Chapter 23

Every military person came to attention as the General opened the case and swung it to Selina who took one of the pins and then with a smile, she stepped to Jason’s left and removed the major insignia and replaced it with the Colonel’s eagles.

“Congratulations Colonel Myer.” Selena saluted the General just like the rest.

“At ease, Colonel,” General Covian accented on the rank. “There is no time for a party, but you and your staff will join me for dinner tonight. Nothing fancy, and dressing down is fine.” A return of seriousness came as he stepped back to the desk and picked up an envelope. “I would love to give you a proper time to get accustomed, Jason, but you have orders. The President is expecting you in Washington with your staff in thirty-six hours.”

“General, at the risk of sounding like a jerkoff over there, this can’t be done,” Jason took the packet of papers and glanced at the front page with the presidential seal.

“She can’t? Jason, she is the President. She can and has.”

“She doesn’t know what it entails, General.

“She does, and she has already contacted the secretaries and made it clear. Jason, she isn’t happy. Yes, about the incident and because it happened, but also because things didn’t happen. She hasn’t been properly briefed on the protocols, and that is an oversight that you need to fix. Now, knowing you, I know you will be arguing with her about it the entire time. She is expecting it and has already said her decision will stand. She doesn’t want a repeat of this at any time, whether she is in office or not. It is out of my hands, Jason. You know this better than any.”

Jason threw up his hands, glaring at the wall. “At least the timing doesn’t give me time for a staff selection. And I can arrange to get Pvt Lopez home.”

Jason turned and saw the general shaking his head, and he picked up another packet. He handed it to Selena before he pointed down at the packet Jason held. “Read your orders, Colonel. The private is to accompany you. And no, I can’t say why, as I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell me. Jason, you’ve dealt with presidents before. Just do what you do. As for your staff, Captain Ostara and Lt. Carlson have volunteered and will join you. We have also contacted the school and told them that both of you are going to be out for an uncertain duration. Though the school is closed for now, the dean is reviewing the records and possibilities. Now go and get ready for dinner. The Lieutenant will have the directions when he picks you up at nineteen hundred.”

“And what of me? I am not going back on a plane with him,” the civilian ranted. He wanted to say more, but the General’s quick turn to face him made him stop.

“You, Mr. Kalpeni, will be going back the same way you came by commercial airline. I suggest you leave ASAP since she is expecting you before noon tomorrow. And a word to the wise: don’t unpack when you get there.”

Kalpeni puffed up and stormed out but without a further audible word. He was clearly grumbling under his breath.

“Captain, take the private and wait for the Colonel in the outer office,” the General sat and waited as Ostara ushered a confused Selena out the door. “There is another thing, Jason,” the general keyed the intercom buzzer. “The reports she has read had the president make some calls.” The General nodded toward the door as a sergeant major walked in and stopped to salute the General. He turned to Jason when the general returned it and nodded to Jason.

“I just need you to sign off the receipt, Colonel.” The sergeant major held out a clipboard with one hand as he held a backpack with the other.

Jason didn’t move until the General cleared his throat. Jason suspected what the sergeant major was bringing, based on his insignia, but he took the clipboard and read. He shook his head as he signed and initialed where it indicated and took the bag from the sergeant major.

“It will make a nice addition to the collection in storage, or maybe a paperweight,” Jason hefted the bag after the sergeant major left. “This is a nice gesture, but it’s pointless.”

The general picked up the last envelope on his desk. “Jason, the paperwork is being taken care of, and you are authorized to carry it in any state or US holding. The President believes that some of the circumstances over the past few weeks could have been different if you were, let’s say, properly equipped. She may not know it all, but she knows enough. This is direct to you.”

The General stood and came around, holding the envelope out. “She’s expecting your arguments, but don’t expect her to change her mind about anything. You are going to have to live with this one, Jason. Honestly, I think we are in for more trouble. We still don’t know the who or why. We do know they had to have had intel that came from a high level. Very few knew of the President’s itinerary, and fewer knew it was changed at the last minute. You are a focus for one or all involved. I, for one, would be more comfortable knowing you had this.

“I’m sure your lady friend out there would, too, if she knew everything. If nothing else, do it to protect her, Jason. If the reports I have read are any indication, you will never forgive yourself if something happens to her. I will join you in Washington as soon as I can. I agree this may be bad timing, but it needs to get done. It should have been long ago for many things. We need to be sure we have all our assets working to get through this. You know what is needed. Do what you need to get it to work. Tend to your people, Colonel. I believe you have your orders. I suggest reading them on the plane. Less temptation that way. Dismissed.”

Jason snapped to attention and saluted, pivoted, and headed for the door.

“Watch your back, Jason.”

“Always wise to do no matter the circumstance, General,” Jason lifted the bag. “Just at times, I wish there was a better way.”

“Humanity has yet evolved that far. We can only do our best until that day comes.”

Jason doubted that it would ever come but nodded just before exiting. He didn’t stop in the outer office; he just kept going to the hall.

“Colonel?” Ostara called out. “Sir?” she shouted again when he didn’t stop or reply.

He was halfway down the corridor but slowed, allowing them to catch up. “Captain?”

“Are we still going to DC, sir?” she asked when they caught up.

Jason glanced from her to the Lieutenant. “We encompass a number greater than one, Captain. The two of you should be doing laps around the base with full gear for volunteering. You have an idea of what is going to happen if this goes through. The Lieutenant doesn’t.” He turned to the Lieutenant. “How long before we take off?”

“Maintenance crews are giving it a check. Last I checked in they said two hours to have it gassed up and ready.”

Jason thought. “I have a few things to deal with. The private and I will return to housing and get our stuff packed. Tell them not to rush and to file for possible departures two and a half hours from the General’s dinner start time. They should be ready for any changes.” He turned back to Ostara and glanced at Selena. She had not yet opened the envelope. He was slightly amused by the look she had. He had never seen it on her before. Dumbfounded.

“The private and I do not have a choice in this. You know some things. Enough to make a choice of this nature. I need you to take the Lieutenant and talk to him about it. Tell him what you know. Use the time to think hard about this. Nothing will come about it if you change your mind. You can come to DC if you choose to keep going. You can take the night to think it over individually or together. The only thing I will tell you is to keep in mind the commitment that you will be making.”

Selena watched and heard the tone in his voice. She didn’t understand why he was saying it, but he never sounded sterner. But there was just a touch of anger and fear.

Outside, everyone went their way. Jason remembered something and had the driver make a detour to the PX. It didn’t take long to get what he wanted, and the driver got them back in a short time. Jason told him to contact the Lieutenant for directions to the dinner with the General. They wouldn’t be too long. He was on the phone before they got inside. Selena took the new bag. Jason had told her to change into the fatigues, explaining that was the less formal outfit, and to pack the rest since they would most likely not be back there. He also told her to call her mother.

Their stop surprised Selena. Jason invited the driver as well, and he accepted. Jason introduced her to a major, Henrietta Delmar, who pointed Jason to an area and then pulled Selena away. He spent over an hour shooting. Then, I cleaned everything before going to watch Selena. The major put her through some training and safety, but he got there in time to watch her shooting the fifty caliber and a few magazines of a P90 and an M16 with a grenade launcher attached. It was only training rounds for the launcher but had a similar kick. The Major had her using a few others before she called it quits. He hoped it would serve the purpose he intended.

The general met them at the restaurant and talked to Salena about her time on the range. He chose the restaurant because of its menu. Simple fair and quick to make. They ate and thanked the general, apologizing for the eat and run actions. The general waved it off. They were still twenty minutes early for the plane. Jason figured they would be waiting for Ostara and the Lieutenant. Instead, they found them waiting for them.

“Okay then, let’s go,” Jason waved them into the plane. He was a bit ticked that there was a pilot but let it go.

Four and a half hours went fast. Jason read the single page order several times and then the letter just as many. There was no room for interpretation. Ostara had arranged for places for them to sleep and dinner. She and Selina would share a room but Jason and lieutenant Carlson had separate rooms.

“Just heed my warning again,” Jason told them before they parted. “You know more today, and that is fine. Tomorrow, you will learn a lot more, and there’s no turning back. Sleep on it, and we will follow through after I meet with the President.” He looked at each of them. “And make sure you do sleep. What is coming about is going to be a task and a half.”

Ostara must have kept Selena busy because she only sent him five texts.

Jason woke with banging on the door. He opened it with a gun in one hand.

The loud pounding on the door had been on the room across the hall. Jason kept the gun hidden as he looked out into the hall and four armed men in suits.

“I don’t care what agency you are with. Banging on a door this early in the morning should be illegal.”

Three of the four spun but stopped dead as Jason brought up the weapon in his hand. “Drop them or I drop you in 3 2...” Almost simultaneously, there were thuds of something hitting the floor as all four dropped their guns. “Now tell your backup to show. Empty hands, or you four will be the first to bleed.” He was shifting his aim slightly. He didn’t know who was in charge yet.

One raised his arm a little too fast and found the barrel pointing at him quickly. He held his hands open and up and maneuvered the sleeve of his jacket to show the mic for the radio.

“All teams, stand down,” he stood up straighter.

Jason waved the gun down the hall. “Teams? I don’t know if I should be flattered or concerned,” he sighed as he walked out. One of the three others was watching him, looking for an opportunity. “Are you married? A girlfriend that might want kids?” Jason aimed down at the gentleman and scowled. “I might miss it, but I doubt it. Unless there is...”

One of the others decided this was the chance to move as Jason focused on the one. He slid forward and tried to grab Jason’s hand with the gun as he stepped toward Jason. Jason’s hand popped up, releasing the gun as it went toward the ceiling. He spun in the opposite direction and around the agent. He reached out and caught the falling gun just as he swiped a leg through the agent’s legs, sending him sprawling. Even with a slight fumble, Jason got the gun back up and was pointing between the eyes of the nearest agent. “Hard way it is, then.”

“Stop,” a voice commanded from down the hall.

There were two at the end of the hall, and Jason smiled as he heard the small pops beyond them. “Give me a good reason I should? Your people attacked with intent.”

“And they are...” the man grinned and the grin faded as the color ran from his face.

“Trained killers, my guess. Therefore, they are a threat with or without a gun in their hand and more than willing to kill and not think twice about it. Now, the gentlemen who have been so kind to join us are also trained to kill, but they would prefer not to. I suggest getting their hands up before they change their minds. That would go for your purple friends as well.”

Jason smirked as the nine men walked down. Each looked nearly completely purple on their front side. Nearly since each had one eye that wasn’t. They were limping down the corridor. Six clad in black uniforms followed. They wore helmets that completely hid their faces. They had weapons pointed at the nine, but they were carrying weapons that also looked purple from the distance.

Jason waved the three toward the others and followed several steps behind. He waited as those approaching moved forward and started moving the men to the walls and searching them.

Jason’s nose crinkled as he got the whiff and then a closer look at the would-be purple attackers. There were a half dozen more in the other corridor. “You took your time.”

“We had to deal with the other two teams and the helicopter that you didn’t tell us about.”

Jason shrugged. “As I told you, I didn’t even know if they would do anything or what they would do, Detective. The trip here wasn’t expected. I was hoping to be wrong.”

“Better to error on the side of caution with all that is going on,” the Detective nodded as he adjusted an earpiece. “No IDs and if you are right, they are not in the system. But with what we found them doing and the items on them, they won’t be bothering you or anyone again.” He looked after Jason when he turned to go back to his room. “Not going to ask about your people?”