Twilight’s Last Gleaming

Published: 29 Mar 2018

1330 EST November 30 2012
Bermuda International Airport
Bermuda

Norris stood, straightened his dress uniform, grabbed his hat and walked to the door as the jet rolled to a stop. The door opened and Norris stepped onto the stairs. The sight that greeted him was shocking. The British Royal Marines and Bermuda Guard were lined up in parade uniform on each side of a red carpet. At the end of the Red Carpet a large retinue of people surrounded the King. Behind the King was a raised platform with a podium and behind that a large crowd of people. Norris started down the stairs and noticed Myers and Lieutenant Cunningham, in dress uniform, waiting at the bottom for him. They had arrived a couple hours earlier to make all the arrangements. As soon as he stepped off the stairs a Royal Marine Band began playing the US National Anthem. Norris and his escorts snapped to attention and saluted the flag on its stand next to the plane. Once the song finished, Norris released his salute and began walking to the King. The Royal Marines and Bermuda Guard saluted as he passed.

He stopped in front of King Arthur and saluted. “Your Majesty, Admiral Augustus Norris Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet, United States Navy. It is an honor to meet you sir.”

The young man returned the salute and smiled slightly. “The honor is all mine Admiral, your reputation precedes you. Your efforts in your country’s civil war have been called nothing less than heroic.”

Norris smiled. “Nothing compared to a story about a young king I heard leading refugees across the country.”

Arthur chuckled. “We all do what needs to be done.” He reached his hand out to shake the Admiral’s.

“Thank you your Majesty. Allow me to present my staff, Commander Albert Buchinski, Lieutenant Colonel Felix Rodriguez, Major Noah Downs, Lieutenant Commander Jessica Myers and my Head of Security Lieutenant Richard Cunningham.”

Arthur nodded to each of them. “We are honored by your visit. This is Euan MacDougall, my closest advisor, my Aide de Camp, Sir Durell MacDougall, and of course Admiral James Bradford. If you would join me on the dias, Sir MacDougall will introduce us for a few short remarks and then we can retire to the Royal Residence.”

Both groups followed Arthur and Norris up onto the Dias and Sir MacDougall stepped up to the podium, “Royal Subjects of the Commonwealth of Great Britain, Citizens of the United States. Today two of the world’s oldest allies stand side by side before you committed to each other’s growth and prosperity. We, the subjects of the crown of England, and all its lands and titles have watched our younger sister nation become embroiled in a civil war brought on by greed and power. Her Majesty the Queen regent and your King have both committed the full weight and power of the Throne and all its subjects to the legitimate government of the United States of America under President Jack Bryce.” He paused as the crowd erupted in cheers. “Today your King and one of the most significant Military Leaders of the United States will meet to discuss how to bring this conflict to a swift end. Ladies and Gentlemen the King of England, Arthur.”

Arthur stood and waved to the crowd for a moment before they settled down.

“Ladies and Gentlemen and distinguished guests, thank you for joining us on this beautiful sunshine filled morning. Yesterday we received the news that the Former President of the United States Richard Ashwood was captured alive. That news makes this morning even more glorious

“I cannot even begin to relate to you how thrilled we are that this madman will face justice for the destruction he has brought upon his own country. I personally witnessed the atrocities committed by Ashwood and his administration on the very same people they swore to protect and defend. After returning from my tour of the United States I decided this cannot be allowed in any country and more specifically in a country whose roots are a part of our own history.

“SInce its inception the United States of America and the British Commonwealth have stood shoulder to shoulder in times of peace and in times of strife. That does not end today or tomorrow, the bonds between these two great empires cannot be broken by greed, sabotage or deceit. The People of the Commonwealth will be will steadfast in our loyalty to the people of our greatest ally.

“We are far from done, the war will not end with President Ashwoods capture but it is the pivotal moment in the ordeal. As the legitimate government of the United States continues to push back the foreign invaders, countless people are still displaced from their homes, are still going without food or water, or lacking heat as the winter months approach.

“I assure you her Majesty the Queen Regent and I are monitoring the situation and we have promised assistance to the forces and people under President Bryce. Throughout modern history the Commonwealth and the United States have been referred to as the world’s strongest alliance and today that rings true more than ever. We cannot…We will not, turn our backs on the people of the United States. We will not sit idly by and watch a government commit ruthless barbaric atrocities on its people.

“President Bryce, his administration and the United States Military have fought tirelessly to stop the spread of evil and to restore order to the nation. They have been working around the clock for almost a month straight with little to no sleep and the accomplishments they have made are no less than astounding. I would like to introduce to you one of the men that has been instrumental in the efforts to save the United States of America. A man who threw caution to the wind and rallied an entire army around him. Ladies and gentlemen it is my honor to present to you the commander of international task force Neptune, Vice Admiral Augustus T. Norris.”

The crowd applauded once again as Norris walked to the podium. He paused once again to shake the young king’s hand. He couldn’t help but think the this young man dressed in the uniform of a British Naval Cadet, looked like a commander. The two of them paused for a moment so the photographers could take pictures before The Admiral stepped up to the podium. The crowd cheered again He smiled and let them applaud.

“Your Majesty, special guests, people of British Commonwealth and citizens of the United States. To be up here with your King is very humbling for this old warrior.”

He paused and looked over at King Arthur “The amount of support we have received from you and your subjects, your Majesty, has been overwhelming and has only reinforced the strength of our alliance, yes we can truly call each other friends. We, the American people, are honored to have the People of the Commonwealth of the United Kingdom as our closest friends and allies. Without the support of your nation and its people we would be facing the darkest time in our history alone and uncertain, but with the weight of the Throne of the Greatest and Oldest Empire on earth behind us we cannot fail.”

He looked out at the gathered refugees. “To the United States’ citizens, here on Bermuda, I know you’re uncertain about your future. I know you have many questions. I cannot answer them for you at this time. We all face a great amount of uncertainty at this time. We don’t know how this will all unfold. We don’t know how long it will take to get you home. But there is one thing that is very certain – you will go home. I promise you that someday we will get you back to your homes. We will make sure our country is safe for your return. And I make this personal pledge to you, I will not stop, as long as this body is breathing I will fight for not just your safety but for your rights as free citizens. I will never allow someone to treat you as inferior because of which god you worship or because of who you love, or the color of your skin, or your ethnic heritage. I will use every last ounce of my strength to not only return the United States back to its former glory, but make her even more glorious by showing diversity is strength. Together we can return home and make our nation even stronger and more powerful not in spite of our differences, but because of them.”

The crowd roared and Norris reached over and shook the King’s hand as reporters and spectators both snapped pictures. A few minutes later they were in a motorcade headed to the Royal Residence. Norris sat across from the young King and smiled.

“Your Majesty, I had the pleasure of meeting your father many years ago when I was a young Naval Aviator. If you don’t mind me saying you bear a striking resemblance.”

“Thank you Admiral, you honor me.”

Norris smiled and shifted uncomfortably. “Sir they do not teach us protocol and etiquette in the Naval Academy about meeting members of the Royal Family so if I may, let me apologize now for any potential offenses I may commit.”

Arthur laughed, “Admiral, as I said your reputation precedes you. That reputation includes the fact that you speak your mind and don’t hold your tongue. I can respect that.”

“Thank you your Majesty. May I say I was impressed by your speech, you are a skilled orator.”

“Thank you Admiral. I have had the pleasure of hearing a few of your speeches, I could learn a little from you, I still get nervous when speaking in front of large groups.”

Norris chuckled. “You’d better get used to it son…I mean your Majesty, my apologies.”

The look of shock on Commander Myers face and Sir MacDougall was so obvious Arthur started to laugh.

“Admiral, no apologies required, we can relax a little here in a private setting. I have great admiration for you and want your honesty; to hell with the protocols.”

Norris leaned back and chuckled. “If my reputation precedes me, then you know ‘to hell with the protocols’ is my personal mantra.”

The King actually let out a loud laugh. “I like you already Admiral. Mark do you have the itinerary for the Admiral’s visit. Let’s go over that now so we can enjoy our afternoon tea.”

For the rest of the drive, the itinerary was reviewed and approved by both groups. They arrived at the Royal Residence and were shown into a parlor where Admiral Bradford was waiting with members of his staff. The King greeted everyone and excused himself so the two Naval commanders could talk.

As soon as he left the room both admirals unbuttoned their jackets and sat down. Both smiled at each other. Norris leaned forward. “James it’s a pleasure to see you again, it’s been what, 10 years?”

“About that, the last time we saw each other you and I were trying to get our pilots out of the bar in Portugal before the cops showed up.”

Norris laughed. “I still think your guys started it.”

“Hog Wash, your American bullies kicked up that mess.”

“We will never agree will we?”

Admiral Bradford laughed. “Nope never. So Aggy how can we help set this mess you all have gotten yourselves into, right?”

“The Illustrious and Queen Elizabeth are doing a damn fine job and Commodore Chase is second in command of the Task force. We are pretty set and know your primary purpose here is the security of Bermuda. The only thing I would ask is keep running some air patrols between here and the east coast.”

Admiral Bradford nodded. “John Chase is a damn fine officer, even if he does go a little rogue sometimes. Something he probably picked up from you American Cowboys. He should fit right in with you. The air patrol will be standard SOP, that we already planned. The First Sea Lord has given me permission to conduct air strikes for you and to assist in any way we can with the war as long we ensure Bermuda stays secure. If you get me a list of potential targets in the southern U.S. we can start hitting them by tomorrow.”

“That’s perfect, Myers will get you that list.” For the next two hours the two old friends discussed strategy and plans until the door opened and a steward interrupted them. “My apologies but tea with his Majesty is being served, your presence in the garden is expected.”

The officers all stood, straightened their uniforms and followed the steward out. During the walk to the garden, Admiral Bradford looked over at Aggy. “Oh Aggy, remember talking shop during tea is considered rude. Unless the King asks you a question, then it’s open game. But he has to ask first.”

“You guys have more rules than I could ever imagine.”

“That is because we are civilized and you are still barbarians.”

Norris laughed. “Touché James.”

Afternoon tea was entertaining for the Americans and Norris was surprised at how relaxed it was. He had expected tea with the King to be a formal affair.

Toward the end of tea the young King walked up and stood beside the American Admiral. “Admiral Norris, may I have a word in private please.”

“Of course your Majesty.” Norris turned and followed the King into a private sitting room and only sat after the King did.

“Admiral, I am scheduled to do a tour of military bases in Canada this week and am a bit nervous. I may be the King but these men and women are warriors. How can I, a 14 year old, tell these soldiers what to do and how to do it.”

Norris leaned back. “Your Majesty, welcome to the burden of command. No one in command should feel they deserve it. Command is an honor bestowed on you not by the graces of your position or rank but by the very men and women you command. None of us are better than the common soldier, they are the backbone of every military. They are the ones that actually get the job done, without them we are just a bunch of old men with a lot of tin on our jackets. Well most of us are old men.” Both the King and Admiral chuckled.

“Your Majesty if I may be frank?”

“Please do Admiral.”

“Your age has no impact, nor does the fact that you’re a man or if you were a woman. Your personal characteristic mean nothing to them. All the men and women of your army care about is do you actually care about them and if you always remember that you will honor them.”

Norris paused and smiled. “This is rather ironic but the burden of command was best explained by General Robert E Lee, commander of the rebel forces during our first Civil War. ‘Soldiering has one great trap. To be a good soldier you must love your army above all else. To be a good commander you must be willing to order the death of the thing you love so much. When you attack you must hold nothing back, you must commit yourself totally’.”

Arthur smiled. “For a rebel leader he was very wise.”

“He was considered to be one of the greatest leaders of his time. But not because he was a general or because of his age. He truly cared about every one of his soldiers, and they loved him for it. And when he ordered them to charge an entrenched enemy they marched across that open field in a small farm town in Pennsylvania, sharpshooters firing into the lines, cannons ripping them from limb to limb and the entire time they chanted his nickname ‘Bobby Lee’ and they marched to their death, unwavering in their loyalty to General Lee.”

Norris paused and took a sip of the water on the table. “Everyday I worry that I am ordering to death the very thing I love most. Everyday I expect to have to suffer the loss of more of my family.” Norris wiped a tear. “My apologies your Majesty. I am rather passionate about my command.”

The King of British Commonwealth shot up to attention and saluted the American Admiral. “You’re a true leader Admiral Norris. I can only hope to be half the leader of men your are sir…”

Norris stood and returned the salute. “Your Majesty you are a natural born leader, don’t try to lead your men, just do it.”

“If only it were that easy.” Author said softly.

0245 EST December 1 2012
USS Constitution
Mouth of the Delaware Bay

Admiral Norris stood on the bridge of the brand new warship while Captain Rosewood prepared to continue to engage the enemy forces in Newport News. The USS Fort Worth had moved close to shore and was monitoring the effect of the Constitution’s firing.

“Constitution this is Fort Worth, harbor is destroyed shift fire to air field, grid 102476”

“Grid 102476 roger, firing one round EM, ON THE WAY”

“God Damn Constitution, direct hit Fire for Effect. That’s a freaking beautiful site to see.”

“Roger, Fire For Effect”

Captain Rosewood patted his weapons officer on the shoulder “Weaps, continue to fire at 30 second intervals. When the fleet passes into the Chesapeake I want nothing left at Newport News.”

“Aye Captain.”

Rosewood turned to Norris. “The subs have already cleared the mouth of the bay and are slowly moving towards the Potomac.”

“Good work Ted, keep it up. This is a beautiful ship and what you have done with your crew in such a short time is nothing less than miraculous.”

“Thank you sir, but I must say it’s all them sir. Everyone here including myself are honored to serve on the USS Constitution.”

“And I am honored to have her and her crew and officers in my fleet. I have to get back to the Reagan. Tell your people I am proud and thank you for their hard work so far. We start the attack on Mount Weather in an hour. Stay here with your people I will find my way to the chopper.”

“Aye Sir.”

0350 EST December 1 2012
USS Ronald Reagan
Off the coast near Toms River New Jersey

The helicopter touched down lightly on the deck. Norris stood and poked his head into the cockpit. “Good to be back at the stick Major?”

“You have no idea Sir, thank you for this opportunity.”

“It may get boring ferrying my old ass around.”

“I doubt it sir; you always seem to find trouble.”

Norris shook his head. “Jesus… all I need is someone else checking up on me.” He turned around and followed Myers off the chopper.

Norris walked into the CIC. “What’s our status?”

Captain Miller looked up. “B-2’s just took off from Portland. I have Lancer squadron on them, Sabre and Black Knights squadrons are running strikes on targets near Pittsburgh PA, I have one French squadron supporting the Constitution’s attack on Newport News and the British squadrons are hitting targets near DC and Baltimore. I am hoping they will not expect the attack on Mount Weather.”

“How long until the B-2’s are on station?”

“About 30 minutes Sir.”

“And we have satellites?”

“Yes sir the French have moved one into position and are streaming the feed to us. It should be in position in about 15 minutes.”

“Ok, someone get me some coffee and we can sit back and watch the fireworks.”

An orderly ran off to get the Admiral the coffee. “Josh, how confident are we this will go off without a hitch?”

“Very confident sir. Colonel Graham says the B-2s will be in, drop their payloads and out before anyone even notices. They have it timed so each bomb will detonate in the same spot as the first, 10 seconds apart. These bombs will penetrate and destroy the bunker.”

“Good, let’s get this situation resolved.”

The orderly set the coffee down on the Admiral’s station. “Thank you Garrett, Petty Officer Jackson may I have a private word outside?”

Jackson smiled. “Of course sir.”

Jackson followed the Admiral out on the catwalk and handed him a cigarette. “Thank you Jackson, our guilty little pleasures will get the best of us.”

Jackson took a deep breath. “Looks like you could use the smoke sir.”

Norris took a drag and exhaled. “Jackson we have some of the toughest jobs in the world and only those of us that do these jobs really understand just how tough it is.”

Jackson looked over at the Admiral and smiled. “And yours is the toughest of them all Admiral, I do not envy you sir.”

Norris took another drag and spotted Lance Corporal Blevins start to climb the ladder on the catwalk. He smiled. “Ok time for me to get back inside.” He handed the unfinished cigarette to Jackson. “Let Blevins have it, no sense in wasting it.” He patted Jackson on the shoulder and walked back inside.

Miller looked up and smiled at the Admiral. “Everything ok sir?”

“Perfect, Jackson is taking care of something for me.”

“Of course sir. The satellite should be coming online any minute.” He reached into his pocket and handed the Admiral a mint.

Norris smiled, “Ok let’s see what we have here.”

They all watched as the image slowly came into view and started to focus. The above ground facility came into focus and Norris smiled. This is one issue that should be resolved pretty quickly.

He paused and pointed at the image. “What the hell is that?”

Miller looked up. “Get them to zoom in on quadrant 1A.”

The image blurred and refocused. “That’s a fucking missile launcher.”

Norris looked closer. “There’s a god damn missile on it. Get me a closer image now.”

The image blurred again and refocused. “Holy fuck that’s a goddamn old Nike missile. How far out are the B-2s?”

“19 minutes sir.”

“God damn, get targeting to the Jason Dunham I want a tomahawk firing solution.”

Payne looked up. “Sir the B-2s are going to get there faster.”

“Give me something to hit that thing now.”

“Sir missiles primary boosters are igniting. They are getting ready to launch.”

Norris looked at the big electronic board trying to come up with a solution. That was a fucking Nuclear missile about to launch. He grabbed the radio.

“USS Constitution this is Reagan actual emergency fire mission, Grid 390201. Missile launcher in the open. Targeting from satellite.” He turned and looked at Payne “Get the targeting uplink established now.”

“2 seconds sir.”

“Ronald Reagan this is Constitution, standing by for targeting uplink.”

“Got it sir. Sir you should know that’s an old missile, there is a high probability it will go critical upon impact from the rail gun.”

Norris paused for a minute. “I don’t have a fucking choice. Constitution, this is Reagan, fire when you have a solution.”

“Stand By Reagan…..On the way.”

Everyone watched the screen as they waited for the round to travel the distance. Norris looked over at Payne and Myers “Start notifying everyone including the White House we have a potential category 1 detonation at Mount Weather. Tell our fucking allies this is a secondary enemy weapon detonation.”

Miller almost shouted. “Sir impact in 5…4…3…2….1 Impact.”

Everyone paused as the giant cloud of dust from the hit obscured their view and then was quickly replaced with the fireball of the nuclear explosion. So bright that it momentarily caused the video feed to white out.. It was a brief second later, when the flash became tolerable to the electronics, that the dreaded mushroom cloud was seen to be forming. Norris and his team just stared at it. Within seconds alarms went off all over the CIC and Norris could hear the main loud speaker on the ship blare out. “Battle stations set condition 1 November, this is not a drill. Battle stations set condition 1 November prepare for nuclear attack. Battle stations.”

The CIC quickly became a hive of activity as everyone put on the NBC gear. Norris just stood watching it all. “Miller call those B2s back, get them the fuck away from there. Scramble the entire fleet out to sea now. Scramble all air assets. We all know the procedures stick to them and we will get through this. Somebody get the French and Brits to get us more satellite coverage. Myers send out a world wide notification this was a secondary explosion not a launch. All task force ships maintain nuclear defense posture. Jesus fucking Christ. Get me The President NOW!”

0425 December 1, 2012
USS Ronald Reagan
Atlantic Ocean off the Coast of New Jersey

“US Command this is USS Ronald Reagan, over.”

“This is US Command stand by for the President.”

“Ronald Reagan standing by.”

Norris looked over at Miller and Myers. “This should be interesting.”

“Aggy what the fuck is happening?” President Bryce’s voice was very clear through the radio.

“Mister President, as we were preparing for the airstrike on Mount Weather we identified an old Nike missile on a launcher in prelaunch mode. We engaged with the USS Constitution’s rail gun. The older systems do not have the safeguards we do today and the velocity of the rail guns payload caused the round to cook off and detonate the nuclear material.”

“Aggy do we know what they were aiming at.”

“We do not sir and the missile was in launch status so I did not risk the time to evaluate.”

“Good call, The State Department has been sending worldwide notifications, we are calling this a failed test by the Ashwood Administration. No one has increased nuclear posture I think it’s safe for us to stand down as well. But fuck that was a close call Aggy.”

“We seem to be living from close call to close call lately, sir.”

“What’s the next step, Aggy?”

“Sir, the B-2’s have refueled and are in route to make the attack.”

“Do we need to carry through with the air strike?”

“Sir, I intend to level that mountain. I don’t want to take risks of anything surviving. After the B-2s are done we are going to hit it with two more EM rounds from the Constitution.”

There was a momentary pause. “I agree. Are we sure this is the only stockpile of older manual nukes?”

“The only ones Ashwood was aware of.”

“That’s all we have to go on. Ok turn the mountain into a swimming pool Aggy.”

“Roger sir, USS Ronald Reagan out.”

Norris turned to Captain Miller. “You heard the President level that mountain.”

“Consider it done, Admiral. We will make a molehill out of the mountain.”

Norris cocked his head. “Smart ass. Let’s move the fleet back to the coast and stand down from nuclear posture.”

“Aye sir”

Norris looked at his watch. “Shit I have to fly to Boston in 4 hours for the Ashwood arraignment. I am going to grab a nap for a moment. Myers, come get me a couple hours before we leave. I also want to meet with the Special Agent in Charge about security before we get to the court house.”

Myers nodded. “I will make the arrangements sir.”

0945 December 1 2017
Naval Station Newport
Newport, Rhode Island

Norris walked into the temporary office of Special Agent Locke without knocking. Agent Locke quickly hung up the phone. “Admiral Norris, you’re a few minutes early.”

“I figured you have a lot to deal with so I just wanted to check in and get out of your way.”

“I appreciate that Admiral. I see your office changed the plan so that you and your security team are meeting President Ashwood on the steps of the court house.”

“That’s correct, is that a concern?”

“I have not vetted your people, Admiral.”

Norris sat down in the chair across from the Special Agent. “Locke, let me be clear. I have not vetted your people and my people I trust with my life. My Navy Seal team has the building on lockdown, the Australian SAS has the entire street cordoned off and my urban rangers have cleared every building with a sightline to the courthouse. We are transporting Mr. Ashwood by armored car, no one can touch him except someone from one of our teams. We have no choice but to trust each other.”

Agent Locke seemed worried. “It’s just against our protocol Admiral.”

Norris stood and smiled. “Sorry to be so blunt Agent Locke but deal with it.” He turned and walked out of the office and back to his waiting helicopter.

It was a short flight to Boston and Major Downs expertly guided the chopper between the tall buildings and landed it in the empty parking area adjacent to the Federal Courthouse. Norris’ team spilled out and he followed. Bucky and Captain King of the Australian SAS were waiting off to the side. Norris walked over to them.

“Everything secure Gentlemen?”

“Sir there isn’t a single person we have not screened in a one block radius. It helps that most of the civilians got the hell out of the city weeks ago.”

“Ok good, Now listen gentlemen, a lot of our people hate Ashwood and want to see him dead…”

Bucky cut him off. “Sir, sorry but we trust our people to set aside their personal feelings and do their job.”

“Okay Bucky I won’t say it then. Where is the media?”

“On the steps of the courthouse. They have been searched and understand if they step one foot out of the area we cordoned off for them they will be considered a threat and will be taken out. Most of these people are not used to dealing with Military so I think we may have frightened them a bit.”

Norris just stared at Bucky for a moment “Oh fuck, there will be hell to pay for that. How many times do I have to tell you not to scare the reporters, let’s go see if we can answer their questions, and I can make them feel all better…”

The three of the them with Norris’ staff and security team headed to the courthouse steps. As soon as they started to round the corner the Media spotted them and started shouting questions. Norris ignored them, walked up the steps and stood in front of them just waiting for them to stop shouting. Eventually they realized he was waiting for them and settled down.

“Thank you ladies and gentlemen. First I will make a short statement and then take some questions. In just a short time Mr. Ashwood will arrive to be arraigned, this is just a preliminary hearing to read the defendant the charges and ask him how he pleads. The Deputy US Attorney for the Massachusetts District, Chad Lowell will be the lead prosecutor. The Boston firm of Ropes and Gray will be representing Mr. Ashwood. Mr. Ashwood’s attorneys have not made a statement yet but the US Attorney’s office expects Mr. Ashwood to plead not guilty to all charges. Now I will take your questions.”

They assembled reporters started to shout all at once and Norris smiled and pointed at a young man towards the back. “Young man what is your question?”

Everyone stopped and turned to look at him. “Umm Admiral sir, Pete Starling, Providence Journal. First sir, I want to thank you for helping get equipment and supplies to get the Journal back in operation.”

“You’re welcome, I feel the press is an important part of our nation and right now we need the people of this country to know what’s going on. What question do you have?”

“Sir, is bail on the table?”

“The Judge will be hearing bail discussion today, However, I sent Judge O’Reilly a message stating that according to the National Defense Authorization Act as senior military commander in an active war theater, I can hold a treason suspect indefinitely. Mr. Ashwood will remain in protective custody. Ma’am do you have a question?” Norris pointed to an middle aged woman standing near the front.

“Admiral, Melissa MacCarter, BBC World News. Can you comment on the reported nuclear explosion in the Eastern United States this morning?”

Norris paused for a minute. “Early this morning in the predawn hours a nuclear detonation was detected in the mountains of West Virginia. We are conducting an investigation but early findings suggest this was a test of an older system by what’s left of the Ashwood Administration. This tells us they are becoming desperate and that may be considered a good thing, however it makes them extremely dangerous. Immediately following the explosion our records identified a small cache of older weapons at the Mount Weather Facility. We have since neutralized that facility and are doing everything we can to trace all other possible caches and eliminate them as quickly as possible. What is your question sir?”

“Admiral, Jake Redding, Seattle Times. There are reports of a major offensive in the midwest by Bryce loyal forces can you confirm this?”

“I cannot comment on current Military operations, I am sorry. Young lady what’s your question?”

“Admiral, Janet Wells, New York Times, Again thank you for getting the Times back into circulation. There have been reports of you forcing people to work without pay in factories in New England and some are calling you a communist.”

Norris laughed. “You know it’s pretty damn funny that I asked people to go back to work and help rebuild this country, yes without pay because let’s face it, there is nothing to pay anyone with except food and security. Keep in mind the men and women you expect to protect you and overthrow this traitorous regime have gone without pay for over a month now. Most of them have no news of their families or loved ones and yet every day they risk their lives to set this country right. I am not a communist! I am a patriot and I have asked people to help pull this country out of this darkness and everyone of them have agreed. Go tour the factories and power generation stations, the fishing fleets and farms of New England and ask them why they are working for free before we jump to conclusions, before this is all over we are going to ask a lot of all of you.

“Ah, here comes Mr. Ashwood’s Motorcade. He will not be allowed to stop and answer questions but I have agreed to allow him time with one reporter of my choosing this evening. Pete Starling of the Providence Journal will interview former President Ashwood this evening at a secure location. That is all.” Norris turned and walked away as the questions were shouted at him.

Norris went to the top of the courthouse steps, stood there and watched as the Bradleys, escorted by armed Humvees, pulled up in front of the courthouse. The MP’s quickly surrounded the motorcade and the Secret Service surrounded the Bradley carrying Ashwood. After a second, the rear door of the Bradley was opened and the Former President of the United States stepped down. He looked around, smiled and waved to the reporters like he was still on the campaign trail. The Secret Service detail surrounded him and began escorting him up the steps.

Norris watched Ashwood and couldn’t help thinking,“what a buffoon”. Just as they got about halfway up, Agent Locke stepped ahead a couple of steps looked at Norris, shook his head and then turned around and raised his MP-5 and fired directly into Ashwoods face. Norris felt someone tackle him to the ground as he heard a salvo of gunshots erupt amid screams from the press corp.

When he looked up his team had him surrounded and were all aiming their rifles at the Secret Service detail, as Ashwood and Agent Locke lay there bleeding on the courthouse steps.

Norris heard Lieutenant Cunningham yelling “Stand down or we will fire.” Norris nudged Private Block to get off him.

“Sir, stay down.”

“Block get the fuck off me right fucking now.” Norris practically pushed him off and stood up. “EVERYONE LOWER YOUR GODDAMN WEAPONS RIGHT NOW. THAT’S A FUCKING ORDER.” Norris strode out of the protective circle and walked right up to the Secret Service. “Gentlemen, you need to stand down. MP’s get the press corp out of here. Who is the agent in charge?”

A Secret Service agent lowered his weapon. “Sir that would now be me. Agent Anastio.”

“Agent Anastio, disarm your team and load Mr. Ashwoods body on the vehicle. Take it back to the choppers and back to the holding facility along with Agent Locke’s body. Disarm your team and consider yourselves under house arrest. Payne get me Daileass. MOVE PEOPLE! NOW!”

Everyone jumped and started to move. Agent Anastio collected his teams weapons and turned them over to the MP Captain. Norris stood there watching as they lifted Ashwoods body and loaded it into the vehicle.

Norris looked down at Agent Locke’s body as the agents came back to retrieve it. Agent Anastio stopped and looked up at the Admiral. “Sir, I didn’t know, none of us did.”

“Agent Anastio we will get to the bottom of this I promise.”

Norris turned and looked at his staff. “Where is the press?” Myers stepped forward with a 9mm in her hand. “Over by your chopper sir. We can move them if you want.”

“Nope let’s go talk to them.” Norris marched around the corner as Bucky and Captain King came running up. Norris waved them down and watched them step back as he approached the media.

They began shouting questions as he walked up. “Shut up and listen for a minute I don’t have time to fuck around. The only information I have is Senior Special Agent in Charge, Gerald Locke of the United States Secret Service, fired on and took the life of Former President Ashwood. At this time we do not know the reason for this action or if he was working alone. The Secret Service detail assigned to Former President Ashwood has been disarmed and is under house arrest until we conduct a complete investigation. That’s all I have and any questions you shout at me will be ignored so don’t bother.” Norris turned and marched to his waiting chopper. He was surprised that not a single question was shouted at him as he walked away.

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