linking sound, video, and lighting effects to the master control centers in the tractor-trailer trucks. Gears whirred, buttons clicked, circuits popped, people scurried around like ants busy building an ant colony high-rise; shouts of I need this, and I need that, punctuated the air. No, move that over there, that won’t do, pull in for this kind of shot, lower the number four mic two inches, turn down the intensity of the red light to a number four setting, so went the language of the broadcast industry. Sandi, Cynthia, and Liz watched in utter amazement at what was transpiring before their eyes; this was network TV in its finest hour. One full hour of testing all equipment repeatedly gave the network people the confidence that everything was ready. Now all they needed were the anchors to show up and do a run through with lighting, sound, and camera checks: it was eight thirty. The five limousines carrying the network anchors approached the front gate at eight fifteen. They were hustled to the media center, whisked through makeup and hair stylist’s last touches, and onto the stage to do a run through of all systems.
Alex was finishing a call to Admiral Hanover when Sandi beeped his cell phone.
“Alex, they need you here to check sound and lighting.”
“Okay, I’ll be right down.”
The front gate was closed to further entry and guarded by fifty Marines; thirty-five Navy Seals heavily armed with automatic assault rifles surrounded the media center.
Alex entered the media center flanked by Sandi and Somers, all eyes were transfixed on this man they had so eagerly awaited. Network executives approached Alex and introduced themselves, makeup people hovered around Alex. Somers was nervous with this many people so close to Alex.
“Oh my, he hardly needs any makeup, maybe a little under the eyes, but that’s all,” the young make-up artist said as he sashayed off to get his kit.
“Young man, thank you for the compliment, but I don’t use makeup,” Alex apologized. Somers was amused at how they were all fawning over him; she could hear the female attendees gasping in the background. He was taller than they expected, he was physically imposing, and his looks hid his real age. Alex approached the stage and shook hands with all the network anchors who would be asking him the questions. They agreed among themselves as to who would ask which questions. They used a lottery to decide who got the first question. After Alex finished his sound check everyone was satisfied with the positions around the table. It was nine fifty five.
A stage manager came out and announced.
“Five minute warning, all quiet please, everyone be seated, all beepers and cell phones off. We will be broadcasting live to over a billion people worldwide, this will be the largest live broadcast ever, you are part of history folks,” he proudly stated.
“Okay, thirty seconds,” he counted down to ten, and then pointed to George Neff of NBC.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen we are broadcasting live from the media center at Peterson Air Force base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This Air Force base is the headquarters of General Alex Hanken. As many of you know General Hanken has opposed Admiral Torrance’s overthrow of the US government and vowed to reverse that action and restore the United States to a democracy. He commands the largest nuclear arsenal on this planet and has the ability to deliver those weapons with the most sophisticated weapons systems in the world. He was a Desert Storm combat hero and the Iraqi war logistic planning genius that resulted in the shortened ground and air war at the outset of the conflict. He was promoted by Presidential special citation to a four star general seven months ago. General Hanken I have a surprise for you, this is a text message I received late last night from President Betts, may I read it to you?” Alex nodded in agreement.
‘General Hanken, since I am indisposed at this time, I must use George Neff of NBC to deliver a message to you. You’re continued support of the principles of our founding fathers and the exemplary manner in which you discharge your duties reflect what a true American is. General Hanken, the fate of this nation rests in your hands, you are the patriot general who can renew our faith in the cause of freedom, you are no less than our current day George Washington, and may God bless you and guide you to your destiny.’ “This is a verbatim text message from President Owen Betts,” Neff said.
“Thank you George, and thank all of you for showing up on such short notice.”
“Now to the questions, one from each panel member, with an opportunity for one follow-up question,” Neff explained.
“General Hanken will you reconsider your opposition to Admiral Torrance if his positions become popular with the American public?” Neff asked the first question.
“Never,” Alex replied firmly.
“Why?” Neff countered.
“George, if just one American disagrees with his position, it might as well be the entire nation, because that one citizen has been deprived of his/her constitutional right to voice their opinion at the ballot box.”
“Admiral Torrance said you had assured him you would not attack his forces, how then do you plan to restore democracy to our country?” Tom Azner of CBS asked.
“Tom, first, I did not say I wouldn’t attack his forces, what I did say was that a civil war between our forces would serve no useful purpose. Second, this is not our country; thieves have stolen our country away from us. Third, Admiral Torrance has the audacity to say that such a civil war could endanger our sovereignty as a free nation. We are not a free nation, this country is being run by a military dictatorship and we are no better off than a third world country run by a corrupt government,” Alex pounded his point home.
Sandi remarked to Liz and Tina, “He just hit a homerun.”
“It has been estimated by foreign military specialists that you control more destructive power than any military figure in the history of the world. Why should Americans or for that matter, any citizen of the world, think you would give up this power and not just appoint yourself dictator?” Carol Downey of ABC asked.
“Carol, my stated goal, and it will never change, is to free the President, his cabinet, the Congress, and the Supreme Court justices. I will spare no expense in tracking down and apprehending the conspirators and bring them to justice. I am an American patriot, and I have no political aspirations. I will give my life in the pursuit of rectifying this cowardly act perpetrated against this country.”
“General, you say that you have no political aspirations, how should Americans feel about your ability to help steward this country during this time of turmoil?” Lester Keller of CNN asked.
“Lester, the day before yesterday I spoke with President Kleskova, his senior security advisors, and his key military leaders. In that meeting, I received assurances from him that the Russian government will not interfere in this internal conflict. He went on to say that he is in support of my position and offered any assistance they could provide. Yesterday I learned that the US Treasury was considering cutting funds for some of the military units under my control. Since the Treasury Secretary is imprisoned by Admiral Torrance, I spoke with the Asst. Secretary Albert Martin. I informed him that under no circumstances should he or anyone associated with Admiral Torrance undertake such an action. I would consider that a provocative act and would respond with extreme prejudice. Treasury activities should be maintained at normal levels. I have the Denver and San Francisco mints under my control, along with seventy-five per cent of the gold, silver, and platinum bullion at secured locations under my command.
“Also, yesterday I had a conference call with all twelve Governors of the Federal Reserve. They have pledged their support to me. I gave them the task of fanning out across
