The Patriot (29 page)

The commentator said reactions are coming in from around the globe however. The Australian prime minister said in his public briefing that his country applauds the American Patriots fighting to regain their liberty and we stand ready to support them in their fight if we are asked. A British government spokesperson has reportedly said that country also will support the American militia in their battle for liberty. The announcer followed up by saying there are reports the British and Australian governments are already providing financial support to the militia leaders, but that has not been confirmed. It has also been reported that British aircraft have made a number of flights carrying arms, ammunition, and other munitions into southern American airports and are supplying militia forces. While that has not been confirmed it would explain where these forces are getting their war materials. Both those countries have withdrawn from the United Nations so their support for the insurrection might be expected.

Mac said that would explain how central command has been able to supply us with funds and everything we need plus all the others across the country at the same time. Goldie said a lot of the trucks and other supplies they took from small national guard and reserve units. There were a lot more people involved at first than we thought. He has had small organized units all across this country doing things we didn’t hear about. It’s easy to get caught up in things and feel like your out on a limb but Richard has assured me all along that whatever our needs they could supply them. Tim, you and James and Joshua need to return to your families and make sure everything is ready for Saturday. Let us know what time you want us all to be there. We will call you if anything new develops.

After the others had departed Mac and all their old squad members sat discussing the success of their latest mission. As they went over the conduct of that operation looking for flaws in the way it was carried out all were satisfied their plans had succeeded and that all units had done their jobs well. All agreed they were fortunate to have been able to keep the enemy on the defensive and keep their own losses low. But all knew they may not always have the benefit of numbers and surprise on their side. They spent the rest of the day and the following day inventorying their supplies and equipment.

Saturday morning came and the men were just finishing a late breakfast when Tim came into camp. Shortly afterwards Richard, Wilson, The Captain, and Randolph arrived. After all had finished a cup of coffee they left camp to attend the services. As they neared the site it looked as though every family from the three county area were there. James and Joshua met and escorted the group to the front where the families of those that been lost were seated on lawn chairs. The memorial service started with ministers from all three counties asking Gods comfort and grace for all those who had fallen and their families and friends.

Richard spoke briefly honoring those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. He praised the courage and competence of all who served the cause of liberty. One hundred seventy eight brave men gave their lives that we might be free. They will not have died in vain. We will win this struggle and we will never forget those who we honor today. Afterwards the families walked to the gravesites of their fallen sons and fathers. Once all were with their loved ones taps was played and the bodies lowered into their final resting place.

After the service was completed the group returned to their vehicles and prepared to depart. Before leaving, Richard and the others commended James, Joshua, and Tim for their leadership. Goldie held his grandchildren close for a moment told them he missed them, then took his sons hands in his and told them my grandkids will be so proud of you, we all are. Spend time with them for now, then they boarded their vehicle and he waved as they headed back to their campsite. An hour later Richard and the others departed for their command center at the air base.

After Richard had left Goldie told the others I believe things have reached the point where we can move to more comfortable surroundings. There’s an old hunting lodge located about a mile from here that sits off the road a ways on the other side of this wildlife preserve. Mac come with me and we’ll go take a look. Once there they found the building in good shape. Mac said the state left this in pretty good condition when they pulled out. It had a fireplace with modern kitchen and bath facilities and Goldie said we may be able to get a generator to power the electric and furnace. There was a good access road with plenty of parking space and a clear view of all approaches. After they returned to camp Mac contacted Richard and asked if he could have a crew come over and bring a good generator. He replied sure can we will send one over right now and bring a crew to help you load and relocate. Mac said we’ll be ready for them, also, have them bring about fifteen army bunks and mattresses if you can. Richard said they will bring them and see you in about two hours.

The men started taking down the tents and getting the supplies and equipment ready. Two hours later three trucks came pulling in one of which was loaded with manpower. It didn’t take long to load everything and an hour later they had it all secured in the hunting lodge. The lodge had an attached garage which provided room for their communications van and once the generator was hooked up and running they had lights and heat and all their communications were operating. Before the men left they thanked them for helping and told them to give Richard directions on how to find the lodge. Shrader said He could hook some cameras up to their system and cover all approaches to this cabin and one man can monitor in case someone pays us a visit. In a short time they had everything installed and working and by then the chef had heated some packages of vegetables and had hamburgers and coffee ready for all. The men took their food and drinks then sat down on their lawn chairs to see what was on the screen. Mac leaned back and said a man could get used to this. They all agreed.

As the TV came on a commentator was reporting that army troops returning from Europe were now being unloaded at ports in New York and Charleston. We believe approximately three hundred thousand troops have been recalled from Europe. Although we have had no official word from Washington it now appears the joint chiefs are preparing to end the terrorists hold on our nation. UN leaders have been very outspoken condemning Washington for not coming to the aid of their forces in Wisconsin and Michigan. This has been a sad week as they are still trying to arrange transportation of their dead back to their home countries for burial. Goldie said nothing new going on so lets try out these bunks and get some sleep.

Morning found the men well rested and getting their first real shower in weeks. Mac told the others there’s a washer and dryer in that back room lets get our laundry done. By noon all had clean uniforms on and were having lunch when the television program was interrupted for a special news update. Then a network spokesperson came on to report the acting president and commander in chief had scheduled a news conference and would be on momentarily. While we wait for him to arrive we can report to you that troop ships have nearly completed unloading troops and equipment in Charlestown and New York. Photos were then shown of the troops moving off the ships. We are told the troops will be moved from Charlestown to Fort Gordon and Fort Benning Georgia for further deployment while those coming into New York will be moved to a military base in Aberdeen Maryland.

Goldie said I didn’t see any armor or mobile artillery being off loaded, looks like they left their old equipment in Germany. Then the joint chiefs came into view followed by General Sheridan who immediately took the podium and began to speak. Citizens of America as commander in chief I must advise you that as United Nations peace keeping forces were dispatched to help restore order to our land organized militia forces attacked those peace keeping forces in Wisconsin and Michigan and many thousands of innocent lives were lost. Those actions took place despite my recent address in which I asked all citizens to remain calm and help us restore peace to our land. I have therefore ordered all our military forces home from Europe. Those forces have now returned and will be temporarily stationed at military bases near those ports. Other forces have been ordered home from Asia and the middle east and will soon be arriving home from those lands.

I again ask those who are part of the organized militia and all who are supporting them to lay down their weapons and work for peace. I also want to advise foreign states who may be assisting the militia forces to cease interfering in the internal affairs of our country. As commander in chief and temporary president I must and shall take all necessary action to put down this insurrection and restore law and order to our land. Accordingly I have called all military forces to alert status and ordered all commands to prepare to take action to end this insurrection. I wish to remind the leaders of the militia forces we are all Americans and ask them to join us in restoring peace to our countryside. The general and his joint chiefs then closed their address and departed.

Sounded a little peeved at the Brits and Aussies didn’t he Mac? Yeah but I doubt they will take his warning too seriously. I expect we’ll be hearing from Richard once he’s had a chance to talk with the other national leaders. One of the others said looks like the news is coming back lets get a Pepsi and watch the screen while we wait. The commentator said we are now able to tell the American people that army forces returning from Europe have started moving out, some are on trains while others are in truck convoys. Sources tell us they are being relocated to Fort Gordon Georgia. Also returning forces in New York are reportedly moving out on trains and trucks to a destination in Pennsylvania, probably at the Valley Forge camp. The announcer was handed a paper and after looking at it he stated, we are told those troops are being harassed by small militia bands in North Carolina and New York in a useless attempt to interfere with their movements.

Shrader interrupted to let them know Colonel Wilson just called wants the dish network readied for a conference with central command. Moments later Wilson came on screen, with him was Richard and the others. Wilson asked have you had the set on? Goldie advised affirmative, we watched Sheridan’s conference and saw the offloading of troops. Sounds like they are meeting some resistance. Yes we have no choice, much as we would like to have avoided an all out fight it is being pressed upon us. This is just a harassing action which will continue as they move towards their forts. But we are in position in both areas with adequate manpower to meet the regulars at a place and time of our choosing. And we have reserve forces available in both areas which can reinforce our units should it become necessary. As for your sector, stay in contact with your commands to insure a state of readiness until contacted.

Goldie said you heard him men, we sit this one out for the present. Contact Tim, James, and Joshua and advise them of our status. The families will be glad to hear their men won‘t have to go back out right away. Mac advised all have been notified, your boys said they would stop by in the morning for a visit. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying sodas and snacks and watching the television commentators condemn the actions of those harassing our returning military forces.

Citizens are reporting constant attacks are being carried out in both the northeast and southeast areas where troops are returning to their home bases. Many troop transports have been disabled and soldiers killed and wounded. Then the commentator excitedly announced a train derailment has occurred in western New York killing and injuring scores of soldiers putting those forces on foot. Now he said, we are told another troop train derailment has occurred in eastern Georgia and casualties are reported to be heavy. Soldiers on foot are being attacked by roving bands of militia terrorists. Goldie said recon this is as good a time as any to get some rest. The men agreed and all retired for the night.

Federal Armies Attack
On Three Fronts

Morning found the men relaxed and enjoying a breakfast ration of eggs, sausage, and hot chocolate. Fit for a king he told the chef. Mac turned the television set on and immediately they saw and heard commentators describing what was termed as a state of war. Regular army soldiers in both New York and Georgia are now locked in fierce combat actions with what is said to be large numbers of militia forces. In Georgia regular army forces are said to be several hundred miles from the nearest military base at Fort Gordon while army forces in New York are several hundred miles from the nearest bases at Valley Forge or Tobyhanna Depot in Pennsylvania. The announcer said it is reported that major battles are raging on both fronts and casualties are heavy.

Another commentator said as the fighting has moved from initial positions photographers were able to capture pictures of the destruction left behind. Films were then shown of the derailed trains and literally hundreds of damaged troop transport trucks and medical aid stations where it appeared hundreds of wounded were being treated. Scores of bodies lay side by side not yet covered from view and many other soldiers could be seen carrying their dead or wounded towards the aid station. Films were rolled showing the same scenes of death and destruction at both battle zones.

A question was asked does anyone know how many troops are involved in these battles. The commentator answered there is no reliable source to determine the size of militia forces involved at either location but we do know for certain there were at least one hundred fifty thousand regular army troops at both battle zones. Residents report the sounds of war can be heard as far as one hundred miles away. Others report that during the night the flashes of explosions could be seen for miles. We can report however, that regular army forces are advancing and the battle lines have moved miles from where the fighting started. This indicates the army forces are on the offensive and are driving militia forces back.

Shrader said the boys are coming in Goldie. James and Joshua came in and Tim was with them. Tim said looks like they are into one hell of a battle. Goldie agreed and said these are regular army troops, well trained and equipped, and many have combat experience. These battles will go on for days. James looked around for a moment and said hey quiet a set up you have here, lots better than setting on the ground. Joshua said yeah Dad and here we thought you guys were still roughing it. Everyone laughed and some wondered how long it would last before they heard from Richard. Goldie said right now He is tied up in communications with leaders from all the other regions, especially the battle commanders. We’ll hear from him soon enough so for now we enjoy it. Joshua said speaking of joy, I thought you might be getting tired of the packaged cola, got something for you. He went out then returned with a case of Pepsi. Goldie grabbed a can and opened it and took a long slow drink. Hot damn he said, now my days complete. Everyone laughed and Mac said he’ll never change. Joshua asked how would a fresh pack of Winston sound and reached into his back pack and brought out a carton. The old man opened a pack, lit up a cigarette and smiled. Mac said sure smells better than those unnamed smokes in the field rations do.

Just then a commentator came on saying we have reports of formations of choppers being seen moving across western Georgia and northern Pennsylvania. If those reports are accurate militia forces can expect to be hit with massive air attacks once these aircraft arrive at the battle areas. Damn Tim said, and our aircraft here can’t help them out. Mac said don’t count our guys out. Richard is a former counter intelligence officer and worked with the central intelligence. He has Randolph and Wilson and many others on his staff at central command. They would have planned for just such a move. They may suffer losses, but they will have shoulder fired rocket and missile launchers capable of bringing choppers down or blowing tanks up. Goldie said you can take that to the bank.

Towards evening Tim and the boys departed for home and afterwards everyone settled in for the night. Periodically the television commentators would come on with updates on the battles. From their viewpoint the regular armies appeared to be steadily advancing against the militia forces. No further word was mentioned regarding the helicopters and they surmised that they most likely had stopped for refueling somewhere closer to the battle lines and with darkness setting in they would probably wait until dawn to attack. Finally the men retired for the night.

The next morning they received a call from Wilson who asked directions to their new base camp and advised he and the others were on their way to see them. An hour later Richard, Wilson, Randolph, and the Captain pulled into the parking area where one of the men met and escorted them into the lodge. They seemed to be in good spirits despite the ongoing battles and joked about the plush surroundings. Finally Goldie asked them what their opinion was of how things were going. Richard replied about as we believed it would, with some concerns yet unanswered. We knew this would not be a weekend fight from the first. The enemy this time are a formidable force in both areas but we are holding our own and our people are following the plan decided on before it got under way.

We have a force equal or superior to theirs in numbers on both fronts and they are fighting a delaying tactic of staying engaged while slowly falling back to pre-established positions. We have an additional force of one hundred thousand men from Tennessee, Alabama, and West Virginia in position to make a frontal attack allowing forces already engaged to take flanking positions. We have done the same by positioning a force of more than one hundred thousand from Michigan, Maryland, and Virginia ready to augment those already engaging the federal army in New York. This will match our fresh troops against an already weakened federal army. The reports we are receiving from commanders on both fronts advise all is going according to plan and we are sustaining acceptable losses.

Our informants tell us the 82nd Airborne division is being readied for deployment in the Georgia sector. Goldie said half or more of that division was out of the country. Correct, Wilson said, they have approximately twelve thousand troops in country at this time. Therefore we ordered thirty five thousand militia members from Kentucky to immediately proceed to the Georgia sector. Those units departed yesterday and are at this time moving into position between Ft. Gordon and the current battle lines. Mac said if they make a drop hoping to strike our people from the west, we should have sufficient numbers in place to isolate and surround them and prevent them from giving any relief to the others. Exactly Richard said, they will soon realize we outnumber them on all fronts. Mac said is there any word regarding the movement of helicopters and Wilson replied there were only a few in each sector and they were quickly disposed of by our missile and rocket squads before any damage was done.

Also we are advised troop ships are now moving into the west coast port of San Francisco. Once all ships have been unloaded troops will no doubt regroup at the Oakland Army Terminal. That should take a few days to complete, then we will see what course of action they take. Goldie said you can make a reasonable estimate of the total number of troops involved can you not. Wilson said we know their approximate strength. Forty thousand from Korea, twenty thousand from Japan, and another ten thousand from the islands. We know they are moving twenty thousand troops north by land from the central Americas which could push on north and join up with those unloading at the port. All told they could have approximately one hundred thousand total . Goldie asked what is our strength in that sector? Randolph said we have more than a million men within a days travel, and another million west of the Mississippi that can be called on if need be. And those are just our ready reserves. We could double those numbers just as you can here by telling the people they are needed. We also have the two air bases under our control within striking distance if Sheridan chooses to initiate air action into this.

Now regarding your sector. Our informants tell us that the 101st Airborne division out of Fort Campbell Kentucky and possibly the third infantry regiment from Fort Knox has been alerted for possible deployment. That total combined force could number approximately fifteen thousand. We are unable to confirm but we have reason to believe they may be going to attempt to recover this air base, aircraft, and the prisoners we are holding here. We will advise you if it appears an attack is imminent and your units are needed. Until that occurs you men sit tight but be prepared for a fast call up. Richard said I believe that about covers it so lets load up men. They shook hands around and the others departed.

After the others had left the chef said lunch is ready gentlemen. The men helped themselves to food then sat to listen to the news broadcasts. The next few days were spent relaxing and inventorying supplies until a call came in from Richard. We are now informed that the 3rd infantry regiment has left Fort Knox and are north of Louisville reportedly headed for our location. He added, we have no word yet confirming the movement of the 101st airborne. Goldie said they will probably wait until the ground troops are near your location then drop them in. If the infantry are near Louisville that puts them about five hours travel time from your location. That would be shortly after dusk tonight. Wilson agreed saying exactly what we believe they intend.

Goldie asked what do you need from us? Richard said we have twenty thousand men here, however that would put us at about equal strength and cause unnecessary casualties. We need you to assemble your people and get here ahead of the regular forces. Goldie asked how soon can you have transportation for thirty thousand men. Richard replied troop transports are leaving for your location as we speak. Some will be coming to your location others will assemble at the old Hillsboro armory where we have gone before. Goldie said my operator has Tim, James, and Joshua on the line now. We will have the men ready by the time the trucks arrive. Wilson said, contact us when you are nearing the base and we will determine where to set up our defenses. Will do colonel, Goldie said.

Mac said Tim and the boys have already been briefed on the mission and are rounding up their people Top. They will meet the trucks at the old armory as advised. Goldie and the others started loading their supplies and ammunition in their trucks and getting their personal gear ready. Tim showed up a few minutes later and his men started arriving soon afterwards. Within an hour ten thousand men were standing by waiting for transport trucks to arrive. Mac reported he had checked the men, all have their weapons and are well stocked with ammunition, rockets, and mortar and four days rations. By the time the trucks arrived all were ready and Tim had his unit commanders start loading them aboard. The officer in charge of the trucks advised that Wilson said they will have supply trucks loaded with extra supplies, ammunition, and rations available if needed.

James and Joshua reported in advising the trucks have arrived at Hillsboro and they have a total of twenty thousand men prepared for a four day operation and are loaded and preparing to leave now. Goldie advised them He will lead the way and will advise them where they are to deploy when they arrive at the base. Then he told his driver lets get under way and the column started moving out.

On the way he contacted Richard to discuss a plan of operation. He said we believe that the infantry regiment will in all probability move in from the most accessible direction from the south entrance off the interstate access route. I recommend you have your base personnel, all twenty thousand deployed out of sight on the south side of the base in the logistic areas ready to meet that force. We will deploy ten thousand in the hanger areas on the north side, and deploy ten thousand on the east and west sides of the runways. The runway area would be the most probable place for the 101st to drop. That would put them right in the middle of our thirty thousand troops, with ten thousand between them and you.

Also if by chance they drop in the fields off the base north of the runways, they would still have to go between or over us to reach your command positions. Randolph and Wilson agreed, saying if by some chance they try to make a drop on base between and around the headquarters buildings that would still give us your ten thousand in position to counter while the others move in. Wilson asked are you in need of any supplies. Goldie said we are prepared for four days of intense fighting if need be. Wilson said then it’s agreed, it’s a go as you laid it out. Advise when all are in position. Goldie said roger will do.

One hour later they arrived at the east entrance to the base. He told Tim, take your men in and proceed to the hanger areas. They should be familiar with that area since that’s where they moved in the last time we were here. Position them in the hanger buildings and along the revetted areas adjacent to the hangers. The earliest they can arrive would be around dusk or shortly afterwards so keep the men out of sight once they are where you want them. Goldie said Mac and I will join you after we get the others in place. Tim said on our way see you later.

Moments after Tim had moved his people out a truck with James and Joshua on board pulled in followed by the convoy of trucks. Goldie met briefly with his sons and explained the plan of action. James, six of my old squad members will accompany you. Take you troops and proceed on around the base. This perimeter road follows all around the base. When you reach the west side of the runways, where you came in the last time you were here, deploy your men in the wooded area same as before. This time we expect the paratroops to drop on the runways or in the fields north of the runways. They will have to come past your positions to reach the headquarters area. When they drop wait for my command to engage. James said understood, turned to his driver and said lets move out.