Free From The Ashes: America Reborn by William W. Johnstone Page A

damn thing is, and don’t care.
    WWJ: Were you in class-A uniform when it was done?
    Ben Raines: I don’t own a class-A uniform. I’ve got about thirty sets of lizard BDUs, and that’s it.
    WWJ: The old French camo battle dress?
    Ben Raines: Yes. My personal team wears them, too.
     
    I came up short at a lighted showcase and stood for a moment. Inside the case, set on a blue background of what looked to be velvet, was a beat-up and scarred old Thompson submachine gun: the legendary Chicago Piano. I knew instantly who had once carried the old weapon.
     
    WWJ: Is that the original Thompson you carried for so many years?
    Ben Raines: Yes. I gave it to the capital curator last year. He told me he wanted it for the new museum we’ve opened here. I had no idea the damn thing would be displayed in the capital building.
    WWJ: Then you no longer us a Thompson?
    Ben Raines: I have a completely reworked Thompson I carry with me in my mobile CP, but I pretty much stick with the CAR now. Occasionally I will use an M-14. I don’t remember the last time I used a Thompson in combat.
    WWJ: There is no plaque on the case; no information about the weapon.
     
    “You knew what it was right off, didn’t you, sir?” The question came from a child, standing with his mother off to my left.
    I turned to look at the boy, about ten years old. “Yes, I guess I did,” I said.
    “Good afternoon, General Raines,” the woman said.
    Ben Raines smiled at her and nodded in greeting. The woman and small boy walked away, to continue their tour of the building.
     
    WWJ: A friend of yours, General?
    Ben Raines: I never saw the woman before.
     
    “There is a small brass plaque being readied to mount on the cabinet.” The voice came from a doorway off to our right.
    “Hello, Cec,” Ben said.
    “Ben. This the writer fellow who’s interviewing you?”
    I was introduced to President Cecil Jefferys and shook hands—he had a very firm grip. I was immediately impressed with the man. He was tall, strongly built, with almost snow-white hair. Cecil Jefferys had an aura of strength and calmness about him. He waved us into his office and seated us.
     
    Cecil Jefferys: Ben treating you all right?
    WWJ: Just fine. He’s very cooperative.
    Cecil Jefferys (after a laugh): Dr. Lamar Chase would be astonished to hear that.
    WWJ: That’s the chief of medicine?
    Cecil Jefferys: Yes. Another person who has been with the movement since the beginning.
    WWJ: Are there many of you living in this area? Those who helped start the movement, that is?
    Cecil Jefferys: Not too many. Most were killed during the government’s assault against the original Tri-States up in the Northwest. There are only half a dozen or so who are still active in the field. Most have retired and are living very quietly; spread out all over the SUSA.
    WWJ: You commanded a battalion for years, right?
    Cecil Jefferys: That’s correct. My days as a field commander ended, for the most part, after a heart attack several years ago. I still command a battalion of Rebels, at least on paper. A bunch of old farts like me who make up part of the home guard.
    WWJ: The president of the largest and most advanced and productive nation on the face of the earth still is active in field exercises?
    Cecil Jefferys: Oh, sure. You’ll find me out on the rifle or pistol range several times a month, banging away at targets. I have to keep my hand in it to some degree.
    WWJ: That’s incredible!
    Ben Raines: Where is Ike, Cec?
    Cecil Jefferys: Damned if I know, Ben. Roaring around somewhere, I’m sure. Making life as miserable as possible for those in his command.
    WWJ: That would be General Ike McGowan, right? The ex-Navy SEAL?
    Ben Raines: Right. We met down in Florida shortly after the Great War. He had built a radio station, of sorts, and was broadcasting under the call letters of KUNT.
    WWJ: KUNT?
     
    Cecil Jefferys laughed out loud and slapped a big hand down on the desk. “You have to know Ike to fully