Bjjonesmylife. Book 2

The White House guardians wouldn’t allow a big flat screen to be placed on the wall because of the historical pictures and paintings. They said it was because of all the tour groups that were given permission to walk in and look at the President’s historical desk.

But they did install a screen that dropped down from the ceiling and a ceiling projector with a pedestal camera that would show me to be able to do an MTAC or VCATS.

I pressed the buttons to make it all work. As soon as the screen went live I was looking at Andy, Vicky, Ching Lee and Major Aaron Purcell. Aaron was the commander in charge of operations for the Middle East contract.

”We just sank six Iranian gunboats and shot down one of their helicopters,” the Major said.

”Boats 11, 14, 9, 12 and 16 were escorting the Argentine flagged tanker Fernando II through the strait to the Manama oil terminal. There were eight Iranian fast boats today. The Iranians have been playing cat and mouse for the last several days to gauge our response to their maneuvers.”

”Today with their games they slammed into two of our boats and tried to board both of them in international waters. The boarders were killed right off and that was the start of the attack. As per our orders all systems were online and ready to go at the first sign of trouble. The other Iranian boats started firing, fire was immediately returned.”

”Missiles sank two of the standoff boats immediately. They were half a mile away but were firing heavy machine guns at our ships once the firing started. The other four Iranian boats were too close for missiles but the M242 chain guns and the quad 50s made short work of them. Those that tried to run, the rockets sank.”

”Their other two fast boats hightailed back to their base. We have prisoners; some will not survive their injuries. Ten are healthy and furious at being captured.”

”We have four men seriously injured, several more with minor injuries. The boats have plenty of bullet holes in them, one had a small fire that the systems extinguished. All are still in service,” the Major said.

”I am loading the videos onto the server now, it should be done in a minute or two,” he said.

”Video?” I asked.

”I decided that all the boat crews would have helmet mounted Go-Pro cameras for training and mission review,” Vicky said. ”I guess I forgot to tell you.”

”Andy, your response?” I said.

”There were twelve fast ships at the dock in Israel waiting on the six from Texas to arrive. I ordered them to proceed on to the gulf to reinforce the sites,” Andy said.

”I ordered Robbie to load four more UH 60 Blackhawks in a C5 with the weapons pods and mechanics to assemble and check them out. I also sent hardware with the pilots; they will be on the way by noon,” Vicky said.

“I’m going to send an additional fifty men who we have here with the C5,” Andy said.

”Our inured men should be at the Dubai hospital by now; the injured Iranians in cuffs with guards. The prisoners are in cells at the Abu Dhabi base.”

”See if the Israel manufacturer will send a team to fix the holes and check out the ships,” I said.

”Looks like you have it under control. I don’t have to tell you to be prepared for retaliation including a missile attack or an ops team,” I said.

The Navy people were standing at the door so I waved them in just as the computer announced that it had files.

There were five files, one for each boat. Each file had the cameras from each of the twelve crewmen.

We watched as the Iranians approached, jockeyed into position and then slammed into the side of four of the JBG boats with a six man boarding party on the stern.

It wasn’t much of a battle; my men did not hesitate to open fire and continue until the Iranian boats were sinking. The Iranian helicopter arrived a few minutes after the battle and started to join in with machine guns, only to be shot down with a Hellfire missile. It exploded in the air.

We watched all the film clips without anyone saying anything. Finally we had seen them all.

“Let’s go the meeting room where we can sort all this out,” I said.

I called Connie in to take notes for the official record.

”I don’t know what to say,” General Ingram said.

”I don’t want you to say anything. It is a JBG problem to deal with at this time. Unless they attack a US government installation, flagged ship, or assets, WE are not getting involved. Congress would have us all hung on the conflicts of interest and a host of other charges,” I said.

”Now we know they are following the intercepted plan and will attack our assets at some point in time. Sooner rather than later,” I said.

”Now fill me in on the carrier problem,” I said to the Chief of Naval Operations.

”The Fordson and Kennedy will not be participating, another eighteen months at the earliest on the Fordson. Twenty four to thirty six on the Kennedy. Nor will the Stennis participate, it doesn’t have enough fuel left in the rods for an extended tour. Something close, short and quick maybe,” he said.

”They are saying the Truman will be the first completed in four months. The next will be the Washington in six to eight months and will need crew and training, so a year at least.”

”The Eisenhower in four months and the Bush could be nine months, depending on sea trials – then training,” the Admiral added.

”So you are telling me that the only sure carriers would be the Truman and Eisenhower, because of manpower shortages at the shipyard,” I said.

”Just how many people are working at Newport News shipbuilding?” I asked.

”They say twenty thousand,” he said.

”So all those are working on the construction of the new ships,” I said.

”Mr. Secretary and General Ingram, come with me to the Oval Office for a minute. Gentlemen, we will be back in a couple minutes with orders for you,” I said. Connie followed.

”Looks like I have some drastic actions to take based on what happened this morning. Don’t you agree?” I said.

”Yes and I’m glad you are making the decision and not me,” the General said with Herman Payne agreeing. Herman Payne was the Secretary of Defense.

I told them of my plan. It took thirty minutes to explain it, what I wanted and why. They finally agreed with it.

” Let’s go deliver the bad news to the Navy.”

”As of today I and ordering all work halted on the Fordson, Kennedy and Enterprise. I am ordering a hold on the construction of the fourth and fifth carriers pending cancellation. If the problems with the new design cannot be corrected quickly, they will be canceled,” I said.

”Move all the employees from the halted construction to start working on the Truman, Washington, Eisenhower and Bush twenty four seven. I expect the Truman and Washington to be fully seaworthy and battle ready in two months. I expect the Eisenhower and Bush to be the same in four months,” I said.

”In the meantime, find an engineering group to figure out how to refuel the Stennis without cutting seven decks out in four locations taking four years. There has to be a way lift the cover off the reactor and move it out of the way to put in new fuel rods that can be done in months and not years. There should be more than enough manpower to make that happen,” I said.

”I don’t have to tell you to strip whatever crew and aircraft off the Stennis, Fordson and Kennedy to bring the other ships to full status,” I said.

”Then and only then as those ships are completed they can go back to work on the Fordson and Kennedy but not on the last two ships. Maybe by then the engineers will have answers to the problems. If not, cut the electromagnetic crap out and replace it with cable or hydraulics that we know works, but get it done,” I said.

”Don’t forget about the logistics to keep all this at sea.”

I thought the Navy people were going to fall out in the floor.

”General Ingram tomorrow is the Air Force’s turn in the barrel. Notify them please. I hope they are prepared to answer my questions,” I said.

Back in the Oval Office I read stacks of notes. I was glad a note was on a nine by eleven sheet with plenty of room for me to respond. Others required a phone call or email.

Another stack had appeared on my desk while I was dealing with the Navy. I could barely look over it; it was the budget. It was due by the end of the month, having been postponed repeatedly by continuing resolutions.

It was due just five days before I had to give the State of the Union address too!

Those in the industrial military complex against the change would broadcast the orders anyhow, putting my administration in position to defend the change. There would be counterpoints to guarantee nothing would interfere with their profits, not even faulty engineering or workmanship or pipe dreams of Congress. I had a week to write an hour speech for that.

Troy, Connie, and General Ingram helped me write up the orders for the navy. We decided that a press release was necessary.

By releasing a statement, I hoped that I would be on the offense. Connie hand delivered it to Harry. A courier delivered a copy to the chairman of the Armed Services Committee of both the Senate and House. It was signed by all the important people.

”After two days of intense meetings in the White House with the Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs about the backlog of repairs to the East Coast carrier fleet that has resulted in no carrier task force available for assignment.”

“The President has issued to following orders and directives.”

”All work is to be suspended on the Fordson, Kennedy and Enterprise with construction work on the fourth and fifth Fordson class carrier to be halted pending cancellation of the ships. The decision on cancellation will be made after sea trials, including aviation launch and recovery cycles, weapons systems and reliability of new and experimental systems and finally shock testing of the Fordson.”

”The workforce at Newport News Ship Building ( NNSB) is to be redirected to complete the necessary repairs to the Truman, Washington, Bush and Eisenhower under a twenty four – seven work format to clear the backlog of repairs and put these ships back at sea and in normal tour duty rotation. And above all, available for expedited assignment.”

”NNSB shall expedite refueling of the Stennis and overhaul as necessary allowing engineering groups further time to evaluate the problems with the Fordson class of ships.”

”The funding for repairs to these ships was approved in previous budgets and the pending budget with the work delayed because of dry dock availability. These orders change the priority of repairs based on the projected short and long term needs of the Navy and National threats.”

I was glad I had kept President Thomas’s staff. I had a lot to learn on how all those official documents needed to be worded.

Of course Congress jumped ten feet straight up, claiming they were not privy to the discussions, demanding hearings and immediate face to face meetings with the Navy, the Secretary of Defense and finally, ‘Just who in the hell does she thinks she is.”

Marcy flew over in one of the 406s. Ching Lee and Vicky decided it was best if they stayed close to the office given today’s issues with Iran. I agreed.

Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.

It was early enough that Marcy could still get the big room at the Seafood Inn. The girls decided that we were going there with the family. The Secret Service was going to have another fit.

A fit they did have, I finally told them they could go with us and have surf and turf or stay at the house and have cold sandwiches.

Marcy had reserved the large room so there was plenty of room for all – including the agents – and the extras that I needed to get used to. Those extras were the White House official photographer and someone to document every person I talked to and every word I said – if they could get close enough.

I needed to have Robert scan my things to see if the agency had planted any bugs on me or any of my things.

It was 2200 when I finally got home, the boys were in bed a few minutes later. I ran all the Secret Service agents out of my living quarters and to their own assigned areas or their rooms, whatever the case might be.

The girls and I settled in the hot tub where the water noise made it hard for people to listen in, after we put the boys to bed.

For an hour I listened as Marcy, Ching Lee and Vicky filled me in on the things that happened today. Tonight covered the highlights, tomorrow we would get into the details.

All of us wanted intimate time as a group. We met in my and Jenny’s room. We had the super king bed and by snuggling close we could all comfortably fit. We had done it so much we had it down to a science, then talking about our needs, our fears and feelings and love for each other.

Sunday morning was another new experience. The Secret Service was again beside themselves. All the other presidents had maids, butlers, servants and cooks they could investigate to give their blessings to. The President or wives never did clothes, or cleaning.

The senior agent was flabbergasted when he came in and we were already eating. Oh my, there were plates of food on the table. Had an agent watched it being prepared? Was there an official food taster to see if it had been poisoned? Had the kitchen been inspected by the health department?

I wondered why none of this mattered when I was VP? It was my food and my kitchen and it had not killed me yet. I could see there were going to be more issues going forward.

Early Monday morning at 0400 I met my hunting group at the end of Sawyers Road. It dead ended at the bay front farm Jason and Dad had rented first for just the hunting rights. The second year Jason and Dad rented the farm land with it; all two thousand acres of it. They made sure corn was planted all around the blinds.

From the point one could look across Harpers Creek and see our marine terminal four miles away in the distance.

Curtis Warren and I were early – before any of the others arrived – so we were sipping coffee when they did. Justice Burger and Judge Faraday arrived together. Troy, VP Harrison and Ben Smith were together.

Of course there were two more vehicles; one for the media group and one for Secret Service agents. They were all in for a surprise. The gator was going to carry us to the blinds and drop us off. There was no room in the blinds for all that group. One media person and one Secret Service agent were all that I was going to allow along with the two guides.

The guide carried us to the blinds that were over to the far side of the property. The media were really out of luck if they thought long range lens would work. They were left with pictures of the group loading up and when we came back, whatever the official photographer decided to share.

It was a long hunt, much longer than the one the other day. We had to wait out three flocks of geese to get our limits. I waited until the others made their shots before I shot. I wanted to make sure my guests had a good day. With the ten gauge magnums, I had an extra fifteen yards range on them and made it work.

It was noon when the guide called the gator to come and pick us up, 1300 when the group of us took a table at the Seafood Inn. We couldn’t be safer with the Secret Service and US Marshals protecting the judges.

The media was having a good news day with the President, his staff and Supreme Court Judges all together with shotguns to fire up the anti-gun people and dead geese to fire up the animal lovers.

And then there were the pictures of the table with a supply of alcoholic drinks in front us. As cold as the men were I figured a couple of Jack Daniels wouldn’t hurt to warm them up. I had the waiter bring them double rounds and a beer for me.

The meal, dessert, old political war stories and court cases lasted until 1530. Of course another round of drinks didn’t help. We did plan one more hunt for next Saturday, the last day of the season.

I was a bad girl.

I did insist that the Marshals and agents drive them back to their homes. I couldn’t wait to hear about the evening news that I was NOT going to watch.

Tuesday morning Marine One and Two made the trip from Morton to the west lawn of the White House. The media was screaming for statements.

Marcy, Vicky and Ching Lee along with Takeo were spending a few days with me. A JBG helicopter was bringing them this afternoon.

I walked over to the roped off area, ”Good morning boys and girls, how was the weekend? I feel relaxed, energized and ready to pick a fight. Any of you interested in going a round or two?” I asked just to get them started.

”Do you have a response to PETA for the goose hunt?” one asked.

”I did not watch any news over the weekend nor do I look at twits or face-masks. So I don’t know nor care what they said,” I said.

”For you to eat meat, someone has to kill it. I kill my own when I want wild goose,” I said.

”The ABA President has written an extensive piece in the Washington Journal highly critical of the association of the Supreme Court judges, the President, VP and chief of staff all together hunting and then an extended alcohol fueled dinner. They are advocating the judges should resign because of possible conflicts. They are also critical of government funds buying alcohol,” the reporter said.

”There are several points wrong with that. First they were my friends long before I was President. They are still my friends. The hunt was planned months ago and there have been several others with friends in high places and will be more. They enjoy hunting and I enjoy hunting and we enjoy hunting together as friends.”

”If not hunting we enjoy shooting competitions at the gun club that JBG owns and uses as part of the training program and is open to the public. Several of the defense skills courses will humble even the best shooters.”

”My father and father in-law have hunted the property for years as part of a hunt club. Three years ago the property became available for them to get exclusive hunting rights for our families and invited guests. Last year they secured the farming rights as well as the hunting rights.”

”The government did not buy any alcohol nor food for the group. I paid for the entire meal for the group including the accompanying Secret Service agents, Federal Marshals and the two media people – including the tip – out of my own pocket with my personal credit card.”

”As far as conflicts of interest, they are Honorable men and have served their country for decades in the legal system with distinction. I have absolutely no doubt that any decision they would make would be strictly in accordance with the laws of the land. I would expect no less and they would demand it. Again, they are my friends.”

”I would also be willing to bet if I sent the best investigators to look into the President of the ABA and his circle of friends I’m equally sure I could find plenty of questionable things that may throw some shade on him,” I said.

“Ladies, gentlemen, that is all I have time for, maybe it will be warmer when we talk again.”

In the White House I looked at the daily intelligence reports while I waited for the Navy to arrive.

I called Robert and asked him if the reports from the listening post had arrived. They had and were being run through the machines that Robert had used to break most of the new codes they were using. He would send them to my JBG e-mail as soon as they finished. I set up my JBG laptop so I would know when they came in.

Ben, General Ingram and Frank Love were the next in my office. Among them they had my ammo to challenge the Navy officials.

The Iranians were beginning to move things into position. The intent was to move things so slowly as not to set off red flags with satellite intelligence. But as we knew their plans, we knew what to look for.

With help from Robert, other secure listening posts in the Middle East were also picking up the transmissions. Even though they could not translate them, they had recorded them. Robert would receive all the recordings by special courier.

I received an urgent call from Andy ”911 VCATS NOW please.”

Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.

After filling my mug, Connie handed me the note that Ben and Frank were in the building and that Art was on his way and would be here in ten minutes. While I was at her desk I picked up the handful of messages that had accumulated in the last two hours.

One was a note from VP Harrison – he needed guidance on a trip he was making tomorrow when I had time. That would be an interesting conversation for sure.

I carried the rest and the mug back to the meeting room.

The Admiral, the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Naval Operations were on phones.

I decided that Frank, Ben, Troy, Art when he arrived and I would move to the Oval Office for our discussion. That would allow the defense people more time to get answers.

I rapped the table. ”I have an emergency meeting – I will be back in an hour so you have a little more time to get answers. I will remind you that all discussions, notes and any information disseminated are classified,” I said as Troy and I stood to leave.

In the Oval Office I asked what intelligence had been collected in the last few days from the Middle East from all the normal channels. I listened at all the reports of nothing going on and wondered if they were holding out on me because of the position change.

I informed the experts – and I used that term loosely – that JBG had two new listening stations in the Persian Gulf area as part of their contracts.

”Those listening stations are only beginning operations for one shift but will soon be twenty four seven. Here is some of the information they have already intercepted,” I said as I started it around the circle.

”Did you miss the data blast that Tiam and the General broadcast or have you just failed to analyze it yet? There were new codes, a new coding system, added some channels and a daily rotation of coding. Where are you at with reports on it?” I asked.

I waited while the papers were passed around while sipping my coffee.

”No, I haven’t seen any of this, we assumed that when the links went dead they were going to come up with different ones and have been looking for them. It’s generally considered bad operations to use old systems that you think may have been compromised,” Frank said.

”My initial reaction is that this is misinformation to see if and how we respond,” I said.

”If it is not misinformation, then it is one big pile of trouble. They have to know if they do this that it is a declaration of war. They should know you of all people will respond aggressively,” Art said.

”So this is why you jumped on the Admirals so hard,” Troy said.

”Just wait until we go back in there. They should never have let things get this way,”

”I need to go back and ride some people at the agency that have gotten lax in the last few months,” Ben said.
”We all do,” Art said.

”What’s the chance of the agency getting a couple desks at the listening post?” Frank asked.

”I can’t answer that – Vicky and others negotiated that as a second contract while I started doing on the job training for the VP position, I know nothing of the terms,” I said with a straight poker face.

”When I talk with the girls tonight and over the weekend I will ask for details on the contract restrictions. I expect there to be few restrictions but I need to verify,” I said. ”Check with me Tuesday.”

”There is also going to be a third listening post at the Oman site. You do know there are going to be dry dock, repair and substantial barracks available there. That is where aviation and the larger number of fast ships are going to be placed based on the reported number of attempted pirate attacks,” I said.

”Well, we will revisit all the data at Tuesday’s National Security meeting; all of us should have more to share,” I said.

”It’s time to go cause some heartburn for some Navy people,” I said as I stood.

The Navy people were still on the phones, the Secretary of Defense hung up on his as we came back in the door.

They had called in reinforcements of their own, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Ingram. I could see desperation afoot.

I slid the folder over to the Ingram.

”Tell me what you have found out,” I said.

”The Fordson will not be available, the engineers are saying another year at least to fix multiple issues with electromagnetic systems, elevators, steering and catapult,” the Chief of Naval Operations said.

”The Kennedy is having the same problems, another two years at least, then sea trials,” he said.

”So you are telling me that fifty billion worth of new carriers – one that is going to be at half life rebuild and never on a tour – are simply going to be dock ornaments sitting this one out if it happens,” I said.

He didn’t answer just hung his head.

”What about the others?” I asked.

”The Washington is back in the water from midlife refueling and overhaul. It will take another year, possibly more,” he said.

”The Stennis has been in Norfolk since May waiting to start mid-life refueling and overhaul. That’s a four year project. The dry dock has been tied up with Fordson and Kennedy issues.”

”The Truman may be repaired and back at sea in two months from an electrical fire. Newport News pulled parts from the Washington to get the Truman repaired. The carrier task force was sent to the duty station with no carrier,” he said.

”The Eisenhower is finishing up training and may be ready in four months,” he said.

”The Bush is in dry dock getting upgrades. May be done in a year,” he added.

”So the Fordson, the Kennedy and the Stennis are all out of the picture. The Washington, Truman, the Bush and Eisenhower are all possible if enough manpower is assigned the get the repairs finished,” I said.

”Newport News Shipbuilding doesn’t have any more manpower; they are stretched to the limit. The problems with the Fordson and Kennedy and the emergency repairs to the Truman have been too much,” he said.

”There are two more Fordson class ships under construction. The next in line is the Enterprise – that is twenty percent done – scheduled to join the fleet in 2030 and the other in 2035,” he said.

”That’s if you find an answer to electromagnetic problems that have eluded you for ten years,” I said.

”Unfortunately yes,” he replied.

”Does the Stennis have enough power in the fuel rods to make it another year?” I asked?

”I can’t answer that. The experts will have to evaluate the data,” the Chief of Naval Operations said.

This time he did not need me to throw the phone, he picked it up and started dialing.

General Ingram passed a note to me, ”The old Enterprise is sitting at the dock in line for decommissioning. I doubt Newport News has done anything to it if they are that busy. Ask the same question about fuel and getting it back in service.”

I did and didn’t get an answer. The Chief of Naval Operations needed time to question the experts.

Finally I decided that I needed to do some more research myself over the next few days while the experts did their own research.

”All of you be here 0800 Tuesday with updates and answers to all my questions,” I said.

My meeting with VP Harrison lasted an hour. He was going on a junket to the UK to discuss matters that I had begun on my stop there not long ago.

Supper was light and early; I wanted time to spend with the girls and boys tonight.

Saturday morning I was in black again, this time a long dress and heavy long jacket. It was a cold third week in January for the memorial service and funeral in Kansas.

It was 1400 before the funeral service was over. President Alexander Thomas and his family were going to get one more ride in Air Force 1. It was carrying his body to Kansas for internment. It was to be a private affair – close family only.

The Secret Service was getting things ready for me to go home tonight. It was a lot more involved than I dreamed, certainly a lot more involved than when I was VP.

I listened while they went through the scenario.

A thirty car motorcade, reduce traffic on Severn River Bridge to one lane, have the bay bridge stop one lane in advance and stop traffic on the bay bridge completely when the motorcade approaches.

“No, we are not doing this, fly me to Morton in Marine One; I have plenty of armored Suburbans there. Fly the Secret Service agents there or else my JBG people can handle my security,” I said.

That went over like a lead balloon. But they did compromise. Marine One and Two would carry me, Lorrie, Jenny, Sara, and the boys along with the football and its carriers to Morton. The helicopters would be placed in one of the hangars in case I needed them for a fast trip back to the White House.

The White House Secret Service contingent would drive to my house. They had been inspecting the house and the Horsey office building, trying to decide where they wanted things they deemed necessary. They were pissed they were not allowed access to the tunnel to the main office or basement. Marcy and Vicky had put their foot down on who was to have access.

They were to have the last ten rooms on the second floor for a price, a very good price. They wanted first class accommodations; the works, maid service, room, gym access and memberships.

It took Marine One thirty minutes to get to Morton. When it touched down I was in for another surprise. Q-town’s ambulance, rescue truck and engine were inside the fence.

I asked why?

”Any time the President flies in one of the executive helicopters they become Marine One and emergency services have to be at the landing zone,” an agent responded.

That’s comforting, are they in such bad shape they are afraid they will crash or self-destruct on landing? I thought.

The blades had to stop turning before they would allow me to exit. When I did I stepped into the lights of TV cameras and flash bulbs. My travel plans were now posted for the media. I was going to change some of that soon.

I wondered why the agency didn’t use the Morton Field fire truck but then there was no rescue or ambulance.
With Ziva, Abra and a couple Secret Service agents by my side I walked to the fire crews and apologized for getting them out on such a cold night.

”Have the Chief call me tomorrow. He has my number,” I said.

Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.

Andy was the first to speak. ”How do I address you now? BJ, Boss or Madam President?” he asked.

”It’s still BJ for you,” I said.

”Mexico captured one drug kingpin and a lot of packaged drugs and other loot when they took control of the area we raided.”

”The second kingpin ran when the first bomb fell and escaped. He made his way to Merida on the eastern tip of Yucatan. Most of his key people followed as best they could.”

”He is now setting up shop in the area. The gang war has started. Federal Prosecutor Inez is wanting our security group to shut down both gangs. The dead are in the streets every morning,” Andy said.

”I’m sure Marcy will want signed contracts with prices for starters. Has Mexico committed to the size and scope of that kind of operation? You are essentially going to have to cut the tip of the Yucatan; that is one hundred and fifty miles across. That is a tall order without pulling everyone off existing sites,” I said.

”We still have five hundred of the on call people we have not utilized,” Vicky said.

”And we can start pulling men from other Mexican locations as we need them,” Andy said.

”What about the logistics for those additional men?” I asked.

”We are working on them, it’s going to take a few weeks to put it all together,” Vicky said.

”I’m planning on coming home after the funeral service for President Thomas and staying for a couple days. I’m still planning on going goose hunting again on Monday. It will be the last week of goose season.”

”Chief Justice Burger, VP Harrison, Judge Faraday, Curtis Warren, Troy and Ben Smith will be in the hunting party on Monday. The hunt had been set up months ago. It will drive the Washington Sunday talk shows crazy, let alone the Secret Service and the US Marshals service who guard the court justices,” I said.

”I just got a message that the GSA and a moving company are moving Mrs. Thomas and her belonging back to her Kansas home on Monday. The Secret Service is assisting in the move.”

”Once that is done they are going to set up the living quarters to suit me. I’m having it set up so all of you can come stay weekends and more, if and when you want,” I said.

”We now have thirty fast boats in the Arabian Sea divided between the two bases on each side of the Strait of Hormuz. The base at Oman is still a couple months away. The UK still has not completed clearing the underground storage of the bombs and shells. They are working at it, but not very fast,” Vicky said.

”If you have to send Howie and a couple of men over there – just cart the stuff into the desert and set it off with plastics to get rid of it,” I said. ”Don’t let British get in the way of the progress you need.”

”We are having some problem with the Iranian speed boats,” Andy said.

”I expected that and more. Be prepared to be aggressively challenged by them. Don’t take any crap from them. I expect at some point you will have to put some on the bottom,” I said.

”They will try to set up traps for our boats to draw them into Iranian waters; make sure they don’t fall for one. Another thing you may want to consider is to draw the Iranian boats into a trap of our own. I would love to have a couple of their crews as prisoners as they would ours,” I said

”Are the aviation units on station there now for fast backup?” I asked.

”Four Blackhawks and four Air Tractors are there,” Vicky said.

”Charles and Milton are working on a deal to get four AH-1Z Vipers from the Saudi military, they will have a lot more firepower if we need them,” Andy said.

”Remember the contract limitations, including the financial ones,” I said.

”What about pilots and the materials to make them effective?” I asked.

”We have qualified pilots; Susie checked all the pilots’ records. Eight with the most hours in the AH are on the way to an Israeli training site for a refresher,” Vicky said.

”Also, Director Dorin appreciates our business, and said to tell you congratulations and thanks,” Vicky added.

”I haven’t called him or Ben David, I will make a note to do that,” I said.

”What is the progress on the two eavesdropping sites Robert was going to set up?” I asked.

”One of them has been running intermittently for a couple days. It will go full time on Monday. That is the one closest to the choke point of the Strait. The other is going to take about a week to finish.”

”Robert asked for authority to hire twenty more people to place there for the communications and monitoring. I approved it and sent it to Jason. Robert indicated he had good people waiting to fill the positions,” Andy said.

”Dad told me he had approved them this morning,” Jenny said.

”You may want to expedite that call to Ben David. They have been monitoring some channels in Iran that are troublesome since they found out you’re President. They were already planning disruptions in the fast boat operations as you thought, now they have intensified,” Andy said.

”That’s why I wanted the listening post. We just have to be careful not to fall for misinformation being broadcast,” I said.

”Robert’s gone home for the day but I think I can fill you in from memory. Tiam and the general stopped broadcasting for a week the day the family members were kidnapped.”

”He is back broadcasting again. Roberts’s group recorded the complete first broadcast and it was a dozy. Two hundred Megs of instructions and codes.”

Now they are changing to a different code every day. Part of the codes were in the book seized from the Pennsylvania raid. Some more of the codes were in the stuff from France. Of the ones missing Robert’s group have been able to break one and he feels all of them in a few days,” Marcy said.

”Check your JBG email – I just sent you the latest broadcast and intercepts from the two listening posts. One thing that may interest you is they have raised the bounty again – fifty million on us and one hundred million on you,” Vicky said.

”I expected they would knowing that now it would be nearly impossible and unlikely they would have to pay. It just bumps up their image that they are not willing to put limits on getting me now,” I said.

The kitchen notified that our supper was ready so I ended the call. We enjoyed a quiet supper.

After supper Jenny and I wrote down questions that we thought I should get the constitutional experts to answer. That was going to tie up four hours a day starting Tuesday. Jenny and Curtis Warren were going to sit in so I could get follow up on any questions at a later time.

I was going to ask Curtis if his law firm would be my White House official legal team when I needed one. I was sure that I would need one, given all the crazies in Congress and the special interest groups.

They were already demanding freedom of information (FOI) requests about the meetings I had since I was sworn in and all the Secret Service conversations the night President Thomas died.

Friday morning I talked to Mrs. Thomas for a few minutes before we went to the Rotunda in ‘The Beast’ as the presidential limo was known. I sat with Mrs. Thomas and her family while there was another short service.

When it was over we went back to the White House; she to attend to family matters and me to meet with the Navy brass.

At my desk in the Oval Office, I looked at the intercepts that Vicky had sent, printed them off and put them in a folder to carry with me.

Damn, they hadn’t backed down a bit, now the General was planning bigger terrorist operations and going to get aggressive against our fast boats, looking to sink them.

They were increasing operations against the tanker traffic in the strait, increasing their support for the Somalia rebels and finally, more direct attacks against US assets in the area including attacks on our naval force.

At 1100 I was sitting at the end of the big executive table looking at the Secretary of Defense, Chief of Naval operations, Admiral John Patterson in charge of ship building and the liaison between the Navy and Newport News Ship Building with Troy and Joan Patrone – my other personal secretary – taking notes.

”I want to know why are all six of the Navy’s East Coast assigned aircraft carriers are sitting at the Norfolk navy yard unavailable for service?” I asked.

After many rounds of double talk I got a few partial answers and a pie in the sky list of dates when the ships would be available. It stretched from possibly months to years with no firm date on any of them. Then there was the list of carriers under construction and when they would possibly join the fleet. Finally there were the ones in reserve.

I read down the list, ”First I want a list of what repairs are necessary to put the six ships listed as active at sea if I declare an emergency. I want a firm date when they could join the battle line,” I said.

”Are there enough escorts available to fill the task force?” I asked. I knew I was not going to get an answer so I continued.
”When is the Fordson going to be ready to join the battle line? It’s ten billion over budget and ten years since the first sea trials. In two more years it’s going to need it’s half-life overhaul and rebuild and it has not been on its first sea deployment yet,” I asked.

After another ten minutes of double talk and outright challenges, I finally got a response.

”I’ll have to have someone put the information together. It may take awhile,” the Admiral said.

I became pissed. These general questions were asked yesterday in the lead up to today’s meeting. There should have been some kind of answer!

”I have intelligence that we are going to be in a shooting war in nine months or less. I want to know what assets I will be able to respond with. It’s disgusting that all of our East Coast carrier fleet is at the dock at one time with no end in sight and no one can give a firm answer, ”I said .

There were two phones on the table. I picked up one them and threw it down the table in the direction of the Admiral. It bounced to a stop in front of him.

”Make the call – get me some damn answers I can depend on – NOW. I’m going to refresh my coffee and make a call. You better have some answers when I get back or you’re not going to like my response,” I said.

There were stunned faces at the table.

I stopped at Connie’s desk, ”Call Frank Love, Art Cummins and Ben Smith – tell them I want to see them ASAP, send them to the meeting I am in,” then I went to refill my coffee mug.

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Book 2 Chapter 120

As with all thing Washington, nothing is simple. The staff had recorded the statement starting thirty minutes before. It had the talking heads making noise with their useless opinions.

The only thing that caught my eye in the pre-statement lead-in was the ad the Marine Corps ran. The General said the poster was going to be reused and they did.

”The few – The Proud – The Marines; a stepping stone to become President.”

The professionals would go over the speech and I would get lessons on how to improve.

Wednesday started early; a nice breakfast with my abbreviated family and VCATS to my home to see how the rest of the family was this morning. That was one thing we had decided on before my mates left. We would do a VCATS twice a day – morning and evening.

Then I made the short walk to the office. The office had already been at work. Today’s intelligence reports were neatly stacked on my desk. The agency specialists had highlighted items by what they thought I should give special attention to. I made my own highlights for the cross examination I would give them in the meetings.

Another paper had the funeral arrangements for President Thomas. His body was to lie in state in the Rotunda for two days; that would be Thursday and Friday. A service was to be held at the National Cathedral on Saturday. The body would be carried by train to Wichita Kansas for internment on Sunday.

Another sealed letter was from the FBI; it contained a copy of the autopsy report on the President.

President Thomas had died of a massive cerebral hemorrhage. The artery was paper thin from a genetic defect, they theorized. He had been a walking time bomb his whole life. The official cause of death was Natural Causes.

I was sure that would not hush the conspiracy pundits who started talking about how he died last night.

The official phone calls started this morning – the first was the prime minister of England. First there was sympathy and then congratulations. Then the discussion covered all the normal topics at an international level.

Others followed by the dozen; Spain, France, Canada, Mexico, Russia and so on. As President all my calls were recorded and then transcribed into the record.

Each time I spoke with a foreign dignitary, the experts listened in ready to inform their masters of everything I said and if I crossed any of the forbidden invisible lines.

The listeners were beside themselves when I spoke in each language I knew. Normally the leader spoke in his language and it was translated at this end. It took them out of the loop – no translators needed.

It was a system I was going to change when the smoke settled. I considered my calls to be private. I wasn’t a six year old whose conversations needed to be monitored. They had changed the rules when I was VP and they were going to change these back now.

At 0900 the House started deliberations on Senator Harrison’s appointment. Senator Harrison and his staff were walking the halls, renewing old friendships and trying to forge new ones. It was after 1200 when they were finished. The vote in the house was scheduled for 1400.

My staff was doing the normal political thing – canvassing votes and taking straw polls. I was learning more and more about the behind the scenes political maneuvers.

The Senate started not long after that at 1000. Senator Harrison made his appearance on the Senate floor to give a speech at 1130. Then it was lunch and back to the House to answer more questions before the vote.

At 1100 I attended the NSA meeting – this time at the head of the table. It was a different feeling – instead of giving a report, the reports were being directed to me and I asked the questions.

Lunch today was unrushed; my next meeting was not until 1400. Lorrie, Sara, Jenny and the boys joined me for lunch. They had been sightseeing this morning with several JBG security.

JJ and RJ had all kinds of tales to tell me about where they had been and looking at monuments and the WW2 museum. They had been recognized by a group of veterans in the museum.

The veterans were volunteer guides and had been explaining about General Eisenhower and how he became President when JJ remarked,” President like Mom is now? Did he live in the White House like Mom?”

”Yes, he lived in the White House like BJ but that was a long time ago,” Jenny said.

”I thought you looked like someone I knew. Your part of President Jones’ family,” he said.

That was all it took for a flurry of pictures and questions. My family was now considered celebrity status on social media.

They would not be as happy this afternoon. It would be school work as usual. Lisa had sent each day’s work by fax. That was the agreement for them to stay with me – they had to stay and maintain a B average in her eyes. Jenny and Lorrie were the enforcers for these next few days.

At 1400 my meeting was with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy. Today was a general overview of the Navy and Naval operations. I expected it to take a couple hours. Tomorrow would be when the real ass kicking was going to start. I was sure the overview was going to generate some hard questions.

Each service was going to get two days in the barrel, then I would decide where the ax was going to fall.

At 1430 I was handed a note – the House had approved Senator Harrison by an overwhelming majority. The Senate had scheduled a vote at 1600. Supreme Court Judge Faraday was to do the swearing in at 1630. Faraday and Harrison had gone to Georgetown law school together; old friends.

It was 1600 when the Navy left. I still had a stack of reports and notes to look over for tomorrow’s meeting.
At 1615 I went to the Senate chambers and watched as Judge Faraday gave the oath to Vice President Harrison. That filled the hole in my staff – unless I started firing people.

Tomorrow was going to be complicated. Most of the morning was going to be tied up at the Rotunda. The Presidents body was to be placed on the stand at 0900.

I needed to be there for the short service that was to take place. Then there were the daily meetings that I needed to attend, simply because I had so much to learn.

I spent a quiet evening with Jenny, Lorrie, Sara and the boys. We went swimming in the heated pool. The same pool JFK and Clinton used to have clandestine meetings with their women while their wives were upstairs and the Secret Service acted as lookouts. Well, I didn’t have that to worry about.

After the pool we went to the fitness center – a technical name for the gym – for an hour before we went to our private supper. My JBG security worked out with me. I could no longer just workout on the gym equipment by myself for fear of an accident.

I enjoyed a salad and other low fat food. With all this desk time and no physical activity, I was soon going to have a secretarial ass to deal with.

In the residence part of the White House there were no cameras or recorders. After the boys were in bed Jenny, Lorrie and I had a long talk about things JBG. I would do the same thing when Vicky, Marcy, and Ching Lee came. I could keep up with things that were JBG. It would be another way around all the ethics restrictions that were thrown at me.

When the boys and Sara were asleep Jenny and Lorrie joined me in the king size bed, it was the first intimate contact I had in three days. Bare skin felt just plain wonderful.

We were up early and had a long breakfast. The boys ate a large meal, each had an egg, two slices of bacon, a slice of scrapple, a slice of toast and several glasses of orange juice. Me – I had a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on toast with orange juice.

I dressed in black – there had been no changes to the schedule – the body was to be placed in the rotunda at 0930 sharp. The family was to have the first thirty minutes privately. Then the White House staff and I would go through and finally the House and Senate members could file through. After that it was open to the public that had started lining up hours ago. Until then, I had plenty of reading to do.

It was noon before I was back in the Oval Office to start on the work I should have been doing.

One of those things was to approve the four constitutional legal scholars I had asked Troy to find for me. There were lots of things I needed to know. I was to have a four hour session with each, then one session with all of them together.

I wanted to know exactly what my limits were and how much power I really had. I wanted to be right when I did something and not have things tied up in court for months. I wanted to know what had to be done to make changes in agencies that reported to the President and the fastest way to do that.

There was always more than one way to skin a cat and that applied to the law. I had a growing list of cats I wanted to skin in a lot of federal agencies. The more I read the daily reports, the more I wanted to try to change.

I spent two hours in Section Twelve with Ben. I had a decision to make for the task force in the next few days. I could no longer be chairperson of the task force over-sight committee; I was simply too busy.

I was going to promote Andrew Pollard to chairperson and Anne Hopkins as chief legal consul. I was going to have to fill the other position. Ben did not want the position, because of possible conflict with his NSA position that we both felt was too important for him to give up.

I sent a notice to both the House and Senate of Andrew’s promotion and the change of status for Anne.

I would do the presidential thing and have a staff meeting to pick the person for the third position.

We had already filled out the supper menu that we wanted and the time we wanted it.

In the Lincoln bedroom while we waited, we did another VCATS to the office to keep up with things that were going on.

Andy, Vicky, Ching Lee and Marcy were in the meeting room.

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Proof read by Bob W.

Breakfast was delivered and I ate at the desk in the Oval Office. While I ate I started reading the intelligence updates from the various agencies. I used a hi-lighter to mark out things I wanted to ask questions about.

I had meetings scheduled with all the different agencies at some time today. OJT was not something I was fond of at this level but it was the only choice I had for some things.

Senator Harrison arrived at 0745 for his appointment – fifteen minutes early – as I thought he would.

As all things with the President, he was not allowed to meet with me alone. There was a stenographer and also Troy was in the room at the table.

After congratulating me as the new President and condolences on the death of our friend, we talked about how the death of President Thomas would affect policies and Congress. We had a short discussion about how the funeral would play out.

”I asked you here because I wanted to ask you to be my Vice President. Are up for the challenge?” I said.

The Senator thought for only a minute, ”Yes, I will take that challenge,” he said.

I had Troy summon the House and Senate leaders to be here at 0900.

”I’m going to ask for special session of congress to vote on your nomination for tomorrow. While they are here we will do a quick news conference to announce it.”

At 0830 I called all the White House staff together.

”After the events of last night and the loss of our friend, leader and President- today is one tough day. The week is going to be tough. I can understand the need to sit and collect your thoughts and concerns.”

“If you feel the need just to be away from here today, I understand. If you need to talk I will make time to do that.”

”Connie, you look like you have a question ” l said.

Connie Hines had been one of President Thomas’s personal secretaries; he had two. She had taken notes at many of the meetings between the President and me since I started working for the President on the Task Force. She knew when to write and not to write.

”I know this the wrong time to ask but what is going to happen to the personal staff? We are not protected like other government workers – we worked for the President and not an agency. I am a single mom,” she said.

”All the staff stays on and you can still be the President’s personal secretary – to me. I need people that know their jobs and what I should be doing and when. I can be very hard nosed, stubborn and difficult to work with, I have been told,” I said.

We had an thirty minutes before they were to be here. Troy, the Senator and I talked policy, the former presidents and the changes that could be made. One thing for sure, there was still going to be a push for veteran benefits and an intense push on the illegal immigrant problem.

Another problem that I wanted tackled was fraud in entitlements. Programs that were intended as temporary dragged on forever. I wanted to know why.

Another was waste in military spending, a topic that everyone had tried to address for decades.
The two Senators and two Representatives were on time, not early.

”I asked you here because the events of the last few weeks prove how important it is to have a Vice President. I have asked Senator Harrison to fill the position in my administration.”

”I am asking you to expedite his appointment by having a confirmation vote in the houses and senate immediately. Senator Harrison is no stranger to congress and to the American people. His service spanned forty years with distinction first the House and then the Senate,” I said.

”I know the timing couldn’t be worse for the request but I know from firsthand experience just how important it is to have the Vice President’s position filled,” I said.

They agreed that it was important. After a much longer discussion, a vote would be held tomorrow. There was a discussion on bills in various committees and working their way through Congress.

”There is no chance of the proposed gun control being signed in its current form. Many of the regulations being proposed have been tried in several states with poor results. I have no interest in destroying our rights one law, one piece at a time. There are things I would support and I suggest we meet and come up with legislation that works and we all can support,” I said.

”The transportation bill that has been stalled needs new life. We need to sit down and come with a bill that improves infrastructure in all areas, not just a few big cities. No more multi – billion bullet trains and tunnels that go nowhere or only shave several minutes off a commute.”

”The roads are full of potholes and bridges are falling apart. Let’s fix them and no more funding of environmental upgrades from highway funds,” I said.

”Funding has been the problem,” Senator Kilgore responded.

”First we have to stop the drain on the highway trust fund for non-highway pet projects. Then let’s look at reasonable funding approaches we can all agree on,” I said.

”I propose we have a weekly meeting on infrastructure until we get a bill passed we can live with,” I said.
It was 0940 when two boys saw me through the open office door and ran towards me.

” Mom is this your new office? Mommy said this is your new home but we can come stay with you anytime we want,” JJ said.

”That’s right and when you are not here, I will be there to see you a lot,” I said.

”This is JJ and RJ, they are an important part of my family,” I said.

An aide came in, ”Chief Justice Burger is here in the study with your family.”

”How old are you?” the Chief Justice asked.

”I will soon be thirty six,” I said.

”The requirement is you must be at least thirty five to take the oath. You will be the youngest President ever. JFK was next at forty two,” the Chief Justice said.

I had signed into the Marines right out of high school at eighteen and gave them ten years. JBG had been in business almost eight years. My birthday was in a few months.

At 1000 with my family, Andy, and my temporary staff in attendance plus senators and representatives along with TV cameras, Chief Justice Hamilton Burger administered the oath, this time in the rose garden. The Navy band played ‘Hail to the Chief’ when he was finished. I fought hard to control the tears.

There would be one more behind closed doors. I didn’t understand at first but each one had to do with rules and secrecy regulations. By 1045 I was finished and a full-fledged President! I almost laughed out loud at the thought. If I thought the VP position was complicated, I was in for a rude awaking.

The lawsuit against me filed by the group of representatives was now mute. When the Chief Justice gave me the oath, it was a sure signal the suit was dead.

At 1100 I went down a floor to the National Security meeting carrying the daily updates I read and highlighted this morning. I felt sorry for them having to start all over with a new President, cold turkey.

But then I wasn’t actually a novice; I had been reading and evaluating intelligence for quite a while. The meeting lasted the entire hour I had allotted for it. We would do it again every day for a while.

At 1200 I carried a cheese steak sandwich and coffee back to the executive meeting room to meet with the Joint Chiefs.

Marine General Ingram – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs – was all smiles.

”Do you know that you are the first Marine to be President? There were several Navy and Army officers but you are the first Marine, and a grunt at that. You have made us proud. That recruiting poster you did a few years ago has been dug out to be used again very soon,” he said.

The meeting lasted two hours and was a warm up for several more to come. I wanted answers from the Air Force and the Navy. In the past few weeks I had read some disturbing reports about ships and planes. Many were parked for the lack of maintenance and parts. Where was the money going? If I needed them, how many would be ready to fight the battle?

I met with Troy, my staff and President Thomas’s advisors. It was a two hour meeting. It answered one question; I would address the nation at 2000.

Troy sent the request for fifteen minutes of air time to all the major stations.

I had three hours to prepare myself, get ready and write down what I was going to say and finish the meetings that were still popping up. What I could use was an hour in the gym to work off some stress.

My mates had been bringing in my clothes and things, I was going to stay in the Lincoln bedroom for the time being. The Queens bedroom was also going to be for my visiting family. The White House staff had been working all day making temporary changes. From somewhere they had found two small beds so the boys could stay and a crib for Sara or Takeo.

I was not going to push for Mrs. Thomas to move out. The funeral would have to be finished, then a reasonable time for things to settle out before movers could move her personal things back to her home in Kansas.

I wrote a statement to say tonight on the TV, then rewrote it several more times. Then I had Troy and Connie read it. After that I read it out loud standing in front of a podium.

Then Connie loaded it on a teleprompter and I tried that. Both was a new experience for me. Usually most of my speeches were off the cuff or answers to questions. I really did not like the teleprompter but used it to go through the speech several times before deciding to use it.

My mates, the boys and I ate supper in the family dining room. It was a pleasant break from the day.

At 1900 I was sitting with a makeup lady. She was fussing over every little detail. When she finished I went to the teleprompter and gave the speech one more time.

At 2000 I was standing in the side hall with Troy and my family waiting for my cue – the final notes of ‘Hail to the Chief’. I thought it was inappropriate given the situation but Troy and several more insisted.

”Good evening fellow Americans. Tonight I speak to you with a heavy heart. Last night President Thomas passed away.”

“President Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and dear friend – he will be missed. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized at this time.”

“I have asked Senator Harrison to be my Vice President and Congress to expedite approval of his appointment with a vote tomorrow.”

”As with a change of administrations there will be changes in some policies, however none will be drastic.”

”The events of last night show the strength and power of our constitution and our democracy. There were no tanks, soldiers or riots in the streets, just an orderly change because of an unfortunate event.”

”I ask for your support and understanding for any missteps and prayers for President Thomas’s family.”

”Good night, God bless America,” I said.

I turned and walked away from the podium and stepped into the hall.

”You did well,” Troy said as he smiled and nodded.

My mates were smiling; they seemed pleased.

”Let’s call it a night. Tomorrow is going to be another long day,” I said.

Ching Lee, Marcy and Vicky went back to the shore escorted by Secret Service and JBG security. Lorrie, Sara, Jenny and the boys were staying the night and would go home in a couple days.

Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.

”What kind of emergency?” I asked.

”The President was found in the study unconscious and unresponsive, they are trying to revive him. It doesn’t look good,” the agent said.

He was interrupted by another agent, ”Washington wants to know if there is a judge close by if we need one?” the second agent asked.

”Yes, former Maryland Supreme Court Judge Tony Slaughter. He is retired but still on the docket rotation for special cases,” I said.

I gave them the judges unlisted phone number, ”Just keep redialing, he will answer,” I said.

By now all the girls were up.

”Jenny, call your Mom and Dad. Tell them it is an emergency and to get here quick! Vicky, call my Mom and Dad and tell them the same thing. Marcy call Jeanna with the same message. I will call Jake; I am not sure anything is going to happen but I think it is likely,” I said.

”I’m going to activate the video camera system in the living room so we can record what happens,” Ching Lee said.

As a second thought I called Hanna. When she picked up the phone, ”This is BJ – get over as fast as you and the camera can, even in your PJ’s if you have to,” I said.

Troy called, ”It’s not good, they are trying to revive the President, but no luck so far. The senior agent indicated they had a judge on the way; that’s good, it looks like he is needed. Other assets left immediately for your place, so be expecting them,” he said.

It had been fifteen minutes since the first call. If they didn’t get him back by now, they weren’t going to was my thought.

Jason, Lisa, Mom, Dad, and Jeanna had arrived. Hanna was at the gate; the guard called before letting her and Jed in. The judge arrived a few minutes later.

Judge Slaughter, the senior agent and I had a conversation while we were waiting. They were waiting for the conversation to complete on the other end of the phone. We would need confirmation for us to proceed.

I talked with my family to fill them on what I knew. I hugged each of my mates, told them how much I loved them and that I knew how difficult this was going to be for them.

The senior agent interrupted, ”President Alexander Thomas was declared deceased at 0210 this date. Madam Vice President, where would you like to take the oath?” he said.

”In the living room so we can record it,” I said.

We assembled and crowded the room. Vicky adjusted the camera and set the controls to record. She also hit the broadcast button.

”Here is what you need to have BJ say,” the senior agent said as he handed Judge Slaughter a slip of paper.
”BJ, raise your right hand, place your left hand on the bible and repeat after me.” It was the family bible; Mom had given me her family bible and Jake got Dad’s family bible when we started having children. Dad was holding the bible.

“I Roberta Josephine Jones do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States so help me God,” I said.

There were cheers from the family. Even with the saddest of times, they had reason to be pleased.

”May I be the first to congratulate you and call you President Jones,” Judge Slaughter said as he reached to shake my hand.

Hanna had broadcast live to her connected stations; it was carried nationwide. Vicky had hit broadcast when she set up to record. Every JBG security site worldwide had witnessed my swearing in. it would be repeated tomorrow and officiated by the Chief Justice.

When I looked around there was a Navy Admiral with a case handcuffed to his arm and an Air Force General with another handcuffed to his arm.

I knew what they were – one was the football as it was nicknamed; it contained the controls to launch nuclear weapons to destroy the world. The other contained the launch codes to use after the football was activated
”Madam President, can we have a minute? We need to explain to you how this works,” the general said.

”My God; what have I got myself into?” I thought.

It took an hour for them to go through the process and a practice demonstration. In reality if it came to be, it could be done in as little as three minutes.

A thousands things raced through my mind that I needed to do.
I needed to pack some clothes. No, my go bag would do for today, the girls could pack some things for me and bring them over. I wanted some to stay with me – they could rotate every couple days.

The Secret Service was antsy, wanting to get on the road to Washington. All of them were on the phone talking to control.

My mates and I went to my bedroom. I changed and put on the light body armor and much better clothes. When I finished they were crying; it was time for more hugs and talk.

”I’m so proud – we all are – these are tears of joy,” they said as a group hug surrounded me.

“You and the boys are coming to Washington with me for a couple days until we get a system worked out. Aren’t you?” I asked.

”Yes we are all coming over today to be with you. We want to watch you do the oath again. You are going to need some familiar faces I think. We will be there around ten. Call if you need us before then,” Jenny said.

It took another fifteen minutes to get things organized; my JBG bodyguards were still my primary bodyguards. One more of the thousand things that needed to be ironed out today when the sun came up.

A round of good byes and I walked out to my Suburban. It looked like a thousand flashing lights were around the place. Summers Road was closed. The dual highway was closed off in both directions and the overpass entrances. Police cars lined both highways.

The convoy was at least thirty vehicles or more with flashing red lights. There were state police, county sheriffs and transit authority. I had never seen so many police cars in one place at one time on the shore.

Ziva was beside me as the convoy started rolling, ”You’re in control now boss and we got your back,” she said.

We talked on the ride over about the changes that were coming.

The White House was a madhouse – and it was only 0400. The media was everywhere yelling and screaming. One more thing to do – a news conference. The two White House photographers were clicking away for the official records.

Troy met me at the door. The man had been crying; he was taking the death hard. He had been on President Thomas’s staff when he was a senator decades ago and with him ever since.

I broke the rules and gave him a hug. ”It’s going to be tough but we will get through this,” I said. It was a picture that was going to make the media in a few minutes.

When we separated he gave a little smile. ”Yes we will, coffee strong, black and plenty of it coming up,” he said.

”You know it, let’s get started,” I said.

In the Oval Office we went through the President’s desk, boxing up the personal things to give the first lady and placing them on the nearby table. Other things would become my work.

I kept the private notebook from the top right drawer. It looked like passwords and access codes. There was also a sealed envelope addressed to me in President Thomas’ hand writing. I assumed it contained the unused resignation letter I had given the President long ago. I placed it back in the drawer.

I tried to access former President Thomas’ government email account with the latest password but it was locked.

There were several bills from Congress that Thomas had not signed; they had just been sent from the Senate this afternoon. I would have to look at them – for now they could wait up to thirty days if necessary.

”The printing office will have official personalized stationary for you by 0900. You’re going to go through a lot of it,” Troy said.

I started a list of official things to do and it quickly grew. There would be more all day.

”Troy, would you consider being my chief of staff?” I asked.

“I would be honored to be your chief of staff,” he said.

“I am thinking about asking Senator Colin Harrison to be my Vice President.”

Senator Harrison had been in the Senate for thirty years. He was retiring at the end of this term. He was well liked in the Senate and I could surely use his experience in the Senate and use it to my advantage.

Not looking to run for higher office added some comfort to any suggestions he had and I would not have to worry about him using me as a stepping stone. He was always on my side in any meetings we were in.

”I think he would be a great choice,” Troy said.

“I will call him to come here for a 0800 meeting to ask him,” I said.

First was a Presidential order. The President had two avenues open to him with limitations.

One was a Presidential Order basically used for general housekeeping – for the lack of a better term – for decades. Recent past presidents had begin to imply they had the power do more official things. It seemed the courts had sent a mixed message on just how powerful they were.

The next was an Executive Order. An Executive order carried the weight of law to all branches of the federal government that answered to the President. Only the court on constitutional grounds or the congress by two thirds vote in both houses could overrule an executive order.

R. J. Jones Presidential order #1

”I order all flags to be flown at half mast for thirty days in honor of President Thomas.”

“R.J. Jones Presidential order #2

“Traditionally when there is a change in President all appointed department heads tender their resignation. Given the unexpected death of President Thomas I am asking all department heads to temporarily postpone this tradition. All departments and all policies of all departments and agencies will be reviewed going forward and the necessary changes made at that time. ”

I ordered a staff meeting at 0830 of former President Thomas’ general staff. Troy sent the notice out for me. With this meeting I hoped to be able to decide when I needed to address the nation on national television.

I wondered which agencies planned a state funeral of this magnitude and what I was required to do.

At 1000 Chief Justice Hamilton Burger was to swear me in to satisfy a constitutional requirement.

I ordered a national Security Council meeting at 1100.

I ordered a meeting with the Joints Chiefs at 1200.

I asked Troy to get me transcripts of all meetings and phone calls for the last thirty days. Then I asked if it was possible to get access to President Thomas’ email account.

I knew it would be a stretch and would probably take Art Cummins to authorize my access, but I felt I really needed it.

It was 0600 and time for my first real break. The senior White House Secret Service agent and I walked the White House. I was shown all the nooks and crannies; the escape tunnels, deep bomb shelter and other top secret things I didn’t know existed.

At 0700 the normal White House staff started showing up. Long faces, tears, a very down group of people. It was going to be one long day for them and all of us.

I ordered breakfast from the kitchen, 2 eggs, bacon, and toast. While waiting for them to be delivered to the Oval Office I mingled, talked and consoled the staff. There was not much I could tell them. An autopsy would tell the final story. It would be up to the family for the results to be released unless there was something nefarious about the findings.
Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.

Monday I went back to Washington. There were no surprises; I expected a fiasco and it was. Some of the Congress-critters were back – those that wanted to give the appearance that they were doing something. The rest were on taxpayer funded junkets – mostly to exotic tropical locations – and took their families as guests.

With so few back, those that were had unlimited TV coverage and could propose all kinds of bills and laws on TV, knowing they would never see the light of day other than on a news circuit.

Of course there was unlimited bashing of the JBG security zone, the delays and me. At the security checkpoints this weekend things went a lot smoother. Several things were the reasons why.

One – the number of illegals trying to cross into the US had dropped nearly to zero so the thousands of DHS agents had little to do.

Many of those agents and drug canines were contract employees. Vicky had negotiated with the company to add them to the inspection sites. The inspection lanes went from fifty lanes to one hundred and fifty lanes over the weekend.

With the right paperwork, the new computer systems using facial scans of the occupants and the additional people trained to look for contraband, the wait times were down to an hour or less.

The first week there were thousands trying to cross without any paperwork at all, only to be turned back. By the second week, the majority had paperwork.

The numbers trying to cross illegally in the barren spaces went up substantially. They were the ones filling the jail and temporary jail that had to be built.

Tuesday I was leaving on another PR meet and greet, this time three days and of all places – France. I was going to have a good time this time around. The trip was nothing more than a PR trip. No scheduled negotiations , however I was sure there would be private talks about the prisoners we had left at Matador.

The tribunal was still having trials but at a little slower pace. So far fifty drug and cartel thugs had met their fate and seventy of the original two hundred and thirty had been executed. Everyone that was going to wear a vest or be a shooter was going to meet the hangman.

The jail was staffed and holding cartel members and human traffickers caught trying to get across the border.

The new jail on the western end of the security zone was done and Bobs Construction group was back on the shore. They were working on the mall conversion for our forensic lab. The plans were doubled and then tripled.

With so many countries coming on board, what I thought would be a few hundred a week was now a thousand a week in samples to be tested and checked, and still growing. So far all the countries that had joined were willing to pay a fair fee for being a member and using the service.

Tuesday morning Air Force Two picked me up at Morton. There were no State Department people or DOD people on the flight, just my bodyguards and former Vice President Mason’s travel staff. They planned the trip from beginning to end; the official visits, hotels, transportation and official functions.

Wednesday was the first official meeting between French officials and me. I met with my equivalent and spent the morning reviewing a host of ideas and proposals. There was a discussion about NATO progress in adding troops and expansion.

Wednesday night there was an official reception and another meet and greet. It was much more laid back than the last one I did here. This time there were the usual VIPs and prestigious French individuals.

I did get a long private talk with Louis about the terrorists still held at Matador. The powers to be were happy with the declining cost but never asked why.

I did find out that Vicky, Ching Lee, Andy and several of his people were coming to Europe for a joint meeting with all the Pact countries in two weeks. The meeting was to update all the leaders, something that was required in the contracts.

Behind the scenes arrests had been going on since the French assault. The records seized at the training center were still paying off all over Europe.

Friday I spent the day with the President going over agendas, his policies, plans and party goals. Monday I was to come back to continue the discussion on policies.

Friday was also full of surprises. A group of House radical representatives filed suit in Federal court challenging my Vice President nomination, the vote in the House and Senate without the proper investigative procedures, appearances and testimony before judicial committees and debate.

The President’s legal team and I discussed the suit and authorized them to do all the necessary steps. In their opinion it was nothing but a stunt. Those representatives had time to object and make changes before they voted.

I finally began making a real effort interviewing my staff. It was only fair to them. They needed to know if they were going to have jobs with the change.

The travel staff I had already accepted but made changes in. All trips would be submitted to my JBG security for analysis from a security standpoint.

After the Pakistan incident and the fiasco in India with the State Department people, all people accompanying me would be investigated as well and possibly interviewed on the subject material to be discussed.

If they had any objections, we would settle it before we left the states and not at the negotiating table.
Former Vice President Mason was improving but oh so slightly. In two weeks I was going to have to use his offices and clerical staff.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I would have been happier to have spent in a foxhole with it raining. The conversations on these days were strictly politics. President Thomas and his staff kept complete detailed dossiers on every Senator and Representative in Congress.

Everything was in them – finances, friends, political weakness and strengths, special interests and hobbies as well as a list of lobbyists that frequented their offices or called. Even their vices were listed. Some of them read like a porn novel.

He even had one started on me but the last entry was several years ago.

Thursday I was back in Air Force Two for a short two day trip to Canada. Another good will and negotiating trip. The two countries were trying to smooth out some rough spots in the lumber, wheat and cattle import-export trade deals between us.

Part of Thursday was a tour of Ottawa and Montreal and of course a state dinner. Canada was no different than the US; the guests at the dinner were a mix of politicians and well to do political cronies.

Saturday there was another party fund raiser. This time it was in Atlanta. Atlanta was a modern city. It laid claim to be the busiest airport hub in the world. It was a major commercial and financial giant with some of the biggest names in aviation and industrial equipment, domestic and import with plants, warehouses or headquarters there. It ranked in the top twenty cities in the world.

I took my mates and Jeanna this time to the fund raiser so they could mingle. It was a fabulous affair. All my mates were decked out in the best dresses and jewels we had. Since my job change there had been shopping trips to fit the part. We could hold our own with the elegant ladies and kept women of a few of the guests.

Marcy had some of the gold coins attached to gold necklaces with diamonds and rubies from the mine. Each of us had one. They quickly became points of interest and conversation pieces. Marcy had one made for Jeanna.

My mates had decided that with me being VP, we should be able to put on the Ritz more often and when we needed to.

I gave the speech on manufacturing and commerce and the need for balance. We needed to trade with foreign countries but not to the point that we lost our industrial and technology advantage.

We needed to grow our cities and infrastructure to stay ahead of demand. Several cities on the west coast had gotten behind and were in trouble because cost of living and population growth had overcome the city’s ability to keep up with infrastructure and necessities for the public.

It was a fancy steak dinner with all the fixings. At ten thousand a plate, I would expect no less.

I sat and listened while their Washington offerings gave their speeches and I tried not to fall asleep.

It was late when we landed back at Morton, way after midnight. Everyone seemed happy, my mates, Jeanna, the covering media and the party brass. They were still wanting me to endorse someone but they were out of luck for now.

Sunday went fast and before I knew it I was back in Washington with former Vice President Mason. I had one more trip this week and two fund raisers.

It was 0900 when I received a coded text to call Andy. ”Call ASAP.”

I called him on the JBG phone.

”I just wanted to inform you that the Air Tractors and Blackhawks are going to attack both of the drug plants simultaneously in about an hour. I have informed Vicky and she has been in contact with Mexican President Martinez and Prosecutor Inez. They have given their approval.”

”Mexico is sending its version of the FBI in after the strikes are over to clean up what is left. Both areas were controlled by the cartel and off limits to Mexican Federal authorities. They plan to move in the confusion and take control of the entire sector. Vicky and Ching Lee are in-route for the news conference,” Andy said.

”Good luck – keep me informed,” I replied.

At home – ten hours later – Vicky and Ching Lee were still high on adrenaline from the media exposure and the success of the joint operation. At the news conference they both excelled in the Q&A and held their own with the federal police.

One hundred and ten high level cartel members and chemists were on the way to the new prison on the western end security zone. They would be held there until there was room for them at Matador where they would be interrogated.

Supper was late, we all worked to make it happen. Then it was time with the boys, then the hot tub.

At 0145 there was pounding on the bedroom door – Jenny and I both jumped out of bed ready to fight.

”Ma-am, we have an emergency, you need to get up. You need to go to Washington,” an agent said.

Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.

After the New Year’s parties and celebrations that I was requested to attend as a representative of the administration, life took a different turn.

The President was in the final year of his second term and was not able to run again. With former Vice President Mason out of the running because of his health, there was now a free for all in the candidates for President – and there were plenty of them.

I was being pressed to endorse one of the party candidates and campaign for them, but that was not going to happen. I agreed to do fundraisers for the party and not for individual candidates at both state and national level to satisfy Senators and attract a few more for votes needed to carry out the President’s agenda.

The first week of January I was in the air for official business. This time the trip took me to Australia, another long trip of four days; a day of flying, two days of meetings and negotiations and another official dinner and political affair.

We did talk aggressively about the international drug problem and the efforts of the Americas to fight it. I explained in detail the forensic testing facility that had just gone into service as part of JBG International efforts.

Then I broke more rules and asked if they would be interested in participating in the testing and sending certified samples to the forensic testing site. If they were interested I could see to it the sample kits would get sent to them.

The result was an agreement for Australia to join the fight in more ways than I expected. Their attorney general agreed to push for new laws allowing the country to share drug related arrest and conviction records with the international body.

The result would be an effort to stop drug traffickers from traveling country to country. It would be tightening the noose on the drug cartel, its kingpins and mules trying to transport drugs.

Once identified as having any prior connection to drug trafficking, a person would be flagged by facial recognition at airports, train, bus stops and port of call terminals worldwide if countries continued to join.

Two things happened while I was in Australia. One, Andy closed off the security zone as we had planned. It was a massive nightmare in the California section. Even though they had been warned for weeks, less than half had the documents to return to the states from Mexico.

The waits were 12 hours to get through if you had the papers. All the others were sent back to Mexico. The media was not friendly.

Mexico was not happy either but knew and understood that the startup would be problematic. They were happy with the cartel arrests and drug seizures.

The second was the work on the third pipeline was started and was moving at a much faster pace, fast enough that the cartel people were scattering. In less than two weeks the Air Tractors would be in range of the cartel drug manufacturing operation and two more of the cartel kingpins homes and center of operations.

Andy had taken custody of seventy eight cartel and cartel operatives trying to make the run into the US and other countries. Guatemala and Honduras both had signed on to the international drug offensive and were making arrests of cartel members trying to get a pathway into South America.

The media was screaming at me again, wanting statements and interviews. I was getting to be an easy target.

I had my office release a statement, ”At taking the oath of the office of Vice President I was required to remove myself from all things JBG. This included all decision making for all divisions of JBG, including any control or influence over those divisions, also including the office that I held in the business. I was also required to place all stocks or ownership of any and all business entities in a trust that I have no control over.”

”Any actions domestic or international by JBG are those of the new leadership of JBG. JBG does have a public relations department and spokesperson and all questions related to JBG should be directed to them,” the statement said.

The statement would not please any of them but was all I was going to say publicly. I was still in the loop and would always be.

On the return trip there was a stopover in Texas for the first fund raiser. There were plenty of VIPs to speak to while mingling with big money donors from the massive industrial complex in the state.

I gave the speech on terrorism, and on the national drug problem and how we were fighting to take back control of our cities. I also spoke about the need to continue a robust economy, keeping government out of business decisions. I thanked the Texas conservative party for their continued support in both battles.

I thanked the state of Texas for doing its part in the push for continued energy independence. The audience was full of oil millionaires that didn’t want anything to happen politically to slow down the push for production.

The meet and greet after the fifty thousand dollar a plate dinner was different than anything I had ever been involved in. The wealth and power this room could project was mind boggling. I had read about these men and women in the financial pages.

A big man even by Texas standards approached the table where I was doing the meet and greet with the guests. He was at least six foot seven two hundred and forty pounds. He was wearing a Stetson ten gallon hat laced with silver dollars around the base.

With a big Texas drawl, ”Ma-am, we have a mutual friend. I understand you are close family to Jeanna Destone,” he said.

”Yes, Jeanna’s daughter Marcy is part of my unique family and my business partner and Jeanna is family,” I said.

”I’m GW Mclintock, Jeanna and I are old friends and have had many business dealings together in the past. I trust she is doing well.”

GW Mclintock was a name that Jeanna had talked about many times. GW was a Texas baron billionaire. His portfolio included several big cattle ranches. Oil and natural gas fields were dotted on them. He had surface coal mines and a copper mine.

He was the principal owner of the new Devil’s Dome oil and natural gas field. It was reported to be estimated to hold a trillion cubic feet of natural gas and as much as five hundred billion barrels of hi-grade crude oil. It was enough to supply America’s energy needs for decades.

If that was not enough, he had bought on early into the big wind power generators. Rumor again said he owned thousands of them stretched from mid Canada to the Mexican border. He also owned several massive solar farms. He had energy covered no matter what the energy markets or demand dictated.

Jeanna once said his Daddy gave him ten cattle and one hundred acres after he quit school at fourteen and told him to make it work or die. He made it work and never looked back. He was a hard worker and deal maker.

He supported sensible politicians, conservative ideals and children’s hospitals.

”Jeanna told me to say hello for her if I met you,” I said.

”Return the hello and tell her the next time she is in the area to look me up, it’s been too long.”

” I hear the world is at your finger tips if you want it,” GW said.

”I have all I can say grace over, I don’t need any more,” I said.

”Never say never; life has a way of challenging us then giving us even more. You seem to handle challenges quite well,” he said.

I had Ziva take a picture of the two of us to send the Jeanna. Much to the Secret Service agents’ dismay I spent six hours mingling with the people at the fund raiser. I shook hands, took pictures, signed autographs and talked. I stayed until it was over.

It was in the wee hours when we landed back at Morton. My mates were waiting along with Jeanna and TV cameras. The fund raiser had already made rounds on the late night talk shows.

They were speculating like crazy. The TV talking heads were a pain in the ass, to put it bluntly. They were taking this a lot more serious than I was.

Friday I stayed home to be with the family. I did MTAC with the White House and Dick James. The Secret Service had delivered the signed agreement for their reading pleasure. They were happy, I was happy. Australia’s prime minister had called the President and agreed to become a member of the anti-drug coalition.

Saturday afternoon I did an interview on the progress of the growing drug coalition with Hanna. We lightly covered several other subjects. I was sure the interview would be sold to all the Sunday talk shows.
Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.

Monday I was back at Washington. Congress was in session one more day before the Thanksgiving break that lasted into the second week of December. They had a funding bill that had to pass, otherwise dozens of their favorite agencies would close before they came back from recess.

The reason the funding had not passed was because Thursday and Friday they had been too busy getting TV time and grandstanding on the floor of Congress about the fate of the Iranian five. The bills passed quickly; they wanted out of town fast. All of them were brushing off reporters’ questions about the outcome of the Iranian ploy that they had been duped into playing a part in.

Thursday was Thanksgiving dinner at the White House. It was a joint dinner with the Presidents and Vice President’s staff and family. My mates and four little ones were sitting at the table with the President and his family. I worried about the two boys – they could get out of hand – but they made us proud; perfect little gentlemen.

Saturday was our family dinner; the Jones, Coles, Crash, Jeanna and the Smithfield’s, Lorrie’s Mom and Dad. There was turkey, ham, dressing, cranberry sauce, all kinds of vegetables and all kinds of deserts. My favorite was apple pie a la mode but mincemeat was right there with it.

My bodyguards ate with us – both the JBG and the Secret Service. Everybody would need time in the gym. They rotated days so they could have holiday time with their families.

On Monday I was back on Air Force 2 headed for India. This trip was for four days. I thought there was only two State Department people going but there were six and also four from the DOD.

With so many factions pulling different directions in India, the Secret Service sent thirty agents in another plane as an advance team. I still had my normal Secret Service security team and my JBG security team.

It was a long flight – seventy five hundred miles with a stopover in Hawaii to refuel. The flight gave me more time to review all the information I had and what the DOD officials had brought with them that I had not seen.

It was four grueling days of intense talks; the worst I had been involved in. The Indians wanted every single item to be renegotiated and debated. They were trying to tire me out and get things by me and my team over the previous sessions. In many cases there was no progress at all.

To top it all off, they tried to have parties for us that lasted all night to add to the exhaustion. They thought they were pulling something off. I noticed that the people in their negotiating teams were disappearing early out the back and then there were others trying to delay my leaving until the wee hours in the morning.

It was the morning of the third day when I decided to go full hard line on them. They wanted to play games, so would I. They wanted to renegotiate everything, so did I and to my advantage.

That when the trouble started with both the State Department and DOD people. One State Department individual in particular – Jeff Custis – was a problem.

He undercut me with the first three items of the day, siding with the Indian negotiators, thus ending up with at the original points with a loss of two hours and nothing to show. He started to get argumentative with me at the table with the next item. I called for a ten minute break to stretch.

In the room that was reserved for us for coffee and private discussion and – I was willing to bet – was bugged, the State Department guy started again before I could even refresh my coffee.

He was berating me for even being in these negotiations and interfering with his expert opinion.

Enough was enough and I instantly had enough. I snapped my fingers to get the attention of my JBG bodyguards. Ziva knew instantly something was going to happen.

I grabbed him by the throat and pushed him back and into the wall, slamming his head against the wall. Looking at him square in the eyes, ”Don’t you ever undercut my position, don’t you ever argue with me at the table again or I will send you back to Washington in handcuffs and leg shackles. Do you understand?” I said.

”Yes,” he said.

”Yes what?” I asked.

”Yes Ma-am,” he said.

”That’s more like it and you’d better remember it,” I said.

‘Back in the meeting the going was still slow but there was no disagreement by anyone in my team. By lunch time we were clicking off the items. Once the Indian team figured out the game was up and there was no advantage to their tactics, they were ready to get as much work done today as possible.

I worked the Indian negotiators hard till way after the normal session ending time by two hours. Then there was supper. I cut short the festivities by telling my group there was a 2000 meeting in my room. All of us needed a good night’s sleep.

By Thursday afternoon we were done. The news conference and official document signing was finished by 1600. One last official dinner and political event and we were ready to fly east. I couldn’t wait to step on the tarmac at Morton. It would be late Friday afternoon when that happened.

Saturday and Sunday were family time and I needed it. All my mates wanted personal time with me to talk about their week and I was ready to listen. Two growing little boys wanted time as well. I made up for lost time with all of them.

The girls and I spent both nights in the hot tub and then in the den on the padded furniture just talking before going to bed. The two boys and I went first to Fort Smith and then to the Ratz farm where Dad and Jason were finishing up the corn harvest. They should have been done weeks ago but had stopped combining corn because the soybeans matured early.

Dad was driving the combine and with my permission, JJ rode in the cab with him. The new combine’s cab was climate controlled with heat and AC and was roomy. JJ could stand and watch the corn head devour twelve rows of corn and then he could turn and watch the shelled corn filling the grain bin. I was sure he was getting a little OJT sitting in Dad’s lap.

I took RJ with me on the big John Deere tractor pulling the six row bat-wing bush hog to pulverize the corn stubble. Cutting the stubble made it easier to plant next year’s crop and also made it harder for corn borer worms to survive winter.

The cab on the tractor was good as the one on the combine. I put RJ in my lap and let him steer the tractor, something Dad had done with both Jake and me when we were that size.

The Secret Service were beside themselves; all they could do was sit in the Suburban and watch. That was until I sent them to get coffee for me and Dad plus hot coco for the boys.

On Monday I went goose hunting with Dad, Jason, Vicky, Lorrie and Judge Slaughter.

The Secret Service were beside themselves again. They just didn’t know how to address a group of men with shotguns with the VP. It had been over two decades since there was an avid hunter connected to the White House. All the Secret Service agents who had been there then had long since retired.

We were done hunting by 1000 and had our limit for the day. Several pictures from the morning hunt would make the evening news cycle.

One picture was me walking from the blind with three dead geese in one hand and the other hand holding the Browning ten gauge goose gun on my shoulder. The other picture was a group picture kneeling with the geese on the ground in front of us and the gun resting against me.

Both were sure to bring the animal lovers and anti-gun people into a tizzy.

Jason carried them to the butcher where they would be gutted and plucked (removing all the feathers) then run through a detector so all the buckshot could be removed. With the right sauces, seasonings and cooking they would be delicious Christmas and New Years dinners.

It was two weeks before Christmas and it was the last out of the country visit I had to make before Christmas. This one was back to merry old England. It was a follow up and completion of the talks I had been in with the Secretary of State from a couple months ago.

All the details had been worked out and all I had to do was to sign and go through the formalities with all the VIPs and photo sessions. I was still gone three days, even though everything was ready to sign. I took advantage of the third short official day to do some Christmas shopping for the girls and boys.

With a guide from the embassy I was carried to the most elegant stores. I picked out jewelry for my mates and toys for the boys and little things for Takeo and Sara. I also bought presents for the rest of my family.

Back home I broke all the rules and spent time in my office over the gym. I spent several hours with the girls on JBG business. There were still some things I had to be involved in whether the DC politicians liked it or not. It was taking time to move those things over to the girls.

One of the things we decided on was the size of the Christmas bonus that all forty thousand JBG employees were to get. It had been a good year; they deserved to share in the prosperity. We decided on the same as last year – seventy five hundred – so they would have five thousand after taxes in a separate check.

Back home I helped with putting up the rest of the Christmas decorations. The boys were into Christmas this year. There were lists of the things they wanted. Me, I just wanted time to be with all of them. They were excited and that made us excited.

All of us had front row seats to all the Washington Christmas and New Year parades. It was a Christmas to remember for all of us, especially for the boys.

Edit by Alfmeister
Proof read by Bob W.