The Patriot (19 page)

Goldie was suddenly very calm and asked, what if the president and her staff and the UN leaders attending that meeting were taken prisoner and held captive? Richard said that would be extremely difficult to pull off. Goldie said probably so but it could be done. A small team could pull it off with the right information ahead of time and with the right back up and support. Goldie said what if her parliament was also eliminated or decimated at the same time. Suppose for a moment one or both objectives were accomplished and immediately afterwards the joint chiefs were made aware of an imminent all out offensive by resistance forces, what would be their reaction.

Richard replied it is uncertain at this point but under those circumstances the joint chiefs would have no recourse but to take control of all governmental functions. If such a situation were to developed America would at that point be ruled by a military tribunal directed by the chairman of the joint chiefs. What direction that would take America is uncertain but the growing number of defections in their ranks and the increasing dissention in their senior officer corps would make it difficult for them to launch an all out offensive against the people. Goldie said then it appears that these very questions need to be discussed with resistance leaders across the country. However we can’t afford any leak that would alert the president of possible action against her and her advisors.

Richard said we will return to our headquarters and commence communications with our counterparts across the country. Also I will have my contacts get a firm decision on the date, time, and place for the presidents meeting with the united nations leaders. We will contact you and meet again as soon as we have reliable information and a consensus of our counterparts. Goldie said it would be logical and prudent to have the resistance forces ready to wage a nationwide campaign, but to delay that movement until the president is taken out of the picture and the joint chiefs warned of a possible all out war. We will wait your call Richard and be ready for whatever decisions are agreed upon. Richard asked the colonel and captain are we agreed and all replied yes there is no alternative course of action.

The colonel looked at Goldie and said until we meet again my friends be on guard, they want you bad. Richard too shook Goldie and Macs hand and said till later comrades. Goldie said before you leave let me say one thing more. When your people contact their sources at the high command have them tell the chairman of the joint chiefs, General Sheridan, that I wish him and his staff well. But remind him also we are prepared to fight a dirty war if necessary. Richard asked how do you know the general? Goldie replied when I last saw the general he was the colonel in command of the pacific sixth special operations group. Wilson said my god man I have heard of that group, were you part of that? Goldie said enough that the general will recall our associations. Richard said he will be advised of your good wishes and dedication to our cause. Now we must return and get our people to work.

After they had left Mac said it’s time to relax and have a Pepsi Top. One of the men said amen to that this has been one hell of a day. The big brass is getting into this and whether the going gets easier or more difficult now will rest on their shoulders. Mac said well they have some decisions to make lets hope they still have a spark of love for freedom burning in their hearts. Goldie said Mac we better call in the boys and Tim and bring them up to date on the big picture. Mac said right away and told the radio operator to contact them all and get them here for a meeting. A few minutes later they were advised all have been contacted and will be enroute within the hour. Goldie said good now we can relax for good guys.

An hour later Tim came driving in followed by James, Joshua, and Brian. Goldie asked them all how did the services go and was told the families are doing as well as expected and friends are helping them. Joshua looked at his dad then asked well dad whats up. He and Mac spent the next hour briefing them on their discussions with Richard and the others and of the possible special operations that may be required. James said well it’s all coming to be just as you told us years ago it would come to this someday. The old man looked at the boys and said I wish this time I had been wrong but I’m afraid not. We won’t know for certain what we will be called on to do until we get names dates and places confirmed.

He said what I need you to do is go back home, contact your leaders and brief them on the matters we have discussed. Then have them keep their people prepared for whatever comes our way. There will be some advance notice for any major developments especially if this turns into a joint operation of all resistance forces. The next few days or weeks could well decide the future for all America. The aftermath of fifty years of policies based on greed and corruption will not be easily washed clean but we have no choice but to do as our founding fathers did and face our oppressors with courage. We must remember the words of Patrick Henry when faced with the same choice we have today. We too must be ready to die for liberty. We must never forget his words nor falter in out fight for liberty. Now you men be off to your families and prepare your men as need be. and tell my grandkids I love them.

After they had left Goldie told the others our equipment is ready and we are well stocked with supplies. Now there is time to just plain get lazy for awhile. Their old team mate went over to his tent and came back with his guitar sat and began playing. The rest of the afternoon passed without incident and the men eventually retired to their tents for the night. Early the next morning Richard called to say he was off for an important meeting and hoped to have more information when he returned. The men finally were all up and went to the falls to bathe then all gathered round the fire for breakfast and coffee.

Later Tim called to ask if the guys would appreciate some hot chili and dogs and said some of the women were fixing the food and would be coming with him. They turned on the radio just in time to hear the state spokesperson raving about another terrible attack on government forces near St. Louis Missouri where several dozen federal troops with U.N. commanders were ambushed and slain. Other attacks have taken place in dozens of places all across the country taking the lives of thousands of innocent government soldiers and workers according to the spokesman. Mac said lets hope the military tires of this and abandon their posts encase.

Their camp sentry yelled to say foods on the way in and Goldie yelled back and told him to come on in and get some chow for himself. The women came in carrying a big kettle of chili and a box of hot dogs. Mac said he liked his hot dogs burnt then put a couple of dogs on a stick and held it over the fire. Everyone started roasting theirs too and before long all were laughing and joking and having a good time. One of the men told the women this sure beats the box rations, you will have us spoiled if you keep this up. Goldie told them it is sure great hearing the sound of girls laughing and looking after us. Then in a more serious tone he added, were the un ever to take us over, the Moslems who control the un would never allow a family get together such as this. One of the women said then we must make every sacrifice necessary to see they never get control.

The camp musician got out his guitar and began to pick the favorite tunes the women wanted to hear and some were joining in singing and cutting up and doing the silly things people do when they’re having fun. One of the women who had lost her husband in the recent battle began sobbing and said this is the first she had laughed in a week. The others consoled her and told her he would want you to be happy. Before anyone realized it hours had passed and it was now midafternoon. Tim said well men I better get these girls home and all began to help clean up the area. When they were ready to leave Tim said call me when you hear from Richard, and Goldie told him not to worry he would.

After all had left Goldie rose and slowly started to walk down the path towards his wife’s gravesite. He knelt by her grave for a moment and tears blurred his vision. He spoke softly saying oh angel I miss you so. Tell Jeffrey I miss him too my love. I’m doing my best to keep James and Joshua and the grandkids safe. If you see our father ask him to shorten these troubled days that we might have peace for our kids. By the way, Mac is here with me, he lost his mrs. several years back but he and their two girls are doing ok. I must say bye for now love, see you. He stood and turned to see Mac standing off a ways with one of the guys. Mac said Richard called they are on their way over here. They walked back up the trail and sat by the fire.

Mac handed him a can of Pepsi then asked you alright top, Goldie said I’m ok now buddy, we’ll be ok. We better call Tim and the boys have them here too. The radio operator said I’ll contact them and a few minutes later he said they’re all on their way. Mac said well we may as well relax till we see what Richard has for us. One of the others said yep we better enjoy the time we have things might get lively real soon. Before long Tim and the boys pulled into the camp and came over and sat down. Moments later the lookout called to say we have company, it’s Richard he’s on his way.

Mac said before we get down to business gentlemen would you prefer coffee or soda. All said coffee would be great. Mac went in the tent and returned with paper cups and took the coffee pot off the fire and poured their coffee. Richard said well lets get started. First topic; the presidential parliament has adjourned and is not in session now. They will reconvene on the 16th following the return of the president. Thus operation one cannot be accomplished in conjunction with the primary operation. The leadership of our national militia do not see where that should affect our future operations.

Second topic, the meeting; It will take place at the embassy complex conference hall on the 15th, four days from now. I have a map of the complex and surrounding area showing access routes in and out. Goldie asked isn’t that complex located just off the beltway near Baltimore? Richard said yes it is are you familiar with the area. Goldie said to some extent I have been past it a few times. I’m surprised they would hold it there that means they will motorcade from the capital to the complex. Exactly Richard said, the UN president is flying into the capital the day before. They are scheduled to depart the capital at 0900 hours on the 15th and arrive at the complex at approximately 1000 hours. The meeting is set to commence at 1300 hours.

I have the name and number of a contact with the Maryland militia, it is included with the packet I brought you. Contact him when you move into his sector his people will assist you in whatever way you ask. Also in the packet are some current Maryland license plates to use. Also here are four satellite two way cell phones. You can use these and call anyplace regardless of where you are and they can’t be traced. He added, is there anything else you think you might need. Goldie asked Mac, how is our cash holding up? We should be ok Mac answered. Richard reached inside his jacket pocket and handed him some bills. Take this just in case something comes up.

The captain who had been quietly listening said by the way General Sheridan got your message. His aide said he was not surprised to hear from you. He said after your video and the new York operation he knew you were leading the resistance. He said make sure you know who your enemies are. Then the captain asked now that you have the particulars how many men you plan to use. There will be just the twelve of us, Mac and our old squad and myself. The fewer there are on a job like this the less chance for error. Mac and the men and I have worked together before, we know how each other work and think. We’ll get the job done if it can be done. Well Richard said you have a lot more experience at this than any of us. When do you plan to move out? Well it’s an eight hour ride, a day of scouting, then a day of preparation. We’ll move out late tomorrow.

The captain said you know we have the former special force group available if you decide you want them to come along. Goldie said we appreciate that but the more vehicles the harder they are to hide and go unnoticed. The twelve of us will take three sedans they won’t call attention. That leaves plenty of room for us and the passengers we’ll be taking on. Richard stood and said we should be going, you use your radio phones, contact us if you need anything. A lot rests on this operation, it’s in your hands now. Mac said we’ll get the job done Richard, it will be done right. Richard said yes I’m sure it will and all interested parties will be advised it’s a go, so take care my friends. They shook hands around then boarded their vehicles and pulled out of the camping area.

Once their visitors had left James said dad you can’t go out on this one short handed. Joshua too objected to not being included. Mac looked at the boys for a moment then said boys your dad has been in this game longer than any of us. We have been thru a lot together and your father brought all of us home safe every time. Besides, he needs you guys here to keep your men together in case something comes up while we are gone. Goldie said exactly, you must stay here with your men and your families and keep this fire going till we return, and we will return.

The boys were still concerned about their father going off without them but agreed he was probably right. Tim broke in saying James why don’t you and Joshua come with me. Lets take the sedans in town to the local garage and have them gone over and prepared for the trip. Mac said good idea we haven’t used them for a while. After they had left Mac said the boys are worried about their old man top. Goldie said yeah he knew but they will be alright once we are underway.