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the earlier strikes.”
    “I know the concern and the timetable; I’m just praying another way will present itself.”
    Baxter stopped talking, knowing that right now wasn’t the best time to try to convince the president about this issue. The topic of striking the PAE was being discussed ad nauseam, heatedly debated earlier that day. Conner’s staff was divided into three positions: ones who supported a nuclear strike, ones who supported a nuclear strike only if given consent from allies, and those who were absolutely opposed. His top three staff members all fell into a different camp—Baxter in the first, Cruz the second, and Wilbur the third.
    “Colonel Barone really screwed us. We needed his men on the move weeks ago. I knew, I just knew we couldn’t trust him,” Conner lamented. He rubbed his eyes, clearly exhausted. “General, I don’t need another comment about nukes; I know what’s at stake. Let’s meet in the morning with all staff. I want to go over the two areas we have found that are preferable for striking.”
    “Very well, sir. I’ll contact everyone and set up a time,” Baxter said.
    “Ah, one minute. As it pertains to Barone out in Oregon, I want to know exactly what’s going on there. The spotty reports of an uprising is an interesting development. I know we don’t have assets available to deal with him, but I want to know precisely what he’s up to,” Conner stated. His mind was swimming with ideas.
    “I don’t know how we do that. We’ve sent several teams out there but they can’t make it past his checkpoints. His perimeter is incredibly secure. The colonel has that town locked up tight and we don’t want to cause an issue by forcing our way in. It’s not the most ideal situation but we know he’s contained.”
    “Contained for how long? Listen, we weren’t sending in someone he knew and trusted. Who was the man who escorted the vice president?”
    “That guy? I can’t remember, but I’m sure the vice president or Secretary Wilbur will remember.”
    “Let’s ask her tomorrow. That man is our ticket for getting the intel we need on Barone.”
    “So, what makes you think this guy will have better luck? Again, sir, don’t we have enough to worry about?”
    “We can chew gum and walk at the same time. Plus, if something happens to the guy, who cares?”
    “True. And knowing what we’re dealing with there will help our long-term strategic plans,” Baxter replied.
    “Exactly. So find the man and get the operation in play.”
    McCall, Idaho
    On his way into town, Gordon had stopped by and picked up Sebastian. There were two reasons for this. One, he knew Sebastian would want to see Gunny again, and second, Gordon loved awkward reunions and this could prove to be one.
    “Thanks for coming with me,” Gordon said to Sebastian. Both men were standing just outside the interrogation room.
    “Not a problem, brother.”
    “Hey, how’s Annaliese, is she feeling any better?” Gordon asked.
    “She just feels out of sorts, she’s complaining of abdominal pain and has bad diarrhea,” Sebastian said, the stress of her illness weighing heavy on him.
    “Is she pregnant?”
    “No, we tried one of the pee-on-the-stick tests and it came back negative.”
    Gordon could see how worried he was, and wished he could do something. “Take her into town tomorrow to see Doc, get her checked out.” One of the main institutions that was kept intact and operating was the McCall Hospital. Even without power and equipment, they were open for business.
    “That’s what we were planning on doing. So, let’s get to this, shall we?” Sebastian said, clearly wanting to move past the conversation about Annaliese.
    “Sure,” Gordon answered. He opened the door and they both entered the small interrogation room.
    “Jesus Christ, Smitty, I thought I saw the last of you months ago!” Gordon exclaimed.
    The men embraced and Gunny joked, “You can’t get rid of an old dog like me that