Chapter 2-7

(C-2)

Willing to Serve

Fall

“Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else”

-Will Rogers

As he sat in the commander’s position of his M1 Abrams tank waiting for the convoy to start moving again, First Lt. Dix was thinking to himself, he wasn’t sure he really liked Fort Lewis Washington and the Tacoma area. Well maybe it really wasn’t the post or the town he disliked, it was the weather.

Oh during the summer and early fall it was breathtaking. The Forts location was good, near to town with good access to off post distractions, great surroundings with tall majestic pines, a fantastic view of the mountains, especially Mount Rainier.

But his present dislike it had to be the weather, yeah the fall/winter/spring weather, three seasons of the same cold damp drizzle that lasted month after month after month. Never able to get dry once you were out in the field for training, even with the Gore-tex rain suit on. The wet and cold just seeped into your bones. Mark Twain wrote, that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. Well he sure hadn’t spent any time in the Pacific Northwest.

Why should I complain my Armor platoon didn’t have to walk in the mud and sleep in small tents on the ground like the Infantry did. Maybe I’m starting to get the hang of being a professional solider, food OK, training OK, pays OK, when the suns not shinning it’s the weather, time to complain, but why complain the sun will shine again, maybe.

The two MP’s leading the convoy must have finally turned the map right side up and made up their little three celled mind that they shared, and started to move. Lt. Dix keyed his mike on the tank intercom and told the driver, “Lets move out. Just keep following the Humvee, and when they stop you stop. Don’t act like your going to run over the top of them like you did last time. Or I’ll have you clean the crap out of their pants for them.”

The regular driver was asleep in the gunners’ seat so Corporal Jay Roberts the gunner was driving at the moment, he shifted the hand lever into drive from neutral into drive then keyed his mike and answered with a chuckle, “No problem sir. I just wanted them to know that sixty ton’s of heavy metal needs a little breaking room, that’s all. Besides I know the MP sergeant who’s suppose to be leading us, he’s a real duffies. I’ll bet you ten bucks, he had to ask his driver if he knew the way.”

That confirmed Lt. Dix’s theory about the Military Police; they are not the brightest light bulbs in the sign.

“Master Sergeant D. Salvador,” Colonel Puckett asked in frustration, “are you sure you want this assignment. I can’t see this as being an enhancement to further your career.”

“Sir I have always wanted to see China, ever since I was a little boy, the great wall, the Forbidden City, I have taken three vacations to Hong Kong and Macao, and two to Taiwan. As a kid when the movie ’55 days at Peking’ was first shown at our local movie theater, I went back every night for two weeks and watched it. The Sand Pebbles, the Good Earth, I have seen them time and again, I have them all in my tape library. I’m not sure why China has a draw on me but its something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“Have you seen the unit shrink, it sounds like some sort of unhealthy fixation to me?” The Col. injected with a grin, he knew Salvador was of sound mind, as they all were.

“Sir, after I saw those movies, I even went out of my way to make friends with a Chinese family that lived across town, so I could learn the language. Before I finished eight grade I could speak Wu, the dialect spoken in Shanghai, like I had been born there. Later it was real easy for me to pick up Mandarin, or potonghau the common language as its called in China when I went to the Army language school at the Presidio.”

“Now that’s great, an American-Indian-Mexican, who speaks Chinese with a Shanghai accent,” Sergeant Major Kavalos added, as he turned around from his desk to join in the ribbing of his friend.

“That’s rich coming from an American-Kazakh-Scot. who speaks Russian with a Ukrainian accent. An don’t forget I speak Spanish and Apache with no accent.” Retorted D, he knew exactly what the Sgt. Majors reply would be and mouthed it as he returned the barb.

Standing up the SM shot back, “Let me see, I also speak Uzbeck, Turkish, Arabic, and my mothers native Kirghiz, that’s five to four and being the Sgt. Major I win. So put that in your pipe Chief and smoke it.” He replied with a smirk, raised both fists up and acted as if he wanted to box.

“Now, now kids lets not get into that, we are professionals and soldiers, so act like it. If you want to squabble over whom can do what save it for later. Besides I speak English and you both can understand me, I’m the Commander, so I win. Any lip and I’ll assign you both to a year in Antarctica to teach the penguins how to mush.”

Laughing with the two Sergeants the Colonel continued, “SFC, Salvador, I know the president wants our military working with the Chinese, especially our Special Forces units. And I know that you are planning to retire in eighteen months, after just twenty good years of service. Unless we can talk you into staying,” turning toward the Sgt. Major and raising one eyebrow in question.

Kavalos’s answer was a shrug as he said, “I’m working on him sir, but he’s hard headed.”

“Don’t stop working on him, we need good soldiers, especially quality NCO’s, ” turning back to Sgt. Salvador he continued. “If this is your wish, and I’m sure it is, I’ll sign the request. My personnel feelings aside, I’d just rather not trust or train with the Chinese, it’s just a gut felling.”

The Colonel got a distant look in his eyes, then just as instantly refocuses. “It comes down to a simple reasoning, before World War II one of my relatives worked the docks in San Francisco. He told me that the general feeling among the workers was that all of the scrap metal we were shipping to Japan would come back at us in the form of bombs and torpedoes. Later events proved him right; and now a lot of the other SF commanders feel that way. Everything we do to make China better, will come back to haunt us later, but enough said on my part. Any way, if your selected good luck and take care of yourself Sgt. Salvador, keep your eyes open and listen, you never know what you might pick up on,” signing the request forms the Colonel handed them back, and returned the salute, from D.

Before D. Salvador could turn toward the door, the Colonel had picked up papers from his in box, and told his Sgt. Major, “We have been tasked by the Pentagon to furnish a security escort detail for…

( C-3)

New School

Winter

“I love treason but hate a traitor.”

-Julius Caesar

Al Sayhaya sure was glad this part of the country didn’t have the bitter damp cold winters of the Boston area, he thought to himself after the pilot announced that the temperature on arrival would be twenty-six degrees Celsius. Looking out the window it looked a lot like Afghanistan with only a few snow-covered mountains. It also looked a little bit like home, more vegetation and not as flat. Home for the next fourteen months while he attended flight school and to get his commercial pilot’s license.

Not sure of how this training would fit into the overall plan against this soft and unprepared giant, still he was more then willing do what ever was asked of him. Even pleased at the irony, to use the skills taught by the infidels against them.

“Allah the most merciful grant me the wisdom to learn, and the strength while in the land of the infidels to not lose my way. Allah Akhbar!”

Saying this small prayer under his breath he checked his seat belt, and griped the two armrest for the part he hated most, landings. He knew that he would have to master that feeling if he was too be successful in flight school.

The plane touched down with out any incident, as do 99.9% of all flights. As it taxied to the terminal, Al Sayhaya being so happy to safely arrive to the ground once more nearly jumped to his feet after the plane came to a stop. He stayed seated and watched the other passengers, he was always amazed that some of the other passengers were already standing and some even had taken items out of the overhead bins. And others were lining up to leave, even before the flight attendants had said they could do so.

These people had no respect, always on the run from place to place. Without Allah did they even have a purpose in life? One should always listen to those placed in positions of authority; that was how ones life was ordered. And how soft they were most of the middle-aged men and women were over weight. One man who couldn’t have been twenty-five, was so heavy that he took up two seats when he sat across the aisle from Al-Abdul.

No, they had no respect even for themselves; their whole culture had become one of soft pleasures and no morals. To be involved and one of the righteous to bring down so much corruption and evil, Allah be praised. Well maybe not, the Taliban had run roughshod over our country and did as they pleased, either believe exactly as they did or pay the price. But they weren’t the pure of heart, when away from the people they used drugs and did things forbidden to all others. Maybe this overweight American was doing life as he wanted, was he hurting anyone else? I don’t know, only Allah knows what is really in his heart.

Unfastening his seat belt now, Al Sayhaya would wait until most of the passengers had left before he got his overhead baggage down. He knew Reshaid would be waiting for him and would approve of the way he hadn’t called attention to himself. As he had been told he must always be careful when in the land of the Great Satan.

(C-4)

Citizen Soldiers.

Spring

‘ad utrumque paratus’

"prepared for everything"

Title of the Kansas Militia Handbook

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his palace, his possessions are safe."

Jesus Christ, Luke 11:21

‘In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a Patriot.’

Mark Twain

‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.’

Mohandas Gandhi

Every citizen should be a soldier.

This was the case with the Greeks and Romans,

and must be that of every free state.
Thomas Jefferson

Si vis pacem, para bellum

(If you wish for peace, prepare for war)

‘If this nation is tested by a bitter experience, I will wear battle fatigues and I will be ready.’

Anon

The Militia, 'Forged in a fire lite long ago, stand next to me you’ll never stand alone.'

The warrior Song

There is a long line of men in history that stretches from before Lexington Green and Concord bridge, that line reaches forward even to us today and then continues on into the future. I will not let that line break and end with me, by doing nothing just because some one say’s that patriotism and the concept of the Militia is outdated. If we believe in freedom and the constitution then it is our duty to continue that tradition, as people who can be counted on if or when our country needs us.

Those who train and prepare, progress toward self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Those who do not train as a Militia or prepare, regress toward dependence servitude, and yes even to enslavement.

JN

Dan had to look hard to see the team on his right flank. They were well camouflaged and in a good position to support the K’s teams approach to the old abandoned bridge. The assault team had moved out over an hour ago and should be in position and ready to go. Dan would give them ten more minuets; let them sweat it out just a bit longer.

Hearing some noise behind him, Dan turned to see his second runner crawling up to his position, that would mean that the two stop groups were in position to prevent any unexpected quest from coming down the road, ruining the ambush from either direction, and taking us by surprise.

The runner Lyle, seeing Dan looking at him, gave the thumbs up sign and took up his position in the shell scrape already prepared by his team buddy. He would have preferred being able to see the action but he knew that some one had to watch the back door. It wouldn’t be fun for the ambusher to be ambushed, his Company Commander Dan, did that to them on the last field training exercise, and boy were there some embarrassed team leaders.

It sure was good to have someone in charge that had real combat experience. Dan was maybe over 40 years old, but he sure didn’t act like it. He was always leading by example, helping do the guard duty, setting up camp, seeing that the young troopers like me with no military training, understood the reason and why things had to be done, and the when and were. Just like his completed mission of alerting the stop groups, it would have be easier to have called them on the radio, but Dan hat told them that is was very easy to have a radio message intercepted. So we learn by using runners or if time permitted to lay out commo wire and use the field phones.

And there were may other lessons he had taught, even something as simple as eating a meal in a tactical situation, letting your buddy eat while I stood guard and then switching position and he watched while I ate. To some people that might seem trivial but it was the little things like that, attention to detail that would keep us alive and it also made our training seem more real.

I never really understood why Dan went to Africa to fight in some other countries war. In our home School lesson books there was very little about Rhodesia, only that the war had been a fight between Freedom and Communism. What I had found in the public Library’s microfiche only said that the Whites were racist and oppressing the blacks.

I know that Dan is no racist, I’m black, and he doesn’t treat me any different then the rest of the guys. Now the news on the net was telling more of the truth, that the current Government in Zimbabwe was a one party communist style, a one-man ruling dictator for life. Why did the papers of the time lie about people who wanted freedom for all the people and were fighting for it?

Then there was his Platoon Sgt. Frost, he was over Fifty years old and he sure liked training. He told everyone that getting out to train, whether to just go shooting or camping and training the young ones as he called us was fun. Listening to his experiences in the Marines during Vietnam sure made you realize that he was a patriot, and that the love of country came first with him.

I know I’m going to learn something everyday I hang with this crowd. I’ve already learned more about respect and trust, and the history and duties of what it means to be a citizen of this great land since I joined the Militia.

On my own I learned that the co-President Bill/Hill are lying to us on just about everything, and especially about the Militia, and that the major news media is not on freedoms side. That they will side with the UN against America, just like they did against Rhodesia, and now look at the mess they have made with Zimbabwe. Just look at the way they treated Serbia, lied about the civil war and inflated the numbers killed just so Bill/Hill could show that they were doing something.

Having stayed alert the whole time his mind was wandering, Lyle could see that Dan was getting ready for the ambush team to shoot at the targets on the bridge. With two fire-teams, made up of four militiamen each, (or two sticks as Dan sometimes called them) were to open fire first, two rounds at each man’s designated target. In practice that took only three seconds, quick and done. This should be impressive if nothing else! To see if the men were working on keeping their battle zero with out any warm up or checking for zero shots? And then the assault teams will sweep over, and finish off any paper targets without any holes in them. Not a chance of that happening from the shooters, they were all good riflemen. The total time from shooting to finishing the sweep, 60 seconds at the max. And then from first shot to moving out, a total time two minuets max and that includes picking up any equipment or weapons and moving to the RV point. This should go like clockwork; just like we practiced the two times before. I like the feeling, knowing that I’m part of a team in training that was getting its act together.

One of the things that Dan really emphasized was for all of us to be in better shape, to run and do exercises daily, because when the need came there wouldn’t be a lot of time to get ready. He said, ‘the threat could be a capable criminals, enemy soldiers or terrorist, all warriors for evil who are training right now to kill you, your family, and destroy our country.Or just fighting a grass fire or looking for a lost child, what ever the need we have to be ready.

Our roots, the Militia go way back, we existed a long time before the country was founded,

Who am I?

I am the foundation of a Free society...
I have been a tradition since ancient times...
My stands at Lexington and Concord gave birth to this nation...
I am recognized by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; and according to the authors of those documents, I am composed of the whole body of the people...
I am the Militia.
I have the Right and the Duty to be armed, ready to defend my home, my community and my country...
I am prepared to take care of myself and my family in the event of a disaster...
I am prepared to help my neighbors in times of hardship or emergency...
I am a good citizen, good neighbor and an asset to my community...
I have undertaken all these things as my lifetime Obligations. My Responsibility is inescapable and my Duty is unquestionable...
as there is a Militia, there will be Free men and women...
I am proud to call myself a Militiaman.


Source: Ohio Unorganized Militia Advisory Committee

(C-5)

Unleashed.

Summer

“A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.”

-Charles Schwab

After reviewing the attack plan Marasha, the groups instructor said, “Kalida if your team can clear the two buildings and take out all the targets in under four minuets, plant the explosives and make your get away, you will be two minuets ahead of any response from the police. That will place you about two kilometers away and moving further from the first target, when the building blows up. Keep moving but no speeding and you will be safely away from the road blocks and search area that will be set up within fifteen minuets of the first 9-1-1 calls.”

Kalida nods his head in agreement, still catching his breath from the practice run.

“If you are finished with the walk through and rehearsal have your team draw ammunition and training explosives and report back here after lunch and the midday prayer.”

Kalida trying to contain his excitement at running his first live fire training answered Marasha, “Sir, we drew the supplies needed this morning before we came out to the course. We rehearsed four times yesterday including twice on just the reconnaissance part of the plan. There is over an hour before we are called to prayers, which should give us time to conduct one if not two attacks and the critiques after. So with your permission we are ready to begin.”

Marasha was not surprised, he had expected as much from this group, and had already informed Headquarters this morning that live fire would start before midday. He was proud that this mixed team worked so hard, they picked up the training and were able to evaluating the targets twice as fast as any group he had trained so far. Educated men do not look or act like our normal recruits and were twice as dangerous, this group was the best one yet.

With a smile he reached over and took the radio off the table, calling the base commander and letting him know that the range will be hot in five minuets. He turned to Kalida to give the go ahead, but the group commander and his well-trained teams were already loading into the vehicles and preparing to move to their respective starting points.

Changing the radio frequency to Kalidas groups, Marasha gave the code words in English to start the mock attack, “ Bar-B-Q for lunch”.

Kalida and the men in the vehicles heard the message over the radios, and as one they yelled, “Death to the kafirs, death to all infidels. AllahuAkbar! AllahuAkbar!”

(C-6)

Diplomacy

Fall

Diplomacy “The art of saying nice doggie while you reach for a rock.”

-Will Rogers

Governor General Xo was refreshed, using his private jet meant he could relax from his brutal workload and constant planning sessions, but to have to wait in the ante court of another Provincial Governors office was asking too much. To make the necessary request for this meeting had cost him two days of work and more patience then he could spare. This party hack wasn’t even a military General, only a son of one of the men who had made the Great March.

Still Xo must control his anger and bid his time, with a fool such as this. Even one who let his mouth run ahead of his brain! Xo would have to use his best arguments and probable several million dollars to get governor Ding to shut up, once bought Ding would never be able to go back and would be a valuable pawn in The New China. Xo knew that this move was necessary, only he had planned to do it next spring not today.

Turning to his aide Major General Dim, Xo made the comment, “I read in my military history class that this building and the surrounding gardens were built in the 1600’s just for the Governors use. The party was wise not to let it be destroyed during the great leap forward in the 1960’s.” Xo held up his finger and pointed to the lampshade above their heads at the microphone, just barley visible, woven into the silk fringe.

Dim smiled, if there was one in this room there were at least a dozen. In the formal waiting room back at their headquarters it was similarly bugged and monitored on closed video, only not as crude, as everything had been built into the walls. “Yes Governor, that would have been a cultural loss for china, it would be nice to be surrounded by our great history, not like our drab concrete buildings that were built just five years ago. They are functional, but lack that historical strength that I feel just setting here.”

Xo nodded his head in reply, so as to hide the smile that Dim caused. Yes his aide knew how to pour oil onto troubled waters, which should disarm Governor Ding as to why Xo had asked for this meeting. We should get our audience very soon now.

After a minuet or so and some more small talk on the rich decorations in the room, the large doors to a hall that lead to the inner office opened and the military aide to the Governor, Colonel Yang steeped out. With a smart salute, that was returned by Xo and Dim, and a pleased to see you smile, Col. Yang said. “Governor Xo, General Dim, I am sorry for the wait, Governor Ding is finishing a meeting that carried over and will see you very soon. Could I get you some refreshment, tea or coffee?” Col. Yang reached into his pocket and handed over a small folded piece of paper to Dim.

Governor Xo smiled and said, “No thank you, none for me,” he turned to Dim,” as for General Dim.”

Dim just shook his head, “No thank you.” He took the paper opened it and read it to himself, ‘I’m sure you know that the room is bugged.’ Dim then handed the paper to Xo, who just nodded his head. Dim shook Col. Yang’s hand saying, “You have come a long way, from battalion commander during the floods last year to a full Colonel and as Military aid to the son of a Hero from the Great March.

“Thank you sir those are kind words, I will finish my present assignment in three months and I already know the Brigade I will take command of. It’s a missile command here in Dongnan Qiuling Province, a lot warmer year around, then up north where you are stationed.” Ding knew that he had gotten this assignment and the next one because of his loyalty to Xo. A loyalty that wouldn’t give up or change no matter where he was stationed. And in giving the General the note, his assurance to them of that continued loyalty

Dim continuing the small talk, “ I envy you here, we have already had our first snow, and two hard freezes.”

Xo handed a note he had just written to Col. Yang it said, ‘Does Ding know why we are here.’

Yang reading the note, and shaking his head no, answered Gen. Dim, “ I miss the snow, but not the biting cold wind, I hope to spend the rest of my career where it is warm.”

Xo with a smile in his voice answered, “Careful Colonel you might just get what you wish for. You could get transferred to Nanning next to Vietnam where it is hot and humid all the time, or to the Tibetan mountains where it is never warm. One must always be a realist and accept our duty.”

A door at the end of the hall opened and a pretty Euro-Asian lady walked up to Xo and with a slight bow, and speaking with a slight accent in her voice, “I’m Governor Ding’s personal secretary. The Governor will see you know.” Again a slight bow and continued, “Colonel Yang would you see them in.” With that she turned and left by a side door in the hall.

Yang said,” please follow me Governor , General.” He led them down the short hall, knocked once and opened the door fully, and ushered them inside. In front of them was a very fat man in a western style suit seating behind a large desk. Col Yang announced, “Governor Ding I would like to present Governor Xo and his aid General Dim.”

Ding didn’t even make an effort to rise, he just waved toward a sofa on his left and started talking at once. “Comrade Xo and General Dim I am a very busy man as I explained two days ago when you asked to meet with me, please be seated as I don’t want to be rude, since this is not officially a party related meeting you must be brief.”

Taking the offered seat, Dim and Yang standing behind him, Xo had an instant dislike for this self-important bureaucrat, on top of the information that Col. Yang had forwarded yesterday to his headquarters that the man was lazy and corrupt. He was also a liar, his staff did most of the work, and he just took their deserved credit for himself. I will keep my anger in check and use persuasion to achieve my goal. “Governor Ding I’ve come to ask advice in matters about buying some property in Hong Kong and how to deal with the capitalist from there. Many of them are swarming all over China trying to get their hands into every facet of our economy. Since Hong Kong is in your province I knew you would know how best to deal with them.”

Ding relaxed a little in his chair as leaned back just a little, “ Governor Xo you do get straight to the point, so be it. I like that, advice on how to handle capitalists is easy. The party wants the money and expertise they have to build up China, as I’m sure you are aware. You must be careful they compete with each other and will offer bribes that are illegal, you must select the best one on merit and skills offered, and be very selective in what they offer that best can help our country.”

Xo didn’t need any advice from Ding; he had been dealing with foreign companies for years. Was it not his advice to the Primer years ago that allowed them to build, bottling plants, insurance companies, fast food restaurants. Then have them build modern, state of the art manufacturing plants to support these new local businesses and appoint experienced managers to teach us. The west is replacing the old and worn out machinery and with it the corrupted communist system of everything being ran by government stooges and the Army, my ideas prosper and so does China.

Xo still had his finger in every pie, he hand selected assistant managers, or his people picked them. He was in control or had a say in over half of all new development in China, and the money that came with it. Money means power even if Xo was not wanting to be a rich man, but he understood the power it brings. So his being able to control others in what they could invest in and where that was the power he would use to achieve his desire.

Ding continued, “As to the property in Hong Kong, it is very expensive, are you looking for a Villa or commercial land to build a business on. I have several contacts that can help in both areas.” And I’ll get a nice kick back with the referral fee, he thought to himself.

“I would like a nice villa, on a hill over looking the south harbor area, with a large central house, a small garden, two or three small servants quarters and a wall all a round.” Xo looked Ding straight in the eye, “just like the one you received, as a bribe: for letting a company from Hong Kong take over and operate the new hydroelectric dam and power grid, that the party paid for.”

Fear was in Dings heart and it must have flashed in his eyes, how could Xo know. Ding had handled the details himself with the companies CEO; he had used no middleman. All arraignments were handled in Hong Kong and were part of his normal trips and dealings with the appointed Mayor, his cousin. Would he be turned in, was their central party police out side the door ready to arrest him. The public trail and then months, and maybe years in a work prison, and then when he was no longer able to work a bullet in the head!

Xo let Ding think for just a few seconds, and with a slight smile said “Do not worry, your secret is safe with me and General Dim, and Colonel Yang. I do not seek any special favors for myself, or control over your decisions. I just wish to purchase a property similar to yours, at the market price. I will use it as a rest and relaxation center for myself and senior personal; we all need a break in the hectic pace forced on us by our positions. China does not offer to many distractions, and my people can have a look at what the new China will look like in a few short years.

Dings fear increased even more so, Xo knew more then he was letting on, you could see it in his face. It was like a mouse looking into the cats eyes as he was let go to run across the floor, just to be pounced on, then let go again, and again. Power corrupts, even the little he held and he had been corrupted so many times, it became easier to accept bribes and pay off once you start down that road. It would do no good to bluster or try to sham his way out of these tiger’ grasps, Ding was a weak man and both men knew it, and both men knew he gave up right then.

Xo was mad know, this was no man in front of him, a coward yes, and a fool. A fool he would never trust. “Never mind about the villa I will go through proper channels to purchase what I want.”

Instead of asking he was now giving orders to Ding, dropping the anger from his voice Xo got to the reason he had arranged the meeting. “You will instead order General Ju Hauang to never threaten the United States again. I refer to the statement he made ‘that the Americans love Los Angles more then they do Taiwan.’ General Ju is under your command governor, and he made that remark last week. Use any excuse you like, except me, but you are to give him that order, you do understand.”

Ding dropped his gaze to the floor, his face-flushed red with shame, a weak man caught by his own failures he mumbled, “Yes.”

“Good, I also suggest that you direct the Army commander to also increase the number of reserve force recruits within your province. You are to increase the draft from ten thousand a month to forty thousand a month. Changing the present six months training course to one full year. Not only will this cut down on the unemployment problem we are facing in China; this will give you a manpower reserve to be used during a flood or typhoon disaster. These reserves will be trained per instructions I will send through Col. Yang.”

“This is the last time we will meet, except at official party business. Any time I need your help, or to make a suggestion, I will have General Dim contact Colonel Yang. The Colonel will then make a recommendation and you will take it under consideration, then act,” Xo commanded harshly.

Then in a more relaxed voice he said, “I can see in you eyes you have accepted your fate.” Xo felt no satisfaction the man was a weakling, a communist traitor one more that will have to be watched closely. Making a mental note to station several trusted officers to do so. He then stood up and started to walk out, as he waited for Colonel Yang to open the door, he turned to Ding who sat visible sunken in his chair.

“Don’t even think you can turn on me, I know you better then your mother does. And my plans include your continued help and service to China. Right now two of my best Senior Colonels are writing a paper, too forward to the PLA command and to the Party headquarters. It will detail my plans on dealing with Taiwan, when the proper time arrives, also on how we can keep the large and dangerous Americans navy at bay, and to neutralize any attempts they make in response. I tell you this because as I prosper so will you.”

Then with a smile he added, “Also one of the powers you have as Governor, you can ask the PLA to promote worthy officers under your command. Colonel Yang has served you well, as Senior Colonel Yang his service will improve. And if Major General Ju becomes a problem, recommend his transfer or retirement, the Army is here to serve the people the same as you are.” With a slight smile on his face, Xo then turned and walked through the open door and down the hall.

When the were outside and walking through the garden to the car, General Dim asked, “Sir I’ve never questioned your authority but don’t you think Col. Yang is a bit too junior to promote so soon, and I don’t understand why you tell this corrupted coward some of our plans? ”

Xo taken back by this line of thought from his trusted aid smiled and said. “I’m not the one who is making the suggestion, Governor Ding will do that. The PLA will contact you, and ask if there was any reason in his performance of previous duties while under your command that he should not be promoted. It will be up to you then to say yes or no.”

“He is loyal to us, very intelligent and one of the best aids we have placed in the service of the many governors now loyal or controlled by us across China. Promote him, and others who follow us will be eager to advance our cause, and share in the rewards. One must share the harvest so that the whole village will prosper.”

“And as to the corrupt coward you referred to, the white paper is all but written and the commander of the PLA knows most of what is in it. By letting the corrupt coward, I like that phrase. By letting him know, a few days before the paper is released, he knows he is completely under our control. And that he has no choice but to do as told or to perish, and we will be none the worse off either with or with out him.”

General Dim say the wisdom in Xo’s statement, loyalty must be rewarded, and all others to be dealt with as necessary. “Yes sir I see, what about the increase in the reserve force, this is the tenth province that will be doing so this year. The central party is already wondering why so many Governors are increasing their reserve forces, and has started to ask questions.”

“General Dim, we got that line of question six months ago. Did you not get a copy of the report we sent to the Primer, with our answer?”

“If I did governor, I …, that’s when I was in the United States, on the good will trip their President set up. The one where several of our Generals and party officials got to see some of their bases, and technical centers, I must have read the report when I got back, but there were so many?”

“That’s OK my friend Dim, I find it hard to keep up with all the details and occasional I let slip some of the minor aspects, I wouldn’t ask any more from you. The report was handled as an informal request from the party; we stated that we were trying to keep our rural unemployment from becoming a problem. That a few months of training in the PLA, and the discipline installed would help our young people and give them a better direction in life. The letter I got back was hand written by the Commander of the PLA, stating the virtues of discipline, honor and duty. And that we were to be commended for our actions.”

“If only they knew how they are placing their head on the block, and handing me the sword,” Xo exclaimed with a grim determination.

Later that night, Charlotte Ling, Governor Ding’s personal secretary, listened to the pocket recorder she had placed, and left running in the side pocket of the sofa Governor Xo had set on. She had recorded the whole meeting, and knew this was information that had to be forwarded as soon as possible. It just sounded like another inner party power struggle, where one gets the dirt on some one else and will use it for his career advancement, bureaucrats! But this was somehow different; there was something else that Governor Xo was up to, something that needed a large pool of trained military personnel.

Charlotte would hold her suspicions for now.

(C-7

Helping Neighbors

Winter

“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work,

so most people don’t recognize them”

-Ann Landers

‘A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them;
the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.’

- Proverbs 22:3

Be prepared for the unexpected,

if you are not, make a plan and get started,

When a disaster strikes, it’s to late to prepare.

Today there is sunshine, tomorrow it might storm.

Soldiers Handbook Kansas Militia

‘Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.’

Mark Twain

“Bill you listen to too much talk radio. If they were to broadcast that Mrs. Gurdeys cow had jumped over the full moon last night, pictures for sale $4.99, complete video only $19.99, plus shipping and handling for $3.25. I swear you would order both,’ Dan exclaimed as he continued helping load the cases of canned food.

“That’s not fair Dan, as Intelligence Officer I’m suppose to pass on plausible Intel. and it’s your job to make heads or tails of it, and then to pass it along to the rest of the guys.”

“OK, OK just joking with you, but how reliable—how much trust can you but in information that’s supposedly from the Navy, on a training site buried within a maintenance report no less, A report giving the exact number of US cities that haven’t been able to correct their computers. Some of those cities will experience minor to major water system failures or power failures. Sounds like planted information to me. How many cities did you say?”

Bill had to look at his notes then said, “Eight cities with over 200,000 people living in them including, New Orleans and Jacksonville Florida. Seventy-six with at least a population of 50,000 or more and another 125 with at least 20,000 people. And that’s only the ones who answered their survey, you have another 247 cities of various sizes and over 300 counties, that didn’t send any information back in at all.”

Dan shook his head at this, took a deep breath to help him think for a second. “My opinion on this one. There are what, around 3000 counties nations wide; some of them are like the western counties along the border with Colorado, big in area but very small in population. Some under 2000 people and some even less, maybe 200 counties or so like that nation wide, they don’t have the people who could answer that type of survey, or their water system is not controlled by computers. Of the cities, they all report to the EPA on water quality not to the Navy. And as far as the electrical power goes most small towns and cities buy there power from the grid, I have no idea how many still have small electrical plants but it couldn’t be more then 200, more likely a couple hundred as the clean air act forced most of them to sale out years ago.”

“Do you know that for a fact,” Bill asked.

“No I don’t,” Dan answered with a soft chuckle. “But it makes sense the Feds. have been on the local government’s butts for years to be reliant on the system, to be dependent on them and big corporations for years. You know the old saying ‘we know better, Trust us.’ And most of them have swallowed that crap hook, line and, sinker. Look what happened to the Sheriff down in Waco and the Texas Rangers, when they were told to stand by. They gave up control, sat on their hands, to watch the Feds burn a church down with people in it. And then who was left high and dry to tell the local people we had no power to stop them. No I don’t trust the Feds. Any further then I can spit into a strong wind.”

With a sigh Bill Asked, “Well do you want me to bring this up at the next meeting, or just toss it aside.”

Dan said, “Naw, go ahead and let everyone know, but I would but it under the heading of misinformation.”

“Are we even sure of that.”

“No I’m not, as I’ve said all along I think this Y2K thing is a clever hoax, to see what the people do. And most are doing nothing, which is what the powers that be want. As for a few of us who have been prepping for some time now for what ever comes along they are calling us kooks. I do know they are really pushing the idea that any one who prepares is a nut, though this just might also back fire on them and push a few more people to at least put some food back as a reserve, just in case of a blizzard or like the people on the coast do for a hurricane. I still say better to be prepared then sorry. Besides Bill I keep telling everyone to only do as much as they are comfortable with, but also to not go overboard either.”

Bill smiled then, “It sounds as if you are trying to play it safe and be on both sides now.”

“Nope, just for everyone to be responsible for their own family and not to be dependent on anyone else to feed them, to be more self reliant and less so on big Government for hand outs.”

With a smile in his eye Dan told Bill, “I don’t make friends easily, but you and the rest of the guys and gals in our Militia have become a part of my family. I trust you, and I hope you feel the same as I do. And as family I will do all that I can to help in good times or in bad. We have to get back to the old ways; the principles that helped make America strong, One being that religion establishes morals in young people. Two, Freedom is worth fighting for, dying for if necessary but not with out a fight. If some one else wants to die trying to take your freedom away, let them.”

Dan paused to take a breath, then continued, “Three, This country was founded on religion and rule of law, No one, not even the present coward in chief is above the law. Those senators who chose not to impeach are despicable and will some day realize that they where wrong, and that by their inaction hurt this country to its very foundation.”

Dan turned, picked up the last case of canned food for the county food bank, and handed it off to Bill to place in the pickup. Then continued, “Four, education is so important for all of the people, it allows them to think, to reason and figure who they should trust, to get all the facts and the truth. Not to be ruled by emotion and be swayed into believing by con men. Heck I don’t want anyone to follow my ideas, because of my handsome face and winning smile, I do want them to think and reason for themselves,” he added with a smile.

Bill picked up the tarp to cover the load, chuckled as he said, “Dan with your mug you didn’t win any pretty baby contest as a lad!”

Taking one corner of the tarp and a bungee cord to fasten down the load, Dan had to laugh saying, “Believe it or not, I did win a baby contest 1^st. Prize a $25.00 savings bond. But that was a long, long time ago in a state far, far away. Anyway, I know I say it all the time, but people have to think for themselves.”

Picking up the last bungee cord and handing one end across to Bill to fasten down the middle of the tarp, Dan continued, “The people must have an education that way they could see through the lies of the chained media and self serving elected elite. I praise the lord that I got a good education from the public schools. Having been taught that standing as a patriot, and love of country are important. Always striving to tell the truth and obey the spirit of the law, and to show respect for others, and to think and reason for myself, that’s what helped make this country the freest country in history.”

“Some where along the way those principles were drooped for the fast food concept of education. Make it look good, lots of meaningless, feel good, fluff filled classes, but don’t look too close or too deep. Keep the parents out of the equation, because if we were to look in we would find out there’s no beef.”

Bill opened the driver’s door of his old Ford and got in, Dan took a last look at the loaded and tarp covered bed of the pickup, then opened the passenger’s door and climbed in, fastening his seat belt as he shut the door with a load k-chunk and continued. “Can’t have the taxpayers yelling ‘Where’s the beef, to see that the educrats are not giving us our money’s worth.”

“Also our organization encourages us to question each other and not to follow blindly. I don’t want to hang out with a bunch of yes men, or to be anyone’s yes man. I’ve got to many fools like that I have to work with five days a week. And all of this PC garbage that the elites keep trying to shove down our throats is the worse. Especially the way they use the word diversity so much, that’s just a code word to cover up and to force us to accept anything they wish to control. We see people as equal and each of us makes his own opportunities, life isn’t fair they will scream. But trust us we will ensure that everyone gets a fair share. Diversity is just another word for Communism.”

Bill said as started up the truck and drove out of the warehouse parking lot, “I know just how you feel, that’s why I joined two years ago. I could feel the disconnect as people just don’t want to be bothered to think any more.” Turning right into Main Street and heading east, “besides we wouldn’t have elected you as our company Captain if you couldn’t think for yourself, or had to rely on a committee to rubber stamp your every decision. Dan, you listen to us and your willing to change if necessary. But most important you’re willing to lead. We’ll unload this food and I’ll drop you off at home OK.”

Dan laughed as he said, “Don’t brag on me to much. My head will swell up and I’d have to buy a new hat. Besides that’s not why I joined the Militia, I don’t want it to come down to what I want or what I think. It’s about serving the Lord and doing what I can to help others pure and simple. Which reminds me I read this quote the other day and meant to bring it up as a possible motto for the unit.”

‘Wherever I go, everyone is safer because I am there.
Wherever I go, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is glad I am there.’

Bill asked, “Say that again.”

‘Wherever I go, everyone is safer because I am there.
Wherever I go, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is glad I am there.’

“Wow, that’s good I really like that, where did you hear it.”

“Found it in a book I checked out of the library. Some one left it written on a scrap of paper, I guess it was used as a book marker.”

“Any idea whom the quote was by? It would make a great unit motto.”

“Nope, but I wish I did. If we knew where it came and with permission we could use it as our motto, we don’t want to be accused of stealing someone's idea.”