Episode 60

Chapter 256

Colt

4:53 pm, November 5th, 2006

9:53 am November 6th, 2006 (local time)

The briefing hall was crowded with Marines paying attention.

Excellent. Time to tell them why we are all here.

I nodded.

A Captain stood up and moved to the podium.

"Attention to orders. Today's briefing will be delivered by General Colt."

The Marines in the room snapped to attention.

I moved to the podium as they stood there.

Then I let them stand there a few minutes longer to see whose face would break first. This was a trick taught to me by my first Drill Sergeant. The more uncomfortable somebody was with what was going on, the more likely that person was likely to start fidgeting.

Nobody fidgeted.

Good.

"At ease."

The roomful of officers moved to the at ease position.

"Be seated."

Almost in unison everybody sat down.

An aide killed the lights and activated the projector. The needed PowerPoint was already prepared.

Time to get this place ready. "Officers of the Marine Corps, we have been selected to take part in operation Cromwell. This is a top secret simulation. That means nothing beyond the operational details needed to comply with the assignments given is to be said. Nothing else." I paused to let that sink in.

The faces in front of me showed that they were starting to get some idea of what was coming.

Or they thought they did. The truth was going to shock them.

I continued. "Those of you aware of British military history will recognize Cromwell as the term used for the invasion of the country. I tell you this in all classified humor. The people responsible for this scenario have seen too many alien invasion movies."

Not so much as a smirk. I was impressed.

"Very well. To the assigned goals. First, we are to isolate the base from the outside world. Second, we are to prepare a battle oriented plan based on invasion from a superior foe. This foe will either be superior in numbers or technology. Third, this base is to obtain the needed supplies to hold out indefinitely. That includes buying out as much supplies as possible from local towns. Fourth, we are supposed to set up a network with other bases. We have been given a codeword. If the base being contacted gives the proper counter codeword, we can work with them. If they do not, it means that the base is unavailable for this simulation. Let me say now that it is not guaranteed that help will be forthcoming from any base. In that case civilian agencies are permitted, as they would be if this was real. The short list includes the National Rifle Association, the Boy Scouts of America, the Association For An Almighty America, the Committee to be True to America's Ideals."

Of course I will shoot the person who puts out a call to the Committee myself. Repeatedly.

"That concludes the information and terms of operation Cromwell. Let us show that the Marines of Parris Island can rise to any task, no matter how unlikely. Dismissed."

I left the room before the rest of them. Okay, you traitors in the pentagon and Density Force. Let's see how far you want to carry this.

Chapter 257

Major General Edwards

5:19 pm, November 5th, 2006

10:19 am November 6th, 2006 (local time)

"I'll take it in my office."

"Yes, Sir."

I sat in my office and activated my computer. The call was routed through moments later. "Please tell me this is a social call."

"Don't I wish. Things just got worse." Hambright informed me.

"Were the preliminary terms suggested for the surrender that bad?"

"I wish it was only that. No, there is great potential there. Although I would suggest we make them counter terms. Let the Density Force come to us. No we have a bigger problem."

"What did Stone do?"

"Not him."

"Then it has to be Colt."

"Exactly. He returned to Parris Island. There he lied to his officers about a war simulation. Apparently he is prepping them for invasion."

"Invasion? Who'd be that crazy?"

"Think about that statement, Edwards. Who do we know that would do something like that? Whom do we know that has actually done that sort of thing?"

"Oh no."

"Oh yes."

"It will be a blood bath. Is there anything we can do to stop it?"

"What do you think?"

"I was afraid of that. I suppose the best we can do is to tell both parties that Colt and Parris Island stands alone. Also we should broadcast on all channels the truth about Colt and the Association. I am curious though. Why hasn't the Density Force attacked yet? They have to know where he is."

"They know alright. You can bet your stars on that. I'm guessing that everything has been put on hold for the funeral."

Chapter 258

Colt

5:30 pm, November 5th, 2006

10:30 am November 6th, 2006 (local time)

To: General Atkins, USMC

1) By order of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, you are to assume control of Parris Island.

2) You are to arrest Colt and all who arrived with him. Should he quote the Presidential pardon at you, tell him that new charges have been filed for obeying unlawful orders and renewed theft of the density ship Hades.

3) You are to secure the density ship Hades and keep it isolated. It is not to be touched in any way after complying with number two.

4) You are ordered to contact the Density Force and turn the density ship Hades and the pirates (Colt and crew) over to the Density Force.

5) Failure to comply will make you and those who follow you liable for the results.

Signed: General Hambright.

The coffee went cold.

This could not be happening.

The next message Atkins handed me did not help my belief any.

To: All base commanders, at home and abroad.

1) This is for release to every member of the United States military, from the lowest recruits to the highest ranks.

2) You are ordered to make sure a hard copy of this message reaches each person.

3) Colt is expelled from the Marine Corps.

4) Any base supporting Colt is not to be protected by the United States military.

5) This casting out of the offending base or bases is to last until the pro Colt regime is defeated.

6) Colt is the declared enemy of the Density Force. They will attack him wherever they choose. Any base that supports Colt and follows his orders with not be helped.

7) Any orders issued by Colt are unlawful. Those who obey him are guilty of crimes against the United States Military Code of Justice.

8) Each and every person reading this is ordered to resist Colt.

9) Each and every person reading this is ordered to defy the Association For An Almighty America.

Signed: Major General Edwards.

I put the second message on my desk. "Well, what are you going to do?"

"Ignore them. I am a proud member of the Association. I will obey you and our God Given President."

"Thank you. Now for these messages. The first was for you, so it is easily ignored. The second one is supposed to be made public. Instead I want you to take some people you trust and destroy all evidence that that message ever reached this base."

"Yes, Sir."

Chapter 259

Specialist Ford

5:55 pm, November 5th, 2006

10:55 am November 6th, 2006 (local time)

Strange. I've never seen the lot this full before.

I parked my car and headed into the training depot.

Suddenly I felt a hand on my arm.

"Identification please."

"Oh sorry." I pulled out my military id card and showed to the person manning the desk. "Have you heard what is going on? I've never seen so many people from the unit here at one time. Not even for the annual holiday party."

"You've got me. All they told me is to check everybody in. I heard that some sort of drill is going to be announced. But that does not account for the fact I noticed the supply people getting the full combat gear ready."

"Thanks. Whatever it is, I hope it's more interesting than the last exercise they had us on."

"You know that's right."

I entered the main assembly room.

There were several people I never saw before milling around. They seemed to be on edge.

The members of our National Guard unit milled around the room.

"Attention! In formation!!" an officer called out.

We all rushed into our assigned positions.

"Death to the Association!!! They are traitors and seditious bastards!!" the unit commander screamed.

"You lie!" somebody shouted from within the ranks.

"They are our salvation!"

"We need them more than we need you!!!"

"All hail the God Given President!"

There were a large number of people from within the ranks who echoed those views.

"Three cheers for Colt and the Association."

The unit commander made a gesture while the cheering occurred.

The new people dove into the formation to arrest them.

They fought back.

The rest of us moved out of the way.

Eventually the ruckus died out.

Surprisingly, the unit commander smiled at those of us that will still in the room. "Everybody relax. I just needed everybody lined up for the sweep of seditious personnel. Now that my unit has been sanitized, it is time to get on with your assignments. We have received information that the pirate Colt has returned to Parris Island. We have also received orders from the Pentagon to block him in. Questions?

I raised my hand.

"Yes?"

"Sir, are we going to attack the depot at any time?"

"No. I asked that question as well. Our purpose is to maintain the land blockade. Orders will not be given to shoot now. Any, and I mean any need to shoot will be cleared with me personally through your superiors. Most of those on the island are probably dupes of Colt. We do not kill dupes. Usually. There is a better reason. They are Americans. It is the Pentagon's belief that only a few of them have dishonored themselves by throwing their lot in with the Association. Next question?"

"Sir, how long are we supposed to be on this assignment?"

"That has not been determined yet. It could be as short as a few days. It could be much longer. Look at it this way. We are being assigned to our home area. That brings me to a bit of good news. If you are not on duty, you are permitted to return to your residences to rest. The only requirement is that you plan enough time to pick up your equipment while still arriving about thirty minutes before your shift. This will give you time to acclimate to the situation as it stands at that time. Next question."

"Whose responsibility will it be to attack Parris Island if they remain obstinate?"

"They have not told me that."

Chapter 260

George

6:18 pm, November 5th, 2006

11:18 am November 6th, 2006 (local time)

It was not quite a dark and stormy night. In fact, the weather reflected the situation in my country. The storm clouds have clearly formed and the comfort level was dropping rapidly.

I looked across the water. Parris Island was visible as a distant shadow.