Jessica’s smile thinned. They were far off the predefined talking points. Before she could get them back on track, the ex-president leaned over the desk and took her hand.
“You know, a brave man once told me to make this all worthwhile. I believe you knew Sergeant Major John Brown.”
Jessica’s face went rigid.
“Well, that’s exactly what I’m doing, or my successor is, at any rate. This country is going to come out stronger than before, not even more divided.”
Jessica took a deep breath. “You mean the 28th Amendment that you ramrodded through Congress?”
“I can’t take credit for the term limit idea, only for taking advantage of the chaos and forcing it through the new Congress. I don’t claim one law can solve all our problems, but it’s a huge step in the right direction. Won’t it be a game changer? Only a single term allowed for all elected federal offices. No reelections and no career politicians like myself screwing things up. Nothing to fight over.
“Most importantly, we’re cutting the knees off the special interests. This won’t take all the money and corruption out of politics, of course not, but it helps dig out the entrenched interests. I like to think we’re leveling the playing field between money and ideals.”
“So that’s it? Just like that, your reunification plan becomes law? All that’s required for a state to end martial law and be readmitted to the union is ratifying one amendment? What about all those people calling for tougher penalties? It’s a slim majority, according to the opinion polls.”
“If we’re ever going to return to normal life, we have to bury the hatchet at some point. For those that can’t stand this, well, I’d rather people vent their hatred on me than their neighbors.”
The old president grinned. “Besides, there are a few other minor details. Each rebel state needs a new state legislature and governor that did not serve the defunct URA. We’re also inflexible on the Freedom Brigade manhunt. Amnesty does not apply to those terrorists and their crimes against humanity. Nor to any other criminal act not related to the rebellion.”
Someone from the studio audience shrieked. “When do we get our guns back, you fucking communist?” The ex-president waved at his guards hauling the man away.
“Leave him alone. The second amendment doesn’t apply to non-citizens. You’ll get your guns back when your state is readmitted to the Union. Until then, you’re all illegal immigrants.”
Jessica took advantage of the interruption to get back on track. The network’s owners wrote her next question themselves. She tried to read the words as neutrally as possible.
“What about this unconstitutional punishment for high earners? Is this really the best time to incite class warfare? Many people feel that declaring war on the job creators during a postwar recession is self-destructive.”
The ex-president smirked at her apologetic eyes. “You’re talking about requiring rich rebels to apply separately for amnesty and shaking them down for every last penny before we let them go?”
Jessica grinned. “In your own words…”
“Yes. That’s exactly what we’re doing. Funny how that issue unites the rich around the country. Every cent is earmarked for disability payments to the wounded, transition services for veterans or death benefits to the families of those that gave all. Oh, and to funding all these new orphanages we’ve had to open.”
The ex-president shook, barely able to control himself.
“Damn right this is redistribution of wealth. If any critic has a problem with making the rich pay for this war, they can take it up with the families of the fallen. I’ll listen to their whining when they’ve visited every grave at Arlington National Cemetery!”
The audience, all former rebel citizens, jumped to their feet and applauded.
Jessica shrugged. Might as well end the show on a high note.
“We’re almost out of time, Mr. President, but one more question. What will you do now? It’s a little difficult to imagine you fading into retirement.”
The president leaned back. “Good question. I guess I’ll head home to Hawaii. Start on the book. I suppose people might want to read the unvarnished history of Operation: Enduring Unity.”
I hope you enjoyed my little tale. Please don’t forget to give this book a quick review at your favorite retailer. Positive or negative, I am grateful for all feedback from my readers.
Acronyms/Slang/Terminology
.50 Caclass="underline" M2 .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine gun. Large and heavy, almost always mounted on a vehicle because it requires three soldiers to carry the weapon, tripod and just a small supply of ammo.
Relatively poor accuracy and a slow rate of fire compared to most machine guns, but its ability to throw a half-inch slug with the force to penetrate a brick wall or light-armored vehicle at over a mile makes it a favorite among all branches of the Service. Barely changed in design since World War 2.
2-oh-3: Single shot, 40mm grenade launcher. Attaches underneath a M16 or M4. Official designation: M203. Usually just called the 2-oh-3.
2-40: M240b 7.62mm medium machine gun. Normally referred to simply as the “2-40.” About 10 pounds heavier than the SAW. Just barely able to be carried and effectively used by a single soldier, it’s usually mounted on a vehicle or, if dismounted, an extra soldier is assigned to carry the ammo.
3-20: M320 grenade launcher. Fires 40mm “normal” or 25mm “smart” grenades, slowly replacing M203.
AT-4: Single use, disposable bazooka-like weapon. Standard unguided anti-tank rocket used by US Army. Swedish made, it is dirt cheap but deadly against light armored vehicles/fortifications. Effective range only 300 meters.
AHA: Ammunition holding area. Ammo dump. When not in the field, anything that goes boom, from small arms rounds to artillery shells, are stored there.
AMRAAM: Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile. A beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The most modern versions have a range of 100 miles.
Apache: AH-64 attack helicopter. Fast, armored and heavily armed, this chopper also boasts a 128x Forward Looking Infrared Radar sensor system. Whether used as scouts, quick reaction fire support, or just flying snipers, the Apaches are probably the most feared and respected helicopter in the world. Primary disadvantage is the small fuel capacity, leading to relatively short on station times (1–3 hours, depending on equipment load-out).
APC: Armored Personnel Carrier. Lightly armored/armed vehicle used for support tasks. Examples: Armored ambulances, mobile command vehicles, transporting combat engineers.
B-2: “Flying wing” stealth strategic bomber. Costing $2 billion a pop, they’re the most expensive aircraft in the inventory.
COMSEC: Communications security. Referring specifically to the daily changing cryptographic code groups used by the encrypted radios.
DPICM: Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions. Generic term for a variety of artillery and airdropped sub-munitions that bridge the gap between anti-vehicle and anti-personnel explosives.
FRAGO: Fragmentary order. A modification to the original mission plan that doesn’t alter the core objectives, just how they should be achieved.
HARM: High-Speed Anti-Radar Missile. Radar seeking missile that homes in on enemy air-defense radars.
HEMTT: Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck. An eight-wheel drive, diesel-powered, 10-ton cargo truck. Standard supply truck of the US Army.