The Alpha Chronicles (44 page)

“You’re bluffing
, and son, I don’t bluff.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way, General. We know your men are deserting at a rapid pace. Many of them have already joined us. They tell us of rationing, canceled training exercises due to a fuel shortage and zero supply trucks entering the gate. Moral
e is already low, General. Ordering your men to kill their fellow Americans isn’t going to improve that fact. On the other side, our people are strong, happy, and moving forward. Our survivors are tough-minded people who see a chance at a better life. We’re organized and prepared to make any invader pay. We’ll make what the Russians experienced in Afghanistan look like a trip to Disney World if you deploy against us.”

Terri stood, her expression demanding the floor. “I don’t like all this talk of fighting and killing. General, I gave my word no harm would come to you
, and we’ve said all we have to say. You’ve heard our proposal. Please take a few days and think it over. If you wish to surrender, you can send a message to our HAM radio operators. In the meantime, as a gesture of our sincere appreciation for all you’ve done for Bishop and me, and as a sign of our goodwill, please accept those trailers of food. My driver will return you to the gate.”

Shaking his head, the General stood and looked from face to face one last time. Without another word, he strode to the camper’s door and exited.

As he drove off, Nick exited behind him and issued orders for the semis to be unhooked from the trailers and for everyone to prepare to move out.

A few minutes later, General Westfield exited the golf cart and marched toward the front gate. Two majors and a colonel had joined the waiting crowd, more curious than
anything.

“What was that all about, sir?” asked the base commander’s aid
e.

“M
ajor, when was the last time a general in the United States Army surrendered without firing a shot?”