Military Rule

MILITARY RULE

Mark S. Bennison

First published in 2006 by

Apex Publishing Ltd

PO Box 7086, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO15 5WN

www.apexpublishing.co.uk

Digital version converted and published in 2012 by

Andrews UK Limited

www.andrewsuk.com

Copyright © 2006 by Mark S. Bennison

The author has asserted his moral rights

All rights reserved. This book is sold subject to the condition, that no part of this book is to be reproduced, in any shape or form. Or by way of trade, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition, including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser, without prior permission of the copyright holder.

Production Manager: Chris Cowlin

Cover Design: Andrew Macey

Prologue

The President of the United States of America, Richard Burkhart, was sitting at his desk in the Oval Office of the White House when the Secretary of Defence, Paul Denny, entered.

Good Morning, Richard, said Denny. How’s the speech coming on?

Good morning, Paul, replied the President. Very well. Just putting the final touches to it. This year of our Lord, two thousand and eight, will go down in history as the end of a great presidential era, lasting eight glorious years.

Yes, Richard, concurred the Secretary of Defence. One of great leadership, conspiracy and reward.

Thank you, Paul, said the President. I could not have put it better. It makes one feel proud executing the American dream of personal wealth.

I agree, replied the Secretary of Defence. We’ve done well out of our term in office. It’s a shame we can’t continue: now that we control the whole of the Middle East.

Indeed so, said the President. But even I can’t change the Constitution. All we can do is tidy things up, tie up the loose ends. It’s time to think of my retirement. I’ve got what I want from my presidency. In my speech, I shall announce that I intend to hand back the Middle East to an elected leader. But, of course, one of my choice. One sympathetic to Western values. One sympathetic to my legacy, and retirement fund. It will demonstrate that I have listened to political leaders across the world, and taken on board their advice and wishes. It takes a great leader to compromise and show a willingness to do so.

Undeniably, Richard, said the Secretary of Defence. I’m sure you will display your compassion when reading your speech. This will lay to rest the criticisms about the Middle East being in ruin and chaos, unable to mount any meaningful revenge or attack in order to regain control of their oil, and also unable to dispel your legacy of democracy, though they throw it back in your face. They really are most ungrateful. But in reality, Richard, I feel we may have a problem closer to home.

The President’s tone changed. He seemed frustrated at the sudden switch of subject. Oh, and what problem may that be, Paul?

After everything we have achieved, our generals may not agree to surrender the Middle East.

I hear what you are saying, Paul, said the President, with an air of confidence again. We don’t need to worry about our generals. The generals do as they are told. It’s the American democratic way. Yes, they can voice their disapproval, but that is all. Nothing to worry about. Besides, I shall be supporting my brother’s candidacy, and my speech today will help him get elected. It will ensure another Republican administration. That will smooth things over with them.

The Secretary of State paused in thought: he’s just brushing it aside. I admire your confidence, Richard, he replied. But have you forgotten the rumours soon after our initial invasion, some five years ago. Our intelligence agency picked up on discontent among certain generals out there. I just feel uneasy.

Only rumours, said the President, positively. As proved, nothing happened. Also, if I remember correctly, General G. Mandeville, chief of staff to our army, quashed the so-called mutinous talk.

Ah, Mandeville, said the Secretary of Defence. He’s the one I fear most. He may well have done so but, even so, if the talk was true, I fear he won’t have forgotten; kept it in the back of his mind for future use; something to take advantage of. I know him well, Richard. He’ll think you’ve sold him out.

Nonsense, Paul, rebuffed the President. I know him well too. No matter what the grievance and how bad it seems to him, he is ultimately loyal to his commander in chief. Now, I’ll hear no more of this. The President looked at his watch. My press conference will be starting soon, he said. All the invited guests will be arriving. The time has come to deliver. My actions and speech today will show the world that America meant well. I don’t want to leave the presidency as a tyrant, but as the one who gave hope and the American dream of achievement to the citizens of lesser nations.

Is your speech ready, Mr President? asked the Secretary of Defence, quietly. Your appearance is indeed expected.

Yes, Paul, replied the President with confidence. It is now complete after being compiled over the years of our great administration. The Lord will smile upon us on this day, Paul.

Never mind the Lord, Mr President, responded the Secretary of Defence. I only hope Mandeville smiles upon you on this day.

The President laughed. Who cares what he thinks? he scoffed. He’s in place to serve me, America and our Lord. Come! It’s time to face my peers.

1: Revelations at the White House

A White House spokesman introduced the President of the United States of America, Richard Burkhart, after giving a short statement to the gathered press, government officials and joint chiefs of staff.

The President appeared from the rear of the White House, making his way along the corridor to the podium in full sight of the waiting audience. He strode with deliberate pace, arms extended downwards and moving backwards and forwards with purpose. The President had a stern look on his face, confident in the knowledge that he was the most powerful and dominant leader in the world.

The President arrived at the podium and rested his hands on its edges. He looked straight ahead and paused for a moment before he spoke, as if to impose his dominance through silence. He then proceeded to deliver his speech without any welcome or acknowledgement to the audience in front of him.

After the successful liberation, by my forces and our allies, of the Middle East, it is now time to move the process forward. In order to complete their liberation, I have set a date, in agreement with our ally, to hand over sovereignty to the people. They can then form their own government ... The President continued with his speech, detailing the process he had just announced.

General G. Mandeville, army chief of staff, ignored the detail however. The opening statement of the speech had taken him by surprise: enough for him to go into deep thought and consider his position regarding the President’s proposed actions. Deflected from his thoughts for a moment as he watched the President elaborating on his opening statement, the General looked on in amazement. Then he returned to his thoughts. Anger was building up inside him, but he made sure his outward appearance remained calm. He’s selling us out, he repeated to himself over and over again. After all our work and achievement. If this is his true intention, he will have to go.

The President was now coming to the end of his speech. The General, now tormented and feeling let down, was anxious to meet with Vice-President, Benjamin Parks. The General looked towards the Vice-President, who in turn delivered a nod in acknowledgement.

Thank you, I shall take questions from the press now, said the President, his speech concluded.

This was the signal for the General to approach the Vice-President. He walked over to him purposefully, with barely contained anger. I want to see you in your office now, he said with urgency.

They both made their way to the Vice-President’s office, unnoticed due to the barrage of questions being addressed to the President.

Mandeville entered the Vice-President’s office, placing a cupped hand behind his ear to query whether they were likely to be overheard. It was the first time he had ever been in this office.

Don’t worry, it’s safe. I made sure this was my sole domain from the start, assured the Vice-President.

Then why have we met at outside locations in the past? asked the General.

I can’t make everybody in the White House blind, answered the Vice-President.

All eyes wide open, unlike our President’s, commented the General, who then laughed at his own joke. Once he had composed himself again, he continued, still angered by the President’s announcement. I’ve already got a general gone soft out there, corrupting my boys into the ways of decent and moral thinking. And now I have a commander in chief going soft, who is proposing to ruin everything we’ve worked for. Then, there’s us in the middle. The General walked to the French doors, which were located behind the Vice-President’s desk. He lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply in order to calm himself. After taking in the view, he turned his attention towards the Vice-President, who was sitting on the sofa in the lounge area of his office. You must have known he was planning this move?

The Vice-President crossed his legs, looking defensive. Vaguely, he replied quietly. You know I’ve been kept at arm’s length concerning Richard and his conspirator’s quest for world dominance. That’s why I sided with you ...

Ha! interjected the General loudly. I came to you with reports from my lieutenant general in the Middle East, voicing his treasonous concerns, making you my ally, knowing you would seize a chance to get at the President, and take sides to your advantage.

After the General’s interruption the Vice-President continued. I know he still plans to control any new government in the Middle East. That’s why he wants an overall leader for the Middle East, and only have to deal with one regime.

General G. Mandeville finished off his cigarette, exhaling the last of the smoke. Can’t be sure on that - too risky. Washington needs to stay in total control of the Middle East. If they do wish to risk that, then the Pentagon should take charge ...

At that moment, a knock on the door was heard. Then Paul Denney, the Secretary of Defence, walked in and interrupted the General and the Vice-President. I thought I heard voices, he said.

The General considered this a rude intrusion and turned his back, facing the French doors once again.

Hi Benjamin, everything well? enquired the Secretary of Defence, ignoring the General in like manner.

Yes, replied the Vice-President, just discussing the President’s address.

The Secretary of Defence smiled, and with great confidence responded, Great speech. Just what was needed, don’t you think?

The Vice-President looked towards him, smiling and nodding. Certainly, exactly what we needed to hear. It’s great! Now we know what needs to be done.

The Secretary of Defence sighed, then pointed out that they should make their way to the Oval Office within the next few minutes. The Secretary of Defence made to leave the office but, just before exiting, thought he should at least acknowledge the General’s presence.

General, he said forcibly.

The General turned and looked intensely at the Secretary of Defence. Always a pleasure! he responded, as he visualised stripping him of his title.

Sure, murmured the Secretary of Defence, not wanting to engage in any further conversation with the General. He returned his attention to the Vice-President. Richard has pulled it out of the hat again, eh? He’s looking good. With a parting glance at the General, he finally left the room.

Jesus Christ! whispered the General, before resuming his normal volume. To think he thinks he’s in charge of me, and that gives him the right to wind me up. The man is a fool!

The Vice-President stood up, straightened his jacket and adjusted his tie. I must make a move now. I will be expected. He paused as the General moved closer to him. What now? asked the Vice-President.

The General placed his hand on the Vice-President’s shoulder, escorting him out of the office, as he answered calmly and precisely, Do what you normally do: sit tight and wait. He then ushered the Vice-President on his way.

The General remained in the office, and used the phone to arrange passage back to the Pentagon. Then, as he was taking his leave, he caught a glance of his reflection in a glass-fronted cabinet. He stood and pondered for a while, realising the enormity of the task before him.

General G. Mandeville had been well trained for any eventuality: a product of West Point Military Academy. He stood tall and broad, grey haired but distinguished looking, just past his half-century: a portrait of leadership.

As he mused, the General recited his code: ‘Duty, Honour and Country’, forsaking those who cheat, steal and lie against America. I will not tolerate those who appear to become weak and treasonous towards America and my way of thinking.

Returning from his trance-like state, the General continued on his journey to the Pentagon, aware that he would have to take action to take his country forward, and take the reins to secure the continuing supremacy they would achieve. God willing.

* * *

Secretary of Defence, Paul Denney, entered the Oval Office. The office was busy, full of aides and advisers going about their business with the President.

The President observed Paul Denney’s entrance. Where have you been, Paul? he asked. I’ve been waiting. The President looked past the Secretary of Defence, expecting his Vice-President to arrive close behind. Is Benjamin with you? he enquired, impatiently.

The Secretary of Defence moved to the lounge area of the office, poured a cup of coffee, made himself comfortable on a sofa and took a sip.

The President was staring at him intensely, waiting for a reply, and on the verge of enquiring whether or not the coffee was more important than his questions.

He will be here shortly, the Secretary of Defence finally responded. He’s been chatting with General G. Mandeville in his office. I heard voices as I passed, so looked in to investigate. The Secretary of Defence took another sip of his coffee and leaned back into the sofa. I was told, he continued, they were discussing your speech, but got the distinct impression of a cloudy atmosphere.

The President did not reply, deciding he would save his request for an explanation until the Vice-President finally made an appearance.

After observing the President deep in thought and having successfully planted seeds of doubt in his mind, the Secretary of Defence changed the subject and continued, It’s a good move we’ve made in planning to hand over to our elected leader of the Middle East. It will calm the situation here, and in Europe, appearing as though we are taking the democratic process forward while still remaining in control.

Yes, agreed the President, but, we may still have trouble out there after our puppet is installed, with factions that do not agree with our choice. We will need to keep our troops there.

The Secretary of Defence produced a wide smile directed at the President. Of course we will, Richard. I’m certain the world will eventually come to accept that America will need to permanently control the Middle East, even NATO. All we need to do is to stick together on this ...

There were two quick knocks on the door, which opened to reveal the Vice-President. He walked into the office, looking apologetically at the President. Richard, he said. Sorry I’m late. He then glanced at the Secretary of Defence. Paul, he said, acknowledging his presence.

Paul just looked back at him with his wide smile, eagerly awaiting his explanation.

The President, who appeared impatient, demanded answers regarding what seemed to be secret goings-on.

There was a pause as the Vice-President thought: I was right in thinking the Secretary of Defence would waste no time in reporting my meeting with the General.

Well, is there a problem I should know about? asked the President, repeating his demand like a headmaster talking to one of his prefects.

The Vice-President took control. He sat in the chair opposite the President, crossing his legs and arms, and proceeded, calmly, General G. Mandeville was taken by surprise by your opening comments. After your whole speech, in his forthright fashion, he demanded to speak with me. He did not agree with handing over sovereignty and diminishing control. However, I managed to convince him it was the right way for us to actually continue to control the Middle East. You know what he’s like: no comprehension of subtlety in his gung-ho mentality!

The President laughed and stared at the Secretary of Defence. See, he said, nothing to worry about, Paul. It seems Benjamin has managed the situation.

The Secretary of Defence was angry, commenting that it was his job to manage the generals. He implied there was something sinister in Mandeville’s approach to the Vice-President.

The President was baffled by this outburst, but concluded to himself: it is in the character of my Secretary of Defence, probably because the General did not approach him instead.

The Vice-President calmly replied to the Secretary of Defence, You do indeed control the generals, but not General G. Mandeville. We know there is no love lost between you. Besides, the General feels he needs to consult with the top, as he himself is the top player in terms of the generals and chiefs of staff. As long as he feels important, we can keep him in check.

Ridiculous! blasted out the Secretary of Defence. I’m supposed to be at the top! All the years of experience I have had in positions of power gives me all the qualification needed to handle upstarts like him! The Secretary of Defence stood up from his seat and waved his arms around, holding his glasses in his right hand as he conducted his outburst. Although short in stature, he certainly made up for it in terms of presence of mind, position, arrogance and clever deceit.

The President held up his hand to intervene. Stop right there, he said. You both seem to forget that I am the Commander in Chief, which makes me the top, and I can remind General G. Mandeville of that fact. We can’t afford any anxiety between the generals and ourselves. And hopefully Benjamin has stemmed it.

The Secretary of Defence calmed down and repositioned himself on the sofa after the President had asserted himself. Yes, Mr President, he said, with a much shorter smile than usual. I will take on board your judgement. But, for the record, I don’t like segregating one general out of my control.

The President moved on, dismissing the Secretary of Defence’s last comment. Okay, gentlemen, he said, let’s get back to the situation in hand. Let’s get back on track. A new chapter begins for the Middle East. Let’s write it smoothly, convincingly and carefully.

The Secretary of Defence rose from the sofa and joined the Vice-President at the President’s desk. Is Dean not joining us? he asked, referring to the Secretary of State.

No, replied the President while handing papers to his aide. I’ve given him instructions to prepare the way for my address to NATO.

The Vice-President observed Richard, Paul, the advisers and aides pressing on with the task in hand, again feeling uninvolved in the political proceedings. I don’t mind so much, he thought. Soon, I will be extremely involved with proceedings. My cover-up seems to have worked, even though the Secretary of Defence may well be stewing over it. For now, I shall take the General’s advice. I’ll do my meaningless job and wait. I only hope I end up on the right side.

The President interrupted the Vice-President’s thoughts with a list of instructions: menial tasks, not befitting a Vice-President. The Vice-President accepted the President’s requests with his usual lack of enthusiasm, and returned to his office to seek solitude and escape, and to prepare for his future role.

As soon as the Vice-President had left the Oval Office, the Secretary of Defence once again voiced his concerns over General G. Mandeville badgering the Vice-President about matters of which they were probably totally unaware.

The President looked thoughtful while staring at his paperwork and turning the pages. I am aware, he said, that General G. Mandeville has been taken by surprise, which I know he won’t like. But, once he’s been given precise details of our intentions, I am sure he will appreciate the tactical moves we are making. The President looked up from his papers towards the Secretary of Defence, and continued softly, I’m sure you will enjoy briefing him when the time comes.

The Secretary of Defence looked over his half-rimmed glasses. Oh, I will! And I hope you are right.

2: The Pentagon Fights Back

General G. Mandeville, sitting in his chauffeur-driven limousine, called his secretary as he journeyed to the Pentagon. Is the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff in the building? he asked.

I think all chiefs of staff are in the building, having returned from the White House, sir, she replied.

Good, said the General. I’ll be there shortly.

The General then contacted the CIA Director to inform him that his presence was required at the Pentagon. As he replaced the receiver on its base, he attracted his driver’s attention.

Yes, sir? said the driver.

As quick as you can, replied the General.

Yes, sir.

Mandeville arrived at the Pentagon and walked swiftly towards his office. He entered the reception area and confronted his secretary. Get me the Chairman on the extension, he instructed her with authority, and then continued to his office. The