The Patriot (22 page)

Richard said I see where you are headed, work that out with Wilson and the others but delay action until we see what we can find out. We have their chiefs hostage now, if we add that base, craft, and munitions he will have to show his hand. Goldie said do we have adequate manpower in place to take over the new Mexico fighter base and the Texas chopper base the same day we move here? Richard said we do and I will work that out so all will be ready if it requires we act. Stay on guard men meantime we will return to base and keep you informed. They moved to their vehicles and slowly drove away.

James, Joshua, and Tim all spoke at the same time, finally Mac slowed them down and said one at a time men. Joshua said Dad are you seriously considering trying to take over Wright Pat air base? Yea, James said lord almighty Dad, were you serious about that? Mac looked at the boys and said you father doesn’t joke about such things lads. If it comes down to needing it done it will be done. Goldie said boys, let us hope the generals will not try to force our hand but if they do then we will move against them.

He turned to his chief of camp security and asked, how are the prisoners? The man replied they are well and being cared for better than they deserve. Goldie said so they are but we will honor our moral responsibilities whether they do or not. We may have to make other arrangements for them if the generals don’t act soon to return freedom to our country. Until then we will provide for their needs. Everything hinges now on the actions of general Sheridan and his staff. They can restore peace with liberty, lets hope they move to do so.

Tim, Goldie said, right now we don’t have anything planned so you and my sons can return to your homes and families. We will contact you if you are needed here. Contact your commanders and tell them to take care of things at home until they are needed. Tell my grandkids I love them and miss them and live for the day we can be together again. The boys rose and Joshua took his fathers hand and said we love you dad you take care and call us if you need us. He slapped the boys on their shoulders and said be off with you.

After Tim and the boys had left Goldie asked have the prisoners been fed and secured for the night, and was advised all was secure. Well he said these last few days have been challenging. Our work is done for now so why don’t we all turn in for the night. Mac said I think we can all use a good nights sleep, and the men agreed.

One of the men came walking up and said a local farmer brought us something for lunch and the chef has it ready. Mac said man I’m ready lets get to it. They walked over to the mess tent and were surprised to see two roasted chickens with all the trimmings and home cooked deserts waiting for them. Goldie asked did you ask them to stay and eat with us? The chef said sure did but they had to go see their grandchildren and said maybe next time. The men enjoyed the chicken dinner then afterwards all went out and sat in the shade of the pines.

After a while Goldie rose and walked down the trail towards the falls. He knelt then sat by his wife and sons gravesite and looked out over the pond. The water gently running over the falls had always brought calmness to the old mans heart but this time peace was difficult to find. Oh Gracie my love, he said, I miss you so. How can I go on without you angel. He closed his eyes and for a moment he could see her sitting with Jeff as she said you must do what is required of you love then we will meet again. He opened his eyes and held back the tears then rose and said goodbye angel. He turned to see Mac and all his old friends standing off a ways. Together they walked back up the trail to the campsite. One of the men started into the mess tent saying he could use a Pepsi, then asked, want one top? Goldie said sure could use one my friend. His friend returned with the Pepsi and Mac laughed and said Top you haven’t changed a bit. The men all agreed and after a few jokes Goldie was in good spirits again.

Mac said top what will we need to take the base if it comes to that. Goldie said the air base is organized to respond to threats from outside forces. They are not prepared for, nor do they expect, to face a local threat. Their security forces consist of an air police company of approximately 250 members. They have a one hundred man augmentation force comprised of regular air force members, mostly a paper force, detailed to respond for crowd control. Many of these two groups would be off duty at any given time at their homes on and off base. Realistically they can be expected to muster one third their numbers at any given time. Although we can accomplish our goals with far fewer personnel, we will send two thousand men in from each direction and possibly avoid any real resistance with a show of force.

Later that evening the men sat around the camp relaxed talking about old times. The time passed slowly but night came and the men retired to their tents. Goldie was awakened early by one of the sentries who advised Richard had called to say he and the others would be coming over after lunch to discuss new events taking place. He looked at his watch and saw it was near eight o’clock but a glance out saw Mac and some of the men seated by the fire having coffee. Mac looked up and said morning top, coffee and hot chocolate is ready. Goldie got a cup of hot water adding some cocoa and sat down.

Mac said wonder whats up with Richard and Goldie replied recon we’ll find out soon enough. After everyone had coffee and ate Goldie said we need to inventory our equipment and supplies so we can advise Richard of anything we might need. Tom, one of his old squad members, said he would take a couple of men and take care of it we have already had coffee and taters. Goldie asked have the prisoners been fed and watered and was advised they have been. Mac asked still complaining are they, and the men said they never stop.

Later Goldie said well lets go see how the inventory is going and Mac and the others all got up and went to the supply tents together. They met Tom coming out of a tent, just finishing up. He said we are in pretty good shape all around. We may need some extra rations if we get all the troops together and move on the air base but we have enough rockets and ammo to sustain a major operation if it’s needed. All our radios and field phones are in working order and medical supplies are in good shape. Mac said good work men, nothing to do right now except wait for Richard and the others to get here.

Goldie said I don’t know about the rest of you but I could use a bath and change of cloths so I’m going down to the falls. The others said good idea and they all got a clean change of cloths and went to the stream below the falls. The water was cold but Mac laughed and said it’s better than those damn stinking rice swamps. They washed their uniforms and hung them in the trees to let them dry in the sun and wind. After getting into clean uniforms they walked back to the campfire to wait for their visitors to arrive.

The lookout signaled company coming, looks like Richard and the others. As they pulled into the camp area Goldie and the others rose to meet them. Mac said coffees hot if you would like some and threes still some taters and bacon left. The visitors passed saying they had already had lunch. Well Goldie said what brings you folks back so soon? Richard replied, We have been contacted by representatives of general Sheridan. He wants to arrange a meeting between his aids and some leaders who can speak for the militia. All are agreed, if such a meeting is to take place, you must be in attendance. You know the general, you’re the only one of us who does. Our people all across this land have learned from your example. From the day you went on television and called for militia resistance the people have followed They trust you and your judgment.

I will not meet with his aids alone. If we are to talk it must be face to face with the general himself. I want to look in his eyes and watch his reactions, that will tell us a lot more than the words of his aids. Also I think we need to move and take control of the air base and get some fighter and choppers under our control before any talks with the general. When and if we meet we must be in a position to make him understand the consequences of any decisions he makes. The old special forces captain said he agreed. Retired colonel Wallace added, the general respects strength and the willingness to use it, I agree we must move fast before meeting with him. Richard said then we are agreed, I will advise the others of our decision and coordinate the actions out west to coincide with your move on the base here.

Goldie said have your people advise the general we will honor his request for a meeting once certain conditions are met. Once we move he will understand what those conditions were and know we are committed. Agreed Richard said then asked when do you want to make our move. Goldie said our people are ready now. This is Friday, we will hit the base at 2100 hrs. Monday the 21st. That’s the time the base command has their weekly staff meeting. We want them all on base when we move in. Richard said Monday it is. I will contact you to confirm all is ready at the other locations. Now my friends we must return to headquarters, is there any supplies you need for the operation. Mac answered we have all that is needed. Colonel Wallace and the captain rose and took Goldie’s hand then walked towards their vehicles. Richard turned one final time to snap a salute as they drove away.

Mac said well we have work to do. He turned to the communications man and said contact Tim and the boys and tell them we need them here tonight. The communications man said will do and headed towards the main tent. Mac said well this has been quiet a day wonder what the general has up his sleeve. Goldie replied hard to tell Mac but it could go either way. He may be stalling for time to get the rest of his troops here or he may have a course of action planned and want our consensus. But he could simply call and advise us if he was going to order all united nations personnel out, so he must have other plans in mind. Either way Monday night we will send him a clear message we intend to stay the course until liberty and self government is returned to the people. Mac told the cook break out the fixings for some hot chocolate and dig into those donuts you made this morning. Goldie said sounds great lets get to it.

The communications chief reported Tim and the boys are on their way in and should be here within the hour. Goldie said good work now lets enjoy the chocolate and see what the television guys are saying while we wait for them. A commentator was talking excitedly about militia actions all across the country. It is reported that most highways are unsafe for travel by government personnel and military warehouses are being broken into and supplies are being stolen. There have been instances of confrontations and firefights between military units and militia members in a dozen states and the violence appears to be escalating. It is being reported that most of these battles are at or near military bases or government buildings where united nations military and civilian personnel are stationed. The new head of the united nations is demanding the release of united nations prisoners.

The commentator said it has been reported that scores of united nations military and civilian advisors have been taken prisoner in California, Minnesota, Michigan, and Indiana. also it is reported that in Minnesota and Michigan militia troops took several dozen united nations personnel to the Canadian border where they were released and driven across the borders into Canada while militia members armed with shotguns and buckshot fired at these people as they fled across the border. Clearly he added, the strength of the militia is increasing and they appear to be well organized, well armed, and led by capable leaders. Washington appears unable at this time to bring the turmoil to an end. The new head of the united nations is threatening to order united nations troops in to protect his people and restore order.

Mac said dam it looks like people everywhere have had enough and are on the move. Yeah, one of the men added, and it’s about time. Goldie said these actions have been going on for some time it’s only now that the media is starting to talk about it. Once we take control of the air bases we’ll teach them a lesson if they come across the borders, whether general Sheridan does or not. Just then the lookout signaled company coming in. They looked up to see Tim and the boys with Brian walking up the path to the campfire. James asked what’s up dad? Mac told them grab some coffee and have a seat we have plans to coordinate men. Soon all were seated around the fire and talking about the recent actions of militia across the country.

Goldie told the others our friends are ready to move on the two bases out west at the same time we launch our attack here. Mac and I have worked out the details and will give you your assignments. We have prepared maps and instructions for you to study and prepare for this action, but for now we will go over them with you and answer any questions or concerns you have. Now here it is. We hit the base at 2100 hours, Monday night. This is Friday so we have work to do. Tim you and James, and Joshua are to select 3,000 each of your best men. Have them armed with their carbines and well supplied with ammo. Each of you have one squad armed with rocket launchers as well as their carbines. Each of you bring a medical team with you in case they are needed. Do these requirements pose a problem for anyone? All agreed they did not and they could ready far more than three thousand if needed.

Mac will lay out your assignments for you. Look at the second page of your instructions. There are sketches for each of you. Learn your positions and objectives of attack well as Mac goes over them with you. Mac said ok men listen up and look at your maps. Tim this is your assignment. Goldie and I and our squad will be with your element. You will approach the base from route 68 north of xenia. It gets dark now at seven PM. Start dropping your men off and assemble them in the wooded park area just east of the main base gate. Goldie and I and our squad will get there ahead of you and meet you at this location. Have the men stay well back in the woods until all is ready. At exactly 2100 hours our squad will break thru the gates, head directly toward the base command center outlined in red on your map. Have one company follow us to secure that building once we are inside. Have one company take control of the adjacent communications building outlined in blue. The other buildings outlined in yellow are logistics building manned at night by a few civilian personnel and some military coworkers. Secure those buildings and those inside. Have one company secure the hospital and area to the left marked in orange. Set up a perimeter for security around the entire area and wait for further instructions.