Glimmer of Hope (Land of Tomorrow Book 1) (29 page)

Chapter 9 – Betrayal

General Sampson could not understand what was happening. He was getting conflicting reports from every direction and everyone seemed to have lost their minds. He could hear fighting to his front and it was clear that either someone had initiated his attack early or, unbelievably, the JP had actually attacked him! What didn’t make sense was the sound of fighting that was coming from their rear. Sampson sent one aide after another to find out what was going on, but so far none of them had returned.

In disgust, Sampson threw down his glasses and stormed out of the tent to assess the situation himself. He saw men running in every direction. Sampson began grabbing soldiers at random as they passed. Most did not even know what they were running from, but Sampson’s harsh insistence that they get themselves under control seemed to calm them considerably.

Where are the officers of these men?
asked Sampson to himself.
This only proves that I'm being undermined from within. Not even my own officers can be trusted.

Sampson saw one panicky man running towards him. Unlike the others, he looked to have seen action as he was covered in dust and blood. Sampson grabbed the man by the shirt as he passed and used the soldier’s forward momentum to fling him to the ground. The man looked up in shock and some sort of sanity appeared to reassert itself.

“What do you think you’re doing, soldier?” asked Sampson gruffly.

“Sir,” said the man still out of breath as he swallowed with difficulty, “the enemy, they’re everywhere and those tanks are just rolling over everything!”

“Tanks?” asked Sampson. “How many? Where?”

“Three sir, cutting through everything!” the man said before getting up and running on again. Sampson didn’t notice.
My tanks! I want them back.

Sampson saw one of his commanders packing up to leave and ordered him to plan an immediate counteroffensive with the goal of recovering the tanks. The officer looked at Sampson like he thought the general had lost his mind; but Sampson didn’t notice the look. He went on talking about crushing the JP now that they had made the mistake of standing and fighting.

This is my chance, what it has all been leading to
, thought Sampson.
My greatest victory was at hand.

He noticed that the men at least seemed to be running now back towards the front. But they looked just as panicked as they had been while previously running away from it. Something wasn’t right here. He started to stop another soldier when one of his aides finally returned and grabbed Sampson by the arm. Sampson promptly slapped it off furiously.

“Lieutenant, how dare you!” Sampson was outraged. “You touch me again and you’ll regret it!”

“I’m sorry, sir,” said the man suitably cowed, “but it isn’t safe for you here, we have to get you to safety!”

“What are you talking about?” asked Sampson suspiciously.

“Sir, we’re caught between forces. A large force has somehow come up behind us,” said the lieutenant breathlessly. “They are already breaking through our lines and we haven’t much time.”

“We’ve been betrayed!” said Sampson. “How else could they get in behind us?”

“Quite possibly,” admitted the man. “But please, general, we have to get you out of here. The WTR cannot risk you being caught, or heaven forbid, killed. If you are lost, all is lost for us,” the man pleaded.

This last entreaty seemed to penetrate Sampson. “Well, we can build further armies, ones that aren’t so cowardly and do not betray me. What is your plan of escape?”

“Sir,” said the lieutenant with obvious relief. “I have a squad that will take us to a car hidden on a trail over that hill there. So far, none of the enemy has come from that direction and I believe we can escape undetected, but only if we leave now.”

“Okay,” said Sampson convinced. “I approve your plan. Proceed.”

“Thank you, sir.” The lieutenant yelled at several soldiers nearby. They formed a circle around Sampson and the aide. They all set off at a fast walk to the west of the fighting. They proceeded for perhaps ten minutes steadily downhill through dense woods and foliage. At a clearing, the lieutenant stopped the group suddenly. The sounds of fighting were dull and distant now.

“Where is the car?” asked Sampson. “Why are we stopping?”

The lieutenant turned to face him. “It’s up ahead, but I’m afraid you’ve run out of time.”

“What do you mean?” yelled Sampson, clearly angry and frustrated. “Explain yourself!”

The lieutenant seemed totally calm and composed, the distinct opposite of his earlier behavior. Sampson had the faintest sense of unease. He looked around and saw the squad of soldiers in a circle around them facing outwards with their weapons.

The lieutenant stood looking at him silently for several seconds and Sampson was about to repeat his demand when the lieutenant spoke.

“Ethan said to tell you it wasn’t personal.”

Sampson opened his mouth to yell at the man when he raised his arm and shot Sampson in the head with his pistol. Sampson fell to the ground, gasping for air, wondering what had happened.

The lieutenant walked over and stood studying him silently, expressionlessly, before firing three quick rounds into his chest. He then gave the men a quick order and they continued on their way.

General Jeb Sampson lay in the grass dying and already forgotten.

Chapter 10 – Victory

General Anderson had to get control of the situation. He had not anticipated that the enemy would crumble so completely and so quickly. They were defeated, but the killing went on and threatened to disintegrate into mass murder. He saw that discipline and cohesion had broken down in the euphoria of victory following their earlier intense fear. The further he walked into the battlefield, the more he saw signs of executions and looting of bodies. He continued to hear the disquieting sounds of individual shots that could only mean one thing.

He saw tanks nearby. Anderson ran over and found Captain Beau Myers standing on top of his vehicle looking south with binoculars like he had just conquered the world. His soldiers were also gathered on and around the tanks with a similar attitude of celebration. He ran up and yelled to get the Captain’s attention.

Beau immediately responded with a smile, jumped off his tank and saluted Anderson, “Sir, the enemy is fleeing in all directions! We’ve won and we’re-"

“Stop, Captain!” yelled Anderson cutting through his enthusiasm. “I have a different mission for you and your men and I need it to be done right now.”

“Yes, sir,” said Beau, now calm and attentive.

“The army is coming apart right now and is vulnerable. They’re looting, killing, and doing God knows what else. We’re vulnerable to a counterattack and we have to get control. I’m afraid we’re also executing men who have surrendered. It may seem like a good idea now, but people will regret it tomorrow. I do now.”

“What do you need me to do, sir?” asked Beau.

Anderson sighed before continuing. There would be no returning from what he was about to do, but he saw no other way to stop the carnage and the craziness. Most would never forgive him. Nevertheless he felt it was the right call.

“Captain, leave a guard for the tanks and take the rest of your men on foot and sweep through the battlefield to get everyone back under control. Have soldiers report to their unit. Anyone who does not have a unit, or can’t find it, is to fall under your command. Any officer you see who refuses to do his duty, you have the authority to relieve on the spot in my name. Anyone who is executing or torturing prisoners is to be arrested. Do you have any questions?”

“Just one, sir,” said Beau gravely. “How far am I allowed to go in this?”

Anderson’s face was grim as he told Beau to gather his men around so he could tell them all. “Men, I’ve just given your commander a very key and difficult mission. You have authority to shoot anyone who does not comply. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I fear it will at first. I accept full responsibility. It’s up to you to bring the army back under control.”

They all nodded that they understood, heading off to do their duty.

*******

Two hours later it was done. The JP forces were back in their assigned unit positions. They had established a defensive perimeter and sent out patrols to intercept any counterattacks from the south. They also began tending the wounded, burying the dead, and gathering up the prisoners. Jubilation was replaced by soberness as word spread of what had happened.

The final cost of Beau’s mission was twenty-two arrested, three relieved, and one dead. Beau reported that they came across a major who was walking down a line of kneeling men and shooting each in the head with a pistol while others looked on.

Beau ordered him to stop. The major shot another man in the head. Beau ordered him relieved of his position and told his men to place him under arrest. The major smiled, took a step to the right and shot the next man in the head, his soldiers not moving.

Beau warned the Major he would have to shoot him if he did not stop. The Major laughed, took a step to the right, put the pistol up to the next man’s head, but fell over bleeding when Beau shot him in the back.

The shot broke the spell. Beau ordered all the men to bury the dead and then report to their unit. He took control of the prisoners and continued on his mission with the prisoners in tow.

Although Anderson did not regret his actions, he knew this would not end well. He also knew Reggie Philips would stand behind him, which could endanger Reggie’s legitimacy. Anderson couldn’t have that. He had come to love the JP too much to see it made vulnerable.

Anderson sent a quick dispatch north to General Butch Matthews to report to him immediately. He did not tell him why, just that it was urgent. He kept his intentions to himself.

He would resign his post to Butch until an official investigation could be conducted into his army’s actions. Regardless, he knew dangerous and possibly dark days were ahead.

On the bright side, maybe I'll be able to catch up on my gardening
, he mused looking at the sky.

Chapter 11 – Cease Fire

The reality of the situation hit President Reggie Philips as he walked towards an outdoor tent with the sides rolled up. General Butch Matthews was on his right and General Nathan Taylor on his left. The meeting was requested by the leadership of the WTR following a cease fire. Reggie eagerly accepted the offer, but admitted to himself it was unexpected and a little suspicious. It was also odd that General Sampson was not at this event. No one could yet explain his absence.

As they approached, Reggie noticed only one small unassuming man on the other side of the table. He appeared meek and totally non-threatening. With no sense of hesitation or uncertainty, the man walked around the end of the table and stuck his hand out to Reggie.

“President Philips, what a pleasure to meet you. My name is Ethan Schweitzer,” said the small, older man while shaking Reggie’s hand in both of his. He turned to the other two and greeted them just as warmly and invited them to all sit.

“Gentlemen,” began Ethan. “Let me first thank you all very much on behalf of all the people of the West Tennessee Republic for coming. I hope and pray that our work today will be the beginning of a peaceful relationship that ends all of this ridiculous fighting between our two peaceful people.

“Sir,” said Butch. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I must ask. Where is General Sampson? No talks can go forward without him present.”

Ethan looked stricken and uncomfortable. “I apologize, but I must inform you that General Sampson died at the Battle of Fulton. No one is sure exactly how, but there is some evidence that leads us to believe he was accidently killed by his own troops, much like Stonewall Jackson I could say. General Sampson would be honored by the comparison, but regardless we are conducting a full investigation into the matter. I am here simply as a chosen representative of the people of the WTR.”

“And if you do not mind me asking,” said Nathan, “just what is your relationship, sorry,
was
your relationship to General Sampson?”

“I was his chief advisor,” said Ethan. “Although he rarely listened to me. I told him this war was a bad idea and would only cause grief and trouble for everyone, but he didn’t listen. It gives me no solace to know I was right.” Ethan looked as if another thought occurred to him.

“Gentleman, I must tell you before we go further with any sort of negotiations for peace, that most of the WTR was against the war and only participated grudgingly. General Sampson was an absolute military dictator who ruled with an iron fist. I can certainly tell you that the people of the WTR are as happy, if not more so, than you are that General Sampson is no longer in power. I would even hazard to say that if not for General Sampson, there would never have been bad feelings between us, much less this wasteful tragic war.”

Ethan seemed to catch himself rambling. “I’m apologize, I only bring this up in order to humbly request that you deal with the ordinary, peace-loving, and innocent people of the Republic with kindness and understanding. I promise you they will remember it and it will establish a long tradition of respect and gratitude in return for your mercy and understanding.”

“If General Sampson is dead,” asked Reggie, “then who exactly is in charge of the WTR?”

“Actually, no one.” said Ethan with a smile. “I’ve been asked to represent our people here, and serve as an unofficial…'facilitator' for the public good, as it were, until general elections can be held. We’ve had enough of dictatorships.”

Reggie was becoming wary for some reason, but decided to get down to business. “Well, sir, we appreciate your overtures to us to end this conflict and are open to your proposals.”

“Yes,” said Ethan. “I appreciate your tact and not wanting to humiliate us, but we should talk straight here. We are here to discuss the terms of our surrender. The cease fire was the first step toward that end, and I pray that another shot will not be fired between us after this day. I again ask you to consider that the war was not against the WTR, but against General Sampson. The common people have been victims of his heavy-handed brutality. I would also like to say that I am here to surrender. We are certainly in no position to quibble, but I am reminded of the lop-sided peace treaties where one side dealt too harshly with the other such as in the World Wars or the Punic Wars. Those unfair treaties led to further and more costly conflicts. I hope today, at this table, we can establish a treaty between us that will allow our children and grand-children to live in peace.”

Butch, who seemed taken aback by the man’s openness, cleared his throat. “In the spirit of cooperation, I recommend we begin by exchanging prisoners.”

“A splendid idea, sir,” said Ethan with an easy smile. “Are you considering a certain ratio of exchange or a simple one for one swap?”

“All for all,” said Reggie quickly. “If the war is to be over, then it is to be over for everyone.”

Reggie thought for a moment that the man might cry. He looked to be overcome by emotion. “You are as good and as just as they say, Mister President. Thank you!”

“On the other hand,” said Butch, “we will need you to hand over any more tanks that you have and fuel for them. They are simply too dangerous. How many do you have?”

“Actually, I don’t know,” said Ethan after a moment of consideration, “but it will not be a problem. What use could we possibly have for tanks?”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” said Butch. “I feel we can trust you to turn them over, but be aware that having even one single tank after we sign the treaty is grounds for the war to begin afresh.”

“I understand,” said Ethan. “It will not be a problem, I promise you.”

“It is also good to hear that you are holding free and democratic elections,” said Reggie. “We wish to have friendly relations with your people and propose that we form a military alliance where we agree to come to each other’s aid if requested. We also have to insist though that you do not make any other alliances, make war, or make peace with anyone else without our permission.”

“Yes, although there doesn’t appear to be any other governments left but our two. Nevertheless, it is reasonable,” said Ethan. “It’s much like the old Roman alliance system.”

“Yes, exactly,” said Butch, recognizing a fellow historian.

“As part of such a system, are we to pay tribute?” asked Ethan neutrally.

The three men looked at each other and then Nathan spoke. “We were not of the mind to demand reparations, but we must ask that you cede territory we already occupy south of the border in order to make our boundaries more secure.”

Ethan nodded. He appeared saddened, but understanding. “Yes. I only ask that you allow those citizens living there the right to sell their homes and move south or grant them full JP citizenship rights. They are innocents in all of this, after all.”

“That seems reasonable,” said Reggie. “We agree.”

“Also, sir, if I might be so bold,” said Ethan, “although you are not to exact tribute from us, we would like to provide you our previous tax plus twenty-five percent in exchange for the previous amount of electricity that we were receiving.”

“That is going to be difficult,” said Nathan. “Our dam is currently damaged and we do not know when it will be repaired or the electricity restored.”

“We are willing to pay anyway with the belief that you will repair it and have electricity again,” said Ethan. “After all, you are as motivated as we are, and our people will welcome the day they see the bright lights to the north again, because it means prosperity for us, too.”

Reggie knew that this had been a point of contention before. Many JP leaders wanted to cut the WTR off completely, but Reggie just couldn’t see doing that without fostering the hard feelings Ethan spoke of. It would also tie the WTR to the JP more tightly than any treaty would. “I think that can be arranged.”

Ethan smiled and thanked them again with a broad smile. “Gentlemen, I am truly your humble servant and in your debt. Please tell me what else I can do to cement our new relationship. Whatever you ask, I promise to do it, if it is within my power.”

“Actually,” said Reggie, “we only had one other point and that is toward future prosperity. We wish for trading rights allowing us to sell and trade goods within the WTR and to have free transport on all of its roads and waterways. Tied to that, I would like us to have an agreement where we respect the rights of one another’s others’ citizens when they are traveling within our respective areas.”

“Sir,” said Ethan, “very prudent points and wise. Might we also be allowed to trade in your jurisdiction and use your roads?”

Reggie felt slightly uncomfortable, “That will be a point for the future. I hope that we will eventually reach such a relationship, but the time is not now. My people would never accept such a situation, but might given enough time. Rest assured, I believe it will happen eventually.”

Ethan again nodded, ruefully. “Yes, you are right, it was presumptuous for me to ask such a thing. You have already shown yourselves to be merciful, and I ask for more than you can give. Please forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” said Reggie. “You are simply looking out for the welfare of your people.”

All of them nodded and looked at each other expectantly. Nathan abruptly broke the silence, “Who is Gabriel?”

Ethan looked confused, “Excuse me?”

Nathan’s instinct told him there was something here. “The assassin your government sent to kill President Phillips said he worked for a man called Gabriel. Who is he?”

“Sir,” began Ethan looking alarmed, “please believe me when I say that must have been General Sampson’s doing and we were mortified when we heard of it. No one in the WTR would have committed such a cowardly and heinous act.”

Nathan stared hard at the meek man in front of him. He looked like a wind would blow him over, but again Nathan thought something wasn’t right. “You haven’t answered my question. Who is Gabriel?”

“I don’t know!” wailed Ethan looking like he was on the verge of tears. “Please believe me, I don’t know a Gabriel, we had nothing to do with that! You must believe me.”

“We believe you,” said Reggie putting his hand on Nathan’s arm. “Nathan, it's okay.”

There was silence again and Reggie broke it this time, “Well, gentlemen, I believe we are in agreement. We can have the documents drawn up and signed by the representatives of each of our territories and published for all to see. Until then, can we all assume the points we have agreed upon to be in effect? Can we also assume that you have the authority to agree to the terms we’ve spoken of today?”

“Indeed, I can, on both issues,” said Ethan. They all stood up and shook hands. All parties left pleased with the result and hopeful for the future.

Ethan left as the most pleased of all. His plans were progressing exactly as planned and he was one step closer to his ultimate objective. He would have to keep an eye on that Nathan Taylor fellow though, Ethan thought to himself.