PROJECT BlueBolt - AMERICAN GULAGS: BOOK I - AMERICAN GULAGS Page 4

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Alright. I just wanted to touch base before your announcement tomorrow. Be strong. Let them rant, but hold your ground.”

  “I certainly will.”

  “Good. I will be watching the telecast and we can talk after you get back.”

  “Alright Madam President. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight Elian.”

  ****

  The Secretary of State stood at the podium looking out at the delegates. It was interesting to watch from this perspective. It was rather like a teacher looking out over the glass. Kids are doing all kinds of things thinking they are getting away with it but a good teacher sees everything. Most have a sixth sense about what is going on even when they have their backs turned. Elian could see that some were texting, some were looking at tablets, and others appeared to be nodding off. They were probably out drinking half the night.

  The UN Secretary General, Beasa-Tine, pounded the gavel and waited for quiet.

  “It is my pleasure to have Secretary of the United States of America, Ms. Elian Far, address the General Assembly.”

  There was polite applause before she started.

  “Distinguished members, I am here today to deliver a message directly from the President of the United States. I know many of you will be concerned by the contents of the message but the decision of the President is final and non-negotiable.”

  People quit fiddling and doing other things. Something unique was about to take place.

  “As of today, September 25th, the United States of America is withdrawing from the United Nation’s Charter.”

  As soon as it was translated a huge outcry started to build. She stood there waiting. The Secretary General was on his feet and talking into her ear but she simply stood there. Finally he started to beat the gavel trying to restore order. It was several minutes before he could get them to quiet down.

  “Since we will no longer support membership in the UN, all UN delegates are to be off of American soil within seventy-two hours. Any...”

  The outcry was even louder. Everyone was on their feet and shouting. Elian walked over to a chair and sat down. The Secretary General was trying to shout over the crowd but she remained stoic and looked straight ahead. It was a madhouse for about ten minutes. Finally Beasa-Tine was able to at least quiet them enough for her to speak again.

  “This does not mean we are withdrawing from NATO. We will continue to support our NATO allies but will not take part in any UN actions. For far too long America has borne the brunt of the costs both monetary and in terms of human lives. We have been the big stick of the UN for many years. It is time for someone else to carry that burden.”

  It was relatively quiet at this point. Elian looked out at the crowd. She could see shock, anger, and disbelief in the faces looking back at her.

  “The new UN headquarters location should be selected without delay. This building, like all other diplomatic property, must be vacated within seventy-two hours. I know many of you are going to want to speak with the President directly. That will not happen. She will not meet with you as a group or on an individual basis.”

  Elian looked down at her watch. It was 11:55 a.m.

  “You have a great deal to accomplish in the next three days. That timeframe begins at 12:00 noon today and ends Thursday at 12:00 noon. Any property remaining in the US will be seized,” she said and turned and walked toward the exit.

  She could hear the crescendo of outrage and anger as she went through the door. Her knees were week but she managed to keep moving.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  US OUT OF NATO shouted the headlines on many of the newspapers across the country. It was the lead story on every television and radio station across the country. Editorial after editorial was written and ‘experts’ were brought in to be on television shows from coast to coast. Many saw it as a step in the right direction. Others predicted that many American Embassies would be forced out of other countries.

  The White House explained that foreign countries’ embassies would still be allowed in the United States. This action was strictly about being a part of the United Nations. Of course if any of our diplomats or embassies were forced to leave another country we would have no choice but to reciprocate.

  ****

  “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I’m White House Spokesman, Jack Ekman. I would like to explain some of the new procedures that will be implemented from this point on regarding this and future press conferences. First, I will not answer any questions until after I have delivered the intended message. Shouted out questions will result in that person being immediately expelled and their White House credentials revoked. Second, after I am finished, please raise your hand to be recognized. I am new so I will want to know your name and who you report for. Wait until I recognize you before you ask any questions. Third, I will not answer questions that are just a rehashing of another question that has already been asked and answered. I know you all want to be famous but nothing sets me off faster than someone asking a question that has been previously answered.

  President Clemons made the decision about the UN after much debate among her staff. All of the pros and cons were looked at. When you look at the disproportionate financial burden carried by the US and the number of American lives lost in participating in these so called United Nations actions it is immediately clear that we do nearly all of the work and carry the largest share of the burden. With the tight budgets, it makes total sense to leave the UN. Then there is the cost of hosting the diplomats, providing security, housing, and a host of other luxuries. The savings is enormous. In the last UN action the US spent 798 billion dollars. The next highest amount contributed was Russia with 210 billion. Many countries sent only a few officers and demanded special quarters without contributing one cent to the effort or having any real fighting forces present. It really boils down to common sense. Why is America being forced to be the world’s police? We have needs right here in this country that must be addressed. That money can be spent at home to improve the lives of American citizens.

  President Clemons’ proposals for creating the ISS or Internal Security Service combined with our exit from the UN will save tax payers an estimated 2.2 trillion dollars a year. For the first time in eight years we will see a decline in our national debt.”

  “Can we get confirmation of those figures,” a reporter near the back shouted out.

  Ekman stopped and put his hand up to his forehead looking to see who had shouted out. He spotted the young man.

  “Security, remove that young man and procure his White House credentials. Escort him from the premises,” Ekman said.

  There was a brief scuffle as the reporter tried to resist but four burly men grabbed him and literally dragged him from the room.

  “Anyone else feel the need to shout out?” he asked.

  Of course no one did. Not even the veteran reporters were willing to take a chance. When he was finished, he opened the floor up to questions.

  “Yes.”

  “Was congress informed of the decision to leave the UN ahead of time?”

  “This was done under Presidential Executive Orders. Congress did not need to approve the action.”

  “So it is no?”

  Ekman glared at him a second and wagged his finger.

  “Just this once. The answer is no. Next?”

  The questions went on for fifteen minutes and maybe for the first time ever, no one asked the same question twice.

  ****

  “Excellent job. Tell Jerry he did a good job of shouting out and resisting. I think they all got the message,” President Clemons said.

  “Yes, he was quite convincing. I thought he put up a darn good fight.”

  “I think you set just the right tone. I want you to re-evaluate every reporter. I want a full background check completed on each of them. Include what their political views are and which way they tend to lean, everything you can glean about them. I want to start a file on
each of them.”

  “I’ll talk to Tony about taps and surveillance,” Ekman replied.

  “Good. I know we will need to get rid of some of them. How many is the only question. When we do, you will have the station or print media hire only one of our replacements. By then we will have held a nice conversation with most of the media heads. Tony has already started dossiers on the major players. He is working on the smaller fish now. Almost to a person, we have enough dirt to ensure their cooperation. We will find other means of controlling those that are clean,” the President told him.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It is none of your concern. You just take care of your business and leave Tony to take care of his.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Good. Now if you would send Jerry in, I have another job for him.”

  “Good day Madam President.”

  “Good day Jack.”

  ****

  “What the hell is this woman up to?” Senator Bailer asked.

  “I don’t know but we better find out and fast. First the Internal Special Services thing, just dropping out of the UN with no discussion with congress and now a new White House Speaker with powers beyond any before. I am very uncomfortable with what is going on at the White House.”

  “Did you know that there is talk that there was no official autopsy done on the President? He was cremated before one could be performed.”

  “So the body couldn’t be exhumed.”

  “Exactly.”

  “And his ashes?”

  “According to the new President, they were scattered in the Potomac River per his wishes.”

  “How convenient.”

  “Isn’t it.”

  “I think we need to do some poking around,” Bailer said.

  “You need to be very careful. I know firsthand how she works and it is ugly,” Senator Crain warned him.

  “Did she threaten you about pushing the ISS through? Is that why you put the strong arm on everyone?”

  “Let’s just say she has a way of being very persuasive. If you have any weaknesses you had better be prepared for her to exploit them.”

  “Good grief, she blackmailed you, didn’t she?”

  “Just be careful before you get into a pissing contest with this woman.” Senator Crain replied.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The two men sitting on the park bench overlooking the reflecting pond, kept glancing around. Both were uncomfortable at even being involved.

  “Senator Crain wants me to convey the following message...”

  “Yeah, I get all that. Why don’t they just talk instead of putting us in the middle?”

  “That’s not our concern. We work for the men and do as we are told. You just have to trust that they have a good reason.”

  “So, what’s the message?”

  “A meeting of the Alpha group will take place tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. at rendezvous point C. Take extreme precautions.”

  “8:00 p.m. at point C. Got it. Anything else?”

  “That’s all I have.”

  “I’ll tell my boss,” he said as he got up and walked off without looking back.

  The other man waited a full five minutes before getting up and heading back to Capitol Hill. He was shown into the Senator’s office immediately.

  “How did it go?”

  “Fine. I gave Senator Judd’s man the message.”

  “And you are sure you weren’t followed?”

  “I’m absolutely certain.”

  “I hope Judd’s man was careful.”

  “He seemed a little...casual. Like it was some kind of game. I don’t think he realizes what is at stake here. Maybe Judd didn’t really fill him in on what this is all about.”

  “He should have if he is going to put him in that kind of position.”

  “I agree. It certainly made me more careful.”

  “I would like to have you attend the meeting but honestly, it is just too risky. I’ll give you a report tomorrow.”

  “I understand. And thank you for trusting me.”

  The Senator patted him on the back.

  ****

  The meeting place designated as C was at a small cabin just on the outskirts of Fairfax, Virginia. There were seven high ranking Senators. A massive table that took up almost the entire room was the dominate feature. All were dressed in casual attire. The group was comprised of five men and two women and all held prominent positions within the government.

  Senator Crain was standing at the head of the table and the others were seated.

  “Thank you all for coming. I know the risk we are taking. It is one that I feel very strongly must be taken for the good of the country. As you know, our President has decided that she can do as she pleases without congressional approval or lately even bothering to mention it at all. We have to find out by watching the news. That is not the way the government is supposed to function. She has taken it upon herself to enact legislation without any discussion or debate. The introduction of the ISS is a prime example. Did any of you know about our pull out of the UN before the speech made by the Secretary of State?”

  They all shook their heads ‘no’.

  “I know you all agree with me that we need to start gathering support for impeachment proceedings against Clemons. She needs to be shown that she is not bigger than the Constitution. Now there is going to be a great deal of risk in doing this. I had my people sweep my office this morning and they found six bugs and a wiretap on my phone. On top of that our e-mail is being hacked so they are watching everything I say and do.”

  “Wait. They can’t do that,” Senator Judd said.

  “You’re wrong. They can and they are. We left everything in place but know it’s there listing and recording everything that is said. That’s why I sent a messenger to have you come to this meeting. The ISS has already expanded into areas that the President assured us they wouldn’t.”

  “Then why did you push so hard for approval of the measure,” Senator Bailer asked.

  “To be perfectly candid, she will resort to blackmail if necessary. I know this firsthand. And please, before any of you throw stones, take a look at your own house. Is it one hundred percent clean? Can it be spun to make you look bad? If yours is squeaky clean I applaud you. However, I suspect differently.”

  No one spoke up or protested. They all had skeletons in their closets and knew it.

  “She actually threatened to blackmail you?” Senator Sharon Petty asked.

  “She most certainly did. I was to deliver the approval for the ISS creation or else.”

  “Good grief,” Senator Decker replied softly.

  “You can safely assume that she has a file on each of you. Actually, probably everyone in your office as well and who knows who else?”

  “You’re saying the ISS is really a para-military body? They have unlimited power? They are essentially the SS of Nazi Germany?”

  “That is correct,” Crain told them.

  “So how do we go about this if she is having us all watched?” Senator Zeek asked.

  “I don’t mean to be flippant but very carefully is the only answer I can give you. Everything you say, assume you are being listened in on and recorded. I would imagine cameras will find their way into our offices within the next few days. That means we can’t even write out messages without being discovered.”

  “You are talking about a police state,” Senator Volter exclaimed.

  “That is certainly one way of looking at it. Of course by holding this meeting we could be considered subversive to the American Government.”

  “This is crazy. What the hell is going on? This can’t be allowed to happen. Not in this country. This sounds more like a dictatorship or China. We have to put an end to this,” Volter replied.

  “The only way that will happen is for us to gain enough support to impeach the woman. We need to get the necessary votes lined up before it is ever mentioned. Secrecy is the only thing that will allow us t
o succeed. If she gets wind of it, it will all be over.

  “Someone pinch me and tell me this is a bad dream,” Senator Adrian Zeek said.

  “I wish it was that simple,” Crain replied.

  ****

  “Senator Judd’s Office.”

  “Hi Sarah. It’s Senator Crain calling. Is the Senator in?”

  “Oh, nice to hear from you. Yes he is. Let me just check and see what he is doing. Just a minute please.”

  He only waited a few seconds before Judd answered somewhat cautiously.

  “Senator Crain. What can I do for you?”

  “Well the weather is going to turn ugly soon and I was thinking maybe this would be a good time for our annual Republican Democrat flag football game. The weather is supposed to be just terrific next weekend. Think your people are up for it?”

  “Do you mean are we ready to whip your butts again? You bet. I have a case of Jim Beam that says we will destroy you guys.”

  “Really? So you are bringing your own refs again?”

  “Ha-ha. What are you putting up?”

  “One of the finest pigs that Alabama has to offer.”

  “You gonna’ cook it for us after you lose?”

  “I was thinking you could bartend for us after you turn over that case of Jim Beam.”

  “You’re on. You going to make the arrangements for the field on the Capital Mall or should I?”

  “Well since you lost last year, it seems only fitting that you should have to make the arrangements.”

  “Consider it done. Oh, and bring lots of Ben GAAAY for our boys.”

  “Oh, that is so politically incorrect,” Judd said chuckling.

  “See you on the field. No ringers this year.”

  “We wouldn’t stoop so low,” Judd retorted.

  “Like Byron Johnson last year?”

  “Hey, he is a member of congress. What can I say?”

  “We’re ready for you this year.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Just bring the pig,” Judd said and hung up.

  ****

  The game was held not on the lawn of the Mall but it was moved to the side of the National Building Museum located between F Street and G Street. This was by design. Senator Crain made sure the Mall was occupied so they would have a valid reason to move the game. He had several of his people keeping an eye on the Mall for the past two days and had seen the activity as several parabolic pickup dishes were brought in and placed on buildings. It was obvious the White House had intended to make sure that the game was as it appeared to be.