBI.

  President Clemons plans to hold a televised address to the nation at 8:00 p.m. EST tonight. Details of the planed...

  ****

  CVTV – SPECIAL BROADCAST

  “From the White House, CVTV is bringing you a special message from the President of The United States. Here is President Helen Clemons.”

  “Good evening my fellow Americans. It is with a sad heart that I am addressing you this evening. The events of the past two weeks have brought grief to a great many citizens and fear to thousands more. I stand before you tonight to tell you that we will no longer tolerate what has been allowed to happen due to mishandling of information. It has come to my attention that our entire system of information and its dispersion is lacking in every element. Vital information that should have been passed along to those in charge has been mishandled along the way. It is easy to say, ‘well those things happen from time to time’, but you try telling that to the families of the victims or those lying in hospitals. That is simply not good enough,” she said pausing to look into the camera.

  She lowered her head a bit then looked at the camera.

  “This has not been an easy thing to accomplish in such a short time but starting today, I have created a new security measure. The FBI and Homeland Security will be absorbed into a totally new group called the Internal Security Service. The ISS will be responsible for all terrorist acts or criminal investigations within the US borders. The roll of the CIA is to oversee this new branch and at some point it will also be incorporated into the ISS. We can save money, time, and lives by having one agency responsible for every facet of America’s security. We will close redundant offices and reassign personal as needed. This is a cost cutting and security enhancing measure all rolled into one. With this revised system we will have no more ‘It slipped between the cracks’ situations. As Americans we all have the right to live in a safe and secure environment and this new security enhancing measure will do exactly that.

  I am asking for your support regarding this important change in the way we keep America’s shores secure. I vow no more attacks on our citizens within our own borders. The new head of the ISS will be named after I have had a chance to discuss this with congress.

  Thank you. God Bless you, and goodnight.”

  ****

  CVTV – Here are Senator Ted Bailer and Senator Sharon Petty to discuss tonight’s televised announcement by the President.

  “What did you think about the announcement and were you aware of this in advance?”

  “I am shocked and totally taken aback,” Petty said.

  “I had no idea this was even in the works,” Bailer said.

  “So congress was unaware of this before the announcement?”

  “As far as I know. I haven’t heard a word about such a plan,” Bailer told the reporter.

  “Now that you have, what do you think of the plan?”

  “I can’t possible answer that at this time. We do not have any of the pertinent facts,” Petty replied.

  “But doesn’t it make sense? It would stop the bickering between agencies, reduce redundant spending and have better information dispersion?” the announcer asked.

  “On the surface it may seem so but without further details I can’t address those issues.”

  “And you feel the same way Senator Petty.”

  “Well, I can see some advantages but like Ted said, we need a lot more discussion on this subject before we are willing to go along with it. What disturbs me most is that it was announced on television before it was discussed with congress.”

  “Yes but isn’t that one of the reason
that congress has such a low approval rating? You want to talk everything to death rather than act?”

  “I hardly think that is a fair statement,” Petty said.

  “Really? The current polls show a congressional approval rating of only 29 percent, the lowest since the Carter era.”

  “Polls don’t mean everything,” Petty shot back.

  “They seem to when you are running for office. Isn’t that one of the first things you drag out?”

  “Look, the job of congress is to ensure that the policies of the United States do what they are supposed to do. We may not always make the most popular choices but it is our job to make sure all proposals are leading the country in the right direction.”

  “And the cooperation between the FBI and Homeland Security is working in your opinion?” the announcer asked.

  “Announcing her plans on national television is not the way for the President to get the cooperation of congress. That borders on unethical,” Bailer said.

  ****

  “Senator Crain, you need to get your people behind this and get it done,” President Clemons told him.

  “Not without a lot more discussion. You still haven’t made it clear exactly what their powers are and what they are specifically responsible for. All you have done so far is talk in generalities.”

  “I don’t know what more you think it is you need. I have already explained that the FBI and Homeland would fall under the direction of the CIA and would now be called the Internal Security Service. What don’t you understand? It seems perfectly simple to me.”

  “Alright, what about domestic affairs? Non-terrorist activities? Would they be involved in those as well?”

  “That is not the intent. Don’t you understand that we can’t have terrorist attacks taking place because our agencies can’t seamlessly handle information? This is the best solution to that problem,” she said.

  “But I see a great potential for abuse of this power. It could spiral out of control.”

  “Senator. I want this department created. You are an important element in assuring that congress is onboard. I expect your full cooperation on this matter.”

  “Madam President I can’t support a policy change that I don’t feel comfortable with. I afraid until I have more details, I just can’t go along with this.”

  President Clemons cocked her head to one side and smiled.

  “That is where you are wrong. You will go back to congress and you will do everything in your power to push this through.”

  “I see. I assume you think you have something that will convince me to do this?”

  “Absolutely,” she said and asked for Tony Rheem to be sent in.

  “Mr. Rheem, I believe you know Senator Crain.”

  “I certainly do. Nice to see you Senator.”

  “Yes. And what is this all about?”

  “Why don’t you explain to the Senator why I called you in,” the President said to Tony.

  “Certainly. Senator Crain it seems that you have several...problems to contend with. The first and definitely one of the biggest is you’re affair with your personal secretary, Elizabeth Pain.”

  “That is an out and out lie,” he said standing.

  “Sit,” the President said, pointing to the chair.

  He slowly sat back down.

  “If that weren’t bad enough, did you know Ms. Pain’s brother, Allen, is in Syria fighting on the side of Bashar el Assad? Oh, and on top of that she was once the lover of Bassel el Assad? You really should do a more comprehensive background check on your aids Senator. And then there is the matter of the campaign contributions from the Assad family filtered through the Barkley Foundation, which by the way doesn’t actually exist. Let’s see, what else. Oh, I almost forgot. Barbra Ann Bringer. Does that name ring a bell? Of course it does. Your illegitimate daughter whom you are supporting to keep them quiet. There are a few more juicy items but those should hold you for now unless the President wants me to go over everything. The list is quite extensive.”

  The Senator had turned three shades lighter and looked like he was going to pass out.

  “Are you alright Senator?” the President asked.

  “I...”

  “Yes. I know. It is quite disturbing. Think of your family and what they would say not to mention the ethics committee. On top of that, I believe you are coming up on election time fairly soon. I can imagine what this could do to your reelection prospects.”

  “This is nothing short of blackmail,” the Senator said at last.

  “Yes, I guess that is one way of looking at it. I like to think of it as negotiating. I want the ISS implemented and you want to remain married and in congress. You deliver on your end and I will see that none of this ever sees the light of day,” she replied.

  “This is wrong on every level,” he said.

  “Yes and I’m sure that is what your wife and constituents would say as well. Now quit bellyaching and get the job done Senator. Do whatever you have to do but I want this pushed through immediately.”

  “Fine,” he said as he departed.

  ****

  Within three weeks congress approved the changes. The President praised the bipartisan effort to get the measure passed and was especially complimentary of Senator Crain’s efforts in brokering the deal.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “I want you to be fairly low key for the first month. After that your power will increase as necessary,” the President told Rheem.”

  “Eventually it will expand to all areas including the private sector I assume?”

  “Absolutely. That is the real intent of the ISS. You will have the power to arrest, detain and interrogate any enemies of the state. That includes members of congress.”

  “You know they will raise hell if that happens.”

  “So? By then we will control the media. I intend to shut down all media that is not on board with the program. That includes electronic and print media. Anyone deviating from approved communications will be stopped from further broadcasting or reporting. Jack Ekman will be the Czar of Media that I will announce in a few weeks. He will hold meetings with every major paper and electronic head. They will submit to our demands or they will have their licenses revoked. Their stations will either be dismantled or used by our people,” she explained.

  “But the media has always been so liberal. They buy everything we say. Can’t we use that to our advantage?”

  “To a degree but even stupid people learn eventually. At some point they will realized that the First Amendment no longer exists as it has in the past. From there it is simple to control the masses.”

  “That’s fine, but we will still have to control others who will find a way to sabotage what you are trying to accomplish.”

  “That’s your problem. You need to find them and make sure they are no longer a problem.”

  “What about the courts?”

  “I have a plan for that as well. I intend to dismantle the Supreme Court. They are a bunch of worthless old fools anyway. The whole idea of a job for life is repugnant. We will have a new People’s Court and appoint all new judges.”

  “This sounds quite ambitious. Do you honestly think this can be done? Realistically? I mean do you think people will just stand by and let this happen?” Rheem asked.

  “People are sheep. They go where they are told and do what they are allowed to do. Yes we will have some trouble makers but I expect to crush them like bugs. Do whatever is necessary. We will have control of the media so the truth will always be on our side.”

  “Madam President. You know I’m on board but I don’t think it is going to be quite as easy as you think. A large portion of America’s population is armed. They will fight back.”

  “And that’s where you come in again. Start rounding these people up once we control the media. We will do it in small steps not like the idiots who tried to take on the 2nd Amendment head on. We do it quietly, one group at a time. No big media splash.”

  “
But word will get out. Someone will talk, they always do.”

  “So? Crush them.”

  “I see,” was all he said.

  ****

  “Elian, you know this next phase of BlueBolt is a critical one. It is essential that no other country interfere with our internal affairs.”

  “Madam President,” Secretary of State Elian Far said, “I have talked with the Russian President and have his assurance that they will treat this the same as the US would concerning an internal affair in their country. Obviously England will condemn what we are doing but that is all they will do. They are a nation of hand wringers now days. The real unknown is of course China. They have made no comment one way or the other. I have pushed Chi Do Kim but he just says that it will be interesting to observe the outcome.”

  ‘What the hell does that mean? Interesting to observe?”

  “Honestly, I have no idea. I take it to mean they have no intention of interfering,” the Secretary of State replied.

  “They had damn sure better stay out of our business. I want you to convey to them that we hope to do a great deal of business with China when this is all over. Let them understand that any interference will not help their economy.”

  “Oh, I think they understand that already.”

  “Fine. You just make sure they don’t do anything stupid.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Now about the UN. Tomorrow when you address the general assembly, you’re totally ready for the outcry?”

  “Absolutely. I know exactly what I am to do.”

  “Do not waver on the seventy-two hour deadline.”

  “I won’t. They are to be out of the country in the allotted time or they will be detained.”

  “Correct. Of course China and Russia will not have the same restrictions,”

  “Of course. What do you think the NATO nations are going to do?”

  “Do? Absolutely nothing. We will remain part of the NATO forces but just withdraw our membership in the UN and get those damn diplomats packing. The cost to keep those little prima donnas in this country is staggering. I’m sick of all of them.”