The Day America Died Trilogy Read online

  Davi Gold – Aaron’s daughter. Says she is an ex-Israeli Mossad agent. Falls for Zack, but has to move on to complete her mission in the USA.

  Aaron Gold – Davi’s father, 55 and an ex- Israeli military pilot. Retired and had a large farm in southern Illinois. He became Zack’s mentor.

  Sharon Gold – Davi’s mother and a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois.

  Lynn Drake - Ex-girlfriend of Mike’s. Now Roger’s girlfriend and part of Zack’s community.

  Bert Alford – Daviess County Sheriff and Zack and Mike’s friend.

  Chuck Taylor - Sheriff’s Deputy. A friend with Zack and his team. Becomes Joan’s boyfriend. Killed by Prescott’s men in book II.

  Ally Stone -Woman rescued by Mike when the SHTF. She has two kids, Paul and Susie. Becomes Zack’s live in girlfriend. Zack marries her at the end of book II

  Paul Stone – Ally’s son and becomes very helpful on the farm. Becomes Callie’s boyfriend and then husband at the end of book II.

  Todd – Social worker, who goes berserk, becomes the leader of a gang that takes over Anderson, Kentucky. Never gets a last name.

  Alan Prescott – Owner of a worldwide company that hires out mercenaries and high-risk security guards. Ready for TSHTF and uses his men to expand his power.

  President Laura Hardy – Became president when the president and most of our governing body was killed during the attack. Senator from Texas.

  Forrest Hogg – Widower with three kids. Had been a teacher in Mississippi when he joined Zack’s team. He and Joan become close.

  Chapter 1 - The United States of America

  Office of the President

  The United States of America

  Undisclosed location

  The Secretary of State said, “Madam President, we can’t tell the people the truth about how bad the situation has become. The truth will cause widespread panic and chaos.”

  “George, what we have now is panic and chaos. The citizens that have survived have had 21 of their cities wiped off the face of the earth, over 150 million of their friends and relatives died and are starving around a campfire as we speak. I think they already know that we aren’t coming to rescue them. We have to give them the facts and keep up the survival tips program over the radio. I will not lie to our people as the past two administrations have.”

  “Jill, give us an update on the talking points.”

  “Madam President, they are:

  1. Our military forces have retaliated against the North Koreans. We have decimated their military and, we believe, eliminated their entire military manufacturing infrastructure. We have also eliminated their nuclear capability, their entire government, to include command and control infrastructure.

  2. The U.S. and Israel retaliated against the Iranians by again destroying their military, government and all known military manufacturing facilities. Israel has destroyed the entire country with approximately 17 nuclear devices.

  3. Israel used nuclear bombs against Pakistan, Moscow, Beijing, Lebanon, Syria, Libya…Madam President; the list contains 17 more targets. Ultimately, they attacked every one of their enemies before incoming nuclear weapons ended their struggle.

  4. Israel was hit with 10 nuclear devices and no longer exists as a nation. We have evacuated nearly 250,000 Israeli citizens two days before the attack.

  “Sorry, but I disagree. We could have saved twice that amount if the president had authorized the mission. He placed his trust in the Iranians. Now go ahead.”

  Madam President, I do not think we need to tell our citizens that this was done by our military against the orders of the president.”

  “Jill, while I understand your position, and appreciate your desire to shield the American population, I must disagree. Our people have had enough lies from its government. The two former administrations, I believe, put the United States on a collision course to this disaster. They have sown the seeds of near total worldwide destruction, and now we have reaped the whirlwind.

  The lies end here, and now. Please proceed, Jill.”

  “Yes, Ma’am, of course.

  “5. Twenty-one major US cities were destroyed during the attack and 95% of our electrical grid is down.”

  6. Approximately 50% of our military survived the initial attacks. Unfortunately, the predominance of our foreign-based forces was caught up in the maelstrom. At this time, we have only been able to retrieve the Air and Naval Forces. There have been no communications with any of our deployed Army personnel since the attacks.

  We are currently engaged in combat operations on two fronts.

  Along the border with Mexico from Texas to Arizona, we are actively combating several Drug Cartels.

  We are also engaged in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. It appears that a sizable Russian Force, consisting of an estimated three Divisions, from the 33rd Siberian Army is attempting to start their own country at our expense. This cannot end well for them as their supply trains have dried up, and we can simply attrite them. Time, for once, is on our side.

  7. We are pushing the Cartels back into Mexico on the southern front.

  The action along our southern border will be over by spring.

  As we are currently at war with the Russian Confederation, the incursion onto sovereign United States lands places us in a political conundrum.

  The Russian Confederation no longer exists, and those former Russian Divisions are technically nothing more than rogue elements.”

  “Jill, enough with the political correctness, already! If it looks like a pile of shit and smells like a pile of shit, you should be able to recognize it as a pile of shit.

  I want everyone in this room to realize, full well, that I believe political correctness to be one of the major contributing factors, which have led us to this point in time.

  I’m a country girl; PC is dead. I will no longer tolerate it. I warn each and every one of you not to piss on my leg and tell me it’s rainin’. Do I make myself clear?”

  A chorus of predominantly enthusiastic, “Yes, ma’am’s,” flew around the table, as those present realized that they had a real President of the United States, and not just another politician.

  The President stood and said, “Good. We no longer have time, patience or consideration for hurt feelings. People, we are at war with two factions on U.S. soil, and a country to rebuild. So, in the words of one of my favorite comedians, The Cable Guy, let’s ‘Git ‘er dun’!

  Jill, again, please proceed.”

  “Yes, ma’am, returning to the conflict areas, our forces are gathering for a final push to eliminate, once and for all, the drug cartels of southern Mexico. With your permission, we will chase them across the border and into Mexico to put an end to their reign of terror.

  Ma’am, at the chance of sounding overly harsh, I would add that, with your permission, it would be the mission of our forces to kill every single one of them. They will be given no quarter, meaning no prisoners.”

  Showing a sinister smile, the President said, “I want to make it clear to everyone that no other option will be entertained from this office. Kill them all then kill their pet goat. Any precious metals or valuables found in their possession will be brought back to the U.S. as the spoils of war.

  NO! I do not want to hear about that being property of Mexico. That craphole is not now, nor has ever been a friend of the U.S. Am I clear on this?”

  Now, everyone at the table displayed that same sinister grin. It was not going to end well for the drug cartels.

  “Thank you, Madam President, I would also add that to secure our borders we build a wall similar to that built by the Italians in Ethiopia during the 1930s. Should this be a plan you may be interested in, I can have the Corps of Engineers present a detailed plan in 72 hours.”

  “Excellent, Jill, you may proceed.”

  “And now, Madam President, for the bitter pill; Agenda Item number 8: All of our resources are engaged in the two wars and helping the remaining Port Cities
in the Northeast and California. We must reopen trade routes with the world, and at better deals that we have had in the past.

  Sadly, the rest of the country may have to fend for themselves for several years.”

  The President thought for a moment before replying, “We will tell the truth, and not hide anything from the people. John, I know we don’t have much food to spare, but can we supply weapons and training to responsible citizen groups to help them defend themselves and eliminate the criminal elements roaming around the country killing and looting.”

  “The short answer is that we have ammunition, weapons, and extra vehicles to supply over roughly 1,000,000 soldiers but we have to find a way to ensure that the groups to be armed are both capable and willing to defend themselves.

  I am convinced that way too many will expect the government to carry their water. If we arm them, we will only end up arming criminals when they take those weapons away from the sheeple of this nation, and that we must not do. Any criminal organization capturing those weapons and vehicles will become nearly invincible in their area of operations.”

  Concerned, the President asked, “Am I correct in understanding that you oppose arming the populace to combat criminals?”

  “Oh, no ma’am, not at all. My point is that we must only arm those communities that have already demonstrated a history of defending their homes and families. Let’s make the strong, stronger. This will enable those communities to not only prevent the incursion of bandits but may enable them to take the fight to the bad guys.”

  “General, should we be concerned that local self-defense forces may become the very element we wish to eliminate. I mean, how do we prevent them from subjugating weaker settlements through aggression?”

  The General stood, and replied, “Madam President, should we embark upon this operation, we accept that it is entirely possible that we open yet another Pandora’s Box. I wish I had the perfect answer for you, but there it is.”

  “General, I would like you to take charge of this mission. Develop your team, and get back to me with a proposal one week from today. I would also like an update on the viability of each state’s remaining government, to include the State National Guard.”

  “Yes, Madam President.”

  “Thank you all for your input. I must now go practice my speech to be ready by 1900. May God bless the USA!”

  ***

  The Water Reservoir

  I yelled, “Hurry up with the popcorn. I don’t want to miss the president’s speech tonight.”

  Zack, “I’m popping as fast as I can with a pan and a propane camping stove. Darn, I miss my microwave.”

  “Darling, why aren’t you using the microwave in the trailer?”

  “I’m trying to save the gas for the generator for something more important.”

  “Mom, stop talking and pop faster. Callie and I are the only ones without popcorn, and the President starts in ten minutes,” shouted Paul.

  The popcorn was finished in time, and they all sat at the picnic tables around the radio. This was a weekly ritual since the first broadcast several weeks ago.

  The President started on time and after the Pledge of Allegiance began covering her talking points.

  There was cheering and a round of applause when she mentioned the retaliation against Iran and North Korea.

  There were tears when she stated that Israel was a lethal radiation zone and shock when she said that there was no help coming for the middle of the country for the foreseeable future. As always, she ended her presentation asking the country to pull together for survival and then the Lord’s Prayer.

  ***

  Presidential Compound

  Undisclosed Location

  The President watched as the camera crew, radio crew and her staff left the production room. She saw General John Keene walk across the room and said,” John, would you please come to my office for a minute?”

  “Yes, of course, Madam President. I’ll follow you there.”

  “How is your family doing? I know you had to travel up to Virginia to rescue them.”

  “They are fine now. The kids and I are still grieving over the loss of my wife’s parents, but otherwise, they are okay.

  As you know, I lost my wife to cancer ten years ago. How are you Madam President? I know that you have also suffered personal loss.”

  “I’m holding up under the circumstances. My fiancée died in DC and my parents in New York. I was eaten up with anger and wanted retaliation. We nuked a lot of innocent people to get the traitors to humanity, and that will be with me forever.”

  “Madam President…”

  “John, please call me Laura in private. It will keep me from getting a big head. I need your help and advice.”

  “Of course, Laura, what can I do to help?”

  “Let’s discuss that when we can make sure we have privacy.”

  “All right, Laura, I’ll arrange for your office to be swept for electronic bugs immediately. Shall we reconvene here in, say, one hour?”

  The President stood, offered her hand and said, “General, why don’t we have lunch while your people conduct their sweep.”

  The current home of the US Government is the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They entered the President’s office and sat on the couch across from her desk.

  “Madam President, I believe this room is clean.

  Before we begin with your agenda, may I ask if you have decided on a permanent location for our new capital? You know that I am pushing for it to be located near a large military installation for security reasons.”

  “That’s one of the topics that I want to cover with you. I agree with your concern and assessment. Please formally present your proposal for a temporary site, at the next Primary Staff Briefing, and that’s where it will be until we have this nation in the firm grip of recovery, and have ended hostilities.”

  “Laura I strongly suggest Fort Bragg, Fort Benning, or Fort Gordon, with Fort Gordon being my personal preference. We need to close down many of our, now excess installations, so we can consolidate our forces. Due to the training infrastructures, those three must never be closed.”

  “John, I agree and will approve your recommendation for Augusta, Georgia to be the temporary home of our government. However, please keep the site confidential you make the recommendation at the next staff meet up.

  The full Congress of the U.S. should be involved in making the final decision on a permanent location.”

  “John, I inherited most of my cabinet from the former president and let’s say that many of them do not see things the way I do. I am demanding a strong military, and they want to draw back from the fight and give up land for peace with the Russian terrorists and Mexican drug lords.

  John, with your support, I intend to initiate Martial Law and wrestle near dictatorial powers to the Executive Branch.

  At this time in history, we cannot afford to be weak, especially in the eyes of the world. I will be replacing all liberal members of my Cabinet and Legislative Branch office holders, I believe that the War Powers Act and Martial Law grants the President the authority execute this action. I need to know if the military is behind me.”

  “Madam President, all of the branches of the military expected you to do this and it is our intention to support you. However, please know that when the day comes when these extreme powers are no longer required, the military will no longer support such actions and, as defined in the Constitution, will take action as necessary to return to a Constitutional Republic. Are we agreed on this?”

  “General, I absolutely agree with your stance.”

  It would be a major mistake to give up our land to terrorists, who will only come back for more. And, the Joint Chiefs will be happy to recommend replacements for your cabinet positions.”

  “Thanks for the support, and the recommendations. Do you think retired General Joe Phillips would like to become Secretary of Defense and Lt. Col. Roger McNabb Director of Hom
eland Security?”

  “Yes, and they will do a great job. I’ll set up a meeting with them for you.”

  “John, I want a strong military presence when I ask for the resignations and especially when I kick Feinstein out. I fear he will orchestrate a coup attempt. Some of his top men are very loyal to him.”

  “Laura, we already have your back, and you are right. The CIA approached me yesterday with the same concerns. The CIA and NSA are solidly behind you.

  However, we feel that the head of the FBI must also be replaced. He is loyal but very weak, and incompetent.

  The CIA thinks that the Secretary of State and Director of Homeland Security are trying to stir up support for a coup against you. The Director thinks he should be the president because you have no experience. Madam President, I assure you the military will not let this happen.”

  “Damn, I felt something like this might happen. Do you have enough proof to arrest them?”

  “Not yet. You should consider firing the entire cabinet and reappoint the ones you trust. I will have troops stationed to enforce the firings and stop any potential coup.”

  “Thanks, John, I knew that I could depend on you.”

  “Thank you, Laura, for the confidence.”

  “We must get this political crap over quickly, or we will never get started helping our people recover.”

  “Laura, we are receiving more good reports than bad ones concerning the state of our recovery. Sure there are criminals killing and looting, but there are many more communities taking charge of their own recovery.”

  ***

  The Water Reservoir

  Ally jumped into our bed, snuggled up close to me and placed her cold feet against my legs to get warm.”

  “Holy shit! Did you just take your feet off a block of ice? I had plans tonight, but you just froze everything.”

  “I’ll bet I can warm you back up.”

  “Not until those feet warm up a bunch.”