“There is one other thing I think both Arlen and Arthur have missed. When this gets out there are going to be countries that take stock of their abilities to care for their populace. Many will come to the conclusion they simply don’t have the wherewithal to meet the demands like we can. For example, China can’t feed it’s people now, the United States, being the breadbasket of the world…will look awfully tempting. We had better get our house in order before we announce anything to anybody. It may be nationalistic, but I’m really not willing to sacrifice my own nation on the risky possibility of saving someone else’s.”
“Admiral, you really think the Chinese would invade the United States?” Secretary Cantwell asked.
“If you recall in the middle of the first decade, Mr. Secretary, the Chinese began securing oil imports from all over the world to support their exploding economy. It was their aggressive activity in that area that started the dramatic rise in oil prices. They would stop at nothing to get that oil. And they will stop at nothing to secure food for over a billion and a half people. Don’t forget not only China would be looking at us with envious eyes, but India has over a billion souls to feed as well. Both have huge, well trained armies, and both are nuclear powers. No, I adamantly oppose early disclosure. Get the redeployment done and let General Hanken implement his survival plan.”
“All of you have valid arguments for and against,” the President said. “At this point I think it best we maintain our stance on nondisclosure. When we feel we have repositioned ourselves from a military standpoint and can provide for the security of the nation, then I’ll feel more comfortable revisiting this issue. And as for my conscience, Arthur, well…I was elected to make hard decisions. This one’s just bigger than most.” The President stood. “Thank you, all, for your input.”
Alex eased the jet in for a smooth landing at the Executive Airport and taxied to hangar nine as instructed by the tower. Mitch Reilly, airport manager, was standing, waiting with his hands shading his eyes as the turbines whined to a stop just short of the hangar opening. Alex and Curt went through the shutdown checklist and met him at the exit doorway of the jet.
Alex shook hands with the man, trying not to rush him. He was feeling the clock ticking right down to his bones. “I understand you have something for me?”
Reilly nodded to the hangar behind him. “This is your private hangar, paid ahead for three months. General, I received this package last week from none other than Howard Carney, the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Am I right that he’s just one step away from being the top dog right?”
“That’s correct.”
“Wow. Well, Howard put a note on here it says, this is an open contract for services, you bill it, General Hanken signs it, and we will wire the funds in ten days to an account you specify, no questions asked. In all my years as an airport manager I have never seen such a contract. You must be doing something real special for DOD.”
Alex winced. He was going to have to let Howard know he needed to have a flunky make arrangements if he wanted to remain inconspicuous.
“Mitch, “he said, “listen, there are some things I’ll need. I’ll try to give you a 48 hour notice when I plan to fly, but there will be times when an issue comes up suddenly. I can see needing a one hour turnaround. So I want a Level 2 ground maintenance preflight check performed each time I land, struts, rudders, brakes, fuel pump and oil pumps, hydraulic lines, avionics integrity and an environment system check.”
“Wow again. I’d have to put two mechanics on the plane.”
“Bill it, and I will sign it.”
Mitch ran his eyes over the plane with a look that Alex usually reserved for women.
“This is a real beauty a new C-21 Lear, now I realize it’s not the A-10 you’re used to, General, but you didn’t have leather seats, a refer, and a coffee maker in you’re A-10.”
“True. Besides, people had a tendency to shoot at me in the A-10. In my old age I’ve decided to take it a little easier.”
“And you deserve it. By the way do you want to keep your King Air in its old hangar?”
“Yeah, that’ll do for now. See you later Mitch.”
Alex and Curt took separate taxis to their homes. Curt needed to get hold of Cynthia as soon as possible. Alex immediately called Dr. Chenowith to set up a meeting. She was on another call so he left a message for her to call him. Next he called Pete Cernak at the BLM in Coeur d’ Alene and set up an appointment.
He was packing some fresh clothes when a small black telephone next to his bed—his new secure phone—rang. Alex Han—“
“Why the hell didn’t you call sooner? Don’t you know the world’s coming to an end?”
“Dr. Chenowith, I presume?”
“That question wasn’t a joke. I’ve been waiting for your call for three days now.”
“I’m sorry, but I only heard about you yesterday, and I’ve been a little busy since then. You’re not at the top of my punch list.” He said it before he recognized the pun, then decided he didn’t mind the pun a bit.
“So General Hanken— it is General isn’t it?”
“Yes Dr. Chenowith— it is Dr. isn’t it?”
“General, I fear we have gotten off to a bad start.”
“You think? I would have hung up a long time ago, but we have a job to do, and I’m willing to put up with a lot to get it done.”
“Ah, now that’s the stuff of a military hero. That Silver Star and all those other medals they must be a heavy burden to bear.”
“No more so than this conversation Dr. Chenowith.”
There was a long pause. “I like you. You dance well.”
“Terrific. When can we meet?”
“Pick me up at my office in Building Six room 122. I’ll take us to a quaint place that is secluded and private, where we can talk without fear of being overheard.”
“Perfect. See you tomorrow Dr. Chenowith.”
Alex hung up the phone and sank into his easy chair. With the world ending he didn’t need a caustic, intellectual prima donna. What next? Would they ask him to establish a run away teen safe house?
Well he had other things to worry about. Like how to keep the neighbors from suspecting something was up…he didn’t want the Wilsons to spend the next few years in involuntary detention. Also his investment portfolio would need to be liquidated, leaving enough cash in the bank to pay bills and living expenses. The rest should go into gold, platinum, silver and diamonds. But, then again maybe that would all be for nothing. If people were struggling for food, they weren’t going to care about Kruggerrands. He would call Howard for any suggestions, or if there were any prohibitions against accumulating precious metals since he had inside information about a future event.
After reading the detailed instructions left by the technicians, he picked up the secure phone—and how did they install it without the neighbors noticing? They put a high gain microburst dish on his roof for God’s sake! He began to realize that standard operating procedures were no longer in effect. He speed dialed Howard.
“Howard.”
“Hey Alex, I see you are on your secure line, those guys work fast.”
“Yeah, listen, this may sound crass but I was wondering…. I have a substantial portfolio.”
“We know.”
“Of course. But given what is on the horizon I was considering moving into precious metals, I mean taking physical delivery. Would that present a problem?”
“Alex you have a fabulous