The Patriot (31 page)

When they arrived at the lodge the chef said been waiting for you. Tim said you would were coming later so I have will have a special dinner ready by the time you get showered and refreshed. After all had showered and were seated around the room the chef came into the room carrying a tray of fried chicken with all the usual trimmings. When the wives heard you were returning they got together and fixed this dinner for you. The men enjoyed their first home cooked meal in several weeks then leaned back to watch the news channel.

The announcer was saying we can now report it has been confirmed that the 82nd airborne division is moving by motorized convoys towards the battle front in Georgia. He said we have to wonder if things are going well on that front why additional troops are being sent to that area. Another commentator came walking into the broadcast booth and said we have just been informed that the airborne troops moving south have been attacked by militia forces. Citizens report that tens of thousands of militia soldiers have swarmed out of the woods and farmlands and are attacking the regular troops from all sides. It is said that many of the militia are armed women fighting side by side with their men. One local radio station claims every citizen of north and south Carolina, men and women alike, by the tens of thousands armed with rifles shotguns and pistols are involved in that battle. It must be remembered that many of these citizens are retired military veterans who are now said to be attacking the very units they once were part of.

Hot Damn Goldie said, now they know what they’re up against. The announcer then looked stunned for a moment before continuing to say. We are advised by local broadcasters in the area that the 82nd airborne soldiers are refusing to fire on the civilians and are laying down their weapons and surrendering to militia forces. We cannot confirm yet but we are advised that the commanders of the regular forces have surrendered and the fighting has stopped. A local news camera crew are now on the scene and we hope to have pictures momentarily. Then the scene changed to show a local reporter who said we are on a stretch of interstate 85 where militia and regular forces have stopped fighting. He then showed pictures of militia and regular forces working together side by side caring for their wounded. He reported we are trying to get the commanders of both armies together if possible and will bring that to you if it can be done.

Then the camera showed several militia members and three regular forces officers standing and shaking hands. One of the officers, a full colonel, was asked what are the conditions here. The colonel responded by saying, he could not order his men to fire upon men and women who were former members of his unit. Then added, he would rather resign his position than have their blood on his hands. My troops are honorable men. They have refused with honor to conduct war against their own friends and families. I have released my men from all military obligations. Most have decided to remain and are working with the civilians to care for our wounded and recover our fallen comrades. Where they go or what they do afterwards is their choice. Then he carefully added, as for myself, I will offer my services to these militia commanders until peace has been restored to our country.

The picture then returned to the public station where commentators were discussing this sudden turn of events. They appeared at a loss for words. One said he couldn’t believe that an entire regular army unit would desert in the face of enemy fire. Another said this is a sad day for all soldiers to have such a blot on the history of one of our proudest military commands. One analyst asked how might this affect the fighting going on in Georgia and New York where returning military forces are engaged in heavy fighting with militia forces. The commentator said latest accounts are that regular forces are advancing on both fronts. In Georgia regular army units are said to be only days away from Ft. Gordon where additional soldiers and supplies are available. In New York it is being reported that regular army and marine forces have the militia fighters retreating towards the Pennsylvania border where additional army units from two Pennsylvania army bases are said to be moving.

The announcer then said we are also advised that some returning military forces have moved out of the San Francisco area and are grouping at the army post near Oakland for a march south to retake the airbase in New Mexico militia forces recently overran. It is also reported that as many as twenty thousand army personnel have been flown from central American states to San Diego where troop carrying aircraft returning from Asian states have also been diverted. That force now appears to be moving towards the Texas air base recently overtaken by the militia. It now appears the joint chiefs have decided to order all military forces out to end this insurrection. Experts now believe that with the full weight of all active military forces on the move the days of the militia uprising are numbered.

One of the men said he sounds like he believes what he’s saying, but saying it doesn’t make it so. Right Goldie said, everywhere they move we have people waiting for the right place and time. Sheridan can’t muster a million men total. We can call up twenty million today. And if he tries to use airpower we can match him in most sectors. Now that he is putting all his forces in the field we can and will defeat them. He’s playing his last cards and we’ll call his hand.

As they watched the screen an aide walked in and handed the commentator a message. The announcer appeared stunned then turned to the camera and said, we have just been informed that additional militia forces numbering in the tens of thousands have attacked federal troops in Georgia. Federal troops there are said to be hopelessly outnumbered and surrounded. Also additional militia forces have attacked Ft. Gordon preventing them from going to the aid of federal forces two hundred miles north east of that fort.

Also it is being reported that additional militia forces estimated to number in the hundreds of thousands have now attacked federal forces on the New York Pennsylvania borders and have those troops hopelessly outnumbered and surrounded. In addition, tens of thousands of militia fighters are reported to be attacking federal troops that had been moving towards that battle site in New York. It now appears that federal troops on both fronts are engaged in a battle for survival and that any hope for reinforcements have been cut off. And now, we have just been advised that the post commander at Ft. Gordon Georgia has surrendered his fort to the militia forces.

Goldie said I thought those battles would take much longer to reach the point they have. We were fortunate that in our fights the enemy made mistakes and put themselves in positions where they had no room to maneuver and once engaged they had no where to break out. But these forces had the whole eastern and southern regions to operate in. Mac said yes but Richard and his commanders knew that and had sufficient forces to counter any move the feds made. Right you are Goldie said, his advisors are old warriors who know how to plan an engagement.

They continued to watch as analysts began discussing what these new reports mean. One analyst declared clearly the number and capability of militia forces has been underestimated by the joint chiefs. Another stated this began as a local uprising somewhere in Ohio less than a year ago by a madman and his group of terrorists who started out by murdering unsuspecting united nations civilians and federal troop commanders. Another said it is widely believed that gang of terrorists led by the same person is responsible for the kidnapping of our president and other high ranking officials. Nothing has been heard of them since. Yes another said, and they know he and his gang were responsible for attacking and destroying the United Nations headquarters in New York and murdering all those UN leaders. One then asked the others, how could one person and a small ban of terrorists recruit and convince so many others to wage war against their own government.

Goldie said I think they give us too much credit. Mac said they just don’t get it. We are not fighting our government, we are fighting those who took government and liberty from us. The rest of the evening was passed listening to the accounts of the battles and enjoying snacks and colas. Tim, James, and Joshua all called in to say ceremonies were to start at ten AM the following morning. Central was notified of the time and Richard advised someone from his command would be present. Finally they all grew weary and retired for the night.

The next morning they awoke early and after breakfast were joined by Wilson and Randolph then all left for the burial ceremonies. Ministers from all three counties were there to lead the others in saying goodbye to their loved ones. After a short message of hope and praise for the departed from Wilson taps was played and all were laid to rest. The families were strong and an assembly of more than a hundred thousand who had come to pay their respects helped to comfort the grieving families.

The ride home was quiet and sadness shown in the faces of all. Wilson and Randolph remained at the camp for a time talking about the progress being made on all fronts. Everything was going according to plan and better than they had thought possible. Wilson surmised that they were entering the final stages of the fight and Sheridan was facing a losing battle and would have to accept that. Randolph agreed then added, he hoped he would do so quickly and end the fighting so all could set about the task of rebuilding the republic. Before leaving He advised that at this time there were no regular forces in this sector capable of mounting an offensive but remain vigilant and prepared to move if called to do so.

They spent the afternoon watching the news people discussing events that were unfolding on the two battle fronts. The shows director said there is nothing new to report on the Georgia and New York battles. Both regular armies are engaged in continued heavy fighting but it is feared that time is running out for them as both armies are completely surrounded by heavily armed militia forces. Local reporters have been permitted to stay with militia forces on both fronts and their reports say every time the federal troops try to break out thousands of militia reserves move in to close their ranks. Their reports indicate federal armies are suffering heavy casualties while militia losses appear to be light. Also it is reported that militia wounded are being cared for in field medical units and the deceased and critically wounded are being transported away by militia women.

James and Joshua showed up and had the grandkids with them so they could spend some time with their pappy. After a while they all walked thru the fields to the falls. Along the way Goldie had stopped to pick some wildflowers. Goldie knelt down and placed the flowers by her gravesite. A little one asked is this where granny is now. Tears welled up in the old mans eyes as he took her in his arms and answered yes little one, this is where we gave her to the Lord. The other children sat down beside their grandpa and one asked pappy, is granny with Jesus now. Yes dear he smiled and said, Granny is with Jesus but she still comes and watches over us like she always did. Sometimes in the evening I see a dove. It comes and sits on a limb in that big pine tree right over there. Sometimes there are two and that’s when I know Jeffrey is there with granny.

Then he told them all, sometimes when the night is still, I can feel them and know they are happy. She wants us to be happy for her. The eldest one asked pappy, will we get to see granny again someday? The old man smiled and held them close then answered her saying, Yes dear, we all must part some time from this life but we will all be together again in that glorious reunion God has planned for us in Heaven. Is that why you are not afraid Pap, the eldest grandson asked? Yes son remember what the bible story tells us. There is a much better home awaiting us in heaven when we all will be together in peace and happiness forever and ever. When you see the rainbow in the sky you know that is Gods promise to have love and happiness waiting just over the rainbow where we will all meet again someday. It is to be loved not feared. When our time comes an angel of our Lord will show us the way over the rainbow. After a while the little ones all ran over to the edge of the woods then returned and placed some flowers in the grass. Granny loved flowers didn’t she Pap a little one said. Yes child she sure did and she still does. Finally he rose and took their hands in his and turned to where Mac and the others were waiting, then all returned to the lodge and Mac brought out a Pepsi for all.

Later after the kids and grandkids had departed Mac said Goldie you have so much to be proud of, your grandkids are like your boys, honest straight and tall. Yes I have a lot to be thankful for, memories of my life with a wonderful wife, five great kids, seven grandkids, and above all else friends I know I can trust. No man could ask for more. Mac said When I lost Ruth her I knew I could never find happiness with anyone else. I wish I could have been there for you Mac, Ruth was a great spirit. You would have been Top if you could, but you had gone back to Nam again. Yeah but I came back and we’re all together again. I just wish it was for a different reason though. Don’t we all Top, don’t we all Shrader said. Time had passed quickly and the hour was getting late when all decided it was time to turn in for the night.

The old man slept peacefully that night and it was late when he awoke to find only the chef and security guard up and moving about. The chef asked should he wake the others. Goldie said not yet, this was a peaceful night for hearts and bodies to heal. Let them rest till their hearts tell them all is ok. Finally Mac then the others came out and everyone’s spirits were high. The chef said link sausage and hash browns with gravy is ready guys when you are, and everyone made a dash for the kitchen. By the time everyone had eaten and the kitchen cleared it was near noon. Goldie said well we may as well turn the set on and see what they are saying about the battles.