C 8 - C12

(C-8)

Heading home for the Holidays

December

‘God gave us our relatives; thank God we can choose our friends.’

- Ethel Watts Mumford

Captain James Dix sure was glad his Advanced Armor Officers course was finished, it hadn’t been hard or boring just long. And Ft. Knox in the early fall was nice, flat compared to western Washington though. He hadn’t finished first in his class or even second, just staying in the top ten had been a more a matter of luck and staying on the ball the whole time. He had applied for a posting to Korea but had been turned down, the ring knockers, West Point graduates got first dips. So he was being sent back to Fort Lewis, not to bad he would take over as a Company Commander, if lucky maybe in his old unit, nice to think about. Before then just to have a few weeks leave at home for Christmas and New Years sounded good.

Since entering the Army a little over four years ago he had tried to get back home at least a week each year, to see his parents and two older sisters. “I sure hope things turn out better this time, the last visit was a complete mess, and waste of time,” he thought as he drove down the highway.

Last time, his older sister was getting married, for the third time, just to keep score; so far two losers but the third one seemed better at least for the present. I might not like his politics, but we can talk about sports and the weather, if necessary.

“For the life of me I can’t understand why they won’t let me live my life as I wish too, I’m happy, I like my job, and according to my officer efficiency reviews, I’m damn good at it too.” Last time he was home they all wanted me to get out of the Army, settle somewhere close, get married and take some stuck in a small cubical job.

Thinking out loud, as he but the turn signal on to go around a semi truck. “No thank you, I like what I’m doing, and I’ll keep on doing it, until it’s not fun any more. Then I’ll change jobs, but I’ll do what I want, not what my family wants.” It sounded funny but until now as the baby in the family, that had meant always referring to others wishes. The college he attended the, classes he took and they even tried to force their choice in his major.

That changed when his first rebellion had been his signing up for ROTC, how shocked they where. Why, did he do that, who would ever want to join the Army, it just wasn’t proper for a Dix to serve. His dad had gotten a student deferment during Vietnam, and his mother had actively worked in protesting the war. The look on their faces when he told them, had been worth all the grief since then.

With a smile on his face reflecting his thoughts, I guess I’m my own man, and a patriot to boot. Looking down at the fuel gauge he would have to stop for gas soon, one more half a tank and I’ll be there…

Master Sergeant D. Salvador read a book as his wife Anna and the two kids, were asleep now. They where off to see the Fengxian Caves in Henan province, especially the huge Buddha’s that had been carved into the mountain side around 338 AD. Then they would head over to the three gorges region, before the new dams would be completed and flooded the area.

The Chinese did not officially take off for Christmas, but their service schools breaks sure coincide with the holiday. On Christmas we will have a few presents to open, and to say our thanks to baby Jesus for being our salvation. The Army had instructed them to be low key in their religious observance, as the Chinese government was openly hostile to Christens. Even though several of the Chinese Officers and NCO’s had asked the Americans if they had any extra Bibles they wanted to part with. He had brought in about twenty extras and was real secretive about handing them out; he let their team chaplain decide who was to get them, so far so good.

Man this was the dream of a lifetime, seeing China while he taught classes at their Special Forces school. And that the US Government was paying him to be in China; it just didn’t get any better then that. The kids sure loved it, dad was home almost ever weekend and there was always some new and different place to go and see.

D and Anna agreed that this was the greatest time and learning experience they will ever have. Donny or little D. and his sister Esma short for Esmeralda had picked up a pretty good working vocabulary of Putonghua the official language of China. And they loved talking to the locals who were pleasantly surprised at the two American children’s skill with the local dialect. With a sly smile he thought, ‘it must have something to do with my language skills.’

Anna who had been an Arabic language teacher at the Presidio, was quick in picking up phrases but she was the one having some trouble in whole sentence structures. So the kids were always coming to her rescue, helping mom and correcting her was a game they never tired of. Kids, sure loved learning and showing off new skills, and being better at it then Mom, oh boy she will never hear the end of that.

D only used his Mandarin language skill in military classes; he didn’t want to let on that he also understood Wu. By doing that he had picked up quit a bit of the intrigue and what was happening politically inside China that wasn’t from the official government source.

Most of the time the Chinese Officers and NCO’s were more then happy to show off their working knowledge of English. In the classroom sometimes he wouldn’t have to use Chinese for the whole day. Field training was different; as the students didn’t know the tactical English and it was easier for him to explain in Chinese.

He had made a comment to the American SF Lt. Colonel in charge of his team that so many of the Chinese Officers and Sergeants knew English very well, his answer was that these soldiers were the best and brightest in their Army, what did he expect.

That didn’t satisfy D, it was to simple an answer and left too many questions unanswered. A good example, you take a typical American Special forces team and you get as many as seven to nine different foreign language skills from among the sixteen soldiers. Not here all or most all of the Chinese Special Forces spoke only English besides their native tongue. He had tried Spanish but not a one of the Chinese in his classes understood him. Then he had asked some of the other American Sergeants to try Russian, German, and French, and all of them got the same response.

The few Christen Chinese NCOs he trusted and had received the Bibles as a gift told him in private that in the last few years the majority of regular Army Officers and especially the commandos were being taught English, with no reason given. The next largest groups were divided equally between Russian and Arabic but that wasn’t one in five, and only a very small handful were learning other foreign languages like French or Spanish.

D wasn’t sure if it was worth his worry, but in three months when he reported back to Col. Puckett he would give a detailed report on his suspicions, and then he could let others worry; he would only have six more months in the army to serve.

He was looking forward to getting out of the Army too, the past few months he had more quality time with his family then in the previous three years. Have to start looking for a new career when we get back to the US, something I can put my language skills to good use, not sure what though?

One thing he did know, he wanted a job that was outdoors, cause the idea of being inside all day every day wasn’t his idea of neither fun nor a career worth pursuing.

(C-9)

Planning A War

Spring

“In this world there are only two tragedies.

One is not getting what one wants,

and the other is getting it.”

-Oscar Wilde

“Are you sure that there are no guards,” Kalida again asked Ayman the leader of the two man reconnaissance team.

“We watched the building for the better part of three days, and the herd boy who gave us the information said he hadn’t seen any one go in it for almost a year now.”

“Sir, when the country ran out of money to pay the workers, some stayed on in loyalty to the job.” Ali Jizer, the second man of the reconnaissance team added, “and after the attempted coup by the hard line communist was over, the rest just locked the doors and went home.”

Kalida’s next question, “How do we know the material we wish to acquire is still in the building, and if we break in would we set off any alarms?”

“The last question is easy to answer, the power lines have been disconnected for some time now. The transformer and its pole that should be out side the fence are missing, as with most of the poles that lead up to the site from the town. There were no lights on inside any of the buildings at night, no power no alarm system.”

“The Radic meter we used picked up a higher count on the west-side of the building. Our source of information said the material was stored in a locked room on that side, so there is something inside there,” Ayman said in support of the verbal debriefing from there mission.

“The Government hasn’t paid the local power plant any money for six months, we found that out by asking one of the power plant workers, when we gave him a ride home to the other side of the city.” Ayman continued, “as for the local police they are eight men and two women, two people to a shift, with one car for the whole force and that car is in poor shape. The radio in the car doesn’t work, and at night unless they are called out, the two police on duty never leave the police headquarters.

The Sergeant in charge never questioned us or asked for ID’s when we told him we were from the agriculture department to inspect the research station. The only thing he told me, ‘if you need any of my people to assist you will have to get permission from our headquarters.’ I assured him that we would be fine and thanked him as we left.”

“We then drove out to the site and were able to walk around all the buildings and inspected the outer sheds as they were all unlocked. They only contained junk of no use otherwise even that would have been looted. We didn’t want to break into the buildings as that might raise suspicion and have questions asked as to why we didn’t have the keys to unlock them, and are we really working for the ministry of agriculture.”

“When we go back, in one month, we will need six members from the group. All of us should take the Potassium Iodate tablets for a week before we enter the building. That will help prevent radiation sickness, if the material is as deadly as we have been lead to believe.”

“Better to be safe then sorry,” Al Jizer added.

“We will plan on taking two large trucks, one with a lifting arm, I have a picture of the type we will need.” Ayman had a magazine opened and handed it to Kalida.

“Half a dozen chemical clean up suits and related cleaning materials, and the all-important Geiger counters. We will look just like a regular team out doing our work. Once we find the cesium we will finish the clean up act we are performing and head out of town . We will then go and pick up the nuclear batteries we found at the abandoned automatic weather station, then I will call you as we head back.”

Kalida was pleased that his second in command reconnaissance had gone so well, “Your men did a good job. Is there any thing else you need to report before I tell you my good news?”

“You know I always save the best for last Kalida,” Ayman answered with an impudent smirk as they all laughed.

“Well don’t keep us waiting I have good news too,” Kalida said.

With a smile on his face Ayman asked, “I’m sure you remember Howard one of the Brits in our training camp,” Kalida nodded his head in agreement.

“I talked with him for a few minuets after Morning Prayer at the mosque, he said he has contacts with some other recruits who have access to a bank of Russian Alazan weather rockets.” Ayman could tell by the look on his two friend’s faces they had no idea what he was telling them.

“Back in the 70’s the Soviets were experimenting with weather modification and control. They worked on developing the Alazan rockets to carry a small packet of electronic instruments into an on coming storm to try and control the destructive hail that ruins crops or to use that hail as a weapon against exposed troops. Anyway it was a fare-fetched idea and the results were very inconclusive.”

“Then when the communist state crumbled, they left this equipment behind just like the nuclear batteries and the cesium we are going to take. As I said they were originally built for weather experiments, but the Russians modified the Alazan from its original purpose. Transforming them into a terror weapon, and when they were packed with explosives then can be lobbed into cities. Howard says at least 38 Alazan warheads were modified to carry radioactive material, effectively creating the world’s first surface-to-surface “dirty bomb.”

The silence in the room could have been cut with a knife, this was exactly what they wanted, as the cold reality sank in they all smiled.

Kalida asked in a whisper, “Can Howard trust his contacts, how can we get this missiles? If Al-Quada has tried for years to acquire a bomb with millions of dollars to spend how can something like this fall into our hands? This must be a trick, there are too many questions that we need to ask before I risk any one of us making contact.”

Ayman holding up his hand to still the never ending line of questions his friend would ask as he said, “I told Howard to find out more and that we would meet again in one month’s time at the new mosque in Liverpool for morning prayers. He told me in parting that he would use only one man from this other cell as a contact. I haven’t told Howard any of the activity we are planning and he didn’t ask. I know he can be trusted as he is a true and faithful follower; and now a battle hardened fighter as he just came back from Nagorno-Karabakh. He was helping the Azerbaijan forces in the war with Armenia for control of that region.”

“He told me that the commanders weren’t completely sure but all indications are that the Alazan batteries they have are loaded with conventional HE warheads and are notoriously inaccurate as a surface-to-surface missile, but were of some value in being used against cities as a psychological or just pure terror weapons, something we desperately want.”

“When I asked how readily available these weapons were he said, there were three batteries in the Transdniester region, that’s a province on the eastern side of Moldova sharing the common border with the Ukraine. And before you ask Transdniester is not a Muslim region, they are just a nest of vipers an ugly group of former KGB types running a thriving market in small arms to anyone who has cash. Just the sort of people we can deal with,” he added with a smug retort.

“Again what ever we do we proceed with caution, to much is at stake if we are found out. Alazan rockets that is good news to add to our plans,” Kalida said. “Now my news may not seem as good as yours, we must remember in our planning that all ideas are welcome. While you were gone for the last two weeks I got in touch with an old friend. We had a good long talk and in the course of our discussion I asked if he could get me a common stomach virus. He told me he could get us some samples of the Norwalk virus that will make people very sick.”

Ali asked, “Some one from our training camp? Can he be trusted?

“No you wouldn’t know him, we were in medical school for two years, here in Moscow, before I joined the cause. And I would trust him in all things outside of our group; the virus I asked for is not lethal, it will just make you very sick for ten to twelve days, the first day or two will be total uncontrollable ‘evacuation’ from both ends,” he laughed and continued. “I told him I had worked for a former political hack we both couldn’t stand, I had enough and was going to quit, and that I wanted to leave him a present. We both then had a very good laugh, and he said this virus would do it’s magic, it’s a common one, not easily detected, and once in a building not easily gotten rid of. The communists had cultured it for germ warfare, to incapacitate troops.”

“If it’s not lethal why would we want to use it, I thought we were to kill as many infidels as possible,” Ayman stated.

“I will give you an example of how this virus would be helpful to us,” Kalida explained. “It’s a long story but you will like it.”

“Kalida your stories are always long, I’ve never heard you tell a short one,” Al Jizar added while laughing.

Ignoring the good-humored bard he started with, “When my parents would travel in Europe, they would take the whole family along, on one of our trips we went to Spain and I got to see a bull fight. If you haven’t been to one it’s a fantastic experience full of sights and sounds, a true carnival spectacular worth seeing.”

Kalida’s eyes light up from just remembering the event, “The biggest bull you can imagine is in the ring, he runs around chasing the lesser matador’s, snorting and kicking up dirt, music is playing loudly the stands are full of talking and cheering people, quit a sight to behold.”

“You haven’t noticed but one by one the lesser matadors are leaving, until the bull is all alone. The music stops, everyone gets quite and then a man dressed in black pants with silver braid down the sides, and a rose and emerald green colored jacket steps into the arena, he has a yellow and blue cape over one shoulder. He takes about ten paces then he stops and takes his hat off and gives a deep bow, like this.”

Kalida had gotten up from his chair, and walked to the door. He took off his jacket and placed it over his left shoulder, turned around, took a few steps and then acted as if he took off a hat with his right hand. He did a bow from the waist brushing the imaginary hat to the floor. He held this pose for a few seconds, and then stands upright.

“The crowed explodes in cheers’ and applauds vigorously, the band starts up again and plays a festive tune. The lesser matadors re-enter along the sides of the arena, and a couple of them are mounted on horse back.”

“The bull is just standing there watching this, not sure of what is going to happen breathing hard from his chasing and running. The man in silver replaces his cap, and takes his cape and holds it like this.” Kalida take off his jacket from his shoulder and holds it with both hands just above waist high. “He is now walking toward the bull, the music stops and the crowed is instantly quiet, you can here him taunting the bull, Toro, eh Toro. He steps closer and closer, Toro, Toro eh Toro, he dare’s the bull to charge.”

“The bull lowers his head watching this crazy man stepping closer to him, he paws the ground with one front hoof throwing dirt backwards, and he holds his ground. The man in silver steps even closer and is now standing about six paces from the bull. The cape he holds is slightly to his right but still in front of him, like this,” as Kalida shows them.

Ali states, “This bull is a pet no.”

“No, a wild bull raised just for this sport,” Kalida replays.

Ayman says, “This is a sport, for what mad men, or fools. I’m brave but not stupid, any man in his right mind would not get that close to a wild bull. Continue this story about the man who is about to be ran down gored and trampled.”

“Ah there you are wrong my friend,” Kalida chuckles, “the best part is about to be told. As he is holding his cape thus, shacking it slightly, saying Toro, Toro, taking little quarter steps now even closer. Toro, Toro, eh Toro, now the bull is really getting agitated, more dirt is flying back from his front hove, he is snorting, and stomping the ground. The bull isn’t backing up, his head is even lower to the ground, from his chest comes a deep low grumble, and still the man steps closer, Toro, Toro.”

Ali can’t contain himself any longer he jumps up and acts like he is charging; “The man in silver is tossed high up into the air and over the back of this bull, right.”

“No, sit down and listen,” Kalida is having fun, his two friends are really into this story, just as he is, reliving how it happened before his eyes a few years ago. He holds the jacket in front again, teasing all the while saying, Toro, Toro, he is now almost two meters or so in front of the bull, he gives it several small shakes, calling the bull Toro, Toro, and then he flicks it right onto the end of the bulls nose, pop!”

“The bull lets out the loudest bellow I have ever heard, his eyes turn as red as a fiery sunset, dirt fly’s into the air, he charges, to run the man in silver down, who shouts Ole’. He holds the cape in front of the bull as he takes a half step to his left, and the cape is whipped over the bulls back. The bull continues for a few meters and realizes it has come up with nothing, this master Matador has side stepped the bull and just waves the cape as the bull runs through it, like this.” Kalida holds his jacket in his right hand takes a little side step, lifts the jacket slightly and a little flourish, and turns around.

“The bull is smart, he knows he has missed. He pivots to the right and is now facing back at the man only a step away, he lowers his head, more dirt flies as he charges again, and again nothing, except that now crowd shouts ‘Ole’ along with the matador. Again the bull pivots to the right charges again, ‘Ole’ he hears from the man, and the crowd shouts even louder ‘Ole’.”

“This is repeated again and again with the matador in complete control each time, the crowd roaring ‘Ole’, ‘Ole’ as the bull charges past. He steps to the left as the bull charges past, ‘Ole’, some times he changes the cape to his left hand behind his back as the bull charges past, like this.” Kalida a step to the side passes the jacket over an imaginary charging bull, “Ole”. As he starts to turn he hands the jacket from his right to his left hand behind his back, makes the turn but is now holding the jacket in a left front position.

“You see, like that and the Matador continues his dance with the bull. The bull is charging and charging, he is doing all the work and little by little his breathing gets louder and louder as he starts to tire. This continues for some time and all the while the crowd shouting ‘Ole” each time.

And then just like that the bull charges by, the matador lifts the cape so the bull passes, then he folds the cape in front of him so the bull can’t see it and walks away. The bull is behind him and watches as he walks away.”

Ayman says, “He’s watching the bull right?”

“No he doesn’t even look back, the bull is mesmerized, the hated cape gone, and he is tired and just stands there. The Matador in the silver and black walks over to another matador who stands fifteen or eighteen meters from the bull, he hands his folded cape to him and takes a drink of water from a flask. Some people say its wine, but I would think water, to cut the dust and to help keep his wits about him.” Kalida acting the part hands his jacket to Ali, and picks up a glass of water to take a long drink then sets the glass back down empty.

Kalida then turns to an imaginary man and acts out the next part of the story. “One of the other matadors hands him two sticks each are about a half a meter long, and brightly decorated, with ribbons. These sticks have small sharp knives on the ends with barbs on them. He takes the sticks and walks back out toward the bull that is just standing there. You can see that the bull is very tired, he is covered with sweat and still breathing hard.”

“The Matador walks to within five meters of the bull, holds the two sticks out angled above his head at arms length, both pointed toward the bull. He raises up on tiptoe, a short step forward and says, ‘Toro, Toro’. Even though the bull is tired he charges. The Matador side steps at the last second, and as the bull charges past he plunges the two sticks into the front of the bull’s hump, Ole’ the crowd yells. The bull lets out a loud and surprised bellow. His charge this time is straight and about three or four meters in length, he tosses his head side to side as he is in pain.”

“The matador has walked over to another assistant, gotten two more of these sticks and again approaches the bull, Toro, Toro. The bull turns and faces the man, Toro, Toro, again the charge, the man steps aside, Ole’ and now the bull has four sticks in its hump. There must be blood groves in the blades, as you can now see blood running down the bull’s flanks and making a small puddle on the ground of the arena. The bull lets out another bellow this one louder and in fear as he smells his own blood; and he knows his death is approaching.”

Kalida knows both of his friends are eagerly awaiting the end of this colorful metaphor he has woven, they are on the edges of their chairs, quiet and watching his every move. He walks back over to Ayman and picks up his jacket, “The Matador takes his cape from the man he had given it to earlier, on the mans side is a straight sword in its scabbard.”

“Until now I didn’t realize how quiet the crowd had become, because you could clearly hear the labored breathing of the bull.”

“The Matador pulls the sword out and holds it so the blade is hidden under the cape, turns and with a steady but not a fast walk moves toward the bull. He holds the cape in his left arm straight out in front of him. The sword tip is almost touching the cape, with his body turned ninety degrees to the right. His knuckles of his right hand holding the sword hilt touch his chest. Like this,” he shows his friends.

“Again he taunts the bull, Toro, Toro, and the bull makes its last charge, the Matador steps to the left and as the bull passes the sword is plunged down into it’s heart, the crowd yells in one huge voice. The sword must be very sharp to cut so deep and swiftly because the bull stagers one or two steps and drops dead a few feet past the man in silver. The crowded arena goes wild, they throw flowers out, small rolls of money, silver coins, and continue cheering loudly as the band plays and the Matador takes a deep bow to the crowd. He turns like this and takes another deep bow, and another until he has turned to the four winds to bow each time.”

Ali said in wonderment, “I would like to go to Spain and see a bull fight, if it is half as exciting as you described. It would be a great adventure for us, yes?”

“My friend it is all that and more,” Kalida said, “the Spanish are different then the rest of the infidels, this is a sport that excites the senses like none other in the Western World. But a warning too, don’t let the Spanish law get a hold of you, they will get information from you the short and very painful way.”

“But to the point I was trying to make, I told you the story to show we can use the virus as the cape to confuse our enemies. To keep them off guard and to hide the fact we wish to place a sword, the cesium, through their heart and watch them die. Just like the Matador used the cape to blind the bull to what was really going to happen, with the sword.”

Ayman laughed, “You are a good story teller Kalida, I had forgotten all about the virus, and the cesium. When we use both weapons against our enemy he won’t see the sword before he feels it in his heart.”

With a smile Kalida said, “Thank you but there is irony in this story too. The West in its misguided pursuit of freedom for all peoples lets the faithful walk its streets and to live among them without any restraint.”

“How is that ironic?”

“As long as we are peaceful and keep attention from ourselves we can practice our faith, all the while gathering our strength, recruiting more fighters from the new immigrants coming in from other Muslim nations and biding our time. One day and soon we will be strong enough to engage in open battle and then victory will come to us.”

Ali in phrase said, “From Allah all blessings go to the faithful.”

Ayman answered , “And to the infidel, his wages are death and destruction.”

All of them then said in unison, “Allah Acabur, Allah Acabur.”

(C-10)

Cut and run.

Summer

‘Character is much easier kept than recovered.’

-Thomas Paine

“Character is what God and the angles know of us:

reputation is what men and women think of us.”

-Horace Mann

Mr. Jenkins and his son Pat were both mad and looking for any excuse to quit, Dan knew this and they both knew that he knew. But as the elected leader of the unit he couldn’t let two hot heads rule through intimidation. “ OK Bob, why do you object to us opening the meetings with a prayer?”

Pat’s face turned red, as his father, Bob blurted out, “You’re trying to impose your religious beliefs on us, and we don’t like it.”

With a puzzled look on Dan’s face he asked Bob, “How so, I rotate the prayer offering every meeting? Two months ago your son Pat got to say the prayer at the beginning of the meeting.”

Bob stumbling over his words, “Prayers should be in private between you and God, not before people you hardly know. People who might criticize your private feelings.”

Before Dan could think of anything to say, Jeff the Jenkins platoon leader answered “Bob no one has said or ever talked about anyone else’s prayer. We are all thankful for the fellowship and many fine prayers offered to start our meetings. Without an opening prayer most of us wouldn’t feel comfortable, its part of what make us glad to associate with each other. It also ties us to other groups of like-minded people all across this great land. Remember we have to be on God’s side, not hoping we have God on our side.”

Before either of the Jenkins could say a thing Bill decided to add his two cents worth. “If you two would like you could wait outside until after the prayer, we would call you in to say the Pledge of Alliance with us, and start the meetings. That sounds fair doesn’t it.”

“I don’t know about my dad, but I just don’t want to belong anymore.” Pat stood up and started to but on his coat as he headed for the door. Bob stood also and turned to walk out after his son, as he got to the door he looked at them and said, “We still believe in the cause, just some of us see a different path.” With that he put on his hat and left.

There was some mumbling from some of the guys at the back of the room, “You know they spent way to much money on Y2K preparation.”

“Hell I’m surprised they lasted this long.”

“A lot of their relatives really hosed them for the way they were talking about the end of the world and all.”

“Both of their wives felt cheated because of the time and money they spent on training and in equipment, and embarrassed for the way their so called friends were acting toward them.”

“All right,” Dan raised his voice and by the tone the room got quiet fast. “I don’t talk behind peoples back, and I won’t let my friends talk about others or to be talked about, more so when they aren’t here to answer for themselves. And those two men are still our friends, end of discussion.”

Walking over between the American flag and state flag, Dan continued. “If things had get rough for Y2K, the majority of people who are laughing at us, would have been begging for our help, protect us, feed us, we need help, my house is cold, I need water, so on and so on. All I can say is 'Thank you Lord we missed that one. Before the next crisis hits, please let a lot more people have their eyes to be opened, and are well prepared.”

“Bill please pass out the draft training schedule, all right guys the time is a wasting, we are going to look over the proposed training plan and if any one cares to make any changes or has any better ideas lets hear them.”

Dan continued as he took his seat, ”Jeff your plan on starting buddy team and fire team training for the new members and as a refresher for the older members.”

Jeff nodded as he rose to his feet, then he added, “I didn’t put any dates down, but it’s planned for the first of February, I would like one Saturday a month for at least 3 months, and then in the spring a whole weekend so we could but it all together.”

“Also some of the local deputies want to start working with us on search and rescue procedures, and to have us help as weather spotters. We could work both classes in with the normal training, and anyone who wished could attend the one night meeting with the weather people for the final class.”

“As a trade off the deputies wants to use the range for target practice.” Jeff continued, “of course they don’t want their Sheriff’s to get wind that we are working together.” With a snicker he added, “might look bad to the press that a local Militia would be up to good,” he finished and sat down

Drew Moffett, the senior medic voiced, “You know what really burns me about the majority of the people in this county, and in fact the whole country. They either didn’t vote or voted against the President. They didn’t trust him or believe in his vision for America, yet they will take his word on blind trust that we are the ones whose pose a danger. People who have known us for years, went to school with us, worked beside us for a lifetime, some served with in the military as a few of us did, and yet they believed that liar and thief over their neighbors, I just can’t understand that.”

Jeff couldn’t help himself as he said; “Hell congress won’t even do their duty as proscribed in Section 1, article 8, of the Constitution and make funds available to equip or to train the Militia. I’d be happy if they would just give us their old equipment and a place to train. That would save our new people a lot of money on uniforms, LBE, boots, and everything else they need. If congress won’t uphold its side of the contract, why should the people believe in them? The people have forgotten they are suppose to be the ones in charge, and that the politicians work for us.”

“The majority of the country wants to be lead, not to do the hard job of having to think for themselves, to take the responsibility and the duties handed to us by the founding fathers. To be citizens, alert, active and free, not a bunch of couch potatoes. Or worse waiting for the free bread and circus, and let the so-called leaders destroy the very culture that has allowed them power.”

Dan stood up, taking a breath and saying “I’m not making any predictions or reading out of a crystal ball, but the President will some day call on the people of These United States for help. I want to be ready to help in any way we can, either like the floods of ‘93’, or just to help our neighbors in need. Most of all to be ready when needed.”

Taking a steep toward the front of the hall Dan came to attention snapped a parade ground salute to the American flag, did an about face, to stand at ease. Followed with a relaxed smile he said “ we are all Americans, in the land of the free, and home of the brave, we have the best society on earth. The few bugs in our system of government, we work out, without blood in the streets, where we respect other ideas, religion and races. Take in newcomers in great numbers and help other nations in distress, all the time taking verbal abuse from the UN and our own liberals that we aren’t doing enough to help, to be like them.”

“Most of the world isn’t free and their leaders are afraid of the US, because of the freedom we have. They would like to hurt us to make us go away because of the threat that freedom, our freedom, because it shakes their authority over the people they rule. Their people look to America as a shining light, maybe, hoping they can achieve that freedom, if not at home in their countries, then here in America.”

Dan’s expression then changes as he said, “Gentlemen let me tell you a fact, it’s buried in the news a little scrape of information here and next week a little there. A threat is growing just like Hitler and his brown shirts did, a small fringe movement that grew and threaten the world.”

“All across Europe and in some parts of America young Muslims are taught in the mosques to hate our western way of life. These children, educated in Western style schools, are fast becoming alienated from our culture. In the Islamic world the way of Jihad is being taught as the only way to rid the world of the people of the cross. They are taught to hate us as a people the same as the Nazis taught the young Germans during the 1930’s to hate the Jews.”

“I don’t know what will happen maybe more bombing’s like the attempt to bring down the world trade center or like the Kobar towers in Saudi Arabia. You can expect ritual murders in broad daylight of people who oppose the evil as it grows and spreads as a warning to us and to shut up the people that foresee what is coming. Expect even genocide on a scale the world hasn’t seen since the days of Stalin and Mao.”

“Before anyone asks how I know what is going to happen, I don’t know for sure, call it a hunch maybe because I have read a lot of history and I know it repeats itself all to often. Call me a nut; call me a crackpot, maybe I’m wrong, I pray that I am. But something tells me that I’m only seeing the tip of the ice berg coming and it’s a big one.”

Dan made a grimace and said, “Sorry for getting carried away and running my mouth I’ll sit down and we can carry on with the next item on the schedule.”

(C-11)

Willing but not yet Ready

Fall

2000

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are”

-Anais Nin

General Dim sits quietly and waits while Governor Xo finishes his tea. The governor sets the cup back onto the saucer and nods his head for General Dim to speak.

“Sir we were not ready to test the new programs, at least not for another least three months, and we are still six months away from having all the new fiber optic cable installed here. Plus the new satellite phones and modem connections overseas will have to be tested again after we have the updated programs installed, to insure that no trail leads back to us.” With that General Dim knew he had said too much, but one must always speak the truth, even if your Superior will be upset.

Governor Xo knew his people had been working hard for over a year now and he was really amazed in how much they had progressed, but the chance to see how much chaos they could have caused with the system. It had been an opportunity to good to pass up especially when everyone would have accepted the blame as a Y2K problem. “All right General if we couldn’t create a complete system collapse, then we must try to do some damage to at least one or two power grids, and maybe cause at least one large banking error. I want some proof, to test the parts we do have ready, to see if we are moving down the right path. As for the major test and proof positive I will wait as we all must, when the war is launched this is one weapon that the west will not be ready for. I know it will not be the deciding factor in who wins, but one of many minor battles that will make a difference in our favor.”

Those fools in the west have no faith in the systems they have created, worked so hard and long to repair the mistakes they found. Spent countless billions in money and time, and then to wait with crossed fingers hoping they can hold it all together. If they have so little faith in themselves now, it is time for their rule to end. To let a new leader and an old country to emerge once more. We are taking our first steps, and soon we will leap out in front, to take our rightful place as the next super power.

Xo picked up the volume of papers in front of him to hand to his aide he said, “General Dim I’ve finished reading the trade agreements we ask of the Russian Republic and their replays. It is really amazing how fast a communist can change into a capitalist when you wave money in his face, they have let us into the house and still they don’t realize we will soon be the owners. Once we get the Minister of Foreign Trade to rubber stamp them, we will have to set up a formal signing ceremony for the Premier and their President.”

Xo couldn’t hide his disgust for the Russians; “You buy a few ships and advanced fighter jets from them for cash, they begin to think of you as an ally. Tell them you want to buy some more goods later, they embrace you as a friend. Then you set up a company and say you would like to harvest some trees here and there, to explore and dig some holes in a property they aren’t using, of course saying we will share the profits with them, you become a long lost cousin.”

“Then we tell them that we need to bring in our people to work the mills and factories, as the local population is too small and scattered. Telling them we will place their selected managers in charge of the completed projects, complete with the necessary kickbacks and under the table payoffs. You become their brother and are invited to set at the head of the table to cut up the choice festival goose.”

“Stupid Russians, only after the meal is served will they realize they only got weak tea, a bowl with a hole in it and a shove out into the street. ”

With a laugh Xo couldn’t help but let out he said, “ha, they would sell their own mothers gold teeth, and not realize that she can’t eat until dinner time. They have lost the ability to look ahead, the fools. We start to push our borders out and expand, with out firing a shot. They took our land and our pride, a century ago killing thousands; we take it back with money from the west. Lenin was right to say we will hang the whole western world with their own rope, a rope marked Made in China, and not one of them the wiser until its tight around their necks.” To himself he thought, but it wouldn’t be a communist who ties the knot.

Dim answered, “ our plans go forward on all fronts Sir. We have to deal soon with the illegal government of Taiwan; they hold elections next year. Our spies say that the opposition will propose a referendum to vote for complete independence.”

“The old sore doesn’t heal well with you my friend, it will soon enough. I’ve asked the governor of Dongnan Oiuling province and the Chief of staff of the Air force to move some of the missile forces and new fighters squadrons right up to the coast. That will get their attention, it may not change the vote, but they know we will be watching them.”

General Dim had know a long time ago that he would follow Governor Xo unto the end of the world if necessary, that he expected you to reply and be a part of the decision making process. The man, who would soon be the Leader of a new and greater China, would not surround himself with yes men. All of his followers knew this new China would need men of character and vision to make it happen. Dim knew that he was good at planning and seeing a problem solved to the end, but was he as good a Xo thought him to be?

Enough doubt, he took the trade agreements from in front of Xo as he gave him a letter, hand delivered from the Central party headquarters. “Sir this arrived just as I was coming to the meeting were you expecting it so soon.”

Xo took the letter and told his friend, “I can’t know everything, and one doesn’t have enough spies for that.” Untying the ribbon that was around the letter, and unfolding it to read Xo wasn’t prepared for the message written on the paper. He had to read it twice before he could think straight. His mind racing he knew he had lost his poker face something new to them. He had to stand up and walk around the room, never mind what his staff thought. The first time they had seen him so unsettled, unable to speak.

General Dim worried that the Party had found out Xo’s hidden agenda and plans and at this moment were about to arrest them, he drew his weapon from its holster as he got up and went to the door. Before he could unlock it and reach for the handle, Xo said “but the pistol back in your holster, sit down and hear the news.”

The fools in Beijing, he thought to himself, then as he summarized out load, “It is from the peoples central committee; it states, if I’m going to ask favors or give orders to Governors and ranking Generals I need to ask their permission first, in fact I should consult with them before I ask. Since I’ve failed to do so and in light of my working trade agreements for the benefit of China, with many foreign powers, and the money that’s to follow. I have been called to answer before them.”

“They think they are seeing threats to the party rule and question the sound judgment of my asking for the redeployment of units of the PLA to counter these threats, the setting up of special units to cause havoc among any future enemies again without first asking.”

“That I have been talking with and aiding enemies of our enemy, selling them the materials and equipment necessary to fight, and letting them hire our people to train them. And for stealing or bribing for information that can be used against our enemy, to aid China in any future conflict.”

Taking a breath, Xo took his seat, concern entering his mind on how much of my plans does the central party leadership know? And which one if any of his selected Generals or aides gave them the information? Who or was there a spy among his staff, if so I will find out and work that to my advantage?

General Dim was having the same thoughts as he looked around the room, at each man seated with their own aids behind them, wondering who would be the traitor. And what will be their fate after Xo became the leader of a new China.

Xo continued, “In light of all these questions and that what I have achieved so far, every thing is constant with the goals of the Central Party, and to make sure that my goals stay consistent with the country’s goals. I’m to come before the Politburos standing committee and explain myself and my plans tomorrow, as for now I’m to consider myself as a special aide to the Premier and with in the year, as the Assistant PLA commanding officer.”

Xo, lost for words his mind racing trying to see the path that lay ahead, was this an offer of honey and a way to trap him with little support on hand. Or genuine and a request to join them in achieving a greater China, with new bold ideas? A China that would take it’s rightful place again as the new Middle Kingdom, rich with ideas and strong in power and listened to, the leader of the New World Order.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

(The next day, a reckoning.)

‘A wise man will make more opportunity then he finds.’

--ANON

“I do not care if governor Xo is displeased, you have your orders, everyone will carry two pistols under their tunics with at least six extra magazines, and hidden in the bottom of our brief cases four grenades each.” General Dim was annoyed that a captain on his staff would question his orders, if things go wrong we will have to fight our way outside to the units loyal to Xo. They had moved into place last night only a kilometer away, and could move that last kilometer in less then five minutes.

His recruiting efforts the last year had paid off, there were over two hundred people loyal to himself and Xo in the headquarters, they had been notified and all had access to weapons. Every one of them had recruited at least one or two others to help if needed. With them and the fourteen members in Xo’s staff they could shoot their way out if necessary.

“Sir I will follow your orders, I request also to bring along six Krinkov style machine pistols, I would like to have them just in case,” the Captain added. “We can place them in the bottom of the boxes of files we were requested to bring with us. I do not look forward to a fight if it comes to that. But we will follow your lead, and we will defend Xo unto our deaths if necessary.”

Governor Xo walked into the room as General Dim quickly finished addressing the Captain. “Good, load all necessary items requested into the cars, we will leave in five minuets.” Turning to Xo, Dim said, “Good morning Governor, I hope you rested well, have you eaten breakfast?”

“Thank you General, the accommodations the party has set up in the last few years is a great improvement over the sparse rooms and drab furniture they had in the early 1990’s. It’s almost as good as the five star hotels that have risen in and around Beijing recently, and yes I had breakfast with my wife, as I’m sure you already know,” Xo, was grateful for the concern his faithfully aid expressed. He would not show any of the inner turmoil that was hidden behind his stoic face. If he let on that he was concerned about the coming hearing, his people might not follow him; I will show no fear.

“I think we are ready to leave, General Dim I’m sure that you have seen to the needed paper work, and vehicles to transport the staff to the party headquarters. Remember we are here to explain our actions, not to defend ourselves, I’m sure my orders to that effect were followed.” Taking his coat in his hand he led General Dim and the few staff officers out the door, the cars had pulled under the carport which was good, as the mild weather had broken and a cold steady rain was falling.

After the cars were in route, Dim who had been taken aback by Xo’s statement, did he not trust me, he had to ask? “Governor Xo, as your chief of staff and loyal aid this many years, I have taken your orders and added to them as necessary, to do my job. If you are displeased or I have stepped out of line…!”

“No my friend you have always been faithful, and I do not question your actions or your loyalty, we are under a lot of strain, we both knew that we would some day be called out for our actions. Just not so soon, not before we had grown stronger. Just remember the best defense is a good offense. We will speak the truth, and let the doubters know our objective is for the best for China, which is our goal now and always has been.”

“I see this as an opportunity, we will come through better and stronger. I know that the Primer will help if he can.” Xo struck his right fist into his open left palm in frustration, “If I just knew how much they know of the full plan we have for China?”

General Dim did not know what to say he was not fearful of the coming session before the Party hierarchy. The last few years they had spent their time well, in winning friends and neutralizing people who would set in judgment of them. They had been careful not to make enemies that were too powerful and could wreak their plans, and he just as concerned like Xo, how much did they know. Just in case he had planned for the worse, may fortune grant them less?

Xo looked out the window of the car, at the passing buildings, all were being washed clean by the falling rain. He believed as his ancient ancestors on the plains had; that rain was a good sign, it purified the air, washed the land, and gave life to all growing things; even ideas.

Because of the rain they would enter the headquarters from the east entrance under the protective awning, and they would stay dry. This route lead straight by the National Party Congress, and Central Committee halls and into the smaller, but still spacious Standing committee meeting room. The car stopped and a young army sergeant opened his door, and saluted. Xo stepped out returned the salute, a minor party cadre member stepped forward and said, “Governor if you would follow me I will show you to the meting room.” He led the way through a large door and past many offices full of busy people.

Xo was not amazed to see so many top party officials, he had expected nothing less, and it takes a large bureaucracy to run a country of over a billion people. They walked past the huge doors that lead into the Nationals People’s Congress and the hallway to the Politburo hall then past Central Committee chambers, then into the wing that housed the Standing Committee the most powerful seven members of the party, the most powerful people in China. At least they thought so of themselves, Xo quickly pushed that random thought aside. It wouldn’t be proper to enter the chamber with a weary smile, they would think he was with out respect.

They entered he meeting chamber, which was large and full of people. All members would be present and anyone from their staff who had the necessary security classification and could justify their presence would be here too. Xo was well known, and respected by many here, and there were others whom did not like him and jealous of his fast rise to power. And if he were to be fired or censored as the rumor had it, this would be history worth seeing.

Looking over to the Army chair, he snapped to attention and saluted his old Division commander now the Chief of Staff, Yung Se, head of all of the PLA force’s, he would not set in judgment today. It had been a long time since Xo was a captain and his aide de camp. He noticed that his friend, Jia Ju the PLA assistant commander was missing, his cancer must be worse then he had let on. It’s a good thing I quite smoking years ago, he told himself. If a vote became necessary for a censure or worse his support would be missed.

His guide led him to the table and chairs in the middle of the hall and just before the empty raised bench of the seven most important Communist Party leaders. Xo took the left chair at the table, Dim took the seat on his right placed and his briefcase on the floor, opened it he took out some papers and a pin to write with, and waited. He had not refastened the briefcase on the off chance he would need the pistols hidden there.

The aids that had followed them carried in the briefcases and boxes full of files in case they had to have answers in detail, to explain their actions from the last several years. Then took the chairs behind Xo and Dim and waited, not knowing what to expect but trusting of the two officers and leaders they had pledged their loyalty and lives to.

The Captain in charge of Xo’s security detail had noticed that there were only four visible armed guards in the meeting room, and on the walk in from the cars he had seen only six others. He was sure there were other armed guards about but not in any great number, with a weary smile he then relaxed a bit, ‘we could get out of here with minimal causalities’ he told himself.

A door opened behind the raised bench, The Premier entered followed by the General secretary and four other top members of the communist party; they then took their respective seats leaving the assistant PLA seat vacant. Even if only for appearances the Army would not be called upon to either support or condemn Xo’s actions.

The Party Secretary looked at Xo, then at a sheet of papers and read, “ Governor Xo, even though you have been appointed Special Assistant to the Premier you must answer the following charges.” One of the lesser party officials walked up to Xo’s side and handed him a list of the charges, turned and walked away. Xo placed the list on the table with out looking at them, as he listened to the Secretary read.

“ It has come to the attention of the Standing committee that you are involved in the following affairs, without our permission.

Setting up training operations in foreign countries with terrorist and saboteurs.

Having sent over 600 tones of weapons and ammunition to the Talaban Government in Afghanistan.

Setting up and operate a Computer/ Electronics warfare unit outside of PLA structure.

Make foreign policy concerning mining and the use of Chinese labor in the Russian federation Maritime province.

Influence other governors in the running of their province. Giving orders to generals not under your command, to stop threats to America and to increase their reserve force of soldiers and airmen.

Having the two Colonels at the Generals Staff College, write a paper on The Coming war with the West.”

The Party Secretary placed the paper back onto the desk and looked at the Governor, and nodded for him to answer the charges.

Governor Xo speaking in a clear and commanding voice, “ I appreciate the Standing Committee having the faith in me, to allow me the time to answer these truths. I have committed these actions and more all for the betterment of China, for our continued growth and influence in the world.”

“Right now China is the world leader in seven fields of development of ‘top-notch weapons for future warfare.’ These weapons are equivalent to the Americans Manhattan Project of the 1940s, that lead to the development of the Atomic Bombs that ended World War Two.”

“Because of security concerns I can not talk about the specifics of these weapons, let it suffice that we will have them and our enemies won’t.”

“I can and will answer these so called charges in order.”

“Number 1)Yes we do support terrorist operations either with training, intelligence or equipment, not just in the middle east but worldwide. Several of these organizations number in the hundreds of thousands of individuals, most are religious fanatics with little education. Yet some are very educated people and in their hatred of the west they don’t see the real threat as us.”

“Their leaders keep us up to date on the major actions they plan I will give details later if requested, but one year from now they plan an act that will shake the west to its very core. The second largest terrorist group Al-Quada thinks their actions will collapse the financial structure of America, and the west.”

“If that is to be, we see it as one more step in a weak and over indulgent culture on its way to ruin. Our intelligence officers and analysts say these actions will weaken our enemies but not take them down.”

“ Number 2) Yes, we sent 600 tones of military supplies to the Talabin that now controls the government of Afghanistan. Most of it was old and obsolete, this is a proxy war and the West will have to mass considerable forces to win. We lose no men or modern equipment and the west uses up war material they are not replacing.” Taking a sip of water, Xo continued in his own defense.

“Number 3), The electronics warfare unit is a computer warfare and research group, it is called the 54^th Research Institute, the first of its type anywhere in the world. The reason I placed it outside of the PLA normal structure is simply because several of the foreigner’s experts would not be here to work with us, if they suspected an Army connection. And as a private business research group we draw less attention from potential spies. To attract quality people you have to pay higher wages, and thus the payroll is to high for an Army unit. I do not want our Military Officers upset because one new branch is paid at a higher scale.” Several of the officers laughed, as it is common knowledge of the poor pay they receive.

“This computer warfare unit has access to all of the worlds major banks and stock markets, major power systems, shipping companies, some water plants, and most of the private and in some cases military communications networks. We can either shut them down, ms-route shipping, flood the banks and markets with false data. Make the water plants either stop filtering water, or place too much chemicals in the water to poison people.”

“You can’t order troop movement without modern communications, in the West they relay on reserve troops for half of their Army’s strength, if the phones don’t work how can you call them up.” By the expressions on some of the central committee member’s faces he could see that their spies hadn’t told them how powerful a weapon this small unit could prove to be.

“In the opening days of a war, confusion in the enemy’s camp can cause them defeat in the end, if you attack on many and varied front’s and the leaders haven’t prepared a response or war gamed the different situations, tell me which problem do you handle first. If the many problems continue to mount and get more difficult every hour, soon they are at mental overload, which is very soon followed by burn out, which then becomes an inability to accept worse news and a complete mental block to make any rational decision. System overload is the name the unit commander called it, both in equipment and in the mental abilities of the Commanders themselves. When he explained to me the capabilities and potential harm this unit could cause, I know that it is money well spent.”

“The 54^th also receives equipment, computer codes and software ideas, from all of our business community and their infiltration into most of the west’s leading companies. I will have my aides give you a list of the number of companies all across Europe, in Japan and America who unwittingly provide us with the latest technology and ideas they produce, if you wish.”

“Number 4), It is not common knowledge but our miners and people who work in the Russian maritime province out number the local Russian populace almost two to one. We are mining over four times the minerals we report to them; we cut down twice the trees reported, saving our own forest. They do not know about the oil and natural gas fields we have found, or that we have drilled several wells and capped them, waiting until the land is under our control to begin pumping. This land was ours over a hundred-fifty years ago, and the Russian Czar seized it when China was weak. In the next war it will be ours within one day, and in less then two weeks producing much needed raw materials.” Again their expressions showed a surprise in how little they had known about the details of his plans.

“The money we save from using the materials we do report, right now runs into the billions each year. We pay the Russians less then one hundred-Yuan a year on every thousand not reported. The excess money I have used to build an additional wing on the small arms factory at Diqihar in my province of Heilongjiang. And two new plants at Foshan north west of Hong Kong in Guangdong province, and at Nantong north of Shanghai in Jiangsu province. These factories produce the improved model of the type-95 rifles and convert the older machine guns to the new cartridge of 5.8 mm. With current production at these plants and all other government arsenals, we will have over fifteen million weapons completed in two years. By late spring we will have a complete reissue to all active and reserve units.” Looking over at the PLA commander and seeing him nod his head in agreement, Xo knew he had one more vote in his favor.

Taking another sip of water he continued. “Within the engineers and survey crews stationed in the Russian territory we have soldiers, undercover and they have scouted out every military post and police station in the province. We know the exact number of troops, where they are stationed, the morale and even the condition of there personnel weapons and equipment. When we make our move most of the Russians will be rounded up without a shot being fired.”

“When the Russian Czar seized our land tens of thousands of our people were killed, when we take it back we may have to kill only one to two hundred Russians and we will take over two million of them hostage, mostly civilians. They will try to mount a counterattack, which we will beat back easily; and to go nuclear would be suicidal for the Russians. They play chess and will see that we have them in checkmate, as we hold their civilians as pawns. They will then go to the UN crying and scream rape. And we will show the world that the land was ours for over one thousands years and that they took it from us. Within a few weeks we will arraign a vote within the General Assemble that comes out in our favor, and our ambassador can veto any resolution in the Security Council.”

Xo paused, seeing that no one else wished to speak, so with this silent assurance he continued.

“Number 5), by my telling other Governors to clean up corruption within their own offices I save them being charged and tried as an enemy of the people. This strengthens your positions as our leaders and keeps you free from scandal and the unnecessary task of rebuilding our image.”

“In Xinjian Uygar province, they have a Muslim minority within the local people, I have asked the governor to be lenient in his dealing with them, and I did this to show our Middle Eastern allies we are just. Instead they think we are weak, slipping in our resolve just like the west. When we have finished using them we will crush them and be done, for now they serve a purpose.”

If they were looking to place his head on the block he had given them the only reason they would need. The Muslim problem in the western province was growing and there not dealing with it harshly could be seen as treason, by accepting and supporting a rebellion. These people were descendants from the same tribes as his ancestors, which might be seen by the Chinese as a threat to their rule.

Without their knowing the complete plans he had for China, they would not be able to see the whole puzzle until the last piece was in place. Then it would be to late for them and their great communist party.

“The reason I tried to influenced several Generals to stop them from boosting about our ability to use our nuclear missiles against America, it’s for the simple reason that we mustn’t alert the enemy. If they were to develop their missile shield in numbers our threat would be an empty boost. If they took us seriously and saw our military build up they would start to rearm the rest of their forces. We want America as weak as their current President Clinton is; they will then elect the current vice president to be President, we will then walk into world domination while they wither in their own decadency.”

“Yes I have requested all of the Governors to increase their reserves in the PLA, for two reasons. First it will cut down on unemployment and crime, and the extra manpower is useful during the flood and fire seasons. Second when war breaks out, our having between fifteen and twenty million more soldiers in the reserves for call up to the PLA will assure us of victory. Again I will give the details and exact plans in a more private and secure briefing, if the central committee desires.”

The Primer spoke the first word by any one on the central committee since Xo had started to state his plan of action. “We will want a complete briefing on these plans, and all information you have on the terrorist plans in detail when we are finished with this formal hearing, now please continue.”

“Number 6), Yes the two colonels who wrote the White paper are from my command, but they are two junior to know most of the details of the plans I have informed you about. They asked me if they could summarize what they thought they observed and write it as their thesis paper for the War College. General Dim and my staff agreed, it’s better to have a half truth come out and be accepted as fact; then to have a spy find a little information on part of the plan and the worse is suspected as the whole truth.”

“General Dim and several other generals just completed a tour of several American military bases and he was asked about this same paper.” Turning to the General, Xo told him, “General in your own words tell the committee what your were asked.”

Dim standing faced the standing committee answered, “Sir, we had just completed a tour of their war college at Ft. Leavenworth, in the state of Kansas, not an impressive post very small and with very little training area. Most of their tactics are done on computer and in the classroom, they do not use troops and equipment as we do testing the three parts of a command at the same time.”

“The General that commands the Fort asked me about the two officers at our war college who had written the White Paper as described. I told him yes it was written as a thesis, and that they had received a passing grade, but only just so as they had not thought how such a war would damage trade relations between all sides involved. I went on to explain that I had served as commandant of our war collage at one time, and that one of the students wrote a paper about World War 1. And that his paper explained that if France and Germany had just paused before either Army attacked, and realized the disruption in trade between the two countries, that the death of the Archduke was a tragedy but not worth the ruin of their economies or their Empires in a war. World War One might have been avoided, and the Second World War could never have happened, as it was from the results of the first war.”

“I then said, that all students at war colleges world wide write papers that simulate the challenges between nations. That was the reason they were chosen to attend these courses, to think up possible scenarios and plan out actions and counter actions. I asked their commander, ‘ do you not have plans for the invasion of Canada, Mexico, and counter plans in case they are invaded by them? We have defensive plans for an invasion from India, North Korea, and even one from the Philippines. I helped write that one with my team; we just got a passing grade.’ We both laughed and agreed that as students we had both been asked to think about a lot of, What Ifs.”

“I do not think I fooled him, they know that the paper has been looked at by our command staff as a possible action, as something that could happen, they would be fools to think otherwise.”

“I can say from meeting them they are not fools. But we write them, they write them and if not in the open,” Dim shrugged and spread his hands, “then the worse is suspected. I told him that all countries that desired peace should look at all possibilities that stand in the way to achieve that goal.” Dim looked at the members of the Standing Committee, not one of them asked a question. Giving a small bow at the waist he sat down.

A party cadre entered by a side door and handed the general secretary a note, the aide then left by the same door. The secretary read the message then handed it to the Premiere who in turn read it. He turned and motioned for his top aid to come up, as he took the folded note the Premier whispered in his ear. The aid nodded his head and took the note over to the PLA chief of staff.

As he read the note you could see that it must contain bad news, his whole face flushed red for just a second and he set up ramrod straight in his chair, as he face forward his eyes had a distant stare.

Xo sat silent in his chair, he was relaxed, or so his pose showed, his case mostly made, if he was to be damned, the Party Secretary would make an order for his arrest, now.

Instead the Primer asked, “Governor Xo when you started your answers to the charges, you stated you had done more than we listed would you elaborate?”

“Three actions not listed, number one) I have saved millions of Yuan in the running of my province. This money in turn has been used to purchase manufacturing equipment to up grade the needed infrastructure, to build our modern tanks and the advanced electronics systems they require. Making China stronger now; not ten years from now. I did not list that money saved so as not to lose it back to the bureaucracy.”

“The second action I have taken and not listed is drug running. Yes, I have been responsible for the selling of heroin and as some people call them ‘the new age drugs’ to the west for several years now. The reason I do this, if an enemy is corrupted and weak from addiction they either will not fight or the resistance will be feeble at best. Those who do not use these drugs, instead use up resources to help fight drug addiction, and the interdiction of drug supply lines, neither action of use in the coming war.”

“And I use this money from the sale of drugs to influence foreign elections to our advantage. As an example the last two American Presidential races and two in Europe, the French President and the German Chancellor to be exact. All who won have favored us and in return we received some of the most advanced technological information the western world has to offer. Saving us many years and even more money in research then we wish to calculate.”

“One more plan that will come about when we able to corner more of the American market is the introduction of mild toxins and such into their food stocks and lead paint into children’s toys. If we weaken them and hurt their next generation now we win conflicts long before the first shot is fired.”

“All that I have done has been described in secret party documents that I have sent to you and hope you have all read. The west is our enemy; the United States is leader of the west, if they fall the rest will follow them into the ashbin of history. And China will ascend as the leader of the world.” No one on the central committee had acted the lest bit surprised at these statements so Xo continued.

“Some of the money from these drugs I have used to undermine the west in the third world, from investments in business and local hospitals for the people, and in vocal opposition to the present governments that support the west. Soon people we support there will gain power through elections and the west will lose allies for the coming battle, one example is to watch Venezuela the next few years, then Brazil and Peru soon after.”

“The last action I have been active in and we have been using to undermine the rest of the world is counterfeiting currencies. This is a secret no one outside of this room must ever learn. We bought two of the intaglio money printing presses from Iran, these machines the United States sold to the Shaw of Iran before he fall; they are exactly the same machines the Americans use to print their new dollars on. We also have built a paper making plant that can produce the same type of paper unique to each of the major western currencies.”

“You might not know but the United States also prints currencies for several other countries, one of these is Argentina. We collapsed their economy last year in less they two weeks, by flooding them and several of the surrounding countries with over six billion bogus Argentina dollars. We did that as a test and because of the support they would give the west in the coming war. To this day they have no idea how that much of their real money got into circulation.”

“We also give counterfeit American dollars to our proxies in the Middle East, some is used to buy the drugs we flood into Europe. We have also counterfeited a huge stockpile of the old European currencies, and when they print the new Euro dollars we will print our own copy. When we are ready to start the war, we will flood the world two or three weeks before with this very real, fake money and start a panic among the people.”

“Before we attack them physically, we will have assaulted them financially, mentally, morally, and in their communication ability. When the actual shooting starts resistance will be weak, and their ability to respond slowed, because to them it will seem that the whole world is falling apart around them, and it will be.”

“From the profits we make in the Drug and from the counterfeiting trade, all has been used to build up our exports and to sell off our obsolete military equipment at a bargain rate. At least that is how it looks like on paper and in the shipping to our overseas customers verses our competitors.”

“For every older tank that is sold, we build two new ones for us; thus we modernize our own Army and Air Forces equipment, and we store the new excess equipment we do not ship. When we defend our selves from the Western aggressor all of our front line units will have the most modern equipment the world has to offer. The majority of our reserve units will have half as much our more of the same equipment and be very comparable in ability to our active units.”

“I will use the older, 69 Mod II tanks as an example and explain. We sold to Iraq, 1,000 of our so-called top models and we have replaced this older model in our regular PLA units with 2,000 of the newer and better-equipped Tanks. We have also built and placed another 6,000 of these newer models in our hidden reserve and rebuilt or replaced all of our other armored vehicles. The Infantry APC’s, artillery, radar equipment, and trucks everything is ready or will be soon to equip the millions of soldiers and airmen when we call up our reserves. As you can see we are ready to go into action to defend our interest, here at home or where ever the leadership deems it necessary.”

“Some of this money went to research and development on the Jian-10 fighter-bomber. The Americans originally funded the Israeli firm that helped build and acquire the advanced avionics we are now adding to our jets. And we have bought the rights to build the newest Russian engines. We have state of the art equipment; as good as our enemies do now, not ten years from now. And we do build them faster and cheaper.”

The Party Secretary stood up to silence Xo; “Governor you have accepted the charges as truth, and by your own admission stated so with your bragging. Your explanation mirrored what we knew; and now you have admitted to additional crimes, ones that are forbidden by International treaty.”

“Your reasons sound like the boost of a spoiled child, one who needs to be punished, to be set down and told that he is following the path to his own ruin. If he is man enough to accept the wisdom of criticism,” the secretary added dryly. “If it were my decision I would punish you as an example to others, whom act outside the accepted guidelines.”

“But the vote was decided before hand, by a majority vote of this committee if you were honest, and made no attempt to cover up these actions you have taken these last several years. In fact your actions mirror the desire of several members of this committee, some of which we have acted on to help advance. I am of a suspicious mind, and I think you are hiding your true reason, that you have not told us everything or will, come what may!”

The Party Secretary paused to take a breath then continued. “The note giving me and I passed to the Premier and the PLA commander, were the last words from Jia Ju, his vote and wish were that you Governor Xo, to replace him on the standing committee, in the Politburo and be appointed as the new assistant PLA commander.’

“He died less then thirty minuets ago, his fight with cancer is over. Our hearts are sad but the Party endures and the Party will carry on, if there are no opposition, our vote will stand,” he paused and looked at the other members. “Seeing none, Governor Xo, you will now assume the mentioned positions, the vote from the Whole of the Central Committee, and the National Party Congress, will reflect our decision.”

The room was completely silent; it would take some time for those present to fully understand what had just happened. China had just started a fundamental change and so the fate of the world would change to.

Xo setting in his chair, felt a deep sorrow at the loss of one from his tribe and a good friend, and yet he was satisfied that things had worked in his favor. But now the work really begins, China first then the world, I will mourn later for you Jia Ju my friend. But first the dragon must stretch, then bellow and roar. With fire, claw, and fang the whole world will know that China will not be lead anymore, soon very soon they will see that now was the right time for China to be the leader. And he Xo the Mongol will be the ruler of a new and expanding vibrant China, and soon after that the Chinese will rule over half of the earth once again.

A shift in power in the world’s largest oligarchy has occurred and ninety-percent of those present had no clue of what has just transpired. .

And the world was at rest and did not know of this growing peril either.

And so it begins again, maybe not the end of the world as told in Revelations but close enough.

And the first seal was opened, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow;

and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

(C-12)

Vote what vote.

Winter

2000

“If you don’t say anything you won’t be called on to repeat it.”

-Anon

Captain James Dix didn’t mind being deployed to Yakima again. Being away from Ft. Lewis and all of the off post detractions and the local collage girls would save him a lot of money. Besides as Company commander he wanted to get some quality training time in, even if his unit was only at 75% strength. The Battalion was in the same fix as the rest of the Army, a shortage of men, too many assignments, and not enough money for training. He knew this training would be limited as the Battalion only had enough fuel to let each tank use 150 gallons, about 100 miles total distance.

They didn’t even have any main gun rounds to fire, they had been short this summer and the qualification course had to be pared back, and records fudged to show that all tables were completed for each tank crew. That was the S-3’s Major Tome’s problem he had signed off on all records before he was sent on TDY to Macedonian to help with UN operations their, something Capt. Dix hoped wouldn’t happen to him. But a chance to train as a company in beautiful Yakima, in late October who could ask for anything more.

His First Sergeant E8, Roper had voiced a complaint that this sudden deployment wasn’t ever a surprise deployment, it was ordered from Washington and almost half of the posts units would be arriving no later then the end of the month. What really seemed strange to him, no provisions had been arraigned for absentee ballots for voting, and they all were restricted to the field training sites. Then the fact that this deployment would be over by the 10^th of November, didn’t make any sense not with all of the fuel and field rations restrictions and no training Ammo available, not even blanks for simulated fire.

He knew that Sgt. Roper had a bone to pick with the present Commander and Chief. He had been a Ranger, and had lost some friends during the operations in Mogadishu. He hadn’t said anything that all good soldiers had felt about the President for some time. Still Dix would have to remind the Top to keep certain thoughts to himself.

Hell he wouldn’t write up his own First Sergeant, but one had to be careful. Who knew who was listening, and would report any infraction to some brain frozen senior officer, so they could curry favor with Washington? It wouldn’t be the first time a career solider was forced to resign because he spoke the truth, just too much damn PC and backstabbing.

With just over five years in the Army Capt. Dix had learned a lot; realizing this wasn’t the same Army he had joined, and that senior officers weren’t picked for what they knew or the ability to command. More likely promoted for the ability to role over and snivel then to take charge and to train soldiers, a lot of yes men not commanders. Most acted like a boss not a leader, saying ‘go’ not ‘lets go’. Well Capt Dix knew he wouldn’t become one like that, he’d just have too bit his tongue, keep his mouth shut, and stay loyal to the men he commanded and to Solider On, to continue to work as hard as one can and maybe I will get my just rewards.

Any way he had received notification from Armor branch that his request to be posted to Korea was being reevaluated and he might just get the chance…

“Agent Salvador, how is it that you can have a San Diego Sheriffs helicopter assist the Border Patrol when ever you ask for one?” Pilot Dave Rough asked his friend, “this was the second time this week I’ve had to pilot you around.”

“It easy when you have a winning smile like mine, and say please. It also helps when the feds. pay you guys twice the normal rate to rent one of your birds. Besides who do you think paid for the FLIER pod on this baby, it sure didn’t fall off the back of a truck going past the county air operations center, and you just happened to be there to pick it up.” D. Salvador answered with a grin, as he placed his equipment bag in the back seat, and what looked like large toolbox on the back floor.

“Besides congress won’t increase our budget enough to purchase and equip a helicopter for our office. But go figure, they will give us money to repay you guys for your assistance and any special equipment that may be needed. So when I took over field operations a couple of months ago, I found out about that hidden funding clause and decided to use it.” D. then got in the aircraft placed on the passenger head set and buckled up.

Dave had finished his pre-flight checks on the outside, he climbed into the pilot’s seat, plugged in his flight helmet, buckled his harness and got out the starting procedure laminated card. He switched on the power and the intercom and started his instrument checks.

D. watched Dave go down the list checking each item off as he got to it in the startup procedure saying, “old habits never die eh?”

With out missing a beat in his routine Dave answered as the engine started to wind up, “I had a cuss of a warrant officer instructor when I was stationed at Fort Rucker for flight training, he would fail any young 2^nd. Lieutenant who didn’t do it by the book. Besides if you read it as you go you don’t forget a thing and I’d rather be safe then sorry; wouldn’t you agree, as your ass is just as much at risk as mine. Some of the other pilots cut corners in their pre-flights and don’t even use a check card, I keep telling them and saying they are only fooling themselves. When it bites it’s goanna hurt really bad.”

D smiled knowingly, “several of the other agents give me a hassle when I get out my check list when planning a mission. Back in boot camp days I had a drill Sergeant who would ride you into the ground if you forgot anything you needed and it had been posted. His favorite saying ‘if you have it and its’ not needed that’s OK. But if you need it and don’t have it, worse case someone dies, that someone could be you, or worse yet, you get your buddy killed.’ In twenty years of service I never went on an operation with out a check list,” D. answered in reply.

Glancing at the back seat and the toolbox on the floor, Dave asked, “do I need to compensate for extra weight old buddy,” looking D in the eyes?

“Noop, it’s not as heavy as it looks. I’ve got you some more good stuff, two secure satellite phones/radios one made for mounting in aircraft here in your chopper and a spare for your closest friend, plus a small hand held mobile model like I have here.” Taking the one out of his deployment vest chest right front pouch and showing Dave. “The two for the birds you are getting are both new in the box, with instructions on installation and use. These babies are nearly impossible to jam, the hand held unit like this one is great too and in an emergency takes just four normal AA batteries. It also comes with a rechargeable battery set too, when it’s on stand by it will last over 48 hours, less depending on how much you use it. If you knew the military code’s to link to other satellites you could talk to anyone world wide as long as they had a similar encryption system.”

“Also in the box there’s are two sets of PVS-7 night goggles, I know you flew night missions in the Army with the old AN-PVS-6’s. The light gathering quality of the 7’s is a lot better, the straps and the helmet brackets are both included, I got you two sets so you can train another pilot. I know you have Flir on board but if you have to debus this old bird they will be handy, and you don’t have to use the IR emitter and illuminate the area to use the 7’s.”

With the engine noise louder and all instruments operational the hand and feet controls all checked out, David said, “ thanks man, just what have you got in mind? Wait a second D, as soon as I call San Diego radar control and get clearance for take off, then you can tell me about some of these night missions I might have to fly…”