Free Jesse's Starship by Saxon Andrew

here and is asking to speak with Mr. Sanders.”
    “Tell him he’s part of an investigation and will not be available.”
    “There’s one more thing, Sir.”
    “What’s that?”
    “A special report was just run on Fox News.”
    Howard stared at the aide and said, “Put it up on the monitor.”
    A video showing the bell helicopter with three Apache Attack Copters pointing their guns and rockets toward a woman standing on the porch of a farmhouse appeared. The commentator was saying, “Our government has used the military to force a private citizen to leave his home. They threatened the man’s family with destruction if he didn’t leave with them and refused to tell his wife where they were taking him or for what reason. Our sources in the Pentagon refuse to even acknowledge the kidnapping was done. The White House has refused to answer our questions and it appears this government no longer follows the nation’s laws.”
    “Turn it off!” Mike chuckled; Tilly didn’t waste any time. Howard glared at Mike, “Do you find this amusing?”
    “Actually, I find it hilarious. Do you honestly think you can threaten me into doing what you want? This isn’t a dictatorship we live in. You’ve lost sight of that. I fear you are about to find out you don’t have the power you think you do.”
    “Uhhh, Sir?” Howard looked at his aide, “Senator Ingram has said that all funding for the Pentagon will be stopped immediately and will remain in force until he speaks with Mr. Sanders. He further says he has spoken to the President and he is holding on the line to see if you are going to comply with his request.”
    “Tell him I am not going to comply.” The aide spoke into the phone.
    General Thornton said, “Admiral, is that wise!?!”
    “We will discuss this with the President in private. We will not allow this to go further than it has already gone.” Howard looked at his aide, “Tell the Senator our decision.” The aide nodded.
    General Branton said, “Tell the Senator your decision. I personally don’t agree with it. You’re going to do this without my support. Personally, I don’t understand why you’re getting into a pissing contest with the Major. He told you he would answer your questions and it’s not like he doesn’t know what’s going on. You’re on your own if you choose to ignore the Senator.”
    “Uhhh, Sir.”
    “What now?”
    “The President is in the Oval Office and has ordered you open a channel so he can be a part of this meeting.” Howard stared at the aide and blew out a deep breath. He looked at Mike with hatred in his eyes and said, “Patch him in and invite the Senator to join us.”
    “Yes Sir.”
    Admiral Howard leaned back in his chair and continued to stare at Mike who just smiled and looked like the cat that ate the canary. The President appeared on the central wall monitor and Jack Ingram came walking into the room with a scowl on his face. Mike watched him and thought he was, as Tilly would describe, walking with a purpose. He glanced at Mike and nodded. Mike returned the nod as Jack moved next to his chair. Jack looked up at the monitor and said, “Thank you for getting me in, Mr. President.”
    “Actually, I didn’t get you admitted. According to my sources, you were going to be refused admission until I joined this conference.” The President looked at Admiral Howard, “Would you care to explain why you refused Senator Ingram’s request to speak with his relative?”
    “Sir, I request the Senator be asked to leave the room so we can discuss the reason in private.”
    “Is the information of a nature so serious that one of our leading lawmakers shouldn’t be allowed to hear it?”
    “It is, Sir.”
    “If that’s the case, why haven’t you informed me about it before I forced my way into your meeting?”
    Mike shouted, “He wasn’t going to inform you, Mr. President.”
    Howard yelled, “YOU WILL BE SILENT!!!”
    “I thought you wanted me to