were loyal to your superiors. Sorry they were talking about it on your walk over. Your room is now bugged, it’s under your bed Givens had it done. Trying to find the frequency for it so don’t talk in your room. They tried your computer but laughed at all the porn on it (sorry) and left it alone. Watch your ass.”
As he was reading the message the second time, the phone rang, scaring the shit out of him. The number came up Unknown. Gene pressed the answer button and timidly said, “Hello.”
“Sorry about the porn on your computer and not able to tell you about the President’s offer. He was going to have you killed only if you answered yes you wanted Givens killed. Once you picked up on the threat from Givens. He is scared of you because he knows the troops really like you,” Jake said.
Totally amazed, Gene asked, “Jake, how did you call me?”
“Duh, I’ve been sending you text messages for a month, Gene,” Jake said.
“Jake, that’s different. I’m talking to you now.”
“What is it with you? You’re just like Dad. It’s information I’m sending to the phone, be it my voice or a message,” Jake said in a big sigh.
“Your father is a wise man,” Gene said, glad he was not the only idiot Jake saw.
“I’m not replying to or denying that,” Jake said. “Give me a day on the bug, and I will burn it out.”
“Don’t worry about it; I will get rid of it,” Gene said.
“That could go badly.”
“Don’t worry; what can they do, ask me to give it back?”
“I’ve grown quite fond of you, Gene, so don’t start doing stupid shit.”
Laughing, Gene said, “That’s your father’s job, Jake. He wrote the book on stupid shit.”
“Believe me I know,” Jake said with a sigh that spoke volumes.
“When we meet and get some down time, I’ll give you a mountain of stupid shit he’s done.”
“That might be useful. Gene, be careful,” Jake said.
“I will, Jake. Keep in touch.”
“I will, but will you get you some ear plugs so that damn phone can at least pass for your iPod?”
“Give me ten minutes.”
“Okay, Gene. If you need us, just call. In case you don’t know how, look in history and hit the unknown number,” Jake said, hanging up.
“That kid is too smart for his own good,” Gene said out loud. A text message popped up.
“I heard that. Hang up your phone before you down grade someone.”
Chuckling as he read the message, Gene hung up the phone and walked out of the potty, heading to the troop area. Walking into the Ranger company tent, he told the captain to give him a platoon and some ear buds for his iPod. When the men were outside, Gene walked away, leading them to an open field and waved them closer.
Pulling out the letter from the President, he told them about the threats to him but named no one. They were to follow his orders only, and only the President standing in front of them could override that. The men looked at him in alarm, and he assured them the letter would stay on his body at all times. No repercussions would fall on them unless someone tried to kill him and them in the process.
The sergeant looked at him. “Sir, who have you pissed off?” he asked.
“I want to save my troops and the civilians here, Sergeant, and some people don’t like that. I want to rebuild America.”
The sergeant looked at his men timidly and then back at Gene. “If that’s the case, sir, let’s get our families and make for Louisiana and join Omega and Gamma,” he said.
Loving that response, Gene replied, “Hold that thought, Sergeant.”
“Sir, we are going to attack them,” he pointed out.
“We haven’t yet. Now, you talk to no one about what we talk about. If you answer, evade and lie, or they will kill you,” Gene said.
The sergeant looked at his troops then back at Gene. “We’re with you, sir.”
“Okay, five of you will stay by me at all times, and two will stay in my room. Five more will stay with the general, and if he orders you to