Free Invasion: China (Invasion America) (Volume 5) by Vaughn Heppner Page A

quite aware of that.”
    “Yes, sir,” Stan said.
    “You’ve done well in the past, Colonel. I’m very aware of that. The President is aware and so is Director Harold. Yet as I’m sure you know: a man only has a short time when he’s fit for battle.”
    So that ’s how they’re going to play it—old Stan Higgins is washed up.
    “Do you feel you’re still capable to command a Behemoth regiment, Colonel?”
    “Yes, sir, I do.”
    “You’ve seen my operational plan. Hell, you’ve even added a few flourishes. The Behemoths will have to drive deep and smash Chinese formations attempting to counterattack. That means the tanks have to move . The super tanks have a fantastic arsenal of weaponry. But that means jack squat if the Behemoth can’t be in the right place at the right time.”
    “ I totally agree with you on their importance. What I need then is priority supply status.”
    McGraw stared at him as if measuring his worth. “I can give you that. Everything must work like clockwork in the coming offensive. America has gathered its strength for this one. It’s taken a year of effort to collect the tanks, the artillery, the jamming gear and soldiers. We have to start taking back territory before the Mexican government begins to believe their overlords about claiming California, Arizona and Texas as their birthright.”
    “Yes sir,” Stan said, wondering why McGraw was saying any of this.
    “What I’m driving at is that I’m limited in what I can do for you as a personal favor. America is counting on me to win, and win spectacularly. That means I have to play this one straight up.”
    “I’m not sure I understand.”
    “Why should I give your regiment priority over others?” McGraw asked, raising an eyebrow.
    “I suppose because the Behemoths are the arm of the decision.”
    “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m going to say if anyone asks.”
    “Why would they ask, sir?”
    McGraw looked away. “I’m limited in my sphere of actions, Stan. What I told you a month ago in Wichita…I was drunker than you can believe. I serve the government. I took an oath on the Constitution, and I’m a man of my word.”
    “I’ve never doubted your word, General.”
    “Good. Then believe me when I say that I’m going to do everything I can to protect Jake.”
    Stan felt the heat rise in him. We’re back to that, are we? He’d been following the general’s comings and goings since Wichita. McGraw had been to the White House twice in the past few weeks. What had the general talked about back there?
    Stan had few illusions about his importance in the larger scheme of things. He was a mere colonel. But he also happened to be the colonel who had fought in three decisive engagements, beginning in Alaska back in 2032. He wasn’t a military superstar like McGraw, but more than a few people had read about him, and he had won the Medal of Honor.
    Do they think I’m dangerous politically?
    A knock at the door startled Stan. It opened, and the pretty major poked in her head. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, sir. But Militia General Williamson is here to see you.”
    “Tell him I’m talking with Colonel Higgins.”
    “I will, sir,” and she hesitated.
    “Is there something else?” McGraw asked.
    “Well, sir, the general wishes to speak to you about Corporal Jake Higgins of the Sixth Behemoth Regiment.”
    “Ah,” McGraw said. “Maybe this is providential. I’m speaking with Jake’s father. Send the general in, please.”
    The major retreated and spoke quietly with someone in the outer office.
    McGraw leaned forward, whispering to Stan. “They’re pushing me about your boy. I remember what you told me in Wichita, and I believe you. More than that, I think you’re important to the war effort. Let’s—”
    McGraw stopped short as he looked up.
    Stan turned in time to witness the major ushering in a tall Militia general. This Williamson wore an odd pair of glasses, two small circles before his eyes. They